How To Store Veggies!!

If you're like me, you go to the store and buy lots of fresh veggies and fruits at one time... and then can't gobble them up fast enough before they go bad! If only we all lived within a few blocks of a supermarket, so we could stop by every couple of days after work to pick up fresh stuff for dinner! Unfortunately, this is a dream for most of us, and the reality is that we must make fewer trips to the store and buy in mass quantities.

I've been getting a lot better at eating all my produce before it takes a trip to the compost, but here are some tips for storing your veggies properly to keep them as fresh as possible.

1. Carrots: Best within a couple of weeks. Wrap in paper towels or perforated plastic bag.
2. Cabbage: Best within a week. Store in the crisper in a perforated plastic bag. **Do not wash prior to storage as this speeds up deterioration.
3. Greens: Kale, chard, spinach, collards... best to eat within 3-4 days. Store unwashed and wrapped in damp paper towels and a perforated plastic bag.
4. Lettuce: Best within a week. Store unwashed in a perforated or loose plastic bag.

Another tip to use your produce while its fresh: cook in bulk!!! Make large quantities of a dish and freeze the leftovers. Then, when you haven't been to the store in a while and are scrounging for something to eat, just take your leftovers out of the freezer, thaw and reheat, and BOOM: a hearty dinner with minimal effort.

Good luck, produce lovers.

Another thing I recently found was a website that delivers fresh organic produce to your door weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly in Michigan for cheap. If you're interested, check it out:

http://michigan.doortodoororganics.com/

May the Oats be with you.

My life has been given a new meaning as of 11am.

I've never before dressed my oatmeal in anything except brown sugar, milk, and fruits of the dried variety, UNTIL TODAY.

The lovely Neeshan Mehretu and I got together to discuss our upcoming plans for a workshop at the Growing Our Food Systems Conference next month, and she greeted me with a bowl of freshly prepared steel cut oats doused generously in olive oil and a spoonful of an Ethiopian spice called Berbere: a mixture of cayenne pepper, garlic, ginger, onion powder, paprika, and a little sea salt. Oh, mah, gah. So good.

So finally, after decades of eating sweet oatmeal, my palate has been introduced to spicy, savory oatmeal. For all you avid oatmeal eaters out there, I IMPLORE you to try this: cook your oats with a little water like you usually do, and then mix some olive oil into it and sprinkle with whatever spices suit your fancy. Cayenne, paprika, cumin, garlic/onion powder, pepper, salt, basil, thyme? Yum, yum, yum.

Mmmm. Oats.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

My kitchen has a food processor now and I've been meaning to use it! Tonight is the night (when two become one...) That is, when two vegetables become one. Particularly broccoli and cauliflower.

Broccoli and Cauliflower Soup

Ingredients:
4 cups veggie, chicken, or turkey broth
3 cups broccoli florets
3 cups cauliflower florets
1/2 (or a whole if you're feeling zealous) red or white onion, chopped
1 small diced potato
1/2 cup or 4 oz. cheddar cheese (or any cheese!)
1/2 cup milk
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Bring broth, broccoli, cauliflower, onion and potato to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove some, most, or all of the broccoli/cauliflower pieces, (depending on how smooth you want your soup) and 1 cup of broth. Keep cooking the rest of the soup for another 10 minutes. Put cheese, milk, broccoli/cauliflower pieces, and 1 cup of broth into the blender or food processor. Puree until smooth. Mix this back into the large saucepan with remaining soup. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil or cheese will curdle. Add salt and pepper to taste.

I think I'll keep mine a little chunky by leaving some broccoli/cauliflower out of the food processor.

Garlic, revisited

This website was recently brought to my attention: http://www.samplestuff.com/

It's dedicated to all things related to SAVING MONEY, whether it's getting free samples, tips on making your food last, tips on saving money on groceries, easy cheap recipes, couponing 101, ideas for saving extra cash, etc etc. CHECK IT OUT. We could all use some extra cash!

Samplestuff.com has informed me that garlic is not used just for adding to every single food and meal of every day to make taste delicious (wait... is that just me?), BUT can also be used for treating ear infections and general cold symptoms.

For ear infection:
Crush 1 clove of garlic in 1 tablespoon of WARM olive oil (not hot!) and let stand for 5 minutes. Strain out the garlic, let the remaining oil cool, and put 2 drops of the oil in each ear, 3 times a day, for 3 days.

For sore throat:
Press or mince 1 clove of garlic and cover it with some honey (this will lessen the strong garlic taste). Swallow it all like a pill. Take this "pill" with some other food or water, as lots of garlic can be harsh on an empty stomach.

For other garlic tips, here's the website: http://www.samplestuff.com/?p=4605&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+FreeFreebie+(Sample+Stuff.com)

"Health Foods"

I'd like to briefly share my opinion on foods that are generally acknowledged to be "healthy". Their labels advertise "a full serving of veggies" and "your daily amount of omega-3s" and "fat-free" and "reduced sodium", but WHAT ELSE is in these foods? A package of SunChips says "18g of WHOLE GRAINS per serving" with a big red  heart around it, but if  you turn the bag around and look at the ingredient list, you'll find quite a lengthy list with many unpronouceable words. Light and Fit yogurt has "0% fat and 80 calories", and also has food starch, aspartame (artificial sweetener) and food color additives. Yummy?

My advice is to go right to the ingredient list when deciding which foods to buy. Generally, if there are more than 5-8 ingredients, be cautious. If there are more than 2 ingredients that don't sound like real food, or that you can't pronounce, be cautious. It is easy to get sucked into buying foods with health claims on the labels, but be aware that food companies do this on purpose! They might not be lying about the "29% daily value of fiber per serving" on the front of the box, but they're also not putting "Good source of sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup" or "Mmmm, lots of malt flavoring in every bowl!" in big flashy letters, either.

Check out this article for more info.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-sweet-beet/health-foods-that-arent-healthy_b_806295.html#s221251&title=Raisin_Bran

I promise I'll get back into recipes next week :)

Two Posts in One Day?

I just found this article in the Huffington Post. Totally appalled. Please read!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mercola/whats-infast-food_b_805190.html?utm_source=DailyBrief&utm_campaign=011311&utm_medium=email&utm_content=BlogEntry&utm_term=Daily+Brief

Still Tasty

http://www.stilltasty.com/

Check out this website. It has ALL you need to know about the shelf life of any food and helpful hints for keeping food fresher and longer. I loved this:

10 Surprising Foods You Can Freeze

You already know that the freezer is a good place to stow steak and chicken. But it works equally well for some far less obvious items.

 

Try freezing the following (you’ll find more detailed instructions by clicking on each item). You'll save money, waste less — and make cooking a lot more convenient.

 

•       OPENED WINE: 6 months

Can't finish the whole bottle? Freeze leftover wine in ice cube trays and transfer to freezer bags. Great for cooking, in sauces, stews and the like.

 

•       EGGS: 1 year

Crack open and mix in a touch of salt (if using for savory dishes) or sugar (for baking or desserts); place in freezer bags or airtight containers.

 

•       BROWN RICE (UNCOOKED): 1 year

Brown rice has a higher oil content than white rice, so its shelf life isn’t nearly as long. But it’ll keep for several months longer if you freeze it.

 

•       BUTTER: 6 months

Butter freezes well, so stash a stick or two in the freezer (leave in the original wrapping and place in a freezer bag) and you’ll always have some on hand when you need it.

 

•       MILK: 3 months

If you’re constantly running out, freeze a backup supply in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and stir well before using — the texture may be a little grainy, but it's fine for cooking and usually okay for drinking.

 

•       NUTS - INCLUDING  PECANS, ALMONDS, WALNUTS: 1 -2 years (depending on the type)

Thanks to their high oil content, nuts are especially prone to going rancid. Freeze them and they’ll stay fresher longer.

 

•       FRESH HERBS - INCLUDING BASIL, CILANTRO, PARSLEY: 6 months

Most recipes call for only a sprig of herbs, but you have to buy the whole bunch. Freeze what you don’t use in ice cube trays, covered with a bit of water, and then transfer to freezer bags.

 

•       TOMATO PASTE: 3 months

Rarely do you need to use the whole can at once. Freeze dollops of leftover tomato paste on a cookie sheet or in ice cube trays and transfer to freezer bags for use in future recipes.

 

•       BREAD: 3 months

If you can never seem to finish a whole loaf before it gets rock-hard or moldy, freeze it. Bread toasts just fine, straight out of the freezer.

 

•       MAPLE SYRUP (100% PURE): keeps indefinitely

Sure, it’s more expensive than the imitation stuff. But pure maple syrup keeps forever in the freezer — so you’ll never have to waste a delicious drop.

 

http://www.stilltasty.com/articles/view/33

Garlic: The Herbal "Wonder Drug"

We made some more steamed Brussels Sprouts for dinner last night and smothered them in garlic, mustard, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. We also made some mashed sweet potatoes and threw in some garlic and butter, AND we sauteed a little bit of salmon in olive oil and brushed a garlic, freshly chopped cilantro, and lemon juice mixture over both sides. Oh, and we tossed a little into homemade guacamole too. I think I've met my garlic quota for the rest of the month, and probably no one should get near me for a couple of days, but I must admit it was a great meal. Good thing my dinner partner loves garlic too, I imagine we were a stinky pair afterwards.

I want to express my adoration for garlic, firstly because it adds a wonderful flavor to anything - cooked veggies, salsas, guacamole, meat, stir frys, spaghetti sauces, salad dressings, etc etc etc. More importantly, garlic is a natural antibiotic and is known as an herbal "wonder drug". Regular intake can help prevent flus and colds, lower high cholesterol, and regulate blood pressure. It can also act as a natural mosquito (and vampire) repellent. Garlic can be anywhere from mild to very strong and spicy, depending on how much sulphur is present in the bulb. The more sulphur in the garlic, the stronger the flavor, and the more medicinal value it has. Here are some different types of garlic:

                                                        http://www.snowmountaingarlic.com/Garlic%20Types.JPG

A compound in garlic called allicin is responsible for most of these effects. Allicin is a medicinal compound produced when garlic is finely chopped, or minced. It has antioxidant and anti-fungal properties, making garlic a reputable treatment for skin infections such as athlete's foot. However, be aware that the benefits of allicin peak just after the garlic is chopped - the compound degrades with time, and also with cooking. Microwaving garlic can completely eliminate the allicin produced. Garlic provides the most health benefits in its raw, chopped form.

Using garlic is nothing but good for you: it makes your food taste great, its cheap (usually less than 50 cents a bulb) and your body loves it, too (although have a mint handy for after the meal, as you may experience garlic breath, wah wah wahhhh).

Here is one of my favorite garlic recipes.

Carrot Beet Salad   

2-3 large beets, shredded

3-5 carrots (depending on size), shredded

shredded cabbage (optional)

cilantro, chopped

walnuts, chopped

golden raisins

  

Dressing:

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup sesame oil (if you don't have sesame oil, 1/2 cup of olive oil is fine)

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

as much garlic as you can handle, minced

as much ginger as you can handle, shredded (optional)

  

just toss the dressing with everything and enjoy! And check out those beautiful colors!

Here's an easy recipe for garlic mashed potatoes:

Ingredients:

8 potatoes, peeled or unpeeled and quartered

1/2 c milk

1/4 c butter

2 cloves of garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

2 tbsp sesame seeds, optional

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to boil; add potatoes and boil until soft (about 20 minutes or so). Drain the water and place potatoes in a large bowl. Add all other ingredients to the bowl except sesame seeds, and mash together with potato masher or electric mixer. When finished, sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve. Serves 4-6. YUMMMM.

A couple more links about garlic that might spark your interest....

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=60

http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html

Does anybody like Brussels sprouts as much as I do?

Here's a superfood for you: Brussels sprouts. Some people don't like their bitter taste or their funky smell when they're boiled, but they are among the most nutrient-packed foods out there. And when prepared the right way, they're fantastic. Trust me.

Reasons Brussels sprouts are great for you:
1. They lower cholesterol.
2. They produce cancer-protecting chemicals in your body.
3. They protect thyroid function (the thyroid controls the types and amounts of hormones secreted in your body).
4. 1 serving of Brussels sprouts has 273% of  the daily value of Vitamin K. This vitamin helps your blood to clot normally, your bones to stay strong, and keeps your arteries from calcifying.
5. 1 serving of Brussels sprouts has 161% of the daily value of Vitamin C, important for maintaining immune health, proper wound healing, and regulating metabolism.
6. They also provide hearty amounts of folate, Vitamin A, manganese, potassium, Vitamins B1 and B6, omega 3 fatty acids, and iron.
7. They have antioxidant properties.

Am I making you hungry??? Good, because here's an easy recipe for cooking up some Brussels for dinner tonight.

Brussels sprouts with Mustard Glaze

Ingredients:
About 4 cups Brussels sprouts
3 tbsp packed brown sugar
2 tbsp vinegar
1 tbsp mustard

Before you start, be sure to remove the outer leaves from the bigger sprouts. Wash well and drain the sprouts, then cut in half. Place them in a large frying pan with about 1/4 cup of water. Cover the pan, steam the sprouts on medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until tender (and bright green!). Drain the sprouts of leftover water.

While the sprouts are steaming, whisk together other 3 ingredients in a small bowl. Nuke the bowl in the microwave for a few seconds to heat it up, then pour over the sprouts after they are drained. Makes about 4 servings. YUM.

I  put a little minced garlic in mine for a little more flavor. Keep in mind, you can steam lots of other vegetables like this and use the same glaze: carrots, broccoli, cabbage, green beans.......

Food for Thought

I found this recently and thought it was brilliant. I think I need to eat more walnuts....

1. Carrots: Eyes
A sliced carrot looks like the human eye and is filled with vitamins and antioxidants. One such substance is beta-carotene, which helps decrease the chance of macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss.

2. Walnut: Brain
The shape of the nut resembles the brain, complete with folds, wrinkles and right and left hemispheres. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which nourish neurotransmitters, and help support brain function.

3. Celery: Bones
Long, lean stalks of celery look a lot like long bones. Celery is high in silicon, an element that helps give bones their strength.

4. Avocados: Uterus
An avocado resembles a woman’s uterus. The fruit is high in folic acid and folate, which support reproductive health and reduces the risk for cervical dysplasia, respectively.

5. Figs: Testicles
Figs are full of seeds and hang in pairs, just like the testicles they mimic. Figs help increase sperm motility and sperm count, both of which are essential for reproductive health. Adding extra figs to your diet can help treat male sterility.

6. Grapefruit: Breasts
Grapefruit mimics the shape of a woman’s breast. The citrus fruit contains limonoids, substances that can help inhibit the development of cancer in breast cells.

7. Tomato: Heart
Just like the heart, the tomato has four chambers. The juicy fruit is high in lycopene, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease.

8. Grapes: Heart
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of a heart, and each grape looks like a blood cell. The bulbous fruit contains antioxidants that help promote heart health.

9. Red Wine: Blood
Red wine is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, including the powerful resveratrol, which helps fight aging and protects against LDL cholesterol, which can cause heart disease.

10. Ginger: Stomach
Gingerol, the ingredient responsible for ginger root's pungent scent and taste, contains phytochemicals that help prevent nausea and vomiting.

11. Kidney Beans: Kidney
You probably couldn’t find a closer relation! Kidney beans are full of fiber, which heals and helps maintain kidney function.

12. Sweet Potatoes: Pancreas
Sweet potatoes resemble the pancreas. The vegetables are high in beta-carotene, a potent antioxidant that protects the tissues of the pancreas from damage associated with cancer and aging.

13. Onions: Cells
Onions resemble cells. The tear-inducing veggie helps clear waste materials from the cells of the body and washes the epithelial layers of the eyes when the water works flow.

http://www.thedoctorstv.com/main/show_synopsis/603?section=feature&title=Nature%27s%20Pantry