The Avocado Store

avocado spread on bread

Dare question - Vegemite is a favorite Australian spread, but most americans hate it. ?

I know it looks like tar and some say it smells funny, but have you actually tried it? I love it lightly spread on toast, with avocado, lettuce on bread, in scrambled eggs and is great with cheese and alfalfa.
If you haven't and just follow the herd, why don't you try it.

the appearance or aroma of vegemite gives no indication of taste.neither does licking a bit.
a nice fresh piece of bread,lightly spread with butter, then spread VERY lightly with vegemite, yumyyyy. also good as flavouring soup, stew etc. think of it as highly concentrated, a less is more.

Herbs are fun to grow and easy to use. Herbs can be a frugal cook's best friend because they can enhance even the simplest fare making it seem grand! Herbs are easy to grow--you can even grow them on your kitchen windowsill.

The addition of herbs can change completely the flavor of foods-from homemade breads to soups, stews and vegetables. And they can add variety and excitement to your diet.

A beginner should use herbs with care, adding a little at a time and adjusting to your own taste. Each herb has its own individual flavor and certain herbs also have well-known associations with particular foods. Basil is often paired with tomatoes, rosemary with
lamb, chives with cream cheese and cottage cheese.

Fresh herbs are wonderful as garnishes. Herb vinegars can be used in salad dressings, soups and marinades. You can also add fresh herbs to mayonnaise or butter for a different flavor.

Fresh herbs will keep in the refrigerator for several days. A good way to freeze herbs such as basil, oregano, and dill is to chop, place in ice cube trays, cover with water and freeze. Then just add to stews and sauces when needed.

Some easy herbs to grow are lemon balm, rosemary, oregano, dill, basil, parsley, peppermint, lavendar, sage. Of course, you can buy herbs to cook with at the supermarket, also.

Here are some simple recipes to get you started using herbs in your cooking.

Lemon Chive Dressing

1 clove garlic
dash of salt
Rind of 1 lemon, finely grated
and the juice
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard
4 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped chives

Put the garlic and salt in a bowl and crush together. Add lemon rind, juice and mustard, stirring until smooth. Slowly whisk in the oil. Fold in chives and season with black pepper, if desired.

This is a good dressing to pour over warm, cooked new potatoes. Add finely chopped green onions.

Mint Iced Tea

Wash 8 sprigs of fresh mint, 12 inches long (any mint, spearmint, peppermint, applemint will do). Place in blender with 4 cups water and liquefy. Let it set for about 1/2 hour and strain.

Herb Butter

1/2 cup butter
4 tablespoons fresh herbs or 2 teaspoons of dried herbs

Soften the butter to room temperature. Finely chop the fresh herbs. Blend herbs and butter well. Store in fridge.

Use to season vegetables, as a spread on bread, biscuits or baked potatoes. Anywhere you normally use butter.

Here's something different: not really cooking, but a recipe that you might find fun!

Basil-Lemon Facial Mask

Pulverize a handful of fresh basil leaves. Peel 1/2 of an avocado and mash. Add avocado to basil in blender, along with 1 teaspoon lemon juice and 1 teaspoon honey,Mix until smooth.

Apply to clean face and leave as long as desired. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

In short, you don't have to be an herb specialist to learn to enjoy using herbs.

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to cuisines, recipes, cooking tip, do please browse for more information at our websites.

About the Author:

Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips and hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, techniques, and insights pertaining to Google Adsense, do please browse for more information at our websites.
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Here are Some Simple Recipes to Get You Started Using Herbs in Your Cooking

avocado stuffed mushrooms

Whether gathering to watch your favorite sports team, a night of board games, or a party with friends, food is always an important part of the occasion.  These recipes feature quick and easy foods so you can enjoy great snacks without a lot of trouble.  Recipes include a Very Quick and Easy Shrimp Appetizer which is just about as easy as food can get.  The Veggie Stuffed Mushrooms will please the vegetarians in the group but all will enjoy them.  The Turkey and Cheese Wraps will satisfy those who prefer sandwich-type food.

VERY QUICK AND EASY SHRIMP APPETIZER

8-oz block cream cheese
1/4 cup seafood cocktail sauce
1/3 cup tiny frozen cooked shrimp, thawed
Assortment of party crackers

Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. Pour the cocktail sauce over the top of the cream cheese. Top the cocktail sauce with the shrimp. Place an assortment of party crackers around the cream cheese block.

VEGGIE STUFFED MUSHROOMS

1 lb (approx 20) large white mushrooms
1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli
1/4 cup finely chopped or grated carrot
1 tbsp finely chopped onion
1/2 cup crushed seasoned croutons
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Clean mushrooms and cut a thin slice off the stem and discard it. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop enough stems to make a fourth of a cup. Place chopped stems in a small mixing bowl.

Place mushrooms, cap side down, in a deep baking dish. With the stems in the mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, carrot, and onion. Stir in the crushed croutons, salt, and cheese. Add the butter and mix well. Spoon the vegetable mixture evenly into the mushroom caps. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the stuffing is light golden brown. Serve warm.

TURKEY AND CHEESE WRAP

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp chili powder
4 whole wheat wraps
2 cups alfalfa or bean sprouts
1/2 lb cooked turkey, cut into strips
4-oz cheddar cheese, cut into strips
1 small red onion, cut in half from top to bottom then sliced into thin slices
1 firm ripe avocado, cut into thin strips

In a small bowl, mix the chili powder into the mayonnaise. Spread 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto each of the four wraps. Layer over the mayonnaise mixture on each wrap, 1/2 cup of the sprouts, 1/4 of the turkey strips, 1/4 of the cheese strips, 1/4 of the red onion, and 1/4 of the avocado. Roll up the wraps and enjoy!   Cut the wraps in half for appetizer or snack portions.

Enjoy!

About the Author:

For more of Linda's quick and easy recipes, visit her blog at http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Quick and Easy Appetizers and Party Foods #2

People love Italian food.�From Pasadena, California to its Sister City Xicheng (shee-chung) District, Beijing, Peoples Republic of China, Italian Restaurants are universal. What is it about Italian food that we love?

Americans are addicted to the combination of tomato and cheese. That tangy tomato sauce brightens and lightens the heaviness of cheese. �Or perhaps what we love is the traditional flavors we've come to recognize as Italian; herbs like rosemary, oregano, marjoram and thyme. Even though pizza doesn't really count as authentic "Italian", it's almost everyone’s favorite.

However, the Italian Fine Dining experience is a plate apart from these. A typical dinner menu might include:

Small Cove Oysters on the Half Shell

California Citrus Colossal Shrimp - "Property Grown" Fennel and Cilantro Salad

Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio - Porcini, Lemon Vinaigrette, Parmesan

Ahi Tuna Tartare - White Truffle, Soy, Pine Nut and Avocado

Dungeness Crab Cakes - with House-made Sweet-Hot Mustard, Heirloom Radish Salad and Dried Tomato Aioli

Cocoa Crepe �- Stuffed with Sauteed Lobster in a Lobster Cream

Vine Ripened Tomato Pizza - Fresh Basil, Roasted Garlic, Fresh Mozzarella

Brick Oven House Flat Bread

Proscuitto Ham, Arugula and Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza

Pappardelle Pasta - Porcini Mushrooms, Beef Tenderloin, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, "Garden Sage"

King Crab Ravioli - Asparagus, Baby Greens and Lemon "Musto" Oil

This menu is from a high-end restaurant. As you can see, pasta and cheese are there, but with refinements, and most fine Italian cuisine features seafood. �Many such restaurants make their own bread daily from scratch. Another thing we like about dining a la Italiano is the serving style called "family". �This is much more hospitable for families with children, as the food is placed in the center of the table in containers which encourage people to serve themselves, and is reminiscent of eating at home. The portions are usually large, geared to serve 2 or groups of 4 or more. Here is another example of an Italian restaurant menu:

Baked Pasta Specialties:

Chicken Cannelloni - Stuffed with chicken sausage, provolone, ricotta, and fresh sage, smothered with Romano and marinara, and baked to perfection.

Lasagna �- Nine layers of lasagna noodles stuffed with our homemade meat sauce and a savory combination of ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, and romano cheeses, baked in made fresh daily marinara.

Roasted Specialties - Served with roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables

Porchetta Rustica - Herb roasted boneless pork loin topped with a rustic red wine sauce that blends balsamic vinegar, blueberries, capers and hazelnuts.

Tuscan Chicken & Vegetables - �Rosemary marinated bone-in chicken.

Fresh Salmon with Pesto - Sun-dried tomatoes, pesto cream sauce and pine nuts, served with vegetables

Entrees -

Chicken Saltimbocca with prosciutto and artichokes

Chicken Marsala with fresh mushrooms

Chicken Parmigiana with prosciutto

Veal Limone with escarole and white tuscan beans in a lemon butter sauce

This menu sounds less pretentious, yet the food might be just as good tasting. Only you as the diner decide which you prefer.

Italian food is comfort food. �Maybe that’s what we like most about the italian dining experience.

About the Author:

Written by Glenda Glayzer of Whispergrass Artworks for Bjorn Enki - Web Presence Specialist

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Chi Mangia Bene, Mangia Italiano - Those Who Eat Well, Eat Italian

avocado lunch

is sushi good for lunch if you are trying to loose weight?

I had some today but only 2 sushi rolls 1 with tuna and avocado (but I took out the avocado before eating it) and the other with smoked salmon, cucumber and cream cheese (but I took out the cream cheese before eating it).

Each order of nigiri (piece of some ingredient over a ball of rice) is about 100 calories. I'm not sure about rolls, though. =)

And by the way, smoked salmon does NOT belong in sushi. It belongs on a bagel... that's it. It is not, by any means, traditional in Japan.

If the word “lunch” has become synonymous with “sandwich”, it’s time to get out of your rut! There are lots of low carb lunch possibilities.

Salads

We’re all familiar with the old fashioned chef salad –cut up cold cuts, cheese, and hard-boiled egg on a green salad (usually iceberg). But meal salads have become much more popular in restaurants and at home, in a variety limited only by the imagination.

Low carb “meal salad” tips:

• Use lots of dark green salad greens, which are much richer in nutrients than the traditional iceberg lettuce. Now that bagged greens are in every grocery store, salad making has never been more convenient.
• If you are using bottled dressings, check the label for carbs. Many “light” dressings have sugar added to make up for the loss of flavor when oil is reduced.
• Choose dressings with oils high in monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil.
• It is very easy to make dressings yourself - it literally can take less than a minute. Whip up an oil-based one in the bottom of the bowl, put the salad on top, and toss. For a creamy dressing, just mix some of your favorite herbs and spices into some mayonnaise. Thin down with water or lemon juice.

Examples of Salads include:

• Greek salad (put extra protein on, such as hard boiled eggs, chicken, or seafood)
• Chicken (cooked without breading, of course) atop salad greens, chopped snow pea pods, chopped red pepper, and walnuts
• Low carb cole slawwith chicken, pecans, and bits of apple
• Tuna salad with greens, tomato and avocado
• Salmon on top of greens, blanched green beans, mushrooms, and sprouts
• Chicken with greens, cucumbers, pecans, and crumbled blue cheese
• Steak with greens, thinly sliced red onions, green pepper, and mushrooms

Roll ups and Wraps

There are three basic kinds of low carb roll ups:

1. Lettuce: Roll “mushy” stuff, such as tuna, salmon, egg, or chicken salad up in a large lettuce leaf, along with anything else that sounds good (as long as you don’t overload it). (A similar alternative is to use the "protein salad" as a dip, and use celery, Bell pepper, cucumber, etc as dippers.)
2. Meat: Roll cheese and veggies up in a slice of roast beef, ham, etc.
3. Low Carb Tortillas: Roll whatever you want up in a low carb tortilla and make a “wrap”. My husband eats hot dogs this way.

Soups

Soups are very versatile, and can provide a vehicle for leftover meats and vegetables. Most soup recipes can be low carb if you just take out the starch (noodles, rice, potatoes). There are a few low carb canned soups, but the vast majority are not – you have to read labels carefully. Make up a big pot of soup and freeze portions.

Leftovers

The easiest lunch of all – just make extra at dinner and have it for lunch the next day!

More Advices:

• Pack lunches the night before and store them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Purchasing lunch foods in larger containers instead of single-serve packages costs less.  Buy yogurt and applesauce in larger containers and spoon it into a smaller container for lunch.  Buy quality bulk bin items, including fresh-ground peanut butter, nuts, dried fruits, and granola.
• Test out new lunch box recipes at home before they make it into the lunch pail.
• Watch the temperature. Harmful bacteria grow best between 40 degrees F and 140 degrees F, so it's important to keep perishable foods outside this danger zone as much as possible.

About the Author:

Soccer Jersey Shop

Cactus Blog

Healthy and easy recipe for your good health

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Low Carb Lunch Menu Ideas

baked avocado vegetarian

Whether gathering to watch your favorite sports team, a night of board games, or a party with friends, food is always an important part of the occasion.  These recipes feature quick and easy foods so you can enjoy great snacks without a lot of trouble.  Recipes include a Very Quick and Easy Shrimp Appetizer which is just about as easy as food can get.  The Veggie Stuffed Mushrooms will please the vegetarians in the group but all will enjoy them.  The Turkey and Cheese Wraps will satisfy those who prefer sandwich-type food.

VERY QUICK AND EASY SHRIMP APPETIZER

8-oz block cream cheese
1/4 cup seafood cocktail sauce
1/3 cup tiny frozen cooked shrimp, thawed
Assortment of party crackers

Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. Pour the cocktail sauce over the top of the cream cheese. Top the cocktail sauce with the shrimp. Place an assortment of party crackers around the cream cheese block.

VEGGIE STUFFED MUSHROOMS

1 lb (approx 20) large white mushrooms
1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli
1/4 cup finely chopped or grated carrot
1 tbsp finely chopped onion
1/2 cup crushed seasoned croutons
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Clean mushrooms and cut a thin slice off the stem and discard it. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop enough stems to make a fourth of a cup. Place chopped stems in a small mixing bowl.

Place mushrooms, cap side down, in a deep baking dish. With the stems in the mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, carrot, and onion. Stir in the crushed croutons, salt, and cheese. Add the butter and mix well. Spoon the vegetable mixture evenly into the mushroom caps. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the stuffing is light golden brown. Serve warm.

TURKEY AND CHEESE WRAP

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp chili powder
4 whole wheat wraps
2 cups alfalfa or bean sprouts
1/2 lb cooked turkey, cut into strips
4-oz cheddar cheese, cut into strips
1 small red onion, cut in half from top to bottom then sliced into thin slices
1 firm ripe avocado, cut into thin strips

In a small bowl, mix the chili powder into the mayonnaise. Spread 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto each of the four wraps. Layer over the mayonnaise mixture on each wrap, 1/2 cup of the sprouts, 1/4 of the turkey strips, 1/4 of the cheese strips, 1/4 of the red onion, and 1/4 of the avocado. Roll up the wraps and enjoy!   Cut the wraps in half for appetizer or snack portions.

Enjoy!

About the Author:

For more of Linda's quick and easy recipes, visit her blog at http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Quick and Easy Appetizers and Party Foods #2

Tired of diets that don’t work? Sick of trying to figure out what to eat — and how to easily prepare it — to stay healthy? Want to finally look and feel better? It’s really not that hard. Here are 5 quick tips that can work for you.

Tip number 1: Sneak in more produce.

How? Make sure each meal contains lots of color as darker hued fruits and vegetables provide the vitamins, minerals, fiber, and phytochemicals your body needs to stay healthy and strong, protect against the effects of aging, and reduce the risk of disease.

How much? Aim for at least one serving at every meal and snack. For example, have a banana with cereal or toast and peanut butter in the morning. Or add blueberries (or any other kind of berry full of antioxidants!) to yogurt with flax seed. Have a bowl of cottage cheese with pineapple and nuts. For lunch, include an orange, pear, grapes, or a peach or any other fruit you can easily throw in a bag and carry. Add lettuce and tomato or spinach or avocado to sandwiches. Have a cup of soup with beans and lots of veggies. For a snack, have apple with cheese, or raisins or other dried fruit (apricot, etc.) with pretzels or nuts, or celery and carrots with hummus. At dinner, start off with a salad or melon, then have steamed broccoli, a baked sweet potato, or stir-fried green beans with your meal. Make a pizza topped with peppers and mushrooms. Be creative! It’s easier than you think!

A serving is one medium-sized whole fruit, half a cup of fresh, frozen, or canned produce, one cup of leafy greens, or a quarter cup of dried fruit.

Tip number 2: Use smaller plates.

Studies consistently show that people — including nutritionists! — unknowingly eat more when given a bigger plate. Using smaller plates, therefore, can help you better control how much you consume.

Tip number 3: Choose whole grains (complex carbohydrates), lean meats and fish (for protein), and healthier fats (poly- and monounsaturated).

Whenever possible, pick whole grains over highly processed grains, cereals, and sugars. Get your grains from foods such as whole wheat, rye, or oat bread, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, and other less familiar grain sources like quinoa, spelt, and bulgur. For protein, make lean choices, such as round or loin steaks and roasts, extra lean ground beef, skinless chicken or duck, and lean roasted turkey. Include fish in your diet, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Vary your meals with vegetarian options like chili with beans, baked beans, rice and beans, veggie burgers, stir-fried tofu, or pea or lentil soup. Cook with oils instead of butter for healthier fats. Limit trans and saturated fats.

Tip number 4: Don’t obsess over calories. And don’t feel bad about satisfying your cravings!

Instead of counting every calorie you consume, pay more attention to your hunger cues. Your body knows what you need! If you’re hungry, eat; when you’re full, stop. If you have a craving for a particular food, don’t deny yourself. You’ll only binge later on. Instead, try satisfying your hunger pang with what you want in small amounts. Or simply opt for healthier selections. Go for hot chocolate instead of a candy bar. For a salty hankering, snack on baked chips instead of fried chips, and have them with salsa or guacamole.

Tip number 5: Don’t skip out on exercise.

It’s a no-brainer. In order to lose weight and keep it off, in addition to improving your diet, it’s juts as important to stay physically active. Get into a routine that you enjoy. When you don't have time for a formal workout, try to squeeze in at least three 10-minute chunks of physical activity. (Be sure to check with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.)

For more ideas on how to look and feel your best, and make simple, tasty, healthful meals, visit Modern Menus (www.modernmenus.com).

Robin Brett Wechsler

Nutritionist, Modern Menus

About the Author:

Modern Menus is a wellness company dedicated to designing nutritious meal plans for health conscious families. Modern Menus offers delicious yet easy and quick-to-prepare recipes written by our staff nutritionist, as well as a fully customizable grocery list, nutrition articles, healthful hints and advice, an “Ask the Nutritionist” column, and more.

Modern Menus also publishes a free weekly newsletter with current nutrition news, valuable tips, and dinner suggestions.

Modern Menus is independent and unbiased, and therefore is a subscription-based service. Modern Menus does not promote specific products, nor do we subject our users to unsolicited advertising.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Plan to Eat Well in 2007

ways to use avocados

What is the best way to use avocado on my hair?

I would like to know if I should put avocado on damp or dry hair?This is my first time using avocado on my hair, so
what is the best way to use it?

Use it on wet hair after a good shampoo. Just mash it up, apply to hair for at least 15 minutes with a plastic shower cap on. You could even sit under a warm dryer for added shine to your hair.

Herbs are fun and easy to grow. When harvested they make even the simplest meal seem like a gourmet delight. By using herbs in your cooking you can easily change the flavors of your recipes in many different ways, according to which herbs you add.
For more details go to: www.dishadvice.com Fresh herbs are great in breads, stews, soups or vegetables. Every time you add a different herb you have completely changed the taste.

If you are a beginner start slowly, add just a little at a time adjusting as you go along until you have it just right. You will see in most instances that an individual herb is associated with a particular food item. Basil is paired with tomatoes, Oregano with sauces, Rosemary with lamb and Chives with butter or cream cheese. Of course, none of them are limited to these items, but you will see them paired most often with that particular food. Use your imagination and experiment, experiment, experiment!

You can make herb vinegars for salad dressings, marinades, or soups. Herb oils are very useful in cooking whenever a recipe calls for it.

Fresh herbs as garnishes dress up any dish making it look truly spectacular. Lay individual sprigs of rosemary over broiled lamb chops. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of your potato salad. The combinations are endless and the outcome delicious.

Fresh herbs will keep in the refrigerator for several days but then you must freeze them. They can be frozen by laying them a paper towel and putting them in a plastic bag. Once they are frozen only use them in cooking not as garnishes. A friend of mine washes them, puts them an ice cube tray, covers them with water and then freezes them. When she needs them for soup, stews or sauces she just drops a cube in.

My favorite herbs to grow are basil, oregano, lemon balm, parsley and mint. Mint is great but be careful, mint can over run your garden. A tip here would be to bury an empty coffee can and plant the mint in it. The can prevents the mint from creeping all through your garden.

I love to make herb butters. Take a half of a cup of softened butter and mix in about 4 tablespoons of a fresh herb.
For help visit: www.camping-outdoors-recipes.com Lay out a piece of saran wrap, place the butter in the middle roll the saran wrap up to form a log out of the butter. Put in the refrigerator and anytime you need a pat of butter just cut it off the log. (Hints for log butter: potatoes, bread, steaks, noodles or any kind of sauce).

A fresh herb in any salad dressing really makes it sparkle. You can use any herb or a combination, be creative.

I learned a trick a long time ago using basil, lemon and avocados to create and instant natural face mask. Put a big handful of basil in a blender and run it on high. Once the basil has been pulverized, throw in a half of an avocado and a large teaspoon of lemon juice, mix until smooth. Wash your face, pat it dry and gently rub the avocado mixture on. Leave it on as long as you like, then use warm water to it wash off.

These are just a few ways you can use fresh herbs from your garden. I am sure you will come up with many more.

About the Author:

www.chow-chows-secrets.com

www.150-venison-recipes.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - You Can Easily Change the Flavors of Your Recipes in Many Different Ways

fresh avocado

What can I put on my face to keep it fresh and healthy?

What are some natural things i can put on my face to keep it smooth and clear looking???
Like vitamin e oil and avocado for example

febreze. just kidding. vitamin e oil, avocado, cucumber on your eyes to reduce puffiness, moisturize it daily with a good moisturizer after cleaning it with a good soap that won't dry your skin. as long as you keep your skin clean and moisturize, it will be [and will look] healthy.

hope this helps

Herbs are fun and easy to grow. When harvested they make even the simplest meal seem like a gourmet delight. By using herbs in your cooking you can easily change the flavors of your recipes in many different ways, according to which herbs you add. Fresh herbs are great in breads, stews, soups or vegetables. Every time you add a different herb you have completely changed the taste.

If you are a beginner start slowly, add just a little at a time adjusting as you go along until you have it just right. You will see in most instances that an individual herb is associated with a particular food item. Basil is paired with tomatoes, Oregano with sauces, Rosemary with lamb and Chives with butter or cream cheese. Of course, none of them are limited to these items, but you will see them paired most often with that particular food. Use your imagination and experiment, experiment, experiment!

You can make herb vinegars for salad dressings, marinades, or soups. Herb oils are very useful in cooking whenever a recipe calls for it.

Fresh herbs as garnishes dress up any dish making it look truly spectacular. Lay individual sprigs of rosemary over broiled lamb chops. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of your potato salad. The combinations are endless and the outcome delicious.

Fresh herbs will keep in the refrigerator for several days but then you must freeze them. They can be frozen by laying them a paper towel and putting them in a plastic bag. Once they are frozen only use them in cooking not as garnishes. A friend of mine washes them, puts them an ice cube tray, covers them with water and then freezes them. When she needs them for soup, stews or sauces she just drops a cube in.

My favorite herbs to grow are basil, oregano, lemon balm, parsley and mint. Mint is great but be careful, mint can over run your garden. A tip here would be to bury an empty coffee can and plant the mint in it. The can prevents the mint from "creeping" all through your garden.

I love to make herb butters. Take a half of a cup of softened butter and mix in about 4 tablespoons of a fresh herb. Lay out a piece of saran wrap, place the butter in the middle roll the saran wrap up to form a "log" out of the butter. Put in the refrigerator and anytime you need a pat of butter just cut it off the "log". (Hints for "log" butter: potatoes, bread, steaks, noodles or any kind of sauce).

A fresh herb in any salad dressing really makes it sparkle. You can use any herb or a combination, be creative.

I learned a trick a long time ago using basil, lemon and avocados to create and instant natural face mask. Put a big handful of basil in a blender and run it on high. Once the basil has been pulverized, throw in a half of an avocado and a large teaspoon of lemon juice, mix until smooth. Wash your face, pat it dry and gently rub the avocado mixture on. Leave it on as long as you like, then use warm water to it wash off.

These are just a few ways you can use fresh herbs from your garden. I am sure you will come up with many more. Happy cooking

About the Author:

Find tips about wild ginseng and ginseng side effects at the Ginseng Facts website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How To Cook With Fresh Herb

do avocado masks work

This collection of homemade organic facial masks is sure to please. Note that citrus ingredients are better for taming oily skin and that you can always substitute another fruit in place of a citrus fruit if you have dry skin.

Bananas are best for dry skin, but you may find that substituting an apple may work better in certain recipes (like the citrus delight mask). Remember to always use organic ingredients so that your skin is not absorbing more chemical toxins.

The Citrus Delight Mask

This mask for oily skin is a luxury in exfoliation, scent, and moisture; a true skin treat and quite tasty, too. Because of the way the natural chemicals in the foods work together, this mask should be mixed just before use. Attempts at storage greatly reduce its effectiveness. Mix your lemon and cream cheese and apply liberally to a clean face, staying away from your eyes. Lie back and relax for 15 minutes, rinse well with warm water.

Ingredients
1 organic lemon, peeled, seeded, and mashed
3 ounces organic cream cheese, softened

The Herbal Honey Mask

This mask delivers essential nutrients as well as infusing your skin with moisture. Mix the following ingredients well and use immediately after use for optimal effects. This mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 10 hours. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) and let sit for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water. Although the mask is edible, it does not taste good!

Ingredients
Leaves from 2 small bunches fresh organic parsley (cleaned and chopped extremely fine)
2 tablespoons organic honey
3 drops organic lavender essential oil (may be a scent of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon 5000 IU Vitamin E oil
1/4 cup organic yogurt

The Hydration Mask

This is a quickly made 2 step mask that is excellent for dry skin. Mix ingredients and apply to clean face (away from eyes). Let sit for 15 minutes and remove with warm water.

Ingredients
Your favorite organic cream moisturizer
1 or 2 tablespoons organic honey

The Mean Green Mask

The skin softening effects of avocado have been known for centuries. This is an easy, inexpensive mask you can make which combines benefits of two of nature's best kept skin secrets. Mash the avocado and honey together immediately before use as this mask does not do well with storage. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes), allowing it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Ingredients
1 large ripe organic avocado, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons organic honey

The Pore Stomping Mask

A little known secret is that tomatoes are excellent pore reducers. This trick should not be used if you have allergies to tomatoes. Peel a tomato and mash well. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) and let sit for 15 minutes. Cleanse as usual.

Ingredients

One small/medium tomato

The Secret Banana Mask

Bananas and cream make this mask one of the most nourishing and hydrating masks you can use. Bananas hoard away tons of great things for your skin, especially for dry and/or aging skin. For use as an anti aging organic skin care, this mask should be applied 3 to 4 times per week.

Mix all ingredients immediately before use. You want the mixture to be a very thick cream. If it seems too runny, add a bit more oat flour. Apply to a clean face and allow mask to sit for 25 to 30 minutes.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons fresh organic cream (heavy)
1 organic banana
1 1/2 tablespoons organic honey
1 1/2 tablespoons organic oat flour

The Very Berry Mask

This incredibly fresh mask is sheer organic temptation for your skin. The raspberries' natural acids refresh and invigorate your skin to give you a beautiful, healthy glow. Blend all of the ingredients except oat flour on high for 30 seconds, pour into bowl and add oat flour to firm the mixture (it should be a very thick cream). Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) immediately after mixing, allow the mask to set for 30 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons organic cream (heavy)
2 tablespoons organic honey
2 table spoons organic oat flour
4 drops organic lavender essential oil
1/2 cup organic raspberries

About the Author:

Keep yourself looking great with these skin care tips from
http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - These Organic Facial Masks Will Bring Out The Best In You

Because our skin is the body's largest organ and the first line of defense against external harsh substances, we need to take proper care of it. There are many types of skin, so why would the same facial mask work for all? There are many choices available, and one that suits your particular skin texture.

Facial masks work deep in the skin to clean, firm and tighten the pores and exfoliate dead cells. They generally contain minerals, fruits, vitamins and other plant extracts. Facial masks consist of two types; creamy lotion which is applied and then rinsed off with tepid water, or peel-off masks. Always clean the face before applying a mask. Ideally the skin should be warm. If your skin is oily, or oily and dry, the best choice is a mask that is clay or mud-based. Clay absorbs excess oils and clears and prevents blackheads. Clay also deep cleans the pores, and detoxifies the skin without drying. If you have sensitive skin, most clay or mud masks are suitable. Oily skin also does well with facial masks based on lemon, tomato, potato and witch hazel. Oatmeal is also an ideal ingredient for oily skin; the oatmeal will provide an exfoliant as well as smoothing and soothing. Apples and honey-based masks are also ideal for oily skin.

For dry skin, the best choice is a moisturizing mask. These facial masks clean deep down, while adding moisture to the skin. Moisturizing masks are left on the face for 10 or 15 minutes, gently rubbed into the skin before removing. These masks plump and soften the skin, leaving a noticeable difference when used regularly. Facial masks made with yogurt, avocado, olive oil or egg are also wonderful to moisturize dry skin. Masks made with fruits that contain a lot of water, such as berries, citrus, peaches and pears will also moisturize dry skin.

Those with dull skin will do best with an exfoliating mask. These facial masks are often based on fruit extracts. They remove the top layer of dead skin cells, leaving a smooth and glowing skin. Exfoliating masks peel off, like removing an adhesive bandage. These masks should not be used near the eye area, where the skin is more delicate.

Normal skin can use most any type of facial mask. If you are looking for a glow, try exfoliating masks. If you want moisture, especially during winter when skin may dry from central heating, use a moisturizing mask. Masks are available for deep cleaning, or perhaps you would look for a facial mask for sensitive skin. The mature face needs a facial mask that will provide firming and tightening of the skin on the face and neck. Skin dries as it ages, so you may want a facial mask that also moisturizes.

Firming masks increase the moisture in the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and leaving the skin with a youthful glow. Firming masks are gently massaged into the skin, left for 10 or 15 minutes, then gently rubbed off. Egg-based facial masks also work to firm and refresh mature skin. Almonds contain vitamin E, which nourishes skin. Any almond-based facial mask will brighten and rejuvenate mature skin.

When taking care of our facial skin, it is important one uses the right product to suit their particular skin type. Fortunately, there is a facial mask to suit every skin type to help improve the skin resulting in a healthy and radiant glow.

About the Author:

After a long day at work, spa Whitby and
facials Oshawa
are perfect destinations for individuals to relax.
Acne Ajax
helps skin to be invigorated, allowing people to experience a vibrant glow.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Different Skin Types Calls For Different Types of Facial Masks

cocktail avocados

Mexican shrimp cocktail?

I was wondering, A friend of mines aunt made a Mexican Shrimp cocktail that had avocados, shrimp, and oysters and onions. Does anyone have a receipe for this or something similar? I have checked on allreceipes.com and the food network website but nothing came up.

To make a good mexican shrimp cocktail you need to buy a good brand of mexican hot sauce,like valentinas. You can use it as is or water it down. Cut up some cucumbers,onions,avocados. Then add shrimp and cilantro to taste. You can add oystersor any other seafood to it.

Whether gathering to watch your favorite sports team, a night of board games, or a party with friends, food is always an important part of the occasion.  These recipes feature quick and easy foods so you can enjoy great snacks without a lot of trouble.  Recipes include a Very Quick and Easy Shrimp Appetizer which is just about as easy as food can get.  The Veggie Stuffed Mushrooms will please the vegetarians in the group but all will enjoy them.  The Turkey and Cheese Wraps will satisfy those who prefer sandwich-type food.

VERY QUICK AND EASY SHRIMP APPETIZER

8-oz block cream cheese
1/4 cup seafood cocktail sauce
1/3 cup tiny frozen cooked shrimp, thawed
Assortment of party crackers

Place the block of cream cheese on a serving plate. Pour the cocktail sauce over the top of the cream cheese. Top the cocktail sauce with the shrimp. Place an assortment of party crackers around the cream cheese block.

VEGGIE STUFFED MUSHROOMS

1 lb (approx 20) large white mushrooms
1/2 cup finely chopped broccoli
1/4 cup finely chopped or grated carrot
1 tbsp finely chopped onion
1/2 cup crushed seasoned croutons
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/8 tsp salt
2 tbsp butter, melted

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Clean mushrooms and cut a thin slice off the stem and discard it. Remove the stems from the mushrooms and chop enough stems to make a fourth of a cup. Place chopped stems in a small mixing bowl.

Place mushrooms, cap side down, in a deep baking dish. With the stems in the mixing bowl, combine the broccoli, carrot, and onion. Stir in the crushed croutons, salt, and cheese. Add the butter and mix well. Spoon the vegetable mixture evenly into the mushroom caps. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until the stuffing is light golden brown. Serve warm.

TURKEY AND CHEESE WRAP

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 tsp chili powder
4 whole wheat wraps
2 cups alfalfa or bean sprouts
1/2 lb cooked turkey, cut into strips
4-oz cheddar cheese, cut into strips
1 small red onion, cut in half from top to bottom then sliced into thin slices
1 firm ripe avocado, cut into thin strips

In a small bowl, mix the chili powder into the mayonnaise. Spread 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto each of the four wraps. Layer over the mayonnaise mixture on each wrap, 1/2 cup of the sprouts, 1/4 of the turkey strips, 1/4 of the cheese strips, 1/4 of the red onion, and 1/4 of the avocado. Roll up the wraps and enjoy!   Cut the wraps in half for appetizer or snack portions.

Enjoy!

About the Author:

For more of Linda's quick and easy recipes, visit her blog at http://grandmasquickfixrecipes.blogspot.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Quick and Easy Appetizers and Party Foods #2

how many calories per avocado

How many calories per one gram of avocado?

I don't know. But to count calories by the gram, that is weird

Summer is just around the corner. It’s time to break out your bathing suit, flip flops, and tank tops. You love the summer it is time to relax with longer days, hanging out with your best girlfriends, and lay out at the pool. Fun times are a head of you.

You’re hosting the first gal pal get together of the warm sun shinny days that await you. It is going to be an all day event, just you and the girls. No kids, no husbands, no dogs, or cats. Nope! You have been counting calories and you don’t want to go overboard and get too far off track. Here is a great meal plan just for you and your girls.

Serve iced tea with a no calorie sugar substitute.

Appetizer 180 calories per serving

Start out with veggies and ranch dip: Use 1 envelope of hidden valley ranch dip (1 ounce) mix with a 16 ounce fat-free sour cream. Serve each guest a personal plate with a ½ cup carrot sticks, ½ cup celery sticks, 4 cherry tomatoes and 1/8 of the dip.

Lunch 203 calories per serving

Serve a turkey cranberry wrap: 1tbsp dried cranberries. 2 tbsp fat-free cream cheese, at room temperature. 1 8-inch whole grain tortilla. 2 ounce deli-style roasted turkey breast. ½ cup shredded romaine lettuce. (multiply for each guest). Place cranberries in a microwave safe dish cover them in a little water and microwave on high for 15 seconds to soften the skins. Drain water off and mix with cream cheese. Spread the mixture down the center of the tortilla. Layer the turkey and lettuce on the tortilla. Roll and wrap the ends.

Snack 200 calories a serving (avocados the good fat)

Whip up some fresh guacamole. ½ diced onion. 1 diced tomato. ½ cup chopped cilantro. Three medium avocados and your favorite packet of guacamole mash the avocados then mix all. Serve with reduced fat wheat thins.

Dinner 400 calories per serving

Thai steak salad. 8 ounce sirloin tip steak 1 inch thick. 2 tsp soy sauce. 1 red onion peeled and sliced. 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced. 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced. 2 tbsp lime juice. 2 tbsp fish sauce. 1 clove garlic minced. ½ tsp hot pepper sauce sugar. Romaine lettuce leaf. Preheat broiler or grill. Sprinkle the sirloin with soy sauce and rub it into the surface. Broil or grill to you liking (8-10 minutes per side). Set the steak aside for 10 minutes, then slice thinly. Toss with onion, pepper, and cucumber. In a small bowl combine the lime juice, fish sauce, garlic and hot pepper sauce. Mix with steak mixture and place over lettuce and serve warm with bread.

Desert 111 calories per serving

Guilt free double chocolate brownies. Use nonstick cooking spray. 4 tbsp of butter. 2/3 cup of granulated sugar. ½ cup of cold water. 1 teaspoon vanillia. 1 cup flour. ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. 1 teaspoon of baking powder. ¼ cup mini semisweet chocolate pieces. 2 teaspoons powder sugar. Preheat oven to 350. Coat a 9x9-inch pan with nonstick spray. In medium sauce pan melt the butter, remove from heat. Stir in sugar, water, and vanilla. Mix in flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder until combined. Add chocolate pieces. Pour in pan bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Cool and sprinkle on powder sugar.

There you have it a 1200 calorie day with the girls.

About the Author:

Susan is a weight loss consultant dedicated to helping people reach their weight loss goal.
Weight Loss Consultant

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 1200 calorie summer day with the girls

salad avocado tomato

What's a good side dish with protein that would go well with crepes?

I'm making dinner for a large group of people and I got the ambitious idea to do a crepes bar: a continuous stream of crepes with a variety of toppings people can choose from (both sweet and salty: applesauce, jam, cream cheese, nutella, smoked salmon, prosciutto, fresh tomatoes and avocados). I'm also planning to have a large tossed salad, but what's another side dish I could serve that would provide protein and round out the meal?

Well you are providing some great protein with the salmon, nutella and prosciutto, you could keep it simple and add garbanzos or other legumes to the salad or perhaps a quiche if you think someone might not like crepes. Good luck!

3 Day Detox Diet

Is a 3 day detox diet for you? If you are like me and perhaps over do it with junk food. Drink too much caffeine and perhaps over indulge with alcohol, why  not try a 3 day detox diet. Yes this will be a great challenge to your system but it is something you can do and it may change your life.

You are not going to have to starve yourself and if you follow the plan properly you will not even be hungry. You will though crave for things such as coffee and your favourite junk food but remember this is only for 3 days.

Let’s first look at what you can drink. Well forget tea, coffee and alcohol and also any type of soda as you are going to be restricted to water and fruit juices. If you have a juicer you will be amazed of some of the great tasting juice drinks you can make. When most newbie’s try their first detox they are amazed at the different types of good tasting drinks they can quickly make with a decent juicer.

Now for food you can eat for this 3 day detox diet you are not going to be restricted to fruit. You are also allowed to eat potatoes and fresh fish. Remember though you have to keep any from any other foods.

To make things easier for you I will list 3 detox diet recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Breakfast

Porridge
Porridge must be made with water and not milk. Add toppings with foods such as bananas, yoghurt and raisins.

Muesli
Must not contain any added sugar

Natural Yoghurt
Any pot of natural yoghurt.

Lunch

Jacket Potato
Using tuna for the topping (canned in water) not in oil. Side dish of salad.

Avocado and Prawn salad
Must be fresh avocado. Serve with prawns, salad and lemon juice.

Grilled Fresh Fish
Any fresh fish grilled. Serve with Jacket Potato or salad

Dinner

Chinese Vegetable Stir Fry

Stir fry a selection of vegetables such as spring onions, mushrooms, bamboo shoots and bean sprouts in a little olive oil. Serve with brown rice.

Baked Salmon Fillet

Salmon fillet served with a jacket potato and steamed / boiled vegetables.

Tuna and prawns with noodles

Gently fry a selection of vegetables such as onions, mushrooms, peppers, courgette and leek in a little olive oil. When lightly browned, add a handful of prawns. Cook for a few minutes, and then add canned tomatoes, tomato puree, black pepper and tuna canned in water. Bring to the boil and simmer until the sauce thickens. Serve with rice noodles.

Drinks

Drink only water of fresh juices.

So there you have it you have everything you need to start your first healthy 3 day detox diet so what are you waiting for?

About the Author:

Get your free Recipes for Detox Diet eBook plus general adice on
how to detox your body
.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - 3 Day Detox Diet Plan

baked avocado pie

is it possible to make a baked avocado cheesecake?

i made a no-bake avocado pie and it was delicious! i feel like this is the next step... can i make a avocado cheesecake that can be baked? if not would i be able to make a no-bake with more cream cheese and with added sour cream? any ideas? any ways i can make a variation of a recipe?

sure is here is one of mum recipes

Avocado Cheesecake

Degree of difficulty: Medium

You need:
Biscuit Pastry
4oz Butter
6-8oz SR Flour
4oz Sugar
1 Egg
1 Level tbls Custard Powder

Filling
1 Ripe Avocado
1 Tin Condensed Milk
1 Gelatine Tablet dissolved in 1/4 cup Warmed Lemon Juice
375g Chream Cheese

Method:
Biscuit Pastry
Cream butter, sugar, eggs and custard powder. Add flour gradually until stiff dough is formed. Blind Bake at 180 degrees.

Filling
Mix all ingredients together well. Pour into cooked pastry shell. Top with whipped cream and set in fridge.

ENJOY!!

You need dinner party ideas to plan one of the most relaxed parties there is. The parties might not present a great challenge while planning but, they need attention so that you can impress your guests over great food and wine. Firstly, making the surroundings inviting and attractive is key. Everything must have a style of arrangement from chairs to other decorations at the table. You do not need to have something very elaborate just something inspiring and comfortable. You can view some of the settings on the internet and get to see how to achieve certain aspects of class without having to spend much. Do everything to make sure you achieve the ambiance you are looking for which is suitable for a dinner party.

You also require dinner party ideas for food. There are several courses that will make up a dinner party and you need to plan for appetizers which must to serve their purpose well. You can consider the following foods for appetizers. First, asparagus and Parmesan puffs will do the trick. The ingredients include rolled puff pastry, red pesto, cherry tomatoes, fine asparagus spears, Parmesan cheese and coarsely grated rock salt. You can also add freshly milled black pepper to spice the meal. Other great appetizers you can do for your dinner party include Waldorf salad, sticky barbecued chicken wings, oyster Rockefeller and many more. Do the meals that you are confident that you can do or follow all the instruction to the letter.

Some dinner party ideas for the first course are avocado mozzarella and tomato salad, baked Salcom creams, French conjoin soup and many other. For the main course include spiced and super moist roast turkey, chicken Alfredo, fish cakes, luxury fish pie and others. You can do some side dishes and they will include the following mashed potatoes, glazed beans and many more. Some of the dressings you can do are bread sauce, cranberry sauce, garlic bread and many others. Ideas for dessert include the following brandy sauce, chocolate truffles and other. You can also make traditional afternoon tea which can be taken with sandwiches, cakes and others.

The internet is filled with this recipes and more and they will furnish you with many dinner party ideas for food. You do not have to be an expert to make them exquisite. Make sure that you take time on final touches. Remember, you can work with a particular theme that will give your dinner party that feeling of diversity and culture. For example, you can make it an African theme. You will therefore include African dishes and decorations. When it comes to dinner party ideas, they never end. However, before you go for such a theme, study every recipe carefully and if you are comfortable with it, do it. If you cannot cook, follow every instruction to the letter and you will discover that it is not complicated. Let the mood of the party take over as you relax with your guest over dinner.

About the Author:

Peter Gitundu is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Party Ideas for Years. For More Information on Dinner Party Ideas, Visit His Site at DINNER PARTY IDEAS You Can Also Post Your Views About Dinner Party Ideas On My Blog Here DINNER PARTY IDEAS

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Dinner Party Ideas

avocado dip with cream cheese

I have recently bin to several party's and at each there was a dip can you Pleas tell me wot it is ?

it had 3 layers the 1st and base is red refryed beens ( wot is that and how do u make it ) then a layer of avocado , then a layer of Cream cheese . Wot is the name for this dip and how do i make it .

Mexican Dip.

You can buy cans of refried beans in the supermarket. Mash the avocado with a little lemon or lime juice to stop it going brown. If the cream cheese is fairly solid mash with a little cream or full cream milk to make thinner/softer.

Choose a suitable bowl - see through is best so you can see the layers - then just put in one layer at a time. I like to sprinkle a little red paprika on the top for decoration.

Hope it turns out well for you.

North Dallas has a lot to offer, including some of the hottest restaurants serving up delectable cuisine. Check out the offerings of three popular North Dallas neighborhoods, then visit them to see just how inviting these communities can be.

A Taste of Highland Park

In addition to pristine Highland Park real estate, with beautiful custom homes and sprawling estates, Highland Park real estate also offers up some scrumptious cuisine served up at long time favorite restaurants.

Café Pacific

This establishment has occupied a piece of Highland Park real estate for over 22 years. The marble floors and dark, glossy woods evoke a feeling of turn-of-the-century charm, reminding one of San Francisco.

One of their specialties is the fruits de mer, where you choose between lump crabmeat, jumbo shrimp, and lobster tail served up with Asian sauce, mignonette, or red cocktail sauce.

The blue point oysters and fried sweet potato slivers combined with an outstanding wine list make this restaurant one of the most popular places to occupy a piece of Highland Park real estate.

Sevy’s Grill

Another favorite, this restaurant has been a part of Highland Park real estate for over 10 years. The inviting mission-style interior and patio that is fashioned around a putting green offers personalized service for its patrons, including a spread of red rose petals on the table for special occasions and engraved brass plaques at regular customers’ favorite tables.

The chef gives culinary classics an upscale twist, including barbecued salmon with tobacco butter, grilled rosemary chicken over polenta, buttermilk-chive whipped potatoes, and herb marinated lamb chops.

Do not be surprised to find the chef wandering through the restaurant in his crisp whites and golf cleats, offering personalized and friendly hospitality to this great piece of Highland Park real estate.

Coppell’s Upscale Flavors

One of the most popular eateries occupying upscale Coppell real estate is Bin 555, founded and owned by Coppell native brothers Jake and Jason Dady.

The asparagus Milanese with fried egg and Pecorino Romano cheese is to die for, as is the creamy crab dip featuring shredded seafood in an unbelievable blend of cream cheese and mascarpone.

Bin 555’s chicken wings depart from the ordinary, serving up the bird in a white peach glaze and a cilantro lime sour cream dipping sauce.

A new specialty and one that must be tried is the grilled Texas bobwhite quail on Italian farro with a balsamic reduction.

For dessert, the tempura fried banana with peanut butter dipping sauce is delectable if not evilly decadent, and the cheesecake is made with a rich Cabrales blue cheese.

Despite its upscale menu, this eatery on Coppell real estate is also kid-friendly, with a separate children’s lounge featuring kids movies, restricted access Internet, and video games.

A Taste of Japan in Irving

One of the hottest pieces of Irving real estate hosts the pulsating, somewhat psychedelic Blue Fish restaurant. It was fashioned after a Los Angeles style sake bar, and offers edgy stainless steel and black surroundings complimented by brilliant neon lighting and hip music. This is definitely not your typical, tame sushi bar.

The sake offers 12 varieties, including the Nigori Pearl, an opaque pink mixture that is irresistible. If you do not have a sake favorite, try the samplers.

There are five entrees on the menu, but it is more fun to order from the other sections, which include tempura, sushi bar, robata (grill), salads, and appetizers. Try the blue fish roll, a delectable combination of yellowtail, tuna, salmon, avocado, cucumber, and bright orange fish roe. Or the crispy seaweed salad combined with fried calamari in lemon soy sauce. An unusual taste is the yellowtail heaven with shaved jalapenos.

This surprising sushi restaurant occupying a piece of Irving real estate brings a bit of west coast-style cuisine to North Dallas, adding to its appeal for visitors and residents from every corner of the globe.

About the Author:

Richard Soto writes articles on many topics including Dallas Homes for sale, Dallas Texas Real Estate and Dallas Commercial Real Estate.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Culinary Delights Abound in North Dallas Neighborhoods

eating avocado daily

Avocados good or bad?

I work at a sushi bar and I eat the avacado rolls and cali rolls alot can you guys tell me the pros and cons of eating avocados daily?

It's good as long as you know your limits. <*-*>

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, there are ways to improve and control the symptoms of your disease. It is very important to find out what to eat and not to eat for diabetes. Scientists report the global rates of Type 2 diabetes are likely to double in the next twenty years. These statistics do not have to happen if we can begin to practice what foods to enjoy and avoid. A diet high in fiber, but low in fat is most often recommended for diabetics. You especially want to stay away from saturated fat and limit the amount of sugar you eat. Saturated fat is animal fat such as butter, and lard. Dairy products high in saturated fat include cream, cheese, meat, and chocolate.

What to eat and not to eat for diabetes:

Bread is a major source of carbohydrates in our diets. Carbohydrate is an valuable source of energy, vitamins, and minerals. It also provides fiber that helps maintain blood sugar levels. Beans, peas, oats, and barley contain this fiber. Whole grain products are the wisest choice because it takes longer for your digestive system to break down. This keeps the body from releasing sudden bursts of sugar. Potatoes, corn, and pasta are also carbohydrates.

Vegetables should be included on your list of what to eat and not to eat for diabetes. Tasty samples to include are spinach, carrots, broccoli, tomatoes, lettuce, cabbage and cucumbers. You should have three to five servings a day, mixing it up, serving both raw and cooked vegetables.

Fruits contain carbohydrates along with natural sugars, so you must be careful indulging in too much. It is a good idea to mix fruit with a protein or before exercise. Make certain the canned fruits you buy are packed in unsweetened fruit juice. Diabetics require two to four servings of fruit everyday.

Milk and other dairy products should be limited due to being high in carbs. Switching to low-fat milk, and unsweetened yogurt will help keep your diabetes in check, and an added bonus of saving calories. Two to three serving of dairy products are your daily requirement.

Protein can be meat or meat substitutes such as peanut butter, tofu, cheese, and eggs. You only require about six ounces of protein a day, broken up over two to three meals. One tablespoon of peanut butter or an egg weighs an ounce. Fish, poultry, beans, and nuts, are sources of protein.

Fats and Sweets are necessary for our bodies but only in moderation. Avocados make a delicious topping in the place of mayonnaise. Making your own dressing avoids the trans-fat in processed foods. Sweets are allowed for many diabetics if the portion size is strictly under control. Sugar free desserts are an option, but remember to take the extra carbs into consideration.

Take control of your diabetes and look into what a balanced diet plan can do for you. An important step is finding out what to eat and what not to eat for diabetes. With the popular food choices of today, our bodies are receiving only twenty percent of the necessary nutrients it craves. This fact is considered by experts to be what is behind the overweight crisis seen in many countries. Taking away from our mid-section could also lessen the appearance in development of adult on set diabetes.

About the Author:

Discover more about :
List Of Foods For Diabetic To Eat
,
Diabetes Type 2 Natural Treatment
and
What are Causes of Diabetes
and at my dedicated Diabetes Blog.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - What Foods To Eat And Not To Eat For Diabetes?

avocado bean salsa

What is something good that I can add to my SALSA...........?

So far I've come up with Spearmint leaves, and Avocado.
Bean dip on the side............BTW.........avocado in salsa is amazingly good.

this is what i do...does not matter which salsa i choose, the best or worst, it doesnt matter. cuz once this is added, i think, is SO .... GOOD!!! just add an even amount of cream cheese to your salsa and dig away!!!... just cut a block of the cheese, in a bowl, salsa pour over the top, chips around the bowl, some cilantro garnish on the chips...ENJOY!!! i think ima hook myself up right now!....

Times are tight and the price of everything from clothing to entertainment is going up. The cost of feeding your family continues to rise, too. Every week at the grocery store, it seems like we pay a little bit more and get a little bit less. 

To help you make the most of your already tight food budget, we've got 5 deliciously complete dinners than you can make for your family of 4 for under $10.

Chicken Rice Bowls                                                   

4 chicken thighs - $3.57

1 cup dried rice - $.50

1 can black beans - $1.15

4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese - $.75

1 avocado, sliced - $1.00

1 jar of salsa - $1.50

Total - $8.47

Dice chicken thighs. Heat a skillet on the stove over medium heat. When hot, add 1 tablespoon canola oil. When oil is hot add chicken. Brown, seasoning with garlic salt and pepper. While chicken is cooking, boil rice according to directions. Heat beans in a small saucepan on the stove. When the rice and chicken are done, layer rice, black beans and chicken, topping with 1 oz cheddar cheese, avocado slices and salsa.

Bratwurst                                                                  

4 links Bratwurst - $4.00

1 green pepper, seeded and diced - $1.00

1 onion, sliced - $.75

4 French rolls - $1.25

Frozen French fries - $2.00

Total - $9.00 

Heat grill. Place bratwurst on grill, turning occasionally until browned on all side and cooked through. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and cook fries according to directions.

Meanwhile, heat a medium skillet over medium high heat, adding one tablespoon on oil. When hot, add green pepper and onion to skillet. Cook, stirring and turning occasionally until brown and soft. Serve bratwurst in rolls, topped with green peppers and onions and French fries on the side.  

Pasta and Italian Sausage                                        

1 pound bulk hot Italian sausage - $1.99

1 pound dried penne pasta - $1.50

1 jar tomato sauce - $2.00

Baguette - $1.00

1 head Romaine lettuce - $1.00

Total - $7.49 

Boil water in a large pan, salt and cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. When hot, add Italian sausage, breaking up into small bits. Cook until brown and cooked through. When no longer pink, drain fat. Add tomato sauce to Italian sausage, turning heat to low. Slice baguette and tear lettuce into bite sized pieces for a salad. When pasta is done, drain and serve topped with Italian sausage and sauce, with bread and salad on the side. 

Steak Fajitas                                                             

1 pound skirt steak - $4.00

Shredded Cheddar cheese - $2.00

Flour tortillas - $2.00

1 onion, sliced - $ .75

1 tomato, diced - $ .50

Shredded lettuce - $ .25

Total - $9.50 

Slice steak into ½" slices against the grain. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil. When hot, add steak and onion slices. Cook, stirring occasionally. When steak is cooked through, add 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon cumin, cracked black pepper and ¼ cup water. Stir to combine, coating steak. When some of the water has cooked off, serve steak wrapped in tortillas, topped with tomato, cheese and lettuce.    

Make the most of your time and stretch your money. More recipes and great ideas are always the first place to start!

About the Author:

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Four Meals Under $10

is the avocado seed edible

Are avocado seeds edible?

I know the flesh is, but I was wondering if the seeds were?
Actually I did bight into it, and it split right in have. It tasted good, kind of like a pine taste crossed with an almond. But I didn't eact or chew it because I was afraid. The seed had become soft I guess because it was ripe, they are only hard at first.

No but you can replant them

This collection of homemade organic facial masks is sure to please. Note that citrus ingredients are better for taming oily skin and that you can always substitute another fruit in place of a citrus fruit if you have dry skin.

Bananas are best for dry skin, but you may find that substituting an apple may work better in certain recipes (like the citrus delight mask). Remember to always use organic ingredients so that your skin is not absorbing more chemical toxins.

The Citrus Delight Mask

This mask for oily skin is a luxury in exfoliation, scent, and moisture; a true skin treat and quite tasty, too. Because of the way the natural chemicals in the foods work together, this mask should be mixed just before use. Attempts at storage greatly reduce its effectiveness. Mix your lemon and cream cheese and apply liberally to a clean face, staying away from your eyes. Lie back and relax for 15 minutes, rinse well with warm water.

Ingredients
1 organic lemon, peeled, seeded, and mashed
3 ounces organic cream cheese, softened

The Herbal Honey Mask

This mask delivers essential nutrients as well as infusing your skin with moisture. Mix the following ingredients well and use immediately after use for optimal effects. This mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 10 hours. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) and let sit for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water. Although the mask is edible, it does not taste good!

Ingredients
Leaves from 2 small bunches fresh organic parsley (cleaned and chopped extremely fine)
2 tablespoons organic honey
3 drops organic lavender essential oil (may be a scent of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon 5000 IU Vitamin E oil
1/4 cup organic yogurt

The Hydration Mask

This is a quickly made 2 step mask that is excellent for dry skin. Mix ingredients and apply to clean face (away from eyes). Let sit for 15 minutes and remove with warm water.

Ingredients
Your favorite organic cream moisturizer
1 or 2 tablespoons organic honey

The Mean Green Mask

The skin softening effects of avocado have been known for centuries. This is an easy, inexpensive mask you can make which combines benefits of two of nature's best kept skin secrets. Mash the avocado and honey together immediately before use as this mask does not do well with storage. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes), allowing it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Ingredients
1 large ripe organic avocado, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons organic honey

The Pore Stomping Mask

A little known secret is that tomatoes are excellent pore reducers. This trick should not be used if you have allergies to tomatoes. Peel a tomato and mash well. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) and let sit for 15 minutes. Cleanse as usual.

Ingredients

One small/medium tomato

The Secret Banana Mask

Bananas and cream make this mask one of the most nourishing and hydrating masks you can use. Bananas hoard away tons of great things for your skin, especially for dry and/or aging skin. For use as an anti aging organic skin care, this mask should be applied 3 to 4 times per week.

Mix all ingredients immediately before use. You want the mixture to be a very thick cream. If it seems too runny, add a bit more oat flour. Apply to a clean face and allow mask to sit for 25 to 30 minutes.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons fresh organic cream (heavy)
1 organic banana
1 1/2 tablespoons organic honey
1 1/2 tablespoons organic oat flour

The Very Berry Mask

This incredibly fresh mask is sheer organic temptation for your skin. The raspberries' natural acids refresh and invigorate your skin to give you a beautiful, healthy glow. Blend all of the ingredients except oat flour on high for 30 seconds, pour into bowl and add oat flour to firm the mixture (it should be a very thick cream). Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) immediately after mixing, allow the mask to set for 30 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons organic cream (heavy)
2 tablespoons organic honey
2 table spoons organic oat flour
4 drops organic lavender essential oil
1/2 cup organic raspberries

About the Author:

Keep yourself looking great with these skin care tips from
http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk
You can now get the very latest information on
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - These Organic Facial Masks Will Bring Out The Best In You

simple avocado dishes

Basil is the best herb for pesto, hands down. Its leaves have a warm and spicy flavor. You need to only add a small amount of this delightful herb in such dishes as soups, salads and sauces. Basil is also particular suited, by the way, to season anything dish with tomato flavoring. Don't hesitate to use basil to enhance the flavor of your meat, poultry or fish. You can even add it to your morning breakfast omelet.
You'll want to start your basil plants early in the spring, preferably in a greenhouse or a sun-drenched windowsill. Early in the summer transplant this herb to your garden. Or, if you have the courage, sow basil seeds directly into her garden early in the spring. Or you may want to try your hand at both methods, just in case those seeds don't catch.   Simple Guide to Successful Herb Gardening   2. Chives
Who doesn't love some fresh chives on a hot, newly baked potato? If you're as mad about this herb as me, then you've already noticed that chives have a mildly onion taste. This makes them an excellent addition to salads, any egg and cheese dish, cream cheese, sandwich spreads and sauces. And, oh, by the way, don't restrict chives to just the baked potato. Taste how in adds a little zing to your mashed potatoes as well.
If you plan on growing chives from starter plants, then you'll want to get these into your garden in the early spring. And you'll want to give these plants plenty of room. My recommendation is to plant them a good 9 to 12 inches from each other.
If you plan to plant the chives seeds, then plant them in the fall or the spring, digging down a good half inch and setting the seeds in rows that are spaced about 12 inches apart.
3. Coriander
Now here's a versatile herb. Its versatility is so great that different parts of this plant are known as different herbs. Grinding the dried seeds to use them in your meats, like veal, ham or pork? You're using coriander. Using the leaves to add to some Indian or Asian dishes? You're actually using cilantro.
And of course you can use the roots of coriander as well. If you can't use them right away, don't worry you can freeze these. They can be used to flavor soups. Or chop the roots and serve with avocados. You'll find this deliciously delightful!
Even a novice herbalist should have no problem growing coriander from seeds (I know I did it my first time around and there was no novice who was more naïve and at a loss than I!)
Sow these seeds in the early spring. Dig a hole about ¼ inch in depth. Plant them in rows that are just about a foot apart. Once the seedlings appear, you'll want to thin them down some, making sure they're at least 6 inches from the other.
4. Dill
Here's another herb that you can use both the seeds and the leaves. Both of these parts have a sharp, slightly bitter taste. (But then who among us doesn't know the taste of dill?)
Simple Guide to Successful Herb Gardening
Don't Be Afraid to Actually Use Your Herbs . . .
Using your herbs regularly in cooking has two distinct advantages. First, of course, it adds an added dimension to your cooking that not only will impress you, but your spouse and even your children.
But using these herbs regularly, you'll also effectively keeping your plants shaped nice and growing healthy.
 More on my book "Simple Guide to Successful Herb Gardening".

About the Author:

Julio Villanueva is a herb garden expert and an avid herb garden writer. For more great information on how to grow a successful herb garden, visit http://www.livelyherbgarens.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Choosing the right types of herbs for growing

I have been going to Sonoma Chicken Coop since it opened in 2002 and have probable had at least a couple of hundred Chicken Coop Salads. Why so many salads? For one they taste really good, with the avocado, goat cheese and rotisserie chicken. Also, I don’t feel like a martyr when my real motive is trying to watch my weight and be healthy at the same time. For me the Chicken Cobb salad is the most satisfying salad and enough to make you full, but not stuffed.

I also really like the dressing on the chicken walnut salad; it is not too heavy but at the same time very satisfying. The catering menus also make a tropical fruit salad that is very tasty and is something that is asked for a lot especially when we cater outside; it is requested as a side dish to compliment an entrée. It just seems to balance a full meal and is great with a nice Chardonnay wine.

On rare occasions the Almaden catering Coop will fry chicken (always a special) and when we do it is fried lightly and not over breaded, this is usually served with mashed potatoes and fresh string beans and our own home-made bread. Sometimes it is good to be bad, and we are no exception.
Home on the Range away from the Coop!
Since we do eat out more times than not, we are kind of spoiled and a little lazy when it comes to cooking our own food but when we do, we don’t mess around, it just has to be easy (did I mention that lazy thing). Easy does not mean you have to scrimp on taste, some of my most favorite meals are the easiest ones to cook.

Last night I hosted fathers day at our house. We had about 23 friends and family over (the regulars). It was pot luck and everyone brought all kinds of delicious appetizers, salads, deserts and my wife made potato salad which is always the highlight for me, but my grilling (chicken bbq) did receive some good praise as well and I want to pass on to you a real simple recipe that never lets me down when I am grilling chicken and is easy to do.

The recipe is is from The Freezer Cooking Manual from 30 Day Gourmet: A Month of Meals Made Easy . It has some really good recipes and some great advice and worksheets for those of you who want to cook ahead and freeze dishes or prepped food, like this chicken marinade. You can freeze chicken pieces in this marinade, then grill or bake or use in fajitas or stir fries. I took frozen boneless skinless chicken breasts and popped open the bags, put this marinade in and let them marinate while they thawed overnight in frig.

This makes about 3 cups of marinade. I cut back a bit on the soy sauce as it seemed like way too much sodium and the chicken does not taste too salty, just very flavorful.
• 2 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tbs dry mustard
• 1 cup olive oil (extra virgin if you have it)
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegarv
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 ½ tsp minced garlic
• 2 tsp dried parsley
Simple but effective, guaranteed to make people smile. Mix it up and pour over chicken pieces in a gallon freezer bag. Freeze and pull out later, or pour over frozen chicken and let marinate while it thaws.

About the Author:

Brooke Thom is an Author for Sonoma chicken coop Almaden The best restaurant Almaden. Sonoma Chicken Coop Almaden refers to Catering Businesses, best almaden restaurant, Best family restaurant Almaden Catering, Almaden Catering Supplies, Catering lunch menu.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Sonoma Chicken Almaden brings one of the best salads

avocado paper bag

whats the best way to ripen an avocado quickly?

besides a paper bag? i want to make some guacamole and my avocados are really hard still.

put it in the fridge.

=]

Herbs are fun and easy to grow. When harvested they make even the simplest meal seem like a gourmet delight. By using herbs in your cooking you can easily change the flavors of your recipes in many different ways, according to which herbs you add.
For more details go to: www.dishadvice.com Fresh herbs are great in breads, stews, soups or vegetables. Every time you add a different herb you have completely changed the taste.

If you are a beginner start slowly, add just a little at a time adjusting as you go along until you have it just right. You will see in most instances that an individual herb is associated with a particular food item. Basil is paired with tomatoes, Oregano with sauces, Rosemary with lamb and Chives with butter or cream cheese. Of course, none of them are limited to these items, but you will see them paired most often with that particular food. Use your imagination and experiment, experiment, experiment!

You can make herb vinegars for salad dressings, marinades, or soups. Herb oils are very useful in cooking whenever a recipe calls for it.

Fresh herbs as garnishes dress up any dish making it look truly spectacular. Lay individual sprigs of rosemary over broiled lamb chops. Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the top of your potato salad. The combinations are endless and the outcome delicious.

Fresh herbs will keep in the refrigerator for several days but then you must freeze them. They can be frozen by laying them a paper towel and putting them in a plastic bag. Once they are frozen only use them in cooking not as garnishes. A friend of mine washes them, puts them an ice cube tray, covers them with water and then freezes them. When she needs them for soup, stews or sauces she just drops a cube in.

My favorite herbs to grow are basil, oregano, lemon balm, parsley and mint. Mint is great but be careful, mint can over run your garden. A tip here would be to bury an empty coffee can and plant the mint in it. The can prevents the mint from creeping all through your garden.

I love to make herb butters. Take a half of a cup of softened butter and mix in about 4 tablespoons of a fresh herb.
For help visit: www.camping-outdoors-recipes.com Lay out a piece of saran wrap, place the butter in the middle roll the saran wrap up to form a log out of the butter. Put in the refrigerator and anytime you need a pat of butter just cut it off the log. (Hints for log butter: potatoes, bread, steaks, noodles or any kind of sauce).

A fresh herb in any salad dressing really makes it sparkle. You can use any herb or a combination, be creative.

I learned a trick a long time ago using basil, lemon and avocados to create and instant natural face mask. Put a big handful of basil in a blender and run it on high. Once the basil has been pulverized, throw in a half of an avocado and a large teaspoon of lemon juice, mix until smooth. Wash your face, pat it dry and gently rub the avocado mixture on. Leave it on as long as you like, then use warm water to it wash off.

These are just a few ways you can use fresh herbs from your garden. I am sure you will come up with many more.

About the Author:

www.chow-chows-secrets.com

www.150-venison-recipes.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - You Can Easily Change the Flavors of Your Recipes in Many Different Ways

nutritional information avocado

If you are desperate for quick weight loss, I'm going to give you an "all-diet, no exercise" special diet that will net you a 10 pound weight loss in 12 days. However, you must understand that this diet isn't for everyone. It's extreme and if you decide to use it, consult a doctor first.

Studies have proven on a group of people that a 1,000 calorie diet that is 90% protein... the average person lost .6 pounds each and every day. That's 7.2 pounds in 12 days. Now wait, it gets better.

This same study proved that if you gave a group of people a 1,000 calorie diet that was 90% fat... the average person lost .9 pounds each and every day. That's a total of 10.8 pounds lose in 12 days.

Before I give you details of this 90% fat diet that got those results, I want to mention that this study also put people on a 1,000 calorie diet that was 90% carbohydrates. The end results for them was that they actually gained weight!

Now, the rationale about why the 1,000 calorie, 90% fat diet works so well is that it forces the body into lipolysis. This makes it burn the body's own fat for energy and survival since the body is starved of both carbs and proteins to feed off of. Pretty simple logic.

So now that you know the basics, here's an outline of the 90% fat, 1,000 calorie diet...

Eat often, 5 times a day. Each meal will have 200 calories.

The meal choices are as follows:

• 1 ounce of macadamia nuts
• 2 ounces of cream cheese
• 1 ounce of tuna with 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise in served in 1/4 avocado
• 2 ounces of sour cream and 2 ounces of black caviar
• 2.5 ounces of whipped heavy cream and 2 ounces of pate
• 2 egg yolks hard-boiled and 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise

Choose whichever you want. This diet would be dangerous for most people, but if you have tried every way possible to lose weight and have failed... then I'd advise you to try this diet after consulting a doctor.

Unfortunately, most doctors are totally ignorant of nutrition and would scare you away from this diet instead of helping you succeed on it.

So there you have a diet that gets the results. Having said that, be careful. This diet isn't for most people.

In part 2, I'll show you a simple way to adjust this diet and use different (better, easier) foods so that you only need to eat 4 times a day for a total of 1,200 calories.

About the Author:

Jennifer Jolan is a weight loss and nutrition consultant who has helped over 3,700 women over the years. Click http://www.weightlossguide4women.com to get your FREE 19-PAGE Report titled "How Spinning Around in a Circle Like a Child Skyrockets Your Weight Loss".

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Lose 10 Pounds in 12 Days on This Extreme Diet - Warning - For Informational Purposes Only Part 1

Whole food nutrition should be as close as possible to what nature intended. You will quickly see how this information relates to whole food nutrition. The power of fruits and vegetables goes well beyond a balanced diet. To clarify the difference between whole foods and processed foods, and whole food nutritional supplements versus the average, adulterated, isolated, synthetic supplements, let's "dissect" whole, unrefined grains. Whole, unrefined grains contain three main parts: the germ - or sprouting part of the grain; the endosperm-containing starch to support the young sprout during its early stages; and the bran - the protective layer encasing the sprout and its endosperm. Herein lies the beauty of whole food nutritional supplements.

Refined, processed, low fiber foods, animal fats, a lack of exercise and an ever-increasing level of stress all contribute to our current gastrointestinal health crisis. The health of American's digestive tract and colon have reached an all-time low. We also offer information that can help make sense of food labels and allow families enjoy healthy eating on a busy schedule. Some publications and classes are available in Spanish. It's usually the " foodstuffs" that are man made or processed to provide extra kick that set you up for a crash, poor health and lowered performance.

This process also applies to your pets! A pet's diet, the biggest health variable controlled by its owner, is crucial to its well-being. That's why selecting a tasty and healthy pet food is the most loving choice you can make for your pet. The human body-field can be considered as a road map, but instead of directing "people on their journey", it directs "information around the body to govern and coordinate healthy activity". The human body-field is in essence, a dynamic, self-regulating, intelligent, energetic information control mechanism.

Natural and artificial flavors are also often grouped together under one name, and manufacturers aren't required to disclose what "artificial flavors" really means. The exception here is a new ruling by the FDA, to begin January 1, 2006, that states any food containing a "major food allergen" must have it listed on the label (whether or not its part of flavoring or incidental additives). Not all fats are bad and, in fact, some should be required in any diet. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in foods such as nuts, avocados, fish, olives, and most oils help lower 'bad' cholesterol levels without affecting 'good' cholesterol levels.

We are sharing information we believe in and feel it is not commonly found in mainstream media. As a nutrition researcher, I have known for quite some time about the numerous ill effects of too many simple sugars in our diet. Table sugar is made up of glucose and fructose, and the average American eats over 2 pounds of this health robbing ingredient! Charles Elson, researcher at the University of Wisconsin, studies on individual supplements has been inconclusive at best.

The fish oil supplements you choose should have a high concentration of EPA and DHA for quality as well as being ultra refined to ensure it purity. The way to tell the difference is rather simple: A whole food is just that - a food like a carrot, beet, celery or potato flour, for instance. Isolates are stated on the label by their chemical names, such as vitamin A palmitate, mixed tocopherols, ascorbic acid. pyridoxine, niacin and niacin amide. Refined wheat flour, fairly high in gluten, sometimes with up to 80% of the wheat germ restored and this is naturally aged to strengthen gluten.

Did you know that saturated fat is the preferred food for the heart? Drugs do not fix the problem. These include heart attack, stroke and related disorders. The newest adult statistics on heart disease and cancer, are that 37% of us can look forward to dying of heart disease and another 25% of us can look forward to dying of cancer. If that isn't sobering enough, another 4% of us can look forward to dying from complications from prescription drugs that we are told will make us better.. All the more reason to have a regimen including liquid vitamins that are equal to whole food nutrition!

About the Author:

Another fine article by Chuck Arnone in regards to our day to day health and your immune system. Whole food nutrition is one of the necessities of life!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - We All Require Whole Food Nutrition Every Day of our Lives!

natural avocado mask

Can I use facial masks during pregnancy?

I have a few masks that I have used previously, and I feel like I could really use a mask right now lol my skin is... Bad. I know I am supposed to avoid salicylic acid, but is there any other ones to avoid? I have an enzyme mask that has pineapple extract and "natural ingredients" and a clay mask with kaolin clay in it as well as rosemary and avocado... Is ther a site where they list what to avoid?

Based on the ingredients you listed I would assume that it would be ok. I work in a spa and the only products that we recommend pregnant don't use are the ones that contain stronger, more active ingredients like salicylic and glycolic acids.

This collection of homemade organic facial masks is sure to please. Note that citrus ingredients are better for taming oily skin and that you can always substitute another fruit in place of a citrus fruit if you have dry skin.

Bananas are best for dry skin, but you may find that substituting an apple may work better in certain recipes (like the citrus delight mask). Remember to always use organic ingredients so that your skin is not absorbing more chemical toxins.

The Citrus Delight Mask

This mask for oily skin is a luxury in exfoliation, scent, and moisture; a true skin treat and quite tasty, too. Because of the way the natural chemicals in the foods work together, this mask should be mixed just before use. Attempts at storage greatly reduce its effectiveness. Mix your lemon and cream cheese and apply liberally to a clean face, staying away from your eyes. Lie back and relax for 15 minutes, rinse well with warm water.

Ingredients
1 organic lemon, peeled, seeded, and mashed
3 ounces organic cream cheese, softened

The Herbal Honey Mask

This mask delivers essential nutrients as well as infusing your skin with moisture. Mix the following ingredients well and use immediately after use for optimal effects. This mixture can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 10 hours. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) and let sit for 20 minutes, rinse with warm water. Although the mask is edible, it does not taste good!

Ingredients
Leaves from 2 small bunches fresh organic parsley (cleaned and chopped extremely fine)
2 tablespoons organic honey
3 drops organic lavender essential oil (may be a scent of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon 5000 IU Vitamin E oil
1/4 cup organic yogurt

The Hydration Mask

This is a quickly made 2 step mask that is excellent for dry skin. Mix ingredients and apply to clean face (away from eyes). Let sit for 15 minutes and remove with warm water.

Ingredients
Your favorite organic cream moisturizer
1 or 2 tablespoons organic honey

The Mean Green Mask

The skin softening effects of avocado have been known for centuries. This is an easy, inexpensive mask you can make which combines benefits of two of nature's best kept skin secrets. Mash the avocado and honey together immediately before use as this mask does not do well with storage. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes), allowing it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Ingredients
1 large ripe organic avocado, peeled and sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons organic honey

The Pore Stomping Mask

A little known secret is that tomatoes are excellent pore reducers. This trick should not be used if you have allergies to tomatoes. Peel a tomato and mash well. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) and let sit for 15 minutes. Cleanse as usual.

Ingredients

One small/medium tomato

The Secret Banana Mask

Bananas and cream make this mask one of the most nourishing and hydrating masks you can use. Bananas hoard away tons of great things for your skin, especially for dry and/or aging skin. For use as an anti aging organic skin care, this mask should be applied 3 to 4 times per week.

Mix all ingredients immediately before use. You want the mixture to be a very thick cream. If it seems too runny, add a bit more oat flour. Apply to a clean face and allow mask to sit for 25 to 30 minutes.

Ingredients
3 tablespoons fresh organic cream (heavy)
1 organic banana
1 1/2 tablespoons organic honey
1 1/2 tablespoons organic oat flour

The Very Berry Mask

This incredibly fresh mask is sheer organic temptation for your skin. The raspberries' natural acids refresh and invigorate your skin to give you a beautiful, healthy glow. Blend all of the ingredients except oat flour on high for 30 seconds, pour into bowl and add oat flour to firm the mixture (it should be a very thick cream). Apply to a clean face (away from eyes) immediately after mixing, allow the mask to set for 30 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons organic cream (heavy)
2 tablespoons organic honey
2 table spoons organic oat flour
4 drops organic lavender essential oil
1/2 cup organic raspberries

About the Author:

Keep yourself looking great with these skin care tips from
http://www.NaturalElements.co.uk
You can now get the very latest information on
Skin Care
by subscribing with RSS

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - These Organic Facial Masks Will Bring Out The Best In You