Tag: food

Beet Smoothie ..🎶..BEET IT 🎶 !!

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Harvest Season For Beets ~ North America ~

Beetroots will be ready to harvest in July or August if you did a fall planting. Plant beets NOW and you will have beets ready to HARVEST in late September through early November. Eat the outer leaves for salad while the beets are still in the ground.

And The Beet Goes On!🎶

SMOOTHIES are such a great start to the day! This one was really yummy! In most beet drinks I’ve had, there is an overwhelming beet flavor. This one has a much more subtle beet taste. But, you can definitely still taste beet in the smoothie. The color was so beautiful!! Throw all of the ingredients together in the blender and enjoy!

BEET Smoothie Recipe

  • Servings: 1-2
  • Difficulty: easy
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INGREDIENTS

▢ 1 cup of ice
▢ 1/2 cup raspberries (can be frozen)
▢ 2-3 beets (depends on size)
▢ 1 banana -frozen
▢ 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt ( use goat milk yogurt if available)
▢ 1 tablespoon chia seeds
▢ 2 tablespoons bran buds 
▢ ½ teaspoon turmeric 
▢ add a smidgen of black pepper
▢ 1 1/2 cups goat milk (almond, oat or whole milk)
▢ 1 teaspoon of honey (optional)
▢ 1/2 cup blueberries (optional) (fresh or frozen)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the bran buds in the mixer first. Blend to a powder form. Add the raw beets (chopped roughly) and blend.

2. Add goat milk, frozen banana, fruit, then pulse and blend in the rest of the ingredients.

3. The order is not so important. However, it would be best to add the bran and beets first.

HEALTHY NEWS

Beets are super stars in the veggie world. Amazon toots that beets are good for the heart by lowering blood pressure. Beets mixed with blueberries gives you a double dose of antioxidants. Beet Smoothie ‘DETOX’ are filled with nutrients; folate, potassium, vitamin C manganese and magnesium. Weight loss –>eat beets (low calorie count)! “Fiber rich” ~ keeps you satisfied and felling full for a long time.

Add basal, cumin seeds, ginger to your smoothie or fermented, pickled beets. You can jar your beets raw or cooked. Sometimes I steam my beets for 10 minutes and then jar beet rounds or shred them using a gilotine. Sometimes I have scrambled eggs and pickled beets for breakfast.

Herbal 🥃 Ice Tea * NO CAFFEINE

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My orange-turmeric herbal iced tea is one of my favorite summer drinks since school days. Enjoy your summer COOL drinks – refreshing and full of ready-to-absorb nutrients. Did I say easy to make? So easy – your road to good health!

It could be herbal ice tea she’s holding? 🥃 Use your imagination!

Orange -Turmeric Ice Tea

One summer, I was working at Ontario Place’s ( Toronto, Ontario, CAN.) beer garden, wearing a traditional German dirndl. A friend, brought in Celestial Seasonings’ “Constant Comment” tea 😋 when we visit [Today they replaced it with “Mandarine Spice Tea‘]. This was the FIRST TIME I tasted herbal tea in my life! You felt great during and after drinking herbal tea ~ with no caffeine. I think it was the orange zest that raised you to flavour town.

FUN FACT: Beer is made from herbs too called Hops. Hops act as a preservative and stabilizer. Barley and yeast are also in beer. Hops is used for women during menopause; that mimics estrogen.

Herbal teas, also known as HERBAL INFUSIONS

…and less commonly called tisanes are beverages made from the infusion or decoction of herbs, spices, or other plant material in hot water”.….published by wikipedia.org. Tastes best on a hot day!

Herbal Ice Tea

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

INGREDIENTS
▢ The rind curls of 2-3 mandarin oranges (approx 1/4 cup)
▢ 2 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh turmeric root or ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
▢ 2 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh ginger root or ½ teaspoon ginger powder
▢ A few (4 or 5) whole black pepper corns or ¼ teaspoon black pepper powder
▢ 2 cloves
▢ 1 star anise (add 2 if you desire)
▢ 1 cinnamon stick (3-4 inches long break in half) or ½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
▢ 4-6 cups water (steep longer with more water) test taste throughout
▢ 2 tsp of tea leaves: green ‘gunpowder’ tea leaves or black tea leaves
▢ 1/2 cup mandarin orange juice (optional -use to taste.)
INSTRUCTIONS

  1. peel zest curls from clementines (about 1/4 cup).
  2. Boil 4 (6) cups of water
  3. Turn stove off and stir in sliced fresh turmeric, ginger plus the rest of the ingredients
  4. Place a lid on the mixture and leave for 3-5 hours to steep on your stove top. Taste and adjust
  5. OPTIONAL:Add or leave out the mandarin orange juice. It is a taste preference. start with 1/4 cup, then taste it
  6. Strain mixture into a pitcher and refrigerate. If your herb tea is too strong add water. Too weak? Boil your left over herbs and spices in 1 1/2 cup of water and add to your pitcher of tea.

It is clear that turmeric(anti-inflamatory) and ginger( heart health) have amazing power to boost your health by reducing inflammation and pain. Reduce joint inflammation. Reduce cholesterol. Curcumin in turmeric has also been successfully used in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Give your immune system a boost!

Turmeric Orange Tea

Buy online $38.99 U.S. In my recipe I used clementine or tangerine for an extra Yumm! I wanted to mimic my favorite Celestial Seasoning –>”Constant Comment”< tea. The closest now is their mandarin orange spice tea. There may have been conflict with Bigalow’s version inspired 75 years ago. But, I liked Celestial’s version the best. ..gone…today. It always brings a smile to my face. A memory from school days and still a favorite today.

LEMON CHICKEN with Garlic: Spatchcock Method

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CELEBRATE comfort food with lemons ~ FAST COOKING Lemon Chicken!

Spatchcock is ‘TRENDING’ in how to cook chicken today. Fast and easy; cooked to perfection. I always order lemon chicken when we have special Chinese dinner night. Making my own lemon chicken is crispy when you prepare the chicken using this fast cooking method. I never go back to the old method. I want to share this delicious chicken recipe with you. You’ll never have a dry chicken with spatchcocking. This is how chickens should be cooked all the time. I sometimes use a lower temperature for a longer oven time and the chicken falls off the bone. One day, I grabbed a chicken leg and the bone pulled out clean. Nice!!!

THE BENEFITS of spatchcocking sometimes called butterflying a chicken, is that you get an even heat across the chicken. The chicken cooks faster and remains juicy. Cook time is reduced by about 25%. A 3.5 lb chicken should cook in about 35 minutes.

Better With 🧈 BUTTER 🧈

  • Start with up to 8 oz. unsalted butter! You decide how much butter your heart can take ?!?

Spatchcock ~Lemon Chicken with Garlic Recipe

  • Servings: 2-4
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

INGREDIENTS

▢ 8 ounces softened butter
▢ 1/2 - 1 teaspoon dry/fresh thyme (use fresh if you can get it) 
▢ 1/2 - 1 teaspoon dry/fresh rosemary
▢ Kosher salt and pepper
▢ 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
▢ 3 lemons
▢ 3 large cloves garlic, minced [garlic lovers double up on garlic -I do!]
▢ 1 tablespoon soy paste, optional, but it shouldn’t be - and I say ‘paste’ because trying to mix a straight liquid into this mixture will be a bit challenging (TIP: add 1/4 tsp starch or flour and reduce soy liquid to a paste before adding -works like a charm)
▢ 1/4 cup vermouth or white wine [or cognac, brandy, sherry, dessert wine]
▢ 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional,[with a smidge - the flavor is enhanced - you don't taste the heat
▢ One 3-4 pound chicken - spatchcocked

INSTRUCTIONS
▢ Preheat oven to 450F High temp works well for complete cook time – fast and juicy![2nd VERSION: Change temp. to 375F as son as the chicken in the oven, takes about 2 hours cook time for the fall off the bone version]
▢ Put butter, thyme, rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon each salt/pepper, parsley, zest of one lemon, garlic and soy paste in a small bowl and mix well to combine – put about 1/4 of this mixture into another bowl and set aside for later
▢ Cut the ends off the lemons (including the zested one) then cut into 1/2 inch slices and spread out in one layer on the bottom of a large cast iron or oven proof skillet. Give the sliced lemons a bit of a squeeze to start off the flavor process. – pour in the vermouth (or white wine)
▢ Dry chicken with a paper towel (ensures crispiness). Season the inside of the chicken with salt & pepper, then rub chicken with some of the butter mixture, flip over and repeat: salt, pepper, butter mixture then put on top of the ‘pinched’ lemons
▢ Put chicken in the oven and cook until instant read thermometer reads 165F in the breast and about 175F in the thigh (different times for different ovens)
▢ Remove from oven, brush with saved butter mixture, lightly tent with foil and let rest 10 minutes
▢ Remove foil, cut into pieces and enjoy!

Make It …EZ..EASIER!

SLOW COOK YOUR CHICKEN!

I like the slow version for a fall off the bone, juicy chicken. Not always into the crispy skin. And, it depends on my time. The slow cooking is a weekend meal -still crispy but not intensely crispy. Prep time around 2:00 pm into the oven -then you know dinner is done around 4:00 or 5:00 pm. Veggies you can even throw in with the chicken half way done or in the beginning of cooking. I may toss in Japanese sweet potato, turnips, squash, carrots, cauliflower, onions or brussels sprouts. Fresh veggies is best. Now its a ‘one pot’ meal. HOW EASY!!!

SPATCHCOCKING

TODAY, many experts recommend NOT WASHING your chicken before cooking it. Washing the chicken SPREAD GERMS around your kitchen ( up to 9 feet). Paper towel dried chicken inside and out, also kills bacteria. After spatchcocking: you can marinate the chicken overnight or cook immediately. Note: you can spatchcock turkey!

CRISPY CHICKEN

An interesting twist -One New York chef pats dry the chicken and covers it with salt and baking POWDER [excellent substitute salt tip from AOC, (America on coffee): vinegar and lemon or lime juice are great substitutes for salt. ] and lets the spatchcock chicken sit in the fridge overnight. IN THE MORNING, you can see the powder has been absorbed into the chicken. A crispier skin is the outcome. You can do this with turkey to enhance the crispiness. Crispy chicken is one of my favorite parts of the fowl. An overnight brine ensures flavor all the way through the chicken. Overnight marinated chicken breaks up the work flow. You do not have to do the overnight marinade. Although – after cooking, always rest the chicken for 10-15 minutes before you cut into it. This is a key step to make the best juicy and tender chicken.

ACCORDING TO RUMOR

spatchcocked chicken came from the IRISH in the 1800’s. This wacky term from Ireland may be an abbreviation of “Dispatch the cock,” Furthermore, cock is short for cockerel ( a young rooster).

HOW TO ~ Spatchcock A Chicken ~ Picture Perfect Directions

YOGURT ~ JUST DESSERT ~ No Sugar!

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What are you having for dessert TODAY!!! YOGURT with blueberries (any fruit – apples), a handful of seeds or nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds. Whatever tickles your fancy.

Yogurt

I grew up on yogurt. The quality of your yogurt depends on the quality of your ingredients. This is such a good video I wanted to share it with you. NO SUGAR!!! ignore those recipes low sugar yogurt. BAH!!! You don’t even have to buy a yogurt maker. Notice when you have home made yogurt has a slight fermented acidic notes. Something like Kambucha. If you think it’s sour, you’ve been eating way too much sugar in your diet. I am at a point where ice cream is too sweet. I cant eat it. Take care of yourself for me! Please be good to yourself!

The next thing you want to know is ..What is the best yogurt?

HOME MADE YOGURT

NEXT BEST YOGURT: GI (Glucose Index) for GREEK YOGURT : 11. The GI for ice cream : 88!!! Replace your sour cream (GI 56) with Greek yogurt – for your baked potatoes-a side with any meal to add creaminess and balance to what you are eating. Instead of a dollop of ice cream or whip cream, use a dollop of yogurt? Note: GI under 55 is considered low.

GREEK style yogurt has the least amount of carbs.

DOCTORS AGREE
Full fat Greek yogurt is your #1 choice.
2% is the lowest percentage you want to buy.

Did You Know?

If you are lactose intolerant you can eat yogurt.

YOGURT contains lactase which is the enzyme our bodies need to break down lactose.
Yogurt is often beneficial to the lactose intolerant.

Blame The Manufacturers Then .. Blame Yourself!

MANUFACTURERS know that people like sugar. No, people are obsessed with sugar. Sugar is a preservative and enhances flavours. What would you think if I told you 70% of the supermarket shelves would be empty if sugar products were removed.

PIONEERS did not know the price you pay for sugar. Today’s ULTRA “Processed Foods” have way too much sugar. A lot of sugar is found in processed foods not as a preservative but to eat freely. Read your labels. The first ingredient in most power bars is sugar. Sugar is found in abundance from white bread, whole wheat bread to milkshakes.

Sugar Is Legal

GLUTEN FREE chocolate brownies have listed sugar as the number one ingredient written on the side of the box.

Diabetes (type 2) was diagnosed for a 13 yrs old child! !Diabetes leads to heart disease… It all starts with sugar. Since sugar is legal, we can eat as much as we like. Don’t be porous and let this information go right through you. I hope you are mindful of the dangers from sugar.

GOOD Dessert CHOICES

Fruits are an excellent sources of minerals, vitamins and enzymes. They are easily digested and excise a cleansing effect on blood. Each and every fruit is enriched with their own kinds of nutrients. And, 70% dark chocolate is full of manganese!

Home Made Clafoutis (click for recipe)

Blueberries are at the top of the nutritional food chain. I have them around all the time. If it’s not fresh, it is frozen. But, always GOOD! If you have to have sugar, be sensible about it.

15 BEST SUGAR FREE DESSERTS

Dragon’s loyalty award

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Thank you to powerwearathletics.wordpress.com for nominating me for this award. Healthy eating was first on their list and enjoy our dedication to nutritional meals!

We are a foodie tribe! I have learned so much and I know I will continue to discover great ideas and great recipes for my blog family! 🙂 ❤️‍🔥

In Admiration..

The timing could not have been better when I came across a great recipe at ..Dorthy’s Vintage Kitchen..a recipe using chopped rutabaga. I had already copped the vegetable the day before – hoping for a new recipe. Voila! Dorthy to the rescue!

I admire people posting their passions. Cindy Knoke, is one of them ~ a talented photographer and an active conservationalist. Thanks Cindy for your great photo skills. Truly appreciated!

GabbyChops https://naturetails.blog/ really has chops when it comes to story telling and facts about familiar authors and their real lives. Photos I have never seen anywhere before. Gabby Chops has a knack for filling in the empty holes of famous people I never knew existed. A definite PHD caliber.

The rules:

  • Put the logo on your post
  • Thank the blogger who nominated you
  • Write 5 facts about yourself
  • Nominate 5-10 bloggers

5 Facts About Me

  1. I play online games to relax while I watch..or listen to a TV program.
  2. Exercise to “Abdooer” a 12 minute workout.
  3. My 2 cute cats get my attention every day ~ otherwise I hear about it. MEOW!
  4. Interested in HEALTH: nutrition, healing foods and building the immune system.
  5. Last but not least; I hope mankind finds a better path to rally people that are striving for progress in good living and good food. We need to help others along the way promoting good life styles. Reduce the need for processed foods is my personal “pet peeve.“

5 Nominations +plus 5 more

Some blogger friends do not want to be nominated for any awards. I respect that. I always go and see what’s happening in other corners of the world. A big thank you to all in the blog world. You are appreciated!

(1) Gabby Chops:- https://naturetails.blog/ You must read her blog. Joanna’s knowledge is refreshing and makes a very good read!

(2) America On Coffee has great music selections. Great songs I have not heard before and classics that are good to hear again. So relaxing. I always enjoy visiting AOL. I’ll drink my coffee and listen to good music at the same time! Artists stories are good.

(3) Ronit [ Ronitpenso ] has a wealth of food prep information. I enjoy reading when Ronit compliments me on something I made. I always look forward to her comments. As a caterer in NYC makes Ronit a very busy lady.

(4) PhotoFinland Rantasalot Finland reflects changing seasons. This last photo was snapped from a mobile phone. Really good!

(5) I really like Dorthy’s knowledge and cooking skills vintagekitchen.org Great recipes too!

(6) I have to give a shout out to my new found blog: Beach House located in Hawaii. A small private sanctuary for a few animals and birds. Check it out.

I reread the rules. I can add another more great bloggers. Beach house announced they are closing their blog some time this year; 2024. They will be missed!

4 More ..Favorite Bloggers

(7) Love and Lemons https://www.loveandlemons.com/ A good source of good food!

(8) Alyssia’s Healthy Blog https://alyssafontaine.com/blog/ A bit high end. Very extensive website. “Not just a blog!”

(9)Nutrition Blog https://nutritionfacts.org/blog/

(10) Dr. Gundry’s blog. A bit of a commercial edge. You need to give up your email address to read his blog. But, its worth it. Ignore the sales/marketing pitch! https://drgundry.com/blog/

There are so many others I admire very much in the culinary world and all their adventures around the world!. Unfortunately my list has been cut off prematurely!! But, cheers to all of you great bloggers!

A BIG THANK YOU to dedicated foodie bloggers. It’s great to share recipes, food ideas with all of you dedicated to a good life. WE KNOW FOOD IS MEDICINE. Lets avoid starch and sugar. Don’t fall in the steps of killing food chemicals as best as you can! It’s not a perfect world. Make a difference in your own life. It all helps, more then you think.