As you all know, I'm against processed foods, we just don't spend anytime in the kitchen anymore. We don't make stocks or soups, we don't can, smoke or dry our foods, the pantry is empty going in to winter!
So if you want to stay healthy, start cooking!
The trouble with processed foods, is they are super refined, (for the most part). For example, let's take flour, because we now have the technology, we grind our flour so finely, that the pancreas turns into sugar, not good. I love a good sourdough bread, and as a treat I will buy a loaf, once in a while, cut two slices off of it and give the rest away. It's my treat Bruschette, yum... If you must eat bread all the time, then buy a sprouted grain bread, because the grains have sprouted, the body can digest it without stressing your system. Mark Sheppard at Bakery San Juan, makes a great sourdough, he retards the rise or let's it Prof for about 12 - 18 hrs, Because it is now basically in a fermented state, the body can digest it more easily than massed production breads...
He's a little tip, for taking the stress out of the holidays. Clean your oven now, don't wait until the bird's in the oven, and all the smoke alarms are going off!
Try this for Boxing day breakfast, instead of making scrambled eggs, with milk, try using coconut milk! Yum... About a 1/3rd of a cup (well mixed) per 2-3 eggs.
Bon Appetit, Hobbes
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Sticker Shock
Ever wonder what those little stickers, that you see on fruits and vegetables, are all about?
Well here you are, if It's a five digit number that starts with a 9 like, 94570 It's organic, if It's a four digit number, that starts with a 4 0r 5, That means It's been grown conventionally, with the use of chemicals. If the number 8 is in front, that means the grower really has balls, because it has been grown using GMO seed. Which of course we never see, because their not required to tell the consumer...
LUNCH....
It's Thursday, about 1pm, and I'm starving, It's about 20* and trying really hard to snow! The refrigerator looks pretty empty, except for a lemon, some garlic, kalamata olives, and a cauliflower, that I bought from the girls from Waldon Island, at the farmers market, this last weekend. I remembered seeing an article in Gourmet magazine, back in September. Too bad these hard times claimed that icon, I'm going to miss that publication, I go back in time when Caroline Bates wrote some great articles for them. Very Sad... So here it is, a simple wonderful, lunch to remember...
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, with a Kalamata Vinaigrette
Only Organic Please!
1 2lb cauliflower, cut into steaks about 1/2" thick
1/4 cp olive oil, divided
1 small clove garlic
1-2 Tsp lemon juice to taste
1/4 cup Kalamata olives
Preheat oven to 450*F with the rack in the lower third. Cut cauliflower lengthwise into 1/2" - 3/4" slices, put them on a large sheet pan or baking dish, and toss with half of the olive oil, and season with sea salt and pepper. Roast turning only once for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. While that's cooking, mince and mash together the olives, garlic and lemon juice, add the rest of the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Blimey, my mouths watering again, just writing this, truly this is a fantastic dish... Cheers, H
Well here you are, if It's a five digit number that starts with a 9 like, 94570 It's organic, if It's a four digit number, that starts with a 4 0r 5, That means It's been grown conventionally, with the use of chemicals. If the number 8 is in front, that means the grower really has balls, because it has been grown using GMO seed. Which of course we never see, because their not required to tell the consumer...
LUNCH....
It's Thursday, about 1pm, and I'm starving, It's about 20* and trying really hard to snow! The refrigerator looks pretty empty, except for a lemon, some garlic, kalamata olives, and a cauliflower, that I bought from the girls from Waldon Island, at the farmers market, this last weekend. I remembered seeing an article in Gourmet magazine, back in September. Too bad these hard times claimed that icon, I'm going to miss that publication, I go back in time when Caroline Bates wrote some great articles for them. Very Sad... So here it is, a simple wonderful, lunch to remember...
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks, with a Kalamata Vinaigrette
Only Organic Please!
1 2lb cauliflower, cut into steaks about 1/2" thick
1/4 cp olive oil, divided
1 small clove garlic
1-2 Tsp lemon juice to taste
1/4 cup Kalamata olives
Preheat oven to 450*F with the rack in the lower third. Cut cauliflower lengthwise into 1/2" - 3/4" slices, put them on a large sheet pan or baking dish, and toss with half of the olive oil, and season with sea salt and pepper. Roast turning only once for about 25 minutes, or until golden brown. While that's cooking, mince and mash together the olives, garlic and lemon juice, add the rest of the olive oil and a pinch of salt. Blimey, my mouths watering again, just writing this, truly this is a fantastic dish... Cheers, H
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Saut'eed Curried Chicken Breasts with a Tarragon Butter sauce
This is a Thomas Keller Recipe, from his book, ad hoc at home, Fantastic!
Feeds Six.
1 tbs sweet paprika
1 tbs Maddras curry powder
6 organic chicken breasts
sea salt and black pepper
olive oil
3 Tbs butter
1 Tbs minced shallot
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken stock
1 Tbs chopped tarragon, plus some whole leaves for garnish
Mix together the curry and paprika in a small bowl. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Lay 2 pieces of chicken at a time, on a large piece of plastic wrap, cover with a second piece of plastic wrap, and, using a meat pounder, pound to about 1/4" thick. Transfer to plate Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Preheat oven to 200*F. Set a cooling rack on a baking sheet. Season the chicken on both sides with Salt. Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan over medium - high heat. Working in batches, without crowding, add the chicken to the pan, (smooth) side down, and cook. The smooth side is your presentation side, only turn once! Cook until golden brown, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, then turn and cook the other side for the same amount of time. Transfer to the rack and keep warm in the oven. Add oil as needed as you cook the remaining chicken...
Pour out any remaining oil from the pan and wipe out any burned bits. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, over medium - high heat. Add the shallot to the pan, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 30 seconds, swirling the pan to coat the shallot with butter. Pour in the wine, and increase the heat to medium - high, and cook until the wine has reduced by half. Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, and cook until slightly reduced and thickened. Stir in the chopped tarragon, and the remaining butter, and any juices that accumulated on the baking sheet and swirl to melt the butter. Don't try to melt the butter with high heat, the sauce will break. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the chicken on a platter, pour the sauce over it and garnish with whole tarragon leaves.
Bon Appetit...
Feeds Six.
1 tbs sweet paprika
1 tbs Maddras curry powder
6 organic chicken breasts
sea salt and black pepper
olive oil
3 Tbs butter
1 Tbs minced shallot
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 cup chicken stock
1 Tbs chopped tarragon, plus some whole leaves for garnish
Mix together the curry and paprika in a small bowl. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Lay 2 pieces of chicken at a time, on a large piece of plastic wrap, cover with a second piece of plastic wrap, and, using a meat pounder, pound to about 1/4" thick. Transfer to plate Repeat with the remaining chicken.
Preheat oven to 200*F. Set a cooling rack on a baking sheet. Season the chicken on both sides with Salt. Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan over medium - high heat. Working in batches, without crowding, add the chicken to the pan, (smooth) side down, and cook. The smooth side is your presentation side, only turn once! Cook until golden brown, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, then turn and cook the other side for the same amount of time. Transfer to the rack and keep warm in the oven. Add oil as needed as you cook the remaining chicken...
Pour out any remaining oil from the pan and wipe out any burned bits. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter, over medium - high heat. Add the shallot to the pan, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 30 seconds, swirling the pan to coat the shallot with butter. Pour in the wine, and increase the heat to medium - high, and cook until the wine has reduced by half. Add chicken stock, bring to a boil, and cook until slightly reduced and thickened. Stir in the chopped tarragon, and the remaining butter, and any juices that accumulated on the baking sheet and swirl to melt the butter. Don't try to melt the butter with high heat, the sauce will break. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange the chicken on a platter, pour the sauce over it and garnish with whole tarragon leaves.
Bon Appetit...
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Dangers of Sugar...
Rather than preach to you, about the dangers of sugar, and sugar addiction, I want you to check out this web site: http://www.radiantrecovery.com/ they can do the dirty work. Below is a list of natural sweeteners.
Agave Nectar
Raw Honey
Maple Syrup
Rapadura
Stevia Powder
Date Sugar
Let me know, if you need more information on these sweeteners, which for the most part, are low on the Glycemic index...
If you like products which contain High Fructose Corn Syrup, Molasses, Raw Brown Sugar, Turbinado, Sucanat or Florida Crystals, Then you may as well start doing Crack, the results will be the same...
Here's a good recipe for Brussel Sprouts, for the holidays, by Chef Jacquelyn Buchanan N.E.
Oven Roasted Tangerine Brussel Sprouts with Almonds...
This is just a general Idea recipe which does not have amounts, just plan on, one tangerine will feed two.
Start by cleaning and trimming your sprouts, and then, with a paring knife, make a small X on the stem, about 1/4" deep, this will help them cook evenly. Wash and drain.
Heat the oven to 350* cut the tangerines in half, toss with some olive oil and place cut side down in a baking pan. The idea is to caramelize the cut surface, cook until they have some color on that side, about 45 Min's. Mean while blanch your sprouts in chicken stock, drain and add to the tangerines, toss with some salt and pepper, and add some butter, enough to coat everything. Chop up some toasted almonds and sprinkle over the top. Now put the pan back in the oven and cook until tender, about 25 Min's...
Note, you can reuse the chicken stock.
Agave Nectar
Raw Honey
Maple Syrup
Rapadura
Stevia Powder
Date Sugar
Let me know, if you need more information on these sweeteners, which for the most part, are low on the Glycemic index...
If you like products which contain High Fructose Corn Syrup, Molasses, Raw Brown Sugar, Turbinado, Sucanat or Florida Crystals, Then you may as well start doing Crack, the results will be the same...
Here's a good recipe for Brussel Sprouts, for the holidays, by Chef Jacquelyn Buchanan N.E.
Oven Roasted Tangerine Brussel Sprouts with Almonds...
This is just a general Idea recipe which does not have amounts, just plan on, one tangerine will feed two.
Start by cleaning and trimming your sprouts, and then, with a paring knife, make a small X on the stem, about 1/4" deep, this will help them cook evenly. Wash and drain.
Heat the oven to 350* cut the tangerines in half, toss with some olive oil and place cut side down in a baking pan. The idea is to caramelize the cut surface, cook until they have some color on that side, about 45 Min's. Mean while blanch your sprouts in chicken stock, drain and add to the tangerines, toss with some salt and pepper, and add some butter, enough to coat everything. Chop up some toasted almonds and sprinkle over the top. Now put the pan back in the oven and cook until tender, about 25 Min's...
Note, you can reuse the chicken stock.
Bon Appetit.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Save your kids...
Hello everyone,
CNN was just quoted saying " There is a coronary time bomb just around the corner for young people".
World renowned Chef and Author Jamie Oliver writes " My kid's generation is the first expected to die before their parents. How completely shocking is that".
How can we fix that? Believe me it's not hard to fix the problem, using whole foods. No problem. The problem might be how do we change the daily habits and life styles of young people? Hmmm, maybe it's a lifestyle change for all of us, right now....
Whether you're a young person in need of help with diet change, or someone who has an illness or injury, you can get well with wholefoods, meditation and manifesting good health. Like I mentioned in my first post, I don't charge for this service, all you have to do is email me and I'll return it with my phone number, and I'll set you up with the tools to heal...
The only time I charge is when I give a cooking class, which by the way, my weekly cooking classes start Dec 3rd, the cost is $45 a head, and each class is limited to four. They are mid-day, hands on classes, and at the end of the class, we sit down and enjoy the meal that you helped produce along with a glass of wine, if you like, all with a view of the harbor... My email address is on one of the sidebars.
MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT!
CNN was just quoted saying " There is a coronary time bomb just around the corner for young people".
World renowned Chef and Author Jamie Oliver writes " My kid's generation is the first expected to die before their parents. How completely shocking is that".
How can we fix that? Believe me it's not hard to fix the problem, using whole foods. No problem. The problem might be how do we change the daily habits and life styles of young people? Hmmm, maybe it's a lifestyle change for all of us, right now....
Whether you're a young person in need of help with diet change, or someone who has an illness or injury, you can get well with wholefoods, meditation and manifesting good health. Like I mentioned in my first post, I don't charge for this service, all you have to do is email me and I'll return it with my phone number, and I'll set you up with the tools to heal...
The only time I charge is when I give a cooking class, which by the way, my weekly cooking classes start Dec 3rd, the cost is $45 a head, and each class is limited to four. They are mid-day, hands on classes, and at the end of the class, we sit down and enjoy the meal that you helped produce along with a glass of wine, if you like, all with a view of the harbor... My email address is on one of the sidebars.
MAKES A GREAT CHRISTMAS GIFT!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Wholefoods, Recipes and Clever Marketing...
I just finished reading some of Sally Fallon and Mary G Enig's book, Nourishing Traditions, about Canola Oil, you know, the one that we are told by the makers that Canola Oil is the best oil in the world and is really good for us...
This is what these girls write. "The newest oil on the market, canola oil was developed from the rape seed, a member of the mustard family. Rape seed is considered unsuited to human consumption because it contains a long chain fatty acid called erucic acid, which under some circumstances is associated with fibrotic heart lesions". Unreal! They say lots more on the subject. I strongly recommend this book, having said that, I was not fond of some of the recipes but the lacto fermentation chapter was fantastic.
Some good healthy oils or fats that I recommend you use to cook are: olive oil, coconut oil and butter. If you're cooking with olive oil, the flavors of expensive extra virgin oil will be lost, so buy the cheaper, virgin organic oil.
How about a really good mashed potato recipe for the holiday? I like this one because it makes great potato cakes for breakfast the next day, if you have any left that is.
Celeriac mashed potatoes
8 good size yellow potatoes
1 large celeriac peeled and cubed (small)
3 cloves garlic minced
3 shallots minced
2 tsp smoked paprika
some olive oil
salt and pepper
While your potatoes are boiling, put some olive oil in a saute pan on medium heat,, when the pan is good and hot add the shallots and celeriac, add the garlic just before the veggies are soft so it doesn't burn, cook until soft. Now add the salt and pepper to taste and the paprika, now cook this just a little more so flavors get into the celeriac. Then add to the potatoes and mash adding some more olive oil if needed...
Until next time, Namast'e hobbes
This is what these girls write. "The newest oil on the market, canola oil was developed from the rape seed, a member of the mustard family. Rape seed is considered unsuited to human consumption because it contains a long chain fatty acid called erucic acid, which under some circumstances is associated with fibrotic heart lesions". Unreal! They say lots more on the subject. I strongly recommend this book, having said that, I was not fond of some of the recipes but the lacto fermentation chapter was fantastic.
Some good healthy oils or fats that I recommend you use to cook are: olive oil, coconut oil and butter. If you're cooking with olive oil, the flavors of expensive extra virgin oil will be lost, so buy the cheaper, virgin organic oil.
How about a really good mashed potato recipe for the holiday? I like this one because it makes great potato cakes for breakfast the next day, if you have any left that is.
Celeriac mashed potatoes
8 good size yellow potatoes
1 large celeriac peeled and cubed (small)
3 cloves garlic minced
3 shallots minced
2 tsp smoked paprika
some olive oil
salt and pepper
While your potatoes are boiling, put some olive oil in a saute pan on medium heat,, when the pan is good and hot add the shallots and celeriac, add the garlic just before the veggies are soft so it doesn't burn, cook until soft. Now add the salt and pepper to taste and the paprika, now cook this just a little more so flavors get into the celeriac. Then add to the potatoes and mash adding some more olive oil if needed...
Until next time, Namast'e hobbes
Monday, November 16, 2009
The Power of the Universe...
Who the hell am I to write about the Universe and healing with wholefood!
Well I'm an import from London, England some twenty eight years ago, who had a couple of very near death experiences. A person who has had some bad luck, been homeless, and frankly I was in a very dark place, and contemplated suicide...
A few years ago I changed all that and decided to ask the Universe and the Oneness for help, they did, and now I'm going to help you get well, lose weight, repair that injury or reduce your risk of getting a cold. Whether you have cancer, aids, depression, ms or any other bad stuff. You can fix it, you're in control, you're in the drivers seat!
This is a free service, once you email me I will return it with my phone number so I can help you on your journey. The only time I charge is when I give cooking classes.
I warn you, I may use some really sick British humor, be warned!
I'm 54yrs old, have good blood pressure, 32" waist, great sex drive and I have not been sick since I changed my diet a few years ago. However, this summer, when I woke up one morning and was just pining for fish and chips, I went down to the pub, had a big plate of the stuff, washed it down with a few pints, then had a nap. Woke up about 6pm and made myself a plate of veggie pasta... The next day I spent 4 hours in the emergency room with a blocked intestine... So don't fall off the wagon!
I call myself a Chef, I'm not a trained Chef, my ex-wife (JJ) and still best friend of 20+ years is a Chef, trained at the CCA. However, she trained me to cook, so I'm going for it. I use JJ as a consultant, she has a degree from Bauman College in Nutrition.
The next post will have some recipes for you to follow...
Alright let's get going, this is what I've done. If you have ever watched that video The Secret, I used the same idea but added whole organic food and the Oneness.
First of all you must start by not being negative. I never want you to use the words "I can't do that" or "I can't afford that". You must believe that you can have anything that you want, you can manifest anything.
You must eat organic foods. I don't however want you to buy anything in a box, jar or can, for now anyway. The whole point is to stay away from processed foods with loads and loads of ingredients.
Make yourself a list of what it is that you want, good health, wellness, food and so on.
This is what works for me, I get up in the morning and make myself a nice cup of tea. Then I summon the Universe and the Oneness out loud, (you may not want to do this out on the sidewalk, your neighbor's are going to think that your a right nutter!) I then ask them for help in achieving my goals. I ask that as I move on my journey that the Universe and Oneness helps me move smoothly and as I am learning to be a kind and gentle soul and that anger never be a part of my life.
I give thanks for the extreme wealth that is about to enter my life.
I give thanks to all the plants and animals that have died for me so I can have food on my table.
I ask that my friendship with all my friends become stronger and that I can share my wisdom with them.
I am so grateful for the abundance in my life.
You can add any other personal stuff at this point.
I then meditate, what it is that I want. If you have never meditated before, try doing it in a quiet place, where you can close your eyes and imagine what it is that you want. Smile and have nice warm thoughts while your doing this.
I will write about food in my next blog, but for now, here is a list of things that I want you to stay away from especially if you're very sick.
Sugar, flour, white rice, pasta, soy, corn, ice, soda, some grains, city water.
If you like sugar in your tea, use agave nectar or honey. Stay away from the microwave, read my sidebar. The body cannot digest soy, stay away from it. Researchers suggest that animals fed with corn, soy and cotton seed meal, had larger amounts of cancer before being slaughtered. Also you don't have four stomachs like a cow, so don't do too many grains...
I drink wine, but if you're in a bad way leave the booze and caffeine alone...
Don't drink city water that has been treated...
One last thing before I sign off, we humans only use 16% of our lung capacity so breathe deep every day...
Namast'e hobbes
Well I'm an import from London, England some twenty eight years ago, who had a couple of very near death experiences. A person who has had some bad luck, been homeless, and frankly I was in a very dark place, and contemplated suicide...
A few years ago I changed all that and decided to ask the Universe and the Oneness for help, they did, and now I'm going to help you get well, lose weight, repair that injury or reduce your risk of getting a cold. Whether you have cancer, aids, depression, ms or any other bad stuff. You can fix it, you're in control, you're in the drivers seat!
This is a free service, once you email me I will return it with my phone number so I can help you on your journey. The only time I charge is when I give cooking classes.
I warn you, I may use some really sick British humor, be warned!
I'm 54yrs old, have good blood pressure, 32" waist, great sex drive and I have not been sick since I changed my diet a few years ago. However, this summer, when I woke up one morning and was just pining for fish and chips, I went down to the pub, had a big plate of the stuff, washed it down with a few pints, then had a nap. Woke up about 6pm and made myself a plate of veggie pasta... The next day I spent 4 hours in the emergency room with a blocked intestine... So don't fall off the wagon!
I call myself a Chef, I'm not a trained Chef, my ex-wife (JJ) and still best friend of 20+ years is a Chef, trained at the CCA. However, she trained me to cook, so I'm going for it. I use JJ as a consultant, she has a degree from Bauman College in Nutrition.
The next post will have some recipes for you to follow...
Alright let's get going, this is what I've done. If you have ever watched that video The Secret, I used the same idea but added whole organic food and the Oneness.
First of all you must start by not being negative. I never want you to use the words "I can't do that" or "I can't afford that". You must believe that you can have anything that you want, you can manifest anything.
You must eat organic foods. I don't however want you to buy anything in a box, jar or can, for now anyway. The whole point is to stay away from processed foods with loads and loads of ingredients.
Make yourself a list of what it is that you want, good health, wellness, food and so on.
This is what works for me, I get up in the morning and make myself a nice cup of tea. Then I summon the Universe and the Oneness out loud, (you may not want to do this out on the sidewalk, your neighbor's are going to think that your a right nutter!) I then ask them for help in achieving my goals. I ask that as I move on my journey that the Universe and Oneness helps me move smoothly and as I am learning to be a kind and gentle soul and that anger never be a part of my life.
I give thanks for the extreme wealth that is about to enter my life.
I give thanks to all the plants and animals that have died for me so I can have food on my table.
I ask that my friendship with all my friends become stronger and that I can share my wisdom with them.
I am so grateful for the abundance in my life.
You can add any other personal stuff at this point.
I then meditate, what it is that I want. If you have never meditated before, try doing it in a quiet place, where you can close your eyes and imagine what it is that you want. Smile and have nice warm thoughts while your doing this.
I will write about food in my next blog, but for now, here is a list of things that I want you to stay away from especially if you're very sick.
Sugar, flour, white rice, pasta, soy, corn, ice, soda, some grains, city water.
If you like sugar in your tea, use agave nectar or honey. Stay away from the microwave, read my sidebar. The body cannot digest soy, stay away from it. Researchers suggest that animals fed with corn, soy and cotton seed meal, had larger amounts of cancer before being slaughtered. Also you don't have four stomachs like a cow, so don't do too many grains...
I drink wine, but if you're in a bad way leave the booze and caffeine alone...
Don't drink city water that has been treated...
One last thing before I sign off, we humans only use 16% of our lung capacity so breathe deep every day...
Namast'e hobbes
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
