Posts Tagged ‘recipe avocado’

avocado smoked salmon recipe

Monday, January 18th, 2010

avocado smoked salmon recipe
avocado smoked salmon recipe

Holiday appetizers are all about the different flavors that satisfy your taste buds. Whether it is Christmas evening or a huge party with your friends, a table with assorted appetizers along with a bowl of punch is indeed a great beginning. There are some specific appetizers are there for some occasions like; you can't have Labor Day party without chicken wings or Halloween without crawly cookies.

Let's look at some easy to make holiday appetizers for this holiday season. Mini quiches, are easy to make holiday appetizer. You can add any flavor from chopped olives to tiny shrimps. Filo onion rolls can be the other option where there can be a variation by making triangles instead of long roll. They have to be kept crisp and have to be baked them just before serving. Tapende, is a spread made with different type of chopped olive. Apple mint chutney, any kind of chutneys are great as spread for anything, you can make many different types of ingredients.

There are traditional holiday party appetizers like chips or sandwiches, which can also be a used as Holiday appetizers. Just with cheese balls, you can have many different appetizers like mini cheddar cheese balls, pineapple balls, salmon cheese balls, sausage cheese balls. You can have many different dip recipes like creamy shrimp dip, chili dip, artichoke cheese dip, crockpot spice chile cheese dip, avocado dip, lobster dip, clam sip, beef and bean dip and more such dip with anything you have with you at home. You can have many different salsa recipes.

If you don't want ordinary chips and dip then here are exclusive appetizers for your holiday party. Holiday goat cheese leaf, just make small loaf with goat cheese in plate, cover it with olives, sun dried tomatoes and peppers and spread some pita chips around goat's loaf. Or you can make Cranberry brie pizza, cranberry cream cheese roll ups or special holiday meatballs with various vegetables and meat. Then you can have spiced sausage lettuce wraps. Gingerbread caramel corn is also one very delicious recipe, in this flavor of gingerbread is combined with sweet and crunchy caramel corn.

If you want some show stopper appetizer for your holiday party, you can combine your cooking skills with creativity to produce creative holiday appetizers. You can make Christmas cheese trees with just combination of different cheese and some sauces like pesto sauce. You can make many different creative appetizers with combination of cheese like cheese pinecones or snowman cheese balls and many more. With olives you can make perky olive penguins. You can serve your smoked salmon with cucumber cups. Then you can have different tarts or you can create Santa with strawberries.

Holiday appetizers are usually very rich and heavy. If you want to have some low fat but tasty appetizers like; marmalade, apple butter on lo fat cracker with slices of gourmet cheese. Pears and low fat cheddar cheese is delicious but healthy option. If you chose lean varieties then ham and turkey are low fat meats. Different appetizers made up if Shrimps is also great low fat recipe option.

About the Author:

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Appetizers for Years. For More Information on Holiday appetizers, Visit His Site at HOLIDAY APPETIZERSI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On Holiday appetizers At My Blog here

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Some Easy to Make Holiday Appetizers for This Holiday Season

Tasty Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Breakfast

You may have heard of all the health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet. You may have read that the Mediterranean Diet is a tasty, healthy diet that allows you to lose weight while still eating delicious foods. You may just be interested in Mediterranean cuisine. Whatever the case, read on for Mediterranean diet recipes that are simple, healthy, and include ingredients that are available not just in Mediterranean regions.

Enjoy these Mediterranean breakfast recipes.

Turkish Bread Topped With Smoked Salmon and Hummus. (Serves 2)

Ingredients:

2 slices Turkish bread, sliced down the middle to form 2 squares. 2 Tabspns hummus 4 smoked salmon slices 1 avocado 1 medium tomato lettuce, a few leaves 1 cucumber chopped fresh dill chopped fresh chives 2 teaspns capers 1 teaspn virgin olive oil 2 lemon wedges salt and pepper

Method:

Toast Turkish bread if desired. Spread generous serve of hummus onto each slice. Top with all other salad ingredients, then smoked salmon slices. Garnish with fresh herbs and capers. Squeeze lemon juice over the top. Drizzle with a little virgin olive oil. Flavor with salt and pepper if desired.

Oily fish such as salmon is consumed on a regular basis on the Mediterranean Diet. The omega-3's that are contained in these types of fish are excellent for heart health.

Mediterranean Style Omelet. (2 generous serves, or 4 with toast.)

Ingredients:

1 medium tomato, diced 1 bell pepper, any color 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, chopped 2 cloves garlic 2 green onions, chopped 1 teaspn extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspn lemon juice 1 Tabspn fresh parsley, chopped 2 Tabspn skim milk 4 eggs 1 Tabspn fresh herbs, chopped, select whatever you prefer, eg: chives, oregano, rosemary, or basil 2 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Method:

Combine tomato, bell pepper, olives, garlic, green onions, olive oil, lemon juice, and parsley in a small bowl. Let sit for a few minutes. Combine eggs, milk, and herbs in another bowl, and whisk. Heat non-stick fry pan or specific omelet pan, and add half the combined egg mix. Reduce heat, cook for 1 or 2 minutes. When omelet has browned around the edges and the top has lost most of its moisture, add half of the vegetable mix, to one side only of the omelet. (Much like cutting a circle in 2.) Add half the feta cheese. Gently fold omelet over to cover the cheese and vegetables, creating a half circle.

Cover the pan and cook for about another minute. Turn off heat and allow omelet to sit a little longer until warmed through. Then gently slide onto plate.

Repeat above instructions with remaining ingredients. Can be served with Turkish bread drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, or a high grain crusty bread. (Remember traditional Mediterranean recipes would not be using butter on the toast or bread.)

Conclusion.

These easy Mediterranean recipes use Mediterranean foods that are easily available in most parts of the world. The fresh vegetables and herbs are typical ingredients for Mediterranean food recipes and will allow you a certain leeway in substituting your own favorites.

Don't forget, that one of the reasons that the Mediterranean diet is so healthy is that Mediterranean recipes use extra virgin olive oil. This is the olive oil made from the first pressing of the olives and contains far more health bestowing anti-oxidants than the following pressings which result in virgin olive oil and olive oil.

Hope you enjoy these breakfast meal ideas for the Mediterranean Diet. We think you will agree it is the tastiest diet around!

About the Author:

Please visit my site for more info and tips about this subject, thank you.

http://sentinel-midnightfire.blogspot.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Tasty Mediterranean Diet Recipes for Breakfast

avocado egg salad recipe

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

avocado egg salad recipe
avocado egg salad recipe

To stimulate one's appetite, presentation is key. Food that looks appealing can get people crave for them. If you're looking for added fun and gross dishes for your upcoming Halloween party, here are some ideas that are sure to be a big hit and is sure to really make party guests scream in delight.

Pimple Poppers

Ingredients:

1 dozen cherry tomatoes, drained

Soft cream cheese spread, flavored

Core the tomatoes using a small knife. Stuff the holes with cream cheese using a butter knife. By gently squeezing them, you give the gross idea of popping out a pimple. Arrange onto a platter and serve.

Hairball salad in drool dressing

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

Sprouts

Grated carrots

Vinaigrette or any salad dressing of your choice

Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and put in a bowl adding the sprouts and mashing it using a fork. Having some lumps is fine. Set aside. Then, distribute the grated carrots evenly depending on how many servings you like. Form hairballs the size of walnuts and put them over on your grated carrots. Then drizzle the salad dressing, which constitutes the 'drool'. Serve.

Ghoulish Eyeballs

Ingredients:

6 hardboiled eggs

6 oz. cream cheese, whipped

7 oz green olives, with pimiento

Red food color

Toothpick

Remove the shell off the eggs and remove the yolks. Stuff the hole with whipped cream cheese so as to form the eyeball. Press one olive to every eyeball. Make sure the pimiento faces up. Now, draw broken blood vessels in the stuffing using the toothpick dipped in red food color.

Stale Bath Water

Ingredients:

12 oz frozen lemonade

2 liters lime soda

Half a gallon sherbet

Thaw the sherbet for about 15 minutes and place in a container. Prepare the lemonade according to package instructions and blend with the lime soda and the sherbet. At this point, the sherbet should melt and turn into grayish-brown liquid, much like used bathwater. You may use colored mints to float on your scummy-looking drink.

Gooey Brains

Ingredients:

1 pack jello

1 carton cottage cheese, small-curd

1 can of berries of your choice, in thick syrup,

Food coloring

To prepare:

First, make the jello according to instructions. Set aside to chill. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and your choice of berries carefully, as cheese constitutes the brain matter. Add food color. On a serving plate, place a few tablespoonfuls of your jello, which makes for your brain fluid. Drizzle with thick syrup. Top with the cheese-berries mixture. Serve.

Make these recipes a part of your Halloween party menu. These are must-try gastronomic wonders that are bound to have your party guests screaming in utter delight.

About the Author:

Jeremy is a food fanatic! You can check out his very popular Halloween
Recipes
website where he shares some of his Halloween Spooky Recipes
and Halloween Treats Recipes

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Learn How To Prepare The Most Disgusting Halloween Recipes Ever

To stimulate one's appetite, presentation is key. Food that looks appealing can get people crave for them. If you're looking for added fun and gross dishes for your upcoming Halloween party, here are some ideas that are sure to be a big hit and is sure to really make party guests scream in delight.

Pimple Poppers

Ingredients:

1 dozen cherry tomatoes, drained

Soft cream cheese spread, flavored

Core the tomatoes using a small knife. Stuff the holes with cream cheese using a butter knife. By gently squeezing them, you give the gross idea of popping out a pimple. Arrange onto a platter and serve.

Hairball salad in drool dressing

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

Sprouts

Grated carrots

Vinaigrette or any salad dressing of your choice

Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and put in a bowl adding the sprouts and mashing it using a fork. Having some lumps is fine. Set aside. Then, distribute the grated carrots evenly depending on how many servings you like. Form hairballs the size of walnuts and put them over on your grated carrots. Then drizzle the salad dressing, which constitutes the 'drool'. Serve.

Ghoulish Eyeballs

Ingredients:

6 hardboiled eggs

6 oz. cream cheese, whipped

7 oz green olives, with pimiento

Red food color

Toothpick

Remove the shell off the eggs and remove the yolks. Stuff the hole with whipped cream cheese so as to form the eyeball. Press one olive to every eyeball. Make sure the pimiento faces up. Now, draw broken blood vessels in the stuffing using the toothpick dipped in red food color.

Stale Bath Water

Ingredients:

12 oz frozen lemonade

2 liters lime soda

Half a gallon sherbet

Thaw the sherbet for about 15 minutes and place in a container. Prepare the lemonade according to package instructions and blend with the lime soda and the sherbet. At this point, the sherbet should melt and turn into grayish-brown liquid, much like used bathwater. You may use colored mints to float on your scummy-looking drink.

Gooey Brains

Ingredients:

1 pack jello

1 carton cottage cheese, small-curd

1 can of berries of your choice, in thick syrup,

Food coloring

To prepare:

First, make the jello according to instructions. Set aside to chill. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and your choice of berries carefully, as cheese constitutes the brain matter. Add food color. On a serving plate, place a few tablespoonfuls of your jello, which makes for your brain fluid. Drizzle with thick syrup. Top with the cheese-berries mixture. Serve.

Make these recipes a part of your Halloween party menu. These are must-try gastronomic wonders that are bound to have your party guests screaming in utter delight.

About the Author:

Jeremy is a food fanatic! You can check out his very popular Halloween
Recipes
website where he shares some of his Halloween Spooky Recipes
and Halloween Treats Recipes

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Learn How To Prepare The Most Disgusting Halloween Recipes Ever

avocado eggs recipe

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

avocado eggs recipe
avocado eggs recipe
Can anyone tell me what winter lunch recipe i can make out of any of these ingredients?

I have avocado, chicken, tuna, lentils, sweetcorn, salad, bread, tortilla, tomatoes, mushrooms, eggs
I don't want to use them all but i need a good winter lunch recipe. thanks

Chicken Avocado Panini...
Grilled Chicken top with avocado,tomato and lettuce.Your choice of dressing.Ranch,mayo etc.Grill.
Serve with homemade tortilla chips made from your tortillas.
Add a small lettuce salad or a cup of nice warm soup.

To stimulate one's appetite, presentation is key. Food that looks appealing can get people crave for them. If you're looking for added fun and gross dishes for your upcoming Halloween party, here are some ideas that are sure to be a big hit and is sure to really make party guests scream in delight.

Pimple Poppers

Ingredients:

1 dozen cherry tomatoes, drained

Soft cream cheese spread, flavored

Core the tomatoes using a small knife. Stuff the holes with cream cheese using a butter knife. By gently squeezing them, you give the gross idea of popping out a pimple. Arrange onto a platter and serve.

Hairball salad in drool dressing

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

Sprouts

Grated carrots

Vinaigrette or any salad dressing of your choice

Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and put in a bowl adding the sprouts and mashing it using a fork. Having some lumps is fine. Set aside. Then, distribute the grated carrots evenly depending on how many servings you like. Form hairballs the size of walnuts and put them over on your grated carrots. Then drizzle the salad dressing, which constitutes the 'drool'. Serve.

Ghoulish Eyeballs

Ingredients:

6 hardboiled eggs

6 oz. cream cheese, whipped

7 oz green olives, with pimiento

Red food color

Toothpick

Remove the shell off the eggs and remove the yolks. Stuff the hole with whipped cream cheese so as to form the eyeball. Press one olive to every eyeball. Make sure the pimiento faces up. Now, draw broken blood vessels in the stuffing using the toothpick dipped in red food color.

Stale Bath Water

Ingredients:

12 oz frozen lemonade

2 liters lime soda

Half a gallon sherbet

Thaw the sherbet for about 15 minutes and place in a container. Prepare the lemonade according to package instructions and blend with the lime soda and the sherbet. At this point, the sherbet should melt and turn into grayish-brown liquid, much like used bathwater. You may use colored mints to float on your scummy-looking drink.

Gooey Brains

Ingredients:

1 pack jello

1 carton cottage cheese, small-curd

1 can of berries of your choice, in thick syrup,

Food coloring

To prepare:

First, make the jello according to instructions. Set aside to chill. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and your choice of berries carefully, as cheese constitutes the brain matter. Add food color. On a serving plate, place a few tablespoonfuls of your jello, which makes for your brain fluid. Drizzle with thick syrup. Top with the cheese-berries mixture. Serve.

Make these recipes a part of your Halloween party menu. These are must-try gastronomic wonders that are bound to have your party guests screaming in utter delight.

About the Author:

Jeremy is a food fanatic! You can check out his very popular Halloween
Recipes
website where he shares some of his Halloween Spooky Recipes
and Halloween Treats Recipes

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Learn How To Prepare The Most Disgusting Halloween Recipes Ever

avocado jam recipe

Saturday, December 19th, 2009

avocado jam recipe
avocado jam recipe

Let's start with some facts:

  1. Fruit and vegetables bring amazing health benefits
  2. We need to educate children about the benefits of eating fruit and vegetables
  3. Children need to adopt a healthier diet to avoid health and obesity problems in later life

 

All simple statements, but in practice it’s not so easy getting kids to eat more healthily which is exactly why it needs to be made fun and interesting.

Fruit is often considered by children as the boring alternative to crisps, chocolate and cakes. And sadly, despite the outstanding health benefits, maybe there is some truth there. Oranges, apples, plums and all the usual run-of-the-mill fruits, salads and vegetables that parents try to smuggle into the lunchbox could well be considered bland.

But apples and oranges are not the be all and end all of fruit. What about the more interesting, exotic fruits and vegetables that readily available on our supermarket shelves? Foods that not only taste delicious and can be incorporated into interesting dishes, but that also look and feel interesting too, stimulating the imagination and sparking natural inquisitiveness into where they came from.

There is a plethora of mouthwatering recipes involving exotic foods just waiting to be tried; keep them simple and your kids can help you with the preparation giving them hands-on experience as well as the opportunity to learn a range of new skills and boost their knowledge of worldwide cultures at the same time. For example, how delectable do these sound?

  • Avocado pear salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber and crispy lettuce leaves
  • Pineapple fruit salad with ice cream, strawberries, citrus fruits and of course, pineapple!
  • Mango pancakes with strawberry jam
  • Green banana and carrot mash with vegetarian sausages
  • Sweet potato baked chips with a sour cream and chive dip
  • Butternut squash and blueberry treat
  • Plantain ice cream

 

Children will never fail to find these dishes fun to make, and they will suddenly realise that healthy foods can actually taste good too.

You could also enhance your educational efforts by including educational resources such as books and toys into the healthy eating curriculum. Take a look in your local bookstore, search online or if you are a school or nursery teacher, consult your resources supplier and you will soon come across specialist products that are designed to help younger children recognise and learn about worldwide, exotic foods and healthy eating.

Children are the future; so make sure their future is healthy and packed with the goodness of fruit and vegetables! Make learning about healthy eating fun by introducing children to the exciting world of exotic fruits and vegetables!

About the Author:

Marcia Griffiths is the Managing Director of Principle Play Products, the company behind Healthy Helpers, a range of fun children’s books, educational play toys and classroom resources that use unique, endearing characters such as Marcia the Mango and Andy the Avocado to help children aged 3-10 learn about healthy eating. Any school, nursery or parent looking for an innovative way to educate pupils about the benefits of healthy eating in a fun way and to introduce them to different cultures, is sure to find Healthy Helpers a valuable resource. For more information visit http://www.principleplayproducts.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Make Healthy Eating Fun for Kids … Introduce Them to Exotic Fruit and Vegetables!

AVOCADO AVALANCHE SMOOTHIE

You can throw just about anything in a smoothie to enhance its flavor such as honey, tofu, jams, any combination of fruits, peanut butter, juices, etc., but keep in mind it will effect the nutritional values.

1 large avocado

2 teaspoons condensed milk

1 cup ice

Scoop out avocado into blender.

Add 2 teaspoons condensed milk or a little more, depending on how sweet you like it. Then add the ice and blend all of it together

until it's a semi-creamy texture.

Good to Know:

One Avocado delivers a whooping 11 grams of fiber.

1/4 avocado = 4 grams

For over 130 plus Healthy Fruit Smoothie Recipes: visit http://www.fruitsmoothierecipe.bravehost.com/avocado_avalanche.html

Free Health & Beauty Tips : Fast Weight loss Diet, Healthy Eating Tips, Natural Skin Care and more : http://www.medicalfactsandfallacy.bravehost.com/

About the Author:

For over 130 plus Healthy Fruit Smoothie Recipes: visit http://www.fruitsmoothierecipe.bravehost.com/avocado_avalanche.html

Free Health & Beauty Tips : Fast Weight loss Diet, Healthy Eating Tips, Natural Skin Care and more : http://www.medicalfactsandfallacy.bravehost.com/

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - One Avocado Delivers a Whooping 11 Grams of Fiber:try This Avocado Avalanche Smoothie

avocado juice recipe

Thursday, December 17th, 2009

avocado juice recipe
avocado juice recipe

Unless you are into looking like a raccoon, dark circles beneath the eyes are something you tend to want to wish away. While diligent use of a over the counter anti aging cream can eventually help with these dark circles, it is going end up costing you quite a bit of money in the long run. Thankfully, there are other options straight from your kitchen than can do just as good of a job of getting rid of those circles and will not end up breaking your budget.

Here are a few homemade eye care recipes that you can try.

1: Avocado Cream Recipe

Take three slice of Avocado and mix them with five drops of Almond oil. Dab this mixture around the eyes. Leave on for five minutes then clean your face with warm water.

2: Potatoes, Cucumbers, or Tea Bags

Potatoes have natural bleaching properties thatcan help fade away those dark circles. Cucumbers and wet tea Bags can also help and are used by many people as an alternative to anti-aging eye creams.

3: Potato and Applesauce Cream

Put one small potato and two tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce into a blender and mix well. Apply this around the eyes then cover with a warm, damp washcloth. Relax for five minutes then wash your face off with warm water.

4: Lanolin and Lecithin

Melt some lanolin with some water over a low heat source, then add a few drops of almond oil. Mix in equal amount of powdered lecithin and mix well. Now you have a cream that will help lighten up those dark circles.

5: Lemon juice and tomato puree

Mix together lemon juice, tomato puree, orange lentil flour and turmeric powder in a blender at low speed until pasty. Apply underneath your eyes and relax for about 15 minutes then clean off your face with some warm water.

Remember these recipes are for those dark circles and will not work as well for eye wrinkles.

About the Author:

Yulia Berry is an independent health researcher and author of the best selling e-books Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor and 'Pharmacy in Vegetables'. She distributes a weekly newsletter regarding great home remedies and has written dozens of natural health articles published on hundreds of websites worldwide. Yulia Berry's new ebook Unlocked Secrets of Curative Garlic to be released soon.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Homemade Eye Cream Recipes

Unless you are into looking like a raccoon, dark circles beneath the eyes are something you tend to want to wish away. While diligent use of a over the counter anti aging cream can eventually help with these dark circles, it is going end up costing you quite a bit of money in the long run. Thankfully, there are other options straight from your kitchen than can do just as good of a job of getting rid of those circles and will not end up breaking your budget.

Here are a few homemade eye care recipes that you can try.

1: Avocado Cream Recipe

Take three slice of Avocado and mix them with five drops of Almond oil. Dab this mixture around the eyes. Leave on for five minutes then clean your face with warm water.

2: Potatoes, Cucumbers, or Tea Bags

Potatoes have natural bleaching properties thatcan help fade away those dark circles. Cucumbers and wet tea Bags can also help and are used by many people as an alternative to anti-aging eye creams.

3: Potato and Applesauce Cream

Put one small potato and two tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce into a blender and mix well. Apply this around the eyes then cover with a warm, damp washcloth. Relax for five minutes then wash your face off with warm water.

4: Lanolin and Lecithin

Melt some lanolin with some water over a low heat source, then add a few drops of almond oil. Mix in equal amount of powdered lecithin and mix well. Now you have a cream that will help lighten up those dark circles.

5: Lemon juice and tomato puree

Mix together lemon juice, tomato puree, orange lentil flour and turmeric powder in a blender at low speed until pasty. Apply underneath your eyes and relax for about 15 minutes then clean off your face with some warm water.

Remember these recipes are for those dark circles and will not work as well for eye wrinkles.

About the Author:

Yulia Berry is an independent health researcher and author of the best selling e-books Aloe - Your Miracle Doctor and 'Pharmacy in Vegetables'. She distributes a weekly newsletter regarding great home remedies and has written dozens of natural health articles published on hundreds of websites worldwide. Yulia Berry's new ebook Unlocked Secrets of Curative Garlic to be released soon.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Homemade Eye Cream Recipes

avocado rolls recipe

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

avocado rolls recipe
avocado rolls recipe
HAVE YOU EVER HAD THIS????????/ thanks!?

bruchetta with tomatoes ~
Fried Pickles~
Bacon wrapped in cherry tomatoes~
Avocado egg rolls~

Do you like them??????????? and do you know where i can find the recipes???????????????? THANKS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bruschetta and tomatoes - I like
Fried pickles - I thought this just sounded weird - but they're good
I haven't had the bacon wrapped cherry tomatoes, but it sounds good.
Never had avocado egg rolls either.

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 is 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:

For more Free Resources www.dishadvice.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cooking With Fresh Herbs

avocado brownies recipe

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

avocado brownies recipe
avocado brownies recipe

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

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

avocado pasta recipe

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

avocado pasta recipe
avocado pasta recipe
Recipe for a creamy chicken & avocado pasta salad?

I used to have this at a local restaurant and would love to make it myself !!!! Does anyone have a recipe? Thanks :)

Chicken-Avocado Pasta Salad

2 1/2 cups dry bow tie pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 cup diced red bell peppers
1 cup diced yellow bell peppers or orange bell pepper
8 spring onions, sliced thin
3 celery ribs, sliced
1 granny smith apples, chopped small
3/4 cup toasted slivered almonds
1/3 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 medium ripe avocados, peeled pitted and chopped small

Cook pasta in boiling water utnil done, around 8-10 minutes.
Drain and rinse under cold water.
Drain well.
Drizzle olive oil over pasta and toss.
Mix in the chicken, peppers, onions, celery, apple and almonds.
Toss well.
In a medium bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, paprika and cumin.
Toss with the pasta mixture.
Gently fold in the avocado and serve.

Healhty skin is just a few short steps away: it's all in what you EAT!  A healthy diet and lifestyle shows on your complexion and gives your skin a boost to look and feel healthy. Experts in dermatology will tell you, a healthy diet is important for improving and maintaining healthy skin.   Start using these healthy tips today and you will see a difference, no matter what your age.

5 Healthy Skin Diet Tips:

1) Trade in those Carbs

Replace refined carbohydrate foods like white breads, donuts, cookies, bagels and pasta with their whole-grain cousins. Not only do whole grains provide more anti-aging antioxidants, they also provide the key element of a healthy skin diet - fiber.  Try whole wheat bread, whole wheat pita bread or whole wheat tortillas.  They even make whole wheat pasta! Try brown rice instead of white.  Try whole wheat bagels or crackers and nix the desserts!   Nutritionists will tell you: a high-fiber diet with lots of whole grains can help act as a detoxifying agent for your body. It is recommended that we eat 35 grams of fiber every day, as this can give significant health benefits not just to your skin, but to your colon as well.

2) Swap out your Fats

Toss out the bad fats in your diet - saturated and trans fat - and replace them with good fats. Omega 3 fatty acids from fish sources can reduce your skin cancer risk. Nutrition experts suggest eating 200 mg of DHA a day - that's equivalent to two servings of salmon a week. While most of us get plenty of omega 6 fatty acids from our diet, they stress the importance of another good fat, linoleic acid, in preventing dry and flaky skin. It can be found in vegetable oils like safflower, sunflower and olive oil.  Cooking with olive oil or the other oils listed also helps you feel fuller for a longer period after a meal.  Try adding a variety of unsalted nuts to your diet, too, for extra benefit.  Not too many, just a few will do.  Avocados also carry good-for-you oils.  Add a few slices to a salad once in while.

3) Put "C" in your Diet

Citrus fruits play an important role in keeping your skin looking young. That's because the antioxidant Vitamin C found in citrus is involved in the formation of collagen.  Collagen is a protein that binds cells and tissues together. In other words, collagen helps keep your skin firm and hence reduces wrinkling. Therefore, include more Vitamin C-rich foods such as oranges, grapefruit, kiwis, strawberries, red bell peppers, and broccoli in your diet.  You can always find ways to include them in your dishes!  Check out some citrus-inspired recipes from the California Citrus Growers or recipes online. Even try adding a slice of orange, apple or a small bunch grapes to your dinner plate.  Put apples in your chicken salad or oranges on your chicken while it's baking. Fruit is a refreshing treat!  Treat it like a dessert!

4) Keep the Strings, Peels and Pulp 

Here is another important reason to add fruits and vegetables to your diet. The silica found in plant-based foods can help maintain the elasticity of your skin and improve your complexion.  What you probably don't realize is that silica is often found in the parts of fruits and veggies that are for the most part discarded - strings, peels and pulp. So if possible, enjoy the whole fruit and vegetable: cucumber skin and the strings of celery and asparagus. Leave the peel on your apples and potatoes, too, for an extra vitamin boost! 

5) Drink plenty of fluids

This is almost a no-brainer, but it bears repeating because we forget this fundamental diet truth.  Fluids keep your skin hydrated and help flush toxins. We are what we eat, or drink!   Drink at least 6 cups of fluids - water and (preferably decaf) tea - every day. Doctors recommend drinking black, green, and white teas for their beneficial antioxidant content, but avoid caffiene late in the evening.  The health benefit of the tea will be negated if you aren't getting enough rest! Skip the cream and sugar, too, to make your drinks calorie-free. Don't drink your calories.  Leave the calories to your solid foods!

Following these health tips can lead to a much healthier you.  You'll have a bounce in your step and a glow to your cheeks!  Take good care of your skin, it's the largest organ in your body.

God Bless You.  Please visit our store on the web for your skin care needs!  We carry a comprhensive line of goat milk soaps (great for your skin!), goat milk lotions (extra-moisturizing) and gift baskets for all occaisions.  We are located at www.NeeNeesSoapShop.com.  Thank you!!

1 John 4:7

About the Author:

We are located in the Piney Woods of East Texas. We are a small, locally owned and operated home business. Our products are all from the finest quality ingredients and many are made when you order them! All our lotions and soaps are handmade with fresh goat's milk and the finest quality vegetable oils. We aim to provide you with quality skin care at a fraction of the cost. God Bless You!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Diet For Healthy Skin - You Really Are What You Eat!

avocado bacon recipe

Monday, November 23rd, 2009

avocado bacon recipe
avocado bacon recipe

An omelet is the perfect Sunday morning breakfast. You can create your very own scrumptious omelet with as few as two ingredients or as many as a dozen.

An omelet is also a wonderful breakfast any day of the week for a picky child who loves eggs but despises those "yucky" vegetables, which are very easy to hide in an omelet with the help of a food processor and a little imagination.

Cooking Utensils

Measuring cups and spoons
Large non-stick frying pan (16 inch)
Large mixing bowl
Medium size mixing bowl
A whisk or wooden spoon
A rubber spatula
Food processor (optional)
Large metal cookie cutters (optional)

Basic Ingredients

8 large eggs
3/4 cup of milk
1 cup of shredded cheese (your choice) divided in half - 1/2 cup each
6 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil (divided in half - 3 tablespoons)
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

1/2 cup of green peppers (chopped)
1/4 cup of yellow or red onions (chopped)
1/2 cup of mushroom pieces
1/2 cup of fresh or frozen broccoli
1/2 cup of fresh or frozen cauliflower
1/2 cup of frozen chopped spinach
1/2 cup of fresh tomato (diced)
1/4 cup of celery (diced)
1/4 cup of carrots (jubilee)
1/4 cup of avocado (diced)
3 sausage links or patties (cooked and crumbled)
4 slices of bacon (cooked and crumbled)
1 cup of deli ham or leftover ham steak (chopped or shredded)

Spices & Seasonings

1 tablespoon fresh or dried basil
1 tablespoon fresh or dried rosemary
1 tablespoon of fresh or dried marjoram
1 garlic clove (minced)

Preparation

- Select any of the additional ingredients you want to include in the omelet, wash the vegetables and chop or dice them as directed above and place them in the medium size mixing bowl.

** If you are preparing the omelet for a child who despises the vegetables, use the food processor to puree the selected vegetables. Do NOT cook them once you have your egg mixture ready simply pour the pureed vegetables in the mixture and mix well.

- Add the 3 tablespoons of oil to the frying pan and warm the oil over a low heat, approximately 2 minutes.

- Add the additional ingredients you selected to the warm oil and cook for 7-8 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally with the rubber spatula to prevent them from burning.

- Crack the eggs into the large mixing bowl and whisk or beat with the wooden spoon until the eggs are well mixed (about 2 minutes.)

- Add the milk to the eggs and whisk or beat until the eggs and milk are well mixed (about 1 minute.)

- Add any of the selected fresh or dried spices and seasonings to the egg and milk mixture and mix again (about 30 seconds.) You want your spices and seasonings to be evenly mixed in not clumped in one area of the mixture.

- Once the additional ingredients have finished cooking (they will be soft but not mushy) pour them into the large mixing bowl with the egg mixture and mix well. If you are adding any meat omelet add it now and mix it in.

- Add an additional 3 tablespoons of oil to the frying pan.

- Slowly pour the mixture into the pan and let it cook on low heat for 3-5 minutes. The mixture should cover the bottom of the entire pan.

- Sprinkle one of the 1/2 cups of cheese over the cooking egg mixture.

- Using the spatula gently flip one half of the omelet on top of the other half and continue to cook on low heat for 3 more minutes.

- Again using the spatula gently slide it under the omelet and flip it over.

- Sprinkle the other half of the cheese on top and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes on low heat until the cheese has melted and the edges of the omelet are a light golden brown.

- Cut the omelet into 4 pieces using the spatula and serve.

- Serves 4

** You can use the cookie cutters to create fun shaped veggie packed omelets for the picky eaters. This works as a distraction and they are not likely to notice the pureed vegetables you added. If your child asks why there are green dots in their omelet simply reply "To make your "flower" omelet more colorful." Of course your reply will depend on the cookie cutter you used.

About the Author:

If you're in need of recipes you need the Platinum Recipes Collection. The Platinum Recipes Collection is the Internet's Most Comprehensive Collection of Recipes. You'll find all the recipes you'll ever need and so much more.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Perfect Omelet

Salads are perfect appetizers and desserts. It is often made from vegetables and fruits, and very easy to prepare.

A lot of people are becoming health conscious already. They prefer to prepare their own food to make sure they are eating just healthy foods. They would not know what ingredients are used in commercial foods.

Then again, many of us are busy with our works and personal lives. It is often easier to resort to buying food outside rather than go to the ordeal of preparing our own food in the kitchen. Good thing though that there are now many quick recipes that will only take around 10 minutes to do. These are easy to make and promises to be very healthy.

You could also adapt a few tips on how to make preparations much easier and quicker. The first tip is to use all the possible convenient products available to you. It could be frozen mixed veggies, pasta sauces and many more. It requires little cooking. You could toss them up together in a matter of few minutes with hardly any cooking needed.

Ready the ingredients beforehand if you are thinking of a recipe already. Also prepare the utensils and other items you will need. You could easily cook after coming home if you have all these prepared already.

Think of recipes that only have a few ingredients. These are easier to prepare. You could also use leftovers instead of buying in the grocery. You save time and money. Recipes are not necessarily strictly followed. You could always deviate and make use of what you have in your refrigerator. Just experiment and see what will taste good for you. Be sure to write down what you have used so you could prepare it again next time.

Salads are generally easy to make, plus it is very healthy. Most are made from vegetables and fruits. It could be topped with a dressing or just seasoned to taste. It may also be an appetizer for your main meal.

Green or garden salads are mostly made out of green leafy vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers and cabbages. It may also be topped with mushrooms, carrots, peppers, onions, celery, avocado, and radishes. You could make your own vinaigrette dressing or just buy ready-made in bottles.

Another kind of salad is the entrée. It has toppings like chicken or sea foods. The most common type of green salad known worldwide is the one we called the caesar salad. This is very healthy and offers a complete meal at the same time. You have meat and vegetables already in one dish.

Dressings added to salads vary in different cultures. Vinaigrettes are common in Southern Europe but Asians adopted it too. Mayonnaise is often used in Eastern Europe. Crème Fraiche is the well known Denmark's salad dressings.

Other salad dressings are light edible oils. It may be soybean oil, olive oil and corn oil. Vinegar and cheeses can also be added to complement the taste. There are lots of ingredients that can be made salad dressings. These salad dressings are added to salad to add some flavors to the vegetables or fruits. These are needed because some of the vegetable are taste less. We need something to make it a little sweet or sour to make the salty taste of the fruit or vegetable less.

Salad garnishes also add flavor. It could be bacon bits ( an imitation), beetroot bell peppers, mushrooms, anchovies, sunflower seeds, shredded carrots and many more.

About the Author:

For more information on
Salad Shooters & Choppers
and
Egg Salad Products
.Please visit our website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Vegetable Salad For Dinner

avocado bubble tea recipe

Saturday, November 7th, 2009

avocado bubble tea recipe

Whats a good Bubble tea smoothie recipe?

I got to this asian restaurant that sells bubble tea smoothies. I always watch them add the ingredient into a blender but I don't know what the ingredients they're using are. They add ice some sort of water mixture and a brown colored mixture. I want to make an avocado or strawberry smoothie. Can someone give me a bubble tea smoothie recipe.(im not using the tapioca pearls, i never order them in my smoothie)

try google

Crepes, Waffles & Pancakes!

The following is an excerpt from the book Crepes, Waffles & Pancakes!
by Kathryn Hawkins
Published by Good Books; May 2006;$15.95US; 1-56148-520-9
Copyright © 2006 Kathryn Hawkins

Lemon and sultana buttermilk pancakes

Zesty

These pancakes are also good served cold with butter.

Serves 4

1 cup (125g) plain flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp extra-fine sugar
2 eggs, separated
1 cup (250ml) buttermilk
Finely grated rind of 1 small lemon
S cup (60g) sultanas or golden raisins
¼ stick (30g) unsalted butter

To serve:
Plain yogurt
Maple syrup

Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda and sugar into a bowl. Make a well in the center. Add the egg yolks, pour in the buttermilk and gradually whisk into the flour. Beat until thick and smooth but don't over-mix.

In a grease-free bowl, whisk the egg whites until stiff and, using a large metal spoon, carefully fold into the batter together with the lemon rind and sultanas.

Heat a little butter in a large frying pan until bubbling, tilting the pan to coat the sides. Ladle 4 Tbsp batter into the pan to form a thick pancake about 4in (10 cm) in diameter. Cook over low-to-moderate heat for about 2½ minutes until bubbles appear on the surface. Slide a palette knife under the pancake and flip. Brown the underside of the pancake for 2½ minutes. The pancake should puff up and thicken.

Turn the pancake out onto a wire rack lined with a clean tea towel and baking parchment. Fold the paper and towel over the pancake. Repeat to make eight pancakes. Re-butter the pan as necessary and stack the cooked pancakes between sheets of parchment. Serve with yogurt and maple syrup.
————————————————————————————————————————
Spicy crab salad crepes
Light and airy

The egg-white batter used in this recipe works very well with sweet and savory fillings. Cook gently so that you maintain as much of the batter's "whiteness" as possible.

Serves 4

4 spring onions, chopped
12 oz (350g) crabmeat
1 dash tabasco sauce
4 Tbsp low-fat plain yogurt
2 tsp light soy sauce
3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
4 Tbsp cornstarch
8 tsp vegetable stock or water
1 pinch salt
1 tsp vegetable oil
Few bok choy leaves, shredded
1 large red pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips
Smoked paprika to dust (optional)

In a bowl, gently mix together the chopped spring onions, crabmeat, tabasco sauce, yogurt and soy sauce. Cover and chill until required.

Put the egg whites and cornstarch in a batter bowl and stir in the stock or water, mixing well to form a smooth paste. Season lightly. Brush a non-stick crepe pan—6in (15cm) base diameter—with a little oil and heat until hot. Pour in a quarter of the batter, tilting the pan to cover the base. Cook over low-to-moderate heat for a few seconds until just set. Flip the crepe over and cook for a few more seconds, taking care not to brown the crepe. Drain on paper towel, layer with baking parchment and keep warm while you make the remaining three crepes. Stir the batter each time it is used.

Lay the crepes on warm plates and fill with the bok choy, pepper and crab salad. Fold the crepes over the filling and serve dusted with paprika if using.
————————————————————————————————————————
Wild rice pancakes with chicken
Indulgent

Wild rice has a good texture and a mildly nutty flavor.

Serves 4

1 cup (125g) rice flour
2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley plus extra for garnish
¾ cup (125g) cooked, cold wild rice
2 medium eggs, separated
1 cup (250ml) milk
¼ stick (30g) unsalted butter
1 large, ripe avocado
1 Tbsp lemon juice
12 oz (350g) smoked chicken, cut into strips
4 Tbsp mayonnaise
4 strips cooked, crispy bacon, chopped
Freshly ground black pepper

Sift the flour, baking powder and soda into a bowl and make a well in the center. Add parsley, wild rice and egg yolks, and pour in the milk. Gradually work into the flour using a whisk and then beat until thick and smooth, but don't over-mix.

Whisk the egg whites until stiff and carefully fold into the batter using a metal spoon.

Heat a little butter in a large frying pan until bubbling, tilting the pan to coat the sides. Ladle 4 Tbsp batter to form a thick pancake about 4in (10cm) in diameter. Cook over a low-to-moderate heat for about 2½ minutes. Turn over and cook for a further 2½ minutes until golden. Make seven further pancakes and cover to keep moist until ready to serve.

Halve the avocado and remove the pit. Remove the skin and slice thinly. Sprinkle with lemon juice. Serve pancakes warm, topped with chicken, avocado and a spoonful of mayonnaise and sprinkle with bacon, black pepper and parsley.
————————————————————————————————————————
Lemon meringue waffles
Tangy

One of my favorite puddings is lemon meringue pie—I love the contrast between the sharp lemon filling and the sweet marshmallow-like topping. Here I have combined the classic flavors and textures of the pie to make a waffle dessert.

Serves 6

½ quantity Basic waffle batter, sweetened
1 tsp finely grated lemon rind
6 Tbsp Greek, or whole-milk, yogurt
6 Tbsp lemon curd
6 small meringues, lightly crushed
Mint leaves, to decorate

Prepare the half quantity of waffle batter, adding the lemon rind to the batter. Cook the waffles and keep warm until you are ready to serve.

To serve, gently swirl the yogurt and lemon curd together and spoon on top of the waffles. Sprinkle with crushed meringue and decorate with mint leaves.

Basic waffle batter
This batter contains the raising agent baking soda, so use the batter as soon as possible to ensure that the airy, spongy texture is retained. Add the extra-fine sugar if serving with a sweet topping.

Makes 12 waffles

2 cups (250g) plain flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 Tbsp (30g) extra-fine sugar (optional)
1 egg, separated
1¼ cups (100ml) milk
¼ stick (30g) unsalted butter, melted

Prepare and preheat the waffle irons or waffle machine as directed. Combine the flour with the baking soda, salt and sugar, if using, in a bowl and make a well in the center. Add the egg yolk and milk, and gradually work into the flour using a whisk. Beat gently until smooth. Carefully stir in the melted butter.

In a grease-free bowl, whisk the egg white until stiff and carefully fold into the batter using a large metal spoon.
————————————————————————————————————————
Sausage and bacon popovers
Savory

A simple idea that is extremely tasty and reminds me of my childhood. These are little hollow quick breads; they are a perfect snacking size and excellent canapés. Try using vegetarian sausages or chopped vegetables for a veggie version.

Makes 12

1¼ cups (150g) plain flour
½ tsp salt
3 eggs, beaten
1 cup (250 ml) milk
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
6 strips bacon, halved lengthways
24 cocktail sausages
3 Tbsp vegetable oil

To serve:
Mustard
Tomato ketchup

Sift the flour and salt into a bowl and make a well in the center. Add the eggs, milk and herbs and whisk into the dry ingredients to form a smooth, thin batter. Set aside for 30 minutes.

Cut the bacon strips in half through the middle to create short lengths. Carefully wrap a piece of bacon around each sausage. Cover and chill until you are ready to cook.

Preheat the oven to 375°F/190°C. Spoon ½ tsp oil into each hole of a 12-hole, deep muffin tin and place in the oven for 1 minute until hot. Place 2 sausages side by side in each hole and pour over sufficient batter to come three quarters of the way up each hole. Bake in the oven for about 35 minutes, until risen, golden and crisp. Best served warm, with mustard and tomato ketchup on the side.

Reprinted from Crepes, Waffles & Pancakes!: Over 100 Recipes for Hearty Meals, Light Snacks, and Delicious Desserts. Copyright by Good Books ( www.goodbks.com). Used by permission. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Kathryn Hawkins is an experienced food writer and stylist. She has worked on several women’s magazines on the full-time staff and now as a freelancer. Kathryn recently moved to Scotland from London, and now works from her beautiful Victorian guesthouse. She plans to open a cooking school and run residential and one-day culinary workshops in the house.

Kathryn enjoys using local produce in her cooking and writes on a wide range of cooking subjects. Her special interests include casual dining, regional food, cakes and baking, kid’s cooking, food for health and healthy eating. Kathryn has been writing cookbooks for over a decade and has written several books on healthy eating.

For more information, please visit www.goodbks.com.

avocado lime pie recipe

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

avocado lime pie recipe
avocado lime pie recipe

To stimulate one's appetite, presentation is key. Food that looks appealing can get people crave for them. If you're looking for added fun and gross dishes for your upcoming Halloween party, here are some ideas that are sure to be a big hit and is sure to really make party guests scream in delight.

Pimple Poppers

Ingredients:

1 dozen cherry tomatoes, drained

Soft cream cheese spread, flavored

Core the tomatoes using a small knife. Stuff the holes with cream cheese using a butter knife. By gently squeezing them, you give the gross idea of popping out a pimple. Arrange onto a platter and serve.

Hairball salad in drool dressing

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

Sprouts

Grated carrots

Vinaigrette or any salad dressing of your choice

Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and put in a bowl adding the sprouts and mashing it using a fork. Having some lumps is fine. Set aside. Then, distribute the grated carrots evenly depending on how many servings you like. Form hairballs the size of walnuts and put them over on your grated carrots. Then drizzle the salad dressing, which constitutes the 'drool'. Serve.

Ghoulish Eyeballs

Ingredients:

6 hardboiled eggs

6 oz. cream cheese, whipped

7 oz green olives, with pimiento

Red food color

Toothpick

Remove the shell off the eggs and remove the yolks. Stuff the hole with whipped cream cheese so as to form the eyeball. Press one olive to every eyeball. Make sure the pimiento faces up. Now, draw broken blood vessels in the stuffing using the toothpick dipped in red food color.

Stale Bath Water

Ingredients:

12 oz frozen lemonade

2 liters lime soda

Half a gallon sherbet

Thaw the sherbet for about 15 minutes and place in a container. Prepare the lemonade according to package instructions and blend with the lime soda and the sherbet. At this point, the sherbet should melt and turn into grayish-brown liquid, much like used bathwater. You may use colored mints to float on your scummy-looking drink.

Gooey Brains

Ingredients:

1 pack jello

1 carton cottage cheese, small-curd

1 can of berries of your choice, in thick syrup,

Food coloring

To prepare:

First, make the jello according to instructions. Set aside to chill. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and your choice of berries carefully, as cheese constitutes the brain matter. Add food color. On a serving plate, place a few tablespoonfuls of your jello, which makes for your brain fluid. Drizzle with thick syrup. Top with the cheese-berries mixture. Serve.

Make these recipes a part of your Halloween party menu. These are must-try gastronomic wonders that are bound to have your party guests screaming in utter delight.

About the Author:

Jeremy is a food fanatic! You can check out his very popular Halloween
Recipes
website where he shares some of his Halloween Spooky Recipes
and Halloween Treats Recipes

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Learn How To Prepare The Most Disgusting Halloween Recipes Ever

To stimulate one's appetite, presentation is key. Food that looks appealing can get people crave for them. If you're looking for added fun and gross dishes for your upcoming Halloween party, here are some ideas that are sure to be a big hit and is sure to really make party guests scream in delight.

Pimple Poppers

Ingredients:

1 dozen cherry tomatoes, drained

Soft cream cheese spread, flavored

Core the tomatoes using a small knife. Stuff the holes with cream cheese using a butter knife. By gently squeezing them, you give the gross idea of popping out a pimple. Arrange onto a platter and serve.

Hairball salad in drool dressing

Ingredients:

1 ripe avocado

Sprouts

Grated carrots

Vinaigrette or any salad dressing of your choice

Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop out the flesh and put in a bowl adding the sprouts and mashing it using a fork. Having some lumps is fine. Set aside. Then, distribute the grated carrots evenly depending on how many servings you like. Form hairballs the size of walnuts and put them over on your grated carrots. Then drizzle the salad dressing, which constitutes the 'drool'. Serve.

Ghoulish Eyeballs

Ingredients:

6 hardboiled eggs

6 oz. cream cheese, whipped

7 oz green olives, with pimiento

Red food color

Toothpick

Remove the shell off the eggs and remove the yolks. Stuff the hole with whipped cream cheese so as to form the eyeball. Press one olive to every eyeball. Make sure the pimiento faces up. Now, draw broken blood vessels in the stuffing using the toothpick dipped in red food color.

Stale Bath Water

Ingredients:

12 oz frozen lemonade

2 liters lime soda

Half a gallon sherbet

Thaw the sherbet for about 15 minutes and place in a container. Prepare the lemonade according to package instructions and blend with the lime soda and the sherbet. At this point, the sherbet should melt and turn into grayish-brown liquid, much like used bathwater. You may use colored mints to float on your scummy-looking drink.

Gooey Brains

Ingredients:

1 pack jello

1 carton cottage cheese, small-curd

1 can of berries of your choice, in thick syrup,

Food coloring

To prepare:

First, make the jello according to instructions. Set aside to chill. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and your choice of berries carefully, as cheese constitutes the brain matter. Add food color. On a serving plate, place a few tablespoonfuls of your jello, which makes for your brain fluid. Drizzle with thick syrup. Top with the cheese-berries mixture. Serve.

Make these recipes a part of your Halloween party menu. These are must-try gastronomic wonders that are bound to have your party guests screaming in utter delight.

About the Author:

Jeremy is a food fanatic! You can check out his very popular Halloween
Recipes
website where he shares some of his Halloween Spooky Recipes
and Halloween Treats Recipes

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Learn How To Prepare The Most Disgusting Halloween Recipes Ever

avocado gazpacho recipe

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

avocado gazpacho recipe
avocado gazpacho recipe

Isn’t soup supposed to be warm? There is something cozy, comforting and rustic about a bowl of steaming soup on a cold, snowy day. But what about cold soup? Could a chilled fruit or veggie-based soup be the perfect dinner during the dog days of summer? Fresh, refreshing and a little bit elegant, a bowl of cold soup could be just the thing to cool you off on a hot summer’s night.

Chilled soups can be as simple as pureeing some strawberries or as varied as gazpacho, but chilled sop can be an ideal mid-summer dinner. Light, fruity, colorful and beautiful next to a green salad and some bread sticks, a chilled soup is perfect for a sunset dinner on the patio, when it’s too hot to cook.

Chilled soups can be made from nearly any fruit and many vegetables. They are usually pureed until smooth and silky. A parfait glass would be an ideal serving vessel, putting even more distance between the rugged hot soups of winter and the light chilled soups of spring and summer.

As a showcase for sweet fruits like strawberries, cherries, pears and melons, chilled soups shine, but they are also a perfect vehicle for savory combinations of avocados, cucumbers, peas, nuts and tomatoes. Here are two recipes to get your imagination wandering.

Curried Pineapple Soup

½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut

2 cups fresh pineapple, shredded - save the juice

2 cups plain yogurt

¼ cup whole milk

1 cup fresh mint leaves

1 small honeydew or cantaloupe melon, peeled and finely chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 teaspoon curry powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Stir the yogurt, milk and mint together and let sit for a minute to allow the flavors to meld. Strain the mixture and refrigerate.

In another bowl, combine the melon, pineapple, lime juice, coconut and curry powder. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for 2 hours.

To serve, pour the melon mixture into chilled soup bowls and top with yogurt. Garnish with a spring of mint.

Summertime Strawberry Soup

16 oz. fresh strawberries

1 c. sour cream
1 c. plain yogurt
1/4 c. sugar
3 tbsp. fruity white wine

Place strawberries in blender or food processor. Pulse until well-blended. Add sour cream, yogurt, sugar and white wine. Pulse to combine. Chill 2 to 3 hours.

Serve in chilled bowls or parfait glasses, garnished with a whole strawberry.

About the Author:

Want more tips on saving your waistline along with your budget? Check out The Deceptive Diet for great results!

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Cold Soup Is A Great Family Choice

Mexican appetizers are natural flavored, colorful, and fresh, It is always based on seasonal produce. Once you taste one Mexican dish, you will want to keep tasting and trying more recipes as it is really tasty and delicious. If you plan to have a party, then Mexican appetizers can be a good choice.

One reason for which these recipes are so popular is that they are very easy to make and go from kitchen to dinner table in no time at all. Mexican themed party or fiesta goes very well with just any occasion; regardless of it is get together for neighbors or you are celebrating some important occasion.

Most popular Mexican appetizer is quesadillas. In simple way, quesadillas are pan grilled, Mexican tortilla sandwiches. As simple as they are to prepare, the combination of ingredients is limited only to imagination; you can experiment with different cheese and can have various chopped vegetables for filling. For making good quesadilla you need good quality tortilla. For making a quesadillas you will need four tortillas, fillings like pico de gallo, which is a traditional Mexican salsa made up of tomatoes, onion and cilantro. Then guacamole, chopped tomatoes, jalapenos, chopped fresh herbs, guacamole, and sour cream. Place tortilla on cutting board, sprinkle with combination of filling top with second tortilla. Cook over lower heat until cheese melted remove quesadillas from pan once both sides are golden brown. Cut them into pieces and garnish with guacamole and sour cream. You can have some variations with black beans, shrimps and corn.

Many Mexican appetizer recipes also lend themselves well to dips. Popular favorite dips include guacamole, salsa and chile con queso. Seven-layer party dip is popular party dish. In this taco dip, all typical taco ingredients are layered into one dish. This recipe has dip with tortilla chips. Main ingredients of this seven-layer dip are beans, cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, tomato m bell pepper, onions, lettuce leaves, olive and most important of all shredded cheddar cheese. In this appetizer first, lend taco seasoning mix and refried beans, spread this mixture over platter, mix sour cream and cheese spread it over refried beans, top this layer with salsa, then layer of tomato, green bell paper, green onions, and top with cheddar cheese. Use black olives for garnishing. And your seven layer dip is ready.

Apart from these two popular recipes, you can have many different Mexican appetizers. Different types of salsa like salsa Ranchero, salsa with fresh cilantro, super salsa, cheesy salsa, tomatilaa avocado salsa. You can have different dip like hot bean dip, Mexican bean dip, and Yucatan black bean dip. You can different dips with tortilla chips. Other than dip and quesadillas, you can have taco pie Mexican devilled chips, Mexican squares, Mexican meatballs, salsa Mexicana, shrimp gazpacho. Shrimp gazpacho is also very popular Mexican appetizer.

About the Author:

Muna wa Wanjiru Has Been Researching and Reporting on Appetizers for Years. For More Information on Mexican appetizers, Visit His Site at MEXICAN APPETIZERSI Will Also Highly Appreciate Your Views On Mexican appetizers At My Blog here

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Why Mexican Appetizers are so Popular

avocado roll recipe

Thursday, October 22nd, 2009

avocado roll recipe
avocado roll recipe
How to best mimic the results of clay pot soup without a clay pot?

These are the ingredients:

Vegetable stock
Shitake mushrooms
Baby Bok Choy
Green onion
Bean sprouts
Soba Noodles
Extra-firm tofu (cubed)
Soy sauce
Freshly grated ginger
Hot chili oil

The recipe for this is a traditional clay pot soup recipe, yet I do not have a clay pot.

I can use my Calphalon saucepan or my Le Creuset cookware.

What is the best way to replicate the clay pot soup with what I have available?

Also, being that I do not have a clay pot, should I use Soba noodles or buckwheat noodles?

The soup is meant to be hearty and is the main course I am serving, with vegan spring rolls (bean sprout, diced tofu, cucucmber and avocado) as the appetizer.
EDIT to add: I meant to ask if Soba noodles or Udon noodles are preferable.

Do not mimic, do your best by being original like the advertisement of Microsoft in which they advertise do not buy pirate software. I think you should go to Indian High Commission or try to see Yellow Pages in which you will find that Indian Handicrafts are being sold at a particular place in Britain or you may like to give your address so that I would be able to make a purchase or gift for you of clay pot in India. In India, there is no dirth of clay pot and you can have original take of the soup and do not mimic in you joy of taking delicious soup to serve to your family members also.Kindly give me an opportunity to be helpful to you. Kindly acknowledge my advice and take prompt action too.

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:

For more useful tips & hints, please browse for more information at our website :- http://www.adsence-dollar-factory.com
http://www.100earningtips.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - cooking with fresh herbs

avocado desserts recipe

Tuesday, October 20th, 2009

avocado desserts recipe
avocado desserts recipe

I have to be honest.  This is one question that REALLY gets my goat.  Whenever I hear someone attacking the raw diet because it’s too “boring,” I go crazy!

Really, I hulk out!

I’ve been following a low-fat raw vegan diet for almost 2 years now.  I can honestly say, without any reservations, that there is absolutely NOTHING boring about a raw food diet!

*Deep Breath*  Okay, I’m calm now.

Let me explain why a raw food diet is totally NOT boring.

Variety

The variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that exist is astounding.  You have apples, grapes, oranges, bananas, peaches, pears, cantaloupe, romaine, celery, cucumber, avocado...and I’m just alluding to what is available in your local grocery store!

In fact, I can almost guarantee you that raw foodists eat *more* variety than ANYONE on a standard American diet...or any other diet for that matter.

This is because most people tend to eat just a handful of dishes that become their staples.  And these dishes are usually very similar.

If you eat meat, your meals will generally center around a protein, with some starchy vegetable and maybe greens along side.  If you’re from the Southern States, your greens are cooked to death in butter and everything gets a nice heapin’ helping of beef gravy smothered on top. ;)

If you are vegetarian or vegan, the focus is usually on whole grains or legumes with vegetables.  And of course, everyone has his or her favorite dessert.

But when you live on a fruit-based diet, you have to adapt what you are eating to what you can find in your area.  Just because you have a few favorite fruits does not mean that they will always be available.

I would gladly eat nothing but mangoes for the rest of my life, but I can’t because they are not always in season!

Where’s the Proof?

Still skeptical that a raw diet is really that varied?  Here’s a list of several of the different varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that I eat in a given year:

o    Apples
o    Apricots
o    Avocado
o    Bananas
o    Basil
o    Bell Pepper
o    Blackberries
o    Blueberries
o    Boston Lettuce
o    Cantaloupe
o    Celery
o    Cherries
o    Cilantro
o    Clementines
o    Cucumber
o    Currants
o    Dates
o    Dill
o    Grapefruit
o    Grapes
o    Honeydew
o    Iceberg Lettuce
o    Kiwi
o    Lemon
o    Lime
o    Mangoes
o    Mint
o    Nectarines
o    Oranges
o    Papaya
o    Peaches
o    Pears
o    Pineapple
o    Pistachios
o    Raspberries
o    Romaine Lettuce
o    Star Fruit
o    Strawberries
o    Sunflower Seeds
o    Tangerines
o    Tomatoes
o    Watermelon
o    Zucchini

AND I didn’t even include the different varieties of fruit within each species.  For instance, there are Navel and Valencia oranges, red and green grapes, the Fuji apples and the Gala apples, Red Haven and White Nectar peaches, etc.

All of this is found conventionally at my local supermarkets in Tennessee.  Of course, if you live somewhere tropical or have access to exotic markets, you have a whole different spectrum of fruits to choose from:

o    Chocolate Sapote
o    Custard Apple
o    Durian
o    Jackfruit
o    Litchi
o    Longan
o    Mamey Sapote
o    Mangosteen
o    Rambutan
o    Sapodilla
o    Soursop

There’s even a peanut butter fruit that has the taste AND texture of peanut butter!

How can a diet that’s full of so many different smells, tastes, and textures be boring?

Quite simply, it cannot.

Raw Recipes

If you *still* aren’t convinced that a raw diet isn’t boring, you probably haven’t considered all the different raw vegan recipes that you can make.

And I’m not talking about fatty dehydrated conglomerations that are made to mimic the flavor and textures of cooked dishes.  I’m referring to simple, delicious, healthy meals that contain few ingredients and take literally minutes to put together.

There are fruit smoothies, green smoothies, fruit soups, vegetable soups, fruit salads, savory salads, fruit puddings, dips, salsas, and even fruit ice creams!

You could literally take just a few different healthy raw ingredients and have a completely different dish for every meal for a whole week!

Now how in the world can a diet like *this* be boring?

Quite simply, it cannot.

Don’t Take My Word For It!

If you are still debating going raw, there is no better time than now to get out there and go for it.  See for yourself just how varied this diet can be.  Buy all the fruits you can and go crazy in the kitchen!

Just be sure to send me the recipes to all of your awesome raw creations. :)

About the Author:

For more information on the best raw vegan diet, be sure to visit Fit On Raw and subscribe to Swayze’s newsletter Peachy Keen Ezine. By subscribing, you will also receive the free report The 4 Principles of a Healthy Raw Diet as well as the 5-week mini-course The Fool Proof Transition to Raw.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Is a Raw Food Diet Boring?

Christmas is a time when we think of family get-togethers and abundance. It is memory lane for most of us, enjoying friends, memorable times and good comfort, traditional foods. But the weeks after the holidays are usually weight gains, health problems from too many sweets and food. 

Today white sugar, white flour, dairy products, trans and saturated fats, refined cars and excess calories are on the \"no-no\" list ... and with the holiday times it feels as if the cakes, cookies and candies will become obsolete. And we begin to feel deprived and panic stricken. After all, it is a long-time tradition.

One answer is to make some raw food desserts and take them to get-togethers and family meals. Use nuts, dried fruits, and avocadoes instead of white flour and white sugar. They have a lot of flavor, looks and are good for you. Oh yes ... and they are easy to put together. Jenny Cornbleet has a book out called \"Raw Food Made Easy for 1 or 2 People\". In it there are desserts - cakes, cookies, fruit crisps, pies, tarts, puddings, mousses, shakes, and ice cream recipes all raw - for holidays and all meals. Guess what? They taste better than their sugar laden counterparts.

One recipe is for a \"Flourless Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Sauce\" which calls for 1 1/2 cups raw walnuts, dash of salt, 8 pitted medjool dates, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa or carob powder, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 tsp water. For the raspberry sauce you use 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries (thaw and drain if frozen) with 1/4 cup pitted medjooy dates, soaked for 30 minutes and drained. Place the walnuts and salt in a food processor with the S blade and process until finely ground. Add dates, cocoa powder, and vanilla ... process until mixture becomes sticky. Add water and process briefly. Transfer to a serving plate and form a 5 inch round cake. Place the raspberries and dates in a blender and mix until smooth, pouring over the cake just before serving.

You do not have to give up all your comfort foods, just find a healthier recipe for it. You will find the dessert to be much tastier. But should you choose to nibble on a few old foods, do so in moderation, do not go overboard, and remember to wait and let your stomach digest properly before the next meal.

About the Author:

To learn about growing mango and mango allergy, visit the Mango Fruit website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Eating Right During Christmas

avocado honey face mask recipe

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

avocado honey face mask recipe

Dry skin is most commonly prone to wrinkles and lines as it is unable to retain moisture and the sebaceous glands cannot produce sufficient amounts of sebum. This type of skin becomes often dehydrated and needs special care by continually moisturizing it. Masks for dry skin are made of chamomile, lavender, peppermint, bananas, avocado, honey, milk, yoghurt, tomato, egg yolk, butter, strawberries etc.
Dry skin can benefit a lot from periodical use of hydrating masks. They have many moisturizing ingredients that help the skin to have more balance. They may have plant extract, essential oils, and nourishing vegetable oils or milk derivates.

To make classic facial mask at home for dry skin, take 1/2 avocado and 1/4 cup of honey. Mash together these 2 ingredients for an easy face mask. Apply to your face and leave for 5 minutes before removing with a washcloth and some trepid water. You will definitely enjoy the smell and feeling of this mask on your face. Honey and avocado are particularly rich in moisturizing properties.

Generally benefits of avocado are numerous: it is filled with monounsaturated fats, Vitamin B and E, nutrients excellent for moisturizing and rejuvenating dry or tired skin. Use this fruit in the next masks too.
First recipe: take 1 avocado and 3-4 drops of almond oil. Peel and mash avocado and add almond oil until the mass is consistent. Apply to face while massaging it gently. Let it rest for 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water.
Second recipe: you need 1 avocado, 1 teaspoon of apple vinegar, 1 egg white, 3 teaspoons of olive oil. Peel and mash avocado and start adding the rest of the ingredients. Egg white should be beaten before you put it in. When the mass is done, apply to face and wash off after 20 minutes or so. This mask provides great moisture for skin, making it soft and elastic.

To prevent wrinkles, make a paste of bananas, yogurt and honey and apply it on the skin for 15-20 minutes then clean it with warm water. You’ll need 1/4 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons honey and 1 banana.

Refreshing tomato mask. You need 1/4 peeled and seedless tomato. Chop it. 3 teaspoons of yogurt, 1 teaspoon peeled and then grated cucumber, 1 teaspoon of aloe vera gel, 3 teaspoons of oatmeal (finely ground). Additional ingredients are 2 mint leaves, fresh and crushed so the essential oils run out of the leaves. Mix all the ingredients in a large bowl. Apply on the face and leave on for about 10 minutes. Wash off with lukewarm water.

Popular milk mask for face. Take 1 teaspoon powdered milk, 1 tablespoon runny honey, 1 teaspoon aloe vera gel and 2 drops essential oil and mix ingredients well. Apply to face, let sit for 15 minutes, wash off with warm water. If you want to find facial masks recipes for another types of skin, please, go to http://www.beautifulskinblog.com.

About the Author:

Carole is the author of some web-blogs in Health category. You can find more interesting and useful at Beautiful Skin Blog and Ideal Weight Blog.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Natural Facial Masks for Dry Skin

Regular facial treatments can improve skin texture, tone and overall appearance. A facial is a cosmetic treatment of the face, commonly involving a variety of skin treatments, grooming steps and deep cleansing of the face by various means including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. As we age facial muscles weaken, and skin begins to sag. But just as gym workouts can promote the body's youthful strength and suppleness, facial exercise - based on the same principles of dynamic resistance - can strengthen facial muscles.

Facials are designed to eliminate clogged pores, blackheads, and other impurities affecting the appearance and overall health of the skin. Facial treatments incorporate a variety of grooming steps that can include the use of creams, masks, peels, steam, exfoliation, extraction, lotions, and massage.

The facial nerve is mixed nerve containing both sensory and motor components. The nerve emanates from the brain stem at the ventral part of the pontomedullary junction. The nerve enters the internal auditory meatus where the sensory part of the nerve forms the geniculate ganglion. Plastic surgeons use facial implants to improve and enhance facial contours. Frequently, these implants will help provide a more harmonious balance to your face and features so that you feel better about the way you look.

Microderm is an amazing way to exfoliate the dull top layer of skin to reveal smoother, more radiant and beautiful skin beneath. Microderm has many benefits which include; improving the texture of skin by smoothing the surface, diminishing fine lines, improving the appearance of acne scars, and encouraging breakouts to heal. It improves the skin's tone and texture by increasing your skin cell's ability to renew at the cellular level while also stimulating collagen production for firmer skin. Microderm removes dull skin and surface debris allowing the nutrients of the facial to penetrate and perform more effectively.

A facial is given by a licensed esthetician with special training in skin care. A facial usually starts around $75 at a day spa in a smaller city. Prices will be higher at destination spas, resort and hotel spas. Special masks and serums also make the price go higher.

Cucumber Facial

Peel the cucumber and run it through a blender or a food processor. Pour the cucumber pulp into a colander or strainer and force it through, catching the liquid that comes out in a bowl underneath. Combine the cucumber liquid with the lemon juice and the witch hazel. Stir it and add the beaten egg white gently. Put it on your face and leave it on for 15 to 25 minutes, then rinse off.

For oily skin, use a clay-based face mask. For dry skin, go for a hydrating gel or cream mask. Apply the mask, avoiding the areas around the eyes. Keep it on for 10-20 minutes. Rinse completely.

You can purchase a mask or make your own at home. Honey and egg whites are very good and effective standbys. For dry skin, try using a mashed banana or avocado. The herbs that work for you will depend on your specific skin qualities. Experiment with a variety of herbs until you find the ones that work best.

Foods that can enhance your appearance need to feature as many of the following as possible: antioxidants, antibacterials, fibre to clear toxins, essential fats to support skin and reduced levels of saturated fat and sugar. The sorts of foods where you'll get this kind of combination are: fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, fish, pulses, nuts and seeds.

About the Author:

Rachel Broune writes articles for Homemade Facials. He also writes for Home facial Recipes and Homemade facial Masks.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Best Homemade Facial Recipes

avocado mango salsa recipe

Wednesday, October 14th, 2009

avocado mango salsa recipe
avocado mango salsa recipe

Generally, salsa has been a staple in any occasion such as dinner parties and family reunions as it has been paired time and time again with different types of chips but usually corn chips.  Serving salsa has been so popular to serve in gatherings due to the fact that it's easy to prepare and at the same time, it's easy to eat and enjoy while talking to your friends, relatives and to others who are in the party.

Though salsa has been constantly served with chips and oftentimes, it's classified as a dip.  But do you know that salsa can be included as a side dish to many different dishes?  Have you ever thought of what other food go well with salsa to spice up your parties even more?

Salsa can be likened to wine as different types of salsa can go well with different types of food.  For instance, a tropical mango-based salsa goes well with fish while avocado-based salsa is great when served with pork.  Salsa, when served with the right food, can help parties to get even better.

Here are a couple of salsa recipes that you can use as well as ideas of what food to serve them best with.

Corn and Tomato Salsa

1 cup fresh corn kernels (from 2 small ears) or frozen, thawed

1 large tomato, seeded, chopped

2/3 cup chopped red onion

½ cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ to 1 jalapeno chili, seeded, minced

1 avocado, pitted peeled, chopped

Fresh cilantro sprigs

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, cover and chill before serving.

Corn and tomato salsa goes well with grilled steaks like rib eye and porterhouse as the corn in the salsa mixes well with the beef.  Its taste gives a new dimension of flavor to the beef.  On the other hand, the mango and tomato salsa where a recipe of this side dish is shown below goes well with crispy coated fried shrimp.

Tomato and Mango Salsa

1 small mango

1 large tomato, seeded and chopped

1/3 cup chopped onion

¼ cup minced fresh cilantro

1 small jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

2 tablespoons lime juice

Carefully peel skin from mango sections attached to the seed.  Slice flesh from seed and chop it to measure 1-1/2 cups.  Combine ingredients in small bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Now that you know which salsa to serve with what dishes, you can serve them in whatever gathering you may have to make it a more lively and memorable occasion.

About the Author:

A good salsa recipe can spice up a meal and add a little life to your next party. And while it's easy to find salsa at any grocery store, it's just not the same as a homemade salsa you make yourself. Making a salsa from scratch is actually quite easy. With the right salsa recipe and just a little preparation time, you can create a good homemade salsa that will have people coming back for more. Mexican food and salsa lover John Weisenberger has put together a delicious collection of tried and true Homemade Salsa Recipes that will get you started. Check them out at http://www.Homemade-Salsa-Recipes.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Homemade Salsa Recipes: How to Prepare and What Dishes to Pair It with

I have to be honest.  This is one question that REALLY gets my goat.  Whenever I hear someone attacking the raw diet because it’s too “boring,” I go crazy!

Really, I hulk out!

I’ve been following a low-fat raw vegan diet for almost 2 years now.  I can honestly say, without any reservations, that there is absolutely NOTHING boring about a raw food diet!

*Deep Breath*  Okay, I’m calm now.

Let me explain why a raw food diet is totally NOT boring.

Variety

The variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that exist is astounding.  You have apples, grapes, oranges, bananas, peaches, pears, cantaloupe, romaine, celery, cucumber, avocado...and I’m just alluding to what is available in your local grocery store!

In fact, I can almost guarantee you that raw foodists eat *more* variety than ANYONE on a standard American diet...or any other diet for that matter.

This is because most people tend to eat just a handful of dishes that become their staples.  And these dishes are usually very similar.

If you eat meat, your meals will generally center around a protein, with some starchy vegetable and maybe greens along side.  If you’re from the Southern States, your greens are cooked to death in butter and everything gets a nice heapin’ helping of beef gravy smothered on top. ;)

If you are vegetarian or vegan, the focus is usually on whole grains or legumes with vegetables.  And of course, everyone has his or her favorite dessert.

But when you live on a fruit-based diet, you have to adapt what you are eating to what you can find in your area.  Just because you have a few favorite fruits does not mean that they will always be available.

I would gladly eat nothing but mangoes for the rest of my life, but I can’t because they are not always in season!

Where’s the Proof?

Still skeptical that a raw diet is really that varied?  Here’s a list of several of the different varieties of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that I eat in a given year:

o    Apples
o    Apricots
o    Avocado
o    Bananas
o    Basil
o    Bell Pepper
o    Blackberries
o    Blueberries
o    Boston Lettuce
o    Cantaloupe
o    Celery
o    Cherries
o    Cilantro
o    Clementines
o    Cucumber
o    Currants
o    Dates
o    Dill
o    Grapefruit
o    Grapes
o    Honeydew
o    Iceberg Lettuce
o    Kiwi
o    Lemon
o    Lime
o    Mangoes
o    Mint
o    Nectarines
o    Oranges
o    Papaya
o    Peaches
o    Pears
o    Pineapple
o    Pistachios
o    Raspberries
o    Romaine Lettuce
o    Star Fruit
o    Strawberries
o    Sunflower Seeds
o    Tangerines
o    Tomatoes
o    Watermelon
o    Zucchini

AND I didn’t even include the different varieties of fruit within each species.  For instance, there are Navel and Valencia oranges, red and green grapes, the Fuji apples and the Gala apples, Red Haven and White Nectar peaches, etc.

All of this is found conventionally at my local supermarkets in Tennessee.  Of course, if you live somewhere tropical or have access to exotic markets, you have a whole different spectrum of fruits to choose from:

o    Chocolate Sapote
o    Custard Apple
o    Durian
o    Jackfruit
o    Litchi
o    Longan
o    Mamey Sapote
o    Mangosteen
o    Rambutan
o    Sapodilla
o    Soursop

There’s even a peanut butter fruit that has the taste AND texture of peanut butter!

How can a diet that’s full of so many different smells, tastes, and textures be boring?

Quite simply, it cannot.

Raw Recipes

If you *still* aren’t convinced that a raw diet isn’t boring, you probably haven’t considered all the different raw vegan recipes that you can make.

And I’m not talking about fatty dehydrated conglomerations that are made to mimic the flavor and textures of cooked dishes.  I’m referring to simple, delicious, healthy meals that contain few ingredients and take literally minutes to put together.

There are fruit smoothies, green smoothies, fruit soups, vegetable soups, fruit salads, savory salads, fruit puddings, dips, salsas, and even fruit ice creams!

You could literally take just a few different healthy raw ingredients and have a completely different dish for every meal for a whole week!

Now how in the world can a diet like *this* be boring?

Quite simply, it cannot.

Don’t Take My Word For It!

If you are still debating going raw, there is no better time than now to get out there and go for it.  See for yourself just how varied this diet can be.  Buy all the fruits you can and go crazy in the kitchen!

Just be sure to send me the recipes to all of your awesome raw creations. :)

About the Author:

For more information on the best raw vegan diet, be sure to visit Fit On Raw and subscribe to Swayze’s newsletter Peachy Keen Ezine. By subscribing, you will also receive the free report The 4 Principles of a Healthy Raw Diet as well as the 5-week mini-course The Fool Proof Transition to Raw.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Is a Raw Food Diet Boring?

avocado ranch sauce recipe

Sunday, September 27th, 2009

avocado ranch sauce recipe
avocado ranch sauce recipe

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

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

avocado baby food recipe

Friday, September 4th, 2009

avocado baby food recipe
avocado baby food recipe
Anyone have any good baby food recipes using avocados?

I love avocados plain and so does my daughter, you can find alot of good recipes on the vegetarian websites. I also gave you some links to try!

Did you know snacking could eventually be a matter of life or death? Good nutrition has everything to do with the way we snack. This is especially with baby boomers and seniors. As we age our appetites may increase from all kinds reasons, including hormones, mood swings, stress, and medications. We might feel like snacking a lot more. On the other hand, our appetites may decrease. From  hormones, mood swings, stress, and medications. Or perhaps we’re too busy. Or are bored and not busy enough. Or our senses change too. Maybe there’s less money. Or a disinterest in cooking. Problems with teeth. On and on. Maybe we just don’t feel like eating a full meal anymore, and what used to be appealing, isn’t.  Snacking happens. But what we choose to snack on is the real clincher.

As we age we may tend to eat smaller meals, even forget to eat sometimes, or just snack throughout the day. This, of course, can cause big-time elderly nutrition problems. Malnutrition, in fact, is one of the main reasons seniors who live alone or who feel isolated  are admitted to the hospital. But it’s not just elderly. Snacking has almost replaced regular meals, and nowadays people tend to snack on all the wrong stuff. Snacking has become practically a national pastime, and in conjunction with other pastimes as well…watching TV, sitting at the computer, grabbing something on the fly, going to a game, visiting friends, going to a party, club meetings, talking on the phone, even nibbling at work if we work. Snacking is pretty much taken for granted.

Yeah, yeah. We’re heard or read all the hype on bad carbs, bad fats, bad sugars, bad calories, bad snacking. And we all know how these ingredients can seriously impact our health, and lead to death-causing diseases such as high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, plus cancer. But we still do bad snacking. It’s just simply really convenient. And our taste buds are conditioned out of habit to want such foods. These are emotional reasons, of course, and defy the logic of healthy eating vs. death threat eating. But habit and emotions are not logical. Despite all the information out there, people still ask, why is nutrition important.

It’s obvious, especially to baby boomers and seniors whose bodies are changing and possibly developing health issues, that we need to take a close look at our snacking and re-think our options. Even small changes can help.

Here are a couple of easy and yummy healthy snack recipes to help get you started. I’m sure you’ve heard of free radicals in our bodies and how they cause disease. And that antioxidants in certain foods combat these free radicals. But who wants to eat all that broccoli, spinach and garlic. So … make a really great trail mix snack that has a ton of the antioxidant foods in it. You can get these ingredients in the natural food section of your store. Any combination of them will do. You can find a lot of them in the bulk food bins. And really try to get ingredients without added sugar!

<b>Antioxidant Trail Mix:</b> --  Walnuts, pecans, filberts, pistachios, dried cranberries, dried goji berries, dried red cherries, dried blueberries, raisins. Mix it together, put it in a canister, and munch away! You may even find an already-made antioxidant mix in the bulk bins. Some natural food companies sell them

<b>Deluxe Grilled Cheese</b> -- It’s important to use a hearty whole grain bread and low-fat  cheese. Very lightly butter the two pieces of bread as usual for making grilled chesse. Or olive oil can be spread on instead if you prefer. Add two slices of the low-fat cheese of your choice. Add a slice of tomato, a few spinach leaves or romaine lettuce, a sliced ring of red pepper, and optional avocado slices. Try a few pieces of walnuts or pecans (big in antioxidants) for a little crunch – it’s great! You can also spread on a little salsa. Or include a slice of lean meat. Grill the sandwich in a pan on both sides, as usual. Serve with pickles and whole-grain tortilla chips.

We have loads of healthy snack recipes for you and your loved ones (of any age – kids love them too). Just check out the special page on our website at http://www.elder-one-stop.com/healthy-snack-recipes.html .  Also take a look at our Activities pages that have other great recipes and party ideas. Enjoy!

About the Author:

Mary Schulte is the founder of ElderOneStop, LLC and www.elder-one-stop.com specializing in one-stop resources and information for seniors and baby boomers -- including health, caregiving, nutrition, gifts, activities, gifts, retirement, housing, travel, and more. A free newsletter is available, as well as a web site subscription.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Snacking Yourself to Death

avocado salad recipe

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

avocado salad recipe
avocado salad recipe
Anyone have a good recipe using avocado?

I don't like guacamole, but I've recently realized that I like avacado. What to do with it? Salads, sandwiches? Any suggestions or favorites of yours will be appreciated.

avacado crepes:

preheat oven to 350 f

buy pre made crepes, or make your own.

slice the avacado into 1/4 inch slivers

shred some goats milk cheese or mozzarella

dice tomatoes

chop some fresh basil

thinly slice a small amount of onion and garlic

2 tbs olive oil or melted butter

place the crepe inside an oven safe bowl or casserole dish so that the ends of the crepe hang out over the edge of the bowl.

mix remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl and lightly salt and pepper.

spoon into crepe until bowl is full.

fold ends of crepe back into bowl so that it is shaped like a burrito.

brush with olive oil.

place in oven and bake until browned and cheese is melty.

Considering the living conditions of the modern era, it's easy to understand why toxins build up within the body so heavily. Environmental toxins found in pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers, fossil fuels, and other synthetic chemicals create an elixir of toxins bombarding us on a daily basis.

Unclean water, harsh household cleaners, and the prevalence of over-processed, artificial foods also contribute to the body's poisoning. For these reasons, it is sometimes necessary to engage in natural body toxin cleansing to help the body purify itself and eliminate poisonous waste.

Due to the increase in chemicals applied to conventional foods, organic food is an increasingly wise option. In addition, Oxy-Powder® is an all-natural colon cleansing product that cleanses body systems of waste and supports the digestive tract. Most people don't realize their digestive system is actually part of the immune response structure and is a key component in the body's fight against toxins.

Making the choice to eat well is a beneficial first step in the process of toxin cleansing. To truly purge the body's waste and support the cleansing systems (the lymphatic system, liver, intestines and blood), organic food choices are vital. Along with consuming primarily organic, whole foods, it is also wise to include food choices known for their natural detoxification effects.

A few of these organic, detoxifying foods include:

  • Broccoli
  • Other cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, asparagus, etc.)
  • Green vegetables
  • Fruits (berries and apples)
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Lemons
  • Broccoli sprouts
  • Liquids (green tea, pure water and algae drinks rich in enzymes)

Ultimate Detox Recipes

Easy Wilted Garlic-Sesame Salad
— Toss dark, leafy greens in hot, garlic oil for a meal that cleanses the body’s chief detox organ, the liver.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tsp. olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 lb. spinach, stemmed
  • or 1 lb. Swiss chard, stems sliced, leaves torn
  • or 1 lb. mixture of spinach and watercress
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  • 1 Tsp. sesame seeds for garnish

Warm oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and stir until lightly browned, about 45 seconds. Add greens (do in two batches, if necessary) and toss until just wilted, 2 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Avocado-Cucumber Spicy Spring Soup
— A highly energizing soup for your cleansing regimen. This soup contains avocado (which is high in EFA’s) and cucumber (well known for its internal cleansing properties). The taste of this soup can be customized to your preference by the use of various herbs and spices or by alternating between lemon and lime.

Ingredients:

  • 1 avocado
  • 2 spring onions
  • 1/2 red or green pepper
  • 1 cucumber
  • 2 handfuls of spinach
  • 1/2 clove of garlic
  • Bragg Liquid Aminos™ to taste
  • 100ml of light vegetable Bouillon (yeast free)
  • Juice of 1 lemon or lime
  • Optional: coriander, parsley, or cumin

Blend the avocado and stock to form a light paste, and then add the other ingredients and mix until the consistency is neither too thick nor too thin. Heat slowly on your range-top burner to preserve the most nutrients.

Vegetable Super Juice
— This juice is popular for breakfast due to its energy 'boost' effect. It gives your body a nutritious yet gentle start to the day.

Ingredients:

  • 1 whole cucumber
  • 4 sticks of celery
  • 2 to 4 handfuls of spinach
  • 8 lettuce leaves
  • Other varieties of lettuce as desired
  • Optional boosters: parsley and fresh alfalfa sprouts

Juice all ingredients and mix 50/50 with distilled water. Add optional lemon juice to taste and
Prime pH
to boost the alkalinity of the juice.

Healing Detox Juice
— A sweeter, more subtle juice that still packs a nutritional punch! The combination of the carrots, spinach, and parsley provides an excellent source of antioxidants while the celery delivers nutritious cleansing properties.

Ingredients:

  • 3 to 4 Carrots
  • 125g Fresh Spinach
  • Handful of Flat Leaf Parsley
  • 2 to 3 Sticks of Celery

Juice all the ingredients (putting celery through last as it is a bit acidic). Mix with water to thin it out or drink it plain.

Raw Broccoli Soup
— Definitely a winter favorite and it ends the myth that all raw veggies have to be cold and boring! By steaming the broccoli for just 5 to 6 minutes, the meal remains raw enough to provide all the nutrients but adds enough warmth for that homemade soup flavor. The texture of the broccoli and the kick of the ginger also make this an excellent choice for those new to the concept of alkalizing (returning your body’s internal chemical state to a naturally alkaline balance).

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Avocado
  • 6 to 8 Decent size Broccoli Heads
  • 1/3 Red Onion
  • 1 Celery Stick
  • Big Handful of Spinach
  • An Inch of Root Ginger
  • Optional: Bragg Liquid Amino, cumin

Lightly steam the broccoli for 5 to 6 minutes and put all the ingredients in a blender. Add garlic, pepper, and other spices to taste. The heat from the broccoli makes this a lovely, gently warmed soup that is great for those cold winter months!

Consuming organic foods so as to obtain the most vitamins and minerals can greatly enhance your toxin cleansing efforts. All natural recipes such as these help the body receive the nutritional support it needs to maintain vital health and wellbeing!

About the Author:

The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center is sponsored by Global Healing Center, Inc. The Resource Center's website features information on constipation, articles on colon cleansing, and research on the latest treatments. For more information, please visit The Colon Cleansing & Constipation

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Natural Recipes for Body Detoxification