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Saturday, April 14, 2018

The power of Mustard Greens



Hearty greens such as mustard greens, collard greens, turnip greens, and kale actually benefit from what some consider over cooking. Cooking these veggies low and slow makes them become soft, drab green and ugly as well. The good thing is that they taste so good.



Cooking greens over a simmer slow they are super tender, the bitterness mellows, and they take on a rich flavor. Greens are normally cooked with a salted pork but can be prepared vegetarian style as well.

Mustard greens are not as common as kale, collard greens or spinach but they are just as nutritious. In fact mustard greens have more vitamin K, vitamin A, carotene's and flavonoid antioxidants than some of the other common veggies and fruits. Mustard greens have a rich, peppery flavor.



The entire mustard plant including leaves, seeds and stem are all edible. Mustard greens originated in the Himalayan region of India some 5,000 + years ago. The mustard plant is often cultivated for its green leaves and seeds and production of mustard oil. There are a variety of mustard greens. Size, shape and colors help distinguish the greens. The greens come in colors of red, purple, and green.



Mustard greens may help protect human bodies from diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. One cup of mustard grams contains only 21 calories but has 3 grams of protein, 1 mg of iron, 104 mg of calcium, and more.

Mustard greens are healthy for the body and can help:

  • Mustard greens can help increase bile binding when cooked. In turn when the liver needs to regain bile acid it looks to cholesterol and the cholesterol levels are lowered. One of the best ways for bile binding to take effect is by steaming the greens. Bile binding can also help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. 
  • Mustard greens can help clean the liver. The high levels of chlorophyll in the greens helps pull environmental toxins from the bloodstream and neutralizes chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals in the body. 
  • Mustard greens can help promote bone health. There is 524% of recommended daily value of vitamin K found in one cooked cup of mustard greens. Vitamin K may help halt further bone loss in those with osteoporosis. Vitamin K also helps in blood clotting and bone mineralization. 
  • Mustard greens contain nearly 60% of required daily vitamin C that is needed by the body. Vitamin C and other antioxidants in mustard greens are valuable for the immune system. Proper function of t-cells, preventing and slowing cell damage of the body are also helped by the antioxidants and vitamin C found in mustard greens. 
  • Mustard greens contain retinol found in vitamin A as well. One cup of cooked mustard greens contains 177% of daily recommended value of vitamin A. Maintaining healthy vision and skin around the nose and mouth areas are jobs done by vitamin A. Vitamin C in mustard greens helps build collagen in the skin as well. Collagen helps produce firm and healthy skin and helps to prevent loss of elasticity as well. 


PRECAUTION:::

mustard greens are very valuable and great source of nutritional value but there are a few things that must be shared:
  • reheating mustard green leftovers, may convert nitrates to nitrites, resulting in bacteria formation. It is important to eat mustard greens immediately after cooking
  • Blood thinner medication like warfarin must be taken caution as well. Mustard greens contain high vitamin K 
  • Those who suffer from Oxalate urinary tract stones should be advised to avoid mustard greens. The natural substance in mustard greens may result in crystallization of oxalate stone. 


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Friday, April 13, 2018

Be Careful Out There


Are you superstitious?? If you are then you most likely dread or have dreaded this day. Friday the 13th is considered to be an unlucky day in Western superstition. The fear is that something bad will happen on Friday the 13th. An average of 17 to 21 million people suffer from a fear of Friday the 13th according to the North Carolina Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute. Those who suffer from a fear of this day are known to suffer from a condition known as "paraskavedekatriaphobia". The Greek psychologist Paraskevi was given credit for Friday and Dekatreis for the number 13 and phobia for fear.




Why and when Friday the 13th became a time to fear is unclear. There is no written evidence of why the superstition of Friday the 13th began. One can date the fear of the number 13 back to 1700 BC:

  • in 1772 BC the ancient Babylon's code of Hammurabi omitted the number 13 in the list of laws. 
  • a longstanding myth is that when there are 13 people who dine together, one of them will die within the year. This myth arose from the Last supper when Jesus dined with 12 apostles prior to his own death. 


  • Some say that if you cut your hair on Friday the 13th then someone in your family will die
  • Some think that if a funeral procession passes your way on Friday the 13th you will be next to die. 
  • starting a trip on Friday the 13th should be avoided as the traveler will find much delay or misfortune
  • Some consider the number 13 cursed and the number 12 completed. For instance there was 12 gods in Olympus, 12 months of the year, 12 hours on the clock, 12 tribes of Israel, 12 Apostles of Jesus, and the list goes on
  • 13 is the number of witches needed to form a coven 
  • The number 13 has been considered cursed across the world for thousands of years. 
  • In recent history October 13, 1989 the second largest drop of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in history took place. The day was nicknamed the Friday the 13th mini crash. 
  • In the novel The Da Vinci Code the date of Friday the 13th was discussed and a connection between the slaughtering of the Knights Templar by the Church and Friday the 13th was drawn
Because of these and many more the day of the week Friday, as well as the number 13 and especially Friday the 13th is strongly avoided by the world. Many cities do not have a 13th street or 13th avenue, high rise buildings avoid the 13th floor, hospitals avoid labeling rooms 13 and many airports do not have a gate 13. 

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Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson



Today is the day that a great man straight from the history book pages of time celebrates a birthday. Thomas Jefferson had many great feats during his time. He authored the Declaration of Independence, authored the Statue of Virginia for Religious Freedom, was the third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. For over 50 years Thomas Jefferson served his country and led the life of a public official, historian, philosopher, and plantation owner.


Thomas Jefferson was born in 1743, fourteen years later his father died. Thomas Jefferson attended the college of William and Mary to study law. By the time Jefferson was 24 he was allowed to practice law before the general court.

Thomas Jefferson would write a Summary view of the Rights of British America. This would be one of the first important papers in history Jefferson would write. Shortly after he would retire from legal practice at the age of 34. Thomas Jefferson would have 11,000 acres of land and 135 slaves when his father in law passed.

Jefferson found true loss in his life when his infant daughter would die in the same year he was elected to Continental Congress. Just one year later Jefferson would draft the Declaration of Independence. As a member of the House of Delegates Jefferson was appointed to revise Virginia laws During this same time period Jefferson's mother would pass away. One year later he would lose an infant son at birth.

In the years 1779 to 1781 Jefferson would serve as Governor of Virginia. During this time more sadness would meet Jefferson when he would lose another daughter. In 1782 a second daughter would be born and Jeffersons wife would die.

Jefferson would be elected as a delegate to congress, the first United States Secretary of State, vice president of the United States, and in 1801 he would serve two terms as President to the United States. During Jeffersons time in office Lewis and Clark would lead an expedition and the Louisiana Purchase would take place

Jefferson would pass away on a fitting day July 4th 1826. He was a hard working American who had his own trials, moments of both sadness and gladness and served his country well.


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What is a Leek



What is a leek??

A leek is a vegetable,  the broad leaf wild leek. The edible part of the plant is a bundle of leaf sheaths that is often called the stem or stalk. Leeks are closely related to onions, garlic, shallots, scallions and chives.



Leeks are like onions and garlic and contain sulfur containing compounds that help fight dangerous free radicals in the human body. Kaempferol is also contained in leaks and may help fight cancer as well as fight chronic diseases such as heart disease. Leeks also contain antioxidants and vitamins A and K, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium and thiamin all of which help the body.



Many people may not know how to cook leeks. The top recommendation is to cut them very thinly and prepare them in a healthy saute. Allow leeks to sit for at least 5 minutes after cutting and before cooking.

Leeks have a mild, onion-like taste. In its raw state, the vegetable is crunchy and firm. The edible portions of the leek are the white base of the leaves (above the roots and stem base), the light green parts, and to a lesser extent the dark green parts of the leaves. The dark green portion is usually discarded because it has a tough texture, but it can be sautéed, or more commonly added to stock for flavor.[10] A few leaves are sometimes tied with twine and other herbs to form a bouquet garni.

Leeks are typically chopped into slices 5–10 mm thick. The slices have a tendency to fall apart, due to the layered structure of the leek. There are many different ways of preparing leeks including :

  • Boiling --- the leek will turn soft and mild in taste. When boiling be sure to chop the vegetable first
  • Frying --- for a crunchier taste fry the leeks
  • Salads --- raw leeks go well in salads
  • Turkish cuisine --- chop the leeks in thick slices, boil and separate into leaves. Stuff with filling of rice, parsley, dill, onion, and pepper
Leeks have been found through out history. The Hebrew Bible speaks of leeks as well. They were once abundant in Egypt and many dried specimens have been found in archaeological sites , in carvings and drawings. 

Do your self a flavor and try a leek. 





Spanish Fandango and The Guitar

In America during the 1840's there was a very popular piece of music called the "Spanish Fandango" Everyone wanted to play the song on the guitar. "Spanish Fandango" was printed in magazines and cheap guitars were readily available. Everyone wanted a six string guitar to play the "Spanish Fandango" After that point the six string guitar became known as the Spanish guitar. The punch line is that the "Spanish Fandango" had been written in Youngstown Ohio and truly had nothing to do with spanish music.




The list of guitars can go on and on. There are three main types of guitars 1. classical guitars with nylon strings 2. acoustic guitars with steel strings and 3. electric guitars with magnetic clips. Out of these three types there are an infinite number of guitar variations. Here are just a few of the many:



Tenor guitars were quite popular in the past but today they are rare to find. The tenor guitar has four strings and tunes like a viola. Smaller than a regular guitar the Tenor guitar is fairly wide. The tenor guitar has an extra note on each string


An acoustic electric guitar is an acoustic guitar with a pickup in it. The difference between an acoustic electric guitar and an electric guitar is that the acoustic electric sounds like an acoustic only louder.


A resonator guitar was invented in the 1920s. Invented so the guitar would be louder for recording purposes as the invention of Amplification had not been invented. A resonator guitar is a simple guitar with a speaker in the center.


A lap steel guitar is a guitar that lays flat in your lap. It uses a metal bar that slides up and down the strings in your left hand. The lap steel guitar was popular in country music and Southern Churches.





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Time for Spring Sports


Families that maintain a healthy living also love to have fun. Children who participate in sports get a taste of healthy living habits at a young age. Snow melting and the mercury rising means that spring is in the air. Spring is in the air and spring sports season has arrived. Those involved in spring sports will learn the fundamentals of how sports are played. Maximize the enjoyment of watching your son or daughter play by following some of these safety tips.


Safekids.org recommends that all children first have a physical exam, Something that schools often demand and yet other organizations do not. A physical exam allows a doctor to be able to recognize any pre-existing conditions that could inhibit your child from playing. Any red flags that may be uncovered will allow coaches to have information in case of emergency.

Three important steps to keep in mind when your child is ready to play are:

  • Stretching during a warm up period before practices and games will help to prevent injuries. 
  • Hydration is very important. Drink plenty of water, water, water before, during and after game
  • Properly dressing for the sport you are playing is important as well. 


Being a team player means keeping your self well as well as reminding others about safe steps.



When playing softball and baseball keep in mind that while it may not be a contact sport there are lots of ways one can get hurt. Being hit by a pitch, batted balls in play may make contact whether running on the base paths or in the outfield. There are a few items that can help you protect your child:
  • Batting helmets should be worn during all at bat. The helmet should stay on their heads while running the bases. 
  • Infielders and pitchers should all wear an athletic cup. The batter can hit a ball at a very high speed and these players especially are close enough they may get hit
  • Cleats are special shoes that have molded plastic or metal spikes on the bottom of the shoe. The plastic spikes are desired over the metal ones
  • All players in the position of the catcher should wear a face mask, throat guard, helmet, cup and pads. This equipment will help protect against wild pitches and foul tips. 


People all over the world love to play soccer. There is a potential to injuries to those who play soccer. Safety equipment for soccer includes:
  • Protecting ones shins is always important. There is little body padding in the shin area. Shin guards are a must for those that play soccer
  • Soccer socks are required to hold the shin guards in place
  • Cleats again are needed to play soccer successfully. 
  • To protect a players mouth from a potential hit to the face mouth guards are required. Mouth guards help protect teeth and the tongue. 
Track and field is another popular spring sport. Like soccer , baseball and soccer getting involved is good for any child. Track and field is great for a child who may be interested in running, one that does things alone as well as any that enjoy different sports within one. Short or long distance running, tossing the shot put or discus, and the list goes on and on.


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April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month


One word that most of us fear is that one day the doctor will say the big C word. Yes, the big C is cancer. Cancer is defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to surrounding tissue.

One type of cancer is oral cancer. Oral cancer will appear as a growth or sore in the mouth that refuses to go away. Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx (throat). If not diagnosed and treated early oral cancer can be life threatening. An estimated 49,670 people will be diagnosed with oral cavity cancer in 2017. The America Cancer Society states that around 9,700 of these cases will be fatal.

The majority of mouth cancers will begin in the flat cells that cover the surfaces of your mouth, tongue and lips. A patch on your tongue, gums, tonsils or the lining of your mouth may be a sign of trouble. Not all oral cancers will look or feel the same. The skin may feel thicker or nodular or there may be a ulcer that will not go away. Most noncancerous lesions will resolve in just a few weeks.


Swelling or thickenings, lumps or bumps, rough spots, crusty or eroded areas on the lips, gums or other areas inside the mouth are all signs to watch for. Velvety white, red or speckled patches in the mouth should be examined by a physician. Between 75 to 90 percent of cases of speckled patches are cancerous. Do not ignore any colored spots in your mouth. You dentist will take a biopsy of these cells to rule out cancer.

If a white or grayish patch is present inside your mouth or on your lips it is known as leukoplakia. Any irritant like a rough tooth, broken denture, or tobacco can cause cell overgrowth and produce these patches. The habit of chewing the inside of your cheek or lips can lead to leukoplakia. The white or grayish patches signal that the tissue is abnormal and can become malignant. In most cases it will be a benign cancer



Signs that you should immediately report to the doctor include:

  • unexplained bleeding of the mouth
  • unexplained numbness, loss of feeling or pain tenderness in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
  • persistent sores on face, neck or mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks. 
  • soreness or feeling that something is caught in the back of your throat
  • difficulty chewing or swallowing, speaking or moving the jaw or tongue
  • hoarseness, chronic sore throat, or change in voice 
  • ear pain
  • change in the way your teeth or dentures fit together
  • dramatic weight loss


Note about canker sores:
while a canker sore can form inside your mouth it often burns, stings or tingles while mouth cancer in early stages rarely causes any pain. Canker sore resembles an ulcer with a depression in the center. The middle of a canker sore may appear white, gray or yellow and the edges are red. Canker sores often are painful but they are not cancerous. Canker sores normally heal within 2 weeks. If any sore, lump, or spot in your mouth last longer than 2 weeks they need to be seen by a professional. 

Oral cancer is treated in similar way to the way other cancers are treated. Normally surgery to remove the cancerous growth. After surgery radiation therapy and or chemotherapy to destroy cancerous growth and any remaining cancer cells. 



Oral cancer survival rate for patients with all stages of oral and pharynx cancer is 81%. Survival rate for 5 year is around 56% percent and for 10 year is around 41% and goes down from there. 



A few ways to cut your risk of oral cancer is to:
  • not to smoke or use any tobacco products
  • drink alcohol in moderation 
  • eat a well balanced diet
  •  limit exposure to the sun Repeated exposure increases risk of cancer on the lips. When in the sun use a UV-A/B sun block on your lips

  • Once a month conduct a self exam by using a bright light and a mirror, look and feel your lips and front of gums. Tilt head back and look at and feel the roof of your mouth. Pull your checks out to view the inside of your mouth, the lining of your cheeks, and back of gums. Pull your tongue out and look at all surfaces, examine the floor of your mouth. Look at back of your throat. Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes in both sides of your neck and under your lower jaw. If you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth any of the signs and symptoms then call your dentist at once. 


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Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Carrots Come In Rainbow of Colors



Colored carrots seem to be making the lime light. The grocery stores have not spot lighted the rainbow of carrots yet farmer markets have had a dramatic increase in popularity more recently. 

The early 2000s began an introduction to the "not orange" carrots. The first to be introduced were red, yellow and purple. In the beginning the colored carrots offered a harsh not really carrot taste. Carrots are available in a number of colors ranging from white and yellow to very dark purple. The favorite color is still one of a bright orange. Like color shape of a carrot comes in varities as well. The most common carrot is long and taper to a point. Others can be cylindrical in shape and yet others short and stubby or round.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018

The Story of Jumbo



Jumbo the elephant was born around Christmas 1860 and lived about 25 years passing away September 15, 1885. Jumbo the Elephant was a 19th century male African bush elephant that was born in Sudan. He would spend some time in a zoo in Paris and in 1865 travel to the London Zoo. P.T. Barnum would purchase Jumbo March 1882.

The elephant gained his popular name "Jumbo" by being large in size. His shoulders height measured 10.6 feet.

Jumbo's mother had been killed by hunters. Jumbo spent time in both the Paris zoo and the zoo in London. In London he gained fame for giving rides to visitors. While at the zoo in London Jumbo would break both his tusks. The tusks would regrow but Jumbo would use the stonework of his cage to break them down. The decision to sell the elephant to the Barnum & Bailey circus was not without objection. There were letters from 100,000 school children to Queen Victoria begging her not to sell the elephant as well as lawsuits from the Zoological Gardens.

Jumbo would die at the railway yard in Ontario Canada September 1885. The circus would crisscross North America by train. Jumbo would be hit as he was being led to the box car with other animals. He would be mortally wounded, dying within minutes. Jumbo's skeleton was donated to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. His heart was sold to Cornell University







What is IBS



Irritable bowl Syndrome is a disorder of the intestines. Belly pain, cramping or bloating and diarrhea or constipation is often present with IBS. The Syndrome can be mild to severe but it most always debilitating The individual also often faces embarrassment and fear of when an attack may happen and where. 



Those that suffer with IBS know that every day is often different. IBS symptoms can become better or worse day to day and often gets worse over time. It however, does not cause more serious diseases. It is not quite known what the cause of IBS is. There may be a number of different reasons and the reasoning may change from person to person. Signals sent from the brain and digestive tract Many will struggle digesting certain foods and stress or anxiety. Unusual sensitive intestine or problems with the way the muscles of the intestine move. For some that suffer from IBS everything from certain foods, stress, hormonal changes, and even antibiotics can trigger pain and symptoms.



IBS symptoms include belly pain with constipation or diarrhea, bloating, mucus in stools, and a feeling that you have not completely emptied your bowels/ Many that suffer from IBS will travel back and forth from constipation and diarrhea.



IBS is diagnosed via a series of questions about symptoms you may have and past health. A physical exam will also be done. Some times doctors will ask other test be done as well. Tests such as a stool analysis or blood test are done to rule out other problems. Treatment for IBS includes diet and lifestyle changes, avoiding certain foods, participating in regular exercise and managing stress. Medications for pain, diarrhea and constipation may also be used.





Thank You 911 Operators


Put together a gift bag to take to your local 911 officers to thank them for all they do. Simply follow this little card, place items in blue or gold bag and attach card. It will be a great way to show those behind the scenes that they are appreciated. 



Go Orange for ASPCA

The ASPCA as it is often refered to is also known as American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The group helps to rescue animals that are in danger, helps with the adoption process of pets and new owners, and helps ensure the proper welfare of animals. The ASPCA has worked for the past 150 years to put and end to animal abuse and neglect. Work that the ASPCA conducts includes:

  • saving animals that are involved in dog fighting, puppy mills, hoarding and other cruelty-related situations
  • provides animals medical care and behavioral rehabilitation
  • helps thousands of animals find loving homes every year
  • when disaster strikes they respond
  • advocate for strong laws to protect animals


Great Couples Through Time



dam and Eve were the first man and woman in existence and therefore the first couple. Together they would suffer many troubles and temptations. While they did not have the same issues as today's couples may their issues were grave for sure. They were responsible for eating the forbidden fruit and doomed humanity.



Another couple and love story was that of Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Their story has much passion, infidelity, political intrigue, and loads of stabbing. Their story goes as such:
Cleopatra had an affair with Caesar. Caesar would get stabbed to bits. Cleopatra then would fall in love with Antony. The only issue was that he had a wife. She would not last long though as she died shortly after. Antony would not marry Cleopatra as his political interest was more important. Cleopatra would however get pregnant by Anthony War would break out in the Empire and Antony believed Cleopatra had died but that was a misunderstanding, however he took his own life and in despair she killed herself as well. That was the end of that love story. 



A royal love story between Prince Albert and Queen Victoria was one that lasted 20+ years. In many royal love stories you will hear about affairs and love but the story of Queen Victoria was much more respectable. Victoria and Albert wanted to set an example that the public not only could but would want to live up to. The love story would last 21 years and only end with the death of Albert. The queen would then wear black for the rest of her life.



One couple that lived by the quote "to die by your side, well the pleasure, the privilege is mine" was Bonnie and Clyde. The only famous couple that I can think of that not only lived for the moment but aspired to romantic feats as well. The partners in crime Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker helped enlighten the romance of the 1930s. Robberies and shoot-outs would lead to a grim death with the partners dying together. The beautiful young love story was only darkened when one thinks of all the people that were killed by the gang.



Song's often tell stories of love. Johnny Cash and June shared such a love story together. Their story began one night after a show when they would meet back stage. The singers were both married to other individuals at the time and it would take years before the two would be able to be together. June would keep a destined to be wild Johnny Cash a bit tamer. Eventually Cash would propose live on stage and June would accept. The love story would continue for 45 years until death did them part.





Winston Churchill Loved Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding #Recipe included

Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill was a British statesman, army officer and writer. He served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 as well as from 1951 to 1955. 



April of 1963 was a day that went down in History. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy signed a bill that made Winston Churchill an honorary citizen of the United States. April 9, 1940 Germany eluded the British blockade and invaded Norway This is considered by many the real start of World War II. Winston Churchill and his patriotic rallying cry for keeping "British stiff upper lip"



Our country was once under British rule many moons ago. We were freed from their control many years ago but for many we are still patriotic to England. So the fact that Winston Churchill Britain's Prime Minister is a honorary citizen.  Churchill set a good example in a trying time. When describing him the words courageous, tenacious, erudite and indomitable are a few words that come to mind. The strong will of Winston Churchill and his rally for the world to fight for freedom on its own is a great reason to celebrate Winston Churchill Day.


Winston Churchill had a love for food as well. He once stated "  “It is well to remember that the stomach governs the world.”




about 1.5kg (3lb) roasting joint of beef – top rump, topside or silverside
2 carrots, chopped into large pieces
1/2 celery head, chopped into large pieces
2 onions, chopped into large pieces
1 rosemary sprig
For the Yorkshire puddings
150ml (1/4pt) sunflower oil
100g (3 1/2oz) plain flour
3 medium eggs, beaten
150ml (1/4pt) whole milk


Remove the joint of beef from the fridge a couple of hours before you want to cook to allow it to come up to room temperature. Preheat the oven to gas 8, 230°C, fan 210°C. Put the carrots, celery and onions in the base of a large baking tray. Top with the rosemary sprig. Weigh the joint to calculate approximate cooking times. If it isn’t already, tie the joint up with butcher’s string, so that it is a fairly consistent thickness. Rub the joint in plenty of salt and pepper and sit on top of the vegetables.

Roast the beef in the oven for about 20 minutes per 450g (for medium rare), making sure you reduce the oven temperature to gas 6, 200°C, fan 180°C after the first 20 minutes. Check the centre of the beef with a meat thermometer and when it reaches 52-55°C, remove from the oven and leave to rest under a sheet of kitchen foil and a tea towel for at least 30 minutes. (Aim for 60°C if you want the centre to be medium and 65°C for medium well. If you don’t have an meat thermometer then the approximate timings and weight calculations should work nicely for a joint that is the rarer side of medium/rare.)

Increase the oven temperature to its highest setting (gas 9, 240°C, fan 220°C). Pour enough sunflower oil into six holes of a muffin tin to fill each around a third of the way up. Sit the muffin tin inside a larger baking tray with enough of a lip to catch any spilling oil. Put the tray in the oven for 5 minutes or until the oil is shimmering. Sift the flour and 1 tsp salt into a clean bowl. Whisk in the eggs until you have a smooth paste, then gradually incorporate the milk. Pour the batter, through a sieve to remove any lumps, then pour into a jug to make pouring easier.

Half fill each of the six muffin holes with the batter and bake for 20 minutes, turning the oven temperature down to gas 4, 180°C, fan 160°C after the first 5 minutes. Do not be tempted to open the oven door before the cooking time is up. Transfer the cooked Yorkshire puddings, upside down, to a wire rack over some kitchen paper to catch any excess oil. Cut the butcher’s string from the rested beef joint and carve the beef at the table. Serve with the Yorkshire puddings, gravy and your vegetable sides of choice.

recipe resource here



Southern Fried Cabbage With Sausage


3 tablespoons butter or 3 tablespoons bacon fat
1 small green cabbage, chopped
1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
1⁄2-3⁄4 lb smoked sausage, sliced (I like Conecuh, Original)
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained (I like Hunt's Petite Diced)
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic salt, to taste
1⁄4 teaspoon Tony Chachere's Seasoning, to taste (optional)
salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste 

Chop/slice the sausage, cabbage, and onion.
In a large non-stick skillet, pre-cook the sliced sausage about 3 minutes to render some of the fat out. Remove sausage from skillet and drain on paper towels if needed. Set aside. Wipe the skillet clean.
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add cabbage and onion and cook and stir on medium-high for about 5 minutes, until cabbage starts to wilt.
Add remaining ingredients, and the sausage.
Cover the skillet and cook for about 10 minutes.
Uncover, and finish cooking until cabbage is desired tenderness and most of liquid has been reduced.

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Broccoli Frittata



1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3½ cups broccoli florets
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
Salt
Black pepper
8 large eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

 Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a 10-inch ovenproof, nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add garlic, and cook over medium-high heat, 30 seconds. Add broccoli and crushed red pepper, and cook 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of water, and season with salt and pepper. Cover, and cook over medium heat until broccoli is crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Let cool.

In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with ¼ teaspoon of each salt and pepper. Stir in broccoli. Return skillet to the stove, and heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Pour in egg mixture. Cook over medium-low heat until set around edges, about 3 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese, and transfer to oven. Bake until center is just set, about 12 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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A Round Tuit