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Boy, oh boy, do I have a treat in store for you guys today! first of all - I have to let you know I have been fighting the exercise compensation haaaard. Getting back into a fitness routine and relearning when to listen to my body and when to ignore it has been throwing me off tracks. The loaf I am about to share with you came about because of this very reason. I was having cravings, sweet, cravings - now if you don't already know. I am more of a savoury gal when the craving monster rears it's ugly head. But for some reason, it's gone the other way!
I was determined to not lose out to my taste buds, and decide I would nip it in the bud [no pun intended] with something I am good at, FOOD. This delicious loaf was not the easiest of taste to accomplish, I first made these...exhibit A
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They were disgusting, they were not what my taste buds wanted and I rejected them post hast!
Then I thought, I know I'll make some proper cookies, with the protein powder and less sugar. Another fail! dear I say it - but yes, I was getting frustrated and just need a sweet fix. I refused to give in though took some chromium and put the fight off for another day. Getting my trusty note book I started writing, analysing my thoughts and what I imagine would work together to give me the desired texture and smell.
I well and truly blooming did it yah'll!
This is a gorgeous, soft, moist, fragrant loaf...not quite cake and not quite a bread either. It is high in protein, flavour and nutrients. Trust me when I tell you it is a 'one sitting, eat the entire loaf' kinda goodness.
Anyway, talking about it is making me hanker for a slice...So, without further drooling here is the recipe!
#Ingredients in bold are the anchor of this recipe#
Protein Courgette Loaf
Ingredients
makes one loaf
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
A)
- 2 large eggs
- 3/4 cup castor sugar
- 1/2 cup soft brown sugar
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
B)
- 1.5 cups flour
- pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- 2 scoops plain protein powder (I used Sun Warrior blend rice protein powder).
- 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
C)
- 1 medium courgette coarsely grate
- 1/2 cup pecan nuts
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds #optional
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 3/4 cup oats
- 1/2 cup dairy free milk (I used vanilla soy milk)
Topping
- 5 whole pecans
- 3 tablespoon grated courgette
- 1/4 cup oats
- 2 tablespoon flaxseed powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of grated nutmeg
#As with all recipes on this blog unless otherwise stated they are my own; be kind enough to, link back to original, make, share and highlight - happy sharing #
Preparation
Preheat oven to 195 degrees
Coat a loaf tin with butter and line with baking parchment.
Scatter the pecan nuts except those for topping and the sunflower seeds in a clean skillet and dry toast till they start turning brown and smelling fragrant, should take about 3 minutes keep stirring to prevent burning. #You may have to do this in batches so they're toasted well#
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Get two large clean mixing bowls ready.
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
A) Whisk the sugars, vanilla, eggs, and melted coconut oil in a large clean bowl.
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Whisk with an electric mixer on high setting then lower the setting once the mixture starts coming together and looks smooth.
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
B) In a separate bowl sift together the flour, flaxseed powder, mixed spice, baking powder, protein powder, bicarbonate soda, nutmeg and salt. Pour back the bit of flaxseed that didn't got through the sieve into the bowl and combine well.
#sifting will eliminate any lumps of baking powder or bicarbonate soda#
Slowly start incorporating the wet ingredients (A) into the dry ingredients (B) stir with a wooden spoon or spatula.
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C) Stir in some of the soy milk to loosen up the mixture a little, add the oats and stir well, add some more soy milk.
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Stir in the nut and seed
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Add the courgette and the rest of the soy milk, should be left with a rather thick chunky batter type mixture.
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, gently bang the tin on the work surface to level out the mixture.
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Next mix all the ingredients together for the topping except the pecan nuts and scatter over the top...
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
...then add the pecan nuts in a line or however you like.
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour, after an hour check with a clean tooth pick, by inserting the tooth pick in the centre of the loaf. If it comes out clean, it's done! If not, return the tin to the oven and bake for a further 10 minutes.
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Leave the loaf in the tin to cool completely, this will give it that extra moist, melt in the mouth texture.
Done!
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Cut once completely cooled with a serrated knife, DON'T try cutting this while it is still warm it just will NOT hold up to the tension - trust me I speak from overly eager experience!!
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
And there you have it folks, one deliciously moist high protein KitchenTakeovers loaf. Ready for those cravings, or for a pre or post workout treat. YOU KNOW YOU DESERVE IT!
Bon Appétit!!
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| All rights to images reserved copyrights Alicia Lewis @ KitchenTakeovers |
Till next time, EAT mindfully, DRINK responsibly, and EXERCISE your mind and body!!!
***Disclaimer: Any of the information within this blog post and others on this site is for information and educational purposes only and is NOT intended to be taken as diagnosis, treatment, cure or to prevent any disease. Any reader concerned about his or her health is advised to seek medical advice from their GP or relevant medical professional***
Labels: Breakfast, dairy free, Home, Recipe List, Snack, Sweet Treats, Vegetarian