Page 26 - IFV Issue 8 August 2026

Recipes

When studying for exams, you need hearty, brain-boosting meals that require
minimal prep and cleanup. Use these easy recipes to keep your student

fuelled, warm, and focused.

Peanut Butter and Banana Overnight Oats (No-Cook Brain Fuel)
A perfect make-ahead breakfast. Grab it straight from the fridge on the morning of
an exam for sustained morning energy.
Ingredients:
• cup rolled oats
• cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• tbsp peanut butter
• banana, sliced
• tbsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions:
1. In a jar or bowl, mix the oats, milk, peanut butter, and honey.
2. Top with the sliced bananas.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 4 hours).
4. Eat cold or microwave for 45 seconds if you prefer a warm winter breakfast!
Variation: add cinnamon, chia seeds or vanilla!

Hearty Split Pea and Ham Soup
Perfect for chilly days, this comforting soup is easy to make and packed with flavour.

Ingredients
• 500g dried split peas
• 1 ham hock or meaty ham bone
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 2 celery sticks, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 litres water
• Fresh parsley to serve
• Crusty bread for serving

Method
1. Place the split peas and ham hock into a slow cooker. Add the onion, carrot,
celery, garlic, bay leaves, seasoning and water.
2. Cook on LOW for 8–10 hours or HIGH for 6 hours until the peas are soft and the
meat is tender.
Handy Tips 3. Remove the ham bone, shred the meat and discard the bone and excess fat.
• No slow cooker? Simmer on the 4. Blend the soup slightly with a stick blender if you prefer a thicker texture.
stove for about 2½ hours. 5. Stir the shredded ham back into the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.
• The soup freezes very well! 6. Serve hot with parsley and fresh crusty bread.
• If your ham bone has little meat,
add extra chopped ham for
more flavour.

24 • August 2026 • The Villager