Happy and Peaceful Sunday

( image from here )

Whatever your plans are,

I wish you a happy and peaceful day.

All the best Jan

Green Tomato and Pecan Cake with a Brown Butter Glaze : Lower Carb Recipe

So many blogging friends have been talking/writing about green tomatoes and what should they do with them that it got me doing a little research about green tomato low carb cake! Yes ... really, a green tomato lower carb cake 😋

The recipe suggestion I share here is by Bobbi at East Coast Keto Blog who says:-

"I know, you think I’ve totally lost my marbles on this one, don’t you? I mean who puts green tomato in a cake? The answer? You will….one bite of this cake , you’ll be singing its wonders to all your family and friends.
Some recipes recommend that you puree the tomatoes, but our opinion is that makes the batter and cake too moist, others cut the tomatoes into bigger chunks, but for our tastes it works best to finely dice the tomatoes so they add a little to the consistency but don’t overwhelm the batter. The tomatoes and chopped pecans will work together to give you a fruit cake like texture and we think you’ll find that you just can not get enough!

Ingredients
For the Cake

2 cups almond flour
1 cup unsweetened, shredded coconut
1 cup powdered sweetener of your choice
1 cup 35% whipping cream (or equivalent)
3 eggs
2/3 cup oil
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups chopped green tomatoes, diced fine
1 cup chopped pecans, chopped
1/2 tsp xanthan
For the Browned Butter Glaze

1/2 cup butter
1 cup powdered sweetener
1/8 tsp xanthan gum

Directions
For the Cake
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients except tomato and pecans and mix well.
The stir in tomatoes and pecans.
The mixture will very thick. You can add another 1/4 cup cream if you would like a thinner batter but the thicker batter works for this recipe.
Pour batter into greased Bundt pan and bake for 1hr and 15 minutes. Check cake with a toothpick or knife. When the knife comes out clean with no wet batter, your cake is done. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan.

For the Glaze
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Cook 6 to 8 minutes over low heat stirring constantly, or until butter is lightly browned. Keep an eye so it doesn’t burn. It should be a light brown colour.
Whisk in confectioners’ sweetener and xanthan gum until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
If you add too much xanthan try adding a bit more butter and a ¼ cup water."

Need help with weight/measurement conversion see here

Read more about xanthan gum here

Read more about low carb and keto sweeteners here and here

Please see original recipe here

If you'd like to discover more about 'Green Tomatoes' plus some recipes have a look here (not all recipes are low carb)

Dear reader, please be aware that not all recipes within 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 (more about this here) 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

September Birth Flower ... Morning Glories

The month of September has two birth flowers, Asters and morning glories and both bring vibrancy to the garden as summer fades and Autumn/fall arrives. Their bright colours are a welcome sight. This post gives details about Morning Glories, the flower's meanings and symbolism. You can read about Asters on my previous post here.

Morning glory plants are known as fast-growing vines with a somewhat unique daily schedule, because the flowers open in the morning and close up by the afternoon!

The flower’s blue and purple colours are the most recognizable, but morning glories also appear in a range of pinks, reds, and whites. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, with five large petals arranged flat around the flower head, making them quite attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Please be aware that Morning glory vines and flowers are toxic and should not be eaten or used for culinary purposes. The seeds of some species are known to contain small amounts of a hallucinogenic substance, too.

Morning Glory Meanings and Symbolism

• Like many vining plants, morning glories have long been associated with love.
• Morning glories have symbolized love that was never returned, but have also been seen as a sign of undying love.
• Each colour holds a different meaning: blue represents enduring love, desire, and power; purple symbolizes grace, wealth, and hopefulness; pink is a sign of gratitude and energy; red means passion and strength; white, like many other flowers, symbolizes purity and innocence.

The Morning Glory in History

The Morning Glory Flower has a long and rich history, full of symbolism and meaning. The flower is native to China, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The Morning Glory Flower is associated with the sun and with new beginnings.

In China, the flower is often given as a gift to celebrate a new baby or a new year. The Morning Glory Flower is also associated with love and marriage. In Chinese culture, the Morning Glory Flower is given as a symbol of love and fidelity. The Morning Glory Flower is also said to represent good luck and fortune.

In the USA Morning Glory Pool is part of Yellowstone National Park’s upper geyser basin. It was named in the 1880s due to its resemblance to the flower.

Artist Georgia O’Keefe, noted as one of the key contributors to the establishment of modern art, painted “Blue Morning Glories” in 1938, which is one of her most popular works. 

Words above taken from here and here

I hope you found the above an interesting read. You may also like to read this post about 'Some Foods In Season During September' which also has some recipe suggestions - please see here

Dear reader, 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 (more about this here) 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

Rufus On Patrol !

Meet Rufus the hawk on seagull patrol at a city boat show

Yes, "Rufus the hawk will be keeping skies seagull free at this year's Southampton boat show on the city's waterfront. The city's boat show has hired a hawk to protect visitors at the waterfront event from chip-stealing seagulls.

Rufus, an American Harris hawk, is being brought in to deter the birds at the Southampton International Boat Show.

The bird of prey is also used at Wimbledon where he is on pigeon patrol - stopping them eating the grass on the courts.

Named 'Head of Seagull Security' by the show's organisers he will be on duty on the first Saturday of the 10-day show. The boat show usually attracts more than 100,000 visitors to Southampton's waterfront.

The show's organisers said they had brought Rufus in to create a "safe chip zone" where visitors can enjoy their food in peace.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is set to visit the show on its opening day.

The Southampton International Boat Show at Mayflower Park runs from Friday 13 - Sunday 22 September 2024."

I hope you enjoyed reading this story, something a little different!

The above words taken from here and more details about the boat show here

All the best Jan

Pork and Apple Meatballs : Midweek Meal

Can you believe it's midweek already! This recipe suggestion makes a tasty midweek dish, and is ready in just over forty minutes. Yes, you could serve it with mashed potatoes but why not have a lower carb mash like swede (rutabaga) or cauliflower!

Ingredients

Serves Four
1.5 tbsp. olive oil
0.5 onion, peeled and finely chopped
500 g ground/minced pork
2 tbsp. Bramley apple sauce
1 tbsp. fresh sage, washed and chopped
50 g breadcrumbs
400 g savoy cabbage washed and chopped
70 ml soured cream
1 tbsp. corn-flour mixed with cold water
150 ml beef stock

Serving suggestions
Swede (Rutabaga), mashed
Cauliflower, mashed
2 tbsp. cranberry sauce

Method
1. Prepare the mash of your choice e.g. swede or cauliflower
2. In a large frying pan, heat half a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the onion for 5 minutes until soft. Transfer the onion to a large bowl, add the mince, apple sauce, sage and breadcrumbs. Season with freshly ground black pepper and mix together until well combined.
3. Shape the mince into 12 balls. Heat the remaining oil in the frying pan and fry the meatballs for 10 minutes, turning, until cooked through with no pink remaining. Remove from the pan, set aside and keep warm.4. Stir-fry the cabbage for 2 minutes in the frying pan.
5. Make the sauce: heat the soured cream in a small pan and stir through the corn-flour mixture. Slowly add the beef stock and simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
6. Serve the mash of your choice with the meatballs, cabbage and cranberry sauce, then pour over the sauce.
From an original idea here

Alternative Recipe Suggestion

Vegan power-balls with courgetti and cashew cheese - see here

The savoy cabbage is a classic vegetable - its attractive deep green colouring and crinkly leaves have ensured its popularity has never waned. What makes it even better is that when cooked it doesn’t emit the usual odour associated with overcooked cabbage. Savoy cabbages are at their peak from October through to February. They should have deep green, crisp outer leaves, becoming lighter towards the core. The leaves should be tightly packed together, and the overall cabbage should feel heavy for their size. Read more about this cabbage here

Dear reader, not all recipes within 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 (more about this here) 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

Walking is great for lower back pain – here’s how to get the most out of this exercise

image from google

Walking is great for lower back pain – here’s how to get the most out of this exercise:-

If you are one of the millions of people worldwide who suffer from lower back pain, you might want to try going for a walk.

Numerous studies have shown walking has many benefits when it comes to alleviating low back pain. And, according to a recent study, going for a walk just three times a week can significantly reduce discomfort, improve spinal health and quality of life for people suffering with low back pain. There are a number of reasons why walking can help.

First, walking increases blood circulation, which helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to the spine and the muscles surrounding it. Better circulation reduces inflammation and speeds up the healing process of damaged tissues, which may help reduce lower back pain.

Second, regular walking engages and strengthens the core muscles – including those in the lower back, abdomen and pelvis. A stronger core provides better support for the spine, reducing strain on the lower back and alleviating pain.

According to one study, strengthening core muscles through walking can lead to significant pain reduction and improvements in spinal stability.

Walking also activates the glute muscles which are crucial for stabilising the muscles around the back, pelvis and abdomen. Being sedentary can lead to changes in muscle and joint function and can make muscles weaker. Walking requires an upright posture which engages the muscles that are underused while sitting. This will probably help reduce back pain, as well as increase strength in important glute muscles.

Alongside this, walking encourages gentle movement of the spine and hip joints, promoting flexibility and preventing stiffness. And unlike more dynamic activities – such as running – walking places less stress on the body.

Increased mobility helps maintain a healthy range of motion and reduces the risk of muscle imbalances which can contribute to back pain.

Consistent walking also of course improves posture by encouraging an upright stance and proper alignment of the spine. Good posture reduces stress on the lower back and helps prevent pain caused by poor alignment. Walking with a more upright posture is also linked to decreased stress compared to people who slouch while walking.

Last, walking triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. These chemicals help reduce the perception of pain and improve overall mood, which is beneficial for those suffering from chronic back pain.

One study even showed that walking stimulates the brain to release serotonin as well as endorphins – reducing pain and improving mood.

Start walking
If you experience mild lower back pain and are keen to give walking a try, here are a few things to bear in mind so you can get the most out of your walks:

1. Start gradually
Begin with short walks of 10-15 minutes – gradually increasing the length and intensity as you get fitter. This prevents overexertion and allows your body to adapt. You could also adjust your daily activities to include more walking – such as parking further from your destination.

2. Maintain good posture
Focus on maintaining an upright posture while walking. Avoid slouching or leaning forward. Keep your head up, shoulders back and engage core muscles. Distribute weight evenly if carrying items – either using both backpack straps or switching hands if carrying something.

3. Choose the right footwear
Wear supportive, comfortable shoes that provide cushioning and arch support. Proper footwear helps absorb shock and reduce the impact on your lower back.

4. Walk on even surfaces
Opt for flat, even surfaces such as pavements, tracks or treadmills. Uneven terrain can increase the risk of falls, fatigue and add additional strain on your lower back.

5. Warm up and cool down
Begin each walk with a 5-10 minute warm-up, either doing a slow, gentle walk or some dynamic stretches to prepare your muscles. Similarly, end your walk with a cool-down period, including stretches that target the lower back, hamstrings and hip flexors to enhance flexibility and prevent stiffness.

6. Stay consistent
Aim to walk at least three times a week as this is shown to provide long-term relief from lower back pain.

7. Vary your routine
Incorporate different types of walking to keep your regimen interesting and challenging. Try brisk walking, interval walking (alternating the speed you walk – doing 30 seconds fast walking followed by 30 seconds of slow walking) or even go for a hike to engage different muscle groups and boost your fitness.

8. Track your progress
Keep track of your walking duration, intensity and how your back feels before and after each session. Monitoring your progress can help you identify patterns, set goals and stay motivated.

9. Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water before, during and after your walks to stay hydrated. Proper hydration is essential for muscle function and overall health.

10. Listen to your body
Pay attention to how your body responds to walking. If you experience a spike in pain or discomfort, consider modifying your routine or talk to your doctor. As with all forms of exercise, there may be some mild soreness at first as your body adjusts to a new routine.

Walking is a simple, low-impact exercise that you can do almost anywhere. Following this advice will ensure you get the most out of your walks, potentially paving the way for a healthier, pain-free life.

This article was written for The Conversation by Athalie Redwood-Brown, Senior Lecturer in Performance Analysis of Sport, Nottingham Trent University, and Jen Wilson, Senior Exercise and Health Practitioner, Nottingham Trent University.

Please see the original article for ALL relevant links here

xx oooo xx

I know many readers enjoy walking, so no matter where in the world you live, I hope you may enjoy a walk. Why not share news of where you walked today... even if it was only a walk to the shops 😊

Walking, or indeed any movement/exercise is important for us all, and of course, how you choose to do this is a personal choice and our age and any health concerns must always be taken into account.

If you are new to exercise, have an underlying medical condition or existing injuries please consult a doctor before embarking on any new exercise programme.

Please be aware that articles within this blog are provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional. If you have any concerns about your general health, including medication, you should contact your Doctor/local health care provider.

All the best Jan

Blueberries and Dark Chocolate Low Carb / Keto Cake : Gluten Free

A slice of low carb cake and a cup of tea or coffee can be such a treat, and this recipe with blueberries and dark chocolate chips may just tempt you!

Ingredients

(4g carbs per slice)

120g ground almonds
4 medium eggs
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2.5 tsp baking powder
100g blueberries
50g dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa solids)
2 tsp vanilla extract

Method
Start by pre heating your oven to 200c. Prepare your loaf pan by lining with some greaseproof paper, (use a 1lb loaf pan)

In a bowl add the ground almonds, eggs, olive oil, vanilla and baking powder. Whisk together. Because there is no flour, this recipe has less raising agents than a regular cake, so whisk for a couple of minutes to get lots of air into the mixture. This will give your cake a nice fluffy texture.

Next add in the blueberries and chocolate chips, but keep a small amount of each aside to decorate the top of your cake. Fold the blueberries and chocolate in with a wooden spoon, being careful not to knock out too much of the air that you’ve worked in.

Pour the low carb/keto cake batter into your loaf pan, and sprinkle the top with the blueberries and dark chocolate chips that you set aside.

Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. The cake will rise a little and turn a shiny golden brown on top. You can use a skewer to prick the middle of the cake and check that it is baked: if the skewer comes out clean then it’s done.

From an original idea seen here

Need help with weight/measurement conversion, see here

~ now where did I put my cup and plate? ~

Dear reader, not all recipes within 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 (more about this here) 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.

Just a reminder!
It seems many of us are still experiencing problems with blogger, especially with comments going into the spam folder. Do please check your spam folder daily.

All the best Jan

How to cook gluten-free food the whole family will love

How to cook gluten-free food the whole family will love.

I share this article from Becky Excell which I think many readers will find helpful, especially if a member of your family has coeliac disease, or is gluten intolerant. Many are tempted to make two different meals, but sometimes there is no need!

“Multiple dishes for the same meal is an age-old issue, often with the 'one awkward person' (me!) being the person who has to end up eating a separately prepared meal from everyone else,” says Excell. We all know our weekly food shop is far more expensive than it used to be, in fact the Office of National Statistics says it increased by 25% between January 2022 and January 2024.

Unfortunately, for those on a gluten-free diet, it gets worse with Coeliac UK explaining ‘the weekly food shop suitable for a gluten free diet can be as much as 35% more expensive.’

There are ways to cut down on the time, money and effort required if cooking family meals though, says gluten-free chef Becky Excell…

Make gluten-free mains the norm

“This was the case in our house for many years after I started a gluten-free diet and it can be extremely time consuming, stressful, more expensive and result in a lot of washing up. It also often makes the person with dietary requirements feel like a problem or a hassle!

“For me, the solution has always been to just make the entire dish gluten-free and nine times out of 10, not only is it possible, but nobody would notice the difference.

For example, no one would ever know my Yorkshire puddings were gluten-free (recipe here). Nor my gluten-free flatbreads (recipe here). So naturally, there's no need to make a 'special batch' just for one person. That way, everyone's happy and normality is restored!”

There are, of course, many dishes that are naturally gluten-free and will appeal for family meals such as this Hot honey chicken and sweet potato traybake (see here), and this salmon traybake, (see here). The salmon traybake being lower in carbs!

Pair pricier gluten-free substitutes with budget ingredients

When buying your gluten-free specialist ingredients consider whether you’ll be able to use them regularly in your cooking to make them worth the spend.

“Some gluten-free ingredients can cost considerably more than their gluten-containing counterparts, but it's likely that most of the dishes you love eating at home only require a small amount of those costly ingredients - such as gluten-free soy sauce, gluten-free plain flour or cornflour (for thickening sauces) or gluten-free breadcrumbs,” says Excell.

Then, it’s a case of pairing these pricier ingredients with budget ingredients.

“Some of the most family-friendly dishes are those which are largely comprised of affordable ingredients like tinned tomatoes, tinned beans, potatoes and other veg, which is why you see them in so many family meals and it’s so common to see them on our plates.

“Luckily, with a few gluten-free swaps it’s easy to turn these regular ingredients into family friendly meals.”

You can read more of Becky's article here

If you are looking for low carb / keto gluten free recipes find some here

Dear reader, articles within this blog are provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.

Not all recipes within 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 (more about this here) 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

September Birth Flower ... Aster

The month of September has two birth flowers, Asters and morning glories and both bring vibrancy to the garden as summer fades and Autumn/fall arrives. Their bright colours are a welcome sight. This post gives more details about the Aster flower meanings and symbolism, a further post about morning glories will follow shortly.

Aster Meanings and Symbolism

• In Greek, aster means “star,” which is a reference to the star-like appearance of the plant’s flowers.
• In ancient Greek and Roman cultures, the burning of aster leaves was believed to scare away snakes and ward off evil spirits.
• They were considered sacred flowers to the Greek and Roman gods. Greek mythology pinpoints the aster’s beginning from the tears of the goddess Astraea.
• Asters have long been a symbol of love and wisdom, patience and beauty. It has also been associated with faith, friendship, and purity.
• Purple asters are considered a royal colour and a symbol of wisdom, white asters represent innocence, red is a sign of devotion and passion, and pink symbolizes love and kindness.
• Some consider asters to be the zodiac flower for Capricorns.
• The flower is given on 20th wedding anniversaries.

The Aster in History
The stately-looking aster is beloved in gardens and homes. Thomas Jefferson enjoyed the China aster (Callistephus chinensis) in particular, growing it on his Monticello estate. The aster has also been the subject of many great works of art, including those by Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh. Poet Robert Frost used the aster flower as a symbol of hope in his poem, A Late Walk.

The aster has also been involved in cultural movements. A revolution in Hungary in the aftermath of World War I came to be known as the Aster Revolution, during which supporters of the revolution wore asters in their hats and demonstrated in the streets of Budapest. During World War II, asters were placed ceremonially on the tombs of French soldiers.

The aster plant has been used for various medicinal purposes over the years, too. A tincture made from New England asters (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae) was thought to help with respiratory issues. It was once used to help decrease headache pain and hangovers, and as a treatment for epilepsy.

I hope you found this an interesting read, and as the gardeners among us may know, Asters are easy to grow and require very little attention. They bloom in late summer and early Autumn/fall, just when the final bit of summer colour begins to fade away. Plus, with its late-season blooms, the aster provides nectar and a place of rest for migrating butterflies.

Words above from here

You may also like to read this post 'Some Foods In Season During September' which also has some recipe suggestions - see here

~ xxx oooo xxx ~

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 (more about this here) 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

Cauliflower, leek and broccoli cheese gratin ... so tasty

I do enjoy gratins and just about everything tastes good in one! This recipe uses a mix of cauliflower, leek and broccoli cheese and makes a satisfying savoury gratin, which you can serve as a side dish or a main course. Perhaps you may try it soon!

Ingredients

Serves Six
1 large cauliflower, cut into florets
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
50g/1¾oz butter, plus extra for cooking the leeks
baby leeks (approx. 150g/5½oz), sliced
500ml/18fl oz milk
4 tbsp flour
200g/7oz mature cheddar, grated
6 tbsp fresh breadcrumbs
salt and pepper

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
2. Cook the cauliflower and broccoli in boiling water for 5–6 minutes until just tender. Drain well and tip into a deep baking dish.
3. Melt a knob of butter in a frying pan and fry the leeks for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until softened. Arrange them in the dish with the florets.
4. Heat the milk, flour and butter in a saucepan over a medium heat, whisking constantly until the sauce comes to the boil and thickens. Reduce the heat and whisk over a low heat for 1–2 minutes. Remove from the heat, stir in 150g/5½oz of the grated cheese and season to taste.
5. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and sprinkle over the breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
From original idea here

Servings suggestions
Steamed White fish,
Roast Chicken,
Nut roast,

~ wishing you an enjoyable day ~

image from google

You will find a variety of 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 (more about this here) 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

'The Benefits of Growing Your Own Vegetables'

Picture Credit - Ron Evans

Homegrown vegetables are becoming increasingly popular as people focus more on healthy eating and sustainable living, and they can be grown almost all year round. There are many benefits to growing your own vegetables, from the satisfaction of knowing where your food comes from, to the health benefits of eating fresh produce.

Homegrown vegetables are much fresher than store-bought produce. Vegetables start to lose nutrients as soon as they are harvested, so the longer it takes for them to get to your plate, the less nutritious they become. When you grow your own vegetables, you can pick them at the peak of ripeness and enjoy them at their most nutritious. This not only ensures that you get the maximum health benefits from your vegetables, but also results in better flavour and texture.

In addition to being healthier, homegrown vegetables are also more sustainable. They require less transportation, packaging, and refrigeration than store-bought produce, which reduces your carbon footprint and helps to protect the environment. By growing your own vegetables, you are also supporting local food systems and reducing your reliance on industrial agriculture.

Growing your own vegetables can be a fun and rewarding hobby. It allows you to connect with nature, learn new skills, and enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own food. Whether you have a large garden or just a few pots on your balcony, there are many ways to start growing your own vegetables and reap the benefits of fresh, healthy produce. Plus, gardening has been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.

Above words taken from article seen here

Related Articles

Vegetables you can plant/grow in Autumn - read it here

Some cost-effective vegetables to grow in your garden - read it here

Do you like to grow your own vegetables?

Do you find that some are easier to grow than others?
Have you a favourite that you grow each year?

Some readers may not have a garden or space to grow fruit or vegetables but did you know you can grow a herb garden in an eggshell - see post 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 (more about this here) 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

Cobb Salad : 'Now that's what I call a salad!'

As a family member said ... 'now that's what I call a salad!' 😋

The classic American Cobb salad is based on chopped salad leaves, with chicken or turkey, bacon, eggs, avocado, blue cheese and chives. You can arrange all the topping ingredients in pleasing lines, or scatter them over the chopped-leaf base.

Ingredients
Serves Four

1½ tbsp olive oil, plus extra, for frying
½ tsp sea salt flakes
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp ground coriander
½ tsp garlic granules
2 skinless chicken breasts
12 slices smoked pancetta (approx. 100g/3½oz)
3 free-range (if possible) eggs
2 large banana shallots, finely chopped
1 large avocado, peeled, stone removed
1 large romaine lettuce, chopped
1 head white chicory, chopped
80g/2¾oz watercress, larger stems discarded, chopped
180g/6¼oz cherry tomatoes, halved
100g/3½oz Roquefort, diced
½ bunch chives, finely chopped
7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Put the olive oil in a sealable bag or container, then add the sea salt flakes, paprika, ground coriander and garlic granules and mix to combine. Add the chicken breasts and rub in the spicy mixture. Seal the bag or container and set aside for at least 20 minutes, or in the fridge for up to 8 hours.
2. Heat a large frying pan over a medium–high heat. Add the pancetta and turn down the heat, then fry, turning once, until deep golden-brown and crisp. Drain on kitchen paper and leave to cool.
3. With the pan still over a low heat, add the chicken to the fat that’s rendered from the pancetta (if there isn’t enough, add a little olive oil). Place a plate on the chicken breasts to weigh them down, and fry for 7 minutes, then turn and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until fully cooked through.
4. Meanwhile, bring a small pan of water to the boil. Gently lower in the eggs and simmer for 7 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of cold water.
5. When the pancetta is cool enough to handle, crumble it and set aside.
6. Lift the chicken out of the pan onto a plate lined with kitchen paper. Leave to cool slightly, then cut into small cubes.
7. Add the shallots to the pan with a pinch of salt and fry, stirring frequently, until deep golden and caramelised.
8. Peel and chop the hardboiled eggs. Chop the avocado.
9. Put all the chopped leaves on a large platter. Scatter over about two-thirds of the fried shallots. Arrange the chicken down the centre, then add the tomatoes, avocado, eggs, pancetta and Roquefort in rows either side of the chicken. Sprinkle the chives in between the ingredients.
10. Transfer the remaining fried shallots to a jug. Add the oil, vinegar and mustard, a good pinch of salt and a good grinding of pepper. Whisk well, then taste and adjust the oil, vinegar or seasoning as needed.
11. Dress the salad at the table, or serve the dressing separately.

Tip

Cobb salad is traditionally made with a mixture of salad leaves, so use whatever you have.

Read more about Roquefort cheese here

Recipe from idea here

For those readers not experiencing warmer salad weather how about this tasty recipe for a comforting vegetable stew / casserole? See it here

You will see a variety of recipes within this blog. Please note, not all the recipe 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 (more about this here) 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

Welcome September 2024

Well. as regular readers will know August was not a good month for me with the sad passing of my beloved husband Eddie. As much as I often feel my world has stopped, the calendar tells another story. It doesn't seem possible that we are now saying goodbye to August and hello to September. Yes, the ninth month of the year is here!

If you live in the northern hemisphere September brings the last days of summer and the first days of Autumn.

"September, in Old England, was called Haervest-monath (Harvest Month). This is the time to gather up the rest of the harvest and prepare for the winter months.

There are flowers enough in the summertime,

More flowers than I can remember—

But none with the purple, gold, and red

That dye the flowers of September!

Mary Howitt (1799-1888)

September’s name comes from the Latin word septem, meaning "seven" This month had originally been the seventh month of the early Roman calendar. It wasn’t until 451 BC that the months of January and February were added to the calendar, making September the ninth month.

The Romans often associated different months with different gods. September is associated with Vulcan, the Roman god of fire.

September’s zodiac signs are Virgo (Aug. 23–Sept. 22) and Libra (Sept. 23–Oct. 22). Virgos are said to be analytical and hardworking people, while still being kind and loyal. Libras, on the other hand, value harmony and diplomacy, and are said to be both intelligent and kind.

September’s birth flowers are the aster and the morning glory. The significance of both flowers is actually very similar, with the aster being said to represent love, while the morning glory represents affection.

The September birthstone is the sapphire, which was once thought to guard against evil and poisoning. The sapphire, along with the related ruby, are the second-hardest natural gemstones, with only the diamond being harder.

September is National Happy Cat Month, and I know we have a lot of cat lovers who read this blog 😺

September 5th is National Cheese Pizza Day, Have a Pizza Night, the Low Carb Way - more details here

September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day

September 21st is recognized as the annual International Day of Peace."

There are so many interesting things about September, I've only included some - you may know of others!

~ Wishing you a happy September 2024 ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas within this blog, hopefully 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