Friday, June 22, 2012

THE PERFECT SUMMER SUPPER

A Perfect Meal on a Hot Day

Today is 100 degrees and humid!  Looking through my recipes I decided it was time to make the first Gazpacho of the season.

This is my absolute favorite hot weather supper, served with some crusty artisan bread, it just does not get any better. 

Gazpacho is a tomato based cold soup originating in Spain and Portugal.  It is extremely low in calories.
It can be pulled together in minutes with a food processor.
All ingredients are raw so they maintain all their good their nutrients. 
A very alkalizing dish due to the addition of cucumber, parsley and celery.
Below find my favorite recipe from "Simple Recipes"

GAZPACHO
6  ripe tomatoes
1 red onion chopped
1 cucumber peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
1 sweet red, or green pepper seeded and chopped
1/4 c parsley
1/4 cup chives chopped
2 garlic cloves
1/4 c red wine vinegar
1/4c olive oil
2 T lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste ( I like to add a little heat with crushed red pepper)
4 c tomato juice ( usually only use 2-3 and I like Bionaturae  Organic Strained Tomatoes)
Combine all ingredients except juice in a food processor and blend until desired consistency, add juice and store in a non metal bowl.  Refrigerating overnight allows flavors to blend. 
Serve with a crusty bread!
Enjoyed this post check out my web site for more healthful recipes!www.heidicolella.com

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

"MASSAGE YOUR KALE!"

I just read a great article about kale in my local newspaper, by L.A. food editor Russ Parsons, that I just had to share!

As we all know kale is valued for it's many healthy nutrients. It is often in the lists of top 10 healthiest foods you can eat. one cup contains more than 5 grams of fiber,134 milligrams of calcium, the daily requirements for Vitamins A and C, and all this for a mere 43 calories!  That is why I was so excited to read this new simple way to enjoy raw kale.

The solution is remarkably simple: Give it a massage! This actually causes the kale to taste sweet.

Trim your kale to bite size pieces for your salad. Grab bunches of it in both hands and squeeze, rub them together and repeat. It is almost like kneading bread dough. After a couple of minutes you will be surprised at the difference. The tough cellulose breaks down, causing the kale to wilt, turn darker and shrink. Massage a little longer until the flavor changes also. The sweet green flavor you usually only get by cooking will be obvious.  The massaged greens have such a wonderful texture and flavor you will not need as much salad dressing.

Try this soon for the perfect boost of nutrition and taste for your favorite salad.