The humble turnip

Known to humankind as early as 15th century BC (Wikipedia) the turnip or rutabaga as it is called here in Canada has a long history. Though they look different they belong to the same vegetable family.

Why you should carve turnip jack o lanterns instead of pumpkins for halloween

Turnips were used instead of pumpkins in the early days of Halloween. Carved, hollowed out and used as lanterns just like we do with pumpkins now.

They are hardy and can grow almost anywhere plus they can be stored in the ground for an easy meal in the winter. They are considered a very good replacement for potatoes and helpful in famine situations or in our case a cheap healthy food.

They are a healthy food because they contain several important vitamins as well as carbohydrates and protein and no fat and the whole plant can be eaten. Turnip greens are a favourite for many people.

They last a long time and they are easily frozen once they are peeled and cooked. As an added plus they are used in many different countries which allows us to find the right taste for us.

How about Turnip French Fries : low carb and tasty

or maybe

Southern Turnip Supreme: good substitute for Mac & cheese or potato salad.

There are a half dozen recipes for mashed turnips on my favourite recipe site All Recipes . In fact All Recipes has a whole section of turnip recipes.

I haven't gotten any turnips to cook with yet because I kinda spent all my money on Christmas gifts but when I do I'll share my experiments with you. In the meantime I have some other food related things to share starting tomorrow.

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National Make a Friend Day

I am not very good at making friends or keeping them it seems. I do not go outside much, in fact I hardly leave my home unless it is family related. That makes it hard especially since friends expect you to come to them at least once in a while and I find I can't.

If it were simply a matter of laziness it would be understandable but it isn't. Some days I can't even open the door to let in some fresh air. I do not know where the fear comes from I just know that that is what I feel when I think about going outside most of the time.

Agoraphobia: Triggers for this anxiety may include wide-open spaces, crowds (social anxiety), or traveling (even short distances). Agoraphobia is often, but not always, compounded by a fear of social embarrassment, as the agoraphobic fears the onset of a panic attack and appearing distraught in public.
Causes: Genetic and environmental factors Symptoms: Anxiety in situations perceived to be unsafe, panic attacks Treatment: Cognitive behavioral ther…

Women's Heart Health

February 1st - 7th is Women's Heart Health Awareness Week and I felt it would be remiss of me not to include some conversation about it here given that the professor suffered a heart attack a bit over two years ago and that I am a prime candidate.

Let us start with why I am a prime candidate - Obviously being 100 pounds overweight puts me in the high-risk area immediately. Add in High Chloresterol, physical inactivity, diabetes, post-menopausal and over 55. Since only two of those are needed to put me in the at-risk category that I have six means that I am very high risk. The only way it could be worse is if I still smoked or drank and still lived a high-stress life. Thank goodness for small miracles.

Not sure where you stand? check out this checklist. This checklist and the other pdf's linked here are from the Women's Heart Foundation

Do you know what the prescription is to lower the risk factors? It's simple join the 10,000 steps a day club. That's it! walk 10 th…

National Pizza Day

I am celebrating today! Several things actually!

1) I like Pizza & I have a perfect reason to make one. It's National Pizza Day! Its going to be a simple one though made with an everything bagel with pizza sauce, pepperoni & cheese. I might even add some onions and peppers for a filling supper.

2) Getting the pantry of my dreams. The one I bought is similar to a cupboard that sat in the house of one of my Uncles for as long as I could remember. It was a bit more delicate than the one I bought though. It looked a little like this one.

3) The Professor as confirmed that we will be going to Ottawa for Valentines, I am over the moon! It won't be the week I wanted but it is going to be four days & three nights.

It means that I can explore the Byward district a bit more than I did a few years ago. Happy Dance!

Cook, Make, Think

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