Cottage Cheese, Peach & Seed Bowl

Cottage cheese is having a moment, and for good reason. It's high in protein, naturally fermented (if you buy live-culture), and pairs beautifully with sweet fruit. Use tinned peaches in juice, drained, or a fresh peach if they're in season. A sprinkle of seeds adds crunch.

Ingredients (Serves 1):

• 150g cottage cheese (full-fat, live-culture if possible)
• 2 tinned peach halves in juice, drained and sliced (or 1 fresh peach)
• 1 tsp mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame)
• A drizzle of honey (optional)
• Black pepper (a small crack—trust me)

Method:

1. Spoon the cottage cheese into a bowl. Arrange the peach slices on top.
2. Scatter with seeds. Drizzle with honey if using.
3. Add a tiny crack of black pepper—it sounds weird, but pepper on cottage cheese and fruit is a classic for a reason.

Why it's gut-friendly: Cottage cheese is a fermented dairy product, providing probiotics. Peaches are a low-FODMAP fruit, gentle on sensitive stomachs. Seeds add fibre and healthy fats.