UB Cookin'

[Amigoo]

Chocolate Asphalt

Cover a small tray with plastic wrap.

Into two melted 3.2 oz bars of Chocolove Extreme Dark Chocolate,
stir one 8 oz package Navitas Organic Cacao Nibs.
(brands mentioned only for reference)

Spread mixture on plastic wrap, then cover with more plastic wrap.
If desired, press down lightly to level mixture on tray.

Refrigerate overnight, then break into bite-size chunks.
Store in covered container in refrigerator until munched.

Tolerable only to dark chocolate lovers, fond of serious crunch.
It's your own asphalt if you think this is a candy recipe.

Rod

[Sandy]

Hi Rod,

You know... we almost bought a couple packages of 85 percent dark choc yesterday at the store. Wishing now we did... I have the nibs... seems there's always something I am missing for a recipe...sigh. Okay there's always next week. Thanks Rod for another "keeper."

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Hummatcha Bean Dip,
on the menu for the inaugural Squared Circles Soiré
(brands mentioned only for reference)

Combine chilled 16oz container Whole Foods Original Hummus
with 3 tbsp Neuman's Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing
and 1 tbsp Ujido Matcha green tea powder.
Stir vigorously before serving

Supposedly, notable math nerds of Quadraturial enlightenment
derive their genius from this transcendent culinary concoction
... depending on certain dippin' chips.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: Hummatcha Bean Dip

Who knew

You can make it from scratch (except the matcha):
http://www.naturalrelief.ca/blog (see: Hum Matcha recipe)

... but only "2 tsp matcha"? Where's the beef?!

Rod

[Amigoo]

An afternoon cheese spread (tasty humor) ...

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food ... se-US.html

It would be surprising that the container itself is problematic since we consumers buy so much in cans.

However, most pasta is just flour with a few ingredients added to create noodles. A quality cheese sauce with no noodles might survive as a product. "Mac Cheesy" comes to mind and might taste good on other foods, like steamed cauliflower, cooked potatoes or quinoa - even over chicken, burgers, fish ... whatever!

Now, just create a marketing character to be "Mac" ... and maintain healthier sodium content.
Hmmm ... "Mac Cheesy" comes to mind and might taste good on other foods!

Oops! "MacCheesy" (one word) is taken: https://www.mymaccheesy.com/

"Max Cheesy" (sounds like "Mac's Cheesy") might have potential.

Oops! "Max Cheesy" is taken (ask Tina)

What's left? "Yellow Sauce in a Can?"

Oops! That's called "mustard" (only powder is sold in cans).


Finally, a name with potential "Sans Mac Cheesy"

Rod ("Who is San?" No one, you know!)

[Amigoo]

https://komonews.com/news/local/low-sal ... washington

Now is a good time to stock up on canned salmon, especially that sold in discount stores

While not gourmet salmon, once cleaned of skin and bones, then mixed with garlic granules and dried chives,
this prepared salmon lasts longer in the refrigerator and is great for salads and sandwiches!

Chill the can before opening and use a chilled bowl for mixing.
Quickly return any remaining mixture to the refrigerator

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

This should be more intuitive than it's been, but still a good lesson:

Eliminating foods/recipes made with finely processed carbohydrates
(e.g., mashed potatoes/beans, flour, pasta, bread, thickened sauces)
provides easier blood sugar control ... for the simple reason
that this reduces quick-digesting carbohydrates.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Green Fish Sauce
(brands mentioned only for reference)

Mix 2 tsp Morton & Bassett Dill Weed (from Tom Thumb)
and 2 tsp PurePlanet Just Barley Powder (from Natural Grocers)
with 16oz container Trader Joe's Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt.

Yuck Who eats this stuff?! Bigger Green Fish?
It's just green sauce for fish, chips, 'n veggie dippin'

Rod ... ... (gone fishin' ... in frozen foods)

[Amigoo]

Elevating to the Peruvian Maca plateau ...

Re: https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Maca-Pow ... B0089ZYLKS

"Black Maca root powder is the rarest and most valued of all three colors of Maca. Ours is made from 100% Black Maca roots traditionally grown and harvested on an organic farming co-op in a remote pristine part of the Peruvian Andes. It is never heated above 106 degrees F in order to preserve nutrients at maximum levels. Scientific research has found Black Maca to have some important properties among all Maca colors.

We generally recommend Black Maca for men looking to increase libido and performance, for students looking to boost mental sharpness and for anyone working to increase muscle size or athletic performance. Black Maca is a nutritional powerhouse, containing nearly all essential amino acids and free fatty acids, significant levels of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, and C, minerals iron, magnesium, zinc and calcium, a high concentration of bio-available protein and nutrients unique to Maca called macaenes and macamides."

Interesting benefit for co-ed students: "increased libido, memory, concentration".
(isn't increased libido distracting to concentration and learning?)

Re: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16961569
"Black maca affects sperm count as early as 1 day after beginning of treatment."

Male students will need good employment later to support this maca benefit


More about maca (this site promotes a custom blend of ingredients) ...
Re: https://drannacabeca.com/blogs/hormone- ... sal-health

"In my decades as a physician and researcher, and in working with thousands of women, I have found maca to be beneficial in addressing hormonal imbalances, lack of energy, menstrual irregularities, and PMS, fertility and libido issues, and a variety of menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, fatigue and depression."

Re: https://nuts.com/cookingbaking/powders/ ... emium.html
"Maca powder naturally stimulates hormone levels that are too low, and regulates those that are overactive."

Who knew?! A Goldilocks stimulant (just right!)


A local health food store sells Blond and Brunette maca - same product for both (original ) sexes.
Seriously, this store sells three different colors of maca, including black.

Rod (not often distracted ... unless shoppin')

[happyrain]

I've taken maca trials and can confirm the increase in energy- take caution, it may turn you into a horndog
You might find the rebbl products interesting- maca cold brew
https://rebbl.co/products/maca-cold-brew/

[Amigoo]

Not to worry ...

With aging, diabetes, and blood pressure constraints,
any ol' dog will be memorable (when memory is alert).

Rod

[Amigoo]

OMG! "Calcium builds strong bones!"

Impromptu recipe to create a maca dippin' sauce,
cookie spread, or spoonable treat. Experiment

In a chilled bowl, mix 7oz container 2% plain yogurt
with 3 tbsp half & half and 2 tbsp maca powder.
Stir vigorously, then refrigerate several hours.

OMG! A wild 'n crazy lab day!
(you must be authorized to wear the lab loincloth)

In a chilled bowl, mix 7oz container 2% plain yogurt
with 3 tbsp half & half, 2 tbsp maca powder,
1/2 tbsp beet powder (for nitric oxide ; - ),
and 1/2 tbsp Pomegranate Syrup Concentrate.

Stir vigorously, then refrigerate several hours.

Rod

[Amigoo]

About the Maca Crimson Concoction ...
Serving size? Dunno! Maybe 2-3 tbsp.

Moistened goji berries might complement this.

Rod

[Amigoo]

About the Maca Crimson Concoction ...

After pricing goji berries and decreasing sweetness,
this ol' dog is now panting, satisfied with:

In a chilled bowl, mix 7oz container 2% plain yogurt
with 1/4 cup half & half, 2 tbsp maca powder,
and 1 tbsp beet powder.

Nice with berries and sliced almonds (or walnuts);
also try shredded coconut.

Rod

[Amigoo]

About the Maca Crimson Concoction ...
(aka "Mighty Men's Maca)

In a chilled bowl, mix 7oz container 2% plain yogurt with
1/3 cup half & half, 2 tbsp black maca powder, 1 tbsp beet powder,
then stir in 1 1/2 cups frozen raspberries. Refrigerate overnight,
then stir briefly before each serving.

For Mighty Women's Maca, add another raspberry;
blonde and red maca may be preferred.

Rod

[Amigoo]

About the Maca Crimson Concoction ...
(aka "Mighty Men's Maca)

Who knew
Mighty Maca Men of the Southern elevation
combine 1 rounded tbsp black maca powder
with 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter ...
but spread it on toasted cricket bread:
https://www.cookinglight.com/recipes/wh ... cket-bread

PB is best when not too dry ...
and there's minimal maca flavor!
Vigorous maca stirring required.

Rod

[Sandy]

Thanks Rod! I must check out this black and blonde maca.

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

This short culinary journey was entertaining ...
and there's so much positive about maca on the internet ...
but I'm lookin' for more research to justify continuing ...
especially because of the extra carbs and cost.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Red Pepper Crunchy Stuff

Rinse 16oz pkg riced cauliflower in 1 cup water
and 1/4 cup white vinegar; drain well.

Stir together: Cauliflower, 1 tsp garlic granules,
3 tbsp dried parsley, 6oz pkg crumbled feta cheese,
and 12oz jar Trader Joe's Red Pepper Spread*;
then stir in 3 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar.
* mentioned only for reference

Keep refrigerated between servings.

WTF ?! (Why The Feta?)
Helps create a condiment/side dish,
also great for pitas or crunchy dip.
Great with minced fresh parsley!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://blog.kulikulifoods.com/2017/03/ ... how-often/

"unlike many other superfood powders, moringa is in fact not a supplement.
It is a real food product regulated by the FDA. This means you can be sure
that its nutritional contents are the real deal."

Why consume moringa (it's nutritional food - not a supplement)
Dunno! Still learnin' Maybe you want more inga!

Tastes like powdered grass ...
and slightly gritty if not refrigerated overnight ...
but not bad with Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing
and parboiled carrots. Be a bunny and nibble

Speaking of "bunny"...
one site claimed that it's an aphrodisiac.
"Hello, Inga. You bring the dessert."

Rod

[Amigoo]

More Inga ...

Re: https://www.amchara.com/detox-and-clean ... a-oleifera

Apparently, Euell Gibbons was on a lower branch with his "Ever eat a pine cone?":
https://www.pinterest.ch/pin/535083999454217355/

Today, he would ask "Ever eat a moringa tree?"

Re: https://draxe.com/nutrition/herbs/moringa-benefits/
A final article about moringa, before I'm ready to walk on water.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.precisionnutrition.com/all- ... upplements

"If you consistently consume at least 10 servings of veggies and fruits per day,
then supplementing with a greens product will likely be unnecessary."

Tip: Nutritionists seem to favor 7:3 ratio of greens to fruits (all fresh food).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food ... e-51149020

"Peanut sauce can be made 3 days ahead.
Transfer to a small bowl, cover, and chill.
Bring to room temperature before using."

Try with your favorite grounders:
http://board.1111angels.com/viewtopic.p ... 25#p202220

Rod

[Amigoo]

Red Quinoa Pancakes (makes 5)

Ingredients: (for cooked quinoa)

1 rounded cup rinsed red quinoa
2 cups simmering water
med. red onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dried chives
2 tbsp virgin olive oil

Directions:

Into a medium saucepan of simmering water, gently stir rinsed quinoa
and let simmer until most of the water is absorbed.

Stir in remaining ingredients, cover pan, and let simmer 5 min.
Remove pan from heat and let rest 10 min., still covered.

Allow mixture to cool then refrigerate ...
or make pancakes immediately:

For each pancake, combine 1 cup cooked quinoa with one large scrambled egg.
Fry in 1 tbsp olive oil (or sesame) on medium heat, until light brown on each side.

Excellent, served with Asian flavors, including veggies and sauces
(for holidays, decorate with octopus tentacles or starfish fingers).

Rod

[Sandy]

Thanks Rod!
Sounds Great!
I must try this for George's breakfast! ( We are in such a breakfast rut!)
love,
Sandy