How to freeze avocados!

This is genius!!!!!!! EatingRichly.com gives step by step instructions on how to freeze avocados. This is a perfect quick trick to save those avocados before they turn brown. 

Weeds!

I know pulling weeds can be a daunting task but did you know you could eat some types? Check out this great slide show for edible weeds!

http://www.thedailygreen.com/green-homes/latest/weeds-edible-plants-0409

Freeze Dried Herbs

I am not sure if you are like me but I every time I buy fresh herbs they go bad. Between my husband and I, we just can't eat them quick enough or we end up having cilantro in very dish for the next few nights.

A friend of mine recommend LiteHouse freeze dried herbs, so I had to check them out. LiteHouse Freeze-Dried Herbs offer the taste, aroma and vitamins of fresh herbs. And since they instantly rehydrate its just like having fresh herbs in your kitchen at all times. I am sure these will become a staple in our home, and what a perfect hostess gift!


The prices are very reasonable too.... about $3.99 each, click here to order

How to make Spaghetti Squash

Have you ever made spaghetti squash for yourself or your family? Well if not its a must try! Spaghetti squash is a great way to enjoy a big bowl of pasta without all the extra calories. You can add just about anything to your spaghetti squash to bring this meal to life. I usually saute squash, zucchini and onions and mix with tomato sauce and top with a dollop of ricotta cheese. This is one of my favorite dishes!

However, if you still are hesitant to give up real pasta, try combining half a serving of pasta to half a serving of spaghetti squash. You still have the same great texture and taste of pasta with a bonus serving of vegetables!

Watch this great video on how to make spaghetti squash!

Benefits of an Avocado!

Top 10 reasons to add an Avocado to your daily menu!

Prostate Cancer Prevention

Avocados have been shown to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer.

Oral Cancer Defense
Research has shown that certain compounds in avocados are able to seek out pre-cancerous and cancerous oral cancer cells and destroy them without harming healthy cells.

Breast Cancer Prevention
Avocado, like olive oil, is high in oleic acid, which has been shown to prevent breast cancer in numerous studies.

Eye Health
Avocados have more of the carotenoid lutein than any other commonly consumed fruit. Lutein protects against macular degeneration and cataracts, two disabling age-related eye diseases.

Lower Cholesterol
Avocados are high in beta-sitosterol, a compound that has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. In one study, 45 volunteers experienced an average drop in cholesterol of 17% after eating avocados for only one week.

Heart Health
One cup of avocado has 23% of the recommended daily value of folate. Studies show that people who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower incidence of heart disease than those who don't. The vitamin E, monounsaturated fats, and glutathione in avocado are also great for your heart.

Stroke Prevention
The high levels of folate in avocado are also protective against strokes. People who eat diets rich in folate have a much lower risk of stroke than those who don't.

Better Nutrient Absorption
Research has found that certain nutrients are absorbed better when eaten with avocado. In one study, when participants ate a salad containing avocados, they absorbed five times the amount of carotenoids (a group of nutrients that includes lycopene and beta carotene) than those who didn't include avocados.

Glutathione Source
Avocados are an excellent source of glutathione, an important antioxidant that researchers say is important in preventing aging, cancer, and heart disease.

Vitamin E Powerhouse
Avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health.





Source: healthdiaries.com

Himalayan Pink Salt

Many people are unaware that common table salt is actually full of many forms of chemicals and even sugar! Salt, while necessary for life as we know it, can be dangerous if taken in this chemical form.


Have you ever seen pink salt? This is actually Himalayan crystal salt which is far superior to traditional iodized salt. Himalayan salt is millions of years old and is thought to be the purest form of salt on Earth, containing the same 84 natural minerals and elements found in the human body.

Adding Himalayan salt to your regular diet can provide essential minerals and support proper absorption of nutrients. It can also normalize blood pressure, eliminate toxins and help balance the body's electrolytes and pH levels. Look for pink Himalayan salt next time you go shopping, even some Marshall's carry this product.

Sources: livestrong, ehow, global healing center

Pressure Cooker

(NaturalNews) Pressure cooking is a fast, cost-effective, and healthy way to cook a variety of foods, including dried beans, brown rice and other whole grains, soups, and meats. If you have not yet discovered the benefits of using a pressure cooker, here are 8 reasons to buy and use one.


1. Pressure cooking saves time. Cooking natural foods is often time-consuming, but pressure cooking slashes cooking times. For example, cook brown rice in 15 minutes, dried beans in 12 minutes, and lentils in 7 minutes.

2. Pressure cooking saves money. After the initial purchase, you can buy less-costly dried beans instead of canned, although you might keep canned for emergencies. The energy savings from shorter cooking times means lower gas or electric bills.

3. Pressure-cooked foods taste delicious. Since very little steam escapes during the cooking process, maximum flavor is preserved. Pressure-cooked meat is moist and tender, and dried beans are more flavorful than canned, which sometimes have an aftertaste.

4. Pressure-cooked foods are healthy. Because of the closed environment and shorter cooking times, more nutrients are retained than in open cooking. Dried beans are less processed than canned, and they avoid potential BPA that is sometimes found in canned food.

5. Pressure cooking is safer than you think. Although cooking with one requires a learning curve, pressure cookers today are safer than those used by our parents and grandparents.

6. Pressure cookers are helpful for preparedness. They can be used outdoors over an open flame. So, they can be used camping or in an emergency, and their cooking efficiency is especially helpful if wood or fuel is scarce.

7. Baby food and dog food can be made in a pressure cooker. These typically store-bought foods can be made cheaper and healthier than their pre-packaged counterparts.

8. Pressure cookers have withstood the test of time. Like cast iron cooking, pressure cookers have been used for generations. Unlike cast iron, however, new technology has truly improved pressure cooking's safety and efficiency.

Conclusion:
Pressure cooking has many benefits, but make sure to very carefully read and understand the user's guide before you start. Also, if you are deciding between two different sizes, always buy the bigger one since an under-filled pot poses no risk but an over-filled one can cause problems.

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/032163_pressure_cooker_kitchen.html#ixzz1KUka13zk

Cook your own Rotisserie chicken

I love rotisserie chickens they are the perfect meal and you can do almost anything with the leftovers.... add it to pasta, rice, make chicken salad, add to soups etc. So over the weekend I attempted to make my own rotisserie chicken without all the added sodium that you get from the store bought ones and it turned out great!

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Wash chicken, pat dry and remove insides.
Roll a lemon back and forth on the counter until the lemon becomes softened. Pierce with a fork numerous times.
Place lemon, 3-4 garlic cloves and fresh thyme inside the chicken cavity.
Rub olive oil over the outside skin and season with salt and pepper.
Place chicken on a roasting pan and cook approximately 1 hour and 30 mins, until chicken reaches 180 degrees.

Enjoy!

Which sweetener to choose?

If your like me you always question which sweetener is the healthiest option to choose! Well here are some great choices that taste good too!!

Stevia- This is a natural powder that comes from the South American herb Stevia Rebaudiana. It has zero calories and a concentrated sweet punch. "One half teaspoon can equal the sweetness of one cup of refined white sugar".
Raw Honey- This is our original sweetener from mother nature. Raw honey actually contains probiotic bacteria that as we know helps support our digestive systems.
Sucanat- This is a straightforward substitute for granulated sugar. Sucanat actually retains molasses content which makes it close to cane sugar.
Maple Sugar Flakes- It tastes like syrup with a pleasing crunch. Its also half the calories of refined sugar.
Organic Evaporated Cane Juice - This looks like sugar (and is found in the sugar aisle of a health food store) but is slightly darker in appearance as its not as processed. Use this as you would white sugar but note is has a deeper molasses flavor.

Source- The Best of Clean Eating

Insight into Whole Grains

 Bulgur

This grain is excellent with sliced apples and dates!

Medium grind bulgur steams in 10 mins and has 10g of fiber per 1/4 cup

Quinoa

Gluten-free and protein rich quiona cooks like pasta in 11012 mins.

Toss it with black beans, salsa and chopped avocados.

Whole Wheat Couscous

This 5 min side provides selenium, magnesium and fiber. 

For a burst of Vitamin C - replace 1/2 the cooking water with 100% tomato or orange juice 

Teff

Each 1/4 cup has over 20% of your daily iron, magnesium & copper!

Simmer with low-fat milk for hot cereal or use the flour for naturally sweet pancakes

Source- The Best of Clean Eating

Mess-Free Tools

Its the worst when you are in the middle of cooking and rest your spoon on the counter and before you know it there is a mess everywhere. Plus just thinking of the bacteria that may have been on my counter is now in my meal... yuck! Joesph Joseph Elevate Set is genius, its weighted handles prevent the heads of the utensils to come in contact with your work surface.  Such a great gift for a hostess or even ourselves :)

You Can Freeze Eggs!

As many of you know Jason (my husband) and I buy all our meat and dairy from a local Free Range Farm. The only downside is since the eggs are fresh we need to eat them in 30 days. This poses a problem some months as its only the two of us and we usually create dishes using eggs just to avoid wasting them. However; I just stumbled across this tip in the new Weight Watchers magazine and I thought I would share!



You Can Freeze Eggs!
Eggs about to expire? First check the carton: Chilled eggs will keep 4 to 5 weeks beyond the package date (or about 3 weeks after you bring them home). Time's about up? Don't toss them- beat them and freeze them. Frozen eggs will keep up to 1 year, making them your go-to staple for breakfast and more. Here's what you need to know:

• Crack Eggs into a bowl; beat with a whisk just until blended.
• Pour Beaten Eggs into freezer containers, leaving 1/4 inch headspace (to allow for expansion during freezing).
• Seal Containers and attach label detailing the number of eggs and date. Freeze.
• Thaw Eggs in refrigerator overnight
• Choose Dishes in which thoroughly cooked eggs are called for, such as scrambled eggs, frittatas, and baked casseroles. Use thawed eggs immediately.

Also another great tip for hardboiled eggs: Boil eggs in salted water so that once hard cooked, they will peel more easily.