Archive for July, 2009
Don’t Skimp on the Good Stuff
Pasta provides the foundation for many traditional childhood favorites. What kid doesn’t appreciate the satisfying slurpability of spaghetti and homemade meatballs? Likewise, macaroni and cheese is a staple of most young diets. Unfortunately, many mass-produced noodle products are practically bereft of nutritious value; some of them are not made of whole wheat, which means valuable vitamins are left out of the mix.
Organic pasta is typically made from whole durum wheat, so all the nutritional benefits remain intact. Organic food is always more wholesome than bland, milquetoast items that pervade supermarket shelves. Just as fresh-baked wheat bread is rich in nutrients when compared to bagged white bread, organic pasta makes a mockery of inferior pasta products.
Healthy Organic Pasta Noodles
Cooking with healthy organic pasta noodles can be creative. There are many recipes you can find that call for noodles. You can mix or match the different kinds or use all of one kind. You can create your own recipe or use a traditional recipe from your favorite cookbook.
Here is a great recipe using organic pasta noodles.
Organic Pasta Noodle Stew
2 cups of organic pasta noodles, uncooked
1 pound lean ground beef
1 can [14 1/2 oz.] stewed tomotoes
1 1/2 cups water
1 box [10 ounces] frozen corn, thawed
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
Salt and black pepper to taste
In large skillet, saute beef over medium heat for 5 minutes or until well browned.
Stir in pasta, tomatoes, water, corn and barbecue sauce; bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low; cover skillet and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes or until pasta is tender.
Stir occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.
Serves 4.
The Story Of Dried Beans
Dried beans are among the cheapest protein providers and one of the most ecologically sustainable crops, enriching soil with nitrogen and using less water than most other plant foods.
The folate in dried beans fights against heart disease and birth defects. The resistant starch in dried beans provides long lasting energy. Dried beans are high in fiber and high in protein, yet low in fat and low in calories.
All dried beans including whole green peas, black-eyed peas, green and red lentils contain high amounts of folate, protein and fiber. They are a nutritious healthy food as well as being very economical.
Eating Healthy Dried Beans
Cooking healthy food can provide you with a healthier, more enjoyable lifestyle. Cooking your own food at home is more economical and gives you the freedom to select good quality ingredients to maintain adequate nutrition and recommended vitamins and minerals.
Dried beans are high in fiber, high in protein and low in fat and calories. Start cooking healthy food today and enjoy making this delicious recipe using dried beans.
Broccoli Bean Bake
1 1/2 cup cooked dried northern beans
6 cups broccoli florets
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 Tablespoons butter or margarine
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 cups [8 oz] shredded cheddar cheese
3 Tablespoons dry bread crumbs
Cook dried northern beans according to directions; then drain.
Place broccoli in a saucepan in 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 5-8 minutes or until crisp-tender.
In a skillet, saute onion and garlic in 1 Tablespoon butter. Spread in a greased 11 x 7 x 2 baking dish.
Drain broccoli and place over onion mixture.
Top with beans. Sprinkle with oregano, salt, pepper, cheese and bread crumbs.
Melt remaining butter and pour over the top.
Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 20 minutes or until heated through.
Makes 8 servings
Organic Pasta Noodles - Healthy Food
Organic pasta noodles are a nutritious healthy food, high in fiber and high in protein. Organic pasta noodles contain just enough carbohydrates to give you the energy you need without the high calories.
Try this favorite recipe using organic pasta noodles and it will become one of your favorites too. You will have fun cooking and eating this fine pasta.
Favorite Mushroom Pasta
1 pound of organic pasta noodles
1 cup fresh mushrooms
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh garlic
1 small onion, chopped
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup Newman’s Own Lemon Pepper Marinade
1 tablespoon flour
Salt and Pepper to taste
Cook organic pasta noodles until tender, drain.
Clean and cut mushrooms into chunks.
In a hot skillet, heat olive oil and saute onion and garlic for 2 minutes.
Add mushrooms and saute for 1 minute, then add add chicken stock and Newman’s Own Lemon Pepper Marinade. Saute until mushrooms blend, then add flour to thicken sauce. Salt and pepper to taste.
Mix with pasta in a serving bowl and serve. Serves 6.
Healthy Food Snacks - Nutrition Bars
Omega3 nutrition bars are great healthy food snacks. Isn’t good to know that you are eating nutritious healthy food when you need a snack? Omega3 nutrition bars are known for their power packed nutrition.
The omega3 nutrition bars contain flaxseed, walnuts and almonds, all containing large amounts of omega3. Tryptophan is found in pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and almonds and the omega3 nutrition bars contain all three. The omega3 nutrition bars are fortified with Folic Acid and Vitamin B12.
They are high in fiber containing 6 grams of dietary fiber. They are also high in protein containing 9 grams of protein.
A diet high in omega3 decreases the risk of depression. Insufficient levels of Folic Acid can cause depression and Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms of forgetfulness and depression.
Low serotonin levels are linked to depression and the brain needs the raw material Tryptophan to make serotonin.
Omega3 nutrition bars make great healthy food snacks for camping, fishing, hiking, working out, take to work or school, or anytime when you need a snack.