ME and Ophelia

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HALF TEASPOON OF CINNAMON DAILY
Reduces blood sugar levels in diabectics

New Scientist reports that just half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics. The effect, which can be produced even by soaking a cinnamon stick your tea, could also benefit millions of non-diabetics who have blood sugar problem but are unaware of it.

Thanks to the hungry tiger - a great food blog - via Anita
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TAKE 3 INGREDIENTS
Apple, banana and cinnamon dessert

Karim Haidar, head chef of the Lebanese restaurant Fakhreldine (85 Piccadilly, London W1) has this simple, healthy compote recipe that makes a perfect pudding for two - courtesy Sunday Times Style magazine, 4 April 2004:

5 apples (any variety)
1 banana
1 level tablespoon cinnamon powder

Peel and core the apples, then peel the bananas. Cut the fruit into chunks and place in a pan with the cinnamon and 50 ml of water. Cover and simmer on a low flame for 25 minutes, stirring from time to time. Serve hot in a bowl with a scoop of vanilla or, even better, cinnamon ice cream. [Note to self: try this in the microwave to cut down 20 minutes on stove and freeze thick Greek yoghurt mixed with Manuka Honey and cinnamon].

TIP FROM THE TOP: "Ever wondered how the slices of tart that you are served in restaurants have such a glossy, neat edge to them? Head your knife in boiling water and cut away." Denis Fetisson, head chef at Incognico, 117 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2.
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LET'S DO THE TIME WARP
Spring forward again

Yesterday, the US sprang forward one hour. Imaginative post (and comment) on daylight savings time by blogging medic Nicholas Genes at Blogborygmi. I'd never noticed there's a week's delay between the UK and US springing forward.