Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/825522
maltatoday, THURSDAY, 18 MAY 2017 14 Food Election A week is a long time in politics. This phrase, attributed to British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, around 1964, has never been more true than in Malta over the last few weeks. Corruption scandals and promises for future terms can swing the vote in either direction in very little time, which is why party strategists are on their toes for the duration of the campaign. And by 'on their toes' we mean locked in their offices, analysing data and deciding what to do with it. When anyone works long hours like that, proper meals fall by the wayside. Salty and sugary snacks replace meals or at best a pizza delivery at least keeps hunger at bay. When you are at your busiest it is even more important to eat well so that you are able to function properly. These are a few healthy office snacks that can be prepared in advance so that when hunger strikes you can simply reach into your drawer and bring out something that will fuel your mind as well as satiate your hunger. Munchies Peanut butter stuffed apples Preparation time: 30 mins Calories: 150 Protein: 7.5g Carbohydrates: 23g Fat: 9g Ingredients • 1 apple • 2 tsp peanut butter • Handful rolled oats or granola Method 1. Cut the apple in half and core. 2. Spoon a tsp peanut butter into the hole left by the core. 3. Sprinkle with oats or granola. Preparation time: 30 mins Calories: 110 Protein: 3g Carbohydrates: 24g Fat: 4.5g Ingredients • 1½ cups dried apricots • ½ cup walnuts • 2 tbsp shredded coconut • ½ lemon, juice only • 1 tsp coarse salt • Dark chocolate, to drizzle (optional) Method 1. Pulse the apricots, nuts, coconut, salt and lemon juice in a food processor. 2. Line a tin with greaseproof paper and press the mixture down. 3. Place in the fridge for 30 mins. 4. Remove from the fridge and cut into 6 bars. 5. Melt the chocolate and drizzle over the top. Apricot and nut bars Edamame and cranberries Preparation time: 30 mins Calories: 250 Protein: 13.3 Carbohydrates: 45g Fat: 2.7 Makes 4 servings Ingredients • 1 cup frozen edamame beans, shelled • ½ cup cranberries • 1 tsp olive oil • Sea salt Method 1. Add the olive oil and salt to the edamame beans and roast in a pre- heated oven at 200°C for 20 – 25 mins. 2. Allow to cool and mix with cranberries. Hummus with veggie sticks Preparation time: 30 mins Calories: 106 Protein: 3g Carbohydrates: 12g Fat: 5g Makes 4 servings Ingredients • 1 tin chick peas • 1 ½ tbsp tahini paste • 1 tsp chilli flakes • ½ lemon, juice only • 2 tsp cumin • 2 cloves garlic • Olive oil • Salt and pepper Method 1. Put all ingredients in food processor except the oil. 2. Blitz and add oil until you achieve the right consistency. 3. Serve with carrot sticks or any other vegetables.