The Healthy Chef – Teresa Cutter

6 Steps To Eating Seasonally

I love the change of season. Its revitalizing seeing the weather patterns shift and trees change colour, little signs to let us know that a new cycle is ready to begin. What most excites me though, is the availability of a whole new batch of beautiful seasonal produce. Time to experiment with different foods and flavours or rehash old favourite recipes that were enjoyed this time last year. Synchronising your diet with the seasons is certainly not a new concept. It was a necessity... Read More

Apple Crumble

One of my favourite things to do when the weather gets a little colder outside is to get into the kitchen and bake apple crumble.  I love it how the whole house gets filled with sweet aromas of vanilla and spice and how warm and cozy the house gets from a day spent having fun, baking in my kitchen.  Apple crumble is one of those comfort food dishes that is so simple to create and so delicious to eat. I love to use red apples or nice golden delicious apples as they are lovely... Read More

TEAM HEALTHY CHEF AT THE 2013 FITNESS EXPO

Thank you to everyone who popped by our Healthy Chef stand at the 2013 Australian Fitness and Health expo. It was the official launch of our Healthy Chef Natural Protein Supplements and Organic Superfood. I also shared some of my quick and easy recipes on the healthy eating stage – including macadamia nut milk, superfood smoothie, how to make the perfect kale salad and my awewome chocolate cake decorated with fresh raspberry.  It was an awesome 3 days and I’m so... Read More

Anzac Biscuits

Anzac biscuits are a favourite of mine to bake in my kitchen and they are traditionally made with rolled oats, butter, sugar, golden syrup, white flour and coconut.  I’ve adjusted the original recipe to create a few different versions of this fabulous cookie so that you’ll hopefully find the creation that works for you. The first is my favourite and based on traditional rolled oats combined with coconut, almond and heart healthy / anti-inflammatory  macadamia... Read More

THE FAST + FURIOUS

Barely got time to open the fridge ? Well here are some of my favourite FAST + FURIOUS recipes that are in this months issue of Women’s Fitness magazine that take less then 15 minutes to make. I’ll also be creating these yummy delights and more at the April Fitness + Health Expo (fitnessexpo.com.au), from April 19th – 21 in Sydney.  Click on the image to take you to my recipes.  Stay Heatlhy  T:) x  Read More

Healthy Chocolate Mousse

Here’s a velvety smooth chocolate mousse from my 80/20 book –  just in time for Easter.   A chocolate mousse that’s guilt free and loaded with antioxidants. This purely delicious chocolate mousse is made from ripe avocado that is blended with raw cacao powder and scented with a little + vanilla and spice.  The addition of a banana or a little coconut water will make the texture a little lighter. If you are choosing to spread this magnificent mousse onto cakes... Read More

Chocolate Raspberry Muffins

The pastry chef in me has come out to play and I’ve created my purely delicious chocolate raspberry muffins just in time for Easter.  What I love about making these muffins is that they are a one bowl muffin mix that takes about 5 minutes to combine, then all I need to do is to pop them into the oven to complete the magic. I’ve used organic frozen raspberries and 85% green + blacks organic dark chocolate to make these muffins which gives them just a hint of sweetness.... Read More

Hot Cross Buns

Now is the perfect time for making these delicious hot cross buns made from wholemeal spelt, oats, muscatel, honey, cinnamon and vanilla. This is not the light fluff style of hot cross bun you may be used to in the supermarkets made from white flour and refined sugar. My version is full of fibre and the oats give it a wonderful chewy density that marries perfectly with the cinnamon and vanilla.  I’ve used large muscatel raisins in this recipe, but they are also delicious... Read More

Healthy Chocolate Recipes

Check out my purely delicious chocolate recipes I designed for the latest issue of House + Garden Magazine. JUST CLICK ON THE IMAGE to view all the recipes. Homemade Dark Chocolate – Healthy Chocolate Mousse -Red Velvet Cupcakes – Delicious Chocolate Cake – The Ultimate Chocolate Crackles. For more Chocolate recipes Check out these delicious recipes below: Naked Chocolate Cake Red Velvet Cupcakes Healthy Hot Chocolate Chocolate Mousse Chocolate Chip Cookies No... Read More

Blueberry Pie Smoothie

  I make my blueberry pie smoothie as a quick breakfast or at times blend it up as a night time snack to help satisfy my sweet tooth.  My freezer is always full with frozen blueberries and at times I’ll add a chopped frozen banana for extra creaminess and sustenance. What’s good about it: This smoothie is high in protein, antioxidants, folate, minerals and fibre to support a healthy metabolism. Studies show the blueberries contain antioxidants called polyphenols... Read More

WHY I DIDN’T WANT THESE INGREDIENTS IN MY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENT

Everything I tried was full of junk and cheap fillers that caused bloating and weight gain, the total opposite of what I wanted, so I was compelled to create a protein supplement that really was good for me and provided the perfect nutritional support I needed. Healthy Chef Protein is specifically designed to be the purest, bio-available source of protein that does not cause bloating or gastro-intestinal issues. It is low in fat, low in carbohydrates, high in protein and... Read More

Chocolate Truffles

Feel like a healthy chocolate fix ?  Well you just can’t go past these delicious chocolate truffles.  They take around 10 minutes and make a great healthy and sustaining snack.  Perfect for outdoor activities such as long bike rides, hiking, sailing, picnics, long walks on the beach or a healthy dessert to have with coffee. What it’s good for: Walnuts are a great source of anti-inflamatory omega 3 that is great for heart and brain health. Chocolate is associated... Read More

Summer Muesli

This time of year my body craves fresh summer fruits to get me started for the day. I love the delicate sweet aroma of white peach that marries perfectly with summer passionfruit and raspberry.  Adding seeds and nuts such as LSA, chia and roasted almond add crunch and sustainance until lunch time, whilst creamy thick yoghurt smooths out the flavours and carries them perfectly into my mouth. Any leftovers are easily thrown into my Vitamix and blended with vanilla until thick... Read More

Healthy Lamingtons

Over the past few weeks I’ve been mixing and baking in my kitchen in an effort to create the perfect lamington just in time for Australia Day.  You will absolutely love my recipe – so simple, gluten free and made from fresh whipped organic eggs, coconut flour, vanilla and raspberry that make them purely delicious.  I’ve coated my lamingtons with a thin layer of dark chocolate ganache that I’ve made using a quality dark courveture 70 – 85 % mixed... Read More

PRIMAL CLEAN LIVING

My first experience with the Palaeolithic Diet or what’s also known as the  primal or Paleo Diet was about 20 years ago when I started competing in fitness figure competitions. I was working as a chef at the time and needed to lean up and get down to about 16% body fat in order for me to compete for my first competition. My trainer told me to cut out all processed foods (basically anything in a can, jar or packet) as well as grains, which included foods such as bread, pasta,... Read More

HEALTHY BITES

I’m really excited to be writing for the new Peter McInnes Magazine called FLAVOUR.  Here are some of my delicious summer recipes from the summer edition. Click on the image above and enjoy…Tx  Read More

Fruit Mince Pies

OK,  here they are !  my purely delicious fruit mince pie recipe.  I’ve tried to cover most bases such as gluten, wheat and dairy free which is why I’ve given you a few pastry options.  My favourite pastry to make these lovely pies is the oatmeal shortcrust.  It has a lovely crunch and wholesome sense of purity which I love.  They last for days (up to 1 week) and they are perfect to complement your nutritious Christmas feast.  The oats are low GI and provide... Read More

Fruit Mince

The post comes in 2 parts. Today I give you my recipe for my fruit mince and then later this week I’ll show you how to put it all together with a variety of pastry options.  Every year I make my own fruit mince so that I can create my own delicious fruit mince pies over the Christmas Break. The fruit mince is  very simple to make yourself and so much lovelier and healthier than store bought versions from the supermarket. The secret is all in the apple you choose.  Make... Read More

VEGETARIAN CHRISTMAS FEAST

Here’s a Purely Delicious Christmas Feast that I designed especially for Women’s Fitness Magazine.  I wanted my menu to be  quick + easy to prepare, fresh, healthy and taste amazing. To be honest  - the whole Christmas spread took about 45 minutes total to prepare from start to finish. The food was tailor made to suit all eating styles so no matter if you were vegetarian or  gluten free you would be happily nourished. For fish or meat eaters all you need to do... Read More

Christmas Pudding – My Healthy Chef Secret Recipe

Christmas isn’t Christmas without a traditional pudding.  I love the fragrant aroma of cinnamon, vanilla, orange and nutmeg infused into plump sun-dried fruits then finished off with a home made proper egg custard poured over the top.  This is a recipe I designed especially for YOU !  It features in the December issue of Women’s Fitness Magazine  and  it needed to fit into the healthy chef philosophy and be Purely Delicious ! For those who prefer a more traditional... Read More

IT’S HERE ! OUR ORGANIC PEA PROTEIN HAS ARRIVED

Our Healthy Chef Organic Pea Protein has arrived.  It complements our Pure Native WPI perfectly and is a pure + natural vegetable source of complete protein that can supplement your healthy diet. Thank you to everyone who has been patient and pre-ordered over the last week – your protein will be sent out straight away.! I absolutely love this Protein !  It hits all the marks of what I love in a protein supplement  - like being all natural, organic, low in carbs, high... Read More

Berry Crumble

When I cook I try to make fresh fruit and veg the main component of each meal and to celebrate Christmas there is nothing I love more then making healthier desserts, puddings and cakes that everyone can enjoy.  I love making my lush berry crumble as the finale to a meal. It takes minutes to prepare and it can be served warm or cold with proper custard, thick natural yoghurt, or a light drizzle of coconut cream. I like to vary my crumble topping to vary the  final flavour and... Read More

Gingerbread Men

When I was working as a pastry chef, making gingerbread was part of our weekly production schedule.  We used to make the most amazing gingerbread houses glued together with chocolate or royal icing.  They were so big that you could almost walk through one of the doors and sit down inside them.  The cookie dough was pretty durable so it could hold up for about 4 weeks before the walls started caving in and it was made from a base of white flour, butter, eggs. spices and sugar. These... Read More

FREE SMOOTHIE E-BOOKS

To coincide with my NEW Healthy Chef Pure Protein range I’ve designed 3 purely delicious smoothie eBooks that you can down load for FREE! The books are specifically crafted to match your lifestyle and there are 3 delicious books to choose from that include WELLBEING, SPORTS NUTRITION + WEIGHT LOSS. We’ve been overwhelmed by the huge response to my new protein range and I hope these books provide a little inspiration on how to make the most out of your protein shakes. ... Read More

Raw Chocolate Cupcakes

You asked for it – so here it is.  My recipe for no-bake  chocolate cupcakes made with nutrient dense walnuts and cacao. What I love about these is that  they are quick and easy to make and they are perfect for entertaining.  I make up a large platter to take to parties and gatherings with family and friends. They are instantly devoured and satisfy the sweet chocolatey fix you sometimes crave. Another great thing about these is that they keep really well in the fridge... Read More

Healthy Christmas Cake

There is nothing more satisfying than baking your own cakes, puddings and biscuits for Christmas.  Around this time of year I’m in my kitchen a little bit more than usual baking cakes and cookies and packaging them up as presents for friends and family.  This is an extremely delicious and simple Christmas cake to make. It’s a part of my great Aunty’s recipe file along with other yummy healthy treats. This is a dense and moist fruit cake with a high ratio of fruit,... Read More

Strawberry Crumble

The secret to eating healthy is to keep it real, keep it simple and keep it fresh. The most important rule is to do a little strategic planning, having a rough idea on what you’ll be cooking up in the week ahead, you’ll be more likely to stick to eating at home and fuelling your body with the right ingredients it needs to shed a little bit of that pudding off your belly. I love making this strawberry crumble, it takes just a few minutes to create and can be served cold... Read More

Oatmeal, Spelt + Honey Scones

Here is a wonderful and healthy scone recipe that is simple to bake and really delicious. I love using 100 % wholemeal spelt flour in this recipe as it gives a wonderful wholesome flavour and a delicious crumb when you bite into it.  The rolled oats add another layer of texture and goodness and are perfect married with a little honey, cinnamon and vanilla. Now I’ve also used quality cultured butter in this recipe which adds flavour and the most amazing mouthfeel.  There... Read More

Roasted Rhubarb With Vanilla + Pomegranate

I absolutely love anything rhubarb. It’s tart flavour is heaven with when combined with a hint of vanilla bean and pomegranate. What makes this extra special is a little scattering of raspberry right after roasting as it enhances the ruby red colour.  You need to serve it with smooth, silky, subtle flavours like thick yoghurt, ricotta or vanilla bean custard that tames the tartness of the dish and allows the flavours to linger on your taste buds.  I often make a large... Read More

Blueberry Jam

Here is a quick healthy blueberry jam recipe that won’t spike your blood sugar and  is perfect topped onto my almond and vanilla scones.  Most traditional jams are made from 1 part fruit to 1 part sugar, then reduced down for about an hour or until thick and syrupy.  My version is basically just fruit, scented with a hint of vanilla, lemon and honey or stevia. This all goes into a small pot and simmered over a low heat until the moisture starts to release from the blueberries... Read More

Almond + Vanilla Scones

I love to bake. Any chance I get, I’m in the kitchen experimenting with different flours, nuts and aromatics, filling my home with scents of vanilla and cinnamon. This is a simple recipe for scones, made with blanched almond flour and vanilla. They are based on a French macaroon style of recipe  and what I love about these is that they are so simple to make and are delicious served plain or topped with your favourite whole fruit jam. I often grab one  as a quick breakfast... Read More

My Healthy Desserts

Here are some delicious and sweet dessert recipes and ideas from my article in this month’s House + Garden Magazine. Recipes include berry clafoutis, roasted rhubarb with raspberry + vanilla, apple Tarte Tatin, Banana Coconut Bread and Chocolate Pudding. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do. Click on the IMAGE to get the PDF.  xx  Read More

Healthy Hot Chocolate

This time of year I start craving hot chocolate.  Something warm, sweet and nourishing that’s healthy and not going to start turning me into a marshmallow during winter. Buy good quality cocoa powder for this one. I vary from raw varieties such as loving Earth to quality cocoa powders such as Callebaut or Valrhona that make delicious hot chocolates.  Cocoa contains beta-carotene, calcium, zinc, iron, potassium, chromium and in particular magnesium that can help with... Read More

Apple Cake

My great Aunt was the queen of apple cakes.  I would help her bake the most amazing apple cakes that were jam packed with seasonal golden delicious apples and scented with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. What I love about this cake is that it’s basically all made from apples.  The best ones to use in this cake are golden delicious as they are naturally sweet and softer then most apples, so when you cut through the cake it’s moist and naturally sweet from the whole... Read More

How To Peel + Enjoy A Pomegranate

It is the season for pomegranate and to enjoy these wonderful antioxidant rich ruby red jewels in a variety of healthy meals. Think baby spinach leaves topped with Persian feta, pistachio, figs and a generous scattering of pomegranate, maybe a muhammara dip made from pomegranate, roasted red capsicum and walnuts served with crunchy raw vegetable crudities or a refreshing salsa made from pomegranate, orange, lemon and coriander you can spoon over grilled organic chicken, rare... Read More

How To Cook Quinoa

Here is my simple recipe for cooking quinoa.  What I love about it is that quinoa is quick to cook, around 15 minutes (10 if you soak it overnight). It has a delicate and nutty flavour which is very addictive and I often can’t put down the spoon once I’ve started eating it. Technically quinoa is not a grain but a relative of green leafy vegetables like spinach. It’s gluten free and has a low GI of 53 +  it’s  a complete protein which means that it contains... Read More

Blueberry + Banana Pancakes

What’s good about them: These pancakes make a great breakfast after a hard exercise session. Your body needs protein for repair and quality carbs to replenish glycogen and electrolytes, so you need to choose foods rich in potassium that will help regulate fluid balance in the body and lower blood pressure.  Potassium is also necessary for nerve and muscle contraction. Studies show the blueberries contain antioxidants called polyphenols as well as  vitamin C which can... Read More

Peach + Raspberry Crumble

If you want a delicious, healthy dessert that’s quick to make and tastes totally amazing, then you just have to make my Peach + Raspberry Crumble.  The season for stone fruit here in OZ is almost over and now is the best time to buy fragrant free stone peaches from your local grocer. This dessert is just a matter of cutting them in half, removing the inside stone and arranging them onto a serving platter, then topping with smashed raspberries and a quick and healthy almond... Read More

Chocolate Cupcakes

FEEL LIKE A LITTLE CHOCOLATE THERAPY ? Well here it is. Delicious one bowl chocolate cupcakes that take a few minutes to make with just a few basic healthy ingredients. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reports that cocoa which comes in the form of cocoa powder and dark chocolate can improve heart health, lower blood pressure and reduce LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. When choosing cocoa powder or chocolate to eat, make sure to  choose the dark variety as it has... Read More

Super food Berry Smoothie

In the mornings, I’m often pulling out my Vitamix and whipping up a healthy power smoothie for breakfast.  It’s a great convenient way of getting a good intake of fresh fruit and veg as well as a good antioxidant, protein and fiber hit before I start work for the day. I try and vary the smoothies I make each day and use different types of whole fruits or vegetables that will help boost the immune system, and fill me up with plant based fiber. Fiber speeds up the movement... Read More

Retro Trifle

My food mantra is to cook not only for taste, but for the sake of your health and  remember that no matter what you’re cooking, it is possible to make every thing you make healthier and better for your body. This is a YUM recipe of mine that featured in last weeks Sun Herald Newspaper. When I designed this georgeous retro trifle my first thought was fresh fruit – pick what’s in season, fresh and sweet.  This time of year I love a strawberry mango or peach combo. Secondly;... Read More

How to make the Perfect Custard

When I first started working as a chef, a good custard was the foundation of many of our restaurant desserts. We called it crème anglaise and it was a velvety, smooth sauce made from egg yolks, whole milk, cream, vanilla bean and sugar. You can flavour it with anything you like such as cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate, citrus, coffee or pistachio. Poured over a warm Christmas pudding or fresh strawberry trifle, or served as egg nog with an added touch of brandy a dusting of nutmeg.... Read More

Really Cool Iced Tea

I’ve been experimenting with different iced tea recipes for my cafe to serve over Summer. We use the T2 brand at the healthy chef  and I’ve been salivating over some of there gorgeous flavours  such as Strawberries + Cream, Madagascan Vanilla or Buddhas Tears which makes the most amazing jasmine scented green tea. We had a heat wave in Sydney today which inspired me to make this Cool Iced tea.  The secret is to brew it at least 4 hours before you need it or the... Read More

Spirulina Protein Power Balls

Do you ever have those days where you’re just rushing around with no time to spare and in need of some quick nourishment.  I normally  grab a few pieces of fruit or nuts when I’m travelling, trying to munch it down in the car and often spilling my almonds everywhere, making a total mess.  This week I’ve been playing around in the kitchen and thought I’d make up a large batch of one of these yummy Protein Power Balls to take on road trips. They take... Read More

Muscle Builder Power Smoothie

He’s my muscle builder protein recovery shake if I want a quick healthy meal replacement. It contains a nut or a seed milk such as sunflower seed milk or almond milk which I make myself in my vitamix. If you’re a little time poor, a spoonful of almond butter blended with water is a good replacement. I add a frozen chopped banana which makes my smoothie so yummy and creamy it’s just like eating dessert as a meal.  I always add a scoop of protein powder  to... Read More

WIN A VITAMIX COMPETITION – Winners Announced !

I’m happy to announce the WINNERS of the second ‘WIN A VITAMIX COMPETITON” for this year.  Perfect timing for Christmas ! We had hundreds of entries ! Thank you so much to every body who entered their ultimate healthy smoothie. FIRST PRIZE WINNER:  NICOLE VALENTIC – for her creation called “THE HULK“ a delicious healthy smoothie made for her twin boys. Congratulations Nicole, you are now the proud owner of the amazing VITAMIX. THE WINNING SMOOTHIE... Read More

Protein Power Balls

This recipe is a simplified version from my 80/20 cookbook that only takes 5 minutes to make. I normally make up a batch beginning of the week because  it’s a fantastic grab and go snack or mini power meal if I’m rushing around or to satisfy any sugar cravings when the 4 O”Clock munchies hit. These protein packed power balls are a great source of complete protein that contain all the essential amino acids needed for repair and for a healthy immune system, also... Read More

My Sun Herald Recipes

  Check out my articles and weekly healthy recipes featured in the (S) section in the Sun Herald Every Sunday. You can also view them on line by clicking onto this link: http://www.smh.com.au/execute_search.html?text=teresa+cutter&ss=smh.com.au MY HEALTHY TRAIL MIX: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/food-for-thought-20120107-1poz3.html THE GOOD OIL ON SALAD DRESSINGS: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/cuisine/the-good-oil-on-salad-dressings-20120116-1q1ym.html DETOX: http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/cuisine/delicious-detox-20120102-1phpy.html DELICIOUS... Read More