I learned something about myself tonight. Apparently, I can poach an egg!! I guess it is something any cook should know how to do, it just never really came up before! I found this recipe about a month ago and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. Tonight I made two potato and beet hash with poached eggs. However, I could not find beets at the store, so I just used parsnips. I also used watercress instead of frisee for the greens (watercress is great for detoxification and liver support!) and both tasted just fine in this recipe. Not only was this meal deliciously delicate and rich, it was very inexpensive and healthy. I was quite surprised that two potatoes, 2 parsnips and 2 eggs could fill us both up! You can't beat that! We paired it with Norton Reserve wine from Cooper Vineyards (one of our favorite vineyards near Charlottesville, VA) After making this, I think it would make for a really elegant weekend brunch.
If you have never poached an egg before, here is your chance. It seemed intimidating to me but it was not very hard at all! Julia Child would be proud! haha...
Happy Eating!
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Top Ten Healthiest Foods!
Below you will find a list of the top ten healthiest foods I think we should all be eating. Why? Because making lists is fun and I have done a lot of research on the most nutrient dense foods I can get my hands on! Eating healthy is not just about low-fat, low-calorie or low-carb foods. What is more important is eating the most nutrient dense foods that taste the best. These are the foods that help your body work at it's best and give you the most bang for your food buck!
1.) Dark Leafy Greens - Spinach, collards, kale, etc. These are the healthiest foods you can eat! They contain so many antioxidant vitamins such as C, E and K. They also contain phytonutrients and a healthy dose of calcium and potassium. Research suggests they help prevent several forms of cancer. Here is an easy recipe for sauteed spinach. This would go well under fish or chicken or as a side with other foods.
2.) Salmon - This delicious fish is one of the best sources of the very critical omega 3 fatty acids.These are essential for healthy heart and brain function. It is also a very lean source of protein. We cook it at least once a week and I like to steam it in a bamboo steamer with lemon, fresh garlic and sometimes dill.
3.) Nuts - nuts contain good fats and have been proven to reduce your risk of heart disease.They are also protein packed and make a great afternoon snack or a delicious topping for fish or chicken.
4.) Quinoa - This ancient grain is a powerhouse of nutrients! It is similar in shape and texture to rice and contains all 8 amino acids! It is also an excellent source of protein, iron, manganese and fiber. I like to mix it with salsa and serve it with my Mexican inspired meals.
5.) Sweet potatoes - potatoes have a bad rap because of the low carb craze. However, sweet potatos are very nutrient dense (especially vitamin A) and should be eaten on a regular basis. I like to make baked french fries with them.
6.) Citrus Fruits- Lemon, limes and oranges offer a variety of benefits. They are very good for detoxification and are high in vitamin C. They are also believed to have cancer preventing policies. I like to squeeze them over fish, salads, chicken and vegetables for a lot low-calorie flavor.
7.) Berries - They are packed with vitamin C, fiber and other antioxidants. They are known to prevent cancer cell growth, heart disease and high cholesterol. We mix them into smoothies every morning before work. You can also create amazing desserts, salads and purees.
8.) Beans (& lentils) - Beans are an excellent meat substitute and are a great source of protein and fiber. They will definitely keep you full and are low in fat and calories. There are a million things you can do them from soups, to burgers to burritos.
9.) Artichokes - these amazing little vegetables contain antioxidants to prevent skin cancer and fiber to help reduce cholesterol. They are also great for detoxifying your body and they only contain about 60 calories! My favorite way to eat them is on a homemade pizza or in a Mediterranean pasta.
10.) Garlic - I LOVE garlic. It contains a sulfur compound that will control bad cholesterol, it can lower blood pressure and it is believed to have immune boosting properties. Invest in a garlic press and put fresh garlic on anything!
Obviously, you can't change your entire diet overnight and you don't want to give up all those wonderfully delicious foods that have no nutritional content!! However, if you are interested in feeling better, looking better, preventing future health issues and be healthier in general, I would suggest incorporating these foods into your diet. All of them can be amazingly delicious and will give you many of the nutrients your body needs to operate at its most efficient level!
Happy Eating!
1.) Dark Leafy Greens - Spinach, collards, kale, etc. These are the healthiest foods you can eat! They contain so many antioxidant vitamins such as C, E and K. They also contain phytonutrients and a healthy dose of calcium and potassium. Research suggests they help prevent several forms of cancer. Here is an easy recipe for sauteed spinach. This would go well under fish or chicken or as a side with other foods.
2.) Salmon - This delicious fish is one of the best sources of the very critical omega 3 fatty acids.These are essential for healthy heart and brain function. It is also a very lean source of protein. We cook it at least once a week and I like to steam it in a bamboo steamer with lemon, fresh garlic and sometimes dill.
3.) Nuts - nuts contain good fats and have been proven to reduce your risk of heart disease.They are also protein packed and make a great afternoon snack or a delicious topping for fish or chicken.
4.) Quinoa - This ancient grain is a powerhouse of nutrients! It is similar in shape and texture to rice and contains all 8 amino acids! It is also an excellent source of protein, iron, manganese and fiber. I like to mix it with salsa and serve it with my Mexican inspired meals.
5.) Sweet potatoes - potatoes have a bad rap because of the low carb craze. However, sweet potatos are very nutrient dense (especially vitamin A) and should be eaten on a regular basis. I like to make baked french fries with them.
6.) Citrus Fruits- Lemon, limes and oranges offer a variety of benefits. They are very good for detoxification and are high in vitamin C. They are also believed to have cancer preventing policies. I like to squeeze them over fish, salads, chicken and vegetables for a lot low-calorie flavor.
7.) Berries - They are packed with vitamin C, fiber and other antioxidants. They are known to prevent cancer cell growth, heart disease and high cholesterol. We mix them into smoothies every morning before work. You can also create amazing desserts, salads and purees.
8.) Beans (& lentils) - Beans are an excellent meat substitute and are a great source of protein and fiber. They will definitely keep you full and are low in fat and calories. There are a million things you can do them from soups, to burgers to burritos.
9.) Artichokes - these amazing little vegetables contain antioxidants to prevent skin cancer and fiber to help reduce cholesterol. They are also great for detoxifying your body and they only contain about 60 calories! My favorite way to eat them is on a homemade pizza or in a Mediterranean pasta.
10.) Garlic - I LOVE garlic. It contains a sulfur compound that will control bad cholesterol, it can lower blood pressure and it is believed to have immune boosting properties. Invest in a garlic press and put fresh garlic on anything!
Obviously, you can't change your entire diet overnight and you don't want to give up all those wonderfully delicious foods that have no nutritional content!! However, if you are interested in feeling better, looking better, preventing future health issues and be healthier in general, I would suggest incorporating these foods into your diet. All of them can be amazingly delicious and will give you many of the nutrients your body needs to operate at its most efficient level!
Happy Eating!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
A Warm Taste of the Far East
This is the time of year when the weather starts to go from chilly to down right cold. It's also the beginning of cold & flu season which means we are working even harder to stay healthy! Choosing what to eat to help prevent sickness and/or feel better when we are sick can be tricky. We need something warm, soothing, comforting and of course it has to taste good! I recently found several different recipes for broth-based soups with a variety of ingredients all claiming to having healing properties. So I took the ingredients I liked and came up with my own easy comforting dish!
Tofu Noodle Soup
- extra firm tofu (sliced into small chunks)
- reduced sodium vegetable, chicken or beef broth (when I made it I used vegetable, but next time I am going to try beef)
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. sesame oil
- udon noodles
- fresh ginger (sliced into matchsticks)
- scallions (sliced into matchsticks)
- carrots (sliced into matchsticks)
- fresh basil
* you can also add mushrooms, broccoli, and sriracha if you like. The best part about this soup is that it is so versatile you can throw in whatever you have that looks good!
Start by marinating the tofu in the soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 10 minutes. While that is marinating, bring your broth to a soft boil and throw in the noodles, carrots and ginger. Let boil for 5 minutes, or until noodles are soft.Turn off the stove, but leave the pot on the burner for the residual heat. Add in the tofu and scallions and stir. Pour the soup into bowls and top with torn fresh basil leaves and sriracha if you like.
This soup offers a low-calorie, low-fat and low-cholesterol meal. The broth is soothing, the ginger healing and the tofu offers some consistency. I was surprised at how filling it was.
We ate this soup on a cold night sitting by the fire and it was really warm and cozy. I plan to make it again and try different options each time to see what really sticks with me. I hope it will inspire you to get creative as well!
Happy Eating!
Tofu Noodle Soup
- extra firm tofu (sliced into small chunks)
- reduced sodium vegetable, chicken or beef broth (when I made it I used vegetable, but next time I am going to try beef)
- 2 tbsp. soy sauce
- 2 tbsp. sesame oil
- udon noodles
- fresh ginger (sliced into matchsticks)
- scallions (sliced into matchsticks)
- carrots (sliced into matchsticks)
- fresh basil
* you can also add mushrooms, broccoli, and sriracha if you like. The best part about this soup is that it is so versatile you can throw in whatever you have that looks good!
Start by marinating the tofu in the soy sauce and sesame oil for at least 10 minutes. While that is marinating, bring your broth to a soft boil and throw in the noodles, carrots and ginger. Let boil for 5 minutes, or until noodles are soft.Turn off the stove, but leave the pot on the burner for the residual heat. Add in the tofu and scallions and stir. Pour the soup into bowls and top with torn fresh basil leaves and sriracha if you like.
This soup offers a low-calorie, low-fat and low-cholesterol meal. The broth is soothing, the ginger healing and the tofu offers some consistency. I was surprised at how filling it was.
We ate this soup on a cold night sitting by the fire and it was really warm and cozy. I plan to make it again and try different options each time to see what really sticks with me. I hope it will inspire you to get creative as well!
Happy Eating!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)