Spoiled Baguette

Have you ever been so excited to be in Santa Barbara that you forgot your baguette in the car?

We did.  It was a bummer for sure when we got it out later and realized it was hard as a rock.

Holding it in one hand while the other hand naturally had fallen to the side gestured what a disappointment this was!  I was dazed almost in a transe with thoughts flooding my mind about this $3.00 bread stick.  It was my Easter Baguette; a celebratory snack.  Because eating white floured bread isn't something I let myself do very often.

Croutons somebody said.  "Huh, I guess we could make croutons," I thought to myself as if that was the only way to salvage it and pretend that we were helping the starving kids in Africa by eating the spoiled food rather than wasting it.  How those thoughts of justification come into our American psyches I'll never know.

Anyway Croutons is was and I will say... they were my favorite part of the Easter feast.  Artichokes made a quick second to the croutons.

Spoiled Baguette Croutons

Olive Oil

Fresh Pressed Garlic

Garlic Salt

Ground Pepper

Fresh Rosemary

1 Baguette

Chop the bread into slices and slice those slices until you have cubed squares somewhere between 1/2 inch and 1 inch.  Toss those in a steril plastic bag and throw in some freshly pressed garlic and olive oil.  Sprinkle on some garlic salt and fresh ground pepper.  Shake this all around so that the flavorful glaze is even.  Dump them out onto a pan that will go into the oven preheated at 350 degrees.  Arrange them nicely as you gently piece fresh rosemary flakes from your Summerland garden onto each crumb.  Its beautiful; it's gorgeous.  It's going into the oven and when it comes out after 3-5 minutes... you'll be in heaven.

Veggie Juice

I am a morning person despite my husbands internal clock.  I have a bad habit of pestering my husband to wake up because I want to hang out and go and do something fun.  The other morning Calli and I had an extremely early morning get together.  I think I was there by 8:00 am.  This was probably to the relief of my husband who could finally catch a little more Z's.

Our top secret early bird gathering was rooted in one of Calli's specialty morning drinks.  She has a juicer.  She juiced me up some carrots, cucumbers, celery, & apple.  It was oddly enough delicious.  It was sweet and had a beautiful texture... actually there was no texture and that was the beauty of it.

This morning I figured why not make my own?  I don't need a juicer to indulge in such a nutrient rich morning treat.  I will admit I was wrong.  I added carrots, brussel sprouts, spinach, & apple.  The taste was bearable, it was the texture that was heinous.  I really had to water it down and let everything settle to the bottom before I came close to finishing it.

I think I'll be sticking to my spinach fruit smoothies or use a juicer next time.

People Who Try

Starting a blog is way easier than keeping one but it definitely helps knowing that others do read what I write and actually try out some of the recipes.  Here are two of the latest entries from people who actually have tried some of the recipes!  This is so exciting!

This is from Lindsey & Ben who have made Coconut Curry Soup with Quinoa a couple favorite.  They add chicken so than Ben can feel like he has gotten his protein even though the soup is already jam packed with grams of protein.  You can never get enough protein if your a big guy I guess.

Next is Dani who is drinking a green smoothie Linda and the girls in Austin made.  They apparently grow fresh spinach.  How cool is that?  I want to try one of those.

How cute is she?  And healthy too.  When Ryanne's boys were over I tried to get them to drink it by calling it a monster drink.  Only Tavin tried it.  He was stoked his brothers didn't want any because there was more for him.  Thanks to everyone following!

Fruit Tops Them All

Toast is an ultimate favorite breakfast food in the Pike home.  Why use jam or jelly when you can have fresh fruit?  The healthy enzymes are alive and well in freshly cut strawberries, it tastes better too.  Sometimes we like to add peanut butter on the bottom and or honey on the top.  Enjoy.  We love it.  We do it with blueberries, blackberries, bananas, and I'm going to try grapes this morning.  Sounds so much more appetizing than grape jelly.  Doesn't it?

Detox In the Morning

Wake up.  Drink lots of water along with your morning detox tea.... Hot water and lemon OR Hot water and a tablespoon or two of Apple cider vinegar.  Add honey if you can't hang with the sour pout.  Works like a charm!

Pickle Salad

Pickle Salad

1 Big Pickle
1 Handful of Baby Carrots
1/2 Zucchini (raw)
10 Baby Tomatoes
1/3 Cup Feta Cheese
Spinach
Romain Lettuce
Arugula Lettuce

Dressing:

1/2 Tablespoon Hummus
1/2 Tablespoon Whole Grain Mustard
2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
2 Tablespoons Olive oil
Ground Pepper (to taste)

Salad tastes like a sandwich.  Love it.

Quinoa Featuring TJ's Thai Red Curry Sauce

When I feel like theres nothing to eat, there is always quinoa.  Actually thats not true.  Quinoa is a choice food.  The lucky part about it is that it is non perishable and will go with any flavor you want.  If you're into Russian spaghetti you could probably eat it with straight ketchup and mayo.  That's not really my thing.

Today I am featuring one of my favorites from Trader Joe's.  Drum roll please: Thai Curry Sauce.  They have yellow and red and both are delicious.  For some reason I really like either sauce in combination with raisins.

Quinoa of the Day

2/3 cups boiling water
1 1/3 cups dry quinoa
2 long celery sticks
10 baby carrots
1 small zucchini
2 baby onions
5 basil leafs
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
14 frozen shrimps
3 tablespoons of red curry sauce
Raisins sprinkled on individually
Pinch of Salt

Start the skillet to boil water and when the water is boiled, you know the drill, add the dry quinoa.  After about 5-7 minutes, add your olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Start to add your vegetables.  Just think of which veggies are going to not get soggy if you put them in first.  So half the carrots and slice the celery.  Then a little while down the road, zucchini and shrimps.  You keep the lid of the skillet on top so that quinoa can get soft.  Everything else from the chopped baby onions, chopped basil leafs, raisins, and even the curry sauce can be added in at the very end after the quinoa is finished cooking.  (The whole cook time should take from 10-12 minutes).

The Latest Green Drink

Low and behold I feel a sore throat coming on... Who saw that one coming?  ROBERT!
Anyway... This morning I devised a green drink that felt really good on my throat.  I thought it was going to be sour but it wasn't!  I promise.

The Latest Green Drink

Fresh Peeled Orange (Refrigerated)
Nice Big Handful of Spinach
Five Frozen Strawberries
1-2 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
1 Cup Cold Water

Fruit & Nut Salad

Fruit & Nut Salad

Feta

Chopped Raw Almonds

Dried Cranberries

Chopped Pink Apple

Spinach

Herb Salad Mix (Trader Joe's)

Champagne Pear Vinaigrette Dressing (Trader Joe's)

Roburrito Feta Five Veggie Burrito

Again in honor of burning out Robbie's sickness, another mexican food in the journal.  He claimed it was one of the best burritos he's ever had!  My secret ingredient is to season the veggies in Taco Seasoning.

Grill up veggies with some Olive Oil S&P and some Taco Seasoning:
Mushrooms
Zucchini
Bell Peppers (Colorful mix from Costco)

Stuff a warm tortilla with warmed up:
Cuban style beans from Trader Joe's
Brown Rice
Feta

Add in:
Spinach
Chunky Tomato Salsa
Spicy Jalapeno Pepper HOT SAUCE

Try to roll it all up and fall in love with the Vegetarian Burrito.  You won't even miss the meat!

What a Spicy Sprinkle Can Do

When I was 12, I somehow convinced my friends to sacrifice their beautiful faces to science.  At that time I was discovering natural potions, scrubs and oils by combining fruits and minerals yogurt etc.  I think it was a coming of age thing.  My eighth grade science project consisted of using different types of muds to create a natural mask.  Although we found a winner mud, we also developed dryness and rashes from the others.  I don't think any of us will put natural mud on our faces again.
Since then, I have been drawn to the world of natural herbs and their benefits.  Enjoy these fun facts on spices as I have highlighted a few points from two articles from Dr. Mercola's website.

BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
Licorice~ Buffers the inflammatory response by increasing steroid output by your adrenal gland; good buffer if your immune system is over responding to the flu.

Black Pepper~ Increases the bioavailability of just about all other foods--herbs and other compounds.

Turmeric~ A general immune system booster due to high antioxidant capacity.  Turmeric is 5 to 8 times stronger than vitamins C & E, and even strong enough to scavenge the hydroxyl radical, which is considered by some to be the most reactive of all oxidants.

Oregano~ The active agent is rosmarinic acid, a strong antioxidant.

REDUCE INFLAMMATION

Turmeric~ Its potent anti-inflammatory properties come from curcumin-- the pigment that gives turmeric its yellow--orange color, and which is thought to be responsible for many of its medicinal effects.  There are an estimated three to five grams of curcumin in 100 grams of turmeric.  Curcumin has been shown to influence more than 700 genes, and it can inhibit both the activity and the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and 5-lipooxygenase (5-LOX), as well as other enzymes that have been implicated in inflammation.

Nutmeg~ A study in the Journal of Bioscience and Bioengeneering found that nutmeg extract has antibacterial activity that can significantly reduce certain strains of E. coli.  Nutmeg is also beneficial for joint pain and gout, and nutmeg oil has been traditionally used to treat toothaches. (Take nutmeg in moderation as the side effects may cause nausea, hallucinations, swelling and shock).

Peppermint~ Traditionally used to sooth the digestive tract; a study published in the journal BMJ in 2008 found peppermint oil may even be beneficial in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.  Also known to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, and can help relieve symptoms of allergies and asthma.

Cloves~ One of the most potent anti-inflammatories with anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.  Beneficial against muscle pains from injuries, arthritis and rheumatism.  It also contains eugenol and its mild anesthetic benefits are useful for toothaches, gum pain and sore throats.  Also offers relief from respiratory ailments such as asthma and bronchitis, and eliminates intestinal parasites, fungi and bacteria.

Ginger~ Has anti-inflammatory properties and helps protect against bacteria and fungo.  Also eliminates intestinal gas and relaxes and soothes your intestinal tract, while boosting your immune system.  can also protect against atherosclerosis by lowering cholesterol levels and preventing the oxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL).

Cinnamon~ A powerful antimicrobial agent that also enhances your antioxidant defenses.  It's been found to kill E. coli and many other bacteria.  Its anti-inflammatory compounds help relieve pain and stiffness of muscles and joints due to arthritis.  Also helps prevent urinary tract infections, tooth decay and gum disease.

REDUCE ANXIETY/ BOOST MENTAL HEALTH

Nutmeg~ According to a study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, an extract of nutmeg seeds elicited a significant antidepressant- like effect in mice; in some doses comparable in potency to the antidepressants imipramine and fluoxetine.  In fact, reducing anxiety and treating insomnia are two ailments that nutmeg has been traditionally used for.

Natural Salt~  According to a 2008 study in the journal Physiology & Behavior, salt may be a natural mood elevating substance.  Sodium deficiency can induce behavioral changes such as reduced motivation, fatigue, and feelings of depression.  It is important to note that common table salt and the salt used in processed foods is a highly processed variety NOT natural salt.  Himalayan salt is a natural salt etc.

Journal of Medicinal Foods Deemed these the top ten most potent flavors as beneficial to your health.

1. Cloves (ground)
2. Cinnamon (ground)
3.  Jamaican Allspice (ground)
4.  Apple Pie Spice (mixture)
5.  Oregano (ground)
6. Pumpkin Pie Spice (mixture)
7. Majoram
8. Sage
9. Thyme
10. Gourmet Italian Spice

Basil~ Basil provides Vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron, manganese, magnesium, and potassium.  Loaded with flavonoids, basil helps prevent cell damage from radiation and oxygen.

Ginger~ Treat nausea and an upset stomach with ginger; prevent and treat the the common cold with antiviral components.

Fenugreek~ This Mediterranean herb is good for menstrual cramps, menopause symptoms, cholesterol, and diabetes.

Flat Leaf Parsley~ Parsley is renowned for containing high levels of antioxidants and is full of vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber that help balance cholesterol and ward off constipation.

Turmeric~ The Cork Cancer Research Centre's test results show that turmeric can kill gullet cancer cells in 24 hours!

Vegetarian Mexican Soup

Poor Robbie has fell ill again.  It's a gorgeous Sunday and I would prefer to make a salad and have apples and brie.  Oh wait.  I did.  I made this especially to take care of Robbie.


Vegetarian Mexican Soup

Boil 2 C of water, 1 Cup Chicken Broth
Add 2 Tablespoons of Lemon Juice
1/2 C Herdez Red Salsa

Chop one fresh tomato
2 Stocks of Celery
5 Baby Bell Peppers
3 Sprigs of Baby Onion
Add all fresh chopped ingredients

Add 1 C of pre made Brown Rice
Add 1/2 C pre made Quinoa

Finishing touch is adding fresh herbs: Cilantro, parsley etc.

Strawberry Sandwich Sweets

A few years ago Dad came home from the Farmer's Market raving about the combination of strawberries and dates together.  Katie is in town and we just happened to make a Trader Joe's run endowing ourselves with such delicious ingredients.  We decided to add almonds to the mix.  Enjoy welcoming the Summer Season with these Strawberry Delights!

Ingredients:

Strawberries
Dates
Slivered Almonds

Wash and slice strawberries in half.  Slice the dates into fourths.  Enlace one side of the strawberry middle with slivered almonds.  Add a date to the middle.  Top the strawberry with the other half and fasten it together with a tooth pick.  Woh-lah!  Pure strawberry joy!