Thursday, 18 December 2014 - 1 comments

CUPBOARD LOVE : Frozen Mashed Potato


Confession time! Although I'm a confident home cook, I still struggle with decent poached eggs and mashed potatoes as part of my repertoire!
Seriously though, as you know, I'm always looking for simple methods for portion control so even if you're a mashed potato maestro this could come in useful for you from time to time-especially if you're short of time or making individual portions.

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I happened to buy this in the frozen section in Waitrose, however my sources tell me that you can buy these little frozen tubes of mash in Sainsbury's, Tesco, Iceland, Morrissons and the Co-Op.

These potato tubes work out to 0pp/12kcal each.
You can have 3 for 1pp,
up to 7 for 2pp
and up to 10 for 3pp

(My calculations are based on each tube weighing 15g so please check according to the brand you use).

NB You can't use this as a Filling & Healthy ingredient as it contains butter.

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Simply count out the amount of tubes you require. I find that 7 tubes works well for a small portion because I 'pad' it out with natural yoghurt.


Cover with clingfilm and microwave for 1-2 minutes.


Mash gently using a fork to break up the tubes.


As an option, you could add 50g Total Greek yoghurt (0% or 2% fat) for an extra 1pp/28kcal/34kcal. Season well with black pepper.


Serve as an accompaniment to your main meal.

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Lazy mash!
Friday, 12 December 2014 - , , , , 0 comments

RECIPE : Tiramislim


Tiramisu is a classic favourite, however
traditionally it's very rich, creamy and crammed with high fat ingredients.
I've come up with a slimmed-down version for you which I've called Tiramislim!
It's extremely simple to make and sticks very closely to its original roots; coffee-soaked sponge fingers, layers of creamy vanilla and grated chocolate.


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I decided to serve mine in decorative coffee cups as, not only does the dessert lend itself to this presentation, it's also a great way to monitor the serving size.
As this is so rich, you actually don't need a huge amount but this recipe gives you all the right hits in all the right places! 
If you don't have any coffee cups, then large ramekins work equally well.

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My research shows me that an average portion of tiramisu in a restaurant is anything from 12pp-17pp/approximately 500-700kcal.

My tasty Tiramislim works out to 4pp/approx.160kcal per portion

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YOU WILL NEED : (Serves 4)

8 sponge finger biscuits

a mug of medium/strong black coffee

140g lightest Philadelphia cream cheese

270g Total Greek yoghurt
(I used the 2% fat version
but you can use 0%)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 teaspoons artificial granular sweetener

40g dark chocolate

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Make a mug of black coffee
(fresh or instant coffee both work well)
and pop into a shallow bowl to cool off.


Mix the cream cheese with the sweetener and blend well.


Add the vanilla extract then gradually beat in the yoghurt, mixing thoroughly to form a lovely smooth mixture.


Set yourself up with a little work station so that all the components are at an arm's reach.


It's a good idea to cut the chocolate into 4 equal servings so that each portion has the correct amount.


Organise your serving dishes and have them to hand.


Cut each sponge finger in half.


Dunk two halves of sponge finger per portion into the coffee. Allow to soak through but don't allow them to be too soggy.


Pop two halves of soaked biscuits into the base of each coffee cup or ramekin dish.


Using a measuring spoon to allocate even portion sizes, add enough yoghurt/cream cheese mixture to each serving to cover the biscuits. Leave plenty of mixture for a second layer.


Grate or chop the chocolate finely then add half to this layer, saving half for the top.


Repeat the process all over again; coffee soaked sponge fingers...


...followed by creamy vanilla...


...finishing with grated or chopped chocolate.


I used a combination of coffee cups and ramekins-I quite like the mismatched look!
Once completed, cover and pop into the fridge.
This is a great little dessert that can be made up to two days in advance until you are ready to devour it.

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Dessertiliscious!

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To ring the changes...

Try adding a layer of drained, tinned black cherries (in juice) to give a hint of black forest gateau.

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Try adding some clementine or tangerine zest between the layers to give a fragrant punch.

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Try adding some cointreau
(2pp/80kcal per 25ml measure)
or your favourite tipple to the sponge finger layer...
Baileys (2pp/81kcal per 25ml measure)
would be good!
Remember to adjust the propoints/calories accordingly.

You could use 1-2 shots between all 4 portions.

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Monday, 1 December 2014 - , 1 comments

Hot Off The Press NEWS! : Cotton Traders Advent Calendar


Well it's the first day of Advent today-time to break into the Advent Calendar!
If you don't want the temptation of daily chocolate, try this fabulous online Advent Calendar which has been produced by

Click HERE to go straight to it.

I was thrilled to be asked to be a contributor to this calendar. Cotton Traders approached all sorts of arty/crafty/recipe bloggers and you'll see that each day contains a great idea, project or tip for the build up to Christmas providing festive inspiration for you.
When you get to day 15 you'll see one of my lovely recipes straight from the
Slice of Slim kitchen!

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