Each portion of food equals 60 calories Dips: Salsa (10 kcal/Tbsp) and Fat free Ranch Dressing (15 kcal/Tbsp)
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Serves One Ingredients 2 Blueberry Pancakes frozen 1/3 cup Fresh Blueberries
Portion Control
Nutritional Analysis Services
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites, and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.
National Seed Swap Day is a special event for gardening enthusiasts, celebrated on the last Saturday of January each year. This day is dedicated to the practice of seed swapping, which is both an ancient tradition and a practical way to share and preserve diverse plant species. Here's an overview of its history and traditions:
History
Origins of Seed Swapping: The practice of exchanging seeds predates recorded history and is rooted in agricultural communities worldwide. Traditionally, farmers and gardeners would swap seeds to diversify their crops, share local varieties, and preserve heirloom species.
Modern Revival: In recent decades, there's been a resurgence in seed swapping, partly as a response to the increasing commercialization and patenting of seeds by large corporations. This modern movement emphasizes the importance of biodiversity, community, and sustainable gardening practices.
Establishment of National Seed Swap Day: National Seed Swap Day was first organized in 2006 by Washington Gardener Magazine in Washington, D.C. The idea was to create a day where gardeners could come together to exchange seeds and stories, fostering a sense of community and sharing. Traditions and Practices
Seed Swap Events: Of course, the core tradition of National Seed Swap Day is the seed swap itself. These events can be small, local gatherings or larger, organized events. Gardeners of all levels of experience come together to exchange seeds they've saved from their own gardens.
Education and Learning: Many seed swap events also include educational components, such as workshops or talks on topics like seed-saving techniques, gardening tips, and preserving plant diversity.
Community Building: These events often serve as a meeting point for local gardening communities, encouraging networking, sharing of experiences, and building relationships among gardeners.
Promotion of Biodiversity: Seed swaps play a crucial role in promoting and preserving biodiversity. They allow rare, heirloom, or local varieties of plants to be shared and propagated, which might otherwise be lost.
Sustainability Focus: The event also emphasizes sustainable gardening practices. By exchanging seeds, gardeners reduce dependence on commercially purchased seeds, many of which are treated with chemicals or genetically modified.
Modern Relevance
In today's context, National Seed Swap Day has taken on additional significance. It's not just a day for gardeners to come together; it's a statement about the importance of preserving plant diversity, practicing sustainable gardening, and fostering community resilience. The day aligns with broader environmental and sustainability movements, highlighting the importance of maintaining our connection with nature and our role in preserving it.
This celebration resonates with people worldwide, extending beyond the United States, as the concept of seed swapping is universal in the gardening community.
Chocolate cake is a cake flavored with melted chocolate or cocoa powder. The history of chocolate cake goes back to 1764 when Dr. James Baker discovered how to make chocolate by grinding cocoa beans between two massive circular millstones. from Wikipedia
Double Chocolate Pound Cakes Slices, Sara Lee®
Allergen Statement: Contains wheat, eggs, milk, and soy
Ingredients: Sugar, enriched bleached flour (wheat flour, niacin, iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), soybean oil, eggs, water, high fructose corn syrup, milk chocolate [sugar, cocoa butter, milk, chocolate liquor, soy lecithin, vanillin (artificial flavor)], corn syrup, skim milk, cocoa processed with alkali, modified corn starch, glycerin. Contains 2% or less of each of the following: caramel color, leavening (sodium aluminum phosphate, baking soda, monocalcium phosphate), corn starch, natural and artificial flavors, natural cocoa extract, mono- and diglycerides, salt, potassium sorbate (preservative), gums (xanthan, gellan), wheat starch, soy lecithin, soy flour.
Nutrition Information
The Double Chocolate Pound Cakes Slices made by Sara Lee® is not the best choice. It has far too many artificial ingredients and additives and lacks significant nutrients.
Per serving: 164 calories; 6 g fat ( 3 g sat, 0 g mono ); 35 mg cholesterol; 29 g carbohydrates; 23 g added sugars; 3 g protein; 2 g fiber; 49 mg sodium; 92 mg potassium.
Peanut Brittle is a type of confection consisting of flat broken pieces of hard sugar candy embedded with peanuts.
A mixture of sugar and water is heated to the hard crack stage and to a temperature of approximately 300 °F (149 °C). Some recipes call for ingredients such as corn syrup and salt in the first step. Peanuts are mixed with the caramelized sugar. At this point spices, leavening agents, and often peanut butter or butter are added. The hot candy is poured out onto a flat surface for cooling, traditionally a granite or marble slab. The hot candy may be troweled to a uniform thickness. When the brittle cools, it is broken into pieces. - from Wikipedia
In a world brimming with diverse cultures and traditions, nothing quite encapsulates the essence of a place like its local cuisine. Among the many culinary delights, soups stand out as a universal comfort food, transcending borders and bringing the taste of culture to our tables. Each spoonful of these simmering concoctions tells a story – a tale of heritage, geography, and the unique blend of ingredients that define a region's palate.
Join us on a gastronomic adventure, where each sip is a discovery, and every bowl is a celebration of the world's vast and vibrant culinary heritage. Embark on a journey, one spoonful at a time, to discover the stories and secrets simmering within these global soups.
Gazpacho (Spain) is a refreshing, cold soup made from raw, blended vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, often enjoyed in
the summer.
Harira (Morocco) is a rich and hearty soup traditionally eaten during Ramadan. It is made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and lamb and flavored with
a blend of fragrant spices.
Laksa (Malaysia and Singapore): A spicy noodle soup with a
distinctive coconut milk base, it comes in various forms, including curry laksa
and asam laksa, often served with chicken, prawn, or fish.
Minestrone (Italy): A thick Italian vegetable soup often
containing beans, onions, celery, carrots, stock, and tomatoes, sometimes with
pasta or rice.
Tom Yum (Thailand): A hot and sour soup known for its
intense flavors, it typically includes shrimp (Tom Yum Goong), mushrooms,
tomatoes, lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.
Tortilla Soup (Mexico): A hearty, flavorful soup made with chicken broth, roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chilies and topped with crispy fried tortilla strips, avocado, cheese, and sour cream.
Caldo Verde (Portugal): A simple, comforting soup made with
thinly sliced kale, potatoes, and chorizo sausage, often served during
celebrations.
Phở (Vietnam): A Vietnamese soup known for its fragrant
broth, rice noodles, herbs, and usually beef (Phở Bò) or chicken (Phở Gà ).
French Onion Soup (France): A rich and savory soup based on caramelized onions and beef stock, and typically served with a crouton and melted cheese on top.
Chupe de Mariscos (Peru): A creamy seafood soup from Peru,
loaded with various seafood like shrimp, crab, and fish, often enriched with
potatoes, corn, and a base of aji peppers and cilantro.
New England Clam Chowder (USA): A creamy, hearty soup from
the New England region, known for its chunks of clams, diced potatoes, onions,
and sometimes bacon in a milk or cream base.
Borscht (Russia/Ukraine): A sour soup common in Eastern
European countries, famous for its distinctive red color from beetroots,
usually served with sour cream, and can contain a variety of vegetables and
meat.
Ramen (Japan) is a popular Japanese soup consisting of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat- or fish-based broth flavored with soy sauce or miso and topped with ingredients like sliced pork, nori, and
scallions.
These soups not only offer a taste of their respective
cultures but also embody the diversity and richness of global culinary
traditions.
Nutrition Notes
Soup is a combination of foods with endless possibilities. It represents comfort, warmth, tradition, and nourishment. Soups can be an economical way of meeting nutritional needs. Leftovers are perfect when preparing soups.
Soups have been known to curb the appetite and slow the eating process. Studies show slower eaters are more likely to notice signs of fullness sooner and consume fewer calories. With the extra time, enjoy the flavor, aroma, and texture of the foods.
Soups can be prepared with various healthy ingredients and traditional favorites made healthier with some substitutions.
Foods you can substitute to make heart-healthy choices.
Instead of:
Try these heart-healthy suggestions:
whole milk or 2% milk
1% milk or skim milk
whipped cream
chilled evaporated skim milk, whipped
cheese (American, Cheddar, Swiss)
Cheeses with 5 or less grams of fat per ounce. Terms used: reduced-fat, low-fat, or fat-free. Reduced fat is easier to substitute when cooking.
creamed cottage cheese
nonfat or 1% fat cottage cheese, or farmers' cheese
cream cheese
light, fat-free products, or Neufchatel cheese
Mozzarella cheese
part-skim mozzarella cheese
Ricotta cheese
nonfat, lite, or part-skim
sour cream, regular
non-fat, light, or low-fat sour cream or plain yogurt.
butter
lower-calorie margarine in soft tubes, vegetable cooking sprays, or nonstick cookware.
margarine, regular
lower-calorie margarine in soft tubes, vegetable cooking sprays, or nonstick cookware.
mayonnaise, regular
reduced-fat, cholesterol-free, low-fat, or fat-free. If making a dip, you can substitute plain nonfat or low-fat yogurt. Reduce the amount required in the recipe.
salad dressing
reduced-fat, cholesterol-free, low-fat, or fat-free dressings or lemon juice, vinegar, or mustard. Reduce the amount required in the recipe.
one whole egg
equals 2 egg whites or 1/4 cup egg substitute
egg noodles
noodles made without egg yolk
condensed cream soup
99% fat-free condensed cream soup
salt
eliminate or reduce by 1/2; explore herbs and spices
gravy
gravies made with low sodium broth and thickened with flour/cornstarch
beef, pork, veal, lamb
choose lean cuts trimmed of all visible fat, or substitute with chicken or turkey without the skin.
Healthy Soup Additions 1. Instead of salt, add herbs and spices to enhance the flavor. Explore the many possible seasonings available. 2. Add fresh, frozen, or leftover vegetables (use fruits if making a cold soup) to increase fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid canned vegetables high in sodium. Read the label. A low-sodium food contains 140 mg or less per serving of sodium. 3. Increase fiber and protein by eating foods such as beans, lentils, brown rice, whole-grain pasta, barley, and bulgur. 4. Increase calcium and protein by using skim milk, evaporated skim milk, non-fat dry milk powder, or calcium-fortified soymilk. These low-fat ingredients can replace higher-fat alternatives like whole milk or cream. Canned and Dry Soup Mixes are known for their high sodium content. Read the label and check the serving size. Remember, a low-sodium food contains 140 mg or less per serving. Some companies within the food industry are making great strides in lowering the sodium content in their products. At Campbell, they have more than 100 products with a healthy level of sodium, more than 200 that are low in fat and saturated fat, more than 150 products that have 100 calories or less per serving, and more than 85 products certified by the American Heart Association. I was searching the Campbell archives when I came across a 1959 commercial. Campbell had the foresight to recognize the importance of nutrition over 50 years ago.
Campbell's Soup, 1959
Soup Tidbits Soup is a staple in almost every American home. After NBC's "Seinfeld" show introduced the "Soup Nazi" in the United States on November 2, 1995 - Soup became a fashionable food.
Deliciously warm, authentic Irish Coffee is made with whiskey, coffee, and heavy cream. The original Irish Coffee recipe was invented by a man named Joe Sheridan, a new restaurant owner in one of Europe’s biggest airports during the 1940s.
Ingredients 6 oz fresh-brewed, hot coffee 2 sugar cubes 1 oz whiskey 1/4 cup heavy whipped cream (for garnish)
The American Peanut Council proclaims peanut butter as one of America’s favorite foods. It is a good source of protein, niacin, and folate and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Oats, a humble grain, have long been a staple in many diets around the world. Renowned for their health benefits and versatility, oats come in various forms, each with its unique texture, cooking time, and culinary uses.
Different Types of Oats and Serving Suggestions
Whole Oat Groats: These are the most unprocessed form of oats, resembling rice grains. They have a hard, chewy texture and require the longest cooking time. Use in salads or as a rice alternative.
Steel Cut/Irish Oats: These look like chopped-up grains, a bit like coarse breadcrumbs. They have a chewy, dense texture and provide a more rustic eating experience. Ideal for a hearty breakfast porridge.
Scottish Oats: They are more like a coarse meal, with a creamy and smooth texture when cooked. Perfect for a traditional, creamy oatmeal.
Rolled/Old-Fashioned Oats: These are flat and flaky, having been steamed and rolled. They're soft and cook quicker than steel-cut oats but retain a distinct texture. Versatile for baking, making granola, or as a breakfast cereal.
Quick Oats: These resemble rolled oats but are cut finer and rolled thinner, cooking even faster and offering a softer texture. Quick and convenient for a fast breakfast or for thickening soups and stews.
Instant Oats: The most processed, these oats are pre-cooked and dried, appearing as thin, soft flakes that cook in minutes. Best for an instant breakfast or as a quick thickener.
Oat Bran: This looks like fine, pale brown crumbs and is the outer husk of the oat grain, high in dietary fiber. This can be added to smoothies or yogurt or used in baking for added fiber.
Oat Flour: A fine, powdery flour that can be used in baking, offering a mild, slightly sweet flavor. Great for gluten-free baking, pancakes, and as a healthy flour substitute.
Benefits of Oats
Oats are highly regarded for their nutritional value and health benefits, making them a favored choice in many diets. Here are some of the key health benefits of oats:
Heart Health: Oats are known for their ability to lower cholesterol levels, particularly LDL (bad) cholesterol, without affecting HDL (good) cholesterol.
Blood Sugar Control: Oats have been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, making them particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Weight Management: The soluble fiber in oats can help in weight management. It increases the feeling of fullness, reduces hunger, and thereby may help in reducing overall calorie intake.
Digestive Health: Oats are high in soluble and insoluble fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health. This fiber helps regulate bowel movements and is known to prevent constipation.
Gluten-Free: While oats are naturally gluten-free, they are sometimes processed in facilities that handle gluten-containing grains. Pure, uncontaminated oats are a safe and nutritious option for those on a gluten-free diet.
Nutrition
Oats are a nutritional powerhouse. They are high in soluble fiber and a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. Their low glycemic index makes them beneficial for weight management and for those with diabetes.
Conclusion
Oats are not just a breakfast staple; their various forms lend themselves to a multitude of culinary uses. From a morning porridge to a baking ingredient, oats offer both health benefits and delicious possibilities, making them a valuable addition to any diet.
Ensure accurate and cost-effective nutritional analysis and food nutrition facts labels for your recipes and menus utilizing an extensive research database. A great service for the Media, Cookbook Publishers, Writers, Chefs, Recipe Websites and Blogs. Your readers will enjoy and benefit from the Nutrition information.
Squeeze the Rainbow: The Journey of
Fresh-Squeezed Juice from Nature to Juice.
A glass of fresh-squeezed juice is a great way to meet your fruit and vegetable needs. There are numerous combinations to create a variety of flavors that are packed with a lot of vitamins and minerals.
Note that not all juicers produce the same amount of liquid. Consider buying extra ingredients if your juicer produces a low output. To avoid pesticides and other chemicals, use organic fruits and vegetables and be sure to wash everything thoroughly. Some juicers heat juice slightly, so chill your ingredients before juicing them.
Carrot, Granny Smith, and Ginger Juice
yield: Makes about 7-1/2 cups, 1 serving (3/4 cup)
Special equipment: a juicer (see cooks' note, below)
Preparation Slice apples. Process enough slices in a juicer, skimming and discarding any foam, to measure 4 cups juice, then transfer the juice to a pitcher. Process enough carrots, skimming and discarding any foam, to measure 3 1/2 cups juice, then add to the pitcher with apple juice. Process ginger, then stir 2 1/2 tablespoons of ginger juice into a pitcher. Chill until cold, about 2 hours. Serve over ice, if desired.
Spa Juice
yield: Makes 1 (1-cup) serving
Calories (kcal) 90; Carbohydrates (g) 21; Fat (g) 0; Trans Fatty Acid (g) 0; Cholesterol (mg) 0; Vitamin A - IU (IU) 4988 (99.8%); Vitamin C (mg) 51 (84.6%); Iron (mg) 0.6 (3.2%); Sodium (mg) 67 (2.8%) In addition, the recipe contains Vitamin B1; B2; B6; Folate;
Calcium; Phosphorus; and Potassium
Editor's note: This juice is fruity but not overly sweet. It gets its green color from parsley and spinach, but neither ingredient overwhelms the flavors of the pineapple, grapefruit, and carrots. The recipe is part of a spa menu developed exclusively for Epicurious by Chris Miller, executive chef at Como Shambhala Estate at Begawan Giri in Bali.
Use an electric juice extractor or heavy-duty juicer that can process stems, skin, and seeds.
Ingredients 5 ounces fresh pineapple (about 1 cup or 1/8 large pineapple), peeled, cored, cut into large chunks, and chilled
4 ounces pear (about 1 cup or 1/2 medium pear), unpeeled, cut into large chunks and chilled
2 cups (packed) spinach with stems (about 4 ounces), chilled
1 (2-ounce) bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley with stems, chilled
1/2 medium carrot, peeled and chilled
1/4 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice (from 1/2 small grapefruit), chilled
Preparation
In juice extractor, process pineapple, pear, spinach, parsley, and carrot, skimming foam if necessary. Stir in grapefruit juice, chill if desired, and serve. The juice is best served immediately but will keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two days.
In Memory of Jack LaLanne Jack LaLanne Sings His Theme Song
as I conclude this Blog on Juicers.
In this clip from the Power Juicer infomercial,
Jack LaLanne sings the closing song from his old TV show
as a duet with an old video of himself.
Granola bars consist of granola pressed and baked into a bar shape, resulting in the production of a convenient snack. The product is most popular in the United States and Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the United Kingdom, parts of southern Europe, Brazil, Israel, South Africa, and Japan. Granola Bars has expanded its market into India and other Southeast Asian countries.
3 cups old-fashioned rolled oats 1 cup crispy brown rice cereal 1 cup finely chopped dried apricots (1/4 inch) ½ cup unsalted pepitas toasted ½ cup unsalted sunflower seeds toasted ¼ teaspoon salt ⅔ cup brown rice syrup or light corn syrup ½ cup sunflower seed butter 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra parchment hanging over two sides. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray.
Combine oats, rice cereal, apricots, pepitas, sunflower seeds, and salt in a large bowl.
Combine rice syrup (or corn syrup), sunflower butter, and cinnamon in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds (or heat in a saucepan over medium heat for 1 minute). Add to the dry ingredients and stir until evenly combined. Transfer to the prepared pan and firmly press into the pan with the back of a spatula.
For chewier bars, bake until barely starting to color around the edge and still soft in the middle, 20 to 25 minutes. For crunchier bars, bake until golden brown around the edge and somewhat firm in the middle, 30 to 35 minutes. (Both will still be soft when warm and firm up as they cool.)
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then using the parchment to help you, lift out of the pan onto a cutting board (it will still be soft). Cut into 24 bars, then let cool completely without separating the bars for about 30 minutes more. Once cool, separate into bars.
Free 7 Day Healthy Meal Plan (November 18-24)
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A free 7-day, flexible weight loss meal
plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas and a shopping list. All
recipes include macros and Weight Watcher...
Mumbai Sandwich
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On a recent trip to India, I enjoyed a wonderful Mumbai/Bombay sandwich at
a friend's house. It was tasty and a fun change from your regular sandwich.
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