How to make Spicy Lentil Broth (Vegan friendly)

 I got this idea from a recipe in a book and just changed some of the quantities of the ingredients for a better taste. Although there looks to be a lot in this there isn't really and it will last for a few meals. You don't need to serve it with rice, you can do it in a side dish with a salad of lettuce, tomato, cucumber, and red onion, a little grated fresh ginger and pitted olives. This way it tastes delicious too. It also smells amazing as it cooks. Lentils are low in calories and high in fibre for digestion. They are high in protein and a good source of iron too. Iron helps with tiredness by improving the oxygen in the blood. So if you are planning on running any marathons in the near future this is for you!

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How to make home made Mint Sauce (Vegan friendly)

 You can't beat a home made mint sauce and this is easy. If you plant a sprig of mint in a garden it spreads itself out and comes up every year. Then all you need is a little granulated sugar, vinegar and hot water. This mint sauce tastes far superior to anything you can purchase in a jar and it's natural ingredients. It is delicious on baby new steamed potatoes. the mint oil from it is also good for stomach upsets and indigestion. The original polo mints in the green tube also contain peppermint oil - just so you know!! So it's a good idea to keep some handy. 

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How to make Red onion, tomato, chilli, mint and lime juice Salsa (Vegan friendly)

 You have to use the red onion in this simple salsa - it doesn't work with brown. The lime juice gives it a good tart flavour and don't overdo the chilli or you will regret it! You can serve this on the side of a jacket potato, or with any salad and it makes for a really refreshing addition. It's also a staple in Mexican cuisine, and when you taste it you will see why! Even on it's own in summer it is good, and so simple. there is never any leftover when I make it. It's also all fresh natural ingredients too - how healthy is that! Always wash your hands after handling chilli as it stays on your skin and if you happen to rub your eye, nose or mouth after it will sting. You have been warned! 

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How to make Mushroom and Pak Choi Stir Fry

 Who doesn't need a simple stir fry in their food arsenal? In this recipe I used egg noodles, since then I have also used rice noodles. Fresh packeted ones, and still a great result. The Asda stir fry oil with its mix of sesame, sunflower and ginger oil with extracts of garlic is a real find and worked well. Pak choi is usually found in Asda and Sainsburys too, so all supermarket ingredients. The omelette topping makes for a substantial meal too. Really you can put anything in a stir fry - bell peppers, spring onions, finely cut carrot as long as the pieces are small. Five minutes preparation perhaps and around four minutes cook, this is probably the fastest meal available.  

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How to make Stuffed Aubergine with or without cheese topping!

 This recipe is very easy to make as a vegan option without the cheese, or as a vegetarian option by grating the cheddar cheese over it before cooking as featured! I do prefer the vegetarian option but they are both good. You can't beat vegetables roasted with an olive oil coating - it seems to bring out such rich flavours when they are cooked. Another benefit of the olive oil is that it stops food sticking to the roasting tray or Pyrex dish for an easy clean afterwards. Aubergine is high in fibre but low in calorie, and technically a fruit as they grow from a flowering plant and contain seeds. They are reputed to have many health benefits too. Aubergines also go by the name Eggplant because the earlier varieties where white and resembled hen's eggs. Aubergines are part of the Nightshade family of plants - fortunately not the deadly variety though! Cooked with olive oil this is my personal favourite vegetable/fruit. 

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How to make a Ploughman's lunch

 Who doesn't like a Ploughman's lunch on a hot Summer's day? With the added benefit of not having to plough the field first! This is, as a viewer said, "a very simple affair with just the right ingredients!" Thanks for that comment! I used silver skin pickled onions here but you can use the large chunky ones, instead it's up to you. Crunchy iceberg lettuce is the best lettuce to use here too. And where would you be without the sandwich pickle and the crunchy celery sticks! I used salad tomatoes here but you could just as well use cherry or plum tomatoes instead. Cheese and pickle is a classic combination just like beans on toast is. Enjoy!

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How to make a Salad Dressing with just Olive Oil, Basil, Cider Vinegar and Black Pepper

 This is a very simple salad dressing, ready in minutes, but don't underestimate it's taste. It brings to life any salad. Any time you make a summer salad have this on standby, and don't forget to add a little fresh ginger and olives in your the salad too for a far superior taste! Olive oil, basil, cider vinegar and ground black pepper - what could be easier? Olive oil is reported to help lower cholesterol too, so why not give it a try for that reason too. 

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