Goat ricotta

Given that cow's milk no longer agrees with me I decided to give goat ricotta a try to get some much needed calcium into my diet. Fun fact - goat's milk has more calcium on average than cow's milk! The result did not disappoint. Note: I had to make this a couple of times to get it right - the timings and amounts are slightly different than regular cow's milk ricotta. 

GOAT RICOTTA

500ml/16.9 fl oz goat milk

35ml/1.2 fl oz white vinegar

Muslin cloth

Candy thermometer

1. Pour milk into a heavy based saucepan with candy thermometer attached

2. Heat on medium, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 93°C/199°F
3. Remove from the heat and quickly add vinegar
4. Stir through and then leave to sit for ten minutes

5. Set a sieve, lined with muslin cloth, over a large bowl

6. Gently pour contents through the muslin to catch all of the solid bits

7. Gather up the muslin and squeeze the ricotta over the bowl to expel the excess liquid

Enjoy immediately or refrigerate and use on the same day ❤️

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

- Both ingredients are rated 0 with the following caveat;

- A small amount of white vinegar is usually well tolerated (I had no reaction at all!)

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!

🔥 Keep the reserved liquid (whey) to make whey pancakes for others - the whey is no good for us because it's where most of the vinegar ends up. I like this recipe. 

Pomegranate porridge

I wasn't sure if I should post up another porridge recipe but decided this was too pretty to keep from the blog.

POMEGRANATE PORRIDGE/OATMEAL

40g/1.4oz rolled oats (Gluten free if required)

160ml/2 fl oz pure coconut water

Good handful pomegranate seeds

1. Stir over low-medium heat until moisture is absorbed. 

2. Top with chia seeds and sweeten with pure maple syrup if required.

Enjoy ❤️

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

- All ingredients are 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

Spiced baked zucchini

My new favourite thing is reheating leftover brown rice and roast vegetables straight from the freezer. This recipe is simple but makes roast zucchini just that little bit more interesting. 

SPICED BAKED ZUCCHINI

2.5kg/5.5lb zucchini

1/2 tsp ground coriander

1/2 tsp ground sweet paprika

2 tsp coconut oil

1. Divide zucchini lengthwise into quarters, or more pieces if zucchini is very large

2. Mix spices and oil together in a small bowl and rub all over zucchini

3. Cook in a moderately hot oven (220°C/430°F) for 30 minutes or until browned

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 with the following caveats;

- Small amounts of coriander are usually well tolerated

- 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

Bicarbonate soda/Baking soda water

As a result of faulty connective tissue, many of us with hEDS suffer with chronic, daily reflux. Symptoms of this can include intense chest pain, breathing problems, swelling of the voice box, tooth enamel degradation and trouble swallowing. 

The things I have found most helpful in managing this condition include sleeping in an elevated position, eating smaller meals, not eating for at least two hours prior to sleeping and controlling my fat intake. 

When symptoms do occur I have found that drinking a small glass of water mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda/baking soda settles things down quickly. My nightly medications also seem to cause a flare and so I occasionally have one last drink of this mixture before bed. The great news is that the taste is not bad at all and bicarbonate soda/baking soda is rated 0 for those of us with MCAS.

Note: This is not a great long term solution and should be used sparingly. 

Maple chia porridge/oatmeal

Such a lovely, warm and hearty way to start the day.

MAPLE CHIA PORRIDGE/OATMEAL
40g/1.4oz rolled oats
160ml/2 fl oz pure coconut water
1 tsp chia seeds (optional)
1 tsp pure Maple syrup

1. Place all ingredients in a small saucepan

2. Cook, stirring on low-medium heat until liquid is absorbed

Enjoy ❤️ 

Ingredient information (based on advice by SIGHI)

- All ingredients are 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!

🔥 Replace the coconut water with any tolerated milk for a creamier finish

🔥 Add chopped macadamias, Brazil nuts or pistachios for a bit of crunch