Nora's Kitchen Recipes

Keeping you Slim for Spring

Special Eggs Florentine

What better way to start the day than with a delicious oozy egg! And by swapping out the muffin for a big juicy mushroom, you can enjoy the brunch classic for Free | 20 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 large flat or portobello mushrooms

• Low-calorie cooking spray

• 3 baby leeks, thinly sliced

• 200g baby spinach leaves

Curried Squash And Lentil Soup With Toasted Spices

Our comforting soup is a magical medley of smooth, creamy butternut, earthy lentils and fragrant spices. Every spoonful is a feast for the senses!

50 minutes | Serves 4

Ingredients

• 200g dried red split lentils, rinsed

• 1 butternut squash, peeled, deseeded and cut into 2cm chunks, or 800-900g prepared butternut squash chunks

• ½ tsp ground turmeric

• 1 tbsp medium curry powder*

• 1-litre hot vegetable stock, suitable for vegans

• 6cm piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely grated

• 2 garlic cloves, crushed

• 1 tbsp black or brown mustard seeds

• 1 tbsp cumin seeds

• 1 tbsp coriander seeds, lightly crushed

• Juice of 1 unwaxed lemon

• 1 green chilli, finely chopped, to serve

• ¾ small pack of fresh mint, leaves finely sliced, to serve

Method

1. Put the lentils, squash, turmeric, curry powder, stock, ginger and garlic in a large, deep, non-stick saucepan. Season lightly, put it over a medium heat and bring to a simmer. Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the lentils and squash are soft. Using a stick blender, blitz the soup until around half of it is smooth and the other half is still chunky, then keep it warm over a low heat.

2. Put a non-stick frying pan over medium heat, then add the mustard, cumin and coriander seeds. Toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until fragrant (the mustard seeds may begin to pop). Tip them into a bowl and stir through the lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Ladle the soup into 4 bowls and serve hot, topped with the toasted spice mix, the chilli and the mint.

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• 1 tsp white wine vinegar

• 4 large eggs*

• 4 slices lean ham, visible fat removed

•*Pregnant women, the elderly, babies and toddlers are advised to eat eggs showing the British Lion stamp if eating raw or partially cooked eggs.

Method

1. Preheat your grill to high. Remove the stalks from the mushrooms and put them gill-side up on a grill rack. Season lightly, spray with low-calorie cooking spray and grill for 3-4 minutes on each side or until cooked through, then keep them warm.

2. Meanwhile, spray a non-stick frying pan (use one you can put some kind of lid on) with low-calorie cooking spray and place it over medium heat. Add the leeks and stir-fry for 3 minutes or until they start to soften. Next, add the spinach and stir. Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted and the leeks are tender. Drain in a sieve, pressing down with the back of a spoon to remove the excess moisture. Return to the pan and season lightly, then sprinkle over the nutmeg. Cover to keep warm.

3. Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Stir in the vinegar, reduce the heat to a very gentle simmer and carefully break the eggs into the water. Cover the pan and let the eggs poach over very low heat for about 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully transfer the eggs to a large bowl of cold water.

4. Put the mushrooms, and grill side up on warmed plates. Top each with a folded slice of ham, some spinach and leeks, a poached egg and a grind of black pepper and dig in!

dthistle, Aritst, and Owner of Salon &

My all time favourite makeup hacks

As a makeup artist for 17 years I have come across some great bits of helpful information to get that perfect makeup application every time.

Use a primer

If you want your makeup to last longer, then using a primer is a must. A primer acts as a base for your makeup, creating a smooth surface for your foundation, concealer, and other makeup products. It also helps to minimize the appearance of pores, fine lines, and wrinkles. One of my current favourites is the ELF power grip primer available in selected pharmacies

Use a damp beauty blender

When applying foundation or concealer, using a damp beauty blender can make all the difference. It helps to blend the product seamlessly into your skin, giving you a flawless finish. Make sure to wet your beauty blender before using it, as it will prevent it from absorbing too much product.

Use a spoon to create the perfect winged

Eyeliner

Creating a winged eyeliner can be a daunting task, but with the help of a spoon, it can be a breeze. Simply place the spoon at the outer corner of your eye and use it as a guide to create the perfect wing.

Use a nude eyeliner to make your eyes look bigger

If you want to make your eyes look bigger and more awake, then using a nude eyeliner on your waterline is the way to go. It helps to brighten up your eyes and create the illusion of bigger eyes. one of my favourites is the Inglot Kohl pencil in shade 05

Use a translucent powder to set your lipstick

If you want your lipstick to last longer, then using a translucent powder is the way to go. Simply apply your lipstick as usual and then hold a tissue over your lips. Use a b rush to dust some translucent powder over the tissue, and your lipstick will stay put for hours.

Apply highlighter to your collarbone and shoulders: For a glamorous look, apply highlighter to your collarbone and shoulders. This will help to enhance yo ur features and give you a radiant glow.

Mix foundation with a moisturizer for a natural look: This is great coming into summer when you might want a more natural a nd sheer look, mix your foundation with a moisturizer. This will help to create a lighter coverage and a more natural finish..

Fashion Show at Ashe Hotel A Great Success

Six local shops delivered a fantastic Fundraiser Fashion Show on April 6th - Paco, Pamela Scott, Annburys, Celsius Menswear, Jasmine and That’s Perfect. Brush and Blush provided hair styling and makeup to the models. Surprise guests, Michael Healy-Rae TD and Cllr Sam Locke delighted the audience by strutting suits from Celsius Mens wear, on the catwalk.

Spot prizes were donated by Costello Pharmacy, Dan Fitzgerald’s Store, Shaws, SuperValu, Ballyseede Castle Hotel, Paco, Urban Sanctuary, Transform Eyebrows by Monica, Senses Castleisland and Danny Russel Listowel. Adding to the lively atmosphere was the entertainment by Danny Goggin. Eileen Whelan, manager of Paco hosted and coordinated the event with great humour and energy.

Hi Readers,

Where is the time going.... every so often we get a item into shop that just seems to suit lots of people and I am happy to say such an item has arrived. The " Perfect Bag". Attached are some images, it is available in 10 colours .

Taupe, Rose, Dark Green,Light Pink, Black,Light Purple,Light Green,Red,Navy and Beige. These bags have lots of uses. Here are some of the comments from people who have purchased these bags.

M.C.

"The bag was perfect for my visit to hospital for some tests, and because it is waterproof I was able to sanitize it "

G.R.

" Delighted with my bag Carmel, I am a Occupational Therapist and am able to take all equipment I need in 1 bag."

SHED Events for May

4 MAY: St Bridget’s Choir followed by Physical Fitness with Ray Lally

11 MAY: Tai Chi, Qigong, Meditation with Pauline Russel.

18 MAY & 25th MAY: Physical Fitness with Ray Lally

Phoenix Women’s Centre & SHED Community Development Project (CDP) Building, Rock Business Centre, Upper Rock Street Tralee. V92WR9P

SHED events, Pipers Band Hall, Matt Talbot Road, Tralee. V92 DR13 Thursdays 10.30a.m.

Office Phone/Help Line: 066 913 0430 / Email: info@ phoenixwomenscentre.ie

Website: www.phoenixwomenscentre.ie / www.facebook.com/ PhoenixWomensCentre

P.K.

"Heading on holidays and it is perfect size to take as handbag. I am able to take a change of clothes in case luggage goes missing "(happened once to me).

E.R

"

Eileen was heading to wedding abroad and the venue was different to where she was staying and she packed comfy shoes, deodorant, make up and other girly things in her ROSE colour wonder bag. Very happy customer."

Those reviews speak for themselves, if you need any more information do not hesitate to contact me on our Facebook Page, Instagram or on 087 6675926

Keep smiling, Be Kind, Carmel