Drinks

A RECIPE to die for!  I call it the Pineapple Mint Refresher. Why, because one sip of this ice cold drink and you'll feel the fresh mint rush.  During a really hot summer in Jerusalem, we walked into the Aroma cafe where coffee is their specialty.  Since I have never like the taste of coffee, not even mocha, my eyes searched for an alternative and spotted a green drink.  It turned out to be a combination of lemon juice with mint and ice cubes pulverized in a blender.  Think they may have added some honey as a sweetener.  It was out of this world delicious!  For the rest of the days we were there, I order a glass full.  When I returned home in the states, I decided that since I wasn't sure of the exact lemon recipe, I would make my own using 100% pineapple juice.  It was sensational! Ever since, I have made one everyday for my afternoon pick-me-up. 

The key that makes this cooling drink a stand out is the use of a blender to grind fresh mint leaves in a 100% fruit juice along with some ice cubes.  My proportions are 1 cup of 100% pineapple juice (not from a can), 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves and a handful of ice cubes.  That's it!

For this photo, I realized I had run out of pineapple juice so I pulverized fresh pineapple with water.  Then added the mint leaves and ice.  The more mint leaves you use, the greener it is… here the green has yet to settle.  The more mint leaves your use, the fresher the uplifting taste! 

Now I will admit that after I took this photo, I noticed I had a couple of strawberries and blueberries in the fridge.  So, I threw them into the blender and now I have a purple/pink mint drink.  There is hardly a fresh fruit that can't be enhanced by fresh mint.  Try it!

Where do you buy fresh mint?  You can find it in a grocery store in packets or as a plant.  Since it grows like a weed, I recommend buying a plant of two, put them into larger pots either directly into the ground or on your balcony.  Now this drink becomes really inexpensive.

By the way, refreshing has a double meaning here.  Mint and pineapple are both full of nutrients, antioxidants and even anti-inflammatory properties. Serve it to you whole family this summer.  Once you have made this – just takes minutes – I'll best you also will be hooked – that's a good thing!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Lean on lemons to prevent disease, defeat free-radicals, cleanse your digestive tract, help lower blood pressure, increase your HDL (good cholesterol), while feeding your brain, blood, bones, ears, eyes, hair, lungs, mouth/teeth, nails, and skin.  All that and more in one lovely lemon.  Put thin slices in water, daily.  Use lemons to marinate fish and chicken. Squeeze some in baking recipes, over other fruit and vegetables such as asparagus, beans, peas, sweet potatoes and carrots.  Use it in salad dressings.  Add lemon juice to as many possibilities available to add flavor while caring for your body.  And, don't forget to drip some on a bite or sting to remove the poison and pain!  Always have a lemon or two in your kitchen.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Pure Coconut Water is "nature's great re-hydrater"  – its full of sodium, potassium, phosphorous and magnesium making it an excellent placement for energy and sports drinks.  Plus it has just enough sugar to make it taste yummy and as well as refreshing.  Tropical countries have been serving it to their very young, growing children, and adults for years.  It even has been used for electrolytes (minerals) and hydration replacement for the sick, especially those with stomach bugs.  

Coconut Oil is also a winner.  It's medium chain fats are smaller and thus more easily digested, immediately used by the liver to produce energy avoiding spikes and fat storage.  And, it contains important anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.  Thus, not all saturated fats are the same.  This is one you want to include in your food mix.  The other good news is that is has a high heat tolerance making it the preferred oil for cooking. 

As with any produce, organic is better.  We are currently researching the brands we would recommend.  Be sure to avoid coconut waters that are  "sweetened" and have added flavors.  Buy it straight and serve on ice.  Delish!  

Thanks to our team member, Carolina Jintac, MS,RD,LD, for this in depth interview about coconut products.  To hear all her good news: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/familyfoodexperts/2012/03/23/coconut-craze–how-good-is-it-for-you.

You will be so glad you did!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

No time like the present.  Enter to Win a Case of Gluten-Free Organic Brownie Mix by Simply Organic.  Makes yummy Birthday and Holiday treats for those with or without wheat allergies!  www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes

Out of this world!  Loaded with antioxidants and phytonutrients.  Loaded with flavor.  Use it as a topping for French toast, pancakes, waffles, fruit cocktail, sliced bananas, plain yogurt, ice cream, and even over vegetables such as fresh green beans or sweet potatoes. Also, put it in smoothies.  We have Healthier Recipe Mom, Brooke, to thank for this recipe.  Have fun with this sauce!  http://www.kidkritics.com/recipes/Wild-Blueberry-Syrup-by-Brooke/193.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Want to win a Boneless Turkey Breast by Plainville Farms?  Simply enter the Kid Kritics Approved Food Giveaway Sweepstakes this week. www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.

Pineapple is your magic winter fruit.  It not only feeds your Brain, Ears, Eyes, Mouth/Teeth, Nails and Nerves, it also serves as a digestive agent when eaten with other food. 

There's More! Bromelain, found in its fruit and stem, actively helps you digest protein and on an empty stomach is a potent anti-inflammatory.  It is known to loosen up and dissolve mucous.  If you or anyone you know is battling a cold or cough, turn to fresh pineapple for help. (I drank away a cold-filled head with 100% pineapple juice.)  It even helps with nausea.  The abundance of manganese supports growing healthy bones and tissue.  And, it is fat-free, low in calories and its thiamine converts is natural complex carbohydrates into energy. 

How great it is that this very sweet fresh fruit is so good for you!  (Please, stay away from canned.) Buy it whole.  When ripe, slice off the sides, cut out the stem and devour some right then and there. Later add some to salads, yogurt, fruit cup, smoothies, on pizza, pancakes, waffles, and cereal or roast it. You get a lot for your money with fresh pineapple.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

New Sweepstakes Prize!  A whole case of Organic Cinnamon Raisin Bread by Rudi's Organic Bakery. Makes the best toast.  Try grilling some with PB&J in the center.  This bread freezes well so a supply will keep until your are ready to use it.  To enter, please go to www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes.