Have Brussels Sprouts and Love It

If you've had boiled brussels sprouts as a child you may think they are just not tasty but the truth is they can be. Brussels sprouts can be delightful but it isn't only about the way they are prepared but what you eat with them.

One of the simplest ways of making yummy brussels sprouts is roasted. This route usually requires 3 additional ingredients, salt, pepper and olive oil. I like to make it a little more exciting by adding red pepper flakes, parmesan cheese or balsamic vinegar. 

I can eat roasted brussels sprouts alone as it's own meal but if you are wondering what goes with brussels sprouts try the following:

-Garlic mashed potatoes (I recommend using Yukon gold potatoes they are creamy and have a slight sweet taste, roast heads of garlic in some olive oil to add to the cooked and mashed potatoes, use a small amount of heavy cream instead of milk and don't forget to use salt when boiling and a sprinkle when finishing.)

-Orecchiette pasta (While it may be hard to find this is a great pasta for brussel sprouts and broccoli rabe as it's ear like shape allows for a bit more of a chewy consistency. Aldente pasta can be tossed with sauteed shredded brussels sprouts and sprinkled with pamersan cheese. Adding a small amount of pasta water gives it a special touch.)

-Steak with Red Wine Sauce (Season steak with garlic, black pepper, white vinegar, onions and salt and cook to medium doneness. A simple red wine sauce can be made using a dry red wine, butter, beef stock, shallots, salt and pepper. Here's a good recipe to try http://www.foodrepublic.com/2011/05/16/basic-red-wine-reduction-sauce-recipe)

-Roasted Chicken (Season with oregano, garlic, onion, black pepper, salt, rosemary, thyme and a fresh orange.)

-Rack of Lamb (Season with dijon mustard, rosemary, thyme, black pepper and salt. Sear in a hot oiled pan and then roast to medium rare doneness. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mustard-and-Herb-Crusted-Rack-of-Lamb-108493)

Peanut Butter Pretzel Bites

I love sweet and salty snacks more than anything in the world and when there are left overs from such events like Super Bowl parties that means they make it into the office. Yesterday was no exception and while I had some amazing homemade cheesecake that had a lemony zest flavor the Peanut Pretzel Bites are the one thing I wish I had right now.


I found the recipe on a few places and they are so easy to make I even found them on the blog of a seventeen year old baker

Now you can't tell me that they don't look yummy. 

Here is the recipe to try them yourselves. I just may give a go this weekend and have some to share. 

1 cup of peanut butter (creamy works best)

2 Tbsp softened butter or margarine

1/2 cup powdered sugar (you may need more)

3/4 cup brown sugar (you may need more)

Pretzels

1 bag good quality semi-sweet chocolate chips (I used Ghirardelli 60%)

Combine peanut butter and softened butter in a large bowl with a fork or whisk.

Add the sugars and stir to combine. 

If the filling will roll easily into balls without sticking to your hands you're ready to go. If not, add more sugar ( a little bit of each) until you reach a consistency that is easy to roll.

Use a teaspoon measure, or a small cereal spoon to scoop the filling. Roll each portion into a small ball and set on a cookie sheet. I like to roll all the balls and then sandwich them between two whole pretzels. 

When all the balls are rolled and successfully sandwiched, stick the whole tray in the freezer for about half an hour.

Pour the chocolate chips into a microwave safe bowl and heat at 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally until completely melted. 

Remove the pretzel sandwiches from the freezer and quickly dip each half-way into the melted chocolate. Return to the try and repeat with remaining sandwiches. 

When all are dipped, return the tray to the freezer to set up completely. 

Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator until serving time.

When life gives you lemons

I love lemons! There is something about lemons, maybe it is that they are refreshing or that tangy sour taste but lemons have some great health benefits. Some of the health benefits that are most well known are weight loss and immune-boosting powers.


Lemons are rich in vitamin C but they also contain citric acid, magnesium and calcium, which fight infection. Lemons are said to have anti-cancer properties, prevent diabetes, constipation and high blood pressure.


Lemon water is a great way to start the day, it jump starts the digestive system. Lemon water  helps alleviate symptoms of indigestion including nausea, heartburn and bloating and may even help with hiccups. Drinking lemon water regularly helps the bowels remove waste more efficiently. Lemon water also helps break a fever by increasing the perspiration. 


There are some other surprising health benefits--
Skin care The citric acid in lemons is effective is treating acne. It also acts as an anti-aging remedy and aid in the fading of scars. Apply lemon juice on acne with a cotton ball and leave overnight. Wash area the next morning  it will soon disappear. 
Anxiety Lemon balm has a calming effect and helps battle fatigue, anxiety, tension and nervousness. Lemon oil is said to increase concentration and alertness. 
Bad breath To keep breath fresh, thoroughly rinse your mouth several times a day with the freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water.
Hair care Applying lemon juice to the scalp can help with dandruff and hair fall; applying to wet hair gives it a natural shine. 

So grab a lemon and do more than make lemonade. 

The need to restart and refresh

This blog didn't have a chance two years ago but now that time has passed my love for food has increased but with new views. Food isn't only pleasure but it is also fuel for your body. The impact food has on the way you feel is huge. While I can't stick to a restricted diet I do value the need to restart one's digestive system. 


A good way to give your digestive system a nice break is by doing a juice cleanse. Now there are many juices cleanses from various companies and there are a plethora of juice recipes. Over the last year or so I've done 3 juice cleanses, each lasting 3 days. Every time I've chosen to go with Blue Print Cleanse  and I've always done the first phase, which they call Renovation. The cleanse consists of 6 freshly pressed 16 ounce fruit and vegetable juices and lots of water and herbal tea.


There are a variety of feelings you grow through as part of a cleanse but the outcome has always been great. It is important to be applied before, during and after the cleanse; success is determined by how much you put into it. Withdrawing from caffeine, carbs and alcohol isn't easy for everyone but believe me when I say you will be happy you did this for yourself. Even if you feel the headaches, tiredness or mood swings initially don't panic. Your organs will feel better in no time, and I know you are thinking I'm nut right about now but it's true! You'll feel more energy, your skin will feel better, your hair will be better, all leading to a state of euphoria. 


Oh and if you are wondering yes you may drop a few pounds while you are at it as well.

If you still doubt how a juice cleanse can benefit your digestive system and your whole body take some time to watch Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead. This documentary follows the journey of an overweight and ill man across America while on a 60 day fruit and vegetable cleanse.
Now juice cleanse programs can be expensive but making juices at home is also very possible. I'm thinking of investing in a juicer like this one: 


It's still the beginning of the year and that is a perfect time to start fresh! I hope you will give a juice cleanse a chance. Here's a recipe to get your started as well. 


The original Mean Green Juice
6 Kale Leaves
1 Cucumber
4 Celery Stalks
2 Green Apples
1/2 a lemon