Food Blog by Liudmyla Polishchuk

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08/08/2026

Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal



There is no flavor combination quite as classic or comforting as peanut butter and jelly. It instantly takes us back to childhood, but who says it has to stay tucked between two slices of bread?

Today, I’m bringing that nostalgic magic straight into your morning routine with a warm, velvety bowl of Peanut Butter & Jelly Oatmeal. By simmering rolled oats until creamy, melting rich peanut butter right into the grains, and swirling through a vibrant berry preserve, we turn a simple breakfast staple into a gourmet treat.

It’s cozy, nutrient-dense, and ready in under 10 minutes!



The Ingredients


(Serves 1)

  • 50g (1/2 cup) Old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 250ml (1 cup) Milk of choice (whole milk, oat milk, or almond milk)
  • 125ml (1/2 cup) Water
  • 1 pinch Fine sea salt
  • 2 tbsp All-natural creamy peanut butter (divided)
  • 2 tbsp High-quality raspberry or strawberry jam/preserves
  • 1 tsp Maple syrup or honey (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1/2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
  • For the Toppings (The Chef's Touch):
  • Fresh raspberries or halved strawberries
  • A handful of toasted crushed peanuts (for crunch)
  • A pinch of chia seeds or hemp seeds


 Step-by-Step Method



Step 1: Toast and Simmer the Oats


In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the rolled oats. Toast them dry for about 1 to 2 minutes until they release a warm, nutty aroma. Pour in the milk, water, and sea salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then turn the heat down to low.


Chef’s Secret: Always add a small pinch of salt to your sweet oatmeal! Salt cuts through the heaviness of the peanut butter and enhances the natural flavor of the oats.


Step 2: Create the Creamy Peanut Butter Base


Let the oats simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until thick and creamy. Turn off the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, the vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using). The warmth of the oats will melt the peanut butter right into the grains, creating a silky, indulgent texture.


Step 3: Plating and the "Jelly" Swirl


Spoon the creamy peanut butter oatmeal into your favorite serving bowl. Dollop the strawberry or raspberry jam onto one side of the bowl and the remaining 1 tablespoon of peanut butter onto the other side. Using the tip of a butter knife or spoon, gently swirl the jam and peanut butter into the top layer of the oatmeal.


Chef’s Secret: Don’t overmix! You want distinct, beautiful ribbons of ruby-red jam and golden peanut butter running through the bowl for both visual beauty and flavor contrast in every bite.


Step 4: Garnish and Serve


Finish your bowl with a scatter of fresh berries, a sprinkle of toasted peanuts for crunch, and a light dusting of chia seeds. Serve immediately while warm!



06/08/2026

Raspberry Lemon Yogurt Bowl




Welcome to 'daily recipes'! 


Hello everyone! Welcome back to my kitchen.

As your personal culinary guide at 'daily recipes', I know mornings can be hectic. That’s why I am always searching for breakfast options that strike that perfect balance: quick enough for a weekday, yet decadent enough for a slow Sunday.

Today, I’m thrilled to share my absolute favorite way to wake up my taste buds: the Raspberry Lemon Yoghurt Bowl.

This isn't just breakfast; it’s sunshine in a bowl. We are contrasting the thick, creamy richness of Greek yoghurt with the vibrant, zesty punch of lemon and the sweet-tart explosion of fresh raspberries. It is incredibly fresh, light, yet surprisingly satisfying.

Let's cook—or rather, assemble—this masterpiece!


(Serves: 1 | Prep time: 5 minutes)


The Ingredients


  • 1 cup (approx. 200g) Thick Greek Yoghurt or Skyr (Plain or Vanilla)
  • 1 Organic Lemon (We will need the zest and the juice)
  • 1 tbsp Good Quality Lemon Curd (Store-bought is fine, homemade is better!)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Raspberries (Split use)
  • 1-2 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional, depending on your preferred sweetness)

    For the Toppings:
  • 2 tbsp Toasted Granola or Muesli (for that essential crunch!)
  • 1 tsp Chia Seeds or Flax Seeds (for texture and a nutritional boost)
  • A few fresh Mint Leaves (for color and aroma)


The Chef’s Method

Step 1: Create the Lemon Yoghurt Base


In your favorite breakfast bowl, place the Greek yoghurt. Add the lemon curd and the juice of half the lemon.


Chef’s Secret: Don’t just stir it in completely! Gently fold the curd through the yoghurt to create beautiful, golden swirls of flavour rather than a uniform pale yellow colour.


Step 2: Muddle the Berries


Take about a third of your raspberries (the bruised ones are perfect for this!), place them in a small cup, and gently mash them with a fork with a squeeze of the remaining lemon juice and the honey (if using). This creates a quick, fresh coulis.


Step 3: The Assembly


Pour the quickly muddled raspberry coulis over the swirling lemon yoghurt base. Top generously with the remaining whole fresh raspberries.


Step 4: The Final Touch (Plating)


Sprinkle over your toasted granola, chia seeds, and finely grate the fresh lemon zest over the entire bowl to release those aromatic oils. Garnish with a tiny sprig of fresh mint.

Enjoy immediately!


Chef’s Tips for Success and Variations


As your 'daily recipes' chef, I always want you to feel empowered in the kitchen. Here are some ways to make this recipe your own:

Going Dairy-Free: This recipe works beautifully with thick coconut yoghurt or almond-based yoghurt. If using plant-based yoghurt, ensure it has a thick consistency.

The Crunch Factor: Don’t have granola? Try lightly toasting some flaked almonds or walnuts in a dry pan until fragrant.

Flavor Pairing: If you are feeling adventurous, mix a tiny pinch of freshly chopped thyme into the raspberry coulis. Lemon, raspberry, and thyme are a classic, sophisticated flavour trio!

Presentation: Remember, we eat with our eyes first. Use a clear glass bowl to show off the beautiful swirls of yellow and red!


02/08/2026

Cornmeal Pancakes




There is something wonderfully nostalgic about the aroma of golden cornmeal sizzling in a pan on a slow morning. While standard flour pancakes are always a treat, adding fine-grain cornmeal introduces an incredible, rustic texture and a deep, buttery sweetness that elevates breakfast to something truly special.

To make these extra delicious, I gathered fresh free-range eggs and real Scottish butter from my local Waitrose, along with fine yellow cornmeal. Whisked together in my favorite Mason Cash bowl and cooked to golden perfection on a heavy skillet, these pancakes strike the ultimate balance between crisp edges and a fluffy, tender center.

Here is how to create these rustic, comforting cornmeal pancakes right in your own kitchen!

The Ingredients


(Serves 2)

  • 100g Fine yellow cornmeal
  • 100g Plain flour
  • 1 tbsp Caster sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp Bicarbonate of soda
  • 1/4 tsp Fine sea salt
  • 240ml Buttermilk (or whole milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • 2 large Free-range eggs
  • 50g Unsalted butter (melted, plus extra for the pan)
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract


The Chef’s Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a large Mason Cash mixing bowl, combine the yellow cornmeal, plain flour, caster sugar, baking powder, bicarbonate of soda, and sea salt. Whisk them thoroughly to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed.


Chef’s Secret: Cornmeal is heavier than wheat flour. Whisking it well with the dry ingredients prevents it from sinking and ensures your pancakes rise evenly.


Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate jug, whisk together the buttermilk, free-range eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and well emulsified.


Step 3: The Gentle Mix

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until just combined.


Chef’s Secret: A few small lumps in the batter are completely normal and desired! Over-mixing develops the gluten in the flour, turning your light pancakes into tough little discs. Let the batter rest for 5 minutes while your pan heats up.


Step 4: The Golden Sear

Heat a heavy-duty skillet or griddle over medium heat and melt a small pat of butter. Ladle quarter-cup portions of the batter onto the hot surface. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until little bubbles form and pop on the surface and the edges look set and matte. Flip carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.


Step 5: Stack and Serve

Transfer the warm cornmeal pancakes to a plate. Serve immediately with a generous pat of butter, a drizzle of warm maple syrup, or a spoonful of fresh berries.