My Poems

I used to go to a spoken word night in Manchester called Paradox  and heard some amazing things and got to hang out with the most amazing, intelligent and bonkers people I've ever met - I miss it!

Here are some crude poems I have written, they are not intricate or clever and most have been written in warm Irish pubs whilst drinking lavish amounts of the black stuff.

'Denim Man'
I see time pass in your eyes
Sorrowful but free
You looked so peaceful
I wanted to keep you all for me
Your denim fades
Your ears bloat
But your eyes remain the same
In that sorrowful state
I once thought so free

'Jelly Belly'
I've a fence around my belly
It holds me in
If the gate ever was to open
I'd flood out
My legs incased in tights
As a snail in his shell
Eyes cloud and fade with age
As purple clovers
Flow from my belly
Scenting the sky
Finally to turn your
Feet to jelly

'You'
You're my good hand
I'm the bad
If ever I knock
The knees of fate
You'll be there
To rectify me

'To Follow You'
I follow
Your plans
And deciper
Your path
Only to find
I'm full of
Mirth

'Her'
I love her love
But do not her
She strives
And changes
As I stay
Still

Healthy Pancake Day!

It’s always interesting, I think, to try healthy versions of ‘bad’ foods. I love pancakes and although I have no problem eating traditional batter pancakes, this year I thought it would be fun to try the healthy version – both for dietary reasons and also as an experiment to see how different or similar they actually taste.

Here is the simple recipe I used, first up the ingredients:

2 cups of cooked quinoa

1 cup of milk

3 eggs

2 ½ teaspoons of baking soda

¼ teaspoon of cooking salt

1 cup of fresh blueberries

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon of honey

A dash of lemon juice and the zest of one lemon

To have on standby:

Whole wheat flour (plain is fine if you don’t have whole-wheat)

Milk

Honey

Live oil or cooking spray

Lemon juice

Directions

Combine the quinoa, honey, oil, eggs and milk and mix together until smooth. 

It is worth noting at this point that if you don’t particularly like the texture of quinoa then blending your pancake mixture is an option. This will create a perfectly smooth batter with no quinoa shaped lumps or bumps.

Depending on the consistency you prefer add either the flour if you like thicker drop scone style pancakes or milk if you like a more crepe like consistency. If you have a sweet tooth then add another ½ tablespoon of honey to taste.

Add in salt baking powder, lemon juice and zest and stir.

Heat a griddle or pan with cooking spray or olive oil.

Pour ¼ cup of batter on to hot griddle or pan. I find it easier to transfer my batter into a jug and then I can just pour the batter directly onto the pan or griddle.

Sprinkle blueberries of the top and cook for a few minutes or until the bubbles start to burst on the top.

Flip and finish both sides until golden brown.

Serve with a dash of lemon juice and topping of your choice.

The verdict on quinoa pancakes is that, personally, I think they are nice and a new pancake experience but definitely not a patch on traditional pancakes. However, if you don’t want to feel guilty about having a pancake treat then these are a great alternative.

So don't wait around for the next Pancake Day to try these - whip them up for a truely nourishing and satisfying breakfast. I have mine with yoghurt. Enjoy!