~ * ZINC ? * ~

Zinc is vital for liver function, is involved in every energy reaction in the body and plays a key role in alcohol detoxification. Red (lean) meat contains high levels of zinc. FOR vegetarians, legumes are good, but for better zinc absorption, add the proteins such as yoghurt or eggs (preferably free range or barn laid) at the same meal!

* SIMPLE Cherry Smoothie !!

Serves: 2-4.
Prep. time: 10 minutes.

1-1/2 cups low-fat (Zymil? - * your choice) milk
1 cup frozen-pitted cherries
170g carton vanilla yoghurt
2 tablespoons honey

1. PUT milk, cherries, yoghurt and honey into a blender or food processor and process until smooth.

2. POUR into glasses and SERVE.

~ HONEY Yoghurt Ice Cream ~

Ingredients:

1 cup natural yoghurt
2 tspn. lemon juice
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 egg whites

THOROUGHLY blend the yoghurt, fruit juices and honey. FREEZE until the mixture becomes mushy and then beat again until smooth. FOLD in the stiffly beaten egg whites and refreeze!

Note: THIS is a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream and can be made with low-fat yoghurt. FOLD fresh berries through with egg whites for added flavour. * CHOPPED nuts or even choc chips can also be added.

Louise Marr, Kinglake

*** The UNDER-RATED importance of YOGHURT !!! ***

YOGHURT is especially important to consume for regulating/conditioning our Digestive system (by reason of the Cultures it contains)! * EACH of us need a tablespoon of Yoghurt per day.

* The only other source of those Cultures which are contained in Yoghurt, as far as I'm aware .. is Sauerkraut.

BON APETIT.

* MAYONNAISE !!

1 cup plain non fat Yoghurt.
2 teaspoons Lemon juice.
1/2 to 1 teaspoon dry Mustard (*depending on type of Paprika to be used; sweet or hot, according to taste).
1/2 teaspoon Paprika.
freshly ground black-Pepper, to taste.

MIX all ingredients together and shake well. KEEP in the Refrigerator and use as needed! (J. Stafford)

* 'FRUIT' Compote ('SLOW COOKER'/"Crock-pot") !

1 Cup dried Prunes
1 Cup dried Apricots (preferably Sun-dried)
1 can Pineapple chunks, undrained (optional)
2 Cups Water

PUT all ingredients in 'SLOW COOKER'. COVER and cook on LOW overnight (7-8 hours). (HIGH 3-4 hours.) *SERVE warm! Good with a little of sour cream (depending on the occasion) or Yoghurt which is 'gut friendly'. ADD a dash of Cinnamon or Nutmeg!

N.B. Our Digestive system needs 1 tablespoon of Yoghurt (even if it's as a frozen "treat") each day. *THIS will assist with our gut "being friendly" (no joke)!