food for heart

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

Asparagus are full of nutrients that feed your brain, blood, bones, heart, lungs, mouth/teeth, muscles, and skin!  For 2000 years they have been valued for their medicinal and epicurean offerings.  Their rich collection of phyto-nutrients that include Vitamin C, manganese, selenium, glutathione, B vitamins, inulin and fiber make them excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant providing food.  Look for thin firm stalks and steam or grill them.  Serve with lemon and butter, or a with a little cheese on top.  Introduce them to kids a spear head at a time. 

… for the health of your family,
ellen

"I like the cashew flavor and really love the way it feels on my tongue." (Kid Kritics quote).  Cashew butter offers a delicious alternative to other nut and seed butters.  It happens to be powered with minerals: zinc, selenium, phosphorous, iron, magnesium.  Plus you can count on it to supply you with protein, antioxidants and phyto-chemicals. Bottom line: it feeds your brain, nerves, heart, hair, nails, skin, bones and immune system. This is another food where a little goes a long way. Since it keeps well in the refrigerator, you use a little at a time, over time.  When your kids needs a nutrient-packed snack, use cashew butter as a dip for carrots, celery and apple slices.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

Win a whole case of Greek-Style LowFat Plain Yogurt by Cabot of Vermont.  Think of all the smoothies, dips, sauces, fruit yogurts you will be able to make with it.  Don't forget it freezes well – put some in ice cube trays for future frozen yogurt summer treats.  To enter, www.KidKritics.com/sweepstakes. Enter more than once to up your odds.

This delicate nutty flavored herb is chock-a-block full of nutrients. Sesame seeds feed your brain, bones, ears, hair, heart, lungs, mouth/teeth, muscles, nails, nerves, and nose. Their good brain supporting fats help to lower LDL and increase HDL levels. Along with their quality amino acid proteins, they also supply you with B complex vitamins (niacin, folic acid, thaimin, pyridoxine and riboflavin). They contain a very rich source of minerals: calcium, iron, manganese, zinc, magnesium, selenium and copper.

And, boy are they good to eat! Hummus is made with Tahini, a sesame seed paste. They often are sprinkled on baked goods such as bagels. We love to add them to salads, including egg and tuna. Certainly they enhance all salads, egg dishes and many fruit desserts. Adding them to entrees before serving is a great way to add nutritional power to every meal. Sesame seeds are a brilliant way to stoke your kids with so many of the nutrients they need while growing. We buy them in bulk and keep them in jars for handy use. Try this, too!

    … for the health of your family,
ellen

There are enough nutrients in oregano to feed your Brain, Blood, Bones, Eyes, Hair, Heart, Lungs, Nerves, Nose and Skin. This herb is a powerhouse!  It is even known to sooth coughs and aid digestion.  And it goes with just about every food – well maybe not fruit.  Always have some on hand to flavor your pizza, pasta dishes, eggs, rice, fish, chicken and even put some in your extra virgin olive oil for dressing and dipping.  Fresh is best.  It is one of the easy herbs to grow.  Dried is good as well, as long as it hasn’t been irradiated.  Try to steer away from this  -  if you can, buy organic… do your best.  Just enjoy oregano on a regular basis.

… for the health of families,
ellen