Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Veggies in Containers!

I started some mesclun greens in a container to grow continually all winter. Holy mackerel, has it ever taken off!

I did a second planting but the first one is giving me salad after salad. I cut the biggest leaves whenever I want them and a single seed gives me leaves night after night. Great mini-project for the kids to help them understand where our food comes from. And once they put in the effort and watch something grow you'll be surprised how eager they are to eat it!

I also have cherry tomatoes still on a plant that I can drag in on chilly fall nights.
And I've started two more tomato plants to have over the winter. Look for seeds that state they are good for containers because some varieties really don't do well in pots.




Monday, September 13, 2010

Summer Veggie Medley Bake

Got extra veggies from the fall harvest? Here's a great veggie dish to bake up and freeze for yummy veggies all winter long.

Summer Veggie Medley Bake
Serves 8

Ingredients:
  • 28 oz. diced tomatoes
  • 2-3 medium zucchini, diced
  • 2 onions, red, white or both, chopped
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cup corn, about 2 ears of corn
  • 1 cup feta, crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup Italian salad dressing

Instructions:
  1. Preheat the oven 350
  2. Mix all the ingredients together and put in a baking dish
  3. Bake 50 minutes until all the veggies are tender

Freeze any leftovers. They go great over couscous, rice or pasta with a side of pork, chicken or fish. Easy!

Sunday, September 05, 2010

Turmeric

I've been trying to increase my turmeric intake lately. I don't get excited about every latest and greatest "super food" but this spice is worth the consideration. There is believed to be a correlation between turmeric and lower rates of Alzheimer's. It may help in the fight against cancer, slow down the progression of MS and that's not all! Seriously, check it out.

Most of us think of turmeric as a spice to add to curry. But since a lot of North Americans don't have curry regularly it's hard to get more turmeric in our diets. Here's a couple of easy ways to up your intake. And remember, ground spices only last about 6 months so be sure to replenish your supply regularly!

1. Add a good sprinkle to boiled or glazed carrots or turnip right before serving and toss well.
2. Add to tune, egg or chicken salad.
3. Add a bit to your dry rubs for ribs, chicken or pork
4. Add a bit to your breading if you're making fried foods or oven baking items with a breading.
5. Throw a bit in your tomato sauce for an interesting layer of flavour.
6. Sprinkle on cauliflower, squash, potatoes or broccoli... or whatever veggie peaks your interest!
7. Of course you want to add turmeric to any Moroccan, Indian or even Thai dishes.
8. Add it to Chili!

Tonight I'm having pork with rosemary, thyme and apples with diced turnip on the side. I'll sprinkle the turnip with some turmeric which will compliment the grilled apples on the plate. Yum!