Cooking with Eggplant I've always thought eggplant has a kind of mystique surrounding it. Is it the deep purple color? Is it the name? Or, is it that many people are confused with how to cook eggplant? If you're confused, then it's time to get to the grocery store or local farm market, buy an eggplant and give it a try! To Peel or Not to Peel It's not hard to prepare and cook eggplant. First, rinse eggplant well with cool water. The next step is to peel or not to peel it and either way works. Next, cut eggplant into chunks or rounds and cook it. Some chefs give eggplant a striped look … [Read more...] about How to Cook Eggplant & Easy Eggplant Recipe
Beautiful Basil & 3 Easy Basil Recipes!
Versatility of Fresh Basil One super-fresh flavor of summer is the herb, basil. I've grown it in a sunny place in my yard for probably 15 years, or more. It's easy to grow, full of wonderful flavor and it keeps on growing-and-giving as you pick it throughout June, July, August and September. Here's a fun look at how versatile fresh basil is. 3 Easy Basil Recipes 1. Watermelon with Fresh Basil: Cut fresh basil leaves into very thin slivers and sprinkle on top of cut-up, fresh watermelon. 2. Italian Panini Sandwich: Layer thin sliced prosciutto, Mozzarella cheese, tomato slices and … [Read more...] about Beautiful Basil & 3 Easy Basil Recipes!
Mighty Mushrooms Make Healthy Meals!
Mushrooms & Pennsylvania When I went to middle school, my family moved from Washington State to southeastern Pennsylvania. That was when I began learning about mushrooms. My mother got into the habit of giving a big basket of fresh mushrooms as a holiday or special occasion gift which might sound odd, unless you know Pennsylvania mushrooms! Mushrooms 101: Nutrition & Health Like so many veggies, mushrooms have a strong nutrition resume. Some of their top nutrients include selenium, copper and potassium along with fiber and health-enhancing phytochemicals. Mushrooms are low … [Read more...] about Mighty Mushrooms Make Healthy Meals!
A Turkish Breakfast is a Healthy Meal!
Breakfast Foods Eaten in Turkey! When I visited Turkey, I was greeted in the morning with a hearty and healthy breakfast. Some of the foods I ate were these: olives, hummus, bread, honeycomb, figs, fresh pear, apricot juice, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese. Can you find them on my plate at the left? Mediterranean Foods are Nutrient-Packed! All foods offer us calories and nutrition. Those that are grown and eaten in the Mediterranean area of the world, though, are especially tasty and high quality calories. The good news is that we can choose many of these same foods in an American … [Read more...] about A Turkish Breakfast is a Healthy Meal!
Power-Up with Fruits & Veggies!
How to Power-Up * Pick up at least 2 fruits and 2 veggies in your weekly grocery shopping basket - fresh, canned and/or frozen * Make a colorful plate of fruit/veg your goal * Taste one new fruit and one new veggie every week How to Inspire Your Family * Keep a bowl of colorful fruits on the kitchen counter * Teach the kids to peel a carrot...and eat it * Learn to make homemade vegetable soup and practice often September is Fruit & Veggie Month Feeling great and staying healthy are 2 awesome reasons to power-up with fruits and veggies. Try plums, raspberries, … [Read more...] about Power-Up with Fruits & Veggies!
Pumpkins Make Healthy Eating Tasty & Fun!
What Can I Do with Pumpkins? * Decorate your front door step with pumpkins throughout the fall * Carve pumpkins into funny faces at Halloween * Scoop out the pumpkin seeds and make oven-roasted pumpkin seeds that are a crisp and hearty snack * Scoop out and cook the pumpkin flesh until soft, puree it and use in a muffin recipe or soup recipe * Oven-bake a small pumpkin, whole, and then use the flesh as a side dish on your dinner plate or any way you wish Make Pumpkin Your New Healthy Habit! You will be doing yourself a big favor by adding pumpkin and its 'fall squash … [Read more...] about Pumpkins Make Healthy Eating Tasty & Fun!