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Hi <<First Name>>

Easter is just around the corner and it isn't as if we can do our usual long weekend activities. Which for me usually means hitting Mitre 10 for everything I need, and then head-down-bum-up to start preparing my winter veggie garden. With breaks for Hot Cross Buns and Easter eggs, of course. I can't do the Mitre 10 visit but I can definitely still do most of the other bits.
What changes will you be making for Easter this year?

If you don't want to tackle the supermarket for Hot Cross Buns, and as a way to have an activity to fill in some long weekend time, maybe you could take on the challenge of making your own! Gluten-free Hot Cross Buns
I have a couple of recipe options to help you with that:

  • Gluten-free Hot Cross Buns recipe - for those that need gluten-free, I have just popped up the recipe I use on the Nicole's Nutrition Kitchen website.
  • For those that don't need gluten-free, I'd recommend cracking open your Edmonds Cookery Book (if you have one). This is the recipe I'll be using for Hubby and Dad.
  • You don't have an Edmonds? Not to worry, they have a recipe on their website. 
Under normal circumstances I would have had an cuisine column go out in the Mahurangi Matters (local paper) this past week. However, due to COVID-19 they are not publishing the paper at the moment.
So here is a copy of the article for you.
Savoury porridge with spinach, feta and chivesHearty winter breakfast
You often hear people say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It sets you up, well fuelled to face whatever it is you have planned to do.
However, not everyone likes breakfast or can stomach it. The thought of eating the moment you get out of bed can really put some people off. I’m definitely a breakfast person, though I’m usually up and about for an hour or so before I eat.
If you are a breakfast person then you might like this twist on porridge, with the coming of cooler mornings. Or for those who prefer to eat a little later, more brunch than breakfast, then this recipe might give you some new inspiration.
I say a twist on porridge as usually we think of porridge as a sweet breakfast option. Creamy porridge topped with brown sugar and cream, maybe some chopped or stewed fruit. But what about going savoury? A savoury porridge option is a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your day. As a nutritionist I am always looking for ways to get people to up their vegetable intake.

Savoury porridge with spinach, feta and chives
Serves 2
Ingredients
¾ cup (85g) wholegrain rolled oats
2 cups water (or stock)
½ cup or 1 small courgette, grated
1 cup (packed)  or 75g shredded spinach, silverbeet &/or kale leaves
1 Tablespoon chopped chives, plus extra to garnish
30g feta, crumbled
Salt and pepper
2 teaspoons olive oil, optional
Method
Place the oats and water into a medium pot; stir, and bring to the boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring gently from time to time, for 10 – 12 minutes, until the oats become thick and creamy. Add the grated courgette and shredded spinach in the last five minutes of cooking time. Stir through the chopped chives and season with salt and pepper.
Divide the porridge between two serving bowls; top with the crumbled feta and garnish with extra chives and a drizzle of olive oil.
Optional: Top with a poached egg, or some chopped tomato, or some sauerkraut.
To make it gluten-free: swap out the oats for quinoa &/or buckwheat flakes.

We are now up to the 4th month of the year, so time for #4 of the 12 for 2020 resolutions/intentions - call family and friends more often.
Please read on:
APRIL – Call family and friends more often.
This intention originally included “spend time with...” though in light of COVID-19 and the importance of social distancing I have taken that part out. But it is still very important to stay connected with family and friends at this time.
Usually the only time that we seem to simply hang with our loved ones, without everyday life getting in the way, is when we are on holiday. We can totally revel in that quality time spent together. Now that is an everyday occurrence and may be getting a bit much for some people, and that is okay. If you need to, and can, find a quiet space for yourself – do! Alone time to reset and calm is really important during this crazy, mixed up time.
Research shows that social connections are one of the greatest predictors for a long and happy life. We usually hear about diet and exercise, sleep, stress reduction, smoking cessation as being the most important factors for longevity... and while they are all very important... most important of all is connecting with other people.
So please make an effort to connect more with those you love. Especially those that are outside of your bubble who are alone. It will actually be better for both you and them in the long run.
Thankfully we live in the digital age where we can still connect face-to-face through a variety of apps. However, don’t forget about those who are technophobes, for whatever reason – too old to learn new tricks, security conscious, don’t have the hardware. Just pick up the phone and call.
Originally I was even going to suggest good old snail mail. I know I always get a little thrill if I find something in the letterbox that isn’t a bill. I have a friend who religiously sends me a Christmas card and I love it! Do I return the favour? Not as often as I should. However, with COVID-19 and even though the post is still running, it might just be better to wait and use the snail mail option in safer times.
You may already know me, but as I have recently had some newNicole Wilson - Food Lover | Avid Gardener | Nutritionist | Cooking Coach 
folk sign up to the newsletter, I thought that I'd do a quick introduction about who I am and why I do what I do.

I am a university-qualified Nutritionist, online course creator, foodie and home-cook. With a passion for sharing no-nonsense, evidence-based health and nutrition information. 
I have been living with food allergies and intolerance's for over 40 years. It has proven to be challenging at times, but I now understand the difficulties and have a few tricks up my sleeve for coping. Which is why I once owned a gluten-free bakery and now specialize in helping those that are new to, and confused about, how to eat with those sorts of restrictions.
I am all about being as unrestricted as possible when it comes to food and eating. I love helping people engage with food, to try new ingredients, and find their way back to enjoying cooking and eating again. All while providing credible nutrition information you can trust!
As I mentioned in the #4 of 12 for 2020, we live in a digital age. That means, even in lock-down I can help you to start making dietary changes that suits you and your lifestyle; to help you find a way of eating that you enjoy, that FEELS good, and is sustainable for you long term.
If you would like to work together but have some questions about whether we'd be the right fit, please feel free to email me as I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.
  • I am open for virtual (skype or zoom) and phone consultations. 
  • There is also an online gluten-free baking class available, should you want to learn some new baking techniques for the gluten-free person/people in your life.
I hope that you are staying safe and sane during lock-down.
Kind regards
Nicole
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