We Wish You A Happy, Peaceful And Healthy New Year

As 2023 draws to a close, and we welcome the new year of 2024,

we thank all the people that have taken the time to read our blog during this past year,

and a special thank you to the very kind people who take the time to comment.

We wish all our readers a happy, peaceful and healthy New Year.

Jan and Eddie

A Closer Look at Tangerines and Oranges : How Are They Different?

Tangerines and oranges are both members of the citrus family. Tangerines are a richer source of vitamin A, while oranges offer more vitamin C and fibre per serving.

Tangerines and oranges are citrus fruits that are often confused for one another.

They both contain an assortment of nutrients, are relatively sweet in flavour and are generally low in calories.

But while tangerines and oranges are closely related, they are actually two separate fruits with some notable differences.

This article explains the key similarities and differences between tangerines and oranges.

They Are From the Same Family
Tangerines and oranges have similar qualities because they are members of the same family. They may look alike, but they are actually two different species of fruit with separate origins and varieties.

Tangerines are a subgroup of mandarin, while oranges are a hybrid of the pomelo and mandarin fruits. Oranges originated in Asia. Tangerines were first grown and cultivated as a distinct crop in the Americas by a Major Atway in Palatka, Florida. Atway was said to have imported them from Morocco (more specifically its third-largest city Tangier), which was the origin of the name.

They Have Different Appearances
The main distinction between tangerines and oranges is size. Oranges come in different sizes and slightly different shapes, depending on the variety. However, as a rule of thumb, oranges grow to a larger size than tangerines.

Oranges are larger and more rounded than tangerines. They both can be seedless or have seeds. Most orange varieties are yellowish-orange, while tangerines are more reddish-orange.

Their Flavours Vary Slightly
The flavours of tangerines and oranges vary, but it depends largely on the variety of each fruit. Both tangerines and oranges can be sweet or tart. However, most tangerines are less tart and sweeter than oranges. Tangerines also tend to have a stronger flavour profile than oranges and a shorter aftertaste.

One exception to this is the blood orange. Blood oranges have a distinct flavour profile that differs from most varieties of tangerines and oranges. Blood oranges tend to have a very rich taste that is not overly sweet with a hint of berry-like flavour.

Tangerines Are Generally Easier to Peel
The rinds of tangerines and oranges is another main difference between the two. Both tangerines and oranges have a thin skin. However, oranges have a tighter skin and thus are usually more difficult to peel than tangerines. Many tangerine varieties are known for their “zipper-skin,” meaning once the skin is torn, it slides off easily.

They Have a Very Similar Nutrient Content
A whole tangerine has a high water content (85%), consists mostly of carbs (4% of daily value) and contains almost no fat.

Likewise, a whole orange has a high water content (87%), consists mostly of carbs (4% of daily value) and contains almost no fat.

One notable difference between the nutrient profile of tangerines versus oranges is that oranges have more than double the amount of vitamin C.

That said, tangerines contain more vitamin A per serving. One 3.5-ounce serving of tangerine provides 14% of the daily value, while oranges offer 4%.

Both tangerines and oranges provide a good variety of nutrients, including potassium, thiamine and folate. Either fruit can be a nutritious, low-calorie addition to your diet.

How to Eat and Enjoy Them
The best way to eat both tangerines and oranges is to simply peel them and eat them. Since tangerines are easier to peel, they can be used as a quick and easy snack, especially when you’re on the go. Both make great additions to salads, too.

When choosing a ripe tangerine, you will want to look for fruits that are deep in colour, semi-soft and avoid those with brown spots.

Oranges don’t necessarily have to be bright in colour to be ripe, but you will want to choose oranges that are firm and have smoothly textured skin.

Both tangerines and oranges can be stored on the countertop at room temperature or in the refrigerator, depending on your preference.

The above, and more, can be seen at original article here 

Related Post

The Difference between Oranges, Mandarins, Tangerines, Satsumas and Clementine's - read it here

You will find a variety of articles and recipes within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Have You Been Enjoying Twixmas?

Have you been enjoying Twixmas? For many, Twixmas is a favourite time of the year. Once the stress of Christmas Day is over, Twixmas, the relaxed period between Christmas and New Year – when life seems to slow down a little and everyone takes a collective deep breath – comes along to help recharge our batteries before we welcome in another year.

It's marked from the 27th until 30th December, and here is everything you need to know about Twixmas, including how to spend it.

What is Twixmas?
Twixmas is the term used to describe the days between Christmas and New Year (27th-30th December), when – work and family commitments depending – you can take some much needed down time. For many of us, it's time when we can fully relax and spend our days doing nothing.

Why is it called Twixmas?

Twixmas originates from the old English word 'betwixt' which simply means 'between'.

How can I spend Twixmas?
The simple answer? Any way you want! For some, Twixmas is all about curling up under a blanket in cosy PJs with a festive film, or that buzzed-about boxset or book. For others, it's a chance to get some air, enjoy countryside walks or indulge in a little craft or DIY activities. It's also the perfect time to gather your thoughts ahead of 2024, and write down your new goals.

Things to do during Twixmas:
Cook up something comforting. Twixmas is a great time to use up leftovers. If you have too much Turkey left over the recipe suggestions here may help.

Get cosy and catch up on those Christmas TV specials you missed.

Shop the post-Christmas sales from the comfort of your sofa. Pick up a bargain for the house without having to battle the crowds.

Indulge in a spot of pampering; light some candles, run a bath and kick back with a face mask.

Read one of this year's most talked about books. Or perhaps get lost in the bestselling tome from the year you were born!

Rearrange your bedroom; transform your bedroom space into a tranquil, stylish space to help you unwind at the end of a long day.

Declutter your home and tidy up all of those new presents. Whether it's that jumbled cupboard under the stairs or the kids' bedroom, use Twixmas to get your clean on.

Decorate! With Christmas Day now behind us, why not give your home a lick of paint. Let next year's interior design trends inspire your next move.

Go offline, it's a great way to recharge your mind before 2024 begins.

Slip on your wellies and head out for a countryside walk. Take a thermos of soup or coffee to keep you warm as you wander.
Words/ideas from article here

I think I may spend a little time sitting quietly with a good book, a cup of tea and a low carb cookie biscuit, see more about low carb/keto biscuits here

Don't forget to try out the Third (Twixmas) Christmas Five Quiz if you haven't already done so, you will find it here

Dear reader, please be aware, that you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Answers to the Third (Twixmas) Christmas Five Quiz, and Cheesecake, Some Lower Carb Choices!

Hello there, I hope you enjoyed yesterday's quiz. Many thanks to all those who read the post and special thanks to those who took time to comment.

Did you know the answers? Well, as promised here are the answers to the five questions. For ease I have repeated the questions, and given more details ...

1. Which Country Started The Tradition of Putting Up A Christmas Tree?
Answer - Germany - more to read here

2. What Year Was Tinsel Invented?

Answer - 1610 - more to read here

3. What has been helping us to count down the days from the 1st to the 25th December since the early 1900's?

Answer - Advent Calendars - more to read here

4. In which Christmas Song is everything calm and bright?

Answer - Silent Night.

The First Verse:-

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright
'round yon virgin mother and child.
Holy infant, so tender and mild,
sleep in heavenly peace,
sleep in heavenly peace.

5. Which Christmas Carol became the first song ever broadcast from space in 1965?

Answer - Jingle Bells - more to read here

How did you do? Before I researched the answers, I knew four, and guessed at one! 😊

~ and now for some cheesecake choices ~

both are lower carb recipes

No Bake Keto Cheesecake

Lemon Yoghurt Cheesecake

details for both cheesecakes can be seen here

A variety of posts, articles and recipe ideas are within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Third or Twixmas Christmas Five Quiz!

I hope you had an enjoyable Christmas, many thanks to everyone who took time to wish Eddie and myself a Happy Christmas, your thoughts and kind wishes are appreciated.

The two recent Christmas Five quizzes posted here and here were a popular read. Thanks to all those who read the posts and special thanks to those who took time to comment. I hinted that there could be a third Christmas five quiz and yes there is 😊 perhaps I should call it the Twixmas quiz, please see questions below.

Here we have five questions for todays third, and last, Christmas Five quiz,

hope you may take part again.

I've given you some help with the first two questions!

1. Which Country Started The Tradition of Putting Up A Christmas Tree?

Switzerland, Germany or The United Kingdom

2. What Year Was Tinsel Invented? 

1610, 1710 or 1810

3. What has been helping us to count down the days from the 1st to the 25th December since the early 1900's?

4. In which Christmas Song is everything calm and bright?

5. Which Christmas Carol became the first song ever broadcast from space in 1965? 

That wasn't too bad was it? Do write down your answers at home and come back when the answers will be revealed tomorrow 😊 🎄🎅

 ... and now on to a recipe suggestion ...

Turkey Bake

with Broccoli and Mushrooms in a creamy sauce

hope you may enjoy this dish soon

more details here

As regular readers know, this blog is presented in a magazine style - we hope something for everyone. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, cartoons, music and recipes!

However, not all the recipes ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readers

We wish all our readers the compliments of the Season and a happy, peaceful and healthy New Year.

Thank you so much for reading our blog,

and a special thank you to the very kind people who take the time to comment.

Jan and Eddie

Answers to Second Christmas Five Quiz, and a Christmas Tree that is edible!

Hello there, I hope you enjoyed yesterday's quiz. Many thanks to all those who read the post and special thanks to those who took time to comment.

Did you know the answers? Well, as promised here are the answers to the five questions. For ease I have repeated the questions, and given links to more details ...

Which famous scientist was born on Christmas Day in 1642?
Isaac Newton - read more here

What beverage company has been using Santa Claus in their advertising since 1931?
Coca-Cola - more to read here

In which country did Panettone originate?
Italy - read about it here

In Japan, which takeaway food is traditionally eaten at Christmas?
KFC - read about it here

There are more than 110 varieties of which popular Christmas vegetables?
Brussels Sprouts - more to read here

How did you do? Before I researched the answers, I knew three, and guessed at two! 😊

... and now, here's a tasty Christmas recipe for you.

A Christmas Tree That's Edible

The Brussels Sprouts Christmas Tree It's a Showstopper

more details/instructions here

A variety of posts, articles and recipe ideas are within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Second Christmas Five Quiz!

Hello there, I hope you enjoyed yesterday's quiz. Many thanks to all those who read the post and special thanks to those who took time to comment.

Did you know the answers? Well, as promised here are the answers to the five questions. For ease I have repeated the questions ...

If you are born on Christmas Day, what is your star sign?
Capricorn 

What colour are mistletoe berries?
White

In which year was the first Christmas Card sent?
1843

Which plant beginning with P is associated with Christmas?
Poinsettia

What red-breasted bird do we commonly associate with Christmas?
The Robin

How did you do? Before I researched the answers, I knew four. I guessed at one and got it right 😊

~ the lovely Robin, image from here ~

Now, here we have five questions for todays quiz,

hope you may take part again.

Which famous scientist was born on Christmas Day in 1642?

Charles Darwin, Marie Curie or Isaac Newton

What beverage company has been using Santa Claus in their advertising since 1931?

Coca-Cola, Nestle or Costa Coffee

In which country did Panettone originate?

Mexico, Spain or Italy

In Japan, which takeaway food is traditionally eaten at Christmas? 

French Fries, KFC or Sushi

There are more than 110 varieties of which popular Christmas vegetables?

Parsnips, Peas or Brussels Sprouts

That wasn't too bad was it? Do write down your answers at home and come back tomorrow when the answers will be revealed, and maybe there will be a third Christmas Five Quiz! 😊 🎄🎅

... and now on to a tasty recipe suggestion, which you may wish to try.

Quick Minestrone Soup

This recipe suggestion is for a quick and healthy minestrone soup

which uses white beans rather than pasta for extra protein and flavour

more details/recipe can be seen here

~ wishing you a happy day ~

A variety of posts, articles and recipe ideas are within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

First Christmas Five Quiz!

I thought it may be fun to have a couple of Christmas Quizzes, one today and one tomorrow! I'm only asking five questions per quiz, so I do hope you may have a go at answering them. Do write down your answers at home and come back tomorrow when the answers will be revealed. 😊 🎅

If you are born on Christmas Day, what is your star sign?

Cancer, Capricorn or Leo

What colour are mistletoe berries?

White, Red or Yellow

In which year was the first Christmas Card sent?

1743, 1843 or 1943

Which plant beginning with P is associated with Christmas?

Pansy, Poinsettia or Phlox

What red-breasted bird do we commonly associate with Christmas?

The Northern Cardinal, The Robin or The House Finch

That wasn't too bad was it? Remember to come back tomorrow when the answers will be revealed. 😊

~ and now for a delicious recipe suggestion ~

Chocolate Cake

for birthdays, for Christmas, a special weekend

enjoy this low carb version - more details here

As regular readers know, this blog is presented in a magazine style - we hope something for everyone. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, cartoons, music and recipes!

However, not all the recipes ideas featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Christmas Nutcrackers

 

I keep meaning to get one or two but still haven't! Get what I hear you ask?

The answer is Christmas Nutcrackers!

Do you have any? Do you like them?

One of our sons has some and they do look attractive.

(The image above comes from google)

Of course thinking about Nutcrackers got me thinking about their history so without further ado please read on and discover more 😊

The History of Christmas Nutcrackers
Figures of Nutcrackers are quite a common Christmas decoration now. However, they only became popular around the world after World War II.

Nutcracker dolls have been made in made in parts of what's now Germany and Czechia/Czech Republic (around Bohemia and Saxony) since the late 1600s. They might have originally been made as good luck symbols or caricatures.

One story says that a rich but grumpy farmer couldn't find a good way of cracking walnuts and offered a reward to anyone who did. A wood carver from the village of Seiffen (in Saxony) made a doll with an opening and closing mouth which was powerful enough to crack nuts. It was a great success and the farmer rewarded the village!

Today Nutcracker dolls are normally made like toy soldiers but they were also made decorated like miners, the police and kings.

By 1800 they were popular decorations in the areas of Saxony and Sonneberg. There are records of them being sold in Dresden market in 1786. Napoleon occupied this area in the early 1800s and it might have been Nutcrackers made to look like Napoleon and his soldiers which gave them the look we still have today.

Nutcracker dolls became popular around other parts of Germany and Europe from the early to mid 1800s.

The Nutcracker Ballet
In 1816, the book "The Nutcracker and the Mouse King" was published. It was written by the German author E.T.A. Hoffmann and tells the story of a little girl called Marie and her toys on Christmas Eve.

The original story was originally quite scary! In it Marie's toys come to life on Christmas Eve and a Nutcracker figure/doll helps lead the fight against an army of mice.

The story was adapted in 1844 by the French author Alexandre Dumas. In 1892, the Russian composer Tchaikovsky and his friend the Russian choreographer Marius Petipa used a much simpler version of the story and made it into a two act ballet called The Nutcracker. In the Ballet the girl's name was changed to Clara.

The first performance was in Saint Petersburg and it wasn't very popular, although people liked the music.

In 1934 a version was put on which made quite a few changes and was more popular! The first full performance of the ballet outside Russia also took place in 1934 in England.

The first full version of the ballet in the USA was on Christmas Eve 1944 by the San Francisco Ballet and it was very successful. It's been performed every Christmas Eve since then by the San Francisco Ballet.

The New York Ballet put on its first performance in 1954. Since then it's been a popular Christmas event across the USA and around the world.

Nutcracker dolls also became popular in the USA after World War II, when American soldiers brought them back as presents from German Christmas markets.

The timing of the dolls coming to the USA and the ballet being popular came together to make Nutcracker figures popular at Christmas first in the USA and then around the world!

Words above from article here

... and keeping with a Christmas and nut theme

These raw chocolate ball pops are sugar free and great for kids... but many adults enjoy them too! How about making some over the next few days? They could be just what you need if your energy levels get too low after doing some more Christmas preparations...

Ingredients
Makes eight
70g sunflower seeds
120g nuts (almonds, Brazil nuts, macadamias)
2 tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds (linseeds)
60g almond butter
25g unsweetened desiccated coconut, plus additional for rolling
2½ tbsp uncooked cacao powder
1 tsp floor cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt

Instructions, more details

can be seen here

~ enjoy your day ~

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Suggested Non-Dairy Substitutes for Milk

Daisy Coyle writes:

"Cow’s milk is considered a staple in many people’s diets. It is consumed as a beverage, poured on cereal and added to smoothies, tea or coffee. While it is a popular choice for many, some people can’t or choose not to drink milk due to personal preferences, dietary restrictions, allergies or intolerances. Fortunately, if you’re looking to avoid cow’s milk, there are plenty of non-dairy alternatives available. This article lists nine of the best substitutes for cow’s milk.

Why You Might Want a Substitute
Cow’s milk boasts an impressive nutrient profile. It’s rich in high-quality protein and important vitamins and minerals, including calcium, phosphorus and B vitamins. In fact, 1 cup (240 ml) of whole milk provides 146 calories, 8 grams of fat, 8 grams of protein and 13 grams of carbohydrates. However, cow’s milk is not a suitable option for everyone. There are several reasons you might be looking for an alternative, including:
Milk allergy: 2–3% of kids under the age of three are allergic to cow’s milk. This can cause a range of symptoms, including rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea and severe anaphylaxis. Around 80% of kids outgrow this allergy by age 16.
Lactose intolerance: An estimated 75% of the world's population is intolerant to lactose, the sugar found in milk. This condition happens when people have a deficiency in lactase, the enzyme that digests lactose.
Dietary restrictions: Some people choose to exclude animal products from their diets for ethical or health reasons. For example, vegans exclude all products that come from animals, including cow’s milk.
Potential health risks: Some people choose to avoid cow’s milk due to concerns over potential contaminants, including antibiotics, pesticides and hormones.

The good news is that there are many non-dairy options available if you want or need to avoid cow’s milk. Read on for a few great recommendations.

Soy Milk
Soy milk is made with either soybeans or soy protein isolate, and often contains thickeners and vegetable oils to improve taste and consistency. It typically has a mild and creamy flavour. However, the taste can vary between brands. It works best as a substitute for cow’s milk in savoury dishes, with coffee or on top of cereal.
Summary Soy milk is made from whole soybeans or soy protein isolate. It has a creamy, mild taste and is the most similar in nutrition to cow’s milk. Soy milk is often seen as controversial, though drinking soy milk in moderation is unlikely to cause harm.

Almond Milk
Almond milk is made with either whole almonds or almond butter and water.
It has a light texture and a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It can be added to coffee and tea, mixed in smoothies and used as a substitute for cow’s milk in desserts and baked goods.
Summary Almond milk has a light, sweet, nutty flavour and is low in calories, fat and carbohydrates. On the downside, it is low in protein and contains phytic acid, a substance that limits the absorption of iron, zinc and calcium.

Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is made from water and the white flesh of brown coconuts. It is sold in cartons alongside milk and is a more diluted version of the type of coconut milk commonly used in Southeast Asian and Indian cuisines, which is usually sold in cans.
Summary Coconut milk has a creamy, milk-like consistency and a sweet, coconut taste. It contains no protein, little to no carbohydrates and is high in medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of saturated fat.

Oat Milk
In its simplest form, oat milk is made from a mixture of oats and water. Nevertheless, manufacturers often add extra ingredients such as gums, oils and salt to produce a desirable taste and texture. Oat milk is naturally sweet and mild in flavour. It can be used in cooking in the same way as cow’s milk, and tastes great with cereal or in smoothies.
Summary Oat milk has a mild, sweet flavour. It is high in protein and fibre, but also high in calories and carbohydrates. Oat milk contains beta-glucan, which can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Rice Milk
Rice milk is made from milled white or brown rice and water. As with other non-dairy milks, it often contains thickeners to improve texture and taste. Rice milk is the least allergenic of the non-dairy milks. This makes it a safe option for those with allergies or intolerances to dairy, gluten, soy or nuts. Rice milk is mild in taste and naturally sweet in flavour. It has a slightly watery consistency and is great to drink on its own as well as in smoothies, in desserts and with oatmeal. Rice milk has a high glycaemic index (GI) of 79–92, which means it is absorbed quickly in the gut and rapidly raises blood sugar levels. For this reason, it may not be the best option for people with diabetes. Due to its low protein content, rice milk may also not be the best option for growing children, athletes and the elderly.
Summary Rice milk is the most hypoallergenic non-dairy milk. It is low in fat and protein yet high in carbohydrates. Rice milk contains high levels of inorganic arsenic, which may cause some potential health problems in those who consume rice as a main food source.

Cashew Milk
Cashew milk is made from a mixture of cashew nuts or cashew butter and water. It is rich and creamy and has a sweet and subtle nutty flavour. It’s great for thickening smoothies, as a creamer in coffee and as a substitute for cow’s milk in desserts.
Summary Cashew milk has a rich and creamy taste and is low in calories, carbohydrates and sugar. On the downside, it contains very little protein, and may not be the best option for those with higher protein requirements.

Macadamia Milk
Macadamia milk is made mostly of water and about 3% macadamia nuts. It’s fairly new to the market, and most brands are made in Australia using Australian macadamias. It has a richer, smoother and creamier flavour than most non-dairy milks, and tastes great on its own or in coffee and smoothies.
Summary Macadamia milk is a relatively new milk to the market. It’s made from macadamia nuts and has a rich, creamy taste. Macadamia milk is high in monounsaturated fats and low in calories and carbohydrates.

Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is made from the seeds of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa. This is the same species used to make the drug cannabis, also known as marijuana. Unlike marijuana, hemp seeds contain only trace amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the chemical responsible for marijuana’s mind-altering effects. Hemp milk has a slightly sweet, nutty taste and a thin, watery texture. It works best as a substitute for lighter milks such as skim milk.
Summary Hemp milk has a thin, watery texture and a sweet and nutty flavour. It is low in calories and contains little to no carbs. Hemp milk is a great option for vegetarians and vegans because it is a source of high-quality protein and two essential fatty acids.

Quinoa Milk
Quinoa milk is made from water and quinoa, an edible seed that is commonly prepared and consumed as a grain. The whole quinoa grain is very nutritious, gluten-free and rich in high-quality protein. While quinoa has become a very popular “superfood” over recent years, quinoa milk is fairly new to the market. For this reason, it is slightly more expensive than other non-dairy milks and can be a little harder to find on supermarket shelves.
Summary Quinoa milk has a distinct flavour and is slightly sweet and nutty. It contains a moderate number of calories, protein and carbs compared to other non-dairy milks. It’s a good option for vegetarians and vegans since it contains high-quality protein.

What to Consider When Substituting
With a wide range of non-dairy milks available on supermarket shelves, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you.
Here are a few important things to consider:
Added sugar: Sugar is often added to enhance flavour and texture. Stick with unsweetened varieties over flavoured ones, and try to avoid brands that list sugar as one of the first three ingredients.
Calcium content: Cow’s milk is rich in calcium, which is vital for healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis. Most non-dairy milks are fortified with it, so choose one that contains at least 120 mg of calcium per 3.4 ounces (100 ml).
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products and is essential for a healthy brain and immune system. People who limit or avoid animal products from their diets should choose milk that is fortified with B12.
Cost: Non-dairy milks are often more expensive than cow’s milk. To cut costs, try making plant-based milk at home. However, one downside of making your own milk is that it will not be fortified with calcium and vitamin B12.
Additives: Some non-dairy milks may contain additives such as carrageenan and vegetable gums to achieve a thick and smooth texture. While these additives aren't necessarily unhealthy, some people prefer to avoid them.
Dietary needs: Some people have allergies or intolerances to certain ingredients used in plant-based milks, such as gluten, nuts and soy. Be sure to check labels if you have an allergy or intolerance.
Summary There are a few things to consider when choosing a cow’s milk alternative, including nutrient content, added sugars and additives. Reading food labels will help you understand what’s in the milk you are buying.

The Bottom Line
For many people, cow’s milk is a dietary staple. However, there are a number of reasons you may need or choose to forgo cow’s milk, including allergies, ethical reasons and concerns over potential health risks. Fortunately, there are many great alternatives available, including the nine in this list. When making your choice, be sure to stick with unsweetened varieties and avoid added sugars. In addition, make sure your non-dairy milk is fortified with calcium and vitamin B12. There is no one milk that’s ideal for everyone. The taste, nutrition and cost of these alternatives can vary considerably, so it might take a while to find the one that’s best for you."

The above is only a snippet of Daisy's article.
Please read it in full, with related research links etc. here

We bring a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas to this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy. But please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Christmas Toad in the Hole

What do you get when you cross pigs in blankets with toad in the hole? An ideal dinner for the festive season to hunker down with or serve to visiting friends and family.

This recipe can easily be made vegetarian by swapping out the pigs in blankets for vegetarian equivalents and using vegetable stock instead of chicken in the gravy.

For this recipe you will need a 23x33cm/9x13in roasting tin with deep sides.

Ingredients

Serves Six

175g/6oz plain flour, sifted
4 large free-range eggs
300ml/½ pint full-fat milk
2 tsp Dijon mustard
6 rashers smoked streaky bacon
12 chipolata sausages
4 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil
2 onions, peeled and cut into wedges
200g/7oz sage and onion stuffing, rolled into 8 balls
200g/7oz Brussels sprouts, trimmed
2 small-medium leeks, trimmed and cut into 1–2cm/½–¾ thick slices

For the gravy

25g/1oz butter
1 tbsp olive oil
2 onions, sliced
1 tsp chopped thyme leaves
1 tbsp plain flour
500ml/18fl oz good-quality chicken stock
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
salt and freshly ground black pepper

To serve

cranberry sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
2. First make the Yorkshire pudding batter. Sift the flour into a large bowl and make a well in the middle. Beat the eggs and milk together, pour into the bowl and mix with a balloon whisk until smooth. Add the mustard and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to rest while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
3. Stretch out each bacon rasher to increase the length by about one third. Cut each rasher in half and wrap around each chipolata.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons sunflower oil in a large roasting tin, add the pigs in blankets, onion wedges and stuffing balls and cook for 20 minutes until starting to turn golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, make the gravy. Heat the butter and olive oil in a sauté or frying pan. Add the sliced onions and chopped thyme. Cook over a medium heat until the onions are tender and starting to brown at the edges. Add the plain flour, stir well and cook for a further 30 seconds. Slowly pour the stock into the pan, stirring constantly, and bring to the boil.
6. Lower the heat and simmer gently for about 10 minutes until smooth and thickened slightly. Add the Worcestershire sauce and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
7. When the sausages have cooked for 20 minutes, add the sprouts and leeks to the roasting tin along with the remaining 2 tbsp oil. Return to the oven for 5 minutes until the vegetables are starting to soften.
8. Working quickly, remove the roasting tin from the oven and pour the Yorkshire batter around the sausages, stuffing and vegetables. Return to the oven for a further 20–25 minutes until the batter is puffed and golden brown.
9. Serve with the onion gravy and cranberry sauce on the side.

From an original idea here

Recipe Tips/Suggestions
i) It's important not to overcrowd the tin as it will prevent the Yorkshire pudding from rising properly. A larger tin will still work, but if you only have small tins it would be better to use two tins than overcrowd one.

ii) You may also like to see this alternative lower carb recipe for toad in the hole here

iii) there is also a Root vegetable toad-in-the-hole recipe here

You can read more about the history of toad in the hole here

You will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Did You Know ? Eight Things Your Mind And Body Are Doing While You Sleep

"You are probably well aware that your body requires adequate sleep every night – ideally around seven to eight hours – to function properly and maintain your health, but you may not realize how much goes on while you are sleeping.

Read on to learn eight surprising things your mind and body are doing while you snooze.

Your Body Temperature Drops Significantly
During sleep, your body temperature drops to reduce the rate at which it burns calories and release melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone that plays a key role in your circadian rhythm.

Toxins are Cleansed
When at rest, the body filters out toxins and clears damaged molecules.
These processes allow the body and brain to rejuvenate.
Without sufficient amounts of sleep, the brain is unable to purge toxins.
This may lead to an increase is neurological deterioration.

You Lose Weight
Throughout the night, you lose weight due to expelling humid air and losing water through perspiration.
As opposed to during the day, there is no consumption of food or beverages to offset this effect.
This leads to a decrease in pounds by the morning.
During sleep, your body also regulates hunger hormones.
This means that you are better equipped to fight off junk food cravings if you got an appropriate amount of sleep the night before.

You Dream
Everyone knows the mind creates dreams during the night but you may be surprised to learn how much you dream. We can spend as many as 2 hours dreaming each night.

You Get Taller
Your body actually experiences an increase in height while you sleep.
When you are laying down, the discs in your spine decompress and rehydrate causing them to get bigger and slightly boost your height.

You May Jerk Involuntarily
Whether you sleep alone or with a partner, for many people, falling asleep produces a phenomenon where muscles suddenly contract involuntarily.
This creates a sudden jerk. In some cases, it may be noticeable enough to wake you back up.

Your Skin is Boosted
Collagen – a protein that contributes to youthful, healthy skin – is produced at an increased rate while you sleep.
It is stimulated by growth hormones that are released as you snooze.
Higher levels of collagen promote more resilient, vibrant skin.

You Wake Up – Often
During the night, we actually wake up numerous times – up to 15 – each hour.
This usually occurs when we are shifting to a different sleep stage.
The periods of wakefulness are usually so brief that we do not remember them.

Final Thoughts
Getting an adequate amount of sleep is a crucial component of good health.
Given all the health benefits and the fascinating facts mentioned above, make a point to get a solid chunk of sleep each night.
To increase your odds of getting deep, restful sleep, avoid caffeine too close to bedtime, keep your room dark, and skip screen time prior to hitting the pillow."
Words above from article here

Related Post

Drinks That May Help You Sleep Better - read it here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Saturday Night Supper Recipe, a suggestion!

This is a nice Saturday Night Supper Dish ... and as it's Saturday perhaps you may give it a try tonight!

Red peppers are definitely our favourite, and when put aside a yellow one, what a great colourful and nutritious plate of food you've got. What do you think?

Ingredients
Serves Four (adapt as necessary)
1 celery stick, cut into 5mm (1/4in) dice
1 small onion, cut into 1cm (1/2in) dice
250g/8oz of swede (rutabaga) peeled and cut into 1cm (1/2in) dice
2 tsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
2 red peppers
2 yellow peppers
250g lean steak mince
1 fat garlic clove, crushed
1 tbsp. tomato puree
1 tsp dried herbs
1 heaped tsp smoked paprika (optional)
125ml (4fl oz.) red wine or beef stock

Method
Put the carrot, celery, onion and swede into a large saucepan and pour over 2 tbsp. olive oil. Cover with a disc of non-stick baking paper and a lid, then cook over a low heat for 6-8 minutes or until softened, stirring occasionally.

Meanwhile, prepare the peppers. Make sure the peppers can stand upright by slicing slivers from the bottom. Slice the top off each pepper, about 1.5cm (3/4in) from the top, keeping the stalk intact. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut away and discard the seeds and any excess white pith inside the peppers. Reserve the lids and set the peppers aside.

Preheat the oven to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C. Uncover and remove the baking paper from the pan. Add the beef mince and turn up the heat to medium/high. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the mince is browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute before adding the tomato purée, herbs and paprika (if using). Stir well and cook for a further minute. Add the red wine or stock, then reduce the heat to a simmer, cover and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Pour some water into a baking tray and stand the peppers upright on the tray. Spoon the beef mixture into the peppers and put the lids on top. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes until the peppers are tender. Serve.

Adapted from an original recipe idea here

There is an alternative veggie stuffed pepper recipe here

We bring a variety of recipe ideas to this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

~ Enjoy your weekend ~

All the best Jan

Christmas Lights ...

If you are like me you enjoy seeing Christmas Lights, there are some wonderful displays around and during the Christmas Holiday Season it can be very enjoyable to either have a walk (or drive) around the neighbourhood and take in the twinkling lights. Have you ever wondered about 'The History of Electric Christmas Lights'? If you have do please read on ...

"For hundreds of years Candles or oil lamps were the main light sources when it was dark, and during the celebration of Christmas. They were also the first lights put on Christmas Trees. But that changed with the discovery of electricity!

There are a few different claims as to who invented popularised the first strings of 'electric' Christmas Tree lights. In 1880, the famous inventor Thomas Edison put some of his new electric light bulbs around his office. And in 1882 Edward Johnson, who was a colleague of Edison, hand-strung 80 red, white and blue bulbs together and put them on his tree in his New York apartment (there were two additional strings of 28 lights mounted from the ceiling!). The lights were about the size of a walnut.

In 1890 the Edison company published a brochure offering lighting services for Christmas. In 1900 another Edison advert offered bulbs which you could rent, along with their lighting system, for use over Christmas! There are records in a diary from 1891 where settlers in Montana used electric lights on a tree. However, most people couldn't easily use electric tree lights at this time as electricity wasn't widely installed in homes. But rich people liked to show off with lights installed just for Christmas, this would have cost about $300 per tree then, more than $2000 money today!

In the December 1901 edition of "The Ladies' Home Journal", there was an advert for "Edison Miniature Lamps" which boasted 'no smoke, smell or grease'; and you could buy or rent the lights. In 1903 there was an advert from Edisons with Christmas lights called festoons - which had eight lights per 'festoon'. Sets of three festoons (so 24 lights) cost $12 or you could rent the lights from $1.50. This was still quite expensive, but much cheaper than $300.

Another claim to the first widespread sale of strings of lights comes from Ralph Morris, an American telephonist. In 1908, he used telephone wire to string together small bulbs from a telephone exchange and decorated a table top tree with them. Leavitt Morris, the son of Ralph, wrote an article in 1952 for the Christian Science Monitor, about his father inventing Christmas Tree lights, as he was un-aware of the Edison lights.

In 1885 a hospital in Chicago burned down because of candles on a Christmas Tree. In 1908 insurance companies in the USA tried to get a law made that would ban candles from being used on Christmas Trees because of the many fires they had caused. However, people still used candles to light Christmas Trees and there were more fires.

In 1917, a fire from Christmas Tree candles in New York, gave a teenager called Albert Sadacca an idea. His family came from Spain and made novelty wicker bird cages that lit up. Albert thought of using the lights in long strings and also suggested painting the bulbs bright colours like red and green. In the following years, he and his brothers formed the NOMA Electric Company, which became a very famous name in Christmas lights.

Candles still remained the way most people had lights on Christmas Trees until the 1930s and beyond as the cost of electric lights was still expensive.

The term 'fairy lights' seems to date from 1882, from the Savoy Theatre in London, when small electric lights were used to decorate the dresses of some fairies on the opening night of Iolanthe by Gilbert and Sullivan. When small lights were used at Christmas, especially on trees, the name also caught on for those lights.

The first large public display of outdoor electric Christmas lights happened as early as the 1900s, although no one is quite sure who got there first! Early candidates include San Diego, California, Appleton, Wisconsin and New York. Electric tree lights first because widely known in the USA in 1895 when President Grover Cleveland had the tree in the White House decorated with lights as his young daughters liked them! The tradition of the National Christmas Tree on the White House lawn started in 1923 with President Calvin Coolidge.

The famous Rockefeller Center, in New York, has its first Christmas Tree in 1931, when workers building the complex put up a small tree. In 1933 first tree lighting ceremony was held when the tree had 700 lights. It was joined by its skating rink in 1936.

In London, in the UK, the famous 'shopping' Christmas lights started in 1954 in Regent Street with lights on Oxford Street starting in 1959.

The most lights lit at the same time on a Christmas tree is 194,672 and was done by Kiwanis Malmedy / Haute Fagnes Belgium in Malmedy, Belgium, on 10 December 2010!"

Words above from article here

You can see some photographs of the 2023 London Christmas Lights here 

grand-daughter always enjoys putting the star on top of the tree

I hope your Christmas preparations are going well 😊🎄🎅🎄🤶

All the best Jan

Carrots, it's not only Bugs Bunny who likes to eat them!

image from google

It's not only 'Bugs Bunny' who enjoys eating carrots, they are popular in our house and the grandchildren enjoy them too ... they can often be found eating a raw carrot stick as a snack.

This colourful root vegetable is brilliantly versatile – it can be eaten raw or cooked, and is great in both sweet and savoury dishes. Carrots were most often purple until the late 16th century, when the familiar orange variety we eat today was cultivated by Dutch farmers.

Carrots are one of the most well-known root vegetables, and they top the chart as one of the most nutritious. They’re brimming with vitamins A and K, as well as the important antioxidant beta-carotene. What’s more, eating carotenoids may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss. Carrots make a great snack when eaten raw or dipped in hummus, but they can also be cooked and used in stir-fries, stews or side dishes.

Here are some recipes you may like to try.

Carrot, Orange and Ginger Soup - see details here

Baked beets with carrots and leeks - see details here

Red Roasted Carrots - see details here

Carrot Cake, a low carb recipe - see details here

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan