Of course this all quite depends on what you have given up for lent, but in our household it is generally the old favourites like chocolate, sweets, crisps, and coffee. Yes coffee. These are trying times! If, like me, you are on a coffee break then I'm afraid I can't help you. I am sad to say that, in my opinion, there is no good substitute which, I suppose, is really the point - it is supposed to be a sacrifice. And like me, I'm afraid all you can do is daydream about that first amazing cup on Easter Sunday.
If, however, you or the family have given up any of those other goodies I have a few ideas to fill in the gaps for the next few weeks.
With hungry teenagers around the house I find that having a supply of grazing food essential, and below are a few that have become firm favourites.
For snacks and guilt free foods that take a little longer to prepare check out my Slow cooker yogurt or my Earl Grey tea bread. In the meantime the recipes below are very easy and quick to prepare as the perfect lent snacks.
Frozen Grapes
These are by far the easiest treat I have ever prepared! They are not, as you would think, hard but are actually soft with a bit of a bite. They really taste like you are eating sweets and are so refreshing.
All you need is a packet of good grapes, red or white, wash them well, freeze on a tray for a few hours and then enjoy.
These also work very well as a fun alternative to ice cubes in a cold drink.
Kale Chips
These are surprisingly delicious and a great way to use up that bag of kale you have in the fridge. Below are two recipe suggestions but feel free to experiment with flavours.
You can use a dehydrator or the air fryer as well as an oven.
Ingredients:
150g Organic kale
1tsp olive oil
1tbs Soy sauce
1tsp paprika
1/4 tsp pepper
Or
2tsp Oil
1/2tsp paprika
1/2 Salt
1tbs Nutritional yeast
Method:
Turn oven onto lowest heat. For me that is 75°C (80°C in the air fryer)
Wash the kale thoroughly and cut out the woody stem.
Toss with all ingredients until well coated.
Place on a baking sheet in the oven, let it dry out for approx. 1 hour.
A dehydrator will take approx. 4 hours and the air fryer 8 minutes.
Store in an airtight container.
Crispy Vegetable Peel Lent Snacks
Do not throw your vegetable peelings away! These are an amazing way to enjoy healthy 'crisps'. Any vegetables with edible skins will work: potato, parsnip or carrot.
Ingredients:
Vegetable peel
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Method:
Wash peel thoroughly.
Drizzle with oil and salt and pepper to taste.
Place on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 200°C for 15-20 minutes.
Alternatively use the air fryer, approximately 12 minutes at 200°C.
Allow to cool and store in an airtight container.
Honey Cinnamon Popcorn
Ingredients:
150g popcorn
1tbs oil
150g honey
1 1/2tsp cinnamon
60g butter
50g mixed seeds or nuts
Pinch of salt
Method:
In a heavy saucepan add the oil and popcorn.
With the lid on, cook until all of the corn has popped giving the pan a shake every now and then, taking care to ensure that it does not burn.
Place the popped corn into a large bowl with the nuts/seeds and set aside.
In a saucepan mix the honey, cinnamon and butter and bring to the boil. Boil for at least a minute.
Pour honey mixture over the popcorn.
Mix well until combined and enjoy.
Chia Seed Pudding
Ingredients:
50g Chia seeds
1tsp Cocoa powder (optional)
1/2tsp vanilla extract
300ml milk (or non dairy substitute)
2tbs honey or 2tbs sugar substitute (I used xylitol)
Method:
Place all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
Refrigerate for at least an hour mixing halfway through.
Serve chilled.
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