Charity Cycle Kenya update

February 22nd, 2012

The Charity bike ride proved to be extremely challenging! Despite the altitude, heat, monsoon rains and the steepness of many of the roads, we all made it!

 Not for the faint hearted; the generous support and donations I received certainly kept me focused as I pedalled for 5 days and covered in excess of 400 kms.

 Your hats were given to the Faraja Trust in Nairobi ( womens Cancer Care)., along with lots of other items of clothing  etc that we had with us. These items are then given out to the poorest of people in and around the area, as they truly have nothing nice to wear.

 We were not allowed to give anything to the children that we saw en route as there are so many of them with so little, it is felt that they would fight between themselves in order to try and secure an item.

 The poverty we saw was overwhelming, however for the most part, these beautiful people know nothing else and seem incredibly happy.

 The Rift Valley is a most extraordinary and beautiful sight with vast views into the distance.A true Garden of Eden, the people in this astonishing landscape move with such grace and elegance and yet are so poor and are so detached from the modern world that they are probably in a better place!   What is lacking is education for these people, especially when we talk about health and schooling for the children.

 Once again, thankyou

 Trish Atkinson

Pasta with Brocoli and Creamy Smoked Salmon

February 17th, 2012

Ingredients

100g smoked salmon pieces

400g pasta, tagliatelle bows or shells

225g broccoli florets

200g garlic and herb cream cheese

1 tbsp olive oil

6 tbsp whole milk

2 tbsp butter

1 finely chopped leek

Salt and pepper

Cook the pasta until tender and drain, meanwhile steam the broccoli until tender approx 8 to 10 mins.  

Prepare the sauce at the same time by heating the oil and butter in a heavy based frying pan, add the leeks and sauté for around 7 mins or until soft then gently stir in the cream cheese and milk and heat through.

Add the salmon pieces and cook for around a minute until opaque, combine the sauce with pasta and broccoli, mix well and season to taste.

Serves 4

JCS Fish enjoy a day shooting at White Lodge

February 8th, 2012

It was an excellent morning shooting for some of the team at JCS.  The day started with Coffee and Biscuits and for some this was the highlight of the day, after a few practice shoots, the competition got underway and the mood became very competitive, even those with hand/eye co-ordination of lame ducks where starting to hit something. With the first part of the day over. It was then time to move to the bows and arrows (Archery). Were it would seem that some went back to their childhood and demonstrated a keen eye for the bull. However there were others who found it difficult to pull the strings. With a 20 mile an hour cross wind the arrows where flying everywhere except the target. The competitive edge continued to the end. By the end of the day we know who the cowboys were and who the Indians were.

 

The overall winner was Rachel Thorndyke with Scot Adwick taking the money.

Over all it was a fantastic and memorable day shooting. We definitely discovered we’ve hidden talents within the team.

Health Benefits of Salmon

December 14th, 2011

 

* High in protein

* Rich in Omega 3 fatty acids

* Low in saturated fat

* Low in trans-fatty acids

* Low in calories

 

Protein helps to maintain an active metabolism and also provides essential amino acids for growth and maintenance of muscle tissue.

Evidence suggests Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial for healthy skin and joints also helps in preventing heart disease.

While high in Omega 3 fatty acids salmon is low in saturated fats which are linked to high cholesterol and also low in trans fatty acids which lead to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke and an increased risk of type 2 Diabetes.   

High protein foods are also low in calories which can assist in weight loss

Salmon Ciabatta with Watercress

December 7th, 2011

Ingredients

 250g salmon fillets (skinless and boneless)

1 large ciabatta

Grated rind of 1 lemon or lime and juice of ½ lemon or lime

2 tbsp olive oil

Large bag watercress (discard the tough stalks)

2 tbsp fresh chives snipped

1 tbsp capers

Salt and pepper

Preheat grill medium–high, slice ciabatta horizontally in half and place cut sides down,  grill until brown.

Cut the salmon fillet into slices about 1cm/½ inch, place in heatproof dish, season well sprinkle over the lime or lemon rind and juice and drizzle over the oil over.

Cook salmon under the hot grill for 2 mins, turn and cook under grill again for about 2 mins until the fish is cooked and firm, remove and put aside.

Spoon some of the juices from the salmon over the cut sides of the ciabatta and place under the grill until crisp and golden about 2 mins.

Arrange half the watercress over bottom half of bread, sprinkle the capers and place  slices of salmon overlapping slightly, spoon over the remaining cooking juices, sprinkle the chives and remaining watercress, replace the top of ciabatta cut into 4 slices and serve.    

Serves 2

Baked potatoes with a creamy salmon filling

November 28th, 2011

Ingredients

 

250g salmon fillets (skinless and boneless)

4 baking potatoes, scrubbed (around 275g each)

200g reduced fat soft cheese

60g grated mature cheddar cheese

2 tbsp chopped fresh herbs, (chives or dill)

2-3 tbsp skimmed milk

Salt and pepper

Preheat oven gas mark 6, 200C/400F electric.

Prick potato skins and place in preheated oven on top shelf, bake for around 50-60 mins until centre soft and skins crisp.

Place salmon fillet in saucepan of simmering water for around 4 to 5 mins, until just cooked but moist, with a fork flake salmon into a bowl.

In a separate bowl mix the cheese with enough of the milk to loosen, add the herbs, salt and pepper then stir.

When potatoes cooked, preheat grill to high.

Cut potatoes in half lengthways, scoop out the potato, keeping the skins aside, add to the soft cheese mixture, mix together then lightly stir in salmon flakes.

Spoon mixture into potato skins, sprinkle with the cheddar cheese and cook under pre heated grill until cheese golden and bubbling then serve.

Serves 2

Salmon fillets with Teriyaki marinade and Chinese Noodles

November 21st, 2011

 

Ingredients

 

4 salmon fillets (approx 200g each)

2 carrots

115g closed cup mushrooms

125ml teriyaki marinade

2cm fresh ginger

1 shallot

1.2 litres vegetable stock

115g frozen peas

250g dried medium egg noodles

175g chinese leaves

4 spring onions

 

Remove any scales from the salmon skin, arrange skin side up in dish.

Finely chop ginger, slice shallot and mix in a small bowl with the teriyaki sauce, cover and leave to marinade for at least an hour, turn the salmon over halfway through.

 

Slice the carrots and mushrooms and place in large saucepan with stock.

Arrange salmon on a baking tray skin side down and pour the marinade into the saucepan of stock bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 mins.

Preheat grill to medium and cook the salmon until the flesh turns pink and easily flakes,  for approx 10–15 mins, remove from grill and keep warm.

 

To the stock add the peas and noodles, return to boil reduce heat and simmer for 5 mins until noodles are tender, shred the Chinese leaves, slice the spring onions, add to the stock and heat for 1 minute.

Drain off 300ml of the stock in a heatproof jug and reserve, drain and discard the remaining stock, divide vegetables and noodles between 4 serving bowls and top with the salmon, pour over the reserved stock and serve.

 

Serves 4  

   

JCS Fish donates to Poppy Appeal

November 9th, 2011

Rachel at JCS celebrates her 50th birthday

October 31st, 2011

Rachel at JCS fish celebrates her 50th Birthday

Walking with a Hawk

JCS Fish, Commercial Director John Grey

October 19th, 2011

Rugby hurts, at least I have not lost my boyish looks, I promise I didn’t cry.