Many people cannot imagine Christmas without fish. But there is more than just the traditional chowder and fried fish. Now we offer a special recipe for fish lovers!
Rub the thoroughly washed and cleaned fish slices inside and out with lemon juice and leave to rest for 10-15 minutes. Beat the eggs slightly. Chop the walnuts into small pieces or chop them finely and mix with the breadcrumbs. Drain the fish slices thoroughly, using paper towels to remove any moisture. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground white pepper, then coat in flour, beaten egg and nut breadcrumbs. In a large pan, heat 2-3 fingers of coconut oil, add the fish and cook over a moderate heat, turning carefully, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer to a paper towel and soak up the oil, then arrange on a flat plate lined with lettuce leaves and garnish with lemon wedges, parsley and walnut sprigs. This dish is only good fresh, so start cooking when all the guests have arrived. Parsley-buttered potatoes, chips or rice pudding go well with it.
It’s true that vegetables aren’t the main thing at Christmas, but they can make meat dishes much healthier.
Here are some great vegetable rounds that are good for everyone but especially for those on a diet.
Have celeriac instead of baked potatoes: celery is also very good steamed and mashed instead of potatoes. The thing to watch out for is that you need to give it some time to soften completely, as it will just lose its characteristic flavour.
Courgette pasta: Just chop the vegetables into long strips. You can also slice them with a simple knife. First cut into thin sheets and then cut long, narrow strips. Note that it needs much less cooking than a normal pasta. If you prepare it separately, you only need to boil it in a little salted water and then toss it into the sauce as the last ingredient.
Carrot strips: as with the courgettes, the carrots can be cut into strips and then roasted. They can be delicious if you toss them in a little honey-mustard sesame seeds.
Cauliflower rice: use a shredder to grind the cauliflower into the size of a grain of rice. Once this is done, fry it in a pan with a little oil. You can cook it without oil in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius on a silicone paper. In both cases you should stir occasionally, and finally season to taste.
Cauliflower puree: Steam or boil the cauliflower in a little salted water. When ready, mash with a fork or a stick blender until very tender. Add salt, pepper or nutmeg to taste.
Broccoli puree: Just like cauliflower, you can make this in the same way. You can even mix the two and it will be beautiful as well as delicious.
Vegetable dipping sauce: just cut celery stalks and cucumbers into slices and make a broccoli puree. You can also make a very tasty sauce with it, all you need is a little yoghurt and some cheese.
During the end-of-year festivities, most of us have a high sugar intake, so let’s spend Christmas with less sugar.
In addition to the traditional Christmas cakes, there’s always a new dessert speciality to try.
The range of sweets is extended by snickerdoodles, meringues and other sweet ornaments that sooner or later end up in our tummies. If we resist the temptation of cakes, we can still easily find other sources of sugar. The advice of Zsuzsanna Bajor, health promoter and dietician, is worth considering!
Dried and candied fruits, jams and chutneys, all rich in sugar, are typical dishes of the season. If you look at the main course of the festive table with this in mind, you will also find a large amount of sugar. Just think of the delicate, caramelised aroma of steamed cabbage, or the sweetness of fragrant roasted vegetables, special soups and sauces. And if that wasn’t enough, the calorie content of sweet soft drinks and alcoholic beverages is also driven up by the amount of sugar they contain. If we don’t pace ourselves a little, we’re putting our bodies under a huge sugar load in just a few days.
How to start a sugar-free Christmas?
By knowing your sources, you can reduce the amount of sugar you take in to a fraction. The first thing to do is to resist sweets in the shops, and to keep alcoholic drinks in check. When preparing our meals, replace sugar (white or brown) with sweeteners that are healthier!
What to try
The natural fructose content of fruit can satisfy the sweet tooth in many of us. They can be eaten raw, juiced, baked, cooked or stuffed. With the spices used in cakes, apples, pears or even pumpkins can be made into a Christmas dessert without sugar. But if you want to stick to the usual sweet flavours, there’s plenty of choice. Some are low-calorie or moderate-calorie, with a glycaemic index much lower than sugar. Let’s take a look at some interesting examples.
Monk’s pear (Siraitia grosvenorii) is a tropical fruit with a characteristically sweet flavour. Its beneficial ingredients and low calorie content make it suitable for dieters and diabetics. To use, make tea or syrup from the dried fruit. Pour 3 litres of boiling water over half a fruit and leave to stand for 15 minutes. To make syrup, boil the tea for a further hour.
Molasses is the thick syrup produced in the manufacture of cane or beet sugar.
It usually contains 50% sugar, plus other dry matter (e.g. amino acids, antioxidant betaines). It is rich in minerals, with manganese and zinc contributing to balanced insulin synthesis and chromium promoting insulin action. Its glycaemic index is 55, so it does not cause a sudden rise in blood sugar. It can be added to drinks or tea, mixed into yoghurt or muesli, or used in cakes or breads.
Christmas is also about delicious cakes in many households. In case you don’t have an idea of what kind of cake to bake for your loved ones this year, we’ve got 5 great Christmas cakes with recipes for you.
Chocolate trunk
In the old days, this cake was decorated to resemble the pieces of wood that provided warmth in winter.
Let’s look at the ingredients:
– 4 eggs
– 12 dkg icing sugar
– 6 dkg ground almonds
– 1 packet of baking powder
Ingredients needed for the chocolate buttercream:
– 20 dkg icing sugar – 10 dkg soft butter – 1 tablespoon of warm water – 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
First, preheat the oven to 200 degrees. Separate the eggs, put the whites in one bowl and the yolks in the other. Beat the sugar with the egg yolks until thick and pale. Then stir in the ground almonds, flour and baking powder. Beat the egg whites with a whisk until stiff. Fold the beaten egg whites into the almond mixture. When it is ready, pour it into a baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Then let the dough stand for 10 minutes. Then cover with the cloth and put it in the fridge for 1 hour. To make the delicious buttercream, just whisk the butter and icing sugar until fluffy, then add the cocoa powder and water. To make the filling, whip the cream. Stir in the cocoa powder and sprinkle with a little sugar. You need to take the dough out of the fridge and cut around the edges with a knife. Sprinkle a little icing sugar on the stretching board or whatever you are working with, then place the sponge base on top. Spread the chocolate and cream filling on top and gently roll up. Put it on a plate and spread the chocolate buttercream on the finished roll. You can use a fork to form a pattern that resembles bark. You can even sprinkle fruit on top to taste.
Gingerbread
Gingerbread is on almost every Christmas table. It is one of the most famous desserts at Christmas.
Let’s look at the ingredients:
– 1 kg fine flour
– 1 pinch of salt
– 300 grams of icing sugar
– 300-400 grams of honey
– 3 eggs
– 3 tablespoons margarine
– 50 grams of baking soda
– 30 grams cinnamon
– 10 grams cloves
– 1 packet gingerbread spice mix
Mix together the flour, icing sugar and spices and finally beat in the eggs whole. Then add the margarine. Mix by hand or with a mixer. You may want to put the honey jar in a glass of hot water to keep it lukewarm. Once mixed, pour in the honey. The dough is ready. Cover with a tea towel and leave to stand for 3-4 hours. If the dough cracks, don’t be alarmed, knead until it is nice.
Then divide the dough into several parts. Roll out one piece at a time. You should stretch the dough to about 3-4 mm thickness. When this is done, cut out the gingerbread with the shape you like. Put the moulds on a baking tray and place in the oven over a medium heat. Be sure to stand by it because the gingerbread will burn quickly. Once you can smell the spices it’s worth checking. You can decorate to taste at the end.
Gingerbread
Bishop’s Bread
Bishop’s bread used to be a traditional Christmas cake, but nowadays it is a little forgotten. That’s why it’s included in this article. Go ahead and make it!
Ingredients needed:
– 30 dkg sugar
– 30 dkg flour
– 10 dkg raisins
– 10 dkg walnuts
– 10 dkg milk chocolate
– 10 dkg dried fruit
– 5 eggs
– 2 dl milk
Chop the walnuts and mix with the flour, then the milk chocolate and dried fruit. Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks with the sugar until frothy, then sift in the flour mixture. Whisk the egg whites until stiff and slowly fold into the prepared cake mixture. Butter the deer backbone baking tin, sprinkle with a little flour and pour the prepared batter into it. Heat the oven to 160 degrees and bake until golden brown.
Gerbeaud
In our country (Hungary) it is more of a Christmas cake, as it is a delicious dessert. Make it!
Ingredients needed:
– 35 dkg flour
– 20 dkg butter
– 20 dkg apricot jam
– 20 dkg chopped walnuts
– 10 dkg chocolate
– 5 dkg sugar
– 2 dkg yeast
– 1 egg
– milk
– icing sugar
Crumble the butter with the flour. The yeast should be leavened in a little lukewarm milk. Then to the flour add the yeast, egg, sugar and a little milk if needed. Knead into a mass. Divide the resulting dough into 3 parts. Stretch each of the three into a baking dish. Put the first one in the pan, spread apricot jam on it and sprinkle with icing sugar nuts. Place the second sheet on top and spread the jam on top and sprinkle with the icing sugar. The third sheet is to cover the whole thing. Prick the dough with a fork and leave to rise for 1 hour. Bake in a medium hot oven. When done, coat the still warm dough with melted chocolate. Once the chocolate has hardened, you’re done.
Nutty, poppy seed bejgli
At the end, there’s the bejgli, which I’m sure everyone in Hungary knows. It is an essential Christmas must-have.
Let’s look at the ingredients:
– 1 kg of flour
– 25 dkg butter
– 10 dkg sugar
– 4 dkg yeast
– 2 egg yolks
– grated zest of 1 lemon
– 1 dl milk
– sour cream
Ingredients for the delicious filling:
– 60 dkg of ground nuts or poppy seeds
– 1 egg
– icing sugar
– icing sugar or pine nuts or coconut
– grated lemon zest
– milk
First you need to ferment the yeast in lukewarm milk, then crumble the butter with the flour. Make a well in the middle of the flour, then pour in the yeast, egg yolks, grated lemon zest, sugar and sour cream. Mix until you have a stiff dough. Work the finished dough until smooth, it is considered good if it is bubbly and separates from the sides of the bowl. About 3 bars of bejgli can be made from this amount. The dough should be left to rise for 1 hour, then divide it into 3 parts and roll out on a floured board. Mix the poppy seeds or walnuts with the sugar, lemon zest, vanilla sugar and a little milk, but only enough to make a crumbly filling. Roll up the dough neatly, brush with the egg and place on the floured baking tray. Bake for 30 minutes, then brush again with the egg and bake in a medium hot oven until beautifully red.
Where does the consumption of honey at Christmas come from?
In popular belief, honey was believed to sweeten life and it was also believed that those who ate honey at this time of year were protected against throat problems all year round.
Acacia honey:
Acacia honey produced in Hungary is considered Hungaricum because of its special quality and is a sought-after export product. The taste is not characteristic, therefore it is recommended for those who are new to honey. It contains very little pollen. Soft and less acidic, high in fructose, it keeps its original consistency for a long time. It is good for coughs, indigestion, strengthening the nervous and immune systems.
Lime blossom honey:
The colour of linden honey is darker than that of acacia, ranging from light yellow to amber. It has a strong, characteristic linden scent and a slightly bitter taste. Relatively difficult to crystallise. Its beneficial effects are well known in colds, sore throats and coughs. In the case of respiratory illnesses associated with fever, it has a more intense effect when consumed in combination with linden. Its consumption is also recommended to combat nervousness, restlessness and insomnia. Because of the bitter taste of this honey, it is not recommended for cooking and baking, as the bitter taste is intensified by the heat.
Chestnut honey:
High in minerals, this yellowish-brown honey has a chestnut blossom scent and a slightly bitter aftertaste. It can be spread on bread and scones or consumed in herbal teas.
Mixed floral honey:
The colour ranges from pale brown to dark brown, depending on the composition of the honeys it contains. It tends to crystallise. The honey is collected by bees from precious wild flowers, fruit trees and herbs and is therefore considered to be a high quality honey. Experts consider it to be among the most valuable honeys.
Sunflower honey:
Golden-yellow in colour with a sourish taste. It crystallizes very quickly, forming large, coarse crystals that settle to the bottom of the pot. A liquid, dilute layer remains above the crystals. It has good colouring properties, making it the most sought-after honey by gingerbread makers. Its high colouring power makes it a sought-after export product for the food industry. For this reason, it is mainly recommended for baking and cooking. It has a diuretic effect and is also known to have a mild antipyretic effect. Due to its acidity, it should not be consumed by people suffering from hyperacidity.
Rapeseed honey:
Liquid light-coloured honey, snow-white when crystallised. It crystallises very quickly. It forms small crystals in a characteristic way, making it an excellent honey for cream. Pure rapeseed honey does not have a very pleasant taste. It has an alkaline chemistry and is therefore also medicinal in cases of gastric acidosis and is edible and even recommended. Because of its high iron content, it is also recommended against anaemia.
Raspberry blossom honey:
Rich in potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium and phosphorus minerals, vitamins C, B, A. It is effective against inflammations of the throat and mucous membranes. Raspberry honey is also excellent for relieving spasms, muscle relaxation, menstrual cramps, and has analgesic properties.
Because of the propolis content of propolis honey, the beneficial effects are also stronger.
Like all honeys, this honey can be used externally, but its bactericidal and fungicidal effects are more intense, and it strongly inhibits the multiplication of viruses. When consumed internally, it has a very strong anti-inflammatory effect. Propolis honey is also effective in the treatment of gastritis and enteritis, because it not only kills or inhibits the reproduction of the pathogens that cause the disease, but also helps to relieve diarrhoeal symptoms due to its tannin content. Consumption of propolis honey is recommended for everyone with 3-4 teaspoons per day, except for people with hyperthyroidism and those allergic to honey, propolis, pollen. Another advantage is that honey enriched with propolis has a much more pleasant taste than propolis tincture and is also more suitable for children. Before regular consumption, small amounts should be tested for allergic symptoms.
Make it yourself! Here are the ingredients for the honey cream recipe.
This is what you need for the Christmas honey cream cake:
– 45 dkg flour – 15 dkg icing sugar – 1 pinch of baking soda (just a pinch) – 3 tablespoons of lard – 4 tablespoons honey – 1 egg – 4 tablespoons of milk
Ingredients for the filling:
– 5 dl milk
– 100 grams semolina
– 25 dkg margarine
– 20 dkg icing sugar
– 2 packets vanilla sugar
– 1 egg yolk
– 20 dkg apricot jam
For the honey cream chocolate glaze you only need 2 things:
– 20 dkg dark chocolate
– 20 dkg butter
Now let’s look at how to make it.
First you need to prepare the dough. The ones for the honey sheet just need to be kneaded into a semi-hard dough. If you need more milk, you can add it little by little.
Roll the dough into bar shapes and divide into four. Stretch the 4 doughs on a floured surface and bake them one by one in a baking pan greased with margarine. Be careful because it will cook very quickly. You should get a pastry sheet the colour of a bun. It’s a good idea to put the dough on the back of the baking tray as it will be easier to slide the finished bun off.
Now comes the filling. Bring the milk to the boil and slowly pour in the semolina, when it is cooked, stir and cool. When it is still lukewarm, add the sugar, vanilla sugar and margarine whisked with the egg yolks.
Divide the filling in two, spread half of the filling on the first sheet, place the second sheet on top and spread with jam. Then the third sheet of pastry is placed on the second half of the cream. This should be covered with the fourth sheet and finally the chocolate glaze comes on top.
A reduction in sunshine during the autumn months can affect people’s mental health and this effect is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
SAD is a mood disorder that occurs with the change of seasons, usually in autumn and winter.
Here’s a look at how reduced sunshine can affect people’s mental health:
Vitamin D deficiency: sunshine is an important source of vitamin D. In the autumn months, shorter days and less sunshine mean that people are less able to produce vitamin D in their skin. Vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of mood disorders and depression.
Biological clock: autumn months often have less light and shorter days. This can cause problems in the synchronisation of our biological clock and our internal organs, which can lead to depression and sleep problems.
Decreased serotonin levels: sunlight causes our bodies to produce serotonin, a compound that is important for mood regulation. In the autumn months, less sunshine can lead to a decrease in the body’s production of serotonin, which can lead to depression and anxiety.
Social isolation: in the autumn months, especially in colder weather, people tend to spend less time outdoors and experience less social interaction. This can also contribute to poor mental health and depression.
Seasonal stress: seasonal changes and the cold months ahead can be stressful, especially if people do not feel prepared for the cold months. Stress can also contribute to mental health problems.
How can the effects of reduced sunshine on mental health be mitigated?
Sunlight therapy: sunlight therapy uses special lamps to mimic the effects of the sun. This can help maintain vitamin D levels and improve mood.
Exercise: regular exercise can help combat stress, increase the production of serotonin in the body and improve overall mood.
Proper nutrition: it is important to eat foods that contain vitamin D and a healthy diet supports mental health.
Maintaining social contacts: it is important to maintain social contacts, even when the weather is colder and there is less sunshine.
Sleep regulation: regular bedtimes and maintaining a stable sleep pattern can also help to overcome synchronisation problems.
Stress management: stress management techniques such as meditation, relaxation and cognitive behavioural therapy can help reduce stress and maintain mental health.
It is important to remember that each person is unique, and a reduction in sunshine can have a different impact on each person’s mental health.
Stress related to learning and performance can affect students in many ways, and this stress can have a serious impact on education and individual development.
Below we look at how stress affects students:
Psychological effects:
Anxiety: students often experience anxiety about learning and school performance. The exams, tasks and pressure to perform can make many students feel tense and anxious.
Low self-esteem: Failure to meet consistently high expectations can lead to low self-esteem and self-respect. Students may feel that they are never good enough in school.
Depression: prolonged stress and feelings of poor performance can cause depression. Students may lose interest in school activities and lose their zest for life.
Physical effects:
Sleep problems: excessive stress can often lead to sleep problems. Students may find it difficult to fall asleep or sleep fitfully, which has a negative impact on their alertness and performance.
Headaches and abdominal discomfort: stress can also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach upset and muscle tension.
Educational impacts:
Low achievement: high levels of stress and anxiety can hinder students’ performance at school. Stress can make it harder for them to concentrate and can be a distraction from learning.
Depression and drop-out: Severe stress and high anxiety can contribute to students dropping out of school or failing to complete the required course of study.
Social impacts:
Isolation: stress related to learning and performance often leads to isolation. Students may withdraw in social relationships because they feel they cannot meet expectations.
Conflicts: due to stress and anxiety, students may be prone to conflicts with schoolmates and teachers, which can lead to a disruptive school environment.
Stress related to learning and performance is therefore a serious problem that can have a negative impact on students’ physical and mental health, educational achievements and social relationships.
Schools and families have an important role to play in providing students with stress management and support to help them cope with the pressures of learning and improve their educational experience.
What methods can be used to help students manage stress?
Communication:
Open conversations: in schools and families, it is important to develop open and understanding communication with students. Listen to students’ concerns and feelings and make sure they can share their concerns about stress.
Stress management techniques:
Breathing exercises: students can be taught breathing techniques that can help them relax and reduce stress.
Relaxation exercises: relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation or meditation, can help students relax and reduce anxiety.
Exercise: regular exercise helps reduce stress and improve mood. Schools should provide opportunities for students to exercise.
Time management: students can be given advice on time management techniques to help them manage school tasks and commitments more effectively.
Supportive environment:
School support: in schools, it is important to have student psychologists or school counsellors available to help students develop stress management strategies.
Family support: families should also support students, for example by participating in homework or learning activities, and by being helpful and understanding.
Relaxation activities:
Hobbies and leisure activities: it is important for students to have hobbies that help them to relax and unwind.
Social connections: through school activities and friendships, students can find a supportive community.
Awareness raising:
Identifying sources of stress: students can be invited to help identify sources of stress in order to understand what causes stress.
Positive thinking: developing positive thinking and problem-solving skills can help students manage stress.
Stress at work is the psychological and physical tension caused by the work environment or the pressures of job performance.
Workers can experience stress at work due to a variety of factors, and these causes can vary from individual to individual and from environment to environment.
Common causes include:
Workload: If someone has to do too much work, or the work is extremely time-consuming and stressful, it can lead to overwork and stress at work.
Time pressure: Deadlines or tight timeframes can cause pressure and stress for workers. Constant rushing and work build-up can also cause this type of stress.
Conflicts at work: Conflicts with co-workers or supervisors can also cause stress. Difficulties in human relations or conflicts with colleagues can create an unpleasant working environment.
Uncertainty: if workers do not feel sufficiently informed about decisions at work or about their future, this can cause uncertainty and stress.
Job demands and expectations: high job expectations and demands and insufficient resources can be extremely stressful.
Work-life imbalance: having difficulty balancing work and personal life demands can also cause stress.
Physical environment: disturbing environmental factors such as noise, noise levels, temperature, and discomfort can also contribute to workplace stress.
Stress at work can have serious consequences for the physical and mental health of those affected, as well as for work performance and job satisfaction.
Nevertheless, many workers and employers can take steps together to reduce stress, for example by using stress management techniques, changing workplace policies and improving the work environment.
Reducing stress and promoting employee well-being is important for productivity and job satisfaction.
Managing stress at work is important for maintaining physical and mental health, improving work performance and overall well-being.
Here are some effective ways to relieve stress at work:
Recognition: the first step is to recognise the presence of stress. Recognise the signs and symptoms of stress, such as sleep problems, concentration problems or anxiety.
Communication: talk to your supervisor or the human resources department about stress at work. Maybe together we can find solutions or relief to the problems.
Setting objectives and priorities: reorganise the work schedule and identify the most important tasks and objectives. Identify and prioritise the main tasks and priorities.
Time management: learn to manage your time effectively. Use a calendar or to-do list, and take breaks periodically.
Stress management techniques: use stress reduction techniques such as breathing techniques, meditation or relaxation exercises. These can help reduce stress levels.
Physical activity: exercise helps relieve stress and improves mood. Try to exercise regularly, such as walking, running or other physical activity.
Healthy lifestyle: eat a balanced diet, avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption and get enough sleep.
Supportive relationships: seek support from friends, family or colleagues with whom you can share your feelings and experiences.
Conflict management: learn to manage conflict effectively in the workplace and communicate difficulties with colleagues.
Rest and relaxation: take some time off and enjoy relaxation and hobbies. Relaxing and spending time stress-free also helps to reduce stress.
The weather can have a significant impact on people’s mood during the autumn months.
Here’s a look at how the weather can affect your mood at this time of year:
Sunshine and light: autumn months bring shorter days and longer nights, and the weather can often be cloudy. Lower sunshine hours and overcast weather mean that people are exposed to less natural light, which can contribute to lower energy levels and a general decline in mood.
Temperature: temperatures can drop significantly in the autumn months, and the cold weather can make people more inclined to stay indoors. The cold weather can make people less inclined to go out, play sports or spend time outdoors, all of which can contribute to a deterioration in mood.
Circadian rhythm: Seasonal changes, such as the onset of autumn, can affect the human circadian rhythm, or biological clock. Darkness comes earlier and this can change the sleep-wake cycle. As a result, people can become sleepy and tired, which can affect mood.
Local weather conditions: weather conditions are location-dependent and people may react differently depending on the weather changes they experience in a particular area. For example, rainy or foggy weather can be associated with depression, while a nice autumn day can boost people’s cheerfulness and motivation.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): weather conditions and less sunshine in the autumn months can contribute to the development of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This is a mood disorder that goes with the change of seasons, usually occurring in autumn and winter. During SAD, people may suffer from more severe depression or mood disorders.
The impact of weather on human mood depends on individual and cultural factors.
Some people enjoy the autumn months because they like the cool weather and colourful leaves, while others are put off by the longer periods of darkness and cold weather.
It is important to understand that not everyone is affected by the weather in the same way, and individual reactions may vary.
However, taking weather effects into account during the autumn months can be important to better understand and manage mood changes.
