Culinary Disaster Meals

Whether it is a Hurrican Sandy , a local earthquake or a simple case of running out of fresh food, during the busy work/school week, we should all be prepared for those times when we are not able to access a market , and find ourselves in need of a meal. That is why I started to create "farm to table" dehydrated foods that you simply add water to and simmer on top of a stove (works with a propane stove,too)

The ingredients are sourced from local farmers markets and boutique farms. Mostly vegan, gluten free and non GMO. The most important thing is that they are tasty and store for three to six months in the pantry. No refrigeration required. I should be at the Mar Vista Farmers Market showcasing the products on December 2,2012. if the rain let's up. If not, we will be there on Sunday,December 16th. I will demonstrate the soup being prepared and there will be plenty to taste. I look forward to seeing you there and getting your feedback, Sincerely, June

Why Are There Blue Bees?

Why are there blue bees in Alsace, France this year? To find out, go to a newly discivered and interesting website by Deane Greene called Eat The Weeds and other things,too!

www.eattheweeds.com/

I discovered a fantastic product that is not yet available here in Southern California, but hopewill will be soon!  Here is a link to their website:

http://purpleblackrice.com/

And here is a link to a local program that explained some of what they are doing:

http://www.katc.com/news/purple-rice-being-grown-in-louisiana/

I just posted highlights of my radio interview on 3-29-12

I was recently interviewed by Janet Newcomb on her Palm Springs radio show...here's a link to my youtube page where it posted:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdlkveGZXew&feature=youtu.be

Upcoming Latin Jazz SerindpiTEA fundraiser

Here is only one of our great raffle prizes!

Big Game Watchers "Watch Out"

Big Game Watchers and gamer's who enjoy drinking Mountain Dew, energy drinks including citrus Gatorade, and snack on flavored corn chips such as Doritos or Cheese Flavored Nachos, should think about changing their snack choice, or prepare their own.

Many of these products contain Tartrazine, also known as FD&C Yellow Dye #5, a coal tar derivitive,that is known to be the most allergic and intolerant of all azo dyes, particularly among asthmatics and those with aspirin intolerance (go figure). Intolerance can be even in small doses and can affect you as long as 72 hours after ingestion. Serious side effects can be anxiety, migraines, blurred vision, itching, general weakness, purple skin patches, sleep disturbance.

Aside from the fact that many of these corn based snacks are made with GMO corn, why run the risk of ingesting Yellow Dye #5, if you don't have to. There is a simple way to make your own chips that not only taste better but are pure in ingredients and flavor.

Recipe for Healthy Nachos:

Preheat Oven to 375 degrees F:

Spray or brush corn tortillas (preferably organic) with warm oil such as grapeseed oil or other "high smoke" oil, which you have flavored by steeping with minced shallot, garlic, and herb or flavored salt of choice (I love BaconSalt) , and strained before brushing.

Cut tortillas in wedges. Bake for 5 minutes, then turn over and bake 5 more minutes until crisp.

Immediately upon removal from the oven, and top with grated cheddar cheese of your choice.

You will love the flavor and your body will appreciate it.

Asian Pine Nuts

Have you noticed any change on the palate after eating pesto made with Asian pine nuts? Evidently ,there is a condition or after effect called Pine Nut Mouth, that can produce a bitter metallic like taste at the back of the mouth that can last up to weeks. Drinking or eating will not clear the taste .

It is a mild form of food poisoning that is linked to the white pine nut which is not digestible and triggers the release of cholecystokinin, which causes the release of enzymes of bile from the pancreas, adding to the off taste. Personally, in addition to apples,I have decided to avoid using pine nuts from China,Korea,Vietnam and Russia.

I recently researched and decided to buy pine nuts from a domestic source. You pay a hefty price but it's worth it. A Good way to offset the cost of domestic pine nuts is to blend them with other nuts to make pesto or use in baked goods . Walnuts, and Brazil nuts are a good substitute.