Sunday 31 January 2016

First Try - Homemade Vegan Chocolates.

A couple of weekends ago I set out on a mission to create my own vegan chocolates. I love chocolate so having yummy treats about that I can tuck in to is high on my vegan food priority list and something I was keen to try for myself. 

My General Life - Homemade Vegan Chocolates

Friday 29 January 2016

RECIPE | Easy Mexican Beans.

Beans are a pretty staple part of both mine and I guess lots of other vegetarian and vegan diets. They're pretty versatile and are packed with protein and fibre, are low in fat and also contain lots of different vitamins including calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin B6. But let me let you into a little secret...I used to HATE them. True fact, when I was younger I was an exceptionally fussy eater and wouldn't really touch anything that was remotely good for me. I remember being made a chilli and sitting there picking all the beans out. Really, who had time for that shit?

My General Life - Easy Mexican Beans - Vegan


Anyway, we've digressed a little, but it's all relevant because thankfully I'm not longer horrendously fussy (only a little fussy) and I've learned to love beans and the goodness they bring to my diet. For me, beans and Mexican food go together like PB & J (although I must confess I've never actually eaten PB & J). Team that with me being pretty much addicted to Mexican style food of late, which has led to me putting together this really, really easy Mexican bean recipe. These beans make a great addition to a burrito (or burrito bowl), nachos, fajitas or even just over rice.

My General Life

♥ 1 can of red kidney beans - 3/4's drained
♥ 2 tbsp tomato puree
♥ 3 tbsp BBQ sauce
♥ 2 spring onions - chopped
♥ Handful of plum/cherry tomatoes - quartered
♥ 1/2 tsp paprika
♥ 1/2 tsp cumin
♥ 1/2 tsp dried oregano
♥ Juice of 1/2 a lime

My General Life - Easy Mexican Beans - Vegan

My General Life

♥ Add the red kidney beans to a pan (including the leftover liquid) with the tomato puree and BBQ sauce - mix well to break up the tomato puree
♥ Place a lid on and leave to simmer for 5 minutes
♥ Add the spring onions, tomatoes, spices and lime juice - stir well.
♥ Continue to simmer for 2 more minutes.
♥ Serve

ENJOY!

See, I told you they were really bloody easy.

How do you like your beans? Do you have any yummy recipes to share? I'd love for you to leave them in the comments below, or drop me a tweet @mygenerallife.

While you're here, why not check out my previous post: Ways To Sleep Better.



Sunday 24 January 2016

Making a Yummy Vegan Roast.

Being a proper northerner, I bloody love a good roast dinner. One of my favourite things about the winter months has to be a nice roast of a Sunday evening. It's something that was a regular occurrence as I was growing up and has continued to be a regular winter habit now I'm older.

My General Life - Making a Vegan Roast

Monday 18 January 2016

Recipe | Dry Roasted Chickpeas.

I love snacks and quite honestly I really can't get through my day without them. They're essential in helping me get through the mornings and afternoons and keeping my grumbly belly at bay. I try to keep my snacks healthy (because then I can eat a bit more!) but at the same time, substantial enough to keep me going.

My General Life | Recipe | Dry Roasted Chickpeas | Vegan

Wednesday 13 January 2016

Veganuary 2016.

There's been so much buzz around Veganuary this year, with over 20,000 people signing up to go vegan for the whole month. Now that my holiday is sadly over and done with I feel as though I can properly crack on with Veganuary. I felt as though I'd be likely setting myself to fail whilst away (there wasn't many vegan options at all), and so my plan was to start on the 10th January and continue until the 10th February. 

My General Life | Veganuary 2016

Wednesday 6 January 2016

Adult Colouring Books - What's The Deal?

I'm sure you've all noticed the massive boom in adult colouring books over the last year. Pretty much the world and it's wife have been getting their colour on. But what's the value of this? Is it an opportunity to forget about our adult responsibilities for a few moments and pretend we're 5 again, or is there more to it than that?


My General Life | Adult Coloring Books

Friday 1 January 2016

Soup-er Soup.

I love soup. I honestly think it's one of the easiest and most comforting things to eat in the winter months. So today I thought I'd share some yummy sounding (and looking) veggie soup recipes that I found on Pinterest, along with a one of my own current favourites (that admittedly doesn't look as Pinterest worthy). 

My General Life | Soup-er Soup | Pinterest | Soup Recipes | Vegan | Vegetarian