Archive for June, 2008
Fresh Food From Your Garden
It s been along time since the Second World War and the dig for victory campaign, but that doesn’t mean you cannot grow fresh food in even the smallest garden. It doesn’t even have to be a garden – a veranda, a balcony, a window box. My daughter has recently progressed from a tiny studio flat to a house with a garden and a yard. For her birthday we bought her a small plastic greenhouse, some seeds, trays and compost and she was away.
Strawberries are grown in boxes on the sunny patio and she has been picking them all summer. She’s not growing cabbages and potatoes – she lives within hailing distance of a high street where these can be obtained at any time. What she does grow is a wide variety of herbs and lots of leafy stuff for salads. S he has only been in the house for a few months, but is planning bigger things next year. Not that she didn’t grow stuff in her flat. It had two wide sunny window sills on which she had lots of pots with such things as chives, basil and so on. If she could do it in that tiny flat so can anyone. My sister-in-law grows chilli peppers on her windowsill.
I can still hear you saying I haven’t got room. We have a back garden of 15 foot by about 45. As well as patio, pond, lawn and flowers we have a pear tree, two cherries, gooseberries, blackcurrant, raspberries, Tay berries and herbs such as sage and bay. In the past we’ve grown beans in boxes around the garage under planted with leafy Italian mixes of salad leaves. There is no waste because you just pick as many leaves as you want so no more slimy lettuce in the bottom of the fridge.
I know that you can probably buy all these things, but imagine going out to the garden and snipping fresh chives for soup – the ones in the supermarket don’t have the flowers.
My bible for all this is the Reader’s Digest ‘Food From Your Garden ‘book, but there are others. Have a go.
Chilli Vinegar
This gives a great lift to salad dressings. When preparing chillies is the one time I use nylon gloves. Never rub your eyes and always wash your hands very thoroughly or you will really regret it. Use about 2 oz (50 g) of chillies. Split these and then steep them in a bottle of vinegar – wine, malt or cider as you like. Leave for two weeks and then strain into a clean bottle and it is ready to use.
Cooking with Nuts
Cooking With Healthy Nuts
Nuts are found in cookies, candy bars, baked goods, side dishes, appetizers, and entrees, providing a flavorful addition to any recipe, but also uplifting the nutritional content as well. To take advantage of the many positives associated with nuts, consider incorporating the following selections in your next meal.
Walnuts
The walnut possesses a high amount of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which helps elevate heart health, as well as battle the inflammatory symptoms associated with asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, eczema and psoriasis. Walnuts contain an antioxidant compound called ellagic acid, which is proven to fight against cancer, as well as provide a boost in the immune system. Patients given walnuts as part of their treatment have seen the levels of their total cholesterol and ‘bad” cholesterol significantly decrease. The hardening of the arteries (also known as atherosclerosis) was also reduced. To incorporate walnuts when cooking, seek out recipes, such Walnut Salad, Spiced Walnut Apple Pie, and Beef and Walnut Stew.
Almonds
Almonds contain a high amount of magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, as well as helpful antioxidants, such as vitamin E and selenium. Calcium is also contained in a handful of almonds, which in fact rivals the amount of calcium contained in ¼ cup of milk. To boost the health of the colon, almonds are a winner, as the high fiber content helps sustain regularity. When it comes to lowering cholesterol, almonds are considered one of the best nuts for getting the job done. Almonds are also known to clear the arteries. A few recipes to look forward with almonds include Pine Nut Macaroons, Honey Almond Chicken, and Hot Chicken Casserole.
Cashews
Since cashews are lower in fat than most nuts, they make perfect additions to recipes when one is looking to cut back on the calories. In addition, cashews are filled with copper, magnesium, zinc, iron and biotin. To get your daily fill, try preparing recipes, such as Cashew Chicken, and Cashew Avocado Chicken Salad.
Pecans
The first thing many think of when they hear the word, ‘pecan,’ is the pie it so famously creates. The last thing is probably the fact that there are more than 19 vitamins and minerals provided by this characteristic nut, including vitamins E and A, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, copper, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Some of the benefits associated with using the pecan while cooking includes lowering blood cholesterol and clearing up the arteries. A few recipes containing pecans include Pecan Breaded Chicken Breasts, and Coconut Pecan Frosting.
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Berries are Berry Good for You!
To enjoy the benefits associated with the many nutrient-rich berries on the market, there are plenty of recipes to consider the next time you’re looking to cook healthy. Whether you are fixing a cobbler for dessert or combining an assortment of berries to blend in a smoothie, you will encounter a wealth of possibilities. Below you will find a few suggestions to take note of:
Blueberries
The blueberry is considered one of the healthiest of all fruits because it contains such a high capacity of antioxidants. With anti-inflammatory characteristics, the berries make a great fighter of cancer. They are also known to reduce cell damage and work against the aging process. Additionally, the berry is known to lower cholesterol and combat heart disease. A few recipes to consider that utilize the blueberry include Blueberry Waffles with Blueberry Sauce, Blueberry Muffins, and Chocolate-Covered Blueberries.
Cherries
Cherries contain components that battle against cancer, arthritis pain, gout, and migraines. The melatonin helps some individuals sleep, while others benefit from the high levels of vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium. There are two basic varieties of cherries to consider: sweet and sour. The smaller and brighter varieties of sour cherries are usually added to pies, sauces, and other baked goods. A few cherry recipes to consider include Cherry Cheesecake Pie and Cherry Oat Crunch.
Strawberries
Using strawberries in your recipes aid in protecting the heart, fighting cancer cells, and lessening the effects of inflamed tissue, joints, and muscles. The strawberry contains an ample amount of vitamins C and K, manganese, fiber potassium, folate, riboflavin, and vitamin B5. A great way to prepare strawberries is to include them in salads, breakfast shakes and desserts, such as Strawberry Tapioca.
Bilberry
The bilberry is the European version of blueberries and is known to protect the eyes and increase overall vision. This berry first discovered as a wonder in the medical world during World War II when the British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots found that their night vision improved as a result to eating the berries. The bilberry also works to improve blood flow and circulation. A nice way to explore this berry is to create a variety of pies, tarts, and muffins.
Additional berries to consider when embracing the healthy properties of this delightful fruit include blackberries (with antioxidants, vitamins C and E), elderberries (fights colds and flu); lingonberries (makes great sauces, jams, jellies, juice and wine), cranberries (great in pies, muffins and cakes), raspberries (filled with antioxidants and great in desserts, salads, cereals, sauces, and jams), and mulberries (treats weakness, kidney concerns, anemia, and fatigue).
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