A Healthy Spring Picnic

It's time to celebrate Spring and what better than an old fashioned picnic.Yet what  gets packed in some baskets can be unhealthy. It's time for a change, and get rid of all those snacks. There's nothing like enjoying fresh air with freshly made sandwiches and nibbles. Besides it's a good time to take advantage of  the proudce just come into season.

A big part of any picnic are the sandwiches. Most people slap processed meat on bland white bread  and consider it a good meal. For variety they may add some tasteless processed cheese or even cold, ,greasy bacon. It's time to change that. Sub in darker bread which is healthier.The base doesn't have to always be whole wheat.it could be a twelve or fifteen grain bread or even rye or pumpernickel. As for fillings, always think fresh. Picnics are a great way of getting rid of any leftover meat or meat loaf. Last night's chicken, turkey or even London Broil and meat loaf make better fillings than processed cold cuts. Even a tomato sandwich is a delicious picnic treat. Layer thickly cut Beefsteaks on bread with mayo. If it;s not too warm think about a tarragon egg salad on whole grain rolls.Add some mayo or ketchup for more taste and a pickle on the side.

As for the extras, think fresh again. Nix the overly processed chips and cheese puffs. Grape tomatoes are fun to bring along as are radishes  and  baby carrots. Cut celery is also good and you can pack up an easy to make vinaigrette for dipping. Try bringing other easily totable veggies such as cauliflower and broccoli too. Fresh mozzarella balls are another fun snack. Carry this theme into dessert where you can bring small containers of melon, strawberries and pineapple. Put them on sticks for an "au naturale" kabob. These are definitely healthier (and maybe a bit more fun) than s'mores.  Another bring along are all natural cookies (such as "Back To Nature's  many kinds)Wash everything down with fresh brewed teas or fruit juices.

Enjoy a healthy and fun day out with healthy and fun foods. They'll give more energy to run around and enjoy the Spring air and company. It's also a nice way to appreciate nature!

Fusing With Fuze

Trying to find a relatively natural drink is hard these days. Mostly it's overly sugary sodas or syrupy teas. However there's an alternative.Fuze. This is a great all natural drink that comes in teas and fruit fusions. It will be great for those hot , sweltering days ahead.

Fuze has been around for the last ten years  , founded in 2000 by Lance Collins and the company's creative director Paula Collins in Collins, Englewood, NJ basement. It was first distributed to Northern Califormnia wht only three flavors, mixed berry, banana colada and cranberry raspberry.Now the drink is divided into five catagories Slenderize, Refresh, Tea, Defensify, and Vitalize.Each drink has a healthy combo of  vitamins, amino acids, and herbs, and alternative sweeteners such as crystalline fructose. This last is a processed sweetener that is derived from corn.Fuze is devoid of any processed white sugars and fructose.

I discovered Fuze after completely changing my diet. Trying to find a tasty drink that's good for you was difficult. I had given up my usual Pepsi  and was looking for something else. Let's face it. One can only drink so much water and flavored seltzer. These are good however there's nothing like a cold glass that 's tasty. I love the teas., especially the Green Tea With Honey and Ginseng which has a light delicate flavor. Fuze's other tea., a mix of green and black with acai berry is also yummy and it's a bit more robust than the other. Another fave is their Slenderize line's tropical punch.It's like a refreshing pina colada and perfect for a mid afternoon pick me up. I am definitely going to try Fuze's other flavors as well.The teas have 120 and 130 calories respectively while the Slenderize has none.

If you;re looking for a different kind of refreshment , look no further than Fuze.It's a delicious drink that's good for you. It's made with all natural ingrdeients and chock full of vitamins. What a perfect way to start a hot summer!

Rediscovering Anchovies

Anchovies are those fish that either bring forth a chorus of "ahhs" or ughhs." Most people usually emit the last, vilifying the tasty little swimmers. Most people haven't had a proper anchovy that's a combination of both salty and sweet. It's time to change their attitudes.

This was the subject in yesterday's New York Times Dining section.Dining regular , Jeff Gordinier writes glowingly about this sometimes overlooked , most often times hated fish. Anchovies are actually very good health and nutritionwise . They are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids and are excellent for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Their taste packs a wallop for those use to bland tasting fish.. There is a strong brininess to them that goes well with certain foods. Most people know them from gracing pizzas however they figure prominently in Piedmontese cooking. Ironically, this landlocked provence is known for its; anchovy sauce, bagna calda where bits of Savoy cabbage and meat are heated in hot bath combo of the fish, hot oil and butter.(although anchovies were brought to the Piedmontese Alps to dry before packing)

Anchovies are making a big comeback in New York hipster restaurants,Bon Chovie, operated by couple Renae and Neill Holland , sells bread crumb dipped fried anchovies which are getting a wide and loyal following.Seamus Mullen , chef at the West Village's Tertulia creates a silky blend of the fish and creamy sheep's milk cheese called tosta matrimonio. It is a marriage of delicious saltiness and sweetness. Diners are also falling for the tapas staple, boquerones, the elegantly pale and cured anchovy, now starring at a number of Spanish eateries. Anchovies with Italian salsa verde are big at another restaurant Sorella where the chef Emma Hearst makes them in the true Ligurian style. There are some pizzerias that serve anchovies as toppings and the pies are worth trying.

Anchovies are becoming hip again. Yet fall for their taste, a rich blend of salty and sweet and be hooked. Try them with cheese for a different spin or tapas style , plump and marinated ot with a fresh, earthy salsa verde. Even if they're gracing a pizza they'll be just as tasty- bringing out the sweetness of the mozzaella and tomato sauce.

The Return Of Bittman

Mark Bittman was one of the backbones of The New York Times Dining section every Wednesday. He went over to the Times Sunday magazine, giving us foodies excellent ideas about all sorts of delicious dinner and recipe ideas. I'm glad he's back on Wednesday- this time around with a new column How To Cook Everything. It's a great column, destined to get foodies back into the kitchen and to try old and new recipes.

He kicks off with a crowd pleaser a pizza recipe. Pizza can be a fun dish to make.It can also be tricky for novices not accustomed to working with yeast.Mr. Bittman recommends and prefers using a food processor for mixing everything together. He also believes in freezing it so it has a nice consistency to work with when it has to be flattened out. For that , the pizza maker can either roll it out or finger pat it. The second may cause dimpling in the surface and that could make the pizza look like a focaccia. Bakers can use whole wheat (which is what I would prefer) however it does come with caveats nit crisp enough and not chewy, however it has a deeper richer flavor.

As for the toppings, Mr. Bittman prefers the conservative and traditional choices. such as tomatoes with onions mixed in. He does add guanciale, a kind of Italian bacon made from pig jowls or cheeks.Another recipe is a pizza bianca basically a naked pie that just has oil and rosemary on top . He recommends anchovies (not always a crowd pleaser however the fishes' brininess brings out the sweetness of the tomato sauce)pepperoni along with both Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Fresh pesto can also be added along with eggplant or zucchini. Mr Bittman even suggests a seafood one, resplendant  with shrimps , clam, steamed mussels and lobsters.

It's good to have Mark Bittman back at the Wednesday Dining section. His new column will and is getting the juices going of many a home chef and foodie. Each weekly column will be filled with fun , adventure and challenge!

The Power of Veganism

Most Americans would never give up their beloved chicken wings or hot dogs. Yet, surprisingly , that's what millions of  people in this country are doing.  Veganism is becoming an accepted lifestyle, despite the trouble it can cause to families. There are still some minuses amongst the many pluses. These can be worked out, with some intuition and creativity.

This was the subject of an article in today's New York Times Science section. The article written by Tara Parker-Pope , tells about  the problems with following this healthy diet and lifestyle. About 7.3 million Americans now have what is known as a vegan diet. They forego all meat and dairy along with eggs, fish and even honey products. Instead soy and rice products figure prominently.Being vegan and single is easy.It's jsut one person who will deal with  all the new foods and cooking techniques. However families , especially ones with  kids, will balk at the idea of giving up beloved hamburgers or even scrambled eggs. There is also the cost . Vegan products cost more than regular ones , especially the garden and soy burgers.

Being vegan does have its' payoffs. Both heart  disease and cancer risks lower as does cholesterol and triglycerides when the diet is free of processed meats , cheeses and even butter.  There is more focus on fresh fruit and vegetables as well as cooking with olive oil. Also it's a chance to get creative in the cooking , especially with trying to recreate holiday roasts and baked goods. Families will have to embrace the goodness of tofurkey and eggless cookies and cakes. It;s also a chance to have a healthier family and basically no exposure to childhood obesity and diabetes.. Veganism can be a tough sell but it has good benefits as well as some famous fans . Former president Bill Clinton and Ellen DeGeneres are both vegans and promote their diets as often as they can.

Veganism is a healthier way of eating. It may be tough at first to eliminate meat and dairy along with fish and eggs  - and even honey, However the benefits outweigh the minuses. It means a better lifestyle and surprisingly enough tastier dishes. It's worth a try,

Poppyseeds Pop

Poppy seeds are one of those ingredients that are always overlooked. They are not only decorative , they also add flavor to anything. They're a fun way of sprucing up ordinary foods from bagels to salads. Sprinkle just a few or add a handful to create an entirely new dish.

Poppy seeds come from the same poppy that creates opium.It is an oilseed, mostly used in baking however it can be washed to make what's known as poppy tea.Don't worry about being drugged if you eat a poppy seed bagel or have it sprinkled in salad. The opiate level is very low. There are only trace amount s in each seed.Black poppy seeds are most prevalent in the US however in Europe they can be both black and white. Premium ones from Holland are slate blue in color.The seeds may appear round to the eye however look a little more closely and discover that they are really kidney shaped.

German and Polish bakers use poppy seeds the most, namely in baking, Buns and cakes often are laced with them for color and crunch. Central Europeans love a strudel made with a poppy seed paste.They can also be crushed and mixed with honey to make a candy bar that is popular in the Balkans and in Greece. Poppy seeds are also ground in a fine paste and mixed with rum, vanilla,orange zest, raisins, almonds walnuts or heavy cream to create a thick filling for rolls.Jewish cuisine calls for poppy seeds during the festival of Purim. Indian cuisine goes the other way using the white variety in savory dishes such as korma. Here in the US , the seeds are best known for gracing bagels  and adding extra zip to salads whether on their own or in dressings.

Poppy seeds really do make foods pop. They are a great addition to any dish. Try them in savory or making a traditional strudel or cake! They bring crunch and fun, along with a distinct flavor.

Open Sesame

Hard to believe one tiny little seed can be so versatile. That's the case with the same seed.It can be used as decoration or mashed in a dip.It 's an ingredient every home chef should have on the ready. Sesame seeds are a kitchen must have.

Sesame seeds come from the sesame plant  which has been cultivated for the last 5,000 years.Its' origins started in India however it was then replanted to Africa , primarily the North Saharan region. It has the highest oil content of any oil seed, You can store sesame seeds for a long time thanks to a sturdy and durable shelf life. It is also rich  in antioxidants and Omega 6 fatty acids.Sesame seeds are also abundant in carbs as well  as amino acids and essential fatty acids Unfortunately it could trigger bad allergic reactions  such as rashes and wheezing. Sesame seeds are about 2 to 3 millimeters in length and are always oval shaped. Their colorings vary from a creamy white , to sand to beige to a honeyed brownand black.

Sesame seeds are used the world over. Greeks Arabs and Turks use it to make the creamy dip tahini as well as oil.Ancient Greeks made a delicious candy called halvah  of it and the sweet  is still sold in stores today. They also make a crunchy and addictive bar with the seeds and honey. Italians use it to cat breads and breadsticks while.the Chinese like their sesame seeds in fried balls. Indian cuisine calls for black version in both sweet and savory balls. North Africans strictly use it with any kind of fish and lobster. What we Americans use it for is simply a topping mostly for hamburger buns  and benne ,a South Carolina crunchy cookie that had its' beginnings in West Africa, probably Benin.The Japanese like it to give sushi and salad flavor and crunch.

Sesame is a versatile seed that can be used in a variety of different ways. Try it in a salad the way the Japanese do or in a crunch cookie such as benne. It is a delicious way to experience this intriguing seed

Sesame is agreat