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Writer's pictureKathleen Alleaume

How to create the ultimate gift basket using items from your pantry

December is here and the countdown to Christmas is officially upon us!


Finding the perfect gift for the festive season ahead can be tough, so why not create a delightful and versatile basket full of goodies to treat your loved ones this holiday season?


Of course, we all know how hard it is to make healthy choices over Christmas – so here’s a hamper that’s healthy, humble and full of festive cheer!


Kathleen Alleaume
Uncle Toby's nutritionist, Kathleen Alleaume

Uncle Tobys nutritionist Kathleen Alleaume has created the perfect Oat Dukkah recipe which you can gift to friends and family using items from your pantry. Plus nutritional swaps, so you can make this festive season a healthy one with plenty of whole grains. By doing things like including whole grain crackers in your gift basket, subbing out white flour when making festive treats and snacking on some healthier treats, such as the Uncle Tobys Chewy Milo Muesli Bars, you’ll be jingling your way to the tastiest and easiest Christmas yet!



Christmas isn’t all about gifting though! You can join in on the festivities too. Why not try some alternative treats to up your grain game this festive season for a healthier and tastier Christmas feast? Festive soirées mean entertaining platters and charcuterie boards filled with an abundance of cured meats, dips, cheese, and crackers. But unfortunately, many options are often laden with saturated fat, excess sodium, and refined carbohydrates.


The ‘vehicle’ for the dip is also important. Water crackers, rice crackers or oven-baked options contain highly refined carbohydrates, so opt for crackers made with whole grains, such as this oat cracker made with seeds. Team the crackers with some extra virgin olive oil and my tasty oat dukkah.


Delicious food is a great way to treat those you love over the festive period. And it’s as easy as using items from right inside your pantry. Up your grain game this festive season!



Recipe: Oat Dukkah Dip



Ingredients


80g (2 serves) UNCLE TOBYS rolled oats

2 tbs coriander seeds

1 tsp fennel seeds

2 tsp black peppercorns

2 tbs sesame seeds

1 tbs cumin seeds

50g pistachios

½ tsp salt






Method


Pre-heat oven to 180 C. Line an oven tray with baking paper.


In a bowl, add all ingredients together and mix until well combined, Spread over a baking tray and cook for 8 minutes until the dukkah looks toasted.


Add mixture into a food processor and pulse a few times just until the nuts are chopped, but not smooth.


To serve, arrange labneh, oat bread, oat crackers, and smoked salmon in a wreath and decorate with fresh pomegranate, raspberries, olives and fresh herbs





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