Wednesday, 1 October 2025

It's the 1st of October 2025


~ It's October 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, has been a break with tradition, which I hope you have been enjoying because the first of each month has been featuring a lower carb recipe starting with the first letter of that particular month ... so here we go as it's now October and the tenth month of the year!

O is for ? can you guess ?

Yes, I am talking about oregano !


Oregano is a pungent green herb with a great affinity for a variety of foods, from lamb to vegetables, stuffing's and egg dishes. Oregano is closely related to marjoram. It is characteristic of many Greek dishes (particularly lamb) and (in the UK) is often sprinkled liberally on pizzas. Oregano grows easily in well protected areas. Because of its high oil content, oregano dries well. You can replace dried oregano for fresh, but reduce the amount used by about half. Dried oregano is a kitchen essential, but make sure you replace it frequently as it quickly loses its pungency. Oregano is one of the herbs in the mixture called herbes de Provence. Oregano is often used to top your favourite pizza, and oregano may offer you a range of health benefits you may have never considered. Oregano contains a powerful substance called beta-caryophyllene that helps fight inflammation. This herb is said to benefit people suffering conditions such as osteoporosis and arteriosclerosis. On top of it’s anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial and antifungal properties can also be added to the list of what make oregano a top pick.


~ sharing a recipe that uses oregano, and there are so many! ~
Mama Mia : Low Carb Italian Meatballs
I'm sure you will enjoy this low carb version of Italian meatballs


Ingredients
Serves Four
4g carbs per serving
1 lb / 450 g ground (minced) beef or turkey
2 oz. / 50 g grated parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tablespoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
14 oz. / 400 g canned whole tomatoes
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
7 oz. / 200 g fresh spinach
2 oz. / 50 g butter
5 oz. / 150 g fresh mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper

Recipe instructions
can be seen here 


~ enjoy your October days ~

In case you missed last months (September) post you can see it here and the one for August is here

You will see 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

35 comments:

  1. Happy October!
    I really like oregano, but I never knew about the anti-inflammatory properties. That makes it even better!

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  2. Dear Jan, I love October! Not just because I was born in October, I have always loved the cool, comfortable temperatures, the beautiful changing colours of the leaves, the crisp, fresh air and Thanksgiving. Our Thanksgiving is in October, unlike the U.S., as their Thanksgiving is in November. The reason for the difference is that our harvest here in Canada is in October, whereas the U.S. has their harvest in November.
    Wonderful post, dear friend, thank you so much for sharing, and Happy October to you!

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  3. Gracias por la receta. Te mando un beso. Me gusta el orégano.

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  4. I go with Mari - happy October and YES to oregano, I love it and the meat balls sound very yummy

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  5. Happy First Day of October Jan and May your month be full of joy :) Thank you for another lovely post, you keep me going :) All the best xo

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  6. I think the recipe is delicious and I'll keep it in mind. I definitely want to make it, and I didn't know about the spices either!
    Have a lovely October, hugs, Elke

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  7. A good herb and a nice recipe too, Jan.

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  8. Happy October, Jan. I have a pot of oregano growing in my herb garden. When I need some a recipe calls for, I just pinch off what I need. Thanks for the recipe.

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  9. O oréganos é um ótiumo tempero, principalmente nas pizzas!
    Lindo e feliz OUTUBRO!
    beijos praianos, chica

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  10. Happy October Jan. :-D Oregano is so good and so healthy :-D I like the veggie meatballs with a nice tomato sauce. So many herbs and spices have such benefits, it's amazing. I swear by galic and take a clove every morning.

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  11. sounds and looks good! I like october, lots of colorsm dark sky at night with lot of stars...

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  12. ...Jan, I wish you an Outstanding October.

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  13. Happy October Jan! The meatballs look yummy!
    Take care, have a great day!

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  14. Happy October! I have lots of dried oregano!

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  15. I love oregano and so do the bees! 🐝🐝

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  16. Happy October to you too, that looks amazing I have saved the recipe for later.

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  17. Happy October!
    Oregano is one of my favourite herbs.
    That meal looks very good.

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  18. What a delightful way to kick off October I love how you’ve tied the month to a specific herb, oregano is such a versatile and flavorful choice. It’s the kind of post that makes you want to get into the kitchen right away while appreciating the little ways herbs like oregano can elevate a meal. A lovely, practical, and inspiring start to the month.

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  19. I love meatballs and having a low carb version would be like icing on the cake ( which wouldn't be low carb :) Thank you for the recipe!

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  20. Love October and thanks for the info on oregano.

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  21. I have pink and white flowering oregano in my garden and it is a generous, self sowing plant. It grows prolifically in cracks and crevices looking pretty on the stone walls, is tolerant of very hot, dry weather and poor soil, and in the borders makes lovely mounds of weed supressing growth.

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  22. I think we are all excited about the fall! Love your first photo. Yes, oregano has great properties for health.

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  23. What a wonderful way to welcome October. The low-carb Italian meatballs is delicious, and I appreciate the healthy twist while keeping all that rich Italian flavor.

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  24. Happy October 1st. My favorite time of year.

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  25. That looks delicious. Once again, another month has passed. I can't believe how fast this year went by. Wow.

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  26. Yum, I love oregano! Happy October!!

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  27. We use oregano often. Happy October.

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  28. Oregano is soooooooo good. I love it mixed with thyme too.

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  29. Happy October ! I hope you can find lots of seasonal foods.

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  30. I think that picture in your header is awesome.

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  31. Happy October to you Jan. Oregano is perfect for October. I just picked some of mine to dry for later.

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  32. I always enjoy your opening month posts! Oregano is wonderful and this looks like a terrific recipe!

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  33. Happy October to you too, Next week we are supposed to get more normal temperatures, we have been very hot still, so I will be thankful for some fall temps soon.

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  34. I love October because our weather starts cooling little bit in this month 🥰

    Thankfully we have oregano here as well dear Jan
    Thank you so much for sharing awesome recipes 👍♥️

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  35. Muy buena receta. Tengo mucho orégano en el jardín. Besos.

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The best of health to you and yours.

Eddie