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Are you feeling the pre-Christmas pressure?
Written by Tamarin Pigneguy-Davies on December 18th, 2015.
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You only have to go to the local shops to feel the rushing and busy-ness that is building in preparation for the big day of presents and over eating. Why not take a few minutes and make yourself a cup of lemon balm tea to help relax and sit down to enjoy it with a nutrient rich and ever so delicious gluten free dark chocolate torte. This torte would also make a wonderful dessert with whipped cream and strawberries for Christmas day.
Lemon Balm Herbal Tea
Lemon Balm Herbal Tea is a wonderful antidote for stress. The calming effects of this herb can be felt after steeping 2-3 sprigs or one large handful of leaves in a teapot of hot water for 3-5minutes. Drink simply on its own or with a dash of honey to experience its refreshing taste and relaxing effect. And now for that piece of cake!
Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Torte - The Recipe
To make the Dark Chocolate Torte you will need:
250grams or one large block of dark chocolate
250grams or half a block of butter
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
6 free range organic eggs
2 cups of almond meal (ground almonds)
2 Tablespoons of sugar
1. Break up the chocolate block and cut up the butter into big cubes.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate on a low heat in a large saucepan. By using a large saucepan you won't need to use a mixing bowl later.
3. Once melted, turn off the heat and mix one cup of sugar and the vanilla extract into the pot and stir.
4. Separate the egg whites into a small bowl and add the egg yolks to the chocolate mix and stir.
5. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
6. Beat in 2 Tablespoons of sugar into egg white mix.
7. Add 2 cups of Almond meal into the chocolate mix and stir well.
8. Fold egg whites into the chocolate mix until well combined.
9. Place mixture into a greased 20cm baking dish.
10. Baking time depends on your oven. The standard cook time calls for 180degC for about 40minutes - at this temperature I would check it after 20-25mins. In my oven I cook my torte for 25mins at 120DegC for yummy perfection every time :-)
Serve with natural yoghurt or whipped cream and strawberries and remember your cup of tea!
That should help you reflect on what you need this Christmas - To wrap someone up in a hug with your presence :-)
Lemon Balm Herbal Tea
Lemon Balm Herbal Tea is a wonderful antidote for stress. The calming effects of this herb can be felt after steeping 2-3 sprigs or one large handful of leaves in a teapot of hot water for 3-5minutes. Drink simply on its own or with a dash of honey to experience its refreshing taste and relaxing effect. And now for that piece of cake!
Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Torte - The Recipe
To make the Dark Chocolate Torte you will need:
250grams or one large block of dark chocolate
250grams or half a block of butter
1 cup of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
6 free range organic eggs
2 cups of almond meal (ground almonds)
2 Tablespoons of sugar
1. Break up the chocolate block and cut up the butter into big cubes.
2. Melt the butter and chocolate on a low heat in a large saucepan. By using a large saucepan you won't need to use a mixing bowl later.
3. Once melted, turn off the heat and mix one cup of sugar and the vanilla extract into the pot and stir.
4. Separate the egg whites into a small bowl and add the egg yolks to the chocolate mix and stir.
5. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form.
6. Beat in 2 Tablespoons of sugar into egg white mix.
7. Add 2 cups of Almond meal into the chocolate mix and stir well.
8. Fold egg whites into the chocolate mix until well combined.
9. Place mixture into a greased 20cm baking dish.
10. Baking time depends on your oven. The standard cook time calls for 180degC for about 40minutes - at this temperature I would check it after 20-25mins. In my oven I cook my torte for 25mins at 120DegC for yummy perfection every time :-)
Serve with natural yoghurt or whipped cream and strawberries and remember your cup of tea!
That should help you reflect on what you need this Christmas - To wrap someone up in a hug with your presence :-)
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