Relax & Reclaim

People debate about all sorts of issues, sports teams, politics, I've even heard debates about movies. But what about food? Not just any food, but organic food! The debate over organic versus conventionally grown food has been ongoing for years.  While experts can provide detailed insights, understanding the benefits of organic choices is important. Organic Foods Definition  The simplest definition of organic food is: food that is produced without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and it does not include genetically modified organisms (GMOs).  It utilizes sustainable farming methods that are environmentally friendly. Please also note that organic food is not always 100% pesticide chemical-free. We'll get back to that factor shortly. But first, here's a few good reasons to choose organic foods : 1. Flavor and Nutrition: Organic fruits and vegetables are often noted for better taste due to healthier soil and natural growing methods. Some recent studies sugg...

It's name is derived from the Greek word "pepon"... Certain Native American tribes called them "isquotm"... They are related to both squash and cucumbers.... They have been used both for food and medicine ... They contain potassium, lutein and Vitamins A, C, and B-6.... You know them as pumpkins... pumpkin patch It has been said that we  don't do enough recipe articles.  That, (to be honest with you) kinda hurts. 🤕  So, the team decided to gather these great ideas from each other and friends and family. When all was said and done, we had no choice other than to share them with you.  Do us a favor, pass this along. Share this with someone you know via social media, e-mail, or our personal favorite, word of mouth. 📣  The Great Pumpkin Paradigm So you've carved up your pumpkin & you've made a ton of pumpkin pies with it.  You even fed the left over pumpkin shell to your local wildlife (deers love it!), but you still have a ...

It's eggplant season folks and my culinary friend has reminded me about their availability this fall. Most people are kind of apprehensive when it comes to trying out these beautiful cool weather vegetables. I'd like to encourage you to put aside your fears and apprehensions to enjoy this delicious healthy recipe designed to change your mind and fill your belly. Simple Eggplant Extravaganza 2 large, purple eggplants 1 cup of uncooked brown rice 1 medium red onion 2 cloves of garlic 1 tbsp. fresh oregano 2 large tomatoes 3 tsp of kosher salt and black pepper 3 cups of water 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil prep Cook brown rice in 3 cups of water for about 1 hour (or until tender). Set aside after cooking.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut both eggplants in half length wise (peel the skin off if so desired). Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop out the meat of the eggplant leaving at least 1/2 inch intact. Cube one of the two eggplants, se...

What is an allergic reaction? Essentially, this is when the body reacts defensively to a perceived threat and fights the allergens in the same way it does a viral infection. Eating foods "out of season and region" may also contribute to allergic reactions . You may ask, "What's wrong with eating an apple in June?" Nothing. Unless, of course, you have a food allergy .... woman sneezing from allergies Most produce is transported worldwide by trucks & trains for hundreds (or in some cases thousands of miles if by boat) in partially opened containers. Based on the time of year, the container may come in contact with in-season allergens like mold, poison ivy, poison oak, various types of pollen. These allergens are constantly in the environment, but may be more prevalent in some regions during certain times of the year. This can be partially remedied by washing the produce thoroughly before consumption. However, in cases of extreme allergic reacti...

Yeah, you read that right...   Go eat a rainbow!  This summer, a colorful plate might be the easiest health hack ever. Believe that! Why eating colors is so important  Summer’s here.  Long days, iced drinks, and sandals everywhere. Colors are popping—on dresses, in sunsets, even in our cocktails.   But take a quick glance at your plate… does it look like it belongs in the season? If not, it’s time for a change. And no, not the sugary kind. Think real color. Think fruits and veggies. The kind of colors that do more than just look pretty on your feed. They feed your brain , fuel your body, and lift your mood. Let’s get into what those colors actually mean. man eating a rainbow in a diner 🥦 Green: Protects Your Sight, Calms Your Gut Spinach, broccoli, kale, kiwi, green grapes yeah, those guys. They’re full of lutein and zeaxanthin, which shield your eyes from harsh light and lower your risk of eye diseases down the line. And leafy greens like bok choy ...

Here's a dish that will surely be appreciated by your family and guests. Pasta Primavera, but with a twist: sunflower kernels! The word primavera has an interesting history as well. Originating from Latin, the word "verano" has a fascinating history. Composed of two parts, "prima" meaning before or early, and "vera" linked to an Indo-European root meaning shine, it originally referred to the period before the Summer or the beginning of sunshine. Interestingly, while "prima" is still used in Italian, "vera" did not make its way into the language. Instead, it found a home in Spanish, where it is used to describe the Summer season.  So next time you're enjoying the warm weather, remember that the word "verano" has roots in ancient languages and a rich cultural history. Anyway try out this easy recipe below and watch as the praises flood in! Sunflower Seed Penne Primavera 12 ounces uncooked pen...

Believe it or not, some readers asked if there was any difference between vegetarians and raw foodists.  They have their similarities AND are different at the same time.  We will attempt to break down the basic differences in the simplest terms available so that everyone has at least a clearer understanding of these culinary cultures. Here we go! 🌱 Vegetarians vs. Raw Foodists: What’s the Difference? Ever wondered if there's a difference between being vegetarian and following a raw food diet? The short answer—yes! But both lifestyles have one thing in common: a deep love for plants. 🥦 Vegetarian vs. Raw Foodist: Who Eats What? A vegetarian skips meat, fish, and poultry, sticking to plant-based foods like veggies, grains, and legumes. Some enjoy dairy and eggs (lacto-ovo vegetarians), while others avoid all animal products altogether (vegans). A raw foodist , on the other hand, takes things a step further. Their diet consists mostly of uncooked, unprocessed, and often organic...

Finally....I have the second of your Autumn recipes ready for your enjoyment!  For those of you that may be new to the blog, this is a special feature that I have created to provide you with an assortment of healthy meal ideas that are suited for the seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter) These recipes include baked items, main entrees, beverages, and even some desserts. The idea is to help you to find a true balancing point in your life while at the same time giving you some delectable meal choices. I hope you enjoy this one as as well! The Last Salad (Before Autumn) 2 small sweet potatoes (chopped or diced) 1 small red onion 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, divide into two separate 1/4 teaspoons 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar 1/4 cup of honey 2 tablespoons of minced chives 4 cups of Bibb lettuce or baby arugula 3 medium-sized radishes, sliced paper-thin Preparation: Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss sweet ...

I have been asked to provide a more suited recipe for the colder months, so I reached out to my culinary contact & was provided the following recipe for your enjoyment. Please let all your friends know where you got it from!! Not Your Mamma's Veggie Minestrone Soup 1-1/2 cups tripolini (bow tie) pasta 5  cups  vegetable broth                3 cups diced & drained tomatoes 1-1/2 tbsp chopped fresh basil 1/2  tsp dried oregano 2  medium carrots, sliced 2 celery stalks, minced 1  medium onion, finely chopped 3  medium zucchini, sliced 1 cup red beans (rinsed & drained if from can) 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 bay leaf                                Preparation: In a large pot, combine all the ingredients except the pasta. Si...