What's cooking

SUNDAY

Some facts on Cocoa.the Aztecs of Mexico and the Incas of Peru dried cocoa beans in the sun, and roasted them in pots, then crushed and kneaded them into cakes, using wooden beaters. The cakes were mixed together with water, vanilla and spices to make a cold drink. Cortez after conquering Mexico, brought back cocoa beans to Spain, and with them , the secret of making a drink. Not till over a century later, however, in 1650, did the English learn to make it. Cocoa is less stimulating, but more nourishing than tea or coffee.

MONDAY

Did you know that Wattaka (Pumpkin) seeds are a rich source of the mineral Zinc? Zinc is an essential part of the immune defence mechanism. Shell Fish is also rich in zinc. Anyone with Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS) or menopausal problems, loss of appetite, and low resistance to infections should take an extra daily dose of zinc.

TUESDAY

Everyone knows that Garlic and Bees Honey is a preventive against heart attacks. Do you know how to prepare it? Clean about 15 pods of garlic and place in jam jar. Pour in enough bees honey to cover garlic, close with an airtight lid. Keep aside for one week. Eat one pod daily with some of the bees honey. Repeat the process every 15 days, so that there is a period of one week when you do not take it. Continue for three months, and then stop awhile before you start again.

WEDNESDAY

Kehelmuwa Pahie (Plantain Flower). Cut Kehelmuwa very fine. Boil 5 minutes with saffron, vinegar, and salt. Grind about two tsp mustard, garlic and ginger,1 or 2 cloves in vinegar, and add. Add one tsp chillie powder, and 3 level dessertspoons sugar and mix. Bottle.

THURSDAY

Bananas are just as good a fuel for workouts as a sports drink with electrolytes. Also the fruit contains compounds mimicking Ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling, which may help you to get better.

FRIDAY

New research says you can reduce your risk of heart disease by getting a lot of your protein from nuts and seeds. People whose diets included mostly meat-based protein were 61 per cent more likely to have heart problems.

SATURDAY

“Worry is like a rocking chair. It will give you something to do, but it won’t get you anywhere” Incidentally, this is my 447th installment of ”What’s Cooking.”