Tag Food and drink

Organic foods are becoming more popular.  As people begin to evaluate their diet, and become concerned about what actually enters their digestive system, they are looking towards organic foods.  It is a controversial subject, as there are many people who believe that organic foods are healthier than traditional food, but there are equally as many who disagree.

The animals that produce organic meat are free from the usual chemicals that are used in meat farming.  The chemicals are there to stop the animals from getting ill when they are being raised, and encourage the animals to build muscle when they have little room to move around.  The animals that are more free range do not have these chemicals pumped into them.  Many people believe that these chemicals are harmful, and even medical professionals believe that these chemicals have caused a rise in diseases such as cancer.

Organically grown vegetables have about 40% more antioxidants than their traditionally grown alternatives.  It has been suggests that antioxidants can actually prevent people from developing health problems.  A 5 a day scheme that has been launched in the UK has made an active effort to ensure that the next generation does not have the health problems of those seen in recent generations.  Some researchers claim that with the increase in chemicals and the development of more industrialized farming, the medical world has witnessed a steep rise in the numbers of people who develop heart disease and cancers.  By encouraging children and young people to eat 5 portions of healthy fruit and vegetables a day and increase their antioxidants in the process, many believe that this will help reduce the number of cases of these terrible illnesses.  There are other healthy properties of such foods as organic garlic and organic olive oil that have been used to help with skin complaints, and even to prevent cancer.

Eggs are a popular ingredient to cook with.  They can be eaten on their own in many different styles of cooking, and they can be used as an ingredient in many dishes, both savory and sweet.  With so much versatility, is there any special reason why we should eat organic eggs?

Eggs are an excellent source of protein.  We are all aware of the importance of having the ideal levels of protein in our system.  It is a great addition to anyone’s diet and it is recommended that eggs should be consumed frequently.  Organic eggs come in many different shapes and sizes.   They often have a richer yolk because the chickens that they come from have plenty of space to run around, and they feed from good quality grain.  Non-organic eggs tend to be far more uniform in shape.  They are usually all the same color as each other, and the yolks are pale yellow, rather than the rich deep yellow that organic eggs are.

There are more nutrients in organic eggs.  They have more vitamins, are far higher in essential omega 3 fatty acids and by eating organic eggs, it is predicted that you will be consuming about double the nutritional value of a commercially farmed egg.

Some people believe that because eggs are so high in protein, that they cause high cholesterol levels.  This is true to an extent, however, organic eggs contain less fat than commercial eggs, as the hens are allowed to roam around and be healthier, and this results in lower cholesterol for the consumer.

The chickens that are raised commercially are not only kept in smaller spaces to encourage them to gain weight more quickly, but they are also fed substandard grain.  The organic hens are fed an organic feed, but the grain that has been grown for the commercial hens has been treated with the usual toxic chemicals.  This means that organic eggs also contain fewer toxins than commercial eggs.

Organic Crunchy Tacos

• 1 lb organic lean, ground beef, buffalo, venison, or turkey
• 1 packet organic taco seasoning
• 12 organic taco shells
• 1 cup each of your favorite toppings:
  – organic grated cheddar cheese
  – organic chopped tomatoes
  – organic shredded lettuce
  – organic chopped onions
  – organic sliced black olives
  – organic salsa or taco sauce

Follow taco seasoning packet directions for browning and seasoning the organic meat of your choice.

Heat the taco shells in the oven according to the package and place your toppings in serving dishes. Remove meat to serving dish. Remove shells to serving dish.

Let everyone layer their taco shells with any combinations of toppings they like. Serves 4-6 kids

This meal usually takes me about 20 min to throw together. Making it what I would call organic fast food.

Organic food prices are well worth the remarkable improvements in your kids’ overall health and future well being. It’s been proven in numerous studies.

Organic Oven Fried Fish Sticks or Nuggets

• 1 lb frozen wild caught fish fillets or steaks, thawed
• 1 organic egg, beaten
• 1/2 cup organic breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup organic butter, melted

Preheat Oven 500*

Cut fish into sticks or nuggets, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs. Place fish on well greased stainless steel baking sheet. Drizzle with butter.

Bake for approx 6-9 min, until golden brown. Serve with organic ketchup and/or organic tartar sauce (recipe below). Serves 3-4 kids.

Organic Tartar Sauce:

Combine 1/4 cup organic mayonnaise with 1 tbs organic sweet pickle relish. Flavors meld nicely if allowed to marinate in the fridge at least 30 min.

My guys always liked french fries with their fish sticks.

Warning: Do not feed your kids shellfish. Lobster, shrimp, oysters, clams, crabs, scallops, and mussels.

All shellfish can be a serious health risk.

They are high in mercury, heavy metals, and industrial contaminants from their environment because they’re bottom feeders that eat the ocean’s waste.

I’m sure I don’t have reiterate how damaging these heavy metals and toxins can be to your family’s health.

Organic Oven Baked French Fries

• 2-3 organic potatoes, cut into wedges
• Organic expeller-pressed oil spray (Canola or Olive)
• Sea salt to taste (optional)

Preheat oven 450*

Cut potatoes into wedges. Spray a baking sheet with oil, place potatoes in a single layer and spray with oil.

Bake for 45 min, till golden brown. Sprinkle with sea salt. Serves 4-6 kids

Because you are preparing organic foods, your appetite will return to what it should be – making organic food prices a non issue. You and your kids will be eating less and feeling full.

Organic Mini Cheese Pizzas

• 1 tbs organic butter, melted
• 1/2 tsp organic garlic powder
• 6 (6 inch) organic pita rounds
• 1 cup organic shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried organic basil
• 1 small organic tomato, diced
• 2 tbs organic grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup organic pizza or spaghetti sauce

Preheat oven 400*

In a small bowl, combine butter and garlic powder; brush over pitas. Spoon and swirl sauce over pitas. Sprinkle with tomato, basil, and mozzarella cheese.

Place on an ungreased stainless steel baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Serves 6 kids

Talk about organic fast food this recipe takes a total of about 10-12 min!

Plus it utilizes very small quantities of your organics, so the organic food prices get spread out over several meals.

Organic rice recipes are a delicious way to add nutrition and fiber to any meal. Rice provides fast energy and is easily digested. It is good for bowel health, is an important source of vitamin B1 and encourages stable blood sugar levels.

Choose brown rice over white rice, as the nutrient-rich outer layers of the rice is stripped in the refining process. Look for Fair Trade rice which ensures the workers are treated fairly and paid a decent wage for their labour.

The sales of rice produced by these farmers provide them with much needed income just for basic survival in poor countries. Rice can be grown in the poorest of land conditions and is an important staple in many cultures. Recipes for rice are a low-cost, affordable way to feed an entire family!

Some delicious organic rice varieties are Basmati, Sweet rice, Arborio, and Jasmine rice.

Organic Wild Rice and Pecan Casserole

• 1/2 cup organic butter
• 1 cup organic mushrooms, sliced
• 1 organic onion, chopped
• 2 tbs organic green pepper, chopped
• 1 organic garlic clove, minced
• 1 cup organic wild rice
• 1 cup organic pecans, chopped
• 3 cups organic chicken broth
• sea salt and organic black pepper to taste

Preheat Oven 350*

Heat butter in large pan, add mushrooms, onions, green pepper, and garlic. Cook 5 mins. Add rice and pecans to pan and mix well. Add broth, and sea salt and pepper. Turn into greased casserole, cover and bake 1 hour. Serves 8

Get creative! Organic rice recipes are easy to add your favorite tidbits to.

Organic Rice Pilaf

• 1 cup organic long grain rice
• 4 tbs organic butter or cold pressed organic olive oil
• 1 sm organic onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp organic black pepper
• 1 tsp organic thyme
• 2 1/2 cups steamed distilled water, boiling
• melted organic butter to taste
• organic parsley, chopped to taste

Preheat Oven 350*

Heat butter and saute onions until soft. Add rice and saute for 5 mins over med heat. Add salt, pepper, and thyme.

Add boiling water, stir. Transfer to casserole dish, cover, and bake for 20 mins, or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Add melted butter and a sprinkling of parsley if desired. Serves 4-6

Organic Curried Rice

• 1/4 cup organic onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup organic celery, thinly sliced
• 2-3 tsp organic curry powder
• 2 tbs organic butter
• 1 cup organic long grain rice
• 2 cups organic beef broth
• 1/4 cups organic raisins
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 cup organic cashews, chopped

Melt butter in sauce pan, cook onion, celery, and curry powder till celery is tender. Add rice. Stir in broth, raisins, and salt. Cover, and bring to boiling. Reduce heat and simmer 15 mins or until rice is tender. Let stand, covered, for 10 mins. Stir in cashews. Serves 6

Wondering what to do with leftover veggies? Add them to some rice and sauce and create your own organic rice recipe for stir fry!

Organic Confetti Rice

• 5 cups steamed distilled water
• 2 cups basmati rice, cooked
• 4 tbs cold pressed olive oil
• 1 1/3 cups organic onion, chopped
• 2/3 cup organic yellow summer squash, sliced
• 2/3 cup organic zucchini, sliced
• 1/4 cup organic green pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup organic red pepper, chopped
• 2 organic garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp organic basil
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 lg organic tomato, diced
• 4 tsp organic parsley, chopped

Heat oil in skillet, saute onion, for 1 min, stirring constantly. Stir in sqash, zucchini, peppers, garlic, basil, and salt. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until veggies are tender, about ten mins. Stir in tomato and rice. Cook, covered, 10 mins longer, stirring frequently. Sprinkle with parsley. Serves 4

Your only limitation when it comes to organic rice recipes is your imagination. Rice recipes are easy to expand on, adding flavor, texture and more nutrition with your own favorites.