January 12, National Marzipan Day

Don’t let this basket of fruit fool you. The shapes are made with marzipan. Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal.

Make Marzipan Fruit 

Black Pepper-Curry Chicken Sauté

Celebrate National Curried Chicken Day.

Black Pepper-Curry Chicken Sauté

Carolyn Williams, PhD, RD

Black pepper adds a subtle spiciness and enhances your body's absorption of turmeric in the curry. For the boldest flavor, use 1 teaspoon peppercorns. Serve with roasted cauliflower or broccoli for an extra boost.

Serves 4 (serving size: 

1/2 cup rice and 3/4 cup chicken mixture)

Ingredients

1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-in. pieces
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil, divided
1 1/2 cups vertically sliced onion
2 teaspoons minced peeled fresh ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 cup canned light coconut milk
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/2 to 1 tsp. peppercorns, crushed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or basil
2 cups hot cooked brown rice

Directions
1. Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high.

2. Add chicken to pan; cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 6 minutes or until chicken is lightly browned and almost cooked through. Remove chicken from pan.

3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add onion; cook for 4 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Add ginger and garlic; cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add curry powder; cook for 15 to 30 seconds or until fragrant, stirring constantly.

4. Stir in coconut milk, lime juice, and crushed peppercorns. Return chicken to pan. Cover, and cook over medium-low until sauce is slightly thickened and chicken is done about 5 minutes.

5. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro or basil. Serve over rice.

Where Does Your Milk Come From?

Over the last couple of decades, milk alternatives have gained significant popularity, offering a variety of choices for different dietary needs and preferences. Here's a brief description of the differences between various types of milk:

Cow's Milk:  Cow's milk comes from cows; it is rich in protein, calcium, and Vitamin D. Cow's milk has a creamy texture and is widely used in dairy products. It's suitable for those who aren't lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy. The farmers milk the cows, and then it's brought to our stores."

Almond Milk: Almond milk is made from ground almonds and water. Almond milk has a light, slightly sweet, and nutty flavor. It's lower in calories and protein than cow's milk but is often fortified with vitamins and minerals. Ideal for those allergic to soy or avoiding dairy.

Soy Milk: Soy milk comes from soybeans. These are small beans that are soaked in water, ground up, and then strained to make milk. It's the closest in nutritional profile to cow's milk among plant-based options, rich in protein, and often fortified with calcium and vitamins. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sometimes beany flavor.

Oat Milk: Oat milk is made from oats and water, oat milk has a naturally sweet and mild flavor. It's high in carbohydrates and fiber but lower in protein and fat compared to cow's and soy milk. Great for those with nut and soy allergies.

Hemp Milk: Hemp milk comes from the seeds of the hemp plant. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty taste. It's rich in omega-3 fatty acids but lower in protein. Suitable for those with soy, nut, and dairy allergies.

Rice Milk: Rice milk is made from milled rice and water, rice milk is the most hypoallergenic of all milk alternatives. It's naturally sweet with a watery texture, low in protein and fat, but high in carbohydrates.

Key Differences:

Nutritional Content: Cow's milk is generally higher in protein and essential vitamins, while plant-based milks vary widely in their nutritional content.

Allergen-Friendly: Plant-based milks are ideal for people with dairy, nut, or soy allergies.

Flavor Profile: Each milk has a distinct taste - from the nuttiness of almond and hemp milk to the sweetness of oat and rice milk.

Environmental Impact: Plant-based milks generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to cow's milk.

People choose these kinds of milk for different reasons, like how they taste, if they're allergic to cow's milk, or if they want to avoid animal products. Choosing between these milks often depends on dietary restrictions, nutritional needs, and personal taste preferences.

A Cleaner World Starts with You - Cut Your Energy Costs

Keep America Beautiful believes each of us holds an obligation to preserve and protect our environment. Through our everyday choices and actions, we collectively have a huge impact on our world. Keep America Beautiful follows a practical approach that unites citizens, businesses, and government to find solutions advancing core issues of preventing litter, reducing waste, cutting energy costs, and beautifying communities.

How You Can Help

•Consolidate your purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag at each store.

•Plan your shopping in advance. Save money on fuel by making fewer trips to the stores. •Avoid last-minute shopping when you don’t have time to make careful choices.

•When buying electronics, remember to buy rechargeable batteries to go with them.

•Electronics. Never throw old computers, monitors, TVs, printers, or other electronics in the landfill. Instead, donate them to a local charity for reuse, or find out about your local e-cycling programs.

•Reduce the amount of trash you throw away and reuse products before you throw them out or recycle them. This creates the least impact on the planet and our resources.

•Compost your food waste. Fruits and vegetables and their peels, pits, and seeds are all perfect for composting, a great natural fertilizer.

•Turn Off The Heat When Not Home

•Use Leftovers, Don't Waste

Apricot, a Little Fruit Wonder

In 1961, the Apricot Producers of California (APC) was established. It is a non-profit cooperative association providing information and services to its grower members within the major apricot-producing areas of California.

APC created a website that features practical information about California apricots. It contains nutritional information, serving suggestions, and tips on using and selecting California apricots. APC is actively involved in lobbying governmental and trade organizations; sponsorship of a variety of educational and informational efforts to the foodservice industry, dietitians, and consumers; participation and attendance of trade shows; and continued media enhancement.

Today, there are over four hundred apricot growers. They produce apricots from orchards covering 21,000 acres in the San Joaquin Valley and northern California. About 95 percent of the apricots grown in the U.S. come from California.

Apricot Stone,
Eva Rivas, Armenia

Spanish explorers introduced the apricot to California in the 18th century, and recorded history indicates in 1792, the first major California crop was produced. By 1920, the California apricot was flourishing in the Santa Clara Valley. Eventually, California apricot farms found their way to the San Joaquin Valley after World War II.

Apricot Selection and Storage
Fresh apricots range in color from yellow to deep orange. Avoid green apricots, as they will not ripen. When selecting fresh apricots, look for fruits soft to the touch and juicy. These are ready to eat. The fruits vary in size from about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches in diameter. The apricot should have a bright, ripe aroma. Stay away from bruised, soft, or mushy apricots.

Apricots will ripen at room temperature or can be stored in the refrigerator to prevent over-ripening. A hard apricot can ripen by placing it in a paper bag for one to two days. To freeze apricots, cut the fruit in half and place on a baking sheet until frozen. Once they are frozen, store them in plastic freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Apricots can be purchased fresh, canned, frozen, pureed, dried, and as nectar, both in juice and concentrated form.

Nutrition Information
Apricots are rich in beta-carotene, Vitamin C, potassium, iron, and Vitamin A. They are also high in fiber and low in saturated fat and sodium. Apricots contain no cholesterol. Just three apricots contain 40 percent of the daily requirement of Vitamin A.

Preparation

Apricots are great to eat raw, but they are excellent in fruit salads and added to baked goods such as pies, cakes, muffins, breads, puddings, and ice cream. They can be used in cooking and are compatible with many poultry and pork dishes.

Canned apricots can be added to cereals, yogurt, cottage cheese, and smoothies. Fresh, canned, frozen, or even dried apricots can be served on top of waffles and pancakes. They can be pureed and used as a fat substitute. 

Recipe: Fresh Apricots with Goat Cheese and Lavender Honey, Flavour and Savour @enessman

  

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 40 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com  954-294-6300

National Folic Acid Awareness Week

The National Council on Folic Acid (NCFA).
The National Council on Folic Acid (NCFA) mission is to improve health by promoting the benefits and consumption of folic acid. Adequate folic acid intake is important for the prevention of birth defects. 

Messages Folic Acid Awareness Week
wants all women 
of childbearing age to know.

1. Folic acid is a vitamin that can help prevent birth defects. Women of childbearing age need an extra 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily.

2. Women can get the recommended 400 mcg of folic acid by taking a multivitamin or eating fortified foods. Check the label of your cereal to see if it has 100% DV (daily value) of folic acid.

3. The important growth of the baby happens very early in pregnancy before most women know they are pregnant. Folic acid can prevent birth defects in the baby’s brain or spine if a woman takes it before and during pregnancy.

4. Remember to take a prenatal vitamin with iron and folic acid daily if pregnant.

Nutritional Habits 
Although all enriched cereals and grain products in the U.S. are fortified with B-vitamin folic acid, only one-third of U.S. women of childbearing age consume the recommended amount from their diet. Taking a multivitamin with folic acid daily is a key way that women can get the recommended amount of 400 mcg.

Be Prepared Before Pregnancy 
Women need folic acid, even if they are not planning to become pregnant, since 50% of all pregnancies are unplanned. Taking folic acid before pregnancy reduces the risk of birth defects of the brain and spine, called neural tube defects (NTDs), by up to 70%.

Message to the Hispanic Community 
Hispanic babies are 1.5 to 2 times more likely than others in the U.S. to be born with an NTD. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that Latinas in the U.S. consume the least amount of folic acid and have the least knowledge about folic acid among racial or ethnic groups.

Food Sources

Folate is naturally present in a wide variety of foods, including vegetables (especially dark green leafy vegetables), fruits and fruit juices, nuts, beans, peas, seafood, eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, and grains. Spinach, liver, asparagus, and Brussels sprouts are among the foods with the highest folate levels.

In January 1998, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began requiring manufacturers to add 140 mcg folic acid/100 g to enriched bread, cereals, flour, corn meals, pasta, rice, and other grain products to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Because cereals and grains are widely consumed in the United States, these products have become important contributors of folic acid to the American diet. The fortification program increased mean folic acid intakes in the United States by about 190 mcg/day. In April 2016, the FDA approved the voluntary addition of up to 154 mcg of folic acid/100 g to corn masa flour.

Not only is this a father 

with a beautiful song, 

but he has an important message 

about folic acid and Birth Defects.

Resources

1. Folate, Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. NIH 

Tempura Tofu and Spring Vegetables

Tempura is a Japanese dish of seafood or vegetables that have been battered and deep-fried.

Tempura batter is traditionally mixed in small batches using chopsticks for only a few seconds, leaving lumps in the mixture that, along with the cold batter temperature, result in a unique fluffy and crisp tempura structure when cooked. The batter is often kept cold by adding ice or by placing the bowl inside a larger bowl with ice in it. Over-mixing the batter will result in the activation of wheat gluten, which causes the flour mixture to become soft and dough-like when fried.

Specially formulated tempura flour is available in worldwide supermarkets. This is generally light (low-gluten) flour and occasionally contains leaveners such as baking powder. Tempura generally does not use breadcrumbs (panko) in the coating.

Thin slices or strips of vegetables or seafood are dipped in the batter, then briefly deep-fried in hot oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil are the most common; however, tempura is traditionally cooked using sesame oil. Many specialty shops still use sesame oil or tea seed oil, and it is thought certain compounds in these oils help to produce light, crispier batter.

Cooking Light
Tempura Tofu and Spring Vegetables

Ingredients

1 (14-ounce) package water-packed extra-firm tofu, drained
12 cups peanut oil
6 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons reduced-sodium tamari
1 ½ teaspoons grated peeled fresh ginger
1 pound baby carrots with green tops
4 ½ ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
6 ¾ ounces rice flour (about 1 cup)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups club soda, chilled
12 ounces sugar snap peas, trimmed

Directions

1. Place tofu on several layers of paper towels; cover with paper towels. Top with a heavy skillet; let stand for 30 minutes. Discard paper towels. Cut tofu in half horizontally; cut blocks into 16 (1/2-inch-thick) slices. Cut slices in half, crosswise, to form 32 (1 x 1/2–inch) rectangles.

2. Clip a candy/fry thermometer onto the side of a large skillet; add oil to pan. Heat oil to 385°. Combine vinegar and the next 3 ingredients (through ginger). Trim carrot tops to 1 inch; peel carrots.

3. Weigh or lightly spoon flours into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, baking soda, and salt, stirring well with a whisk. Gradually add club soda, stirring until smooth. Using a slotted spoon, dip the tofu in the batter. Place tofu in hot oil, and fry for 1 minute or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove tofu, and drain.

4.  Return oil temperature to 385°. Using a slotted spoon, dip carrots in batter. Place carrots in oil; fry for 2 minutes or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove carrots; drain. Return oil temperature to 385°.

5.  Using a slotted spoon, dip peas in batter. Place peas in oil; fry for 1 minute or until golden, turning once. Make sure the oil temperature remains at 375°. Remove peas, and drain. Serve tofu and vegetables with tamari mixture.

Resources

1. Wikipedia, Tempura

A World of Beans Awaits

A World of Beans Awaits! Celebrate National Bean Day by exploring a variety of beans and the specialty dishes they inspire. From the hearty black beans to the versatile kidney bean, there's a flavor for every palate!

The nutrition information below is based on 1/2 cup of cooked beans prepared from dry beans. No salt has been added; therefore, sodium levels are insignificant. Beans contain no cholesterol and a small amount of fat. Beans are a great source of fiber, high in potassium, and contain many B vitamins. Beans also provide between 7% to 18% of one's daily iron needs.

All About Beans

U.S. Dry Bean Council

The U.S. Dry Bean Council (USDBC) is a private trade association comprised of leaders in the bean industry with the common goal of promoting the U.S. edible bean trade, both in the United States and abroad, and educating U.S. consumers about the benefits of beans. The USDBC gives a voice to the bean industry and informs consumers, health professionals, buyers, suppliers, and the media about the good taste, nutritional value, and versatility of beans.

The USDBC is also a resource for information on U.S. exporters, overseas importers, U.S. dry bean classes, trade policy issues, and the role of U.S.-grown beans in international food-aid efforts. USDBC also publishes foreign language newsletters and other publications designed to help overseas importers, packagers, and canners better understand and maintain contact with the U.S. dry bean exporting trade.

As part of USDBC's mission, the organization collaborates with public health organizations, research centers, universities, and the entire supply chain, from seed suppliers to farmers, processors, wholesalers, distributors, and transporters.

While the USDBC is privately funded, its representatives work closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in overseas markets and often co-sponsor activities with the U.S. Government. These activities include hosting trade missions from foreign countries to visit U.S. production and processing facilities, participating in trade shows worldwide, coordinating trade missions of U.S. exporters and growers to visit overseas markets, and producing education.

The USDBC is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a marketing office in Pierre, South Dakota. In addition, USDBC representatives worldwide facilitate activities and dialog between U.S. and overseas trade.


Benefits
Unlike meat-based proteins, beans are naturally low in fat and are a cholesterol-free source of protein. Research shows that a diet including beans may reduce your risk of heart disease.

A nutrient-rich food, beans contain protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins and minerals, such as folate, B vitamins, manganese, potassium, and iron.

Folate, a vitamin essential for pregnant women and their unborn babies, is found in beans. During pregnancy, women need more folate. Expectant mothers who consume enough of the proper nutrients can help reduce the risk of birth defects.

Beans are especially important for people with specific food allergies and intolerances. For example, some people can't tolerate gluten, a natural protein in wheat, barley, and rye. Because beans don't contain gluten or significant allergens found in various grains, substituting beans can help provide the fiber and other nutrients that people on restricted diets may need to include. Beans come in various convenient forms (such as canned beans, bean flour, and dehydrated beans) that can replace allergenic and gluten-containing ingredients.

Recipe Resource
U.S. Dry Bean Council


Black Bean Soup Garnished with

Green Onions

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 35 years of experience. A valuable service for Recipe Bloggers, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com 954.294.6300

Whipped Cream Day

Whipped cream is cream that has been beaten by a mixer, whisk, or fork until it is light and fluffy. Whipped cream is often sweetened and sometimes flavored with vanilla and is often called Chantilly cream or crème Chantilly. Wikipedia

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 40 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com 954-294-6300.

Spaghetti Sensations: Pairing Pasta Perfection with Diverse Culinary Companions

Spaghetti Sensations: Pairing Pasta Perfection

with Diverse Culinary Companions

Spaghetti is a long, slender, cylindrical string pasta. It is of Italian and Sicilian origin. Spaghetti is made of semolina or flour and water. The most common length of spaghetti is 25 -30 cm (10–12 in) lengths. A variety of pasta dishes use spaghetti, such as Spaghetti and Meatballs, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce, and Spaghetti Bolognese.

Recipe: Whole Wheat Spaghetti with Diced Tomatoes
Serves One

Ingredients
2 oz Whole Wheat Spaghetti (1 cup cooked)
2 tsp Olive Oil
1 Garlic Clove
1 large Tomato, diced (3/4 cup)
1/2 tsp Oregano, dried
1 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese

Directions
1. Prepare spaghetti as per the manufacturer’s directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes and oregano; simmer, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Add spaghetti to skillet; toss to coat with tomatoes.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.

Nutritional Information

Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 30 years of experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Dietitians-Online.com; Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, at recipenews@gmail.com 

Bacon Day - Food Safety and Nutrition

Bacon Day celebrations typically include social gatherings during which participants create and consume dishes containing bacon, including bacon-themed breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts, and drinks.

It's the "B" in a BLT sandwich, the star of breakfast buffets, the garnish on a spinach salad, and the "pork" in pork-and-beans. Bacon imparts a smoky flavor to many dishes. This ancient, cured meat now appears in such modern forms as shelf-stable or refrigerated fully cooked strips, bacon made from turkey and/or beef, and meats certified as organic.

The term "bacon" is used to describe the cured belly of a swine (hog) carcass. If meat from other portions of the carcass is used, the product name must identify the portions where the bacon comes from, e.g., "Pork Shoulder Bacon." Bacon is generally produced from young animals (6 to 7 months old) that weigh between 175 to 240 pounds.

Bacon and Food Safety

Bacon is made with salt as a curing agent, and nitrite (but not nitrate) is the other most frequently used additive. Bacon may also contain other additives such as sugars, maple sugar, wood smoke, flavorings, and spices.

Under certain conditions not yet fully understood, the products from the natural breakdown of proteins known as "amines" can combine with nitrites to form compounds known as "nitrosamines." There are many different types of nitrosamines, most of which are known carcinogens in test animals.

Not all cured meat products contain nitrosamines; however, when present, they usually are in very minute amounts. Many variables influence nitrosamine levels: amount of nitrite added during processing, concentrations of amines in meat, type and amounts of other ingredients used in processing, actual processing conditions, length of storage, storage temperatures, method of cooking, and degree of doneness.

Researchers at the USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) found that the addition of vitamin C (ascorbate) and vitamin E (tocopherol) reduced the levels of nitrosamines in fried bacon and in nitrite-cured products. The findings led to changes in Federal regulations and industry processing to minimize consumer exposure to nitrosamines. USDA now requires adding 550 ppm (parts per million) of either sodium ascorbate or sodium erythorbate to pumped bacon. This addition greatly reduces the amount of free nitrite and, thus, minimizes the formation of nitrosamines. This regulation is found in 9 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 424.22 (b)(1).

Nutrition Information

BLT Sandwich

References

1. Wikipedia, List of bacon dishes
2. Eat Right Chicago, Is Everything Really ‘Better with Bacon?’
3. USDA, Bacon and Food Safety

An educated consumer has the knowledge to make healthy choices - Choose Moderation.

 

Dragon Fruit – From Farm to Table

What is Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit, also known as Pitahaya, refers to the fruit of the genus Hylocereus cactus. The dragon fruit is cultivated in Southeast Asia, Florida, the Caribbean, Australia, and throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Dragon fruit comes in four varieties:
* Pink-skinned with white flesh and tiny black seeds
* Pink-skinned with red flesh and tiny black seeds
* Pink-skinned with purple/pink flesh and tiny black seeds
* Yellow-skinned with white flesh and tiny black seeds

The red and purple colors of Hylocereus fruits are due to betacyanins, a family of pigments that includes betanin, the same substance that gives beets, Swiss chard, and amaranth their red color.

The Dragon fruit's texture is similar to kiwifruit because of its black, crunchy seeds. Dragon fruit is used to flavor and color juices and alcoholic beverages. The flowers can be eaten or steeped as tea.

Nutrient Profile

Dragon fruit is loaded with fiber, making it a good choice for weight management (fiber helps you feel full) and supporting digestion by promoting a healthy gut. One of the few fruits that contain iron, dragon fruit can help to raise iron levels, and when combined with vitamin C, it increases the absorption rate of iron. 

The fruit contains several antioxidants (betalains, hydroxycinnamates, and flavonoids). The seed oil contains fatty acids, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid.

How to Select, Prepare and Serve Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit is usually eaten raw, whether served cut up, blended, or frozen. You can choose to grill it on skewers along with other fruits.

1. Select a ripe fruit with bright red, evenly colored skin that gives slightly when squeezed.
2. Place the dragon fruit on a cutting board or another clean surface.
3. Use a sharp knife and cut down the middle. The fruit it then separated into two sections.
4. Removing the flesh. The skin is not edible. Run a spoon around the circumference of each section to separate the flesh from the skin. Using a spoon, lift the flesh out of the skin and place it on the cutting board.
5. Reserve the skin for serving (optional)
6. Check the flesh for any residual pink skin. If there is any skin, cut it off.
7. The dragon fruit is ready to be sliced, diced, or eaten right out of the fruit.

Storage

Ripe dragon fruit can sit on the counter for a few days. To store longer place the fruit in a sealed plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator.

Don't cut the dragon fruit until ready to eat it. Once cut, it needs to be refrigerated in a tightly sealed container. It can stay fresh for a day, possibly a little longer, depending on how ripe it is. Once the flesh begins to turn brown and get mushy, it's time to throw it out.

For the Home Growers
The Green Thumb Planet has prepared an easy-to-follow description on How to Grow Dragon Fruit Indoors

The dragon fruit flowers bloom only at night and for a few hours. The plants can flower between three and six times in a year, depending on growing conditions. About 30 to 50 days after flowering, the dragon fruit will sit on the cactus and can sometimes have 5 to 6 cycles of harvests per year. Hylocereus has adapted to a dry tropical climate with moderate rainfall.

Dragon Fruit Recipes

Dragon Fruit Salad

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup Fresh pineapple, cubed

1 cup Fresh orange cubed

½ cup Fresh mang,o cubed

½ cup Blueberries

½ cup Dragon Fruit cubed (use 2 dragon fruits and reserve skin for serving)

½ cup Kiwi sliced

½ cup Raspberry vinaigrette dressing

1 Tbsp Lime juice

1 Star Fruit sliced, for garnish

Directions
1. When preparing the dragon fruit, reserve the skin for serving.

2. Cut up pineapple, orange, mango, dragon fruit, and kiwi. Place in a bowl. Add blueberries.

3. Add raspberry vinaigrette dressings.

4. Mix gently, adding fresh lime juice.
5. Place the fruit mixture in the dragon fruit skin.

6. Adding slices of star fruit as a garnish.

Exotic Skewer

 Cut up your favorite fruits and place them on a skewer. Eat fresh or grill.

Directions

1. Cut the fruit into desired shapes.

2. Thread the fruit through the skewers, alternating the fruit.
3.  Grilling: Double skewer so the fruit does not fall off. Place on a lightly oiled grill to prevent sticking and cook for 2 minutes, or refrigerate until thoroughly chilled. Serve hot or cold.

References.
1. What Is Dragon Fruit? Spruce Eats

2. What Is Dragon Fruit And Does It Have Health Benefits? by Franziska Spritzler, RDN, CDE, Healthline 

3. Pitaya, Wikipedia 

4. How to Grow Dragon Fruit Indoors,  The Green Thumb Planet 

Pepper Pot Day Recipe

Pepper Pot is a thick stew or soup of beef tripe, vegetables, pepper, and other seasonings. Beef tripe is usually made from the first three chambers of a cow's stomach: the rumen, the reticulum (honeycomb and pocket tripe), and the omasum.

Pepper Pot Soup
Yields: 12 servings

Ingredients
1 pound sirloin steak, trimmed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces (or 1 pound honeycomb tripe)
5 slices bacon, diced
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
3 leeks, chopped
1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
2 green bell peppers, diced
2 quarts low sodium beef stock
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 large potato, peeled and diced
2 large carrots, diced
4 tablespoons unsalted margarine
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions
1. Place the beef in a nonstick saucepan. Cook and stir occasionally until no longer pink on the outside, about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and cut the beef into 1/4 inch pieces. 

2. In a large kettle, saute the bacon until clear. Add the beef, onion, celery, leeks, parsley, and green peppers; saute until tender.
3. Stir in beef stock, thyme, marjoram, cloves, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and black pepper. Bring the kettle to a boil. Turn the heat down to a simmer. Cook, covered, until meat is very tender, about 2 hours.
4. Add the diced potato and carrots, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
5. Prepare the roux by stirring the flour into the melted margarine, and cooking for a moment on the stove. When the soup is done to your liking, stir in the roux. Simmer, stirring all the while, until the soup thickens a bit. Correct the seasonings.

Nutritional Information

Ensure accurate nutritional analysis for your recipes utilizing an extensive research database and over 25 years experience. A valuable service for the Recipe Blogger, Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, and Recipe Websites. Your readers will benefit from the Nutrition information and a Registered Dietitian. Contact: Sandra Frank, Ed.D, RDN, FAND at recipenews@gmail.com 954-294-6300

National Chocolate Day Chocolate and Your Health

Chocolate and Your Health

Chocolate is believed to protect the cardiovascular system. The health benefits of chocolate may come from the antioxidant flavonoids. Chocolate comes from the cacao plant, which is rich in flavanols, a type of flavonoid phytochemical. (Other foods rich in flavanols include tea, cranberries, and red wine.)

Flavonoids help protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair damage. When we eat foods rich in flavonoids, it appears that we also benefit from this "antioxidant" power. The more nonfat cocoa solids a chocolate product contains, the more antioxidants it tends to contribute.

The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter and is made up of oleic acid (a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat), stearic, and palmitic acids. Stearic and palmitic acids are saturated fats. Saturated fats are linked to increases in LDL cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Research shows stearic acid appears to have a neutral effect on cholesterol. Although palmitic acid does affect cholesterol levels, it only makes up one-third of the fat calories in chocolate. This does not mean you can eat all the dark chocolate you’d like.

Be careful about the type of dark chocolate you choose. Chewy caramel and nut covered dark chocolate is not a heart-healthy food option. Check extra ingredients that can add lots of extra fat and calories. If the chocolate contains fat ingredients other than cocoa butter, it might have more harmful saturated fats and trans fats, rather than stearic acid.

There is currently no established serving size of chocolate to help you reap the cardiovascular benefits. You can enjoy a moderate portion of chocolate, about 1 ounce, a few times per week.

More research is needed, but recent studies suggest the following possible health benefits of dark chocolate and cocoa.
1. Reduce the Risk of Heart Attack.
2. Decrease Blood Pressure and Increase Insulin Sensitivity
3. Improve Arterial Blood Flow
4. Help People with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

The health benefits of chocolate may vanish if you are adding calories above and beyond your regular intake. This could mean you're adding more pounds along with the flavonoids.

Decoding Chocolates: Dark, Milk, or White. Discover the health benefits of dark chocolate's flavonoids, savor the creamy delight of milk chocolate, and find the sweet balance in white chocolate. Indulge mindfully for a heartwarming treat! #Chocolate Which Chocolate Is Best for Your Heart? 

References

1. Cleveland Clinic, Heart Health Benefits of Chocolate
2. WebMD, Health by Chocolate