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Vegetables

Carrots

Tuesday, October 30th, 2007

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Hardly an exotic vegetables, carrots are a favorite in th U.S. Whether your experience is limited to easy open packaged of baby carrots for a quick snack or includes digging in the dirt and grabbing a green top to unearth this orange find, almost everyone has enjoyed a carrot at one time or another. Nutritionally rich, this form of Queen Anne’s lace wildflower also is incredibly beneficial for the body.
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Although all the carrot’s componenets including the greens and seeds, are edible, it’s the root that is the traditional favorite, due to its sweet taste and crunchy texture. It can be enjoyed in a variety of ways; raw, whole, chopped, grated, in salads, soups, and stews, broiled, fried, steamed, and in cakes and puddings as well. The carrots richness in vitamin A is joy to health because the nutrient is required for developing and maintaining cells. The vegetable also contains high levels of antioxidants, which help prevent free radical damage, as well as fiber, biotin, potassium, thiamine, and vitamins B-6, C and K.
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One product that features the benefits for carrots as in a skin care form is Aubrey Organics. The surprisingly extraordianary carrot offers a rich variety of benefits, both through your stomach and on your skin. Boy, that will make you think twice when bitting into the next orange delight in your fridge.

Some fact about the carrot:

•The world’s largest carrot was grown in Plamer, Alaska, by John Evans in 1998, and it weighed 19 pounds.

•The average person consumes 10,866 in their lifetime overall.

•The voice of Bugs Bunny (Mel Blanc) didn’t like carrots at all and would chew them for sound effect then spit them out when the scene was over.

•The last meal on the Titanic was a carrot dish that was creamed.

•The Carrot Capitol of the World is Holtsville, California.

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Wishing For Summer Elxir
Serves 4 (8-oz. servings)

4 cups lemongrass tea
4 cups watermelon chunks
Juice of 5 lemons
Juice of 5 limes
2-4 tablespoons agave nectar (or 1 tbs. stevia) to taste

Prepare the tea using 4 lemongrass tea bags and 4 cups boiling water. Allow tea to cool. Blend with remaining ingredients until smooth, and enjoy. (The tea has also been know to awaken the third eye.)

Happy Eating!

Ways To Use Leftovers

Tuesday, October 23rd, 2007

175751_leftovers.jpgIf you have leftovers such as:
• Chicken
• Rice
• Broccoli
• Potatoes
• Winter Greens
• Bacon
• Salmon
• Beans
• Pork
• Stale Bread

Here are ways to use them in recipes:

Egg and Lemon Soup With Chicken:
Serves 4

Leftovers to use:
2 cups finely shredded cooked chicken
1 1/2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
1/2 cup cooked broccoli florets, finely chopped

Additionally:
4 cups chicken broth
Zest of 1 large lemon, removed in big pieces with vegeatbale peeler
1 3-inch cinnamon stick
1 bay leaf
2 larege eggs
2 large egg yolks
2 tbs. fresh lemon juive
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 tbs. chopped flat-leaf parsley

1. Bring broth, zest, cinnamon stick and bay leaf to a boil in a large heavy pot over medium-high heat. Cover and boil 5 minutes. Remove zest, cinnamon, and bay leaf with a slotted spoon.

2. Whisk together eggs, yolks, lemon juice, and cayenne in medium bowl.

3. Remove pot from heat. Slowly add 1/2 cup broth to the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Continuing to whisk, slowly pour the egg mixture back into remaining broth.

4. Cook, still whisking constantly, over low heat until thickened slightly, about 5 minutes. (Do not allow boroth to boil, or eggs will scramble.) Fold chicken and rice and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve in bowls sprinkled with broccoli and parsley.
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Potato, Bacon, and Green Frittata
Serve: 6

Leftovers to use:
1 1/4 cup roasted or boiled potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
3/4 cup cooked greens, such as mustard or kale, chopped
2 slices crisp cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)

Additonally:
1 1/2 tbs. olive oil
2 large sweet onions, thinkly sliced
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 tsp. balsamic vinegar
8 large eggs, lightly beaten

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet with oven proof handle over medium heat. Add onions, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper; cook, turning with tongs, 10 minutes, or until well browned. Stir in vinegar and cook 1 minutes longer. Stir in potatoes, greens, bacon, and 1/2 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. pepper.

2. Pou eggs over vegetables and stir to blend. Cook over medium heat until mixtues begins to set, 3 minutes. Place skillet in oven and cook until set, 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. To serve, loosen around edges with a rubber spatula and turn out onto a platter.
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Grilled Salmon and White Bean Salad:
Serves: 4

Leftovers to use:
1 2/ cups skinledd grilled slamon or tune pieces, broken into large chunks
2 cups cooked white beans, drained
1 cup green beans

Additionally:
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil
2 tbs. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion, rinsed
1 1/2 tsp. thinly shredded fresh sage or minced rosemary leaves

1. Whisk together oil, lemon juice and zest, and pinch of salt and pepper. Toss salmon with 1 tbs. dressing.

2. Toss white and green beans, together. Ladle out onto a sided plate. Alternately stack rings of red onion on top of beans.

3. Ladle out your fish ontop of onions. Add grape tomatoes ontop of fish, then add the fresh sage or rosemary ontop if the grape tomatoes.

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Frozen Chocolate Souffles
Serves: 1

3 cups milk
1 pkg. (8-serving size) or 2 pkg. (4-servings size each) Chocolate flavor instant pudding and pie filling
2 cups thawed whipped topping
16 chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreo®), chopped (about 2 cups)
8 marachino cherries

Pour milk into medium bowl. Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk for about 2 minutes. Gently stir in whipped topping. Spoon 2 tbsp. of the chopped cookies into each of the eight 8-to9-ox drinking cups. Cover evenly with half of the pudding mixture. Rpeat leayers. Cover with foil. Freeze 5 hours or until firm. Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving. Let stand at room temperature to soften slightly. Peel away paper to unmold onto dessert plates. Top each with a cherry. Store leftovers in the freezer.

Happy Eating!

5 Ways To Enjoy Black Kale

Monday, October 22nd, 2007

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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

1 1/2 pounds black kale (or other kale), long stems removed
2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing
Large pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
5 cloves garlic (3 thinly sliced and 2 whole)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 loaf crusty Italian bread, cut into 8-1/2 inch thick slices

1. Slice kale leaves in half crosswise. In a large, deep skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add crushed red pepper flakes and slices garlic; cook, stirring, about 30 seconds (do not brown), Add kale, in batches if necessary, and sauté until just tender (but not completely limp). Remove from heat and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and keep warm.

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 Power Of Protein

Thursday, October 18th, 2007

867877_eggs_diet_3.jpgProteins are strings of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. A protein is considered “complete” if it contains all eight essential amino acids, thus allowing for tissue growth and repair. Examples of complete proteins include milk, eggs, and meat. Proteins that lack one of more of the essential amino acids are called “incomplete”. They must be combines with complementary foods. Examples of incomplete proteins include leafy green vegetables, beans and nuts.

If you are physically active, aim for a protein intake of approximately 0.5 to 0.8 grams per pound of body weight perday. While there has been considerable debate over whether higher amounts might be even more beneficial, unless you have an underlying kidney disorder, eating a couple hundreed grams of protein per day probably won’t hurt. Protein bars are an acceptable protein and energy supplement for people. A high protein, low-carb diet may even keep you leaner than a traditional high-crab, low-fat diet. Adjust your daily intake to whatever seems to work best for you.

While it’s best if most of the protein intake comes from balanced meals, there is no denying that high-quality bars and powders have their advantages. The first is convenience. Grabbing a bar on your way out the door to work or classes or mixing up a soy or whey protein shake takes seconds is quick and easy. The second advantage is that the saturated fat and cholesterol normally found in high-quality protein sources can be replaced with healthier alternatives. Finally, some bars and powders have additonal ingredients not normally found in a the common protein or have lower levels of the addition. Some contain chromium, glutamine, or creatine monhydrate. Protein and amino acids represent an exciting intersection of nutrition and overall wellness. Not all proteins are the same though and you may feel that protein bats and powders provide benefits that whole foods do not. (Source: Some information pulled from TFL 2007)

** Kara Williams talks about TravelZoo’s Top 20 Hotel Stays over at Colorado Review. Read the whole story here.**
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Earthly Eating Recipe:

Sweet Potato Casserole:
Serves: 8-12

4 lbs. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into quarters
1 cup packages brwon sugar
1/2 cup butter, cut up
1/4 cup milk
4 eggs, lightly beaten
3 to 4 tbsp. lemon juice
Stir-ins and/or Toppers such as:

Stir-ins:
•Peanut butter (for creaminess add 1/2 cup)
•Orange peel (for tart flavor, add 2 tbs.)
•Red Curry Paste (add Indian spice and heat with 2 to 4 tsp.)
•Pumkin or Apple Pie Spice (for harvest flavor, add 4 tsp. spice plus 1 tsp. ground black pepper)

Toppers:
• Peanuts and Coconut (impart far-Eastern flair with shredded cocnut and chopped peanuts.
• Bacon and rosemary (add a smoky depth with crumbled cooked bacon tossed with snipped fresh rosemary.)
•Onion and garlic ( for earht flavor, top with sauteed thinly sliced onion and garlic.)
•Almonds ( give a salty crunch with chopped smoked almonds.)

1. In a Dutch oven cook potatoes, covered, in enough boiling salted water to cover for 25 to 30 minutes or until tender, drain and return to pan.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Slightly mash potatoes with a potato masher. Stir in sugar, butter, milk, eggs, lemon juice, and, if desired, one of the stir-ins; stir until well combined. Transfer sweet potato mixture to a greased 3-quart rectangular baking dish. If desired, top with one of the toppings.

3. Bake, uncovered, for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through.

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.

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Earthly Eating Recipe:

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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 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!

Leaner Meat Choices

Tuesday, September 25th, 2007

meat.jpgChoosing the best-raised and best-cut of meat should be easier. Just choosing the right meat isn’t the only thing to consider. You should also pick the leanest cut and prepare it in the healthiest way, here are some suggestions:

• To find the leanest cuts, look for loin or round on the packaging, such as in sirloin, tenderloin, top round, eye of round, and round tip.

• Before cooking meat, trim off excess fat. This can reduce the fat content by up to 50 percent. Also, avoid adding any fat.

• Instead of frying, use low-fat cooking techniques like broiling, grilling, and roasting.

• Remember that a serving size is 3 ounces. Equal in size to a standard deck of cards.
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Earthly Eating Recipe

Spinach Salad With Peanut Dressing
Serves 6

Dressing:
3 tbs. unsweetened creamy peanut butter
2 tsp. grated fresh ginger root
Grates zest of one lime
2 tbs. unseasoned rice vinegar
2 tbs. brown sugar
1/2 tsp. chile paste
1 1/2 tsp. soy sauce
1/4 cup toasted sesame oil

Salad:
5 oz. Organic baby spinach
2 organic carrots, shredded
1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely julienned
1/4 cup roasted, salted sunflower seeds

Blend dressing ingredients throughtly in a bowl using a wisk or fork, or puree in a blender. In a large bowl toss together the spinach and shredded carrots. Add peanut dressing and toss again to cover the leaves. Divide between chilled salad plates and garnish with sunflower seeds and red pepper strips.

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.
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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!

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!

12 Best Mouth-Care Herbs

Wednesday, September 5th, 2007

They are actually great in dishes as well.

Aloe (Aloe vera)-With its soothing anti-inflammatory properties, aloe gel helps heal gum inflammation. If you have a fresh aloe vera plant, cut off a leaf, slice it, and apply the gel from the inner leaf directly to the affected area.

Calendula (Calendual officinalis)- With soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, calendula helps heal irritated, tender gums. It also has mild antiseptic action. A cup of warm calendula tea is a simple solution for sore gums.

Clove ( Syzygium aromaticum)- Cloves are rich in eugenol, an excellent topical anesthetic. A toothache always warrants a visit to the dentist, but you can temporarily numb the pain with clove oil. Dip a cotton swab into clove essential oil and gently rub the painful tooth and gum with the oil.

Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)- As a powerful immune-stimulating herb, echinacea healps combat infection, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid extract to 1/2 glass of tepid water, rinse your mouth and then swallow the mixture. Repeat three times a day until the infection subsides.

Goldseal (Hydrastis canadensis)- Rich in astringent and antimicrobial compounds, goldseal often is included in commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes. It’s helpful both for preventing and healing gum problems.

Myrrh (Comminphora spp.)- Is one of the best herbs for healing bleeding gums and mouth ulcers, and helps combat the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Add myrrh liquid extract to mouthwash or use powdered myrrh in a homemade toothpaste or poultice for healing gum infections.

Neem (Azadirachta indica)- Highly regarded for centuries in Ayurvedic healing as a premier antibacterial herb, neem is included in natural toothpastes and mouthwashes to help prevent plaque buildup.

Oregon Grape Root (Mohonia spp.)- With a high concentration of antimicrobial compounds. Oregon grape is excellent for helping to prevent and heal gum problems. Because of its astringent properties. Oregon grape also helps heal bleeding gums.

Peppermint (Mentha xpiperita)- is a favorite ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashed. Menthol, the ingredient responsible for the flavor of peppermint, is an excellent breath freshner. Add a couple drops of peppermint essential oil to a glass of water and use as a mouth rinse.

Sage (Salvia officinalis)- The strong astringent properties of sage have made it a favorite herb for helping tighten the gums and soothe a sore mouth. A warm tea made from sage makes an excellent mouth rinse for helping to heal the gums.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia)- A potent antimicrobial, tea tree essential oil fights the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. Add 3 drops of tea tree essential oil to 1/2 cup of tepid water and use as a mouth rinse.

White Oak (Quercus alba)- Strongly astringent white oak bark, used in a mouth rinse, is helpful for healing swollen, tender and bleeding gums.

(Source: The Natural Dentist)
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Eartly Eating Recipe:

Roasted Onions:
Serves 4

2 yellow onions, peeled and cut into eighths
1 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. salt
3 tbs. olive oil
1 1/2 tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. tumeric powder

Prehat oven to 350°F. Spread onions evenly in a 9-inch square baking dish. Sprinle thyme and salt over onion, then drizzle with oil and vinegar. Cover dish with foil and bake until tender, about 50 minutes.

Remove onions from oven. Carefully spoon juices from the bottom of the pan into a small bowl and add turmeric. Mix well. Drizzle juice over onions. Return to oven and bake, uncovered, 5 minutes. Serve hot and warm.

Happy Eating!

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