If there is one herb with a fantastic flavor, it is cilantro. Some researchers say it may be able to help prevent cardiovascular damage. The School of Life Science in Tamil Nadu, India noted, after researching the activity of cilantro leaves and stem, “if used in cuisine would be a remedy for diabetes.” It's a strong antioxidant, has shown to have anti-anxiety effects, improve sleep quality and have a blood-sugar lowering effect.
Featured kitchen item: Countertop Blender
Countertop blenders are designed to mix, purée and chop food. Their strength is such that the ability to crush ice. These blenders can blend ice cream, milk and sweet sauces to make milkshake. A blender can make smooth purées of semi-solid ingredients, such as cooked vegetables and meat, reduce small solids such as spices and seeds to powder or nut butters; blend mixtures of powders, granules and liquids thoroughly.
Featured One Dish Meal: Carne Asada Tacos
6 Servings; leftovers freeze well for another meal
1 1/2 pounds boneless beef top sirloin, cut into thin bite-size slices
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Crushed red pepper to taste
1 lime
1 (28 ounce) can tomatillos
2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded
4 tablespoons canola oil, divided
1 (10.5 ounce) can beef broth
12 (6 inch) corn tortillas
1/2 large onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 avocado - peeled, pitted and sliced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lemon
Place sliced meat into a shallow bowl, season with salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper. Squeeze lime juice over meat, turn until evenly coated. Cover, refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In countertop blender, combine tomatillo and jalapeño. Puree for 15 to 20 seconds, or until thick. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium high heat. Carefully pour in tomatillo mixture. Cook, stirring frequently for 5 minutes. Stir in beef broth. Reduce heat, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until mixture coats a spoon. Transfer mixture to a serving dish.
Heat tablespoon oil in a large skillet over high heat. Stir in 1/3 of the beef, sauté for 1 minute. Transfer to serving dish. Repeat with remaining beef.
Meanwhile, wet each corn tortilla on both sides, wrap tortillas in foil, place on middle rack in hot oven for 10-12 minutes to warm.
To serve, place two tortillas on top of each other. Add desired amount of meat, spoon some tomatillo mixture over meat. Top with onions, tomatoes, avocado and cilantro. Garnish with a wedge of lemon, to be squeezed over taco before eating.
Featured Beverage: Pineapple Cilantro Lime Juice
4 servings
1 quarter of a fresh pineapple, peeled but core left on.
2 small apple, or one large (tart apples are good)
1 cucumber (peel if the peel is bitter)
15 to 20 stems of cilantro
Tiny piece of ginger
Juice of one or two limes
Juice everything in blender, but the limes. Squeeze lime into the drink and serve in icy cold goblet.
One-Dish Nutrition: 472 Calories; 40g Carbs; 69mg Cholesterol; 23g Fat; 12g Fiber; 30g Protein.
* Source: AllRecipes.com, GlobalHealingCenter.com
The right nutrient-rich food and drink make for healthy bodies, and the right kitchen utensils make cooking easier. Most kitchen cooks have the basics: Mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, pastry brush, peeler, kitchen shears, pans and skillets, thermometer, graters, tongs, can openers.
You want to add a countertop blender
to your kitchen. Beverages are important, too. The human body is made up of about 60 percent water. It's vital to drink plenty of water to nourish the body, joints, temperature, spinal cord and brain. It has no calories and is generally refreshing. It's difficult for many to drink an 8 ounce glass of water every hour, so try to drink a big drink in the morning, at lunch, before or after dinner and before bedtime.
Don't forget. You want to create meals with memories.