Tag: cold

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St Kitts Bhaji Mix Recipe

We don’t have any of our bhaji mix on the shelf at the moment, but we don’t want to leave you without – so by popular request, here’s how you can make it at home!

 

Bhaji mix ingredients:

200g gram flour

1 tsp garam masala

1 tsp baking powder

water

 

Method:

Mix dry ingredients together and add enough water to make a batter – you want it thicker than for pancakes, but not stiff.

My favourite bhaji is cauliflower, so I’ll give you the instructions for that. Break cauliflower into florets and put them into boiling water, bring back to the boil then remove from the heat straight away and strain. They will feel like they are too firm, but trust me this will make them perfect. Drop the cauliflower florets into the batter and coat thoroughly. Heat about an inch of oil in a deep frying pan, once it is hot drop the coated cauliflower in and fry, turning regularly, until a golden brown. Drain on kitchen paper and give a sprinkle of salt before serving. Best served hot with a yoghurt dip, or as a side with a curry.

 

You can also use peas, chopped onions, partially cooked sweet potato… anything you fancy really! They’re also great with salad, if the sun finally comes out and you fancy a quick bite…

 

Photo credit: mdid via Foter.com / CC BY

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Taste of Summer!

We love a glass of pimms – it makes it feel like summer no matter what the weather! Here’s our twist on the fabulous classic… We’ve made a special basket of plants, just for this purpose (not that we drink a lot *cough*)

Ingredients:

1 part Pimms No. 1

3 parts Sparkling Sicilian Lemonade

Fresh Apple Mint Leaves

Fresh Lemon Verbena Leaves

Fresh (Wild) Strawberry Halves

Fresh Cucumber Slices

Lemon Slices

Ice

Just pop your ice in a jug and pour over the Pimms. Add your fruit and leaves to taste and top up with lemonade. Find yourself a pretty straw and a nice spot in the garden and enjoy!

If you’re just not a fan of pimms (sacrilegious though it is) here’s a few more summer drink recipes – so you can get your practice in while it’s still spring!

 

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Herbs for Health Eucalyptus


HERBS FOR HEALTH – EUCALYPTUS     

eucalyptus-bottle

 We all know herbs can smell and look beautiful in your garden and be great for cooking, but what about herbs for health?*  Every month we’re going to be introducing you to a new herb and its traditional medicinal uses – starting with seasonally appropriate Eucalyptus.

This is a fast growing tree with beautiful bluey green leaves., it grows well in most soils and will reach a height of up to 30m. If you want to grow your own here is some good advice.

Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from the globulus variety and is a common ingredient in medicinal inhalation preparations. Although taken in large doses the plant is toxic (it should not be taken orally, or put on the skin undiluted), its medicinal benefits are well documented, where it’s decongestant properties make it useful for cough, cold and chest preparations.. It is also widely used in dental preparations such as mouthwash and toothpaste, as it has a unique, fresh aroma. This aroma also has uses in the perfume industry. Eucalyptus can be used in oil burners to freshen the air with its lovely fresh fragrance

The leaves can be used to repel fleas and for pot pourri.

Cosmetically the plant can be used to make deodorant and is antiseptic.

*This article is intended for interest only – use of herbs given are traditional and do not reflect the herbs efficacy. It is not intended, nor should be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical condition please consult a qualified health professional prior to using any herbal preparation. Although the facts have been checked carefully, we cannot guarantee the reliability of information provided. Essential oils should not be used on children or vulnerable adults (elderly, breast feeding or ill) or during pregnancy. Some essential oils and herbs can be toxic, whether taken internally or used on the skin – your health care professional will advise.