Recipes

Ok, so patriotism is for some, a sliding scale depending on who we have in civic, state, and federal offices. For others, there is no other way to imagine life than with their flag waving on the front porch and "Proud to be an American" blaring on continuous loop in the background. Now, I'm not saying that either is right, do you. But, I do want to give you food for thought, (and a recipe for food for your tummy!)

I really love The New York Times' Well Blog; it is a great source for up to the minute information about health, wellness,and food/health policy; it also has tons of recipes (many of them vegetarian, all of them healthy).The following link will take you to The Well Blog's "Healthy Eating on a Dime" article, and five simple, healthy recipes that rely heavily on inexpensive pantry staples. While you're checking out the recipes, take a look around The Well- I think you'll like it!

well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/26/healthful-dining-on-a-dime/

Spring has finally come to Ohio, and after what felt like many, many dark and cold months, we will soon be enjoying many of the seasonal veggies we have been craving all winter.

As such, it is time to start posting recipes featuring seasonal produce, and as spring has just started, I am thinking asparagus! Check out the two recipes below that feature asparagus as a key ingredient.

Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

(from the Food Network)

March is Women's History Month and has been since 1987 when Congress declared it. (Man, I was only 3!) Some people don't really celebrate it, forgetting that none of us would be here if it weren't for some woman!

Historically, women have been seen as the gentler of sexes and have been historically prone to many diseases that don't affect men as signifigantly. These diseases are heart disease, cancers and stroke to name a few. More can be found here. And they can all be prevented (outside of genetic predeterminants) ith small lifestyle changes. Most of these changes have to do with what we put INTO our bodies (And yes, that includes our diet)

Women, we can change the course of history and take out many of these preventable diseases before they make US history!

I love to cook and have been the primary meal-prep person in my home for the past seven years. I enjoy trying new recipes, and am not too easily intimidated. But. For some reason, I have consistently balked at the idea of making my own pizza dough, despite the fact tha pizza is one of my husband's favorite foods.

Over the break, I confronted my pizza making fears, inspired by one of my favorite blogs ( nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/ ). The recipe sounded simple, and looking at the picture, I remembered the adage about bad pizza. Paraphrased, it suggests that pizza, simililar to other sensual delights, is good even when it's bad.

One of the many small luxuries ths holiday break provided was the opportunity to relax and indulge in some magazine reading. O magazine's first issue of the New Year had lots of great articles geared toward setting healthy intentions for 2010, and the recipes did not dissapoint.

The article "20 Foods That Love You Back" provided the following list of foods that everyone should add to their diets, plus corresponding recipes. Some of the foods may suprise you:

1. Avocados- Contain healthy fat; help your body to block absorption of bad fats

2. Beets- Good source of folate, which can help prevent birth defects, colon cancer, and osteoporosis.

3. Horseradish- Good source of vitamin C, calcium, and potassium.

4. Sweet Potatoes- Contain phytonutrients which promote heart and eye health; boost immunity

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of time with loved ones. I have to admit, Thanksgiving is not my favorite holiday. I love the time with friends and family, but the emphasis primarily eating seems unheathy. Each year my family has the same menu, for as long as I can remember:

Midwest Thanksgiving Menu

A giant Turkey

Stuffing

Mashed Potatoes

Cheesy Potato Casserole

Green Bean Casserole

Candied Yams

Macoroni and Cheese

dinner rolls

Texas Corn Casserole

Oyster Casserole

Many pies

I leave each year feeling tired and needing a long walk. I am not used to eating such processed foods. All of the dishes have large amounts of fat and sugar. There is nothing fresh. I did ask if we had a fresh salad and the half joking response was, "This is Thanksgiving. We don't have salad on thanksgiving."

Four days after Thanksgiving, and I am still trying to regain my equilibrium. I didn't overeat (I didn't show tremendous restraint either), but what I did eat on Thanksgiving was not what I would choose to eat or choose to prepare were I hosting the holiday. Without launching into a food-based jeremiad, let me just say that the Thanksgiving meal I ate satisfied neither my body nor my soul.