🍳🌿🍫 Cozy Plates & Wholesome Treats: Our Latest Recipe Lineup

The temperatures are starting to get cooler here in the UK, so we’ve been leaning into comfort — cozy meals that still feel light, balanced, and nourishing. From a high-protein breakfast pizza to colorful noodle bowls and gooey better-for-you brownies, these are the dishes we’ve actually been making (and loving) lately.

They’re simple, flexible, and full of flavor — the kind of meals that make chilly mornings and darker evenings feel a little brighter (and more delicious).

Breakfast

🍕 High-Protein Breakfast Pizza

Base (Crust)

• 500g (1lb.) ground chicken (mince)
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp flaxseed (or flour, for binding)
• 1 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, optional for a little kick: cayenne pepper
• Pinch of salt & pepper

Method

1. Mix all crust ingredients together.
2. Spread into a thin circle or rectangle on a parchment-lined tray.
3. Bake at 200ºC (400ºF) for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and firm.

Toppings (Dairy-Free & Hormone Friendly)

• Sauce options: sugar-free tomato sauce (I make my own), or pesto made with olive oil & pumpkin seeds
• Protein: turkey bacon, extra chicken pieces, chicken sausage or lean breakfast sausage, or scrambled eggs
• Veggies: spinach, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini (sautéed first to reduce moisture)
• Healthy fats: avocado slices (add after baking) or drizzle of tahini
• Flavor boosts: nutritional yeast (cheesy flavor, B vitamins), fresh basil, chili flakes, spring onion, arugula (wild rocket, add after baking), sriracha mayo (add after baking)

Baking the Pizza

1. After pre-baking the chicken crust, add sauce + toppings.
2. Return to oven at 200ºC (400ºF) for 10-12 minutes until set and slightly golden.
3. Slice and enjoy! Note: leftovers can be stored in fridge for up to 4 days (reheat in skillet or oven, not microwave for best texture).

Why we love it: It’s such a fun change from the usual breakfast lineup — indulgent in taste but balanced in ingredients. The protein-packed crust keeps you full, warm, and ready to take on the day while the veggies add fiber and magnesium, and the healthy fats stabilize blood sugar and hormones.

🥣 Build-Your-Own Oatmeal & Yogurt Bowls

When I’m craving something a little lighter (or just want to switch things up), these oatmeal and yogurt bowls have been my go-to. They’re easy to build, endlessly customizable, and the perfect blend of creamy, cozy, and fresh.

Build it yourself:

• Base: oatmeal (1/2 cup oats, 1 tbsp chia seeds, 1 tbsp flaxseed, cinnamon, 1 cup almond milk – microwaved for 3 minutes, stirred halfway through and I usually add a little coconut sugar or erythritol for some added sweetness), or dairy-free unsweetened yogurt (mixed with 1 tbsp chia seeds and 1 tbsp flaxseed)
• Fruit: berries (if frozen, I make a reduction on the stove with lemon juice and erythritol), chopped apples, caramelized apples (heat coconut oil then add apples, erythritol, cinnamon and a dash of vanilla extract), or air fried apples (tossed with cinnamon and erythritol before air frying) — these are my fruit choices to add hormone balance — there are many other choices to pick from!
• Nut butter: peanut, almond, cashew — I use a salted caramel, no sugar added peanut butter
• Crunch: (protein) granola, cacao nibs, nuts, or seeds
• Extras: honey, cinnamon, or dark chocolate chips

Why I love it: They’re quick to pull together and can be adapted to any mood — warm oats for a crisp morning to warm your soul, or a cool yogurt bowl when you want something refreshing but still satisfying. These bowls also bring plenty of fiber, protein, and balance blood sugar and hormones while still having vibrant flavors!

Lunch

🍜 Asian-Inspired Fertility Stir-Fry

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 4 oz (115g) soba noodles
• 2 tsp sesame oil (or olive/avocado oil)
• 1 chicken breast, thickly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp minced ginger

Sauce

• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 tsp sugar free syrup or honey (optional, balances flavors)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, if needed)

Toppings (optional for boosting fertility)

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• Fresh cilantro (coriander) or springs onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Cook chicken: Heat 1 tsp sesame oil in a large pan or wok. Add sliced chicken and cook 4-5 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-fry veggies: In the same pan, add another tsp oil, garlic, and ginger. Then add carrots and bell peppers. Cook 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Add spinach: Toss in spinach and stir until just wilted.
5. Combine: Return chicken and noodles to pan. Pour sauce over everything, toss to coat, and cook 1-2 minutes to warm through.
6. Finish: Top with sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs if using. Serve warm.

Why I love it: It’s fresh but comforting — exactly what I crave this time of year. Every bite feels nourishing and intentional, and it’s full of ingredients that do more than just taste good:

• Chicken gives a boost of learn protein and zinc to support ovulation.
• Bell peppers and carrots bring vitamin C and beta-carotene for egg health and progesterone support.
• Spinach adds folate and iron for ovulation and implantation.
• Sesame and pumpkin seeds provide vitamin E and zinc for a healthy uterine lining and hormone balance.
• Soba noodles offer whole-grain carbs for steady energy, protein, fiber, and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.

Dinner

🌮 Build-Your-Own Nachos

Build it yourself:

• Base: homemade tortilla chips — whole wheat tortillas cut into small chips tossed in olive oil, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper — air fry until crispy
• Protein: shredded (or mince) chicken, lean seasoned ground beef (mince), lean seasoned ground pork (mince), and/or black beans
• Toppings: dairy-free cheese, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, avocado, salsa
• Extras: cilantro (coriander), lime, arugula (wild rocket), drizzle of sriracha mayo or hot sauce

Why we love it: It’s relaxed, colorful, and the kind of meal that provides comfort. Plus, those homemade chips really do make it feel extra special.

Dessert

We’ve been winding down our evenings with a little sweet treat — and these two brownie recipes have been such a win. I made one version with chickpeas and black beans (for my husband) and another with dates, oats, and peanut butter (for me). Both turned out fudgy, rich, and so satisfying — the perfect dessert to hit that sweet spot.

🍫 For Him: Chickpea & Black Bean Brownies

Ingredients

• 1/2 can (about 200g) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
• 1/2 can (about 200g) black beans, drained & rinsed
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp sugar-free maple syrup
• 1/4 cup sugar substitute (erythritol or monk fruit — adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp coconut flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: sugar free or dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or no sugar added crushed Oreos

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 180ºC (350ºF). Line or lightly grease an 8×8-inch pan.
2. In a food processor blend chickpeas, black beans, eggs, coconut oil, vanilla extract, syrup, and sweetener until very smooth.
3. Add cocoa powder, coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Add the wet and dry ingredients together and mix until well combined.
   • Batter should be thick but spreadable; if too dry, add 1-2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or any other milk alternative).
4. Spread batter evenly into the pan and add any of the optional toppings— I added some crushed no sugar added Oreos to these.
5. Bake 20-25 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly soft.
6. Cool completely before cutting — they’ll firm up and become extra fudgy as they cool.

🍫 For Me: Date Brownies (no bake)

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cups (pitted) Medjool dates
• 1 cup oats (blended into fine flour)
• 1/3 cup (unsweetened) cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup nut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Optional Add-Ins

• Chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch
• Dried raisins or cranberries for a burst of sweet-tart flavor
• Dark chocolate chips for extra indulgence
• A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for a gourmet touch

Instructions

1. If your dates feel dry or hard, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
2. In a food processor, combine the dates, blended oats, cocoa powder, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until mixture becomes sticky and holds together when pressed between your fingers (if it feels too dry, add a tsp of water).
3. If you’re using any add-ins, go ahead and fold them into the mixture by hand (or wait until the end and press on the top).
4. Line a small square pan (8×8 inches works well) with parchment paper. Transfer the brownie mixture to the pan and press it down firmly with your hands or the back of the spoon to create an even layer.
5. Refrigerate the brownies for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps them set and makes slicing easier.
6. Once chilled, remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper as a handle. Slice into squares or bars with a sharp knife.

Why we love both of these brownie options: They’re full of real, nourishing ingredients but still taste like proper brownies. Perfect for when you want a treat that feels both comforting and wholesome.

☕️ A Little Wrap-Up

This lineup has been all about cozy balance — nourishing meals that warm you up without feeling heavy. Each recipe has become a new staple in our autumn rotation, from quick weekday breakfasts to slow weekend dinners.

Here’s to more wholesome comfort, chilly evenings spent in the kitchen (my happy place) and all the little meals that make this season feel so grounding. 💛

✨ Stay tuned for my next post — a travel-inspired “place” entry from somewhere new and beautiful. ✈️🌍