Friday, 25 October 2024
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My Emergency Banana Cream and Butterscotch Cheesecake
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I recently bought a bunch of bananas from a discount supermarket. I ate one and several days later I decided to eat another, only to find that they had ripened to such an extreme extent that they could have worked as extras in the film The Blackness!
My wife and I both despise wasting food (if we really can't make use of something we compost it) so I decided to employ my inventive side to save the day.
I used a combination of ingredients from our pantry plus several others that I bought from Morrisons. (Morrisons is not the supermarket were I bought the bananas from, by the way.)
Ingredients:-
Ripe(!) bananas
Two tubs of Morrisons full fat cream cheese
The rest of a pot of double cream from the fridge
Packet of Butterscotch flavoured Angel Delight
A handful of Pearl Sugar (an Amazon overstock item bought from a local charity shop)
Sufficient milk to soften the mixture
Half a packet of crushed broken biscuits from the pantry
1/4 of a tub of Morrisons spreadable butter
Mix the spreadable butter with the crushed biscuits and place in a combination over in a metal or glass bowl, for 200c for about 10 to 15 minutes. Several times use a wooden spoon to make sure the base is properly mixed together.
Eventually, squash the mix down and then leave to cool.
Whilst it is cooling mash the ripe bananas and when they are fully mashed add the cream cheese, making sure it's all mixed in.
Then add the Angel Delight being careful to make sure all the powder is properly mixed in. At this stage add enough milk to make sure the mixture is not too thick.
Then mix in the Pearl Sugar.
Place the mix into the fridge and when the base is sufficiently cooled top it with the cheesecake mixture and return this to the fridge and allow it to properly chill.
I did think about adding some Bailey's Irish Cream, or Amarula instead of the milk, but after tasting the mixture part way through I decided against this. You could add the liqueurs, though, if you wished.
The result? A really delicious Emergency Banana Cream and Butterscotch Cheesecake!
We mentioned buying Amazon overstocks and the like in a previous post on our sister site, That's Christmas. That was how we bought a number of pots of Pearl Sugar, several boxes of breakfast cereals and some new Christmas decorations!
"Why Charity Shops are a Hidden Gem for Amazon Returns and Overstock Deals at Christmastime"
Actually, nearer to Christmas the above recipe with the addition of traditional Christmas spices would make a reasonably light Christmastime dessert treat.
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Thursday, 24 October 2024
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Why Your Mile High Cuppa Could Be Doing You More Harm Than Good: Tea Expert Spills The Leaves and Beans On In-Flight Brews
Key Points:
Airplane water tanks may not be cleaned as often as one should be able to hope, raising concerns over the safety of consuming hot drinks in flight.
Coffee machines are often located near lavatories, and may not be thoroughly cleaned between flights.
Tea expert shares his tips and tricks to enjoy a mile-high brew
As more people take to the skies, especially with holiday season travel, a cup of tea or coffee during a flight might seem like the perfect way to relax and re-hydrate.
But before you reach for that hot beverage, Arthur Gautier, who os a tea expert at Nio Teas, is sharing some sage advice that might have you reconsidering.
Gautier warns there could be health risks linked to drinking tea and coffee on airplanes, especially when you factor in how onboard water quality plays a rvital ole in what ends up in your cuppa.
How Clean Is That Water, anyway?
One of those things that often flies under the radar is just how often (or not) the water tanks on airplanes are cleaned out. If you’ve seen those viral social media posts from flight attendants, you’ve probably heard the whispers—those tanks aren’t exactly getting the TLC you’d hope for.
“The water used for tea and coffee on planes comes from large tanks that, let’s just say, don’t get the same level of attention as your kitchen tap at home,” says Arthur. “It’s not always as clean as you might think, especially on the long-haul flights.”
For anyone with a sensitive stomach or a weaker immune system, that less-than-fresh water could mean more than just a bad-tasting brew—it might lead to some unpleasant discomfort mid-flight.
Location, Location, Location
Have you ever thought about where your tea or coffee is actually made on a plane? If you’re observant you may have noticed those trusty coffee machines are often placed right next to the lavatories—yes, that close. Eww. If that wasn’t enough to make you pause, it gets even worse.
“Apparently those machines don’t get much love between flights, unless they break down,” shares Gautier, hinting at the less-than-sparkling conditions. Over time, residue, germs, and bacteria can easily build up, making the situation even less appealing. With the machines sitting so close to the toilets rest, it’s not hard to see how things might get a bit... unsanitary?
“If cleanliness is a priority for you, you might want to think twice before reaching for that in-flight cup of coffee,” he adds.
Safer Alternatives: Bottled Drinks and Warm Tea Tricks
If you’re still craving a warm drink but want to avoid the risks, Arthur Gautier suggests some clever hacks.
“It’s safer to stick with bottled or canned beverages while flying,” he recommends. “If you really want tea, ask for a bottle of water and a cup of hot water separately. You can steep your tea bag in the bottled water, then warm it up using the hot water.”
Of course, this isn’t always the easiest task depending on the size of the bottle and the cup you get. And remember, boiling hot water can be dangerous, so be extra careful not to spill it while trying this method.
When it comes to tea, it can help to choose types that steep well at lower temperature water. Arthur suggests teas like green tea, white tea, or herbal blends like chamomile or peppermint, which are perfect for steeping in warmish water without sacrificing too much flavor. So even at 30,000 feet, you can still enjoy a decent cup without any worry.
Gautier concluded: "When you're flying, the cabin pressure and altitude can really dull your sense of taste, so that cup of tea or coffee might not taste as good as it normally would—regardless of the water quality. To make the most of it, go for teas that brew well with warm water, and always use bottled water when possible. That way, you can enjoy your drink without worrying about any unpleasant surprises."
We'd like to thank Nio Teas for their help in researching for this article.
World Psoriasis Day: Understanding Psoriasis and Dietary Support
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It seeks to address the stigma surrounding this chronic, autoimmune skin condition while educating the public on its symptoms and challenges.
Psoriasis affects around 2-3% of the population, causing red, scaly patches on the skin, often accompanied by itching, pain, or even joint discomfort in those with psoriatic arthritis.
The significance of this day lies in its role as a platform for advocacy, research funding, and community building.
Those living with psoriasis face both physical and emotional hurdles, including the societal misconceptions surrounding visible skin conditions. World Psoriasis Day serves as a reminder to recognise the importance of proper treatment, support networks, and understanding.
Understanding Psoriasis
Psoriasis occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing rapid skin cell turnover. As a result, it leads to the build-up of dead cells on the skin’s surface. While the exact cause is unclear, genetics and environmental factors play a significant role. Though there is no cure for psoriasis, various treatments, including medications, phototherapy, and lifestyle adjustments, can help manage symptoms.
The Role of Diet and Supplements in Psoriasis Management
While psoriasis cannot be entirely controlled by diet alone, certain foods and supplements have been shown to alleviate symptoms by reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system. Incorporating these into daily routines may improve overall health and potentially ease flare-ups.
Foods That Can Help with Psoriasis
Omega-3 Rich Foods Omega-3 fatty acids are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties. Since psoriasis involves an overactive immune response leading to inflammation, incorporating omega-3-rich foods may reduce flare-ups.
Sources: Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, sardines, and flaxseeds.
Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables Antioxidants protect the body from oxidative stress, which can exacerbate psoriasis. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that help reduce inflammation.
Sources: Berries, leafy greens, carrots, peppers, and citrus fruits.
Whole Grains Whole grains are high in fibre, which helps promote a healthy gut. A well-balanced gut microbiome may reduce systemic inflammation.
Sources: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, and whole wheat.
Nuts and Seeds Nuts and seeds are full of healthy fats, which support skin health and help lower inflammation.
Sources: Walnuts, flaxseeds, and chia seeds.
Lean Proteins While fatty red meats can worsen inflammation, lean proteins offer a healthier alternative.
Sources: Chicken, turkey, and plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas.
Probiotic Foods Probiotics help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which may influence inflammation and immune responses in psoriasis.
Sources: Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and miso.
Supplements for Psoriasis
Fish Oil (Omega-3) Fish oil supplements are a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help decrease inflammation and may lessen the severity of psoriasis symptoms.
Vitamin D Vitamin D plays a crucial role in skin health and immune regulation. Many people with psoriasis have been found to have low levels of vitamin D. Supplements or topical treatments containing vitamin D can help regulate the immune system and reduce psoriasis plaques.
Turmeric (Curcumin) Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, is well-known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It may help manage psoriasis symptoms when taken as a supplement or added to meals.
Vitamin B12 Some studies suggest that people with psoriasis may benefit from B12 supplements, as it is involved in cell metabolism and skin health.
Zinc Zinc supplements support the immune system and may help with wound healing and reducing psoriasis-related skin irritation.
Probiotics Taking probiotic supplements can enhance gut health, potentially reducing systemic inflammation and supporting immune balance.
Foods to Avoid
Some foods may trigger or worsen psoriasis symptoms, particularly those that promote inflammation or lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for more severe psoriasis.
Processed Foods: High in trans fats, sugar, and salt, processed foods can increase inflammation.
Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can trigger psoriasis flare-ups in some individuals.
Red Meat: High in saturated fats, red meats can contribute to inflammation.
Dairy: For some, dairy products, especially full-fat, can trigger skin issues.
World Psoriasis Day is a critical reminder of the need for better understanding, awareness, and support for those living with psoriasis. Although there is no definitive cure for this condition, adopting a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and supplementing with key nutrients can aid in managing symptoms and improving overall well-being. By working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals with psoriasis can find a balanced approach to managing their condition through lifestyle adjustments and medical treatments.
By raising awareness, advocating for research, and fostering community support, World Psoriasis Day continues to offer hope to millions around the globe.
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