Every year as the cold weather sets in I staunchly declare that I will stick to my fitness regime, that I won’t succumb to those fatty/sugary/salty cravings and that I won’t complain about the rain/wind/grey skies. Hmph. Who are you kidding girl? When those sneaky winter blues and the “I-want-to-face-plant-into-a-bowl-of-fresh-summer berries, or more likely, a-big-fat-double chocolate-brownie-mm-mm” mindset emerges it’s good to be reminded that winter is a superb season. It provides a multitude of delicious culinary opportunities – soups, hearty stews, various bakes and pies resplendent with seasonal veg such as beetroot, cauliflower, brussel sprouts (yes, brussel sprouts), leeks, silverbeet and sweet potato…the list goes on. However, if you thought this was going to be a post incorporating some of the aforementioned healthy veg, you’ll be sadly mistaken. Despite the wonderful array of healthy seasonal recipes available, it’s the pastries, sweets and rich cheesy, cheesy, cheesy dishes that beckon. Let’s blame it on our ancestors – after all they were hardwired to reduce their energy expenditure and increase their consumption of calorie dense foods as the air turned chilly. Mole-like burrowing under the duvet and second helpings of pudding is therefore justified. Just sayin’. Continue reading
