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Heartwings Love Notes 764 - Healthy and Tasty Winter Meals

Heartwings says, "It is especially important to eat well in cold weather."

Some of the most important foods we can eat in cold weather are those that boost the immune system and fortify our bodies against
the ever-present germs that surround us during the cold months in New England. Raw foods are extra important because none of
their vitamins are cooked away. A really good for you, inexpensive, cancer preventing food filled with vitamins and minerals, is
cabbage. I have recently invented a new way to eat it: cabbage salads. This is not coleslaw by any other name.

Instead of grating it or using the food processor as I would for coleslaw, I cut the cabbage into very thin strips with a long serrated
knife—kind of fun to do. I put it into a bowl and cut into the strips with scissors to shorten them. Then I slice off a chunk of sweet
onion and cut that into thin strips that I also reduce in size. I add enough mayonnaise to moisten together with a tablespoon of
horseradish sauce and a pinch of salt. I stir it well. Voila! Cabbage salad. This way of preparing it makes for more crunch, and the
vitamins are a welcome addition. You can of course add other ingredients if you like—raisins, dried fruit, canned pineapple or herbs.

Another staple of my winter foods is a variety of hearty soups. They are both nutritious, and convenient. My Lentil Herb soup provides
herbal support for the immune system as well as good taste. In 2 Tbs Butter and 2 Tbs good olive oil sauté ½ large chopped onion, 1
cup or more chopped celery (I use scissors) and sauté until transparent. Add 2 cups water, 2 cups beef broth, 1 tsp each of dried
savory, thyme, marjoram, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, 1 bay leaf, 1 large potato peeled and chopped into ½ inch chunks--about a
cup, 3 cloves of pressed not chopped garlic, ½ cup lentils salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours, and
enjoy!

A tasty bread pudding finishes off a meal nicely. This one is easy and quickly made. Chop into 1 inch squares 4 slices any good
(dense) bread (With or without crusts, your choice.) Put in a 1½ quart casserole (buttered or not, your choice). Stir bread together
with ¼ to ½ cup sugar your choice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of salt. Stir in 1 cup raisins. Beat together 2 eggs and 2 cups
any kind of milk. Stir into bread. Cover casserole and place in 350 degree oven, bake for 45 minutes, uncover and bake another 15
minutes to brown the top. Serve warm with any kind of cream poured on it, or just as it is. Serves 4 to 6.

May you enjoy the consumption of your food as well as its preparation.
 

I love to hear from readers and would be honored if you would comment and let me know any suggestions or thoughts. If a friend sent you this, you can sign up at my web site, www.heartwingslovenotes.com, where more love notes can be found in the archives.

Blessings and Best Regards,
Tasha Halpert
 

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