Another lockdown day

Another day of lockdown means another day of cooking for me. My husband started telling me that he hopes that the lockdown will be over soon as otherwise he will gain too much weight. I guess he is right. We do eat more as we can't invite our friends and share the food with them.

Today, I baked a delicious cake with mixed berries and crumble on top. It's another easy recipe, so don't be afraid to try it.

For the cake you will need:
300 g shredded apple
200 g all purpose flour
100 ml plantbased milk (I use homemade oat milk)
50 g brown sugar
50 ml vegetable oil (you can use extra virgin olive oil too)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
Frozen mixed berries (as much as you like)

For the crumble you will need
4 tbsp oats
2 tbsp shredded coconut
2 tbsp sweetener (I use agave syrup)

How to make it?

1. Preheat the oven on 180 degree Celsius (fan)
2. Mix all the cake ingredients in a big bowl (except of the mixed berries)
3. Prepare the crumble by mixing all ingredients together
4. Spread the batter in a greased cake tin. I use 30*40 cm. The batter should be thick and you will have to use a spatula to spread it in the tin. The layer should be about 1 cm thick.
5. Sprinkle the batter with frozen berries. Do not defrost them in advance.
6. Sprinkle the crumble on top and bake the cake for 25 minutes or until the crumble turns pink/lightly brown.
7. Serve and enjoy.

It's my favorite cake to eat with my afternoon matcha latte. Not that sweet, moist, tasty crumble - great combination for a treat!

As many of you, we also don't go to the shop often these days. I have already bought many items for my pantry as well as veggies which I can keep for a couple of weeks. I'm surprised how much fun it is to cook with these simple ingredients! Today, I made Lentil soup for lunch. I have used all ingredients from my pantry and I believe that most of you have these ingredients at home. You can use any veggies that you like.

You will need (for 4 servings)

1 cup lentils
4 small potatoes (cut in small cubes)
2 medium carrots (cut in small circles)
1 kohlrabi (cut in small cubes)
1 large onion (finely chopped)
1 tbsp fresh parsley-you can use dried parsley too (finely chopped)
1 liter vegetable stock (either homemade or low sodium store bought)
1 tbsp all purpose flour
2 tsp paprika powder
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp wild garlic powder (optional)

How to make it?

1. Rinse and drain lentils, and cook them in a large pot with 3/4 of the stock as per the instructions on the package. I used green lentils which only require about 20 minutes boiling. 15 minutes before the lentils are done, add the potatoes to the pot.
2. While the lentils are cooking, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots, and baked them until the onion becomes soft and lightly brown (about 3-5 minutes). Add the kohlrabi and continue baking for another 5 minutes.
3. Add the flour in the pan and bake for 1-2 minutes or until everything is combined. Add the paprika powder, stir it in the mixture and pour 1/4 of the stock in the pan. Stir everything together and pour it in the pot with the lentils and potatoes.
4. Cook until the lentils are soft and add the parsley.
5. Serve sprinkled with the wild garlic powder and enjoy!

I've been so happy with my leek! I have placed it in water 3 days ago and it's been growing very well, so earlier today I've planted it in soil. I can't wait to see how big it will grow. And I already know how I will use it. I will make my husband's favorite leek/potato soup.

My onions are growing nicely as well. I give them a couple of more days and then I will start using the greens. I will make some Asian meal which will be perfect for them.

I still keep my celery in the water as its roots aren't growing that well but it keeps growing anyway. I will see if and when I will plant it in soil. As long as it's happy in the water I don't mind.

And look at my garden cress! It looks great after only three days. I think that I will sprinkle it on my toast at the beginning of the next week.

I'm planning to prepare my sourdough starter as well, so I guess that very soon I will be spamming you with various bread recipes.

Thank you for visiting!

Cheers!