Inspire Me With Gorgeous Food

As I sit down to write, it's raining and autumn is unashamedly here. The aroma of fresh Mediterranean vegetables roasting away in the oven is wafting through the house. Garlic is always included just for the pure sensory pleasure it provides with every long, deep breath.

Inspiration

Inspiration is all around us,we just need to look for it. I've been pouring over my cookbooks for fresh, healthy meal ideas and it's really made a difference in my perspective towards good food, not diet food.

Diet is a Four Letter Word

When most people think of diets, immediately they think of deprivation. So right from the beginning I'm calling for a boycott on the 'D' word. It's all about balanced meals eaten throughout the day to nourish our bodies and it should taste amazing. I am not a dietitian - I am a motivator so it's up to you to seek your own independent advice on what's right for you but it doesn't take a genius to figure out we need to exercise more than the calories we consume, if weight loss is our goal.

So here is a recipe to get you started. With some meal planning and smart shopping you can have the whole family looking forward to dinner time. Enjoy. Philippa x0

Slow Cooked Beef dusted with Moroccan spices, fresh dates and lemon

This recipe has been requested ever since I put it as my status update on Face Book.

First...

Cube steak (beef) rump/blade/chuck and roll in 1tsp each of turmeric, cumin, paprika and a good pinch of white pepper. Light spray of olive oil in a fry pan and sear meat until it gets a little brown.

Smart tip #1. Applying heat to dry spices intensifies the flavour and aroma of the spices.

Second...

Transfer to slow cooker or baking dish. Add favourite veggies cut into similar sizes such as; capsicum, green beans, red onion quartered, cubed pumpkin and zucchini. Throw in chopped fresh dates and lemon sliced and quartered - rind and all.

Smart tip #2. The big, plump Turkish dates are divine but can be expensive. I used about six and when they're chopped or quartered it looks like there's more.

Third...

Now add 250ml of beef stock, 1-2 cloves of garlic (chop or use garlic press) and a splash of Worcester sauce. Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 1 hour then turn down to low for 4-5 hours or until meat and veggies are tender. To thicken sauce (if necessary) add a tsp of plain four with enough water to form a smooth liquid paste and stir into sauce and watch it thicken. Repeat if required.

Smart tip #3. Add a little of the flour mixture at a time until you get the sauce to the consistency you like.

For oven baking. Slow gook at 170 degrees Celsius approximately depending on your oven. Cover and cook for 4-5 hours. Serve with fluffy couscous, rice or creamy mashed potatoes (no butter added please!)

NB. The photo is from a spring lamb recipe in The Sydney Morning Herald ( http://www.smh.com.au/) There is also a gorgeous slow cooked roast lamb recipe worth checking out.

Remember portion sizes. Just because it's yummy doesn't mean you should eat more of it. Go for 1Cup couscous/2/3Cup rice/1 Cup mashed potato and 1Cup Moroccan mix. If you need more food opt for a side salad to help fill you up. Low fat dressings, squeeze of lemon juice (my favourite) or naked salad is also very 'in'. Enjoy the flavours. Try it and tell me what you think.

WARNING: I get inspired by a recipe then tweak it the way I want it. All these measurements are suggestions only because I don't really follow recipes, except baking. (*husband rolling eyes and nodding*) If you're really systematic and orderly - this could drive you insane and if that's the case, I apologize and bon appetit!