Way too many overlook eggplant as a regular guest in their kitchen.  In so many other countries, eggplant is a frequent visitor on dinner plates.  Eggplant fuels your heart, skin and nose (olfactory – sense of smell.)  Ninety percent of the reason we decide to taste a food is based on our sense of smell.  Along with your need for a healthy heart and skin,  this another reason to add eggplant to your grocery list.  Kid Kritics recently awarded our Eggplant Parmesan recipe their seal of approval.  Most of these kids had no idea what an eggplant was, and they loved it.  So branch out and buy an eggplant next time you shop. 

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

The recent salmonella recall for eggs probably has you questioning whether you should even eat the eggs in your refrigerator.  Once again it seems that one irresponsible chicken farmer has caused this situation; one bad apple spoils it for others.  Outraged?  Yes.  Please pay attention to this recall.  

The answer for safe eggs is to choose those laid by chickens that are well care for, not piled up in cages in a building.  Cage-free helps.  Organic is well regulated so its your best bet.  When it comes to cost, the nutrient value of one egg is so high that it is worth it. When you compare the price of a box of  sugar-filled, artificially colored and flavored, nutrient-empty cereal to a dozen of good eggs, it is easy to see where you should spend your money.  Buy the better eggs, make some French toast, and enjoy them.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Don’t throw away any more peels from your potatoes, oranges, lemons, limes, apples, carrots, and even kiwi.  No doubt you have heard that these color dense peels are filled with nutrients.  The skin of a fruit or vegetable is its first line of defense. Consequently, it is filled with immune building phyto-nutrients.  Prevention magazine (Sept. 2010) published ways to use peels that enhance meals, ones your family will probably like.  (Always wash your produce first.)  

Turn your brown, red or sweet potato skins into baked “potato crisps.” Grate or finely chop citrus skins and toss some into salads, steamed vegetables, sauteed dishes - be creative.  These add delicous zest.  If your kids refuse to eat apple skins, peel them and add some bits to a grilled sandwich with cheese.  Toss the rest into a salad. You can even grate or thinly peel vegetables and put them in ground meat dishes such as meatballs and burgers.  Every little bit helps.  No waste.  Lots of nutrients and flavor!   Value these peels, after all, you paid for them.

…  for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Buying a bigger bell pepper or tomato does not mean you are getting more nutrients.  Plants have a finite amount, regardless of size.  Smaller means a more concentrated source of nutrients.  So you will get as much for your money for a small bell pepper as for a larger one.  When vegetables and fruit are sold by weight, this is especially good budget saving information.

…  for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

PINEAPPLE not only nourishes your brain, nerves, ears, eyes, mouth/teeth, and nails,  it also helps manage inflammation.  Here is a food that tastes sweet and is good for you! Loaded with antioxidants and phyto-nutrients.  Buy it fresh all year round. Serve it in a smoothie, as a topping on pancakes or salad, on kabobs, or just as cool wedges or chunks in the summer…  so refreshing!

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

On hot days,  cool down with what we call Frozen Fruit Poppers.  They are fruit that are already small or can be cut up into bite-sized pieces and tossed into a mouth for a chilling treat: grapes, pineapple, bananas, cherrise, any and all berries are favorites.  You may even want to try watermelon.  Cool and sweet.  If you can, buy organic, if not, buy local and enjoy. For those with NO time, buy already frozen. Great summer snacks.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

Green beans and black cherries are a couple of foods that provide needed nutrients for your blood (lots of phytonutrients!)  They are in season so buy them fresh. Local markets are great sources.  If possible buy organic.  Choose thin green beans, wash, chill them and eat as finger food with dips!  Have a cherry seed spitting contest with your kids … it’s fun!  Let them know that both of these foods power up their blood.

… for the health of your family,
ellen and sally

… for the health of your family, ellen