Archive for December, 2009

Your Guide to Grains



Author : Scott Meyers

Grains are simply the seed-bearing fruit from grasses Whole grains are more nutritious than refined grains because they contain all three parts of the grain which includes the bran, the endosperm and the germ The bran composes the outer layer of the seed and it is high in many minerals including iron, riboflavin, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, thiamine and zinc Most of the fiber of the seed is contained in the bran

Barley is a grain that is rich in beta glutens which is a form of fiber that is very effective at decreasing the risk of heart disease by decreasing the low density lipoprotein in the arteries This is sometimes referred to as LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol The best form of barley to eat is the hulled, waxy forms that are readily available in health food stores and some grocery stores When purchasing barley always look for the word “unpearled” on the packaging as this means that is both unprocessed and also very high in its fiber content Be aware that fiber in any form beneficial in lowering blood pressure levels

When choosing bran cereal always buy one that is high in wheat bran content No other form of insoluble fiber is better at making the stools function properly as well as fighting cancer It is believed by researchers that the quicker toxins are able to move through the bowels and be eliminated the lower a risk an individual has of developing colorectal cancer Choose a bran cereal that is able to provide you with five grams of fiber in each serving or more

Oats act like a sponge in the body, soaking up cholesterol and therefore, decreasing the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood Oats are a form of soluble fiber Consuming at least three grams per day of oats is believed to lessen bad cholesterol by 5 6 percent in a matter of six weeks The more oats you eat the lower will your LDL cholesterol be

Whole wheat bread and whole wheat flour contains vitamin B6 and magnesium and the fiber content in it is triple that found in white bread and whole flour products Vitamin B6 is particularly relevant as individual ages because it works to keep the immune system as strong as it can possibly be Do not just consume whole wheat bread but let whole wheat extend to pastas and baked goods as well

Wheat germ is full of a tremendous amount of nutrients and is excellent to sprinkle atop breakfast cereal or porridge to get the day off to a good start Wheat germ can also be sprinkled over yogurt, soaps, casseroles and a variety of other recipes as it has kind of a bland flavor that does not make it work well alone Consuming merely a quarter cup of wheat germ supplies a person with all of the B vitamins, as well as iron, zinc, magnesium and five grams of fiber Wheat germ is also rich in chromium, manganese and vitamin E

Scott Meyers is a staff writer for Its Entirely Natural, a resource for helping you achieve a naturally healthy body, mind, and spirit. You may contact our writers through the web site. Follow this link for more information on Nutrition & Health.

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One Complete Breathing System



Author : Steven Magill

If your passion is wine, then the following information will appeal to you When the first wine aerators were introduced, they were rather bulking and didn’t do a very efficient job However, there is a delicate balance that needs to be attained between the aerator and the glass Far too many people simply open a bottle of wine, pour, and sip, without any thought to the necessity of aeration Consider the following:

Harmony Between the Glass and the Aerator

For fans of aerators, there is simply no doubt as to the difference in the aroma and the taste after aeration Most will also agree that blending the glass and the aerator into one complete breathing system is imperative Some people neglect the importance of the glass, but those who are true connoisseurs understand this Most of the leading manufacturers of wineglasses, including Riedel Glassware, have taken steps to ensure the wine improves out of the bottle and into the glass Robert M Parker, Jr, who developed the 100-point scale for wine believes that the effect of Riedel glasses on fine wine are simply profound In his opinion, there is no substitute for the very best glasses

One of the latest designs of aerators for wine allows it to sit safely on the rim of the most expensive of wine glasses without causing any damage This would allow it to work in perfect harmony with the glass, no matter what the shape, size, or curve is Many of today’s aerators have simply forgotten what an integral part the glass is of the aeration process

The Wine Weaver vs the Vinutri

The Wine Weaver is rather unique, as it is the gentlest and the smoothest wine aerator available today While Vinutri has a well-designed product, some feel that the aeration is not soft enough to allow the wine to find the sweet spots on the curve of the glass This is very important, as it serves to further enhance the character, aromas, and flavor of the wine

The Wine Weaver was developed for everyday use Some of the most renowned Sommeliers in London helped design it, but were adamant about making sure the glass itself was in play This aerator delivers right into the curve of the glass, which is most important

A Final Thought

Few things in life may be enjoyed as a great glass of wine For many people, it’s one of the highlights of their day Make sure your next glass is of high quality with the right wine aerator

Finally, one complete breathing system is available for wine. Bring out the true aroma, character and flavor with one of these unique wine aerators.

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Hearty Chicken Recipes for the Family



Author : Patrick Carpen

Does your family love chicken? Mine does, but it’s so easy to get sucked into preparing repetitive recipes I started hunting around for new recipes in an attempt to reignite my family’s taste for chicken—and boy did I get lucky! I found some really great recipes, but my family’s three favorites have been included in this article I hope you, too, will take the initiative to try new recipes, especially if it means finding a new family favorite!

Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

5 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons butter
1 yellow onion, chopped
6 ounces egg noodles
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup shredded provolone cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10 ounce) package chopped frozen broccoli, thawed
salt and pepper to taste

Bring a large pan of water to boil, then cook the noodles in the boiling water for about 8 – 10 minutes Drain the noodles Grease a 9 x 13 inch dish and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F In a frying pan, melt the butter over a medium heat and sauté the onion for about 3 minutes, then mix in the flour Keep stirring while you add the chicken broth and milk Stir continuously until the sauce thickens Add salt and pepper Pour the noodles into the bottom of the dish, then top with chicken Place the broccoli on top of the chicken, then pour the sauce on top Mix the cheeses together, then sprinkle half of the mixture over the casserole Bake for about 20 minutes (or until the cheese has melted) Remove from the oven and sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top Let it sit for about 5 minutes so the additional cheese has a chance to melt

Chicken and Noodle Stir Fry

1 pound chicken breasts cut into chunks
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 package chicken flavored ramen noodles
1 cup cauliflower florets
1 cup broccoli florets
1 cup coarsely chopped cabbage
1 cup sliced celery
2 carrots, thinly sliced
1/2 cup fresh or canned bean sprouts
1 onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup teriyaki or soy sauce

Cook the Ramen noodles according to the directions on the package (set the seasoning packet aside) While that’s cooking, heat the oil in a skillet or wok, then add the chicken Stir fry this for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked Add in the vegetables and stir fry for another 4 minutes or so, then remove from heat Drain the noodles and add the seasoning to them, stirring well Add the stir fry to the noodles and pour in the teriyaki or soy sauce Mix well and serve

Lemon Chicken Breasts

4 chicken breast halves (skinless and boneless)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, red bell pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper Scoop out 1/4 cup of this mixture and set aside—this will be used for basting In the medium bowl, place the chicken breasts in the mixture and refrigerate for 20 minutes or so Once the chicken has marinated, preheat a grill at a high heat, lightly oiling the grill grate Drain the remaining marinade and put the chicken on the grill Cook for about 8 minutes on each side, checking to make sure that it is fully cooked Baste intermittently with the 1/4 cup reserved marinade

If you’re looking for recipes, take a look at the Platinum Recipes Collection. The Platinum Recipes Collection is the Internet’s Most Comprehensive Recipes Collection.

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Making A Difference An Organic Lifestyle



Author : Art Gib

Many Americans are trying to live an organic lifestyle in order to have healthier families and help the environment Some people may want to use organic goods, but don’t know where to begin or what to look for There are many ways to easily increase the use of natural products in our homes Here are some ideas for you and your family to consider

– Foods Choosing organic groceries as much as possible can make a real difference to both your health and the environment The increased use of naturally produced meats and produce has meant that the acreage of organic farmland has more than doubled in just the last three years alone! You can help keep the good news going by doing your part

Choosing natural meat products such as beef will virtually eliminate the influence of artificial hormones on your family’s health Mad Cow Disease has been linked to the use of animal protein-based feed in livestock; organically raised cattle eat greens from fields and organically grown feeds and are never given unnatural animal products to eat

Hormones in milk may cause early onset puberty in girls and other health issues: choose organic and you won’t have to worry about artificially created problems Natural beef and dairy products also taste much better!

Potatoes are the number one consumed vegetable in our nation If you switch to organic potatoes, you will not only reap the health benefits of not consuming pesticides, you will also be a catalyst for increased natural farmlands If demand for organic potatoes increases, more chemical-free fields will be set aside to grow them, and this can only mean good news for our delicate earth and streams

As for fruits, apples are one of the most pesticide-contaminated foods out there These chemicals have been linked to decreased intelligence and problems with attention in children, and other health issues for adults Organically grown apples and other fruit are chock full of nutritious vitamins and fiber, and one of these a day may indeed keep the doctor away

– Choose organic skin care and other personal products Women literally put hundreds of synthetic chemicals a day on their bodies! Some skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, itchy rashes, and allergic reactions are directly linked to these chemicals

Making the switch to natural products will contribute to more beautiful and healthy hair and skin; most of these goods also come in environmentally friendly packaging

Simply switching to organic foods and health care products is a good place as you try to start living a more natural life Begin slowly and gradually add more green practices to your household as you get used to organic living and become more informed You and your family will reap the benefits of living more organically, and so will the planet

You can easily get high quality organically grown steaks online or purchase other natural meats from Niman Ranch. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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Whole House Water Filter Guide



Author : Scott Goodman

More and more people are getting worried about the quality of the water that flows through their taps for drinking, showering and cleaning purposes because even though it passes quality control, which is monitored by the local Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is certified drinkable there are many minerals and even bacteria that still exist and can damage our health, skin and appliances

Here is why you should consider installing a whole house water filter system in order to gain guaranteed clean water for every requirement you have in your household

Choosing The Filter System Best For You

There is an assortment of whole house water filter systems that you can choose from and the main deciding point should be the answer if the house in which you are going to install it is rented or owned; for rented houses you will require a system that can be removed when you decide to move while for your own home you can invest in the more expensive types that are beneficial in the long run and do not need removing

Whole house water filters are installed directly in the pipe at the source from where water is supplied to the entire house and can cost anywhere from $99 to a few thousand dollars depending on the brand, type, size and life span it carries All water filters need changing occasionally and that needs to be taken in calculation when you decide on any one type, as that can cost you considerable taking in account that the flow of water through this filter is higher than that from just a tap and an inexpensive whole house water filter will probably makes its money in the filter replacements

Advantage Of Clean Healthy Water Everyday

Having a whole house water filter system will put your mind at ease anytime you choose to use the water whether it is for drinking purposes, washing or cleaning and the impact will soon be felt in the taste of the water, healthier skin, soft hair and better functioning appliances All these paybacks from the water filter system will in fact add to your savings as you do not need to buy bottled water, expensive lotion for treating your skin problems, masks and treatments for your hair and not to mention maintaining and repairing appliances such as the washing machine or dish washer, which can cost an arm and a leg

Another good part is that the water that gets to go back into the drain is also free of chemicals, minerals, and bacteria, meaning you are protecting the environment as well

Scott Goodman writes about many different subjects. For more information and articles about Water Filters please visit Water Filter News.

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The Secret to Top Cancer Fighting Foods



Author : Rusty McGlasson

There are many top cancer fighting foods out there You just have to know where to look and to be informed The main thing to remember when you are battling this disease or trying to prevent it, is to just keep it simple Eating a healthy diet is so important Try to avoid any kind of processed or prepared foods If at all possible try to do some home cooking When buying vegetables, buy organic I know it’s expensive, but I can’t stress enough how important that is

When fighting cancer, your body is already going through the battle of its life, you don’t want to ingest even the smallest amount of pesticides Even if you are trying to prevent cancer or just for overall health, organic fruits and vegetables are the best way to go Cruciferous vegetables which are broccoli, kale, bok choy, brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage are a powerhouse of cancer fighting properties Eating these foods lightly cooked or raw provides the best in cancer protection Also, look for the dark green leafy vegetables such as romaine lettuce, collards, spinach and beet leaves

Adding garlic to your diet is huge People who eat raw or cooked garlic daily, cut their risk for stomach and colorectal cancer from those who eat little or nothing at all Citrus fruit such as lemons, limes, grapefruit and oranges are loaded with vitamin c, which mean a lot of antioxidants That’s a really good thing, believe me Strawberries, blueberries and cranberries are also huge in the antioxidant department

Tomatoes have what is called lycopene which sets this and other red fruits apart Eating lycopene rich foods has a great impact on protecting against cancers of the stomach, colon, lung, throat, breast and prostate Just snack on some watermelon, and red grapefruits, slice up a tomato, add a little olive oil A small change like that can add lycopene to your diet

Selenium is a trace mineral which is also an antioxidant Brazil nuts are high in selenium and one or two a day is enough Other foods high in selenium are chicken, seafood and mushrooms

If trying to eat all this food on a daily basis sounds a bit daunting, try juicing I know juicers can be expensive, but believe me when I say, it’s worth it For those of us who don’t want to chew our veggies, drinking them is just as nutritious

Just remember there are a lot of top cancer fighting foods out there The key to good health is proper nutrition and exercise You can’t have one with out the other They are a team and they go together, there’s no way around that

If you want to find out more about super foods, nutrition and the importance of vitamins and minerals visit VitaminsBenefits.com

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Perfect Pie Recipes for All Occasions



Author : Patrick Carpen

Whether you seek that fresh out of the oven masterpiece to warm you on a winter’s night, or if you want a nice chilled and light-tasting pie, there are certainly hundreds out there for you to choose from! Finding the right recipe could pose a bit of a challenge, though! To aid you in your quest for a great tasting pie, this article will include several of my favorite pie recipes Try them out; you never know if there is a new favorite in store for you!

Peanut Butter Pie

Ingredients:
20 fun size Snickers bars, chopped
2 fun size Snickers bars, chopped
3 tbsp of half and half
2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup chocolate fudge topping
1/4 cup chocolate syrup
4 cups of frozen whipped cream, thawed
1 cup frozen whipped cream, thawed
1 (9 inch) graham cracker crust

Directions:
Put the 20 candy bars, half and half, chocolate fudge topping, and peanut butter into a sauce pan Melt the mixture on a low heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture is smooth Remove from heat and begin to fold in the whipped cream Pour this mixture into the graham cracker crust and pop in the freezer overnight Top the pie with whipped cream and sprinkle on the two remaining chopped Snickers bars Drizzle with chocolate syrup and serve

Coconut Cream Pie

Ingredients:
1 (9-in) pie shell (baked)
1 cup of flaked coconut (toasted)
3 cups of half and half
3/4 cup of white sugar
1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1/4 tsp of salt
2 eggs
1 cup of frozen whipped cream (thawed)

Directions:
In a sauce pan, combine the half and half, sugar, flour, eggs, and salt Set to a low heat and bring to a boil, but be sure to stir continuously Remove from heat and stir in about 3/4 cup of the toasted coconut Add the vanilla extract and stir well Pour into the pie shell and chill for about 3 hours, or until the pie firms up Top with whipped cream and sprinkle on the remaining toasted coconut

Key Lime Pie

Ingredients:
1 (9-in) prepared graham cracker crust
3/4 cup of key lime juice
1/2 cup of sour cream
3 cups of condensed milk
1 tbsp of grated lime zest

Directions:
Combine the condensed milk, lime juice, sour cream, and lime rind in a medium-sized bowl Stir well, then pour into the graham cracker crust Bake at 350 degrees F for about 6 or 7 minutes (or until tiny bubbles appear on the surface) Chill the pie for a few hours before serving Garnish with whipped cream

Dutch Apple Pie

Ingredients:
1 (9-in) pie shell
5 cups of apples (sliced)
2/3 cup of white sugar
2 tbsp of flour
11/4 tsp ground allspice
/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup of packed brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp lemon zest
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup of butter

Directions:
Place the pastry shell into the freezer Place the apple slices into a large bowl In a separate bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of flour, white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice Mix this very well, then add to the apples Toss the apples around until they are evenly coated, then pour the mixture into the pie shell Drop 2 tablespoons of butter onto the apple mixture Lay a piece of aluminum foil on top of the pie, but don’t seal it Bake at 425 degrees F for about 10 minutes To make the topping, combine 3/4 cup of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, brown sugar, lemon peel, and oats Remove the pie from the oven and sprinkle the oat mixture on top, then cover lightly with aluminum foil Turn the oven’s heat down to 375 degrees F and return the pie to bake for another 30 minutes

If you’re looking for recipes, take a look at the Platinum Recipes Collection.
The Platinum Recipes Collection is the Internet’s Most Comprehensive Recipes Collection.

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Recipes For Ice Flakers To Encourage Culinary Creativity



Author : Dominic Donaldson

In the catering industry there are more bits of commercial preparation equipment than you could shake a Betterware catalogue at Some items are absolutely essential, but others are destined to be demoted to the back of the bottom draw never to see the light of day again; just like a set of nesting egg cups with a built in potato peeler Sometimes it is just a matter of knowing how to best use the equipment that has been purchased and make the most of an investment

Unlike the 2 99 specials found in the aforementioned culinary catalogue, the cost of commercial catering equipment can be a huge investment An Ice flaker for example can cost in excess of 3,000 GBP, not an investment you want to be relegating to the mop cupboard In all fairness, if this amount of money has been spent on an ice machine, there is probably an expectation that the establishment in question will have a large ice consumption rate

These mega machines are designed to produce massive amounts of ice in a short space of time, generally to keep up with the demand for ice in drinks in a busy bar or restaurant The quality of the ice is dependent on the rate of water evaporation and flow to produce ice of varying hardness and the machines are priced according to the technical specifications; the price also reflects the storage capacity of the flakers There are options available that don’t cost a few months’ wages and are still suitable for a commercial catering establishment, albeit on a much smaller scale

Hand powered crushers or flakers are available for less than 20 GBP, and although useful for a small cafe that serves the occasional frappuccino, are probably better suited to a domestic kitchen environment To avoid the death knoll of rejection once the last home-made slush puppy has been poured here are a few ideas to ensure the ice flaker remains a constant kitchen companion

The obvious choice for using ice flakes or crushed ice is a cocktail A long and cool glass of spirits, vermouth, soda and fruit juices are just as popular on a hot summer’s afternoon as they are at a cocktail party Why not try concocting something known as a Bourbon Swizzle; it is a sweet and sour yet warming drink, the spice of which is complemented by the addition of cooling crushed ice

In a shaker filled half way with cubes of ice add 2 shots of lime juice, 4 shots of bourbon, a teaspoon of sugar and a dash of Angostura Bitters; shake the mix thoroughly In a highball glass, fill to the two thirds level with ice flakes then strain and pour in the cocktail mix Make sure to leave enough room to add about 150 ml of soda water; add a straw, umbrella and enjoy!

For a non alcoholic treat, a fresh fruit crush is a tantalising treat Try varying the consistency to produce either an icy drink, or a cool fruit sorbet like dessert Simply take equal amounts of two fruits, for example mango and pineapple and mix in a blender with a complementary fruit juice such as apple Add a cup of crushed ice and blend until smooth, pop in a glass and garnish with some fresh fruit

Finally, as an unusual treat, use the ice flaker to create a cooling and crunchy Japanese salad Rip up a selection of lettuce and herb leaves and place thinly sliced avocado and squid in the centre Around the edge, carefully lay out deseeded tomato, finely chopped and then sprinkle the whole dish with crushed ice

Dominic Donaldson is an expert in the catering industry.
Find out more about Ice Flakers and the differences in size, production and storage capacity at Ascot Wholesale.

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