Life Begins At.....
Issue link: http://ebook.aprs.com.au/i/54730
Lacking motivation COOK? The children have left home and you only have to cook for one or two people. You may be less motivated to cook meals for yourself as there are less people to provide for, and less to appreciate your efforts. If this is the case, it's time to have some handy tips to keep you motivated to cook healthier and tasty foods. Having a meal plan and some simple recipes is a good starting point. The next step is ensure you have your pantry stocked with basic essential ingredients such as herbs, spices, oils and sauces. Herbs and spices to keep in your pantry include cinnamon, nutmeg, dried herbs or Italian herbs, cumin, coriander, curry powder, paprika, ground ginger and bay leaves. Essential sauces include soy sauce, fish sauce, balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Other essential ingredients for your pantry include honey, plain flour, self raising flour and canola and olive oil spray. Vegetable, chicken and beef stock cubes, onions, garlic, ginger and chilli will provide your recipes with flavouring. Once you have these essential ingredients you just need to add fresh vegetables, herbs, fruits, meat or seafood. Shopping at the local fruit and vegetable markets will provide you with fresh fruit and vegetables that will keep for longer, taste better and generally are less expensive. You will be inspired by the great colours and variety of the fresh produce of the markets. Once you have your produce I suggest you try a simple recipe idea like Honey and Soy Vegetable Chicken Stir-fry. 78 www.theretiree.com.au HONEY AND SOY VEGETABLE CHICKEN STIR-FRY (SERVES 2) Ingredients: • 200g chicken cut into strips • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 tablespoon low salt soy sauce • 1 tablespoon sweet chilli sauce or tomato sauce • ½ teaspoon ground ginger • 2 teaspoons oil • 1 medium onion • 1 carrot • 1 stalk celery • ½ capsicum • 70g fresh or frozen beans • 440g canned corn Instructions: Combine honey, soy sauce, sweet chilli or tomato sauce and ground ginger in medium size bowl. Add chicken to bowl and coat in mixture. Allow to marinate in fridge while preparing vegetables. Slice onions, carrots, celery and capsicum. Top and tail beans and slice into 4cm pieces and drain corn and reserve liquid. Heat oil in a frypan or wok, add onion, stir-fry for two to three minutes. Add chicken and marinade, allow to cook through. Add remaining vegetables. Add corn liquid or water for vegetables to steam, and simmer for five to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serve with rice. Your HEALTH