Foodie Friday: Courgette & Lemon Cake (Vegetarian recipe)

I know what you're thinking, courgettes in a cake? Say what?! It sounds bizarre at first, but they actually work really well at ensuring that you end up with a soft and moist cake. This is a lighter, slightly healthier take on the traditional Lemon Drizzle Cake with less sugar and fat, yet still packed full of flavour.

When I was at high school, there used to be a little Tuck Shop on site that sold all manner of sweet and savoury treats, most of which were handmade by either the dinner ladies or the parents/grandparents of students. Fridays were known as 'Cake Days', and I always looked forward to seeing what was available as the menu changed every week. One of my favourites was Lemon Drizzle Cake and to this day, I still love the soft, sweet flavour with its tangy and often sickly glaze. 

I've been attempting to make a 'healthier' Lemon Drizzle Cake for a while now, but truthfully, the recipes that I tried just didn't hit the spot. Sometimes the only option is to just use less fat and sugar, rather than trying to omit them altogether, and after some tweaking here and there, I'm finally happy with the end result!

Oh, and for those who are wondering, you can't actually taste the courgettes in this cake - they simply add extra moisture and bulk (plus a little soluble fibre), which means that you don't need to use so much butter - win-win!

Ingredients: (makes 1 cake)

• 280g Self-Raising Flour
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 3 free-range & organic Eggs
• 100g organic Butter
• 75g Coconut Sugar
• 250g Courgettes
• Zest of 2 unwaxed Lemons
• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt

For the Glaze (optional):

• 30g Coconut Sugar
• Juice of 2 Lemons 

Method:

• Preheat the oven to 180C / Gas Mark 4 and lightly grease a loaf tin with a little oil, butter or use baking parchment paper.
• On a clean work surface, lay out a towel and finely grate the Courgettes onto it. Once done, carefully wrap up the towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible over the sink to avoid a soggy cake. 
• Melt the Butter in a saucepan and then transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the Coconut Sugar, grated Courgettes, Lemon Zest, Vanilla Extract and Eggs and mix together until thoroughly combined. 
• Next, gently fold in the sifted Self-Raising Flour, Baking Powder and a pinch of Salt, making sure that you don't overmix it as this can lead to a heavier/denser cake so use a light hand.
• Transfer the mixture to the loaf tin and bake for 1 hour, until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool before adding the glaze if using.
• To make the glaze, simply mix the Coconut Sugar with the Lemon Juice in a small bowl and then carefully pour it over the cake. Wait at least 10 minutes to allow the glaze to 'infuse' the cake, then cut into slices and serve. Enjoy!

Storage tip: Keep the cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though it's best eaten within 48 hours.

 What are you making this weekend?

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New In Beauty: Fushi BioVedic Skincare - Enyzme Face Wash, Daily Face Cream, Radiance Face Oil + Pomegranate Oil 80%+ review

Launched last month, Fushi's new BioVedic skincare range has been helping my skin to transition to Spring with its formulas that are inspired by Ayurveda.

You may be more familiar with Fushi's organic food supplements (I reviewed their fantastic Aloe Vera Juice earlier in the year here), but the popular wellbeing brand also has a whole host of beauty products available and this brand new BioVedic skincare range are the latest additions. 

I have admired the ethics of Fushi for a long time. Their commitment to supporting Fair Trade means that the brand will only purchase from suppliers that do not exploit indigenous populations, and they are proud members of the Ethical Company Organisation and the Good Shopping Guide so you can buy their products with a clear conscious. I also love the brand's Ayurvedic roots which regular readers will know that I'm fascinated with, and it's great to see traditional Ayurvedic herbs being used in more skincare these days.

The BioVedic skincare range features three effective products that make up a simple 3-step skincare routine which is based on formulas that contain the purest, freshly pressed oils and freshly ground herbs. There's a big emphasis on radiance and promoting a healthier, more glowy complexion so I'd recommend it for anyone who has dull skin in need of a boost.

The glass packaging and colourful labelling give the products an eco-friendly contemporary feel that stands out on your bathroom shelves and having used them for about a month now, I know that you'll definitely want to try them out for yourselves!

Fushi BioVedic Enzyme Face Wash* (150ml, £15, link)

Step one is, of course, a facial wash and this Enzyme Face Wash is a wonderfully light and refreshing gel-based cleanser with exfoliating properties. Packed full of revitalising herbs and oils that include Vanshlochan Stem extract, Rice Bran Oil, Bamboo Powder, Aloe Vera, Rose Otto, Kalahari Melon Seed Oil and Coconut Oil, it utilises plant-based enzymes to provide a gentle exfoliation to the skin which helps to boost cell renewal, leaving it looking brighter and more radiant than before. I've been using this just twice a week to combat any dullness and it's been working a treat, plus I find that it's blended seamlessly into my skincare routine with my other regular products.

Fushi BioVedic Radiance Face Cream* (50ml, £20, link)

If your skin is looking dull and feeling tired, the Radiance Face Cream is a brilliant product to try and offers a range of benefits including hydration, nourishment and overall brightening. Key ingredients include the revered Ayurvedic herb Manjisthta to promote long term radiance, Saffron to repair damaged skin, and Kalahari Melon Seed Oil which is rich in essential omegas to improve elasticity. This cream has a thicker than expected texture but once massaged in, it absorbs quickly, smells lovely and instantly hydrates the skin. I suspect that all skin types will like this, but do a patch test if yours is sensitive.

Fushi BioVedic Radiance Face Oil* (30ml, £22, link)

There are a plethora of facial oils in my skincare stash but I feel this Radiance Face Oil is an excellent all-rounder for many reasons. It's a good one to pick up if you're new to face oils in general and want to start using one in your daily routine. Formulated with a blend of five key nutrient dense oils which boasts Raspberry Seed to protect, Kalahari Melon Seed for anti-ageing properties, Rich Bran to brighten, Moringa to provide nourishment and Linseed to reduce inflammation, this Face Oil is lightweight and easy to use morning or night. Simply use a few drops directly onto the skin as the last step in your evening routine, or add to your AM moisturiser for a real brightening boost. 

Fushi Pomegranate Oil 80%+* (50ml, £20, link)

Last but not least, I wanted to include another new release from Fushi - their Pomegranate Oil 80%+. Pomegranate Oil contains Omega 5 (also known as Punicic Acid) which is a unique and beneficial fatty acid that's packed full of potent antioxidants, and Fushi's is considered to be the first Pomegranate Oil on the market that contains a guaranteed minimum content of 80%. Punicic Acid has a number of skin benefits and has been shown to be able to repair damaged skin, even out skin tone and pigmentation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so it's great for those who have dry, mature, sensitive and damaged skin. You can use it all over the face and body for softer, more toned and supple skin.

This Pomegranate Oil is also food grade which means that you can take it internally so it doubles up as a useful food supplement. Drizzle a little over salads and soups, or blend into juices and smoothies to reap the heart-healthy, anti-inflammatory rewards thanks to high levels of Vitamin C, Linoleic Acid and Oleic Acid. The taste is somewhat acquired (kinda earthy and nutty) but the benefits are worth it!

Shop the full range of Fushi wellbeing at fushi.co.uk

Do you use Ayurvedic skincare?

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Eco-Style: 5 Easy Ways To Reduce Your Impact On The Planet Every Day #ZeroWaste

Reducing your personal impact on the environment can seem like an overwhelming concept at first, but with a couple of clever swaps, you can help change your daily habits into a more sustainable way of living. Plus, you'll save money in the long run!

Here are 5 easy and simple zero waste tips to get you started:-

 Tip 1: Swap Single-Use Plastic Bottles For ONE Reusable Bottle

Do you buy a bottle of water or a soft drink to have with your lunch at college/Uni/work? Why not invest in a reusable bottle instead? Not only are you cutting down on your plastic waste, but it'll work out a lot cheaper in the long term. There are lots of different brands of reusable bottles to choose from and I've been enjoying carrying around my Hydratem8 Insulated Water Bottle* (£19.99, link) which comes in a range of colours and designs, including this gorgeous floral Sweet Pea print that's perfect for Spring! It has a 500ml capacity and is made from professional grade, thermal insulated stainless steel, so it'll keep drinks hot for up to 18 hours, or cold for up to 30 hours.  

 Tip 2: Prep Your Own Lunch & Choose Plastic-Free Snacks

It can be tempting to want to purchase your lunch out every day, but not only is this expensive, there's also all of that single-use packaging waste to deal with, most of which can't or doesn't get recycled. Prep your own lunches at home and save yourself around £25-30 a week - easy! With the money that you've saved, you can buy a reusable lunchbox instead that will last you for years to come. IKEA has some very affordable glass options (from £2, here) with different lids (the bamboo ones are great) that can also be used to heat food up in the oven, as well as storing food in the fridge and freezer.

Don't forget your snacks too - ditch the plastic wrapped variety and pop an Apple or Banana into your bag instead for a healthy, zero waste option.

 Tip 3: Say No To Disposable Cutlery and Straws

Every day, millions of plastic straws and cutlery across the UK are thrown away after lunch is over and whilst the EU has recently voted to ban these items by 2021 in a bid to get rid of unnecessary single-use waste, it's unclear at this stage as to when a ban would come into force in the UK due whatever the hell happens with Brexit. Get a head start by keeping a set of cutlery and a reusable straw in your bag. Bambu do a brilliant range of cutlery that's made from sustainable bamboo (my chopsticks, for example, are £1.50, link), and reusable stainless steel straws are popping up everywhere on the high street or you can purchase some online (EcoStrawz have a large range here).

 Tip 4: Always Carry A Reusable Bag With You

Most of us already do this, but I wanted to include it as a reminder as I see so many people on social media say that they've forgotten to bring their reusable bags with them when they've popped into town. Fold one or two up and tuck them into your handbag so that you've always got one with you and stick a few in your car door too for any impromptu trips to the supermarket.

Tip 5: Use Your Local Library

I've seen a lot of zero waste posts online lately that are heavily focused on reducing plastic waste, so I've decided to round off this particular post with something different. I'm an avid reader as many of you who follow me on Goodreads will know, and I've gotten back into the habit of using my local library to borrow books instead of buying them. The main reason was to save money at first and when I actually thought about how often I re-read a book, it just makes a lot of sense to borrow them instead. This way you also help to support your local community by keeping public services open, and it's better for the environment too. 

Do you already do all of these?

What are your daily zero waste tips?

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Budget Beauty: HASK Charcoal Purifying Shampoo & Conditioner + Unwined Deep Conditioners review

Pop into Superdrug, Boots, Waitrose or Morrisons, and you're likely to come across a stand full of HASK products. The affordable cruelty-free haircare brand seems to be everywhere right now and with beauty gurus such as Caroline Hirons singing their praises, it was high time that I properly check out the brand for myself!

I've been trialling HASK's Charcoal Purifying range, alongside the popular Unwined Deep Conditioners to see what all the fuss is about.

HASK Charcoal Purifying Shampoo* (355ml, £6.99, link)

Last week, I mentioned the growing trend for anti-pollution skincare, but did you know that it's also catching on in haircare too? HASK's Purifying range features Charcoal, which is naturally derived from Coconut Shells, to get rid of impurities and build-up on your hair and scalp, leaving it thoroughly cleansed and swish-worthy. This shampoo (and the whole range) is also free from Sulphates, Parabens, Phthalates, Gluten, Alcohol and Artificial Colours which makes it suitable for all hair types to use, including coloured and damaged. It has a nice fresh scent thanks to Lemon and Grapefruit Oils, and don't be put off by the Charcoal content - it won't stain your hair! I like to use this just once a week to eliminate product and pollution build-up, but if you live or work in a city, you can use it as your everyday shampoo to prevent your hair from looking dull.

HASK Charcoal Purifying Conditioner* (355ml, £6.99, link)

To complement the shampoo, there's a matching Purifying Conditioner which shares the same scent and a similar formula featuring Charcoal, as the Shampoo. It's relatively thick and smoothes onto the hair easily, where it can be left on for up to two minutes as a regular conditioning treat (it's gentle enough for daily use too). I found that it doesn't weigh down my fine hair and leaves it instantly softer and more manageable.

HASK Charcoal Purifying Deep Conditioner* (50ml, £2.99, link)

For the next level up in hair masks, the Purifying Deep Conditioner offers a super-moisturising and clarifying treatment that's ideal for all hair types. Perfect as a weekly or fortnightly dose of TLC for particularly worn out, damaged and parched tresses, this 10 minute hair treatment is sold in a 50ml sachet and you can easily get up to four uses out of it if you have fine hair like I do (thicker and longer hair will probably still get at least two uses!). A handy one to try if you're going away with just hand luggage.

Unwined by HASK Deep Conditioners* (50ml, £3.99 each, link)

HASK have become well known for their Deep Conditioners and their latest range is inspired by popular wines and contains antioxidants derived from grapes (hence the clever pun on the name!). Unwined features four different products, each one bringing its own range of benefits to your hair, and I've been testing out three of them.

The Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir Deep Conditioners are quite similar in my opinion; both are brilliant for helping to deeply nourish and hydrate dry and damaged hair, and they get to work quickly in just 5 minutes so are perfect for those who don't have much pampering time on their hands. My favourite of the three is the Sauvignon Blanc which is infused with Wine Extract, Resveratrol, Grape Seed Oil, Apple Extract and Watermelon Extract, and delivers a lovely glossy shine to lacklustre hair. 

To find out more about HASK, visit haskbeauty.com

Have you tried anything from HASK?

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