Honeycomb

Sugar is bad - I get it. But honestly, there is SO much we are deprived of that I have decided that as long as we keep sugar to a minimum, at least we know it is on the safe list as far as reactions are concerned. So here is a recipe that is almost completely made of sugar. It is dedicated to those who, like me, are struggling to find a safe sweet to eat. Also bi-carb (baking soda) is actually good for us so I have decided to kid myself that the good will outweigh the bad on this occasion. 

HONEYCOMB
100g raw sugar
80g golden syrup

1 tsp bi-carbonate soda/baking soda

1. Lay out a sheet of baking paper/parchment paper or a silicone alternative inside a large dish with edges just in case the mixture ends up thinner than expected

2. Stir sugar and golden syrup in a small saucepan over low heat until the sugar has dissolved

3. Stop stirring, increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil (do not stir) and boil for 5 minutes

4. Remove from heat and quickly add bi-carb, stirring until thoroughly combined

5. Tip onto prepared sheet and spread with the spoon - it's easier to break up if it is a bit thinner

6. Leave to cool

7. Break into pieces and store in an airtight container

Enjoy (in moderation) ❤️ 

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

- All ingredients are rated 0 with the caveat that sugar should be eaten in moderation

0 - Well tolerated, no symptoms expected at usual intake 

1 - Minor symptoms, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated 

2 - Incompatible, significant symptoms at usual intake 

3 - Very poorly tolerated, severe symptoms

(Sort of) Waldorf salad

A slightly different Waldorf salad which is wonderful with diced meat straight from the barbeque. 

(SORT OF) WALDORF SALAD (Serves 4 as a side)

1/2 tsp coconut oil

Small white onion (white skin, white flesh)

1 batch low histamine mayonnaise

3 small stalks celery

7 Brazil nuts

1 Granny Smith apple

1 tbsp shelled pistachios

1. Peel and slice onion and cook on the barbeque or in a small pan with coconut oil until soft or slightly browned, depending on your preference. Set aside.

2. Make mayonnaise according to the instructions linked above

3. Chop celery, Brazil nuts and apple and tip into a bowl with the mayonnaise, shelled pistachios and cooked onion. Mix well, making sure to cover the apple in mayonnaise to prevent it from going brown

4. Eat immediately with or without diced barbeque meat (I highly recommend the former!) 

Enjoy ❤️ 

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

All ingredients are rated 0 with the following caveats;

In the mayonnaise: 

- Cardamom should be used sparingly

- Caraway has a positive effect when eaten with a heavy meal

- Olive oil is incompatible for those with a salicylate intolerance

0 - Well tolerated, no symptoms expected at usual intake 

1 - Minor symptoms, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated 

2 - Incompatible, significant symptoms at usual intake 

3 - Very poorly tolerated, severe symptoms

Goat's cheese and vegetable tart

Looking for a zero rated dinner that will put a smile on your face? Look no further. This one is nutty, crunchy and full of flavour. 

GOAT'S CHEESE AND VEGETABLE TART

3 yolks

90g spelt flour

dash of coconut or other preferred milk 

1/2 cob corn

1/8 red capsicum/sweet bell pepper

Small carrot

small stick celery

40g young goat's cheese

1. Mix yolks and spelt in a small bowl until combined then squeeze together with your hands. You might need more or less flour depending on the size of your yolks and the consistency of your flour. You are looking for a dough that is not sticky or wet.

2. Wrap in cling film and refrigerate for 30 minutes

3. Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F

4. Roll pastry out (it might come apart a bit) and then press into a small, ovenproof dish. It's OK to do a patchwork job, just be sure to press out any pieces that are too thick. 

5. Lightly brush all over with milk

6. Finely dice capsicum/bell pepper, carrot and celery and cut corn kernels from the cob

7. Tip vegetables into a small-medium bowl

8. Crumble goat's cheese over vegetables and combine well

9. Tip filling into your pastry lined dish and bake for 20 minutes

Enjoy immediately and I highly recommend getting a good mouthful of crust with every bite ❤️ 

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

- All ingredients are rated 0

- It is unknown whether spelt is a liberator of histamine

- Corn can be difficult to digest for some

- Goat's cheese is not listed but goat's milk is rated 0. It is unknown whether goat's milk is a liberator of histamine. Be sure to buy young goat's cheese (chèvre) and ensure the additives are not problematic.

0 - Well tolerated, no symptoms expected at usual intake 

1 - Minor symptoms, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated 

2 - Incompatible, significant symptoms at usual intake 

3 - Very poorly tolerated, severe symptoms

Hot tip!

🔥 Too much filling? Simply toss it into a second ovenproof dish and cook alongside the tart

Simple chai

Finally, a good coffee alternative! Uni is back and I am spending a lot of time at my desk so a tasty warm (and safe) drink has been on my mind. This morning I had a go at creating my own chai recipe and was thrilled with the taste. I hope this makes others similarly happy! Spices for this chai will need to be purchased ground or ground fresh in a spice grinder.

SIMPLE CHAI
1/8 tsp cloves
1/8 tsp cardamom

Star anise, 1 point of the star (or a good pinch if ground)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Pinch nutmeg

1/8 tsp ground ginger

300ml drinking quality coconut milk (I use Coco quench)

1. If not already ground, place all spices in a spice grinder and blitz into a powder
2. Tip spices and milk into a small saucepan and heat on medium-high, whisking all the while until spices and milk come together

3. Use a spatula to scrape any stray spices from the edges of the saucepan into the milk

4. Heat chai until it is steaming (but not boiling) 

5. Pour into a mug, again using a spatula to ensure all spices end up in your cup

Enjoy immediately ❤️ 

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

- Ginger is rated 1 and has anti-inflammatory properties

- The rating of star anise is unknown

- Contrary to popular belief, cinnamon is rated 0 

- All other ingredients are rated 0 in small amounts

0 - Well tolerated, no symptoms expected at usual intake 

1 - Minor symptoms, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated 

2 - Incompatible, significant symptoms at usual intake 

3 - Very poorly tolerated, severe symptoms

Hot tips!

🔥 Replace the coconut milk with another tolerated milk if you prefer

🔥If grinding even one of the spices, tip all of the spices in together. I find that grinding a slightly larger amount produces a finer result

🔥For anybody keen to invest in a grinder, I recently purchased a small Breville spice grinder and have been very happy with its performance

Maple caraway drumsticks

This recipe is so simple and provided me with nine separate days of flavoured chicken happiness. Someone on the forum mentioned that they cook entire batches of meat and freeze them in separate portions - and it is quite simply the best inspiration I have had in some time. The great thing about drumsticks is that because of their odd shape they can be frozen side by side and still pull apart quite easily. I actually found the taste of these even better after freezing - and a minute or two in the microwave is all it takes to have a hot snack on your plate. 

MAPLE CARAWAY DRUMSTICKS

9 chicken drumsticks

1 tbsp ground caraway (whole is fine too)

1 tbsp pure Maple syrup

1. Preheat the oven to 235°C/455°F

2. Combine the Maple syrup and caraway in a small bowl

3. Wash the drumsticks well and pat them dry with paper towel

4. Lay the drumsticks in an oven tray and pour or spoon the mixture evenly over the top and then rub all over using your hands

5. Bake for 30-45 minutes or until cooked through. 

Enjoy ❤️ (and don't forget to freeze what you don't eat)

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

- All ingredients are rated 0 

- Caraway apparently has a positive effect, especially when eating a large meal

0 - Well tolerated, no symptoms expected at usual intake 

1 - Minor symptoms, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated 

2 - Incompatible, significant symptoms at usual intake 

3 - Very poorly tolerated, severe symptoms

Hot tips!

🔥 Make sure the chicken is as fresh as possible and freeze the remainder as quickly as you can after cooking
🔥 To test if the drumsticks are cooked, poke a skewer into the fattest part of the leg. If the juices run clear the chicken is done
🔥 When those you live with want a meat you can't tolerate, make the same vegetables for everybody and simply heat a frozen chicken leg in the microwave for yourself

Hemp butter

This gorgeous butter was inspired by a group member and was possibly the easiest recipe I have made so far!  I liked the butter as is but if you find it a little dry feel free to add a dash of pure coconut oil, Maple syrup or even some young goat's cheese. 

HEMP BUTTER

Hemp seeds

1. Tip hemp seeds in the blender and blitz until blended into a butter, scraping down the sides when necessary. 

Enjoy as a spread on toast, meat or vegetables  ❤️ 

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

Hemp seed is rated 0 

0 - Well tolerated, no symptoms expected at usual intake 

1 - Minor symptoms, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated 

2 - Incompatible, significant symptoms at usual intake 

3 - Very poorly tolerated, severe symptoms

Hot tip!

🔥 Store in an airtight container and use within two weeks

Caraway carrots

As if roasted carrots were not fabulous enough, this ridiculously simple idea made them even better! 

CARAWAY CARROTS

Carrots

Coconut oil (Virgin, cold pressed)
Caraway seeds

1. Slice carrots lengthwise and rub all over with coconut oil
2. Sprinkle with caraway seeds
3. Cook in a moderate oven (180°C/350°F) for 40 minutes

Enjoy ❤️ (and don't forget to freeze what you don't eat on the day)

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

- All ingredients are rated 0 

- Caraway apparently has a positive effect, especially when eating a large meal

- Coconut oil is highly recommended

0 - Well tolerated, no symptoms expected at usual intake 

1 - Minor symptoms, occasional consumption of small quantities is often tolerated 

2 - Incompatible, significant symptoms at usual intake 

3 - Very poorly tolerated, severe symptoms