Losing weight doesn’t have to be boring when you focus on bright, colourful meals. What does this mean? Simply by making sure your plate reflects a range of colours, you’ll naturally create more balanced and healthful menus. Not everyone has the time or the patience to count calories, but assessing the colours on your plate is something anyone can do – and it only takes an instant!

Why is colour important? Many fatty and caloric foods, such as dairy products and startchy carbs, are beige or brown. When there are too many of these drab colours on your plate, weight gain is almost certain.

That’s because these beige foods often are high in calories and can leave you feeling hungry later. A cup of beige or brown beans can be over 200 calories….but a cup of red or green vegetables is under a hundred! Add fresh greens, deep purple-reds and bright yellow-orange to a meal, and water the nutrient content go up, while calories go down! Plus, you’ll get more enjoyment from eating when there’s a variety of colours and flavors on your plate.

Although these ideas may sound whimsical, they’re grounded in scientific fact. Dr David Heber, renowned nutritional expert from University of California, Los Angeles established the role of colour in his book, “What Color is Your Diet?” So, next time you visit the refrigerator, think colorfully. And remember to mix, not match!

To get you started on the color plate, here is a deliciously interesting salad: Avocado, Walnut & Crispy Bacon.

Preparation: 15 minutes
Cooking: 8 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:
7oz/200 g rindless bacon, chopped
½ cup walnut haves, roughly chopped
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ cup fresh lime juice
sale and ground black pepper
6oz/150g baby spinach, trimmed and washed
3 ripe Roma (egg) tomatoes, diced
1 large ripe avocado, halved, peeled, seed removed and sliced
1 small red onion, very thinly sliced

Directions:
1. Heat a non-tick frying pay over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes or until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside to cool.

2. Add walnuts to pan and cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate and set aside.

3. Add oil and lime juice to pan. Season with salt and pepper to taste and stir to combine.

4. Combine spinach, tomatoes, avocado, onion, bacon and walnuts in a large serving bowl. Pour warm lime dressing over salad and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.

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To your food heaven

Dominic

What is the secret ingredient in savory pastries, muffins and other baked goods? Buttermilk, which lends a rich, hearty flavor with fewer calories than whole milk or cream.

Organic buttermilk, produced without using pesticides, synthetic hormones or antibiotics, is not only wonderful for baking, it is great as a base for soups and salad dressings or as a marinade. It also is often used to coat poultry and fish before frying or baking.

Many enjoy drinking this versatile dairy product by itself; it pairs well with sweet fruits and desserts.

Autumn Brennan, Organic Valley’s food aficionado, provides the following holiday recipe for buttermilk gingerbread. The spicy, rich taste of old-fashioned gingerbread is at the heart of many holiday celebrations, she says.

BUTTERMILK GINGERBREAD

(Makes 16 servings)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (sifted)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/8 teaspoon ground allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 cup molasses

1/3 cup raw sugar

1/2 cup Organic Valley unsalted cultured butter, melted

1/2 cup Organic Valley cultured lowfat buttermilk, chilled and well-shaken

1 Organic Valley Grade A extra large brown egg

Preheat oven to 325 F. Lightly grease an 8-by-8-by-2-inch metal baking pan. Sift flour, spices, baking soda and sea salt into a medium mixing bowl.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together molasses, 1/3 cup sugar, butter, buttermilk and egg. Fold in the dry ingredients.

Pour gingerbread batter into the prepared baking pan. Place the pan on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until an inserted tester comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.

Cut into 16 squares. Top with homemade whipped cream and garnish with candied ginger.

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To your food heaven

Dominic

Chinese cooking can be very healthy as it contains low carb as well as low fat dishes.  Today, I am sharing with you two low carb chinece recipes for chinese green beans and chinece lemon chicken, a classic in chinese cooking.

Low Carb Recipe of Chinese Green Beans

Ingredients:
1 pkg frozen green beans — (16 ounce) 500g
1 pkt chicken broth — dry crytals
1 bunch scallion
2 lg garlic bulb
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp splenda
1 tbsp peanut butter — creamy
1/8 tsp sesame oil — chinese

Directions:

In a 2-quart 2 litre microwave-safe casserole dish, combine green beans and broth granules. Cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Meanwhile, slice white bulbs of scallion into rings and mine garlic. In small bowl, combine ginger, soy sauce and SPLENDA. Add scallion rings and garlic. Set aside. Remove green beans from microwave and uncover. Pour sauce over beans and stir. Cover and microwave on high for 4 minutes. Stir in peanut butter and sesame oil until sauce coats the beans and serves immediately. Make 6 servings

Nutritional information, per serving (excluding unknown items):

52 Calories; 2g Fat (29.4% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 7g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 143mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1 Vegetable; 0 Fat.

Low Carb Recipe of Lemon Chicken

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Dry sherry
4 green (Spring) onions, chopped
1 Piece of root ginger, shredded
500g (1 pound) boned chicken, cut into 1 inch strips
2 Celery sticks, sliced
125g (4oz) button mushrooms, quartered
1 Green pepper, cored, seeded, and sliced
2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
Shredded rind of 2 lemons
A few lemon slices to garnish
2 tablespoons oil for stir-frying

Directions:

Put the sherry, spring onions and ginger in a bowl. Add the chicken, toss well to coat, then leave to marinate in the bowl for 15 minutes.

Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan.  Add the celery, mushrooms, and the green pepper and stir-fry for one minute. Add the chicken and marinade, then cook for 3 minutes. Stir in the soy sauce and lemon rind then cook for a further minute.

To serve, pile into a warmed serving dish and garnish with lemon slices. Makes 4 to 6 servings.  Preparation Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional information, per serving

294 Calories; 6g Fat (20.0% calories from fat); 53g Protein; 3g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 144mg Cholesterol; 346mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain (Starch); 7 1/2 Lean Meat; 0 Vegetable; 0 Fruit; 0 Fat.

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To your food heaven

Dominic

Weeknight dinners that satisfy the whole family can be less of a challenge than many people realize. Comforting, filling and quickly prepared meals don’t have to mean less nutritious choices for busy families. One good idea, for example, is chili-a dish most families enjoy. With a timesaving recipe that’s ready to serve in half an hour, the family can be eating in less time than the pizza delivery.

Picadillo is a classic Latin chili that combines smoky and spicy flavors with a touch of sweetness found in natural raisins. Commonly made with ground beef, a substitution of chicken cut into chunks is a healthy alternative to the traditional dish. Serve it ladled into bowls as it is or over rice for a heartier one-dish meal.

For guests, chili makes a crowd-pleasing presentation served buffet style, along with a selection of toppings such as grated cheese, scallions, cilantro, chopped avocado and sour cream. Tortilla chips and a simple green salad complete the meal.

The next day, picadillo chili can be used for filling tortillas for lunch. Simply reheat leftovers and spoon onto a warmed flour tortilla. Add shredded cheese if you still have some, roll up and serve.

Quick Chicken Picadillo Chili

2 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cinnamon

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch chunks

1 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 cans (14.5 oz. each) Mexican-style diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 cup chipotle salsa or medium heat salsa

3/4 cup Sun-Maid Raisins

1 can (16-oz.) red or black beans, drained

Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream

Combine cumin, chili powder, salt and cinnamon. Coat chicken evenly with seasonings. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 5 minutes. Add chicken and garlic. Cook 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tomatoes, salsa and raisins. Bring to a simmer. Cover and cook 10 minutes.

Stir in beans. Cover and continue to simmer 5 minutes. Ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings. Makes 6 servings.

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To your food heaven

Dominic

While nearly everyone in America grills, not everyone is comfortable barbecuing more than the basics. Here’s an approach to grilling you can “steak” your reputation on:

Neighborhood grocery stores can help make the outdoor cooking experience easier by providing everything a griller needs under one roof. The Great Grilling program at Safeway features recipes, tools and high-quality ingredients for families that want to create delicious meals on the grill, and their Rancher’s Reserve beef is guaranteed tender. The recipes were developed in the test kitchens of Sunset magazine to make it easier for shoppers to grill up a meal on the spur of the moment.

Whether using a charcoal or gas grill, having the right accessories on hand makes for easy and safe grilling-and even easier cleanup. A wide spatula, extra-long tongs, a long-handled brush and a spray bottle with water are the foundation for a great griller’s tool kit.

Direct-heat grilling is best for thin cuts of meat that cook quickly. It gets them nicely browned on the outside in the short time they take to get done in the middle. Here’s a surefire recipe using direct-heat grilling:

Flank Steak with Green Olive-Jalapeño Tapenade

A Mediterranean-inspired tapenade is a flavorful addition to this tender flank steak.

Prep time: About 20 minutes

Grill time: 13 to 17 minutes, plus 5 minutes to rest off the grill

Makes: 4 servings

1 jar (4.5 oz.) Safeway Select Stuffed Jalapeño Olives, drained

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1 cup coarsely chopped Italian parsley

2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves

1 tablespoon grated lemon peel

1/4 cup Safeway Select Verdi Olive Oil

1 Rancher’s Reserve Flank Steak (about 11/2 lb.)

1. Prepare barbecue grill and preheat for direct-heat cooking. For charcoal grill, before you put the grill over the hot coals, brush it with a medium coat of oil; for gas grill, when hot, brush grill with a medium coat of oil.

2. Rinse olives and drain well. Combine olives, garlic, parsley, rosemary, lemon peel and oil in a food processor and pulse until mixture forms a fine paste. Set aside 1/2 cup of the tapenade mixture for seasoning meat; reserve remainder for serving or another use.

3. Rinse flank steak and pat dry. With the tip of a sharp knife, make shallow diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart over one side of steak, then make cuts perpendicular to the first to create a diamond pattern. Repeat on other side of steak.

4. Spread 1/2 cup of the olive mixture on both sides of steak to coat evenly.

5. Lay steak on oiled grill over a solid bed of hot coals or high heat on a gas grill. Keep charcoal grill uncovered; close lid on gas grill. Cook steak until browned on the bottom (lift edge with tongs to check), 8 to 10 minutes. With tongs or a wide spatula, turn steak and continue to cook until done as desired, about 2 minutes longer for rare (red in center; cut to test) or 4 minutes longer for medium-rare (pink in center).

6. Transfer steak to a clean platter or rimmed carving board and let rest about 5 minutes, then cut in thin, slanting slices across the grain to serve. Offer remaining tapenade to add to the meat to taste.

Beverage suggestions: A spicy, plummy zinfandel; a hoppy, English-style pale ale; or peppermint iced tea.

Tools: Grater (for peel), strainer or colander, measuring cups and spoons, food processor, paper towels, sharp knife, spatula for spreading, heatproof brush for oiling grill, tongs or wide spatula, platter or rimmed carving board.

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To your food heaven

Dominic

Football season means party time, and nothing is more fun than tailga

ting with friends before the big game.

Joe Cahn, the self-proclaimed “commissioner of tailgating,” suggests celebrating in style with Wild American shrimp, a finger food that easily complements beer, wine and soft drinks.

“Wild American shrimp go great with tailgating because it’s easy, simple and good,” said Cahn, who has driven 250,000 miles visiting thousands of cities and eaten his way through more than 370 tailgate parties.

Wild American shrimp is caught off the Gulf and South Atlantic coasts. Much of the shrimp consumers eat is pond-raised and imported.

“You have a choice and may not realize you are eating shrimp grown in ponds and imported to this country,” Cahn said. “And shrimp from the Gulf and Atlantic just tastes better.”

Wild American shrimp can be cooked ahead of time or grilled minutes before serving. Low in fat and packed with flavor, protein and cardio-protective omega-3 fatty acids, it gives party-goers plenty of energy to cheer for their favorite team.

For your next tailgating celebration, try this easy recipe from Wild American Shrimp Inc.:

GRILLED TEXAS WILD AMERICAN SHRIMP

(Makes 6 servings)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup tequila

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons Mexican lime juice

1 tablespoon ground red chiles

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 red bell pepper, finely chopped

24 large raw shrimp, peeled and

de-veined (tails left on)

Mix all ingredients except shrimp in shallow glass or plastic dish. Stir in shrimp. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

Remove shrimp from marinade, reserving liquid. Thread 4 shrimp on each of six (8-inch) metal skewers. Grill over medium coals, turning once until pink, 2 minutes to 3 minutes on each side.

In a non-reactive saucepan, bring marinade to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until bell pepper is tender, about 5 minutes. Serve with shrimp.

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To your food heaven

Dominic

If there is one traditional tart that I have loved year after year it will have to be the traditional bakewell tart and this is my personal take on the recipe that I used to make many times as a kid in my Grandma’s kitchen.

If you want to create new memories for your kids or grandkids then this is your chance…

Ingredients:

6oz shortcrust pastry
2 tbsp raspberry jam
2oz margarine
2oz caster sugar
1 egg
1oz self-raising flour
2oz ground almonds
1 tbsp milk
Few drops of almond essence
flaked almonds to sprinkle on top

Method:

1. Pre heat the oven to 375°F

2. Roll out the pastry. Line a 20cm (8in) pie dish. Trim the edges and reserve some pastry. Bake blind at: 375°F for 15 – 20 mins. Spread the jam over the base of the pastry. Cream together the margarine and sugar then Beat in the egg, fold in the flour, ground almonds, milk and essence.

3. Sprinkle the flaked almonds on top before you put it in the oven.

4. Cook in a cool oven 325°F until firm to touch and golden brown on the top.

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To your food heaven

Dominic

I personally love eating chicken nuggets and having a child means I have the chance to eat them even more. I prefer not to buy them pre-made though because the salt levels are sky high and they do not offer anything for a growing child.

However whenever you make your own they taste simply amazing and melt in your mouth as you take a bite. Though I should warn you now once you have sampled home made chicken nuggets you will never want to go back to the McDonalds chicken nuggets range again!!!

I love chicken nuggets from McDonalds but these homemade beauties below are in a different league and is so much fun to make them with the kids and watch their faces light up when they see what they have personally made with you!

So here is my golden chicken nuggets recipe:

Ingredients:

4 whole chicken breasts, skinned & boned
1/2 c. unseasoned fine bread crumbs
1/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. thyme (or 1/4 tsp. powdered thyme)
1 tsp. basil
1/2 c. butter, melted

Method:

1. Cut the chicken into bite-size pieces. Mix the dry ingredients.

2. Dip the chicken into the butter, then into the crumb mixture.

3. Bake on foil-lined cookie sheet at 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Serves 8 to 10.

I hope you enjoy making them as much as I did!

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To your food heaven

Dominic

]]> http://simplyfoodndrink.com/top-food-recipe-golden-chicken-nuggets/feed/ 0 http://simplyfoodndrink.com/new-changes-in-store-for-your-food-experience/ http://simplyfoodndrink.com/new-changes-in-store-for-your-food-experience/#comments Mon, 08 Feb 2010 10:01:34 +0000 Dominic http://simplyfoodndrink.com/?p=414

We have recently updated our website and blog with even more free information for you to enjoy viewing. We decided the time was right to give our website a new body lift and the results speak from themselves when you visit our website on the following link:

http://www.dsmfoodlimited.com

We had a lovely guy design this new website for us and put it together in such a wonderful way!

We now have even more recipes for you to enjoy on our free recipes section:

Free Food Recipes

The website is all about bringing together the best cooking skills along with making it affordable for the average person that has an interest in food and this is exactly what we have done. I am sure you will love all the new recipes that we have added as there is literally something for everyone.

You certainly won’t be spoilt for choice that is for sure!

We also provide a fantastic free food ezine with up to date free food advice f0r you to all enjoy as a family. Whether you are looking for ways to save money on your shopping bill or are looking for new recipes to try out.

We also offer a fantastic affiliate program and just by recommending our website to others you can earn a great deal as an affiliate of our services.

The choice really is yours as there are so many opportunities.

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To your food heaven

Dominic