Rachel’s Finger Licking Popping Chicken
NeuroActiveUK is a Karbon-supported charity that helps people after a brain injury or stroke. Co-founder, Pam Gustard, tells us more and colleague, Rachel McHugh, serves up a popular dish from her independent living skills class.
Hello Pam! Tell us how NeuroActiveUK got started
My family came up with the idea after struggling to find support for younger people who’d suffered a brain injury. My late husband Jimmy was just 34 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Existing services offered things like bingo and cards but we were desperate for something that included younger people too. So, we decided to do it ourselves. Me, Jimmy, my sister Debra and her husband Gary came together because we wanted to help other families who were going through a similar experience. Jimmy died in 2020 when he was 56. NeuroActiveUK is his legacy and I’m so pleased he got to see some of the results of our work.
So, what does NeuroActiveUK do?
We help people to maintain independence, build confidence and reduce social isolation. We also support their families because we know that being a carer can be the loneliest job in the world. We have a whole range of professionals and volunteers on our books, including a neuro-physiotherapist, counsellors, a massage therapist and personal trainers. People come along for the day to enjoy hobbies, learn new skills, meet new people and enjoy a lovely lunch of course!
Rachel, tell us about the independent living skills sessions you run.
The aim is to get people back into the rhythm of being able to do things for themselves, especially in the kitchen. Many people are only mobile on one side and feel like they have to rely on family and carers to do things for them. This can cause real issues with confidence and self-esteem and leave them feeling like they’re imposing on others. We show them that they have the capability to do most things and help them to adapt to doing things a bit differently if they need to.
What have you picked to cook for us and why?
I’ve chosen popcorn chicken because it’s one of the simplest – yet tastiest – things to make. It uses a few spices and just four other ingredients and there’s no fiddly preparation so anyone can do it!
Want to know more?
NeuroActiveUK runs from Ouston Community Centre. Check Facebook facebook.com/neuroactiveuk.org for more details or contact 07716 672540.
Got a recipe you'd love to share and want to feature in our next magazine? Just drop us a line at communications@karbonhomes.co.uk to get involved.
Rachel’s finger licking, popping chicken
Serves 4
Easy, Healthy, Perfect for summer
Preparation 10 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon garlic granules
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Half a teaspoon ground ginger
- Half a teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 eggs
- 75g cornflakes
- 350g chicken breast
- 3 little gem lettuces
- Low calorie cooking spray
Method
Pop your oven on to preheat, turning to gas mark 6 / 200C / fan 180C
Mix together your garlic, cumin, ginger and cinnamon in a small bowl
Beat eggs in a second bowl
Crush cornflakes in a third bowl
Chop chicken into cubes and pat dry
Dip the chicken into the egg
Toss in the seasoning mix and finally the cornflakes, coating well
Spray a baking tin with low fat cooking spray and arrange the chicken on the tray
Bake for 20 minutes until fully cooked and crisp
Separate and clean the lettuce and arrange on a plate
Top with the chicken and enjoy!
Rachel’s Finger Licking Popping Chicken
NeuroActiveUK is a Karbon-supported charity that helps people after a brain injury or stroke. Co-founder, Pam Gustard, tells us more and colleague, Rachel McHugh, serves up a popular dish from her independent living skills class.
Hello Pam! Tell us how NeuroActiveUK got started
My family came up with the idea after struggling to find support for younger people who’d suffered a brain injury. My late husband Jimmy was just 34 when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Existing services offered things like bingo and cards but we were desperate for something that included younger people too. So, we decided to do it ourselves. Me, Jimmy, my sister Debra and her husband Gary came together because we wanted to help other families who were going through a similar experience. Jimmy died in 2020 when he was 56. NeuroActiveUK is his legacy and I’m so pleased he got to see some of the results of our work.
So, what does NeuroActiveUK do?
We help people to maintain independence, build confidence and reduce social isolation. We also support their families because we know that being a carer can be the loneliest job in the world. We have a whole range of professionals and volunteers on our books, including a neuro-physiotherapist, counsellors, a massage therapist and personal trainers. People come along for the day to enjoy hobbies, learn new skills, meet new people and enjoy a lovely lunch of course!
Rachel, tell us about the independent living skills sessions you run.
The aim is to get people back into the rhythm of being able to do things for themselves, especially in the kitchen. Many people are only mobile on one side and feel like they have to rely on family and carers to do things for them. This can cause real issues with confidence and self-esteem and leave them feeling like they’re imposing on others. We show them that they have the capability to do most things and help them to adapt to doing things a bit differently if they need to.
What have you picked to cook for us and why?
I’ve chosen popcorn chicken because it’s one of the simplest – yet tastiest – things to make. It uses a few spices and just four other ingredients and there’s no fiddly preparation so anyone can do it!
Want to know more?
NeuroActiveUK runs from Ouston Community Centre. Check Facebook facebook.com/neuroactiveuk.org for more details or contact 07716 672540.
Got a recipe you'd love to share and want to feature in our next magazine? Just drop us a line at communications@karbonhomes.co.uk to get involved.
Rachel’s finger licking, popping chicken
Serves 4
Easy, Healthy, Perfect for summer
Preparation 10 minutes
Cooking time 20 minutes
Ingredients
Method
Pop your oven on to preheat, turning to gas mark 6 / 200C / fan 180C
Mix together your garlic, cumin, ginger and cinnamon in a small bowl
Beat eggs in a second bowl
Crush cornflakes in a third bowl
Chop chicken into cubes and pat dry
Dip the chicken into the egg
Toss in the seasoning mix and finally the cornflakes, coating well
Spray a baking tin with low fat cooking spray and arrange the chicken on the tray
Bake for 20 minutes until fully cooked and crisp
Separate and clean the lettuce and arrange on a plate
Top with the chicken and enjoy!
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