What's been happening
It was our u3a's 10th birthday this month, so we had a party! I wasn't able to go due to other obligations, but it sounded like a great time was had by all! There a musical quiz, a magician, a cream tea and lots of laughs.
I've not run my cooking group this month, or last, and not next month either. I'll probably reconvene it in September. Things should be easier by then.
We've been reading Ruth Jone's Love Untold this month for Book Group - a lovely read, full of the warmth that I would expect from the creator of Gavin and Stacey. I've not read any of her books before, but I will probably read another.
Have you read Caroline Criado-Perez Invisible Women? I did and was raging by the end of it at the sheer weight of injustice to women throughout the world, now and historically. I grew up during the times of Women's Lib, so have always flown that flag, but this was something else. Following on from Invisible Women, I am currently reading Do It Like A Woman, which is actually written earlier. This is having much the same effect as the first one!
They are both interesting reads and full of information about the set up of the world vis the differences for men and women as they navigate the world.
My daughter and I are going away for a couple of days in her camper van next week, just locally. I'm really looking forward to it, just to be able to switch off, to talk about everything and nothing and generally wind down a bit - I've been pretty stressed!
It's very hot at the moment, and lots more warm weather is forecast, so here are a couple of salads if it's just too hot to go in the kitchen.
Chicken and Mango Salad
I made this salad with chicken and mango in one of the Cooking Up A Storm groups that I do with my local u3a. It was very simple, quick to make too, and very delicious!
Great for hot weather when you want something tasty, but can't be doing with slaving over a hot stove.
Couscous Salad
This is pretty simple and doesn’t take long.
- Put couscous in a bowl with oil and water. Add grated carrot.
- Cook some green peas (1 min in the microwave from frozen will do it) and add to the couscous
- If you have any mint in the garden, a pot of basil or any other fresh herbs, chop a spoonful very finely and stir in (optional)
- Halve the olives and stir in the cashews
- Leave all to stand for 10 minutes or so and you’re done
Red Cabbage and Chicken Waldorf Salad
This red cabbage and chicken Waldorf salad is part of a plan, starting the week with a whole poached chicken, to stretch a medium chicken to last a family of four all week. Twenty eight portions!
This salad is great for slimmers who can control how much dressing to use, it is less than 500 calories a serving as it is. If taking as a packed lunch, pack the dressing separately as the salt will draw out moisture from the vegetables and make it watery.
Deliciously crunchy, filling and tasty. Lots of possible variations too, depending on what you have.
Have a great week and I'll see you soon
Do come and say hello on the Fantastically Frugal Food Facebook group, or the Sensational Slimming Sustenance group. I'd love to see you. Lots of useful tips, recipes and ideas. The nearly 19,000 membership are brilliant, brimming with talent.
And don't forget Thrifty Lesley, where there are 800+ recipes of fantastically frugal food and many weekly meal plans. And Cheap Family Recipes where you can find all kinds of delicious things that don't cost much, with two family monthly meal plans.
With all best wishes, until next time
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