Watermelon & strawberry lemonade [kind of]

I found a recipe similar to this on Pinterest and fancied having a go myself!

I used half a watermelon, 1 lemon, and half a punnet of strawberries i had in the fridge.

You also need to add a couple of cups of water, and a few tablespoons of sugar [if needed] to taste.

We decided to forget about the sugar, didn't think the drink needed it!

So to begin, chop up your melon, and whizz up.

You may need to do this in batches, depending on how much melon you have!

I could not be bothered taking the seeds out, so i whizzed, then sieved.

Easy!

And it gets rid of that extra mulch.

Chop strawbs and whizz them up too, add to melon juice.

Squeeze in a lemon, or two, keep tasting and go by how you feel.

Et voila! 

A healthy, fresh [if a little thick, we added more water] summery thirst quencher!

Lookit the cute strawberry seeds left in the bowl! N'aaww.

Tasty!

This is a super easy drink to make.

Don't worry about specifics with measurements and amounts.

Just taste as you go, it'll turn out great either way.

We added too much lemon the first time, [three infact!] so next time we cut it down to one, yums!

Healthy eating, losing weight.

The trick to losing weight is...

Eating well and exercise!

Would you believe it?!

I never did. I've struggled with my weight for so long.

I've been on so many faddy diets.

If i was a few years younger, i would probably be doing the 5:2 diet right now.

But i am older, wiser, and more experienced.

I've found the only way to steadily and successfully lose weight is the way everyone has been telling me for a great many years. 

I cut out crisps, i cut out sweets/chocolate, and i limit my carbs.

I rarely use oil, cream and butter when cooking my food.

I start my day with a big glass of water, do my Jillian Michaels dvd, and then have breakfast.

I have cracker-breads for lunch, fruit for snacks, and yummy teas. 

Here is one of my favourite teas for a warm week night. 

Fajita Chicken on an open sandwich

We googled 'fajita rub', made up a jar, and now use it all the time.

It flavours your meat and veggies so well.

The rub we use has paprika, garlic & onion powder, cumin, and all kinds of yummy smelling spices.

Heat up your griddle pan and throw the chicken on in it's spice rub.

HOT HOT!

While that's grilling away [no oil], prep your bread.

I used a german 'ei-weiß' loaf.

It's moist, and really seedy.

Instead of margarine or butter i spread a thin layer of light cream cheese on the bread.

Add lettuce, cucumber, radish, twist of salt and pepper and your steamy spicy chicken.

Stand back and admire your irritatingly easy tea.

Then chow down.

Nom!

I have been 'healthy eating' for almost a week, and i've lost nearly 2k.

It's not easy, i'm not going to lie.

But i want my nice clothes to fit again, so i have to try, i owe it to myself.

I tried a shirt on last night and it's a little looser.

I don't rely on my scales, because i know your weight changes ALL OF THE DAY.

I prefer to find an item of clothing that i don't wear because it's gotten clingy.

Then i'll try this item on at the end of every 7 days.

My current item is a size 18 denim shirt from Next.

I used to be able to wear it fastened, with leggings, and it would be loose, not tight.

I have another post coming up this week about my weight struggles and current loss.

Whether or not you'll find it interesting i'm not sure.

But i'm super proud and want to share my story is all :)

Tasty Thursday - Pretzels

 I was born in Germany. I now live in Germany.

Like a true [half] German, i effing love bread. 

Käse brötchen, landbrot, laugen brötchen... 

I'd say i'm pretty well versed in Pretzelology. 

I have no qualms in saying that if you like pretzels, you will LOVE this recipe.

Soft pretzel buns. 

Dough mix

> 1 and a half cups of lukewarm water

> 1 7g sachet of yeast

> 1 tbsp sugar

> 57g butter, melted and cooled

> 4 and a half cups plain flour

> 2 tsp salt

Baking soda 'bath' 

[don't let this scare you, it's super easy!]

> large pot 

> 5 heaped tbsp baking soda 

> slotted spoon for scooping out

> 1 egg yolk & tbsp water for brushing

> sea salt for topping

First mix the water, sugar & yeast, and leave to froth for about 10mins.

Mix flour & salt together, then turn your mixer onto medium speed, and slowly add the butter, then the water mixture.

Continue mixing on a medium speed for 5-10 minutes. Until the dough totally comes away from the sides of the bowl.

Lightly oil a bowl & your dough, cover and leave to rise in a warm place for an hour.

When you come back to it it should have doubled in size and feel like a cloud.

Ready yourself a sheet of baking paper and preheat the oven to 220ºc/gas mark 7.

Now, that scary sounding water bath.

I used a 5l pot and filled it halfway. I filled it enough to be able to submerge a ball of dough, and also left enough room for the baking soda to fizz up the water without it overflowing.

So after turning on your oven, fill up your pot and bring it to a rolling boil.

Separate your cloudy dough into 12 even balls. Or pretzels.

You could even make about 30 bite-sized pieces. Totally your call.

Lightly oil a sheet of baking paper to transfer your bathed balls. [lols]

When you're shaped and boiling, add the baking soda to your pot.

Carefully drop in a couple of rolls and make sure they are evenly coated and submerged for 30 seconds.

Remove and carry on until all your rolls have been in the soda bath.

They go kind of shiny and sticky upon removal.

This isn't about speed so don't worry if you think you're being really slow, it took me forever.

Me and the boy had a competition [naturally], to see who could make a better pretzel. 

Mix up your yolk and water, brush on the rolls, score, and top with salt, or sesame seeds, but i'd vote salt. Always. Every time. 

Bake for 12-15 minutes and voila!! 

Lookit how pretty!

They come out a little soft to tap, but hey, they're soft pretzels. 

Try a little resistance and not eat them in one go. It will be tough, but if i can do it, you can! 

That being said we couldn't resist testing it out with a few warmed up bockwurst.

Mmmmm so so good.

I have been desperate to make pretzels for a while, but the thought of the bath seemed such a pain in the ass. I can honestly say this was super easy and SO worth it.

Have a go, you'll be so happy you did.
Also, people will be so impressed.

Not to toot my own horn but seriously, TOOT TOOT!

I came across this during the week and can't for the life of me remember where, as soon as i find it, i'll link it up!