Today’s news highlights yet again that porridge can help reduce bowel cancer……..; together with brown rice and cereal but are you aware that it can change your mood and well-being emotional status. The emphasis on menu planning tends to focus on calories, cost, time and appeal factor. However, a little knowledge of the benefits of healthy harmony food could make all the difference to one’s daily life. Porridge made with oats may ease the symptoms of depression and can help stabilise mood swings. Porridge oats are rich in a variety of vitamins and minerals that are known to affect how we feel. These include: zinc, vitamin B6, iron, folic acid, calcium and magnesium to name a few.

It is reported that a single serving of porridge oats (approx 156g) contains 41% of the required daily required intake of zinc. Porridge oats are also a complex carbohydrate with high amounts of soluble fibre. This results in a slow energy release avoiding the highs and lows that can result from eating other foods with a fast energy release.

Oats also make great cakes, biscuits, toppings and food coatings.

Oatmeal Squares with Raisins and Walnuts These tasty porridge based biscuits contain a healthy mix of ingredients.

Make a batch of these for picnics, mid-morning snacks, tea time treat or a night time energy fix! Flavoured with cinnamon and vanilla essence they are a great family favourite and be prepared and cooked in just over half an hour!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Makes: 2 Dozen!

Ingredients 225g plain flour ½ teaspoon baking powder 2 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon Bicarbonate of soda ½ teaspoon salt 110g unsalted butter or margarine for a non-dairy option 75g caster sugar 75g dark brown sugar 3 tablespoons honey 3 large eggs 2 teaspoons vanilla essence 225g porridge oats 110g raisins 110g walnuts – roughly chopped 110g pitted dates – roughly chopped Method 1) Pre-heat the oven to 180ºC/350ºF/ Gas mark 4.

2) Line and grease a 23 cm x 23 cm (9 inch x 9 inch) square baking tin.

3) Mix the first 5 ingredients in a medium sized mixing bowl.

4) Using a food processor or electric mixer, beat the butter and both sugars together.

5) Add the honey, eggs and vanilla essence. Gradually beat in the flour mixture. Stir in the oats, raisins, walnuts and dates.

6) Spread the mixture into the prepared tin.

7) Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until golden brown.

8) Allow to cool in the tin before easing the sides of the tin with a knife and inverting on to a board. Cut into small squares.

To serve the stylish way: Sit them on a doyley stacked up high.

www.jewishcookery.com for more recipes and for the details of the lastest cookery classes

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Readers who submit articles must agree to our terms of use. The content is the sole responsibility of the contributor and is unmoderated. But we will react if anything that breaks the rules comes to our attention. If you wish to complain about this article, contact us here