In Northern Europe, primarily in the Scandinavian countries, October is still sunny and pleasant, however, the leaves are beginning to radiate the colors of fall and the countryside is dabbled with mellow orange, vibrant red, and glowing yellow. The sun is slow to break through the pockets of gentle haze which cover the valleys and open fields on these cool, crisp mornings. The firewood is stacked and ready to warm and lighten the long winter days. The candles are already warming the early evenings creating the cozy, warm feelings which are such a part of life in the north. Winter is always a time of rest, relaxation, catching up on the operas, ballets, concerts, movies and dinner parties. We create our own entertainment with friends and hygge, by conjuring gourmet meals, and spending time with friends. Try some of our recipes this week, enjoy Richard Liptons contributions and enjoy Winter by Nikki Giovanni. If you are looking for an activity with your children, have a look at our FAT experiment, but dont let it spoil your meals.

Winter
Nikki Giovanni

Frogs burrow the mud
snails bury themselves
and I air my quilts
preparing for the cold

Dogs grow more hair
mothers make oatmeal
and little boys and girls
take Father Johns Medicine^*

Bears store fat
chipmunks gather nuts
and I collect books
for the coming winter

^*Father Johns Medicine: An old-fashioned cough syrup

FAT
We need to eat some fat but not too much. Which of these foods do you think have fat in them? This is a fun activity to do with your children. In fact, it is a learning activity for all the members of the family. Write what you think on the chart. Use Y for yes (has fat) and N for no (does not have fat).

FOOD

• Apple: Y / N
• Butter: Y / N
• Low-fat spread: Y / N
• Potato: Y / N
• Fruit juice: Y / N
• Biscuits: Y / N
• Sweets (candies): Y / N
• Cheese: Y / N
• Cake: Y / N
• Crisps (potato chips): Y / N
• Lemonade: Y / N
• Corn oil
: Y / N

Now find out which foods contain fat by following these simple steps. This is not a very scientific method, but a simple, fun activity to do with your children which can teach you to be a bit more conscious of the fat content in the food you eat.

1) Put some of the food on a piece of kitchen paper (paper towel).

2) Leave it for 30 minutes.

3) Hold the paper up to the light. Look for a translucent patch.

4) If the translucent patch goes after another 30 minutes, it was only water. If the patch stays, it was fat.

5) Label each paper with the food that was on it.

6) Now go back and check your answers. How many did you have correct? What have you learned about foods and fats?