Easy homemade smoky popcorn (vegan)

No film night would be complete without a good serving of fresh, warm popcorn. And if savoury is your thing, there’s no better snack than this moreish homemade smoky popcorn.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, conjuring up childhood memories with each crispy, fluffy handful. It’s also a great party snack or works well for just munching on as an afternoon nibble for a filling but low-calorie snack to keep you going until dinner.

And making them with rapeseed oil instead of butter is a great way to cut the saturated fat right down and is also a great source of essential omega-3 fatty acids.

Homemade popcorn is so much cheaper and healthier than the shop-bought or microwave stuff too, plus it means you can get experimental with the flavours! Try simply salted, curry, BBQ or even wasabi. Or for a sweet snack, cinnamon, chocolate, peanut butter or vanilla flavours all work really well!

Easy homemade smoky popcorn recipe (vegan)

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 1 cup popcorn kernels

• 4 Tbsp cold-pressed rapeseed oil

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika

• 1 tsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp cider vinegar

Method:

In a large pan with a lid, heat up 2 Tbsp of the oil over a medium heat.

Add the popcorn kernels and stir so that each kernel is coated. After a couple of minutes the kernels will begin to pop. No need to stir as the popping will create plenty of movement in the pan.

Top tip - keep the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape - it’ll keep the popcorn drier and crispier!

When the popping slows to around 2-3 seconds between each pop, take the pan off the heat (better to leave a few un-popped kernels than have burnt popcorn!)

Meanwhile, measure out the paprika, sugar, garlic, cumin and salt into a small bowl or a cup. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp of rapeseed oil and the vinegar, and stir to combine.

Slowly drizzle the smoky dressing over the popcorn, tossing to combine to get every piece flavoured. Best eaten while still warm, but will last for a few days in an airtight container.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Protein: 5.7g (Women: 11.4% / Men: 10.4%)

• Iron: 1.9mg (Women: 12.8% / Men: 21.8%)

• Calories: 320 (Women: 16.0% / Men: 12.8%)

• Sugars: 1.7g (Women: 1.9% / Men: 1.4%)

• Total Fats: 16.4g (Women: 23.4 / Men: 17.3%)

• Saturated Fat: 1.3g (Women: 6.5% / Men: 4.3%)

• Salt: 0.3g (Women: 5.0% / Men: 5.0%)

• Fibre: 7.0g (Women: 23.3% / Men: 23.3%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Vegan Gigantes Plaki Recipe (Greek Giant Bean Stew)

Gigantes plaki is a Greek dish of butter beans stewed in a rich tomato sauce (the literal translation is ‘giant baked beans’). I love this recipe because it’s so quick and easy but still packs so much flavour and richness. Using tinned butter beans saves all the time of soaking and boiling, but if you’d rather cook up some dried butter beans to use then simply replace the tins with two cups of cooked beans.

To make it even easier, I’ve made this into a one-pan dish, so there’s hardly any washing up! It goes incredibly well served with gemista (Greek stuffed peppers and tomatoes) and a simple green salad. Or for a really simple dinner just mop up these gigantes plaki with some toasted garlic bread. This dish is freezabe so feel free to double up the amounts to store some for a rainy day (in fact they taste even better once they’re reheated).

Vegan Gigantes Plaki Recipe (Greek Giant Butter Bean Stew in Rich Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients (serves 4):

• 4 Tbsp olive oil

• 2 red onions

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium carrot, finely diced

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 x 400g tins butter beans

• 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes

• 4 Tbsp tomato puree

• 2 tsp caster sugar

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• Large handful fresh parsley

• Small handful fresh mint

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Heat the olive oil in a large pan over a medium heat, then add the onions to saute for around 5 minutes.

Add the diced carrot, minced garlic, and paprika, and continue to saute, stirring for another 2 minutes to release the flavours.

Now add the drained butter beans, tinned tomatoes, tomato puree, oregano and sugar. You can add a splash of hot water to get the sauce to your desired consistency (I like my gigantes plaki quite thick so I just add around 1/2 a cup of water).

Season with the salt and pepper, then simmer gently for around 20 minutes. Add the chopped fresh herbs just before serving.

Nutrition (per serving):

• Protein: 12.8g (Women:25.6% / Men: 23.3%)

• Iron: 5.4mg (Women: 36.5% / Men: 62.1%)

• Calories: 343 (Women: 17.2% / Men: 13.7%)

• Sugars: 13.7g (Women: 15.2% / Men: 11.4%)

• Total Fats: 14.8g (Women: 21.1% / Men: 15.6%)

• Saturated Fat: 2.0g (Women: 10.0% / Men: 6.7%)

• Salt: 0.5g (Women: 8.3% / Men: 8.3%)

• Fibre: 12.6g (Women: 42.0% / Men: 42.0%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Vegan Spreadable Cashew and Chive Cream Cheese

Vegan cheese-making sounds like a daunting task. But each time I whip up this cashew and chive cream cheese, I'm surprised at just how quick and easy it is to make. It takes less than 10 minutes and just involves whizzing up a few simple ingredients in a food processor. The only bit of preparation is soaking the cashews the night before - but that's as easy as topping up a cup of cashews with water and popping in the fridge overnight. And it's so worth it... the result is a cheese that's perfectly spreadable - half way between a cream cheese and hummus in texture - and a taste that's really 'cheesy' but lighter and fresher. 

Nutritionally, it's much lower in saturated fat than dairy cream cheese and it's higher in protein and fibre. Plus you get all the benefits of the cashew nuts - they're rich in loads of important nutrients, including magnesium, a mineral that supports hundreds of chemical reactions in your body. Many people in the West consume less than the recommended daily amount of magnesium which is associated with numerous chronic diseases (1). Just one of the reasons that higher raw nut consumption is associated with reduced all-cause mortality rates (2). 

So, try spreading this delicious vegan cashew and chive cream cheese on crackers with some caramelised onion chutney, as a topping with some dressed greens on bruschetta, or as a delicious sandwich filling. In fact, if you think of any other interesting ways to use this cashew cream cheese, let me know in the comments below! 

Vegan Spreadable Cashew and Chive Cream Cheese Recipe

Ingredients (makes 10 servings):

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked overnight

• 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1/4 cup fresh water

• 1 Tbsp fresh chopped chives

Method:

After soaking the cashews, you'll notice they'll have become swollen and soft, which will help them blend smoothly. Drain the cashews, then chuck them in the food processor, along with the nutritional yeast, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.

Pulse a few times until the mixture resembles a wet sand texture. Now add the water, and continue processing for a minute or two, stopping to scrape down the sides with a spatula every now and again.

Continue until the cashew cheese is smooth and thick - it should still have a slightly coarse texture but you can add a little extra water if you like a thinner consistency.

Stir in the chives, then taste to check the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, garlic, lemon or chives if desired. 

This cashew cream cheese will store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. 

Nutrition (per serving):

• Protein: 3.0g (Women: 6.0% / Men: 5.5%)

• Iron: 0.8mg (Women: 5.4% / Men: 9.2%)

• Calories: 75 (Women: 3.8% / Men: 3.0%)

• Sugar: 1.0g (Women: 1.1% / Men: 0.8%)

• Total Fats: 5.5g (Women: 7.9% / Men: 5.8%)

• Saturated Fat: 1.0g (Women: 5.0% / Men: 3.3%)

• Salt: 0.3g (Women: 5.0% / Men: 5.0%)

• Fibre: 0.7g (Women: 2.3% / Men: 2.3%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

This vegan cashew and chive cream cheese is amazing on bruschetta topped with fresh, herby broad beans and pea shoots! Recipe here

Vegan Protein Fruit Smoothie Ice Lollies

The summer days are pretty sweltering at the moment, but I refuse to complain about it (whenever I'm tempted to, I just think back to our last winter's cold, dark, wet days, then count my blessings)! Instead, I'm trying to make the most of the summer fun by getting outdoors, swimming in rivers or the sea as much as possible, and I've been making these really healthy vegan fruit smoothie ice lollies - they're incredibly refreshing and taste so good! Plus, they're packed with antioxidant and vitamin-rich berries, with only 38 calories per popsicle. The added vegan protein powder is optional, but by adding it these healthy summer treats also provide a little protein hit to help you recover and repair from your exercise and help you on your way to your fitness goals! All you need is an ice lolly mould and some fresh fruit! 

Vegan Protein Fruit Smoothie Ice Lollies Recipe

Ingredients (makes 10 lollies):

• 1 banana

• 100g strawberries

• 100g raspberries

• 100g blueberries

• 1 scoop Vivo Life vanilla protein powder (optional)

• Water

Method:

Wash the berries and remove leaves from the strawberries, then chuck along with the peeled banana into a food processor or blender. Top up about half way with water (better to start with less water as you can always add more depending on how thick you like it). Add the Vega protein powder, then blitz everything until smooth. Pour into lolly moulds then pop in the freezer for a few hours until set. 

Nutrition (per lolly):

• Protein: 2.4g (Women: 4.8% / Men: 4.4%)

• Iron: 0.4mg (Women: 2.7% / Men: 4.6%)

• Calories: 38 (Women: 1.9% / Men: 1.5%)

• Sugars: 3.4g (Women: 3.8% / Men: 2.8%)

• Total Fats: 0.5g (Women: 0.6% / Men: 0.5%)

• Saturated Fat: 0.1g (Women: 0.5% / Men: 0.3%)

• Salt: 0.1g (Women: 1.7% / Men: 1.7%)

• Fibre: 1.8g (Women: 6.0% / Men: 6.0%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Crispy Sesame Coated Baked Tofu

This recipe is everything you want in a tofu dish - it's quick and easy, very healthy, crispy on the outside and tender in the middle, and has a delicious subtle sesame flavour that develops a nutty aroma when baked. And it's so nice have a tofu recipe that goes truly crispy just in the oven - no deep fryer necessary! This crispy tofu is delicious eaten as it is, or goes well with your favourite dipping sauce - sweet chilli, teriyaki, peanut, or even barbecue sauces all taste great with it. It's perfect as a high-protein vegan snack or starter, but also can take centre stage served with stir fried veggies or to top a hearty salad. And check out the nutrition information at the bottom of this post - this crispy tofu provides over half of both your daily protein and iron requirements! 

vegan crispy sesame coated baked tofu recipe 

Ingredients (serves 2):

• 1 block firm tofu (350g)

• 5 Tbsp cornflour

• 5 Tbsp unsweetened soy milk

• 1/2 cup golden or panko breadcrumbs

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast

• 3 Tbsp sesame seeds

• Olive oil spray (optional)

• Spring onions (scallions) for garnishing

This sesame coated baked tofu also goes brilliantly with the vegan Turkish aubergine dish imam biyaldi

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180C (360F).

To prepare your tofu, first remove it from the packaging and shake off excess liquid. No need to wrap in kitchen towels as some recipes advise - I find gently squeezing the tofu between my hands over the sink to be the best way and only takes about 30 seconds! Just be careful not to squeeze too hard and break or crumble the tofu. 

Now slice the tofu into small squares, rectangles or triangles.

Prepare your coating mixture by making three dipping bowls. In the first, add the cornflour. In the second, the soy milk, and in the third, mix the breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, nutritional yeast, onion powder, and garlic powder. 

Take a tofu piece, toss to coat in the flour, then dip in the soy milk, then press into the breadcrumb mixture to coat generously on all sides and place on the baking tray. 

Repeat for all the tofu pieces. Now you can spritz lightly with the olive oil spray (this is optional but will help the coating to brown). Pop the tray into the oven for approx. 20 minutes until the coating is crisp and golden brown. 

Garnish with spring onions and enjoy on their own or with your favourite dipping sauce! 

Nutrition (per serving):

• Protein: 29.1g (Women: 58.2% / Men: 52.9%)

• Iron: 7.8mg (Women: 52.7% / Men: 89.7%)

• Calories: 459 (Women: 23.0% / Men: 18.4%)

• Sugars: 2.7g (Women: 3.0% / Men: 2.3%)

• Total Fats: 18.9g (Women: 27.0% / Men: 19.9%)

• Saturated Fats: 2.9g (Women: 14.5% / Men: 9.7%)

• Salt: 0.6g (Women: 10.0% / Men: 10.0%)

• Fibre: 6.3g (Women: 21.0% / Men: 21.0%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Hasselback Potatoes

Once you try these potatoes you will never look back! They are everything you want in a potato - crispy skin-on edges, a soft and fluffy centre, plus they look pretty cool so make an impressive but mega-easy side dish for a dinner party. I had these on their own simply smothered in fiery sriracha and fresh coriander, but you could easily enjoy them alongside barbecued veg, with a roast dinner covered in rich gravy, or even just to accompany a fresh salad. 

Vegan Hasselback Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 medium sized waxy potatoes

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Preheat your oven to 200C (390F). Wash the potatoes then dry thoroughly with kitchen paper. Using a sharp knife, carefully make cuts that go about two thirds of the way through the potatoes and are spaced about 1-2mm apart. Now brush with half the olive oil and pop in the oven. After about 20-25 minutes, take the potatoes out. The cuts you made will now have opened up a little, allowing you to now use the remaining oil to brush again but this time making sure some of the oil gets between the cuts. Now also sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Pop back in the oven for another 20-25 minutes, until the edges are golden and crispy. 

Nutrition (per medium potato):

• Protein: 4.3g (Women: 8.6% / Men: 7.8%)

• Iron: 1.9mg (Women: 12.8% / Men: 21.8%)

• Calories: 221 (Women: 11.1% / Men: 8.8%)

• Sugar: 2.0g (Women: 2.2% / Men: 1.7%)

• Total fats: 6.9g (Women: 9.9% / Men: 7.3%)

• Saturated fat: 1.0g (Women: 5.0% / Men: 3.3%)

• Salt: 0.2g (Women: 3.3% / Men: 3.3%)

• Fibre: 3.8g (Women: 12.7% / 12.7%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Indian Pea and Lentil Croquettes

My single favourite cuisine has got to be Indian. I just love the rich, thick, sauces and punchy spices. It’s one of those meals you crave when you’re ravenously hungry, as you can almost shovel the food into your face and feel it instantly sating your appetite and warming you up. But it is nice to have some variation in the texture to break up those heaping forkfuls of sauce and rice, and these croquettes do the trick perfectly. They are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, and full of healthy veggies and protein-packed lentils. They make a great appetiser too, as they’re small and easily picked up to dip in mango chutney or your favourite dip. Oh, and it's a great way to use up leftover mashed potato too! 

Vegan Indian Pea and Lentil Croquettes Recipe

Ingredients (makes 8 croquettes):

• 300g leftover mashed potato*

• ½ red onion

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2cm fresh ginger

• 1 cup frozen peas

• 75g dried red lentils

• 2 tsp curry powder

• 2 slices brown bread (not seeded)

• 3 Tbsp flour

• ¼ cup unsweetened plant milk

• 1 Tbsp corn-starch

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil

Method:

Prepare your lentils as per the packet instructions (usually red lentils don’t need soaking and require just 15 minutes boiling in water then draining). Meanwhile, heat 1 Tbsp rapeseed oil in a frying pan, then fry the onion for about 5 minutes, then add the garlic and ginger to fry for 1 further minute, before adding the frozen peas and continuing to fry for another 5 minutes. Now add the pea mixture, drained cooked lentils, and curry powder to the mashed potatoes, plus a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir to thoroughly mix. Set this mixture in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) to make firm and easier to handle / shape.

Meanwhile, prepare the breadcrumbs by cutting the crusts off two slices of stale brown bread (avoid seeded varieties for bread-crumbing) and blitzing in a food processor until fine. Now, shape your croquette mixture into 8 small patties or cylinders. Prepare your breading process by gathering 3 small bowls and tipping 3 Tbsp flour into the first, plant milk mixed with corn-starch in the second, and your breadcrumbs in the third. Dip each croquette into the flour to coat, followed by the corn-starch thickened milk, then the breadcrumbs. Now heat the oil in a frying pan, and once very hot, fry the croquettes in batches of 4 (to avoid cooling the oil). Don’t be tempted to turn too often, as you want to ensure the croquettes get nice and golden-crispy. They should be done after about 5 minutes, turning a few times. Place in a warm oven whilst cooking the second batch. 

Nutrition (per 2 croquettes):

• Protein: 10.6g (Women: 21.2% / Men: 19.3%)

• Iron: 3.0mg (Women: 20.3% / Men: 34.5%)

• Calories: 306 (Women: 15.3% / Men: 12.2%)

• Sugars: 5.8g (Women: 6.4% / Men: 4.8%)

• Total Fats: 9.0g (Women: 12.9% / Men: 9.5%)

• Saturated Fat: 1.0g (Women: 5.0% / Men: 3.3%)

• Salt: 0.6g (Women: 10.0% / Men: 10.0%)

• Fibre: 6.6g (Women: 22.0% / Men: 22.0%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

*Mashed potato - peel 300g Russet or Maris Piper potatoes and chop into 1-inch cubes. Drop into a pan of boiling water and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender when prodded with a fork. Drain thoroughly, then mash with 3 Tbsp unsweetened plant milk and 2 tsp vegan butter. 

Chocolate Coated Candied Orange Peel

If you're the kind of person who likes marmalade, you'll love these sweet, slightly bitter little treats. Orange peel is actually quite nutritious, containing vitamins C, A, B-vitamins, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Washing, boiling, and rinsing the peel before candying them ensures any dirt, chemicals, or wax is removed. When they are ready, you end up with a dried, chewy, sweet sticks with a slightly bitter flavour. Add some quality dark chocolate and you have a match made in heaven! 

Vegan Chocolate Coated Candied Orange Peel

Ingredients (makes about 30 sticks):

• 2 large oranges

• 400g caster sugar & 50g for coating

• 400ml water

• 50g dark chocolate

Method:

First of all wash the oranges, then cut into quarters. Carefully peel each quarter's skin in one piece away from the flesh, then cut each skin quarter into 4-5 thin trips (save the flesh for smoothies or to snack on). Using a sharp knife, carefully slice away most of the white pith from each strip. Put the peel strips in a pan with cold water, bring to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes, then drain. Now, stir 400g sugar with 400ml boiling water in a pan to dissolve. Add the drained peel strips, simmer for 45 minutes until the peel is very soft, and drain. When cool enough to handle, carefully toss the strips in the remaining sugar and lay out on a baking tray. spaced a little apart. Leave this baking tray on top of a radiator overnight, and the next morning the peel will be dried, firm, and chewy to eat. Now melt the chocolate in a bowl placed over lightly boiling water, and dip half the peels in the chocolate. Lay them back on a tray and leave in the fridge for the chocolate to set. 

Nutrition (per 4 strips):

• Protein: 0.6g (Women: 1.2% / Men: 1.1%)

• Iron: 1.1mg (Women: 7.4% / Men: 9.7%)

• Calories: 72 (Women: 3.6% / Men: 2.9%)

• Sugars: 11.3g (Women: 12.6% / Men: 9.4%)

• Total Fats: 3.6g (Women: 5.1% / Men: 3.8%)

• Saturated Fat: 2.0g (Women: 10.0% / Men: 6.7%)

• Salt: 0.1g (Women: 1.7% / Men: 1.7%)

• Fibre: 2.9g (Women: 9.7% / Men: 9.7%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Easy Vegan Mince Pies

Making your own mince pies can be much easier than you might think - the pastry takes just a few minutes to make and this mincemeat recipe requires no pre-cooking. Plus, they taste infinitely better than the shop bought ones: the pastry is biscuity and crisp, not like the soft manufactured mince pies. And this mincemeat recipe doesn't use alcohol but includes cranberries and lemon, so they taste sweet and tangy without the boozy aftertaste, which I find can get a bit sickly by the time you get to January! 

These are much healthier too - there’s no suet or palm oil in the mincemeat and ground flaxseed (available at most supermarkets) is used instead, which is high in omega-3, fibre, magnesium, calcium, and iron! Plus a little vegan spread is used in place of butter to make the pastry, so it’s much lower in saturated fat than shop bought mince pies.

Easy Vegan Mince Pie Recipe

Ingredients (makes 12 mince pies):

• 175g plain flour, plus 1 Tbsp for dusting

• 90g vegan butter spread

• 2 Tbsp caster sugar

• Cold water

For the Mincemeat:

• 1 lemon

• 2 small clementines or 1 medium-sized orange

• 75g dried apricots

• 50g dried cranberries

• 100g raisins

• 100g light muscovado sugar

• 1 apple

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp mixed spice

• 2 Tbsp ground flaxseed

Method:

Start by making the mincemeat (this recipe makes enough for 24 pies, as leftover mincemeat can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three weeks). Zest the lemon and roughly chop all of the dried fruit (depending how chunky you like your mincemeat) and chuck into a large mixing bowl.  Wash, core, and grate the apple, then add to the bowl along with the juice of the lemon and clementines. Then stir through the sugar, spices, and ground flaxseed.

For the pies, preheat the oven to 180C (360F). Place the flour and vegan butter in a bowl and rub gently with your fingertips until it looks like breadcrumbs, then mix through the sugar. Add just 2 tsp of cold water and start to bring the pastry together with your hands to form a ball. Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the pastry out, then cut discs using an upturned glass that is a little bigger than the muffin tray hollows. Carefully lift the discs into the muffin tray and push down with your fingers. Bake the pastry cases in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until lightly golden. Then dollop 1 small Tbsp of mincemeat into each pastry case. You can now pop a pastry lid onto your mince pies, or cut shapes, or even leave them open - then return to the oven for about 12 minutes until the mincemeat is bubbling and the pastry lid is golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving (best enjoyed when still warm). 

Nutrition:

• Protein: 2.0g (Women: 4.0% / Men: 3.6%)

• Iron: 1.0mg (Women: 6.8% / Men: 8.8%)

• Calories: 150 (Women: 7.5% / Men: 6.0%)

• Sugar: 12.6g (Women: 14.0% / Men: 10.5%)

• Total Fats: 4.9g (Women: 7.0% / Men: 5.2%)

• Saturated Fat: 0.9g (Women: 4.5% / Men: 3.0%)

• Salt: 0.1g (Women: 1.7% / Men: 1.7%)

• Fibre: 1.4g (Women: 4.7% / Men: 4.7%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Crispy Curry Roasted Chickpeas

When that mid-afternoon craving for a savoury snack hits, these crispy curry-roasted chickpeas are the perfect solution. High in protein, fibre, iron and zinc, and low saturated fat and calories, they're a healthy snack with a delicious bold curry flavour and beautifully crispy shells. They only stay crispy for a few hours though, so serve them up straight away if you want them crispy. I personally like them for the next few days after they take on a more chewy texture. Have them on their own as a savoury snack, or scattered over a salad. And you can explore with the flavours - I have seen (but yet to try) maple and sesame, smoky paprika, and salt & vinegar - try some different flavour combinations and let me know which work best! 

Vegan Crispy Curry Roasted Chickpeas

Ingredients (serves 6):

• 1 x 400g can of chickpeas

• 1 Tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp curry powder

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• Pinch of salt

Method:

Preheat the oven to 190C. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then take extra care to dry them using a couple of sheets of kitchen roll or a clean tea towel. The drier you can get them, the crispier they will get. Then toss in the oil and spices, spread out on a baking tray, and roast for up to 40 minutes, shaking the tray half way through cooking. 

Nutrition (per serving):

• Protein: 2g (Women: 4.0% / Men: 3.6%)

• Iron: 0.6mg (Women: 4.1% / Men: 5.3%)

• Calories: 68 (Women: 3.4% / Men: 2.7%)

• Sugar: 1.7g (Women: 1.9% / Men: 1.4%)

• Total Fats: 2.7g (Women: 3.9% / Men: 3.0%)

• Saturated Fats: 0.4g (Women: 2.0% / Men: 1.3%)

• Salt: 0.4g (Women: 6.7% / Men: 6.7%)

• Fibre: 1.8g (Women: 6.0% / Men: 6.0%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Orange, Date, and Dark Chocolate Florentines

These vegan Florentines really are fantastic. They become beautifully golden and crispy around the edges, with a lovely chewy texture in the middle. They're enough to satisfy your afternoon sugar cravings, but with only 78 calories per Florentine, plus providing a little protein and iron hit, you don't need to feel at all guilty. They're also really easy to make, but look quite impressive - the sort of thing you might see in the window of a patisserie. So, they'd make a great handmade gift this Christmas (they keep for 7-10 days in a jar).

I cooked these in a muffin tin, which makes for small discs that are quite nice and uniform. If you prefer a more rustic look, you can simply dollop the mixture onto a baking tray lined with baking paper - they will flatten and spread out as they cook so leave lots of space between them. They will come out thinner (depending how finely you chop the ingredients) so you may need to reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.

It's great fun to experiment with ingredients with these - try any other dried fruit such as cranberries or apricots, and adding spices like cinnamon makes them feel extra festive. Let me know if you have any great flavour combinations that I should try!

Vegan Orange, Date, and Dark Chocolate Florentines

Ingredients (makes 12):

• 3 Tbsp flaked almonds

• 3 Tbsp pitted dates

• Zest of half an orange (unwaxed)

• 3 Tbsp vegan butter

• 3 Tbsp brown sugar

• 3 Tbsp maple syrup

• 2 Tbsp wholemeal flour

• 50g Dark chocolate

Method:

Preheat your oven to 180C (350F). Tip your almonds into a small frying pan and dry-fry for a few minutes, stirring / shaking the pan frequently, until they have browned and become aromatic, then set aside. Next, zest your orange and chop the dates into very small pieces. In a pan, melt the vegan butter, then add the sugar and maple syrup to dissolve. Then, stir in the flour, using a fork to fully incorporate. Add the zest, dates, and toasted almonds to the pan and mix thoroughly. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin with a little vegan butter, then divide the mixture into each of the cups. Use your fingers to press the mixture flat into each cup. Then bake in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy. Cool the florentines for 20 minutes (they will be soft at first but will harden as they cool). Use a teaspoon to scoop / pop them out of the tin. Melt the dark chocolate in a bowl over a pan of hot water (when melting chocolate, always bear in mind that chocolate doesn't need much heat - remember it can easily melt in your pocket! Too much heat and the chocolate will split). Then spoon the dark chocolate over the back of the Florentines, and pop in the fridge to set.

Nutrition per Florentine:

• Protein: 1.1g(Women: 2.2% / Men: 2.0%)

• Iron: 0.7mg(Women: 4.7% / Men: 6.2%)

• Calories: 78(Women: 3.9% / Men: 3.1%)

• Sugar: 6.5g(Women: 7.2% / Men: 5.4%)

• Total Fats: 4.4g(Women: 6.3% / Men: 4.6%)

• Saturated Fat: 1.4g(Women: 7.0% / Men: 4.7%)

• Salt: <0.1g(Women: <0.1% / Men: <0.1%)

• Fibre: 1.0g(Women: 3.3% / Men: 3.3%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Crispy garlic-roasted sprouts

When roasted in a little olive oil, fresh garlic, and some seasoning, sprouts take on a sweet garlicky taste and become tender, with delicious crispy bits on the outside. They're nothing like the typical bitter boiled sprouts you would secretly feed the dog under the table at Christmas! 

Cook up a big tray of these to snack on straight out of the fridge during the week, or serve as a side along with almost any main course. If you have any leftovers, they make a great addition to bubble and squeak, or chopped into a potato hash recipe. 

Brussels sprouts are a great source of vitamins K and C, whilst also providing a significant source of protein, iron and fibre. 

Vegan Crispy Garlic-Roasted Sprouts

Ingredients:

• 400g Brussels sprouts

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1/2 tsp Salt (iodised preferably) and pinch of pepper

Method:

Preheat your oven to 200C (400F). Meanwhile, peel any yellow or old layers off your sprouts, cut the ends off, and cut in half. Rinse well then pat dry with kitchen roll as excess moisture will prevent them crisping up. Combine with olive oil and seasoning, then spread on a baking tray in a single layer (use two trays if too many) and pop in the oven. After 10 mins, take out, and toss the sprouts with the garlic, then return to oven for another 10-15 minutes, or until golden, crispy, and tender. 

Nutrition (per 10 sprouts):

• Protein: 3.4g (Women - 6.8% / Men - 6.2%)

• Iron: 1.4mg (Women - 9.5% / Men - 12.4%)

• Calories: 99 (Women - 5.0% / Men - 4.0%)

• Sugars: 1.7g (Women - 1.9% / Men - 1.4%)

• Total Fat: 7.3g (Women - 10.4% / Men - 7.7%)

• Saturated Fat: 1.1g (Women - 5.5% / Men - 3.7%)

• Salt: 0.8g (Women - 13.3% / Men - 13.3%)

• Fibre: 2.7g (Women - 9.0% / Men 9.0%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.

Vegan Double Chocolate Cookies

There really feels like there should be a catch with these cookies, but there isn't one! They are:

• Great tasting (deep, rich chocolate flavour, not too sweet)

• Perfect gym fuel (either pre- or post-workout)

• Pretty healthy (in moderation, as with everything!)

Vegan Double Chocolate Cookies

Ingredients (makes 6 large cookies):

• 70g margarine

• 50g light brown sugar

• 1 Tbsp golden syrup

• 1 flax egg

• 50g wholemeal flour

• 80g oats

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1 Tbsp cocoa powder

• 50g dark chocolate, buttons or chopped into pieces

Method:

Heat your oven to 180C and prepare your flax egg (simply mix 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds with 3 Tbsp water and leave to stand for 10 minutes). Mix the margarine and sugar until soft, then beat in the syrup and the flax egg. 

In a separate bowl, mix the remaining ingredients before adding to the butter mixture. Shape mixture into cookie shapes onto a lightly greased baking tray, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool (they will be slightly soft at first but will firm up as they cool). 

Nutrition (per cookie):

• Protein: 4.1g (Women - 8.2% / Men - 7.5%)

• Iron: 2.2mg (Women - 14.9% / Men - 19.5%)

• Calories: 239 (Women - 12% / Men - 9.6%)

• Sugar: 12.3g(Women - 13.7% / Men - 10.3%)

• Total fat: 12.2g (Women - 17.4% / Men - 12.8%)

• Saturated fat: 3.5g (Women - 17.5% / Men - 11.7%)

• Fibre: 3.8g (Women - 12.7% / Men - 12.7%)

See the Nutrition Info page for more details on % of Dietary Reference Values for men and women.