Pot-roast chicken with root vegetables and barley ... a meal with childhood memories!

A roast dinner with hardly any washing up, what could be better. This dish features chicken, a firm family favourite, and which even in these days of rising costs is still reasonably priced. Read on for more details ...

Ingredients
Serves four
1.5-1.8kg/3lb 5oz - 4lb chicken (free-range or organic, if possible)
olive oil, for roasting
½ swede (rutabaga), peeled and chopped
3 carrots, cut into chunks
2 onions, chopped
100g/3½oz pearl barley
2 chicken stock cubes
500ml/18fl oz hot water
2 garlic cloves, flattened
1 tsp dried thyme
1 head spring greens, shredded
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 240C/220C Fan/Gas 9, or as high as it will go.
2. Put the chicken into a large casserole dish, drizzle with oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes to brown the chicken, then remove from the oven and reduce the temperature to 220C/200C Fan/Gas 7.
3. Transfer the chicken to a plate, then put all the ingredients except the spring greens into the casserole. Lay the chicken on top and cover with the lid.
4. Set the casserole over a high heat for 3-4 minutes, until you hear the liquid in the bottom of the dish start to boil. Transfer to the oven and cook for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through completely.
5. Carefully remove the chicken from the pan with a pair of forks or tongs and set aside to rest for 15-20 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, stir the spring greens into the vegetables and pearl barley, cover with a lid and leave to stand while the chicken rests.
7. Carve the chicken and serve with the vegetables.

Each serving provides
447 kcal, 57g protein, 17g carbohydrate (of which 13g sugars), 14.5g fat (of which 3.5g saturates), 10g fibre and 2.5g salt.

Recipe Tips
i) Take the chicken out of the fridge half an hour before you plan to cook it and pat it dry with kitchen paper.
ii) If you don’t have a large enough lidded casserole to hold the chicken, you can use a roasting tin and cover it tightly with foil.
iii) cabbage, kale or spinach could be used if you cannot find any spring greens

Pearl Barley
Is barley with all the bran removed, giving the round, shiny grains a pearlescent white colour. It can be used in soups and stews as a thickener, or to add texture rather than flavour. Growing up I can remember my dear mother used to include it in quite a few meals, especially her tasty stews! Pearl barley is widely used in Japan and countries with cool climates.

Recipe from an original idea here

For readers who may prefer a vegetarian dish, have a look at 'Greengrocers Veggie Hotpot' here

~ with Christmas getting nearer, I couldn't resist these ~

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 the 1st of December 2025

~ It's December 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. The first of each month's post has featured a lower carb recipe which uses, or includes foods, starting with the first letter of the month!

So here we go as it's now December and the twelfth and last month of the year!
D is for ? can you guess ?

Yes, I am talking about Dark Chocolate !

Now of course being December and the Festive Season there is a lot of chocolate in the shops and yes, prices for chocolate have risen quite steeply! You may not want to do any baking with dark chocolate, you may just choose to enjoy a square of it with a cup of coffee.

Many studies have shown that dark chocolate is incredibly healthy. Dark chocolate is loaded with fibre and antioxidants, as well as minerals such as iron, magnesium, copper and manganese. To make the most of the health benefits, it is recommended to eat dark chocolate with a cocoa content of 70–85% or higher. As I mentioned above a piece of dark chocolate is especially delicious when enjoyed with a good cup of coffee.

Read more about dark chocolate here

~ sharing a recipe that uses dark chocolate ~

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Vegetarian : Dairy Free : Gluten Free

Rich and decadent, (well it is the festive season) this gluten-free and dairy-free chocolate cake can be served with a dollop of whipped coconut cream and raspberries. The addition of nut butter or tahini gives it a deep, nutty flavour.

You will need a loose bottom 18cm/7in baking tin and an electric whisk for this recipe.

Note, this recipe needs to cool for two hours, so do please factor this time when making and preparing this cake.

Ingredients

Serves 6 - 8

dash oil, for greasing

60g/2¼oz coconut oil

100g/3½oz dark chocolate, 70% cocoa solids

70g/2½oz almond butter (or peanut butter/tahini)

3 (free-range) eggs, at room temperature

100g/3½oz caster sugar (or sweetener equivalent)

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tbsp desiccated coconut

2 tbsp ground almonds

To serve (optional)

80g/3oz coconut cream, whipped

150g/5½oz raspberries

Recipe instructions

can be seen here

Winter’s Lantern

(image from google/words courtesy of copilot)

 

The frost may weave its silver thread,

Across the earth where dreams have fled,

Yet in the hush, a light still glows,

A promise whispered through the snows.

For every branch that bends with white,

Holds buds asleep, awaiting light.

~ enjoy your December days ~

Missed last months (November) post you can see it here and the one for October 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

Thoughts for Sunday ... as we grow old(er) !

 

(snoopy image seen here)

I think these are wise words from Snoopy.

Would you agree?

Do please share your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Sunday Wishes

and the First Sunday In Advent

All the best Jan

Diabetes Pioneer Stories : Richard K Bernstein

Pioneers of Diabetes

Thank you to all who read my earlier Diabetes Pioneer Stories, featuring Frederick Banting (see it here) and Eva Saxl (see it here) and a special thank you to those who left comments.

As I stated in my earlier posts November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Diabetes.co.uk are celebrating the pioneers of diabetes. I thought readers here may also like to read and learn more about these pioneers!

So, this my third post is about Dr Richard Bernstein who broke new ground in the management of type 1 diabetes when he discovered that keeping excellent control of blood glucose levels – through combining a low carb diet with insulin therapy – could make diabetic complications go away.

‘An ordinary diabetic’
Bernstein was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1946 at the age of 12. In his book 'Diabetes Solution', he referred to himself as “an ordinary diabetic”, but by the time he turned 30, he was questioning the advice given by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines.

In 1969, Bernstein was able to obtain one of the first blood glucose meters , which was originally intended for hospital staff to distinguish a diabetes patient from someone who had been drinking heavily.

Bernstein began testing his blood sugar multiple times a day, and started conducting his own research. He found he could normalise his levels through diet, exercise and medication. Within a year, he had refined his insulin dosages to the point that his blood sugar levels were within a normal range for most of the day.

Law of small numbers
One of Dr Bernstein’s most enduring finding is his ‘law of small numbers’ which states that taking smaller doses of insulin will result in much less error and therefore a much lower risk of severe highs or lows occurring.

Medical community
When the medical community rejected his findings, Bernstein, at the age of 45, decided to leave his career in engineering and study at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In 1983 he opened his own medical practice.

His book 'Diabetes Solution', which was released in 1997, addressed his findings, where he reported that normalising blood sugar levels can prevent diabetes-related complications, or make them go away.

Bernstein had to battle established theories about diabetes treatment, such as the diet guidelines of eating high-carb, low-fat. His low-carbohydrate solution to keeping blood glucose levels has helped patients of all ages, but he admits: “Many in the field of diabetes care still do not accept it!”

Bernstein attributed his surpassing of the average life expectancy for type 1 diabetes to a low-carb diet and keeping good glycemic control.

Public perception
Many members of the diabetes patient community have cited a debt to Richard Bernstein in being able to finally take control of their diabetes after years of struggling.

Bernstein’s approach is regarded as strict and whilst some patients follow his advice very closely, others have chosen to adopt his general approach without following the advice to the letter.

Many people that have followed his advice, even in part, have reported very good blood glucose control and greater well-being.

h/t Diabetes.co.uk here

Dr Richard Bernstein, at the age of 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 15, 2025

please read my post here

You may also like to read:

How 'pioneering' GP has transformed lives of 150 type 2 diabetes patients without drugs - read it here

So thankful for these remarkable people ...

All the best Jan

Exact date you should put your Christmas tree up and it's before December!

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.

I'm planning on getting the Christmas decorations out of their box this weekend. Have you any decorations up yet? Perhaps your tree is already up and lit? 

"The exact date you should put your Christmas tree up in 2025 was recently revealed (you may already know it) it's not in December as you might expect.

A Christmas tree is likely one of the first things that comes to mind when considering the festive season, with the tradition originating from Germany.

Christmas trees were introduced to England during the Georgian era, under the reign of King George III. His wife, Charlotte, who was German, is thought to have decorated a tree for her family in the 1790s.

However, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert are often credited with popularising the decoration of a tree at Christmas, leading many to believe they started the tradition in Britain.

Initially, people had small trees that they placed on their tables, but when larger trees from Norway became available, they began placing their trees on the floor, with presents underneath.

The timing for putting up the tree can be a contentious issue, as some prefer the start of December, while others opt for the 13th - twelve days before Christmas. However, according to tradition, Christmas trees should go up at the beginning of Advent, the fourth Sunday before Christmas.

This year, the first day of Advent falls on Sunday, November 30. On this day, some Christians attend special church services, with some churches offering a Christingle service for children and families.

the meaning of Christingle can be read here

At a Christingle service, each child is given or holds a Christingle. Some people write or send their Christmas cards, while others prepare a Christmas cake or Christmas pudding."

Words above taken from article seen here

Of course 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?

Dear reader, 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

Thanksgiving 2025

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 27th 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

Mug Cakes (they're marvelous) and 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

White Bean and Fish Gratin

White Bean and Fish Gratin

this easy fish gratin uses frozen fish and vegetables.

Each serving provides: 17.5g protein, 18.6g carbohydrate (of which 5.9g sugars),

 7.9g fat (of which 1.7g saturates), 8.5g fibre and 0.74g salt.

Ingredients
Serves Six - adjust menu to suit

2 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
350g/12oz leek, roughly sliced
300g/10½oz celeriac, cut into 1cm/½in cubes
400g tin white beans (butter beans), drained and rinsed
1 vegetable stock cube
3 tbsp dried mixed herbs
1 tbsp fennel seeds (optional)
½ tbsp cornflour (or plain flour)
400g/14oz frozen mixed vegetables
300g/10½oz frozen white fish (thawed), cut into thick chunks
50g/1¾oz day-old bread, crackers or mixed nuts, roughly blended into crumbs
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method
1. Heat the oil in a large casserole over a medium heat and add the leek and celeriac. Season with salt and pepper, put the lid on and cook for 7–8 minutes until softened.
2. Meanwhile, place half of the beans in a small blender with 300ml/10fl oz hot water.
3. Add the vegetable stock cube and blitz. The mixture should be fairly loose. Add the mixed herbs, fennel seeds (if using) and blended bean mixture to the leek mixture and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornflour to thicken the mixture.
4. Add the mixed vegetables, fish chunks and remaining beans and cover with a lid for another 5–8 minutes to cook through. At this point, preheat a grill to medium–high. Remove the lid of the casserole and scatter with the crumbs. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with some salt and pop under the grill for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbling. Remove from the heat and leave to stand for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe tips
You can swap out some of these ingredients if preferred. For celeriac, you can also use parsnip, sweet potato or turnip. For white fish, use prawns, tuna or more white beans to make it vegetarian. Instead of frozen mixed vegetables, use broad beans, peas or frozen green beans. 

Note: Any swaps will not necessarily provide the nutritional detail as shown below image.

From an idea seen here

Alternative Recipe Suggestions can be seen on these two posts:

Celeriac Boulangère : French Inspired : Vegan/Vegetarian Dish : See it here

Gratins : Six Lower Carb Choices : See it here

~ enjoy your day ~

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, 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 (more about this here) 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

Cauliflower Broccoli 'Mac' and Cheese : Low Carb : Gluten Free

This post was prompted by Ivy - The Happy Whisk when she recently commented on my Vegetable Frittata Bake here. "Don't know if I ever told you this or not but we make a non-noodle mac and cheese with cauli and it's sooooooooo good."

That comment then made me think about this low carb broccoli and cauliflower 'macaroni' and cheese dish, which I thought I would share with you all today.

This healthy low carb, gluten free cauliflower broccoli 'mac' and cheese dish can stand alone as a main dish, or be served along-side your favourite protein.

Ingredients

(5.4 grams of net carbs per serving)
2 pints of heavy (double) whipping cream
½ stick of unsalted butter ¼ cup
8 ounces of full-fat cream cheese
2 cups of shredded /grated sharp (mature) cheddar cheese (reserve ½ cup for topping
5 ounces of fresh shredded / grated parmesan cheese (reserve 2 ounces for topping)
1 medium head of broccoli (florets about 2 cups)
1 large head of cauliflower (florets about 5 cups)
1 teaspoon of sea salt
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper or to taste
1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or to taste

Method
1. Coarsely chop the fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets to resemble macaroni pasta set aside
2. Steam cook the fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets being careful to not over-cook.
3. Melt the butter in a large heavy sauce pan.
4. Stir in the heavy (double) whipping cream
5. Add the cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated
6. Add 3 ounces parmesan cheese (reserve 2 ounces for the topping.
7. Add 1 ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve the other ½ cup for topping)
8. Stir in the salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
9. Allow to cook on low to medium heat until the cheese sauce if fully incorporated and all the cheeses are fully melted.
10. Add to the steamed broccoli and cauliflower add cheese sauce and cook for about 10 minutes on low, stirring constantly
11. In a large buttered casserole pan add the faux broccoli and cauliflower mac and cheese.
12. Top with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 2 ounces of fresh parmesan cheese.
13. Bake at 350 for 45 minutes in a lightly buttered 9x13 baking pan/dish. 

14. Broil (grill) for 5 minutes on high or until the top is nicely browned.

Serving Size 1 cup
Servings Per Container 10

Please see original recipe, nutritional information and more here
If you need help with measurement/weight conversion use these charts here

~ a seasonable table decoration to wish you an enjoyable day ~

Dear reader, 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

Diabetes Pioneer Stories : Eva Saxl

Pioneers of Diabetes

Thank you to all who read my earlier Diabetes Pioneer Story, featuring Frederick Banting (see it here) and a special thank you to those who left a comment.

As I stated in my earlier post November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Diabetes.co.uk are celebrating the pioneers of diabetes. I thought readers here may also like to read and learn more about these pioneers! 

So, this second post is about Eva Saxl, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1940 at the age of 19. Alongside her husband, Victor, Eva was able to survive World War II by making her own insulin.

In 1940, 19-year-old Eva Saxl fled Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia with her husband, Victor.

They settled in Shanghai the same year Eva was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

She began insulin therapy after collapsing at the dinner table.

When insulin ran out

As Japanese occupation intensified, pharmacies closed and legal insulin supplies vanished.

After a friend died from contaminated black-market insulin, Eva refused that route. Instead, the couple found “Beckman’s Internal Medicine,” read how Banting and Best had extracted insulin, and decided to try, making insulin from scratch.

Money and materials were scarce. Eva and Victor knitted stockings to fund water-buffalo pancreases, borrowed a small lab, and produced a brown insulin extract.

They tested it on rabbits, then accepting the risks of contamination and unknown potency, Eva tested it on herself. It worked.

A clinic for their community

Victor took the first vial to a nearby hospital and treated two diabetics who were close to death; both survived.

The Saxls then set up a clinic, rationing about 16 units per person per day – enough to keep roughly 400 people with diabetes in the Shanghai ghetto alive.

Rather than charge, they asked for donations to support the man who had lent them the lab.

Liberation and public advocacy

After American forces liberated their Jewish ghetto, the Saxls received clear insulin to distribute.

They later moved to New York, where their work drew national attention: President Eisenhower invited them to the White House, a Hollywood documentary told their story, and Eva became a spokeswoman for the American Diabetes Association – helping to challenge the stigma surrounding diabetes in the 1940s and 1950s.

Later years and legacy

After Victor died in 1968, Eva moved to Santiago, Chile to join her brother and worked to secure medicines for underprivileged children. She died in 2002.

Read more about Eva Saxl here

h/t to Diabetes.co.uk here

There will be one more post shortly featuring another Diabetes Pioneer ... but have you read about Dr Judith Steel? If you haven't you can see the post here

So thankful for these remarkable people ...

All the best Jan

Sausage, Parsnip, Onion and Apple Tray Bake : A Super Saturday Supper or Dinner

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 (meat or vegetarian), 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

A super Saturday supper or dinner 😋

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?

Sharing three random facts - did you know any of them? Do please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Identical twins don’t have the same fingerprints.

You can’t blame your crimes on your twin, after all. This is because environmental factors during development in the womb (umbilical cord length, position in the womb, and the rate of finger growth) affect your fingerprint.

Read more here

Earth’s rotation is changing speed.

It's actually slowing. This means that, on average, the length of a day increases by around 1.8 seconds per century. 600 million years ago a day lasted just 21 hours.

Read more here

Most people stroke cats the wrong way. 

Research shows they often just tolerate it for the food and attention. The safest spots? Under the chin, cheeks and base of the ears. The worst? Their belly and the base of their tail – touch there and you’re more likely to annoy them than bond with them.

Read more here

Dear reader, 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

Vegetable Frittata Bake

A family favourite, it's a recipe I have shared previously, but in case you missed it, here it is again!

Ingredients
Serves Four (but can easily be amended to suit)

1 cup Broccoli floweret's and stalk
1 cup Cauliflower floweret's and stalk
1 Zucchini (courgette) sliced into 2 cm slices
½ cup Mushrooms sliced (not too thinly)
1 small onion sliced into large pieces (quartered)
1 tbsp. Butter
1 cup Cream
4 Eggs
1 tbsp. Mustard, wholegrain (optional)
Salt and pepper
¼ cup Cheese, grated (cheddar works well)

Instructions
Steam (or boil) broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini (courgette) until just cooked but still very firm.
Drain and cool slightly.
Heat butter in a small pan and add mushrooms and onion until both have softened slightly.
Place all cooked vegetables in a baking dish (20-30 cm).
Beat eggs, cream and mustard, add salt and pepper and pour over the vegetables.
Top with grated cheese.
Bake at 180º C (350º F / Gas Mark 4) for around 30 minutes or until the dish is firm and browned on top.

Nutritional Details Per Serving
Fat 31.7g Protein 10.4g Carbs 2.2g

Need help with weight / measurement conversion, look here

From an original idea here

~ enjoy your day ~

This blog brings a variety of 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

Put Used Tea Bags In My Car!!! Whatever Next?

Dear reader, you will find this blog is presented in a magazine style, something for everyone. There are a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, music and recipes! Please note, however, that not all recipe suggestions 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.

~ xxxxx ~

Todays post concerns tea bags and putting them in your car! Now, I know many use tea bags in their gardens but I'd not come across using them in your car before ... have you?

"Drivers urged to put tea bags in cars from Tuesday

Drivers across the UK are being urged to put used tea bags inside their cars from Tuesday 18th November as snow and ice is forecast. The Met Office has issued multiple yellow weather warnings for snow and ice this week affecting Northern Ireland, parts of Wales, northern and southwest parts of England and much of Scotland, with temperatures expected to plummet below zero in some parts. The wintry conditions means drivers will likely wake up to a layer of condensation on their car windows this week, as cold weather typically makes it worse. Condensation forms when warm, moist air inside the car meets the cold surface of the glass, causing water vapour to condense and form droplets, and this tends to be more pronounced in winter or in bouts of very cold weather.

photo credit : Claire Schofield

The colder the outside temperature is, the more dramatic the temperature drop when warm air hits the glass, which leads to fogging. Condensation and fogging can take a while to clear, which can be very frustrating ahead of a morning commute, but there is a simple remedy you can use to tackle the problem - and all you need is some used tea bags.

Used tea bags - particularly used black and green tea bags - are very effective at reducing condensation and dampness inside cars because the tea leaves contain substances that are naturally absorbent.

As such, they can be used to draw excess moisture from the air and essentially act as a natural dehumidifier which can prove particularly useful on freezing cold mornings.

Currently, there are three separate weather warnings for ice on Tuesday, November 18, plus a warning for snow, and a warning for snow and ice, affecting large swathes of northern parts of the UK.

Further warnings for snow and ice are in force until Thursday, November 20, so drivers are likely to find they're waking up to damp, misty and potentially frozen windscreens.

To help tackle this, experts recommend placing some used tea bags, or small bowls of loose tea, around the inside of your car, such as on the dashboard or in the door pockets. Doing so can lower the risk of condensation forming on windscreens, which in turn helps drivers avoid being handed a fine of up to £2,500.

The Highway Code says drivers should always completely demist their windows before setting off and condensation can obstruct this, and if you try to drive with an obscured view you could be fined up to £2,500 and get penalty points on your license, especially if it leads to an accident.

Ben Pitcher, motoring specialist at DPF Experts, says tea bags are a great solution to this problem as they're naturally absorbent, cheap and likely already knocking around in your kitchen cupboard.

He explains: "Tea bags, especially black or green tea, are natural moisture absorbers. Placing them in your car can help reduce condensation, especially in colder months. Though they aren't as powerful as professional dehumidifiers, they're a cheap, eco-friendly solution for tackling minor dampness."

Green and black tea are able to absorb moisture that can form when the temperature inside a car is different to that outside and, as an added bonus, it can also improve the smell of your vehicle. Tea bags can absorb and neutralise unpleasant odours, leaving your car smelling much fresher with very little effort.

Pitcher also says packets of silica gel, which is commonly found in packaging for things like shoes, electronics and food items, can also have a similar effect and will help to clear car windscreens in the morning when condensation is most common.

He adds: "Silica gel packets, commonly found in packaging, are excellent at absorbing moisture. Collecting a few and placing them around your car can help control condensation. While they won't clear foggy windows instantly, they can help reduce moisture and keep your windscreen clearer for longer."

The above from article seen 18/11/25 here

Well, I never ...

Do please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Wherever you are I wish you safe driving.

All the best Jan

Diabetes Pioneer Stories : Frederick Banting

November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and Diabetes.co.uk are celebrating some of the pioneers of diabetes. I thought readers here may also like to read and learn more about these pioneers!

I'm just going to do three posts ... obviously they will not cover all pioneers of diabetes and I give a link below to a few more. Like any part of the medical profession there has been and continues to be much needed research into diabetes and way back in 1989, the Queen Mother lit a flame of hope in Banting’s honour, commemorating all the people who died from diabetes. The flame will only be extinguished when a cure for diabetes is found.

Nobel Prize winner Frederick Banting developed the idea of insulin into a practical treatment on humans, marking one of the biggest medical discoveries of the 20th century.

Alongside Charles Best, Banting chose to make insulin available to diabetes patients without charge, which led to insulin therapy and production spreading across the world.

Discovery of insulin
Banting was educated at the University of Toronto, where he first studied divinity, but transferred to medicine shortly after.

After being injured serving in the First World War – he was awarded the Military Cross from heroism under fire – he became fascinated with diabetes.

Building on existing research that reported a hormone named insulin controlled the metabolism of sugar, Banting investigated why a lack of it led to increased sugar in the blood and urine.

Previous attempts to insert patients with pancreatic extracts or a fresh pancreas failed.

Banting’s research at the University of Toronto led him to create a pancreatic extract, which after weeks of experimentation, resulted in thousands of islet cells being left behind. Extracts of insulin were then taken from these islets.

Insulin was discovered by Frederick Banting, Charles H Best and JJR Macleod at the University of Toronto in 1921.

First, the insulin was tested on dogs, which regulated their blood glucose levels. Later in 1922, it was tested on Leonard Thompson, the first human being to be administered with insulin. The first dose failed, as it was too impure, but a second dose purified by James B. Collip, proved successful.

Banting further developed the insulin alongside laboratory director John MacLeod, and the two of them were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology of Medicine in 1923.

They shared the prize money with their entire team, who were not recognised by the Nobel committee.

Diabetes legacy
Banting later investigated problems from silicosis and cancer, before serving in the British and North American services during the Second World War. In 1941, he was killed in an air crash during a mission.

In 1989, the Queen Mother lit a flame of hope in Banting’s honour, commemorating all the people who died from diabetes.

The flame will only be extinguished when a cure for diabetes is found.

h/t Diabetes,co.uk here

More Pioneer Stories here

All the best Jan

Roasted vegetables with herbs and feta : Mary Berry recipe

Before I start this post, I want to say THANK YOU to all readers who visit this blog, and a special thank you for all who take time to leave a comment. It is lovely to receive, read and share your thoughts, comments and good wishes.

Now ...do you enjoy eating roasted vegetables? I do ...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

If you may be looking for an alternative to feta cheese, see here

~ enjoy your day, and the week ahead ~

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

My Sunday Wish For You ...

Whatever your Sunday plans are

I wish you a peaceful and joyful day

Stay safe and stay well

~ Happy Sunday ~

All the best Jan

Weekend Recipe Suggestions ... here are three!

Well yesterdays weather for many here in the UK was wet as Storm Claudia brought heavy and persistent rain to parts of the United Kingdom. I didn't venture out but enjoyed a quiet day doing a little housework and some reading, which was most enjoyable.

Now it's the weekend again (don't they come round quickly), and as one of the grandchildren mentioned to me, there are only six weekends 'til Christmas! Is it me or has this year flown by? I've started doing a little Christmas shopping, but still have more to do.  

Anyway back to the weekend ... on todays post I share three meals that you may wish to try for lunch, dinner or supper! If you should be carb. conscious the sausage recipe has 25 carbs per serving, the chicken one 14 carbs per serving and the vegetable one 35... but of course you can check the details out on the links given.

Sausage and Bean Casserole

more details here

Flying Jacob (Flygande Jacob)

a classic Swedish Chicken Dish - more details here

Vegetarian Stew

 a slow cooker recipe - more details here

Whatever your plans are for the weekend

I wish you a happy and peaceful one

You will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, 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 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