Friday "Food Facts"... Acorn Squash

Acorn Squash

... an edible gourd that grows on a vine. It is considered a winter squash but is of the same family as the summer squash - zucchini. Squash seeds have been found in ancient Mexican archeological digs dating back from somewhere between 9,000 and 4,000 BC. and the term acorn squash first appeared in print in 1937.

...It is also know as the pepper squash or Des Moines and it is the more nutritional dense then any of the other summer squashes. The acorn squash has significant levels of Vitamin C, vitamin A, thiamin, pantothenic, acid, and other B-family vitamins, and it's range of minerals are magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, phosphorous and calcium.

... it is know to give your immune system a boost, improve visual health, skin health, blood pressure, digestion, and strong bones.

Here is a link for recipes and ideas to make with acorn squash - http://www.foodnetwork.com/topics/acorn-squash-recipes.html

Thursday " Tip "... Buttermilk

     Ever go to make a recipe or look up one and realize you have every thing you need, except buttermilk. Have no fear, there is a way to make buttermilk without running out to the store. This tip works for almond, coconut, soy or any other kind of non-dairy milk as well.

     For each cup of milk or non-dairy milk add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar
(regular or apple cider vinegar will work). Stir it around and let it sit for 5 minutes.

     Another option - Mix 1 3/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar with a cup of milk, stir and let it sit for 5 min.

     Now that you have your buttermilk made... enjoy the process of baking/cooking!

Wednesday "Word"... Slaw

 http://www.doctoroz.com/recipe/spicy-peanut-butter-slaw

Why not try this Spicy Peanut Butter Slaw for a crunchy bold new taste.. Make ahead of time and enjoy for lunch. 

There are a lot of health benefits to eating cabbage...

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-cabbage.html

Cabbage History

• Cabbage is one of the oldest known vegetables.
• Cabbage dates back to 4,000 B.C. in Shensi province in China.
• Around 600 B.C. the Celts brought cabbage to Europe from Asia.
• In 1536 French navigator Jacques Cartier brought cabbage to the Americas.
• In Captain Cook’s famous first voyage, (17th century) many of the crew members were saved from gangrene when the ship’s doctor made poultices of cabbage to apply to their wounds.

Tuesday " Try "... Sauces

 http://www.food.com/recipes/sauces?pn=3

Here is a link for all kinds of different sauces to try. Sometimes all it takes to change up a recipe and make it new is with a twist in flavor.

Monday Mention... Sugar

       With the start of the New Year and the Holiday's behind I thought it would be a good idea to re-visit the topic of sugar. Here is a post I wrote last year giving you three helpful tips. http://whole-food-living.blogspot.com/2014/02/thursday-3-tips-to-cut-down-on-sugar.html . Let this be a year of bringing awareness not judgement to the food you eat and the food you feed your family. When you start reading labels look at the amount of sugar per serving. For example: if the box or can says 9 grams per serving which is 2 Tb and you know you are going to consume far more then 2 tablespoons when you eat this, then be aware and decide to choose another product with less sugar per serving or use less of the product you want. And it is far better to just eat less of the full sugar product then to consume any "sugar-free."

        But remember - It all adds up - each condiment, each dessert, each yogurt, each glass of juice/soda, breakfast, lunch, dinner choice in one day can amount to a lot of sugar. There are unsweetened options our there, and even picking a few will cut down on your consumption. Be patient, it will takes at least a week or two to allow your taste buds to adjust to less sugar on your palette. One choice at a time...

Listed below are a few articles/video on the subject of sugar:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristin-kirkpatrick-ms-rd-ld/dangers-of-sugar_b_3658061.html

http://www.evolvingwellness.com/essay/health-effects-of-sugar-on-your-body-the-bitter-truth

http://www.prevention.com/prevention-videos/16-sneaky-sugar-sources

http://www.livestrong.com/article/506326-what-effects-does-eating-too-much-sugar-have-on-the-body/ 

Sunday's Nourishment...

Just listen to your body, eat in silence and see what feels good and you will spontaneously choose the foods that are beneficial to you. ~Deepak Chopra

Let today be simple... Your worries, your meals, your work. Allow simplicity to follow you through out your day!

Saturday Supper...

Pork Chops with Apples and Garlic Smashed Potatoes

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/pork-chops-with-apples-and-garlic-smashed-potatoes-recipe.html

 

Let this dinner idea inspire and ignite ideas for you. If this sounds good, but you don't like pork chops, then substitute chicken. It you don't like garlic in your potatoes, leave them out. Do what sounds good to you and use what you have. And most of all ~ enjoy!