Sweet Deceits Raw Caramel Slice

I’ve spoken previously about my intense love affair with chocolate. 

How that instant pleasure seems to overwhelm and derail me, leaving me seeking more and more to keep that thrill alive. And then later, when that delight and sugar rush has worn off, how dejected I feel, realising that the bar wasn’t even that great. Yeah. Chocolate is that boy that never called you back.

But I never really could give up going after the bad guys (or er, chocolate), so I set out to find my safe highs in this post. 

Sweet Deceits is a company that makes these incredibly delicious dessert kits, exclusively using natural and real ingredients. That means no funny business. No hidden nasties. No excuses. In fact the only ingredients in the kit are Dates, Almonds, Coconut Oil, Gluten Free Oats, Raw Cacao Powder and Natural Fruit Extracts (apple, grape and carob). Suitable for gluten free and vegan diets. Just pure unadulterated fun. 

I picked up the Raw Caramel Slice Kit from The Protein Pick And Mix store locally to me, but they are widely available across the internet and health food shops. And at only £7.99, they make a cheaper date. 

Not only are they easy to make, as the quantities are all labelled and measured out already for you, they're deceivingly good for you and they’re even easier to eat an entire batch of.

So if you have a bit of a thing for the bad guys, I’ll tell you straight: the chocolate brownie is always going to look a whole lot better than it tastes, I promise. Unless of course it’s a Sweet Deceits brownie. So you know where to get your next safe chocolate high.

K

Food Guide To Berlin

As with most things in life, I like to find any occasion to indulge in delicious food. Birthday? Lets eat a giant slice of chocolate cake. Failed your driving test? Ah well, lets go cry into a bowl of carbs. Your Mum’s best-friend’s uncle’s son just got married? Why didn’t you say? We should totally go for dinner an celebrate! And travel is no exception. 

I’ve recently just returned from a weekend losing myself in Berlin celebrating a close friend's 21st Birthday. Now I’d like to say I spent the whole weekend getting outrageously drunk and partying until the wee hours of the morning, but alongside the red wine and cocktails, we mainly just got euphoric from the fantastic food and ate ourselves into food comas. Berlin is such a lovely, unusual city that I’d love to return to and explore more someday. Besides, there’s only so much a girl can eat in 72 hours, right?

Here’s my top picks for food in the city,

(Photo credit - CicoBerlin)

If you’re looking to dine alongside the locals…Caligari 

Kienitzer Straße 110 12049 Berlin

Finding this little Italian gem was akin to seeing a reservoir of water when struggling through deserts. We had wandered for hours and hours and finally came across Caligari, hidden down the backstreets of a Neukolln neighbourhood. Honestly, they probably could have served us spaghetti out of a tin and we still would have been thankful. Aesthetically, the interior is incredibly minimalistic and rustic, but the food was full of flavour and authentic. Luckily the staff could speak English and helped us translate their menu that changes on a daily basis. You definitely have to be open to trying something new, as options are very limited, but if all else fails, the freshly baked bread to dip in olive oil was to die for. 

If you’re looking for a cosy spot for a coffee… Distrikt

Bergstraße 68, 10115 Berlin

Dressed with exposed walls and old leather chesterfields, it’s the perfect setting to settle back and catch up over a coffee. Bear in mind it can get very busy on a weekend morning, but if you don’t mind sharing your sofa with some locals, go in and get comfy. I recommend the Poached Eggs & Smoked Salmon served on toast, or the Buttermilk Pancakes topped with fresh fruit and granola.

If you’re looking for raw, vegan food… Daluma

Weinbergsweg 3, 10119 Berlin

A completely raw cafe located in the heart of Berlin. It has a very hipster aesthetic and seems to be frequented by health foodies and yogis. Get there early to try their Buckwheat Porridge, or detox your system with their acai Dr Feel Good smoothie if you drank a little too much the night before. The staff are friendly and speak excellent english. 

(Photo credit - www.worldofwanderlust.com)

If you’re looking for something a little unusual… Shiso Burger

Auguststraße 29 c, 10119 Berlin

This Asian burger bar was a recommendation, and for a very good reason - I’m still dreaming of my Ebi burger (a burger made from black tiger shrimp) and homemade sweet potato fries. Very busy come evening, so reserved ahead of time or risk waiting for a table. Super casual and popular amongst friends and families alike. You must try the twisted potatoes if you go, but you can forgo the beer.

If you’re looking for the best brunch in Berlin... Le Bon

Boppstraße 1, 10967 Berlin

Maybe I’m just a bit biased, swayed by their dreamy interior and delicious eggs, but Le Bon must be the best place to spot by for brunch in Berlin. Great coffee, lovely staff, and not too busy. Try their Shakshuka served with roasted chickpeas, tahini and toasted sourdough, and thank me later.  

Do you have any good recommendations for food in Berlin?

K