It’s the start of the year and time to make a fresh set of resolutions, especially those connected with health and fitness. Let’s all resolve to be more sensible about our health and aware of what we eat this year, without compromising on taste or fun!

This issue is full of good ideas that you can get your teeth into. With the cold settling in across the country, we need to turn our attention to foods that provide warmth. This is the ideal weather for soups and the variety you can make is endless, especially with all the vibrantly hued vegetables that are a common sight in winter. Thankfully, most of us have moved beyond tomato soup, and are open to trying out wholesome new soup recipes.

If party season hasn’t yet wound down for you, we have a selection of healthy hors d’oeuvres. Your guests will truly appreciate a cocktail party with appetising snacks that don’t pile on the kilos. February also brings with it Valentine’s Day, giving us all an occasion to reinforce how much we care for our loved ones. Our recipe for Chocolate Lemon Mousse Cake gives you the perfect excuse to indulge your sweet tooth.

While you are in the party mood, you will appreciate our tips on how to use fruits and vegetables to create table décor.

Before I sign off I must remind you of your resolution to stay healthy. To commemorate World Diabetes Day, I undertook cooking demonstrations in four metros in association with Aventis, and I was very pleased at the response. In this issue we have some interesting health-based articles including one on the importance of omega 3 fatty acids, and another on how to beat adolescent obesity. It’s never too early to inculcate healthy eating habits, so that we can enjoy a pain-free life as we get older.

I look forward to interacting with you over the year. Meanwhile, remember to eat sensibly!