Immune-Boosting Winter Whirlies

Packed full of cinnamon and almonds (two of my top immune-boosting foods), my Immune-Boosting Winter Whirlies are a more balanced take on a cinnamon bun. With minimal maple syrup (watered down and plenty sweet enough), no additional sugar, and extra protein-rich almond nut butter, they are a much better alternative, especially when it comes to balancing blood sugars. Enjoy them freshly-baked but also great for freezing.

Aim to consume no more than 1-2 Winter Whirlies per week (per adult/child), purely to promote variation and moderation to the diet.

The 'sciency' bit:

Cinnamon has amazing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties. Studies also suggest that it can help lower blood sugar levels.

Almonds (including almond butter - make sure there is no added sugar, salt or palm oil) are packed full of vitamin e, which can help to support our immune systems, along with magnesium, which can aid sleep (super important to help flight off bugs).

The Recipe

INGREDIENTS

Base ingredients:

160g ready-rolled puff pastry (or homemade if you have the time and patience!)

Sprinkle plain flour (for rolling pastry)

2-3 tbsp water

Protein & fats:

1/2 cup almond butter (add other nut butters too, depending on what's available in your cupboard!)

Sugars:

2 tbsp maple syrup

Spices:

2 tsp ground cinnamon

METHOD

Heat the oven to 180C fan and line 1 large baking tray with parchment.

Add the nut butter/s, cinnamon, maple syrup and water to a jug or small mixing bowl. Mix into a paste. Add more water if the paste is too thick. If too watery, add a touch more nut butter.

Using a rolling pin, roll out the pastry into a rectangle approx 2mm thick on a clean, dry surface. Use a sprinkle of plain flour to stop it from sticking.

Using a metal spoon, add the cinnamon, nut butter mixture to the surface of the pastry, going right to the edges.

Roll the pastry with the mixture on top into a Swiss roll shape (rolling away from you and from the shorter sides).

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the Swiss roll shape into 8-10 Whirles (depending on how big / small you want them - remember they will grow in the oven!) Place them onto the lined baking tray.

Put into the oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Place onto a cooling rack.

And...enjoy!