celery seeds (Apium graveolens)
NUTRITIONAL INFO
flavonoids, linoleic acid, different volatile oils, and coumarins (see Medicinal Use) (1), amino acids, calcium, choline, essential fatty acids, folate, inositol, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sulfur, zinc, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C, E, K (2), riboflavin, pantothenic acid (12). Two medium stalks of celery pack a real nutritional punch. (7)
MEDICINAL USE
For UTIs, antibacterial, colds, flu, water retention, arthritis relief, problems involving spleen or liver, and a diuretic. (1) Studies on animals suggest celery seed may also lower blood pressure and cholesterol. (1)(2)
Coumarins (also in the celery stalks) are useful in cancer prevention. (11)
For rheumatism, arthritis, & gout. Aids digestion of protein; contains 8 different families of anti-cancer compounds. (2)
An antiseptic, diuretic, menstrual discomfort, anxiety, cancer agents. (3)
The seeds can be used as a carminative & sedative (see Decoction under RECIPES)(10)
MORE...
These small seeds are found in the flower of the celery plant, generally brown. (1) They are somewhat astringent (2) and pungent (9).
The root of celery is also edible (celery root/celeriac) and is great in white bean soup.
Leaf celery (A.g.L. var. secalinum) is grown in Asia & the Mediterranean regions for its leaves & seeds. Celery was cultivated for medicinal purposes before 850 B.C. The Italians domesticated celery as a veggie in the 17th century. After years of domestication, selection eliminated bitterness & strong flavors. Strong flavors can also be diminished if grown in cooler climates & blanched. Blanching is the practice of pushing dirt up around the base of stalks while growing to prevent sunlight from turning stalks green. (6)
Celery seeds complement tomatoes & veggie juice (ie, Gazpacho) and potato salads.
CULTIVATION
Can plant seeds directly in garden when temperatures are above 55 degrees F. Two weeks before planting any veggie, put compost in your soil (up to half & half mixture with soil). Use fresh seeds for good germination. Sow 1/10" deep, lightly cover with soil (rake in) & water; don't let soil dry out for 3 weeks, or til germination. Once they're about 6" tall, thin to 10" apart, and 18" between rows. Don't throw away the seedlings that you thin - you can put them in (salads, sandwiches, or) soups. Mound soil around young plants to keep roots moist. Water frequently, but do not let soil get soggy. Water daily during dry weather. After seedlings are growing well, apply a side dressing (mix into soil) of nitrogen-rich fertilizer (3 parts seed meal such as alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal or soybean meal which is slow-release to 1 part blood meal which is fast-release). Occasional dressings of sulfate of ammonia is also good. Fertilize every 3 weeks. This site also gives other good tips, so check it out. (12)
Or you can start seedlings indoors. Sow seeds in individual pots or containers & just put a few in each pot. After they've germinated & are large enough, remove all but 2-3. As they continue to grow, thin to 1 per pot. Transplant outdoors after the last date for frost in your area (in Maricopa County, it's usually the end of February). Space plants 1' apart, in rows 2 to 2-1/2' apart. Requires lots of water during entire growing season & is a heavy feeder (see above method to fertilize). Grow in full sun (at least 6 hours/day or better, 10 hours/day for all veggies). Add mulch (1-2" compost is a good one; apply after soil warms up & seedlings are well established; water first; don't let mulch touch stems - leave a few inches). Mature in 120-140 days. See website for Pests & Diseases (which you shouldn't have too much of if you use compost & nitrogen-rich fertilizers above). Harvest after they're 1' tall. Companion plants: bush beans, cabbage, onion, spinach, tomatoes. (4)
CAUTION
People using diuretics should consult their doctor, since the herb is also a diuretic. Celery seeds may thin blood, so talk to your doctor first if you're taking blood-thinning meds. Do not eat celery seeds that are intended for planting (because they have been treated with pesticides and fungicides). Pregnant women should not take - may cause muscle contractions within uterus. Some people are more sensitive to UV rays, so do not use sunscreen - photodermatitis within celery seeds may increase sensitivity to sun. Some people are allergic to celery seed. (1)
SOURCES
1) http://www.herbalist.com/wiki.details/123/category/1/
2) http://www.familiesonlinemagazine.co/celery-seed.html
3) http://www.nutrasanus.com/celery-seed.html
4) http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/celery.htm
5) http://www.gardenguides.com/how-to/tipstechniques/vegetables/vcomp.asp
6) http://www.foodreference.com/html/celery-history.html
7) http://www.michigancelery.com/celeryinfo.htm (also has recipes)
8) http://www.mothernature.com/Library/bookshelf/Books/41/10.cfm
9) http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Spicy-Encounter---Part-3-of-4---Pungent-Spices&id=221310
10) Lust, John. The Herb Book. NY, NY: Bantam Books, 1974.
11) Murray, Michael. The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. NY, NY: Atria Books, 2005.
12) http://www.howtogardenadvice.com/vegetables/grow_celery.html
RECIPE(S) OF THE MONTH
DECOCTION: Boil 1/2 t seeds with 1/2 c water for 1 minute. Strain & drink for a sedative. (10)
CHICKEN SPROUT WRAPS:
I don't believe meat combines well with grains, so I wrap my meat sandwiches in lettuce wraps instead. I've had this recipe for years, so I don't remember where it came from, but when I was in Disneyland sometime in the early '80s, we ate at a restaurant inside Disneyland that served these sandwiches on Roman Meal Bread.
2 chicken breasts (bone in; free-range chickens)
2 c boiling water
1/2 t sea salt
1/3 c plain yogurt
1/3 c mayonnaise (homemade* - do not use canola oil which is a GMO)
1 T diced green onion
1/2 t sea salt
dash freshly-ground black pepper
1 c alfalfa sprouts (make your own - it's easy!)
1/2 c thinly sliced celery
1/2 t celery seeds
Lettuce leaves
Radishes, pickles (a good raw pickle recipe is in Aug/Sep 2010 Organic Gardening magazine), and other condiments
Take skin off chicken. Simmer in boiling water with salt, about 10 minutes, til tender. Refrigerate til cold. De-bone & cube chicken. Combine yogurt, mayo, onion, salt & pepper. Stir in chicken, celery, & celery seeds. Spread on lettuce leaves, topped with sprouts, then roll up. Serve with condiments & potato salad.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
AUGUST HERB/SPICE OF THE MONTH
star anise (Illicium verum) (from China)
NUTRITIONAL INFO
In 1 Tablespoon, thee is 4% DV fiber, 2% protein, 4% calcium, 2% vitamin C, 12% iron. (based on a 2,000 calorie diet) (8)
MEDICINAL USE
For inflammations of respiratory tract & relief from peptic discomfort. It helps soothe coughs, cures bronchitis, & calms spasms of the GI tract & cramps. Three grams is the recommended dosage. (1)
Japanese star anise (I. anisatum) is antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, odontalgic, stimulant, and stomachic. (11) But two sources say it is toxic (see CAUTION).
MORE...
Star anise seed is the fruit of an evergreen tree native to China. Medicinal preparations are made by grinding fresh, ripe seeds. (1)
Has a licorice flavor. Both pod & seeds are used. Ue in soups, marinades, & spice mixtures. Star anise is one of the spices used in 5-spice powder. (2)
It is the main ingredient in an anti-viral drug that helps fight bird flu symptoms. (7)(9)
The tree is grown almost exclusively in China, Indo-China, & Japan. (10)
CULTIVATION
↕ 26' Propagated by seed. The fruits are harvested before they ripen, then sun dried. (10) Soil pH 6.0. Poor light, dry, well-drained soil. (5) Grows in mild upland areas where temperatures rarely exceeds 68°F. Requires well-drained, acidic soil & filtered sunlight. Needs ample water. May take over 5 years to flower but it's long-lived. (12)
CAUTION
Commercial star anise seeds may be adulterated with a poisonous seed, similar but slightly smaller & darker, of another plant. These have a sharp & bitter odor, resembling cardamom. (4)
The Chinese star anise is considered safe, but the Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) contains sikimitoxin & is toxic. Once they are dried, they are not easily distinguishable. (1) (6)
SOURCES
1) Armstrong, David. Herbs that Work: Baed on the German Government's Commission E Report. Berkely, CA: Ulysses Press, 2001.
2) Bittman, Mark. How to Cook Everything Vegetarian. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, 2007.
3) http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/ILLANIA.PDF
4) Lust, John. The Herb Book. NY, NY: Bantam Books, 1974.
5) Kowalchik, Claire & William Hylton (editors). Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1998.
6) http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24284
7) http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-8843534.html
8) http://recipeland.com/ingredients/show/star_anose_8555
9) http://www.copperwiki.org/index.php?Star_Anise
10) http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/staranis.html
11) http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/anise041.htm
12) http://www.global-garden.com/au/gardenherbs4.htm#Star%20Anise
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Chinese Wings: either take the skin off the wings or use another part of the chicken instead & take off the skin. Recipe at http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/BBQs/chinese_wings____cd___pic___110m.htm
NUTRITIONAL INFO
In 1 Tablespoon, thee is 4% DV fiber, 2% protein, 4% calcium, 2% vitamin C, 12% iron. (based on a 2,000 calorie diet) (8)
MEDICINAL USE
For inflammations of respiratory tract & relief from peptic discomfort. It helps soothe coughs, cures bronchitis, & calms spasms of the GI tract & cramps. Three grams is the recommended dosage. (1)
Japanese star anise (I. anisatum) is antibacterial, carminative, diuretic, odontalgic, stimulant, and stomachic. (11) But two sources say it is toxic (see CAUTION).
MORE...
Star anise seed is the fruit of an evergreen tree native to China. Medicinal preparations are made by grinding fresh, ripe seeds. (1)
Has a licorice flavor. Both pod & seeds are used. Ue in soups, marinades, & spice mixtures. Star anise is one of the spices used in 5-spice powder. (2)
It is the main ingredient in an anti-viral drug that helps fight bird flu symptoms. (7)(9)
The tree is grown almost exclusively in China, Indo-China, & Japan. (10)
CULTIVATION
↕ 26' Propagated by seed. The fruits are harvested before they ripen, then sun dried. (10) Soil pH 6.0. Poor light, dry, well-drained soil. (5) Grows in mild upland areas where temperatures rarely exceeds 68°F. Requires well-drained, acidic soil & filtered sunlight. Needs ample water. May take over 5 years to flower but it's long-lived. (12)
CAUTION
Commercial star anise seeds may be adulterated with a poisonous seed, similar but slightly smaller & darker, of another plant. These have a sharp & bitter odor, resembling cardamom. (4)
The Chinese star anise is considered safe, but the Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum) contains sikimitoxin & is toxic. Once they are dried, they are not easily distinguishable. (1) (6)
SOURCES
1) Armstrong, David. Herbs that Work: Baed on the German Government's Commission E Report. Berkely, CA: Ulysses Press, 2001.
2) Bittman, Mark. How to Cook Everything Vegetarian. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley Publishing, 2007.
3) http://hort.ufl.edu/shrubs/ILLANIA.PDF
4) Lust, John. The Herb Book. NY, NY: Bantam Books, 1974.
5) Kowalchik, Claire & William Hylton (editors). Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1998.
6) http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=24284
7) http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P2-8843534.html
8) http://recipeland.com/ingredients/show/star_anose_8555
9) http://www.copperwiki.org/index.php?Star_Anise
10) http://www.theepicentre.com/Spices/staranis.html
11) http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/anise041.htm
12) http://www.global-garden.com/au/gardenherbs4.htm#Star%20Anise
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Chinese Wings: either take the skin off the wings or use another part of the chicken instead & take off the skin. Recipe at http://www.recipes4us.co.uk/BBQs/chinese_wings____cd___pic___110m.htm
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Stress and Diet
Stress is Sabotaging Your Diet Success
SELF.com
By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief - Posted on Mon, Mar 23, 2009, 1:41 pm PDT
If there's one thing that gets in the way of you being your healthiest, it's stress. For anyone who's found themselves standing in front of the freezer inhaling spoonfuls of Coffee Heath Bar Crunch ice cream (not my real name!) to avoid finishing a project, or waking up three times in the wee hours of the night in anticipation of a difficult conversation, here's some not-so-shocking news: Research shows that anxiety can make you sleep fewer hours, get sick more often, remember less, become more prone to long-term disease and—as if you needed reminding—eat more. No wonder up to 90 percent of doctor visits are for stress-related complaints, a fact that I suspect too many of you know firsthand (though you experience it as GI distress, back pain, a headache or other physical symptom).
In a recent Self.com poll, 85 percent of women said that worries interfere with their ability to catch zzz's, while 71 percent say they're more irritable due to stress. And given the recent headlines about the state of our economy, it's not surprising that 52 percent of women say they are under considerably more stress than they were six months ago. (What is your stress level?)
Grim, yes, but there IS hope. Just as our bodies are wired to react to stress, we're all also programmed to know how to wind down, whether it's by watching a funny movie, sitting in the sauna, sipping some chamomile tea (while dunking a cookie, of course!) or drinking a glass (or two) of wine with dinner. These activities switch on the brain's pleasure centers, blocking the production of the stress hormone cortisol and churning out happiness-inducing chemicals like serotonin instead.
When I feel a tightening in my back or neck coming on, I cope by doing things I love, like going for a long, slow run in the park with my dog. Try a few of these instant soothers, and watch your own stress go from ARGH! to Ahhh.
Turn up the tunes. Listening to music that has a steady (not frenetic) beat may cause brain waves to keep time and relax you, research from a music symposium at Stanford University in California reports. Load your iPod with a playlist of the songs that make you happiest.
Phone a friend. Pouring your heart out to pals can help you cope with bad feelings and brainstorm new ways to solve problems. And don't forget to return the favor: Lending an ear and offering support can make you feel needed and reduce anxiety. (Or drop them an e-card to say thanks!)
Break a sweat. Exercising for 30 minutes makes your body release chemicals that dull the physiological effects of stress response for up to a full day. But the effect only works when the activity is something you really want to do, so make sure you're psyched about channeling your energy in that cardiovascular direction.
Use a better bulb. Outfit your office lamp with an incandescent bulb, particularly if your cubicle is brightened by fluorescent lights. Incandescent and fluorescent lights work together to more closely mimic outside light. And it's sunshine (or the perception of it) that regulates the body's biorhythms. Not getting enough of it can affect hormone levels, suppressing the immune system and increasing the probability of mood swings, depression and sluggishness.
Pamper yourself. Whether you get a pedicure or splurge on a blowout, giving yourself special treatment reduces your blood pressure and gets your mind off what’s bothering you. Science supports this coping mechanism as well: A warm bath can activate neurons that increase serotonin, and a study from Bowling Green State University in Ohio found that a 15-minute massage can significantly cut anxiety levels. Not up for a splurge? Get the same effect from an at-home pedicure, manicure or blowout.
Dine by candlelight. The effect won't just make you look gorgeous. The dim setting actually signals your brain to release melatonin, the good-for-you sleep hormone which ensures a better night's rest. And catching enough zzz's helps keep your stress levels under control and your immune system humming. Can't sleep? See what your stress dreams are trying to tell you.
Snuggle with your sweetie. A simple 20-second kiss or hug increases endorphin levels, while having sex releases more calming hormones than any other form of sex play, researchers at the University of the West of Scotland at Paisley note.
Keep a journal. Jotting down your stressful thoughts can help you look at them more logically, potentially easing anxiety, mentally and physically. A study in the Journal of Health Psychology finds that a mere month of expressive writing can help reduce hypertension. Keep a pretty notebook handy at all times.
Anticipate something awesome. Or something tiny that makes you smile. The point is to look forward to something each day, whether it’s enjoying your morning java or counting down to an exotic vacation. Practicing this will keep your mind from focusing on what could go wrong that day.
Exhibit your exhilarating moments. Tape up pictures of three amazing days you’ve experienced, such as dancing at your wedding or crossing the finish line of a half-marathon. Honing in on the images for at least 10 seconds can lower muscle tension and stabilize your heartbeat.
Give someone props. Go on, pay a compliment to someone deserving. Research has shown that the more warm personal connections you make, the better your body is at jettisoning the effects of stress.
Stress-eater? Snack away the tension with these stress-busting foods.
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthieryou/9061/stress-is-sabotaging-your-diet-success/
Fill your cart with stress-busting foods
For brightening moods
· Almonds
· Lowfat yogurt
· Pistachios
· Salmon
· Scallops
· Shrimp
· Walnuts
B vitamins stimulate the brain's production of serotonin, helping you relax, explains Paul Lachance, Ph.D., professor emeritus of nutrition and food science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Choose nuts for B6, fish and yogurt for B12. Try Curried Cashew Shrimp With Garlic Cilantro Rice, or Bananas Foster With Toasted Almond Coffee Ice Cream.
For jump-starting immunity
· Blueberries
· Broccoli
· Green bell peppers
· Kiwifruit
· Strawberries
· Tomatoes
Veg out with vitamin C, which blunts the effects of stress by reducing free radicals and bolstering your immune system. "It is also your body's first line of defense against stressors like colds and exertion," Lachance explains. Try Sweet and Sour Chicken With Short-Grain Brown Rice and Baby Spinach.
For managing anger
· Avocados
· Bananas
· Black beans
· Corn
· Potatoes
· White beans
Feeling steamed? Seek out potassium, an electrolyte that helps lower blood pressure, says Brie Turner-McGrivev, a registered dietitian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Try Pistachio Banana Bread Pudding.
For sounder sleep
· Chickpeas
· Lentils
· Oatmeal
· Pumpkin seeds
· Spinach
· Swiss chard
Magnesium acts as a natural tranquilizer that relaxes muscles, blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract. Plus, the mineral plays a role in boosting serotonin, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D., a spokeswoman in New York City for the American Dietetic Association. Try Pistachio Crusted Salmon With Orange Lime Spinach Salad.
http://www.self.com/health/2009/03/a-stress-reducing-shopping-list?mbid=yahoo
SELF.com
By Lucy Danziger, SELF Editor-in-Chief - Posted on Mon, Mar 23, 2009, 1:41 pm PDT
If there's one thing that gets in the way of you being your healthiest, it's stress. For anyone who's found themselves standing in front of the freezer inhaling spoonfuls of Coffee Heath Bar Crunch ice cream (not my real name!) to avoid finishing a project, or waking up three times in the wee hours of the night in anticipation of a difficult conversation, here's some not-so-shocking news: Research shows that anxiety can make you sleep fewer hours, get sick more often, remember less, become more prone to long-term disease and—as if you needed reminding—eat more. No wonder up to 90 percent of doctor visits are for stress-related complaints, a fact that I suspect too many of you know firsthand (though you experience it as GI distress, back pain, a headache or other physical symptom).
In a recent Self.com poll, 85 percent of women said that worries interfere with their ability to catch zzz's, while 71 percent say they're more irritable due to stress. And given the recent headlines about the state of our economy, it's not surprising that 52 percent of women say they are under considerably more stress than they were six months ago. (What is your stress level?)
Grim, yes, but there IS hope. Just as our bodies are wired to react to stress, we're all also programmed to know how to wind down, whether it's by watching a funny movie, sitting in the sauna, sipping some chamomile tea (while dunking a cookie, of course!) or drinking a glass (or two) of wine with dinner. These activities switch on the brain's pleasure centers, blocking the production of the stress hormone cortisol and churning out happiness-inducing chemicals like serotonin instead.
When I feel a tightening in my back or neck coming on, I cope by doing things I love, like going for a long, slow run in the park with my dog. Try a few of these instant soothers, and watch your own stress go from ARGH! to Ahhh.
Turn up the tunes. Listening to music that has a steady (not frenetic) beat may cause brain waves to keep time and relax you, research from a music symposium at Stanford University in California reports. Load your iPod with a playlist of the songs that make you happiest.
Phone a friend. Pouring your heart out to pals can help you cope with bad feelings and brainstorm new ways to solve problems. And don't forget to return the favor: Lending an ear and offering support can make you feel needed and reduce anxiety. (Or drop them an e-card to say thanks!)
Break a sweat. Exercising for 30 minutes makes your body release chemicals that dull the physiological effects of stress response for up to a full day. But the effect only works when the activity is something you really want to do, so make sure you're psyched about channeling your energy in that cardiovascular direction.
Use a better bulb. Outfit your office lamp with an incandescent bulb, particularly if your cubicle is brightened by fluorescent lights. Incandescent and fluorescent lights work together to more closely mimic outside light. And it's sunshine (or the perception of it) that regulates the body's biorhythms. Not getting enough of it can affect hormone levels, suppressing the immune system and increasing the probability of mood swings, depression and sluggishness.
Pamper yourself. Whether you get a pedicure or splurge on a blowout, giving yourself special treatment reduces your blood pressure and gets your mind off what’s bothering you. Science supports this coping mechanism as well: A warm bath can activate neurons that increase serotonin, and a study from Bowling Green State University in Ohio found that a 15-minute massage can significantly cut anxiety levels. Not up for a splurge? Get the same effect from an at-home pedicure, manicure or blowout.
Dine by candlelight. The effect won't just make you look gorgeous. The dim setting actually signals your brain to release melatonin, the good-for-you sleep hormone which ensures a better night's rest. And catching enough zzz's helps keep your stress levels under control and your immune system humming. Can't sleep? See what your stress dreams are trying to tell you.
Snuggle with your sweetie. A simple 20-second kiss or hug increases endorphin levels, while having sex releases more calming hormones than any other form of sex play, researchers at the University of the West of Scotland at Paisley note.
Keep a journal. Jotting down your stressful thoughts can help you look at them more logically, potentially easing anxiety, mentally and physically. A study in the Journal of Health Psychology finds that a mere month of expressive writing can help reduce hypertension. Keep a pretty notebook handy at all times.
Anticipate something awesome. Or something tiny that makes you smile. The point is to look forward to something each day, whether it’s enjoying your morning java or counting down to an exotic vacation. Practicing this will keep your mind from focusing on what could go wrong that day.
Exhibit your exhilarating moments. Tape up pictures of three amazing days you’ve experienced, such as dancing at your wedding or crossing the finish line of a half-marathon. Honing in on the images for at least 10 seconds can lower muscle tension and stabilize your heartbeat.
Give someone props. Go on, pay a compliment to someone deserving. Research has shown that the more warm personal connections you make, the better your body is at jettisoning the effects of stress.
Stress-eater? Snack away the tension with these stress-busting foods.
http://health.yahoo.com/experts/healthieryou/9061/stress-is-sabotaging-your-diet-success/
Fill your cart with stress-busting foods
For brightening moods
· Almonds
· Lowfat yogurt
· Pistachios
· Salmon
· Scallops
· Shrimp
· Walnuts
B vitamins stimulate the brain's production of serotonin, helping you relax, explains Paul Lachance, Ph.D., professor emeritus of nutrition and food science at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Choose nuts for B6, fish and yogurt for B12. Try Curried Cashew Shrimp With Garlic Cilantro Rice, or Bananas Foster With Toasted Almond Coffee Ice Cream.
For jump-starting immunity
· Blueberries
· Broccoli
· Green bell peppers
· Kiwifruit
· Strawberries
· Tomatoes
Veg out with vitamin C, which blunts the effects of stress by reducing free radicals and bolstering your immune system. "It is also your body's first line of defense against stressors like colds and exertion," Lachance explains. Try Sweet and Sour Chicken With Short-Grain Brown Rice and Baby Spinach.
For managing anger
· Avocados
· Bananas
· Black beans
· Corn
· Potatoes
· White beans
Feeling steamed? Seek out potassium, an electrolyte that helps lower blood pressure, says Brie Turner-McGrivev, a registered dietitian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Try Pistachio Banana Bread Pudding.
For sounder sleep
· Chickpeas
· Lentils
· Oatmeal
· Pumpkin seeds
· Spinach
· Swiss chard
Magnesium acts as a natural tranquilizer that relaxes muscles, blood vessels and the gastrointestinal tract. Plus, the mineral plays a role in boosting serotonin, says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D., a spokeswoman in New York City for the American Dietetic Association. Try Pistachio Crusted Salmon With Orange Lime Spinach Salad.
http://www.self.com/health/2009/03/a-stress-reducing-shopping-list?mbid=yahoo
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Veggie side dish recipe
Zucchini and Carrot a Scapece - serves 6
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 large zucchini (about 2 pounds), cut into 1/4-inch rounds
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
10 medium carrots (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Heat 1/3 cup oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the zucchini and fry until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried zucchini to a baking dish. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the garlic, basil, and mint leaves over the zucchini.
Add the remaining oil to the frying pan. Add the carrots to the hot oil and saute until golden, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried carrots to the dish of zucchini. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining garlic, basil, and mint leaves over. Drizzle the vinegar over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat. Cool to room temperature. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight. Allow the vegetables to come to room temperature before serving. Transfer the scapece to a platter. Serve with bread, fish or chicken.
foodnetwork.com (Everyday Italian)
1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 large zucchini (about 2 pounds), cut into 1/4-inch rounds
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
10 medium carrots (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/4-inch rounds
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
Heat 1/3 cup oil in a heavy large frying pan over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the zucchini and fry until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried zucchini to a baking dish. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle half of the garlic, basil, and mint leaves over the zucchini.
Add the remaining oil to the frying pan. Add the carrots to the hot oil and saute until golden, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried carrots to the dish of zucchini. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining garlic, basil, and mint leaves over. Drizzle the vinegar over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat. Cool to room temperature. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight. Allow the vegetables to come to room temperature before serving. Transfer the scapece to a platter. Serve with bread, fish or chicken.
foodnetwork.com (Everyday Italian)
Thursday, March 19, 2009
HOW TO BOIL WATER
Over a dinner with friends recently we were having a conversation about the number of people we all know that have moved away from everyday cooking or have almost completely given up on cooking entirely in favor of all of the prepackaged and convenience foods we've all come to recognize and believe are going to "save us" from our kitchens. One of the friends even regaled us with a tale of an acquaintance that didn't even have real dishes in her house, the thought of clearing plates and using the dishwasher was just too much work so she only used disposable plates and cutlery. Wow, the amount of garbage that one person must create between the disposable dishes and all of the packaging from the convenience food is incomprehensible.
Our conversation turned to the funny gadgets and gimmicks like the pasta cooker you see on TV that doesn't require you to do anything other than add your noodles into a canister of hot water - leave them sit long enough and they will eventually "cook". Well, if you leave anything to sit in warm water long enough it will eventually soften. I shared my story about someone recently asking me for a "recipe" for popcorn...yes, that is right - popcorn, popped on the stove in a pot with actual corn kernels and hot oil. Can you imagine, a recipe for popcorn?
Do people really think that the best way to cook pasta is in a canister on the counter top ? Are we really too busy to cook pasta in an actual pot of boiling water, are we so used to throwing a bag in the microwave that we have forgotten how to "make" popcorn from scratch? What a frightening prospect.
It is kind of like remembering the first time you had a conversation with someone much younger than you and in that conversation you were talking about listening to your favorite record album, only to realize they had no idea what a record album is? Is this the fate of food and cooking, is making popcorn on the stove the next record album and popcorn from a bag in the microwave the i-pod of cooking? Do people really want to live like the Jetson's? Open boxes, eat tasteless food of mysterious origin and throw the dishes in the garbage at the end of the meal. Wow, no thanks. I would rather eat the record album itself.
Angie Quaale is the owner of Well Seasoned gourmet food store and cooking school in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. Well Seasoned is the area's premier destination for all things gourmet. Angie has a diverse background in the food industry and is a well known local foodie. She is a board member of Les Dames D'Esscoffier and has a regular food column called "Food for Thought" in the Langley Times. She often appears on TV, radio and in print where she shares her vast knowledge as a well seasoned foodie
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angie_Quaale
Our conversation turned to the funny gadgets and gimmicks like the pasta cooker you see on TV that doesn't require you to do anything other than add your noodles into a canister of hot water - leave them sit long enough and they will eventually "cook". Well, if you leave anything to sit in warm water long enough it will eventually soften. I shared my story about someone recently asking me for a "recipe" for popcorn...yes, that is right - popcorn, popped on the stove in a pot with actual corn kernels and hot oil. Can you imagine, a recipe for popcorn?
Do people really think that the best way to cook pasta is in a canister on the counter top ? Are we really too busy to cook pasta in an actual pot of boiling water, are we so used to throwing a bag in the microwave that we have forgotten how to "make" popcorn from scratch? What a frightening prospect.
It is kind of like remembering the first time you had a conversation with someone much younger than you and in that conversation you were talking about listening to your favorite record album, only to realize they had no idea what a record album is? Is this the fate of food and cooking, is making popcorn on the stove the next record album and popcorn from a bag in the microwave the i-pod of cooking? Do people really want to live like the Jetson's? Open boxes, eat tasteless food of mysterious origin and throw the dishes in the garbage at the end of the meal. Wow, no thanks. I would rather eat the record album itself.
Angie Quaale is the owner of Well Seasoned gourmet food store and cooking school in Langley, British Columbia, Canada. Well Seasoned is the area's premier destination for all things gourmet. Angie has a diverse background in the food industry and is a well known local foodie. She is a board member of Les Dames D'Esscoffier and has a regular food column called "Food for Thought" in the Langley Times. She often appears on TV, radio and in print where she shares her vast knowledge as a well seasoned foodie
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Angie_Quaale
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