Thursday, February 22, 2007

Soothing Tea

Ginger Honey and Lemon Tea

I have been making this tea whenever I feel something coming on or am already sick. Usually, it will curb the cold before it takes hold, but in either case, you’ll find this tea not only gives relief, but also works on stimulating your immune system and warms you up.
You probably know that lemon is high in Vitamin C. It is also full of phytochemicals. These are plant constituents that help boost the immune system and much more.
Ginger and honey are also well documented to help the immune system
Directions:
Fill up your teakettle and get it boiling.
Meanwhile, grate a one-inch piece of fresh ginger root.
Get a thermos out, a 1 quart works well
Put the ginger in the thermos.
add 4 tablespoons lemon juice
add 3 tablespoons honey
When your water is boiled, pour it in the thermos.
Cover it up and let it sit for 20 minutes.
Strain into a tea cup and enjoy!
*If you don't have a thermos, you can prepare it in an open pan,but you'll just have te reheat it.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Trying To Lose Weight

An increased intake of pure‚ healthy water will enhance nutrient absorption‚ weight loss‚ skin hydration‚ detoxification and virtually every aspect of better health.

All weight loss programs are based on a reduced caloric intake and an increased rate of metabolism‚ both of which are "naturally" achieved with an increased intake of clean‚ healthy water.
Traditionally Aged. Organic Hawaiin Noni

Monday, February 19, 2007

Healthful Salad



Chicken Olive Orange Salad

3 TablespoonsOlive oil
2 TablespoonsRed wine vinegar
1 teaspoonHoney
1/8 teaspoonGround black pepper
1 1/2 cupsDiced smoked chicken (3/4-inch)
1 1/2 cupsDiced roasted chicken (3/4-inch)
1 1/2 cups Ripe olives
3/4 cupDiced celery (1/2-inch)
2 quarts (8 ounces)Butter lettuce, washed and torn
1 cup (6 ounces)Orange segments
2 ouncesGoat cheese, crumbled
1/2 cupCrushed toasted walnuts

Directions:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey and black pepper. Set aside. 2. In a large mixing bowl, combine smoked chicken, roasted chicken, California Ripe Olives and celery. Add lettuce, orange segments and dressing and gently toss. 3. Divide salad onto plates in four equal portions. Top each with 1/2 ounce of crumbled goat cheese and 2 Tablespoons of crushed walnuts. Serves 4.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Ideas to Increase Water Consumption

Keep a pitcher of herbal iced tea in the fridge.
Add fresh lemon or lime to juice to water.
Drink hot herbal tea.Drinking sodas is not recommended because they are void of essential nutrients.
Drinking bottled juices is not recommended because they are high in calories and usually lack the fiber of whole fruit.
Drink juices using a juicer, as expressed liquid from whole fruit.
Drink a glass of water with each meal and between each meal.
Take water breaks instead of coffee breaks.
Substitute sparkling water for alcoholic drinks at social gatherings.
Carry water in your car.

Don't forget to store extra water for an emergency.Recommendation:

One gallon of water per person per day, for drinking and sanitation.
Children, nursing mothers, and sick people may need more water.
If you live in a warm weather climate more water may be necessary.
Store water tightly in clean plastic containers such as soft drink bottles.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Pesto

Ingredients:
2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons pine nuts (walnuts may also be used)
2 garlic cloves, peeled
pinch of salt
1/2 cup freshly grated paremsan
2 tablespoons freshly grated Romano cheese
3 tablespoons butter at room temperature

Directions:
1. If your basil leaves are noticeably dirty, wash them in cold water and pat dry. Otherwise, simple rub off any surface dirt or dust.
2. Put basil, olive oil, pine nuts, garlic, and an ample pinch of salt in the food processor and process until creamy.
3. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the grated cheeses. Then mix in the softened butter. Serve on pasta or vegetables.

*Make extra, as this keeps well and is a great addition to soups,on bread or pasta as a quick meatless meal.

*Adapted from Essentials of Italian Cooking

Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Everybody's on a Diet

"Diet" as a noun, according to Websters:
Etymology: Middle English diete, from Anglo-French, from Latin diaeta, from Greek diaita, literally, manner of living, from diaitasthai to lead one's life.
1 a : food and drink regularly provided or consumed
b : habitual nourishment
c : the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason
d : a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one's weight (going on a diet)
2 : something provided or experienced repeatedly (steady diet of..........)

Used as a verb, it means eating less(dieting) and following a particular set of rules specific to the "diet". Of course then there is the adjective usage, such as diet drinks or diet pills.

I've been thinking about this "four letter word" in terms of ......impact on people's daily lives(what to eat or what not to eat if you're fortunate enough to have the choice) and what must be the most profitable use of four letters one can think of.................can you think of another? Post a comment, let's discuss our collective addiction to anything labeled "diet", yet we are told consistently that "60% of Americans are overweight."Any all comments or dicussion welcome.

Monday, February 12, 2007

Everday Foods

Mmmmmmmmmmmmm:Peanuts contain the same amount of beneficial chemicals as strawberries. University of Florida researchers report that peanuts are rich in antioxidants which protect cells from damage linked to heart disease and cancer. Peanuts also contain high levels of protein and "good" monounsaturated fat.

Health Value:Pinto beans are a very good source of cholesterol-lowering fiber, as are most other beans. In addition to lowering cholesterol, pinto beans' high fiber content prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after a meal, making these beans an especially good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance or hypoglycemia. When combined with whole grains such as brown rice, pinto beans provide virtually fat-free, high quality protein. But this is far from all pinto beans have to offer. Pinto beans are also an excellent source of molybdenum, a very good source of folate and manganese, and a good source of protein and vitamin B1 as well as the minerals phosphorous, iron, magnesium, potassium, and copper.

Health Value: Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a carotenoid with potent antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties. Lycopene protects cells from oxygen damage, fights colorectal, prostate, breast, endometrial, lung, and pancreatic cancers, and reduces your risk of heart disease. Studies have found that lycopene works synergistically with other phytonutrients in tomatoes to provide these benefits. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamins C, A and K.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

Low Carb Cheesecake


If you're looking for an excellent way to say "I love you" to someone you love, then treat him or her to a delicious, easy-to-make, healthy meal followed by a sensible dessert. There's probably no better way to express your feelings than by showing that special person that you really care about their overall health:

Low-carb sugar free cheese cake

Ingredients:
3 packages (1 and 1/2 lbs) cream cheese (preferably room temperature)
4 Eggs (preferably room temperature)
1 and 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 Tablespoon) vanilla
1 and 1/2 teaspoon (1/2 Tablespoon) lemon juice
1 and 1/3 cups Worth of artificial sweetener (I like liquid concentrages for this recipe)
1/4 cup Sour cream

Crust
1 cup Almond meal
2 t Melted butter
2t Worth artificial sweetener
Preparation:

1. Combine ingredients for crust, and press into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until fragrant and beginning to brown.
Raise oven heat to 400 F., or lower to 350 F if you're using a water bath (see below).

2. Put cream cheese in mixing bowl, and beat until fluffy. Add other ingredients, scraping the bowl and beaters each time (this is very important), fully incorporating each ingredient. When all ingredients are combine, scrap one more time, beat one more minute, and pour mixture into pan over crust.
Instructions for water bath:
Wrap the bottom and sides of the springform pan in foil, put it in a baking pan and pour boiling water around the sides. Bake at 350 for 60-90 minutes, checking often. When the cake is firm to touch but slightly soft in the center, or the center reaches 155 degress F., remove from oven.
Instructions for non-water bath: For this method, you start the cake at a high temperature, and it slowly drops. If you have stoneware, bricks, etc, this allows it to happen at a slower rate, and I get better results in less time. Put the cheesecake on a sheet pan in case of drippage. After putting the cheesecake in the oven at 400 degrees, turn the oven down to 200. Bake for 60-90 minutes, checking often after an hour. When the cake is firm to touch but slightly soft in the center, or the center reaches 155 degrees F., remove from oven.
Chill completely. Top with fruit, if desired, such as Sugar-Free Strawberry Topping

Nutrient Information
174
Calories
1.5g
Carbohydrates
5g
Fiber

Recipe Details
Total Preparation Time: 15 to 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Actual Cooking Time: 1.5 hours
Number of Servings: 8



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Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Foods as Cleaning Supplies?

You expect to find food in the kitchen, but dangerous chemicals?

If you have children or pets, you know how inquisitive they are, and how easy it would be for them to get into your cupboards.Rather than get a false sense of security from "child proof" gizmos.Instead of traditional cleaners why not just check out your pantry for help.In addition to being safe, they may save you money as well!
All-purpose cleaner, ammonia-based cleaners, bleach, brass or other metal polishes, dishwater detergent, disinfectant, drain cleaner, floor wax or polish, glass cleaner, dishwashing detergent, oven cleaner, and scouring powder. contain dangerous chemicals. The following are a examples of a few common items you probably already have in your pantry, and how they can be used:

1.Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. It has a number of useful properties. It can neutralize acid, scrub shiny materials without scratching, deodorize, and extinguish grease fires. It can be used as a deodorizer in the refrigerator, on smelly carpets, on upholstery and on vinyl. It can help deodorize drains. It can clean and polish aluminum, chrome, jewelry, plastic, porcelain, silver, stainless steel, and tin. It also softens fabrics and removes certain stains. Baking soda can soften hard water and makes a relaxing bath time soak; it can be used as an underarm deodorant and as a toothpaste, too.

2.Cornstarch, derived from corn, can be used to clean windows, polish furniture, shampoo carpets and rugs, and starch clothes.

3.Vinegar is made from soured applied juice, grain, or wine. It contains about 5 percent acetic acid, which makes it a mild acid. Vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits, grease, remove traces of soap, remove mildew or wax buildup, polish some metals, and deodorize. Vinegar can clean brick or stone, and is an ingredient in some natural carpet cleaning recipes. Use vinegar to clean out the metallic taste in coffeepots and to shine windows without streaking. Vinegar is normally used in a solution with water, but it can be used straight.

4.All-purpose cleaner can be made from a vinegar-and-salt mixture or from 4 tablespoons baking soda dissolved in 1 quart warm water.

These are just a few helpers in the kitchen.You can use safe substitutes all around the house. Do an inventory, and see where you can make substitutions and make sure unsafe materials are in a safe place. If in spite of all your precautions, something does happen keep this number OUT where you can see it:

USA
The American Association of Poison Control Centers manages the 24-hour hotline, which is continuously staffed by pharmacists, physicians, nurses, and poison information specialists who have received dedicated training in the field of toxicology. It has a TTY/TDD number for the hearing impaired. Poison educators across the country also offer poison prevention training and education sessions to community institutions, along with educational materials. The national phone number is 1-800-222-1222, which routes calls to a local facility.

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

Can Olive Oil Prevent Cancer?

Olive oil has long been a staple in Mediterranean diets and is thought to have cancer inhibiting properties, although the Mediterranean diet also includes many nutrient rich fresh fruits and vegetables as well.
Also used extensively and associated with the region is garlic,especially Italian cooking , which I adore.
To some, healthy and delicious are mutually exclusive, but just try this recipe using two of the mainstays in Mediterranean cooking and you may change your mind.Try this as an appetizer or if you're like me, accompany with some cheese,get some Italian crusty bread, and your favorite wine(in moderation of course) and call it a meal!
Roasted Garlic:
If you're doing just a small amount, use your smallest or individual casserole, set your oven to 400 degrees and wash, remove husks and the bottom stem from the garlic head. Place in baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Cover with lid or aluminium foil and bake for 40-60 min. If you're doing larger quantities, muffin tins work great as each head gets it's own space. When done, remove and cool. Each clove becomes a little tube for squeezing the delicious and healthful spread on bread or crackers. I also like to make a dipping sauce from olive oil and red peppers, basil and oregano.You can buy dipping sauce already seasoned, it's your choice. Just enjoy!

Monday, February 5, 2007

Honey

Honey is significantly sweeter than table sugar and has attractive chemical properties for baking. Honey has a distinctive flavor which leads some people to prefer it over sugar and other sweeteners.
Unlike most other sweeteners, honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants.


Energy Drink:
serves 2 people

8 oz.orange juice
8 oz. natural yogurt
2 tbsp. clear honey

Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into two tall glasses.

Spice Collection


Cooking with Spices and Herbs

Ground spices release their flavor more quickly than whole spices. Ground spices such as ground thyme or ground cumin can be used in recipes with short cooking times or can be added near the end of cooking for longer cooking recipes.

Whole spices need a longer time to release their flavor. They work well in longer cooking recipes like soups and stews.

Robust herbs such as sage, thyme and bay leaves stand up well in long cooking while milder herbs like basil, marjoram and parsley can be added at the last minute for best results.

Rub leafy herbs in the palm of your hand to release the flavor and aroma.

To double a recipe, increase spices and herbs by one and one-half, TASTE and then add more if necessary. In most recipes one and one-half times the seasoning will be sufficient to provide desired flavor.

Spices such as fennel seed, cumin seed, sesame seed and white peppercorns may be toasted to intensify their flavors. Simply add the spice to a dry, non-stick, heated skillet and heat until aromatic.

Whole spices and seeds may be best ground using a small electric coffee grinder or spice mill. A pepper mill or mortar and pestle may also be used.


**************************************************


I love to make this pasta salad because it is so versatile,easy to make, and you can substitute ingredients to your liking or families' tastes; we like Italian herbs blend.It makes a meal in itself or a perfect nutritious side.You can store in small containers, grab for a quick lunch at home or at work; also makes a beautiful presentation for an impressive buffet contribution as well.


Basic Vegetable Pasta Salad:


1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup white balsamic or white wine vinegar

4 teaspoons (your favorite combination of spices)

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 cups assorted vegetables such as broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, sliced carrots, snow peas and cherry tomatoes

8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained

8 ounces fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-size chunks


Directions:


1. Mix oil, vinegar and seasoning blend in large bowl until well blended. Add remaining ingredients.Toss to coat well.
2. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve
Nutritional information for 1 serving:

Calories: 332
Sodium: 322 mg
Fat: 20 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Cholesterol: 22 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 10 g

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Black Pepper


Because pepper can be stored for many years without losing it's flavor and aroma, it has long been known as the master spice. Pepper was so precious in ancient times that it was used as money to pay taxes, tributes, dowries, and rent. It was weighed like gold and used as a common medium of exchange. In A.D. 410, when Rome was captured, 3,000 pounds of pepper were demanded as ransom.

Like all eastern spices, pepper was historically both a seasoning and a medicine. Long pepper, being stronger, was often the preferred medication, but both were used.
Black pepper is a seasoning produced from the fermented, dried, unripe red berries of the plant Piper nigrum. (The same fruit, when unripe green, can be dried, or preserved in brine or vinegar, to make green peppercorns; or when ripe, dried and dehusked to make white peppercorns.)

It is one of the most common spices in European cuisine and its descendants, having been known and prized since antiquity due to its strong flavor. It is said that Alaric the Visigoth demanded from Rome a ransom of gold, silver, and pepper.

Ground black pepper may be found on nearly every dinner table in some parts of the world, accompanied by its constant companion salt.
When used in cooking, pepper added at the beginning of a recipe makes the whole recipe taste peppery. When added at the end of a recipe parts of the recipe taste peppery and other parts don't because the pepper won't be evenly distributed among the food.
Grinding pepper releases flavorful volatile oils that evaporate after time, so the full flavor of pepper is obtained when it freshly ground onto food at the end of cooking or after serving.

Comfort Food

Ultimate Comfort Food for Winter Cold and Flu
*Adapted from Dr. Rennard's Grandma's Recipe
1 5-6 lb stewing hen or baking chicken
1 package of chicken wings
3 large onions
3 parsnips
2 turnips
11 to 12 large carrots
5 to 6 celery stems 1 bunch of parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Clean the chicken, put it in a large pot, and cover it with cold water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the chicken wings, onions, parsnips, turnips and carrots. Boil about 1.5 hours. Remove fat from the surface as it accumulates. Add the parsley and celery. Cook the mixture about 45 minutes longer. Remove the chicken. The chicken is not used further for the soup. (The meat can be used in your favorite casserole.) Put the vegetables in a food processor until they are chopped fine or pass through the strainer. Salt and pepper to taste.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers:
Some popular varieties include jalapeno,poblano,serrano,guajillo,chipotle,pasilla,habanero,ancho,mulato,and cascabel.

Health Value:Capsaicin is the active ingredient in chili peppers, giving them not only their spice but also their health benefit. In fact, the hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. This spicy compound has been found to:

Fight cancer
Provide pain relief
Prevent sinusitis and relieve congestion
Fight inflammation
Relieve intestinal disease
Protect the heart by reducing cholesterol, triglycerides and platelet aggregation
Help your body burn fat and lose weight

Chipolte Chile

Chipotle Chile is the dried, smoked, and ground fruit known as jalapeno of Capsicum annum. The product is made from chile peppers grown in northern and southern Mexico. Chipotle has a distinctive, smoky, sweet, meaty flavor with a moderately high heat level.UsesChipotle chiles are used to season Mexican and Central American cuisine. Chipotles are used in chili, snack seasonings, and Tex Mex cuisine.