Ginger Cacao Hot Chocolate

Over Easter we were all struck down with colds. I couldn’t get enough ginger at the time. Swallowing ginger tea, or slurping gingery soup feels like a direct assault on the virus as it travels to your stomach. Being Easter Sunday I thought I might try and mix my ginger with some chocolate and here’s the result.

Grate a 3cm piece of ginger and place the ginger in a tea pot. Add very hot water, but not quite boiling, and let steep for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile Place 1 tsp of cacao in a mug. Pour the hot ginger tea over the top and stir the cacao until dissolved. Top off with some milk of choice and sweeten to taste with maple syrup or honey. Delicious.

Tea: Chill out and stop worrying / sleep peacefully

When worry and anxiety takes a hold this soothing concoction will calm your nerves. It's also wonderful for aiding the onset of sleep. A good pinch of lavender

A good pinch of chamomile flowers

A good pinch of lemon balm (I used fresh but dry is also available)

Steep for 5 - 10 minutes in hot but not boiling water. Strain and stir with the intention of calm. Inhale the aroma, sip gently.

Greens, Beans, and Artichokes with a Poached egg

Coming home late in the dribbly, grizzly rain and bitter cold that has me shrugging up my shoulders and going “Brrrrrr…” . I need some quick, easy and delicious food can I whip up and eat…pronto! Garlic greens and white beans go well in a pan, combine with a jar of marinated artichokes and a wee bit of delicious goats cheese……or chedder or any cheese for that matter top with a poached egg, and I have myself a bowl of wintertime wellbeing.

Greens, Beans, and Artichokes with a Poached egg

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 – 2 Tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 big bunch of Silverbeet/kale/spinach or a combination, 1 big clove of garlic, chopped 1 tin of cannellini or butter beans 1 240g jar of marinated artichokes 2 – 4 eggs 2 tsp of white vinegar Cheese of choice ..goats cheese, chedder, Parmesan or use chopped nuts for a dairy free version

You can also substitute the egg for tofu, or even chicken and turkey.

Method

1. Prepare your greens first. I like to fill my sink with warm water and wash the leaves one by one, and then tear the leaves up with my hands, placing them in a colander to drain.

2. Heat olive oil in large fry-pan, once heated add the garlic and let it sizzle for about 40 seconds. Add the greens and toss through the oil. Let them reduce somewhat, it will probably take about 3 minutes. If you’re using spinach it will reduce much quicker, like 40 seconds.

3. Drain the artichokes, chop them a little smaller, and add to the pan. Drain and rinse the beans, add those to the pan also. Stir the beans and artichokes through the greens. Season with salt and pepper as desired and reduce heat a little.

4. Meanwhile prepare you eggs. Fill a saucepan with about 2 inches of boiling water from the kettle and place over medium heat. Add 2 tsps of vinegar to the water. This helps the eggs stay together. Gently break an egg into the water. I usually don’t try to poach more then two eggs in a saucepan at any given time. Try an keep the water on a simmer, but don’t let it boil. The eggs should be ready within 2 minutes, depending on how well done you like them.

5. Scoop the greens/beans mixture into a bowl, sprinkle with your cheese of choice and then gently remove a poached egg from the water and place on top. Viola! Dinner is served.

Okay so my poached egg wasn't that pretty. Can't get it perfect every time. This baby is getting into my belly!