How to fix your broken pancake...

So this pancake story is about to turn into a deep psychological observation - you better grab a snack and take your time to think about life and the universe. Just kidding. Still there is one thing I would like to talk about with you - the one thing psycologists call resilience. Resilience basically is the word that describes the procedure of bouncing back after something bad happened to you. As I am planning on taking a seminar on this theme at work I am thinking about this topic a lot. Spoiler alert : this will become more psychotic and crazy than I actually intented it to be in the first place - BUT there will be a recipe at the happy end.

For me personally I can say that resilience is not my biggest strength. Actually at some days I am not even able to try at all - which basically shows in me crying on the floor asking why all of that always just happens to me and how I am the person who does never achieve anything while everyone is just the best at life. So as you might have noticed I am a real talent at getting up after I fell all the time - but some days I am also able to keep my shit together - no worries!

Why I want to talk about this topic though and what the heck it has to do with pancakes you want to know? 

Well for myself I was learning a lot about how a positive mind can affect your current mood and how much your current mood does affect your overall life - duh! As a bad mood is able to hurt your social life as well as your work area, most of all: your well-being, a good mood is also able to push things up a lot. So reselience is an important tool in your life to make things so much easier yet way better. To me - realizing how moody I can become and how it affects my social life was a first yet important step to building up my resilience. I am grateful to have this blog to express my emotions sort of like I could in a diary and I am greatful for all chances life gives me to build up me reilience, including the course I am hopefully gonna take at work. Maybe this post does nothing but help myself by putting my thoughts into written words but maybe even one person reads this and feels great about it which would be more than amazing.

Bringing the word back to the pancake; what I want to introduce to you today is what the internet translator would call a 'sugared pancake with raisins' - or what I would translate as the 'german traditional pancake' (even though it might be austrian, who cares?!); the Kaiserschmarrn. 

This recipe calls to make one giant pancake - a dreampancake you bake in the largest pan you have. Doesn't that sound just amazing? Right! This refers to your perfect goal you want to achieve. Once you poured all your batter into the pan it looks all good and you can already imagine your pancake on the biggest plate you own, but as soon as you try to turn it around it breakes into large pieces. Your perfect plan just got torn apart. Your pancake is broken and so is your dream. But then you look at it from a new perspective. How about cutting your giant pancake into a bunch of small ones - will they still taste amazing? They sure will! And your plans that did not work out how you wanted them to? Do they still have a chance to result in a great outcome? They sure do!

So this little - and I got to admit also wierd - connection shows us that everything happens for a reason, even if you feel like your whole world is breaking apart - try to look at it from a different angle. Same counts for relationships. You have had trouble in your relationship lately? Maybe your partner is stressed out from work. Your mom is yelling at you for no good reason? Maybe she is afraid of you growing up and leaving the house. 

I do not want to teach you to psychologically look at your life all the time. But please remember if you feel like nothing goes right - just go left...

... and turn your pancakes into a glorious Kaiserschmarrn!

Kaiserschmarren (serves 2):

• 100g oat flour
• 4 eggs devided
• 1 Tbsp apple sauce
• a dash of salt
• 100ml sparkling water
• 100ml almond milk
• 1 Tsp vanilla

1. Devide your eggs and beat the eggwhites until they are stiff.
2. Lightly coat a large pan with coconut oil or whichever oil you like most.
3. Mix the eggyolks with the remaining ingredients, gently folding in the eggwhite at the end. If you don't want to use sparkling water feel free to sub almond milk or just regular water - sparkling water is just going to make the dough more fluffy.
4. Add half the dough into the pan and wait for the bottom to brown slightly.
5. Devide your dough into four pieces which makes it easier to turn the giant pancake.
6. Gently turn the pancake in four parts and continue cutting your pancake into small pieces.
7. Wait until your kaiserschmarrn is fully cooked through and serve with any topping you like - I highly recomment the typical applesauce - raisin - powdered combination which is how they serve it in the german mountains!
8. Enjoy your german pancake <3

.   .   .   take some time off for yourself   .   .   .

Zucchini Protein Balls

So the thing I really like about instagram is how fast trends spread and how creative people get to give this new trend a personal touch. If you don't know what I am talking about just keep on reading as I am willing to diagress about the german trend hastaged #topfenknödelgang.

I do not really know who started it but it really took over every german foodblog on instagram immensly fast. So if you want to be an everchanging hipster in this foodblogging world - obviously you would not have waffles or pancakes for breakfast like you used to have when that was 'in style'. Speaking of pancakes... as I did not have them in such a long while I should probably start a #bringbackthepancakes asap. Anyways what seems to be the latest obsession and group activity turns out to be the one thing you've missed all life. And I do really mean that. YOU MISSED SOMETHING - now get down to it and finally have a bite of the most delicious protein power balls you'll ever try. Actually I do know that 'balls' is probably not the most proper translation but anyways it gives me the chance to think that I eventually made someone lough today - which is close enough for me ;)

Back to these #topfenknödel which would be the german equivalent - not are these heavenly delicious and nutrient dense - fitting into your macros like you were just waiting for them- no they are also sooo easy to make, which for me - hungry as soon as I wake up- makes things a lot easier.

What I was gonna say in the first place though, maybe you remember me saying it amazes me how creative people get to give this new trend a personal touch, is how I like what people are doing to the original recipe. There are so many variations, I really don't even know the original recipe. You can put almost everything into the center of these delicious balls or around them, plus can even vary the ingredients of the surrounding - which is what I did. Viola here you have my secret recipe on how I added more volume and removed some of the carbs to these goddesses (If that's the correct plural form..). 

I am introducing to you my Zuccini Topfenknödel or short #zopfenknödel 

Proteinballs (Serves 1):

• 200g low fat greek joghurt
• 40g oats
• 60g grated zucchini
• 1 sccop (30g) protein powder
• 1 egg
• anything you like for stuffing - I was using raspberries
• coconut or what you like for coating

1. Mix all ingredients except your stuffing and coating. Make sure you drain your zucchini first pressing out as much of the liquid as possible.
2. Set aside to let the mixture bond a little.
3. Meanwhile bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.
4. Cover your hands slightly with water so it's easier to form the balls.
5. Put the stuffing into the center of the ball and fully cover it.
6. Let the balls slip into the boiling water and wait for them to swim on top.
7. Slowly remove them fom the water and immedeatly roll in your coating.
8. Serve warm or cold with anything you would like to have it with - I also ate a serving of coconut yogurt aside!
9. Enjoy your creative, clean breakfast <3

Springtime smoothie and fresh happiness

As the grey days pass the sun is fighting its battle to stay out longer and longer, fighting the heavy drippin' dark clouds and yet made it a couple of times to show off for this long awaited spring we are all looking for. Some days I just feel exactly like this everfighting sun - trying to make it through the day before someone literally 'snows' in to mess it all up. In other words the last days have been a repeating struggle to make the best out of life. How come everyone just tells you that life will be so great if you life a healthy life and keep a healthy mindset but no one ever mentions the struggle you are about to go through to even get to this point?

Well anyways we all made it up to this second right here so we are able to call ourselves the actual winners of the day. I just like to refer myself as a strong winning person even tough all I accomplished for today was rolling out of bed and have breakfast and crawled back to my computer. Call it pep talk and all of that or just call it whatever you want.

I mean it's all about being positive, right?

To get one thing straight - I am not always just a lazy couch potato clebrating myself for getting out of bed - but we all have those days so please let me know I am not the only one out here. Please. Am I?!

If you know me just a little - actually - if you just click through my blog a little .. you will soon find out that I am that kind of person who tries to pamper herself up with a good and healthy treat. Not that I am of the opinion that food is able to solve problems or bring happyness or anything, because it's not! Also fatty or sugary treats will give you anything but happyness! I do believe in the power of chocolate though (especially since it is well researched that chocolate does make you happy). If you follow my instagram this will most likely show up in billions of #pms tags. I believe that keeping your food fresh and clean you will also get your mind fresh and clean. Mix that with some fresh air and challenge yourself a little day by day hopefully happyness will come all by itself.

So if I can't have no spring, I will bake some spring. Or in this case rather make some spring, by mixing up a delicious fresh green smoothie - are you ready?

 Green Smoothie 

                 (serves 2):

• Half a mango
• 1 sqeezed orange
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 kiwi
• 1-2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 
  

I know, I know. This is totally not the most complicated recipe out there and therefore you may not find it very spectacular - just let me tell you it tastes amazing! So even though it might not be the most fancy smoothie recipe that's on the market, for me it is defenitly the best one I tried! So just throw all your ingredients into the blender and have yourself an easy tasty treat in just seconds <3

.   .   .   keep on loving yourself   .   .   .

Gluten Free Pizza

Gluten Free Pizza (Serves 2):

dough:

• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 cup chickpeaflour (devided)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp Tahin
• 1 clove garlic
• Seasonnings to taste (salt, pepper, rosemary, red pepper)
• freshly grated curcuma and ginger to taste

pesto topping:

• 2 cups fresh basil
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1|2 Avocado
• 1|4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 Tbsp sundried tomato
• 1-2 Tbsp water
• 1 clove garlic
• seasonnings (salt, pepper, bell pepper)
• additional topping:
• shredded morzarella cheese
• rucula

curry salad dressing:

• 1|4 cup drained water from pickles
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 Tbsp cream cheese
• 1 tsp curry
• salt, pepper, bell pepper, salat greens, garlic powder

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Mix all ingredients for the dough just using 1|4 cup of the flour in a food processor.
3. Add seasonnings to taste - it should taste like a well seasonned hummus.
4. With your hands fold in the remaining flour. Add as much as you need to recieve a firm dough.
5. Roll out dough to a lined baking dish and poke with a fork.
6. Prebake the dough for 10 minutes.
7. In the meantime you can prepare your pesto.
8. Add all ingredients into a food processor and mix until you reach a firm consistancy.
9. Let the prebaked dough cool down a couple of minutes and top with the pesto and whatever toppings you like. Top of with cheese and put back into the oven for around 15 minutes.
10. Add all salad seasonnings into a container that you are able to close firmly.
11. Shake the container to blend all ingredients.
12. Serve your pizza with a side of your favorite greens and a fresh and 'different' dressing.

Enjoy your meal <3

Rich and creamy Vegan Tomato Pepper Sauce

First of all - I do know that my plate is topped with Turkey breast stripes and turkey breast does not equal vegan. All I want you to know is that the rich creamy sauce is fully vegan and by the way totally healthy and the best sauce I've ever created to be honest. So try the recipe and taste it by yourself!

Rich and creamy Tomato Pepper sauce (serves 4-6):

• 2 red Bell peppers
• 2 Tomatoes
• 1 cup cashews soaked overnight
• 1 Tbsp vegetable broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 onion
• 1 glove garlic
• 1 Tsp coconut oil
• dash of orange juice, salt, pepper, kurkuma

1. Heat coconut oil in a deep dish.
2. Throw in onions and garlic rarely chopped.
3. Meanwhile roughly chop bell pepper and quarter tomatoes.
4. Throw in The bell peppers and add one cup of water.
5. Let simmer for about five minutes.
6. Add tomato, broth and water.
7. Let that cook for another five minutes.
8. Throw mixture into a stand mixer and add drained cashews.
9. Mix until well blended and set back on the stove to season to taste.
10. Add as a sauce to zoodles, pasta, rice or anything else you desire.
11. Top with turkey, chicken or any other meat if you like, you can also top it with tofu to keep it vegan. I also added some sundried tomatoes.

Tipp: You can also add a little more water - or to keep the creamy consistancy coconut milk - to use the base as a really tasty, creamy soup. Enjoy!

'THE BREAD'

It wasn't too long ago that I did not do anything at all in my kitchen but eat what my mother would set me on a plate. Today I am nearly obsessed with preparing as much food as possible in -meanwhile to be called - my kitchen. Therefore it was just a matter of time until I started to bake my own bread. I tried multiple types and I found two favorites. They did not remained only my favorites - it turned out that everyone in my family is obsessed. And by obsessed I literally mean it. I have to bake two batches most of the time because my boyfriend also wants one just for himself. Here I want to share a recipe of the joghurt carrott bread I really love - try it, love it! Let me know in the comments below if you are interested in having me post the other recipe as well.

The original recipe I found on HighFoodality!

Joghurt Bread (One giant batch):

• 500g any type of flour (I use Whole Wheat)
• ½ Tsp Natron
• 1 bag baking powder
• 150g Seeds (I use whatever I have - sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, hemp)
• 2 Tbsp millet
• 200g carrots ( I also tried zuccini which was awesome as well)
• 350g Joghurt
• 1 egg
• seasonnings as rosemary if desired 

1. Preheat oven to 180°C
2. Great carrots and mix with joghurt and egg.
3. Mix together dry ingredients only using half of the seeds and millit. 
4. Fold in wet ingredients until you will get a firm, slightly sticky dough. (Dough shouldn't be too dry)
5. Form a big loaf and cover slightly with water.
6. Spread remaining seeds over the loaf and put into the oven for at least 45 minutes.
7. Take the loaf out and knock on the bottom. If it sounds hollow your bread is all right.

Enjoy your bread while it is warm and the butter melts away on top - that is when it is best! You can still wait for it to cool and store ist in an air light container or paper bag which I prefere most ;)

Craving Gnocchi

Hello 2016! And hello healthy happy me! Let's start the year with an awesome intuitive eating recipe, shall we? Since restriction does everything with you but making you unhappy it is just not worth the struggle. So if your head screams for a certain food then go for it and enjoy it. So here is my recipe for -this time not homemade- gnocci salad!

Have a great year 2016 and be kind to yourself!

Gnocchi Salad (serves 4):

• 1 Package fridge gnocchi (around 4 cups)
• 1 block smoked tofu
• 2 cups cherry tomatos
• 1-2 fennel roots
• 1|3 cup herb butter ( I used homemade because I like it better but any kind works)
• 5-6 spring onions
• salad
• dressing 
• 1|3 cup water
• 1 Tbsp mustard
• 1 Tsp Agave 
• 1,5 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 1 Tsp oil of choice
• Salt pepper pepper flakes to taste
• hemp seeds to top it off (optional)
• pomergranate (optional)
• seasonings to taste

1. Heat a pan and melt the herb butter.
2. Cut all your veggies and tofu into small bit sized portions.
3. First throw in the gnocci so they get the taste of the herb butter.
4. Throw in fennel and onions after a couple of minutes.
5. Add in the tofu carefully.
6. Meanwhile whip up the dressing. I like to put everything into a bowl that I can top off with a lid and shake so all the ingredients will blend together perfectly.
7. throw the tomatos into the pan and season everything with salt, pepper, bell pepper powder, garlic, tumeric and everything else you desire to taste.
8. Serve your salad with the dressing and top everything off with the gnocci mix and sprinkle with hemp seeds and pomergranade.
9. Enjoy your meal!