Sessa from Maine has questions about organic

I have tried to educate myself on how to read a label on food items and what
different terms mean.  I know there is a difference between the “all
natural” label, the one that claims to be organic, (but only a certain
percentage of the ingredients are), and the USDA Organic label.  It still
gets a little confusing.  Also, if one can’t afford to buy organic exclusively, then which products would you recommend buying organic if you had to choose?  I think you mentioned that when you talked about apples at one
point.  There is just so much info and marketing that consumers are inundated with, it can be overwhelming.  A little help would be greatly appreciated. Also, buying local versus organic…which comes first?

Kale, shitake and tofu quiche

Quiche is one of those amazing dishes like quesadillas, pasta, and chili’s that I tend to throw in whatever veggies are left over, or what my youngest one won’t eat as a side. Shitakes and dinosaur kale are two of those vegetables that my oldest will devour- and my youngest will gag on! I still have hope, but for now this is one of the ways he will eat them- and a lot of them!

Swine Flu Update – Epidemic hysteria revisited

 

This is an article a local doctor wrote. I thought it was a very interesting and wanted to share it. It presents some things you may not read in the paper or see on television. I do believe we all deserve to hear different sides to this — especially from within the medical community so we are better prepared to make our choices as we navigate our way through this flu season.

98 to 99% of people diagnosed with the swine flu actually do not have it

Butternut squash soup with coconut milk and lime

 

This may be one of the best soups I have ever made. The lime brightens the soup which makes it very different from the traditional squash soups. I really love them all, but this one stands out in its complex flavors, but simple ingredients.

Butternut, apple and turnip soup

 

I grabbed a bunch of great things at the farmer’s market this weekend and this is what I made.

Grains

Great Grains

Whole grains are an essential part of a complete diet. For thousands of years, grains have been a primary component of most traditional diets. Barley, buckwheat, and rye were eaten in Europe, millet and rice in Asia, teff in Africa, quinoa and amaranth in South America, and maize and wheat in North America. When looking to traditional diets, we see how the body knew intuitively what it needed. Many, many years after first consuming grains, we are now hearing of the importance of whole grains. Eliminating grains from the diet can have negative consequences for many. Essential minerals, fats, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates, and fiber are found in different ratios in a cross section of grains. Varying your grains will ensure you get a variety of nutrients to ensure good health. If you are unfamiliar with whole grains, go to your local health food store or a Whole Foods grocery and take a look at the varieties. Experiment! Try wild rice one day and barley the next. Discover the different textures and flavors. Only you can discover what feels good in your body. Most grains can be used in place of pasta or white rice.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes were a first food for both of my children. They both loved them and I was thrilled as they are a nutritional powerhouse loaded with antioxidants (vitamin A in the form of beta-carotene and vitamin c) and fill the bodies natural desire for something sweet. However, like all things that you do too much of, my kids and I were getting tired of the same old baked sweet potato.

Fighting colds and flu- things to consider

Tumeric- One of our favorite spices for winter ailments!

 As cooler weather approaches so does cold and flu season. As parents we think about how our families will be affected.  How can we better prepare our families’ immune systems for this time of year? Is there something we can do to stay healthy?  If we do get sick, what can we do to speed up our return to good health?

Easy and delicious homemade Granola Bars

 

My son went through a phase where all he wanted to eat were granola bars for snack. Because they are so convenient, and easy to bring to the go, it was hard to “get away” from the monotony of it all, and I found myself mindlessly grabbing granola bars for the car ride at every turn. I continuously questioned the ingredients, and even tried to stick to the “raw bars” to ensure he was getting the most nutrients possible at every convenient snack. I kept thinking I could do this myself. It was just a matter of doing it- and now they are so easy to whip up. 

Meat and veggies all in one

 

 

While visiting NYC, the friend I was staying with told me she makes an amazing meatloaf chopped vegetables in it – not just a few, but half of the recipe. As a mom of two small children who is stuck in meal-rut hell, this was a treasure of a recipe she shared with me! To the store I went upon returning to Alexandria, Va. and this is what I bought.