DInner and so much more.

Since I had, no longer have, appendix cancer, back in the fall, I decided to go vegetarian to see if my health improves. I had the mother of all surgeries and, so far, my scans are good, so I'm eating this way to stay healthy. This recipe is from the Forks over Knives plan, out of the cookbook. It's this is first plan this nutritionist (I hold a PhD in holistic nutrition) has found that works and actually tastes good, and is fairly easy to do. I batch cook once or twice a week, picking out a couple of recipes each time, and put it in deli containers, then freeze the portions for the week or later. I just thaw and reheat in the microwave like you would any other heat and eat meal. Their plan is plant based and super healthy. The only supplement they recommend is vitamin B12, since our bodies can't make that one on its own. Check out the site Forksoverknices.com. There's several options, there is an app, a cookbook, a plan book with recipes and a magazine, which got me started in the plan. Normally I won't recommend such a plan but I've researched this one and its sound nutritionally. Start with the magazine, its about $10 and you can find it at the grocery store. If you don't want to go vegan, add meat as desired and use the recipes as sides. It all works. Most ingredients it calls for are available in the grocery store these days and they're really easy to make. Good luck. Btw, that I finally figured out how to rekindle this blog on my Ipad(I'm slightly technology challenged like most people my age) I hope to post more often.

Nuts milks & Their Benefits

Just a quick thought here. I've found a way to incorporate nuts into you diet even if you can't effectively chew or swallow them, we know nuts are a good source of healthy fats & protein. It's nut milks! Nut milks are available commercially, almond or cashew milks are easy to swallow and provide the healthy fats adn protein their nuts in while provide. They are easy to make at home too. Soak the nuts in water for several hours or over night, grind them and the liquid in a blender or food processor, strain through a double layer of cheesecloth or muslin lined strainer, chill & enjoy. The " milks" taste like the huts they're mad from. They're delicious.mi do Nit recommend using this method if you are allergic to nuts, even the nut milks can bring on symptoms. The nut milks are easily swallowed and are a great source of nutrition for the elderly if anyone who has trouble swallowing. Nut butters are also good but can prove difficult to swallow for some people who have swallowing problems anyway. The nut milks are just the thing to remedy that. Enjoy you favorite nut milk.

Watermelon Cucumber Cooler

This cooler has an Ayurvedic origin for the "dosha" Pitta or fire, and cools the heat found in hot natured people. It really does work

3-4 cups watermelon, cubed, seeded
1/2 cucumber, seeded, peeled if it's waxed, cubed
Pinch of cinnamon

Put watermelon, cucumber into a blender, blend till smooth
Add pinch of cinnamon
Strain,
Drink

Makes one glass full.

My Food philosophy

Why put my food philosophy up here? Simple, because it makes sense. Follow along if you will. Here it is. If one wants to have a good quality of life they must enjoy what they do, whatever it is. In order to enjoy what one does, they need the proper amount of energy, stamina & good overall health to do so. In order to have energy, stamina & health, you need to feed your body what it needs to produce these things. In order to feed you body right, you need to put in it good, quality food. and, in order to feed it quality food, you need to cook, just so you'll know what's in the food you feed your body, so it will, in turn, operate like you want it to so you can enjoy what you do & therefore, you should have a decent quality of life. There it is, my food/nutrition/ quality if life philosophy. Now keep in mind there are other factors that contribute to ones type of quality of life, but that's not my forte here, just feed yourself well & you can cope with most of the other stuff that will eventually work itself out. I wish you good eating & a good life.

Simple Fruit Sorbet

2 packages frozen fruit, your choice
1/4-1/3 cup simple syrup ( equal amounts water & sugar, boiled till sugar dissolves, cooled)
Water as needed

In a food processor, a blender won't do here, dump in the fruit & simple syrup , pulse to get started, turn to 'on', pour water through tube as needed to make purée smooth. That's it. Pour into container, freeze hard or enjoy on the spot.
Couldn't be easier. I learned this recipe from food writer Mark Bittman.
Makes a quart.

A Menu- Why?

Why take the time & pickiness to write a weekly menu? Well, there are perks to it. You know each day what to pick up at the store or set out from the freezer to thaw. Second, it helps organize your grocery list. Instead of picking up random items, make your list from your menu, then add those everyday or fill in items you use all the time or want to have on hand. It's been proven that a grocery list helps you save money.Third, most of all, just because you've taken the time to make a menu doesn't mean you have to stick to it completely. Is flexible, after all, you made it so you can change it.
The menu here is just a list, it's not one of those complicated, fancy menus you'd find I a restaurant so don't be scared to write one. I use a calendar computer software to print out a months worth of weekly list, I use the week planner feature, but you can use a sheet of paper & a pen, and you only do a week at a time. I only print out a months worth so I don't have to print each weeks list. You can do it any way you want, you control it . Here's a sample.

Chicken Curry & Rice

This dish is not spicy hot at all, yet it is flavorful & a great way to use leftover chicken (the roast chicken from last night's dinner maybe?.

1/2 cup chopped onion 1/2 teaspoon red curry paste or any mild curry paste 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 can of cream of chicken soup 1/2 cup milk (soy, coconut or regular) 1/4 cup of green onion 2-3 tablespoon cilantro or parsley 2 tablespoons of butter 1 teaspoon garlic,chopped (1 clove) Left over chicken from roasted chicken or 2 cups, cubed/// Soften onion in the butter, add garlic, mix in all but green onion & chicken. Bring to a boil, add chicken, let simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Serve over rice. Garnish with green onions. Real food, easy to make fun to do & delicious too. Happy Cooking