Sexy Seasoned Scallops!

I had the opportunity to cook something I have always wanted to cook last week but never had the chance to before! So i'm thankful to be able to do so!

This was a fish dish... easy to cook and very tasty! Yes Scallops... and very enjoyable ones at that!

I was really surprised that it only took about ten minutes to prepare this meal so if you want to cook something in a hurry and spend more time entertaining and taking good care of your guests then this is the perfect dish.

RECIPE: Sexy Scallops seasoned with Chili and Coriander served with a Spinach and watercress salad and a drizzling of balsamic vinegar.

You will need:

1 pack of M&S pre-seasoned Scallops

1 pack of Spinach and Watercress salad

Splash of balsamic vinegar

To make:

1. Heat a frying pan with a drop of olive oil

2. Once heated add the Scallops

3. Keep turning again and again for around 5-7 minutes until browned

4. Serve with a side salad and some balsamic dressing.

This makes a really great light and fresh meal.

It is a classy, tasty and flavourful meal perfect to share with someone special! White wine will compliment this dish delightfully but make sure you have someone to pour it!!!... and for dessert I recommend my Duckey Carrot cake.

Duckeys Quorn Pittas

For a quick and easy supper here is a perfect suggestion.

I really like quorn mince as a good substitute for beef, so I though well why not create some tasty pitas using this and making a Mexican like meal.

RECIPE: Quorn filled spicy pittas layered with fresh salad and natural yogurt in a mustard and tomato sauce.

You will need:

1/2 packet quorn mince
Tomato sauce
1 teaspoon wholegrain mustard and dijon mustard
Salt and pepper
Garlic
Salad
Spring Onions
Spinach
2 Pittas

To Make:

1. In a sauce pan add a little olive oil and fry the quorn mince

2. Add in the tomato sauce, garlic, seasoning, spring onions, spinach leaves and mustards


3. Stir and cook for ten minutes

4. Toast two pittas and cut in half


5. Add the mixture with fresh salad to the Pita slices with a dollop of natural yogurt and green Pesto to serve.

These make a really nice light sandwich alternative.

Duckeys Halloween Pumpkin Soup!

Food is great when it is grown in seasons. We have now hit October which means Autumn is upon us.

I must say the beginning of Autumn is probably my favourite time of year, I love the colours, the feel of the season change and watching the leaves fall from the trees.

To celebrate my love of Autumn and the big kid in me I have decided to make a heart warming pumpkin soup with some of my Duckey Homemade bread to cosy up to on these darkening cooler nights.



RECIPE: Heart warming Pumpkin Soup made with fresh pumpkin, low fat crème fresh topped with pumpkin seeds served with warm Homemade Bread.

You will need:

1 medium Pumpkin
1 Onion
1 chicken stock cube (could use vegetable)
1 tspn olive oil
Salt and pepper to season
Pinch of chilli flakes
½ tub (100g crème fresh)
Pumpkin seeds top decorate.

To Make:

1. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil into a pan

2. Add to this the chopped onion – cook but do not brown

3. Cut up and de-seed a pumpkin (this was honestly the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in a kitchen so beware!)


4. Add this to the onion mix and cook for 10 minutes


5. Once softened add 750ml of water and stock to the mixture and boil for a further 10 minutes


6. Once simmered add half a tub of crème fresh (low fat)


7. When this has warmed through season to taste with salt, pepper and chilli flakes and add mixture to a blender.



8. Blend together and re-heat or you can store in the fridge until you are ready to eat your soup.


9. Serve with Duckeys homemade bread and add a few pumpkins seeds to the top.



I am not being biased but this soup was amazing! I had my mum come down to visit me and I made her this for dinner (including Duckeys chocolate biscuit cake for dessert) and it went down a storm!

When a certain food is in season it really is the best time to cook with it, as the flavours are fresh and natural. This will in turn reflect in your food!

Duckeys Noodle Broth

I wanted a really low fat but healthy and tasty recipe which was easy to make and fun to eat.

So this is my perfect recipe thats suits all specs!

I love oriental food and nothing pleases me more than to eat my food with chop-sticks!

Even better I love food with a bit of a kick and the great thing is you can control the spice by the amount of Chili you add to this recipe.

RECIPE: Spicy noodle broth served with Asian vegetables flavoured with lemon grass, garlic and chili.

You will need:

1 chili (red)
1 stick of lemon grass
1 clove of garlic
2 tbsn soya sauce
1 pack Oyster Mushrooms
1 pack of Spinach
1 pack beansprouts
150g noodles
1 pack baby sweetcorn and green beans
400ml hot water


To Make:

1. Boil a pan of water and add to this the noodles with some soya sauce, garlic, lemon grass and chili, boil for around 4-5 minutes.


2. Meanwhile in a wok stir fry the bean sprouts, sweetcorn, green beans, mushrooms and the Spinach.


3. Once cooked add the vegetables into a large soup bowl.


4. Spoon the cooked noodles on top.

5. Ladle the broth into the bowl.


It really is just that simple and takes around 15 minutes to cook. To spice up add more chili it is completely up to you how you serve this recipe and also your choice of how to eat it! Do you dare to get your chop sticks out???

I added some strips of seaweed to mine also just to add more of an oriental taste with some sesame seeds!

Quorn Spaghetti Bolognese

Firstly I am sorry Rob, but I was determined to prove a point!

The dinner I made you last Thursday wasn’t meat it was Quorn, but you did say how great it was which proves that these vegetarian alternatives can in fact be just as good as the real thing.

I have heard that Quorn mince is so good that you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference and as last time Rob guest the Steak was corn I wanted to see if he would notice the difference once again! So until he reads this he is none the wiser!

Anyway I wanted to make a really super healthy version of Spaghetti Bolognese, so in order to do this I did the following:

• I substituted the meat for Quorn which is much lower in fat than meat
• I used wholegrain Spaghetti instead of white
• I made my own Duckeys Healthy Bolognese sauce from lots of healthy vegetables

So my friends if you wish to try this at home (or test it on someone you love) here is the recipe:

RECIPE: Healthy Spaghetti Bolognese made with Quorn mince simmered in a homemade vegetable sauce served with wholegrain Spaghetti

You will need:

Duckeys Healthy bolognese Sauce
1 pack Quorn Mince
1 Pack of Wholegrain Spaghetti

(that’s it!)

To Make:

1. Heat the packet of Quorn Mince from frozen into the Duckeys Healthy bolognaise Sauce



2. Heat for about 15 minutes and the sauce is complete

3. Simmer some Wholegrain Spaghetti in a saucepan for about 15 – 20 minutes




This meal really is that simple.

Try it yourself and let me know how you get on with the test!

Duckeys famous stack

Last night I made a simple but fancy dish using my homemade wholemeal crumpet recipe.

I must admit I think its probably the most aesthetic dish I have created to date and I was impressed with the textures flavours and tastes.

RECIPE: Duckeys famous stack, created on a bed of rocket salad, with a homemade wholemeal crumpet topped with spinach a salmon fillet and poached egg layered with a mustard and yogurt sauce, topped with a herb from my herb garden.

You will need:

2 of Duckeys homemade crumpets
2 salmon fillets
Cooked spinach
2 tbsn fat free yogurt
1 bag of Rocket salad
1 teaspoon of Wholegrain and Dijon mustard
2 eggs poached

1. I started off by cooking the salmon fillets for 20 minutes in the oven, I sprinkled these with Dill and Chilli flakes for extra flavour

2. I then warmed the crumpets and cooked some frozen Spinach in the microwave

3. Poach an egg for just over one minute using my Duckey egg poaching technique

4. On a plate cover the base with a Rocket Salad

5. Apply a warmed crumpet


6. Add on top the spinach followed by the cooked Salmon fillet



7. Then apply the poached egg and cover in a sauce made from simply mixed yogurt and mustard.


The great thing about this recipe is that you can eat it hold or cold so perfect summer / winter food for any occasion.

If you pre-make the crumpets this recipe will not take longer than 20 minutes for the Salmon to cook. Of course you could always use cold smoked Salmon or shop bought crumpets but I wanted to try a healthy alternative to the white shop bought crumpets.



Let me know what you think of the recipe.

Delicious Tuna Baked Bagels

This makes an interesting spin on the bagel!

Now when I think of a bagel... I think USA, big fat piled bagel but nope, bagels are actually very healthy for you if you find the right ones!

So I though why not try and make a yummy bagel recipe which mimics that of a pizza such as I did with my mini healthy pizzas on nan bread - it only takes four easy steps.

RECIPE: Tuna toasted wholemeal bagels sprinkled with Paprika on a bed of fresh healthy salad with a light French dressing.

You will need: (for 2 people)

3 bagels halved (3 slices per person)
1 can of tuna
1 tspn of light mayo and wholegrain mustard
Paprika
1 bag of fresh salad

To make:

1. Toast the bagels under the grill

2. Add the tuna mixed with light mayo and wholegrain mustard then sprinkle with Paprika




3. Insert back under the grill for around 2 minutes

4. Add your salad to a plate and serve with the warm Tuna Bagels.

Now how simple was that! It makes a great lunch or light dinner.

Prawn and Avocado Salad with spiced noodles...

For a quick light summer meal I have found the perfect solution, you usually see a lot of offers on King Prawns throughout the Summer months so this also makes a cheap recipe.

I also know that avocado compliments prawns immensly so I made an avocardo salad with spice noodles to compliment the prawns.

RECIPE: Dressed King Prawns on a bed of spiced asian noodles on top of an avocardo mixed salad.

You will need:
1 pack of King Prawns
2 servings of noodles
1 avocado
1 bag of mixed salad
1 teaspoon of Mayonnaise and Mustard
Chili

To Make:

1. In a sauce pan bring some water to boil and insert the noodles

2. Arrange in a bowl the salad and avocado



3. Once cooked add the noodles and top with chili

4. Mix the prawns with a spoonful of Mayo and Mustard for extra flavour.


5. Top these on the noodle mixture.

This made a really light elegant meal, it was really enjoyale and flavoursome! Perfect for a late summer evening.

Salmon and Cream Cheese Pita Breads with vegetables

Salmon is a great fish to cook with but sometimes apart from roasting it, poaching it and adding a sauce it can be quite simple to cook. I wanted a healthy meal which wasn't to heavy, but a little bit indulgent and unique to eat. So I thought instead of plain oven roasted salmon with a sauce lets create something more creative using some cream cheese, spices and pita bread.

Pita bread (the wholemeal kind) isn't too bad for you, which makes up the carbohydrate element of your meal and salmon, which is the protein element, is rich in Omega 3 and contains all of your essential nutrients. Serve this with some vegetables you have a very healthy balanced meal.

RECIPE: A luxurious Salmon fillet embedded on a toasted pita bread layered with warmed hummous, cream cheese and wholegrain mustard served with fresh vegetables.

You will need:

2 Salmon fillets

Dill seasoning

2 teaspoons of hummus, wholegrain mustard and cream cheese (light version)

2 pita breads (wholemeal)

Fresh vegetables (Carrots, peas and broccoli)

To make:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees once warmed, sprinkle the Salmon with Dill and insert

2. After about 20 minutes layer the hummus, mustard and cream cheese on top of the pita bread

3. Insert this in the oven to warm for 1 minute

4. Remove the pita bread shortly followed by the Salmon

5. Slice the Salmon into strips and layer on top of the Pita Bread

6. Serve with fresh vegetables or a side dish of your choice, add a sprig of basil to finish.

This really hit the spot, there was lots of flavours textures and it was really simple to make. It proves that cooking healthy food is not hard work.

Sometimes you just need to get a little creative with it.

Let me know what you think?

Love Heart Fried Eggs...

You may have seen these great novelty heart shaped frying pans before, you can find them in most home ware stores across the UK. Amazon sell a well priced heart shape frying pan, if you are cooking for someone you love or want to theme your cooking this would make a lasting impression.

For my birthday my fellow Froggers bought me a heart shaped frying pan for my birthday with a range of cooking goodies.

I wanted to test it out so I made the following:

RECIPE: Love heart oven fried eggs with sweet potatoes, served with a pasta and tomato salad with mini wholemeal pita breads.

You will need:

2 eggs
2 sweet potatoes
100g wholemeal pasta
10 baby tomatoes
1 bag of Leaf salad
A swirl of light salad dressing
4 Mini wholemeal pita breads

To make:

1. Cook the pasta in a sauce pan for 15 minutes and leave to cool

2. Add to the cooled pasta some ripe tomatoes, leaf salad and dressing (light)

3. Heat the sweet potatoes in the microwave for 7 minutes

4. Heat the love heart shaped frying pan over the hob with some 1 calorie spray, once warm, crack an egg into the pan

5. Bake in the oven until cooked on top

6. Arrange in a bowl the pasta salad followed by the sweet potato and the mini pita breads.



















This was a really nice meal with a cute message of love! A great sunny supper!

Duckey’s Healthy Quickie Meal... Korma

Chicken Korma

• In a pan or wok sautee some fresh chopped root ginger, 1 crushed garlic clove and 1 chopped onion with some 1 calorie spray until they are soft
  
• Add 4 skinless chicken breasts (you can make this vegetarian by replacing chicken with vegetables) which have been sliced and cook until browned, this usually takes about 5 minutes
  
• Add 1 tsp garam masala and cook for a further minute
  
• Pour over 100ml chicken stock and simmer for 10 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked
  
• Mix together 3 tbsp fat free fromage frais and 2 tbsp ground almonds
  
• Take the pan off the heat and stir in the fromage frais mixture

Serve with brown basmati rice and steamed green vegetables.

For dessert...

Poached pears with low fat yoghurt

Duckey’s Healthy Quickie Meal... Fish Cakes

Fish cakes

• Mix together 500g wholemeal breadcrumbs with a 418g can pink or red salmon (flaked and large bones removed)
  
• Add 140g defrosted frozen peas, handful mint leaves and 1 tbsp tartare sauce
  
• Season to taste
  
• Mix well and using floured hands shape into 8 flat fishcakes
  
• Bake in the oven at 180 degrees for around 15 mintues, until golden and crisp
  
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon and some roasted vegetables or a green salad
  
  For dessert...
  
  Fruit Salad!

Mini Healthy Pizza Snacks…

If you love pizza but hate the calories then great news I have found a solution! In reducing the quantity of bread and adding healthy toppings I have solved this problem!

I went to the local supermarket and bought some low fat mini nan breads. This is going to be the base for my pizza, by coating with some tomato puree, and a mixture of low fat mozzarella, roasted vegetables and tuna.

You will need…

1 packet mini nan bread (reduced fat)
1 jar tomato puree
1 packet of frozen Mediterranean vegetables
1 can tuna
1 low fat ball of Mozzarella

To make…

1. Heat the mini nan’s in the oven with a sprinkle of water to coat for 2-3 minutes until slightly risen



















2. Add a small amount of tomato puree on each nan



















3. Grate some low fat mozzarella over the top but east on the cheese as this is just a coating



















4. Then in a pan cook some frozen Mediterranean vegetables (I used Tesco)

5. Once cooked add these as a topping along with some flaked tuna and season with pepper



















6. Bake in the oven until tuna a browned and cheese melted

7. Then serve with a portion of salad and my Duckey sweet potato wedges



















This made a really satisfying meal! It tasted just like Pizza but you knew it was the healthy alternative which made it even better!

These are great if you want a treat, are having your friends round or simple if you want to have a Pizza without the added guilt.

Try my Light Quickie Cheesecake to finish off the meal.

Duckeys Quickie Healthy Desserts... Poached Pears

Poached pears with low fat yoghurt

• In a sauce pan poach one pear (per person) in simmering water
• Once poached remove the pear and add to a bowl
• Serve in a pool of low fat yogurt, berry compote or honey!

Duckey’s Healthy Quickie Meal... Turkey meatballs

Turkey meatballs

• Combine in a bowl 500g turkey mince
  
• Add 50g fresh breadcrumbs from wholemeal bread, 50g sultanas or rasins, 1 crushed garlic clove, lemon zest, a pinch of dried chilli flakes, and plenty of seasoning
  
• Roll into 20 small meatballs
  
• Cook in the oven for about 20 minutes, turning frequently until golden
  
• Add 250ml chicken stock and turn up the heat
  
• Simmer briskly for 5 minutes until the stock is reduced by half
  
• Meanwhile cook 350g spaghetti and add the cooked drained spaghetti
  
• Toss together and season.
  
  For dessert...
  
  One meringue nest with bananas and 0% fat Greek yogurt

Duckey’s Healthy Quickie Meal

Moroccan lamb

• Dry fry 500g lamb neck fillet in a non-stick frying pan
  
• Tip in 2 tsp of paprika and 3 tsp of ground cinnamon and fry for one minute
  
• Pour in 400g can of chopped tomatoes and 1 tbsp of chopped parsley
  
• Bring to the boil and then simmer gently with a lid on for 30 minutes or until the lamb is tender
  
• Serve with couscous or a jacket potato and steamed green beans.
  
  For dessert…
  
  Fresh fruit salad and 1 tbsp 0% fat Greek yoghurt.