Makes 16

2 eggs

200g Paddy O’s Granola

100g cheddar cheese, finely grated

2 tbsp finely chopped chives

¼ tsp paprika

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preheat the oven to 180C (350F / Gas Mark 4).

(Huge thanks to Sharon from www.blueberrypie.ie)

Hello! I have just returned from such an interesting four day trip to Beijing, China.

What prompted the visit was that I wanted to check out the Granola market, check out the country I have read so much about in the Irish Times, and also to visit my girlfriend who is currently living there because of her work. It was a whirlwind of a trip, and I managed to fit in a lot of roasted duck eating, managed to meet a few people in the hotel F&B industry and even got to climb the Great Wall of China, and much to my delight tobogganed down.

What a country! It is so different to how I imagined. It is so industrial yet with  pockets dispersed within the city which still reflect the ‘old China.’ Yes, the crowds are true and when we took the metro the one evening I was blown away by how many people could actually fit onto a train. Imagine us on the train in between armpits, holding desperately onto our belongings. On the first night in Beijing I went to a bar called Atmosphere, in the China World Trade Center, it is on the 80th floor and overlooks the entire city. The lights of Beijing were astounding and what made it even more special was the tail end of Chinese New Year fireworks which were going off, lighting up the city. On another night we went to a vegetarian restaurant called, Pure Lotus, which serves all of China’s delicacy in a tofu form. Yes, we had roast tofu duck, and stewed tofu meat. Teppanyaki (although not Chinese) was also on the menu, can you imagine it was all you can eat and drink – and we did just that!

Breakfast in Beijing is very much a savory affair, and I saw many Chinese picking up a ‘Guangbing’ (an egg pancake type thing with meat inside) from the local street vendors. Imagine when China starts to change their tastes, and start adopting the westernised style breakfast of milk and granola as their breakfast choice?

Needless to say that my chopstick skills are in tip top form and my Beijing Roast Duck wrapping is of enviable quality. I urge everyone who has a chance to visit China to go and experience the different flavours and culture that is in direct contrast to the rolling green of our Emerald Isle.

Got some great pictures of me and my girlfriend on the Great Wall with a bag of PO’G which after the trek along the wall was a welcomed snack at the end.

Hey! I was reading an article of the 7 power foods, they are:  

- Avo

- Beans

- Blueberries

- Cruciferous Veg (broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower that vibe)

- Spinach

- Salmon

- Walnuts

All delicious, and can all be easily bought in Ireland FRESH!

“What makes them super? Few calories, little sugar or salt plus lots of soluble fiber, nutrients and health-boosting phytochemicals, and not a drop of guilt should you overindulge!” – They might as well be describing Paddy’s O’Granola.

Not so? 

As we have no added salt, sugar and you can indulge without a drop of guilt because it is PACKED with fibre!

I would like to add, an additional 3 Super foods and these are:

- Oats (for a slow release of energy)

- Cranberries (overall amazing)

- Apples (I am addicted, love them!)

(Go here to see the original article on the Super 7 Food)

Have a fantastic and healthy day!

Paddy

Happy New Year to you all, and I hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas time. Judging from the bathroom scales we really did too!

Like many of you, I have made some New Years resolutions. Some I know I will keep, and some … well, you know.

Two of these resolutions I am determined to keep alight this year are to eat even healthier than last year, and shake up my exercise regime to include high intense boxing. Exciting!

My New Year saying this year is, ‘even when you think you have hit empty, there is always, ALWAYS, 30% left’.

Disclaimer: you should probably not use my mantra when your petrol tank is beeping at you.

I hope you have a wonderful granola filled year, and hope to catch you all at the many exciting events I am attending this year, I will keep you posted!