Rain Rain Rain! It is so lovely to finally get some decent rain, and perhaps now it might start feeling like it should, that is, Autumn, almost winter!  This is a great time of year to take a look at what you are eating, and check that it is providing you with the strength that you need to take you through winter.  Lots of raw foods and salads aren't going to give you the nourishment you need to fight those winter blues, but warming soups, porridges and wholegrain dishes will help to keep you going and keep you healthy.

Fruits that are good at the moment include Ruby Red Grapefruits, which are delicious and juicy this year. A delicious morning drink can be made, by squeezing half a ruby grapefruit into a mug, and topping it up with boiling water. It needs no sweetening, and gives you a great start to the day.

Other additions to the website this week include a delicious recipe for Baked Quince, and a whole new section to explain the wonderful sea vegetables available at Ripe. (Also known as Seaweeds,.... Hijiki, Kombu, Wakame etc..)

Our cooking demonstrations with Sun Hyland were a great success, with many of you coming down to learn how to cook with organic whole grains. If you weren't able to join us, don't worry, all the recipes have been posted on the website so you can try something different at home. The Quinoa Pilaf and the Quinoa Burgers made great use of this amazing grain (Actually Quinoa is a seed that acts as a grain, and is a unique source of complete protein, unusual in vegetable form..... Pronounce Keen-wah). Barley made and interesting dish, in a Mushroom and Leek Ragout, and also gave great form to a Vietnamese coleslaw, with Tofu.  The Macrobiotic Brown Rice Salad is a great dish to take to work for lunch, perfect food to keep you going throughout the afternoon. Eating a decent lunch makes such a difference to your day, and can really help to battle those afternoon sugar cravings.

Brussel Sprouts. Poor Brussel Sprouts. They have such a bad name, but they really can be delicious if you cook them well. Now is the time to eat them, they are good when the weather has turned chilly. Check out their entry in our wholefoods glossary. Other new recipes include a delicious Old fashioned Baked Quince recipe, and  our delicious Apple and Beetroot Salad.

Happy Cooking!