This week Danny and Izelle are reminiscing

This week is no different, only, they are talking about some of the recipes we grew up with, the 'Izelle Hoffman approved' version, of course! 

Everything you consume has an effect on your body, mind and wellness overall! Those old family favourites, mac n cheese, noodles and deep fried schnitzel, are memories and love on a plate, but, they're not so great for your heart! Luckily, Izelle has made some of them more mindful! 

Danny has some fond memories of Thursday night, dinner in front of the TV with chicken schnitzel and chips, Izelle has made it even better, healthy and anti inflammatory:

Healthy almond flour chicken schnitzel

Prep time: 10 minutes

Baking time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4

1 cup almond flour

2 heaped Tbsp sesame seeds

1 heaped tsp crushed garlic

½ tsp fine Oryx desert salt

2 heaped tsp onion flakes

1 heaped tsp dried parsley

4 large eggs

4 large chicken fillets

3 Tbsp raw honey

4 tsp olive oil

pinch of paprika

handful of chopped fresh Italian parsley

1. Preheat the oven to 200 °C. Line a baking tray with foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine the almond flour, sesame seeds, garlic, salt, onion flakes and dried parsley in a shallow bowl.
3. Whisk the eggs in a separate bowl.
4. Place the chicken fillets on a flat surface and pat dry with paper towel. Place a sheet of cling film on top and gently tenderise the chicken using a mallet or rolling pin.
5. Seal both sides of the fillets with the honey.
6. Start by rolling the chicken fillets in the flour mixture so that it sticks to the honey, then dip them in the egg and roll in the flour again. Place on the prepared baking tray.
7. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven, drizzle with the oil and sprinkle with the paprika, and return to the oven for another 5 minutes.
8. Serve warm garnished with the chopped fresh Italian parsley.

Note: For a vegetarian option, cut a whole cauliflower into steaks and use the cauliflower steaks instead of chicken fillets.

Why we are using the following ingredients:

Oryx Salt

What is the purpose of adding salt during cooking? It’s to enhance flavour, right? So why not start by using a good-quality salt to do the job? Sun-dried and unrefined with no additives will bring out the best in your food in the healthiest way possible.

Raw Honey

Salt needs sweet and vice versa to enhance taste and flavour. So when you add sweetness, choose a sweetness that has a healing effect on your body and health. Raw honey is antiviral and anti-fungal, and contains powerful antioxidants. Its helps ward off allergies, stabilise blood pressure and balance blood sugar levels. It also boosts the immune system and promotes digestive health.

Olive Oil

We all have our reasons why we prefer certain oils, but without a doubt my oil base of choice is olive oil, specifically for its amazing health benefits. Olive oil helps reduce inflammation and prevent osteoporosis, and is essential for bone health because it assists in the absorption of calcium and the mineralisation of bones, all of which are qualities I look for in a product, given my hip dysplasia and related joint pain.

Onion

Onions are a natural antibiotic and antiseptic, so are a big YES, especially in winter. They purify the blood, regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. They are also anti-inflammatory. In addition to fresh onions, in my pantry you will find dried onion powder and flakes.

Ground Black Pepper

Why do we add pepper to our food? When I ask this during cooking demonstrations, I always get the most interesting answers, but mostly people cannot tell me why they add pepper to their meals. My reason? It increases nutrient absorption and improves digestion, so you can get the most out of every meal, every time.

Almonds

Whether in the form of milk, flour, butter or flakes, almonds are packed with nutritional benefits. They boost the immune system, help repair damaged skin, help prevent cancer, reduce the risk of osteoporosis and have alkalising properties. They are also a source of vitamin E, magnesium and high-quality protein. 

Crushed Garlic

Antiviral, antifungal and anti-inflammatory, garlic assists in detoxification and boosting the metabolism, and is a natural dewormer that kills parasites. I use both black and white fresh garlic, and keep dried garlic powder and flakes in my pantry.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are anti-inflammatory and high in protein. They improve bone health, prevent osteoporosis and aid digestion. 

Parsley

It is so much more than just a garnish; it packs an unsuspecting nutritional punch. High in vitamins A and C and calcium, it is anti-inflammatory, improves bone health, is a blood purifier and boosts the immune system.

As usual, they also spoke about the importance of a positive attitude, listen here: 

Did you know?: How lack of sleep can make you drunk!

https://www.jacarandafm.com/shows/moremusicyoulove-love-too/how-lack-sleep-can-make-you-drunk/

You can also buy your copy of the award-winning 'Mindful Eating' cookbook here!

Catch up with Danny's brand new JacPod channel and all of her podcasts here: 

Images supplied by Izelle Hoffman, from her 'Mindful Eating' cookbook and her instagram, @IzelleHoffman as well as Danny Painter, @dannypainter.