WINTER

With the temperatures dropping we see a welcome change to Winter fruits and vegetables.

All those lovely soup veggies are available: swede,turnips, cauliflower and pumpkins.

Also winter greens - broccoli, beans and the choys are all looking great.  Broccoli is regarded as ' a super food' providing valuable antioxidants  essential for optimal health and wellbeing.  It also contains substantial vitamin  A, vitamin C and folate and has been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of heart disease. 

Winter sees less of our tropical and more of the temperate climate fruits.  Apples - the pink lady and Granny smith are fabulous this year, and the navel oranges are beginning to appear.

Pears are fantastic at present and with all the new varieties on offer the choices are huge.
Pears are a fabulous source of dietary fibre and can help maintain regular bowel function.

Rhubarb is also fabulous from May to August-see suggestions for easy preparation tips

FAST SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS TIPS

APPLES
- Have you tried an 'apple slinky'?? available form kitchen and Knife shops these peel and slice the apple into a continuous slikny shape making eating so much easier
Children will love the slinky apples and there also fantastic for those who have had a Lap band as the thin slices are very easy to eat .
-Core a Granny Smith and fill will a mix of sultanas , chopped nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar. Stand in a dish with 2 cm of water-bake in a moderate oven
 30-40 mins Serve with vanilla yoghurt
-Delicious apple crumble-slice 2 apples and thinly and arrange in oven proof dish.Combine 1   cup rolled oats with 1/4 cup brown sugar ,1/2 cup shredded coconut and 3 tablespoons butter or margarine and sprinkle over apples.Bake 20-25 mins in moderate oven.