Great Recipe Site

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. I found this today using stumble.com. most of these are not a healthy option, but boy do they look mouth watering.



Take a look:

http://foodgawker.com/popular/favorites/page/2/

Meatballs

Ingredients:

1 lb Ground Beef or Ground Turkey(leaner option)

1 egg

1/3 c bread crumbs (taste best with cut up bread)

1/4 c Parmesan cheese

1/4 c Cheese, shredded

3 Garlic cloves, minced

1/3 c Onions, diced small

1 tsp Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. Mix all ingredients. Do this softly with folding into middle. Keeps a nice texture.
2. Roll into small log shapes or balls. (note balls take longer to cook in middle)
3. Bake at 350 for 30-45 min. Time depends on how big you make them.
4. Serve with pasta and sauce or eat plain.

Now this Recipe is not the healthiest thing to eat, but it is a comfort food to eat with pasta. Who doesn't enjoy a pasta dinner on a lazy Sunday dinner. The fresh chopped garlic and onions do have healthy benefits to help fight off cold and flu. Cooking garlic with meat appears to reduce the production of carcinogenic (cancer-causing) chemicals.

Garlic Nutrients:

Manganese, Vitamin B1, B6 & C, tryptophan, selenium, phosphorus, calcium, protein, & copper.

Garlic's Health Benefits:

Fights Cold & Flu

Cardiovascular help

Anti-Inflammatory

Antibiotic

Promotes weight control

Protection against Asbestos

Garlic's History:

Allium sativum, garlic, a member of the Lily family, a cousin to onions, leeks and chives, can transform any meal into a bold, aromatic and healthy culinary experience.

Native to central Asia, garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and has been grown for over 5000 years. Ancient Egyptians seem to have been the first to cultivate this plant that played an important role in their culture. Garlic was not only bestowed with sacred qualities and placed in the tomb of Pharaohs, but it was given to the slaves that built the Pyramids to enhance their endurance and strength.

Astragalus- Herb immune support

Well the cold and flu season is approaching us soon. We can only defend our selves by making sure we are getting proper nutrition.

Astragalus is an herb from Asia. Much to our surprise, many herbs can be useful for more than flavoring our foods. Herbs like food have healing properties.

Astragalus is an adaptoge, meaning it helps protect the body against various stresses, including physical, mental, or emotional stress. Astragalus may help protect the body from diseases such as cancer and diabetes. It contains antioxidants, which protect cells against damage caused by free radicals, byproducts of cellular energy. Astragalus is used to protect and support the immune system, for preventing colds and upper respiratory infections, to lower blood pressure, to treat diabetes, and to protect the liver. Astragalus has antiviral properties and stimulates the immune system, suggesting that it is indeed effective at preventing colds. Astragalus may be given to children to support the immune system.

In the United States, researchers have investigated astragalus as a possible treatment for people whose immune systems have been compromised by chemotherapy or radiation. In these studies, astragalus supplements have been shown to speed recovery and extend life expectancy. Research on using astragalus for people with AIDS has produced inconclusive results.

Common Names— aka - astragalus, bei qi, huang qi, ogi, hwanggi, milk vetch

Medicinal Uses and Indications:
Traditional uses include the treatment of the following:
Adaptogen - protects the body from stress
Colds and influenza
Persistent infection
Fever
Multiple allergies
Asthma
Chronic fatigue
Fatigue or lack of appetite associated with chemotherapy
Anemia
Wounds
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Hepatitis
Stomach ulcers

Available Forms:
Astragalus root may be available in a variety of forms:
Tincture (liquid alcohol extract)
Capsules and tablets (standardized and non-standardized)
Injectable forms for use in hospital or clinical settings (in Asian countries)
Topically for the skin

How It Is Used:
The root of the astragalus plant is typically used in soups, teas, extracts, or capsules. Astragalus is generally used with other herbs, such as ginseng, angelica, and licorice.

Where to buy it:

Vitamin Shoppe: http://www.vitaminshoppe.com/store/en/browse/sku_detail.jsp?id=VS-1930

GNC: http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2138496&CAWELAID=293851226

Source: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/astragalus-000223.htm

Mango Black Beans

Ingredients:

1 med Onion, chopped sm

2 cloves Garlic, chopped

2 cups cooked Black Beans or 1 can Black Beans

1/2 tsp Ginger, grated or 1/2 tsp Ginger powder

1 tsp of Cumin

1 Mango, sm cubes

1/3 c Pineapple juice (optional)

1/3 c water

Directions:

1. Saute onions for 3 min on med heat.
2. Add garlic, continue to saute for 2 min.
3. Add beans, ginger, cumin, juice, & water. Simmer for 8 min.
4. Add mango, cook another 2 min.
5. Serve alone or over rice.

Mango Nutrition:

Mangoes are high in Vitamin A & Iron. They also contain Vitamin B1, B2, B3, C, E, Carotene, Copper, Fiber, Folic Acid, Magnesium, & Potassium. Mangoes are low in calories, containing about 107 calories.

Mango Health Benefits:

Help aid digestion.
Antioxidants.
Helps fight off infections.
High in iron to help build blood.

Mango History:

Mangoes originated in the Himalayas in India and Burma. Mangoes were found in Hindu Scriptures dating back to 4000 B.C. In Sandskirt writings, the mango tree is central to a legend of undying love. Mangoes can be found year round. Ripe mangoes will have a green skin with hints of red, yellow, and orange.

Source of Nutrition, Health Benefits, and History come from: The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. with Lara Pizzorno, M.A., L.M.T.

Dill Hummus

Ingredients:

2 c Chickpeas, boiled or 1 can Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)
2 T. Olive oil
2 T. Lemon juice
1 tsp Lemon zest
2 T. Tahini (Sesame Seed Paste)
1 T. Dill or Basil (optional)
1 T. Cayenne pepper (optional)
1 T. Pine nuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients, except cayenne pepper & pine nuts, in food processor.
   
2. Blend until smooth.
   
3. Dish out. Sprinkle with Cayenne pepper & Pine nuts.
   
4. Serve with Pita Bread or Fresh Veggies.

Chickpeas (aka. Garbanzo beans) have a delicious nutty like taste and buttery texture. Chickpeas are extremely great for maintaining a healthy you. Canned is convenient but more likely to be higher in sodium than fresh.

Chickpeas Nutrition:
A good source of protein
High in Fiber
Low in Fat
High in Iron

Chickpeas Health Benefits:
Lowers Cholesterol
Lowers Heart Attack Risk
Detoxifies sulfites (which are found in most packaged foods. Sulfites are preservatives that may cause headaches)
Increases your energy (lots of Iron)

Chickpeas History:
The first record of chickpeas being consumed dates back about seven thousand years. They were first cultivated around approximately 3000 BC. Their cultivation began in the Mediterranean. They can be enjoyed year-round and are available either dried or canned.

Source of health facts: http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=58#healthbenefits

Eggplant & Chickpea Masala

This dish is in my top 10 favorites!

Ingredients:

1 lg Eggplant
1 md Onion
1 Tbs Olive Oil
3 lg Tomatoes, diced or 1 lg Can Crushed Tomatoes
1 16 oz can of Chickpeas (aka. Garbanzo Beans)
2 c Water
1 tsp Cumin
1 tsp Mustard Seed
1 Tbs Garam Masala Powder
2 Tbs Cilantro, Chopped


Directions:

1. Dice Eggplant place in strainer. Toss with salt. Let sit for an hour. This takes bitter taste out of eggplant. (do not have to let sit for hour if your in a hurry)
   


2. Dice onion. Saute Onion in oil for 8 min.


3. Rinse Eggplant add to pan.


4. Add rest of ingredients, except cilantro. Bring to boil. Reduce heat to low-med. Cover. Simmer for 30 min.


5. Take cover off let water boil down for 15 min. Toss in cilantro. Enjoy.

Eggplant Nutrition:
Very good source of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B1, manganese, and copper. It is also a good source of vitamin B3 & B6, folate, and magnesium.

Eggplant Health Benefits:

• low glycemic index
• helps lower cholesterol
  
• antioxidant
  
• low calories food great for weight loss
  

Eggplant History:

The plant is native to India & was domesticated over 4000 years ago. It’s called eggplant in America, aubergine in Europe, and brinjal in South Africa. Because of the plant's relationship with the Solanceae (nightshade) family, the fruit was at one time believed to be extremely dangerous. The Eggplant was believed by superstitious Europeans to induce insanity and was unaffectionately known as the "Mad Apple" until only a few centuries ago. Now that the folklore is considered to be hogwash, eggplants are best enjoyed between August and October.

White Peach Sangria

A refreshing summer drink!

Ingredients:
1 750 ml Dry White Wine (the better the wine the better the taste)
1/2 c Passion Fruit or Peach Nectar
1/4 c Sugar or Honey (I prefer honey)
2 Tbs Apricot Brandy or any flavor Brandy
2 med Peaches or Nectarines, sliced
1 Lemon, half sliced & have juice
1 c Chilled Sparkling Water or Soda Water
2 c Ice

Directions:
Combine wine, nectar, honey or sugar, brandy, & lemon juice.
Chill at least 1 hour.
Add lemon & peach slices.
Stir in 2 c. of ice and sparkling water. Enjoy!

Source: Modified version from Vegetarian Times Magazine July/Aug 06 Issue
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Peach Nutrition:
High in Vitamins A & C. Also contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, E, K, Calcium, Iron, Folic Acid, Magnesium, & Panthothenic Acid. Low calorie only about 66 per peach.

Peach Health Benefits:
Helps improve the health of the skin and adds color to the complexion.
Helps with Anemia, Asthma, Constipation, Digestion, Bladder, & Kidney Stones.
Anti-inflammatory for intestine, kidneys, & lungs.High Blood Pressure.
Antioxidant.
Helps guard against blindness.
Peach flowers have sedative properties which help sooth restless children.

Peach History:
Peaches originate from China. They are mentioned in Chinese writings as far back as the 10 century B.C & were favored among the emperors. July and August are peak season for fresh peaches. Choose peaches that are firm to the touch, but whose flesh will yield with gentle pressure. To remove the seed, slice lengthwise 360 degrees around the pit down to the stone.

Chinese legends attribute the peach with the power to confer immortality. The legend tells of the Peach Tree of the Gods which bloomed only once every three thousand years, yielding the fruits of eternal life. These illustrious fruits granted health, virility and immortality to those who ate of the fruit.

Modify:
Make with white grape juice instead of wine & minus the brandy for a virgin juice spritzer. This is how i'll be enjoying my peaches this year for I have a bun in the oven.

Orange Pistasio French Toast

Ingredients:

4 Slices Thick Bread
1 Egg
1/3 c Milk
Pinch Clove & Nutmeg
8 Pistachios chopped
1 Tbs Olive oil
1 Orange, sliced without skin


Directions:

1. Cut off orange skin. Slice into orange between membrane to remove fruit with no skins.
2. Mix egg, milk, spices, nuts, & squeeze remaining juice in orange.
3. Heat pan until hot enough that a drop of water will steam out.
4. Add oil, in pan. Turn stove to med-high.
5. Dip bread in egg mix. Coat evenly. Place in pan.
6. Add orange slices on top.
7. Cook 4 min on one side. Flip carefully to keep orange on bread. Cook 3 min. Enjoy.

Pistachio History:

Dating back to 10,000 years ago, pistachios are one of the oldest nuts indigenous to ancient Persia, an area stretching from the Mediterranean to Afghanistan. They are one of the two nuts mentioned in the old testament bible. Pistachios are harvested in late August to early October.


Pistachio Health Benefits:

Lower Cholesterol
Lowers Risk of Heart Attack
Antioxidant
Rich in Fiber
Protein Packed

Pistachios are a good source copper, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and B6. The nuts deliver 30 vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients, so they pack a considerable wallop from a nutritional standpoint.

Read more: http://holistic-nutrition.suite101.com/article.cfm/health_benefits_of_pistachios#ixzz0POk5vLPc

You may use cinnamon in this recipe instead of clove or nutmeg. I cannot stand cinnamon so I will never use it.

Measuring Abreviations & Equivalents

I like to abbreviate as much as possible. BTW, why is the word abbreviate so long? Who wants to read a long recipe? Not me.

Below are some abbreviations that I use:
Cup = c

Tablespoon = Tbs = T

Teaspoon = tsp = t

ounce = oz

pound = lb

package = pkg

quart = qt

fluid = fl

pint = pt

A Few Equivalents for measuring:
2 pints = 1 quart

4 quarts = 1 gallon
2 cups = 1 pint

4 cups = 1 quart

3 tsp = 1 Tbs
4 Tbs = 1/4 cup

Pablano Rellenos

Ingredients:

6 Poblanos peppers

1 8oz block of 2% cheese (use your favorite, sharp Cheddar for me)

1 c Enchilada Sauce (make your own or buy for a $1)

Directions:

1. Cut off top of pepper.
   
2. Cut Cheese in big pieces and stuff in pepper.
   
3. Bake for 45 min - 1 hr @350 Degrees F.
   
4. Heat up sauce & pour over cooked pepper. Enjoy.
   

Poblano Rellenos is a stuffed mild chile pepper. Traditionally deep fried, but because we are trying to live a healthier lifestyle we are going to roast them instead. Roasting will lock in the beautiful flavor of the plabano pepper and keep all the nutrients that they hold.

I do not mind if the skins. If you do not like the skins when done roasting peel off. Another alternative for those of you who love meat, Stuff pepper with ground beef.

Ripe poblanos are sweeter than green and turn a reddish-brown color. The best time of the year to find poblanos are summer and early fall. Dried, poblanos are ancho chilies.

Poblano Nutrition: 1 poblano has about 48 calories & 133mg Potassium. Poblanos are rich in Vitamin C and Fiber. They also contain the vitamins A, B1,B2, B3, B6, E, Calcium, Manganese, Magnesium, Phosphorous, Copper, and Iron.

Healing Properties of chili peppers:

1. Anti-inflammatory.
2. Reduces the effects of asthma.
3. Helps Type 1 Diabetics produce insulin.
4. Stimulate gastric secretions and peristaltic activity thought to be soothing to the mucosal linings.
5. Used herbally for ulcers. Peppers don't cause ulcers, they can help prevent and heal them!
6. Anti-Clotting used as a blood thinner.
7. Relief from rhinitis - sinus problems.
8. Treatment for alleviating chronic pain.

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Enchilada Sauce Recipe:

1 Tbs olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. onions
2 1/2 t chili powder or 1 sm chili pepper
3 basil leaves chopped
1/8 t black pepper
1/8 t salt
1/4 t cumin
1/2 c tomato paste
1 1/2 c water or broth

DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil. add onions saute for 3 min. add garlic, saute for 3 more min. Add rest of ingredients and cook on med-low heat for 10 min. Puree. Enjoy.

Getting Organized

Well unless we are all superwoman, I doubt we have everything in working order. Even she had super villains to fight.

We need a plan! First figure out what is my goal? For me, I want to get the most for my buck and still eat healthy and fresh foods.

1. Start by compiling a list favorite dishes. Even if you don't have recipe, find it online later.
2. Make a stock list, items that you keep on hand most of the time. Check off how many that you have in the home already. I like to have only one of perishables and at least 5 of things that will keep longer.
3. Plan out 1 to 2 weeks in advance a menu for breakfast, lunch, dinner, & snacks. This will help you save money, time, & look at what you are eating.
4. Make a grocery list of foods that you need from your menu minus the foods you already have stocked in the pantry.

Great now we have a plan. Lets get started. Enjoy getting organized!

Link to Example Spread Sheets:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AhbuQjMMlsBTdFhiTXZMOGNUZHhIMmhINUxwbXpKZGc&hl=en