duck tales

Grilled duck breasts, braised red cabbage and apples and wilted spinach were on the menu last night.

The red cabbage I can do - although it takes about 45 minutes, it's worth it. The flavour of apples, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and bay slow cooked into the cabbage is divine - and completely fat free.

The spinach I can do - stir in a hot pan with a splash of water until ready.

The duck I wasn't so sure - so little investigation helped. The grill/broiler plan should be about 5-6 inches from the top, and the pan should be filled with water. Score the fat on the duck breasts a few times. (Even if you're not going to eat the fat, cook the breast with it - it keeps the meat from drying out.)

Grill/broil on medium-high heat for 8 minutes (skin-down) and then another 8 minutes (skin-up) for a medium-rare breast.

A 125 g duck breast portion without fat is just under 200 calories - and a huge portion of red cabbage and 100 g of spinach brings the filling meal to just under 300 cals. (I was VERY jealous of my husband, who got to eat two portions of duck fat, though I reminded myself it's not worth it)

food TV

Well, we left 2007 in a haze of Nigella Express, Jamie at Home and Heston Blumenthal. Oh, and Gordon. He’s always on. What’s new for 2008, you ask?

Channel 4 is encouraging us to think before we eat. Interesting, they’re not asking us to think before we watch. Can someone do a documentary on Channel 4? Anyway…

Lovable tree-hugger Hugh of the River Cottage is back on television following his fish book and his fantastic column in the Guardian weekend. (I missed him over Christmas – Angela Hartnett is great, but I love Hugh’s back-to-basics approach.)

His show – Hugh’s Chicken Run – aims to show us just what buying a battery chicken means. The kindly man wants to encourage us – and the supermarkets – to buy free-range. It sounds like this one could get a bit gruesome.

More chicken: Jamie is back (naturally) with Jamie’s Fowl Dinners. Evidently, 9 billion eggs and 900 million chickens are produced every year in the UK. We’re in for another lesson to learn about the different ways of rearing chicken and another debate about the reality of chicken production.

More and more gordo, our gin-soliciting man. In Cook-A-Long-A-Gordon, a one hour special, we’re going to see how to cook quickly without sacrificing anything.

Eat Yourself to Death is another You Are What You Eat without the poo-crazed lady running around. Be prepared to be disgusted by what food can do to you.

In what sounds potentially interesting, The Diet that Time Forgot takes us to Pakistan’s Shimshal people, who are said to eat the healthiest diet in the world. There are no additives, saturated fats or heavily-sugared foods.

The Raw Food Diet goes under the microscope in Health Food Junkies. We learn more about the diet that prohibits eating food that is about 45 degrees C.

What do you think? I myself am likely to check these out initially, but I’m not sure how long I’ll last. I’d rather spend my time in the kitchen…

Top tens

Today the Nielsen Company released its research on the most popular trends among Americans during 2007. What do you think: any surprises?

Top 10 consumer packaged goods
(Percent of US homes who purchased each category in 2007)

Fresh bread 97%
Refrigerated milk 95%
Toilet tissue 93%
Fresh eggs 93%
Cookies 93%
Ready-to-eat cereal 92%
Canned soup 91%
Chocolate candy 91%
Potato chips 88%
Batteries 86%

Source: Homescan(R) Consumer Facts, a service of The Nielsen Company
Note: The percentage of U.S. households who purchased at least once
during 52-weeks ending June 30, 2007. Prepackaged, UPC items only.

Top 10 consumer package goods sold in U.S. Retail Stores
(Dollars sold)

Carbonated soft drinks $17.6 bn
Refrigerated milk $12.8 bn
Cigarettes $7.8 bn
Ready-to-eat cereal $7.7 bn
Fresh bread $7.7 bn
Prerecorded video products $6.6 bn
Still bottled water $6.0 bn
Toilet tissue $5.3 bn
Light beer $5.1 bn
Cookies $4.9 bn

Source: Nielsen Strategic Planner(TM) and Nielsen Wal-Mart Channel, services of The Nielsen Company
Note: Total U.S. Food/Drug/Mass Merchandiser Stores (Including Wal-Mart). Prepackaged, UPC items only. Sales are for 52 Weeks ending November 3, 2007.

Top tens

Today the Nielsen Company released its research on the most popular trends among Americans during 2007. What do you think: any surprises?

Top 10 consumer packaged goods
(Percent of US homes who purchased each category in 2007)

Fresh bread 97%
Refrigerated milk 95%
Toilet tissue 93%
Fresh eggs 93%
Cookies 93%
Ready-to-eat cereal 92%
Canned soup 91%
Chocolate candy 91%
Potato chips 88%
Batteries 86%

Source: Homescan(R) Consumer Facts, a service of The Nielsen Company
Note: The percentage of U.S. households who purchased at least once
during 52-weeks ending June 30, 2007. Prepackaged, UPC items only.

Top 10 consumer package goods sold in U.S. Retail Stores
(Dollars sold)

Carbonated soft drinks $17.6 bn
Refrigerated milk $12.8 bn
Cigarettes $7.8 bn
Ready-to-eat cereal $7.7 bn
Fresh bread $7.7 bn
Prerecorded video products $6.6 bn
Still bottled water $6.0 bn
Toilet tissue $5.3 bn
Light beer $5.1 bn
Cookies $4.9 bn

Source: Nielsen Strategic Planner(TM) and Nielsen Wal-Mart Channel, services of The Nielsen Company
Note: Total U.S. Food/Drug/Mass Merchandiser Stores (Including Wal-Mart). Prepackaged, UPC items only. Sales are for 52 Weeks ending November 3, 2007.

The importance of eating breakfast

There are several reasons why eating breakfast is a smart move. After a night of sleep, our bodies need fuel to get moving in the morning. Without sustained energy, the body either crashes or the person must eat even more later to make up for the drop in blood sugar. Dieting New Yorkers passing out on the subway (aka “sick passengers”) are one of the most common reasons for travel delays.

A recent nutrition study has shown that kids need breakfast to perform well at school. Some schools in the US are taking the initiative to make it available to kids in the morning.

Explains Pennsylvania Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak: "A good breakfast has benefits beyond nutrition. Research proves that a healthy, balanced breakfast at the start of the school day improves a child's classroom performance and reduces the likelihood of behavioural problems. A healthy breakfast helps create a healthy student who is able to bring a focused mind and positive attitude into the classroom each morning. A child distracted by hunger cannot be expected to fully concentrate on learning.

"School breakfasts have the added benefit of teaching children good nutritional habits that can help them avoid the many health-related problems associated with obesity and poor nutrition. This not only puts them on a path to a longer, stronger life, it also reduces medical costs.”

Everyone needs good, fast breakfast to get them on his or her way: there’s poached egg on toast, fruit and yogurt, porridge/oatmeal, Shredded Wheat and others. The “full English” breakfast is perhaps not the best option.

The importance of eating breakfast

There are several reasons why eating breakfast is a smart move. After a night of sleep, our bodies need fuel to get moving in the morning. Without sustained energy, the body either crashes or the person must eat even more later to make up for the drop in blood sugar. Dieting New Yorkers passing out on the subway (aka “sick passengers”) are one of the most common reasons for travel delays.

A recent nutrition study has shown that kids need breakfast to perform well at school. Some schools in the US are taking the initiative to make it available to kids in the morning.

Explains Pennsylvania Education Secretary Gerald L. Zahorchak: "A good breakfast has benefits beyond nutrition. Research proves that a healthy, balanced breakfast at the start of the school day improves a child's classroom performance and reduces the likelihood of behavioural problems. A healthy breakfast helps create a healthy student who is able to bring a focused mind and positive attitude into the classroom each morning. A child distracted by hunger cannot be expected to fully concentrate on learning.

"School breakfasts have the added benefit of teaching children good nutritional habits that can help them avoid the many health-related problems associated with obesity and poor nutrition. This not only puts them on a path to a longer, stronger life, it also reduces medical costs.”

Everyone needs good, fast breakfast to get them on his or her way: there’s poached egg on toast, fruit and yogurt, porridge/oatmeal, Shredded Wheat and others. The “full English” breakfast is perhaps not the best option.

Flu foods

Sub-zero temperatures setting in are long hours at the office in preparation for Christmas are just two of the reasons it seems like everyone is suffering from a cold or the flu.

Luckily, it’s possible to eat yourself healthy. Just recently a new report emerged that honey is better for children’s coughs than store-bought syrups.

There are plenty of other items at the grocery store that can help us through the sick season, says pharmacist and registered nutritionist Scott Berliner, president of Life Science Pharmacy.

Yogurt

This dairy product has been touted as a gastrointestinal gift for years. “Yogurt is excellent for creating good bacteria to prevent total body immunity,” says Berliner. He suggests taking a few spoonfuls (about 50 g) as a preventative medicine, but warns us away from sugary and inactive versions.

Citrus fruits

As well as being a known source of vitamin C (which, despite what many think, won’t help you once you’re sick), help the body to maintain a Ph balance. "Surprising as it sounds, some citrus fruits, despite being acidic, encourage the body to be more alkaline and healthy," says Berliner. He recommends drinking hot lemon juice, though fruits and vegetables in the diet also promote alkalinity.

Water

Eight cups a day of water is the advice in the US, but it’s important to remember not to drink distilled water, which Berliner says leaches minerals from the body: “When you hydrate, you also need minerals to hold onto the water.”

Tea and salt

For a sore throat and inflamed tonsils, Berliner recommends gargling a brew of black tea with
½ teaspoon of salt: “The tannins in the tea are astringent and effective for shrinking the swelling
and reducing irritation. The salt enhances the anti-inflammatory effect.”

Elderberry

A popular cordial in the UK, the extract or syrup of the fruit has also been said to help treat
viral infections. It is now available in the US.

Flu foods

Sub-zero temperatures setting in are long hours at the office in preparation for Christmas are just two of the reasons it seems like everyone is suffering from a cold or the flu.

Luckily, it’s possible to eat yourself healthy. Just recently a new report emerged that honey is better for children’s coughs than store-bought syrups.

There are plenty of other items at the grocery store that can help us through the sick season, says pharmacist and registered nutritionist Scott Berliner, president of Life Science Pharmacy.

Yogurt

This dairy product has been touted as a gastrointestinal gift for years. “Yogurt is excellent for creating good bacteria to prevent total body immunity,” says Berliner. He suggests taking a few spoonfuls (about 50 g) as a preventative medicine, but warns us away from sugary and inactive versions.

Citrus fruits

As well as being a known source of vitamin C (which, despite what many think, won’t help you once you’re sick), help the body to maintain a Ph balance. "Surprising as it sounds, some citrus fruits, despite being acidic, encourage the body to be more alkaline and healthy," says Berliner. He recommends drinking hot lemon juice, though fruits and vegetables in the diet also promote alkalinity.

Water

Eight cups a day of water is the advice in the US, but it’s important to remember not to drink distilled water, which Berliner says leaches minerals from the body: “When you hydrate, you also need minerals to hold onto the water.”

Tea and salt

For a sore throat and inflamed tonsils, Berliner recommends gargling a brew of black tea with
½ teaspoon of salt: “The tannins in the tea are astringent and effective for shrinking the swelling
and reducing irritation. The salt enhances the anti-inflammatory effect.”

Elderberry

A popular cordial in the UK, the extract or syrup of the fruit has also been said to help treat
viral infections. It is now available in the US.

Eating in at the holidays

According to a new survey, 76% of Americans said that their favourite meal was either prepared at their home or someone else’s home. (In the case of the later, it was likely because they didn’t have to do the washing up.)

And when it comes to the holidays, home-cooked meals keep even more Americans happy: 93% of those surveyed said that sharing one with friend and family was a “very” or “extremely” important part of the holidays.

But as the Crock-Pot survey rightly suggests, the reason that these idyllic dinners don’t often come to fruition is time.

During the year, long hours at work often make cooking a chore (for some, for some). And at the holidays, the thought of being stuck in the kitchen whilst everyone else enjoys themselves is not appealing. (Though this gap can be bridged, especially in an open plan environment.)

This writer is quite obviously a fan of in-house eating: click here for everyday ideas for nutritious and filling home-cooked meals.

But there are other ways, if cooking isn’t your personal passion, to sidestep complicated, time-consuming recipes. Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to multitask; there are worse things than coming home to a fragrant and waiting casserole after a day in the office.

Making extra portions of soups, chilis and sauces – and freezing the leftovers – is also an easy way through the holidays.

Many magazines advertise “make ahead” menus to get you through the holidays too. To enliven the rest of the mesh, just add easy-to-assemble starters such as smoked salmon, cream cheese and chives on oatcakes.

Eating in at the holidays

According to a new survey, 76% of Americans said that their favourite meal was either prepared at their home or someone else’s home. (In the case of the later, it was likely because they didn’t have to do the washing up.)

And when it comes to the holidays, home-cooked meals keep even more Americans happy: 93% of those surveyed said that sharing one with friend and family was a “very” or “extremely” important part of the holidays.

But as the Crock-Pot survey rightly suggests, the reason that these idyllic dinners don’t often come to fruition is time.

During the year, long hours at work often make cooking a chore (for some, for some). And at the holidays, the thought of being stuck in the kitchen whilst everyone else enjoys themselves is not appealing. (Though this gap can be bridged, especially in an open plan environment.)

This writer is quite obviously a fan of in-house eating: click here for everyday ideas for nutritious and filling home-cooked meals.

But there are other ways, if cooking isn’t your personal passion, to sidestep complicated, time-consuming recipes. Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to multitask; there are worse things than coming home to a fragrant and waiting casserole after a day in the office.

Making extra portions of soups, chilis and sauces – and freezing the leftovers – is also an easy way through the holidays.

Many magazines advertise “make ahead” menus to get you through the holidays too. To enliven the rest of the mesh, just add easy-to-assemble starters such as smoked salmon, cream cheese and chives on oatcakes.

Have yourself a cranberry little Christmas

They’re seasonal, brightly-coloured, and, when cooked correctly, taste wonderful. Cranberry juice, with its signature tartness, has uses as a mixer, both in and out of the holiday season.

With that in mind, the US Cranberry Marketing Committee wants to play Santa a bit early, bringing several recipes for the world to try, such as oatmeal cranberry white chocolate cookies (courtesy of Ocean Spray – a cranberry retailer), acorn squash with cranberry stuffing and hot cranberry punch. Read on for the recipes:

Hot cranberry punch

2 quarts apple cider
2 quarts cranberry juice cocktail\
1/3 cup brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1/2 lemon, sliced

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove lemon slices and serve warm.

Acorn squash with cranberry stuffing

1 medium-sized acorn squash, halved, seeds removed
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup onion
1 apple, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
3/4 cup cooked rice
1/2 orange, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice

In microwavable dish, place squash cut side down and add 3 tablespoons water. Cover and cook on high heat for 5-7 minutes or until fork tender. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and saute celery and onion until tender crisp. Add remaining ingredients and warm through. Spoon mixture into squash halves and serve immediately.

Oatmeal, cranberry and white chocolate chunk cookies
(makes approximately 30 cookies)

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries
2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Using an electric mixer, beat butter or margarine and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sweetened dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

(recipe courtesy of Ocean Spray)

Have yourself a cranberry little Christmas

They’re seasonal, brightly-coloured, and, when cooked correctly, taste wonderful. Cranberry juice, with its signature tartness, has uses as a mixer, both in and out of the holiday season.

With that in mind, the US Cranberry Marketing Committee wants to play Santa a bit early, bringing several recipes for the world to try, such as oatmeal cranberry white chocolate cookies (courtesy of Ocean Spray – a cranberry retailer), acorn squash with cranberry stuffing and hot cranberry punch. Read on for the recipes:

Hot cranberry punch

2 quarts apple cider
2 quarts cranberry juice cocktail\
1/3 cup brown sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
1/2 lemon, sliced

In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes. Remove lemon slices and serve warm.

Acorn squash with cranberry stuffing

1 medium-sized acorn squash, halved, seeds removed
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup celery
1/2 cup onion
1 apple, peeled and chopped
3/4 cup sweetened dried cranberries
3/4 cup cooked rice
1/2 orange, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice

In microwavable dish, place squash cut side down and add 3 tablespoons water. Cover and cook on high heat for 5-7 minutes or until fork tender. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and saute celery and onion until tender crisp. Add remaining ingredients and warm through. Spoon mixture into squash halves and serve immediately.

Oatmeal, cranberry and white chocolate chunk cookies
(makes approximately 30 cookies)

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries
2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Using an electric mixer, beat butter or margarine and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sweetened dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks.

Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

(recipe courtesy of Ocean Spray)

Takeaway troubles

Burgers and kebabs are the most popular choices for late-night food, according to an unsurprising new report.

According to the statistics, 75% of 18-24 year olds head for a takeaway after a night out.

The statistics come from Keep Britain Tidy, which also report that 25% of UK streets are littered with these Styrofoam boxes once the greasy food has been consumed.

The lack of cleanliness appears to be the second or third link in the chain. If young people were not to buy the sub-par food from takeaway chains at the end of the night, there would be less litter. But often, this food is bought after a night of binge drinking – and any food is likely better than none at all.

Takeaway troubles

Burgers and kebabs are the most popular choices for late-night food, according to an unsurprising new report.

According to the statistics, 75% of 18-24 year olds head for a takeaway after a night out.

The statistics come from Keep Britain Tidy, which also report that 25% of UK streets are littered with these Styrofoam boxes once the greasy food has been consumed.

The lack of cleanliness appears to be the second or third link in the chain. If young people were not to buy the sub-par food from takeaway chains at the end of the night, there would be less litter. But often, this food is bought after a night of binge drinking – and any food is likely better than none at all.

Supermarkets applauded for animal welfare

The award for Compassionate Supermarket of the Year (2007) was awarded to Marks & Spencer this weekend.

Earlier this year, the supermarket announced it would no longer sell white veal – and would only offer rose veal to customers beginning in 2008.

Free-range eggs have been the baseline option at the store for the last 10 years.

The accolades were based on a biannual survey on welfare policies and practices from the animal rights group Compassion in World Farming.

Sainsburys received two awards – Best Volume Retailer and Most Improved Supermarket. The latter distinction highlighted a 28% improvement from the 2005 survey on the supermarket’s part.

The full results of the survey are available here.

Supermarkets applauded for animal welfare

The award for Compassionate Supermarket of the Year (2007) was awarded to Marks & Spencer this weekend.

Earlier this year, the supermarket announced it would no longer sell white veal – and would only offer rose veal to customers beginning in 2008.

Free-range eggs have been the baseline option at the store for the last 10 years.

The accolades were based on a biannual survey on welfare policies and practices from the animal rights group Compassion in World Farming.

Sainsburys received two awards – Best Volume Retailer and Most Improved Supermarket. The latter distinction highlighted a 28% improvement from the 2005 survey on the supermarket’s part.

The full results of the survey are available here.

Blueberries to beat the blues

A new report suggests that eating wild blueberries – and other foods awash with antioxidants – at every meal can help prevent oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is a result of the formation of free radicals, which can cause damage to other working cells, and has been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. Scientists believe that antioxidants may play a role in fighting free radicals.

Scientists leading a USDA-backed clinical trial fed participants wild blueberries, dried plums, cherries, grapes, kiwifruit, or strawberries and evaluated levels of stress after meals.

The lead scientist on the study, Dr Ronald L. Prior of USDA Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, explained the preliminary results: “It takes about 2.5 servings of antioxidant containing fruits and/or vegetables in a meal and a little less if you choose high antioxidant foods like wild blueberries to prevent oxidative stress following the meal.”

Dr Prior made another interesting point, saying “The more calories you take in the more dietary antioxidants you need.”

Blueberries to beat the blues

A new report suggests that eating wild blueberries – and other foods awash with antioxidants – at every meal can help prevent oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress is a result of the formation of free radicals, which can cause damage to other working cells, and has been linked to diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. Scientists believe that antioxidants may play a role in fighting free radicals.

Scientists leading a USDA-backed clinical trial fed participants wild blueberries, dried plums, cherries, grapes, kiwifruit, or strawberries and evaluated levels of stress after meals.

The lead scientist on the study, Dr Ronald L. Prior of USDA Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center, explained the preliminary results: “It takes about 2.5 servings of antioxidant containing fruits and/or vegetables in a meal and a little less if you choose high antioxidant foods like wild blueberries to prevent oxidative stress following the meal.”

Dr Prior made another interesting point, saying “The more calories you take in the more dietary antioxidants you need.”

Is online food not as fresh?

A new report suggests that while ordering the weekly shop online may be convenient, the food the consumer receives is not as fresh.

Which? conducted a survey of four major supermarkets in the UK - Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Waitrose - buying ten common items.

The report found that the best-before dates on the food bought was earlier than what was available that same day in the stores.

Of the "snapshot" research, the best-before dates on plums, carrots, potatoes and salad were more than a day earlier than the same produce available in the shops. For a loaf of bread, in one case, there was a loaf of bread with a use-by date of more than eight days later than that bread ordered online.

Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsburys said that they employ shoppers which aim to pick the best produce for online customers. Tesco also said that its customers can indicate minimum best-before dates. Asda did not respond.

Is online food not as fresh?

A new report suggests that while ordering the weekly shop online may be convenient, the food the consumer receives is not as fresh.

Which? conducted a survey of four major supermarkets in the UK - Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Waitrose - buying ten common items.

The report found that the best-before dates on the food bought was earlier than what was available that same day in the stores.

Of the "snapshot" research, the best-before dates on plums, carrots, potatoes and salad were more than a day earlier than the same produce available in the shops. For a loaf of bread, in one case, there was a loaf of bread with a use-by date of more than eight days later than that bread ordered online.

Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsburys said that they employ shoppers which aim to pick the best produce for online customers. Tesco also said that its customers can indicate minimum best-before dates. Asda did not respond.