No More Achy Shoulders



The shoulder is probably the most interesting joint in the body (at least to me). Partly because it sits on the fence between mobility and stability, but also because it is functionally several joints living in a co-dependent relationship.

The 'ball & socket' joint gets all the press but it wouldn't be anywhere without the support of the scapula ('shoulder blade'), the clavicle ('collarbone') or the ribs ('ribs'). This does however create a complex arrangement that can be prone to pain – especially with our current lifestyles of technology-addled, sedentary desk-work.

Now one might ask why, if a joint is so adaptable, can't it adapt to sitting at a desk for 9hrs a day? And the answer is that it probably could. If that is all that we did. But we don't – we have to shift furniture, pull stubborn pets, carry shopping bags, hang up washing, brush our hair, etc.

Which puts a lot of general stress on the shoulder – this makes holding your arm in the same position clicking a mouse for hours a day a bridge too far sometimes. What this means is that we need a strategy to keep the shoulder happy.

And this can best be achieved using the following tips:
  • Get your desk setup right. Get a decent chair with adjustable back and arm rests – AND USE THEM. If you're not leaning against the backrest then your muscles have to do the work. Same goes for the arm rests. This can lead to tired, irritated muscles. Not good.
  • When you're sitting, your elbows should be resting on either the armrest or the desk with your shoulder in a natural position i.e. less hunching like you live in a bell-tower, and your elbow should be close-ish to your body i.e. your arm shouldn't have to reach so far forward all day (for more info click here.)
  • Stay mobile throughout the day. Your body doesn't like ANY position for too long (e.g. even my couch gets uncomfortable eventually… alas), so try to change positions – even slightly – as often as you can. Also take frequent breaks – these breaks don't have to be long affairs involving passports and exploration, just a minute or two of circling your arms and some light stretching can be all that's necessary (for more info click here.)
  • Hang from a bar for 30 seconds a day. Before you say "I can't possibly finish a beer in that time!" let me say that it's not that kind of bar. What I mean is that we evolved when climbing trees was still a necessary skill so the shoulder is good at reaching overhead. Unfortunately modern life doesn't require as much Tarzan-esque escapades as it should (much to my chagrin) and our shoulders suffer for it. So once a day (or more) just grab hold of a bar or other sturdy overhead structure (e.g. doorframe) and hang as much of your weight as you can for a good stretch. Easy peasy.
Still having problems? Time to see the chiropractor.


Dr Murray McDonald

The Chiropractic Health Centre
www.chiropractor.co.za
Twitter/IG: @DrMurrayMcD

www.harfield-village.co.za
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COURGETTE-CARROT CRUSTLESS QUICHE SQUARES

INGREDIENTS:
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
175gms courgettes, scrubbed and cut into 1 cm cubes
½ teas salt
2 large eggs
¼ cup milk
3 medium carrots, peeled, grated and blotted dry
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 Tablespoon dill.

METHOD:
Heat oven to 190 degrees.  Lightly coat 20 cm square or round baking tin with non-stick cooking spray.  Heat oil in frying pan and add onion.  Sauté for 3 mins over medium heat until soft.  Add courgettes, increase heat to medium-high and sauté for 7 – 10 mins until soft and liquid has evaporated.  Stir in salt. Remove from heat.

In a large bowl beat the eggs and milk.  Add carrots, courgettes, cheese and dill.  Spread in prepared dish. 

Bake for 45 minutes until just set. Cool at least 10 mins before cutting.  Serve warm or at room temperature.



Patchwork | December in the Garden


It's already December - how did that happen!? 
Summer is in full swing, Christmas is around the corner and temperatures are soaring. 

Tip for the month:
We're also in stage 3 water restrictions, so unless you're watering your garden creatively with buckets from your showers and sinks, starting a full garden now may not be the wisest choice. 

However, there's nothing stopping you from starting to choose creative water recycling methods, or starting a smaller pot or two of your favourite herbs or veggies. 

Let us know on our Facebook Group how you're saving water.

December's plant list: 
Amaranth, Basil, Bush and Climbing beans, Beetroot, Butternut, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Chard, Cape Gooseberry, Celery, Chives, Chilli, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Ginger, Globe Artichoke, Leek, Leaf Mustard, Lettuce, Jerusalem artichokes, Onion, Parsnip, Parsley, Peas, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Rhubarb, Sweetcorn, Sweet pepper, Sweet potato, Turnip, Tomato, Watercress, Watermelon, Zucchini. Don't forget all the herbs!

I would usually say happy planting, but more importantly - concerted and committed water saving to us all!

LATEST MODUS OPERANDI IN HOUSE BREAKINGS


This month I`d like to highlight a common method of entry being used by burglars to gain access into homes and in some cases businesses.

Of late entry has been gained through front doors and security gates as well as aluminium window frames whereby the burglars remove a centre piece of glass.

Security gates and front doors are being forced open by objects e.g. long screwdrivers, steel re-bar, crowbars etc. It appears as if the criminal has chosen speed and force over stealth and time in order to break in.

The criminals are hitting hard and fast. They have ascertained that they can get away with valuables in a space of 5-10 minutes despite having triggered a security system.

Often cars are being used in order to transport the stolen goods away from the scene of the crime as swiftly as possible.

 How does one minimise the latest crime modus operandi? 

  • This can be done by adding external detectors to one’s garden or open space so that a system triggers before the criminal reaches the home.
  • Where possible have a sturdy security gate installed and one where the gap between frame and gate is minimal so as to make it more difficult for metal object to be inserted and prise the gate open. Whilst it may not withstand a crowbar the object of the exercise is to slow the criminal down as much as possible. 
  • External lighting is paramount at night.
  • Warn domestic workers to be vigilant between the hours of 09:00 -12:00 as this seems to be a favoured time at present to break into homes. Ensure that the domestic worker and members of a household who may be at home have the emergency control room numbers of their local security provider.

  • Know who your neighbours are, get to know their cars and household members.
  • Join your local neighbourhood watch. Have their numbers close at hand.

  • A vigilant street is a safe street!


Compiled by Adam Pye - for Princeton Armed Response

www.harfield-village.co.za
www.facebook.com/harfield.village.community


ANTENUPTIAL AGREEMENTS REALLY NECESSARY?



A marriage is a unique parcel made up of, on the one hand, considerations and undertakings private and intimate to two persons and, on the other, certain legislated consequences that automatically apply to the persons' patrimonial relationship. 

 Married persons are often, at least initially, unaware of the effect of these somewhat contradictory elements that exist within their marriage relationship. But as time passes and spouses becoming involved in businesses, investments and other opportunities, the legal side of the relationship plays a very significant role, undoubtedly also should the spouses divorce. 


Why an antenuptial agreement? 

For the reasons mentioned above, and as a start to honouring your union and showing consideration for your future life together, spouses-to-be are well advised to invest in a custom-drafted antenuptial contract to avoid unnecessary uncertainty or conflict in future. 

 An antenuptial contract gives parties the opportunity to (amongst other things):
* protect and secure a spouse's individual assets (including those intended for heirs) from the other spouse's creditors;
* protect a spouse from becoming jointly liable for the debt of the other spouse;
* determine that an inheritance received by a spouse during the marriage will remain in that spouse's individual estate; and
* outline rights and obligations in the event of divorce and death many couples are uncomfortable to contemplate the possibility that their intended marriage may be subject to financial strain or come to an end; it is however in the best interest of both parties to do so, in order to ensure a degree of certainty in making financial decisions and planning their future with confidence.

Formalities
If you choose a marriage out of community with accrual, or out of community without accrual, it will be necessary to conclude an antenuptial agreement. Note in this regard:
* The antenuptial contract has to be prepared by and signed in front of a specially qualified person designated as a notary public before the date of marriage.
* It must then be registered at a South African deeds registry within three months, and the notary will in due course prove to you that he has registered the contract by giving you the original with the deeds registry details endorsed on it.
* This is absolutely crucial as the contract is a public document, and any member of the public can go and view a copy of your contract at the deeds registry. That is what proves that you have the right to conduct your financial affairs independently. 

For more information, read here OR CONTACT Martin Sheard at MartinS@stbb.co.za.

Contact Martin Sheard at MartinS@stbb.co.za or visit us on www.stbb.co.za for assistance in all aspects of your property transaction.

Family Fun with Food

Spending regular quality time with your children, especially when you give them important parts or tasks within the activities, can result in your children generally feeling less stressed, more secure and confident in who they are, and more cooperative.  Children naturally want quality time with parents to fulfil their healthy need for attention.

A lot of activities can happen around food, as we have to eat to live!  So this is a wonderful way to spend more quality time with your kids.  Here are some fun ways to make food and the preparation of it fun for the whole family. 

Eat dinner as a family – in interesting locations!
Eating together is one of the easiest ways to spend time together as a family.  We all have to eat dinner at some point, so trying to get the family together allows for quality time where everyone can get a chance to talk about their day.  Generally it is a good idea to have the meals at the dinner table, but every now and then it makes for a nice change to spice up the location.  Have an outdoor picnic after a walk or game with the kids.  You can even throw an indoor picnic – having variety in your family life can bring you closer together as a family!

Present the meal in a fun way
For younger children it is fun to present food as a game or a play-filled experience.  By cutting the food into unusual shapes, adding smiley-faces to certain foods, cutting foods into mini hearts and stars, or even giving foods silly names helps kids eat a greater variety of foods.

Get the kids involved in the cooking
If your children become involved in choosing and preparing meals they'll be more interested in eating what they've made.  Take them grocery shopping and let them choose some of the foods.  And even if they are young, let them help with the preparation.  Just being in the kitchen with you stirring a pot will make the younger ones happy.  As they get older they can have more and more responsibility within the preparation.  Once in a while look for some kid-friendly, fun recipes on the internet with your children, for them to make with you.  The Zucchini and Corn Pirate Boat recipe below is a good example.

Make a game of reading food labels
Reading labels is an important activity that everyone should be able to do.  If the kids learn to read labels from a young age they will learn what is good for their health and be more conscious of what they eat. While shopping, make sure they check the fat and sugar contents of their choices and let them decide whether it should be part of the menu.

Introduce an international dinner night
Once every couple of months pick a country that all of you are interested in and would like to learn more about.  Make foods that are characteristic of that country.  You could even make it into a learning experience where each family member brings a fact about the country and you all dress up in clothes that are commonly worn in that country!

Film a cooking show!
Cooking shows are very popular these days and with technology becoming so much easier, this is a fun activity to do with the kids.  Pick out a recipe that you would like to try and pretend that you are hosting your own cooking show!  If the whole family participates you will have a lot of laughs watching the video later!

It’s all about having fun with the family!  And since food is such an important part of our lives it only makes sense to have some fun activities around food to bring the family closer together.  Enjoy!

Kim Hofmann RD(SA)
Phone: 021 674 4666
Cell: 084 206 2715
E-mail: kimh.rd@mweb.co.za
Website: www.nourishdieticians.co.za

Harfield Village Online 

ROAD SAFETY TIPS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON


WE WISH ALL THE HARFIELD RESIDENTS A VERY HAPPY FESTIVE SEASON  AND MOST IMPORTANTLY STAY SAFE.

ROAD SAFETY TIPS FOR THE FESTIVE SEASON
  • Obey the rules of the road and carry your driver’s license with you.
  • Plan the route to your holiday destination and allow yourself enough time to reach the destination.
  • Make sure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition before departure. All lights and indicators, windscreens, windscreen wipers, brakes, steering, shock absorbers, exhaust system and tyres should be carefully examined for faults.
  • Do not overload.
  • Try to avoid driving after dark if possible.
  • Have a good rest before you embark on your journey
  • Take safety breaks every 2 hours or 200km. Rest, have an energy drink and continue once well rested.
  • Do not drink and drive
  • Try to recognise potentially dangerous drivers on and pedestrians alongside the road and keep well clear of them.
  • Be visible – drive with your lights on
  • Headlights should be dipped well before an approaching vehicle is within the range of the main beam.
  • Always wear your seat belt and see that everyone in the car is wearing theirs.
  • Drive defensively
  • Stay within the speed limit at all times
  • Only overtake when it is absolutely safe to do so
  • Maintain at least a 2-second following distance - this distance should be increased at night, in foggy or rainy conditions and when the road is wet.
  • Expect others to not be as obedient to the law as yourself
  • Avoid distractions on the road such as texting, conversations on cellular phones, etc.
  • Be courteous towards fellow road users - keep your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate
  • Know your emergency numbers - When you need assistance, kindly call the following number.
For more road safety tips from Arrive Alive, click here.

THE HVCID TEAM - Harfield Village

admin@hvcid.co.za            
+27 (0)81 412 6109



Fun Facts About Cats

As we are all in a festive mood with Christmas and holidays are looming, we thought we would end the year with some fun facts about cats! So sit back and find out why your pet does some of those crazy things!

Why do CATS……?
Drink from the tap?
Cats do not associate drinking with hunger so will often ignore water bowls placed by food, seeking out alternate  sources of water…..like a running tap!        

 
Nepeta Cateria or catnip contains a chemical called  ‘nepetalactone’ which has similar characteristics to LSD! Fortunately unlike LSD it is harmless and has a short lived effect! 

Have moments of madness!
Does your cat ever suddenly run around like a crazy animal, as if it is playing some game, with wide eyes and a bushy tail?! This is ‘normal’ behaviour! And is just a way of getting rid of all that pent up energy!




Have rough tongues?
A cat’s tongue has a tiny hook shaped barbs that face backwards and is used for multitude of purposes. It is an excellent grooming comb, keeping your cats coat in really good shape. It turns into to spoon shape drinking vessel and can tear meat from the bones of prey! 

Why do cats love people who hate them!
Cats are really in tune with your body language! People who dislike or are allergic to cats will not make eye contact and probably won’t encourage a cat to come to them. A cat finds this passive behaviour less threating and are therefore keen to explore further! We all know the saying ‘Curiosity killed the cat!' 
                 
Why do cat’s puuurr……?!
                       

Cats purr at a constant frequency of between 25 -150 Hertz vibration. 

It is believed that purring is essential to a cats well being and can improve bone density and promote healing. 

A cat will purr if it is sick or injured as well as when it is content. As all cat lovers know it is good for the owner too! 

So sit back with your cat this festive season and enjoy!


Kenilworth Vet - Harfield Village

Tips for saving water

With the ever present water restrictions, we all need to keep in mind to save water.
Access to water is a human right, and therefore it is each one's responsibility to save this precious resource.

It is rather easy to save water in the household by following these tips.  We look at the method of saving water as we “walk through each room of the house’’.

Before we begin, put that hosepipe away in the garage for safe storage and check all taps, inside and outside the home, for leaks.

In the Kitchen:
Utilise a plastic container which fits snugly into the sink, is easy to take out when required to dispose of the water instead of pulling the plug and letting the water flow away.

Re-use your mug or teacup.  By rinsing out your mug or teacup you can use the same coffee mug or teacup throughout the day.
Collect rinse water in a container to use on the garden later.  Rinse your cup out after use, rinse your dishes before putting them into the dishwasher and use the collected water to water your plants.
Using a dishwasher saves water and electricity, if it is fully loaded.  Otherwise rinse and collect dishes until the dishwasher is full.  Only put the dishwasher on when full. 
Reroute your dishwasher outlet pipe to a collection bucket or into your garden.
Cooking: Collect the water from steaming or boiling vegetables and cool.  Use this water in the garden.

In the Bathroom:
Let bath water cool down and bucket it into the garden.
Switch off the tap while brushing your teeth. Don't let the water run.
Shower instead of bath: Less water is used when showering.  Don’t leave the shower water running while you soap up.  Switch off the taps, soap your body and then turn the water back on again to rinse the soap off.
Place a plastic container in the basin to catch the water you use to wash your hands. Use this water in the garden

Add a 1L or 2L soda bottle, filled with water, into the toilet cistern. By doing this you minimise the refill when you flush the toilet.
Alternatively use the collected water to fill the cistern of your toilet.

In the Laundry Room:
Re-route the washing machine outlet pipe into the garden or into a container for later use on the garden.
In the Garden:
Pool wise: put a cover over your pool to minimise evaporation.
The municipality is threatening to penalise households that are caught using hosepipes. They have also increased the tariffs for water usage, on a sliding scale, so financially it is in your best interest to save water.

Not only from a financial point of view but also because water is a precious resource which we need to look after.



www.harfield-village.co.za
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Pancreatitis - Kenilworth Vet

As the silly season approaches we will be stocking up on special food and treats. It is a time for over indulgence for us all, including your pet! But beware! There is a condition called Pancreatitis that can be real danger to your pet’s health.

Pancreatitis
What is the pancreas?

The pancreas is a small organ that sits near the stomach.
It is part of the endocrine system (produces enzymes) and the digestive system. The pancreas produces enzymes that help to break down food.  It is also responsible for the production of insulin.

What is pancreatitis?

If the pancreas becomes inflamed (swollen and sore), the enzymes it produces no longer just flow into the digestive system but are forced out of the pancreas and into the abdomen. Once in the abdomen these pancreatic enzymes continue to digest the fat and proteins they come into contact with, only this time it is those found in other organs as well as in the pancreas itself. So basically the body starts to digest itself!

As the condition progresses the kidneys and liver become involved. The abdomen will become inflamed and can become infected. The pancreas can also bleed which can lead to shock and ultimate death. As you can imagine this can be an extremely painful condition.


What causes Pancreatitis?

 

There are several possible causes of pancreatitis:

 

·        Certain breeds seem more prone to this e.g.:

     Miniature Schnauzer’s, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels

·        Nutrition - high levels of fat in the blood eating a high fat meal particularly when pets are given table scraps that are not used to eating.

·        Obesity

·        Overweight, older dogs seem to be more prone to bouts of pancreatitis

·        Trauma

·        Drugs and toxins

 

‘Even without the presence of a high fat diet, an animal can have an occurrence of pancreatic inflammation after eating a large amount of fatty foods. This tends to occur around the holidays, when dogs are given table scraps that are not normally a part of their diets.’(1)



Symptoms.

‘Inflammation of the pancreas (or pancreatitis) often progresses rapidly in dogs, but can often be treated without any permanent damage to the organ. However, if pancreatitis goes long-term without treatment, severe organ, and even brain damage can occur.’(2)
Pancreatitis can develop very quickly and there are many different symptoms:

·        vomiting
·        diarrhoea
·        loss of appetite
·        painful abdomen
·        panting
·        fatigue
·        fever

Treatment;

Treatment will depend on how severe the case of pancreatitis is, as you can see by the long list of symptoms it is not easy always easy to diagnose pancreatitis. Your vet will need to run blood tests and may want to do an ultrasound scan.

There is no magic cure for this condition and the body has to heal itself. The main focus in treating pancreatitis is to give support to the kidneys and liver and to keep your pet comfortable and pain free.

Your pet will need to be hospitalised and given intravenous fluids in order to support the organs and ‘rest’ the pancreas.  Medications to prevent nausea and vomiting, antibiotics and painkillers may need to be administered intravenously.

When your pet starts to recover and begins to eat again you will need to feed a special low fat diet (prescription diet) for some time if not for the rest of your pets life particularly if the case was severe or recurring.

‘Dogs usually recover from mild cases, but if it's severe, it can sometimes lead to death. If your dog is overweight or has diabetes or epilepsy, he may have a harder time getting over an attack.’ (3)
So the moral to this story is don’t overdo the treats this festive season. Vets see more cases of pancreatitis during the holiday season! Your pet does not need to eat human food despite what they may ‘tell’ you with those eyes!
Fatty foods are BAD! Keep your rubbish bins secure!

http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/endocrine/c_ct_pancreatitis

Kenilworth Veterinary Clinic

Shoes hanging from power lines

Most of us have seen it – a pair of shoes, laces tied together, tossed over telephone or power lines.


It’s not a South African phenomenon - you’ll find the same practice across most cities around the world.

The question often asked is why? Why do people do this and what does it mean?

The most common urban legend associated with ‘shoe tossing’ is that the shoes / sneakers / trainers are an indication of drug activity, or of a drug dealer hotspot, or of drug dealers ‘marking’ their territory.

However the practice has being going on for decades and despite exhaustive research, there remains no universal or definitive meaning.

Of course there is meaning to the prankster who threw them up there in the first place, but there is no official or common meaning. It’s often a case of kids trying out stuff, showing off and harmless ‘monkey see monkey do’.

Other associations with ‘shoe tossing’ include ‘celebratory rites of passage’ such as losing your virginity, or graduations. Or even as a symbol to recognise the passing of someone beloved in the area.

In the 1997 film, Wag the Dog, shoe tossing features as a spontaneous cultural tribute to Sgt. William Schumann, played by Woody Harrelson, who had been “shot down behind enemy lines”.

If you’d like to learn a little more about the practice, there is a wonderful short documentary called The Mystery of Flying Kicks, where the filmmakers compiled answers from people all over the world, describing local legends and customs associated with shoe tossing. Here is a link to the film https://vimeo.com/71867019

Whatever the meaning, shoes on power lines are striking and entertaining. They make us notice our surroundings, wonder how the hell the shoes got up there in the first place … and what they mean. It gets us talking to each other.

It’s also a little reminder that not all human activities can be rationalised  ;-)

Article by Madge Gibson – Harfield Village Resident



www.harfield-village.co.za
www.facebook.com/harfield.village.community


Festive Gammon Recipe

This Gammon recipe comes from my mother in law. We have had it done this way every Christmas since I met my husband 45 years ago.

SHEELAGH'S GAMMON

Ingredients:
Gammon
Cider
Brown Sugar
Dry Mustard
Water
Butter
Apple Cider Vinegar
Cinnamon
Large Tin of Peaches

Method:
Soak Gammon overnight (I don't bother to do this). Cover and boil for 20 minutes per 500gms with a bottle of cider added to the water.
Top up with water as needed.
Remove.
Rub with 1 teaspoon dry mustard and 2 teaspoon brown sugar.
Dot with butter and brown for 15 minutes.

Sauce:
2 - 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Little dry mustard
1 - 2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon brown sugar
Large tin of peaches and juice

Simmer for 15 minutes and pour over sliced gammon. 
Serve at room temperature.

Lyn Staples – Norgarb Properties
Cell: +27 (0)82 846 0739
Office: +27 (0)21 674 1120
Fax: +27 (0)21 774 4927
Email: lyn@norgarb.co.za
Web: www.norgarbproperties.co.za

PERIMETER PROTECTION


This month I`d like to touch on the importance of having perimeter protection.

Security systems in the late 70`s and early eighties were rudimentary in comparison to todays sophisticated systems that are nothing short of computer systems, but so too then was the criminal behaviour back then. When the alarm sounded the criminal invariably ran away. As the criminals became better informed they changed their tactics and like a business they assessed what their obstacles were and adapted their strategy accordingly.

Until recently it was adequate to have interior protection only for a home or business but again the criminal has become streamlined in mythology and has ascertained that the “15min” response time to an activation is more than enough time for him to get away with ones possessions.

It takes a mere few minutes for a burglar to trigger an interior sensor and get away with quite a bit before an Armed Response Unit stands down.
Like the criminal we too at Princeton are seeking better ways in which to protect our client’s lives and assets.

Where one has a garden or open area before getting to the house it is strongly advisable that one looks at having exterior motion sensors installed so that when the burglar enters the erf he is forced to enter a protected area before he gets to the dwelling. These vital seconds will notify the control enter of an intrusion and the Armed Response can be dispatched arriving a lot quicker and ensuring that your home or business is better protected.

Give your local security service provider a call and get a quote on perimeter security.

You will be glad you did!

Join Princeton Armed Response in the month of Dec & get 1 month FREE!!

Princeton Armed Response

Patchwork | November in the Garden


Tip for the month: 

Water restrictions took effect on November 1st. This means it's time to save water in every way possible. If you're using buckets to water your garden, choose to water the veg more then the grass - grow food not lawns! Note that plants with lots of  leaves require more water to grow. So do some research and choose to plant veg that need less water.

 November's plant list:
Amaranth, Basil, Bush and Climbing beans, Beetroot, Broccoli, Butternut, Cabbage, Carrot, Chard, Cape Gooseberry, Celery, Chives, Chilli, Cucumber, Eggplant, Kale, Kohlrabi, Ginger, Globe Artichoke, Leek, Leaf Mustard, Lettuce, Jerusalem artichokes, Onion, Parsnip, Parsley, Peas, Potato, Pumpkin, Radish, Rhubarb, Sweetcorn, Sweet pepper, Sweet potato, Turnip, Tomato, Watercress, Watermelon, Zucchini 

Happy planting!​

Gabriella Garnett – Patchwork Group

Summer Salads - Kim Hofmann


Now that the longer, warmer days are upon us, a refreshing summer salad is the perfect way to ensure all your daily requirements are met.  The wonderful thing about salads is that you can create them to tantalize your taste buds; they can be served as side dishes as well as main meals and are simple to make.

TOP TIP WHEN MAKING SALADS: Fresh herbs like basil, mint, thyme, parsley, and dill are perfect ways to incorporate a range of flavours into your salads.

Watermelon & Spinach Salad
(Serves 2)
Ingredients:
·         100g quinoa
·        80g baby spinach
·        1 ripe avocado – peeled and sliced
·        100g watermelon - cubed, peel and seeds removed
·        50g feta – crumbled
·        ½ small pack mint – chopped finely
·        1 punnet salad cress
·        2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
·        1 lime – juice squeezed

Method:
1.      Rinse the quinoa, put it in a pot, pour 200ml water over and cover with a fitted lid. Allow to cook over a medium heat until fluffy and the water has absorbed (approximately 15 minutes). Use a fork to separate grains and leave to cool.
2.      In a serving bowl, put the baby spinach, watermelon, avocado and mint. Toss through the quinoa; place the crumbled feta over along with the pumpkin seeds. Then squeeze over the lime juice. Top with the salad cress and serve.

Chicken & Avocado Salad
(Serves 1)
Ingredients:
·         2 cups butter lettuce - torn
·         60g chicken breast – cut into strips
·         ¼ tsp. salt
·         ¼ tsp. pepper
·         1 tbsp. olive oil
·         ¼ cup baby carrot – cut into strips
·         ¼ cup red onion – thinly sliced
·         ¼ cup avocado – peeled and sliced
·         2 tbsp. peanuts
·         15g feta – crumbled

Dressing:
·         2 tbsp. olive oil (optional)
·         2 tbsp. lemon juice
·         1 tsp. mustard
·         Salt and pepper to taste

Method:
1.      Prepare the dressing by combining all the ingredients in a jar and shaking well.
2.      Marinate the chicken strips in olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir-fry over medium heat until cooked.
3.      On a serving plate, combine lettuce, grilled chicken, carrot, onion and avocado; place crumbled feta over; sprinkle with the peanuts. Drizzle dressing over and serve.

Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini Salad
(Serves 3-4)
Ingredients:
·        1 large eggplant – sliced (bite size pieces)
·        2 large zucchini – sliced (bite size pieces)
·        1½ tbsp. olive oil
·        ½ tsp. salt
·        ½ tsp. pepper
·        ¼ tsp. ground cumin
·        1 can chickpeas – drained and rinsed
·        ¼ cup feta cheese – crumbled
·        5 large mint leaves – sliced thinly
·        1 lemon – juice squeezed

Method:
1.     Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2.     Place the eggplant and zucchini slices on a baking sheet, brush both sides with olive oil and season with salt, pepper and cumin.
3.     Grill until the vegetables are tender, but not overcooked (turn the vegetables after a few minutes).
4.     Place the grilled zucchini and eggplant in a serving bowl. Add in the chickpeas, feta cheese and fresh mint.
5.     Squeeze the lemon over the salad, and stir gently to combine. Can be served warm or at room temperature.


Kim Hofmann RD(SA)
Phone: 021 674 4666
Cell: 084 206 2715
E-mail: kimh.rd@mweb.co.za
Website: www.nourishdieticians.co.za


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