National Zucchini Day with Zucchini Tots! Zucchini has long been thought of as a vegetable, as it belongs to the squash family, but botanically, it is a fruit because it grows from a flower. It can grow to a meter in length, however, it is usually harvested when it is half that size. Traditionally green; however, the golden zucchini, a related hybrid is a deep yellow or orange color. They are very low in calories and contain good amounts of potassium and Vitamin A. The flower of the plant is edible and can be used as a garnish for presentation. Last month, my daughter-in-law made Zucchini Tots courtesy of…
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Using a Camper Microwave-Convection Oven
What is a microwave-convection oven Installed frequently in recreational vehicles, it is a combination of a regular convection oven with a microwave. Users are able to use the quick interior cooking of microwaves combined with the surface browning of hot air. Convection cooking allows for the interior cooking of a traditional oven, just hotter and faster. Convection oven technology uses a fan to force air movement and heat up the full interior of the microwave to cook food from the inside out. That’s why you can use convection microwaves to bake and roast things that would otherwise be cooked too quickly (and not thoroughly) with just a regular microwave. The…
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President Obama Signs Inadequate GMO Labeling Law
The Associated Press is reporting, President Obama has signed the inadequate GMO labeling law which completely negates Vermont’s state law requiring more stringent labeling requirements from companies using genetically modified organisms. New to the GMO labeling controversy? Please read over my recent post about the topic: Senate Nullifies Vermont GMO Labeling Law Senate Considering GMO Labeling Law Per the new law, the U.S. Agricultural Department will have two years to formulate rules and consequences for violators in the food production industry. Companies will be required to disclose genetically modified ingredients through text labels, symbols, or scannable QR codes. As reported by Eater.com “the new federal labeling law supersedes strict GMO…
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Homemade Tomato Sauce Without Sweating Over a Hot Stove
With the bounty of my home-grown tomatoes and Doug’s love for red pasta sauces; I have been searching for a tomato sauce, NOT requiring me to sweat over a hot stove all day long. So, imagine my elation when I discovered a recipe that I can use my home-grown tomatoes and the Crock-Pot! The Crock-Pot below can be programmed to start cooking while you are at work AND you can carry it to a dinner party! Crock-Pot SCCPVL610-S Programmable Cook and Carry Oval Slow Cooker, 6-Quart Because this was a new recipe and it would just be my husband and myself dining, I cut this recipe in half for this…
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Brain Fitness Starts In the Kitchen
We have all been told by doctors, scientist and researchers, the key to healthily living is diet and exercise. But recent research suggests exercise, not necessarily intensive exercise and eliminating processed foods can increase your life by 7 years! The MIND Diet We have all heard about the heart benefits of the Mediterranean diet, however research by, Martha Clare Morris, ScD, who is the Director of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, Section of Nutrition and Nutritional Epidemiology at Rush Medical College has shown the MIND diet (derived from the Mediterranean diet) significantly slows cognitive declines such as Alzheimer’s disease. Morris’ tested more than 1,000 volunteers in the Memory and Aging Project. …
