Do you like potato bread? Potato bread is essentially wheat bread with a mashed potato worked into the dough. It has the most wonderful crust, and the light but firm structure, with generous craggly holes make for the most fantastic toast. (All those nooks and crannies? Perfect butter and jam receptacles.)

With all of the artisan breads available at the markets these days it’s a wonder anyone makes their own bread anymore. But I have yet to find freshly baked potato bread at the market, and making it at home is easy, especially if you have a mixer or bread machine.

Continue reading "Homemade Potato Bread" »

I have a problem with expiration dates. I follow them like they are a law set in stone. I know some of them are sell by dates, not expirations, but I can’t help it. I’ve been getting a little better but not much. If I do eat anything past the marked date I worry about food poisoning. Does that make me crazy? Hubbs says so. This video from J&J Acres has given me a lot to think about when it comes to eggs and their expiration/sell by dates. Be warned…this might force you to change some things in your life.

Are the eggs you are buying off the shelf as fresh as you think they are? Just because they say organic or farm fresh on the packing doesn’t mean a whole lot. Did you know that eggs can sit on the shelf for anywhere from 30-45 days? Ahhh! And this video proves it. I no idea what Julian codes were or how they were used to determine freshness until watching this video. I’m going to have to pay attention from now on or buy and support local!

I bet this is one reason that backyard chicken coops are becoming so popular. I don’t want chickens in my yard but I can’t say that I wouldn’t mind the fresh eggs. Eggs bought. Check. Still good? Be sure to use this trick at home to determine if they still are.

Here’s the video… Enjoy!

← Previous Article Next Article → / Recipes / Sweet Treats / Book Two Recipe: Coconut and Raspberry Mousse Book Two Recipe: Coconut and Raspberry Mousse January 30th, 2016 Ingredients View the Method

• 100g coconut cream

• 1 ripe avocado

• 1 vanilla pod

• 3 tablespoons of almond butter

• 450g raspberries, plus a few more to serve

• 2 tablespoons honey, plus a drizzle to serve

Chop the block of coconut cream into quarters. Scoop the avocado flesh out of the skin and discard the stone. Scrape the vanilla seeds out of the pod.

Place all the ingredients into a food processer and blend until a smooth, rich mousse forms.

Spoon it into 6 glasses and place in the fridge for 1 hour to set before serving, with more raspberries and a drizzle of honey, if you like.

This is a little preview of the sweets chapter from my new book! It’s all about easy, delicious treats that you can throw together quickly. This mousse is the perfect option if you need a five-minute dessert for friends. They really only take that long to make, but the end result is so delicious that you’ll delight everyone at the table! The mix of coconut, almond butter and avocado means the mousse is rich and creamy, while the raspberries add a subtle sharpness that the honey and vanilla balance out perfectly. I love serving these in little glasses with extra raspberries and a drizzling of honey on top, it makes them look and taste beautiful.

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• Saffie

  Hi Ella,
  These looks absolutely delicious, really looking forward to trying them out. I know in this recipe you use a vanilla pod, but in your new book I notice you use vanilla powder in quite a few recipes and I wanted to ask where I can buy vanilla powder? Would it be possible to use the powder in this recipe instead of the pod? Many thanks, Saffie x

  • ellawoodward

    Yes vanilla powder works well in this recipe too! You can find it in most health food stores or online on Amazon. Hope you love it x

• AnnieH

  Hi Ella, can’t wait to try this recipe! Can I ask what brand of coconut cream you use? I’ve never tried the blocks as usually just buy coconut cream in a can so not sure what to go for! Thanks : ) xx

  • ellawoodward

    The biona one is great but all the brands I’ve found seem to use all natural ingredients. You can find it in the Asian section of most supermarkets! X

• Dianne

  Hi Ella. I made the last recipe you posted. Love it. Will try this also. What is coconut cream? Is that from the can of coconut milk? Can i ask 400g, to be converted? Looking forward to buying your 2nd book in Canada.

  • ellawoodward

    The coconut cream usually comes in a solid white block which you can buy from most health food stores or even the Asian section of most supermarkets! Sadly I don’t have the conversions of 400g but I imagine you can find out online. Hope you love it x

• http://www.mrandmrsblogs.co.uk Mr and Mrs Blogs

  It sounds delicious- can’t wait to try it (and buy the book)!
  I’ve just come across what I think is an amazing product, that might be of interest to you, or your readers- it’s a super pure Omega3 fish oil ‘Lion Heart Oil’, by the company Bare Biology (I have no links to them at all!)
  I’ve done a review on my blog (and have put all the family onto it):
  http://Www.mrandmrsblogs.co.uk

• Helena WvG

  What can I use instead of the coconut cream?

  • ellawoodward

    Sadly I haven’t tried replacing it with anything else before so it’s difficult for me to advise. Perhaps you could try the solid part of the coconut milk from a tin. Hope it still tastes delicious! X

    • Helena WvG

      Thank you! I will try it! I love your recipes because they always remind me that being healthy doesn’t mean that you have to make sacrifices!

• http://www.cultivatebeauty.com.au/ Amy

  That’s such a great idea with the almond butter!

• Marlis Egger

  How can I substitute the block of coconut cream? I can’t find it here in Switzerland.

  • ellawoodward

    You should be able to find it in health food stores or in the Asian section of most supermarkets. Sadly I haven’t tried replacing it with anything else before so it’s difficult for me to advise. Perhaps you could try the solid part of the coconut milk from a tin. Hope it tastes delicious! X

• http://win-winfood.com/ WIN-WIN FOOD

  Oh wow! Raspberries and coconut sound like a wonderful combo <3 And I love how simple the recipe is!!!

• http://www.calmer-you.com Chloe Brotheridge – Calmer You

  Definitely trying out this recipe. It’s so amazing to be able to make stuff this good thats also healthy, esp for people like me who have autoimmune disease and have to keep to a strict diet, and often feel like we’re missing out… But not anymore! Thanks Ella xx

  • ellawoodward

    Totally agree! Hope you enjoy this recipe x

• http://ameliarosel.blogspot.co.uk/ AmeliaRoseL

  I love the ingredients you’ve used in this – I bet the end result is SO creamy and delicious. Can’t wait to try it

  Nourishing Amelia | Food, Health and Lifestyle Blogger

  xxx

• ellawoodward

  So happy you’re loving them! X

• ellawoodward

  Hi Lisa, thanks so much for passing this on, I will get this changed immediately! Really hope you and your husband love each recipe you try and feel so much better with them too! Have a lovely day, Ella x

• Anna Levonen

  Whoah this looks and sound so good! I visited The Mae Deli, had the chocolate drink and mango flapjack for snack and I loved them. And the staff was super nice, felt really welcome there and I will definitely come back soon!

  • ellawoodward

    So awesome to hear, thanks so much Anna! Hope you come back and visit us again soon

• Nicole Piringer

  Very yummy! I used all the ingredients, also the coconut cream and not coconut water, but it looks totally raspberry red and nothing at all like at the picture! Dosen’t matter, but it’s strange ^-^

  • ellawoodward

    Maybe your raspberries were particularly red! Hope you loved it anyway x

• Angela

  Hi Ella – do you mean creamed coconut? I’ve just bought coconut cream and it is liquid? (Got both of your books – love them)

• Sara

  Hi Ella,

  Love your recipes and my dream is to come to London and visit the deli one day! Quick question – the recipe instructions say to use 100g coconut cream, but one Biona coconut cream bar is actually 200g and in the video you posted for this recipe to your youtube channel you seem to use the whole thing (it’s not very clear in the video but it looks like you put it all in the blender). So I was wondering how much the recipe calls for – half or a whole bar of coconut cream? Thanks!

  • ellawoodward

    Hi Sara, glad you are enjoying the recipes. Sorry if that is unclear in the video. Follow the recipe and use 100g x

• Helen Smith

  This dessert is lovely. We had it today after dinner with my parents and all loved it. I made it with a 250g pot of coconut yogurt as that’s what I had and was fresh, light and creamy. Thank you for the fabulous recipes Ella

  • AnnieH

    Hi Helen, did you use vanilla coconut yoghurt or just plain? Sounds delicious!

• lynn Curzon-Hepworth

  Where would you find creamed coconut as a bar, as I can’t seem to find it in any of my supermarkets?
  I have a birthday this month and I have put your books on my list of ideas, for those that are asking

  • ellawoodward

    Hi Lynn, I get mine from Biona x

• Marlis Egger

  Oh, Chrisi: thank you so much. I will certainly try this

• ellawoodward

  No I just try and use one that is made of 100% almonds, no additives x

• ellawoodward

  Hi Ruby, I am so sorry but unfortunately you can’t. Glad you love the recipe though! x

Good morning and happy Saturday, Everyone! Hope you're all enjoying your weekend! I just wanted to say a quick hello and share a few images of my latest obsessions, starting with the uber cozy Club Monaco poncho I've added to my outwear collection recently. Chic, yet very warm and comfy, what I love about this piece the most is the fact that I can wear it in a multitude of ways. Today I opted to pair it with slouchy jeans and ankle boots, but it would look just as great with flared jeans or knee-high boots for example. Basically, the possibilities are endless, and of course you know how much I love that!:)






CLUB MONACO Imani wool poncho { also love this option and this one } | CITIZENS OF HUMANITY Agnes jeans | CLUB MONACO Luise felt floppy hat | CHLOE small Hudson bag studded cross body bag | CHELSEA PARIS boots { similar here & here }
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These apple carrot cupcakes are what happens when you can’t decide between carrot cake and apple cake; they’re the best of both, combined. They are a little sweeter than a muffin, but with all of the texture and flavor from apples, carrots, coconut, and pecans, and topped with cream cheese frosting.

Continue reading "Apple Carrot Cupcake" »

Incredible House Tour

The post Incredible House Tour appeared first on Its Overflowing.

Hello, hello...I hope you all had a fabulous (& warm!) weekend! Every year, I try to see most of the Oscar-nominated films, so Mr. SP and I snuck off for a movie date yesterday, and saw Brooklyn. We both agreed it was the sweetest, most charming movie we've seen in years. I especially enjoyed it, considering the two other movies we've seen recently are Revenant and Sicario. Whoa, intensity overload!
Today I've got a fun style post to hopefully inspire you to pull your 'Summer' dresses out of hiding, and wear them {Now & Later}. This classic black a-line dress is a cinch for warmer weather, but with a few key pieces and layers, I can extend it's wearable life year-round!

The key to making wardrobe pieces work for multiple seasons is the fabric. Obviously, some fabrics are delegated to certain seasons...like linen in Spring/Summer, and wool in Fall/Winter...but others, like cotton, can work for multiple seasons...thus doubling your wardrobe. #closetmath
The jersey knit of this dress, coupled with the dark color, made it an easy seasonal transition. With the addition of opaque tights, cardigan, and closed-toe shoes, it was cold-weather ready.
Dress | Similar Cardigan | Pendant Necklace | Sunglasses
Bracelet | Watch | Earrings | Bag
The scarf adds another layer of warmth, not to mention, fun pattern. So cute paired with the plaid shoe, right?!
Dress | Similar Cardigan | Pendant Necklace | Sunglasses Bracelet | Watch | Earrings | Bag | Scarf | Tights | Plaid Heels
My love affair with this peacoat continues to grow, it's just so classic and chic! (Not to mention, $28!) I just added the black one to my collection #oops, but I prefer the camel with this look, to break up all the black. Who says your coat can't keep you warm and add style to your outfit?
Peacoat | Dress | Sunglasses | Earrings | Bag | Scarf | Tights | Plaid Heels

Style Tip: Don't automatically go for the black or brown shoe...colors and patterns can be just as neutral, but add much more personality and interest to your outfit. Sole Society is a great resource for classic shoes in fun patterns, but still affordable.
Bag | Scarf | Tights | Plaid Heels
This outfit would be cute with black shoes, but the red plaid definitely makes it eye-catching.
Dress | Similar Cardigan | Pendant Necklace | Sunglasses Bracelet | Watch | Earrings | Bag | Scarf | Tights | Plaid Heels | Tortoise Bracelet


Peacoat | Dress | Sunglasses | Earrings | Bag | Scarf
Now let's fast forward 50-degrees and style the dress for warmer days, by losing the layers. You could definitely pair it with ankle booties in the Spring, or strappy heels in the Summer, but I kept it office-appropriate with the kitten-heels.
Dress | Sunglasses | Bracelet | Watch | Earrings | Bag | Plaid Heels | Necklace
Dress | Sunglasses | Tortoise Bracelet | Watch | Earrings | Bag | Plaid Heels | Necklace

I almost always carry a tote or slouchy-style bag, so I'm surprised by how much I love the structure of this satchel...one might actually mistake me for a lady! ;) It also makes a great substitute for clutches with dressier outfits.
Dress | Tortoise Bracelet | Watch | Bag | Necklace | Ring


Let the record show that I almost suffered full-blown hypothermia shooting this look for ya'll, so I hope to Betsy you're feeling inspired! Have you transitioned any dresses to Winter? Do you have fun patterned shoes in your closet?
And more importantly, what Oscar-nominated movies have you seen and loved? Make sure you pop back tomorrow...the folks from Container Store came and installed the Office/Craft Closet, and I'll have an update for you!
See more {Now & Later} posts here.

Thank you for weathering the cold & snapping these fun photos, Stephanie Drenka!
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{Shop More All-Weather Dresses}
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*This post created in collaboration with Sole Society, but all clothes, ideas, and volcano-sized goosebumps are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors!*

Move over kale, cauliflower is now the “it girl” these days. There are just so many wonderful dishes you can make with it! This simple pasta with cauliflower, tomato, and Parmesan is a great example. I’ve adapted the recipe from a Sicilian recipe by Vincent Schiavelli that appeared years ago in Saveur.

It’s outrageously good; I’ve been eating the leftovers for days, which just seem to get better as the flavors have more time to meld.

The secret ingredient?

Continue reading "Pasta with Cauliflower, Tomato, and Parmesan" »

The concept is simple. Sauté shrimp with shallots, garlic, lemon, and toss with spinach and linguine. Pretty straightforward, right?

Here’s where it gets interesting. Instead of just squeezing some lemon juice over the pasta, or grating lemon zest, we are sautéing thin slices of lemon until they are well browned and caramelized. Those sautéed lemons slices get minced and added to everything else.

Continue reading "Shrimp, Lemon, Spinach Linguine" »

Today's post isn't exactly Pinterest-worthy, but if your heart races at the mere mention of The Container Store, then you'll find these pics pretty darn exciting! Last week I shared the Before shots, and different plan designs of our Office/Craft Closet, and most of you chimed in that Option #2 was the better choice.
And we agreed! We decided if we were going to install the Elfa system, we might as well maximize the space to it's fullest, and utilize the entire closet. I was giddy with excitement when we scheduled the installer, but when they finished, I almost hyperventilated!

The cool thing about The Container Store's (free) design services, is you can tweak the plans until you get it just right. And with every change, it keeps a running total of your project's cost, both with and without installation, so you can decide if the extra shelf or drawer, or the fancy countertop, is worth it to you.
The day before the scheduled installation, they delivered all the materials to the house, and I cleared out the closet completely.



I decided to keep the components simple, and add extra gadgets to help organize all the little things that accompany a craft and office space. And even though the design plans come with customized installation instructions, having one of their professionals install it was the best decision I made! Dude was in-and-out in under three hours! It would take me that long just to carry it upstairs!
First he demoed the existing closet parts...

Filled and spackled the wall...

And painted the whole thing for a fresh, clean canvas. They'll use your paint (any color), or their own bright white. I bounced around the idea of patterned papers, or a bright color as a base, but in the end, decided white would be the cleanest. Especially since I still have no idea what direction I'm going with the design of the actual room. I can, however, guarantee you it won't include that wallpaper border!
Sidenote: Can you believe Mr. SP actually said, 'The wallpaper really isn't that bad. You could work with it.' #whoareyou #havewemet Rest assured, the wallpaper is coming down. Someday.

And as if having Troy (the master installer!) make the wall all clean and pretty wasn't enough, I literally turned my head, and the base of the Elfa system was in place! Like, in 10 minutes!

Once I calmed down, and stopped talking in an octave only dolphins could hear, Troy walked me through how everything operated, and how to move things around if I wanted. And then #deepbreaths he cleaned up all the mess!!! Ya'll know that's huge!

Math is not my strong suit, but I'd say we doubled our storage tenfold! ;) Either way, I'm going to be able to store a lot of crap supplies in that single closet!



I can't get over how sturdy the drawers are, and how easily they slide.

And I think I'm most excited about this utility board!

I don't have a complete Before & After for you yet, but I'd say we're progressing in the right direction!


Next comes the fun part....finding a place for everything on all the drawers and shelves! And who am I kidding, making it look pretty! I've been scoping out efficient, yet stylish, storage and found some great options.
Sidenote: The Container Store Rugby Stripe Bin is one of my all-time favorite bins...I use them all over the house for throw blankets, toys, stuffed animals, board games, etc. Word is they are phasing them out...sooooo, you might want to take stock if you love them, too!

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten
And as if creating this closet with The Container Store weren't dream enough, my darling friend, the Master Shifu herself, is coming to visit next week! I think you can guess what we'll be doing!! Stay tuned, lovebugs!
Are you taking advantage of the big Elfa sale? Have you used their installers before (also included in the sale!), or done it yourself?