The Hindi word ‘basmati’ means fragrant, and refers to the nutlike flavor and aroma of this small, but long grained rice. It has been used in India and Pakistan for thousands of years and is excellent with curries. Several varieties are now grown in the U.S., such as Texmati and Kasmati, and all are growing in popularity.
10/21/05
The Wonders of Black Eyed Peas
Did you know?
03/28/06
Bok choy, also known as Pak choi or Peking cabbage, forms a small but elongated head (not round like European cabbage) with plump white stalks and deep green leaves. A member of the brassica family, bok choy offers nutritional assets similar to those of other cabbages: It is rich in vitamin C and contains significant amounts of nitrogen compounds known as indoles, as well as fiber--both of which appear to lower the risk of various forms of cancer. Bok choy is also a good source of folate (folic acid). And with its deep green leaves, bok choy has more beta-carotene than other cabbages, and it also supplies considerably more calcium. The stalks and leaves have quite different textures, so in culinary terms, it's like getting two vegetables for the price of one.
4/11/06 CMG
4/6/06 ES
The chicken is a descendant of the Southeast Asian red jungle fowl first domesticated in India around 2000 B.C. Most of the birds raised for meat in America today are from the Cornish (a British breed) and the White Rock (a breed developed in New England). Broiler-fryers, roasters, stewing/baking hens, capons and Rock Cornish hens are all chickens.
Studies have found that using half a (A small spoon used for stirring tea or coffee; holds about one fluid dram) teaspoon of cinnamon a day significantly reduces blood sugar levels in diabetics. The effect, which can even be produced by soaking cinnamon in tea, also benefits non-diabetics who have blood sugar problems.
10/14/05
Collard greens are an excellent source of calcium. Calcium is widely recognized for its role in maintaining the strength and density of bones. Building bone is, however, far from all that calcium does for us. In recent studies, this important mineral has been shown to:
Summer is filled with traditional times to cook outdoors: Memorial Day, Father's Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day. But why limit yourself? If you've got the grill and the weather is right, every night can be a barbecue.
Whether it's a propane grill in the back yard, a charcoal grill at a local park or beach, or a hearty meal prepared over a campfire, cookouts are a sure hit amongst people of all ages.
Lentils are a good source of B vitamins, especially B3, which is essential for both a healthy nervous system and digestive stystem. They are also high in iron, zinc, and calcium and are a good replacement for red meat. The iron in lentils is better absorbed when they are eaten with a good source of vitamin C like leafy green vegetables.
2/16/2006 MD
Who invented meatloaf, why & when? Good question! Food historians tell us from Ancient times to present cooks have been mixing ground meat with minced bread/rice/vegetables, spices, thickeners and serving them with sauce. For what reasons?
Early ground (finely chopped or minced) molded meat recipes concentrated on sausages in skin casings, meat fritters (similar to meatballs), rissoles, hashes, terrines, and croquettes. The meat employed in these early recipes was usually already cooked, as opposed to the raw meat typically used by Americans to make meat loaf today. Finished products were typically fried, stewed, or baked (in molds or pastry) and served with sauce. Meatballs (a diminutive form of meatloaf) are known in many cultures and cuisines. Recipes evolved according to local ingredients and tastes. Middle Eastern kofta and Swedish meatballs are two of the most well known.
04/18/06 alr
There's a reason for everything, even if we don't understand it. It's likely the old timers of 200 years ago didn't understand many of the reasons they made sauerkraut except they knew this was a good way of preserving their cabbage through the winter. Today we know that fresh, raw cabbage is very rich in vitamin C, containing enough in 200 grams (that's about a cup) to supply a whole day's needs. Cooked cabbage and sauerkraut have about half this much. Sauerkraut is also an excellent source of Vitamin K. In the old times, Vitamin C was hard to come by during the winter. Beyond their conscious knowledge, sauerkraut was one of their very few sources.
STARFRUITS This fruit acquired its name from the five pointed star shape when cut across the middle of the fruit. It has a waxy, golden yellow to green color skin with a complicated flavor combination that includes plums, pineapples, and lemons. Originally from Sri Lanka and the Moluccas, and cultivated in Southeast Asia and Malaysia for several hundred years. Star fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C, is low in fat, and naturally sodium and cholesterol free. Star fruits are great to eat out of hand as these tropical delights do not need to peeled or seeded before eating.
2/2/06
4/13/06 JG
Tortellini is representative of the bellybutton of Venus, Goddess of Love (Roman) and daughter of Zeus in ancient mythology. As one legend goes, Venus and Jupiter were to meet one night. After Venus had checked into the inn, the chef found out. The chef went to her room, and peeked through the key hole where he saw Venus awaiting Jupiter laying only partially covered in bed on her back. On seeing her navel, the chef was overcome with what he saw and was inspired to create a stuffed pasta that looked like her navel, the tortellina. (plural, Tortellini)
A two-cup serving of watermelon contains many important vitamins and minerals. From Vitamins A, B6 and C to potassium, watermelon will surely Boost Your Health Esteem. You can also find out about lycopene, an antioxidant contained in the red varieties of watermelon. Preliminary research shows that consuming foods that contain lycopene are associated with a decreased risk of prostate and cervical cancer.
4/20/06