Amaranth
Properties: Cooling nature.; bitter and sweet flavor. Amaranth is a tiny, sesame seed size grain that has a nutty and
slightly bitter taste. Technically speaking, amaranth is not a grain,
but an edible seed of a strikingly red leafed plant. The leaves of
the plant are also edible, and make a beautiful addition to salads.
Amaranth is often overlooked, yet is considered to be a storehouse
of protein, amino acids, fiber, vitamin C, and calcium. When
combined with other grains, it can disappear into dishes and add
a great deal of nutritive value. Small quantities of cooked
amaranth added to baked goods will help them to retain moisture
and lightness. The seed and leaves are an effective astringent,
making it useful in the treatment of diarrhea, excessive
menstruation, and bloody stools and urine.
Amaranth Pancakes
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/4 cup amaranth flour
1 cup rice milk
1 T sunflower oil
1/4 t salt
2 t baking powder
Combine dry ingredients in a bowel. In a small saucepan, heat oil
over medium heat, then remove from heat and add rice milk. Stir
and add slowly into the dry ingredients until the batter is moist.
Heat a griddle or skillet and drizzle with oil. Spoon batter on
griddle and cook until you see the bubbles popping on the top,
which takes about 3 minutes. Flip pancakes and cook another
minute.
Apple
Properties: cooling, sweet, and sour.
As fall settles in, and the leaves begin to change, apples are our
last taste of locally seasonal fruit to enjoy. Everyone knows that
eating an apple a day keeps the doctor away - but did you ever
wonder why?
Produces fluids; lubricates the lungs; promotes digestion;
stimulates appetite; relieves intoxication.
Eating apples prevents both constipation and diarrhea. Apples
and apple juice are cleansing to the liver and gallbladder, and
have been found to soften gall stones. Fresh apple juice or apple
sauce also contains penicillin-like properties and effectively aids
in cases of the stomach flu.
Because of it's cooling properties, it can help bring down a fever.
Make a poultice of a finely grated apple, spread 1/2 inch thick
over a cheesecloth and lay over the forehead for an hour. Or
apply the poultice over the eyes to soothe sunburn and "pinkeye".
A delicious and soothing remedy for an acidic or upset stomach
is to boil 1 Tablespoon of roasted barley with 1/2 of an apple in
3 cups of water for about 20 minutes. Drink as needed.
Baked Apples
10 apples of any kind
1 48 oz jar, organic apple juice
¼ cup raisins
3 T agar agar flakes
2 star anise
1 stick of cinnamon (optional)
Cut apples into chunks and remove the inner cores. In a medium
sized casserole dish, add raisins, then the cut apples. Cover with
3 cups of apple juice and 1 cup water and bake at 350° for 1 hour.
Meanwhile on the stovetop, bring 4 cups of apple juice with 1 cup
water to a slow boil and add star anise. Simmer until apples are
cooked. When apples are about ready, add the agar agar to the
apple juice, simmer 5 more minutes, and remove from stove. Pull
out the apples, add apple juice preparation, and serve hot. For
added flavor, try grating organic orange rind as a garnish.
Artichoke
Artichokes are an edible variety of thistle, originating in the
Mediterranean. Though they may look intimidating to cook, they
are really quite easy to prepare and provide many valuable
healing qualities. Artichokes contain cynarin, which lowers
cholesterol and keeps serum triglyceride levels low. It also
improves the liver and gallbladder functions, which makes them
a great food to eat in the spring when your body is going through
it's natural cleansing process. Artichokes are an easily digested
food, and overall increase energy. Due to it's inulin content, it is a
useful food for diabetics due to it's ability to improve blood sugar
balance. Studies have recently revealed it's ability to neutralize
toxins in the body. It also benefits the heart and the gastrointestinal
tract. In the past, artichokes were prescribed by doctors to improve
"bedroom performance" due to it's strong aphrodisiac qualities.
Stuffed Chokes
2 artichokes
1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
1-2 T olive oil
2 T romano cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Trim the top of the artichokes and the sides with scissors so as to
create a flat edge rather than a pointy tip. Mix the remaining
ingredients, and shove the bread crumb mixture down between
the leaves of the artichoke. Place in a pot with enough water to
cover the bottom of the artichokes. Cover and steam for 40
minutes, being sure to check the water to make sure all the water
doesn't evaporate. Try adding a tablespoon of vinegar into the
water for an added twist. When you eat the leaves, scrape the
meat off the leaves with your teeth, leaving the tough skin behind.
Asparagus
Properties: slightly warm and pungent; bitter.
Asparagus was first cultivated by the Ancient Romans, though it
was introduced to them by the Phoenicians. In England, Russia,
and Poland, wild asparagus covers the countryside. Wild
asparagus is quite a delicacy in the spring if you can manage to
find it! It is in the lily family. Asparagus contains a substance
called asparagine, a very effective kidney diuretic, breaking up
the oxalic and uric acid crystals in the kidneys and muscles, and
eliminating them through the urine. In this sense, it also serves as
a diuretic. Due to it's high fiber nature, it can also help evacuate
the bowels. Asparagus helps the body clean cholesterol out of the
arteries and is therefore useful in cases of hypertension and
arteriosclerosis. It is a good blood builder due to its high content
of chlorophyll and also builds and supports the liver, kidneys,
ligaments, bones, and skin. Save the water from cooking
asparagus, store it in the fridge, and use it to clean the face
morning and evening to help remove blemishes, blackheads,
and pimples.
Pureed Asparagus Soup
1 ½ pounds asparagus, ends cut off
1 leek
2 large potatoes, sliced
4 cups vegetable broth
Sprig of mint (if available)
1 teaspoon lemon juice
In saucepan, add all ingredients. Cook on medium heat until the
potatoes are tender (about 20 minutes). Puree.
Avocado
Avocados are a delicious and rare source of fruit oil, which gives
it that smooth creamy texture, and high energy quality. Despite
popular belief, their high fat content doe not make it an unhealthy
fruit. Avocados are high in iron and copper, which help red blood
cells to regenerate and prevent anemia. The Aztecs in Mexico
referred to the avocados as "testicle tree", not only because of its
appearance, but also due to its ability to "excite sexual passion."
Studies have shown avocados effect on lowering cholesterol when
regularly consumed. They have also been proven to protect
against liver damage. Avocados have a laxative quality as well,
making a good remedy for bouts of constipation. They soothe the
digestive tract. When a regular part of your diet they improve hair
and skin quality too. Try mashing an avocado and adding two
teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. Apply to face for a
moisturizing face mask. Leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse with
warm water. Avocados are best purchased when they are give
in to gentle pressure.
Avocado Orange Dressing
This simple and delicious salad dressing makes a great topping
to salad and whole grains.
1 avocado, peeled, and skin removed
Juice of one orange
1 T apple cider vinegar
2 t sea salt
Add ingredients to blender. Puree. Done!
Banana
Bananas are a great source of nutritional energy. They are rich in
potassium, and many other vitamins and minerals which benefits
the nervous and muscular system. Bananas detoxify the body and
are useful in the treatment of drug addiction. If suffering from
hemorrhoids, try steaming a whole banana in its skin and eating
it twice a day on an empty stomach. The ripe pulp and skin of the
banana have antifungal and antibiotic properties and is very
beneficial for feeding positive bacteria in the bowel. They also
help to lower cholesterol, heal gastric ulcers, and promote sleep.
Be sure to eat ripe bananas, for they are easier to digest.
Unripe bananas can be constipating, while ripe ones can act as a
laxative. In Central America, cooked banana is used as remedy for
diarrhea. If you are looking to build body mass and add more
muscle and strength to the body, bananas will help active people
to gain weight when consumed in high quantities.
Berry Banana Smoothie
This is a great power drink to get going in the morning!
1 banana, peeled
3-4 strawberries
1/2 cup organic yogurt
1/2 cup soy or rice milk
1 T maple syrup
1 t bee pollen
1 t spirulina
ice
Add ingredients to blender. Puree. Drink immediately.
Beets
Properties: Sweet flavor, neutral thermal nature
Not many people openly admit to liking beets, but perhaps that
is because most people haven't given these red beauties a chance.
Beets are wonderful grated fresh into grains to add a nice pinkish
color, or baked whole for an earthy, sweet treat.
Beets are very cleansing to the body and build strong blood. They
strengthen the heart, sedate the spirit, improve circulation, cleanse
the liver and gallbladder, moisten the intestines, and promote
menstruation. Combined with carrots, beets regulate hormones
during menopause. Anti-cancerous. High in silicon and iron.
Beet Borscht - A traditional Russian recipe
1 1/4 cup raw beets
3/4 cup celery
3/4 cup carrots
3/4 cup minced scallions
1 cup shredded cabbage
3 t grated ginger root
2 1/2 cups vegetable stock (or bouillon)
3 t caraway seeds
Pinch of grated orange rind, basil, and thyme
1/2 cup pureed tomatoes
1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup vodka
Cut the celery, carrots, and beets into strips and add to a stock pot
with the vegetable broth. Add scallions, spices, and tomatoes. Stir
and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the cabbage, apple cider, and
vodka and simmer another 15 minutes. Serves 4-6.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat, also known as kasha, is similar in nutrient content to
other grains, but is actually a fruit and not at all related to wheat.
It originated in Siberia and northern India, and later spread to the
rest of Asia. It contains 15-20% protein and contains B-vitamins,
vitamin E, potassium, some iron, calcium, manganese,
phosphorus, and fiber. Buckwheat is one of those hardy, warming
foods for a cold winter day. Roasted buckwheat is red and has a
fluffier consistency. Non-roasted buckwheat is more white in color.
Buckwheat is packed with power, containing all eight essential
amino acids. It strengthens the capillaries and blood vessels,
cleans and strengthens the intestines, improves appetite, increases
vitality, reduces blood pressure, and increases circulation to the
hands and feet.
Buckwheat Salad
1 cup toasted buckwheat
2 cups water
3 T fresh cilantro or parsley
1 1/2 cup s steamed collards, chopped
1 cup sauerkraut
Dash of sea salt
Sesame seeds to garnish
Dressing:
1 T tamari
1 T ume plum vinegar
1 T olive oil
Dry roast buckwheat in a pan for a couple of minutes. Put aside.
Bring water to boil, then add buckwheat and salt, and simmer 20
minutes. Saut? cilantro or parsley with a teaspoon of water and oil
in a separate saucepan, then add to buckwheat. Stir in the steamed
collards and sauerkraut. Add dressing and garnish with sesame
seeds.
Dandelion Greens
Properties: Bitter flavor
As we come into the spring, we need to eat our bitter greens! And
dandelion greens are about as bitter as you get. But that bitter taste
serves as a powerful ally for cleansing the liver as we transition
through the seasons. The greens can be added fresh into salads or
saut?ed with other greens like collards to mellow out the flavor.
Dandelion is regarded as a blood cleanser, digestive aid, and
tonic. It is also an excellent medicine for the liver, and it's bitter
properties increase the flow of bile to the gallbladder and improve
conditions like liver
congestion and hepatitis. It also cleanses the liver and detoxifies
any poisons within the body. This aids in the healing of skin
disorders, jaundice, menstrual troubles, and irregularities in
blood pressure. The young greens are high in Vit.C, potassium,
B-vitamins, and calcium (more than spinach!).
Dandelion Broccoli Salad with Tahini Dressing
1/2 head broccoli, chopped, and steamed
1/2 head red or green leaf lettuce
1 bunch dandelion
1/4 package sprouts
Tahini dressing:
1/2 cup tahini
1/2 cup water
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp. cumin
Soy sauce to taste
Prepare vegetables and set aside in bowl. Make the dressing, and
pour over vegetables. Simple!
Jerusalem Artichoke
Properties: Sweet flavor.
Jerusalem artichoke (also known as sunchoke) is neither from
Jerusalem or an artichoke. It is a delicious thick root of a yellow
sunflower that is crisp, delicate, and sweet. Most have never tried
them which is a tragedy considering how tasty they are.
Hopefully you will give them a try. Try grating them into a salad
or even steaming.
Jerusalem artichokes nourish the lungs, relieve asthmatic
conditions, and treat constipation. Diabetics can easily eat this
tuber because it contains inulin and won't effect blood sugar
levels. It contains no starch yet provides a source of energy and
strength. If ever you feel low on energy and weak, Jerusalem
artichoke is a good thing to eat.
Lemon Chokes
This is a simple, quick, and delicious way to prepare these
wonderful roots!
10 jerusalem artichokes (leave skin on)
1/2 lemon or lime
1 T extra virgin olive oil
Cut artichokes in half, throw in a pot, and cover with water. Boil
about 25 minutes (or until soft, but not mushy), strain, and add
lemon juice and oil, and serve. You don't need to do anything
else to it, it is so good!
Millet
Properties: Sweet and salty flavor.
Millet is the "queen of grains." It is the most ancient cereal grain
used in history, and is more ancient than rice, barley, wheat, or rye.
It is native to the East Indies and North Africa.
In the US, it is most commonly used as bird food. Millet contains
nearly 15% protein and is overall a very nutritious grain. It
contains high amounts of fiber, silica, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin,
iron, magnesium, potassium, and little vitamin E. It is also
warming and a great winter grain. It combines well with sweet
rice, rice, corn, cornmeal, amaranth, sweet vegetables. It is a
gluten-free grain.
Actions: Millet is a diuretic. It strengthens the kidneys and is
beneficial to the stomach, spleen, and pancreas. Sweetens breath.
Helps prevent miscarriage. Anti-fungal and therefore useful
with candida and other yeast infections. Soothes morning
sickness.
Millet and Squash
This seasonal winter dish sticks to your ribs and makes a great
accompaniment to steamed greens and a bean dish.
2 cups millet, soaked
6 inch piece of Kombu seaweed
1 ½ cups of butternut or acorn squash, cubed
6 scallions, sliced as a garnish
5 cups water
½ teaspoon salt
Place the kombu on the bottom of a pot and add the squash. Add
millet, water, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce to a low and allow to simmer for 30
minutes. Garnish with scallions for an extra bite.
Serves 4 - 6.
Parsnips
Properties: warming, sweet flavor.
Parsnips look like white carrots, and in fact, they are in the carrot
family, and are the most nourishing of roots in the family. They
have a strong, sweet taste that is good by itself or thrown into
other dishes. Add it to a pot of soup to aid in coughs, colds, and
shortness of breath. It is also helpful to eat when experiencing
headaches, dizziness, arthritis, or rheumatism. Parsnips have
diuretic properties and are especially healing to the stomach,
kidneys, and spleen. They are also energizing and cleansing to
the body and improve bowel action.
Split Pea and Roots Soup
Add a little sweetness to your ordinary split pea soup by adding
some sweet roots!
3 T ghee or butter
1 small onion, cubed
2 sticks celery, sliced
1 carrot
1 yam
1 turnip
2 parsnips
1 1/2 cups yellow split pea
6 cups water
1 stick of kombu (optional)
1 bay leaf
1 bullion cube
Black pepper to taste
Heat ghee over medium heat in saucepan. Add black pepper, bay
leaf, and onion. Saut? 5 minutes. Add celery and saut? until
golden. Add lentils, water, kombu, and bullion and let simmer
15 minutes. While that is cooking, cut the root vegetables into
small chunks. Add to pot and cook for another 20-30 minutes.
Optional twist: add 1-2 T of red wine vinegar at the very end
before serving.
Pumpkin
Properties: sweet, slightly bitter, cooling thermal nature.
When we think of eating pumpkin around this time of the year, it
is usually in the context of a pumpkin pie! But pumpkins and
other squashes, such as acorn and butternut, make wonderful
additions to fall meals. Simply cut in chunks, remove seeds, and
bake at 400? for about an hour.
Those suffering from dysentery, eczema, and edema benefit from
eating pumpkin. It also helps regulate blood sugar balance and
benefits the pancreas (good news for diabetes and hypoglycemia.)
Bronchial asthma and cough are also improved due to pumpkin's
ability to promote the discharge of mucus from the lungs, bronchi,
and throat. Try applying the fresh pulp to burns and headaches,
said to cool and relieve pain. Pumpkin, and especially pumpkin
seeds, destroy intestinal worms, too.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
1 small pumpkin, peeled and chopped into small chunks
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic
1 vegetable bullion
1 T olive oil
2 cups soy or rice milk
1/2 t each of pepper, marjoram, and fennel seeds
4 T dark maple syrup
Add chunks of pumpkin to a soup pot and cover with water. Bring
to a boil and cook until thoroughly cooked. Set aside. Saut? spices
in oil for 1 minute, then add garlic and onions. When onions are
semi-translucent, turn off heat. Blend pumpkin with blender or
hand blender until creamy, add onions, and soy milk, and return
to stove. Simmer on low for another 10 minutes to blend flavors
and add maple syrup at end before serving.
Potatoes
Potatoes seem to get a bad rap for causing you to gain weight, or
being an empty, white food, but the fact is that there are lots of
healing benefits that come along with potatoes, and all the
troubles associated with them have more to do with all the frying
and topping we ADD to them. They are mildly diuretic. They also
neutralize body acids (helpful in cases of arthritis and
rheumatism). Steamed potatoes retain the most vitamins and
minerals, but once they're boiled and fried, they don't retain much
nutritional value. Raw potatoes and their juice are cleansing to our
bodies, benefiting the liver, muscles, and tissues. It also contains
antibiotic properties and is high in Vitamin C, minerals, and
enzymes. The juice lowers blood pressure and treats ulcers. The
skin of the potato contains acidophilus culture. Potato externally
is remarkable for it's ability to reduce inflammation from bruises,
burns, fractures hemorrhoids, arthritis, sprains, and eczema. It has
the power to draw out pus from sores and wounds. Try slicing a
potato and applying to the eyes for eyestrain.
Pink Glories
This dish is dashingly pink and delicious. Great as a dinner
side dish.
2 russet potatoes, in quarter thick slices (leave on the skins)
Topping:
8 T Nayonnaise (Tofu Mayonnaise)
4 T finely minced celery
4 T finely grated beet
2 t apple cider vinegar
2 t Ume plum vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Steam the potatoes. Assemble on a dish. Combine all ingredients
for topping, and dollop on top of the potatoes.
Quinoa
Properties: Sweet and salty flavor.
Quinoa, known as "the mother grain" among the Incas, has been
cultivated since at least 3,000 B.C. It is very high in protein, iron,
calcium, B-vitamins, and minerals. Quinoa looks like a cross
between a sesame seed and millet.
It is one of those quick cooking grains (10-15 minutes) making it
practical for today's fast-paced society.
Quinoa is generally strengthening to the entire body. It is the
highest in protein and fat of all the grains. It's gluten free, making
it a good alternative grain to those with wheat allergies. It tonifies
the kidneys, and eases digestion. Contains more calcium than
milk . Quinoa is an excellent food for nursing mothers, due to its
ability to stimulate the flow of milk.
Quinoa Corn Salad
2 cups quinoa, dry
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup corn
1 small bunch of cilantro, chopped
1 T cumin powder
Red Wine Vinegar
Olive oil
Salt
Measure quinoa, add to mixing bowel, and cover with water. Let
sit overnight or at least a couple of hours. This removes the bitter
taste. Drain. Add 1 1/2 fresh water to soaked quinoa, cover, and
simmer for 15-20 minutes (or until grain is fully cooked). It should
turn out kernely, not mushy, for the grain salad. Add cooked
quinoa to a bowel, and add remaining ingredients. Serve at room
temperature. This makes a great pot-luck or picnic item!
Rhubarb
Botanically speaking, rhubarb is classified as a vegetable, but is
often referred to as a fruit because of it's popularity in jams and
pies. When you're choosing rhubarb in the market, look for thin,
pink or red stalks instead of the more stringy and tough green
stalks. Rhubarb is never eaten raw due to it's high content of
oxalic acid, which is remedied by cooking it. The stalks need lots
of sweetening to be edible, but have a wonderful, tart flavor. It is
high in potassium and calcium.
Rhubarb acts as a laxative, assisting the most stubborn
constipation bouts. On the other hand, it also acts as an astringent
in cases of diarrhea when used in small amounts. It has been
shown to block tumors. In China, rhubarb is used in the treatment
of cancer, with good success. It is also shown to relieve the
itchiness and pain that accompany arthritis and psoriasis. A
liquid solution of the rhubarb root has been shown to lower
cholesterol.
Rhubarb Buckwheat Crumble
1/4 cup sunflower oil
2 T honey
1/2 cup buckwheat flour
1/2 cup arrowroot
1/3 cup ground almonds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 t cardamom
5 cups thinly sliced rhubarb
1/4 cup arrowroot
1/2 cup honey
1/3 cup water
Heat oil and 2 T of honey in a saucepan until the honey melts. Stir
in the buckwheat flour, 1/2 cup arrowroot, ground almonds, and
spices. When the mixture is crumbly, set aside. Put the rhubarb in
a saucepan and add 1/4 cup arrowroot, stir, and add 1/2 cup
honey and 1/3 cup water. Cook over medium heat, being sure to
stir, until the mixture comes to a boil.
Let boil a minute and then Pour into a square pan. Top with the
crumble and bake at 350° for 40 minutes.
Strawberry
Properties: cool, sweet and sour.
Strawberries are perhaps the most popular of berries - and as we
come into this summer season, we begin to see them popping up
at local produce stands and farm markets. Yum! When selecting
berries, look for ones that are deeply colored, fragrant, and
unblemished. Avoid ones with white or green tips, as they haven't
been given enough time to ripen on the vine and won't be as
sweet. Strawberries are one of the fruits that is crucial to buy
organic - commercial strawberries are loaded with pesticides.
Strawberries are a boasted skin cleansing food - in fact, they may
at first cause skin eruptions due to their ability to cleanse the
blood of harmful toxins. Try cutting a strawberry in half and rub
over the face to whiten the skin and remove a mild sunburn.
Strawberries also lubricate the lungs, strengthen the spleen, and
provide relief to intoxication. They are anti-cancerous. They are
also high in sodium and thereby are eliminative and are good for
the intestinal tract (however, they can be irritating in cases of
colitis or inflammation of the bowel). In cases of dry cough, sore
throat, and hoarseness, drink a glass of fresh strawberry juice in
the morning and evening. To relieve indigestion and abdominal
pain, try eating fresh strawberries before your meal three times in
the day.
Strawberry Salad
1 head of red lettuce
1/2 pint strawberries, washed and sliced thin
3 T sunflower seeds
1 T ground golden flax seeds
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt
Combine first four ingredients. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic
vinegar to taste, and a dash of salt.
Sweet Potatoes and Yams
Properties: Sweet flavor, cooling nature.
Often time people confuse sweet potatoes and yams, and while
they look alike, they actually come from different plant families.
Yams are thought to have originated in West Africa and actually
grow above ground but the weight on the stems causes the yam to
be partially submerged in the earth like an exposed tuber. Sweet
potatoes are native to the West Indies and the southern United
States and are not related to the standard white potato. They are
actually in the morning glory family. There are hundreds of
varieties of sweet potatoes and most yams sold in the States are
actually sweet potatoes with a reddish flesh. No wonder we are
all confused! Sweet potatoes are so nutritious and are central to
the diet in many cultures. They are easily digestible and healing
to the intestines, kidneys, and spleen-pancreas. They are also
helpful for inflamed colons, poor blood circulation, and lactating
women. Yams have many medicinal uses ranging from PMS to
colitis. Both sweet potatoes and yams contain phytochelatins
which can bind to heavy metals and can therefore help in
detoxifying the body of copper, mercury, lead, and cadmium.
Cajun Sweet Potatoes
2 sweet potatoes, cubed
3 T olive oil
1 t cajun seasoning
1 garlic clove, sliced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350. Place cubed sweet potatoes in a baking dish.
Add remaining ingredients, stir, cover and bake for 45 minutes to
an hour. Serves 2-3 people.
Tofu
Tofu is made from soybeans that have been made into milk, into
which a coagulant (nigari or lemon juice) is added, and the curds
are collected and pressed to make tofu. This processing of the
soybean makes it easier to digest and creates a vegetable protein
source that is high in B-vitamins, calcium, phosphorous, iron,
sodium, and potassium. Tofu has a cooling property, and will
relieve inflammation of the stomach. It is also used as an energy
tonic. It detoxifies the body and neutralizes toxins, making is
useful in cases of alcoholism. You will see tofu sold in many
forms: Extra Firm, Firm, Soft, and Silken. Which tofu you choose
depends on the kind of dish you are going to prepare. In general,
it is best to use extra firm and firm for stir fries, baked tofu, fried
tofu, and the like. The soft and silken forms of tofu are great in
desserts.
Sweetheart Chocolate Mousse
This mousse makes a sumptuous and healthy adjunct to a love
feast, just in time for Valentines Day. Simple and easy to prepare,
it is guaranteed to impress!
1 12.3 oz box of silken tofu
1/2 cup grain-sweetened chocolate chips
1/2 t cinnamon
1/2 t allspice
1/2 t cardamom
1/2 t hazelnut or vanilla extract
2 T maple syrup
Double boil the chocolate and add the spices. Stir until melted
(about 10 minutes). Put the tofu in a blender, and add the melted
chocolate mixture. Add remaining ingredients and blend until
smooth and creamy. Pour into wine glasses and top with tofu
whipped cream and fresh raspberries.
Turnips and Rutabagas
Properties: neutral, thermal nature; bitter, pungent, and sweet
flavor.
Some of you may have wondered at some point - what is the
difference between a turnip and a rutabaga? The rutabaga is
believed to be a unique hybrid of turnip and wild cabbage that
originate d around the middle ages in northern Europe. The
rutabaga has a golden color within and tends to be more sweet
than the turnip, which typically has a white flesh. They both build
blood, remove stagnant blood, promote sweating, relieve
coughing, clear food stagnation, and improve appetite. Turnips
and rutabagas are great agents for detoxifying the body due to
it's high sulfur content. They help treat a variety of conditions,
including: indigestion, diabetes, constipation, jaundice, asthma,
bronchial disorders, and sinus problems. For those interested in
lowering cholesterol levels, try eating these once a week.
Rutabaga and Turnip Galore
This is a simple, quick, and delicious way to prepare these
wonderful roots!
1 rutabaga
1 turnip
1-2 T extra virgin olive oil
1/2 lemon
1-2 t kelp powder
Cut rutabaga and turnip into slices or chunks, and boil for about
25 minutes, or until soft. Place in a serving bowel and add oil,
lemon, and kelp, toss, and serve!
Watermelon
Properties: Cooling, thermal nature.
What could be more scrumptious than a cool slice of watermelon
on a hot summer day? It use for thirst goes way back. Watermelon
originated in the desert of Africa, where it was used as a source of
water due to it's 90% water content. Interestingly, watermelon has
half the sugar of an apple, but tastes much sweeter because it's
main taste-producing element is sugar.
Besides tasting delicious, watermelon has numerous healing
qualities. It relieves mental depression, believe it or not. And it's
high water content makes it a powerful cleanser and detoxifier for
the entire body. It is a safe diuretic and can quickly and
completely wash out the bladder, as well as moisten the intestines.
Watermelon is useful in cases of urinary difficulties, canker sores,
edema, and kidney/urination infections. Drink a glass of fresh
watermelon juice to relieve dizziness from sunstroke. Try eating a
piece of watermelon immediately after a meal of beans to relieve
or reduce gas.
Refreshing Watermelon Ice Drink
2 cups watermelon chunks (you don't need to de-seed them)
2-4 cups water
Ice
1 t grated lime zest
Place watermelon and water in blender. Puree. Strain to remove
the seed pulp and press to expel all the juice. Add lime zest and
ice, and blend until you get a nice icey consistency. Serve
immediately.
