Intuitive Chef

2016 we did a little research in to plant based eating, as I had a health problem Diverticular Disease so we changed the way we eat and love it.. Lets try a little plant based cooking Soups and stews. making meat an ingredient if you must use.. We are about 80 % plant based, once in a while I will add a meat. I love to cook from scratch, this takes a little more organised.. Keeping a stocked pantry . David calls me the Intuitive Chef, I feel what needs to go int to the recipe.. I love soups and stews and a veggie Chilli 2 soups I made this month are Tomato Basil and a Mushroom soup , i make a home made baguette with these oh my goodness.. Eating this way definitley make you feel healthier..

One of our fave soups Wicked Thai Coconut shrimp soup. From scratch.

Veggie stew tonight with dumpling Carrots, purple top turnips , parsnips, onions a little hot pepper, potatoes, garlic black pepper veggie stock. A little apple cider vinegar. Te hydrated portobello mushrooms, white kidney beans and baked beans

Back by popular demand @jamieoliver Garlic mushrooms. A Fungi supper with a fun guy Cooking plant based is fun recreating dishes , add your twist to it ..I love getting inspiration from cooking shows like Bobby Flay and Jamie Oliver

@jamieoliver Sicilian pasta with Tuna. Smells amazing tastes even better ty Jamie for these incredible dishes. Quick and easy , healthy also I make an amazing Cesar Salad Dressing

Veggie chilli, 4 different beans your choice 1 AnaheimPepper a red Fresno pepper with half seeds out.. fresh tomatoes, onion, Chilli powder , smoked paprika, fresh ground black pepper a splat of apple cider vinegar

Next blog post I will share a few of my recipes, I love going to Save on Foods, Super Store or Sobeys for amazing fresh veggies .. I love cooking and My cooking is love.. David and I most weekends will cook together , we put on a great playlist and cook up a storm Eat to live and don’t live to eat!!

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Nasturtium plant :-)

Nasturtium Plant is a Foodies delight , at least mine!! Our garden is like a jungle LOL We have been eating lots of Salads , With Nasturtium leaves, parsley, Swiss Chard, Chives, tomatoes and lettuce, when I want a salads I go our to our garden and pick it all fresh. The mix of leafy greens flavour is incredible.. Did you know Nasturtium leaves and capers  and petals of the Nasturtium plant are packed with nutrition, containing high levels of vitamin C. It has the ability to improve the immune system, tackling sore throats, coughs, and colds, as well as bacterial and fungal infections. Use to cook with All part of the plant are edible; in the world of edible annual flowers, Nasturtiums are truly one of the tastiest and easiest to grow.

This info I researched and found on line it is very interesting.. The Flowers have a mild peppery taste are great for adding character and colour to dishes. Freeze into ice cubes to create a pretty addition for summery drinks. added to raw apple cider vinegar to make a peppery nasturtium vinegar or chopped and mixed with softened butter to make nasturtium butter. The recipe on here is actually pretty tasty Stuffed Nasturtium Leaves with Rice and Veggies or meat A take off of the greek Stuffed Vine Leaves .. There are lots of edible Plants

The recipe is from attainable-sustainable.net

These rolls made from edible nasturtium leaves are great at room temperature, so can be excellent as a make-ahead dish for picnics or potlucks. I serve them at home as an appetizer or as part of the meal.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 3 cups cooked short grain rice, (may substitute grains or other types of rice, or any combination)
  • 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 cup chopped tomato, (fresh or canned/drained)
  • 1/2 pound lean ground beef or lamb, (optional)
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat leaf parsley or mint
  • 1/2 cup chopped nasturtium flowers
  • 1-1/2 T. capers
  • 1 T. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. lemon juice

For preparation

  • 20-25 fresh nasturtium leaves – stem trimmed close to the leaf
  • 3/4 cup vegetable broth, or chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F.
  2. Wash the nasturtium leaves gently and set them aside.

Making the filling

  1. Make the rice according to package directions and let it cool slightly before starting.
  2. Place the cooked rice in a large bowl – you’ll be adding the rest of the filling ingredients to the rice. 
  3. Sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil until softened but not browned, then add the chopped tomato and cook on medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Add this mixture to the rice and combine. 
  4. Place the ground beef in the pan in which you cooked the onion/garlic/tomato mixture, and cook on medium heat, chopping as you go to get a fine crumbled burger. 
  5. Once the burger is completely cooked, add it to the rice mixture, and combine. 
  6. Now stir in the remaining ingredients – toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, chopped nasturtium flowers, and capers. Taste, adjust with salt and pepper if needed.

Making the stuffed nasturtium leaves

  1. Place one of the nasturtium leaves on your work surface, stem side down.(I like to use a large plate for this.) Put a teaspoon or more of the mixture in the center of the leaf, then carefully fold the two sides partially over the rice and roll tightly towards the top of the leaf, ending with the edge tucked underneath. 
  2. Repeat with all the leaves and pack tightly in one layer with the seam of the leaf down (so they don’t unroll), into a glass or ceramic baking dish. 
  3. Pour chicken broth over the stuffed nasturtium leaves. 
  4. Cover the dish tightly and bake on the center rack of your oven for 45 minutes. Check to make sure the rolls are not drying out about halfway through cooking. If they are, spoon some hot broth over them. (Don’t spoon cold broth into a hot glass or ceramic baking dish, as it can cause the pan to shatter!)
  5. Cool slightly and serve warm, or wait longer and serve at room temperature. 
  6. Before serving, drizzle with one tablespoon or so of olive oil, and a teaspoon or so of lemon juice. Refrigerate any remaining rolls.

Notes

This is a very flexible recipe. Use your imagination and what you have on hand to create a delicious filling! This recipe makes enough filling for 20-25 nasturtium leaves. Extra filling can be frozen or used for something else.

Instead of capers, you could use these pickled nasturtium seeds, too.

I did a little research in to the Nasturtium plant go this off The Microgardener.com great info

20 reasons to grow nasturtiums

Nasturtium Pesto

This is from Yummly.com some great forcipes on this site I love to cook from scratch Once my tomatoes are all red going to be making some Pasta sauce ..

US|METRICSERVINGS: nasturtium (flowers 1/2 – 1 cup, 25g)leaves (Nasturtium, with stems 1/2- 1 cup, 25g)3/4 cup olive oilParmesan cheese (just under 1/3 cup, 25g)pine nuts (just under 1/4 cup, 25g)1 pinch rock salt (ground in a pestle and mortar)

Fresh Food Fresh Start

Hello fellow Foodies, Family & Friends

This blog is a little different, I am starting this off with a Thank You To the AHS, All Nurses , Home Care Nurses, Dr Aniki (my family Dr). Dr Buni ( Internist) & Dr Indar, who did my 2 surgeries!! One Nov last year & One May this year.. Thank you so much!! I HAVE MY LIFE BACK. !!

I have always loved to cook and always watched what I eaten for many years now have lean towards somewhat vegetarian for or at least Plant Based.. Could be something to do with the years I spent working in KGH Dietary!! Fun times great people!!

It seemed what ever I ate it hurt, I hurt all over……

2015 We watched a few Documentaries about food and processed foods.

one was Plant Pure and the other , tohttps://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr47Kb3uhVfUBcA54ZXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTEya2Jva3AwBGNvbG8DZ3ExBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDQzAxNjRfMQRzZWMDc3I-/RV=2/RE=1595288440/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.plantpurenation.com%2f/RK=2/RS=n42C6OMT0bSpJ3KTTX227mpW39M- Knives over Forks, Cooked was an amazing Documentary Michael Pollan’s new Netflix series explores the history of cooking!!! This really made us think about what we eat , how we cook it, fast foods, processed foods! yes they are quick, by all means once in a while is OK .

I was getting symptoms that scared me, I was beginning to think that this could be a cancer!! My yearly checkup with Dr Aniki early 2016, I knew wasn’t going to go well as this past year had been a tough one, results came back I was scheduled for a scope May 3rd 2016!! But as it happened I had to re schedule as that day I had an apt in Edmonton (Sinus Dr!! another amazing Dr ) and could not go, re scheduled for Sept

May 3rd 2016, there was a forrest fire, we woke up early set off to go to Edmonton wit and over night bag, it was 28 degrees hot .. Kate and Aaron were looking after George. We set off at 7 am bright sunny clear skies the Forrest fire seemed to be under control!! Within 2 hours being on highway 63, we wee getting txts from Katie, Ian and Victoria, the winds had changed the fire was heading for Fort McMurray, first it was , this was not good. At First voluntary Evacuations then came the big one Mandatory Evacuations for the city of Fort McMurray!! My heart was in my mouth, my kids, grandkids and dogs were in Mac!!..

Wikipedia

On May 1, 2016, a wildfire began southwest of Fort McMurrayAlbertaCanada. On May 3, it swept through the community, forcing the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history, with upwards of 88,000 people forced from their homes.[12] Firefighters were assisted by personnel from both the Canadian Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as other Canadian provincial agencies, to fight the wildfire. Aid for evacuees was provided by various governments and via donations through the Canadian Red Cross and other local and national charitable organizations.

Sweeping through Fort McMurray, the wildfire destroyed approximately 2,400 homes and buildings. Another 2,000 residents in three communities were displaced after their homes were declared unsafe for reoccupation due to contamination. The fire continued to spread across northern Alberta and into Saskatchewan,[14] consuming forested areas and impacting Athabasca oil sands operations. With an estimated damage cost of C$9.9 billion, it was the costliest disaster in Canadian history.

The fire spread across approximately 590,000 hectares (1,500,000 acres) before it was declared to be under control on July 5, 2016. It continued to smoulder, and was fully extinguished on August 2, 2017. It is suspected to have been caused by humans in a remote area 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) from Fort McMurray, but no official cause has been determined to date.

We spent the next 4 weeks on a friends Pig Farm in Camrose. Irvings Farm Fresh. They have amazing pork products.. Allan and Nicola Irving good friends of ours.. David worked on the farm, I was doing some of the cooking, putting to use what we had learned watching the documentaries. That was a tough month for me as I was not feeling well.. George our Springer Loved the farm, we had a lot of laughs. One when David fell off the pig barn after a torrential down pour and landed in the Piggggggg mud ( POOP)

We eat out once in a while, and try little to no processed foods, but for the Most part now we cook everything from scratch, I bake my own bread and buns weekly, Meat we use as an ingredient not the main part of the meal!! Gut health has become a huge part of out life, we eat a lot of beans, Legumes , Eating this way cuts down on your garbage , we put the bins out maybe every 3 weeks..

Gut Health is important!! Eat Lots of Vegetables, Legumes, Beans and Fruit , fiber can be digested by certain bacteria in your gut, which stimulates their growth. Beans and legumes also contain very high amounts of fiber. Some high-fiber foods that are good for your gut bacteria!! Your system gets used to the gassy food believe me .. This change in the way we eat was part of getting me well and getting David off the Gout Medication, Cholesterol meds and blood pressure meds! Working out became a regular this, our busy lives made exercising and eating right kinds difficult.. We made changes slowly!! , shopping became different , no pre packaged meals, buying a lot more fresh produce, none or little fast food, this would be a treat.. For me this was the start of me getting well. Cook fresh , from scratch!!

Photos below were this weeks Culinary treats, Home made Scotch Baps they are amazing, a fresh fruit salad I made to have at breakfast , a Soup made with Carrots, Onions, Cabbage Garlic and potatoes with a veg stock them I puree it .. Then a pic of my boy George..

Fast forward to Sept 2016, I went to see Dr Indar and he sent me for a scope, I had a problem with my colon, not to sure what it is as yet possible Diverticular, disease.. Then I saw Dr Buni, More scopes at one point was on Steroids for a few months!! Then after a couple more visits, I was referred to Dr Indar and 2 Surgeries later !! Life is good, fingers crossed Bricks4Kidz can start back up once school starts!!

I feel amazing get up early walk George do house work , of-course have an amazing play list on, starting to work out . I truly can’t remember last time I felt this well.

We will continue our journey with food and eating from scratch!! This time of the year, we have a few different types of leafy greens and herbs growing in our garden potatoes and tomatoes!! Lots of fresh tomato sauce and pasta sauces to freeze!! Eating this way cuts down on our household garbage, Less packaging, less pre packaged foods and less processed foods Your tastebuds change!!! For the better

Eat to Live don’t Live to Eat!!..

Me being told when this was first Diagnosed to find a hobby relax do yoga!!!! Hmmmmm I also started to crochet #Hugs4Cops Blankets for Cops & All First Responders , For Cops with PTSd or just need a hug ( #Hugs4CopsBlanket) We actually play a lot of Backgammon and a scrabble game I got when i was about 8 yrs old!!

Every stitch a hug, making a difference a stitch at ta time … MY Journey continues during this 2020 Covid 19 and World unrest!! Think Positive, be the best person you can be, always be up for a random act of kindness!! Live Laugh and Love, you never know what tomorrow brings..

Photos of David and I, Our kids and grand kids!! My life.. dogs Meg and Molly MY Mommy and Daughter Springers) and Penny my daughter and son in laws dog over the rainbow Bridge, Paw prints forever on our hearts. Now George and his sister Gracie , she is Aaron, Katie and Asher Dog and Coal Matthew, Bailey and Colins rescue dog.

These last 3 Pics are my challenge coins, I am truly honoured and humbled to have these !! Love y’all

Birthdays EH!!

Birthday Weekend, Canada EH!! Then Asher turned 1 year and then bailey turned 10 years !! We got to spend the best part of the weekend with Family.. For Canada Day David made a Huge Burger with Ground Chicken, Lean Ground Beef and then Ground Pork from Irvings Farm Fresh! The burgers were Huge a Gigantic Burger .. David also Smoked a Brisket that to was amazing.. I tried a new brand of Flour, it wasn’t to bad except the Power went out part way through cooking so I had to finish it on the BBQ!! For Snacks and Lunches I made 2 bean dishes One was Texas Caviar and the other a greek Salad made with Chick Pea that is amazing !!

Then for the weekend, I made a Veggie Stir Fry with a little of the Brisket Beef , the flavours in the stir fry WOW.. Today is a veggie day !! A Bean Stew made with Black Beans, Lentils and Butter beans to give the stew meatiness.. Lots of other Veggies!!

Canada Day and What to Know on Canada's 150th Birthday | Time

Canada Day

As Canada Day Fast approaches, what are you all doing for this?? Were staying home just having a BBQ for us! There was a new Covid 19 Out break a couple of weeks ago and as from Yesterday we were at

There is one new COVID-19 case in Fort McMurray and three new recoveries. This brings the total number of active cases in the city to 13, with 29 recoveries.

The number of cases in Wood Buffalo’s rural hamlets remains unchanged, with 11 active cases and three recoveries!! With name being a little over a month Post Op, I don’t want to do anything to harm this.. I am feeling great, eating a healthy diet really helps.. Our Youngest Grand son and his mom Came from Lunch then we took lunch to them, and of course David ( Grandad) Got Asher very dirty so he bathed him, we also got to see Colin and Bailey for a short visit, Miss B is turning 10 in July and Asher will be 1 year.. In Sept Colin is turning 14, oh my where does the time go.. lol Its nice to talk and visit now with Close family as Anxiety can get pretty wild… So Staying Healthy both mentally and physically is important and always remember there is always someone who will listen, my door is open if you need to talk, Believe me I’ve been there !! So this week we have had a lot of greens from the Garden salads and Swiss chard, we have 8 potato plants through and the garden is really coming along ! I did make Kedgeree, this week a Jamie Oliver recipe.. It wasn’t bad..

I have 2 chapters to read in the amazing Autobiography book 30 years of Frontline Policing in the UK..

Firearms and Fatals: An Autobiography of 30 Years Front line Policing Exposed

Tangye, Sgt Harry

What a great book, at times I felt as though I was on those calls with Sgt Tangye ! I have also another great Book by a Dog Handler and his dog Finn Fabulous Finn and his K9 Partner https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwipo8LzqaXqAhVvHzQIHXw9B4UQFjAAegQIAhAB&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.ca%2FFabulous-Finn-Brave-Police-Brink%2Fdp%2F1786489090&usg=AOvVaw2QABDZOvau2kFMjrjeuz0H I bought both of these on Amazon.. Great Gifts or just a great read for yourself…

David cooked a roast of beef on the BBQ earlier this week and I boiled potatoes with the skin on they are just like baked potatoes only a wee bit juicier.

For Canada Day David wants to make his own burgers with lean ground beef and Ground Pork from Irvings farm fresh amazing pork products We had a laugh about the burgers and David wants to do a Hulk Size Burger , I will cook portobello mushrooms and make big buns lol … Please all stay safe and stay healthy .. These are tough times we are going through.. I on a daily basis do deep breathing exercises and stretching, as yet I have to be careful, once I am all healed its back in the Gym and Yoga.. David and I laugh a lot and , play board games, recently we have been playing scrabble I got this when I was 7 or 8 yrs old .. We also play Backgammon these games help us .. Well guys Up and onward Live Laugh and Love

Make, bake cook, grow what you eat!

Happy Hump day ( Wednesday) Day 13 post op and feeling the best I have ever felt.. Eating a balanced diet it important to me more than ever.. We don’t have a huge garden, but love to plant the things we like, tomatoes, Lettuce, SwissChard, potatoes, Chives, Spring Onions various Herbs.. Cooking from scratch, i find to be so satisfying !! I know not everyone can do this, but if you start small.. Maybe just by making your own bread, or growing a few veggies or fruit, and start small..

Smoking foods, David smoked some Cheese this week, oh my gosh.. David smokes most meats and makes amazing Smoked Salmon , I love to make a Salmon Moose with the salmon..

Our Change in Diet has been over Id say the past 5 years, as David had a few small health problems on being gout! , since we started the plant based diet, in Spring 2015 David took his last pill.. Since then our diet and small changes in processed foods he has not taken a gout pill.. Once in a while we have a Steak, but for the most part Meat is an ingredient not the main part of out meals..

One of the reasons we decided to change one was , I have always had IBS not diagnosed, ut this was getting worse, Christmas 2015 , I procrastinated going to drs, the pain was getting worse plus blood!! March I went for a Yearly Physical, was sent for blood work and poop test, I knew that this would come back with questions, The phone rang my dr wanted to see me, he had concerns , Me to so I sent over my request for a scope the the hospital, mean while We had a Sinus apt for me at the U of A in Edmonton for May 3rd 20 16, go figure my scope was the same day, I re booked for a later date. Mean While The Fort McMurray Fire Hit, We had left town that morning to clear skies, we only had an over night bag with us and were planning to be back on May 4th. We left George and Kate was coming to pick him up later that day!! This is History, we spent the next 4 weeks on Irvings Farm in Camrose, @Irvingsfarmfresh!! Where George made friends with Spike and Dozer the 2 farm Dogs, I did most of the cooking with our new way of eating cooking from Scratch, not yet plant based.. I had pain and it was getting worse . Some days it felt like a flu bug, I was nauseous, low fever, aching all over. Fast forward my Scope was in Sept 2016 with Dr .. Diagnosis Diverticulitis!! Diverticu WHAT!!

This info is from Healthline.com Not me, I thought this may be of interest to Y’all!!

Everything You Need to Know About Diverticulitis

What is it?

Although it was rare before the 20th century, diverticular disease is now one of the most common health problems in the Western world. It’s a group of conditions that can affect your digestive tract

The most serious type of diverticular disease is diverticulitis. It can cause uncomfortable symptoms and, in some cases, serious complications. If left untreated, these complications can cause long-term health problems.

Read on to learn more about diverticulitis, including its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and how your diet might affect your risk of developing it.

Symptoms of diverticulitis

Diverticulitis can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms can appear suddenly or they can develop gradually over several days.

Potential symptoms of diverticular disease include:

If you develop diverticulitis, you might experience:

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of diverticulitis. It will mostly likely occur in the lower left side of your abdomen. But it can also develop in the right side of your abdomen.

If you develop any of the above symptoms, such as vomiting or blood in your stool, it may be a sign of a serious complication from diverticulitis or another condition. Call your doctor right away.

Causes of diverticulitis

Diverticular disease develops when pouches form along your digestive tract, typically in your colon (large intestine). These pouches are known as diverticula. They form when weak spots in your intestinal wall balloon outward. 

Diverticulitis happens when diverticula become inflamed and in some cases infected. This can occur when feces or partially digested food blocks the opening of the diverticula. 

There’s no single known cause of diverticular disease. Instead, experts believe that multiple genetic and environmental factors likely contribute to its development.

Diagnosis of diverticulitis

To diagnose diverticulitis, your doctor will likely ask you about your symptoms, health history, and any medications that you take. They’ll likely perform a physical exam to check your abdomen for tenderness or, if they need more information, a digital rectal exam to check for rectal bleeding, pain, masses, or other problems.

Several other conditions can cause symptoms that are similar to diverticulitis. To rule out other conditions and check for signs of diverticulitis, your doctor might order one or more tests.

Tests can include:

If you have diverticulitis, these exams and tests can help your doctor learn if it’s uncomplicated or complicated.

More than 75 percent of diverticulitis cases are uncomplicated, leaving about 25 percent to develop complications.

These complications can include:

  • abscess, an infected pocket that’s filled with pus
  • phlegmon, an infected area that’s less well-confined than an abscess
  • fistula, an abnormal connection that can develop between two organs or between an organ and the skin
  • intestinal perforation, a tear or hole in the intestinal wall that can allow the contents of your colon to leak into your abdominal cavity, causing inflammation and infection
  • intestinal obstruction, a blockage in your intestine that can stop stool from passing

There are a few medical treatment, Nothing was really helping After many Visits to My Family Dr and the Internist, I was referred to the amazing Surgeon here in fort Mc and a Bowel resection with colostomy, was done in Nov and May got this reversed!!

In a bowel resection with colostomy, the surgeon removes infected sections of your colon and attaches the end of the healthy section to an opening in your abdomen, known as a stoma. 

Both procedures can be performed as open surgery or laparoscopic surgery. Learn more about the types of surgery that can be used to treat diverticulitis.

Diverticular disease usually affects adults. But in rare cases, babies are born with diverticula. When this happens, it’s known as Meckel’s diverticulum. If the diverticula become inflamed, it’s called Meckel’s diverticulitis.

If you suspect that your child might have diverticulitis, make an appointment with their doctor. Some people have this and it never really affects them, for me this has been very dramatic. But I am now feeling better than I have ever felt and I have been given a second chance.. Please eat a sensible diet and pooping daily is important.. LiveLaughLove rat a healthy diet.. Love y’all A Huge Thank you to all Front line Workers, Drs and nurses at out @NLRHS Thank you all Frontline Staff. We live and appreciate you.

70 yrs ago today D Day!!

Since Im from the UK I will do this segment about war time 1940 in the UK 70 yrs ago, was a lot different as there had been 2 Wars, with massive rations, that lasted years after the war, Here is Pic Rhubarb and Apple Jam, not mine was on a web site i cane across wile researching rationing and wartime foods .. I guess they had to try make heathy meals from the rations WW 2 rationing in the UK started Jan 8th 1940 with such foods as Bacon, butter and sugar, then a year to r so later other foods such as Meat, Milk, Cheese and Eggs also cooking fat which was a Lard. Could you imagine running a household, during these times.. My mom was am orpan during the first WW, bless her the stories he told, just break my heart. Sorry that was a side track!!

  • First World War 1914-1918 My mom was born the end of this war..
  •  Second World War 1939-1945
  • A ww1 from 1918 on 1940 experiment . Com Recipe for Garlic and Cheese Scones ( Biscuits) Im going to try this

Wild Garlic & Cheese Scones (based on WW1 Ration Scones from 1918 above)

  • 5 oz of white self-raising flour
  • 2 oz of butter or hard margarine
  • 1 egg and a little milk
  • 1 oz grated hard cheese (cheddar would be fine if you have no Parmesan)
  • Several wild garlic leaves chopped very finely
  • Large pinch of salt.

Method

  1. Sift flour and large pinch of salt into a bowl
  2. Dot in the butter and then rub into the flour
  3. Add the grated cheese
  4. Add the chopped wild garlic leaves
  5. Add the eggs and milk mixture leaving a spoonful to brush tops of scones before baking
  6. Form a dough that is not too sticky and can be handled.
  7. On a floured surface roll out to about 1/2 inch thick and use cutter or end of glass to create 6 scones (you may get more if you are lucky)
  8. Place on baking tray, brush with egg mixture and sprinkle a little more salt on the top of each scone
  9. Place in pre-heated (200 C) oven for about 20 minutes until a nice mid golden colour.
  10. Remove and place on wire rack.
  11. Enjoy while still slightly warm with butter. Would also be lovely served in a bowl with stew!

Makes 6 or 7

Preserving produce and I guess growing, having a little garden would have been beneficial. this info about the Victory gardens was on Wikipedia

Victory garden

victory gardens

Victory gardens, also called war gardens or food gardens for defense, were vegetable, fruit, and herb gardens planted at private residences and public parks encouraged people to transform their front and back gardens into vegetable plots. The goal was to replace imported food, thus freeing up shipping space for more valuable war materials, and to make up for food that was sunk in transit. By the end of 1940, 728,000 tons of food making its way to Britain had been lost, sunk by German submarine activity. hens had to be killed and sold off as food, as there was a shortage of stuff to feed them. This led to an egg shortage, and egg rationing of 1 egg per person a week. People could start to keep Chickens in their back yards, you would give up your egg ration and then you were entitled for a grain ration . Some Hotels kept Chickens . There was also a Pig Club, Communities set up neighbourhood Pig Clubs, to buy a pig, then feed it scraps from the households involved. (In many towns, the councils put food waste bins in the streets: Fed this to the pigs. Also Rabbit keeping became popular, rabbits breed all year round so this was a great source of meat! I couldn’t have eaten a rabbit but I guess these were desperate times..

These were the days before refrigeration and freezing was common in household kitchens, cannon and preserves were important.. The Ministry of Food educated people with leaflets, radio programmes and community demonstrations on the latest and greatest food preserving techniques, to ensure that no food went to waste. Also an interesting tip Eggs could be kept fresher for a bit longer by rubbing them with lard to seal the pores,

  • There was a Women’s Land Army, as all the young men, went to fight the war. Ladies Went to work, doing the work usually met did!!
  •  British women ( All over the world)  took on a variety of jobs during the Second World War. They also played a vital role on the home front, running households and fighting a daily battle of rationing, recycling, reusing, and cultivating food in allotments and gardens. Before ww2 , Britain imported most of its food. Then war broke out and this had to stop, now Britain had to grow most of its food.

Britain’s wartime women gained a new sense of power. There were women who could talk down aircrews, break codes, track battleships, drive 10-tonne trucks and save lives. No concession was made, however, for the fact that women had to go on running the home. After a 10-hour day in a factory making aircraft wings, a woman would still have to shop, clean, feed her family on rations and “make do and mend”. After the war, the home was where they were expected to return.

In 1945, a group of rightwing women formed the British Housewives’ League to protest against rationing; at their peak they had 100,000 members.

D-Day: What is it and why is it important? From BBC News

It has been 76 years since the D-Day landings, which took place on 6 June 1944 during World War Two.  Women had a vital Role in WW2, Women were conscripted in December 1941. They were given a choice of working in industry or joining one of the auxiliary services – the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS), the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) or the Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS). I think it is very important to remember this day, even though I wasn’t born for a long tome after this.. I remember my Grandmas stories, and one I remember my dad telling many times, they were in Belgium , not sure where or why! Dad and a few friends were invited in to a Belgium, family house for supper.. Dad said the Supper was delicious, and the most amazing meat, he asked what it was and their reply was it was Tinned Monkey!! Needless to say my poor dad always had a very delicate tummy!! He Went and threw up!! Funny thing I found this article LOl

Feeding soldiers in prolonged combat is no easy feat. Besides the fact that conditions may well be adverse – snowy, mountainous, extremely arid and/or humid – troops may not have the time or the equipment for cooking. This is where “monkey meat” proved useful! This small tin of beef preserved in brine, with a close resemblance to cat food and an unappetizing odour, could be heated up or even eaten cold. It sustained soldiers throughout World War II and was the exemplary solution for the difficulty of providing healthy food to soldiers carrying out strenuous tasks in stressful situations. Such nourishment needs to be balanced, tasty and attractive, lightweight, compact and waterproof, as well as easy and fast to prepare!

Below ww2 ration book, these were issued to the public 5 days after war was declared, Sept 8th 1939 . They were not actually used until four months later, however. Bringing rationing into effect was postponed several times owing to a campaign in the press led by the Daily Express newspaper, which called rationing an unnecessary folly and government interference with civil liberties. The government finally overcame political resistance and rationing came into effect on 8 January 1940. Rationing meant that no matter how rich you were, the food available was equally shared at fair prices.Once the ration booklets were received for that year, you would take them and register them at the grocery stores you intended to use them at. I cant imagine these times..

What food did they eat during the war?Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and bread were hard to find.

These were solid, heavy, belly-filling meals such as:

  • Bean soup and bread, followed by treacle pudding.
  • Toad-in-the-hole and potatoes.
  • Mutton stew and suet pudding.
  • Fish and potato pie, then baked raisin pudding, nothing was wasted..

I could go on and on about the rationing in ww2, but I must cook super.. We can certainly learn a lot from these times, like not over buying, less waste.. Appreciate what we have.. Live Laugh and Love life is so short enjoy every moment .. Love y’all I received this today form the Fort McMurray RCMP I feel so humbled to have this,, I crochet #Hugs4Cops and all first responders to show my appreciation, respect for their work Thank you

Hospital week ,

This has been a strange week, Lots of healthy earring, made one of our fave Snacks a Veggie Slaw, yummy!! I Ninja’d Colin and Bailey, they didn’t expect it, bless them.. I cant with to wrap my arms around them and tell them how much I love and Miss them.. We went to see Kate and Asher had a great Afternoon in the garden, I played with Asher and David and Katie planted the garden.. Came home and made the Most Amazing Chilli, with a lean ground beef, 3 types of beans, a hot pepper and Chilli Spices OMG the best ever, then yesterday ate light, as today Is surgery day.. With luck thus will be the last one !! Yesterday a book I ordered written by a friend in the UK, who has Been a Cop for 30 yrs, So far it is a great read, I also have another book to read, it is about The Fabulous Finn, aPolice Dog who was Stabbed and he made remarkable recovery!! I will post the links for both of these books after my Surgery.. Love Y’all Stay Safe !!

Friday!! WHAT where does the time go

Good Morning, another rainy day, lets just take a deep breath and stretch to start your day! I did, had my berries and yogurt , feeling great.. Today is leftover day, before I start to cook for the weekend, I am going to make a slaw, that is good for snacks also .. Im craving a Veggie Pizza , maybe tomorrow I will make a one.. We love a veggie pizza, they are so juicy .. I loved when Colin and Bailey would come over and we would make personalised Pizza !! I miss them so much, and love them to the moon and back !! Being a grandparent is the best, We do fun road trips, family fun nights, telling the kids stories of when we were little. Dreaming of things to com.. We don’t take over from the parent, we have been there done that, After your children grow up and leave home, life changes. many mums and dads, this is the period when ‘empty nest syndrome’ begins, Lets travel, we did this. Having the empty nest takes some getting used to..A new lifestyle. Soon your Kids are married and having children of their own, filling up the family tree with little babies. Now another transition. Now, you’re stepping forward into a new role. Your family is growing again, and you’re taking on a fresh title, Gram, Grand, Nanna, Grandad, Grams, Gramps!. Both as a parent and as a grandparent, Your Heart is bursting with pride and a never ending love for your offspring. But while parenting is a balance between care and guidance, grand parenting is a little-different.

As grandparents have all the luck. We get to enjoy the unconditional love of our grandchildren without having to shoulder the responsibilities parents have and these days this is a lot different . Of course, we’ve already paid those dues when we raised our own children! Daily life brings with it a to-do list. But not at grandma’s. At grandma’s, it’s all about having fun. Here there are no dentist appointments to attend, no chores to be done, and no to-do lists to check off. As a grandparent, you needn’t concern yourself with the day-to-day necessities of life with children. These are left to their parents, meaning your time spent with them can be focussed completely on having a great time.  When ever needed will jump in and help..

Being a grandparent is not just about your cute, grandkids, it’s about your own children too. There’s nothing that can compare to the magic of watching your children turn into loving, caring parents. Having that feeling of She’s like my mom, or my dad used to say that, oh my I taught her that when she was young and now she is teaching this to her kids, Witnessing the growth can feel miraculous and very emotional, For many grandparents, this period brings about , pride. You can feel secure in the knowledge that you did an amazing job raising your kids, as you see them doing the same with their own children. Being a parent is the most beautiful thing in the world, but being a grand parent os a 100 x that feeling, when you don’t get to see this grand kids, for what ever reason you miss the, “ Gram I love you Ohh my heart Fun times with Gram and Grand XOXOXOXOX

Oh my my eyes seem to have developed a leek.. If I could turn back time..

Lets add a little Muscle to this !!

Staying Well! Look after your health and eat a healthy diet helps your mental health and for now and in the long term of things, you will reap the benefits.. The first oic is one of our fave lunches, Grilled Cheese in WW bread, not proceed slices, but cut from a block of cheese, Aged White Cheddar and a Scottish Cheddar, and my pickled red onions, I made a home made Tomato Soup, this is one of our comfort foods!!

Muscles in a Tomato Wht wine sauce. This has been on my want to cook list for a while, I looked over a few recipes and , decided this was the one I wanted to try! I made the tomato sauce the day before, with 2 small cams tomato, garlic, onions, a little basil, salt and fresh ground black pepper.. This sauce is light and flavourful, with out to many spices.. I diced a hot red pepper, 2 tsp minced garlic cooked in a little Olive Oi; them added the muscles , once they started to change colour I added the tomato sauce I made previously , once it came to a bubble, I added 1/2 cup of Dry White Wine your Choice, while this was simmering I made Spaghetti, once th Spaghetti was done I drained and put back in the pot and added Garlic Olive pol A PC brand and amazing, I then portend the spaghetti and added the Muscle and tomato sauce, We also like to add fresh ground black pepper to his once served .. Well David had 2 helpings of this, I will def make this one again.. My next Feat is to make a Sea Food Paella .. It is a crazy week, our son has been in Hospital in Edmonton, but is now back in YMM Hospital, the next week I go into hospital.. Up and onward another adventure.. I think I will do a little relaxation and yoga tonight ..

Been doing a little research on relaxation and yoga, along with your diet. These are not my words but some info I thought you may find interesting Practising this daily can provide an inner peace and relaxation, it just takes a few Mins daily We all face stressful situations throughout our lives, ranging from minor annoyances like traffic jams to more serious worries, such as a loved one’s grave illness. No matter what the cause, stress floods your body with hormones. Your heart pounds, your breathing speeds up, and your muscles tense. this is a stress response . Challenging situations in daily life can set off the stress response. We can’t avoid all sources of stress in our lives, nor would we want to. But we can develop healthier ways of responding to them. I love this one and do daily!!

This is just one way to de stress

Breath focus. In this simple, powerful technique, you take long, slow, deep breaths (also known as abdominal or belly breathing). As you breathe, you gently disengage your mind from distracting thoughts and sensations. Breath focus can be especially helpful for people with eating disorders to help them focus on their bodies in a more positive way. However, this technique may not be appropriate for those with health problems that make breathing difficult, such as respiratory ailments or heart failure. I have been doing this since the Birth of my first Daughter Victoria 30 + yrs ago.. These are stressful times , lets all take a few mins a day to breath and relax, play some music, not head bopping, but a relaxing tune.. As of late I have been doing a morning stretch, once this last surgery is over, I do walk daily with George and David, but I need to get in to shape.. Up and Onward, #Stay Safe and Stay Healthy!!

#CF Snow Birds

Condolences to this Pilots Family and Snow Birds Family, We watched them fly over Fort MCMurray ,on the Operation Inspiration tour.. I shed a tear , it was such a beautiful thing for them to do! Now we are mourning the lost life of Capt jenn Casey. RIP

 public affairs officer with the Snowbirds, died in the crash, the Canadian Armed Forces said in a statement. 

The pilot of the CT-114 Tutor aircraft, Capt. Richard MacDougall, sustained serious injuries in the crash, My Heart Aches and I think I will crochet a Hugs Blanket for the Snow Birds, in Memory of Capt Jenn Casey #Hugs

With the Covid 19 virus, flooding we had , Surgery for me on the 27th, and our Son in Hospital in Edmonton, a crazy time for us.. Up and Onward an we are looking forward to one day soon having friends and family over for a BBQ. I awoke this morning not feeling great, my heart was heavy, so I thought I have to shake this feeling, what better way that a healthy Breakfast.

Here are 11 good reasons to include berries in your diet.

  1. Loaded with antioxidants. … 
  2. May help improve blood sugar and insulin response. … 
  3. High in fiber. … 
  4. Provide many nutrients. … 
  5. Help fight inflammation. … 
  6. May help lower cholesterol levels. … 
  7. May be good for your skin. … 
  8. May help protect against cancer.

The Science Behind Breakfast

Why breakfast is the most important meal of the day

You might think that the recommendation not to skip breakfast is just plain good advice. After all you need enough fuel to make it through the morning, right?

But research has found even more reasons for making room for the “most important meal of the day.” 

Probably the most appealing benefit is that breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism and, thus, helps you burn more calories throughout the day. Even George my Springer Joins in our breakfast, he loves Yoghurt and a Salmon Oil Capsule, he really loves them , we like to shake up our wake up !!

Cognitive function

Breakfast also restores glucose levels, an essential carbohydrate that is needed for the brain to function. Breakfast can improve Memory, and concentration, and makes us happier, I know if i get hungry i get Hangry, lol

When did the word breakfast originate?15th centuryIt was not until the 15th century that “breakfast” came into use in written English to describe a morning meal, which literally means to break the fasting period of the prior night; in Old English the term was morgenmete meaning “morning meal.”

Right now I think it is time for a Cup Of tea ! #StaySafe out there #LiveLaugh and Love Love y’all

I then proceeded to make a Home Made Hand Sanitiser, for our personal use.. This afternoon I am finishing a #Hugs4Cops Blanket to send to an RCMP officer hurt in the line of Duty . I actually have 2 to send one here in Fort McMurray and one near Edmonton . Just my way of showing them we appreciate their work, Firefighters also !!

Potato and meat patty!!

This is a way back to when I was living in Carlisle England , I didn’t or don’t have the recipe I just out together the way I remembered the Pierie’s Patty , there was a Fish and Chip Shop in Carlisle that sold these patties , oh my goodness they were amazing !! It tasted the way I remembered them. A little taste of home, I used ground pork for the filling, onion, a small carrot, garlic, black pepper and tomato paste.. Mashed potato. I am going to try these with different fillings, like Cheese and Onion, Chilli, Curry!! I love cooking and as We like to call kit #ISoCooking , when we cook a batch of food we usually put one or two Porch Packages together for Friends and family..

One batch was my Scotch Baps and Tomato Basil Soup!! The Second batch of Baps was the best! Here is a pic of some young ladies enjoying my soup and scotch baps !!

Yesterday David cooked , a batch of Spaghetti Sauce and we froze the for a future meal, and a #PorchPkg

Supper David made his amazing Chicken and Leek dish Oh my goodness this was amazing , He has been making this since we came to Canada, I cant remember where he got the recipe, everyone loves this. The we cook , we have a great playlist on and sing along as we cook!!

Today, my phone rang, and it was Katie to say she was going to take Asher for a Drive so she popped bye for the garden toys , we have had the slide since Katie and Victoria were small, the toy Police car was Colin and Baileys , so was the little tykes Bike or as Cling called it his “Crappy Bike” I am so please that they are going to get used again. We kept a #SocialDistance Here are a few new and old pics of my Grandkids enjoying these toys, I do apologise, I am having a minor melt down as I see these pics. I love y grand kids so much and miss them ..

We Will Survive !!

Wow what a crazy week,!! We have 2 rivers convert here in Fort McMurray, the Athabaska River and the Clearwater River, we have had a long winter and it has stayed colder this year so the Ice is a lot thicker!! We have a huge Ice Jam and the Lover part of Fort McMurray has had to evacuate due to flooding . Through fire and flood, some residents in Fort McMurray are quietly longing for the rocky shores they used to call home while dealing with a pandemic and a natural disaster. There has been about 13,000 people evacuated !! “Hell to High Water!!” What else cold go wrong, Fort McMurray People are strong and

2016 we had the Beast come through our City of Fort MCMurray the entire city was evacuated Approx 90,000 ppl We rebuilt , but this flood has also destroyed a few of the houses and businesses that were re built. My Heart Aches for this town.. David also got temp lay off, so we are Self Isolating at home, this past year was tough on us as I also had a Mgr Surgery and am awaiting another, that was delayed due to the Covid Crisis.

Up and Onward.. 45 yrs married, we have our tiffs, but make a cup of tea and carry on.. We f We both love to cook so for our Anniversary on April 26th I cooked Eggs Benny for breakfast, and David cooked steak for supper and I made twice baked potatoes!! We are missing hugs from our 3 Grand-babies Colin 13, Bailey 9 and Asher almost 10 Months Old !! We planted seeds about 3 weeks ago and they are sprouting, soon we will be able to transplant in to the garden ,Herbs, Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes, Spring Onions , Strawberries and flowers, it is not a lot but , we love going in to the garden to pick a salad !! Fort McMurray We can do this #StayHome #StaySafe #DontHoard #EveryonehastoSurvive Thank you to all the First Responders, Drs and Nurses all the grocery store workers and Truck Drivers, we could not do this with out you I love you all and Miss you!! I’m a Hugger ..

Easter in self Isolation

Happy Easter to all my readers, family and friends,This was a strange Holiday, We are so used to hosting dinners for family and friends, this easter there was just 3 of us, David, myself and our son Ian ohh and George my faithful Springer.. The start of the weekend I groomed George as he was a hairy mess, its nor perfect but he looks not to bad.. Then I decided to put on a great playlist Phil Collins and Glass Tiger.. Sat I cooked Scotch Eggs they were amazing , and some Mushroom Soup.

  • Scotch Eggs
  • 2 pkgs Sausage meat ( I used 2 as I swear these are smaller)
  • 6 Medium Eggs
  • 1 cup panco bread crumbs
  • Italian seasoning
  • fresh ground black pepper
  • Soft boil the eggs, once the water was boiling i cooked the eggs for 3 mins, then took them off the stove emptied the boiling water out and poured cold water on the eggs to stop them cooking.. I then placed half of the bread crumbs in a dish and the other half to coat the scotch eggs in . I peel the shells of the eggs , then mix the sausage meat, bread crumbs, spices then, put a ball of sausage meat in your hand and make a hollow, place the egg in the hollow and wrap sausage meat around it. then roll the egg in bread crumbs, once done deep fry for 5 or 6 mins, let cool an they are ready to eat, they are really good..

Mushroom Soup

  • oyster mushrooms
  • 2 portobello mushrooms
  • White mushrooms slice all the mushrooms
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 celery stalk diced
  • 900 mills veg stock
  • fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • drizzle of truffle oil
  • olive oil
  • 2 tbl spoons sour cream
  • in a pot placate Olive Oil, mushrooms onion and celery, and garlic sauté until soft add the stock bring to the boil and let cool a little, then I blend add sour cream and a drizzle of truffle oil and black pepper, mis and simmer this is delicious with home made bread , to dunk in .. As for the Mushrooms it is your choice of which ones to use, I find the Porcini mushroom has a very earthy taste to it, i usually have a pkg chefs blend dried mushrooms, but did not have this time..
  • Easter Dinner was a Roast Beef. small potatoes, the trivet was Onions,Carrots, and parsnip, I also did leeks in a Dill n Pepper sauce it was not bad, along with that yorkshire puddings all produce was from The real Canadian Super Store, and Save on Foods here in Fort McMurray..
  • After Supper Kare , Aaron, Asher and Miss Gracie face timed us, loved every second of the call. Them Matt, Krystal, Colin and Bailey brought dropped off the most amazing dessert a carrot cake bunt cake in bunny rabbit shapes, it was amazing . Along with Dessert Colin Hand made a leather Note Book for Grandads Birthday, it is beautifully done, great Job Colin.. Grandad will have this for ever.. #Safe Distancing was done.. I love my family, I am a hugger, I hug everyone, I cant wait for this to be Over , I have a lot of hugs to give.. Love y’all #StaySafe #Stay Home and this will all be over soon..

‪#BellLetsTalk . #Hugs4Cops Blankets #EveryStitchaHug #MakingaDifferenceaStitchataTime ‬ #firstresponders.

Since Evac in 2016 I have been Crocheting Hugs Blankets. In 2013 a Police dog got Killed, in the line of duty, Quanto was his name, Katie and I Scrapbooked a picture collage for the #EPS and Dog Handler. I presented it, it was a heart wrenching . I cried.. Since Then I have supported #First Responders #Hugs4Cops Id say twice a month I go buy wool at Walmart.. Thank you First Responder and Cops for the job you do on a daily basis

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