Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy. Show all posts

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Cooking at Home - Definitely a Healthy and Wonderful Saving Option

Eating healthy could actually mean just one thing , cooking in your own home. Yes, it could mean some planning and amount of time in the kitchen however, not one other food can in fact compete with the health advantages that cooking in your own home offers.

If you worry about the health of your loved ones and your children particularly then I guess your time and effort is all worthwhile. With just mastering some suggestions and techniques you may make at home exactly the same restaurant style food your children love, but definitely the healthier version from it.

Cooking at home provides you with a great level of flexibility when it comes to exactly what adopts each of your dishes. You are able to substitute a few of the unhealthy ingredients with healthy options. You may also cater to the particular palate in your own home. With each family member having their own set of tastes and preferences (I am certain that happens in only about every home), you are able to cater perfectly towards the individual tastes by wearing that apron and becoming started.

By deciding precisely what goes into each dish, adhere to what they make a huge saving too. Now doesn't that sound great thinking about the tough times now. Healthy replacements in everyday cooking will go a long way to contributing to the overall health of the family.

Children particularly in their growing years require the right amount of nutrition. You are able to ensure this by providing them with food the right things and cooking for their specific tastes.

"Organic" may be the flavor from the season and thinking healthy means thinking organic. There sure are two schools of ideas on this. However, whenever you cook in your own home you can make all of the decisions by what goes into each dish and therefore, maintain that fine balance between going overboard and staying healthy. Eliminate all the harmful additives, preservatives not to mention the extra harmful calories out of your daily diet.

It 's time to bring out those pans and pots and experiment the right path to some delicious mouthwatering goodies. With Christmas just around the corner, it sure is a good way to get started using the preparations for that festive season. This is a delicious fruit cake recipe which i found on among the blogs. Looks great and am certain that you would enjoy every bite from it. Time to placed on those mittens and obtain the oven started. Oh the aroma of freshly baked goodies in your home is simply another thing.

Mary-Anne is a featured member and regular contributor at ifood.tv, a worldwide food network, featuring recipes all over the world. Other popular cake recipes videos on ifood.tv include Grilled Chicken Recipes [ifood.tv/network/grilled_chicken/Recipes], Grilled Mahi Mahi recipes and and Jello Salad Recipes.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Organic Superfoods From Around the World - Part 3

Grains are among the most important staple foods on the planet with a long history dating back Stone Age Man. Towards the Romans they were this type of vital food they thought these were a gift in the Goddess Ceres, hence the name cereals.

In general, wholegrains really are a rich supply of carbohydrates, B vitamins, e vitamin, iron, zinc, magnesium, and fibre. When combined with vegetables, fruit, nuts, pulses and so forth, they form an invaluable part of a well-balanced diet.

Organic wholegrain goods are far better than milled or refined varieties because, unlike these which lose the bran and germ layers throughout the refining process, the 3 parts of the grain are utilized: the fibre rich bran (outer layer); the endosperm (the center layer) and also the germ (the nutrient-packed inner layer).

All grain could be cooked, some reconstituted (eg bulgur) plus some sprouted (eg wheat). Typically they should be cooked in double the amount water volume as grain volume, delivered to the boil, then simmered for approximately 45 minutes, but cooking does vary.

Organic Brown Rice

Coming from Italy, USA, France, Thailand and Australia, long grain, short grain in addition to Organically grown long and short grain brown rice can be found. Only the indigestible hull continues to be removed in Organic Brown Rice, during white rice the nutrient-rich germ and bran are also removed. Brown rice includes a nutty flavour and chewy texture and it is a very versatile food.

It has an ideal base for a lot of meals, which range from salads, risottos and fritters to puddings. Short grained rice is slightly stickier than long-grained when cooked and it is often employed for puddings, risottos, and casseroles. In order to smoke: use one cup of washed rice to 2 cups of cold water (serves 3)Provide the boil, reduce heat and simmer gently using the lid on for approximately 45 minutes.

Like other grains, Organic Rice has elevated levels of carbohydrates and incredibly low in fat. It has less protein than other grains with no gluten.

Organic Rye BreadIngredients.375g Organic Rye Flour15g Dried YeastPinch of Salt1/2pt Warm WaterMethod

1 Mix the yeast and tepid to warm water in a bowl and add the salt.2Allow the yeast to increase for 5 to 10 minutes, then gradually add the flour, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon.3Turn the mix on to a floured surface and knead well. Place the dough inside a large oiled bowl and cover having a clean cloth. Leave inside a warm spot for 18 hours. The dough will rise slightly.4Knead gain briefly and put in a well-oiled bread tin-leave to increase again for many hours.Cook for around 1 hour at 190C/375F/gas Mark 5

Trevor Dalley continues to be growing and preserving their own fruit for 40 year, the majority of the preserves can be purchased in his Organic Farm Shops in Herefordshire England. Have you find those tips about Organic Food a means of Life useful?

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Healthy and Tasty Herbs to Grow at Home

Herbs add flavor and personality to any dish. Herbs fresh in the garden are specifically flavorful. There's a wide variety of herbs that may be grown in your own home, anywhere from pots inside a sunny window to some full-scale herb garden.

Many herbs could be grown from seed that are planted every year. Some herbs are perennial, meaning once they have established yourself they will return every year. Most perennial herbs are grown from young plants, while annual herbs are grown from seed. You can begin seeds indoors in pots after which move them outdoors towards the garden if you want. Herbs often grow well in large pots on the deck or patio.

Herbs are simple to find and can include in your garden plans. Various kinds of herb seeds can easily be bought in home and garden centers, or online sources. There are also small indoor or container herb gardens to help you get started with growing these tasty plants.

Annual herbs include oregano, basil and dill. Some popular perennial herbs are rosemary, thyme, chives, mint and parsley. Many of these herb varieties add fresh flavors for your cooking.

Basil is extremely popular and simple to grow. Basil leaves are utilized in Italian pasta sauce together with oregano. The longer the sauce is simmered, the greater flavor is released in the basil leaves. Fresh basil is an integral part of the delicious margarita pizza, together with fresh garden tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Fresh basil could be chopped and integrated into salads, pastas and vegetable dishes.

Parsley adds fresh flavor to just about any dish. It's also a natural breath freshener. Try chopping parsley and freezing in small containers to increase your cooking throughout every season.

Rosemary is a strong, robust herb. In a few climates it may be grown like a beautiful ornamental shrub. It adds incredible flavor to lamb along with other meats. Rosemary pairs especially well with garlic - try adding rosemary for your garlic bread, roasted potatoes or another vegetables.

Dill is really a fresh summer annual that contributes zip to salads, breads and soups. It's paired with sour cream or yogurt for dips or perhaps a cool summer soup. It really works well with salmon.

Mint is really a perennial herb that spreads easily throughout a garden. It livens up teas and adds freshness to lush berries and cream. Mint complements grilled lamb and adds a very beautiful flavor to dishes.

Herbs could be dried and preserved for approximately one year. Dry the herbs thoroughly and store them whole, in rigid containers with airtight seals. You may also freeze herbs in Ziploc bags and store for approximately two years. These preserved herbs continues to add life for your cooking long afterwards harvest.

When you plan your vegetable garden, be sure to include herbs. They're an essential the main freshest and many tasty recipes. You will find hundreds of ways to use these versatile plants.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Get the Very Best Out of Your Organic Fruit and Vegetables

This recommendation includes all vegetables and fruit. Try to include around three or four servings every day.

Fruit and vegetables provide vitamins A and C and fibre. Different types of fruit or vegetables vary within the amounts of these nutrients they provide, so select from a large variety available.

Generally speaking, the green, leafy, and orange-red coloured fruit and veggies contain higher amounts of vitamins and minerals. Dried pulses-beans, peas and lentils-are excellent causes of fibre and iron.

Fresh fruit and veggies are the best (make sure to eat fibre in skin and peel whenever you can). They are especially value when in season. Tinned varieties are great as well, but make sure to read the label to select fruits tinned in juice instead of those in a sugary syrup.

There are lots of tinned vegetables which are now available in water instead of heavily salted water.

Vegetables result in the past as poor cousin to meat at mealtimes, and definitely not as the major part of the meal. We have now readily accept vegetables weight loss than accompaniments towards the meat dish.

Vegetarian-style eating is occasionally accepted like a highly enjoyable eating pattern.

How to Frost nova Organic Garden Produce.

It is essential to catch the crop within the peak of condition, young and tender, and prior to it being really matured. Most vegetables freeze well; probably the most successful are carrots, cauliflower, sprouts.Home pre-cooked poker chips are excellent. Tomatoes, cucumber and salad vegetables are nor successful.

Preparation. Select the vegetables, preferably in the morning, and wash and prepare them while you would for normal cooking. Next blanch them in boiling water. To get this done half-fill a pan with water, and produce it towards the boil. Tie about 1lb from the prepared vegetables in muslin and plunge them into boiling water.

Time them out of this immersion. Allow two minutes for chopped vegetables, three minutes for small vegetables for example sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower sprigs or asparagus, and 5 minutes for carrots, sweetcorn and larger vegetables.

Lift them from the pan and rinse them under cold water for cooling them quickly. Bring water to the boil again before immersing the following batch.

Packing.Pack the blanched vegetables in polythene bags or airtight containers; the dimensions will obviously depend on your requirements. Pack them tightly and expel just as much air as you possibly can, then seal the baggage tightly with string, elastic bands or sellotape, and label them.

Freezing.Guarantee the packed vegetables are cold before putting them within the freezer, otherwise the temperature inside is going to be unnecessarily raised. For the similar reason it's best not to freeze an excessive amount of at once.

Cooking.Although frozen vegetables are cooked in much the same way as more vegetables, take great care to not over cook them; remember they've been partially cooked before freezing. The cooking could be started while they're still frozen.

Potato chips.The preparation of these is a little different. Cut the chips, dry them, and fry them in fat within the normal way until linked with emotions . colour. Drain them and pack them into bags when they're cold. To complete cooking them when needed, de-freeze for fifteen minutes then immerse them in hot fat for some minutes to brown and crisp them as well as heat them to the centre.

How to freeze organic fruit.

Fruit should be in peak condition, ripe and flavourful, neither under-nor over-ripe. Probably the most successful fruits are; raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries, red and black currants, red and black cherries, loganberries, brambles (or blackberries) and sliced peaches.

Preparation.Fruit don't have to be blanched, and in some cases it may be packed directly into the freezing containers, reducing time and handling. Caster sugar could be mixed and full of the fruit, but this isn't necessary.

Wash the fruit carefully in cold water if required and remove strawberry hulls and cherry stalks, or top and tail gooseberries. Pack them into containers, label, and seal and freeze them as soon as possible.

Using the fruit.Fruit is better thawed at room temperature within the container by which it was frozen. If it's to be cooked or utilized in puddings, then obviously it can be thawed faster.

Trevor Dalley has been growing and preserving their own fruit for 40 year, the majority of the preserves can be purchased in his Organic Farm Shops in Herefordshire England. Have you find those tips about Organic Food a means of Life useful?

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Freezer Meals Are a Great Luxury

Has your freezer been only a part of your refrigerator that you simply store several pieces of cut meat or some ice-cream in? If yes, then its time to have a re-look and discover this multi-faceted versatile space that may prove to be a boon. A blessing which makes life easier, living within budgets possible and all sorts of this without fretting and fuming.

The freezer space is the answer to not just cutting costs but additionally enjoying your favorites throughout the year. You no longer need to bother about the season and what's available when. Take full advantage of this a part of your refrigerator and you'll find that life is becoming so much more easier, colorful and convenient.

Shop throughout the season and store your preferred fruits and vegetables when ever you would miss them probably the most. When your friends cannot make a common pie or dessert since the fruit is not in season, you are able to still have a slice of this mouthwatering dessert company, treat your friend too. By doing this you save a great deal too. Do not have to pay huge sums to obtain stuff that isn't in season.

The second and many important make use of the freezer can be used to is perfect for storing delicious prepared to eat freezer meals. Cooking ahead of time and freezing it when ever you don't feel as much as some extensive cooking could be a great idea. Lacking to spend all day every day in the kitchen following a long work day is surely a big relief therefore i always have atleast several packs will be able to thaw and revel in. However, for those who have not planned ahead of time this is just difficult.

A little planning is you need to have an excellent spread and never have to cook. You are able to freeze food safely and without loosing on the taste element between 3 to 6 months. When you are getting a little spare time make the most of it, cook numerous your favorite dishes and merely freeze them. You are able to thus, keep experiencing the fruits at work for a long very long time. A little bit of focus on a free day and you'll forever, possess a freezer filled with goodies. You'll have enough to even entertain unannounced guests with no difficulty.

I would rather plan my week well ahead of time and make all the preparations. Chopping vegetables, making a few of the sauces and marinating meat are a handful of steps that will make cooking simpler and fun. You may also do a quantity of dishes that may be taken out thawed and straight served. I try to label each one of the dishes properly in order that it is not a treasure hunts situation everytime I want something. There are several really nice and delicious freezer meals recipes that you'd love.

Mary-Anne is really a featured member and regular contributor at ifood.tv, a worldwide food network, featuring recipes all over the world. Other popular cake recipes videos on ifood.tv include Canned Salmon recipes, chicken curry recipes and Chicken Marsala Recipes.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Organic Superfoods From Around the World Part 2

Organic Beans and Organic Pulses (legumes) are full of protein and very nutritious. Yet, they remain the least expensive source of food on the planet. They can be grown in a climate and through the centuries people world wide have relied on these natural, health giving foods for his or her staple diet.

On average , beans and pulses possess a protein content which range from 17-25% which is double those of most cereals and better than that of meat, fish and eggs. Organic Soya Beans, for instance, contain 38% protein.

Legumes will also be rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, that are essential for maintaining a healthy body. Dried legumes, don't contain ascorbic acid, however, however when they are sprouted, this triggers from the manufacture of this important vitamin.

Another key advantage of all Organic Beans and Organic Pulses is they contain hardly any, or no fat, causing them to be extremely valuable in terms of keeping levels of cholesterol low.

They will also be an excellent source of roughage, vital for maintaining a healthy body, as fibre is important for the removal of poisonous waste in the body. Actually, Organic Beans and Organic Pulses comprise all of the nutrients the typical, modern processed weight loss program is lacking in.

Storing tips.

In the best conditions dried Organic Beans and Organic Pulses will keep for years. Ideally, you need to store them in air tight containers, inside a dry, cool, dark place, from moisture, temperature and insects. Cooked Organic Pulses could keep for several days inside a fridge.

They may also be frozen. Don't let yourself be alarmed though, it you occasionally notice any dirt or grit on Organic Legumes, this really is normal and you ought to simply rinse them back.

Chick Pea

Coming from Turkey, Organic Chick Peas, also called garbanzo or gram, are extremely popular through the Mediterranean as well as in Asian countries. Add these phones salads (spouted or cooked), stews and casseroles. Or, they may be ground right into a paste and combined with garlic, lemon and oil to create Humus. Next to Organic Mung Beans, Organic Chick Peas possess the highest degree of vitamin A among all of the dried legumes. Full of protein, fibre and Iron, vitamin B1, B2, B3 and C.

Soya Beans

Coming from Canada/UK, Organic Soya Beans are loaded with protein. Actually, they contain just as much protein as steak. Organic Soya Beans will also be high in key minerals for example calcium unsaturated fats causing them to be a good choice included in a cholesterol lowering diet.

Organic Soya Beans, however, would be the hardest beans, which means you should always allow enough time to allow them to soak before cooking for some hours. Organic Soya Beans really are a healthy option to meat in stews and casseroles. You may also use them in soups making delicious savoury pates.Full of Protein, linoleic acids, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron also vitamins B1, B2, B3, A, also trace elements copper, magnesium, zinc, manganese, nitrogen and sulphur.

Trevor Dalley continues to be growing and preserving their own fruit for 40 year, the majority of the preserves can be purchased in his Organic Farm Shops in Herefordshire England. Have you find those tips about Organic Food a means of Life useful?

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Home Canning - Frugal, Healthy, Convenient, Safe, Fun!

Frugal

Now I understand this is a debatable point...Someone will certainly say " I shop warehouse stores and purchasers." "My time may be worth something".

Yes it is time and labor intensive... In advance. But it is time wisely spent. Imagine the savings (both in time and money) throughout every season. You don't have to purchase fruits, veggies, or canned meats. You preserve it yourself. It's all in your pantry.

Energy Saving - Just how much does it cost to operate a freezer? Just how much does it cost to keep things on the shelf? With canned foods may it be meat, vegetables, fruits, jams or whatever. There isn't any energy usage kept in storage. Ones it's preserved, you're good to go. Just a little shelf space is that is required. Short on Shelf Space. Get creative!

If you garden and increase your own foods, that simply triples the savings. Don't be concerned if you don't have an outdoor. Use Farmers Markets and Community Supported Agriculture programs to supply the groceries you'll need. U-pick farms are an easy way to get out within the fresh air using the whole family.

Healthy

Compared to keep bought foods, a pantry filled with your garden fresh veggies has better flavor, color, texture and taste, and nutrition.

It's green!Reusable packaging No chemicals - you may not know what is incorporated in the processed foods you purchase? Encourages the purchase of locally grown food. Grow your personal food Go all organic should you prefer.Special dietary needs are taken into consideration.

For most products removing the salt is completely safe and effective. Want fruit without any sugar added? Not a problem.

Home preserving supports a self-sufficient mentality. We reside in a me first, service driven society.... We would like what we want, whenever we want it. We do not necessarily wish to work for it. Is the an unhealthier attitude? I do not think so!

Times are changing. Individuals are taking a long close look at their spending and daily habits. I believe we could make use of a bit of self-evaluation with regards to our lifestyles. Which will healthier for those.

Convenient

Convenience food consumes an enormous portion of most family's food budgets.

With a pressure canner you'll be able to prepare whole meals like chicken soup, stew, or ham 'n beans. These are actually excellent quick meals having a much friendlier cost.

Combine your jars of home canned food having a slow cooker. Put a roast within the crock pot, then add chopped onion, potatoes and carrots. Top with a few onion soup mix or some beef bullion. Add in a jar of stewed tomatoes. Allow it to simmer all day. Easy!

Here's another. Dump a jar of home canned beans within the crock. Place some skinned, frozen chicken breasts on the top, cover it by using a jar of home canned salsa. Yum. Black beans work best with this one!

Safe?

Yes, done correctly it is a perfectly safe method to feed your loved ones.You will not inflate your kitchen. You won't poison your kids. Follow the correct procedures and will also be fine.

An Talent - and FUN!

Sometimes preserving is purely utilitarian. Veggies for example; green beans, beets, corn. This kind of item supplies a solid pantry for the family. This provides you a a feeling of efficiency and preparedness.

Other kinds of food are .... well.... fun! Pickling, for example, is not just for cucumbers. You will find all kinds of veggies that after combined are actually excellent gourmet combinations.

How about Jam or Jelly? How fun it's to create jars of spiced peach jam, decorate the jars having a pretty topper, and provide it as a present in a gift basket.... Your pals will be impressed.

Speaking of friends, invite one to work with you.

You can chit-chat for your hearts content. Two hands make light work. Share the expense of canning and also the results.

Hi, I'm Sharon, a simple woman deeply in love with her hardworking husband, and mom of four sons. During my mission to take care of the appetites of my crew, gardening and home preserving food has been proven as a great way to provide nutritious, simple, delicious meals. I have been canning foods for several years. I didn't need to. I wanted to...just for fun. I enjoy the outcomes and the satisfaction to do it myself. Today, preserving meals are a part of our frugal simple lifestyle.

Simply Canning is my method of sharing this news that home canning is a practicable option for providing healthy food for your family. Visit simplycanning.com for tips, techniques, safety advice, canning recipes and much more.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Keep Apple Slices From Turning Brown Naturally

You might be surprised at the amount of ways you will find to keep apple slices from turning brown, each one is quite simple, but there's only one method to keep apples from browning that needs no effort whatsoever! First we have to know what causes apples to brown after which how we will keep apples from turning:

Pick an apple from the tree and will also last a couple weeks before it begins to rot and turn soft, but fresh cut apples turn brown when iron-containing chemicals inside apple cells interact with oxygen up. We see this every single day when iron objects rust, or when scabs on cuts turn brown. Caffeine reaction is known as oxidation, and the enzyme that regulates oxidation in apples is known as "polyphenol oxidase" (PPO), also known as "tyrosinase". You will find millions of tiny cells inside each apple. One of the ways apple cells get to see oxygen is as simple as cutting the apple open. This damages the wall that protects each cell and exposes its contents towards the oxygen up. Bruised apples also show signs and symptoms of oxidation. When an apple gets damaged, should you drop one for instance, many of the cell walls within the apple get broken, which enables the items in those cells circulation freely within the apple, where they interact with air that's also within the apple (apples are 20% air, this is exactly why they float!).

Now that we understand what causes browning, just how can we stop it? One common strategy is to put lemon on sliced apples, but this changes the flavour substantially. The mix of fresh lemon juice and water is known as acidulated water, lime may also be used. This also works best for peaches, pears, and avocados.

One may also use orange juice, pineapple juice or any fruit juice to prevent browning. Other suggestions are Sprite or similar lemon-lime sodas, ginger ale, salted water, cinnamon, water and crushed ascorbic acid tablets, even dry white wine or flat Champagne! There's also a commercial product called Fruit Fresh, but like everything mentioned to date is includes a distinct impact on the taste and also the flavor from the sliced fruit.

Another alternative would be to invest in a shrink wrap machine. Whilst effective this is often a costly investment also it constantly requires purchasing more shrink wrap.

There is a method to keep apple slices from turning brown that needs no effort whatsoever, it's called eggstrafresh�, and it is a revolutionary breakthrough in food preservation that's scientifically which may dramatically reduce oxidation and retain moisture. Oxidation and moisture loss would be the 2 leading factors that foster mold, bacteria, nasty odors and rapid food spoilage. eggstrafresh� is an excellent device which allows you to eat healthy and cut costs too! For more information visit eggstrafresh.com