Good mood food..

... alias hemp seeds (in an almost classic Ceasar Salad!)

In my search for the perfect balance of superfoods, hemp seeds are one of my favorites. I'm convinced, that based on ones specific diet, you don't just need to eat áll the superfoods you can find in order to stay healthy. Many superfoods overlap nutritionally, and too much of all these goods might be a bit too much (and too expensive!!) But for vegans or vegetarians hemp seeds are one of the most valuable nutritions one can take. Being veggie or vegan means you need to get your B-vitamins from other sources than meat or dairy products. (I do eat dairy, but keep it to the very minimum. You can read here why. Organically grown eggs are absolute healthy to eat though.)

2/3 of the hemp seed exists of a very high quality of protein which is very similar to our own body proteins and therefore easily absorbed. This means it actually gives energy, instead of taking it, like chemical- and pre-fab substances (the fabulous E's): they cost your body a lot of energy trying to convert it into something useful, energy you probably could spend better!

Besides the proteins, hemp seeds contain all 8 essential amino acids which our body can't produce itself. These amino acids are required to absorb the proteins and are needed as a basis for other substances that have an important role in your metabolism, including the happiness hormone serotonin. Yes, really!! These little fellows are actually great for your mood!

I could co on and on, (which I will, for just a little longer!) but hemp seeds are very well packed, as they contain omega 3-, 6- and omega 9 fatty acids in just the right ratio for absorption of the body. And like other superfoods, hemp seeds are rich in various minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, iodine, vitamin E, C and the B vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. These B vitamins are very important when it comes to your energy.

Use 1 to 2 tablespoons daily, while lightly roasting them, eating them raw, making milk, or by using them in your humus. They are incredibly tasty, and an awesome way to keep a healthy body and a great mood!!

This veggie Ceasar salad, is almost a classic. But than slightly different!

SEE THE WHOLE RECIPE

Rigatoni with capers and mint

An unforgettable pasta!

Making a pasta is one thing. But making a pasta for your friends and loved ones who will bag you for more please, is just a whole different story! For some reason, I thought this pasta was one of my first posts, but stupid me, that was a totally different one! (It was the penne with rosemary-tomato pesto, which is good too, by the way!) How could I withhold you of this awesome, most simple recipe with the great WOW effect, it always gives!

The recipe originally came from Tessa Kiros. It was a pre-post in a magazine from her first book 'Twelve', she was about to publish herself. (It became such a hit, many books followed).
It was years ago when I first made it, and never forgot about the recipe since. But, to be honest, I have made it so many times, I'm not really sure my recipe is still the same it ones was supposed to be. I can remember her recipe said to use fresh tomatoes, but than the sauce needed sugar and balsamic vinegar to balance the taste. I discovered this balance was already there, when I used a can of organically grown, peeled and chopped tomatoes. It's those little differences which make it your own. Anyway, you should try and see for yourself. But whenever you feel like making something special with just a little effort or ingredients, this absolutely is the one!

SEE THE WHOLE RECIPE HERE

Spicy Roasted Chickpea salad

Eat yourself healthy and beautiful

As mentioned before, beans and legumes are absolutely one of my favourite things to eat, and especially chickpeas are high on the list. Not only are they incredibly tasty in many different ways (think humous, salads, soups, dough etc.) they are also very, very healthy.

Especially for vegetarians, chickpeas are a great substitute for meat (or eggs when you're vegan). They contain a high content of essential vitamins, like vitamin B12 for instance, which is generally only found in animal products.
Chickpeas are full of iron and vitamin C. Also, vitamin B6 and folic acid are important nutrients that make them so incredibly healthy. Eating chickpeas weekly, in whatever way prepared, retain a right level of iron.

In this salad I roasted the chickpeas for about 15 minutes with some sea salt and a generous amount of chilli powder. It makes them hot and crispy, which goes very well with the sweet and sour taste of the vinaigrette. If you like you can ad some butterhead lettuce in the end. Just divide it on your plate and add the roasted chickpea salad on top. Watch out, this is incredibly good!

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Ricotta-tomato pie

Hangover pie!

We just had the loveliest weekend ever. The weather was incredible, and reached unbelievable temperatures which is quite un-Dutch, especially when you have a wedding! Our outfits were absolutely stunning (it's true!) and a weekend without kids was - though we love them to the bones -let's say, a blast! 

 The wedding was like a fairytale, and the whole day was celebrated in the most beautiful hotel of Amsterdam; the Amstel Hotel. From beginning till end (and the end was early morning) was a feast! You can imagine, there is nothing better than a good days rest after a party like that. With good foods and drinks and no kids to take care off. Just me, my man and my kitchen.

We came up with this super tasty tomato ricotta pie, which is easy as hell, but really does the trick (especially when you're hungover!)
Absolutely worth trying, and even good when eaten cold. (Of course we saved some for the kids!)

SEE THE WHOLE RECIPE