Jun 2009
The Sweet Summer of Mangos
06/23/09
When I was a tweener, although that name did not yet exist in the 70’s, I use to come to Florida to visit my Dad. That first summer he lived in a house with a mango tree in the back yard. This was my introduction to what has to be my favorite tropical fruit. I ate so many mangos that summer while standing over the kitchen sink. The juice would run down my arms and the fiber would get between my teeth, but I did not care. I was in heaven.
Today, still in Miami, I seek out those who have mature mango trees during the month of June. My house came equipped with avocado trees (my other favorite fruit.) I have planted two mango trees, but as yet they are still young trees. My mother-in-law has the best tree and my stepdaughter brings me a bag on a weekly basis. Yum!
You know that old saying, “Be careful what you wish for.” Now I have more mangos than I can eat. Time to get creative. So I experimented with Mango spelt muffins, mango tea (that one did not work out), mango salsa, mango sorbet, and of course mango smoothies. My two favorites so far are the salsa and the sorbet.
Dairy Free Mango Sorbet
Get out your blender and start peeling mangos. Fill the blender about 2/3rds full with the sliced mangos, about 5 to 7 mangos depending on their size. Add a can of coconut milk or light coconut milk. Add about 1/4 cup of honey. Blend.
Pour into a pyrex or freezer proof dish. Place in the fridge. This takes all day to freeze, but you can stir it occasionally to aid it along. Once fully frozen, it may have to sit out on the counter for 15-20 minutes to soften enough to scoop.
Mango Salsa
Peel slice and cube one to two mangos. Dice one to two tomatoes. Dice one half an English cucumber. Chop 1/2 red pepper. Add one jalapena pepper diced. Add fresh cilantro chopped to your taste. Squeeze in the juice of one lime. Salt and Pepper.
Put it in a pretty dish and eat with your favorite snack chip.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection.
A dairy free and wheat free recipe.
Today, still in Miami, I seek out those who have mature mango trees during the month of June. My house came equipped with avocado trees (my other favorite fruit.) I have planted two mango trees, but as yet they are still young trees. My mother-in-law has the best tree and my stepdaughter brings me a bag on a weekly basis. Yum!
You know that old saying, “Be careful what you wish for.” Now I have more mangos than I can eat. Time to get creative. So I experimented with Mango spelt muffins, mango tea (that one did not work out), mango salsa, mango sorbet, and of course mango smoothies. My two favorites so far are the salsa and the sorbet.
Dairy Free Mango Sorbet
Get out your blender and start peeling mangos. Fill the blender about 2/3rds full with the sliced mangos, about 5 to 7 mangos depending on their size. Add a can of coconut milk or light coconut milk. Add about 1/4 cup of honey. Blend.
Pour into a pyrex or freezer proof dish. Place in the fridge. This takes all day to freeze, but you can stir it occasionally to aid it along. Once fully frozen, it may have to sit out on the counter for 15-20 minutes to soften enough to scoop.
Mango Salsa
Peel slice and cube one to two mangos. Dice one to two tomatoes. Dice one half an English cucumber. Chop 1/2 red pepper. Add one jalapena pepper diced. Add fresh cilantro chopped to your taste. Squeeze in the juice of one lime. Salt and Pepper.
Put it in a pretty dish and eat with your favorite snack chip.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection.
A dairy free and wheat free recipe.
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Father' Day
06/15/09
I hosted a great family father’s day for my husband this year. We got in the pool and cooled off, and, then I got behind the barbeque instead of my husband.
On the menu were chicken, salmon, and vegetable kabobs. My sister-in-law brought a caprese salad with an awesome variety of tomatoes and a s’more ice cream cake. I made asparagus and a beet and carrot stir fry, that everyone loved, and some mango sorbet.
There was a family dart championship and general fun had by all. The end of the day brought exclamations that we need to get together more often. This seems to be said at every holiday gathering, but then we all get caught back up with the process called life.
Being socially connected is a very important part of being human and staying healthy. Many studies have shown that people who have strong and supportive relationships, live longer lives. Family and friends that provide supportive relationships can counter the effects of stress in our lives. Social support actually lowers the body’s production of cortisol and other stress hormones. So don’t wait for the next holiday to get together with those you care about. Make your commitment today.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection
On the menu were chicken, salmon, and vegetable kabobs. My sister-in-law brought a caprese salad with an awesome variety of tomatoes and a s’more ice cream cake. I made asparagus and a beet and carrot stir fry, that everyone loved, and some mango sorbet.
There was a family dart championship and general fun had by all. The end of the day brought exclamations that we need to get together more often. This seems to be said at every holiday gathering, but then we all get caught back up with the process called life.
Being socially connected is a very important part of being human and staying healthy. Many studies have shown that people who have strong and supportive relationships, live longer lives. Family and friends that provide supportive relationships can counter the effects of stress in our lives. Social support actually lowers the body’s production of cortisol and other stress hormones. So don’t wait for the next holiday to get together with those you care about. Make your commitment today.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection
Turmeric the Wonder Spice
06/13/09
I am in love with Indian spices. Ginger, cardamon, coriander, cumin, and curry to name a few. They smell seductive and the taste tingles on the taste buds long after the meal is done. There is a restaurant named Imlee and Indian Bistro here in Miami that I just adore. The warm and exotic smells fill your nostrils as you open the door. The restaurant is small so reservations are recommended but not required. The wait staff is attentive and patient. They will explain the dishes if you are new to Indian cuisine.
Turmeric or haldi is referred to as Indian saffron. It is used for flavor and coloring in dishes but it has also been used as medicine in China and India. Turmeric has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It has also been used to treat flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic.
If that wasn’t enough secret powers, the active ingredient in turmeric which is called curcumin, has been shown to be comparable to drugs like hydrocortisone and Motrin but without any toxic side effects. Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant and can help detoxify the body. (Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may even reduce or prevent some of the damage they cause.) It protects the liver from the damaging effects of alcohol and toxic chemicals. Turmeric stimulates the production of bile which is needed to digest fat. It even guards the stomach by killing salmonella bacteria and protozoa that can cause diarrhea. All that in a single spice, wow!
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. The rhizomes are harvested, boiled, and then dried in hot ovens. The prepared rhizomes are then ground into the deep orange/yellow color powder that we are familiar with. Tumeric is commonly used in curries and has a warm peppery flavor.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection.
Turmeric or haldi is referred to as Indian saffron. It is used for flavor and coloring in dishes but it has also been used as medicine in China and India. Turmeric has long been used as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It has also been used to treat flatulence, jaundice, menstrual difficulties, bloody urine, hemorrhage, toothache, bruises, chest pain, and colic.
If that wasn’t enough secret powers, the active ingredient in turmeric which is called curcumin, has been shown to be comparable to drugs like hydrocortisone and Motrin but without any toxic side effects. Curcumin is also a powerful antioxidant and can help detoxify the body. (Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals and may even reduce or prevent some of the damage they cause.) It protects the liver from the damaging effects of alcohol and toxic chemicals. Turmeric stimulates the production of bile which is needed to digest fat. It even guards the stomach by killing salmonella bacteria and protozoa that can cause diarrhea. All that in a single spice, wow!
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family. The rhizomes are harvested, boiled, and then dried in hot ovens. The prepared rhizomes are then ground into the deep orange/yellow color powder that we are familiar with. Tumeric is commonly used in curries and has a warm peppery flavor.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection.
What is Benzene and Why is it in Soda?
06/11/09 Filed in: Chemicals in our Food
I have been on a campaign to get my husband off soda for a long time. I have made huge strides as it is no longer the first thing he drinks in the morning. So whenever I read anything that may make him think twice, I share it. This information may be the most potent ammunition yet. Here are a few links to articles that shed some light on the subject.
http://scienceblogs.com/effectmeasure/2008/04/benzene_in_soda_update.php
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/19/health/main1638170.shtml
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12174292/
Benzene is a known carcinogen, and we are exposed to it daily in our environment. It is usually absorbed through contact with gasoline and cigarette smoke. However, it can be found in the water supply and in the air we breathe. Benzene is a chemical widely used in the United States in the production of plastics, resins, and nylon as well as rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Long term exposure may affect bone marrow and blood production. Short term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, or death.
The FDA is aware that benzene can be found in soft drinks. However, the government currently has no health standard for the benzene found in drinks other than drinking water. Benzene can form in sodas when ascorbic acid and either sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate are present. The warmer and older the soda the more potential for benzene to form. In tap water the levels should be no more than 5 parts per billion. The Environmental Working Group, a watchdog organization, found levels of benzene in soft drinks at levels between 5 and 138 parts per billion. The amount depends on how much heat and light to which the drinks are exposed. Currently, soda does not carry a manufacture date to let consumers know how long it has been on the shelves.
There are times I have a desire for a carbonated drink. When I do, I mix sparkling water with fruit juice. (My favorite is grapefruit soda.) I. find this very satisfying, especially knowing that it is safe and provides some nutritional value. Give it a try next time instead of reaching for a soda.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection.
http://scienceblogs.com/effectmeasure/2008/04/benzene_in_soda_update.php
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/19/health/main1638170.shtml
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12174292/
Benzene is a known carcinogen, and we are exposed to it daily in our environment. It is usually absorbed through contact with gasoline and cigarette smoke. However, it can be found in the water supply and in the air we breathe. Benzene is a chemical widely used in the United States in the production of plastics, resins, and nylon as well as rubbers, lubricants, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides. Long term exposure may affect bone marrow and blood production. Short term exposure may cause drowsiness, dizziness, unconsciousness, or death.
The FDA is aware that benzene can be found in soft drinks. However, the government currently has no health standard for the benzene found in drinks other than drinking water. Benzene can form in sodas when ascorbic acid and either sodium benzoate or potassium benzoate are present. The warmer and older the soda the more potential for benzene to form. In tap water the levels should be no more than 5 parts per billion. The Environmental Working Group, a watchdog organization, found levels of benzene in soft drinks at levels between 5 and 138 parts per billion. The amount depends on how much heat and light to which the drinks are exposed. Currently, soda does not carry a manufacture date to let consumers know how long it has been on the shelves.
There are times I have a desire for a carbonated drink. When I do, I mix sparkling water with fruit juice. (My favorite is grapefruit soda.) I. find this very satisfying, especially knowing that it is safe and provides some nutritional value. Give it a try next time instead of reaching for a soda.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection.