Momo style Nepalese dumplings.

Momo dumplings Nepalese

Momo dumplings, steamed or fried are one of my favourite comfort foods. Easy to make in just a few minutes, they are great dipped in your favourite sauce or as a perfect addition to soups and stews.

When I travelled for work, I always made time to take a cookery lesson with a local in their home. When I was in Taiwan, I learned how to make several local dishes, plus the added bonus of these Momo dumplings as the cook’s husband was Nepalese.

All the Momo ingredients are mentioned in the video, but I’ve listed them below for your convenience.

For the Momo filling

  • 1 carrot
  • 1 stick celery
  • 7 mushrooms
  • Thumb sized piece of Ginger 
  • 2 scallions / spring onions
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 2 leaves Chinese cabbage
  • 1 cup extra firm tofu 
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon curry power
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter 
  • 1 teaspoon cornflour 
  • Salt and pepper 

Finely chop everything into a course paste by hand or in the food processor.

For the dough

  • 2 cups brown flour (use white flour if you prefer)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • Warm water

Mix the flour with the coconut oil, then gradually add warm water until you have a stuff dough. Knead for 5 minutes then leave to rest for 10 minutes, covered with a tea towel. Roll out then cut out discs using a cookie cutter or a glass.

Place a teaspoon of the filling into the centre of each disc, wet around the edges and seal like a pasty/empanada/dumpling. Don’t worry if they look messy, as long as they are sealed they will taste amazing!

Steam for 8 minutes to a wonderful soft dumpling.

Or, brush/spray with oil and air fry for 8 minutes until crispy.

I make a dip for my Momo dumplings with; soy sauce, maple syrup, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, chopped fresh spicy chillies and coriander. I usually eat too many – they are just too good!

Thanks for stopping by, have a beautiful day.

Homemade food for dogs.

dogs

My dogs are not vegan they do eat meat but not every day. Dogs are omnivores (not carnivores) and can thrive on a plant based diet. This is an example of meals I prepare for them based on what’s in season. I add vegetable pasta occasionally to keep it interesting for my dogs and weight on my one girl who is very active.

It’s cheaper for me to prepare their food than buy good quality food from the store. Plus I really enjoy making it and watching them gobble it down at lighting speed!

Safety & longevity.

There are no food safety regulations for dog food in some countries and dangerous substances such as antifreeze have been found in some, so be sure to check the list of ingredients. I have owned Pointers (hunting dogs) for 30 years. Each of my dogs has lived to 17, even though the life expectancy for their individual breed is 10 years.

Dogs are omnivores not carnivores.

Dogs, like humans, are considered omnivores, which means they have the biological capability to derive nutrients from both plant-based and animal-based sources. This classification is based on their anatomy, physiology, and dietary behaviour. Here’s why dogs are considered omnivores:

1. Dental Structure.

While dogs have sharp teeth suitable for tearing meat, they also possess flat molars at the back of their mouths, which are used for grinding plant material. This combination of teeth allows them to consume a variety of foods.

2. Digestive System.

Dogs have a relatively short digestive tract compared to true carnivores like cats. This digestive system is adapted to process both animal and plant matter efficiently. Additionally, dogs produce enzymes necessary for breaking down carbohydrates, which are found in plant-based foods.

3. Natural Behaviour.

In the wild, dogs are known to scavenge and consume a diverse range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and small animals. This dietary flexibility reflects their omnivorous nature and their ability to extract nutrients from various sources.

4. Nutritional Requirements.

Dogs have specific nutritional requirements, including essential amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, which can be obtained from both plant and animal sources. A balanced diet that meets these requirements can be achieved through a combination of plant-based and animal-based ingredients or solely through plant-based ingredients with careful supplementation.

5. Adaptability.

Dogs have demonstrated adaptability to different diets throughout history, depending on the availability of food sources. Domestic dogs have lived alongside humans for thousands of years, consuming diets that often include a mix of plant and animal-based foods provided by their owners.

Overall, while dogs have historically been associated with a carnivorous diet, their biological characteristics and dietary behaviours support the classification of dogs as omnivores. This understanding underscores the importance of offering dogs a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients, whether from plant or animal sources, to support their overall health and well-being.

#healthypets

Intermittent fasting and me.

intermittent fasting

Understanding Intermittent Fasting.

Intermittent fasting isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about when you eat. This dietary approach involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting, with various methods to suit different lifestyles and goals. Two popular IF methods include Time-Restricted Eating (TRE), where you restrict your eating window each day, and alternate-day fasting, where you cycle between eating and fasting days. My video on YouTube explains how fasting completely changed my life.

Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

The benefits of intermittent fasting extend far beyond weight loss. From improved metabolic health to enhanced cognitive function, IF has been associated with numerous health perks. Studies suggest that intermittent fasting may aid in weight management by controlling calorie intake and promoting fat loss. Additionally, IF can enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce inflammation, and even support heart health and longevity by triggering cellular repair processes.

Implementing Intermittent Fasting

Ready to embark on your fasting journey? Here are some tips to get started:

1. Choose the Right Approach. Select an IF method that aligns with your goals and lifestyle. Start with a more flexible approach, such as a 16/8 fasting schedule, and adjust as needed.

2. Stay Hydrated. During fasting periods, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and curb hunger pangs.

3. Listen to Your Body. Pay attention to your body’s signals and adjust your fasting schedule accordingly. If you feel overly fatigued or hungry, consider modifying your approach.

4. Mindful Eating. Break your fast with nutritious, balanced meals to fuel your body effectively. Avoid overindulging in unhealthy foods to prevent derailing your progress.

5. Consistency. Consistency is key to reaping the benefits of IF. Stick to your fasting schedule as much as possible, but allow yourself flexibility for special occasions or weekends. I do!

Personal Experience with Intermittent Fasting

As someone who follows a 6-hour eating window five days a week, IF has been a transformative journey for me. Not only has it helped me maintain a healthy weight, but it has also improved my sleep quality and eliminated cravings for unhealthy foods. By embracing intermittent fasting, I’ve discovered a newfound sense of freedom from constant weight monitoring and management.

Are you ready to unlock your potential and reclaim your health? Dive in and let the journey begin! Check out my own fasting food on my FoodTube page by clicking here.

Coconut & raspberry pudding – dairy free & vegan friendly

coconut & raspberry pudding

Great as a dessert, even better as breakfast, my simple coconut & raspberry pudding, which is dairy free and vegan friendly.

You will need;

  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon agar agar
  • 2 cups raspberries
  • 1 teaspoon coconut sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon desiccated coconut

Check out my YouTube video, on how to make this simple pudding. You can make it in advance and it will keep well covered in the fridge for a few days.

I am inspired by all the fresh produce at my local market in Tavira. Today I picked up a large punnet of fresh raspberries and couldn’t wait to get home to make this delicious dessert. I divided the mix into three, 2 desserts for today, and 1 breakfast is ready for me tomorrow. I will add a little bit of home made granola to create a delicious and filling plant based breakfast.

Let me know if you try this recipe. I don’t add extra sugar to the milk mixture, but you may like to add a teaspoon of sugar if you have a sweet tooth.

It’s very hot here today, too hot for cooking, but this simple dish is perfect chilled to enjoy under the shade of a carob tree. The dogs are shuffling around the kitchen to keep cool, so it’s Ginger and Bird my Hungarian Vizsla you may be able to hear in the background.

I don’t use exact measurements, use a tea cup if you don’t have a proper cup measurement – its the same thing!

Thanks for stopping by, have a beautiful day!

Asian style breakfast. Italian style lunch. What I eat in a day.

asian style breakfast, Italian style lunch

Asian style breakfast? Italian style lunch? yes please! Here’s what I eat in a day. Lots of you enjoyed seeing what I eat in a day. I really prefer savoury food rather than sweet. Today I made some crispy tofu with Thai rice, veggies and sauce for breakfast and an Italian inspired pasta and bean dish with lots of fresh tomatoes.

Thank you for the lovely feedback on my videos. I like to keep trying different styles, so today there’s no talking, just the sounds of my small kitchen, in my cottage, in the middle of an orange grove in Algarve, Portugal. Listen out for Mr Blackbird singing along outside my window.

Asian style breakfast.

Breakfast was; Steamed Thai rice, crispy tofu (see my previous recipe for KCF style tofu) cucumber, raw carrot, fried spring onions/scallions, sesame seeds, fresh chopped coriander and a sauce made with;1 tablespoon crunchy peanut butter, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar, 1 or 2 teaspoons of maple syrup.

asian style breakfast, Italian style lunch
asian style breakfast, Italian style lunch

Italian style lunch.

For lunch I fried red onion and garlic, added 4 large chopped red tomatoes and simmered until tender, and liquid reduced. I added 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon Moscatel (it’s a sweet wine). I added 1 cup large butter beans and 1 cup small pasta. Cook until pasta is al dente. In a separate pan fry mushrooms with crushed whole garlic as much as you like) and vegan butter. I am using Veganbloc. When cooked, remove the mushrooms and use the leftover butter and garlic to wilt the spinach in the hot pan.

Drizzle over pesto (I’m using homemade vegan – without cheese) and sprinkle over sunflower seeds and a few fresh herbs. Serve with baked sliced bread.

Let me know what you think about this style of video. It’s good for when I don’t want to be on camera and can really enjoy cooking rather than talking. I lost 32lbs eating this way. I eat between 8am and 2pm, then fast until 8am the next day. It really suits my body and lifestyle.

Thanks for stopping by, have a beautiful day.

#intermittentfasting #menopauseweightloss #menopausehealth #plantbased #healthyaging