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Tag Archives: gluten free

Takapuna Beach Cafe and Store

After a lazy Sunday stroll along the beach, Hannah and I wandered into Takapuna Beach cafe and store. I’d seen this place before and liked the decor and of course its convenient location with ample parking available . I’ve been told about their amazing gelato and in the spirit of the moment, I needed to inspect the place further.

Initially all I had planned was to have a cup of extra spicy soy chai to spark up the day with.. I had just eaten not too long ago but couldn’t resist a second helping.

Watercress salad portioned with beetroot and goats cheese. The light touch of honey made it all so perfect.

An array of dessert to entice..

I always have love for food establishment with vegan and gluten-free options available.

Opted for a friand that was desperately calling out for me. I just simply could not resist. Dessert cut back fail!

Did not try the gelato this time round, but gathering from the visit I’ll most probably be back sooner than later. I just  love the friendly and relaxed the atmosphere the cafe provided. Another wee spot to add onto my list of brunch possibilities.

Until next time Takapuna beach x

Cranberry Macaroons *gluten free

If you’re after a healthier less processed snack, these deeeeliicous coconut macaroons are an absolute must try. I still cant get enough after baking two dozen this week.

Cranberry Macaroons

Ingredients

  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 finely grated zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/4 cup caster sugar
  • 1 cup dehydrated flaked coconut
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped almonds
  • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted *optional

Directions

  1. Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add in vanilla and orange zest, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form (Whip the egg white until it stiffens f you prefer an airy, less dense macaroon). Gradually beat in sugar substitute on high until stiff glossy peaks form. Fold in the coconut, cranberries and almonds.
  2. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls 2 in. apart onto a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 180 degrees C for 10-15 minutes or until set. Cool for 15 minutes before carefully removing from pan to a wire rack.
  3. Spread about 1 teaspoon melted chocolate on the bottom of each cookie if desired.

 

Char Koey Teow, Penang, Malaysia

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Char Koay Teow
, is literally translated as “stir-fried ricecake strips”. Variation of the dish is typically prepared at hawker stalls around South East Asia. Of all the notable places to get Char Koay Teow from, the most popular by far is Penang Koay Toew. One must when visiting Penang is to drop by the mecca of all fried rice cake outlets; the infamous Lorong Selamat Koay Teow.

I can’t recall the last time seeing anyone using charcoal as a cooking medium aside from the barbie.

There’s nothing quite like this back home in NZ, the closet you can get is probably from Selera in Newmarket, Auckland.

Kohu Road Cafe, Auckland

Kohu Road has always been high on my list of favourite local creamery brands, so you can just imagine the sheer excitement (level 10!!) when I found out there was a cafe I could try all the flavours from. Making it out to West Auckland for brunch was always going to be a bit of a mission; being the JAFA that I am I normally stick to the general vicinity of the CBD – but not this day! Westward ho.

Kohu Rd Cafe is located in a industrial area at warehouse that serves a dual purpose: the cafe in front and the heart of the operation; the creamery, out the back. The interior was whimsical, well designed, well laid out and generally and well thought out, for both the young… and the young at heart. All in all, it was nice to see a place break away from the status quo. Loving the open plan kitchen!

The cafe offers a full selection of ice cream and sorbets to choose from….  had to have a quiet moment to compose myself.

Ice cream before breakfast, why not?

Chocolate sorbet for the gluten intolerant.

More ice cream while we wait for our meals… couldn’t resist.

At Kohu Rd they take pride in being the best. Naturally free-range organic eggs was the only way to go!

Free-range pork too!

I somehow managed 14 scoops plus brekkie. Don’t think I’ll be craving for ice cream anytime soon.

I

 Kohu Rd Cafe is an ideal spot to catch up over brunch, highly recommended if you have kids.

Forgotten Cookies

The name “Forgotten Cookies” comes from leaving these cookies to bake in the oven overnight after it’s been turned off. These effortless cookies are light, airy, delicious low in fat, and gluten free! Great wee treat to bring along for the morning-tea get together.

Forgotten Cookies via About.com

  • 2 egg whites, at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1 cup chocolate chips

1.Preheat oven to 180 C.

2.Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until they hold stiff peaks. Add salt,vanilla, pecans and chocolate chips and stir well.

3.Cover try with baking sheet and grease with butter or margarine. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Put in oven then turn the oven off. Leave overnight in oven with door closed.

Magic!

Breakfast Buzz#28

Brunch with Hubert, Buffalo mozzarella salad on sourdough from Mecca

Trying to eat healthy, nut muesli with chia seeds, mandarin and oat milk.

Salad from Zarbo.

One of many sweet treats I had Brunetti while in Melbourne.

My comfort food as a child, GF bread with cream corn and cheese. Well minus GF bread that is.

Brekkie on the morning of the sky dive. Pancakes was perfect to calm the nerves.

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