Everyone Loves Carrots

Carrots are good for Children, Adults....and Grasshoppers????

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving....."and serve it forth"

“…and serve it forth”

In 1621, the surviving Plymouth colonists who had arrived on the Mayflower and the Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast.  The menu for the first Thanksgiving feast was quite different than ours is today.

A recipe from “The English Housewife” from 1615 recommends boiling chickens, young turkeys or any house fowl daintily…with the bellies as full of parsley as they can hold, then lay the chickens, and trim the dish with sippets (toasted bread )…and so serve it forth.”  Other foods and recipes that were mentioned in “Giving Thanks:  Thanksgiving Recipes and History, from Pilgrims to Pumpkin Pie” by Kathleen Curtin, Sandra L. Oliver, and Plimoth Plantation were:   Seethed Mussels with Parsley and Vinegar, Stewed Pumpkin, Stewed Turkey with Herbs and Onions, dried Indian corn, dried ham , cod, eel, clams, mussels, bass, peas, corn, beans, radishes, carrots, onions, walnuts, chestnuts, acorns, cranberries (but they didn’t have sugar so there was no cranberry sauce).  The same problem precluded them from making pumpkin pie—plus they didn’t have ovens to bake the pies in!

There were 53 Pilgrims at the First Thanksgiving; four married women, 5 adolescent girls, 9 adolescent boys, 13 young children and 22 men.  In the seventeenth century, people ate with spoons, knives and their fingers  (no forks).  There would be salt on the table to use, but pepper was only used in cooking and not added at the table. 

For all the menu differences from 1621 to 2011, Thanksgiving is a reminder of the bounty of the Earth and the importance of hard work and cooperation.  Now, “seethed mussels” or boiled turkeys are not standard menu items.  Whatever your meal is, “serve it forth” with friends, family and a thankful heart

The Challenge of Octoberfest

HHHmmm which sausage is lower fat---brats, kielbasa, which is Wurst???
Luckily Octoberfest comes but once year----so tonight I'll consume a bit more fat than usual----

 I've already booked my tee time---I'll walk and carry Nine tomorrow and burn some extra calories before they have a chance to "settle" in the wrong spots.

Easy Way to Hydrate With No Calories

	Tea naturally contains zero calories, therefore, when it is used in place of higher calorie beverages, it can help with weight control.
I Grow mint in the kitchen windowsill, I think it adds a "fresh mouth feel"
	Drinking tea may help maintain normal, healthy heart function as part of a diet that is consistent with dietary guidelines.
	Research suggests that drinking 2 to 3 cups per day of black or green tea may help maintain healthy blood vessel function.
	In the past, it was believed that antioxidant activity was responsible for the benefits of tea, but current research suggests that a variety of dietary compounds (including flavonoids) in tea may be responsible for some of these effects.

It Really is Simple--Eat Lower on the Food Chain & Exercise

Food and Mood-----How Close is that connection?

Rest inducing Tryptophan in turkey?
Sweets Reduce Pain?
Phenylethylamine in chocolate tells the brain you feel good?

Click here for details

Moderate Drinking can be Healthy for Some

Moderate Drinking May Help Prevent Alzheimer's, Other Dementia

  According to Health Day New, "Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, especially wine, may lower the risk of dementia, according to a review of previous research."

. Moderate drinking is generally defined as a maximum of two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women and  that can put people at a lower risk to develop Alzheimer's and other declines in thinking skills.

Other larger studies need to be done to have more statistically significant findings...but interesting nonetheless.  Also, wine seemed to be more beneficial than hard spirits or beer.

Read Details Here

 

Please Pass the Cinnamon!!!

Science Daily says Cinnamon and Turmeric (antioxidant spices) can reduce the negative effects of a high fat meal.  According to Sheila West, associate professor of biobehavioral health, Penn State, who led the study, many scientists think that oxidative stress contributes to heart disease, arthritis and diabetes. "Antioxidants, like spices, may be important in reducing oxidative stress and thus reducing the risk of chronic disease," she said, adding that the spice dose they used provided the equivalent amount of antioxidants contained in 5 ounces of red wine or 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate.

Unfortunately, the antioxidant spices do not negate the large amount of calories that are part of that high fat meal.  That's the discover I looking for!!!

Click Here for Details
.

Healthy and Elderly---How do they do it?

According to  "Science Daily"
"People who live to 95 or older are no more virtuous than the rest of us in terms of their diet, exercise routine or smoking and drinking habits, according to researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University."

Lifestyles of the Old and Healthy Defy Expectation

That being said, I think I'll continue my workouts, and (mostly) healthy eating choices.  I run around doing Cardio Tennis (thanks Karl), walking and carrying my bag to play golf (thanks Bill), go out kayaking for hours (thanks Peter), take my 62 lb dog for five mile walks (thanks Sophie) and I don't think I could do all of that if I was an corpulent, cigarette smoking, couch potato.

To read more of their study Click Here.

Dude Food from the Sea

I was in the mood for some "light fish" for dinner----B wanted something that wasn't "all salad-y"  (I'm content with a bit of salmon on top of salad).

OK---He is not fond of bi-valves or lobster---but does like crab.
It just can't be "salad-y". 
Crab cakes with various sides is my answer for tonight.

B can have crab cakes, corn on the cob, marinated grilled asparagus, and garlic bread.
I can skip the garlic bread--no, I REALLY like garlic!  I might just have a smaller piece.
(The crab cakes will "hold together" better on the grill if you mix ahead, and refrigerate for a few hours before grilling.)

Healthy Choices With Muscle in Them!

Resist temptation with all your (Muscle) might

(From The Chicago Tribune Health)

Not only will you save your waistline by holding off on junk food. You'll save money, too.

Ellen Warren Tribune senior correspondent

July 22, 2011

You're at the takeout or Starbucks hankering for a tasty snack.

That double chocolate brownie sure looks good (410 calories; 24 grams of fat), but you know you should chose the apple (52 calories, 0.4 grams of fat).

Here's a suggestion: Make a fist before picking your dessert.

The simple act of tightening a muscle — in your hand, your calf, whatever — can help you make the healthier choice.

"Firm muscles can firm willpower and … increase self-control…. Put simply, steely muscles can lead to a steely resolve," says a study recently published in the Journal of Consumer Research.

"It's actually quite easy," one of the study's authors told me. It works because "the mind/body association is so strong," said Aparna Labroo, associate professor of marketing at the University of Chicago. She said her study was the first to show that the body, not just the mind, can influence self-control.

Like all easy solutions to temptation, this one has a caveat: It only works for people "who are predisposed to following long-term goals" said Labroo, like "engaging in healthy behaviors."

For those people, tightening a muscle — even sucking in their stomach — "might actually help them hold on to self-control and chose the thing that is less highly indulgent," Labroo said.

For "indulgence-oriented people who presumably did not wish to summon willpower," the muscle clench won't work, the study said.

So when to make the fist? At the moment of choice, when you're deciding between the brownie and the apple.

And, sadly, it's not foolproof. "It's not a magic pill. It's not going to be 100 percent successful," Labroo said.

If you stock your kitchen with brownies, you're asking for trouble. "If the food is constantly in front of you, you will probably give in eventually," she said.

Picnic Food with Pazazzzzzz

Made up Garlic Chili Shrimp the night before---and it was soooo Great Cold!
Bill & Peter (well I helped) finished off almost 2lbs!

In food processor mince:
1 2" piece ginger, peeled
6-8 cloves peeled garlic
1 bonnet chili
1 6" long green chili
2 mild-med hot red chilis
Put 2 Tbls Sessame seed oil in large skillet or wok, heat at medium, add minced spices, cook & stir for 30 seconds
then add:
1 chopped tomato2 Tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 Tbsp Nam Pla (thai fish sauce), 2 tsp soy sauce, then add 2 lbs small peeled shrimp (I leave the tails on for easy finger food)
Cook 5 minutes until shrimp turns pink.
Can be served hot over asian noodles or rice-----or refrigerate overnight for a tasty cold appetizers or main dish

Heathly Olive Oil Meets Healthy Garlic

Garlic Infused Olive Oil
1 large bulb of garlic (about 8 cloves)
1 cup (235ml) extra virgin olive oil
Separate the garlic into cloves, peel & chop into 2 or 3 pieces per clove.  In a small pot, combine the garlic & oil & cook over low heat until warm.  Let cool.  If you want a really intense garlic flavor like I do--let the oil steep longer--up to 2 days.  Strain through a fine sieve or cheesecloth & discard the garlic.
Refrigerate the oil but bring it to room temperature for use.  It will keep for several weeks in the refrigerator.
Oil infused with garlic can be used to season vegetables, meat, bread and pasta.  It is great to have around to dress summer salads.

According to the Heart.org, "despite decades of research suggesting that garlic can improve cholesterol profiles, a new National Institutes of Health funded trial found absolutely no effects of raw garlic or garlic supplements on LDL, HDL, or triglycerides..

Two People & a Turkey Breast

If you are only cooking for one or two---consuming an entire turkey breast does not have to be boring!  We just cut into the breast the other day and used in as the main meat in a deli sandwich.

The next day I made up a walnut pesto (the basil in the kitchen window was growing out of control)--using walnuts instead of pine nuts really boosts the healthy Omega-3 & Omega-6 essential fatty acids.  I spread the pesto on whole wheat wraps and topped with turkey, fresh tomato, & sprouts---yum!

Today I'm making Turkey Reuben Sandwiches---so we have completely new flavor sensation.

 Tomorrow is turkey salad with grapes and walnuts---toast the walnuts and let them cool before putting into the salad---it really brings out a wonderful flavor---and again---more of those healthy Omega essential fatty acids.

Do you have any favorite ways to utilize turkey???

 

Healty Foods Can Help Prevent Cognitive Decline!!!

According to California Walnuts website:" Although research has not found a way to ward off dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline may be preventable. Consuming specific foods, being physically active, and engaging in social activities may help maintain and improve cognitive health.

Animal research published in the British Journal of Nutrition¹ found a diet containing as much as 6 percent walnuts (equivalent to one ounce or 1/4 cup in humans) was able to reverse age-related motor and cognitive deficits in aged rats."

"A recommended serving of walnuts is one ounce, which equates to one quarter cup or 12-14 walnut halves.
Just a handful of walnuts provides:

• 2.5 grams of ALA, the plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acid.
• 4 grams of protein
• 2 grams of fiber
• 10% of your daily value of magnesium and phosphorus"

I buy walnuts in a huge bag from Costco---and the Basil in my kitchen window is growing huge and healthy--
so I'm going to make some Walnut Pesto---I think it could be fun!

Whats your favorite way to eat walnuts????

Top Ten Ingredients in the Hospitality Industry for 2011

Good Nutrition does NOT need to be boring---
Add some healthy variety to your meals by trying some of these ingredients.  (Not everyone will like all of them--but doesn't hurt to try!)

 Pleasant surprises make meals memorable. These ingredients have been pegged as this year's hot trends by hospitality and restaurant consulting firm Andrew Freeman & Co.  (Write up by A. Sheinman)

1. Pimento cheese. It's smooth, spicy and spreadable.

2. Neck meat. Lamb, beef, goat and pork necks are tasty.

3. Whey. Way cool in salads and sauces.

4. Kumquats. Great in salads and desserts.  (Fun citrus fruit.)

5. Smoked garnishes. Dishes are being topped off with smoked olive oil, smoked butter or smoked cumin.

6. Hay. It's used for roasting, smoking and braising.

7. Popcorn. Sweet or spicy, it even works as a crispy crust on meats or fish.

8. Sherry. This quaint quaff is back in style.

9. Beer in sweets. Belly up to the dessert bar for ice cream and cakes made with brew.

10. Honey. Sweet in sauces, dressings.    

Easy to Eat Healthier!!!

Eat this, don't eat that---is there confusion about what you should eat to be healthier???  One of the easiest things to consider is---how can I eat lower on the food chain---therefore eating less "processed", and more "natural" foods.
Here is a choice:  Chicken thigh and leg

Or some chicken PASTE used to make chicken nuggets:

  I mean REALLY
the choice is easy!!!!!!!!

Use Colorful Veggies as a Central part of a meal.

Farmers markets are open---so try using beatiful fresh vegetables as an importatn part of the meal---instead of a small side dish.

For starters, take a look at the fresh young greens such as Mesclun mixes made from a variety of crisp, tasty baby lettuces.  Wash and combine a variety of greens as the base layer for your salad. The more flavor the greens deliver, the more satisfying your salad will seem.

Then, roast some vegetables to coax out their sweetness.  Shop for spring potatoes and asparagus, mushrooms, peppers, summer squash, carrots, celery, beets, broccoli, cauliflower, onions and grape tomatoes. Cut as you wish into chunks or slices (leave grape tomatoes whole), toss lightly with extra-virgin olive oil, arrange on a flat baking sheet, and roast at about 425°F for 10 to 20 minutes (or toss them on the BBQ grill). Let cool slightly before adding them to your salad.There are so many choices, and you can save on time by roasting enough at one go for several meals. Keep leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.

You don't even need meat to top the salad with---canned, drained beans, marinated artichoke hearts and other marinated vegetables, nuts and peanuts, tuna, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes are a fun change of pace.. You can of course add hard-boiled eggs, cooked seafood or chicken.  Top it off the sald with a modest few spoonfuls of a lovely homemade olive oil dressing, seasoned with salt, pepper, and perhaps some herbs. 

Some 9 grain bread would make a tasty side dish---and of course (for me) a glass of red wine.

 

Spring Party Food at Our House

Had fun party last night with 52 people--great weather in the sunroom & on the deck.  The Menu was items from the different places my husband & I have lived.  The Edible Spoons were wildly acclaimed! (see last item on the menu)

Menu from Bill & Carol’s Sojourns St. Louis  Toasted Ravioli Seasoned Oyster Crackers Phoenix Carol’s 90% Lean Southwest Salami Layered Dip Jakarta Frikadel Chili Lime Shrimp Singapore Papaya Star Fruit Pineapple Edible Orchids Carol’s Kitchen Darien Edible Spoons with Tilapia poached in green salsa & white wine, topped with cilantro & mango salsa

Party Food

I'm trying new recipes for my Spring Party this Friday.  Yesterday made Barramundi poached in green salsa & white wine, served in edible mini  rice bowl --topped with cilantro & mango fruit salsa.   Then I tried it poached in OJ, white wine & lemon grass.  Did the same with salmon.  My taste testers were hubby, son & son's fiancé.....and the WINNER was  Barramunid poached in OJ, white wine & lemon grass.  I hope to serve them in edible spoons, but can't seem to find a place that will just sell me 100 spoons---the cases have over 400 spoons----way more than I need for a party for 50!
Any one know where I can buy 100 spoons and get them by May 12th???

Newer Fish! Light Flavor--Great Nutritients

Seafood has been called ‘the health food of the century’, and for good reason. A single serving of

fish provides up to 60% of your daily protein needs, it’s lower in fat and calories than meat or poultry and can be a great source of Omega-3’s.  The American Heart Association recommends eating fish at least twice a week, and health experts from around the world tout the benefits of a seafood-rich diet.

But reports about contaminants such as mercury and PCBs, and the use of hormones and antibiotics in some farmed fish, have many people wondering “Is seafood safe?”  

The Australis Barramundi fish enjoy a diet of all-natural, sustainable feed that is processed in state-of-the-art facilities under the strictest food safety standards. 

Seafood is an important part of a healthy diet. It‘s a great source of highly digestible protein, is rich in vitamins and minerals and low in saturated fat. A 5 ounce serving of Australis Barramundi has just 137 calories and 2.5 grams of fat, with no saturated fat and less than 100 mg of sodium.  It’s great for anyone watching their weight, limiting their sodium intake, or looking to make healthy food choices.

Look for Australis Barramundi on restaurant menus and from fish purveyors.  It is a light white fish that everyone will enjoy.  Information from Australis Barramundi.