Some Foods In Season During September

What's in season in September

As summer turns into autumn, September marks the beginning of heartier seasonal fruit and veg. Cauliflower and swede can be added to salads on warmer days and casseroles as the weather cools. Earthy wild mushrooms and dark Savoy cabbage make delicious vegetarian cooking simple, whilst sticky figs and deep red grapes can be baked into pretty puddings.

Cauliflower

Like its cousin broccoli, cauliflower is made up of a close network of small edible flower heads which grow from a thick central stalk. White cauliflower is the most common variety – the creamy round head should be even in colour and surrounded by tight green leaves. While it’s pretty special, please note that if you suffer from irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis, cauliflower may cause bloating and discomfort, read more here

Some recipes you may like to try:

Cauliflower Cheese and Cauliflower rice - more details here

Cauliflower rice with garlic and chilli prawns - more details here

Cauliflower, six low carb recipe choices - more details here 

Mushrooms

The wide range of mushroom varieties can be categorised into two distinct types; cultivated and wild. There’s plenty to experiment with in the kitchen – roughly 15,000 different varieties of wild mushroom alone can be found in the UK. Although they grow all year round, autumn is the peak of their season. To prepare, brush well to remove any dirt, wipe with a damp cloth and store in a paper bag in the fridge.

Some recipes you may like to try:
Lemon Garlic Pork Steaks with Mushrooms, low carb and gluten free - more details here

Greek Style Roasted Mushrooms with Red Pepper, Herbs and Feta, low carb dish - more details here

Mushroom Bourguignon with Celeriac Mash, Vegetarian - more details here

Swede / Rutabaga

This root veg is a turnip-cabbage hybrid and has a sweet, earthy flavour. Americans know it as "rutabaga". The Scottish call it "neeps" and serve it with haggis. I know it as swede, and it is a regular in our house especially as it's low in carbs! This root vegetable, is thought to have originated around the 17th century in Bohemia. In 1620 a Swiss botanist described the root vegetable, believed to be a hybrid of the cabbage and the turnip. By 1664 it was growing in England. It's a good source of vitamin C, fibre, folate and potassium.

Some recipes you may like to try:
Swede / Rutabaga, health and nutrition benefits, and seven recipe choices - more details here

Panhaggerty, it's a one-pot wonder, lower carb if you use swede - more details here

Fisherman’s Pie, topped with buttery mashed swede - more details here

Figs

Fragrant figs have a rich jammy taste and a soft, chewy texture that works in sweet or savoury recipes. Turkish figs are distinctive in appearance, with a dusky purple-brown skin, and vibrant red flesh inside. Figs don’t ripen after picking, so select plump fruits with unbroken skins.

Some recipes you may like to try:
Baked figs and goat's cheese with radicchio - more details here

Roasted figs (or tomato) with Parma ham and goat's cheese - more details here

Baked fig and custard tart, note this is not a low carb recipe - more details here

Red grapes

Sweet red grapes are grown in fertile regions across the Mediterranean and beyond and can be used for more than just lunchbox snacks. Try threading the grapes onto skewers and then dipping in melted dark chocolate for an easy dessert. Juicy grapes complement salty flavours – they are a great match for creamy Brie.

Some recipes you may like to try:
Chicken Caesar salad with red grapes - more details here

Waldorf Salad Recipe, using red grapes - more details here

Red Grape and brie flatbreads, note this is not a low carb recipe - more details here

Onions and shallots
A household staple, versatile onions are the first ingredient in a whole host of dishes. Choose onions that feel firm, with papery skins and store in a cool, dry place. To avoid watery eyes when chopping onions, freeze for 10 mins beforehand and avoid cutting through the root. As well as providing the base for sauces and stews, onions can shine on their own. You can get to know your onions, including some health benefits, by reading this post here
Some recipes you may like to try:
Coq Au Vin, low carb recipe, which uses onions (and other vegetables) - more details here
Cheese and Onion Pork Chops - more details here
Caramelised onion, cheese and hazelnut salad - more details here

Savoy cabbage

This dark green, crinkly cabbage has a sweet, earthy flavour and is great eaten cooked or raw. Savoy has slightly looser leaves than other cabbage varieties, but its head should still be compact and weighty, with crisp leaves. This dark green brassica has a distinctive, sweet and slightly earthy taste that stands up well against rich, bold or meaty flavours.

Some recipes you may like to try:
Pork and Apple Meatballs, served with savoy cabbage and a lower carb mash - more details here

Braised Savoy cabbage with bacon - more details here

Hungarian Style Savoury Minced Beef, with savoy cabbage and carrots - more details here 

I wonder what would be your favourite from the above?

Mine would be swede, closely followed by cauliflower ...

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas within this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy ... 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.

All the best Jan

Chaffle ...have you tried one yet, they are keto / low carb !

The other week I spotted a post on Dr Steve Parker's 'Diabetic Mediterranean Blog' saying that he had Just Learned About Chaffles.

Have you heard of them?

Have you tried one?
Will you be trying one?

Well, I haven't … yet … but they do sound rather good and would certainly fit with my LCHF menu plans.

"If you haven’t heard of the term “chaffle” yet, are you really living?

The latest craze has taken the diabetes online community (DOC) by storm. One moment I was inquiring about what exactly a chaffle was, and the next, I found myself a golden ticket to an underground world with over 100,000 keto-crazed chaffle fanatics! 

What is a chaffle you ask?

A chaffle is basically a cheese and egg alternative to bread, cooked in a mini (or regular, just adjust recipes accordingly) waffle maker that can be used for anything from breakfast foods straight through your after-dinner treat. It basically acts as a base to any creative concoction you can conjure up.

Why are people with diabetes so excited about chaffles?

Well for one, those of us who love to experiment with new low-carb options now have this new blank canvas to create from. But more importantly, this latest invention can also help keep your blood sugars in check straight from morning till night!" 

Words above and some recipe ideas can be seen by clicking on the link below
5 Chaffle Ideas to Get You from Breakfast to Dessert – Diabetes Daily 

You may also like to read more about Chaffles and see another recipe idea by using this further link

Easy Chaffle Recipe - KETO dirty

Keto Pizza Chaffle - it does look yummy!

see recipe and more details here

Dear reader, we bring a variety of articles (and recipe ideas) to this blog, but 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.

All the best Jan

Sweeteners : A Helpful Low Carb / Keto Guide

Guide to low carb sweeteners:

"It can be incredibly confusing when you are just starting to live sugar free. Part of the ethos of living sugar free and low carb is to give up the sweet treats on a regular basis and to reset our taste buds. But being able to make a sweet treat occasionally is a deal breaker for many of you contemplating even starting. If you do want a cake, a dessert or a sweet treat, it is better to have a few good sugar free recipes on hand than to reach for a high carb snack.

With so many sweeteners now on the market, which one do you choose? 

Of course there are also other questions … for instance

How much sweetener to use?
Which sweeteners taste best?
Why is it hard to give up sugar?
Which are the best sweeteners to buy?
Is sugar better because it’s natural?
Sweeteners to enjoy;
Sweeteners to avoid; 

The myths behind "natural sugars" ! 

If you'd like to find out the answers, and learn a little more about what to look for when you buy them - (because not all low carb sweeteners are created equally)" - please read here 

Do you use a low-carb sweetener? 
You may have a favourite!
Perhaps you prefer one to use in drinks, but another for baking! 

We bring a variety of articles (and recipe ideas) to this blog, but 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.

All the best Jan

Rick Stein's : Lamb Casserole with Aubergine / Eggplant

You can give your lamb casserole a Greek twist with aubergines (eggplants), peppers and parsley with this Rick Stein recipe 

Aubergines (eggplants) are an excellent source of dietary fibre. They are also a good source of Vitamins B1 and B6 and potassium. In addition it is high in the minerals copper, magnesium and manganese. A 100g serving of raw aubergine (eggplant) provides 1g protein 0.2g fat 6g carbohydrate 3.4g fibre 25kcal

Here is the recipe ...
Ingredients

Serves 4 - 6
2kg/4lb 8oz aubergines (eggplants), cut into 5mm/¼in thick slices
1 tsp salt, plus extra for sprinkling
150ml/5fl oz. olive oil
2 red peppers, seeds removed and sliced
1.5kg/3lb 5oz lamb shoulder, bone removed, fat trimmed and cut into 3cm/1¼in pieces
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
1 tsp sugar
1 large handful roughly chopped parsley

10 turns black peppermill

Method

1. Sprinkle the aubergine (eggplant) with salt and leave to drain in a colander for an hour. Remove and dry with a tea towel.

2. Heat the oil in a large lidded casserole over medium heat. Add the aubergines and peppers and cook, turning occasionally, until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

3. Add the lamb to the casserole and fry over a medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly coloured, about 8 minutes.

4. Add the onion and cook for 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, sugar, parsley, salt and pepper. Cover and simmer for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the sauce thickened. 

5. Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.

6. Return the aubergines and red peppers to the pan, folding them through the stew a little. Bake for 20 minutes then serve.

The recipe suggestion above is from Rick Stein, one of my favourite TV chefs.
I always enjoy his excellent cookery series and in fact this Autumn the BBC are showing a new one, 'Secret France', where Rick gets off the beaten track and takes to the backroads of France – a less discovered France that still cherishes the best of its past and is creating modern exciting dishes that are still unmistakably French. I'm looking forward to it. Cheers Rick - here's to good food and wine!

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog. 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.

All the best Jan

Statins: Do they really work? Who benefits? Who has the power to cover up the side effects?

Mention the word statins and you will find there are some who applaud them, while others demonise them. On this blog if you put the word statins into the word search you will find a plethora of posts about them ... plenty of reading to digest and act upon or re-act to.

Each of us, as an individual, may find this interesting and informative reading, and at times some readers, in consultation with their medical team, could find it very helpful. 

Back in 2013 "Statins, the popular cholesterol-lowering class of drugs, were found to have a number of known side effects, including the potential for muscle pain, liver damage, digestive problems and, most recently discovered, memory loss"

In 2014 the UK's NHS were warning of the side effects of statins. 

In 2016 'Many women needlessly take cholesterol-lowering drugs' 

In 2017 when the question Should you take statins? was asked ...two guidelines offered different answers... the word confusing comes to mind! 

Now in 2019, Dr Aseem Malhotra a renowned cardiologist, believes, "It’s now time for a full public parliamentary inquiry into the controversial drug and fully expose the great cholesterol and statin con". 

Dr Malhotra works in the NHS and leads the campaign against excess sugar consumption in the UK. He speaks regularly at national and international events on matters of heart disease, obesity and diabetes. As a strong believer in evidence-based medicine, he urges the healthcare community to be more open and knowledgeable about scientific data. 

You may have already seen his recent article which appeared in European Scientist and why Dr Malhotra believes, " It’s now time for a full public parliamentary inquiry into the controversial drug and fully expose the great cholesterol and statin con"

Lots more to read here 

Also a related post, written by Dr Malcolm Kendrick
Review of statins needed : see it here

Have you had any experience of statins, do please share them in the comments.

All the best Jan

Spiced Fruit Bread ... Low Carb and ready in 90 seconds !

Karen at KETohh blog says, "this recipe is nut free and made from healthy ingredients such as flax seed/ linseed, psyllium, coconut flour and blueberries. There’s no need to feel guilty about eating these as they are a fantastic source of vitamins, nutrients and are also full of fibre. Cinnamon and mixed spice goes wonderfully with the blueberries to recreate the traditional taste of a fruit and spice bread / loaf / muffin. These taste like you are eating a slice of raison toast but without the carbs. They taste fabulous served straight from the oven warm, slathered with butter. You don’t need to serve them with any toppings as they are full of flavour. You can also toast them and again just top with butter, as the fruit and spices are flavoursome enough. Although this is primarily a microwave recipe it can also be cooked in the oven … see further details on link below.

Ingredients

Serves One
2 teaspoons coconut flour or 6 teaspoons almond meal/almond flour

2 teaspoons flax seed/linseed ground
1 teaspoon psyllium husks (not powdered)
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon mixed spice
½-1 teaspoon stevia erythritol blend optional or to taste
¼ teaspoon of baking powder
1 tablespoon EVOO - extra virgin olive oil
1 egg
A pinch of salt
8-10 small blueberries fresh, frozen or sugar free dried berries

Nutritional Information
Serving: 1 serve | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 23g | Fibre: 7g
Recipe instructions/step by step guide

can be seen here

Low Carb Flours

The above recipe uses 'low carb flour' and if you are just starting a low carb diet/lifestyle you may feel confused with which low carb flours to use. You may never have used any of them before and how to use them properly can be daunting. Low carb flours do not behave like wheat flour, and how to use them in your old regular high carb recipes is a common question. Of course you may also be interested, or want to know more about them. If that is the case then Libby at 'Ditch The Carbs' site has a very good guide, and you can read it here

slowly the leaves are turning colour, Autumn is approaching,

I think this spiced bread recipe has a certain Autumn-ness about it,

perhaps it's the mix of spices used ...

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.

All the best Jan

'Strictly Come Dancing' : Argentine Tango : Saturday Night Music

Saturday night again and music night on this blog. Here in the UK the popular 'Strictly Come Dancing' series has started … I think it's called 'Dancing With The Stars' in other countries? So with a dance theme in mind I'm sharing this video of Carlos Gavito and his partner Marcela Duran dancing the Argentine Tango. Yes, definitely a taste of 'Strictly Come Dancing'. Hope you enjoy the video.

All the best Jan

Chicken and Courgette (Zucchini) Curry Soup : Low Carb

This recipe is from Pascale Naessens, (pictured below), she says the warm and inviting scent of curry that fills the kitchen when you make this fresh low-carb soup is irresistible. Tender chicken and crispy courgette/zucchini are the stars of this coconut-infused flavour wonder!

Ingredients

Serves Two

2 tbsp. olive oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 white onions, finely chopped
¾ cup (175ml) coconut milk
2 cups (475ml) water
3 tbsp. green curry paste
1 tbsp. fresh parsley or fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
1 large courgette (zucchini)

salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

Can be found here

Coconut milk has recently become very popular. It's a tasty alternative to cow's milk that may also provide a number of health benefits. Coconut milk comes from the flesh of mature brown coconuts. It is used in many traditional cuisines around the world. Coconut milk is high in calories and saturated fat. The milk is also a good source of several vitamins and minerals. Coconut milk is a tasty, nutritious and versatile food that is widely available. It can also be made easily at home. It’s full of important nutrients like manganese and copper. Including moderate amounts in your diet may boost your heart health and provide other benefits as well. Read more about Coconut milk here

Pascale Naessens is Belgium’s bestselling cookbook author,

read more about her here

Dear readers, you will find a variety of articles/recipes 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 your meter.

All the best Jan

Fabulous Summer, now back to school !

The school summer holidays were wonderful. All of our five grandchildren had a wonderful break and we were so fortunate to be able to spend many happy days with all of them. I'm still sorting out pictures and will share some soon! In the meantime I was sent these pictures, as brother and sister were going 'Back to School', I hope you enjoy them too.

Grand-daughter, all ready for 'Back to School'

Grandson, all ready for 'Back to School'

couldn't resist one more picture 😊

All the best Jan

Low Carb (Keto) Cake Recipes : Lime and Lovely

Many of us enjoy using lemon and/or lime in recipes, it really adds to the taste. 

These three recipes all use lime.

Those cup cakes look delicious, mind you so does the cheese cake!

Of course a slice of coconut and lime cake will go well with an afternoon cuppa !

Oh, goodness which one to choose?

Have you got a favourite here?

They are all low carb.

Coconut Lime Cupcakes - Low Carb / Keto

see recipe/details here

Lime and Vanilla Low Carb Cheese cake

see recipe/details here

Coconut and Lime Low Carb Cake

see recipe/details here

Limes are the same shape, but smaller than lemons, with a bright green, fairly smooth skin, limes are a highly aromatic fruit. Like lemons, limes are high in vitamin C. 

There are three main types:

Tahitian, which is the largest, with the most acidic flavour;
Mexican, slightly smaller, very aromatic, and with a particularly bright green skin;
Key lime, which have a paler skin, a high juice content and a strong flavour.

Limes are available all year round, when buying them look for unblemished, firm limes that feel heavy for their size as they will be the juiciest. If you intend to use the zest, buy them unwaxed (shops should state this clearly). If you can't find unwaxed limes, scrub the limes thoroughly before zesting.

To extract the maximum amount of juice, make sure the limes are at room temperature, and firmly roll them back and forth under your palm a couple of times - that helps to break down some of the flesh's fibres. Alternatively, microwave them for around 30 seconds, depending on the size of the lime - warming them up also helps them give up more juice. 

You can store limes in a perforated bag in the fridge (for a couple of weeks); in a fruit bowl (for around a week). Once cut, wrap in clingfilm and keep in the fridge for up to four days.

A variety of recipe ideas/articles are found 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.

All the best Jan

Healing Spices Every Kitchen Should Stock

James Colquhoun at Food Matters writes, "that food is medicine, but this goes much further than just your main ingredients. What spices you choose to add to your dish can make a world of difference as spices have many powerful healing benefits. 

With herbs and spices being the key to healing for thousands of years, which healing spices are best kept close at hand in your kitchen? Here is a list of the top ten healing spices you should have well-stocked at home!

1. Turmeric
Why it’s good for you; Turmeric can help reduce inflammation, reduce the risk of arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. One study in healthy middle-aged volunteers showed that taking 80mg of curcumin, a component of turmeric, a day for four weeks reduced markers of inflammation and oxidative stress.
How to eat it; Turmeric highlights teas, juices and smoothies, it is great in a healing nut milk latte, as a dip that you can put on practically anything, and how about in scrambled eggs!

2. Cumin
Why it’s good for you; Cumin is a delicious spice that can help you lose weight and increase your metabolism. It also aids in relieving congestion and indigestion.
How to take it; You can purchase cumin as a powder, but it's nice to buy cumin seeds whole and grind them in a mortar and pestle. There’s something wonderful about smelling freshly ground cumin and knowing how much good it will do for your body when you consume it. Cumin is a staple in most curries and Indian dishes, but is also great in scrambled eggs and healing teas.

3. Cayenne
Why it’s good for you; Cayenne is yet another powerful spice that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Made from the cayenne pepper, the key ingredient in this spice, capsaicin, boasts many health benefits. Capsaicin is known to help boost the metabolism, lower blood pressure by relaxing the vessels, and even helps with osteoarthritis.
How to eat it; Though you can purchase capsaicin creams, it’s much easier to add a sprinkle of cayenne to your food to receive the benefits, and because this is such a powerful spice, it doesn’t take much! Just give this Metabolism-Igniting Pumpkin Juice a try - it only takes ¼ tsp of cayenne to make a world of difference.

4. Paprika
Why it’s good for you; Paprika is a pepper-based spice full of antioxidants that helps fight a range of diseases due largely to its ability to fight oxidative stress.
Paprika helps reduce inflammation and may be able to prevent and fight autoimmune conditions and some cancers.
How to eat it; Paprika is most popularly known as a key ingredient in Hungary’s signature dish, the goulash. It's also nice to eat paprika in healthy snacks, and this recipe for Smoked Paprika Rosemary Almonds is not only delicious but makes for a great gift!

5. Garlic
Why it’s good for you; Garlic is an antioxidant, antibiotic, and an aphrodisiac… despite the garlic breath, it can create! Garlic boosts the immune system, helps destroy free radicals and helps prevent heart disease by reducing atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, lowering cholesterol and lowering blood pressure.
How to eat it; For the greatest health benefits, after you chop or crush it, leave your garlic to sit for 5 minutes before cooking or eating to allow the health-promoting allicin to form. Garlic can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of ways including pan-fried in a stir fry, included in your mash potato (or low carb vegetable swap), or roasted and eaten whole.

6. Black Pepper
Why it’s good for you; Not just a great addition to any meal, black pepper has great antidepressant properties as well as being an antioxidant with antimicrobial potential and gastro-protective modules. Additionally, black pepper activates free-radical scavenging and is also thought to be helpful in chemoprevention and controlling the progression of tumour growth. As if that wasn’t enough for this humble table seasoning, black pepper is also attributed to improving cognitive brain function, boosting nutrient absorption, and improving gastrointestinal functionality.
How to eat it; Black pepper is complementary to most savoury dishes, with most recipes suggesting a pinch of this healing spice to finish a dish. It can be incorporated into dips, dressings, salads, snacks, and dinners, preferring freshly ground black peppercorns.

7. Ginger

Why it’s good for you; In Ayurvedic medicine, ginger is known as a ‘natural medicine chest’ because of its time-tested digestion-friendly properties, as well as its ability to improve the absorption of essential nutrients in the body, clearing sinuses and congestion, relieving nausea, and assisting with joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 

How to eat it; Ginger has a multitude of ways to be enjoyed, from tea to juice to baked goods, even pickled meal accompaniments, sweet treats, and in a stir fry, there’s plenty of options to get the health benefits from ginger. Some may like to drink ginger with water or in a juice perhaps a great way to start each day! 

8. Cinnamon
Why it’s good for you; Sweet, delicious cinnamon is a spice you can enjoy guilt-free as it is a powerful antioxidant and can have a positive effect on your blood sugar levels, digestion, and immune system, as well as reducing blood cholesterol. When taken in strong doses, cinnamon has been known to reduce the risk of diabetes, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
How to eat it; Cinnamon can be enjoyed with sweet and savoury dishes as well as in hot and cold beverages.

9. Cloves
Why it’s good for you; Cloves are great for curing cold-natured problems that affect the central nervous system as well as aiding digestion through increasing heat in the stomach and liver. Consuming cloves can aid in functions of the throat and speech, and strangely enough, cloves can help reduce hiccups!
How to eat it; For the hiccup cure, warm up a few cloves in a spoonful of butter or ghee and drink it. For other ailments, or to enjoy the strong flavour notes, try adding cloves to smoothies and hot chocolates.

10. Nutmeg
Why it’s good for you; Nutmeg has been used for centuries to alleviate pain, gastrointestinal disorders, heal skin wounds and infections, and it has a great calming effect. It’s also been reported as an aphrodisiac. Caution must be taken when consuming nutmeg, as too much can lead to unpleasant hallucinogenic effects.

How to eat it; You only need a little ground nutmeg as this spice is very flavoursome and its benefits can be found in just a sprinkle. Nutmeg is often used in festive baking and egg-nog drinks, but nutmeg can be used to spice up a number of food and beverages with a sprinkling on your fruits and vegetables." 

The above article can be seen in full, with all relevant links here 

Do you have any go-to spices for health remedies? 

Dear reader, we bring a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas to this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy. 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.

All the best Jan

AIr Fryer Recipes : Keto / Low Carb

Do you use an air fryer? I know many do, but I don't have one at the moment. However, seeing this post, on Mark's Daily Apple, and knowing many readers do have an air fryer I thought it definitely worth sharing.

You can cook up keto (low carb) friendly meat, veggies, chips, and fries in a snap with the air fryer!

The air fryer works similar to a convection oven, and it’s becoming every bit as ubiquitous as the crock pot. It’s a must-have kitchen appliance for when you want to save time while making healthier meals—which you’ll definitely want when you’re on the keto diet.

One of the best parts of using an air fryer is the ability to make deliciously crispy recipes like onion rings or fish sticks—but without any grease.

If you’re new to keto/low carb or the air fryer (or both), these recipes for appetizers, sides, healthy snacks, and mains are a great way to get started! Serve it alongside a slice of keto bread, and you’ve got yourself a great fat-burning meal!

Air Fryer Salmon and Asparagus

see more details here

Air Fryer Chicken Breast

see more details here

Air Fryer Keto Onion Rings

see more details here

Read more about air fryers here and here

We bring a variety of recipe ideas and articles 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.

All the best Jan

Oliver Cromwell: 'In the name of God, go!' speech dismissing Rump Parliament - 1653

20 April 1653, London, England

"It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place,which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice.

Ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government.

Ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.

Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess?

Ye have no more religion than my horse. Gold is your God. Which of you have not bartered your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?

Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defiled this sacred place, and turned the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices?

Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation. You were deputed here by the people to get grievances redressed, are yourselves become the greatest grievance.

Your country therefore calls upon me to cleanse this Augean stable, by putting a final period to your iniquitous proceedings in this House; and which by God's help, and the strength he has given me, I am now come to do.

I command ye therefore, upon the peril of your lives, to depart immediately out of this place.

Go, get you out! Make haste! Ye venal slaves be gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.

In the name of God, go!"

History repeats itself. 

Eddie

Pork Chilli, avocado & sweet potato wedges : A tasty dish for late summer/early Autumn

We love Chilli in our house, and it can make the ideal transitional dish for late summer into early autumn/fall, … or if you are in the Southern Hemisphere a late winter, early Spring dish.

In this recipe suggestion, it is served with smoky sweet potato wedges and cooling avocado. For all who count the carbs and like to know the nutritional breakdown, per serving it's:

Fat 12g Protein 19.5g Carbs 27.5g

If you'd rather cut the carb count can I suggest you serve this dish with cauliflower rice, for details please see here 

Ingredients:

Serves Two

1 avocado
1 lime
1 red onion
1 tsp red chilli flakes
200g passata
2 garlic cloves
2 tsp oil
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 x 150g pork mince
300g sweet potato (lower carb option cauliflower rice)
Large handful of fresh coriander

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 200C / gas mark 6.
2. Finely chop or crush the garlic. Finely slice the red onion.
3. Heat a medium-sized pan with 1 tsp oil on a medium heat. Fry the garlic and onion for 5 mins until softened.
4. Meanwhile, leaving the skin on, slice the sweet potato into small wedges. In a bowl, toss the wedges with 1 tsp oil, half of the paprika and a pinch of sea salt. Spread out onto a baking tray and place in the oven for 20 mins, turning halfway through.
5. Add the pork mince to the pan with the onion and cook for 10 mins until golden, breaking the mince up in the pan with a spatula. Then add the chilli flakes, the remaining paprika and passata to the pork mince and cook for a further 10 mins until the sauce has thickened. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
6. Peel and de-stone the avocado, thinly slice. Roughly chop the coriander.

7. Spoon the pork chilli onto two warm plates, sprinkle over the coriander and serve alongside the sweet potato wedges (or cauliflower rice) and sliced avocado. Drizzle over the lime juice. 
From original recipe here

Coriander is one of the world's most commonly used herbs - in spite of the fact that the name comes from the Greek, koris, meaning bed bug! It is green, leafy and strong-smelling with a fresh, citrus taste that makes it an invaluable garnish and flavour enhancer. Both the fresh leaves and stalks are edible, as well as the berries, which are dried and called coriander seeds. Native to southern Europe and the Middle East, the plant is now grown worldwide. Coriander tends to be associated most with Asian and Central and South American cooking. For maximum flavour, it is best added to dishes just before serving.

You will find a variety of recipe ideas/suggestions within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you, if you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues please take these 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.

All the best Jan

Welcome September ... but did you know !

As the ninth month of the year, September marks the beginning of autumn in the northern hemisphere (and the start of spring in the southern). Traditionally considered the month that marks transitions between seasons, it is often one of the most temperate weather-wise. 

Here are some interesting facts about the month of September ...

1. September is the only month with the same number of letters in its name as the number of the month: it is the ninth month and has nine letters.

2. The Anglo-Saxons called September Gerst Monath (Barley Month) or Haefest Monath (Harvest Month) celebrating the barley harvest.

3. September is the worst month for share prices which on average lose one per cent of their value.

4. September (from the Latin septem, seven) was the seventh month of the old Roman calendar.

5. One Day In September, about the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympics, is the only film with September in the title to win an Oscar. 

6. September 11, 2001 Terror Attacks. The 9/11 terrorist attacks resulted in the deaths of nearly 3,000 men, women, and children and the injuries of more than 6,000 others. The attacks triggered major ongoing U.S. combat initiatives against terrorist groups in Iraq and Afghanistan and largely defined the presidency of George W. Bush.

7. In 1752, September had only 19 days in the UK. The 3rd-13th were omitted in the change from Julian to Gregorian calendar.

8. Until Julius Caesar’s calendar reform of 45BC, September had only 29 days.

9. Groucho Marx said, “My favourite poem is the one that starts ‘Thirty days hath September’ because it actually tells you something.”

10. On an average September day more babies are born in the US than on a day in any other month.

11. In the UK, September 26 is the most common birthday for people born in the last 20 years.

12. September has three birth flowers:

… the forget-me-not, (above) the morning glory, and the aster. Forget-me-nots represent love and memories, asters represent love as well, and the morning glory represents unrequited love.

13. The autumn equinox, which is the traditional transition from summer into fall, takes place on or around September 22nd, depending on the year, it's the 23rd September in 2019!

14. September's birthstone is the sapphire. 

15. September 5th is National Cheese Pizza Day

Pizza Night ... the Low Carb Way

more details here

16. September 9th is National Teddy Bear Day

17. September 16th is National Play-Doh Day

18. September 19th is International "Talk Like A Pirate Day

The above from articles here and here

There are so many other interesting things about September, I've only included 18 … you may know of some others!

Readers, we bring a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas to this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy. 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.

All the best Jan