Melons are wonderful, especially cantaloupes. Their sweet taste is almost too heavenly and sinful. Yet they're the perfect snack and breakfast for dieters thanks to each melon having only fifty calories. They're also the perfect cooler for a hot day and treat after a hard day's work. Best of all they 're easy to eat and don't leave half the mess other fruits d0.
Cantaloupes are one of the world's oldest fruits, first being cultivated 2500 years ago in India and Asia. They arrived in ancient Rome around the time of Christ and became a staple of their diet.The fruit were named for the Cantaloupe Gardens, one of the Papal estates around Vatican City. What we have in America is not that, , it's the musk melon. Here in the states they're grown year round on farms in California, Arizona and Texas. When looking for a ripe one , look for one that has a pale cream or yellow color and no stem. If there are stems that means these have been picked prematurely and are unripened.
What I love about cantaloupe is that they're only fifty calories and no fat. They're the perfect light breakfast and great snack for summer. There's nothing like sitting outside on a hot summer night with a plate of chilled cantaloupe slices. The taste is candy sweet but light. The flesh is firm yet yielding. To be honest I've been scattering the seeds in my garden , hoping one or two vines will sprout up. (although this can be dangerous. Like any melon, cantaloupe plants can take over an entire lawn and choke out other plants). I would love to grown my own melons and just the idea of picking fresh cantaloupe is very appealing.
Cantaloupe is one of summer's must have. It's refreshing sweet and light. It's the perfect refreshment after a hot, sticky day.Best of all eat as many as you want and you won;t gain a pound!!!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Juiced Up
Now that there are a variety of fruits in the supermarket , it's time to start thinking about juicing them. After all, there's nothing like freshly squeezed glass of orange juice or apricot nectar. They re' also what the Obamas demand in this new era of healthy eating and drinking. The best part is that fresh squeezed juice won't be laden with anything artificial or packed with sugar. Everything is all natural and good for you.
The first step is finding the right juicer. There are several different types such as the masticator (Or chewer- It brings memories of a line from "The Glass Menagerie" when the mother tells her kids to masticate their food). This is great for pulping bananas if you want smoothies. The best bet for any novice juicer is a centrifugal type where the machine grinds fruits as well as vegetables and puts them through a strainer (similar to your washing machine on spin cycle) You get more juice and less pulp. Another option is the triturating or twin gear juicer. This type of juicer first crushes the fruit and then presses it. You get more fiber and trace minerals. Also look for juicers that can easily eliminate the pulp. This allows for less mess and less clean up.
Once you have your juicer the sky's the limit. You can make fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice for breakfast. A hot day can be alleviated with just made lemonade or limeade. You can also infuse teas with juices for a different taste. Blend different juices for a maximum intake of vitamins and minerals. Anything is possible and you can create some tasty flavor combinations such as cherry orange or raspberry lemon.
Juicing is a great way of getting more good stuff into your system. It's also a great way of introducing your family to real fruit juice, not that sugary store bought kind. Juicing should be one of the stepping stones to a better diet and a better you.
The first step is finding the right juicer. There are several different types such as the masticator (Or chewer- It brings memories of a line from "The Glass Menagerie" when the mother tells her kids to masticate their food). This is great for pulping bananas if you want smoothies. The best bet for any novice juicer is a centrifugal type where the machine grinds fruits as well as vegetables and puts them through a strainer (similar to your washing machine on spin cycle) You get more juice and less pulp. Another option is the triturating or twin gear juicer. This type of juicer first crushes the fruit and then presses it. You get more fiber and trace minerals. Also look for juicers that can easily eliminate the pulp. This allows for less mess and less clean up.
Once you have your juicer the sky's the limit. You can make fresh squeezed orange and grapefruit juice for breakfast. A hot day can be alleviated with just made lemonade or limeade. You can also infuse teas with juices for a different taste. Blend different juices for a maximum intake of vitamins and minerals. Anything is possible and you can create some tasty flavor combinations such as cherry orange or raspberry lemon.
Juicing is a great way of getting more good stuff into your system. It's also a great way of introducing your family to real fruit juice, not that sugary store bought kind. Juicing should be one of the stepping stones to a better diet and a better you.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Marinade Season -Make The Best One For Your BBQ
Now that we're into the grilling season , it's time for good marinade recipes. Marinades are fun and easy to make . You can customize them to your tastes and make them four alarm spicy or tangy sweet.Marinades are one of the easiest barbecue recipes to make. They just require a dash of this and a pinch of that.
Any marinade starts off with liquid. This could be olive oil , juice, wine, honey or even vinegar.Then you can add what you want to it. For a zesty marinade, try any citrus juice including freshly squeezed grapefruit (or a cup of the store bought unsweetened). and some pepper flakes. For a more traditional one you can add some oil,vinegar, freshly picked and crushed rosemary . and oregano If you're looking for a traditional Southwest one, think about adding agave juice and some jalapenos with a touch of sugar to balance out the heat. Adding any fresh herbs or spices can turn a blah marinade into something wonderful. Experiment with different ones to give you the flavor that you most like
Sometimes it's the meat that demands a certain kind of marinade. Just plain lemon juice and oregano work on lamb while pork ribs call for something sweeter. Chicken and steak can be versatile. You can marinade them both with a traditional bath or try variations to make their flavor pop. Fish calls for a light marinade such as a lemon based one, possibly infused with thyme or dill. Anything too oily and it will create havoc with the meat's natural oiliness.
It's time to start creating amazing marinades. You can use time honored recipes or whip up your own creations. Either way they'll add zest and character to any barbecue.
Any marinade starts off with liquid. This could be olive oil , juice, wine, honey or even vinegar.Then you can add what you want to it. For a zesty marinade, try any citrus juice including freshly squeezed grapefruit (or a cup of the store bought unsweetened). and some pepper flakes. For a more traditional one you can add some oil,vinegar, freshly picked and crushed rosemary . and oregano If you're looking for a traditional Southwest one, think about adding agave juice and some jalapenos with a touch of sugar to balance out the heat. Adding any fresh herbs or spices can turn a blah marinade into something wonderful. Experiment with different ones to give you the flavor that you most like
Sometimes it's the meat that demands a certain kind of marinade. Just plain lemon juice and oregano work on lamb while pork ribs call for something sweeter. Chicken and steak can be versatile. You can marinade them both with a traditional bath or try variations to make their flavor pop. Fish calls for a light marinade such as a lemon based one, possibly infused with thyme or dill. Anything too oily and it will create havoc with the meat's natural oiliness.
It's time to start creating amazing marinades. You can use time honored recipes or whip up your own creations. Either way they'll add zest and character to any barbecue.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Happy Mother's Day To All Foodie Moms
Yep, tomorrow is Mother's Day and we should honor the lady that not only raised us but gave us our favorite dishes over the years. After all hers is the original comfort food.Whose brownies did wee need in times of heartbreak or distress? Whose chicken soup got us through cold and fever? Who's hamburgers and sandwiches gave us more joy after a day at the beach. Our mothers not only give us love but also good recipes.
I'd like to hear what you foodies have to say about your moms' cooking. What was the signature recipe that she gave to you or that you loved? Let me know here. I know what mine were. Any and every soup recipe (including the family's panne pesto one from Piedmont. , sauerbraten (again from t he family). Actually with my Mom it was every baked and cooked dish since my Mom and still is a master chef (not cook but chef).
To all you moms out there have a good day and let the father of your children or your children cook. You deserve a day off.
I'd like to hear what you foodies have to say about your moms' cooking. What was the signature recipe that she gave to you or that you loved? Let me know here. I know what mine were. Any and every soup recipe (including the family's panne pesto one from Piedmont. , sauerbraten (again from t he family). Actually with my Mom it was every baked and cooked dish since my Mom and still is a master chef (not cook but chef).
To all you moms out there have a good day and let the father of your children or your children cook. You deserve a day off.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Free Fast Food Thanks To Oprah
Shame on you Ms. Winfrey!!!
You're aiding and abetting in Americans to eat badly!
My Mom and I were recently visiting the KFC in our town when we noticed an unusually long line at the counter. To be honest this particular fast food joint has always attracted crowd. We didn't think much of it. Except when half the town showed up after us.
What was going on? We soon found out that that paragon of good eating, Oprah Winfrey, was giving away free coupons to KFC on her website. OK, maybe she wanted to help those who didn't have jobs and I can see that. Maybe she wanted to help introduce chicken lovers to KFC's new healthier grilled chicken. I can understand why. (it is better for you). However I think she could have given out coupons for either fresh fruit or vegetables. She, who is right behind Michelle Obama on eating better and more organically. Wouldn't it make more sense to bring more tomatoes and grapes on America's table than fast food chicken and sides (luckily the sides weren't fried at all)? Oprah should have introduced more parents to creating more valuable eating habits. The chicken may have been grilled but it is still fast food.
Don't get me wrong. I love this new KFC's grilled chicken. It's much healthier than Popeye's (sorry about that, Popeye's) and has a juicy texture that even supermarket chicken doesn't have. I love the fact that you can get steamed corn, or seasoned rice as opposed to greasy fries or onion rings. Maybe the only down side is the biscuit but even that's good. Any KFC meal is good in a pinch to eat or if you want something other than the typical fast food hamburger fare.
However it is still fast food. Mass produced and quick cooked. Again I think Oprah should have thought this one out (Not unless there was a KFC tie in. I don't know. I 'm one of the few Americans who never watch her show). It would have been better if the health conscious Ms. W. had extolled the virtues of broccoli and apples and the joys of discovering Dole.
Then again, that's just me.
You're aiding and abetting in Americans to eat badly!
My Mom and I were recently visiting the KFC in our town when we noticed an unusually long line at the counter. To be honest this particular fast food joint has always attracted crowd. We didn't think much of it. Except when half the town showed up after us.
What was going on? We soon found out that that paragon of good eating, Oprah Winfrey, was giving away free coupons to KFC on her website. OK, maybe she wanted to help those who didn't have jobs and I can see that. Maybe she wanted to help introduce chicken lovers to KFC's new healthier grilled chicken. I can understand why. (it is better for you). However I think she could have given out coupons for either fresh fruit or vegetables. She, who is right behind Michelle Obama on eating better and more organically. Wouldn't it make more sense to bring more tomatoes and grapes on America's table than fast food chicken and sides (luckily the sides weren't fried at all)? Oprah should have introduced more parents to creating more valuable eating habits. The chicken may have been grilled but it is still fast food.
Don't get me wrong. I love this new KFC's grilled chicken. It's much healthier than Popeye's (sorry about that, Popeye's) and has a juicy texture that even supermarket chicken doesn't have. I love the fact that you can get steamed corn, or seasoned rice as opposed to greasy fries or onion rings. Maybe the only down side is the biscuit but even that's good. Any KFC meal is good in a pinch to eat or if you want something other than the typical fast food hamburger fare.
However it is still fast food. Mass produced and quick cooked. Again I think Oprah should have thought this one out (Not unless there was a KFC tie in. I don't know. I 'm one of the few Americans who never watch her show). It would have been better if the health conscious Ms. W. had extolled the virtues of broccoli and apples and the joys of discovering Dole.
Then again, that's just me.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Frozen Zone
Yesterday's Food section of the New York Times featured an article about freezing various food including leftovers. This is a good idea because it eliminates waste and also gives us instant meals on busy hectic days. Another good reason for freezing is that it keeps herbs and produce fresher longer and there's no need to constantly replenish your culinary arsenal.
What should you freeze? Leftovers for certain but freeze them with extra oil or water to eliminate freezer burn. You can freeze beans and grains , usually in water. If you have a lot if fresh veggies, then the freezer is the best place for any extra. Tomatoes and peppers should be frozen raw, cut into sections or strips(this for easier storage). Tomato sauce, however , should be put into Ziploc bags with the air squeezed out. Other vegetables such as cauliflower or greens beans should be blanched. Fruits should be slightly cooked and pureed for better results. If you have any citrus squeeze them and put the juice into deep freeze.
Remember herbs can be frozen as well. My freezer is full of my Mom's pesto sauce and also cut chives. Other herbs such as dill and sage can also be frozen usually with a layer of water on top of them. You can also freeze sauces other than tomatoes too.
This spring and summer use your freezer It's not just that hangout for ice cream and some of last Christmas' puddings. You can use it to store extra sauces or any leftover dishes too.
What should you freeze? Leftovers for certain but freeze them with extra oil or water to eliminate freezer burn. You can freeze beans and grains , usually in water. If you have a lot if fresh veggies, then the freezer is the best place for any extra. Tomatoes and peppers should be frozen raw, cut into sections or strips(this for easier storage). Tomato sauce, however , should be put into Ziploc bags with the air squeezed out. Other vegetables such as cauliflower or greens beans should be blanched. Fruits should be slightly cooked and pureed for better results. If you have any citrus squeeze them and put the juice into deep freeze.
Remember herbs can be frozen as well. My freezer is full of my Mom's pesto sauce and also cut chives. Other herbs such as dill and sage can also be frozen usually with a layer of water on top of them. You can also freeze sauces other than tomatoes too.
This spring and summer use your freezer It's not just that hangout for ice cream and some of last Christmas' puddings. You can use it to store extra sauces or any leftover dishes too.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
The Season For Green Beans
Springtime means fresh and with it means fresh tasting, fresh looking foods. This includes the green bean. Long a staple of American dinners, it can be seen as one of the components of healthier eating. It's also versatile . Green beans can be the base of a casserole or a salad. They can be a wonderful side dish as well or even a snack.
Green beans or haricots verts from the French have been around for a long time. They're grown almost everywhere in the world, primarily coming from South American . Conquistadors introduced them to Spain and the French court as early as 1597 . It was only until the 19th Century that they became widely available to the masses. There are two kinds, pole and bush. Bush beans come from short plants two feet long. while pole beans comes form vines that grow up to six feet (these require a lot of staking and tying up if you decide to add them to your backyard garden). All in all any kind of green bean is good for you. They're rich in Vitamin C and are only 34 calories per cup.
What's the best way of serving green beans? My favorite is my Mom's salad, redolent with chopped onions and dressed in a simple vinaigrette. To me this is the best way of bringing out the beans' flavor. Southerners batter dip and fry them 9to me a waste of time, sorry). There;s the ubiquitous green bean casserole made with mushroom soup and those frizzled onions by French's. This is fine if you're into casseroles but I think the soup and various seasonings hides the beans' taste. Again I think the best way to enjoy green beans are if they're freshly picked and in any kind of salad with a light dressing. That way you'll be able to enjoy their earthy, sweet flavor.
Green beans are a healthy way to welcome Spring and summer eating. there;s nothing like them in a salad. Make them a part of your diet this warm weather season.
Green beans or haricots verts from the French have been around for a long time. They're grown almost everywhere in the world, primarily coming from South American . Conquistadors introduced them to Spain and the French court as early as 1597 . It was only until the 19th Century that they became widely available to the masses. There are two kinds, pole and bush. Bush beans come from short plants two feet long. while pole beans comes form vines that grow up to six feet (these require a lot of staking and tying up if you decide to add them to your backyard garden). All in all any kind of green bean is good for you. They're rich in Vitamin C and are only 34 calories per cup.
What's the best way of serving green beans? My favorite is my Mom's salad, redolent with chopped onions and dressed in a simple vinaigrette. To me this is the best way of bringing out the beans' flavor. Southerners batter dip and fry them 9to me a waste of time, sorry). There;s the ubiquitous green bean casserole made with mushroom soup and those frizzled onions by French's. This is fine if you're into casseroles but I think the soup and various seasonings hides the beans' taste. Again I think the best way to enjoy green beans are if they're freshly picked and in any kind of salad with a light dressing. That way you'll be able to enjoy their earthy, sweet flavor.
Green beans are a healthy way to welcome Spring and summer eating. there;s nothing like them in a salad. Make them a part of your diet this warm weather season.
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