PUMPKIN TOMATO GNOCCHI

This was initially a dinner I cooked solely for my finance, in an effort to make good use of the leftover pumpkin and pasta sauce we had in the fridge. I taste-tested the sauce along the way and could not believe how well the pumpkin and tomato went together - it was like a dream. Therefore I had to devour a few small bowls of it and it only served us for one dinner and a lunch, instead of four meals for him. A very basic sauce with massive flavour, this is definitely a recipe i'll be making again. Make sure you don’t forget to add the the ½ cup of water to the sauce in step 2 as this is essential to the consistency of the sauce.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 scant tablespoon of dairy-free butter (such as Nutalex)
• 1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
• 300g pumpkin, skin & seeds removed and cut into even small pieces
• 1 x 400g tin diced tomatoes
• 250g of any type of tomato based, dairy-free pasta sauce 
• 500g gluten-free or regular gnocchi, ready made (or the gnocchi recipe from my blog!)

COOKING 

1. Bring a large covered saucepan of salted water to the boil over high heat. Add the pre-made gnocchi and cook for 2-3 minutes or until all the gnocchi has risen to the surface. Remove from the stove and drain well. 

2. Meanwhile, heat a large deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the pumpkin pieces and cook, stirring for 2 minutes. Pour in the diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, a pinch of sea salt & pepper and 1/2 a cup of water. Bring to the boil, covered, the simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. (If the sauce looks a tad too thick throughout the simmering, add some more water to the pan). Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan and stir well to combine with the sauce. Serve warm. 

Serves / 4 

Total Preparation time / 10 minutes 

Total Cooking time / 20 - 25 minutes 

x Emily 

ACTRESS JULIANNE HOUGH'S TONED PHYSIQUE AFTER LEAVING PILATES

Actress Julianne Hough was spotted looking toned and trim leaving a tough Pilates class in West Hollywood just last week. The busy actress is in demand after her recent performances in the movies Safe Haven, Rock of Ages and 2011’s remake of Footloose. The 24-year-old wore a tight blue exercise top that showed off her amazing abs as she rushed out of the gym.

Hough first made headlines when she appeared as a contestant on Dancing with the Stars a few years ago and has since added a lot to her resume, including leading lady, country music singer, Ryan Seacrest’s main squeeze (now her ex) and fitness guru (she’s released two cardio-workout dvds!).  Whilst Julianne definitely has a very hectic schedule that is only going to get busier, she isn’t about to give up her exercise regime.

Besides her regular Pilates classes, the actress likes to swim, take ballet classes, run on the treadmill and attend SoulCycle sessions, which involves riding a bike whilst using weights and resistance bands. Julianne knows that a fit and healthy mind and body cannot be achieved without exercise and a balanced diet.

“It's tough to be disciplined (with food). If I'm hungry or thirsty I don't always know which - I just know I'm craving something. So I do an iced herbal tea. And almonds, always. I cut up vegetables and put apple cider vinegar on them, with salt and pepper. Or snack on some hummus."

The actress shared her favourite meals with Women’s Health magazine, which include baked fish or any type of protein & vegetables for dinner and eggs & artichokes with spinach for breakfast. The movie star says that she likes to cook at home whenever she can. 

Hough also shares her tips for staying trim. “The first thing I do is I cut out alcohol completely, especially wine and I stop the sugar and white, flour-based carbs.”

Julianne also takes a refreshing approach to the idea of beauty in Hollywood. “Beauty comes from within. Whatever you put in your body -- food or anything internally -- is going to show up there…so I try to eat healthy whenever I can”. 

Want to look as good in your exercise gear as Julianne? Looking to trim and tone your tummy? Call Premium Pilates Studio today on 0402 680 724 or visit us online at premiumpilatesstudio.com.  

x Emily 

CHIA COATED CAROB BALLS

Another ball recipe! I really go crazy for these as they stop me from running to the supermarket and grabbing lollies or other artificial sugary things. They serve as desserts, snacks and nutritious gifts.

I attended a raw cooking class a few weeks ago where carob powder was first introduced to me and it has been on my radar since then. The benefits of this powder (made from the carob plant that grows fruit known as carob pods) are extensive. These carob pods are grown in warm climates and have been consumed for over 5,000 years. Carob powder is an excellent alternative to cocoa powder, as it is caffeine free, high in calcium, rich in vitamins & minerals and can provide relief to gastro problems and coughs. It is quite strong, so just 1 or 2 teaspoons will do when making sweets such as the recipe above. Try swapping cacao powder for carob powder for a caffeine free snack once in a while. 

INGREDIENTS

• 300g dates
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1 heaped teaspoon carob powder
• around 1/3 cup mixture of white & black chia seeds 

PREPARATION

1. Process the dates in a food processor until smooth. (You may need to add small splashes of water to the dates during the processing stage to be able to get the smooth consistency). 

2. Add the almonds and carob powder to the processor and very lightly process for a few seconds. Remove from the processor and form into 12-14 small balls. Pour the chia seeds onto a flat plate and roll each ball until all sides are covered by the seeds. Place in the refrigerator for 1 hour and then eat. 

Makes / 12 - 14 balls

Total Preparation time / 15 minutes maximum (plus 1 hour refrigeration). 

x Emily 

KATE HUDSON MAKES A PILATES WORKOUT DVD!

Stunning actress Kate Hudson was spotted just last Friday filming her very first Pilates workout dvd!! Hudson turned heads as she displayed her rock-hard abs in a black sports bra and figure-hugging leggings (photos above) in Santa Barbara, California. The 34-year-old brought along her gorgeous two-year-old son Bingham and her fiancé Matt Bellamy to the beach for the film shoot. By the looks of Kate's super toned tummy and slender legs, Pilates clearly pays off!

Kate is one celebrity that is totally committed to practising what she preaches. Some may question if an actress could/should film a workout dvd, however Hudson is a long time hardcore devotee of Pilates. The mother-of-two has been fine-tuning her core strength with her personal trainer and Pilates instructor, Nicole Stuart, for 15 years! Kate definitely has the knowledge and exercise required to make such a dvd and judging by her fantastically fit body, we are sure it will be a best seller. 

The bubbly actress performed a number of technique-perfect Pilates poses in the sand before taking a rest to cuddle her little son. Despite having a baby just two years ago, the Glee guest star's body is looking better than ever due to her dedication to her exercise regime. Kate's personal trainer, Nicole, informs that Miss Hudson works hard to maintain her enviable physique. "We do Pilates for one hour, three days a week but if she (Kate) is prepping for something it will be more (sessions). We always combine cardio - like a mile run - before a Pilates class. On off days (from Pilates) she'll meet me for yoga or a spin class". 

Kate reveals that she and Nicole have become best friends over the years and only has the greatest things to say about her trainer of a decade and a half. "She's an incredibly person and she really challenges me as a trainer because she's such a great athlete. We both give each other a run for our money. She's always been amazing when it comes to her workouts". 

We can't wait to see Kate's take on Pilates and watch her go through her favourite core strengthening and toning exercises in her fitness video. We are sure that the actress will provide some much needed inspiration to everyone who is considering getting into Pilates! It will be excellent to see Hudson become a health & fitness guru and this workout video is sure to point her in that direction. Keep your eyes peeled online and in stores for her dvd! 

Want to get fit and trim whilst performing exercises on your back, side and tummy? Keen to have a great relationship with your trainer who will challenge you to better yourself and your body? Premium Pilates Studio is dedicated to their clients and to providing them with Pilates workouts that will push, motivate and inspire them. Call us today on 0402 680 724 or visit the website online at premiumpilatesstudio.com 

x Emily 

TERESA CUTTER'S PUMPKIN BREAD

I stumbled across this recipe by the Healthy Chef, Teresa Cutter, while looking in a House & Garden magazine for renovation inspiration. I’ve come across Teresa in the past and have tried out some of her gluten-free, often dairy-free and health-conscious desserts and treats. I am sure we are all guilty of thinking of allergy free and low sugar sweets as dry, bland and uninteresting at one point in time, but the Healthy Chef blows this falsehood out of the water with her full flavoured, moist and easy-to-make cakes, muffins and breads (among other recipes). Here is her Pumpkin Bread, adapted very slightly. Even if you are not a fan of pumpkin I suggest making it- the warm bread is delightful with a dollop of butter, dunked in a steaming bowl of soup or eaten solo. 

INGREDIENTS

• 3 heaped cups (450-475g) grated raw pumpkin 
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 4 eggs, preferably free-range 
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 
• 1/6 - 1/4 cup olive oil 
• 3 cups (300g) almond meal
• 2 tablespoons gluten-free baking powder, sifted 

COOKING / BAKING

1. Preheat a fan-forced oven to 180 degrees celsius. Line a narrow but deep loaf tin with baking paper. 

2. In a large bowl place the grated pumpkin, syrup, eggs, salt, nutmeg and oil. Mix to combine and add almond meal and baking powder, stirring well. 

3. Pour/spoon the pumpkin mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 1 hour or until a skewer or knife inserted into the centre of the bread comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow the bread to rest for 1 hour before lifting out. 

Makes / 1 loaf

Total Preparation time / 15 minutes

Total Cooking time / 1 hour 10 minutes 

x Emily