WINTER MEALS IN A HURRY

WINTERY MEALS….QUICK IDEAS.

As the weather grows cooler, we search for warmer and nourishing foods. Just take stock of what is available at the Market now. Firstly the guavas are the indication that we need Vitamin C. Then mandarins, narchies, oranges and grapefruit follow. All the fruits of winter.  Bananas remain a good source of Magnesium and Potassium, but load up on citrus fruits and juices.

If you make a habit to drink water as you rise, followed by a glass of boiled water with lemon juice in it, you will help to keep the system free of colds and sore throats.  The lemon juice tones the system too. Skip lots of caffeine, rather have fruit drinks, cinnamon teas and drinks like” Fortune Delight” lemon or cinnamon. These can be obtained from distributor in USA 480 2032871  -  Aaron.  I have one large glass mid morning and  another later in the day . I also recommend the “Vitadophillus” for kiddies and older people. This is a booster for the body. It is acidophillus in powder form that kids adore the  apple taste.  It   is easy to swallow or drink in a glass of milk or citrus fruit.

Eating a sane and sensible breakfast is vital. Cook oats, or a good cereal, granola or muesli. Yogurt and cut up  fruits, raisins and nuts are a good meal too. 

Buy good vegetables, lentils, beans, brown rice and rice pasta, wholewheat pasta and use these for quick meals.

PASTA IN A HURRY.

Boil the pasta , add a little olive oil and vegetable salt.

 Sauces…………..sauté two chopped onions, a few scallions, a clove of garlic, two peeled tomatoes,chopped parsley and a few basil leaves. Add vegetable salt and pepper .You can stir in two cups of yogurt and two tablespoons of grated cheese…………….stir carefully and serve over the  pasta.

RICE AND  VEGETABLES

Cook two cups of brown rice and stir fry vegetables. They need to be sliced in an attractive way. Use onions, garlic and a grated carrot as a base.  Then add diced zucchini,  cauliflower, diced tomatoes, a red pepper, sliced green onions,  a few pieces of thinly sliced ginger, a dash of cinnamon and

a teaspoon of curry powder. You can even add  a few sliced mushrooms into the mixture.  Stir and spice with added salt and pepper. Serve over the rice with grated cheese over it all.  This can be made ahead of time and combined to serve. You can steam the rice to keep it hot and the vegetables can be warmed over a low flame.   Serve a green salad on the side with some sunflower seeds in it.   

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SNACKY MEALS …. SOUP AND SANWICHES.

Serve a thick broth of soup with sandwiches of crusty bread with butter and grated cheese over it. Just grill in the oven for a few minutes and serve on the side plate with a bowl of soup.

VEGETABLE SOUP WITH PASTRY ROLLS.

Choose a pumpkin, sweet potato soup, or broccoli and serve with a  flaky Pastry pie. Just roll the pastry thinly and fill with vegetables that have been steamed . You can do them in the pan with a little oil as an alternative. I make a mixture of diced potato, grated carrot, half a cup  of peas and    chopped onions. Sauté in a little olive oil. Add salt and pepper.  Remove the pan from the heat and add a cup of grated Bulgarian cheese and mix it all. I roll the dough and place the mixture in and roll up Close edges with warm water. You can brush a beaten egg on the top for a shine and glazed look. Make it a size you can handle to place on a greased oven pan.  Bake in a hot oven for twenty minutes and cut into thick slices and serve on the side plate with steaming hot soup.

 Once the family has a hot meal, they will need less snacks and  worthless  salty items. You can always have washed apples, pears ,bananas and citrus fruits   in the kitchen for a quick snack.  

Winter can be good quality time, just plan for it and have good foods  in the home.

Take time to do family projects in the evenings. Photo albums, mending, knitting and maybe learning to put on a button. You do not have to be a rocket scientist for these easy tasks, but they do help when a button pops off a shirt or a hem needs mending.  Learning to polish and keep exercise and track shoes in order is necessary too.  Gym bags need to be checked and cleaned.Lastly realize that all the things your kids have grown out of, could be useful for others.  Jackets, coats, hats and sports clothes are good to pass on. My young grandson, collects these items for the less lucky people in our communities and I am proud of his efforts.. By remembering others  we contribute in easy ways.

Have a good week   Love and light Rona