Curried Butternut Squash Soup

This is one I made up the other day as I didn't have the time to make the butternut rice pilaf recipe that I already have on here.  I didn't put too much curry powder in so the younger soup eating member of the family was able to eat it and it went down really well.

1 and a half onions chopped
2 cloves of garlic crushed
glug of olive oil
1 regular butternut squash - peeled and cut into chunks
1 teaspoon curry powder
1 can coconut milk
12oz of veg or chicken stock (add more or less stock to suit the desired result).

1. Saute the onions and garlic in the olive oil. 
2. Add the curry powder and fry for one or two minutes.
3. Add the butternut squash and coat with the oily onion mix.
4. Pour in the stock and coconut milk, bring to the boil and then simmer for about 20-30 mins.

5. Lovely served with some baked nan bread.

Coconut water

A very popular "sport/health" drink here in California, coconut water, is getting more and more attention by the day. We were at the LA triathalon a few weeks ago and it was all over the place. I wanted to look into it a bit more to see if its something I could give Sonny as an alternative to the sports drinks he craves at soccer to be the same as his friends.

It is a beneficial drink in terms of re-hydrating and replacing lost electrolytes. I believe it is more beneficial to drink this natural drink, than a manufactured sports drink especially for a youngster (an adult may be a different case) however like one of the researchers pointed out - water and a banana may be the most beneficial - in terms of rehydrating and replacing lost electrolytes. Coconut water has the added benefit of having a cleansing effect on the system.

Many doctors now recommend coconut water kefir (kefir is added to the coconut water,Kefir is an ancient cultured food rich in amino acids, enzymes, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and B vitamins) in the treatment of autism and other neurological disorders, aiding in detoxification, rebuilding a strong digestive system, and establishing a healthy inner ecology.

Like all things, moderation is best. For young athletes, post exercise once or twice a week and for those with neurological conditions its probably best to talk with your physician or try small amounts to see how it goes. It may not be easy to get a youngster to drink this sour beverage, however there are flavored varieties on the market - you just need to check labels for how the flavor is added.

So far Sonny likes the flavored variety, post exercise, Mia prefers water! We will continue to use it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_water