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Fruits & Vegetables

To Mince, or to Buy Minced?

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Since the Middle Ages, garlic has been known for its variety of health benefits from reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, to curing the common cold.  Not only is it a friend to our health but an essential ingredient in the kitchen.  Many recipes call for minced garlic therefore, it’s a pretty handy item to have ready-made in the fridge.   You can either buy your own pre-made minced garlic (longer shelf life) or you can make your own (shorter shelf life but fresh taste).

I like to store my minced garlic in a glass jar soaked in olive oil.  Like garlic, olive oil is also known for its health benefits.  Olive oil helps with obesity, diabetes, lowers blood pressure and has other medicinal benefits. Note: ask your doctor for dosage information.

It is important to note you must refrigerate immediately and use within the week as there are no preservatives and you want to avoid botulism.   If you buy a pre-packaged minced garlic be sure to check the expiration date and storage instructions.

MINCED GARLIC:  a glass jar, garlic (whatever you will need for the week), olive oil, garlic mincer or food processor.

  • Circumcise each clove of garlic and remove all the skin.

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  • Either mince or place in a food processor and pulse until garlic is minced.

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  • Pour olive oil in a glass jar.

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  • Add the minced garlic and add olive oil if needed.

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  • Refrigerate immediately.
  • Discard within the week.

Bon Appetit!

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Sailing with Summer Squash

It’s summertime and I’ll never say no to a boat ride.  Since I don’t actually have a boat, may as well make one using one of my favorite summertime squashes: the zucchini.  This summer vegetable (also a fruit) is not only delicious but low in calories, contains potassium and  Vitamins A and C.

Summer Squash Sails:  zucchini, mozzarella cheese, marinara sauce, basil, minced garlic, turmeric, oregano

  • Cut the zucchini down the middle and scoop out the inside. Lay on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • IMG_6754Mix spices and minced garlic with marinara sauce.
  • Fill zucchini with marinara sauce.  Top with mozzarella cheese.
  • You can also add chopped onions or any other spices you desire.
  • Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 18 minutes.
  • Tip:  If you want the zucchini to be softer first bake zucchini with the sauce for 18 mins.  Take out of oven then add the cheese and bake another 12 minutes.  Serve with salad.

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Bon Appetit!

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SUMMER SEASON: ARE FRUITS THE NEW MEAT?

Paprika, peppercorn, salt, and summer- BBQ juicy steak fruit come to mind?  Summer of 2015 is about wet, juicy fruit topped with sweet and savory spices!  Recipes can be as simple as adding salt to melon, or as exotic as Li Hing on pineapple,  Tajin on cucumbers or throwing some peaches and watermelon on the grill.

Let’s start with salt.  Salt is a basic spice found in any household kitchen that can add to and balance the flavor of any sweet fruit. I love it on melon and cantaloupe.  Also, if you’re a risk taker you can enhance the flavor of your fruit by adding extra flavors such as peppercorn.

The first time I tried Li Hing (aka the traveling plum), was in Hawaii at a hotel Tiki bar.  The bartender said it was a traditional spice, made of dried plum, used in Hawaii on fruits, candy, meats, fish and even in some alcoholic beverages.  He dipped a pineapple into a beautiful red spice and it was love at first taste! Li Hing is made of dried plum.  The flavor is a mixture of sweet, salty, and sour all in one.

Hawaii 2011
Hawaii 2011:  Introduction to Li Hing spice

Tajin, made of lime, salt,  and Mexican chile, has been used on fruits (mangoes, melons, watermelon), meats, and cucumbers to boost flavor.  Simply cut your fruit, sprinkle some Tajin and enjoy a whole new culinary experience!

BONUS:  Going to a BBQ?  Impress your friends with a whole new way of enjoying fruit by grilling peaches and watermelon.  Below you will find two simple recipes that your friends and family will relish over!  If you don’t have an outdoor grill you can use a stove top grill.  My favorite is the Calphalon stove top grill that I got as a gift from a great friend.

SMOKIN’ PEACHES:   peaches, smoked paprika

  • cut the peaches in half (throw out the pits!)
  • put on the grill until caramelized
  • add smoked paprika
  • Enjoy!

ZESTY MELON:  watermelon, lime juice, honey, salt, garlic chili sauce, (cilantro or parsley)

  • cut the watermelon (lightly salt on both sides)
  • put on grill until caramelized on both sides
  • mix lime juice, honey, garlic chili sauce
  • add mixture to watermelon
  • add cilantro or parsley (for those who have an aversion to cilantro)
  • Enjoy!

Who am I kidding? Fruits are probably not the new meat, however, we are definitely spicing them up this season!

Bon Appetit!

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