Friday, March 25, 2011

Single Man's Soup - A Stupid Simple Recipe


On yet another cold and rainy night in what is supposed to be sunny Los Angeles, I received a call from my BFF, celebrity hair stylist, Billy Lowe with a simple request. "Meg! I want soup tonight! Can you come over and make it here?"

Knowing my dear bachelor friend, I began to ask questions pertaining to cookware and basic food supplies to see just what I had to work with. There were no knives, no chopping board, no salt, no pepper, and no olive oil BUT, he did have a stock pot, an a couple of wooden spoons.

My love for a challenge in the kitchen was ignighted by this request. My passion for teaching the kitchen clueless also perked right up. I then set off to a nearby Trader Joes to pick up the ingredients.

Here's the recipe:

Single Man's Soup

1 bag chopped vegetables (we used Asian Stir Fry Vegetables)
1 bag chopped onion
1 box Just Chicken (cooked and ready to eat)
1 box Chicken Broth (organic, free range)
2 tablespoons Earth Balance Buttery Spread (or Olive Oil)
Salt and Pepper to taste

First we sauteed the onion in Earth Balance butter substitute. Next we added the whole bag of veggies followed by the entire box of broth. We then added salt and pepper until it tasted great. We brought that to a boil then turned it down to low to simmer for a few minutes. We both like our veggies to be a little bit crunchy so we didn't cook them for long. For the last few minutes, we added the entire box of Just Chicken. You want to add the chicken last so that it just gets heated and not over cooked as it will become tough. Next thing we knew, it was ready to eat.

With no soup ladle, Billy improvised, using a mug to scoop his soup out. He had one bowl that he insisted I use while he used a glass, two cup, measuring cup. We then sat down at his table (yes, he does have a table) and began to devour this hot, delicious, simple treat. And it was tasty. Billy gushed about it's goodness - from it's health value to it's flavor - all throughout the meal. He loved it so much, he had a second helping - also known as four cups of soup!

When asked if he would make this soup again on his own, Billy offerd an emphatic "Yes!" But, we both agreed it's a lot more fun to make it together.

You can find all of these ingredients in most super markets. At Trader Joes, the soup cost about $15.00 (including salt and pepper grinders).

For a Trader Joe's near you, click here.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Food 411 - Goji Berries (Chinese Wolfberry)


This is one delicious berry that has received lots of attention in the natural health communites over the past few years. The goji berry, also known as The Chinese Wolfberry, is a small red berry that, when dreid, tastes slightly sweet, is a little bit chewey but always satisfyingly yummy.

Goji berries have a number of health benefits with a high antioxidant content.`They are also high in iron, selenium, vitamin B2 and vitamin C. Goji berries have been shown to have anti cancer properties, anti inflammatory, cardiovascular and benefits for serious diseases associated with the eyes.

A word to the wise:

Goji Berries are often treated with organochlorine pesticides (linked with cancer) where they are grown in China. Those grown in Tibet claim to be organic but there has been some question about that. High amounts of pesticide residue has been found on shipments to the US. The use of poisons are questionable, so thier consumption is up to your discretion. Avoid off brands found in mainstream markets. Markets like Whole Foods are very strict on what they will sell. They are an excellent resource for more information on goji berries.

If you would like to try a delicious tasting goji berry, you can find them at Whole Foods Markets. They are excellent as a stand alone snack, in oatmeal, on salads or with vegetables. For the best Goji Berries - organic and consciously grown - you can order them online by clicking here.

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Food 411 - Brussels Sprouts




These tiny little cabbages stirred my gag reflex like no other food when I was a child. I waited until I was over 40 to try them again - fresh, that is. One bite and I was hooked. They are amazing fresh and bitter frozen so only eat the fresh ones.

Brussels sprouts are in the same family as the best leafy greens on the planet - kale, collard greens, kolrabi and broccoli. They are rich in vitamins A, C and folic acid and have been linked with the prevention of colon cancer. They contain a powerful anti-cancer compound called sulforaphane that stir frying and steaming don't seem to diminish, however, boiling does.

A word to the wise:

Brussels sprouts contain small amounts of the compound goitrin which can interfere with thyroid function. Not to worry, though, you would need to eat a massive amount for this to occur. Their health benefits far outweigh any risks.

For recipes, click here