Inside the box... Fennel Tea

Inside the box... Fennel tea. 

Twining's Fennel tea

Not many of us would think about picking up a box of fennel tea. Neither did I, but I am very glad I did! A root vegetable, fennel has clean taste with an aniseed after thought. Light on the pallet, this tea is refreshing after any heavy flavours such as chocolate, chilli or garlic. Though, when it comes to the tea, its the seeds we need.

Fennel seeds have been commended in the herbal world for centuries for its cleansing properties. However, with the improvements in food science, fennel's true properties are now coming to surface. There are multiple ways in which fennel can naturally boost your system. It is surprising how many health benefits are packed into one little seed.

Diuretic:
Primarily, Fennel seeds are a great diuretic to help your urine tract, promote healthy kidneys and help the body digest and regulate gas level. It has been suggested by herbalists to help sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome to help sooth their discomforts after troublesome foods. As it has that cleansing element, it can help the effects of bloating after such foods.

Cold & Flu:
In new light, fennel seeds are leading the way with combating the flu and colds. Fennel cleans out your system, therefore reducing the effects of sore throats, chest infections and loosens phlegm.

Other benefits:

• appetite suppressing
• helps the production of oestrogen in women

Amy H eats... Common

Common Bar, Edge Street, NQ

The Common(TM) burger.

Common bar is a regular stop on my map. If you're looking for filling meal, Common is the one for you. Their burgers range from the classic Common(TM) burger to their Maple Bacon Burger, it is heaven for a beef lover.You even get a temperature option to your liking! But as always, there are other sorts on offer, such as sandwiches (cold/toasted). Common also hold specials which are displayed regularly on their instagram. 

Something I really enjoy about Common is not the staple of the meal, but their coleslaw. Made with purple cabbage, there is something about their coleslaw that has a "I cannot simply eat these fries without it" sort of addiction.   

With the occasional gig/themed night on, Common is seen as a good place for a drink in terms on Northern Quarter bars. However, on some nights there may be a queue due to it being popular amongst the community, so be prepared! 

Amy H eats... rating: 7.5/10

Amy H eats... Cafe Grecco

Manchester Arndale Market is home to a collection of international eateries from Indian to Mexican.

Currently my favourite stop in the market is Cafe Grecco.

My pick: Halloumi and bacon 

Cafe Grecco strictly offers paninis, but they are delightful. Being a busy person and always in a rush, these paninis are perfect for on-the-go food.

My favourite is the Halloumi and Bacon with pesto. The collection of salty flavours may not be for everyone, but is perfect in my eyes and extremely moreish. Even the bread leaves a want for more behind after you've finished off the last bite.

The stand is extremely clean with the vender cleaning down the machines after every custom. A bonus upon this, your food will only take a couple minutes to be cooked and then you are on your way. Cost per panini ranges between on average £2.50- £3, which I think is reasonable for what it is.

If you're ever hungry whilst in the Arndale centre, skip the food court and get to Cafe Grecco!

Recipe: Eggy bread

Eggy bread is extremely simple, but is always a treat nevertheless. Ideal for breakfast or brunch, this dish is perfect with a little powdered sugar and fresh fruit. 

One is never enough...

Ingredients: 

• 2 eggs
• dash of milk
• 1/4 tsp vanilla essence
• knob of butter 
• 2-4 slices of bread

Method:

1. In a shallow dish, beat together the eggs, milk and vanilla essence. 
2. Place bread into the egg mixture and let both sides soak up the mix.
3. Meanwhile, heat a knob of butter in a frying pan until it is close to burning. 
4. Once foaming, place the bread slice and fry until golden brown on both sides. (see photograph)
5. To finish, sprinkle on some powdered sugar and slice some fresh fruit for extra taste for that real brunch feel!

Welcome!

Welcome to my new blog.


The purpose of 'Amy H eats' is to showcase more posts than strictly food and will be used more of an online portfolio.

If you would like to see some of my older blog posts check out: amysrecipebox


I promise I will keep up to date with this one, everyone!


Thanks,


Amy H x