What to eat?

What to eat indeed? We are overwhelmed with media telling us the latest research on what we should and shouldn't be eating, only to be completely contradicted by other 'expert' research the next day! How can we steer a course through this quagmire of conflicting 'information' that our food and food preparation has become?

The only way, in my view, is to follow your instincts (remember those?) and to eat what you feel like eating. The old adage, 'Everything in moderation' is so, so true. Read about some quantum physics findings and you will find that it is how our bodies treat what we put in them that is more relevant to what we physically eat. So, I think the crux of the matter is to ENJOY what you eat and take time to TASTE what you put into your mouth. Eat only what you need and only when you are HUNGRY!

What I have been cooking:

Yesterday I made a lovely butternut squash soup for lunch with soda bread. So simple and so delicious. You can easily whip this meal up in under half an hour.

1 onion, chopped
1 butternut squash, peeled and chopped into chunks
1 potato, chopped (no need to peel)
Vegetable stock (about 500ml)
salt and pepper
a little milk or cream if desired

Cook the onion in a knob of butter (or ghee) until translucent. Add the squash and potato and cook for about 5 mins, stirring. Add the stock so the vegetables are covered. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 20 mins. Add seasoning and taste. Whizz to a puree.

Meanwhile, make the soda bread.

Heat the oven to 200 degrees, Gas mk 5.

500g white bread (strong) flour
50g butter
20g baking powder
10g salt
2 eggs
150ml buttermilk or natural yoghurt
100-150ml milk

Rub the butter into the flour, baking powder and salt (or whizz in a processor). Add most of the eggs, yoghurt and milk, but the dough should be moist, not sticky.
Tip on to a floured or oiled baking tray and bake for 35 mins. Leave for 5 mins before eating, if you are able!

Serve with butter and the soup.
Food for the Soul!