Find a fish
I have never been fond of fish, although my husband has managed to tempt me sometimes with dishes such as chowder, paella or fish pie. I wondered if you have any suggestions for serving oily fish? I know I should eat more fish such as mackerel and that its good for you, but I am put off by the bones and the sight of the fish head!
Don’t worry, you are not alone. Fish bones and heads put many people off eating fish, but if you choose ready-prepared fish such as salmon fillets you don’t need to worry. Of course, you can always ask our in-store fishmongers for ideas and advice on how to prepare and cook fresh fish. They’ll remove the head and bones for you too so all you have to do is take the fish and cook it. And don’t forget canned salmon which is a good source of omega-3 fats and can be used in sandwiches or fish cakes. Smoked mackerel is another good choice. Try it in a salad with baby new potatoes or blend it with some yogurt to make a paté.
So bored with diet
Having been diagnosed with high cholesterol, I’ve had to change my diet. I used to love a full English breakfast, curries, stew with dumplings and fish and chips. I now eat a healthy diet, but it’s the same foods all the time. I would like to ‘jazz up’ my diet. Can you help?
Eating cooked breakfasts is OK once in a while as long as you choose lean beacon and reduced-fat sausages – grilled rather than fried – and omega-3 rich eggs. Stews and curries are fine if you make them with lean meat or chicken and add plenty of veg.
New veggie ideas
I’ve been a vegetarian for over a year and a half, but I am finding it difficult to create interesting meals instead of just eating processed food all the time. Any ideas? Evelyn Rooney, Liverpool
Log on to The Vegetarian Society website at www.vegsoc.org. Its ‘Food’ section has lots of tempting recipes. Also, try eating Quorn, which is available in store. It’s high in protein and fi bre and low in fat and it can be used to make vegetarian chilli, curry, lasagne or cottage pie. Log on to www.quorn.co.uk for lots of delicious dishes. Look up recipes using tofu at www.cauldronfoods.co.uk. Also invest in a good vegetarian cookery book.
Spice up my life
Last year I did a cookery class for men over 60 and my conversion has been a miracle. Now I’m really interested in cooking, but as a new cook, I’m not sure how to use spices. Can you recommend some I could use in my recipes? Melvyn Griffiths, Anglesey, Wales
Good for you Melvyn – I hope your letter encourages more men to venture into the kitchen. One of my favourite spices is smoked paprika, which has a deliciously smoky flavour and a gentle heat. Add a pinch to tomato sauce or mix it into cream cheese or houmous. I also add it to mayonnaise and chopped, boiled eggs to add a kick to egg sandwiches. Star anise is a lovely spice with a warm, aniseed-like flavour. Add a whole star anise to a fruit salad or sprinkle a pinch of ground star anise over roasted vegetables or ratatouille. Also cardamom can be used in sweet or savoury dishes. Add ground cardamom to stewed apple.