Pure Parma: Parmigiano Reggiano

pennybenjaminNourish, PB-Log, TravelLeave a Comment

 A stay in Parma would most definitely NOT be complete without a visit to a certified Parmigiano Reggiano and Prosciutto di Parma Factory. Similar to the way that the production of Champagne is very heavily regulated and controlled, so is the production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese (parmesan cheese) and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham). These extremely natural products are produced exclusively … Read More

A lesson in making Natural Gelato

pennybenjaminNourish, PB-Log, TravelLeave a Comment

Gelaterias in Italy are as commonplace as coffee shops or cafes are in Australia, I think there must be some law that says “no-one should be further than 500m walk from a gelato store”. My local gelateria in Parma was called Il Gelato… Naturellement and is located at Piazza Filippo Corridoni, 15 (on Via Massimo D’Azeglio). Il Gelato was opened by Marina … Read More

Packing Part 2 – the details

pennybenjaminPB-Log, TravelLeave a Comment

On Sunday 28th August, I went live on Facebook to answer questions regarding packing, travelling, time management for study while travelling and staying healthy while travelling. The recording is below if you’d like to view. Following the video is a summary of what I share in the video with regards to packing, time management, health and travel hacks. Bear in mind that … Read More

Gelato and “Ice Cream”, what’s the difference?

pennybenjaminPB-Log, TravelLeave a Comment

The difference between Italian Gelato and Australian/US/English “Ice Cream” If you’ve eaten Gelato in Italy (or even Europe for that matter) or from the handful of gelaterias now becoming popular in Australia and around the world, you’ll know there is a difference when compared to the generic “Ice Cream” of the US/Australia/UK. Gelato always seems more intense in flavour, while … Read More

NEW STUDY: Living near fast-food stores makes you obese!

pennybenjaminNutrition, PB-Log, UncategorizedLeave a Comment

… Or does it? Headlines like this grab your attention, don’t they? Unfortunately, they are often misleading and misinterpret associated research. Today I’ll take you through a recent nutrition study, to show you some things to look out for! The Study Compelling evidence already independently links one’s exposure to fast food(1-3) and lower socioeconomic status (SES) (4-6) with increased risk of … Read More

Pesto Zucchini “Spaghetti”

pennybenjaminMain Meals, NourishLeave a Comment

Zucchini Pesto Pasta

Pesto and Italy. They go together like “Love and Marriage”, “peas and carrots”. You get the picture. Pesto, has got to be one of my favourite flavours/sauces/accompaniments. Whether it’s with zoodles like this or topped on a lovely piece of lamb. Check out my Italian-inspired pesto here. Recipe Type: GF, DF(option), RSF, V, Paleo Serves 4-6 Time 30 min Ingredients – 4 medium … Read More

Coconut Turmeric Latte

pennybenjaminBreakfasts, Nourish, Snacks, SuperfoodsLeave a Comment

turmeric latte

Turmeric is one of the most easily found superfoods. It is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent and anti-microbial. It should be a go-to ingredient especially when you’re feeling under the weather, no matter what the ailment. It’s rainy and cold here in the Netherlands at the moment so I’m making an immunity-boosting coconut milk turmeric latte – sounds a bit funny … Read More

Vegan Apple Pie Blondies

pennybenjaminBaked Goods, Nourish, Snacks, SweetsLeave a Comment

What does one do when your uncle sends you home with a bag full of apples? Get creative with Apple recipes of course! I’d recently made some delicious gooey Chocolate Brownies (recipe is here) so I was inspired to make something similar but with apples… A bit of experi-baking and I came up with these Apple Pie Blondies! Perfect for dessert … Read More

Thai Green Curry with Cauliflower Rice

pennybenjaminMain Meals, NourishLeave a Comment

Cold winter nights? Nothing warms me up better than a hot & spicy Thai Green Curry. Here’s a simple, easy recipe with a lighter alternative to stodgy rice. Recipe type: GF, DF, Paleo Serves: 4 Time: 45min Ingredients: 1 400mL can coconut cream (full fat) 400g chicken breast or thigh cut into strips (pork and fish work nicely too) 1 … Read More

13 Typical Dutch Foods

pennybenjaminPB-Log, TravelLeave a Comment

13 Typical Dutch Foods Italy and France are more commonly thought of as the “food epicentres” of Europe, and rightly so, they produce delicious food. However, amongst the hype of the canals, windmills, clogs, tulips and red light districts, the food of The Netherlands can often get overlooked, which is sad. From mini pancakes to salty seafood, hail on bread and … Read More