Earthly Eating

In pace of sugary cerals, serve whole grains sweetened with fresh fruit, a great way for you to start the day as well as your children. Whole grains, which break down slowly in digestion, helps lower the risk of atherosclerosis and inflammatory conditions. They also help reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. There has a links between lower heart failure to those who eat a whole-grain breakfast as well.

Whole grains help reduce blood pressure and the risk of stroke, benefit people with Type-2 diabetes, and may even enhance learning. Children who eat hot oatmeal preform better on memory test than those who start their day with ready-to-eat cereal. (Source: TFO 2007) Because whole grains are more filling than refined grains, they can also help maintain a healthy weight.

For your knowledge: Making a mealtime staple out of lean chicken breast may protect you and yours from colon cancer. White meat is the form of chicken is important in preventing precancerous polyps of the colon. While a direct line isn’t indentified, chicke is rich in selenium and calcium, both of which have been associatd with some benefits in reducing colorectal cancer risk. (Source: American Journal of Gastroenterology)

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Carrot Flan
Serves 8

5. Serve hot in the custard cups.

Happy Eating!

Ficus is a genus of about 800 species of woody trees, shrubs and vines in the family Moraceae, native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the warm temperate zone. The most well known species in the genus is the Common Fig. (Source: Wikipedia)

Other varieties include:

Mission- (black )sweet commonly dried.

Mission figs got their name from the Spanish missionaries who planted them along the California coast in the late-eighteenth century. In season from June through October. Figs have a unique interior that is made up of thousands of tiny flowers that bloom inside the fruit.

They are good source of flavonoids and polyphenols. Figs and other dried fruit were measured for their antioxidant content. A 40 gram portion of dried figs (two medium size figs) produced significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity. Figs also have higher quantities of fiber than any other dried or fresh fruit, and are very high in calcium.

Figs with Ricotta Cheese and Wildflower Honey:
Serves 4 to 6

Quarter figs and arrange them on plates. Add a spoonful of ricotta to each fig and a generaous drizzle of the honey. Serve.

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Peach Melba-Stuffed French Toast
Serves: 4

4. Slice the Stuffed French Toast diagonally and top with Berry Syrup. Garnish with powdered sugar and mint sprigs.

Happy Eating!

1. IN A HEALTHY SOUP: Stir 2 cups of rinsed and dried chopped kale into your favorite potato soup recipe, along with a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest. Serve topped with garlic croutons.

2. IN A FALL COLESLAW: Follow a basic recipe for cabbage coleslaw, adding 1 cup of finely slivered kale and a small, firm Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and slices into thin pieces.

3. ON PIZZA: Steam kale and squeeze out liquid in a colander or with paper towels. Arrange on pizza dough with sautéed garlic and dollops of fresh ricotta. Bake until crust is golden brown.

4. SIR-FRIED: Cook kale with an equal amount of spinach, one or two cloves of garlic. and a tablespoon of chopped sultana raisins.

5. AS A WRAP: Roll up cooked spicy ground chicken or sautéed wild mushrooms in kale leaves and secure with toothpicks. Brush lightly with oil and broil, turning once, until leaves are tender, about 5 minutes.

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Black Kale Bruchetta
Serves: 4

2. Toast bread or grill it until slightly crusty. Lightly brush with olive oil. Cut whole garlic cloves in half, rub over toasts, and discard. Top toasts with cooked kale and serve.

Happy Eating!

•The Claim: High hormone levels in dairy cause early-onset of puberty:

The Truth: Many parents voice concern over added hormones used in dairy production, but the truth is this, the synthetic hormones at the cent of the debate is rBST (also knows as rBGH), which is given to cows to increase conventionaldaity production. The FDA maintains that the hormone is inactive in our bodies and that little is absorbed during digestion. These are critics, however, who disagree and are concerned about even slight exposure to synthetic hormones. If you want to reduce your families exposure to hormones, buy organic milk. And watch your whild’s weight and your own. If the parents are truly concerned about the early onset of puberty, they should make great efforts to prevent obesity. That’s because menstruation may start earlier in overweight girls compared with those who are at their ideal body weight.

• The Claim: Antibiotics use in livestock contributes to antibiotic resistance.

The Truth: Overuse, whether through agriculture or medicine, puts us all at risj for antibiotic resistance. However, dairy producers take precautions to make sure antibiotics don’t end up in conventional milk. As far as how meat is handled, it’s tested to avoid high levels of anitbiotics. But some argue that the European Union has been more prudent because, unlike the U.S., it has banned feeding antibiotics to livestock to increase growth. If you are concerned, always buy organic meat, which is free of anitbiotics.

• The Claim: Organic foods are more nutritious.

The Truth: In some cases, organic produce does contain more disease-fighting phytochemicals. However, don’t think that you will never get the cold or flu again by eating strictly organic fruits and vegetables. Nutrient content can vary depending on factors such as soil type, rainfall, temperature, and harvesting techniques. That is whay people shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that a varied diet rich in whole grains, fruits, and vegetables-regardless of wheather this fare is orginis or not-is your best bet to ward off illness. Ultimately, when it cones to buying organic, you have to decide what feels right for your family. It may make you feel terrible to some days spend $3 more on a opint of strawberries, but if buying organic is important to you, you will spend that much if not more.

›Tip: Don’t be shy to ask your grocers to offer organic fare. If there is high demand, they may stock it.

›Did you know: Despite some claims in stores, fish can not be certified as organic because no U.S. standards currently exist for fish and seafood.

(Source: Some information pulled from AB)

**Toni Kemp over at ‘Being and Airforce Wife’ is cooking up Stuffed Pork Loin. Get the recipe here and read more of the story behind the recipe, as well.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Ritz Clubs:
Serves 16 (two topped crackers each)

Toss tomatoes, spinach, and radishes together; dress with extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Top the turkey with a rounded teaspoon of the tomato relish. Serve.

Happy Eating!

For 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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For 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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For 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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For 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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For 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.

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Loaded “Baked Potato” Soup:
Serves 4

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

Happy Eating!

• 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.

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Cherry Tomato and Portobello Omelet:
Serves 1

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!

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: PEACHES

#2: APPLES

#3: SWEET BELL PEPPERS

#4: CELERY

#5: NECTARINES

#6: STRAWBERRIES

#7: CHERRIES

#8: PEARS

#9: GRAPES (IMPORTED)

#10: SPINACH

#11: LETTUCE

#12: POTATOES
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Crusted Goat Lady Cheese Salad
Serves: 1

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

Happy Eating!

Cure for bellyaching, most people grab over-the-counter remedies, but have you ever stopped to think, what is it exactly I am taking to soothe that belly? Here are natural remedies to help just about everyones belly troubles:

• Dried Plums: Good for irregularity. A hefty amount of sorbitol, and indigestible type of carbohydrate, acts like a laxative.

• Chamomile Tea: Good for cramping and gas. An oil in the leaves relaxes spasms in the small intestine and also reduces flatulence.

• Raspberry Leaf Tea: Good for diarrhea. High amounts of tannins (bitter tasting plant compounds) slow bowel movements.

• Ginger: Good for indestion and nausea. Gingerol, a plant compound helps neutralize stomach acids.
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Chocolate Strawberry Burst
Serves 1

*Tip: One container (6 to 8 ox. strawberry fat free refrigerated yogurt and 1 cup ice cubes can be used in place of frozen yogurt.

Happy Eating!

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

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!