Tag Archives: Cook

Are you getting your 5 a day? – 5 super foods you should eat but probably don’t!!!!

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1)   Vegetables, not just any vegetables but Beets…. A rule of thumb the darker in colour the more anti toxin

properties the food has..

Why they are worth it? Beets are high in vitamin C and folate. Plus, they’re a great source of the

antioxidant lipoic acid. “Recent research shows it can be helpful in healing nerve damage in people with diabetes,”

says Salge-Blake.

A simple Beet recipe –  Roasted Beet Salad – check out this scrumy quick and easy idea

Pickled beet root is a good way of introducing these into your diet,

2)      Sardines, if you like oily fish then why not try sardines not only are they sustainable, but they are cheaper and a lot better for you.. I love sardines simply grilled with a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice served with a crisp fresh salad.

Why are they worth it ? Like other fatty fish (such as salmon), sardines contain heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. “[You] want to be having two fish meals per week because that’s going to lower your risk for heart disease,” says Salge-Blake. Sardines are also high in protein, so they’re a great add-on to veggie-heavy dishes. When it comes to canned sardines, you can pick between those packed in water and those in oil. The only difference: Oil adds more calories. (Some sardines are packaged in mustard, with lemon or chili peppers, or in tomato sauce, which might add additional calories; check the label.  Click here for A  simple sardine recipe 

 

3)      Brussels Sprouts,  you could mistake Brussels sprouts for mini heads of cabbage, but the tiny green globes are really a close relative.  Stored in the refrigerator, your sprouts will last a couple of weeks, When you’re ready to eat, peel back the first few leaves, which can be wilted or damaged, then soak them in cold water to remove any residue or dirt before cooking.
 Why They’re Worth It
Brussels sprouts are low in sodium and cholesterol free. They are a good source of fibre and we also have some studies to show vegetables in the cruciferous family have phytochemicals [plant compounds that have protective health benefits] in them.”

A simple yet tasty meal (yes Brussels and tasty in the same sentence!!!) click here

 

4)      Pumpkin Seeds, A bag of pumpkin seeds are a healthy snack, struggling at your desk at work for energy? Instead of reaching for some change and buying a bar of chocolate or packet of crisps from the vending machine, have a bag of pumpkin seeds on your desk.

Why are they worth it? You can snack on a handful of pumpkin seeds between meals—just don’t eat the whole pack at once; a 6-ounce bag can have more than 500 calories, 30 grams of fat, and 90 grams of carbs. Or add them to your morning cereal or oatmeal.

A simple Pumpkin seed recipe 

 

5)      Kale,  The dark green vegetable looks something like lettuce with its ruffled leaves, but, just like Brussels sprouts, it’s a member of the cabbage family. Fresh kale is coarse with dark leaves. Avoid bunches that are yellow or brown and have a rubbery texture. Kale will last three to five days in the refrigerator if you store it loosely in a plastic bag. Before you cook the leaves, rinse them and trim off the thick stems. And keep in mind: Two cups of raw kale will cook down to about a cup’s worth.
 Why It’s Worth It
Like its cousin broccoli, kale is packed with vitamin C. (Two cups have twice as much vitamin C as a medium orange.) It’s also a good source of vitamin A (beta carotene), calcium, and potassium, which has been shown to lower high blood pressure.

A simple Kale recipe

 

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Your So This Season….

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Spring

 

 

When it comes to seasons, spring is my favorite time of the year.  With the cold dark winter months behind us, the warm summer days ahead… this time of year holds so much promise.

Flowers starting to spring into life in the garden, the days starting to warm up and its day light when you get home from work…. best of all, this time of year has some of the best produce available.  Here are some of my favorite foods from this time of year.

Spring Lamb – leg lamb with rosemary

What better than to roast a leg of Lamb with loads of Garlic & fresh Rosemary – served Redcurrent Gravey & Rosemary Roast Potatoes

Crab – Crab Fish Cakes with Chili

So many things you can do with crab, one of my favorite seafood’s.  I like to make Crab fish cakes but with a thia fragrant twist.  Try mixing crab meat, garlic, spring onions, red chili  grated ginger, fresh lime zest, fresh coriander, mayonnaise and 1 beaten egg.  Make the mixture into fish cake shapes and roll in breadcrumbs.  Shallow fry in sunflower oil.

Rhubarb –Rhubabr

When you think of rhubarb .. the first thing that comes to mind is rhubarb crumble.  For the topping, try mixing porridge oats (I use oats so simple – one of the flavored ones for extra taste) Golden syrup, flour, butter & sugar.  For the filling simply cook the Rhubarb in  saucepan with a little water and sugar.

New Potatoes – New Jersey royals

My favorite New Potatoes are Jersey Royals… Why not try having them in a cold salad.   This time of year you could try a bowl of salad leaves of your choice, Jersey Royal Potatoes cut into halves, finely chopped red onion, Finley chopped spring onion, Smoked Trout and a drizzle of Olive Oil.

Watercress –

watercress quiche

You could make a vibrant Watercress soup, or you can use the water cress as an accompaniment…  It works wonders with fish, but I like it in a Quiche.   Try Salmon and Watercress Quiche… You can buy a pastry case or make your own Mixing Flour, Salt, Butter and water.  For the filling, arrange your Watercress & Smoked Salmon in the bottom of pastry case, pour over your Eggs, Milk & Cream mixture and bake in the oven until set.

Asparagus –

when you think of spring seasonal veg you think of British Asparagus.. the best in the world.  Keep it simple..

Wrap two Asparagus spears with some Parma Ham, place in a griddle and cook until crisp.

Asparagus, egg & Parma Ham

Poach a free range egg, place the Asparagus on your plate, place the poached egg on top and then cover

with Hollandaise sauce.