Some Helpful Low Carb Christmas and New Year Tips !

Food and drink play an important part in Christmas and New Year traditions, which can sometimes encourage people to stray from their diet (lifestyle) plan during the festive period.

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us. Tinsel, baubles, and fake snow are out in full force as Christmas and the festive period is well underway.

For many of us, gaining a few lbs during the holidays and then making a New Year’s resolution diet is a yearly event. However, it doesn’t have to be that way this year and you can still enjoy all the festive food and treats with low-carb living. So, how do you cope with all the goodies that the festive period brings, yet still maintain a balanced lifestyle?

Find Alternative Recipes
With every holiday season comes the tasty treats that go with it – whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or the spooks of Halloween. You don’t have to swap out those indulgences completely, because using alternative recipes means you’ll never have to feel left out of the holiday feasts.

Typical Christmas Feast
Luckily, the traditional Christmas dinner is very low-carb-friendly. So don’t be shy in piling that turkey up on your plate. Get those vegetables stacked high (watch for any falling Brussels sprouts), and tuck in to the meal you’ve been waiting for all year. To stay on the low-carb living track, try swapping out the potatoes for delicious roast turnips instead, and the naughty-listed stuffing for cauliflower stuffing.

Pre-Work-Party Snack
Not only is this time of year filled with delicious treats, but it’s also the time to go out with your fellow colleagues and your work office. Whether you’re going for a sit-down meal or a buffet, a top tip is to have a pre-party snack. This way you won’t be tempted to overindulge in high-carb hors-d’oeuvres or meals with starchy sides such as potatoes or rice.

Usually, work Christmas buffets are full of antipasto foods to choose from, which are always tasty and won’t ruin your low-carb efforts. If you’re choosing set meals, then try to opt for protein-rich options such as steak, salmon, or chicken. Now, we know it’s hard when it comes to the dessert part of the night. But, guess what? That cheese and olive platter is calling your name, plus it’s low-carb – what a Christmas winner!

Christmas and New Year Tipple
We all like to celebrate the festive period with a toast and clinking of glasses. Trying to avoid alcohol or keep it to a minimum can be tricky. If you like the odd tipple during the holidays then try using mixers such as diet tonic water or a splash of sugar-free cordial.
Sticking to red or white wine, and spirits such as gin and vodka, will let you celebrate the holiday season along with maintaining your healthy balance. Remember: stay hydrated and have a glass of water for each alcoholic beverage you drink.

Throw Some Shapes
Once you’ve finished eating, take a step away from the food table and take a step towards the dance floor. Time to let loose and throw out some dance moves – not only will you be letting your hair down, but you’ll also be losing some calories along the way.
Words above (and more) from an article on site here

Some lower carb recipe ideas:

Roast Turkey
Cooked to perfection, see more details here

Stuffing - it's Low Carb and Gluten Free
See more details here

Brussels Sprouts
See more here

The Best Low Carb Christmas Pudding Ever …. well probably !
Please see details here

Mince Pies
The Low Carb Way, more details here

Christmas Chocolate Log With Blueberries

A low carb recipe, more details here 

Fruit Cake
A Low Carb Alternative - learn more using this link here

Alternative Vegetarian and Vegan Thanksgiving / Christmas recipes
have a look here but please note not all shown in the link are low carb

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

Winter Vegetable Soup - Tuscan Style - So Warming

Well, it's certainly been chilly and very wintry in most parts of the UK recently. A warming bowl of soup could just be the thing to enjoy. I have shared this recipe before, but it's always worth another post! Some readers may find Cannellini beans a little 'carby', so as always dear reader it is important to note, that a variety of 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 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.

However, if you feel you'd like to give this recipe idea a try here is what you will need for four servings.

Ingredients
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 celery stick, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 parsnip, chopped
1 onion, chopped ingredient
1 leek, white and pale green parts only, sliced and rinsed
2 tbsp olive oil
400g tin cannellini beans, drained
50g (2oz) grated cauliflower
1.2 litres (2 pints) vegetable stock
150g (5oz) kale or cavolo nero, shredded
25g (1oz) Parmesan, finely grated
3 tbsp green pesto

Method
1. In a large saucepan, cook the garlic, celery, carrot, parsnip, onion and leeks gently in the olive oil for 10 minutes. Keep the heat low and stir often, until soft, but not browned.
2. Stir in the drained cannellini beans and grated cauliflower, followed by the vegetable stock. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the beans begin to break down.
3. Crush some beans with the back of a spoon to further thicken the soup. Stir in the shredded cavolo nero or kale and simmer for a final 5 minutes, adding a little water if it becomes too thick. Stir in half the pesto and half the cheese, dividing the soup between bowls and serving the remaining pesto and cheese on top of each bowlful.

Freezing and defrosting guidelines
Make the soup, then leave to cool at room temperature. Freeze (without garnishes or toppings) in a rigid container, leaving a bit of space for expansion, for up to 1-3 months. Reheat either from frozen or defrost in the fridge overnight. Once piping hot, add toppings or garnishes and serve.

Adapted from an original recipe here

It certainly is a warming and tasty bowlful, full of vegetable goodness 😋

If you should be living somewhere where the temperatures are a little high you may prefer a salad suggestion! Have a look here

All the best Jan

Decembers Birth Flowers

Before I start todays post about Decembers Birth Flowers, I just want to take a moment to thank all readers, and especially those who took time to comment, on yesterdays post, 'What colour do you buy?' which was about eggs! Our blog stats show it was a very popular and well read post, but if you haven't seen it yet, you can find it here

Now here we go talking about Happiness and Hope

December Birth Flowers

December birth flowers are holly and narcissus (specifically, the paperwhite). While December’s flowers may be very different from each other, one being a bulb and the other an evergreen shrub, they both symbolize happiness and hope, and as we are quite close to saying goodbye to 2023 and welcoming 2024 these words may be appearing in your thoughts and resolutions ...

The Holly
Holly symbolizes a wish for domestic happiness.

Although some animals and birds enjoy holly berries, they are semi-toxic to humans.

The good news is that deer tend to avoid eating holly due to their sharp leaves, which makes them a deer-resistant plant for gardens.

The Narcissus (Paperwhite)

Narcissus conveys that you want your beloved to stay just the way they are.

While there are many types of flowers in the genus Narcissus (including the daffodil), the paperwhite is the winter-growing variety and the birth flower for December.

We do have some (artificial) holly sprigs indoors as part of the Christmas Holiday décor. I do like seeing the green leaves and lovely red berries, but haven't any paperwhites. Do you have either of these two December flowers in your home? Perhaps you prefer a different plant, do please share your thoughts.

All the best Jan

What colour do you buy?

The question, 'what colour do you buy?' relates to eggs!

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know both Eddie and I enjoy eating eggs, and I always try to buy free range, medium size, brownish colour eggs. However just recently I've noticed white shell eggs in a lot of our UK supermarkets and stores which led me to research a little more about eggs.

Here in the UK, what is it that makes a tray of brown eggs sell quicker than a tray of white ones? Provided that the hens that lay the brown eggs have been given the same environment and feeding regime as those laid the white ones, they do (and it has been scientifically proven), all taste the same.

Nevertheless, position a tray of white eggs at the front of a stall at a farmer’s market and a tray of brown eggs at the back, and you will find that the brown eggs have sold more rapidly by the end of the day than the white.

Apparently, if you were to conduct the same experiment in America, you would probably discover that the white ones were favoured – something to do with white indicating cleanliness and purity in the mind of the average American consumer. Would you agree with this supposition?

There is a certain pleasure to be had from placing a softly boiled one onto the breakfast table, and for me, the fact that it is brown certainly adds to the attraction. 

More to read here

We all know how nutritious eggs are but what I wondered determines the colour of the shell, if like me you'd like to know more please read here

More Related Posts

Health Benefits of Eating Eggs - read it here

Eggs - Do They Need to Be Refrigerated? - read it here

What Is The Healthiest Way to Cook and Eat Eggs? - read it here

The Size of Eggs, does it matter? - read it here

Many thanks for visiting this blog, before you leave do please take a moment or two to leave a comment, and remember, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within the 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

Cranberries come into their own around Christmas and Holiday Season

Further to yesterday's post where the delicious Braised Beef with red wine and cranberries recipe was highlighted, today I continue with a cranberry theme.

But first, a little more about cranberries. They are a tart, ruby-red coloured berry which grows wild on shrubs throughout northern Europe and North America. High in vitamins C and D, potassium and iron they are believed to be a natural remedy for a host of health conditions.

Cranberries are at their best between October and December, and come into their own around Christmas. They are good for much more than accompanying the turkey. Their sour flavour lends itself well to both sweet and savoury dishes, as well as drinks.

When buying fresh cranberries look for plump, firm, red berries. Cranberries can be kept in the fridge for at least two months or frozen for up to a year ... but they're also available dried.

Read more about cranberries here

Some recipes you may like to try

Fruit Cake, with cranberries, a low carb alternative,

more details here

Sautéed sprouts with almonds and cranberries

more details here

Braised beef with red wine and cranberry

more details here

Mince Pies, the low carb way

more 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

Braised beef with red wine and cranberry

This lovely seasonal dish can be left to bubble away, filling the kitchen with some wonderful and comforting aromas ...

Ingredients
Serves 4
1kg braising steak
3 onions ( I usually use red ones)
300ml red wine
300ml stock
3 rounded tbsp cranberry sauce (check sugar/carb content if using shop bought)

Method
1. Cut the meat into large slices, about 8cm square. Tip 2 tbsp flour with some salt and pepper into a large food bag, add the beef and shake to coat the pieces. Thinly slice the onions.
2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large heavy-based pan. Add the beef and fry on all sides until evenly browned. You may need to do this in two batches. Remove to a plate.
3. Heat 1tbsp oil in the pan if you need it, then add the onions and fry quickly for 5 minutes until tinged brown. Return the beef to the pan and add the wine and stock. Bring to the boil, stirring to scrape up the juices. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Reduce the heat, cover tightly with a lid and cook at a gentle simmer for 1hr 30mins until the beef is tender. Stir in the cranberry sauce, taste and add more seasoning if necessary. Simmer for a further 5 minutes and serve with vegetables of your choice. Some may choose mashed potato, others may choose mashed swede which is a lower carb alternative... fine green beans are also nice.

Original recipe idea from here

For readers who may prefer a vegetarian dish

How about Somerset Stew here or Vegetable Stew here

~ enjoy your day ~

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

It's December 2023

Time to say goodbye to November as we welcome December.

I thought that as December is the twelfth month, I would share twelve December facts with you, I hope you enjoy them. Of course there are many more, so do please share any you know in the comments.

1. December is the twelfth and last month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with the length of 31 days.

2. December starts on the same day of the week as September starts every year, and ends on the same day of the week as April ends every year.

3. December’s flower is the narcissus or holly.

4. December’s birthstones are turquoise, lapis lazuli, zircon, topaz (blue), or tanzanite, (quite a choice!).

5. If you were born in the month of December you will belong to the zodiac sign of Sagittarius (December 1st to 21st) or Capricorn (December 22nd to 31st).
Sagittarians are represented by the archer and are independent and compassionate, while Capricorns are represented by the goat and are practical and stubborn.

6. In the Northern Hemisphere December contains the shortest days of the year making it the darkest month on the calendar. In places like Alaska, Siberia and the Canadian territories, December is the month when the sun never rises, pitching thousands of people into complete darkness for several days.

7. December brings the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the shortest day of the year (the day with the least amount of daylight). In 2023, the solstice occurs on Friday, December 22. Of course for those living in the Southern Hemisphere the December solstice marks the longest day.

8. Lights are very symbolic to the month of December. Millions of people decorate their houses with twinkling lights at Christmas. Others light candles and place them on the windowsills, (being fire-aware careful of course), and let’s not forget the nine candles that are lit during Hanukkah.

9. Common decorations on a Christmas tree each have their specific meanings. Candles – the light of the world, the Star at the top is a reminder of the first Christmas night and candy canes are to represent the shepherd’s cane.

10. December astronomy facts; the constellation Orion dominates the sky in December. Look southeast to find three stars lined up in a row. This is Orion’s Belt. Also, look out for Sirius, the brightest star in the winter night sky. Look skyward on the night of December 13 after 9pm for a chance to catch a glimpse of the Geminid meteors, the Geminid meteor shower is the most active shower of the year. This year, the Geminids will share the sky with a bright, waning gibbous Moon, which could make it more difficult to see the shooting stars. Try to face away from the Moon to keep its shine out of your field of view.

11. A popular Christmas Carol/Song is "Jingle bells" but it is not a Carol at all! It was composed in 1857, but not for Christmas – it was meant to be a Thanksgiving song!

12. If you go into the woods on Christmas Eve (24 December) an ancient legend states that forest animals can speak in human language on Christmas Eve!

Facts above from here and here and here

... and sharing a lovely December recipe

Christmas Chocolate Log With Blueberries

A low carb chocolate log, with added blueberries.

Could be perfect for an alternative Christmas (or New Year) dessert.

more details here

~ Wishing you a happy December 2023 ~

We bring a variety of articles and 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.

All the best Jan

Gut-friendly foods that help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

With the days drawing in and the mornings and evenings feeling increasingly dark, for those who suffer, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is starting to bite.

Whether you're an annual sufferer or actually embrace the cosy the winter months bring, we can all relate to the dip in energy and mood the end of the year can bring, particularly as the Christmas festivities start to ramp up.

According to the NHS, SAD, more commonly known as the ‘winter blues’, affects an estimated 2 million people in the UK.

It is a seasonal depression that usually occurs during daylight savings, and whilst the exact cause is not fully known, it has been linked to reduced exposure to sunlight.

SAD has been linked to the following symptoms:

Consistent low mood
Irritability
Anxiety
Feeling unsociable
Tiredness and fatigue, even with a full nights of rest
Oversleeping
Hunger, cravings for ‘comfort’ foods – those high in carbohydrates and sugars
Weight gain
Decreased sex drive

While there are many treatments to combat the condition, looking to the foods we eat and our overall gut health can be one of the most effective ways to manage SAD symptoms this winter.

The colder months call for more comfort food, as eating what you crave can reduce stress hormones. Although this can make you feel good, it can have a negative long-term affect if you are not consuming a healthy, balanced diet.

When experiencing SAD, it can be beneficial to consume foods high in the amino acid Tryptophan.

Studies have suggested that there is a direct link between this amino acid and the production of serotonin, the hormone related to happiness, memory, sexual desire and sleep.

Tryptophan-rich foods include salmon, chicken and turkey. Vegetarian and vegan sources include pumpkin seeds, tofu (and other soya-based foods) and spinach.

Your gut biome is also directly linked to the production of serotonin, and poor gut health is linked to depression and hormone imbalances.

It is important to ensure you include enough water, fruits, vegetables, and fibre in your diet to maintain gut health.

Here are five foods that can help combat tiredness and SAD

1. Dark chocolate
This is the one type of chocolate that we can somewhat justify as healthy in very small doses. Dark chocolate contains high levels of magnesium, which is the mineral that gives us energy and keeps us from feeling tired.

2. Bananas
Also high in magnesium is "the marmite of fruit", bananas. "Love em’ or hate em’, they’re a great snack for when you’re on the go and their naturally high levels of magnesium mean you’ll be getting the right chemicals to offset the negative impact of SAD and will generally feel less tired. However, bananas are high in carbs, at 20 net carbs per 100 grams, so if you are a diabetic and watching your carb intake blackberries and raspberries may be a better option. More details here and here

3. Red or dark meats
Famously full of iron, eating red and dark meats is a great way to combat tiredness on the day-to-day. It is interesting to note that, in one study vegetarians were three times more likely to suffer from SAD, four more times in another. Therefore, if you don’t eat meat, many recommend taking a decent iron supplement to avoid SAD this winter, but it is always advisable talk to your Doctor/medical team first.

4. Fatty fish
We all know the theory that eating fish improves brain function. This is due, in part, to its high levels of a nutrient called creatine which has been proven to improve memory and cognitive function. However, it also has benefits for combatting tiredness. Creatine can literally improve energy production in the brain. When paired with the naturally high magnesium content in fish, these sea creatures are the perfect antidote to the symptoms of SAD.

Mediterranean-style fish stew

This recipe uses salmon which is known as a brain food because of its high Omega 3 content,

as well as being rich in vitamin D and minerals, recipe details here

5. Avocados and nuts
Not only are avocados and nuts both low in sugar and high in fibre, making them filling and nutritious, they’re also high in magnesium. Both nuts and avocados are often considered ‘superfoods’ due to their many benefits, so it’s no surprise they also promote feeling energised and help offset some of the impact of SAD.

As well as consuming the above gut-friendly foods some also take Vitamin D supplements to deal with SAD, but it is always advisable talk to your Doctor/medical team first when considering supplements.

However, if your symptoms go beyond feeling tired or sad, or these feelings are not going away and you’re having serious physical or mental health issues, you should always consult your doctor.

Most words above taken from article here

Please note
Articles / studies 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.

If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account, and if you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan

Clementine Almond Cake : An Everyday Flourless Low Carb Cake

'This is a lovely everyday cake - spongy, not-too-sweet, and just a touch bitter in the absolute most perfect way possible - as it contains no flour, it is also a lovely gluten-free cake recipe,' says Alejandra.

Made using Clementines, "which is a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange, so named in 1902.The exterior is a deep orange colour with a smooth, glossy appearance. Clementines can be separated into 7 to 14 segments. Similarly to tangerines, they tend to be easy to peel. They are almost always seedless when grown commercially, and therefore are also known as seedless tangerines. The clementine is also occasionally referred to as the Moroccan clementine. They are typically juicy and sweet, with less acid than oranges.

Most sources say that the clementine came to exist because of accidental hybridization, with the first fruits discovered by Brother Clement Rodier (after whom the fruit was named in French and then English) in the garden of his orphanage in Misserghin, Algeria. However, there are claims it originated in China much earlier; one source describes it as nearly identical to the Canton mandarin widely grown in the Guangxi and Guangdong provinces in China.

The clementine is not always easy to distinguish from varieties of mandarin oranges. As such, it should not be confused with similar fruit such as the satsuma or honey sweet orange, or other popular varieties.

It is best to choose Clementines that have a uniform orange colour, shiny skin with no blemishes or wrinkles, and they should feel soft

If stored at room temperature they should last 2/3 days ... but may be placed in a fridge if you do not intend using them within this time

Clemetines are an excellent source of Vitamin C"

Most words above from here 

Now onto the delicious recipe, for which you will need these ingredients ...

Serves Ten

4 clementines (about 13 oz)
6 large eggs
1/2 cup erythritol + 1/2 cup granulated Splenda OR 1 cup Swerve sweetener
2 1/4 cups of ground almond meal (or 9oz of almonds finely ground)
2 teaspoons pure almond extract
1/2 teaspoon (kosher) salt
1 heaped teaspoon baking powder

Nutritional Info ...
Calories: 220
Fat: 16.3g
Protein: 10.4g
Carbs (using Swerve): 10g (total) and 6g (net)
Carbs (using Splenda): 13g (total) and 9g (net)
Fibre: 4g

Please see Alejandra's full recipe instructions here

If you should need help with measurement conversion see here

Please note this should be made using a Springform pan

A cake that can also provide a touch of Vitamin C - hope you may enjoy a slice soon.

~ 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

It's definitely starting to look and feel Christmassy!

In the UK many cities, towns and villages are busy preparing for Christmas, and the shop windows are looking nice and Christmassy 🎄 🎅 🎄

Have you started your Christmas preparations? I have started to write Christmas Cards and we have some 'Christmas' food in the freezer ready for the Christmas festivities.

I do enjoy writing Christmas cards and often put little notes in with them so family and friends can read and catch up with snippets of news.

"Firstchristmascard". Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that the custom of sending Christmas cards didn't start until there was a postal service to deliver them! The first were sent in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole, boss of the Victoria and Albert Museum. He was far too busy to write letters so had an artist design 1,000 cards, illustrated with a festive family scene on the front and printed with the greeting, "A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to You". Horrified at being caught out, all his friends sent him one back the next year. In 1880 cards had become so popular that the public were warned for the first time to post early for Christmas.

Fast forward to 2023, and with postal charges rising many people are choosing not to send as many Christmas cards, perhaps preferring to send an email or make a telephone call. For those readers who live in the UK, our last Christmas posting dates for 2023 are Monday 18th December for posting a 2nd Class delivery and Wednesday 20th for first class mail in the UK, more details here

You can read more about the history of Christmas Cards here

And how about this!
Fruit Cake A Low Carb Alternative
"Please come into my kitchen and discover this 'low carb fruit cake which is a great alternative to a traditional fruit cake.' It can be enjoyed at any time of year but could prove a popular low carb Christmas alternative."

To learn more please use this link here

Finally, in the midst of all the Christmas preparations, please take time to sit down and enjoy a refreshing cuppa - will it be tea or coffee?

Is it starting to look and feel Christmassy where you live?

Readers - you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas, within this blog. It is important to 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 a reliable 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

Sausage, Parsnip, Onion and Apple Tray Bake

Try this easy one-step sausage tray bake recipe.

It takes minutes to prepare and approx. one hour sizzling in the oven.

A few simple ingredients, including some good quality sausages, can make a hearty and comforting tray bake dinner. Peel and chop parsnips and red onions, mix with some olive oil and fresh rosemary and place in the oven. After 15 minutes the sausages go in and 45 minutes later you're done. Just serve with some sweet and sharp apple sauce. There is an alternative sugar free apple sauce recipe here 

It's like a roast dinner for mid-week 😋

Ingredients
Serves Four
600 g (1lb 5oz) parsnips, peeled and chopped
2 red onions, chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
3 sprigs rosemary
8 sausages (of your choice)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6.

2. In a large baking tray, mix the parsnips, red onions, olive oil, rosemary and seasoning. Spread in a single layer and cook for 1hr, adding the sausages after 15min.

3. Serve with the apple sauce.

From an original idea here

~ wishing you a lovely day ~

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 ?

The human body is an amazing thing, but even though we spend all day with ourselves, there are still plenty of things that you probably don’t know about your body. 

Here are ten ...

1. If you’re a female and you feel like your heart beats quicker than your male counterparts, you’re not wrong. Women’s hearts are proven to beat faster than men’s.

2. As well as having faster heartbeats, women blink twice as much as men as well.

3. Every 3-4 seconds, around 50,000 cells in your body will die and be replaced by new ones.

4. Fingerprints are unique to each person, making them an amazing phenomenon. Adding to this is the fact that they’re developed within just three months of conception, meaning you were totally unique from the start.

5. Our taste buds seem to change throughout our lives, but by the age of 60, the average person has lost half their taste buds. This is why older people don’t seem to care as much about bitter or unusual tastes.

6. People burn more calories being asleep than they do by watching the TV. More reason to take a nap!

7. Every 10 years, the human skeleton repairs and renews itself. Essentially, you have different bones now than you did 10 years ago!

8. If the human brain was spread out as a flat object, it would be roughly the size of a pillowcase.

9. Your little finger is the smallest one on your hand, but it is actually responsible for 50% of your hand strength. Without it, you would notice more difference than losing any of your other fingers.

10. It’s much less effort to be happy – you’ll use 17 muscles to smile vs. 43 to frown and be miserable.

Did you know any of these facts?

I only knew numbers 4 and 10

This blog is presented in a magazine style - we hope something for everyone. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, funnies, photographs, music and recipes! However, 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 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

Comedy Wildlife 2023 - these photographs will make you smile

From time to time we post something completely different ...

Like these photos from the 2023 Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Air Guitar Roo

photograph credit and words by Jason Moore

“I was driving past a mob of Western Grey Kangaroos feeding in an open field that was filled with attractive yellow flowers. I had my camera with me, so I stopped to grab a few photos. I suddenly noticed this individual adopt a humorous pose - to me it looks like he's practising strumming - 

on his Air Guitar.”

Dispute

photograph credit and words by Jacek Stankiewicz

“I caught this scene while watching birds in the Bialowieza Forest. Young greenfinch was still fed by parents. However, from time to time birds looked like having argument. My friends interpret this scene in two ways. 1. A young naughty kid is arguing with a parent. 2. One kid is reporting to the parent that its brother did something wrong: look he has broken the glass in the window.”

One for the family album

photograph credit and words by Zoe Ashdown

“"At RSPB Bempton Cliffs, each year between March and October, around half a million seabirds use the chalk cliffs towering above the North Sea to nest and raise a family. Gannets mate for life and they return to the same nest year after year to raise their young. Lying safely at the top of the cliff face I was able to observe the affection shown between the gannets each time one returned to the nest. They have a greeting ritual, they rub beaks and entwine their necks; it’s how they strengthen their bond. But it’s also a brilliant opportunity to catch them in various poses. I didn’t realise I’d taken this image until I got home, but as soon as I saw it I laughed out loud! They look like proud parents, posing with their baby - definitely one for the family album!"”

Monday Blahs

photograph credit and words by John Blumenkamp

“This Great Gray Owl spent most of the afternoon posing majestically and looking, well, wise. But for a moment or two after doing some elegant stretching, he/she would slump and give a look of 'is Monday over yet?' I really like the uniqueness of the Comedy Wildlife Awards, and that they emphasize conservation while taking a fun and special look at wildlife. While out shooting I often find myself smiling or laughing with some of the behaviors of various species, and this annual event is a great way to bring that fun element of nature to others. While photographing the great gray owl shown in my image, I had been busy working to capture that majestic looking pose. As the owl preened and then sat still for a short while, it stretched once more and for a quick moment gave the pose shown. As it did, I grinned and thought… now that’s funny!”

There are more amazing photographs to see here

also related post 'Comedy Wildlife 2023, such fun' see here

All the best Jan

Chicken, Leek and Cider Gratin

This is a very warming, and delicious, Rick Stein recipe, perfect for cooler days.

Ingredients

Serves Four

50g/1¾oz butter
500g/1lb 2oz boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut in 4cm/1½in cubes
2 large leeks, trimmed and sliced
150ml/¼ pint cider
1 heaped tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp soy sauce
¼ tsp smoked paprika, sweet or hot, plus a little extra for sprinkling
300ml/10fl oz double (heavy) cream
350g/12oz potatoes*, such as Maris Piper, scrubbed and very finely sliced

50g/1¾oz cheddar cheese, grated
salt and freshly ground pepper

*For a lower carb alternative use celeriac or swede/rutabaga

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6. In a large casserole dish on a medium heat, melt half the butter and fry the chicken until golden-brown. Remove from the pan and transfer to a plate.
2. Add the leeks and the remaining butter to the pan and cook over a low heat until softened without colouring. Then add the cider, mustard, soy sauce, smoked paprika, cream, ½ teaspoon salt and a grind of pepper. Bring to a boil for 2–3 minutes or until thickened and well combined.
3. Add the chicken back to the pan along with any juices and stir together to heat through. Transfer to an ovenproof dish (approximately 26x20cm/10½x8in, or a round 23cm/9in diameter dish). Arrange the potato slices (or alternative lower carb choice) over the filling and top with the cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
4. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbling and the potatoes/or alternative lower carb choice are tender when poked with a knife. Serve hot with green leafy vegetables alongside.

5. Eat and enjoy ... Bon Appetit!

From original idea here

Related Post

CHICKEN Dishes, Three Popular Low Carb and Keto Suggestions here

~ wishing you a happy day ~

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

Thanksgiving 2023

Here in the UK the Countdown to Christmas continues.

Christmas Cards are being written, Christmas Gifts being bought.

 You may already have some food in the cupboard or freezer

waiting to be consumed over the Christmas and holiday festivities.

image from here

Of course if like us you have American friends and bloggers they have been getting ready for Thanksgiving Day, which is today Thursday 23rd November,

for our blogging friends in Canada they have already celebrated theirs!

image from here

Wishing all our readers who may be celebrating Thanksgiving a Happy Day,

and wishing all our readers a Happy Day

Good luck and good health to you all

Jan and Eddie