#brunchinbrunswick
I may have slipped under the radar last week and missed a blog post. I do apologise. Continue reading
For the love of Brunch: in Brunswick.
Author: Emma
Spring into fruit and vegetables.
And suddenly, life is good.
The sun has finally set on winter, and spring has sprung. Continue reading
A love for Marie Biscuits.
At 6am this morning, my brother and I were woken by the thud of our Grandmother’s footsteps stomping down the passage. Eventually we rose and greeted our Grandma. She was sitting at the kitchen table in her dressing gown, with the radio on. Her hair was set in rollers, tied with a blue and orange patterned scarf. She had a cigarette in one hand, and a pen in the other. A half drunken cup of tea, white with no sugar, lay beside her opened puzzle book. She likes the puzzles that look like a crossword but you just put different numbers in instead. I don’t remember what they are called, but I like them too.
She said good morning, and opened her right arm for a cuddle. She promptly got up and made us breakfast. Toast. Country split white bread (you know, the one with the holes in it) with melted butter and just a smidge of vegemite. For herself she gathered weet-bix, topped with all bran and nutri grain. We all sat down with our puzzle books, eating our breakfast and drinking milos out of bone-coloured plastic mugs.
After breakfast, Grandma headed out to the sewing room. For there were quilts to be made and slacks to be hemmed. Ben and I busied ourselves with colouring books, and fought over who got to play Theme Park world on Grandma’s Windows XP computer. A sewing friend popped in for a visit, and Grandma promptly baked a batch of scones. She makes the best date scones. She bragged about how good we were doing at school, and topped the scones with butter so thick that it almost resembled cheese.
For lunch we headed down to a local cafe. I enjoyed a sprite spider and Grandma ordered fish and chips, with extra chips ofcourse. If Grandma hadn’t had time today, we probably would have just had ham & cheese sandwiches, or toasted those frozen McCains ham & pineapple pizzas. Although if we were really lucky, the old fashioned skillet would have been on the stove cooking a batch of pikelets.
After lunch we went for a drive to Cavendish. We generally go random places like that. We haven’t done that for a long time though, Grandma has been busy preparing for Sheepvention. So just the other day, whilst the sewing ladies were putting the final touches on this years quilt, Lisa and I went and played in the pines. We raided the pantry hoping for some chocolate royals or chocolate-coated teddy bear biscuits, but ended up with some malt-o-malt biscuits and out of date Le Snaks. We spent the afternoon exploring, making wishes in toadstool rings and somehow convinced ourselves that there were black bras hanging in the trees, and someone was actually living in there. We can be so silly sometimes.
Tonight we’re having a family dinner. A roast. You should smell it. Grandma is busy peeling potatoes and chopping pumpkin. I can’t see any jelly though, so the peas must be coming boiled. Thank god, they’re bad enough as they are. Mum and Dad will arrive soon, and my uncle, aunty and cousins will too. The long green stool will be fetched from the middle bedroom, and the table extended. The camping set of white knives and forks will be retrieved from the top cupboard, and promptly placed next to the plastic salt and pepper shakers. James will probably do something naughty, and grandma will go after him with a fly swat. Ben, on the other hand, will just be being the golden child he is.
For dessert we are having bread and butter pudding. I’m not sure if I like it, but it sure is a change from the vanilla ice cream topped with sprinkles and chocolate topping we normally have.
But here’s the thing.
We aren’t having a family dinner tonight.
I’m not spending the day with my Grandma,
and I definitely didn’t have a sprite spider for lunch.
This is just a tribute.
For one year ago today, we said goodbye and let the angels take our dear old Grandma Marie to heaven.
I know she is up there enjoying a cup of tea with Gwen, and no doubt bossing everyone around. There will be salads with no cucumber, and two thermos’ filled ready to take to hockey. I’m sure there is a quilt being made for Layla too, and she’s probably not happy with Ben’s unwashed hair or dad’s ripped work pants.
But most of all, I’m sure she is up there with a smile on her face, proud as punch and wiggling her fore finger at us through the clouds.
Rest in peace Grandma Marie.
The world is definitely not the same without you.
Emma xo
The six foods Emma Stubbs always stocks at home.
It’s time to shift the focus away from the foods we shouldn’t be eating, and shine the light on some of the fabulously nutritious foods in life.
They are so great that you don’t have to go to a health food store to buy them, or earn a six figured wage to afford them. Their nutritional values have been long recognised, and they don’t need to marketed as a superfood to sell.
1. OATS
Yeah, okay, so maybe Uncle Toby’s started labelling the humble oat a superfood, but I guess you could call that evolution. A sign of the times. Oats start out as Groats and as they are dehulled, cut, kilned, steamed and rolled, different varieties such as steel cut, scottish, muesli, traditional/rolled and quick oats are produced.
The starchy carbohydrates in oats provide a natural source of energy which help our bodies and brain power through until lunchtime. Oats are one of the lowest glycaemic index wholegrain and provide many nutrients including dietary fibre, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, lignans and phytonutrients. They are rich in the soluble fibre beta-glucan which is found in the bran and endosperm layer of the grain. Beta-glucan has been demonstrated to lower cholesterol levels by inhibiting the re-absorption of cholesterol into the bloodstream. Oats are also a source of thiamin and magnesium which are important for the supply of energy, carbohydrate breakdown, and numerous other processes within the body.
Oats are gluten free BUT due to potential contamination with wheat in the field or across the supply-chain, they cannot be labelled as gluten free in Australia and New Zealand. Also, they contain a protein called avenin, and some clinical studies have shown that this can cause a reaction and intestinal damage in approximately 20% of Ceoliac disease sufferers. Ceoliac Australia recommends that for individual wishing to consume oats as part of the gluten free diet, a biopsy prior to and 3 months during regular oat consumption should be done to determine its safety on the individual.
Naturally low in sodium, a bowl of porridge or muesli is a great breakfast choice. Try to choose rolled oats over the quick variety, as the processing does reduce the fibre content. Make your porridge with milk rather than water to boost the protein content and add some very important calcium. Top with greek yoghurt, nuts, seeds and some fruit and you’ll have yourself a nutrient dense breakfast that will keep you full till lunch time!
2. GREEK YOGHURT
As far as I’m concerned, if I have no greek yoghurt in my fridge I have nothing in my fridge. I have a problem.
Aside from the obvious benefits on bone health, greek yoghurt varieties contain twice the protein than natural yoghurt, which makes for a satisfying snack or great addition to your bowl of morning muesli.
Unlike other yoghurts, greek yoghurt is strained to remove the whey. Removing the whey also removes water, and results in the thick and creamy texture that has us thinking we’re indulging in full fat cream. This texture also makes it incredibly versatile in the kitchen.
The major benefit of greek yoghurt is that it contains probiotics. Probiotics are live micro-organisms that help stimulate the good bacteria that live in our guts and keep our digestive tract healthy. Probiotics help improve digestion, reduce bloating and diarrhoea, relieves the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and help prevent the overgrowth of bad bacteria.
3. EGGS
I’m super lucky that my mother has chooks (which sometimes I think she loves more than me), and I often leave home with a supply of eggcellent eggs.
Eggs are nutrient powerhouses, always available on the supermarket shelf and super easy to cook. One egg contains up to 7 grams of high biological value protein, and the provide valuable B vitamins, essential omega-3 fatty acids, iron, selenium. They also contain approximately 5g of fat and their cholesterol content has caused eggs to get a bad rap for years. But before you go throwing away the yolks folks, the yolk contains half the protein and the Heart Foundation recommends that within a diet that is low in saturated fat, all Australians can enjoy up to 6 eggs a week without adversely affecting their risk of heart disease. Hooray!
So, make sure you keep up a supply. They make a quick breakfast, lunch or dinner. Hardboiled eggs also make a good snack, and you’ll need that egg for that cake you plan to bake too..
4. BLUEBERRIES
Generally frozen, rarely fresh. I actually think I like them better frozen. And they are nutritionally as good, with a student-friendly price tag.
Blueberries are full of antioxidants such as Vitamin C and A, which makes them berry berry good for you. When our body metabolises oxygen, unstable molecules called ‘free radicals’ are produced. These free radicals can damage DNA and other cells and have been linked to heart disease, liver disease and cancer. Antioxidants neutralise these free radicals and protect the body from the damage they can cause. Pretty cool. They taste delicious, make your food go purple (that’s the anthocyanin pigment!) and are low in kilojoules too. I love to have blueberries with my morning muesli, or chucked in my pancakes or muffins, or frozen with greek yoghurt for an after dinner snack.
5. BROCCOLI
Or any other cruciferous vegetable for that matter. The other day I looked in the crisper and I had broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, red cabbage AND tuscan kale. Today not so much. Cauliflower’s were $7 EACH in woolies yesterday!
Cruciferous vegetables are part of the Brassica group of plants. They are packed full of fibre which helps keep you full and away from the cookie jar. Plus they are low in kilojoules and high in water, so they can help with weight maintenance too. Fibre has also been linked to lower rates of Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. They are a rich in vitamin and minerals including vitamins A and C, folate, potassium and magnesium which are beneficial for protecting our hearts, immune systems, eyes, reducing the risk of cancer..The list goes on, and on.
You can eat them raw or cooked, from fresh or frozen. Team with other vegetables such as carrots or capsicum, and make sure you fill about half your plate with these good guys.
And lastly,
6. ALMONDS
I’m absolutely nuts about nuts. In particular, almonds (and peanut butter but that’s for another day). Not only are almonds delicious and super versatile, they are packed with heaps of health benefits.
Almonds are a rich source of healthy unsaturated fats, vitamin E and plant sterols which are all really important in keeping our blood cholesterol within a healthy range and ensuring our hearts stay healthy. They also contain iron, zinc and calcium too, which is valuable for our vegetarian and vegan friends. For all you non-dairy folks, a 30g serve (about 20 almonds) provides about 70mg Calcium so these will be a welcome addition to your diets. Like all plant foods, almonds are a source of dietary fibre and help keep our digestive system healthy.
Studies have also been shown to improve blood glucose control, and contrary to popular belief, help with weight management. So it’s time for you to go nuts about nuts. Enjoy a small handful as a snack, use almond meal in your cake mixes or pancakes (makes them so moist!) or sprinkle in your stir fries or on your porridge.
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What six foods do you always stock at home?
Emma xo
25 ways for getting your 2.5.
HEALTHY BONES ACTION WEEK, 4-10 August 2014.
Many people seem to have a nutrient or food they focus on, whether that be for a medical condition or just because of their personal preferences. Such as iron for vegetarians, saturated fat for those with high cholesterol, and carbohydrates for people with diabetes. Body builders and resistance athletes tend to focus on protein, and some people just endeavour to get as many superfoods into their morning smoothie. You get my drift.
Overall, I aspire to have a healthy, balanced diet, but if anything concerns me particularly, it’s my calcium intake. My grandmothers bones are well and truly beaten, and my mothers bone density test a few years back did not come with good prospects. So my bones are an aspect of my health I’m definitely concerned about. And quite frankly, we all should be.
Developing osteoporosis really sucks. Four or so years back, my grandmother backed into a street sign and broke her pelvis. Hardly a high impact crash, and yet she spent eight weeks in a hospital bed with her feet up. That’s the reality of having brittle bones, even minor bumps can cause a fracture.
It is estimated that 1.2 million Australian’s have Osteoporosis and another 6.3 million are at risk. Totalling one third of Australia’s population, as our nation ages this rate is set to increase with our ageing nation. Pretty scary hey? The funny thing is, most people recognise the importance of calcium-rich foods in building strong bones and teeth and preventing Osteoporosis, yet most Australians fail to meet their recommended serves of dairy and/or dairy equivalents each day.
Crazy right?
In an ideal world we would all have a bowl of cereal with milk for breakfast, a tub of yoghurt for morning tea, and a cheese & salad sandwich for lunch. But we’re all individuals with different taste buds, needs and opinions, so I have friends that don’t like drinking milk and a father that cringes at the suggestion of yoghurt (Are we really related?).
I could bang on about more reasons for Australian’s not consuming adequate calcium until the cow’s come home. Pun intended. Instead, I’m going to take the boring out of breakfast and provide you with twenty-five ways to help you to get in your dairy serves each day.
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Breakfast
1. Two slices of wholegrain toast with 1/2 cup ricotta cheese, fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, or for those savoury lovers, ricotta with sliced tomato and cracker pepper.
2. Overnight oats. Endless possibilities with this one.
3. Lemon and Ricotta pancakes. I used Heidi Sze’s ricotta pancake recipe and swapped the ginger & lime for lemon.
5. Baked beans on toast, with grilled tasty cheese. mmm cheese.
6. Banana & PB smoothie. 1 cup of low fat milk, a dollop of yoghurt, one banana and a tbsp of peanut butter… Yes please.
Lunch
7. Canned pink salmon (keep the bones) with apple & fennel slaw
9. Zucchini Slice: Mix 1-2 carrots (grated), 1 large zucchini (grated) with 1 cup reduced fat cheddar cheese, 1 grated onion, 6 eggs, 1/2 cup SR flour, 3 slices of short cut bacon (diced) and 1/4 cup milk. Combine and bake in over for 35-35 minutes at 180°C.
10. Indian caramelised onion and split pea soup.
12. Top pita bread with spinach, sardines (in tomato or BBQ sauce), cherry tomatoes and cheese, then grill.
Dinner
14. Roast pumpkin & ricotta pie
15. Swap chicken with tofu on a BBQ tofu pizza
16. Roast pumpkin & spinach lasagne. I love this recipe!
17. Swap your sour cream on baked potatoes & mexican food for greek yoghurt. If the tartness isn’t your forte – add some lime zest & juice.
18. BBQ sardines with salsa verde
Snacks
19. A tub of yoghurt – check out Susie Burrell’s review on the top picks.
20. Ricotta with vegetable sticks or on ryvita’s.
21. Cheddar cheese & sliced apple. Interesting combo that’s been featuring on my housemate’s snack plate the past few weeks.
22. Remember, your afternoon cappuccino and lattes count too.
23. Use greek yoghurt as a substitute for sour cream in tzatziki and serve with vegetable sticks.
24. Handful of almonds. This won’t be a full serve of dairy equivalents but a great contribution nonetheless.
and one for dessert,
25. Frozen yoghurt. The homemade kind. I love to freeze plain greek yoghurt with some blueberries. I stir it every ten minutes and wait till it’s like a fro-yo consistency. (Whatever you do, don’t leave it to get rock hard and icy).
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For more information on what equals one serve, click here.
In addition to ensuring adequate calcium, weight bearing exercise & getting enough sunshine is also essential for healthy, strong bones! Don’t be fooled by your one hour walk in the sun either, I had my vitamin D tested the other week and it was too low!
Happy ‘Healthy Bones Action Week‘ everyone!
Emma xo
Broccoli & blueberries 