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Meal Plans

How To Pack A Healthier Lunch Box

Tuesday, October 9th, 2007

lunch-box1.jpgFor Preschool: (Ages 3 to 4)

Water or Milk: Don’t serve sugary juice drinks.

Turkey and Cheese roll-ups with organic string cheese: Try Applegate Farm’s.

Kashi TLC Crackers: Or other whole-grain crackers.

Newman-O’s: It’s similar to the classic Oreo® but packed with a lot more wholesome and organic qualities.

Kiwi and Red Pepper slices:Packed with vitamin C. If you child doesn’t like like red peppers, tuck in cherry tomatoes or red or green grapes instead.
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lunch-box1.jpgFor Elementary School: (Ages 5 to 10)

Sandwich:Organic peanut and cinnamon rasin swirl butter, and sliced bananas on whole grain bread. It gives protein, potassium, and fiber.

Reduced Fat Milk:Try Horizon’s single-serving boxes of milk. It gives calcium.

Crisy Cheddars: Try Back To Nature.

Lemon Iced Cookies:Try My Family Farm. It has no artificial ingredients.

Organic peeles mini carrots with dip:Prewrapped sets like ones from Earthbound Farm com with ranch dressing.
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lunch-box1.jpgFor Junior High School: (Ages 11 to 13)

Stoneyfield Squeezers: These tubes of yogurt are quick in kids lunches. And they give calcium too.

Sparkling Tangerine Juice:Try Santa Cruz Organics soda. It has organic cane juice in place of high fructose corn syrup.

An Apple: It’s good to have hand-held fruit so children can handle it better. It also gives fiber.

Noodles with chicken and broccoli: Try eggnoodles with roasted chicken and steamed vegetables. Make sure to use nonfried ramen, panfried noodles may have trans-fats. Top the dish off with sesame seeds.
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lunch-box1.jpgFor High School: (Ages 14 to 18)

Hummus with Whole Grain Pita bread:Whole gran pita gives vitamin B and fiber.

Dried Fruits and Nuts:Try Peeled Snacks’ Shockolate packs.

Jones Organics Red Tea Tropical: This beerage is caffine-free and has a cooling effect.

Spinach salad:It give iron, vitamin C, and Beta-carotene (an antioxidant). And Feta cheese is lower in fat then most cheeses.
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lunch-box1.jpgFor The Office: (Adults)

Lentil Soup:Gives protein and fiber is filling and low-calories as well. Try Moosewood Kitchens’ vegetarian versions.

Mozzarella and Prosciutto Panini Half Sandwich:If you make it wil arugula and roasted peppers it adds fiber and vitamins C and A.

Lesser Evil Kettle Corn:It’s a natural snack and free of the sweetness of corn syrup.

Teany Herbal Citrus Cooler: It’s caffeine-free and keeps you lifted with energy through the afternoon.

**There may be a new sequel to Perfect Dark for Nintendo 64. Read about it more here.**

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Loaded “Baked Potato” Soup:
Serves 4

2 medium baking potatoes, unpeeled
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
3 slices bacon, cooked, crumbled and divided
3/4 cup shredded chaddar cheese, crumbled and divided
2 tbs. sliced green onions, divided
1/4 cup sour cream

Pierce potatoes; microwave on high 5 minutes, turning over after 2 1/2 minutes. Cut potatoes into chunks. Combine potatoes, broth and milk in a large microwaveable bowl. Microwave on high 6 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes. Slightly crush potatoes with a potato masher .

Reserve 2 tbs. each of the bacon and cheese and 1 tbs. of the onions for topping; set aside. Add remaining bacon, cheese and onions to soup.

Serve topped with reserved bacon, cheese, onions and sour cream.

Happy Eating!

Juicy Details

Monday, October 8th, 2007

A nutritional, medicinal, and highly flavorful guide to the perfect drink.

You’re standing in front of the min-mart fridge considering your options. Water isn’t quite enough so here’s something new: A juice belnd called pomegrante blue. Sounds refreshing and, as a bonus, it’s healthy. But is it? Al;; juices are not created equal. Are you getting nutrients or are you drinking sugar water? Indeed. some fruit-juice products contain only 10 to 15 percent juice; the balance includes as much as 27 grams of high-fructose corn syrup, sucrose, or even the healthful-sounding organic can sugar. They may look like fruit jice, but technically they’re fruit drtinks and the distinction is important. Nutritionally speaking, furit drinks are not much better than soda and should be consumed sparingly. The truick is to scrutinize the label for the words “100 precent juice” Chooseing only 100 precent juice ensures you’re getting nutrients. It’s worth the effort because fruit juice can deliver big benefits. Eight ounces of OJ, for instance, provides 120 precent of the Daily Value (DV) of vitamin C and is a good source of potassium and folic acid; fortified versions offer up to 35 precent of calcium or 25 precent of vitamin D. Pineapple juice has 100 precent of your vitamin C and 10 precent of your potassium for the day. The polyphenoils in Concord grape juice have the same protective effect against heart disease as red wine, minue the buzz.
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Drinking three servings of juice a week-your choice-may help fight dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Juice’s status as a high glycemic index beverage makes it a great choice, because it helps restock your carb supply during the day, especially after working out or even working hard at a job all day. Blend it with yogurt (for a little protein) and you have got a prefect recovery drink.
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But hold on before you gulp dfown that second big glass of 100 precent pinapple-orange-strawberry blend. Juices pack a lot of calories compared with their whole-fruit sources. An eight-ounce glass of orange juice has 110 claories, while the fruit has only 65, which doesn’t sound like such a big deal until you realize how much easier it is to keep sipping than to peel another orange. And juices are less filling. If you eat the whole orange or apple, you get fiber, which is mostly lost during the juicing process. Whole fruit bulk make you feel fuller than liquid calories. Plus, some nutrients are lost during the juicing process as stated above because they hide out in the skins, peel, and membranmes of many fruits. Oranges, for example, contain five times the amouth fo the antioxidant flavanone in orange juice. To rpevent from going oberboard on calories, keep you intake of all drinks- milk, juice, smoothies-to no more than 14 precent of your daily intake calories. For a 2,000 calorie diet, that might be a glass of low-fat or fat-free milk (80 to 140 calories) and four to eight ounces of juice (50 to 120 calories).
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Some juices to consider:
• If you are looking for fiber:

1. Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice with Fiber; Why? Eight ounces contain three grams of fiber-the same amount in a whole orange.

2. Welch’s 100% Grape Juice with Fiber; Why? Has about two grams of fiber, or 10 precent of your DV.

• If you are looking for a multivitamin:

1. Knudsen Vita Juice; Why? Boats 100 precent of the DV for 11 vitamins per eight-ounce serving.

• If you are looking for one with antioxidants:

1. Santa Cruz Organic Concord Grape Juice; Why? Concord grape juice contains more free-radical-fighting antioxidants than a cup and a half of fresh blueberries.

2. Nantucket Nectars Organic Cloudy Apple; Why? Cloudy varieties contain four times as much of the antioxidant phytochemical polyphenol as clear juice.

3. CherryPharm CHERRish; Why? A new study suggests that drinking cherry juice can speed upo recovery due to its high antioxidant levels and anti-inflammatory properties.

4. V8 Juice; Why? An eight-ounce glass equals two servings of vegetables and contains four times as much of the antioxidant lycopene as a medium tomato.

**Show some love the Tom Green way, read about it more here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Easy Layer Taco Pie:
Serves: 4

1 lb. Lean ground beef
1 pkg. (1 1.4 oz) Taco mix
1/2 cup water
4 flour tortillas, cut into quarters
1 cup salsa (make your own with cilantro, tomato, green peppers, and onion in a blender or food processor on pulse.
1 cup mexican style shredded cheddar jack cheese
2 cups shredded lettuce or spinach leaves
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1/4 cup sour cream

Place meat in microwaveable (glass) colander set over bowl. Microwave on high 8 minutes, stirring and breaking up every 2 minutes. Discard any fat that collects in bowl. Transfer crumbled meat in 9-inch microwaveable dish. Stir in seasoing mix and water. Microwave 5 minutes, stirring after 3 minutes.

Remove half of the meat mixture, set aside. Place eight tortilla quarters on top of the remianing meat mixture in a microwave dish. Top with reserved meat mixture and remining right tortilla quarters. Top with salsa and cheese.

Microwave 4 minutes. Top with lettuce, green onions and sour cream just before serving.

Happy Eating!

The Organic Facts!

Friday, October 5th, 2007

• 100% ORGANIC: Contains only organic ingredients (except for water and salt).

• ORGANIC: At least 95 precent of the ingredients are produced organically. The remining 5 percent can be on organic agricultrual ingredients, such as cornstarch, that aren’t commercially available in organic form, as well as substances allowed on the National List.

• MADE WITH ORGANIC INGREDIENTS: At least 70 precent of the ingredients are orgainc; the product can’t contaion added sulfites, a food preservative. Up to 30 precent of the product’s ingredients can be nonorganic or include substances from the Nation List.

• LESS THAN 70 PRECENT ORGANIC: The organic elements must be clearly listed in teh ingredient statement. For a rundown of all “green” IDs, such as “free-range” and “natural” go to Eco-Labeling.

Looking for a great place to take the family? Then check out Family Trip Deals and see where your next vacation may take you.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

omelet.jpg
Cherry Tomato and Portobello Omelet:
Serves 1

1 tsp. butter or cooking oil OR cooking spray
1 cup slices baby Portobello mushrooms (about 2 to 2.5 oz.)
2 cherry tomatoes wedged OR 4 grape tomatoes, halved
2 eggs
2 tbs. bottled reduced-fat ranch salad dressing
1/4 cup (1 oz.) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 tbs. snipped fresh parsley

In a 7-to-10-inch omlete pan or skillet over medium-high heat, heat butter until just hot enough to sizzle a drop of water. Add mushrooms. Cook, stirring frequently, until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add tomatoes. Cook, stirring frequently, until tomatoes are heated through, about 1 minute. Remove mushrooms and tomatoes from pan. Cover and keep warm while preparing omelet.

In a small bowl, beat together eggs and dressing until belnded. Pour egg mixture into pan. (Mixture should set immediately at edges.) With an inverted pancake turner, carefully push cooked portions at edges toward center so incooked portions can reach hot pan surface, tilting pan and moving cooked portions as necessary. When top is thinkened and no visble liquid egg remain, fill with reserved mushroom mixture. With pancake turner, fold omelet in half or roll. Invert onto plate with a quick flip of the wrist or slide from pan onto plate. Sprinkle with cheese and parsley.

Happy Eating!

The Dirty Dozen

Thursday, October 4th, 2007

Worried about pesticides? Then go organic with these 12 fruits and veggies (commonly referred to as the “Dirty Dozen”, in decending order of pesticide exposure ( #1 is the most), according to the Environmental Working Group.

#1: peach.jpg PEACHES

#2: apple.jpgAPPLES

#3: pepper.jpgSWEET BELL PEPPERS

#4: celery.jpgCELERY

#5: nectarines.jpgNECTARINES

#6: strawberry.jpgSTRAWBERRIES

#7: cherries.jpgCHERRIES

#8: pear.jpgPEARS

#9: grapes.jpgGRAPES (IMPORTED)

#10: spinach1.jpgSPINACH

#11: lettuce.jpgLETTUCE

#12: potatoes.jpgPOTATOES
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Crusted Goat Lady Cheese Salad
Serves: 1

1/2 cup Breadcrumbs
1 tsp. Herb-Fresh Thyme, chopped
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 ounces Goat Lady Dairy Chevre
2 ounces Fresh Salad Greens

In a bowl combine breadcrumbs, thyme and pepper. Drizzle goat cheese with extra virgin olive oil. Cover cheese in breadcrumb mixture and bake in a moderate oven until golden brown. Serve on a bed of seasonal greens with a vinagrette of your choice.

Happy Eating!

Ever thought of cooking with wine? Go to Wine Outlook here on 451 Press for some excellent ideas on how to incorporate wine into your everyday cooking adventures.

Simply Organic

Wednesday, October 3rd, 2007

pear1.jpgpear2.jpg

Organic food sales make up just 2.5 percent of the retail food market, they’re rising by about 20 percent each year. Why?

According to the Whole Foods Market survery posted in OCA on April 2007, 70 percent of consumers buy organic to avoid pesticides; another 67 percent do so to promote good health. Yet questions remian: are organic foods indeed safer and more nutritious?

Are organic foods safer because there pesticide free? The facts are organic crops produced without chemical fertilizers and most senthetic pesticides. But, they may not be free of pesticide residues. A lot of the residues found on our food are from long-banned pesticides, such as DDT, because it’s persistent in our soil. Plus, pesticides can blow over from a neighboring convetional farm. And, these lower pesticide levels haven’t been established as safer. In fact, everything in supermarkets has earned the government’s seal of approval for safety. The Environmental Protection Agency set standard for the residue levels allowed in or on food, which are in the parts per million, even billion. The bottom line: If your kid eats a lot of fruits and veggies, it might be worth the extra bucks. But, don’t freak about it if you can’t afford it, most fruits and veggies are safe.

Are orgnaic snacks better got you than convential? The fact is a cooke, whether it’s organic or not, is still a cookie. Dont’ forget theat organic processed food can be hgih in calories and total fat as well. And may contain refined grains and undesirable additives. It’s still important to read the labels closely on orgainc packaging to see what you are really getting. The real issue is whether you’re eating and offering your family nutritious foods rather than foods that are high in calories , sugar, salt and fat. Fresh is best, and those snacks can still be convenitent and offer a nutrional punch. The bottom line is spend your organic dollars on produce instead.

AND ALWAYS REMEBER:
*A varied diet that’ts rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegtables-regardless of whether or not they are organic-is the best way to ward off illness, obesity, and some cancers.*
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Butter-fried PB&J Crepes:
Serves 10-12

1/2 cup flour
1/4 cup instant dry milk
3 tbs. powdered eggs
2 tbs. sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
4 tbs. ghee butter *click here to get the low-down on ghee butter*
2 tbs. peanut butter
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup strawberry jam or your choice of jam flavor

Mix first 5 ingredients and set aside. Combine peanut butter and 1 tbs. dry ingredients, then water. Allow batter to rest for 15 minutes. Heat medium (8-inch) skillet over high heat. Melt 1/2 tsp ghee. Pour 2 tbs. batter into pan, swirling to cover a thin layer. Cook about 30 seconds, until top appears dry; flip and cook for 10 more seconds. While the bottom is cooking, drop a tsp. of jam on top, spreading lightly with a spoon. Fold pancake in half, then fold again into a quarter-circle. Remove from pan, repeat process, melting 1/4 tsp. ghee for each new pancake.

Happy Eating!

Do you have a picky eater in your house? Check out some of the tips Jackie has posted over on Kids Dish.

The Kindest Cuts Of Meat

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2007

meat1.jpgTo become a more health-savvy meat consumer, you have to know what you’re reading., Here are some of the most common key-terms used and how to read them and learn their concepts.

• NO HORMONES AND/OR NO ANTIBIOTICS USED: Raised without growth -promoting hormones and/or antibiotics, buty not necessarily organic or grass-fed. Often less expensice than organic meat, this is a good choice when organic is hard to find or for shoppers on a budget.

•GRASS-FED ONLY: Cattle are fed gress instead of grain or corn, which results in meat that is leaner, lower in fat and calories, and higher in vitamin E and antioxidants. Grass-fed beef also boasts a healthier ratio of omerga-3 to omega-6 fatty acids. Hormones and antibiotics are rare but may be used.

• NATURAL: Minimal processing with no artifical additives.

• CERTIFIED HUMANE: Ensures humane treatment of animals. The animals are allowed to engage in their natural behaviors, and are rasied with sufficent space, ample fresh water, and a diet free from added antibiotics or hormones.

• USDA GRADES: These voluntary lables refer to how much marbling (or intramuscular fat) the meat has, as well as to color and maturity. The higher the grass, the younger and more tender the meat, and the greater the fat content. Prime tops the list and is found almost exclusively in restaurants, follwed by Choice, Select, and Standard. The designations can be misleading: It is almost impossible to find a USDA Choice cut of grass-fed meat, which by its nature is very low fat-yet a lesser grade may still be an excellent piece of meat.

• UNLABELED: A growing number of producers try to do right by their animals and the land, but for various reasons use no labels, orgainc or otherwise., If you have questions about what you are buying, ask your butcher, or contact the producer directly to find out how the animal was raised.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Spicy Beef and Tomato Couscous:
Serves 6

6 pieces dried tomato, chopped
3/4 cup chredded beef jerky
2 cubes (or 2 tsp.) vegetable bouillon
2 tbs. dried minced onions
1 tbs. dried chopped chives
1 tbs. dried parsley
1 tsp. cumin seed
1/2 tsp. dried minced garlic
1/2 tsp. fine sea salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
3 cups water
2 tbs. ghee “butter” (available at health food, or specialty stores that sell Indian food)
1 1/2 cups couscous

Shred jerky in the blender or food processor. Mix all ingredients except water, ghee, and couscous, and seal in a zip-top bag. When ever you want to use the mix, which is great while camping, just bring water and ghee to a boil in a medium saucepan. Mix in contents of bag, boiling for 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in couscous, cover and remove from heat. Wait 5 minutes for flavors to set, toss and serve.

Happy Eating!

Looking for Limited Edition Foods? Find them here on 451 Press.

Eight Most Common Food Myths

Monday, October 1st, 2007

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1. Dry-roasted nuts have fewer calories than oilk-roasted: Technically, they do, but the difference is tiny (seven calories for a one-ounce serving). What does make a difference: Eating too may nuts of any type. Limit your daily nibbles to one ounce and perferably to one of the heart-healthy choices like almonds or walnuts.

2. Frozen vegetables are less nutritious than fresh ones: Only if you live on a farm,. Just-picked veggies do have more vitamins and minerals, but nutrient levels drop during shipping and storage. And they sink even further if you add on the days that the produce lingers in your crisper. Frozen veggies, on the other hand, are usually picked ripe and immediately flash frozen, so they retain most of their nutrients.

3. Pork is fattening: It’s true that sausage and ribs are loaded with calories, but three ounces of cooked pork tenderloin has only 140 calories-exactly wath you would find in three ounces skinless chicken breast.

4. Fat-free salad dressing is your best choice: Salad veggies are filled with terrific nutrients like lycopene and beta-carotene. But your body can’t absorb these without a little help from fat. This doesn’t mean you should drown your greens in a rich ranch or blue cheese dressing: A small amount of olive oil will be sufficient. Or you can add low-fat cheese, nuts, seeds, or avocado.

5. Foods sweetened with fruit juice are more nutritious: Nope. You body can’t tell the difference between regular sugar and the highly processed fruit juice concentrate that’s used to sweeten many so-called health foods. Nor does juice sweetner offer a significant nutritional advantage. The “extra” vitamins are negligiable, but the extra cost for these products may be substantial.

6. You should drink eight glasses of water a day: Water is a terrific thirst quencher (and the price is right), but milk and juice-even coffee, tea, and soft drinks-contibute to your water requirements. How much you need varies from person to person (and season to season?), but the best guide is your own thirst.

7. Fish contains a lot of sodium: Yes, if the fish is canned, smoked, or pickles. But fresh fish, whether saltwater or freshwater, is naturally low in sodium-a three-ounce serving of Atlantic cod has only 66 milligrams, for example.

8. Foods with added vitamins and minerals are always better: It depends. Calcium-fortified orange juice and milk fortified with vitmain D, for instance, are great choices. But tucking some vitmains and minerals into a candy bar or a sugar-loaded drink will not turn these snacks into nutritious foods.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Sweet Italian Sausage Tortelloni With Carmelized Vegetables
Serves 4

1 tbs. olive oil
1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onions
1 each small red and yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 tsp. finely chopped garlic
1 package sweet Italian sausage tortelloni
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Prepare tortelloni according to package directions. Heat oil in a medium, nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Add the onions, and the bell peppers. Cook, stirring frquently, for about 20 minutes or until tender and lightly browned. Add garlic; cook for 3 minutes. Add prepared pasta, basial, salt and pepper; cook for another 5 minutes or until pasta is seasoned. Serve.

Happy Eating!

Shake It Up For Healthy Salads

Friday, September 28th, 2007

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Ultimate Salad #1:
Serves: 1

2 tbsp. Ranch dressing
1/2 cup Granny Smith apple wedges
1/4 cup red grapes
1 slices turkey breast, cut into strips
2 cups torn mixed salad greens
1/4 cup sharp cheddar cheese, crumbled
1 1/2 tsp. real bacon bits
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes

Pour dressing into bottom of resealable container. Add apples; toss to coat. Layer with remaining ingredients, seal the container. Toss salad to coat with dressing just before serving. Top with sun-dried tomatoes.

*Tip: Add 1/2 cup tomato wedges and 1 red onion ring, instead of the apples and grapes. Substitute the shaved roast beef for the turkey.

Ultimate Salad #2:
Serves 6:

1/4 Pesto with Basil and pesto
1/4 cup extra virgin polive oil
2 tbs. balsamic vinegar
3 vine-ripe or heirloom tomatoes
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese
1 tbs. chopped frsh basil (optional)
Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Combine pesto, oil and vinegar in a small bowl; set aside. Slice tomatoes and cheese into 1/4-inch think slices. Layer tomatoes and cheese on a serving platter. Drizzle pesto dressing over the top. Garnish with fresh basil and season with salt and pepper.

Ultimate Salad #3:
Serves 12:

1 package (20 ounces) family size mixed cheese tortellini
2 cups thinly sliced yeloow bell peppers
1 cup (4 ounces) halved small fresh mozzarella cheese balls (bocconicini)
1 cup bottled Italian vinagrette dressing
1/2 cup (3 ounces) thinly sliced prosciutto
1/2 cup drained, diced sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup thinly sliced basil
Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Prepare cheese tortellini according to package directions. Combine prepared pasta, bell peppers, cheese, vinaigrette, prosciutto, tomatoes and basil in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with pepper. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Whole Wheat Ravioli With Garlic And Sautéed Vegetables
Serves 4

1 package whole wheat flour cheese ravioli
2 tbs. olive oil
1 tbs. chopped fresh garlic
1/2 pound fresh green beans
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1 yellow summer squash, quartered and sliced
1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
1/2 cup shredded parmesan or Romano cheese

Prepare the whole wheat floour cheese ravioli according to package directions. Heat oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. Add green beans, salt and pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes. Add squash and tomatoes; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Toss in prepared pasta; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 minutes, until pasta is warm. Sprinkle with cheese before serving.

*Tip: Served with a fresh green salad, this dish offers a wholesome meal for the entire family.

Happy Eating!

Next Time You Are Shopping, Add This To Your Cart

Thursday, September 27th, 2007

garden11.jpgGourmet Garden Herbs & Spices. Add some zip to your next meal with fresh seasoning, without the hassle of rinsing, chopping, and storing a gardenful of herbs. These four-ounce squeezable tubes of chopped fresh herbs and spices have no added flavor or colorings and keep in your fridge for three months.

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Banana Carb Crunch
Serves 1

1 bowl of organic granola cereal
Mix in organic Greek Yogurt
Slice banana, and layer on top or mix in with yogurt (whichever is more aesthetically pleasing to you).

Happy Eating!

Five Ways To Enjoy Basil

Monday, September 24th, 2007

basil.jpg1. In a salad: Fill a large bowl with chilled chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce. Add 1 1/2 cups shredded basil, 1/2 cup shredded mint, and sliced sweet onions and cucumber to taste. Toss with a couple of spoonfuls of seasoned rice wine vinegar and freshly ground pepper.

2. As a stir-fry upgrade: Perk up any Asian noodle stir-fry package from the market by adding 1 cup of shredded Thai basil leaves just before serving.

3. In flavored vinegar: Loosely pack a clear, clean wine bottle with purple opal or cinnamon basil and driop in 1/8 tsp. whole peppercorns. Heat 3 cups white wine vinegar until hot but not boiling. Fill bottle and cork the top. Let rest 5 days. Shake over salads and grilled fish.

4. In a dessert syrup: Bring 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup lime juice, and 1/4 cup water to boil. Place in a blender with 3/4 cup fresh basil; pureee. Strain. Pour over fruit salads or add to cocktails.

5. With ripe tomatoes: Slice a tomato, sprinkle with salt, and drizzle with olive oil. Reassemble the tomato, tucking large Italian basil leaves in between slices. Chill for 1 hour before servings.

*Tip: Buy basil with the root ball still attached. The leaves will last longer. Place in a vase with a little water, it will keep a week in the fridge.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Peach Crunch
Serves 8

2 cups diced peaches, fresh or frozen, plus additional slices for garnish
2 cups crushed ice
2 to 3 tsps. superfine sugar (depending on sweetness or peaches)
1/4 cup loosely packed basil leaves, preferably opal basil, plus additional for garnish
1 bottle sparkling white wine or sparkling apple cider, chilled

Place peaches, ice, sugar (use less or none if using cider), and basil leaves in belnder, puree until smooth. Pour pureed peaches into chilled glasses until half full. Add sparkling wine. Server garnished with basil sprig and slice of peach.

Happy Eating!

Butter It Up

Friday, September 21st, 2007

butter.jpgIn Ireland, butter is more than a spread for toast. Home cooks have created a whole kitchen repertoire that highlights the unique flavor of Irish butter. The country’s cows are fed on grass most of the year, resulting in a more complex butter flavor. What makes their butter different is they can grow grass like nowhere else. One way they use butter is with another Irish standby-cabbage.

Cabbage braised in butter is surprisingly delicious. In a skillet melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat. Cut a small head of cabbage in six edges. Cook wedges until brown on one side (about 5 minutes). Turn edges, cover; cook 10 minues or until cabbage is browned and tender when pierced with a fork. Sprinkle with salt just before serving.

To learn more and find Irish butter locally go to Kerry Gold.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Lazy Rib Recipe:
Serves 1

1 rib eye steak 1-inch thick
Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Olive Oil

Preheat broiler. Pat steak dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides and sear each side for two minutes in an oiled pan at medium-high head. Then throw it in the broiler, pan and all. Cook six minutes for medium-rare, eight for medium or 12 for well-done, flipping once halfway through. Top the meat off with a bottle of Charles Shaw aka Two-Buck Chuck, Cabernet Sauvignon.

Happy Eating!

Want To Spice Things Up A Bit With Your Diet?

Thursday, September 20th, 2007

Try the Latin American diet pyramid:

The U.S food pyramid favors a diet hgih in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. But mixing it up can make your meals more exciting. Take a look a the Latin American food pyramid.
pyramid_latin.gif

Try this food guide pyramid to tickle your taste buds with these appealing alternatives:

• Whole Grains: Tortillas, couscous, brown rice, arepas (corn-flour pancakes).

• Vegetables: Bok choy, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts.

• Fruits: Mango, papaya, kiwi, pineapple, guava.

• Beans/nuts: Edamame, peanuts.

View other pyramids here:

1. Asian

2. Mediteranean

3. Vegetarian
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Lentil Confetti, Apple, and Turkey Wraps
Serves 6

4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken stock
1 cup dried brown lentils
1/2 cup dried green lentils
2 stalks celery
1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 tsp. kosher salt
1 medium tomato, cored, seeded and diced
1 small Fuji apple, cored and diced
1 tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
3 sheets whole-whear lavash, cut in half crosswise, or 6 12-inch flour tortillas
3/4 pound turkey breast, thinly sliced
1/2 head Bidd lettuce

1. Place the sotck, lentils, celery, carrot, thyme, and salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes, depending on the lentils. (If they begin to dry out, ass water as needed.) Remove and discard the thyme. Drin and trasfer the micture to a bowl; let cool.

2. Fold in the tomato, apple, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with the pepper.

3. To assemble a wrap, place 1 lavash sheet on a clean work surface. Spread some of the lentil mixture on the end nearest you, leaving 1-inch border all the way around. Roll up the lavash, slice crosswise, and serve. If using torillas, spread the lentils in the center, top with the turkey and lettuce, and fold up the bottom, left side, and right side before rolling away from you.

*Tip: through lentil don’t require it, you can soak them overnight in the fridge to reduce their cooking time by half.

Happy Eating!

Ready To Cook?

Tuesday, September 18th, 2007

Here are some ideas on great cookware.

• Nonstick: Best for frying and sautéing. When it comes to cooking at home, even top chefs swear by nonstick skillets, particularly for eggs and fried or sauté items such as bacon or stir-fries. Cleaning: A major plus to nonstick cookware is that cleanup is a snap. Just don’t use a metal spatual in a nonstick pan, chefs advise-try rubber or silicone, which won’t leave scratches on the surface.

• Cast Iron: Best for steaks and chops. If you’re cooking meat, you want a pan that will withstand the high temperatures necessary for searing the meat, which adds flavor and helps seal in juices. A traditional cast-iron skillet works great. Cleaning: Cast iron is not as simple to clean as a nonstick pan. You clean it with a few drops of soap, but you have to dry it very carefully. Pans can be dried in a warm overn or over a stove brune, or they can be wiped and left our until fully dry.

• Stainless Steel: Best for soups and sauces. Though a stainless-stell surface can be tricky for sautéing, since insufficient heat can cause meat and fish to stick during cooking, it’s the way to go for sauces, stocks, and vegtables because it doesn’t react to flavorings. This is especially important, if you’re cooking with acidic foods, such as tomatoes, wine, or fruit juice. The surface is also tough enough to handle serious scouring. Cleaning: Unlike other types of pans, your stainless pot can be safely run through the dishwasher, or you can wash it with soap and water. If you need to scour, opt for a nylon pad over steel wool, which may scratch.

• Enameled Cast Iron: Best for stews and braises. When placing meats and vegetables in liquid and cooking them slowly over moderate heat, that is braising. Another virtue os enamel-coated vessels is that you can start a dish on the stovetop, to brown meats or veggies, for instance and then vober and pop the pot in the oven with no fuss. They are perfect for long-term cooking at lower oven temperatures. Cleaning: The enamel surface is easy to clean with soap, water, and a soft sponge or nylon scourer.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Golden Lentil Dip:
Serves 8

2 cups low-sodium vegetable stock
1 cup dreid red lentils
1/2 small onion, finely chopped
1 large stalk celery, finely chopped
1 large pinch saffron threads
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tbs. unsalted butter, at room temperature

1. In a medium pot over medium heat, combine the stock, lentils, onion, celery, saffron, salt, and pepper. bring to a simmer and cook gent;y until the lentils are tender and light golden in color, 20 to 35 minutes, depenign on the lentils (if they begin to dry out, add water as needed.) Drain, reserving any remaining liquid.

2. Transfer the lentil mixture to a food processor. Add the butter and pulse, adding the reserved liquid (or water, if you run out.) 1 tbs. at a time, until the dip has the consistance of hummus.

3. Place the dip in a bowl and let cool. Serve with prestzels, crackers, raw beggies, or chicken tenders.

*Tip: For sunnier golden color, add 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric as the lentils cook

Happy Eating!

Try These Refreshing, Exotic Elixirs

Monday, September 17th, 2007

KARKADY: This tart red tea is popular in Egypt (it goes by other naems in MExico, Jamaica and Spain).

AAM PANNA: On scorching days, Indians keep a pitcher of aam panna on hand. To make it, boil raw mangoes, and belnd the pulp with water, sugar, salt, chili powder, cumin and crushed ice. Top with mint leaves.

HORCHATA: a rice drink, was originally made in Mexican homes by grinding rice with a mrotar and pestle. The creamy beverage is now sold here in Mexican restaurants and even in grocery stores worldwide.

AYRAN: Order this tangy drink with McTurco burger in any McDonal’s in Turkey or make it by following this recipe.
2 tbs. mint, chopped
2 tbs. sugar
3 cups whole yogurt, plain
1 cup or more of water
1. Combine mint and sugar in a mortar. Crush with pestle until they form a syrupy paste (use a blender if you don’t have a mortar and pestle).
2. Combine yogurt and water until smooth and milky. Stir in mint mixture and pour over ice. (Serves 6)
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

The Sunday Supper:
Serves 1

2 lbs. vine-riped tomatoes, sliced in half vertically, cores and seeds removed.
Salt and freshly gorund black pepper to taste
5 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 4-ounce chicken cutlets, pounded thin
1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
1 cup unseasoned bread crumbs
Zest of 1 lemon, grated
1 tbs. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
4 tbs. grated Parmesan
1 small baguette, cut in half lengtwise
1 handful fresh baby arugula

Preheat oven to 200°F. Place tomatoes, cut side up, on a baking sheet lined with nostick foil. Season with the salt and pepper, drizzle with 3 tbs. of the oil, and bake 6 to 8 hours. Remove and let cool. (Or use a handful of sun-dried tomatoes.) Meanwhile, place the chicken and yogurt in a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 3 hours. Prehat oven to 425°F. In a shallow pan, combine the bread crumbs, zest, rosemary, Parmesan, the remaining oil, and more salt and pepper. Remove the cutlets, shaking off any excess yogurt, and press them firmly into the breadcrub mixture. trasfer to pan lined with nonstick foil and bake until browned and firm, 15 to 20 minutes. remove and let cool, then assemble with tomatoes on side, chicken on top of tomatoes then leafs on top of chicken. For an added touch, coat the chicken in crushed pretzels, kids will love it.

Happy Eating!

Is Kosher Meat Healthier?

Friday, September 14th, 2007

Kosher meat is considered safer and cleaners than conventional meat for good reason. Strict Jewish law requires rigorous inspections: Animals must be active and healthy before slaughter and blemish-free afterward. Kosher beef inspectors reject about 50 times as many animals as USDA inspectors do. The slaughtering process is also considered by some to be more humane and hygienic. Kosher slaughters train with rabbis and veterinary experts to lean how to adminsiter quick, painless deaths, and the meat is immediately cleaned and salted-a practice that is dictated by religious law and has the benefit of inhibiting bacterial growth. But safer, cleaner meat doesn’t guarantee that it’s healthier: Kosher animals are raised on conventional farms, which often administer growth hormones and antibiotics. And kosher hot dogs can be loaded with nitrates and saturated fat. If health is your goal, choose organic kosher meat. Like Wise Kosher Natural Poultry . And if humane is your goal, stick with veggie dogs.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

The Happy Traveler
Serves 2

2 to 3 tomatoes (preferably heirloom), thickly sliced
Salt and freshly ground black-pepper to taste
4 leaves fresh basil, torn roughly
2 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 very ripe avocado
4 tbs. mayonnaise
Juice of 1/2 lemon
4 slices soft oatmeal or oat-nut bread, toasted
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crisp (optional)
1 head Boston or butter lettuce, leaves seperated

Place the tomatoes in a portable container. Sprinkle with the salt, pepper, and basil and drizzle with the olive oil. Cut the avocado in half and scoop out the flesh. In another container, mash it with the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Seal the containers until serving time. Then spread each slice of bread with the avocado mayonnaise and make 2 sandwiches, dividing the bacon, lettuce and tomatoes evenly between them.

Happy Eating!

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