flahavans If you (or someone in your house!) is sitting exams this month, think smart about snack time and try to choose healthier options in between meals to maintain energy and concentration levels. Oats are the perfect ingredient when preparing healthy snacks ahead of time. Try our recipe for Peanut Butter Protein Balls – easy to prepare, tasty and ready-to-hand whenever you need a healthy energy boost! โจ #FlahavansOats
INGREDIENTS:
150g quick oats 100g mixed nuts & dried fruit 3 tbsp. chia seeds 2 tbsp. Honey 2 tbsp. peanut butter, melted 2 scoops of whey, vanilla or chocolate Few drops of milk, about 50ml 100g dark chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
METHOD:
1. Add all the dry ingredients (except the chocolate) to medium sized bowl and mix well, then add honey, melted peanut butter and mix well. 2. Vital step, add the milk bit by bit slowly and mix well until the mixture becomes clumpy. Donโt allow it to get too wet. 3. Then using a table spoon and your hands form the mixture into medium size balls. 4. Place on a plate then when you have formed all the balls. 5. Melt the dark chocolate with a tsp of coconut oil then roll each protein ball in the chocolate and place on a lined plate. 6. The last step is to put into the fridge to allow the balls the to set ๐ Tip โ if the mixture gets too wet then add some more oats, it will make it less sticky!
Watch Neven’s Christmas at Adare on RTร One at 8pm on Thursday, 7th and 14th of December.
Ingredients
Serves 6-8
1 x 900ml tub Vanilla Ice Cream
200ml cream, whipped, to serve
Chocolate Sponge
4 eggs
120g caster sugar
90g self-raising flour
30g good quality cocoa powder
Italian Meringue
4 x egg white
225g caster sugar
135g water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Warm Chocolate Sauce
200ml cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur
255g plain chocolate, finely chopped (at least 70% cocoa solids)
Method
To Make the Chocolate Sponge
Preheat the oven to 180ยฐC/350ยฐF/Gas Mark 4
Line a baking tray (13.6 x 9.5in) with parchment paper
In a large bowl whisk the eggs and caster sugar together with hand mixer
Whisk for 3 minutes on full power until light and fluffy
Sieve in the flour and cocoa powder and gently fold in using a spatula
Transfer the mixture to the baking tray
Bake for 8-10 minutes
Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely
For the Italian Meringue
Place the caster sugar and water in a saucepan over a medium heat, swirling the pot until the sugar has dissolved.
Once the sugar has dissolved allow to boil.
Meanwhile place the egg whites & vanilla extract in a large mixing bowls and whisk until soft peaks form.
Boil the sugar until it has reached 120ยฐC (use a sugar thermometer to check).
Carefully stream the syrup into the egg white while whisking on high speed.
Keep whisking for around 5 minutes until the meringue is thick, glossy and has completely cooled down.
Keep covered in a bowl or transfer to a piping bag until needed.
For The Warm Chocolate Sauce
Place the cream, vanilla extract and Coole Swan in a pan and bring to the boil, stirring occasionally
Gently add in the chocolate and stir gently until completely melted.
This is ready to serve warm or transfer to a bowl and leave to cool completely, then cover with clingfilm and keep in the fridge until needed
Use warm or cold as required
To Assemble
Line a 2lb loaf tin with a double layer of cling film, ensuring an overhang on each side
Cut the prepared chocolate sponge in 3
Place one third of the sponge in the base of the tin
Using half of the tub of vanilla ice-cream, spread an even layer over the sponge. Use the back of a tablespoon to help
Place another piece of the sponge on top followed by the remaining ice-cream, ensuring to spread it evenly
Add the final piece of sponge on to, gently pressing down
Fold the overhang of cling film over the top
Pace in the freezer to firm up for 3-4 hours minimum or overnight is best
To Serve
Once ready to serve, remove from the freezer, open and turn out onto a long plate/serving plate
Pipe the prepared Italian meringue around the loaf ensuring it is completely covered
At this point the Alaska can be returned to the freezer until needed or alternately to serve straight away, use a blow torch to evenly brown the outside of the meringue all over