Tacos 2 Spicy Indian Chili

Tonight dinner -Delicious Mexicano

for Recipe click
 http://nutritionforasianindians.blogspot.com/2013/07/delicious-mexicano.html

From tonight's dinner we had leftover taco fixings of assorted ingredients. So experimented spicy Indian chili in crock pot for tomorrow's lunch box.

Method:
1. To the crock pot add Beans, minced chicken meat (or boiled, drained, and squeezed soy granules), squash cubes, jalapeno's, tomatoes (or the choice of vegetables -carrots, bell peppers, celery, cauliflower and broccoli) minced ginger and garlic, salt, turmeric, coriander, cumin, and red chilly powder.
2. Add half cup of water. Let it cook for 8hrs.
3. Enjoy as a soup/quinoa/brown rice.

Grilled Salmon-

When it comes to sea food my kids has their own favorites. I do my best to offer a wide variety of sea foods, but there are some they request often..one of my kid top requested food is grilled Salmon.

Recipe of the day : Grilled Salmon (High In Omega-3 fatty acids).

Ingredients:

1 Medium Salmon fillet
1 Tsp Red Chilly Powder
1/2 Tsp Salt
1 Tsp Ginger Garlic paste
1/4 Tsp Turmeric Powder
1 Tsp Lemon Juice
1 Tsp Oil (optional)

Method:
1. Rub the spices to Salmon Fillet and refrigerate for 10min.
2. Drizzle oil (optional) on a grilled pan or non-stick pan and grill it.
3. Indulge the lightly seasoned Salmon fillet with steamed Bok Choy.
 

Chia Seeds - The Nutrient Power House

Chia Seed Health Benefits
by Stephanie B.
(Registered Dietitian, Food and Nutrition Marketing at Chosen Foods)

"Chia is a hot, recently rediscovered nutrient powerhouse. With double the fiber, double the protein, and over 500 mg more omega-3s than ground flax.

*According to research, chia can increase the fullness, decrease caloric intake. Drinking chia about twenty minutes before a meal causes the brain to send a hormonal trigger to the brain, signaling fullness."

"Whole-grain chia seeds are loaded omega-3 fatty acids, and they have among the highest antioxidant activity of any whole food -- even more than fresh blueberries. And they do good stuff for the body, like keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control.”

"They are rich omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium. 

Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as seeds (unlike flaxseeds). One ounce (about 2 tablespoons) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams fat, 12 grams carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, plus vitamins and minerals".

Recommended Articles -

http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=6442472548#.UIBEGTmkWpI.facebook 

http://healthyeating.sfgate.com/top-10-health-benefits-chia-seeds-6962.html 

How to incorporate Chia Seed:

 Honey, Lemon + Chia Seeds

1. Locally grown honey fights allergies.
2. Honey is the secret ingredient for healthy skin.
3. Honey,lemon and weight loss are often associated.
4.Mix Locally grown; 1/2 tsp honey + 1tsp lemon +1/2 tsp soaked chia seeds. It is believed that drinking hot/ warm lemon juice with a little honey the first thing in the morning is an effective anti cellulite treatment as it helps to increase body metabolism. To avoid hassle early in the morning mix honey and lemon, store it in squeeze bottle and Refrigerate. 

 soak Chia seeds in water, it takes two minutes to swell up

My Favorite Chia Seed  Recipes 

Chia Vermicelli Kheer-

• Toasted Vermicelli/ Semiya – 3/4th Cup

• Grated Jaggery ( a traditional uncentrifuged sugar) or Organic Cane Sugar –  1/2 Cup ( adjust according to your sweet tooth)

• 2% Organic Milk – 2 Cup

• Organic Ghee – 1 tsp

• Toasted Almonds, and Raisins in 1tsp Ghee

• Cardamom Powder - A dash  

• 1 Tbs Chia Seeds

•  1 Tbs Rose Syrup (Optional)

Method:

• Add milk to a heavy bottomed pan and bring to boil.
• Add  Roasted Vermicelli to the boiled milk and let it cook for 4 minutes (Don't over cook Vermicelli).
• Lower the flame, add jaggery and mix till the jaggery melts.
• Mix up Chia seeds in the kheer.
• Garnish with Almonds, Raisins, a dash of rose syrup and Cardamom powder.
• For thin consistency add more milk.

Chia Seed Lemonade ( one of my daughter's favorite Drink)

• 12 oz cold, Trader Joe's Sparkling Natural Mineral Water

• 1 large lemon (it should produce about 3 tablespoons of juice)

• 2 teaspoons organic sugar or choice of sugar

• one teaspoon fresh chia seeds

Procedure:

-Pour Sparkling Water, lemon juice, sugar in a pitcher. Shake it.

-Add chia seeds, stir it and let it sit for 2 -5 minutes.

-Enjoy the healthy refresh drink.

 

My Recommendations- Chia Seed Fruit Salad:

http://foodbabe.com/2013/01/21/chia-seed-fruit-salad/ 

 

 

Who In The World Eats Sushi?

1999 - Who in the world eats Seaweed? That was my first question when my husband first introduced me to California sushi roll...

2008-  It became my three A's first choice, immediately I became part of it.

2013 -  Experimented Homemade Sushi

To introduce about Sushi, it is a Japanese dish consisting of small balls or rolls of vinegar-flavored cold cooked rice served with a garnish of raw fish, vegetables, seaweed or egg.


Health Benefits Of Seaweed: 

***No matter how healthy the food may be Moderation+Exercise is the key to being healthy

1. Seaweed offers the broadest range of minerals of any food on the planet, containing 10-20 times the mineral concentration of land plants, plus it’s high in protein and fiber. 
2. That’s why a serving can be so low in calories (25-100) and packed with flavor and nutrients. 
3. Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine and vitamin K and a very good source of folate, magnesium, iron, and calcium. 
4. Seaweed also contains measurable amounts of vitamins C and E, which help the absorption of all the other good stuff. 
http://www.gimmehealth.com/pages/gimme-seaweed


Vegetarian Sushi Roll

Ingredients -

 1 Sheet Organic Roasted Seaweed
 2 Tbs Cooked Jasmine Rice/ California Grown Brown Rice/ Quinoa
 1 Stick Sliced Cucumber Stick
 2 Tbs Organic Grated Broccoli and carrot
 4 Thin Slices Of Organic Avocado
 

Dipping Sauce-

 3 tsp Organic Low -Sodium Soya Sauce 
 1/2 tsp Homemade Siracha (Optional) 
 1/4th tsp Wasabi (Optional)

Method -

1. Place Bamboo mat. 2 Place the Seaweed on the Bamboo mat. 3 Carefully place the rice, and vegetables. 4. Begin rolling by lifting mat and pressing ingredients in with fingers. 5 Roll up carefully. 6 Remove wrap and unwrap Seaweed. 7 Cut each into equal slices. (I failed in cutting into equal slices). 8 Mix the dipping sauces together. 9 Enjoy eating you first homemade Sushi.

My New Recipe for Hair- Hibiscus Hair Oil

Benefits of Hibiscus for Hair Care-

1.The red flowers (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is mainly used for hair and skin care.  

2. It is claimed to be effective in curbing hair fall and dandruff. 

3. According to some, hibiscus is very effective in boosting hair growth.

4. It is also used as a remedy for premature graying and split ends. 

5. Application of ground hibiscus leaves and flowers is believed to be beneficial for the scalp, as it has cooling and soothing properties. 

6. This herb is also found to be a good conditioner and moisturizer for hair. 

7. It can make the hair soft, supple, and shiny. 

As far as skin care is concerned, hibiscus is believed to treat acne, suntan and dark circles. It is also used for improving complexion, for skin tightening, and for preventing wrinkles.
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hibiscus-for-hair-care.html

Ingredients
3  16ounce Organic Coconut Oil/ Parachute Coconut Oil - Indian Store
Net wt. 8 oz Dry Red Hibiscus from Persian store

Procedure:
1. Grind to make a powder of dry Red Hibiscus flowers.
2. Soak the powder in 16 oz of Organic coconut oil for 3 days
3. In a low flame boil for at least 15 minutes.
4. Strain and reserve the oil in a glass jar. ( easy to reheat)
5. I saved the strained leftovers; it worked as a excellent body scrub but little hard.

Recipe For Homemade Yogurt:

 Ingredients:

• 1 gallon milk (preferably organic and grass-fed)
• 1 cup yogurt (preferably plain and organic Desi Dahi or yogurt) to use as starter culture for the first batch.

Instructions:

• Add milk to a large pot and cook on high heat on the stove. When you see little bubbles on the surface, remove from the heat.
• The procedure for heating in the microwave- heat  medium to large size glass bowl on high heat for 10-12minutes. (The heat varies on the type of the oven you have)
• Let milk cool where you can comfortably place your hand on the side of the pot (or dip your clean finger into the milk) for at least 10 seconds.
• You can collect the cream layer on top of the milk to make ghee. Follow my recipe how to make ghee from butter http://nutritionforasianindians.blogspot.com/2013/08/health-benfits-of-ghee-and-how-to-make.html.
• Once it’s cooled down, scoop the yoghurt into the warm milk. 
• Stir gently 2-3 times to make sure it’s all mixed well, then pour (or ladle) the milk/yogurt mixture into glass bowl.
•  Turn oven light on (very important - this keeps it slightly warm), and let the milk rest for 4 hours. (you can set the timer)
• For Microwave oven - Place the yogurt mixed warm milk glass bowl in the oven and heat the bowl for *12 seconds and let it rest in peace for 4hrs.
• Now take the yogurt out and rest on the counter until they’ve cooled to room temperature. Then, refrigerate the yogurt where they’ll keep for up to 10 days.
• You can now use your new yoghurt to start your next batch! 
• Recommendations for Homemade Yogurt and
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  recipes http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/home-made-yoghurt-recipes 

• Rough Calculations - Calories in one-cup (8 ounces) serving

  • Plain, made from whole milk
    139 calories
  • Plain, made from low-fat milk
    144 calories
  • Plain, made from skim milk
    127 calories
  • Vanilla- or coffee-flavored, made from low-fat milk
    194 calories
  • Fruit-flavored made from low-fat milk
    225 to 231 calories
  • Source link http://extension.missouri.edu/p/GH1183
   

Grilled Zucchini (green)/Squash(yellow) Nachos:

"Grilled zucchini/Squash (yellow) rounds turned into chips and topped with all of your favorite nacho toppings! Grilled Zucchini Nachos are a great way to use up your summer zucchini-  Recipe by http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/grilled-zucchini-nachos/#more-15266 

This recipe had edited ingredients according to my taste buds;  for original recipe do click on the link above

Ingredients:

4 small zucchini/Squash (yellow) sliced into "chips," about 1/4 inch thick rounds
Olive oil, for brushing zucchini chips
Salt to taste
A dash of Paprika/Cayenne Pepper
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained or fresh (Soaked overnight and pressure cooked)
2 small tomatoes, chopped
1 large avocado, chopped, seed removed
2  Fennel bulbs, chopped
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime

Directions:

1. Put the sliced zucchini chips into a large bowl and toss with olive oil. Season with salt,paprika/cayenne pepper to taste. Place zucchini on a a grill pan or directly on a hot grill, over medium heat. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes or until zucchini is tender.
2. Remove zucchini from grill and place on a platter or onto plates. Top with black beans, tomatoes, avocado, green onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately.

Fennel Bulbs

Zucchini and Yellow Squash

image by  http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/grilled-zucchini-nachos/#more-15266

Grilled Zucchini Nachos | Grilled Zucchini Recipe | Two Peas & Their Pod

Health Benefits Of Ghee, And How to Make Ghee From Butter

HOW TO MAKE GHEE WITH CREAM OF YOGURT
 

1. Boil one gallon of  unpasteurized whole milk or 2% organic milk (from Farmer's Market). I encourage whole milk.
2. Once it reaches room temperature, add one cup of yogurt to the milk, place lid and ferment  overnight or 4hrs (climatic conditions varies from country to country) in the Microwave oven or Conventional oven with light turned on.
3. Next day, curd forms with a thick layer of cream.
4. Cream of yogurt or dahi (skin above yogurt) is removed each day and stored in a container and refrigerated.
5. At the end of the week, the collected cream from yogurt is brought to room temperature and churned using a whisk hand blender for 12-15 minutes.
6. Add 3-4 cups of water to this and continue to whisk for a minute or two till the residue is a thick buttermilk. Strain the butter milk.
7. Wash the butter in water at least 4-5 times. This thoroughly washed butter can now be used to prepare ghee.

***Do try the recipe collecting creamy layer on boiled milk too.

To prepare ghee from butter and Instant butter to ghee
Follow my power point presentation  "Health Benefits Of Indian Ghee, And How To Make Ghee From Butter" on http://prezi.com/xmsv-dr-mqhz/the-benefits-of-indian-ghee/
or
http://nutritionforasianindians.blogspot.com/2013/10/how-to-make-ghee-from-butter-and-its.html

  

Kale Chips

Do you know munching on Kale Chips will meet your entire nutrients for the day. Then what are we waiting for? let munch the healthy snack..

Here we go!  Recipe for fitness

Ingredients

2 Head Kale leaves, thoroughly washed and Dried
2 Tbsp Coconut Oil/Sesame Oil/Olive Oil
Salt to Sprinkle
1 Tsp Hot Paprika or crushed pepper flakes (Optional)
1 Tsp Sesame Seeds (Optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

2. Remove the ribs from the kale and cut into bite size pieces. 

3. Toss the leaves with the choice of your oil, salt, paprika or crushed pepper flakes, sesame seeds and place on a baking sheet. 

4. Bake 12- 15min until crisp.

5. I like to squeeze lemon for the sour, bitter and spicy taste from Kale, it is optional though.

6.  Enjoy the crispy, healthy Kale Chips.

"Health benefits of Kale -
Kale is very high in vitamin K, known as the clotting vitamin because without it, blood won’t clot properly. If you are taking blood thinning or anti-coagulant drugs, like warfarin (brand name Coumadin), you need to avoid large amounts of kale. Kale’s level of vitamin K — a cup has more than 1,000 percent of the recommended daily amount (RDA) — could interfere with your drugs.
For your eyes: Kale is high in lutein and zeaxanthin, phytochemicals found in the retina, which could help reduce the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in older people. 
For your immune system: Kale is rich in beta-carotene (vitamin A), a powerful antioxidant that may help boost the immune system and possibly protect against some chronic diseases and cancer. At least one study also found that long-term consumption of beta-carotene had cognitive benefits.
For your bones: Kale is is one of the few vegetables with a decent amount of calcium, but it’s especially high in magnesium — just a cup contains 40 percent of the RDA
For your heart: While recent studies have found that antioxidant supplements, like vitamin E pills, don’t protect against heart disease, foods like kale that are naturally high in antioxidants are definitely heart-healthy, says the Cleveland Clinic. Plus, kale’s magnesium and potassium help lower blood pressure, and its high fiber content can help lower cholesterol — all beneficial factors in lowering your risk of cardiovascular illness."

Source - Posted on 03/25/2013 by Candy Sagon http://blog.aarp.org/2013/03/25/hail-kale-why-you-should-or-shouldnt-eat-it/

My Recommendation Recipes- http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/crispy-kale-chips-with-lemon-recipe/index.html

Kale Chutney -http://nutritionforasianindians.blogspot.com/2013/07/kale-chutney-or-spread-rich-in.html

Delicious Mexicano!

From my Kitchen: Quick and Easy Fish Tacos

From Right-
1. Greek yogurt, Salmon rubbed with Paprika and grilled, Organic Pinto Beans (Trader Joe's) Grilled Onions and Bell peppers, Fire Roasted Mango and Papaya Salsa (Trader Joe's) Guacamole (Flavored with salt and lemon).
2. Warm the Corn Tortillas.
3. Stuff everything from left, right or middle on warmed Corn Tortillas.
4. Enjoy delicious acid-tasting, sour-tasting, creamy healthy Fish Tacos.

*Vegetarians go easy on the fish

Restaurant Recommendation for Delicious Mexicano!

Aqui Cal-Mex,

201 E Campbell Ave (Downtown)
Campbell(408) 374-2784

Had been to this restaurant and llllloved it! It scored high on my list but scored more high when I came to know about there menu changes frequently to take advantage of the best local, seasonal and fresh ingredients to achieve there mission of providing the best and most unique dishes they can. (Natural, Wild and Organic)

Cal-Mex Fajitas

Grilled natural chicken breast, onions and peppers in a sweet and spicy fajita sauce. Served with avocado-chipotle nachos, roasted corn rice and corn tortillas.

Wild Rock Crab Cake Hash

Grilled jicama-fennel salsa, sugar snap peas, country potatoes, Southwest béarnaise sauce, achiote sauce and organic carrot-citrus slaw.

10 No Bake Recipes from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

10 No Bake Recipes from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Another Weight Loss Food- Bajra or Jowar/Sorghum Flour

Bajra or jowar/sorghum flour- Weight loss, Gluten free and Low- Glycemic Index food

 

"Bajra is the hindi word for pearl millet also known as, ಸಜ್ಜೆ (Sajje in Kannada); கம்பு (Kambu in Tamil); बाजरा (Bajra in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi) and సజలు (sajjalu in Telugu) ... pearl millet is the predominant crop in India. 

Health Benefits-
1. It has the same quantity of protein as wheat. The protein contains a high proportion of prolamine followed by the globulin and albumins. 
2. It is nutritionally superior to Rice and Wheat.
3.Good sources of protein, fiber, iron, B-vitamins, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium.
4. The main property  that is making the millet gain a lot of interest is its low glycemic index.
5. Millets are thought to reduce the risk of Diabetes Mellitus.
6. The consumption of finger millet based diet resulted in significantly lowers blood glucose level in type 2 diabetes.
Source:http://www.ocirc.org/default_files/Millet%20%20a%20low%20glycemic%20cereal%20for%20North%20America%20%20George%20Annor.pdf

Different ways to consume:

1. The grain is sometimes eaten after it is parched, like popcorn. 

2. The grain is also suitable for the preparation of malt. 

3. It is consumed after dehusking and cooked in the same way as rice. 

4. More commonly it is ground into flour and made into chapati.(Indian Bread)

6. It is also made into thin porridge.

7. Finally it Shows miracles in weight loss. 

Source:

http://agritech.tnau.ac.in/postharvest/pht_millets_bajra.html Follow step by step recipe for making bajra rotis- http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/bajra-roti-bajra-bhakri/

Ingredients:

• 2 to 21/2 cups bajra flour/millet flour
• 1 tsp Olive/ Sesame/ Indian Ghee
• water as required
• salt as required
• some bajra flour or whole wheat flour for dusting.

Procedure:

1. Heat or warm the water.
2. Add salt and oil.
3. Add the bajra flour, Stir.
4. knead into a smooth dough
5. Heat a tava or flat Crepe or dosa pan.
6. Make medium sized balls.
7. Dust with flour and use a ziplock bag for rolling.
8. Remove gently from the ziplock bag and place on the hot Pan.
9. Cook till both sides are browned.
10. Serve hot or warm with a Beetroot leaves dhal (lentils), Zucchini curry.

Always knead these millet rotis in hot water, it is easy to roll. And the rotis have a soft texture too. Could knead the dough in warm water too.

*Tips to follow for Millets, High fiber and High protein foods:

1. It doesn't matter how healthy the food is; balance and moderation is a key for better health.
2. * The insoluble fiber present in Millets, and Brownrice should always, always and always be associated with extra fluids.

Appetite Killing and Allergy Fighting - Green Leafy Vegetable

Dandelion Greens and Tomato Curry.. 

Seriously, our backyard weed. It has strong bitter taste worst than Bitter Gourd but goes well when it paired up with Tomato, Jaggery, Masoor dhal, Red chillies, Potato, or have it has a

green tea (Before Consuming do read the instructions). And People with kidney problems, gallbladder problems, or gallstones should ask their health care provider before eating dandelion.

Source: Dandelion | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion#ixzz2ZoimPkE8
University of Maryland Medical Center

  
Health Benefits: 

Dandelion Greens is packed with Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Copper and very good source of Dietary fiber, Vit A, Vit C, Vit E, Vit k, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vit B6, Calcium, Iron, Potassium and Magnese. Good news: It is healthy appetite killing vegetable..It is added to my list "healthy green that curbs appetite".

Medications for diabetes -- Theoretically, dandelion may lower blood sugar levels. If you take medications for diabetes, taking dandelion may increase the risk of low blood sugar.

Source: Dandelion | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/dandelion#ixzz2ZojMOhlF

 


 For all readers, your feedback always matter to me.

Do Nutritionists Eat Deep Fried Foods:

 

Do Nutritionists eat deep fried foods: Yes, in Moderation

Everyone considers fried foods unhealthy because when something is deep fried in oil it doubles, triples the caloric density- but what's wrong with indulging in moderation

Our Saturday's brunch -

Spinach Pooris (Deep Fried Indian Bread) served with Mixed Curry [Soy-chunks, Channa- (Garbanzo Beans) Tomato], and Potato Curry associated with 12ounces of Chaas or Masala buttermilk

For all readers, your feedback always matter to me.

Nutritional Benefits Of Ragi ( Finger Millet Flour)

Food Of The Day: Millet or Ragi

Nutritional benefits of Ragi:

"- Ragi is high in protein content. It contains an amino acid called Tryptophan which lowers appetite and helps in keeping weight in control. Also, Fibers present in ragi gives a feeling of fullness.
-It is an extremely good source of iron and calcium which helps in strengthening bones. Excellent source of natural calcium for growing kids and aging people.
-The Ragi based foods are highly suited for expectant mothers, Kids and elderly due to there high calcium and iron content."
- It helps in controlling blood sugar.
- It lowers cholesterol.
- Ragi consumption helps in relaxing body naturally. It is beneficial in conditions of anxiety, depression and insomnia.
- Ragi is also useful for migraines.
- It contributes to bone formation and improves skin health.
- If consumed regularly (Moderation) it could put premature aging at bay.

*It is not advised to patients having Kidney stones.

How to incorporate Ragi Flour into our Diets-

- Ragi flour can be used to make flat breads, chapatis, dosas, idlis.
- "Ragi is rich in calcium. Instead of popping a pill, which takes time for our body to absorb;  you can  substitute that with ragi kanji.
 

How to Make Ragi Kanji:

1. Boil a glass of water, put a spoon of ragi flour into boiling water, add a little salt and let it cool.
2. Drink it with a pinch of salt and butter milk/ milk/yogurt.
3. This will not just cool your body, but also gives you strength."
- my favorite recipe is Instant Ragi Oat Idli from http://www.veginspirations.com/search?q=Oat+Ragi+Idli. Should thank Usha (Founder of Veginspirations.com) for sharing such a innovative healthy recipe.

- And my own innovation Ragi and Urad dosa http://nutritionforasianindians.blogspot.com/2013/07/my-two-new-experiments.html
- Ragi poori (Puffed, Deep Fried Indian Bread)

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-01-06/diet/30260042_1_ragi-health-food-baby-food
Read more: Health Benefits of Millets | Medindia http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/magical-millets-for-your-health-benefits.htm#ixzz2RJcSuP88
http://naturopathycure.com/Health-Benefits-of-Finger-Millet-%28Ragi%29.php

For all readers, your feedback always matter to me.

Bell Pepper And Garbanzo Bean Dip-

 

 Ingredients:

1 Bell Pepper (213gm) 
5 Garlic cloves (22gm) 
7 Thai chillies (9gm)-  Optional
Garbanzo beans 15 oz(425gm)
21/2 Tbs lemon
1tsp- salt
Olive oil- 1/4th cup

Action: Wash, grill the bell pepper and blend all the ingredients together. Lemon, Garlic, Thai chillies, and salt may vary...
Plan of Attack: Dip or spread on Pita bread, Whole-wheat crackers, Trader Joe's Savory Thin Mini Edamame crackers, Celery, Carrots, and Cucumbers.

Preparation time: 5-10minutes
 Makes 3 cups approximately.
 
Planning for a store bought garbanzo beans -  Rinse under running water to get rid of sodium (preservative).

One shot - Most of the nutrients
Bell pepper, Garbanzo beans - Excellent source of Dietary fiber vitamin A. vitamin C, and Iron Garbanzo beans - Good Carbohydrate, and Protein  
Olive Oil-  Omega-3 fatty-acids
Garlic -  Dietary fiber, Vit.C, calcium, and Iron, Protein 
Lemon - Dietary fiber, Vit.C, Calcium, and Iron

Baked French Fries: My Succesful Experiment

Baked French Fries: My successful experiment

It's rare for my 7-year old asking for French Fries. Today she came home craving for French Fries. As a health freak I tried "Baked French Fries"

Do you know Potatoes are packed with healthful carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
http://www.eatright.org/kids/tip.aspx?id=6442470244&terms=potatoes

Ingredients:

4 Medium size brown Potatoes
2 Tsp Sesame Oil
Salt to taste
2 Cloves Garlic (optional)
2 Tsp Minced Coriander (optional)
1 Tsp Paprika (optional)

Directions:
1.Slice potatoes into French fries, rub them with sesame oil.
2. Bake French Fries at 350 degrees for 15minutes and Broil high for 5minutes.
3. Flavor them with salt and pepper.
4. Toss some with minced Garlic, Chillies, Coriander and Paprika (optional)

The taste test has already done by 2 A's (My kids ) and rated five star.

For all readers, your feedback always matter to me.

My Two New Experiments-

My Two New Experiments:

1. Ripened Avocado hair mask (I love this hair mask - Excellent for dry hair)
2. Steamed Ragi (Finger-Millet) and Urad flour (Black Lentil FLour) dosa: (my stomach roared and craved this morning for dosa (had half an hour to prepare and eat) and so..

Method:
1. I Mixed 1 cup Ragi flour to 3/4th cup Urad flour.
2. Pinch of Salt
3. Added water to get dosa (Indian-crepe) consistency. (No fermentation hassles)
4. Heated pan, spread ( batter is damn easy to spread) and covered with lid for few seconds.
5. Devoured healthy, steam Ragi and Urad dosa with chutney.

Because I am eating dosa for breakfast my daughter called "typical Indian"...but there is reason behind my craving..

1. I like less ingredients, preferably not more than five (hard to find huh..)
2. Healthy home-made food.
3. No processed ingredients.

On my hectic schedules where I don't have time to eat lunch except fruits, I will start my day with Non-traditional breakfast. (I forced my self to get used to this habit just to avoid outside food with more than five ingredients). It worked out very well..

What are NON-TRADITIONAL food habits?

Having Dinner for breakfast and breakfast for Dinner..

1.My everyday breakfast- Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats cooked in 2% Organic milk and flavored with blueberries.
2. My dinner varies - Homemade Tacos, Pasta, Chapati, Curries, Rice, Dosa, (crepe) Idlis, (Rice Cakes), Lean Turkey/Chicken Sandwiches, etc..

Spread For The Bread-

Early in the morning - Clock is ticking, my tummy is roaring and as a health freak, my brain is not cooperating to pick fast food because of my long day at school. Hence, with the energy and the creativity sense I created blending combination of ingredients to make healthy spread for Sandwich.

1. Blend two Avocados, one bunch of Coriander stalks, six Almonds, one -two tablespoons of your choice of cooking oil, one green Thai chilly (Optional) Salt to taste, and two tablespoons of lemon juice.
2. Store the spread in an airtight container..shelf life is four days approximately.


*My daughter and her basketball team tried spreading on Potato sandwich ( Sliced potatoes, sprinkled with oil, Red chilly, Salt and Turmeric Powder (optional)) and Sauteed.
*My husband tried turkey sandwich with spread on the bread.
*Me with wheat grain chips and dip.

We all devoured the creamy fatty taste from Avocado, crunch from Almonds, Aroma of Coriander, and sour taste of lemon ahhh..

Avocado Pasta-

Easy Dinner Tonight - Whole grain pasta mixed in Avocado puree, Cherry Tomatoes, Lemon Juice, Salt, Crushed RedChillies, and Roasted Sunflower seeds..