Special Occasion - Pinch Of Nom https://pinchofnom.com/category/special-occasion/ Fri, 05 Sep 2025 12:55:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://pinchofnom.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/cropped-Instagram-Logo-1.png Special Occasion - Pinch Of Nom https://pinchofnom.com/category/special-occasion/ 32 32 Chicken and Chorizo Mac and Cheese https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/chicken-and-chorizo-mac-and-cheese/ https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/chicken-and-chorizo-mac-and-cheese/#respond Mon, 08 Sep 2025 15:45:28 +0000   Your favourite comfort food just got a tasty twist! We've added chicken, chorizo, and roasted red peppers to your regular mac and cheese.

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Chicken and Chorizo Mac and Cheese. served in an ovenproof dish.
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Chicken and Chorizo Mac and Cheese | Slimming & Weight Watchers Friendly

Your favourite comfort food just got a tasty twist! We've added chicken, chorizo, and roasted red peppers to your regular mac and cheese.
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine American, British, Italian, Pasta
Keyword Chicken and Chorizo Mac and Cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 530kcal
Cost £1.52

Ingredients

  • 200 g dried macaroni
  • 1 large chicken breast (approx. 170g), cut into small chunks
  • 50 g ready-diced chorizo
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp mild chilli powder
  • 150 g roasted red peppers in brine drained and cut into small dice
  • 4 spring onions trimmed and sliced

For the cheese sauce

  • 500 ml skimmed milk
  • 25 g reduced-fat spread
  • 3 tbsp cornflour
  • 3 tbsp cold water
  • 100 g reduced-fat mature cheddar cheese finely grated
  • 1/4 tsp mustard powder

For the top

  • 20 g reduced-fat mature cheddar cheese finely grated
  • 1 tbsp curly parsley stalks removed and chopped
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • low-calorie cooking spray

Instructions

  • Place the macaroni in a large pan of salted boiling water, then lower the heat, and partially cover with a lid. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, or according to the packet instructions – until ‘al dente’. The macaroni should be tender when you bite a piece, but not too soft. Drain the pasta and then return it to the pan – placing the lid on to keep it warm. Set aside, off the heat.
  • Now it's time to make the cheese sauce! Place the milk in a small saucepan, add the reduced-fat spread, and heat gently – until the reduced-fat spread has fully melted, and the mixture is steaming hot. Take care not to let the milk boil over.
  • In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 3 tablespoons of water – until smooth. Then pour the cornflour mixture into the hot milk – stirring constantly with a balloon whisk or wooden spoon. Simmer for 3-5 minutes – all the while stirring constantly – until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in the grated cheese and mustard powder. Cover, and set aside.
  • Spray a frying pan with low-calorie cooking spray, and place over a medium heat. Add the chorizo and fry for 2 minutes. Then add the chicken and cook for a further 5 minutes – until the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
  • Add the garlic, smoked paprika, chilli powder, roasted red peppers, and spring onions, and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes – until the spring onions have softened.
  • Preheat the grill on a medium setting. Place the chicken and chorizo mixture and cheese sauce in the saucepan with the drained macaroni, and stir well.
  • Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, and place under the preheated grill for a few minutes – until the top is golden brown. Then scatter the chopped parsley on top, and serve with a mixed salad – or another accompaniment of your choice.

Video

Notes

Tip 1: You can find ready-diced chorizo in the chilled aisle in most supermarkets.
Tip 2: Try using different small pasta shapes, such as penne.

Nutrition

Serving: 3476 | Calories: 530kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 6.9g | Sodium: 1800mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 10g

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Frozen Pickle Martini https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/frozen-pickle-martini/ https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/frozen-pickle-martini/#respond Mon, 04 Aug 2025 15:45:29 +0000   Not shaken or stirred…this martini is blitzed into a refreshing, grown-up slushie! With the classic martini base of gin and dry vermouth (swap the gin for vodka if you prefer), the tangy hit of pickle juice adds a subtle sweetness and zing.

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Frozen Pickle Martini served in a cocktail glass on a blue tiled board
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Frozen Pickle Martini | Slimming & Weight Watchers Friendly

Not shaken or stirred…this martini is blitzed into a refreshing, grown-up slushie! With the classic martini base of gin and dry vermouth (swap the gin for vodka if you prefer), the tangy hit of pickle juice adds a subtle sweetness and zing.
Course Drinks
Keyword Cocktail, martini
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 59kcal

Equipment

  • high speed blender

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp gin
  • 1 tbsp dry vermouth
  • 2 tbsp pickle juice from the jar
  • 100 g ice cubes
  • 2 baby pickled gherkins (cornichons)

Instructions

  • Place the gin, vermouth, pickle juice and ice into a high speed blender and blitz for a few seconds, until the ice is crushed.
  • Pour into a martini glass, and garnish with the baby gherkins.

Video

Notes

If you don't have baby gherkins, use sliced gherkins.

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 0.9g | Sugar: 0.9g

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Spiced Pulled Pork https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/spiced-pulled-pork/ https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/spiced-pulled-pork/#respond Tue, 08 Jul 2025 15:45:46 +0000   Succulent and packed with flavour, this slimming-friendly Spiced Pulled Pork is cooked with a bold blend of smoky-sweet spices. It's the ultimate filling for tacos, wraps, burritos, or even colourful salad bowls! Easy to prep, endlessly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser – what more could you ask for?

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Finished wraps filled with shredded pork, vibrant slaw, and a drizzle of spicy sauce, folded and ready to serve.
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Spiced Pulled Pork | Slimming & Weight Watchers Friendly

Succulent and packed with flavour, this slimming-friendly Spiced Pulled Pork is cooked with a bold blend of smoky-sweet spices. It's the ultimate filling for tacos, wraps, burritos, or even colourful salad bowls! Easy to prep, endlessly versatile and always a crowd-pleaser – what more could you ask for?
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine non specific
Keyword Slow Cooker Spiced Pulled Pork, Spiced Pulled Pork
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Servings 6
Calories 541kcal

Ingredients

For the pulled pork

  • 1 kg pork joint any visible fat removed
  • 1 tsp Chinese 5-spice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 750 ml boiling water
  • 2 chicken stock cubes
  • 150 ml dark soy sauce
  • ½ tsp chilli flakes
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ½ orange zest only
  • 1 tsp Sriracha
  • 3 tbsp granulated sweetener
  • 4 spring onions cut into 5cm (2 inch) pieces
  • 1 head garlic gloves peeled and cut in half
  • 2 cm piece fresh ginger no need to peel (cut into thin slices)
  • 6 soft tortilla wraps (33g per wrap)

For the spicy sauce

  • 5 tbsp quark
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp Sriracha
  • 1 tsp water depending on how thin you want the sauce

For the slaw

  • ¼ red cabbage shredded
  • 3 carrots peeled and julienned
  • 1 lime juice only
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp Sriracha
  • 1 tsp fish sauce (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 160°C.

To make the pork

  • Rub the pork all over with the Chinese 5-spice and salt.
  • To the water, add the chicken stock cubes, soy sauce, chilli flakes, rice vinegar, orange zest, Sriracha and sweetener and stir until dissolved.
  • Add the spring onions, garlic and ginger. Place the pork into the casserole dish and submerge in the cooking liquid.
  • Cover with a lid and cook for 2-4 hours. Until the meat is very tender.
  • Remove the pork and shred with two forks. Pour the sauce through a fat separator and and transfer the sauce to a saucepan and set on a medium heat. Simmer until reduced by half. Pour over the shredded pork and toss to coat.

To make the spicy sauce

  • Add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and mix until smooth.

To make the slaw

  • Place the shredded cabbage and carrots in a bowl. Pour over the lime juice, rice vinegar, Sriracha and fish sauce and mix well.
  • Place a little of the pork mixture onto each wrap, add some slaw and a drizzle of spicy sauce. Fold in half and serve!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 541kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 9.6g | Sodium: 680mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 11g

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Rhubarb and Custard Trifles https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/rhubarb-and-custard-trifles/ https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/rhubarb-and-custard-trifles/#respond Wed, 30 Apr 2025 15:45:44 +0000   These pretty pink trifles aren’t just impressive to look at, they’re utterly scrumptious too! We’ve combined the tartness of rhubarb with creamy vanilla custard to create a decadent-tasting dessert that takes us back to our childhood. A drop of gin takes the rhubarb flavours to the next level, but if you’d rather skip the […]

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A table is set with four dessert dishes, filled with Pinch of Nom's slimming-friendly Rhubarb and Custard Trifles. The trifles are served in clear dessert glasses, revealing the bright-colours layers of yellow custard and pink rhubarb.
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Rhubarb and Custard Trifles | Slimming & Weight Watchers Friendly

These pretty pink trifles aren’t just impressive to look at, they’re utterly scrumptious too! We’ve combined the tartness of rhubarb with creamy vanilla custard to create a decadent-tasting dessert that takes us back to our childhood. A drop of gin takes the rhubarb flavours to the next level, but if you’d rather skip the alcohol, you can use apple juice instead. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Course Dessert
Cuisine British
Keyword Rhubarb and Custard Trifles
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 230kcal

Equipment

  • 4 trifle dishes (or one larger trifle bowl)
  • Baking tray

Ingredients

  • 400 g rhubarb cut into 3cm pieces
  • 4 tbsp granulated sweetener
  • 8 sponge fingers
  • 2 tbsp gin (or apple juice)

For the custard

  • 3 medium egg yolks
  • 300 ml skimmed milk
  • 1 tbsp cornflour
  • a few drops of vanilla essence
  • 1 ½ tbsp granulated sweetener
  • light aerosol cream
  • 1 ginger nut or lotus biscuit crushed

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • Scatter the rhubarb over a baking sheet, coat with the sweetener and cover with tin foil.
  • Place in the oven and cook for about 20 minutes. The aim is to have soft rhubarb that holds its shape and has released its juices, but it can fall suddenly. Don't worry if this happens. It will still taste fab.
  • Drain the juice into a small bowl and stir in the gin (or apple juice).
  • Break up one sponge finger into the bottom of each trifle dish, add a spoonful of juice and then a layer of rhubarb.
  • Repeat with another layer of sponge, juice and rhubarb. Spoon over a little more juice if the sponge looks too dry. Cover and refrigerate while you make the custard.
  • Pour the milk into a small saucepan and place over a medium to high heat, until it just starts to boil. Keep an eye on it as it can boil over very quickly!
  • Whisk together the egg yolks, sweetener, vanilla and cornflour until smooth.
  • When the milk has come to the boil, remove from the heat.
  • Whisk the milk into the egg mixture. Do this a little at a time to begin with to temper the eggs. If you pour it in too fast, the eggs may scramble. As the heat from the milk warms the eggs, you can pour the milk in faster, whisking all the time.
  • Pour the custard back into the saucepan and return to a low heat, stirring all the time, until it thickens and bubbles break the surface. Cook for around 2 minutes, and taste to ensure the cornflour has cooked out and the mix doesn't taste powdery.
  • Remove the trifles from the fridge and pour the custard evenly over. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours until set.
  • When you are ready to serve, spray 25g of light aerosol cream on top and sprinkle over the crushed biscuit for decoration. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Tip: If you want to avoid alcohol, replace the gin with apple juice!

Nutrition

Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 7.2g | Fat: 9.8g | Saturated Fat: 4.8g | Sodium: 190mg | Fiber: 2.6g | Sugar: 13g

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Mini Egg Cheesecake https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/mini-egg-cheesecake/ https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/mini-egg-cheesecake/#comments Mon, 14 Apr 2025 15:45:04 +0000   This Mini Egg Cheesecake is our go-to showstopper for an Easter spread! We’ve used reduced-fat cream cheese and fat-free Greek yoghurt to recreate velvety cheesecake indulgence, without piling on the calories. Half the fun is in decorating this one – we’ve gone for a criss-cross style chocolate drizzle and topping of colourful crushed mini […]

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At the centre of a gingham table, Pinch of Nom's slimming-friendly Mini Egg Cheesecake is served decorated with a chocolate drizzle and a garnish of mini eggs, ready to be sliced.
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Mini Egg Cheesecake | Slimming & Weight Watchers Friendly

This Mini Egg Cheesecake is our go-to showstopper for an Easter spread! We’ve used reduced-fat cream cheese and fat-free Greek yoghurt to recreate velvety cheesecake indulgence, without piling on the calories. Half the fun is in decorating this one – we’ve gone for a criss-cross style chocolate drizzle and topping of colourful crushed mini eggs!
Course Dessert, Sweet Treats
Cuisine non specific
Keyword Easter, Mini Egg Cheesecake, Mini Eggs
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
resting time 3 hours
Servings 8
Calories 322kcal

Equipment

  • 18cm springform tin
  • Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  • 175 g light digestive biscuits crushed
  • 40 g reduced-fat spread melted
  • 400 g reduced-fat cream cheese
  • 400 g fat-free Greek yoghurt
  • 30 g granulated sweetener
  • 2 medium eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp cornflour
  • 20 g milk chocolate
  • 80 g mini eggs

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 140°C and grease a 20cm springform tin with a little extra reduced-fat spread. Line the base with a circle of non-stick baking paper.
  • Add the crushed biscuits to a bowl and stir in the melted reduced-fat spread. Press into the base of the tin. Pop into the fridge whilst you make the cheesecake.
  • Beat together the cream cheese, yoghurt, sweetener, eggs, vanilla and cornflour until smooth. We find it best to use a wooden spoon or balloon whisk.
  • Pour the mixture onto the biscuit base and place the tin onto a baking tray.
  • Place on a low shelf in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until it’s set around the edges but still has a wobble in the centre.
  • Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 1 hour. Once cooled, place in the fridge to chill for a minimum of 2 hours but best to leave overnight.
  • Remove the cheesecake from the tin and peel away the non-stick baking paper, place onto your serving plate.
  • Melt the chocolate and drizzle over the top of the cheesecake. Crush half the mini eggs and sprinkle over the cheesecake. Dot the remaining mini eggs around the edge of the cheesecake. Slice and serve.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7.1g | Sodium: 710mg | Fiber: 2.1g | Sugar: 14g

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Biscoff Trifles https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/biscoff-trifles/ https://pinchofnom.com/recipes/biscoff-trifles/#respond Mon, 10 Feb 2025 16:45:05 +0000   This dreamy Biscoff Trifles recipe is truly irresistible! It’s stacked with creamy, caramelised biscuit goodness – and there’s no jelly in sight. With a Biscoff-soaked sponge, airy light mousse, reduced-fat cream and crunchy biscuit crumbs, this one's the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for more!

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On a bright-pink striped tabletop against a yellow background, Pinch of Nom's slimming-friendly Biscoff Trifle recipe is served in a tall serving dish, topped with cream and crumbled biscuits. A spoon waits to dive in.
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Biscoff Trifles | Slimming & Weight Watchers Friendly

This dreamy Biscoff Trifles recipe is truly irresistible! It’s stacked with creamy, caramelised biscuit goodness – and there’s no jelly in sight. With a Biscoff-soaked sponge, airy light mousse, reduced-fat cream and crunchy biscuit crumbs, this one's the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone coming back for more!
Course Dessert
Cuisine non specific
Keyword Biscoff, Biscoff Trifles, Trifle, Trifles
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 315kcal

Equipment

  • 6-hole silicone muffin tray

Ingredients

For the cake layer

  • 30 g reduced-fat spread
  • 30 g white granulated sweetener
  • 30 g self-raising flour
  • 1 medium egg
  • 1 tbsp smooth Biscoff spread
  • ½ tsp vanilla essence

For the creamy layer

  • 100 ml low-fat double cream alternative
  • 200 g fat-free Greek-style yoghurt
  • 30 g smooth Biscoff spread
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

To serve

  • 1 medium banana peeled and sliced
  • 3 Biscoff biscuits crumbled
  • reduced-fat aerosol cream

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 180°C.
  • To a mixing bowl, add the reduced-fat spread, sweetener, flour, egg, and vanilla mix with an electric whisk until the mixture is thick and creamy. Place the Biscoff spread into a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in small bursts until melted. Add the Biscoff spread into the cake mixture and whisk again until combined.
  • Pour the mixture into 4 holes of a silicone muffin tray and flatten out. Bake for 12-14 minutes, until an inserted skewer comes out clean. Leave to cool completely.
  • Once the cakes are cooled, make the creamy layer. Place the low-fat double cream alternative in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk with an electric hand whisk, on high speed for about 2-4 minutes, until soft peaks are formed. Take care not to over-whisk the cream alternative – otherwise it will become too stiff to fold in the remaining ingredients.
  • Place the Biscoff spread into a small microwaveable bowl and microwave in small bursts, until melted and completely smooth.
  • Add the yoghurt, melted Biscoff spread and vanilla essence to the bowl with the whipped cream alternative. Fold in gently using a rubber spatula or large metal spoon until completely combined. Take care not to knock the air out of the mixture.
  • Once the sponges have cooled, remove from the silicone tray and cut each cake in half horizontally to create 2 circle pieces. You should have 8 slices of sponge. Put to one side.
  • Now you are ready to assemble. Add a little of the cream mixture to the bottom of the serving dishes. Add a slice of sponge, a few of the banana slices, sprinkle over some of the crumbled biscuit. Repeat the layers again finishing with a layer of cream mixture on-top. Leave in the fridge for 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
  • When ready to serve, add a swirl of aerosol cream and sprinkle over the remaining biscuit crumbs. Serve.

Video

Notes

Tip: If you don’t have a microwave, heat the Biscoff spread in a small bowl that’s within a slightly larger bowl containing boiling water. Stir for about 2 minutes. Add the Biscoff and vanilla to the cake mix and whisk again until fully combined.
Tip: If you don’t have a silicone muffin tray, you can bake the cakes in paper bun cases instead and peel off before slicing.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 9.7g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 9.5g | Sodium: 460mg | Fiber: 0.8g | Sugar: 15g

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