Focus on food: Chickpeas – the pearl of protein

With the Cooking School successfully up and running, Chef John thought he would give us some tips and tricks on cooking with CHICKPEAS

A Chickpea is the seed of a plant native to west Asia. Chickpeas were originally popular in India and Africa and have been grown there throughout their history. These days chickpeas are used extensively all over the world.

Chickpeas are easy to cook, cheap to produce and can be stored up to a year in cool and dry conditions.

Chickpeas are high in nutrients and protein which makes them popular amongst vegetarians and vegans. They are packed with fibre, minerals, B group vitamins and also contain a small amount of essential oils.

Chickpeas can be used in salads, casseroles, Indian dals, stews, dips (hummus), bean patties and falafel. They can also be served as a side dish with curries and can be roasted, salted, unsalted or spiced. Chickpeas should be slow-soaked for 12 hours and then boiled for 1-11/4 hours.

Chickpeas are used to make flour called Besan which is known for its distinctive nutty flavour. It is used in Indian and Pakistani cooking and is gluten free.

Feel like cooking chickpeas at home? Try one of Chef John’s winter favourites:

Spiced Chickpea and Turmeric Soup

1 cup chickpeas (soaked and cooked)
1 cup onion (diced)
½ cup carrots (diced)
½ cup tomatoes (diced)
½ cup celery (diced)
½ cup red lentils
½ cup zucchini (diced)
½ cup parsnip (diced)
½ cup green beans (cut in ¼)
4 cloves garlic (crushed)
25gr fresh turmeric, grated (or 1 tsp. ground)
25gr fresh ginger, grated
½ tbsp. ground coriander
½ tbsp. ground mild curry
½ tbsp. ground cardamom
½ tbsp. ground cumin
1 large red chili (finely chopped)
2lt vegetable stock or water
½ cup fresh basil (chopped)

Method:

Cook cumin, coriander, curry, cardamom, garlic, turmeric, ginger and onion in ½ cup vegetable stock for 2-3 minutes.

Add all other ingredients and simmer for 30 min.

To serve, top with fresh coriander and a tbsp. plain yogurt. 

Find out more about Chef John’s Cooking School or book in here >>

The People of Hopewood – Meet Doug

Meet Doug

Doug is Hopewood’s osteopath and has been with the team 18 years! Doug works with guests through the process of improving their health, particularly muscular & skeletal related problems

1.       How long have you been working at Hopewood?

 I have been working at Hopewood for 18 years. Wow, that went quickly!

2.        Tell us a little bit about your role/job at Hopewood?

As the osteopath at Hopewood, I treat patients with muscular & skeletal related problems. However, my first interests and studies were in general health and naturopathy approximately 35 years ago. I was particularly drawn toward the logic and wisdom of natural hygiene and health. Hopewood is founded on these principals i.e the way you live, profoundly influences your health, such as diet, rest, activity, psychology etc.

Along with my colleagues at Hopewood I am responsible for guiding guests through the process of improving their health. This usually involves deciding what the appropriate nutritional program is to meet their specific goals and needs. This may involve a short time on a restricted regime such as a ‘detox’ diet, juices or fasting. Health is determined by what we eat which is why a person’s health can be affected on so many levels at Hopewood.

3.       What do you enjoy most about working at Hopewood?

I really enjoy guiding guests through the process of improving or regaining health and seeing tangible results.

Some of the guests become good friends and some of my good friends become guests. It’s also great being able to work with a great team of likeminded professionals.

4.       What is your best piece of advice for healthy living?

When I was confronted with my own health crisis some 26 years ago, a properly supervised fast brought about my recovery. Since then I have had the good fortune to observe and supervise many who have gained vitality and good health through good nutrition and in many cases fasting. It is also important to be physically active, doing something you enjoy. I do not like doing exercise, as such, but I do like being active. For me this centres around the ocean - swimming, sailing and especially surfing. No one can afford to neglect their health; the thing you neglect most is the one you need to attend to most! In my view, the taking of vitamin pills and potions has become a distraction rather than assistance to some people’s health.

5.    What do you enjoy most about working at Hopewood?

Lunch, the food is delicious. Also, the real thrill is guests parting comments such as “This has changed my life!” “I feel so much better”, “Me and my family are so pleased, thank you all”.

6.    Do you have any tips for how you take care of your own personal health and wellbeing?

Our bodies can have an amazing capacity to restore health. Most importantly we do not need to hinder it but nature. If you need or want optimal results don’t be moderaste, you need to do better than that, and the result will come.

7.    What is your best piece of advice for healthy living?

My personal belief is that our health is inextricably dependant of that of the planet. It is incumbent upon us that in our pursuit of health and happiness we consider the impact our actions have upon the earth and other creatures with whom we share it. To do otherwise is unwise and inevitably unhealthy. Animal products usually come at a high cost to ourselves, other animals and the environment. A plant based diet with minimal animal product is a good start for your health and the environment. 

2012 Cooking School dates announced!

Hopewood has just announced our Cooking School dates for the rest of the year, offering you the chance to learn how to prepare their healthy, gourmet vegetarian recipes!

In our small, hands-on classes you’ll prepare and eat delicious vegetarian meals and get tips from Chef John Estival.

To help you remember what you've learned, you'll also get recipe cards for the Hopewood dishes you prepared. This interactive course will empower you to make a healthy change from your own kitchen.

Classes run for 3 hours with lunchtime and evening sessions available.

2012 Classes available:

Saturday dinnertime classes from 5pm to 8pm
July 21, August 18, September 15, October 27, and November 17

Tuesday lunchtime classes from 11am to 2pm
July 24, August 21, September 18, October 30, November 20

Each class menu will emphasise seasonal produce.

Sample Menu

Entree: Stuffed Mushroom and Three Coloured Salad with Strawberry & Balsamic Dressing

Main: Potato, Lentil, Carrot & Turmeric Casserole

Dessert: Banana & Strawberry Ice Cream with Fresh Fruit

The cost for one class is $120 per person or two people for $210
Call to book today: 02 4773 8401

Take a look at what Kate, a recent Cooking School attendee thought of the class:

“"I just wanted to say thank you again for the wonderful cooking course at Hopewood, I enjoyed it so much and learnt a lot from Chef John.
So much thought and time had gone into the recipe selection and presentation, and the gift bag was a lovely idea too.
I have been coming to Hopewood for some years, but this is the first time I actually got involved in some vegetarian cooking there which I have wanted to do for so long." - Kate

5 tips to help avoid the winter flu

Winter is finally here, bringing with it lots of ways to get sick. As everyone dreads getting the winter chill and flu, Hopewood Health Retreat has put together five simple tips to help you stay healthy this winter.

1.  Increase your Omega 3

Omega 3 is an essential fatty acid found in all sorts of food. Omega 3 contains two of the most healthy and biologically active fatty acids; EPA (eicosa-pentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosa-hexanoic acid).

Omega 3 plays a key role in boosting your immune system, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting a healthy heart beat. To increase your Omega 3 you can consume more leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, nuts (walnuts and Brazil nuts), seeds such as flax seed, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

2.       Improve your sleeping

Studies show that sleep plays a critical role in immune functions, metabolism, memory learning and other vital functions, so a good night’s sleep is crucial. Sleep deprivation actually suppresses immune system functions. The less sleep you get, the harder your immune system has to work to fight colds and bacteria, so getting a good night sleep every night is very important.

3.       Ginger Tea

Having a cup of ginger tea not only warms your body up, it can also help prevent the flu. Ginger tea can help relieve congestion by shrinking the blood vessels in the nose, and because it has virtually no side effects, it offers an all-natural alternative to pharmaceutical decongestants. Ginger will not only make your throat feel better, it also has a reputation for helping relieve a wide variety of painful conditions. It can help lessen the aches and pains associated with a cold, such as headaches and cramps. Ginger also boosts circulation and stimulates the immune system.

 Make ginger tea with 12 thin slices of fresh ginger root. Place the slices in a saucepan with three cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.

4.       Exercise

Exercise is not only effective in burning calories, it also encourages a healthy immune system. Exercise actually temporary boosts the production of macrophages, which are the cells that attack bacteria. Also, during moderate exercise immune cells circulate through the body more quickly and are better able to kill bacteria and virus.

5.       De-stress and relax

De-stressing will help your mind, body and soul relax so that when you do have to face the winter season, your body is in top condition. Hopewood Health Retreat offers many health packages such as ‘Stress Free & Healthy’ and ‘Health & Vitality’ that can help you relax. Naturopaths are also available and can assist in getting your winter immunity back on track.

Get your dose of Vitamin D this winter

As winter is now upon us, the strong temptation for many is to rug up and spend the weekend indoors and out of the cold. Even if the motivation to exercise is there, the gym is often far more inviting than braving the chill for outdoor activities.

Vitamin D is considered vital for health and wellbeing. It is essential for absorbing calcium in the body, keeping your bones and muscles strong and healthy.

With the weather cold and the days short, sitting outside is often the last thing you want to do in winter, making it difficult go get your daily dose of Vitamin D in these chilly months!

Do not fear! Here are some ways you can improve your vitamin D intake this winter -

Try eating your lunch outside or going for a short walk. Even if your face is the only part exposed to the sun, you will find it far more revitalising than simply sitting at your desk.

Knowledge about vitamin content in foods has become quite extensive, and we can now tailor our diet to target our vitamin deficiencies.

Some foods that boost Vitamin D:

-          Egg yolks

-          Cod liver oil (make sure it is a high quality brand)

-          Some types of unpasteurised milk

-          Orange juice

-          A good brand of vitamin supplements can also be beneficial

-         

Remember that sunshine is the source of all life and nothing is as effective as the power of natural sunlight to absorb vitamin D.

The People of Hopewood - Meet Marilyn

Meet Marilyn

Marilyn helps out Chef John in the kitchen. As a long-time employee of Hopewood, she loves seeing guests return and enjoys chatting with them in the dining room. 

How long have you been working at Hopewood?

6 years

Tell us a little bit about your role/job at Hopewood?

I help to prepare food and set up meals for our guests.  I also make juices and help to serve the guests in the dining room.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopewood?

I love the family atmosphere.

What is your best piece of advice for healthy living?

Stay active, exercise often, take care of yourself, and eat healthy.

The People of Hopewood - Meet Sarah

Meet Sarah

Sarah is one of the friendly and helpful receptionists at Hopewood’s reservations desk.  She takes reservations, makes therapy bookings, and helps out with the day-to-day office duties. If you’re calling Hopewood or emailing us, Sarah may be the one on the other end answering your question.

How long have you been working at Hopewood?

11 months

Tell us a little bit about your role at Hopewood.

As a receptionist, it is my job to help ensure that guests have a relaxing and enjoyable visit. The reception team is the first port of call and so that first impression is the most important.

What do you enjoy most about working at Hopewood?

When I come to work it doesn’t feel like work, the staff and guests are so friendly and I enjoy meeting new people and listening to their stories! This would be the first time I have been part of a workplace which actually work as a team regardless of which department they are from, everyone is always willing to help. Work is no longer a thing I have to do it is something I enjoy doing!

Do you have any tips for how you take care of your own personal health and wellbeing?

Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced healthy diet.

What is your best piece of advice for healthy living?

Come to Hopewood! J