Meet Chris' Dips Down To Earth Chef Samantha Gowing
This weekend was magical. We celebrated 100 years of remembering our Anzacs that served at Gallipoli. Our kids were super keen to wake up for the dawn service as this was one year they didn't want to miss. It was super special also viewing this wall art being done before our eyes, the amazing graffiti artist Tony allowed our kids to take a picture as he wanted to share much respect to those who have fought for our country.
With this amazing weather up north we have avoided our unpacking boxes saga, instead we went to explore the outdoors! So what better way than to grab a picnic basket, fill it up with healthy goodies and head out the door. Thanks to Chris' Dips for inviting me to try their new Down 2 Earth dip ranges this month, I have been a huge fan of theirs as they pride themselves in using fresh and wholesome foods sourced locally that are full of flavour. These 4 dips are also “low in saturated fat” and we all love the health star rating on the packaging these days, so it gets the Team Dani "thumbs up" and stamp of approval.
Our kids just love chomping on raw vegetable sticks with crackers, and dip them in the Sweet Potato and Harissa Hummus (made with the natural sweetness of sweet potato and warmth of harissa spices. Also includes chickpeas, garlic and tahini). Super tasty and so quick and easy for after school snacks. Even Oscar loves experimenting in the kitchen for breakfast and loves the Mexican Style Bean and Corn Salsa (combines the fresh Mexican flavours of beans, blended with chipotle, tomato, red onion, capsicum and sweet corn sing in this extra healthy and tasty salsa) with his poached eggs on wholemeal bread.
https://youtu.be/5NdVKABRScI
I just love the convenience when I want to add a healthy twist to the kids lunches, like these ham and salad sandwiches, simply place a dollop of Japanese Eggplant and Miso dip (smooth marinated eggplant with the Japanese flavours of miso and seaweed, with a hint of wasabi) and the kids are ready to go! For more awesome recipe dips (can't forget the Spiced Roasted Carrot and Turmeric dip) visit eatsharelove.com.au.
Now I bet you want to know who was behind creating these delicious, healthy and fresh Down 2 Earth dips? Let me introduce you to the amazing nutritionist and chef extraordinaire Samantha Gowing (originally Australia's "Food As Medicine" chef) who was just up the road from me, in Byron Bay. I jumped at the opportunity to meet her face to face yesterday and chat about her fitness, food and style ethos;
- What fitness activity do you schedule into your daily routine to keep healthy?
I swim in the ocean every day and either body or board surf. I practice yoga sometimes daily depending on my travel schedule and try and fit a spin class in once or twice a week.
- Describe your dream meal - what could we expect to find on your plate?
Sustainable fish, just picked organic greens, edible flowers and a hint of Japanese flavour is the food of my dreams.
- Who’s your go to style icon - who have you always admired for their style, and why?
Nigella Lawson is our Food Health Wealth pin up girl, not just for her delicious and no nonsense approach to good food. She’s uber clever and has a zest for life, through thick and thin. Curvy women inspire me so I would also have to say Kate Winslet for her down to earth, realistic attitude. In defence of curves and celebration of the female form!
- What’s a childhood habit or mannerism that has followed you into adulthood?
So many people who have eaten with me for decades just about fall off their chair when they realise I am ambidextrous and hold cutlery left-handedly! I find it awkward to hold a knife and fork the other way. I also pour liquid saucepans left handedly, other wise it’s right hand drive all the way.
- Name three things you can’t leave the house without and why?
My mornings start early, often driving to airports at the crack of dawn, so my Bodum flask full of green tea is an absolute must. I take it everywhere, even to the beach when I am in dawn surf mode. It doubles up as a teapot on hotel rooms.
I always have a sneaky sachet of Madame Flavour Green, Jasmine & Pear tea buried in my handbag – just in case. 3. My bestie gave me an eye mask with cat’s eyes on it so I always pack it I never know what the accommodation is at new destinations. Sleep is king for me, and so I am always conscious of creeping cortisol levels that are often elevated if the melatonin is interrupted due to a room being too light for me.
Aduki, pumpkin & tamarind curry
Photo by Nigel Carboon
"My all time, feel good curry. Based on Chinese medicine, this is a warming dish that helps to heal the digestion, remove mucous in the belly and boost your metabolism." - Chef Samantha Gowing
Recipe created by Samantha Gowing
A BIG thank you to gorgeous Sammy for joining us today, you are a breath of fresh air and it was so lovely meeting you. I love you! I can't wait to share more and have you visit again.... until then you can get social with Sammy on;
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/foodhealthwealth
Instagram @letitfeed and Pinterest
How about you? What's your favourite dip?
Happy Monday!
XxDani