There's a lot you can do with a melon and I became a big fan of it while in Spain. If you are a fan of local fruit from a farm near your home then you might agree that summer is the best time of year to buy melons. After all, during July and August they are in-season. The choices of sweet and juicy melons doesn't stop with watermelon, even though it is a big favorite. Branching out to cantaloupe and honeydew melon and Crenshaw melon and Christmas melon (called a toad-skinned melon in Spain) and more is a fun adventure of flavors that everyone can enjoy. Melon Nutrition Since there are … [Read more...] about The Sweet Story of Melon and 5 Easy Snack Ideas
Cinnamon Mandarinas with Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a Recipe from Spain
Here's a dessert recipe that will tickle your taste buds as it protects your body and brain from oxidative stress, inflammation, and aging. These sound like impossible claims, right? In fact, by combining the nutrition of a sweet, juicy, high fiber tangerine-mandarina (or orange) with the nutrition of delicious extra virgin olive oil, the health benefits are amazing. Vitamin C in the citrus fruit is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. High quality, fresh extra virgin olive oil is a superhero of the Mediterranean-DASH Diet meal pattern … [Read more...] about Cinnamon Mandarinas with Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a Recipe from Spain
Seafood Cooks Quickly and Tastes Great
As a nutrition professional, I've encouraged a lot of people to eat fish and shellfish and I hope that I've succeeded. Seafood is a top choice for a burst of delicious protein at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here is a list of how some fish compare to other high protein foods like meat, poultry, dairy foods, and beans/legumes. Think about dinner with seafood, for example, and brainstorm all your options. Chances are that you'll discover it's easier and quicker to cook seafood than chicken, beef, pork, or a bowl of spaghetti. Wouldn't that be great? How to Cook Fresh Fish and … [Read more...] about Seafood Cooks Quickly and Tastes Great
Spanish Tortilla is a Potato-Onion Omelet
If you think an omelet is only for breakfast, then think again. This one works as a meal or a healthy snack. In Spain, the traditional Tortilla is well known as comfort food. It's a popular meal starter at home and it's easy to find as a snack or tapas around town, too. One thing I especially like about the Spanish Tortilla - a simple egg & onion & potato omelet - is that the whole thing is flavored with delicious extra virgin olive oil. Another thing I like is that it costs very little to make and most family members will like it. Finally, I like it because it reheats so well … [Read more...] about Spanish Tortilla is a Potato-Onion Omelet
5 Steps to Easy Grilled Vegetables
Grilling vegetables doesn't have to be hard, messy or time consuming. The smart and easy way to grill vegetables is a 5-step process: Decide which vegetables you want to grill Buy the vegetables, wash in cold water, cut about 1/2 inch thick Brush with good quality extra virgin olive oil on both sides Place on the grill, pre-heated to medium Cook for 2-5 minutes, flip over, cook for 2-5 more minutes When you are the grill cook, pay attention to which vegetables you are using because some are more watery (for example, mushrooms, zucchini and eggplant) and others … [Read more...] about 5 Steps to Easy Grilled Vegetables
Seasonal Eating is the Best!
There are many pleasures of eating and one of my favorites is eating with the seasons. So, when my husband came home from work with a large baggie of fresh, local asparagus last week, I got super excited. I prepped and roasted the asparagus with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. When I ate it, my taste buds did a happy dance! Grocery stores sell a huge assortment of fruits and vegetables all year round with good flavors. And, to be fair, sometimes these fresh items are remarkably tasty considering that they traveled thousands of miles from far away lands. Yes, I encourage … [Read more...] about Seasonal Eating is the Best!