A classic pudding for the holiday season
With Christmas Day almost here we do need to have a look at the holiday period in terms of nutrition and looking after yourselves.
I asked Adrienne Roberts, our HOD of the food programme, how she viewed Christmas and she replied: ‘‘Christmas should be a time of people, not pressure’’.
I think her answer is very on point and we should focus on the people, our nearest and dearest, over the summer break.
There are many things that we can all do to make this a reality for us. Be present for those that are around you, take an active role in your kids’ activities, reduce the screen time and take in what our region has to offer. In terms of food, it is important to remember that inseason vegetables are at their best now.
Teach your kids that the best way to cook them is with little water and with short cooking times to maintain all the vitamins and minerals, or make a platter of raw vegetables with a selection of dips (hummus, egg salad ‘‘dip’’ or tuna and mayo ‘‘dip’’). Also keep in mind that when cooking your meat to use the barbecue more and rub your meat with herbs and spices such as cumin, paprika or rosemary.
I asked Adrienne for her best food tip for the Christmas holidays. She replied: ‘‘Eggs! Christmas is usually an expensive time of year, so don’t forget about eggs. They are about 30 cents each and for a 2-3 per person meal, they are a cheap source of protein. Plus they are very versatile and can be used from breakfast to dinner. If you are anything like me, I no longer perform to others’ expectations and I make the food I want to make and eat’’.
This is the time of year when we can all overeat and indulge in ‘‘treats’’ that come out over this festive period. Now in no way are we trying to be the Christmas Grinch and say ‘‘do not eat that’’. We take the same approach with our boys here at school and would like you to adopt a smaller portion mentality or if you are unable to do that then know that you are going to have to increase your physical output to burn off all those Christmas treats.
We are going to head to dessert today and focus on a quick ‘‘steamed’’ pudding which will be cooked in a matter of minutes. It can be made and decorated by the kids and always looks pretty good.
From Adrienne and myself we would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a stress-free festive period. See you all in 2019.
Microwave ‘‘steamed’’ pudding
c golden syrup
50g butter c sugar
1 egg
1c flour
1 t baking powder t mixed spice sultanas/raisins c milk
Method
Grease a microwave dish approximately 15cm across and put in the golden syrup. Soften butter, add sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
Add egg and beat well. Mix in fruit.
Sift in dry ingredients, add milk and mix all together.
Pour into baking dish and microwave for 4 minutes. Rest for 1 minute then tip out and decorate.