Flavors from the Mediterranean Do you like the flavors of Italy? Do you like the flavors of Greece? Do you like the flavors of Turkey or Spain? All of these countries have coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea and, because of this, they share similar climates and some similar food ingredients and flavors. Menu Planning from the Mediterranean Whether or not you live near the Mediterranean Sea, you can enjoy eating a meal that is traditional to that area. It's fun, too. Maybe you'll want to plan a simple pasta dinner with red sauce made from garlic, basil and tomatoes. Or maybe you'll … [Read more...] about Mediterranean Flavors Make Meal Planning Easier!
Corn Makes Meals Sweet from Ear to Ear!
The History of Corn Corn on the cob has been a favorite of mine since way back. What about you? Did you know that corn originated thousands of years ago in central Mexico? Today, it is a major food staple around the world. Ways to Prepare Corn Corn is a colorful, nutrient-rich, versatile grain that lends itself to hot and cold recipes. Here are 2 quickies: 1. Corn Pancakes: Make a simple pancake batter from baking mix or scratch ingredients. Before cooking, add a cup of corn kernels. Cook. 2. Grilled Corn: Peel off corn husks. Sprinkle a little water onto each ear and wrap … [Read more...] about Corn Makes Meals Sweet from Ear to Ear!
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 Warm Bowl of Soup is Your Dinner Solution!
Soup is Comfort Food! If I could invent healthy comfort food, it would be a bowl of homemade soup and I would eat it every day. Seriously. I love to make homemade soup and to eat it - frequently. Do you? Soup is Versatile! There is a whole world of homemade soups and I enjoy being creative when I make them. It's hard to say which are my favorites because all are good options but, if I had to, I'd choose lentil, pumpkin and vegetable-beef. My lentil soup is shown at the left. Soup Ingredients are Healthy & Cheap! Now, here's the clincher - homemade soup is really cheap to … [Read more...] about A Warm Bowl of Soup is Your Dinner Solution!
December Means Bold Flavors, Aromas and Healthy Inspiration!
Holiday Food Decorations! The expression, We Eat With our Eyes, must have been made for December. I always enjoy looking at beautiful, creative decorations and those made with food are my favorites. In the example on the left, there are dried citrus slices, nuts, berries and tiny seeds that, together, make a fun hanging decoration with wonderful aroma. Holiday Spices! An easy way to add bold flavor to your December foods is with spices. Cinnamon is something you can sprinkle onto a fresh or baked apple. Nutmeg is delicious sprinkled onto a pumpkin pancake or baked … [Read more...] about December Means Bold Flavors, Aromas and Healthy Inspiration!
Pump-Up the Good Nutrition in Your Recipes!
Tinkering with Recipes! I love to tinker with recipes, or recipe mixes, that I make. By that, I mean I like to add something or substitute something to kick up the good nutrition a notch. A few days ago I made a chili con carne recipe and substituted 1/2 of the lean ground beef with ground turkey breast, for example. Yesterday, I made sliced cucumbers in a sweet vinaigrette dressing with onions and then I added a big handful of fresh chopped parsley. This morning, I added about 1/2 cup canned pumpkin to sweet potato pancake mix (in the photo at the left) -- and a few semi-sweet, mini … [Read more...] about Pump-Up the Good Nutrition in Your Recipes!