It's the 1st of April 2025

~ Happy April 2025 ~

May the month ahead be a good one for you

In previous years regular readers will know I usually start each month with facts about the coming month ahead. This year however, a break with tradition, which I hope you are enjoying because the first of each month will feature a lower carb recipe starting with the first letter of that particular month ... so here we go as it's now April and the fourth month of the year!

A is for ? can you guess ?

Yes, I am talking about asparagus !

Asparagus, these slender, green spears are a sign of spring in many regions.

Asparagus is a nutritious and tasty addition to any diet. It’s low in calories and a great source of nutrients, including fibre, folate and vitamins A, C and K. Additionally, eating asparagus has a number of potential health benefits, including weight loss, improved digestion, healthy pregnancy outcomes and lower blood pressure. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and makes a delicious addition to a number of recipes. Asparagus can be boiled, grilled, steamed, or roasted, and it serves as an excellent side dish or as an ingredient in salads.

A recipe you may enjoy that features asparagus is

Asparagus Wrapped With Prosciutto

it makes a tasty snack or appetizer

Ingredients

serves four

16 slices of prosciutto

16 spears of asparagus

Drizzle of olive oil

Lemon zest, optional

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C).

2. Carefully wrap each slice of prosciutto tightly around each asparagus spear (in a spiral).

3. Place on a baking tray (lined with parchment paper) drizzle with a little olive oil then bake for 10 minutes, flip carefully and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the prosciutto is crispy.

4. Transfer the asparagus to a serving platter, or individual plates.

5. Top with lemon zest and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, if using.

6. Serve immediately while hot.

Prosciutto is an Italian ham that is dry-cured and very thinly sliced. It tastes like a salty ham. The word prosciutto essentially means ‘to dry out’. The curing process can take anywhere from nine months to two years! Unfortunately, prosciutto is not the most economical meat in the world! It could be substituted for thinly sliced deli ham, turkey, or roast beef.

In case you missed last months (March) post you can see it here

January and February's posts can be seen here and here

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