Using Your Beans

One of nature's best foods is the bean.It's tasty , nutritious and versatile.You can have it in soups or salads,hot or cold .It can be made into a main dish or a side.Best of all there are so many varieties.You could make a different bean dish every day and each one would be unique. Beans are one of the greatest sources of fiber and soluble fiber.They're also high in protein,which also makes them a good sub for meat.They're also high in iron and floats as well as complex carbs.They may give you gas and if that's the case, you could take Bean-o or Gas-X or a more natural solution would be to soak them overnight in vinegar or baking soda to neutralize them.Most beans do require an overnight soak or even a precook rinse.Beans can either come in cans or in packages.It pays to have a big variety of both around. What are some bean recipes that are both tasty and good for you.A meatless chili is always a good bet.You can use a few different types in it such as kidney ,garbanzo and black beans. of course kidney beans are good on their own, usually cooled off in a salad. Serve them in a tasty three bean with the bright yellow wax beans and green beans for color and nutrition.Some three bean salads do have a dose of sugar. Sub it with a bit of honey or a tiny bit of stevia. Add iodine rich sliced red onions cut thin and herbs too.Lentils are another great and versatile bean.Try in in a veggie laden with soup or on it's own with antioxidant rich turmeric .This is not only a delicious meal but also a great dip for whole wheat tortilla chips. Any kind of bean is good in any kind of dish.Try them hot or cold for a tasty treat. They are a worthy addition to any diet.

Start Them Young

Every little kid wants cupcakes and candy.It's hard to say no to a toddler or even a kindergartener who wants a treat.However most parents - and even grandparents are getting smart. The older folks are offering better snacks and rewards to the little ones. Hopefully that means a new generation who will have a healthier outlooks to both party foods and treats. One of the worst places for sugary snacks are birthday parties. Some school districts , especially in New Jersey have banned any kind of baked good and candy. most do this for allergies.Many kids do have milk and egg ones however some teachers believe that sugary birthday treats have no place in the classroom and just let the birthday boy or girl wear a crown or pick out the playground game of choice. as for your own you can organize a make your own pizza party using healthy toppings and whole wheat crusts. Another fun snack is kabobs, using free range chicken and small veggies like pearl onions and grape tomatoes. for sweets, try the ever popular banana chunks or orange slices (before serving , it's good to include an allergy list with the invite. you can plan accordingly then). At home, try to cut out colas and chips. If the kiss want soda think about getting a carbonator.This takes regular watervand carbonates it, giving it the desired fizz and bubble. Add fruit juice from your juicer as flavoring. also gets your tots and toddlers used to juiced fruits and veggies. There will be no unwelcome sugars and preservatives in their diets. Also ,instead of white flours , think about whole grains as lll. homemade nut butters which can be made are anotherbgood idea. Pepper strips and baby carrots are always a fun playground snack.As they get older think about giving them broccoli and cauliflower to nibble on as a snack.Sprinkle on herbs such as Rosemary or oregano for some spice. If you want healthy kids, then start them young on diets. good food ,healthy food is key to living well.The younger they know this, the better.

Kashi Goodness

Eating food that's both tasty and good for you can be tricky.It's hard to find a manufacter that can provide flavor and nutrition ,yet Kashi comes to the rescue here.From breakfast to a small snack ,this company can give you healthy and fun food. the best part is that there are a lot of choices and good ones at that too. Kashi first started in crunchy granola SouthernCalifornia byLa Jolla couple Phil andGayleTauber.They started with Kashi Breakfast Pilaf ,a morning mix of different grains and natural sweeteners.They followed it a year later with a kind of puffed cereal.Now you can buy their instant oatmeal, which unlike other instant varieties, has the added goodness of flaxseed to it.They even make waffles both in their seven grain and blueberry kinds.Kashi has also entered the main entree market as well. Their frozen foods range from Italian to Mexican to Asian. there is a three cheese penne to aMayanharvest bake.For those who want a healthier Chinese then try their lemongrass coconut or sweet and sour chicken.They laso have steamed meals which are even better for you. the ingredients are not only heart healthy but tongue tasty too.There's everything from a spinach and artichoke pasta to an Italian veggie medley pasta.They also have awiderange of all natural pizzas,ranging from Margherita to the ultra trendy BBQ chicken. Kashi also has some awesome cookies and snacks.Their dark chocolate chip cookies are not only tasty but good for you.There's the usual seven grains,along with oatmeal and evaporated cane syrup.Wildflower honey is laso added for a slight sweetness. there are laso crackers and pita chips in sorts of sweet and savory flavors.You can serve these to the kids as a between meal snack orto guests as hor d' ouevres.The flavors range from honey sesame and toasted Asiago for the crackers and the zesty salsa, and sea salt seven grain along with garlic pesto for the pita chips.There are also snack bars that look like decadent candy bars but are in fact chock full of theTauber's usual seven grains.These come in the lower calorie Golean or the regular.The first is chocolate dipped in a full of antioxidants dark chocolate.The other is plain but still delicious. if you want tasty plus healthy, then go over to the Kashi line..They offer everything from breakfast to pizzas,from cookies to crackers.Switch over to them now for a healthy and fun diet.

Craft Beers Yet Another Controversy

Artisan beers may be the hippest drinks right now however there's always a fight about them. This time its' how they're bottled. Beer has always been served in smaller bottles unlike wine and since the last few decades in cans. Now they're coming in larger containers, much to the chagrin and dislike of beer lovers.

The New York Times Dining Section wrote about it in yesterday's paper with newcomer ,Clay Risen weighing in on the topic. Most beer bottles now are almost as big as wine bottles. This is fine if you're sharing a beer with a date or with friends. However unlike a Merlot or Chablis , you can't cork it and bring it home with you. Even many  craft beer store owners such as Ben Granger have problems with this. People won't buy the larger beers so they sit on the shelves  and collect dust, more or less.Six packs are still the big seller and probably will be , despite their usual taste

Others , namely brewery owners disagree.This is the case with Bruery , a California beer manufacturer,located in Placentia. The director of marketing,Ben Weiss, believes that people will open up a milliliter of beer to share with friends.These are fancy beers, not Buds or even Sam Adams The brews are made with cacao nibs and honey. They're meant to be opened for a group or a few served at a party with fancy wines and champagnes. Yet as most beer fans point out , beer is just that.It's not as frilly as wines and won't have the connoisseur following that they've always  had already
Should beer be put into larger bottles like wine? Yes, if it's a fancy artesanal one. It would go well , not at restaurants but at parties where a bigger format would be more appreciated.

Winter Pickles

Pickling is usually a summer activity. It's an easy way to deal with extra veggies , especially with all kinds of cucumbers. However you can also pickle in the winter too, with root veggies . It  creates not only an interesting side but also a fun and different appetizer at parties too.

It was the subject of an article(and a really great informative video) in today's New York Times Dining section,Melissa Clark of A Good Appetite took radishes, the traditional kind and a cool melon looking one Radishes make the best pickles during this time of year because they're watery and are able to absorb the juices. She then sliced them and pickled them in an interesting Korean influenced brine.The added hot flakes gave it more zing than a usual kind.

This is an easy recipe for anyone .You can be more truer to form and add some anchovies or Korean fish sauce.vegans can leave that out and rely on the hot pepper  for extra flavor.Without the sauce it;s basically a dry brine with the  radishes tossed and then "marinated" in diced garlic and ginger.the pepper has to be flakes ,Using powdered may give you very fiery kind of pickles and may make for some dangerous eating For a hint of citrus , Ms. Clark added a bruised lemon grass stalk but you can also added kaffir lime leaves too.

This may not be the time for fresh pickles yet if you want them ,make them.This pickled radish recipe is the perfect one for pickle lovers as well as for those who want to liven up their late winter meals.These are easy to make and easy to love, thanks to their fire and and spice.

Hackensack's Heritage Diner

Hackensack, New Jersey has always had a lot of heritage and that inludes it's diner also called The Herirtage. this is Bergen County's oldest diner yet thanks to new ownership ,it's as fresh as waver. The diner is literally surrounded by history.It is near the Bergen County Courthouse near the church where the British raided during the American Revolution.The spot itself was where the first Hackensack Bus station was and has been there since the mid 1950's.The food ,despite the long list of owners has always been good.It was always featuring the salad bar alone with the kid's menu.It was known for it's burgers and fries,along with it's platter sized onion rings.(note order these if you're with three other people because of their mega size).They are also have good grilled cheese ,with the bread being grilled and buttery on both sides. of course the diner is known for the American classic , the giant cookie and they have several different kinds from oatmeal to sugar along with chocolate chip The Heritage has sophisticated meal as well.It has one of the truest to recipe French onion so.completevwith a crunchy slice of French bread and covered in cheese.It's also served in a good sized crock where as some eateries serve it in a bowl.The Heritage features a vast variety of cuisines as well.Thie dim sum is better than any Chhinese restaurant in the local area and it serves excellent nachos and cheese.It also has good Yankeee food like steak , bean soup and melt lof.You can have your lunch oe dinner with a drink but many just stick with soda or the Heritage's excellent fresh brewed tea.

Small Pastas, Big Ideas

Everyone thinks pasta should be long and stringy nor square and chewy to be delicious. That's not necessarily true.Some of the best pasta dishes require the smaller kinds.These are usually made of the same flour but are cut smaller.They still PAC the same taste whether in bowl of sauce or bowl of soup. There are several different kinds of mini or little pastas.Elbow macaroni is probably the most popular and also the most used .These curved little tubes are usually used in the summer ,drenched in mayo and covered with carrot sliced and celery bits .However elbow macaroni is also good with a tangy tomato sauce and makes a fun lunch for kids.Ditalini ,literally meaning little fingers inItalian are another tasty little pasta.It'sone of the ingredients in pasta efagiole and is a chewy , perfect with the soup's other signature ingredient chick peas. Orzo ,usually considered "Greek pasta" is a rice like pasta that can be used hot or cold.Orzo is goods pilaf and can accompany chicken kabobs or even lamb.You can also make salad with it as well.Create a Greek style, using feta cheese along with chopped onions and peppers along with a spice infused dressing.Pastina is another great mini pasta.It can mostly found in soups ,adding spark and flavor to simple beef,chicken and vegetable stock.Pastina can also be made with egg as a quick and healthy dinner.It can also be made with butter fora nice comfort meal or even snack. Small pastas can pack a big punch.Use them in a variety dishes from snacks to dinners.Try them for a huge burst of flavor.