Christmas Lights ...

If you are like me you enjoy seeing Christmas Lights, there are some wonderful displays around and during the Christmas Holiday Season it can be very enjoyable to either have a walk (or drive) around the neighbourhood and take in the twinkling lights. Have you ever wondered about 'The History of Electric Christmas Lights'? If you have do please read on ...

"For hundreds of years Candles or oil lamps were the main light sources when it was dark, and during the celebration of Christmas. They were also the first lights put on Christmas Trees. But that changed with the discovery of electricity!

There are a few different claims as to who invented popularised the first strings of 'electric' Christmas Tree lights. In 1880, the famous inventor Thomas Edison put some of his new electric light bulbs around his office. And in 1882 Edward Johnson, who was a colleague of Edison, hand-strung 80 red, white and blue bulbs together and put them on his tree in his New York apartment (there were two additional strings of 28 lights mounted from the ceiling!). The lights were about the size of a walnut.

In 1890 the Edison company published a brochure offering lighting services for Christmas. In 1900 another Edison advert offered bulbs which you could rent, along with their lighting system, for use over Christmas! There are records in a diary from 1891 where settlers in Montana used electric lights on a tree. However, most people couldn't easily use electric tree lights at this time as electricity wasn't widely installed in homes. But rich people liked to show off with lights installed just for Christmas, this would have cost about $300 per tree then, more than $2000 money today!

In the December 1901 edition of "The Ladies' Home Journal", there was an advert for "Edison Miniature Lamps" which boasted 'no smoke, smell or grease'; and you could buy or rent the lights. In 1903 there was an advert from Edisons with Christmas lights called festoons - which had eight lights per 'festoon'. Sets of three festoons (so 24 lights) cost $12 or you could rent the lights from $1.50. This was still quite expensive, but much cheaper than $300.

Another claim to the first widespread sale of strings of lights comes from Ralph Morris, an American telephonist. In 1908, he used telephone wire to string together small bulbs from a telephone exchange and decorated a table top tree with them. Leavitt Morris, the son of Ralph, wrote an article in 1952 for the Christian Science Monitor, about his father inventing Christmas Tree lights, as he was un-aware of the Edison lights.

In 1885 a hospital in Chicago burned down because of candles on a Christmas Tree. In 1908 insurance companies in the USA tried to get a law made that would ban candles from being used on Christmas Trees because of the many fires they had caused. However, people still used candles to light Christmas Trees and there were more fires.

In 1917, a fire from Christmas Tree candles in New York, gave a teenager called Albert Sadacca an idea. His family came from Spain and made novelty wicker bird cages that lit up. Albert thought of using the lights in long strings and also suggested painting the bulbs bright colours like red and green. In the following years, he and his brothers formed the NOMA Electric Company, which became a very famous name in Christmas lights.

Candles still remained the way most people had lights on Christmas Trees until the 1930s and beyond as the cost of electric lights was still expensive.

The term 'fairy lights' seems to date from 1882, from the Savoy Theatre in London, when small electric lights were used to decorate the dresses of some fairies on the opening night of Iolanthe by Gilbert and Sullivan. When small lights were used at Christmas, especially on trees, the name also caught on for those lights.

The first large public display of outdoor electric Christmas lights happened as early as the 1900s, although no one is quite sure who got there first! Early candidates include San Diego, California, Appleton, Wisconsin and New York. Electric tree lights first because widely known in the USA in 1895 when President Grover Cleveland had the tree in the White House decorated with lights as his young daughters liked them! The tradition of the National Christmas Tree on the White House lawn started in 1923 with President Calvin Coolidge.

The famous Rockefeller Center, in New York, has its first Christmas Tree in 1931, when workers building the complex put up a small tree. In 1933 first tree lighting ceremony was held when the tree had 700 lights. It was joined by its skating rink in 1936.

In London, in the UK, the famous 'shopping' Christmas lights started in 1954 in Regent Street with lights on Oxford Street starting in 1959.

The most lights lit at the same time on a Christmas tree is 194,672 and was done by Kiwanis Malmedy / Haute Fagnes Belgium in Malmedy, Belgium, on 10 December 2010!"

Words above from article here

You can see some photographs of the 2023 London Christmas Lights here 

grand-daughter always enjoys putting the star on top of the tree

I hope your Christmas preparations are going well 😊🎄🎅🎄🤶

All the best Jan

Carrots, it's not only Bugs Bunny who likes to eat them!

image from google

It's not only 'Bugs Bunny' who enjoys eating carrots, they are popular in our house and the grandchildren enjoy them too ... they can often be found eating a raw carrot stick as a snack.

This colourful root vegetable is brilliantly versatile – it can be eaten raw or cooked, and is great in both sweet and savoury dishes. Carrots were most often purple until the late 16th century, when the familiar orange variety we eat today was cultivated by Dutch farmers.

Carrots are one of the most well-known root vegetables, and they top the chart as one of the most nutritious. They’re brimming with vitamins A and K, as well as the important antioxidant beta-carotene. What’s more, eating carotenoids may protect against age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of vision loss. Carrots make a great snack when eaten raw or dipped in hummus, but they can also be cooked and used in stir-fries, stews or side dishes.

Here are some recipes you may like to try.

Carrot, Orange and Ginger Soup - see details here

Baked beets with carrots and leeks - see details here

Red Roasted Carrots - see details here

Carrot Cake, a low carb recipe - see details here

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

The Difference between Oranges, Mandarins, Tangerines, Satsumas and Clementine's

Oranges, Mandarins, Tangerines, Satsumas and Clementine's, are lovely orange fruits, but what is the difference between them? Read on to find out more 😊

Oranges are a popular citrus fruit commonly served as a nutritious snack or juiced for a sweet and colourful drink. With varieties that range from big, palm-sized fruits with navels or smaller fruits with a pink or deep red flesh, oranges are simply sweet and juicy on their own and are a wonderful addition to many recipes.

Mandarins are a type of orange citrus, and as one may have deduced by the name, originated from China. They come in a variety of sizes but all are typically smaller than oranges. Furthermore, the segments are smaller and tend to have a sweeter flavour. The colour of the skin ranges from orange to reddish hue. Their skin ranges in thickness, but is usually loosely attached to the fruit, making it easier to peel than an orange. Typically in grocery stores, fruit that is labelled as “mandarins” are actually tangerines.

Tangerines, satsumas and clementine's are all special varieties of mandarin oranges.

Tangerines are a special type of mandarin, and are distinguished by their deeper red hue. Many people refer to tangerines as both tangerines and mandarins; it can be confusing as not all mandarins are tangerines but all tangerines are mandarins. Tangerines are a type of mandarin that have a loose, thin skin that’s easy to peel, and a sweet flavour. They are distinctly larger than satsumas or clementine's, but are still smaller than an orange. They typically have a few seeds in each fruit. Tangerines are commonly sold in grocery stores with the leaves still attached, and as mentioned before, they can be labelled as “mandarins”.

Satsumas, like tangerines, are another special type of mandarin. They have loose skin that can be bumpy, making it hard to detect bruises. They are smaller than tangerines, like clementine's. Their sweet, typically seedless fruit is what makes them popular, but they are also often praised for their hardiness under the canning process. Most canned mandarins are actually canned satsumas.

Clementine's, again, are another special type of mandarin, and this variety is wildly popular around December holidays. Traditionally, they were included in children’s Christmas stockings. Kids love eating clementine's because they’re easy to peel and sweet to eat! The difference between a satsuma and a clementine is that a satsuma’s skin is typically thicker and looser while clementine's have a thinner skin that is tight to the fruit. Often, grocery stores will label both satsuma and clementine as a clementine.

Words and image above taken from article here

Talking about Clementine's, don't forget this wonderful, colourful

Christmas Salad

more details here

This blog is presented in a magazine style - we hope something for everyone. You will find a variety of articles, studies, thoughts, photographs, cartoons, music and recipes! However, not all the recipes featured in this blog may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Pork chops, celeriac mash with an apple and ale gravy : Lovely flavours

Fresh and creamy lower carb celeriac mash (although some readers may prefer a potato mash) is the perfect partner to pork chops in this delicious recipe by Oliver Rowe.

Ingredients
Serves Four

1 large celeriac
150g/5oz butter, plus extra for the sauce
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 large onion
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
3 Cox's apples, peeled
425ml/¾ pint London Pride ale (or similar)
4 pork chops
2 tsp vegetable oil
For the salad
½ tsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
250g/9oz rocket leaves

Method
1. Peel the celeriac, chop into 2.5cm/1-inch chunks and place in a pan of cold water. Place on the hob, bring to the boil and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Mash the celeriac with 100g/3½oz of the butter and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Keep covered and warm.
2. Meanwhile, peel, halve and thinly slice the onion lengthways into semicircles. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed frying pan and cook the onions on a medium high heat until soft and lightly coloured.
3. Cut the apples into quarters and cut out the cores out, then cut them again into eighths.
4. Remove the onions from the pan, add the remaining 50g/1½oz butter and place the apples in. Cook over a medium heat. When they are golden brown turn them over so that they are beautifully coloured on both sides.
5. Return the onions to the pan with the apples, raise the heat and add the ale to the pan. Adjust the seasoning and continue cooking until the apples begin to break down a little and the liquid has reduced by at least half and has thickened somewhat.
6. With a sharp knife score the skin of the chops and season them. This will help the chop to crisp when it is cooked.
7. Heat a griddle pan until smoking hot. Rub the pork chops with some vegetable oil (this will help prevent sticking) and place the chops on the hot griddle. Cook, turning as necessary, until the meat is cooked through (cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chops; it will be cooked when the juices run clear when pierced with a sharp knife near the bone).
8. For the salad, make the vinaigrette. Place the mustard, vinegar and olive oil in a bowl and whisk. Season to taste.
9. When the chops are cooked, remove from the griddle, and put covered on a plate in a warm place for five minutes. Meanwhile, whisk a knob of butter into the sauce to thicken it slightly.
10. To serve, divide the mash among four plates, place a chop on each dollop of mash and pour the mustard and ale sauce over it. Dress the rocket with the vinaigrette and serve on the side.
From an original idea here

The greenery in this dish is provided by using rocket which is sometimes known as Arugula. Now we all know that salad greens are healthy, and that most are very low in calories. However, did you know that not all give you a good dose of nutrients... well Arugula/ Rocket is one leafy green vegetable that stands out as a rich source of many vitamins and minerals.

Consider the difference between iceberg lettuce and arugula/rocket:
Arugula contains about eight times the calcium,
fives times the vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K,
four times the iron as the same amount of iceberg lettuce.

The choice is easy... start with arugula/rocket for a healthier salad!

Rocket is a very 'English' leaf, and has been used in salads since Elizabethan times. It has a strong, peppery flavour, and the leaves have a slight 'bite' to them. If you see 'rucola' or 'arugula' for sale or on a restaurant menu - it's the same thing.

Availability:
Available year-round in supermarkets. Rocket is incredibly easy to grow, in fact, it could take over your whole veg patch.
Choose the best:
Look for perky dark-bright green leaves. Avoid those that look slimy, yellowed or browning, as they're past their best.
Prepare it:
Just rinse and go.
Store it:
Store in the bottom part of your fridge, in brown paper or a perforated bag. It will last for a maximum of 2 days.
Cook it:
Mix with other salad leaves, if liked.

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. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

The Poinsettia : Part of Christmas with its own special day!

One thing that is always part of Christmas in our house is the Poinsettia, at least one ... if not more, are purchased, and they do look so warm, cheerful and welcoming dotted around on tables, shelves etc. Of course there are many varieties available but for me my favourite is the wonderful RED ones, they are brilliant. We also have some cheery Father Christmas 'wooden' ornaments / decorations and they sit well together on the hall table 🎅

Did you know that people across the United States celebrate these most recognizable plants of the holidays on a special day, aptly named National Poinsettia Day. That day is tomorrow December 12th.

Poinsettia plants are native to Central America, especially an area of southern Mexico known as 'Taxco del Alarcon' where they flower during the winter.

The poinsettia was made widely known because of a man called Joel Roberts Poinsett (that's why we call them Poinsettia!). He was the first Ambassador from the USA to Mexico in 1825. Poinsett had some greenhouses on his plantations in South Carolina, and while visiting the Taco area in 1828, he became very interested in the plants. He immediately sent some of the plants back to South Carolina, where he began growing the plants and sending them to friends and botanical gardens.

One of the friends he sent plants to was John Barroom of Philadelphia, who gave the plant to his friend, Robert Buist, a plants-man from Pennsylvania. Robert Buist was probably the first person to have sold the poinsettias under their botanical, or latin name, name 'Euphorbia pulcherrima' (it means, 'the most beautiful Euphorbia'). It is thought that they became known as Poinsettia in the mid 1830's when people found out who had first brought them to America from Mexico.

There is an old Mexican legend about how Poinsettias and Christmas come together, it goes like this:-

There was once a poor Mexican girl called Pepita who had no present to give the the baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve Services. As Pepita walked to the chapel, sadly, her cousin Pedro tried to cheer her up.
'Pepita', he said "I'm sure that even the smallest gift, given by someone who loves him will make Jesus Happy."

Pepita didn't know what she could give, so she picked a small handful of weeds from the roadside and made them into a a small bouquet. She felt embarrassed because she could only give this small present to Jesus. As she walked through the chapel to the altar, she remembered what Pedro had said. She began to feel better, knelt down and put the bouquet at the bottom of the nativity scene. Suddenly, the bouquet of weeds burst into bright red flowers, and everyone who saw them were sure they had seen a miracle. From that day on, the bright red flowers were known as the 'Flores de Noche Buena', or 'Flowers of the Holy Night'.

The shape of the poinsettia flower and leaves are sometimes thought as a symbol of the Star of Bethlehem which led the Wise Men to Jesus. The red coloured leaves symbolize the blood of Christ. The white leaves represent his purity.

Do you have Poinsettias at Christmas / the Holiday Season?

And talking about things coloured red

can I interest you in a tasty and warming bowl of

Sweet potato, carrot, red pepper and tomato soup

it's 'Nana's Magic Recipe', and you can see more details/recipe here

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

Seven foods with more vitamin C than oranges

Some examples of foods containing high levels of vitamin C.

Image from here

It's natural to turn to oranges and citrus fruits when looking for foods high in vitamin C but there are actually many more that contain the same amount, if not more, of this vital vitamin.

Colds and flu can often strike us down when we least expect it in winter, so it can be a good idea to protect ourselves as early as possible. Increasing the intake of vitamin C does just that as the nutrient helps to keep our immune system running as it should. 

The average orange contains about 82 mg of vitamin C, but other foods (mainly fruits and vegetables) offer the same or even more. Adding more of these foods high in vitamin C is a great way to boost your levels as they're easily found, usually affordable to buy, and they tend to be delicious staples of many meals.

A rotation of these foods is also important though, as our body cannot store sufficient amounts of vitamin C for long periods, so we need to make sure we are getting a consistent daily dose of it through food. So, which foods should you prioritise?

Foods high in vitamin C

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is a great way of getting vitamin C into your diet with around 90mg per 100g, that's 10mg more than the average orange. NHS doctor Dr Adam Sayedi, recommends steaming the vegetable in the microwave as this ensures the highest vitamin C concentration when you're eating it.

If you're looking to boost the power of broccoli even more then, Dr Sayedi explains that adding mustard seed extract to the veggie will boost the absorption of sulforaphane, which is an anti-inflammatory compound found in broccoli. So, another great benefit of this veggie is that it's also one of the high-fibre foods that reduce stress as well.

2. Bell Peppers

Another superhero vegetable is bell peppers. Also known as capsicum, these veggies have a huge vitamin C offering with yellow peppers being the highest source (183 mg per 100g when boiled), followed by red (171mg per 100g) then green (74mg per 100g)

"A medium-sized yellow pepper contains over 180mg of Vitamin C, over four times the daily recommended intake," explains Dr Sayedi. But there's no need to worry about having too much vitamin C in our systems, he adds, as our body naturally excretes any excess when we go to the toilet.

3. Kale

Whether you're a kale fanatic or not, there's no denying the numerous benefits this leafy green has for us with 93 mg per 100g. That's 13mg more than the standard orange, making them one of the best foods high in vitamin C.

It's also great for looking after your gut health in winter for the same reason and as kale is high in vital vitamin K, it can also help to improve your bone health.

4. Strawberries

There isn't much not to love about strawberries - not only are they one of the best superfoods for weight loss but they're also a great source of vitamin C, with 98mg of vitamin C per cup, a standard serving.

"Strawberries are rich in vitamin C and are also high in fibre and antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralise free radicals, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress and damage," explains nutritionist and health coach Lara Buckle.

5. Cauliflower

Much like broccoli, cauliflower is an essential to have in your fridge this winter. 265g of cauliflower, which is about the weight of one small head, offers almost 128mg of vitamin C.

It also doesn't matter how you prepare cauliflower. No matter whether you roast it, steam it, mash it, or put it in the air fryer, you can enjoy all the benefits of this nutrient-dense, versatile vegetable.

6. Brussels sprouts

Love them or loathe them, brussels sprouts have more vitamin C than oranges at 85mg per 100g. With such a small serving of sprouts offering a good amount of vitamin C, they're certainly superfoods when it comes to protecting our health in winter and helping us get more fibre in our diet.

What's more, as well as being one of the foods high in vitamin C, these little green veggies are chock full of antioxidants. Sprouts contain choline, which according to Dr Sayedi is essential for our memory, mood and muscle control. "The nutrient choline also helps protect our brains from Alzheimer's disease, reducing levels of homocysteine, a neurotoxin indicted in dementia," he says.

7. Kiwi

With 92.7mg of vitamin C per 100g, this fibrous green fruit is another great alternative to oranges for boosting vitamin C levels. Although perhaps that's not too surprising as much like oranges, kiwi is a citrus fruit.

It offers plenty of other benefits too though as it contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help ward off serious diseases, beware though, when turned into a juice, kiwi can become one of the foods that cause bloating as the high sugar levels and acidity pair with lower fibre levels, making it harder to digest.

How can I increase my vitamin C levels quickly?

Smoothies: According to nutritional therapist Andy Daly, smoothies with vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables are an effective way to rapidly increase your vitamin C levels. Adding strawberries, kale and orange juice to your daily smoothie is a sure-fire way of topping up your intake. 

Go raw: With most of the aforementioned fruits and veggies, eating them raw is certainly an option and can be done in smoothie form too. Daly explains, "Consuming vitamin C-rich foods in their raw state can help boost vitamin C levels."

Avoid mixing with calcium: If you want to get some vitamin C in your system quickly then it's best to avoid consuming it alongside calcium-rich foods. Daly explains this is because they will interfere with vitamin C absorption, so it's best to keep them separate.

Pair it with vitamin E: Unlike calcium, vitamin E can complement the absorption of vitamin C explains Daly. So when eating foods rich in vitamin C it can be a good idea to pair them with almonds or sunflower seeds as they're rich in vitamin E and will give you an added boost.

Benefits of vitamin C

Vitamin C supports the immune system: There's a reason we need this vitamin so much through the winter months and that is because of the way it looks after our immune systems, which are often under threat during the cold season. Nutritionist Sophie Trotman says, "Vitamin C helps in the production of white blood cells, which are key to fighting infections."

It's an antioxidant: Having antioxidants in our diets is incredibly important, Trotman explains that they help to protect cells from the damage caused by free radicals which can lead to chronic diseases.
Vitamin C can help synthesise collagen: It's not just external benefits that vitamin C brings, the nutrient is vital for the synthesis of collagen. Trotman says, "Collagen is a protein that helps keep skin firm and healthy. It also aids in wound healing. So, vitamin C is great for skin health too."
It helps with iron absorption: Vitamin C improves the absorption of iron, says Trotman, which is why eating the foods mentioned is important.

Aim to get your vitamin C intake naturally through foods, especially in winter. However, supplements can sometimes be helpful, but always best to consult your doctor or medical team first when considering supplements. 

Words above taken from article here

Broccoli a good source of Vitamin C

Don't throw those broccoli stalks away - more to read here

Dear reader, 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 have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Ya Gotta Larf

 

Eddie

Friday's Lower Carb Dinner : What Will It Be?

Well, the last of the Christmas Cards are written,

and thoughts now turn to tonight's dinner!

Will it be

Smoked Haddock and Celeriac Layer Bake

more details here

or perhaps

Easy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

more details here

sometimes a nice soup is welcome

Parsnip and Cauliflower Soup

more details here

Of course there is always a pizza!

But have you tried this? 

Courgette / Zucchini Pizza Casserole

more details here

Choices, choices, I wonder what you may choose?

Dear reader, you will find a variety of recipes and articles 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

Some Helpful Low Carb Christmas and New Year Tips !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some lower carb recipe ideas:

Roast Turkey
Cooked to perfection, see more details here

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

Brussels Sprouts
See more here

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

Mince Pies
The Low Carb Way, more details here

Christmas Chocolate Log With Blueberries

A low carb recipe, more details here 

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

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

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Winter Vegetable Soup - Tuscan Style - So Warming

Well, it's certainly been chilly and very wintry in most parts of the UK recently. A warming bowl of soup could just be the thing to enjoy. I have shared this recipe before, but it's always worth another post! Some readers may find Cannellini beans a little 'carby', so as always dear reader it is important to note, that a variety of recipe ideas are within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

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

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

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

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

Adapted from an original recipe here

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

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

All the best Jan

Decembers Birth Flowers

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

Now here we go talking about Happiness and Hope

December Birth Flowers

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

The Holly
Holly symbolizes a wish for domestic happiness.

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

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

The Narcissus (Paperwhite)

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

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

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

All the best Jan

What colour do you buy?

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

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

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

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

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

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

More to read here

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

More Related Posts

Health Benefits of Eating Eggs - read it here

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

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

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

Many thanks for visiting this blog, before you leave do please take a moment or two to leave a comment, and remember, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within the blog, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Cranberries come into their own around Christmas and Holiday Season

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

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

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

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

Read more about cranberries here

Some recipes you may like to try

Fruit Cake, with cranberries, a low carb alternative,

more details here

Sautéed sprouts with almonds and cranberries

more details here

Braised beef with red wine and cranberry

more details here

Mince Pies, the low carb way

more details here

Dear reader, you will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

Braised beef with red wine and cranberry

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

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

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

Original recipe idea from here

For readers who may prefer a vegetarian dish

How about Somerset Stew here or Vegetable Stew here

~ enjoy your day ~

You will find a variety of recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e., use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan

It's December 2023

Time to say goodbye to November as we welcome December.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Facts above from here and here and here

... and sharing a lovely December recipe

Christmas Chocolate Log With Blueberries

A low carb chocolate log, with added blueberries.

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

more details here

~ Wishing you a happy December 2023 ~

We bring a variety of articles and recipe ideas to this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan