Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Raw Tuscan Kale Salad Recipe

1 bunch Tuscan kale (for ex: black or lacinato)
2 thin slices country bread, or two handfuls good, homemade coarse breadcrumbs
1/2 garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus a pinch
1/4 cup (or small handful) grated pecorino cheese, plus adiitional for garnish
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for garnish
Freshly squeezed juice of one lemon (scant 1/4 cup or ~50ml)
1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Trim the bottom few inches off the kale stems and discard. Slice the kale into 3/4-inch ribbons. You should have 4 to 5 cups. Place the kale in a large bowl. If using the bread, toast it until golden brown on both sides and dry throughout. Tear into small pieces and pulse in a food processor until the mixture forms coarse crumbs, or crumbs to your liking. Using a mortar and pestle or a knife, pound or mince the garlic and 1/4 teaspoon of salt into a paste. Transfer the garlic to a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup cheese, 3 tablespoons oil, lemon juice, pinch of salt, pepper flakes, and black pepper and whisk to combine. Pour the dressing over the kale and toss very well (the dressing will be thick and need lots of tossing to coat the leaves).. Let the salad sit for 5 minutes, then serve topped with the bread crumbs, additional cheese, and a drizzle of oil.

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Confit Garlic and Saladette Tomatoes


Serves 2
Ingredients:

-4 garlic bulbs
-4 saladette tomatoes
-tbsp olive oil
-tbsp balsamic vinegar
-4-6 slices of grilled baguette
Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven to 220
Score and blanch tomatoes
peel back skin without removing
cut garlic in half and wrap in pre-oiled aluminum sheets
Roast for 25 minutes
Once garlic has roasted pan fry in olive oil to give the garlic a nice colour
Assemble garlic and tomatoes on grilled sliced baguette
drizzle plate with olive oil and balsamic
Serve!

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Spicy BBQ Corn

Ingredients 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/8 teaspoon dried Oregano 1 pinch onion powder cayenne pepper to taste garlic powder to taste salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup butter, softened 6 ears corn, husked and cleaned Directions Preheat grill for medium-high heat. In a medium bowl, mix together the chili powder, oregano, onion powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend in the softened butter. Apply this mixture to each ear of corn, and place each ear onto a piece of aluminum foil big enough to wrap the corn. Wrap like a burrito, and twist the ends to close. Place wrapped corn on the preheated grill, and cook 20 to 30 minutes, until tender when poked with a fork. Turn corn occasionally during cooking.

Monday, August 6, 2012

Taking care of your liver By Valerie Hould-Marchand

The liver is the body’s largest organ, weighing about four pounds in men, and three pounds in women. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver! Especially important among these is helping to process the food you eat by aiding digestion, extracting nutrients and breaking down harmful drugs and poisons. So it goes without saying that everything you eat and drink affects your liver. And even if you are in top physical condition and watch your diet, why not do everything you can to keep your liver clean to stay energetic and free from illness. You could certainly try a natural cleanse, and perhaps you have already done so, but there are other ways to keep your liver functioning at an optimal level. Next time you feel like your liver needs a little assistance, simply blend some of mother nature’s best. All you will need is a blender and the following 6 ingredients : • 3 Tbsp. Of Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 4 garlic cloves (peeled) • 1 ½ cups of freshly squeezed orange juice • 1 piece of fresh ginger • ½ cup of lemon or lime juice • A dash of Cayenne pepper Put all the ingredients into your blender and drink right away. This drink is the perfect way to give your liver the boost it needs. And who knows, you might enjoy the taste… One thing is for sure, your liver will thank you. DID YOU KNOW ? The liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate itself. Up to 25 percent of the liver can be removed, and within a short period of time, it will grow back to its original size. Until next time, Heal yourself Heal the planet References : Prescription for Dietary Wellness, Phyllis A. Balch, CNC

Is wheatgrass juice good for you? by Valerie Hould-Marchand

Wheatgrass is very popular among the health conscious crowd. In fact, it is often referred to as liquid gold, the king of all juices. And it is widely claimed that it can cure various serious health problems like cancer. On the other hand, many argue that it is just another green tonic. So who is correct? Is Wheatgrass always beneficial? Read on and find out. PROS • Great source of vitamins and minerals, like iron, calcium, magnesium and vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E • High concentration of chlorophyll and amino acids • Aids digestion • Good for detoxification • Boosts energy levels Nutrient Value Wheatgrass juice contains amino acids, selenium, magnesium, calcium, iron, chlorophyll and vitamins A, C, E, K, and B complex, and only has seven calories per shot. Vitamins A, C and E are antioxidants, so it may help fight damage from free radicals. The Hippocrates Institute claims that the chlorophyll in wheatgrass mimics the action of hemoglobin in the blood, which helps with the transportation of oxygen to the cells of the body. Drinking wheatgrass is also said to promote energy and stamina. CONS • Lacks sufficient evidence for its efficacy against serious health problems like cancer • Nutrients and benefits are only available when the grass is juiced • Easy to purchase, but can be expensive Side Effects Wheatgrass is considered safe for most people, as long as you don’t have any underlying illnesses and medical conditions. It is best consumed first thing in the morning to avoid minor side effects like nausea or headaches. Health Claims Wheatgrass proponents claim that it can treat many illnesses, including colds, bronchitis, and infections. Anecdotal reports claim that wheatgrass can treat cancer by causing tumors to shrink and go into remission. However, these claims have not all been verified through scientific study. According to the American Cancer Society, however, preliminary evidence does suggest that wheatgrass may help patients with colitis. There is an abundance of information concerning the pros and cons of wheatgrass, but devotees swear by its ability to aid in digestion and to detoxify the body. And despite the slim scientific evidence to support the health claims surrounding it, there is no doubt that just an ounce of wheatgrass juice per day provides a host of benefits. Until next time, Heal yourself, Heal the planet! References "Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database"; Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2011 "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A Balch, CNC, and James F. Balch, MD; 2003 American Cancer Society: Wheatgrass Hippocrates Institute: Wheatgrass