Christmas Is Coming !

Yes, Christmas is coming and 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 🎄 🎅 🎄

With the death of my beloved husband Eddie back in August, these past months have not been easy as I adjust to life without him. I am very fortunate to have wonderful family and special friends who have been, and continue to be, very supportive through this time. To my blogland friends I say thank you. We may never meet but over time we do seem to have what I can only describe as a blogland-bond between us. Your thoughts and continued good wishes as we exchange our posts, our thoughts and comments continue to mean a lot to me and are very special. 

So on I go, and I am pleased to say I have started to write my Christmas Cards, and have bought a few gifts ready for wrapping. There is already some 'Christmas' food in the freezer, so I am not doing too badly. How are you doing with your Christmas preparations? Do please share your thoughts in the comments section.

"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 2024 and we are still being encouraged to post early for Christmas, although postage costs have increased I still think Royal Mail will be busy!

You can read more about the history of Christmas Cards 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?

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

Carrot, Orange and Ginger Soup : Tasty and Nutritious

McKel Hill writes ... "Carrot Orange & Ginger Soup is loaded with heaps of vitamin A especially from the carrots, vitamin C from the oranges, and warming ginger which provides digestive aid among-st other health benefits. Not only is this soup nutrient dense, but it’s also low in calories. The amazing thing about this soup is the flavour translates really well both eaten cold/slightly chilled or warm/hot. 

TIP: Although you could skip the entire steps that deal with cooking and make this an all raw soup (it’d still taste fantastic), carrots are one of few vegetables that actually increase in nutrition with cooking!

INGREDIENTS
1½ lbs. raw carrots, chopped
3 cups vegetable stock
3 cups (filtered) water
1 whole orange (about 1 cup)
½ cup sweet onion, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
3-4 dates, pitted (adjust to sweeten) Optional
1½ inch fresh ginger root
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)

GARNISH
With pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, fresh cilantro, Classic Cashew Cheese

INSTRUCTIONS
1. In a large soup pot, on medium heat add coconut oil, garlic, onions, sea salt, and celery to soften. Cook for about 5-8 minutes.
2. Add chopped carrots and cook for about 10 minutes allowing the vegetables to slightly caramelize.
3. Add vegetable stock and (filtered) water.
4. Cook until the carrots are fork tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Carefully pour the hot liquids with vegetables in a high speed blender (or if you have an immersion blender you may use this as well) with all remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
6. At this point, add the orange and fresh ginger and blend again until smooth. You can adjust the liquid at this point, if you like a thinner soup just add more water or leave it be and the soup will be thicker.
7. Reheat as needed on the stove-top or else store in the fridge for leftovers!
8. Garnish with your favourite seeds and fresh herbs or cashew cheese."
Recipe idea from here

~ wishing all readers a happy day ~

I hope you enjoy this recipe idea from Mckel. You will find a wide variety of recipe suggestions within this blog, but not all may be suitable for you. Any food allergies, or underlying health issues 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 2024

Here in the UK the Countdown to Christmas continues. Christmas Cards are being written, Christmas Gifts being bought … and possibly you've got some food in the cupboard or freezer waiting to be consumed over the Christmas festivities.

image from here

Of course if like me you have American friends and bloggers they have been getting ready for Thanksgiving Day, which is Thursday 28th November. For blogging friends in Canada they have already celebrated theirs! You can read more about Thanksgiving here

image from here

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

and wishing all readers a Happy Day

Good luck and good health to you all

All the best Jan

What is hibernation?

As you know from time to time I do like to post a different kind of article, and I think this one (as the saying goes) fits the bill!

It's about hibernation, what is it, and which animals are getting ready now?

You may have heard of animals hibernating for the winter, but what does it mean? Well, during the colder months, it can be tougher for animals to find food and water. Therefore, they have developed a special skill to "shut down" their bodies for long periods of time in order to conserve energy and be able to go without food. This process is called hibernation.

It is particularly common in small mammals like mice, hedgehogs and bats.

Larger animals don't tend to hibernate, with the exception of brown bears.

Some insects and reptiles, like butterflies, snails, tortoises, and snakes, also hibernate.

How do animals hibernate?
Hibernation is not animals going to sleep for weeks at a time, but they do find a safe place to get cosy for the winter. Hibernating animals are able to decrease their heart rate and slow their breathing whilst also reducing their body temperature. This helps them use considerably less energy, and they therefore don't need to eat to keep them alive.

Some dormice can hibernate for up to 11 months, but most get up occasionally to look for food, have a drink of water, or get rid of bodily waste!

In order to get themselves ready for weeks of very little food and drink, some animals gorge on food, even doubling their body weight in the build up to winter. This gives them plenty of reserves for the weeks ahead.

Squirrels don't hibernate, as they are not able to store the fat on their bodies for long enough. Therefore, they spend the late summer and autumn months stashing food away in hiding places. They then return to those secret stores during the winter. They do, however, sleep more in colder temperatures in order to conserve their energy.

Can humans hibernate?
The short answer is no.
As lovely as it would be to get in bed and wait for the cold season to pass, we humans don't need to hibernate because of our size and access to regular warmth and food. Our ancestors discovered fire, clothes, shelter, hunting, and growing food. These are all more effective ways of surviving winters!

Words and image from article seen here

Related post
Spare a thought for Prickles Your Garden Hedgehog - read it here

All the best Jan

Gingerbread Crème Brûlée : For Thanksgiving or Christmas a Low Carb Dessert

By putting this creamy custard, and gingerbread flavour together, it makes a nice Thanksgiving or Christmas low carb/keto dessert that brings a well-spiced finish to your evening meal. 

Ingredients
Serves Six
3g net carbs per serving
425 ml (1¾ cups) heavy (double) whipping cream
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2 tbsp (25 g) erythritol (sweetener)
¼ tsp vanilla extract
4 egg yolks
½ clementine (optional)

Tip
This recipe uses pumpkin pie spice. If you can't find it, you can make your own by using this recipe or by mixing equal amounts of ginger, cinnamon and ground cloves.

Recipe Instructions
can be seen here

Clementines

Small and sweet, clementines are a hybrid of tangerines and oranges. Easy to peel and exceptionally sweet, there are over 20 varieties of clementine. The fruit will keep in the fridge for up to one week.

Some recipes you may like to try
Clementine Almond Cake, it's low carb and flourless - more details here
Christmas Salad, it's so colourful and low in carbs too - more details here
Clementine Prosecco Cocktail, it's nice but 13.5g carbs per serving - more details 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

Happy Sunday

image from google

It's hard to believe that today will be the last Sunday of November 2024

The year is certainly flying by

Whatever your plans are

I wish you a peaceful and joyful day

Stay safe and stay well

~ Happy Sunday ~

All the best Jan

About Decongestants And Stuffy Noses !

Sharing details about decongestants ...

The winter months often bring a mixture of coughs, colds, sneezes etc and many of us may turn to a decongestant which are a type of medicine that can provide short-term relief for a blocked or stuffy nose (nasal congestion). They can help ease the symptoms of conditions such as colds and flu, hay fever and other allergic reactions, catarrh and sinusitis. They work by reducing the swelling of the blood vessels in your nose, which helps to open the airways.

Examples include pseudoephedrine (sometimes called by the brand name Sudafed).

Types of decongestants
Decongestants are available as:

nasal sprays
drops
tablets or capsules
liquids or syrups
flavoured powders to dissolve in hot water

Some products may just contain decongestant medicine, but many are sold as "all-in-1" remedies that contain decongestants, painkillers or antihistamines. Most decongestants can be bought over the counter from pharmacies without a prescription.

Who can take decongestants
Most people can use decongestants safely, but they are not suitable for everyone.

They should not be used by the following groups of people without getting advice from a pharmacist or GP first:

people taking other medicines
people with diabetes
people with high blood pressure
people with an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
men with an enlarged prostate
people with liver, kidney, heart or circulation problems
people with increased pressure in the eye glaucoma

Babies and children
Decongestants should not be given to children under 6 years of age.

Children aged 6 to 11 should take them for no longer than 5 days. Ask a pharmacist for advice about this. Always follow the instructions that come with the packet.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women
It's not clear whether it's safe to take any type of decongestant if you're pregnant, so you should only use them if told to by a healthcare professional.

Decongestants that come as tablets, liquids or powders that you swallow are not recommended if you're breastfeeding.

Some decongestants that come as nose sprays or drops are safe to use if you're breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or GP first before using them.

The patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine will say who should not use it and who should get advice before using it.

How to use decongestants

Most decongestants should only be used between 1 and 4 times a day.
Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine for advice about how much to take and how often to take it. If you're not sure, ask a pharmacist for advice.
Decongestant nasal sprays and drops should not be used for more than a week at a time because using them for too long can make your stuffiness worse.
Speak to a GP if your symptoms do not improve after this time.

Side effects of decongestants

Decongestant medicines do not usually have side effects, and any side effects you may experience are usually mild.

Possible side effects can include:

feeling sleepy (look for non-drowsy medicines)
irritation of the lining of your nose
headaches
feeling or being sick
a dry mouth
feeling restless or agitated
a rash

These side effects should go away once you stop taking the medicine.
More serious side effects can also happen, such as hallucinations and severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), but these are very rare.

Taking decongestants with other medicines
Ask a pharmacist or GP before taking decongestants if you're taking other medicines. Decongestants can increase or decrease the effect of some other medicines.

For example, taking decongestants alongside some antidepressants can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure.

It's also important to be careful when taking other medicines if you're using an "all-in-1" decongestant remedy. "All-in-1" decongestants also contain painkillers or antihistamines, so it could be dangerous to take extra doses of these medicines at the same time.

Words above taken from the UK's NHS site here

You may also be interested in reading "People with high blood pressure warned 'avoid' common cold medication" here

~ xxxx ooo xxxx ~

I find when I have a cold/stuffy nose it is important to stay hydrated and water is good. However, I also find the simple act of taking the time to sip a cup of tea can be both calming and restorative. While tea is not a cure for nasal congestion, it may provide some relief. Read more here

Do you have any tips for colds/stuffy noses, do please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Please be aware that 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/pharmacist/local health care provider.

All the best Jan

Brrr it's turned cold!

What's the weather been like where you live? Many of us in the UK are feeling the cold! It's been snowing in many areas ... great fun for the young and the young at heart 😊 but if you are out driving or just walking care should be taken. Both the images I've used are from a few years ago, they always make me smile.

I'm also smiling at the thought of a warming vegetable stew. Stews are not all about meat! With this versatile vegetable stew; you can add any veg you like. Just add root veg and squash at the beginning, green veg towards the end and frozen peas or sweetcorn at the last minute. Adding baked beans adds a little sweetness, plus fibre and protein. You can see the recipe details here 

This blog brings a variety of articles and recipe ideas, and 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 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

Mug Cakes : Can Be Enjoyed by Diabetics and Non-Diabetics !

I think most readers would agree that diabetes and cakes does not sound like a great combination, as both flour and sugar will raise blood sugar levels and that is the last thing a diabetic wants or needs.

However, (good news) there are sugar substitutes that work quite well in most recipes and there are many different low carb flours and flour substitutes which may be used.

Low carb cakes can be delicious and do not raise blood sugar levels as a regular cake would, so if you are a diabetic and want to treat yourself to a cake you could consider trying a low carb cake recipe. In fact many non-diabetics, or those wishing to reduce sugar and carbs intake can enjoy these cakes too.

Raspberry Cream Cheese Mug Cupcake : Low Carb and Delicious

Are you a fan of mug cakes? They're very popular in the low carb, keto world.

In about five minutes you can mix a few basic ingredients...

then enjoy a single serving of 'sweet', low carb goodness.

No oven needed for this recipe, it's 'cooked' in the microwave!

see more details/recipe here

Chocolate Mug Cake

hard to resist and ready in under five minutes

see more details and recipe on the Diabetes Diet Blog here

If you may be looking for more low carb cake recipe ideas, why not consider one or all of these here

You may also be interested in reading 'Introduction to low-carb for beginners', find it here

~ wishing you a happy day ~

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 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

Are you already rocking around the Christmas Tree?

I wonder are you already rocking around the Christmas tree? Is your house already looking sparkling with fairy lights and baubles?

Maybe you've got the candy canes ready, and the tinsel hung? Or maybe you haven't started decorating quite yet.

If you go in the shops Christmas décor, and stuff, is everywhere and even the Christmas TV adverts have started. So just out of curiosity, have you got your tree and lights up yet? If not, when do you put up your decorations? 

Do please share in the comments below.

~ xxx ooo xxx ~

I tend to put decorations up the first week of December, I do enjoy seeing them.

Out and about recently quite a few people have their lights and displays up already ... it is cheerful to see, and the shops are beginning to look very festive.

Perhaps I'd better start writing some Christmas Cards!?

All the best Jan

Roasted vegetables with herbs and feta : A classic Mary Berry recipe

I do enjoy eating roasted vegetables and if you should ever find yourself making too many find they taste great the day after too! You can also use them in frittatas - quite yummy! This recipe idea comes from the wonderful Mary Berry and she adds feta, mint and basil when serving them ... delicious 😋

Ingredients

Serves Six

2 small or 1 large aubergine/eggplant, halved and cut into 15mm/⅝in slices
350g/12oz peeled butternut squash, cut into 2cm/¾in cubes
2 medium courgettes/zucchini, halved and cut into 1cm/½in slices
2 large red peppers, seeds removed, cut into large 4cm/1½in pieces
4 tbsp olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the dressing

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
4 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp caster sugar
1 heaped tsp grainy mustard
1 banana shallot, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed

To serve

100g/3½oz feta, crumbled (optional)
2 tbsp chopped mint
2 tbsp chopped basil

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7. Line two large baking trays with baking paper.
2. Put the vegetables into a bowl, add the oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss until coated. Arrange in a single layer on the baking trays.
3. Roast in the oven for 30–40 minutes, or until golden and little crisp – turn halfway through if needed. Leave to cool on the baking trays.
4. For the dressing, measure all of the dressing ingredients into a jug. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
5. Put the vegetables on a serving platter or in a bowl. Pour over the dressing and check the seasoning. Scatter with the feta (if using), mint and basil and serve.

From an idea seen 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.

Finally a reminder!
It seems many of us are still experiencing problems with blogger, especially with comments going (incorrectly) into the spam folder! So important to check your spam folder daily.

All the best Jan

Autumn Joy

If you are a regular reader of this blog you will know that Autumn is one of my favourite seasons, I just love the glorious colours this season can bring, and when the weather allows, it is always enjoyable to get out and about and enjoy a walk.

However, I am always thankful to fellow bloggers and the internet when images of this wonderful season are shared. In an instant, from the comfort of your armchair, you can be enjoying blue skies and Autumnal colour 😊 just like the image I share below taken by 'New Forest Explorer'. Doesn't it look lovely. 

There were still a fair few green leaves clinging on in Cadnam

 image credit 'New Forest Explorer'

Cadnam is a village situated in Hampshire, England, within the boundaries of the New Forest National Park. The village has existed since the medieval period. Cadnam is first recorded in the 1270s as Cadenham. The name apparently means the farmstead ("ham") of a man named Cadda.

The Cadnam Oak, at the south-east corner of a crossroads in Cadnam, is thought to be a "boundary tree" of the New Forest. Legend has it that the Cadnam Oak puts forth green leaves on Christmas Day, being leafless immediately before and after the day. The current tree is actually a descendant of the first Cadnam Oak, but the fame still continues. Popular tradition even has it that the tree only buds on Old Christmas Day on 6 January, refusing to acknowledge the Gregorian calendar change of 1752 ... if any reader should be near to Cadnam on Christmas Day or even Old Christmas Day and would care to check out the leaves on The Cadnam Oak do please share with us what you find! 

In the meantime after a lovely imagined walk where this image was taken, it must be time for a refreshing cuppa ... tea is my choice but you may prefer coffee.

Thank you for visiting this blog.

I wish you a lovely day and a good week ahead.

All the best Jan

Ten Kitchen Hacks/Tips You May Like To Try !

Did you know that kitchen or food hacks are techniques used by some home cooks and culinary professionals to make food preparation tasks easier, faster, or more efficient. However, some may just prefer to call them tips!
Here are ten kitchen hacks/tips that may surprise you.

Save Wilted Herbs by Freezing Them in Oil
Don’t toss wilted herbs just yet! Chop them up and freeze them in olive oil using an ice cube tray. This preserves their flavour and creates perfect portions to add to sauces, sautés, or soups. 

De-seed Pomegranates in Water
Cut a pomegranate in half and place it in a bowl of water. Use your hands to gently push the seeds out underwater. The seeds will sink while the pith floats, making it easy to separate and enjoy this antioxidant-rich fruit without the mess. 

Soak Onions in Cold Water
Avoid tears while chopping onions by soaking them in cold water for 10 minutes before slicing. It also mellows the sharp taste for milder dishes.

Use Salt to Clean Cast Iron Pans
Scrub your cast iron pans with coarse salt instead of soap. The salt acts as an abrasive, helping to remove stuck-on food without damaging the seasoning.

Ripen Avocados with a Paper Bag and Banana
Place an unripe avocado in a paper bag with a ripe banana. The ethylene gas from the banana speeds up the ripening process, giving you a ready-to-eat avocado in 1-2 days.

Peel Hard-Boiled Eggs with Baking Soda

Add a teaspoon of baking soda to the water when boiling eggs. It raises the pH level, making the shells easier to peel off cleanly.

Prevent Boiling Over with a Wooden Spoon
Place a wooden spoon across the top of your pot while boiling water or cooking pasta. The wooden spoon breaks the surface tension of the bubbles, preventing them from spilling over the sides of the pot. Plus, wood doesn’t conduct heat, so the spoon stays cool and safe to handle!

Keep Lettuce Crisp with Paper Towels
Place a paper towel in your container of salad greens to absorb excess moisture. This keeps your lettuce fresh and crisp for longer. You may like to try Blueberry Lettuce Wraps as a delicious way to use your crisp lettuce!

Stop Potatoes from Sprouting with Apples
Place an apple in your bag of potatoes to prevent them from sprouting. The ethylene gas released by the apple slows down the sprouting process.

Peel Ginger with a Spoon
Forget struggling with a knife! Gently scrape a spoon along the ginger’s skin to peel it effortlessly without wasting the flesh.

I hope you may find these hacks/tips make your time in the kitchen easier and more efficient. Do you already use any of these tips? Have you a favourite kitchen hack? Do please share in the comments section.

Words above taken from article here

Dear reader, this blog brings a variety of articles and recipe ideas, and 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 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 weekend is here, and I thought let's have a 'Did You Know' post - as the word weekend has seven letters - here are seven (random) did you know facts!

1. “Tsundoku” is a Japanese word for the habit of buying too many books, letting them pile up in your house, and never reading them.

2. A cluster of bananas is called a “hand.” Along that theme, a single banana is called a “finger.”

3. The tongue is the only muscle in one’s body that is attached from one end.

4. The Bagheera Kiplingi spider was discovered in the 1800s and is the only species of spider that has been classified as vegetarian.

5. There is a company that sells mirrors that make people look 10 pounds thinner. Overall, the mirrors have contributed to 54% of total sales for retailers that use them.

6. The human eye is so sensitive that if the Earth were flat and it was a dark night, a candle’s flame could be seen from 30 miles away.

7. Researchers have found that flossing your teeth can help your memory. Flossing prevents gum disease, which prevents stiff blood vessels, which cause memory issues.

I hope you enjoyed these seven facts - did you know any of them?

~ good wishes for the remainder of this month ~

This blog is presented in a magazine style, and 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 (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

World Diabetes Day and the Alternative Apple Crumble

 ~ Today 14 November 2024 is World Diabetes Day ~

Did you know that "millions of people with diabetes face daily challenges managing their condition at home, work, and school. They must be resilient, organised, and responsible, impacting both their physical and mental well-being. Diabetes care often focuses only on blood sugar, leaving many overwhelmed. This World Diabetes Day, 14 November, let’s put well-being at the heart of diabetes care and start the change for a better diabetes life."

please read more here

Autumn is definitely the right season for delicious apple crumble, and I can remember my dear Mum making a wonderful variety of crumbles using fruits appropriate to the season. She made it 'the traditional' way with flour, sugar etc. which if you have a look around the many recipes available on the 'net' you will see the carbohydrate content could be anything from 46g plus per serving! Now, if you are diabetic this would have your blood sugars rising, (best avoided!) and if like me you choose to eat the LCHF way and restrict your carb intake a 'traditional' crumble is best avoided!

However, fear not, Apple Crumble - which really is a symbol of great family meals and togetherness - has a lower carb version! Yes fellow low carb blogger Julia McPhee has a 'low carb' version of this family favourite and she says ' No McPhee family gathering is complete (without her version) of Apple Crumble'.

Ingredients
Serves 8
6 (Granny smith) apples, peeled and sliced
50g Butter
1 cup Almond meal
1 tbsp. Natvia (sweetener)
Optional
½ cup chopped nuts or Crunchy Grain Free Granola

Instructions
1. Boil apples until soft in a small amount of water. Place in a baking dish.
2. Place softened butter, almond meal, Natvia, and nuts in bowl and mix together (real crumble requires mixing by hand), until well combined but still crumbly.
3. Spread over cooked apples and bake at 180 for 30 minutes or until crumble is golden brown.
4. Serve warmed with fresh cream or yoghurt.

Note that nutritional information is calculated for 1 serve of crumble and does not include cream or yoghurt. Each serving: Fat 27.3g  Carbohydrates 14.9g  Protein 7.1g

Recipe suggestion from Julia McPhee's blog here
If you need help with measurement and conversion please see here

A reminder
Just look at the difference in carb count:-
14.9g per serving in the low carb version
46g per serving in the 'traditional' version

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, 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 would like to read more about eating lower carb foods, and the LCHF lifestyle, why not see the posts 'Introduction to low-carb for beginners' here and 'What is LCHF' here

Please be aware that 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.

All the best Jan

Salmon and Broccoli Bowl : Dairy Free : Flavourful Midweek Meal

Meals really don't have to be served on a plate ... this one works well in a bowl! This delicious salmon recipe bursts with flavour. It is full of healthy fats, and could make you a perfect midweek meal. Read on and see what you think ...

Ingredients
Serves One
1 small swede/rutabaga/turnip, peeled and diced
½ head broccoli, cut into florets
1 tin salmon in spring-water or 100g (3 ½ oz) fresh salmon fillet, skinned and de-boned
125ml (4 fl. oz/ ½ cup) almond or coconut milk
freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Method
1. Cook the *swede/rutabaga/turnip (see tip) and broccoli in a saucepan of boiling water for 8 – 10 minutes or until tender. Drain and set aside.
2. If using fresh salmon, put the salmon in a small frying pan over medium heat and pour over the almond milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 7 minutes or until the salmon is just cooked.
3. Place the salmon, with the almond milk it was cooked in, and the cooked vegetables in a food processor and pulse to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother consistency, add more almond milk. If you prefer a chunkier version, omit the processing step and simply mix everything together in a bowl... see note below.
4. Serve with a grind of black pepper - it just adds to the taste!

Note
A chunkier version (which I prefer) is good, but see for yourself which you'd rather have!
Tip
* Needs to be tender - so do check

Recipe idea is by Lee Holmes and can be seen here

~ some flowers to wish you a happy day ~

You will find a variety of recipe ideas are 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

Yes! This Pigeon Is Pink!

As regular readers know, from time to time, I do like to bring something different and I think this post really does fit that description, as it's about a pink pigeon!

Have you ever seen a pink pigeon before?

photo credit - Paignton Zoo

This rare pink pigeon baby has been hand-reared at Paignton Zoo, Devon, England.

If you are a fan of birds and the colour pink, (it's my favourite colour!) then this one is sure to put you in a flappy mood 😊

A zoo in the south of England has hand-reared a rare baby pink pigeon for the first time.

The species can only be found in the wild in Mauritius, a country in East Africa, but they are considered vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

It was once thought that their numbers in the wild were as low as nine in 1991, but since then they have been boosted thanks to conservation efforts like those seen at Paignton Zoo.

Tom Tooley, who works as a bird keeper at the zoo, came up with a special technique for hand-rearing baby birds that have been abandoned or orphaned by their parents.

He's been teaching this technique to others so they can help the rare birds too.

Tom says his technique allows the baby pigeons, which are known as squabs, to "naturally consume" their food.

People working for the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation (MWF), that help protect the country's threatened plants and birds including the pink pigeon, have been getting help from Tom since 2014.

Pink pigeons are herbivores and tend to eat buds, leaves, fruits and seeds.

Aside from the obvious difference in colour, they look quite similar to the pigeons you might see here in the UK.

When they are in flight, they make a call which sounds like 'hoo hoo'.

The adults tend to mate for life, with the females tending to lay two white eggs, which hatch two weeks later.

The species is part of a European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) which hopes to ensure the long-term survival of the species.

Words and image from story here

~ xxx oooo xxx ~

Well I've never seen a pink pigeon but tend to see a lot of wood pigeons which is the UK's largest pigeon. It has a mauve chest, white nape and white wing patches that can help identify the bird in flight. It's very common in gardens, parks, woods and farmland.

You can read more about pigeons and doves of the UK here

Photo Credit - Robert Bannister

Do pigeons visit your garden? Perhaps you see them in your town. Have you been fortunate to see a pink pigeon? Do please share your thoughts in the comments section.

Thank you for visiting and reading this blog ...

All the best Jan

Baked Portobello Mushrooms on Smoky Beans : Traybake Recipe

Traybakes are very popular and this recipe for an all-in-one traybake recipe combines the sweetness of butternut squash and the smokiness of BBQ mushrooms. Very tasty but not that low in carbs, so please keep this in mind should you decide to make it, as it may not be suitable for all readers.

Ingredients

Serves Two
4 tbsp. olive oil
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp. cumin seeds
2 tsp. hot smoked paprika
1 red onion, roughly chopped
300 g butternut squash (prepared weight), peeled and cut into large chunks
(swap the butternut squash for sweet potato if you prefer)
4 thyme sprigs
400 g tin mixed beans, drained and rinsed
400 g tin chopped tomatoes
4 tbsp. barbecue sauce
4 Portobello mushrooms
3 spring onions (scallions), sliced
Natural Yoghurt, to serve (dairy-free, if needed)

Directions

1. Preheat oven 200°C (180°C fan) mark 6. Mix the oil, garlic and spices in a small bowl. Place the onion and butternut in a medium roasting tin or ovenproof serving dish, add half the spiced oil and toss to coat. Roast for 15min.
2. Meanwhile, pick the leaves from half the thyme sprigs and stir into the remaining spiced oil.
3. Stir beans, tomatoes, barbecue sauce and remaining thyme sprigs into the roasting tin with 150ml (5fl oz) water; season generously. Return to oven for 20min. Brush mushrooms all over with the reserved spiced oil, nestle into the tomato/bean mixture and cook for 15-20min until tender. Scatter over spring onions and serve with yoghurt (regular or dairy-free), if you like.
From idea seen here

Other Traybake recipe suggestions

Chicken Kyiv (Kiev) Traybake - see here

Sausage, Squash and Apple Traybake - see here

Other butternut squash recipe suggestions

Butternut Squash Soup - see here

Pork and Squash Casserole - low carb  - see here

~ enjoy your day ~

Dear reader, a variety of recipe ideas are 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

Remembrance Sunday 2024 - We Will Remember Them

Today, Sunday 10 November, the National Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall, London, UK. The service will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

We will remember them, and say thank you to the brave men and women,

past and present who fight to preserve our freedoms.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place: and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe;

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high,

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders' Fields.

After the First World War, the poppy was adopted as a symbol of Remembrance.

In the spring of 1915, shortly after losing a friend in Ypres, a Canadian doctor, Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae was inspired by the sight of poppies growing in battle-scarred fields to write the now famous poem called 'In Flanders Fields'.

~~ xxxx ~~

In 2024 a memorial installation to soldiers killed in the D Day landing on 6 June 1944 has been on display at the National Trust's Stowe Gardens. The silhouettes are designed to represent the military personnel from all the major services but in addition, two bespoke figures of nurses have been included. They are of Sister Mollie Evershed and Sister Dorothy Field who died while helping to save 75 men from the hospital ship SS Amsterdam which sank off the Normandy beaches on 7th August 1944.

Both were given posthumous commendation for their actions and are the only two women commemorated on the British Normandy Memorial. You can read and see more here

We Will Remember Them

Jan