5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipe: Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters (185 Calories)

5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipe:

Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters (185 Calories)

5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipe: Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters (185 Calories)

It’s time to go back on the 5:2 diet, after a few weeks of unfettered eating whilst travelling and staying with my parents, I am keen to get back on my two fast days a week. And, I want, or should I say need, normal food – not the usual “diet food” that lots of people suggest you eat; 500 calories a day may not seem a lot to work with, but, I have become a master (or is that mistress?!) of making my 500 calories stretch as far as I can with comforting meals and recipes. This week is rather easy, as I have pledged to eat vegetarian all week, and that means LOTS of lovely seasonal vegetables and herbs. As well as seasonal vegetables and herbs, my chickens are laying well too, and I have eggs of varying sizes (according to chicken breed and size) available to cook with. I have also been lucky enough to forage some wild garlic, (ransoms) locally, and they certainly add a pungent punch to this delicious recipe, along with a fiery chilli kick – NOT your average diet food I think you’ll agree.

5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipe: Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters (185 Calories)

One of the easiest ways to “perk” up low-calorie and low-fat food is to add BAGS of flavour; and I try to use lots of herbs and spices when I create new recipes that are suitable for the 5:2 diet. The word “fritter” also conjures up fat-laden morsels with a heavy calorie count – but, I can assure you that these are LOW in fat as well as calories and are absolutely delectable. The recipe that I am sharing today for Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters is only 185 calories per portion, and when served with lots of salad you will have a meal for just under or just over 200 calories. The total calorie count for this recipe is 740 calories, so you can divide the meal even more accurately if you make 10 fritters, with each fritter weighing in at 74 calories, although I have suggested making two large fritters (or 4 small fritters) per person. It’s up to you how you work it out, but I am sure that you will love these spicy fritters for something different on a fast day.

5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipe: Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters (185 Calories)

These fritter are part of my National Vegetarian Week meal plan, which you can see here: National Vegetarian Week, Seasonal Favourites, 5:2 Recipes and my Weekly Meal Plan, and I am definitely going to make them again, and not necessarily for a fast day either. I may try them next week with prawns added, as part of my Fish on Friday weekly post, I am sure that prawns with wild garlic and chilli will be sublime! And, I am sure that some cooked potato will also be a nice addition, sort of mini tortilla or frittata…….the possibilities are endless. Anyway, that’s enough for now, the recipe is below and don’t forget I have LOTS of other lovely “non-diet” type recipes for 5:2 here: Lavender and Lovage 5:2 Diet Recipes. Watch out for two more veggie 5:2 recipes this week, as well as some naughty baking recipes and general news…..Bye for now, Karen

5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipe: Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters (185 Calories)

Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters

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Serves	4
Prep time	5 minutes
Cook time	10 minutes
Total time	15 minutes
Allergy	Egg, Wheat
Dietary	Vegetarian
Meal type	Appetizer, Lunch, Side Dish, Snack, Starter
Misc	Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold, Serve Hot
Occasion	Barbecue, Casual Party
Region	British
By author	Karen S Burns-Booth

Delightful little vegetarian fritters with the added seasonal bonus of wild garlic (ramsons), chilli and sweetcorn; these fritters are a low 185 calories per serving (4 small or 2 large fritters per person) and can be eaten hot or cold. When wild garlic is out of season, use spring onions instead and omit the chilli if serving these to children, if they are not keen on heat in their food. Serve with lots of salad leaves for a light lunch, supper or snack.

Ingredients

• 280g Frozen or tinned sweetcorn (in water) (drained if using tinned sweecorn)
• 50g SR flour
• 3 Medium free-range eggs
• 50g Ramsons (Wild Garlic) leaves & bulbs (finely diced)
• 1 Red chilli (finely diced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fry Light - Extra Virgin Olive Oil Spray, 4 sprays

Note

Delightful little vegetarian fritters with the added seasonal bonus of wild garlic (ramsons), chilli and sweetcorn; these fritters are a low 185 calories per serving (4 small or 2 large fritters per person) and can be eaten hot or cold. When wild garlic is out of season, use spring onions instead and omit the chilli if serving these to children, if they are not keen on heat in their food. Serve with lots of salad leaves for a light lunch, supper or snack.

Directions

Step 1	Mix the sweetcorn, flour, eggs, diced wild garlic and chilli together on a mixing bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 2	Spray the Fry Light olive oil into a large non-stick frying pan over a medium heat.
Step 3	Spoon in the sweetcorn mixture, you can make 4 small fritter per person or two large ones. (The mixture serves 4 people and 4 small fritters or 2 large fritters is 185 calories per person)
Step 4	Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side until the fritters start to puff up, then turn them over carefully and fry for a further 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and set.
Step 5	Serve immediately with salad. Can be made for lunch boxes and picnics too.

5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipe: Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters (185 Calories)

I am entering this into Herbs on Saturday which is being guest hosted by the lovely Anneli at Delicieux this month! 

5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipe: Wild Garlic and Chilli Sweetcorn Fritters (185 Calories)

Cold Roast Beef Salad with Bread and Bagels: Plus New Kitchen Knives!

Cold Roast Beef Salad with Bread and Bagels:

Plus New Kitchen Knives!

Cold Roast Beef Salad with Bread and Bagels: Plus New Kitchen Knives!

I was sent TWO new knives recently for review, two Eden Classic Damast Knives – an Eden Quality Classic Damast Bread knife 20 cm (8″) and a Eden Quality Classic Damast Carving knife 20 cm (8″). I was more than a little delighted when I received them, as my old kitchen knives are in a parlous state……and having been sharpened so many times, the blades are getting very thin too. I was given a choice of what knives I could receive for review, but for me, the most used knives in my kitchen are the bread knife and the carving knife, after my small vegetable and paring knife that is. So the choice was easy, I picked a carving knife and a bread knife, which completes my “knife stable” for the present time! The knives are part of the Eden Classic Damast Range and there are lots to choose from, with sets available too, in handy wooden storage blocks.

Giveaway: 2 x Eden Classic Damast Knives – Bread Knife & Carving Knife (RRP: £79:90)

To test drive my knives, I decided to use my bread knife to cut through ciabatta bread rolls and bagels……and, for my new carving knife, I used it to cut through cold roast beef, for a salad. Both knives preformed well and as you can see from the photos, my beef was beautifully thin and evenly sliced; the bread buns and bagels were sliced through as easy as butter, and with no ragged edges of “pulling” of the crumb. The knives felt well-balanced and have an impressive 25 year guarantee, which makes them an attractive buy if you are on the hunt for good quality knives. The Damast series is manufactured from Japanese Damast stainless steel with a core of hardened VG10 steel. Damast steel consists of a large number of layers of various types of steel, all forged together, which produce an attractive wavy pattern……as a British blogger, I wish it was Sheffield steel that these knives were made from, but, I DO know that Japanese steel knives are excellent quality too.

Cold Roast Beef Salad with Bread and Bagels: Plus New Kitchen Knives!

Once my cold roast beef was sliced, as well as the bread for “sarnie and butty” making, all that was needed was to crack open a few bottles of British beer and cider, as sent to me for #BoothsCheers from the amazing Booth’s Supermarkets. The beer and cider went down a treat, and I am VERY impressed with the quality of the two knives I was sent…..if you fancy owning these two knives, then I am delighted to announce that I have a Giveaway to win two knives here: Giveaway: 2 x Eden Classic Damast Knives – Bread Knife & Carving Knife (RRP: £79:90)

Eden Classic Damast Bread Knife £39:95

As for my cold roast beef salad, that was also enjoyed with acres of salad and a smidgen of English mustard. I have subsequently used the carving knife for roast chicken and baked ham, with the same excellent results. The bread knife has also been in action for home-made bread, which is always hard to slice and again, it preformed well with very little “crumb drag”. I am so pleased with the knives, that I am considering adding the Eden Quality Classic Damast Chef’s knife 20 cm (8″) to my collection, although I will need to save up my pennies, as it costs £47:95.  That’s all for today, do have a go and enter into my giveaway, you never know your luck, and watch out for more NEW 5:2 recipes, Vegetarian Week recipes and general news soon……have a lovely day, Karen 

Cold Roast Beef Salad with Bread and Bagels: Plus New Kitchen Knives!

NB: With apologies for my lack of commenting lately as well as responding to comments on my blog, I have been travelling a lot and have had lots of issues/work to deal with lately, normal service will be resumed as soon as possible! K xx

Cold Roast Beef Salad with Bread and Bagels: Plus New Kitchen Knives!

Cold Roast Beef Salad:

Chuck a lot of salad on your plate, add English mustard and a few layers of thinly sliced beef, then open some bottles of fine ale and cider, and enjoy!

Eden Classic Damast Carving Knife £39:95

Disclaimer: I was sent two Eden Classic Damast Knives worth £79:90 (free of charge) for review; all views and opinions are my own and I was not asked to write this post, but I chose to share my views as I was impressed with the quality of these knive. Karen S Burns-Booth

Giveaway: 2 x Eden Classic Damast Knives – Bread Knife & Carving Knife (RRP: £79:90)

Eden Classic Damast Bread Knife £39:95

Giveaway:

- 2 x Eden Classic Damast Knives -

Bread Knife & Carving Knife

(RRP: £79:90)

Eden Classic Damast Carving Knife £39:95

If you enjoy cooking, as I do, then you will know that knives are VERY important, and I get so frustrated when I reach for a knife that is blunt or worse still, with a loose handle! But, I recently discovered Eden Classic Damast Knives and I am VERY impressed – you can read my review here: No More Hacking at Bread and Roast Meat with Eden Classic Damast Knives! The lovely people at Eden have very kindly offered TWO of their knives as a prize for all Lavender and Lovage readers! The complete prize comprises:

Eden Quality Classic Damast Bread knife 20 cm (8″) £39:95

High quality bread knife with serrated edge. Cuts easily trough hard and soft crusts without crushing the bread. Because of the wavy serration the bread doesn’t crumble while cutting it.

Characteristics
High quality Damascus steel with a core of VG10 steel
Hardness ca. 60 Rockwell C (HRc)
Thin and perfectly sharpened blade
Fine ergonomic handle made of composed material containing linen and synthetic resin.
Modern shaped blade without thickening in the cutting edge. Easy to grind.
Double steel bolster for perfect balance and protection of the handle.
25 years warranty on material and construction defects.

Eden Quality Classic Damast Carving knife 20 cm (8″) £39:95

High quality carving knife for cutting big pieces of roasted meat or an entire ham.Use the whole length of the blade while cutting the slice in once.

Characteristics
High quality Damascus steel with a core of VG10
Hardness ca. 60 Rockwell C (HRc)
Thin and perfectly sharpened blade
Fine ergonomic handle made of composed material containing linen and synthetic resin.
Modern shaped blade without thickening in the cutting edge. Easy to grind.
Double steel bolster for perfect balance and protection of the handle.
25 years warranty on material and construction defects

Giveaway: 2 x Eden Classic Damast Knives – Bread Knife & Carving Knife (RRP: £79:90)

To enter this Giveaway, all you have to do is the following:

1. Complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries – TWO mandatory questions will appear, which you need to answer by leaving a comment at the bottom of the post and liking my Facebook Page, before going back to the Rafflecopter form and hitting “Enter”. (After this, you can complete the bonus entries as explained on the form to increase your odds of winning – you can also return daily to tweet this for more bonus entries)

2. Entries are by blog comment, Twitter, Facebook etc

3. Closing Date: 31st July 2013

(For more information on how to enter blog giveaways using Rafflecopter please see this short video

You can win more bonus entries by tweeting on a daily basis.

It’s EASY! Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf. For information on finding the URL of your tweet please see this.

GOOD LUCK!

Karen

Giveaway: 2 x Eden Classic Damast Knives – Bread Knife & Carving Knife (RRP: £79:90)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Curried Vegetable Pasty

National Vegetarian Week, Seasonal Favourites, 5:2 Recipes

and my Weekly Meal Plan

This week is National Vegetarian Week, and I was set a challenge by Asda supermarket to eat vegetarian all week! I was happy to accept, and felt a little bit of a fraud, as to eat vegetarian all week is an easy challenge for me, for several reasons. Firstly, I was a vegetarian for four years, and secondly, some of my family are vegetarian – so I am used to cooking (and eating) vegetarian when I am with them. Thirdly, I often cook vegetarian meals when I am on a “fast day” for the 5:2 diet, as you get a lot of vegetables for not many calories! So, here is my meal plan for the week, based on what I have bought for National Vegetarian Week and also what will fit in with my two 5:2 diet fast days for this week too. Most recipes are my own and a couple are what caught my eye on the Vegetarian Society website. The photo above is of my mum’s delicious Curried Vegetable Pasty, and if I can wheedle the recipe out of her  I will be sharing that later on this week…..although, I will have to sweet-talk my dad too, as the curry was initially made by him and then mum got creative with the leftovers! I have been very busy lately, as you may remember me saying in last week’s meal plan post, The Fast Diet: Menu Planning and Recipes Revisited for the 5:2 Diet, and I have had some personal sadness in my life……I will share the positive side of that when I am strong enough to be able to share my thoughts with you, but, I am looking forward to cooking and baking more over the next few weeks too, so please keep checking back to see LOTS of new recipes and news. The recipes I will be making will be shared at daily posts this week, and I will also post a summary of my Vegetarian Week Meal Plan at the end of the week too. So, here is my weekly meal plan and recipe ideas for National Vegetarian Week, I hope that there will be some recipes to inspire you, Karen 

Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese (200 calories)

National Vegetarian Week Meal Plan:

Monday 20th May:

Breakfast: Porridge with Honey and Apricots

“Teacup Apricot and Honey Porridge”

Lunch: Spiced Mixed Beans on Home-made Bread Toast (Recipe to follow)

Tea: Spicy Vegetable and Quorn Stir-Fry - 5:2 Diet suitable (Recipe to follow) 

Tuesday 21st May:

Breakfast: Blueberry Smoothie - 5:2 Diet suitable (Recipe to follow)

Lunch: Sweetcorn and Cheese Fritters with Salad (Recipe to follow)

Tea: Veggie Cheesy Cottage Pie (Recipe to follow)

Wednesday 22nd May:

Breakfast: Scrambled Eggs with Goat’s Cheese

Scrambled Eggs with Goat’s Cheese,

Lunch: Stir-Fry Vegetable and Miso Broth (Recipe to follow)

Tea: Rose Elliot’s Pine Nut & Carrot Roast with Mushroom Sauce (Vegetarian Society) 

Rose Elliot’s Pine Nut & Carrot Roast with Mushroom Sauce (Image: Vegetarian Society)

Thursday 23rd May:

Breakfast: Blueberry & Oat Pancakes with Cinnamon (5:2 Recipe)

5:2 Diet Fast Day: Pancakes for Breakfast – Blueberry & Oat Pancakes with Cinnamon Recipe

Lunch: Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese (200 calories)

Spring Green 5:2 Diet Recipe: Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese (200 calories)

Tea:  Vegetable Lasagne (Vegetarian Society) 

Veggie Lasagne (Image: Vegetarian Society)

Friday 24th May:

Breakfast: Home-made bread toast with home-made Pink Grapefruit Marmalade

Pink Grapefruit Marmalade

Lunch: Macaroni and Vegetable Cheese (Recipe to follow)

Tea: Egg and Two Cress Sandwiches with side salad

Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

Weekend of the 25th and 26th May:

Two Cheese Asparagus Tart

Broad Bean and Pea Medley with Feta Cheese

Jersey Royal Potato Salad with Three Herb Mayonnaise

Two Cheese Asparagus Tart, Broad Bean and Pea Medley with Feta Cheese
and Jersey Royal Potato Salad with Three Herb Mayonnaise

Vegetable Curry with Naan Bread - 5:2 Diet suitable (Recipe to follow)

Veggie Curry

I am adding this to Mrs M’s Meal Planning Monday (20th May 2013)

World Baking Day……Cakes Galore and my Vanilla, Strawberry & Rose Victoria Sandwich Cake

World Baking Day……Cakes Galore and my Vanilla, Strawberry & Rose Victoria Sandwich Cake

Are you brave enough to Bake Brave tomorrow, Sunday 19th May 2013? Just ONE more day to go, and you can choose from 100 wonderful cakes to make on the World Baking Day website here: World Baking Day 19th May – The Recipes. There are ONE HUNDRED fabulous cake recipes from skill level one ( Banana Muffins) to skill level one hundred (Cream Puff Cake) with lots of amazing bakes and cakes in-between……such as NUMBER SIXTY SIX, which is my Vanilla, Strawberry and Rose Cake!

Regular Lavender and Lovage readers will recognise this cake from last year…….Vanilla, Strawberry & Rose Victoria Sponge Cake for Lavender and Lovage’s 1st Year Blog Birthday! I am delighted to tell you that as a Baking Ambassador, this cake was accepted and added to the One Hundred Baking Brave Cakes for World Baking Day. Along with my cake are some cakes from friends of mine too, such as the magical Violet and Rose White Chocolate Fairy Cakes from my friend Choclette and Dark Chocolate and Raspberry Tiered Cake by my Tea Time Treats co-host Kate! OR, how about my friend Rosemary’s Chococcino Cake?

So, what will you bake tomorrow? If you need more inspiration I have added some more of my cake recipes at the end of this post……there are chocolate, citrus, sponge, gingerbread and summer berry cakes. 

WHAT IS WORLD BAKING DAY?

This World Baking Day we are encouraging you to Bake Brave. Step out of your comfort zone and bake a cake that will push your baking skills to the limit.

100 of the world’s most exciting bakers have each submitted a cake. They have been ranked from Level 1 being the easiest to make, up to Level 100 which is so difficult, it has master bakers quivering in their aprons. Choose a cake that you have never baked before, then on the 19th May roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.

World Baking Day began as a way for cake lovers around the globe to share their passion for baking, so get your friends involved, share your challenge, invite them round, and Bake Brave this World Baking Day.

Strawberry Fair Yoghurt Cupcakes Recipe

You can share your baking brave photos on the World Baking Day face book page, as well as tweeting them, using the hashtag: #bakebrave and following  @WorldBakingDay. They also have a Pinterest account here - World Baking Day Pinterest. That’s all for today, have a FABULOUS baking Sunday and do let me know what you baked of you make anything tomorrow! See you later, Karen 

Recipes and Gallery:

Farmhouse “Teacup” Spiced Fruit Loaf Recipe

Strawberry Fair Yoghurt Cupcakes Recipe

Orange Cream Cheese Cake Recipe

The Famous Drinking Chocolate Cake Recipe

Little Victoria Lemon Daisy Cakes Recipe

Salted Caramel and Chocolate Fudge Birthday Cake Recipe

Old-Fashioned Granny Loaf (Egg-Free and Fat-Free) Recipe 

Redcurrant Fairy Cakes with Raspberries Recipe

Genoise Sponge Cake with Berries

Double Chocolate and Summer Berries Truffle Slice Recipe

The Original Cup Cake Little Coffee Cup Chocolate-Chip Cakes with Vanilla Cream Froth Recipe

 Chocolate Orange Daisy Cake

~ Little Chocolate & Violet Fancies ~ 

- A Kaleidoscope of Fancies – Fancy Little Cakes & My Mum’s Cake Shop! 

(Images: Karen S Burns-Booth and World Baking Day site + some Press release copy)

Victoria Sandwich Cake

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Serves	8 to 10 slices
Prep time	5 minutes
Cook time	25 minutes
Total time	30 minutes
Allergy	Egg, Wheat
Dietary	Vegetarian
Meal type	Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
Misc	Child Friendly, Freezable, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold
Occasion	Birthday Party, Casual Party, Christmas, Easter, Formal Party, Thanksgiving, Valentines day
Region	British
By author	Karen S Burns-Booth

A true Victoria Sandwich would only contain jam, usually raspberry, but as the cake became more popular and cooks became more affluent, cream was added as a delicious addition. I was always taught that caster sugar was sprinkled on top – again, icing sugar is often used nowadays.

Ingredients

• 4 large eggs, weighed in their shells
• butter or soft margarine ~ same weight as the eggs
• caster sugar/super fine sugar ~ same weight as the eggs
• self-rising flour~ same weight as the eggs
• raspberry jam ( or another jam, jelly or curd of your choice.)
• whipped cream (optional) or double cream (optional)
• caster sugar or icing sugar for sprinkling on top

Note

Cook’s Notes:
If you use butter remove from the fridge to soften before using. This is not necessary with soft margarine.
If large eggs are used they may weigh 7 ½ ozs/210g. If so make sure you use this weight for the other ingredients.
A smaller sandwich cake can be made with 2 medium eggs. Weight about 4 oz/55g. If so, use 2 x 7” sandwich tins and the cakes and the cakes will need less time in the oven – probably 20 minutes instead of 25 minutes.
Alternative measurements:
4 eggs
8 ounces soft margarine or butter
8 ounces caster sugar
8 ounces SR flour
Proceed as above for method

Directions

Step 1	The measurements for this recipe are equal amounts of sugar, flour and fat to the weight of the eggs; therefore, weigh the eggs first – if the eggs weigh 8 ounces, you will use 8 ounces of sugar, 8 ounces of butter or margarine and 8 ounces of flour. If the eggs weigh 6 ounces, all the other ingredients will be 6 ounces – easy!
Step 2	Preheat oven Gas 4, 160C (fan oven), 180C or 360F: grease and base line the bottom of 2 x 8” sandwich tins – cake tins.
Step 3	Cream margarine or butter together with the sugar, until light and fluffy. Beat the eggs, and then add them to the mixture, gradually and beating well after each addition. Sieve the flour and fold into the mixture with a metal spoon.
Step 4	Divide equally between the 2 prepared tins and bake for 25 minutes in the middle of the oven.
Step 5	Remove and allow to cool for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the tins and fill with raspberry jam (and cream if using) when cold, to avoid the cream melting or the jam seeping into the sponge.
Step 6	A light dusting of caster sugar or icing sugar on the top will finish it. Place on an attractive cake stand or plate, and serve in dainty wedges with freshly brewed tea.

Celebrating Britain’s Most Famous Snack – The Sandwich!

Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

It was a moment of pure brilliance the night that the 4th Earl of Sandwich asked for his cold roast beef to be served between two sliced of bread, as not to dirty his playing cards, and so the “sandwich” was born! And over 250 years later the sandwich has to be the most famous British snack to have circled the world, from England to China and via the United States of America and beyond, they’re sold in cellophane, trains, planes and freshly made in your local “caff”, they are the easy to make and suit all appetites. In order to make sure this most iconic of snacks remains firmly in the limelight, every year, the sandwich industry celebrates the humble “sarnie” with British Sandwich Week.

Celebrating Britain’s Most Famous Snack – The Sandwich! Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

This year, they also intend to make it an even bigger occasion than ever with an attempt on the World Record for the largest number of people simultaneously making a sandwich in the same place……it must be a HUGE kitchen! In addition to this there will be excitement across the industry with the announcement of this year’s winners for the ‘Sammies’ (the British Sandwich Industry Awards) which recognise those who are the ‘movers and shakers’ in this bubbling industry.  This year’s results will be announced at a gala dinner in London on 16th May, and there will be no sandwiches will be on the menu that night!

Celebrating Britain’s Most Famous Snack – The Sandwich! Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

Things have been a bit hectic lately, and so today I thought it would be nice to celebrate British Sandwich Week by creating a new sandwich recipe based on a classic, whilst also celebrating some wonderful spring ingredients – watercress and mustard and cress, as well as free-range eggs. Egg and cress sandwiches are the mainstay of many an afternoon tea, British Rail buffet or packed lunch, and I do love the combination of creamy eggs mashed with mayonnaise and piquant mustard and cress……however, I also love the peppery, hot taste of watercress, so I decided to add some watercress to my sandwich filling today for an extra peppery kick, and it really added a punch to this quintessentially mild-mannered English sandwich.

Celebrating Britain’s Most Famous Snack – The Sandwich! Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

I used some lovely fresh brown bread from a local bakery, sliced for ease, and local free-range eggs from the farm shop. It’s not rocket science and hardly a recipe as such, but, I have shared the “recipe” such as it is below……all that is needed to make a decent sarnie is GOOD bread and locally sourced or artisan fillings. For those readers who like watercress all by itself, as do I, you might find this post from last year interesting: “Poor Man’s Bread” – Victorian Watercress Tea Sandwiches for High Tea, Children’s School Lunchbox and Picnics. 

Celebrating Britain’s Most Famous Snack – The Sandwich! Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

Anyway, I hope you are all embracing British Sandwich Week with gusto, as I am……it will be time to get back on the 5:2 diet wagon next week, but for now, here is my Egg and Two Cress Sandwich recipe……watch out for some new recipes, reviews and another giveaway to come soon, as well as some lovely photos of my mum’s beautiful cottage garden. Bye for now, Karen

Celebrating Britain’s Most Famous Snack – The Sandwich! Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

Egg and Two Cress Sandwiches

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Serves	2
Prep time	5 minutes
Cook time	5 minutes
Total time	10 minutes
Allergy	Egg, Wheat
Dietary	Vegetarian
Meal type	Lunch, Side Dish, Snack
Misc	Child Friendly, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold
Occasion	Birthday Party, Christmas, Easter
Region	British
By author	Karen S Burns-Booth

A classic egg and cress sandwich with an extra peppery twist, fresh watercress. Make the filling as soon as the eggs have cooled, and use fresh thick cut brown bread.

Ingredients

• 4 slices brown bread
• a little softened butter
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mayonnaise
• salt and black pepper
• 1/4 of a punnet of mustard and cress (chopped)
• large handful of watercress (roughly chopped with some set to one side for a garnish)

Note

A classic egg and cress sandwich with an extra peppery twist, fresh watercress. Make the filling as soon as the eggs have cooled, and use fresh thick cut brown bread.

Directions

Step 1	Butter the slices of bread and set them to one side.
Step 2	Hard boil the eggs for 4 minutes, plunge in to cold water and then carefully peel the shells from the eggs.
Step 3	Mash the eggs with a fork and add the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, chopped mustard and cress and most of the chopped watercress. Mix well and adjust seasoning.
Step 4	Divide the egg and cress equally between 2 slices of buttered bread and the place the other buttered slices of bread on top of the filling - cut into four quarters and serve with some extra watercress as a garnish.

Celebrating Britain’s Most Famous Snack – The Sandwich! Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

Celebrating Britain’s Most Famous Snack – The Sandwich! Egg and Two Cress Sandwich Recipe

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

As a local Yorkshire lass who knows and loves Bettys, and who has had many a Fat Rascal from there, as well as  ”rainy day” breakfasts of cinnamon toast and tea, when I was recently invited to take tea at Bettys of York, I was over the moon. Not only would I be taking tea in the beautiful Art Deco Belmont Room, but I would be joined by Kelly from Bettys HQ and the afternoon tea was to be a Champagne tea……what an indulgence and treat. The Belmont Room is steeped in history, and is reminiscent of an elegant bygone era. Bettys founder was inspired to create this breathtaking Art Deco room in 1937 after his journey on the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary liner the previous year, and the room has a definite feel of an ocean liner, with its wood panels, sleek wooden pillars and atmospheric lighting.

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

It was lovely to meet Kelly, as we have been emailing each other for several months now, and she was waiting there for me when I arrived at 2:30 last Friday. Afternoon tea at the Belmont Room in York is by booking only and is open for tea every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 pm onwards. (Harrogate’s Imperial Room is open for tea every Saturday and Sunday) I was met by the gentle tinkling of a piano, the atmosphere was warm and elegant, and all of the tea-time customers were happily enjoying the Bettys experience. Our table was next to the piano and was clad in a crisp, starched linen table-cloth. Having being asked what champagne I would like (there was a choice of Hébrart Premier Cru Champagne or Moutard Prestige Rosé Champagne) I was given a menu to peruse, with a selection of speciality teas to accompany my afternoon tea. There was a wonderful selection of black, green and white teas as well as some herbal infusions to choose from.

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

I was tempted by the Lapsang Souchong, China Rose Petal as well as the China Yunnan, but it was the Ceylon Blue Sapphire that I chose in the end……This delicious tea has a large, well twisted, tippy leaf and a smooth, delicate flavour with a slightly honeyed character. We have added blue cornflower petals to represent the famous blue sapphires which are found close to the tea garden in South Western Sri Lanka. (Exclusive to Bettys) 

Bettys Blue Sapphire Tea

Then came the triple cake stand of assorted sandwiches, cakes and the most delightful little scones, with jam and cream…..

Assorted Sandwiches at Bettys of York Afternoon Tea

Assorted Sandwiches at Bettys of York Afternoon Tea

……the Champagne Afternoon Tea Menu comprises:

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

An assortment of sandwiches: 

Smoked Scottish Salmon and Cream Cheese, Roast Yorkshire Ham and Mustard, Roast Free-Range Chicken Breast with Tarragon Mayonnaise and Free-Range Egg Mayonnaise and Cress

Freshly baked Sultana Scones with Jam and Yorkshire Clotted Cream

A selection of Hand-Made Miniature Cakes

A Pot of Speciality Tea

A Glass of Champagne:

Hébrart Premier Cru Champagne or Moutard Prestige Rosé Champagne

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

The sandwich assortment was perfect, a selection of local ham, Scottish salmon and beautiful free-range chicken with herb scented mayonnaise, and the miniature scones were just melt in the mouth. The scones were served with local Yorkshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve….

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

……and the cakes were stunning; there was as a fabulous selection that included a rose and strawberry macaron, a mini Victoria sandwich and the most delectable raspberry shortcake.

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

The afternoon passed by in a cloud of champagne and chat, with the occasional bite here and there and cups of real tea; and although I wanted to taste every little cake that was on offer, after eating the raspberry shortcake, I had to give in and the rest of the cakes were packed in a box for me to take home……

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

…….and the lemon meringue fancy was devoured after a light supper!

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

I have had many an afternoon tea in my time and I pride myself on being a bit of an afternoon tea expert; I have had great ones, indifferent ones and a strange sickly sweet “boozy” one just before Christmas…….however, I can say that Bettys was the best I have ever had – a perfect assortment of sandwiches made with Bettys own bread (the bakers get up at 4pm to bake the bread every day), and made with locally sourced ingredients too. The scones were as light as a feather and the Yorkshire clotted cream was positivity dreamy…..the cake selection was delectable with a wonderful assortment of chocolate, citrus, nuts, floral and fruity flavours. And, the tea selection was amazing, with eighteen teas to choose from it made the whole tea drinking experience interesting – my Ceylon Blue Sapphire tea was delicate with a slight floral flavour, perfect as a chaser to my pink champagne!

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

A Champagne afternoon tea at Bettys is not just about the food, it’s about the experience too; so, if you want to take tea the British way, with quality loose tea, hand-baked cakes and scones, as well as freshly made sandwiches and champagne, then you MUST indulge in a Bettys Afternoon Tea.  The surroundings were beautiful, the staff were attentive and friendly, and the whole experience was indulgent and rather special. With a HUGE thanks to Kelly and Bettys for my invitation, it was a fabulous afternoon, and one I would be happy to repeat again.  Karen 

~ NB: A selection of vegetarian sandwiches are available on request ~

Belmont Room, Bettys of York

PRICES:
£25.95 per person
£32.95 per person with Champagne

Belmont Room

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm. (Bookings only)

Imperial Room

Every Saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm. (Bookings only)

An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York

I have a Bettys Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two to give away as a prize, to enter just visit the page here: 

Bettys Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Harrogate or York (Worth £65:90)

When Bettys opened its doors for the first time in 1919 it was just as our founder, Frederick Belmont, had visualised – customers were greeted by a tempting array of delicious Yorkshire and Continental confections in the shop, and an elegant Café Tea Room served teas and meals in the traditional English style. It was an immediate success.

Nearly 100 years later and we welcome more than one million customers a year to Bettys. There are six Bettys Café Tea Rooms to explore: the spa town of Harrogate has two branches (one in the town centre and a second at the RHS Garden Harlow Carr) as does York (another Bettys is just around the corner in Stonegate), and you’ll also find Bettys in the market towns of Northallerton and Ilkley.

To find out more about Bettys, please visit The Bettys Story.

(Images in this post: Bettys and Karen S Burns-Booth)

Giveaway: Bettys Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Harrogate or York (Worth £65:90)

Giveaway:

Bettys Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Harrogate or York

(Worth £65:90)

What a fabulous treat I have for all Lavender and Lovage readers, a wonderful opportunity to win a Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Bettys of York or Harrogate, worth £65:90.  I am so excited to be able to offer this very generous prize on behalf of Bettys, and even more so as I was lucky enough to be invited to review a Champagne Afternoon Tea at Bettys of York last week. You can read my review here: An Art Deco Afternoon Tea Experience with Champagne at Bettys of York. A champagne tea at Bettys is an experience not to be missed and the prize is for tea to be taken at Bettys of York in the beautiful Art Deco Belmont Room, or at Bettys of Harrogate in the Imperial Room. The complete prize comprises:

Bettys Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two (£32:95 per person)

Bettys Champagne Afternoon Tea

An assortment of sandwiches: 

Smoked Scottish Salmon and Cream Cheese, Roast Yorkshire Ham and Mustard, Roast Free-Range Chicken Breast with Tarragon Mayonnaise and Free-Range Egg Mayonnaise and Cress

Freshly baked Sultana Scones with Jam and Yorkshire Clotted Cream

A selection of Hand-Made Miniature Cakes

A Pot of Speciality Tea

A Glass of Champagne:

Hébrart Premier Cru Champagne or Moutard Prestige Rosé Champagne

Bettys Champagne Afternoon Tea

All you have to do to enter this wonderfully indulgent contest, is to follow the instructions below and answer this question:

If you were a cake on an afternoon cake stand, what cake would you be and why? 

To enter this Giveaway, all you have to do is the following:

1. Complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries – THREE mandatory questions will appear, which you need to answer by leaving a comment at the bottom of the post and liking the Bettys and Lavender and Lovage FaceBook page. (After this, you can complete the bonus entries as explained on the form to increase your odds of winning – you can also return daily to tweet this for more bonus entries)

2. Entries are by blog comment, Twitter, Facebook etc

3. Closing Date 16th July 2013

(For more information on how to enter blog giveaways using Rafflecopter please see this short video)

You can win more bonus entries by tweeting on a daily basis.

It’s EASY! Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf. For information on finding the URL of your tweet please see this.

GOOD LUCK!

Karen

Giveaway: Bettys Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Harrogate or York (Worth £65:90)

With a BIG thanks to Bettys who are providing this wonderful prize of an afternoon tea for two with champagne. The date and time for the afternoon tea is to be discussed between the winner and Bettys, and no alternative prize is offered.  You must be over 18 years to enter. The tea can be taken at Bettys of York on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and in Betty’s of Harrogate on Saturday and Sunday. *The winner will be selected at random from all correct entries received. The winner will be notified within 7 days of the closing date. The prize is as stated: no cash alternatives are available. This competition is open to UK entrants only. The winner will be selected at random by the Rafflecopter widget below and you can enter via Twitter on a daily basis to have more chances of winning.

(Images: Karen S Burns-Booth and Bettys)

Giveaway: Betty’s Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Harrogate or York (Worth £65:90)

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The Fast Diet:

Menu Planning and Recipes Revisited for the 5:2 Diet

The Fast Diet: Menu Planning and Recipes Revisited for the 5:2 Diet

Last week was a funny old week, it started off with a lovely birthday on Sunday, a trip to Fountains Abbey on Monday and then sadness on Thursday……more about all of these events later, but for today I want to share some of my most popular 5:2 recipes and meal plans from the archives, as well as remind any new readers why the fast diet is so beneficial and works for me. As I am sharing meal plans, I will also be linking up to Mrs M’s Meal Planning Monday too. I have been staying with my parents recently, so any new 5:2 diet recipes have been temporarily put on hold, but, I will be back later this week and next week with some lovely new low-calorie recipes suitable for fast days, as well as some new normal “feasting” recipes too. I thought it was about time I revisited some of my archived recipes, and shared them with you, as I had forgotten just how many recipes I have created for the 5:2 diet over the last few months…….so, sit back, have a cup of green tea (if you are on a fast day) and take your pick – I have soups, salads, curries, stir-fry, pancakes, stews, pies and many more enticing recipes to share, I even have a burger recipe too! To visit ALL of my 5:2 recipes, please follow this link: The Lavender and Lovage 5:2 Diet Fast Day Recipes and Meal Plans. I have FIVE pages of enticing and easy to make recipes, and NOT a “boring diet recipe” in sight! That’s all for now, see you later with all of my news, new recipes and more…….Karen 

Roast Tomato and Garlic Soup

The recipe that started it all off, and my MOST popular recipe for soup!

Roast Tomato and Garlic Soup Recipe 

Fresh Fruit Kickstart

Kick start the day with this amazing fruit salad.

Fresh Fruit Salad Recipe

Calories in Fruit: 

Apple raw, with skin, 100g = 1 small, 52

Apricot raw, with skin, 100g = 3 apricots, 48

Banana 1 medium, 94

Blueberries raw, 1 cup, 81

Grapefruit 1 medium, 82

Grapes 1 cup, seedless, red or green, 114

Kiwi fruit 1 medium, no skin, 46

Lemon 1 medium, 17

Nectarine 1 medium, 67

Oranges 1 large, 86

Peaches 1 medium, 42

Pear 1 medium, 98

Pineapple 1 cup, diced, 76

Plums 1 medium, 36

Raspberries 1 cup, 60

Strawberries 1 cup, 46

Watermelon 1 wedge, 92

Halloumi & Tomato Salad Platter Recipe

Just in time for summer, a simple and extremely tasty Mediterranean salad. 

Halloumi & Tomato Salad Platter Recipe

Herb and Spice Crusted Baked Chicken Breasts

Elegant and low in calories, only 180 calories per portion. 

Herb and Spice Crusted Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Vegetarian Red Pepper, Lentil and Cheese Pâté (Spread) Recipe

A protein packed vegetarian recipe, great for lunch box sandwiches and snacks.

Vegetarian Red Pepper, Lentil and Cheese Pâté (Spread) Recipe

Luxury Steak Burger with Artichokes and Olives

Yes, you can have a burger on the 5:2 diet! This gourmet burger is packed with flavour and is only 290 calories each.

Luxury Steak Burger with Artichokes and Olives

Smoky Mexican Stir Fry with Chicken

A Mexican style stir-fry with chipotle chillies and lots of vegetables.

Smoky Mexican Stir Fry with Chicken Recipe

Pancakes for Breakfast – Blueberry & Oat Pancakes with Cinnamon Recipe

Pancakes with blueberries for breakfast, also packed with oats for health too.

Pancakes for Breakfast – Blueberry & Oat Pancakes with Cinnamon Recipe 

Chinese Garlic,Ginger & Honey Chicken with Noodles (200 Calories)

An amazing Chinese inspired dish that is only 200 calories per portion.

Chinese Garlic,Ginger & Honey Chicken with Noodles (200 Calories)

Tiger Prawn Curry with Basmati Rice (5:2 Diet)

My most popular recipe, this has hundreds of visits a day and is also our favourite curry recipe too!

Tiger Prawn Curry with Basmati Rice Recipe

Low-Calorie Minted Pea & Vegetable Frittata – 200 calories

A wonderful Frittata recipe with peas, mint and potatoes too……perfect for any time of the day.

Low-Calorie Minted Pea & Vegetable Frittata Recipe

Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese (200 calories)

A DELECTABLE vegetarian recipe with only 200 calories and lots of attitude!

 Moroccan Roasted Vegetable Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe

Easy Cheesy Family Fish Pie Recipe

Cheesy topped fish pie that will be loved by all the family and only 300 calories per portion.

Easy Cheesy Family Fish Pie Recipe 

And finally, a KEBAB recipe, yes, you can have your kebab on  a fast day!

Cajun Chicken Kebab and Spiced Yoghurt Dip Recipe

Cajun Chicken Kebab and Spiced Yoghurt Dip Recipe

To talk more about the benefits of the 5:2 diet, here is some information that I found on the 

BBC Health News website:

Scientists are uncovering evidence that short periods of fasting, if properly controlled, could achieve a number of health benefits, as well as potentially helping the overweight, as Michael Mosley discovered.

I’d always thought of fasting as something unpleasant, with no obvious long-term benefits. So when I was asked to make a documentary that would involve me going without food, I was not keen as I was sure I would not enjoy it.

But the Horizon editor assured me there was great new science and that I might see some dramatic improvements to my body. So, of course, I said, “yes”.

I am not strong-willed enough to diet over the long-term, but I am extremely interested in the reasons why eating less might lead to increased life span, particularly as scientists think it may be possible to get the benefits without the pain.

How you age is powerfully shaped by your genes. But there’s not much you can do about that.

Calorie restriction, eating well but not much, is one of the few things that has been shown to extend life expectancy, at least in animals. We’ve known since the 1930s that mice put on a low-calorie, nutrient-rich diet live far longer. There is mounting evidence that the same is true in monkeys.

Growth hormone:

The world record for extending life expectancy in a mammal is held by a new type of mouse which can expect to live an extra 40%, equivalent to a human living to 120 or even longer.

It has been genetically engineered so its body produces very low levels of a growth hormone called IGF-1, high levels of which seem to lead to accelerated ageing and age-related diseases, while low levels are protective. Professor Longo has investigated growth hormone deficiency in humans A similar, but natural, genetic mutation has been found in humans with Laron syndrome, a rare condition that affects fewer than 350 people worldwide. The very low levels of IGF-1 their bodies produce means they are short, but this also seems to protect them against cancer and diabetes, two common age-related diseases.

The IGF-1 hormone (insulin-like growth factor) is one of the drivers which keep our bodies in go-go mode, with cells driven to reproduce. This is fine when you are growing, but not so good later in life.

There is now evidence suggesting that IGF-1 levels can be lowered by what you eat. Studies on calorie restrictors suggest that eating less helps, but it is not enough

As well as cutting calories you have to cut your protein intake. Not entirely – that would be a very bad idea. It’s about sticking to recommended guidelines, something most of us fail to do.

The reason seems to be that when our bodies no longer have access to food they switch from “growth mode” to “repair mode”.

As levels of the IGF-1 hormone drop, a number of repair genes appear to get switched on according to ongoing research by Professor Valter Longo of the University of Southern California.

Intermittent fasting:

One area of current research into diet is Alternate Day fasting (ADF), involving eating what you want one day, then a very restricted diet (fewer than 600 calories) the next, and most surprisingly, it does not seem to matter that much what you eat on non-fast days.

Dr Krista Varady of the University of Illinois at Chicago carried out an eight-week trial comparing two groups of overweight patients on ADF.

“If you were sticking to your fast days, then in terms of cardiovascular disease risk, it didn’t seem to matter if you were eating a high-fat or low-fat diet on your feed (non-fast) days,” she said.

I decided I couldn’t manage ADF, it was just too impractical. Instead I did an easier version, the so-called 5:2 diet. As the name implies you eat normally 5 days a week, then two days a week you eat 500 calories if you are a woman, or 600 calories, if you are a man.

There are no firm rules because so far there have been few proper human trials. I found that I could get through my fast days best if I had a light breakfast (scrambled eggs, thin slice of ham, lots of black tea, adding up to about 300 calories), lots of water and herbal tea during the day, then a light dinner (grilled fish with lots of vegetables) at night.

On my feed days I ate what I normally do and felt no need to gorge.

I stuck to this diet for 5 weeks, during which time I lost nearly a stone and my blood markers, like IGF-1, glucose and cholesterol, improved. If I can sustain that, it will greatly reduce my risk of contracting age-related diseases like cancer and diabetes.

Current medical opinion is that the benefits of fasting are unproven and until there are more human studies it’s better to eat at least 2000 calories a day. If you really want to fast then you should do it in a proper clinic or under medical supervision, because there are many people, such as pregnant women or diabetics on medication, for whom it could be dangerous.

I was closely monitored throughout and found the 5:2 surprisingly easy. I will almost certainly continue doing it, albeit less often. Fasting, like eating, is best done in moderation.

 Menu Plan Idea: 

Fast Day (500 calories)

Breakfast: Fat-Free Plain Yoghurt and Banana = 110 calories

Lunch: Salmon Niçoise Salad = 240 calories

Salmon Niçoise Salad (5:2 Diet)

Supper: Curried Carrot Soup = 85 calories

Curried Carrot Soup = 85 calories

Total:

435 calories + 65 cals for 150mls skimmed milk = 500 calories

Giveaway: Win a Summer Picnic Hamper with Belvoir Fruit Farms

Giveaway:

Win a Summer Picnic Hamper with Belvoir Fruit Farms

Imagine this, a summer’s day, no work and plans for a country or seaside picnic, well, I have JUST the thing for all Lavender and Lovage readers, a FABULOUS Summer Picnic Hamper from Belvoir Fruit Farms……..perfect for a picnic by the river, the seaside or just at the bottom of your garden! The hamper comprises:

Two bottles of Belvoir cordials

Melting pot fudge

Traditionally Made chocolate biscuits

Chocolate covered honeycomb

A bar of fruit and nut chocolate

A pot of Mrs Bridges preserve

Giveaway: Win a Summer Picnic Hamper with Belvoir Fruit Farms

To win this hamper, all you have to do is follow the following information and answer the question:

Where would your perfect picnic be?

Image: Dan Duchars for Debenhams

To enter this Giveaway, all you have to do is the following:

1. Complete the Rafflecopter widget below to verify your entries – THREE mandatory questions will appear, which you need to answer by leaving a comment at the bottom of the post and liking the Belvoir Fruit Farms and Lavender and Lovage FaceBook page. (After this, you can complete the bonus entries as explained on the form to increase your odds of winning – you can also return daily to tweet this for more bonus entries)

2. Entries are by blog comment, Twitter, Facebook etc

3. Closing Date 14th July 2013

(For more information on how to enter blog giveaways using Rafflecopter please see this short video)

You can win more bonus entries by tweeting on a daily basis.

It’s EASY! Rafflecopter will tweet, like and follow on your behalf. For information on finding the URL of your tweet please see this.

GOOD LUCK!

Karen

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