| From a nutritional view-point, winter is the time to use | | | | Pastas are a natural for winter. Spaghetti, tagliatelle, |
| the reserves that have been built up in the autumn. We | | | | penne, macaroni, linguine and conchiglie can be married |
| need more calorie-rich meals to keep us warm, and | | | | up with chunky, creamy or pesto sauces in such |
| the most favoured ingredients are pulses, rice and | | | | dishes as spaghetti bolognese, spinach and artichoke |
| grain, cabbage, leeks and root vegetables. Fish and | | | | tagliatelle, penne with basil pesto, Lebanese pine kernel |
| fatty foods help to keep us warm, and dried foods | | | | macaroni, linguine with mussels and conchiglie with |
| provide energy. | | | | chunky spices sausage. |
| In Chinese philosophy, it is thought of as the season of | | | | Pizzas are as versatile as any food and can be |
| most yin, when the energy is inward-looking. Nature | | | | pre-prepared and frozen. Typical constituents are |
| sleeps and prepares. The energy is resting deep in the | | | | mozzarella cheese, tomato paste, peppers, and chillies, |
| ground. Outside all is barren and still, but inside there is | | | | with seafood, chicken, mince, ham, sausage and |
| warmth, and opportunity to study and learn, time for | | | | assorted vegetables. |
| leisure, culture and rest. | | | | Additional flavours according to taste can include |
| The element of this season is water, which | | | | anchovy fillets, black or green olives, crushed garlic, |
| corresponds to the kidneys and bladder. Special | | | | shiitake mushrooms, capers and oregano. |
| attention should be paid to the basic life energies. Keep | | | | Casseroles are a hearty meal and can be |
| warm and well nourished, stay quiet and peaceful, and | | | | pre-prepared for convenience and taste. |
| enjoy this season of still life. | | | | Typical ingredients in many casseroles include diced |
| In winter soups are warming, healthy and nutritious. | | | | potato, onion, carrots, celery, tinned or fresh tomatoes, |
| Virtually any vegetable can be cooked. Many can be | | | | broccoli, chic peas, beans and cabbage or bok choi |
| blended with an electric blender to whatever | | | | with either casserole steak, chicken pieces, lamb chops |
| coarseness or consistency is desired. Spices and | | | | or shanks, diced meats such as lamb, veal, pork or |
| pre-prepared food stocks can be used to add flavour. | | | | chicken thighs. |
| In this way, you can make such soup dishes as leek | | | | Flavourings can include ground cumin and coriander, |
| and potato, spicy green lentil, carrot and ginger, mixed | | | | thyme and rosemary, sea salt and cayenne or black |
| bean, creamy parsnip, pumpkin, cauliflower, mixed | | | | pepper. Cream, parsley or grated carrot can be used |
| vegetable etc. For added flavour, I love to add a tasty | | | | as a garnish. |
| chorizo sausage or heaps of curry powder. | | | | |