Quick & Easy Holiday Season Recipe's

1. Festive Mocktail

Passionfruit & Elderflower Sparkle 🍹

A refreshing, magnesium-rich mocktail perfect for the holidays! Add a splash of your favourite spirit to turn it into a cocktail that will wow your guests. ✨

Ingredients:

• 50ml passionfruit juice
• 25ml lemon juice
• 2 tsp elderflower cordial
• 150ml sparkling water (chilled)
• 1 tsp passionfruit seeds (for garnish)
• Lime leaf (optional, for garnish)
  
  

Method:

1. Prepare Your Glass: Chill a flute glass in the fridge for a few minutes to keep your drink cool and classy.
2. Mix Your Mocktail: Pour the passionfruit juice, lemon juice, and elderflower cordial into the chilled glass.
3. Add Sparkling Water: Slowly top up with sparkling water to avoid overflowing, then gently stir to combine.
4. Garnish: Sprinkle in a few passionfruit seeds and add a lime leaf if you're feeling fancy.
   
   

Optional Cocktail Twist: Add 25ml of gin, vodka, or prosecco to elevate this mocktail into a festive cocktail!

Cheers to a holiday filled with vibrant flavours and good vibes! 🥂

2. Super Easy Focaccia 

Ingredients:

• 3 ¾ cups bread flour
• 8–10 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 3 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
• 2 cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for topping; flaky salt recommended)
• Optional toppings:
• 5 sliced garlic cloves
• Sliced red onion
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough

1. Activate the Yeast:
   In a large bowl, combine 1/3 cup warm water, honey (or sugar), and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until frothy—this step ensures the yeast is active.
2. Mix Ingredients:
   Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, the remaining water, and salt. Stir with a wooden spoon. Gradually add the flour and mix until a semi-smooth, sticky dough forms.
• Depending on the flour, you may need to add 3–4 tablespoons more water or flour to achieve the right consistency.

First Rise

• Same Day:
  Coat a large bowl with olive oil, place the dough inside, and cover with a tea towel or plate. Let it rise in a warm spot for 5–6 hours.
• Overnight Option (Recommended):
  For enhanced texture and flavour, let the dough rise in the fridge for 9–14 hours. Prepare it the night before and allow it to ferment slowly.

Second Rise

1. Generously coat a large rectangular or round baking pan with 4 tablespoons olive oil. Spread the dough gently into the pan—don’t worry if it doesn’t reach the edges.
2. Cover and let the dough rise again in a warm spot for 2 hours until it spreads and puffs up.
• If using chilled dough: Allow the dough to warm slightly before spreading. If it resists stretching, let it rest for a few minutes and try again.

Prepare to Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
2. Drizzle olive oil over the dough and use your fingers to press dimples into the surface. Add your desired toppings (e.g., garlic, red onion, rosemary). Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Bake the Focaccia

1. Place the pan on the middle rack and bake for 37–45 minutes, or until the top and edges are golden brown.
2. Allow the focaccia to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your focaccia on its own or paired with soup, salads, or your favourite dips!

3. Watermelon & Feta Salad 

Refreshing Watermelon Salad Recipe

This watermelon salad is a must-have for summer! Sweet, juicy watermelon pairs perfectly with salty feta, crisp cucumber, and fresh mint, creating a light and vibrant side dish. Perfect for sunny days, it's quick, easy, and oh-so-refreshing.

Ingredients

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• ½ garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the Salad:

• 5 cups cubed watermelon
• 1 heaping cup diced English cucumber
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 avocado, cubed
• ⅓ cup torn fresh mint or basil leaves
• ½ jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced (optional)
• Sea salt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and sea salt.
2. Assemble the Salad:
• Arrange the watermelon cubes, cucumber, and red onion on a large platter.
• Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad.
3. Add Toppings:
• Sprinkle the feta, avocado, and fresh mint (or basil) over the top.
• If using, add the thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper for a kick of heat.
4. Finish and Serve:
• Drizzle with the remaining dressing.
• Season with a pinch of sea salt to taste and serve immediately.

Enjoy this simple yet sophisticated salad as a light side dish or refreshing addition to any summer spread!

4. Magnesium-rich Reindeer bark 

Here’s a magnesium-rich recipe to keep you energised, calm, and balanced during the festive season: Dark Chocolate, Almond, and pumpkin Seed Bark with Sea Salt. This delicious treat is easy to make and packed with magnesium-rich ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 200g high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or more)
• 1/3 cup raw almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• Sea salt flakes to sprinkle on top

Instructions:

• Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into pieces and melt it in 30-second intervals using a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring in between until smooth.
• Add Toppings: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it evenly with a spatula until about 1/4 inch thick.
• Sprinkle: Evenly scatter the almonds, pumpkin seeds, apricots, cranberries, and chia seeds over the chocolate. Lightly press the toppings into the chocolate to ensure they stick.
• Add a Touch of Sea Salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt flakes over the chocolate for a delicious sweet-salty balance.
• Chill: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
• Break & Serve: Once set, break the bark into pieces. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Magnesium Boosters

• Dark Chocolate: Rich in magnesium and antioxidants, dark chocolate adds a rich flavour.
• Almonds & Pumpkin Seeds: Both are excellent sources of magnesium and add a satisfying crunch.
• Chia Seeds: Tiny yet mighty, chia seeds provide a magnesium boost along with fibre and omega-3s.

This festive bark makes a thoughtful, nutritious gift or a lovely treat for Christmas gatherings!