Friday, January 3, 2014

An Apple A Day!



An apple a day really does keep the doctor away! 
Scientists have found that eating one apple every day 
reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke by 12%. 
Now that’s a prescription I’m happy to take.


The Daily Mail.co.uk

The Real Cost of Organic Meat

Meat has long been one of the most expensive items in organic food, often double in price! Why is Organic Meat more expensive and what difference does it have to the less-expensive non-organic meat that you find in the grocery store?

The typical reply for this question is, of course, that non-organic raised animals are given growth hormones, antibiotics, and other medications to prevent diseases caused by poor feeding and living conditions. Growth hormones have received a great deal of attention in the media lately as a potential cause of growth problems in young children. Antibiotics are a concern due to overexposure creating super-bugs that require stronger and stronger measures to combat them. Living conditions are cramped with animals often living in their own filth and fed only that which is least expensive, not necessarily what is best for the animal or the human later consuming them.


In contrast, organic raised animals are allowed to roam free as soon as they are weaned. Their food consists mostly of what they would find in the wild, grasses and insects, supplemented by all organic feed imbued with naturally occurring minerals to make up for any deficiencies in local plants based on soil and weather conditions. When housed inside shelters, they are provided a space where they can move around that is cleaned regularly to help minimize disease without the use of medications and chemicals that later get passed on through the meat.

The benefits to the environment and local growers are numerous, but the biggest benefit that everyone can enjoy is the quality of the meat itself. One of the most expensive meats in the world is a type Serrano ham called “jamón ibérico.” It is produced only in Spain and in order to qualify, the pigs must only eat a very specific diet of naturally grown grass, herbs, acorns, and roots until they are old enough. Then they are switched to a diet of pure acorns and olives. This specific diet is so pronounced in the flavor of meat that it is renowned the world over as some the best cured ham in the world.

If the taste itself does not convince you, one experiment I have tried is to purchase a boneless organic chicken breast and a non-organic one. We cooked them up in separate pans on the stove, just something simple in a small amount of olive oil with a bit of salt and pepper. Same heat, same size pan. The non-organic chicken breast started out larger, but as it cooked down there was more and more liquid in the pan until it was the same size as the organic chicken breast in the next pan. The organic chicken breast had very little liquid in the pan in comparison. The technique is called “plumping,” injecting saltwater, chicken stock, or seaweed extract into the frozen chicken to make it appear bigger and make it heavier. That can mean that 15-30% of the chicken you paid for is actually water, up to an additional $1.70 per package!

Meat may seem like a costly alternative when purchasing organic, but once you add up every cost, to the environment, your health, and to your wallet, it isn’t that big an investment after all.

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Stir-fry Bok Choy
















2 Servings

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon coconut oil (or other high temp oil for cooking)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
6 larger or 12 smaller heads baby bok choy - Trim stems and cut in half or quartered
2 tablespoons tamari
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Optional* Non-veg:
2 Boneless Chicken Breasts thinly sliced into bite size pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper.

DIRECTIONS

- Heat the oil in a wok or large sauté pan until almost smoking.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger. 
- Use a spoon to quickly stir for about 30 seconds
- * Add chicken breast strips
- * Continue tossing until chicken is seared on all sides.
- Add Bok Choy and tamari.
- Cover for 1 to 2 minutes to steam bok choy.
- Remove from heat, toss with sesame seeds and serve.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Miso Tahini Soup

Adapted from 101 Cookbooks

INGREDIENTS

orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, one per person
olive oil (see below)
Spicy Dipping Sauce with Sriracha (optional, but good)

Seasoning Mix Ingredients:

(You'll want to make this over and over so my recipe makes enough spice mix for several batches.)
2 T ground coriander
1 T ground fennel
1 T dried oregano (use any Mediterranean oregano like Greek Oregano or Turkish oregano, but not Mexican oregano for this.)
1 T Aleppo Pepper (or use a smaller amount of cayenne pepper)
2 T kosher salt
- See more at: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2007/10/spicy-sweet-potatoes-fries-recipe.html#sthash.vUtPwU9L.dpuf
orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, one per person
olive oil (see below)
Spicy Dipping Sauce with Sriracha (optional, but good)

Seasoning Mix Ingredients:

(You'll want to make this over and over so my recipe makes enough spice mix for several batches.)
2 T ground coriander
1 T ground fennel
1 T dried oregano (use any Mediterranean oregano like Greek Oregano or Turkish oregano, but not Mexican oregano for this.)
1 T Aleppo Pepper (or use a smaller amount of cayenne pepper)
2 T kosher salt
- See more at: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2007/10/spicy-sweet-potatoes-fries-recipe.html#sthash.vUtPwU9L.dpuf

1 small-medium delicata squash (or any winter squash), seeded and sliced into 1/4-inch crescents
1 medium white turnip, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
4 cups water
4 tablespoons white miso, or to taste
1/4 cup tahini
zest of one lemon
3 cups of cooked brown rice
1 avocado, sliced
1 bunch of chives, minced
toasted nori (or kale), crumbled, for serving
toasted sesame seeds


DIRECTIONS


Add the squash and turnips to a large pot, cover with the water, and bring to a gentle boil. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let cool just a bit.

Pour a few tablespoons of the hot water into a small bowl and whisk in the miso until blended. Stir the thinned miso back into the pot along with the tahini, and lemon zest. Taste, and adjust the broth to your liking.


To serve, place a generous scoop of rice in each bowl along with some of the squash and turnips. Ladle broth over the vegetables, and finish with a few slices of avocado, a sprinkling of chives, toasted nori, and sesame seeds.

If you have leftovers and need to reheat the soup, you'll want to do so gently, over low heat, to preserve the qualities of the miso. Don't boil the miso.

Serves 4.

Here's to a Healthy New Year!

New Year's Eve is only a few days away and for many of us, that means it's time to make our resolutions. But wait -- are we actually going to do the things we plan to do? If you find yourself making the same resolutions year after year, you’re not alone. The majority of New Year’s resolutions fail because they’re too broad (such as “be a better person”) or because they’re simply “wishes” and not goals we’re truly committed to.

“Resolutions” are easier to keep when you define a specific goal, and make sure it’s achievable, even if in incremental steps. The old adage is true: “Success begets success.” Each time you accomplish a goal you’re building confidence and making it easier to achieve future milestones. As Green Earth Organics members, of course you’re already eating healthy. But here are a few ideas & reminders for a healthy 2014:


Get more sleep. Studies show that not getting enough sleep disrupts both immune system and cognitive function. Generally adults need 7-8 hours of sleep. Children’s needs vary, with younger children needing at least 11 hours and tweens/teens ages 11-18 needing 8-10 hours.


• Take time to be thankful. Gratitude promotes a sense of wellbeing and confidence, and helps combat stress. Some people enjoy keeping a written list, listing one thing they are grateful for each day.


Optimize your vitamin D levels. It’s impossible to avoid vitamin D deficiency living above the 35th parallel (as we do) because the angle of the sun to the earth means we get virtually no vitamin D rays between November and March. Ask your doctor to test your levels.


Eat breakfast. Many people skip breakfast, but this meal really is essential to fuel your body and your brain for the day. And no, that latte on the way to work doesn’t count even if it does have as many calories as breakfast!


Exercise regularly. This one can never be repeated enough: regular physical activity boosts brain function, improves mood, combats chronic disease and…it’s fun! A bonus: Walking or biking to your destination also helps lower your carbon footprint.


While we’re talking about a healthy New Year, cold and flu season is in full swing. Here are some of the “Flu Fighters,” potent pathogen protectors found in fresh, whole foods:


Vitamin D: Many scientists now believe there is a flu “season” because the body’s immune system is weakest when increased indoor activity (and lack of sun) depletes our body’s supply of vitamin D, a powerful foe of viruses. Supplementing with vitamin D is important, but be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Too much vitamin D from supplements can be toxic. Foods rich in vitamin D include fortified breakfast cereals, fortified butter and good ol’ organic eggs.


Vitamin C: A very potent antioxidant. Look for a natural supplement source. Sugar interferes with the ability of your cells to absorb vitamin C. Vitamin C is water soluble, meaning excess is excreted and it is not stored in the body. Eating plenty of foods rich in vitamin C is a good idea during any season, but is especially important during cold and flu season. Foods rich in vitamin C include broccoli (surprise!), citrus fruits, mangos and papayas tomatoes, kiwi, red and yellow peppers, and potatoes.


Garlic: The “Superman” of illness fighting foods. Its many benefits include anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-bacterial and pro heart health. The compound believed to be responsible for garlic’s pungent aroma, and its health benefits is allicin. Keep plenty of garlic on hand; it complements nearly everything.


Happy New Year!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Orange Gingerbread with Cream Cheese Frosting

Adapted from the Joy the Baker

INGREDIENTS

orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, one per person
olive oil (see below)
Spicy Dipping Sauce with Sriracha (optional, but good)

Seasoning Mix Ingredients:

(You'll want to make this over and over so my recipe makes enough spice mix for several batches.)
2 T ground coriander
1 T ground fennel
1 T dried oregano (use any Mediterranean oregano like Greek Oregano or Turkish oregano, but not Mexican oregano for this.)
1 T Aleppo Pepper (or use a smaller amount of cayenne pepper)
2 T kosher salt
- See more at: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2007/10/spicy-sweet-potatoes-fries-recipe.html#sthash.vUtPwU9L.dpuf
 
orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, one per person
olive oil (see below)
Spicy Dipping Sauce with Sriracha (optional, but good)

Seasoning Mix Ingredients:

(You'll want to make this over and over so my recipe makes enough spice mix for several batches.)
2 T ground coriander
1 T ground fennel
1 T dried oregano (use any Mediterranean oregano like Greek Oregano or Turkish oregano, but not Mexican oregano for this.)
1 T Aleppo Pepper (or use a smaller amount of cayenne pepper)
2 T kosher salt
- See more at: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2007/10/spicy-sweet-potatoes-fries-recipe.html#sthash.vUtPwU9L.dpuf
For the Cake:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 3/4 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3/4 cup unsulphered molasses (not blackstrap)
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons orange zest
3/4 cup warm water

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 block (8 ounces) cream cheese frosting, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
big pinch of salt
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (plus half of a scraped vanilla bean if you’d like)
orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, one per person
olive oil (see below)
Spicy Dipping Sauce with Sriracha (optional, but good)

Seasoning Mix Ingredients:

(You'll want to make this over and over so my recipe makes enough spice mix for several batches.)
2 T ground coriander
1 T ground fennel
1 T dried oregano (use any Mediterranean oregano like Greek Oregano or Turkish oregano, but not Mexican oregano for this.)
1 T Aleppo Pepper (or use a smaller amount of cayenne pepper)
2 T kosher salt - See more at: http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2007/10/spicy-sweet-potatoes-fries-recipe.html#sthash.vUtPwU9L.dpuf

DIRECTIONS


Place a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8×8-inch square (or 9-inch round) baking pan. Set pan aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, spices, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl whisk together vegetable oil, sugar, and eggs until thick and pale. Stir in molasses, honey, and orange zest.

Add the dry ingredients, all at once, to the wet ingredients, stirring until incorporated. Add the warm water and gently stir until incorporated and the mixture is silky smooth.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake cake for 35-45 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, make the cream cheese frosting.

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, blend the cream cheese on medium speed until as as soft and smooth as possible. Add the softened butter, scraping down the sides of the bowl, and beat the two together over medium speed until smooth and incorporated. Add one cup of powdered sugar, blending until incorporated. Add vanilla extract (and bean, if using) and remaining cup of powdered sugar. Beat on medium high speed until frosting is smooth and silky.

Allow cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting the cake. 

This cake can be stored, well wrapped in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days. 

Staying Healthy & Happy Through the Holidays

It's easy to get run down during the busy holiday season, when we sometimes forgo rest and healthy eating for socializing, parties, and another snowy excursion. Here are a few tips to cut down stress, take care of our immune systems and still find ways to celebrate. Make sure you take care of yourself this holiday season so you can truly enjoy yourself!

1.
Figure out what makes your holiday more stressful than fun. Are there certain family members you always fight with? Do you take on too much and then find you don’t have time for it all? Start by asking yourself what makes you feel most pressured or irritable, and then what choices do you have to make this stress more manageable? If you need to get together with a difficult relative, try scheduling in something fun for just you afterwards -- that way you have something to look forward to, and may have an easier time getting through unpleasant socializing.

2.
Stay hydrated. This is especially relevant if you're traveling during the holidays, as the low humidity at high altitudes makes plane cabin air dry—and our airways more vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Staying well-hydrated keeps your mucous membranes moist so they can better keep bugs out of your system. If you're flying, down 8 ounces of water for every hour you're in the air.

3.
Take the focus off food every once in a while. Instead of getting together to make candies or cookies, plan group activities that aren't all about food (at least not all the time). Make time to create non-edible projects, like making wreaths, bread dough tree decorations or a gingerbread house. Try serving a holiday meal to the community, playing games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes.

4.
Remember that this time is about the people you love most -- not those you feel obligated toward. Schedule “together time” with the people who really get you and make sure you save time for what matters most to you. Our bodies and brains respond positively in lots of ways to time spent connecting with those we are close to -- it's important for your health!

5.
Stay home when you need to. If you push yourself to go out, skipping a good night's sleep, you can wear down your immune system and increase your likelihood of getting ill. A study in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that people who slept at least eight hours nightly were about three times less likely to catch a cold than those who snoozed for less than seven. You're not being a Grinch by skipping a party when you feel worn-down; you're being smart. Think of it as preventive medicine.

6.
Eat well. There are so many delicious treats around at this time of year. Don't feel like you need to miss out -- but make sure you're eating wisely, if indulgently. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy.

7.
Simplify. Are there holiday events or traditions you could live without? Maybe you can gracefully bow out of gatherings or obligations you no longer enjoy. Do you really need to bake all those cookies? Maybe the answer is yes -- but maybe not. Commit only to those things you're truly excited about and give yourself the gift of time by letting other things go. Similarly, if your holiday to-do list is getting long, are there non-holiday related things you can postpone until after the festivities die down?