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This summer’s drought is causing havoc on the farmed fields across America. You can expect food prices to go up.  Why the focus on going Corn-Free?  Because corn is a by-product in thousands of processed foods.  Whether it be high fructose corn syrup (a big healthy NO),  corn starch or other corn fillers, you’ll find corn ingredients in a boat load of grocery store products. We don’t recommend you eat those, unless they are organic.  The summer sad fact is that fresh corn is getting more expensive due to high demand and lower yield.  If you can find it, freeze it.  No doubt, the prices for frozen corn during this coming fall, winter and spring are going to be higher than now.  Buy now and freeze.

Now remember, corn is fed to many domestic animals.  Thus the prices of meat and chicken will rise. Buy now and freeze. This drought affects more than corn.  Soy is becoming more scare.  We only recommend that you eat organic soy to avoid GMO and toxins.  And, because soy is known to stimulate the production of estrogen in all bodies, young as well, we simply suggest you take soy products off your grocery list.  As to all other produce, the drought is endangering their harvest as well.  Buy now and freeze.

Bottom line:  Freeze now to save later. It’s simple to do. Google the process for details.  Do away with your frozen processed foods to make room for … fill your freezer with frozen vegetables, fruit, meat and poultry,  and eat well all winter!

As for grains, they can be kept in a cool, dry, dark container and cupboard.  Make sure the air has been removed from these container… use plastic bags, roll them tight and seal them.

Hey, if you want to can food, be my guest.  I find it challenging and prefer the ease of freezing.

You can beat rising prices if you act now.  Yes, I have to practice what I preach to save money, too.

… for the health of our families,
ellen

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

Traveling to celebrate our 25th anniversary! Yes, I have been traveling a lot mostly for pleasure though when I am around food, I am always working… and I was around lots of great food. While touring Israel, I was surrounded by fields and valleys filled with banana, date, olive, pomegranate, peach, nectarine, plum, nut, and citrus trees. Rows of lettuces, herbs, corn, beets, beans, garlic… you name it, were abundant. Grain fields had just been harvested. This country knows how to make every inch of the earth and every drop or water count to produce food!

Consequently we ate fruit and vegetables for breakfast, lunch, snacks and dinner! Tons of mouth-watering alkaline food. Hummus was a daily side at dinner. Cheese and meat were also fresh and delicious but less was served so less we ate. Fresh fish was more often offered as a main entree so we enjoyed some. As a result, we never felt or slept better! In Spain, we continued to enjoy fresh produce with each meal. The portions were small and yet we felt full thanks to their fiber based delicious dishes, especially tapas!

By the time we arrived back in the states, we were hooked on the benefits of eating more alkaline and less acid-based foods. We no longer have meat everyday. More beans please! We crave lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Now we go to the market more frequently to buy what we don’t have growing in our little garden and pots. Our food bill is lower and as is our weight. We actually lost pounds on our trips and are determined to keep them off. We invite you to do the same. We invite you to fill you meals with colorful fruits and vegetables. Kids living around the Mediterranean eat these foods; serve them to yours!

… for the health of your family,
ellen

P.S. I asked if children in Israel are overweight or obese.  The answer was,  “No.”  What I witnessed confirms this.

Simply Delicious Fruit Pizza

… They Devoured it!!!

This recipe was a HUGE hit with the Kid Kritics.  Want to impress your family and friends?  Make it at your next party!  Decorate using summer fresh fruit and your own creative touch.

Kid Kritics said, “Best I ever had in my whole life … make 1000 more … tastes amazing … I want my house made of it!”

Really easy.  CLICK HERE.

… for the health of your family,
ellen

If you are not a hot dog fan but love the buns, make this recipe! “Amazing… Best in the whole entire universe…I taste a bunch of flavors floating in my mouth… Thought it was a delicious masterpiece… Crunchy bacon with soft bread – it was a great combination… I just loved it!”  The plus of a hot dog bun is its size… not too big, not too small – just right for kids.  You may want to warm it on a grill for a few minutes… take a look CLICK HERE

… for the health of your family,
ellen