UB Cookin'

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech ... shows.html

"Eating cheese regularly, lamb once a week, and indulging in a daily glass of red wine
can help stave off Alzheimer's and age-related cognitive decline"

If you're over 65 and have not had your daily red wine, will several glasses a day help you reverse cognitive decline ... or just encourage you to recline? And it's not so easy to limit the daily wine to one glass as the years go by and stresses increase! Besides, with cognitive decline who remembers the calming breakfast sips after the unsettling evening news?

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/arti ... needs.html

"Both miso and tamarind are what’s known as umami flavours – the fifth taste after salt, sweet, bitter and sour. Scientists have found that umami receptors on the tongue can withstand far more damage than those that detect other flavours, and activating them can help reawaken other taste receptors too, increasing sweet and salty flavours in dishes."

Chicken seems a reasonable substitute for Tamarind Turkey!
Make enough sauce (paste?) for the whole bird in order to taste test the different parts.

Tip: If not concerned about presentation for a taste test (or informal meal),
just assemble chicken pieces properly coated with the umami mixture.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Tomato-y Soup

To upscale a can of tomato soup.

Ingredients:

15oz can petite diced tomatoes (no salt)
10oz can simple tomato soup
10oz can of water
1/4 tsp garlic granules
3 tsp dried basil

Directions:

Mash diced tomatoes and combine ingredients.
Microwave (or heat on stove) to desired temp.
Serve black pepper and olive oil on the side -
even fresh basil leaves.

Reduce water as desired (or substitute milk).
Upscale more with a grilled cheese sandwich.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Who knew

About such easy prep convenience for broccoli
(complements a Tomato-y Soup meal)

Trim bite size pieces from a crown of rinsed broccoli,
place them top side down in a microwaveable bowl,
spread chopped sweet onion on the broccoli,
cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.

To serve, replace plastic wrap with a small plate
and microwave to al dente. Then top combo with
a serving of canned beans and microwave to heat.
Drizzle on olive oil and sprinkle with S&P.

Tips: Top of bowl-size crown also works,
but bite-size pieces give more dining pleasure.
Raw onion helps preserve cut veggies longer
during refrigeration.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.pharmaceutical-journal.com/ ... 14357.blog

"The calories in medicines come primarily from excipients. Starch and lactose in tablets,
alcohol and sugar in solutions, and gelatine in capsules all contain calories."

"At a positively waist-bulging 5.9 calories per capsule is calcium 500mg as Capsan."

Maybe the Gelcap Diet will be the next fad!

See also: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supp ... -and-risks

"Gelatin is a protein made from the skins and bones of pigs and cows. It's a common ingredient
in a number of products, including: makeup, food, medicines, vaccines"

Bottom line: One has to consume LOTSA pills to get too much gelatine ...
but the calories (and whatever) add up for lotsa pills ... daily.

See also: https://islamqa.info/en/answers/219137/ ... -medicines

"The scholars of the Standing Committee were asked: 'Is gelatin haraam?' They replied: 'If no haraam substances
or ingredients are involved in the production of gelatin, then there is nothing wrong with it.' "

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.americastestkitchen.com/gui ... -leaveners

"Psyllium seed husk powder ... has a higher viscosity, so it is able to bind water even more effectively. We have found that psyllium interacts strongly with the proteins in gluten-free flours, creating a sturdy network capable of holding in lots of gas and steam during baking, and it provides a strong enough structure to support highly leavened bread once the bread cools."

"We had the best luck using Now Foods Psyllium Husk Powder."

First guess: 1 tbsp psyllium husk powder per cup of gluten-free flour
to bake a gluten-free (or less gluten) instant yeast bread.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/08/0 ... 95571.html

"You've heard about the health benefits of dark chocolate, but did you know that you can benefit even more by eating the beans themselves, with less processing? Cacao nibs are cacao beans that have been roasted, separated from their husks, and broken into smaller pieces."

... which suggests a Chocolate-y Coffee (for drip machines):

Place a circle of coffee filter at the bottom of a basket, sprinkle on 1/4 cup cacao nibs,
place a full filter on top and add desired amount of ground coffee, then brew as usual.
After coffee is brewed, discard the grounds and consume moistened nibs as desired.

OMG! Is there such a thing? ... as Elderberrily Coffee?
Instead of cacao nibs, use dried elderberries (sold at health food stores).
Or use both berries and nibs, calling it Nibbleberry Coffee.

Currently being sans nibs 'n berries, I opted for Plan B:
One square of a 92% Cacao bar with morning coffee to see if there's
any increase in "brain oxygenation" after the 8 squares (one daily).

See also: https://www.scientificamerican.com/arti ... he-future/

"Is Cocoa the Brain Drug of the Future?" ... or not:
"although Messerli believes chocolate probably has some benefits, his analysis was inspired purely
by whimsical curiosity and exemplifies hazards of reading too much into a correlation." (or online)

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4000966/

"Pomegranate Fruit as a Rich Source of Biologically Active Compounds"

Who knew "Each and every part of pomegranate provides health benefits"

"The peel, which is also a major part of the fruit, is an imperative source of bioactive compounds such as phenolics,
flavonoids, ellagitannins, proanthocyanidin compounds, minerals, and complex polysaccharides."

Apparently, when eating the seeds (inner part of the juice-containing aril),
it's safe to consume some of the white pith ... and this suggests serving
pomegranate pieces (pith with attached arils) for greater health benefits.

Tips: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the white flesh (pith),
but first mixing quality lemon oil with the juice is a culinary plus!
Offer a mini spittoon for guests who just suck at pomegranate.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Polenta Pan Cake

A moist veggie cornbread prepared like pancake batter.

Ingredients:

1 rounded cup polenta (corn grits)
1 1/2 cups simmering water
2 tbsp virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic granules
2 tbsp dried parsley
3/4 tsp salt
2 xlg eggs
1/3 cup half & half
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
15oz can corn, drained
med. sweet onion, diced

Directions:

Lightly oil 8" x 10" baking dish; preheat oven to 400F degrees.

Pre-heat water in a medium sauce pan, turn off stove, stir in polenta,
cover pan and let rest until water is absorbed (about 15 min.).

In a small bowl, whisk eggs and half & half.

When polenta is moistened, stir in olive oil,
then spices, egg mixture, and baking powder.
Stir in corn and diced onion last.

Pour into baking dish, reduce oven to 375F
and bake 1 hour or until light brown on top;
cool slightly before serving.

Rod

[Sandy]

Thank you Rod for that delicious sounding polenta recipe. I think I might actually have all the ingredients already in my cupboard.

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

Unexpectedly, this is quickly becoming my favorite "cornbread" for it's without white flour
and has slower-digesting corn fiber (important for blood sugar control). And egg protein
makes this another breakfast option! Try accompanied with steamed asparagus.

Also, noticeable corn grits texture is good alternative to traditional cornbreads.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://thefitcookie.com/healthy-nut-alternatives/
"Seeds make great substitutes for nuts since they provide the same nutritional benefits."

(summary) "Sesame, Sunflower, Pumpkin and Squash, Hemp, Watermelon, Chia, Flax, Pomegranate, Papaya"

I was puzzled why nuts cost so much during the holidays and wondered what are nutrition substitutes.
However, "same nutritional benefits" might be inaccurate, albeit seeds still offer significant nutrition.

See also: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-healthiest-seeds
"6 Super Healthy Seeds You Should Eat"

28g chia seeds (1 ounce, 2 tbsp) provides impressive nutrition!
(but not comparable to taste/texture of walnuts, for example)

(next thought) Apple-y Chia Pudding (2 servings?)
Stir together 1/4 cup chia seeds, 2/3 cup natural applesauce,
1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 cup water or apple juice.
Refrigerate overnight in covered container.

Rod

[Amigoo]

A diabetes discovery journey ...

Re: https://diabetichealth.today/diabetic-l ... diabetics/

"9 of the Best and Worst Breakfast Foods for Diabetics"

"A great breakfast option for someone with diabetes is pairing carbohydrates with a protein or a fat source because fat and protein blunt the glycemic response - although the carbohydrate will increase blood glucose levels, consuming protein or fat will likely cause less increase."

Few diabetics know about the "Bite Me!" diet (sponsored by donuts):
Occasionally, allow yourself one good bite of a donut (less than 1/4).

Note: Excess carbs still count, despite being distributed during longer digestion (caused by protein and fat).
And if someone lectures you about the donut chomp, just say "Bite Me!" and explain (or not) your allowance.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Seems to make sense!
... that the No Faux Diet would be next.

How does this work
A diet that unites vegetarians and meat eaters
Apparently, it's all about consuming real food ...
with few additives and preservatives.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://kotaku.com/mcdonalds-china-has- ... 1845910426

"McDonald's China Has A Spam and Oreos Burger"

While trying to decide how this burger would taste ...
and recalling that I enjoyed Spam four decades ago ...
I wondered about ingredients that made it taste good,
perceiving that this was the prequel to faux meat.

Best guess: If Spam and faux meat were side by side
with similar price in a store today, I'd head for the can.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/study-c ... 07768.html

"Weinandy also points out that 'people can usually get the same benefits from wine
as they do eating grapes and drinking grape juice. You don’t have to drink wine.' "

Of course, not too many grapes (or juice) because of natural sugar
and grapes should be dark (and juice without added sugar).

On the other hand, wine has more benefit than nutrition.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/21/health/c ... index.html
"Throw the Christmas menu out the window and have a snackapalooza"

"In a year that's been upside down and inside out, why stick with the same old dishes for Christmas dinner?
This season, it's time to lighten up a bit and bend the rules on what's appropriate for a holiday feast."

Truthful promotion of a feast, "upside down and inside out".
A Christmas dinner sans Christmas dinner nutrition! oH! oH! oH!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Holiday Pumpkin Custard

Similar to pumpkin pie filling but moist, less caloric,
and with more protein for breakfast or any meal.

Ingredients:

2 xlg eggs
1/3 cup egg whites
15oz can pumpkin puree
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
2/3 cup half & half
1/4 tsp salt

Directions:

Lightly oil a 1 1/2 quart baking dish;
preheat oven to 375F degrees.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs then whisk in
remaining ingredients in the order listed.

Pour into baking dish, reduce oven to 350F
and bake uncovered 1 hour 10 min.
Allow to cool 5 min. before serving.


Holiday Pumpkin Ring

Bake Fr. O'Brice Pumpkin Bread*, formed into a ring
on a non-stick baking sheet (spoon batter around small bowl
upside down on baking sheet then remove bowl to bake;
use end of knife to lift side of bowl)

* viewtopic.php?f=47&t=25032&p=208977#p208977

Allow to cool slightly then spoon Pumpkin Custard into center.
If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar (or drizzle icing over bread).

Tip: Before filling ring with baked custard,
cut bread into serving size slices.


Breakfast Pumpkin
(good nutrition to start the day,
especially oat bran + eggs and less sugar)

Serve a scoop of Custard, surrounded by
a few slices of Pumpkin Bread, all warmed.


Pumpkin Myristica
Serve warm Custard with a dollop of whipped cream
and teasingly mysterious sprinkle of nutmeg.


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxnews.com/food-drink/cour ... st-cookies
"A German court has ordered a baker to stop using sawdust in its cookies."

"The baker, who has remained unidentified, has reportedly run a mail-order business that’s been selling sawdust cookies for around 20 years... also said he uses 'microbiological' sawdust as a flour replacement, which he purchases from a natural products retailer. He went on to add that sawdust is an 'herbal product' that is similar to bran."

See also: https://www.marketplace.org/2017/11/01/ ... -it-again/

"Cellulose, a plant fiber often taken from wood. Cellulose was 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS)
by the U.S. FDA in 1973, and it’s in a lot of food."

A chocolate chip cookie with laxative benefit
(and not using "laxative" chocolate) seems appealing
... if you already consume fiber for this benefit.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Triple-Q Burgers (first draft)

Ingredients:

1 rounded cup tri-color quinoa, rinsed
1 2/3 cups simmering water
1 1/2 tsp psyllium husk powder
1 1/2 tbsp brown rice flour
1 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp garlic granules
2 tbsp dried chives
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 med. sweet onion, diced

Directions:

Lightly oil non-stick baking sheet.

In a large sauce pan, simmer quinoa in water
just until water is absorbed (about 20 min.).

Stir in dry ingredients, mixing well, then add olive oil
and stir vigorously to combine.

Fold in diced onion, then press mixture onto baking sheet.
Lightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

To cook, cut into patties and lightly fry in olive oil
(about 5 min. per side). Top with cheese if desired.

Tip: Increase percentage of red quinoa to darken
(red quinoa seems more available than black).

Next morning's brunch ...

Generous Triple-Q Burger patty, briefly fried,
topped with small scoop of Red Pepper Spread,
then slices of fresh avocado, with optional
sweet potato fries on the side.

Red Pepper Spread
Combine 15oz container spreadable butter & olive oil
with 1 tsp garlic granules, 3 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper,
5 tsp paprika, and 1 tsp turmeric extract powder.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Black Sesame Cow

A simple "black sesame + cacao" recipe,
anticipating "cow" to become the popular name.
Intense dark chocolate chips with curious chew.

Stir 1 rounded cup black sesame seeds into
two melted 3.17oz 92% cacao chocolate bars
(a certain brand but "go figure")

Spread on small tray covered with plastic wrap,
(tilt tray to thin as desired), then top mixture
with another sheet of plastic wrap.

Refrigerate overnight, then break into pieces.
Add elderberry, açaí berry, or beet powders
to really know how this cow doth roam.


Then, there's Red Pepper Cow

Stir 1 1/3 cups dried red pepper mini pieces into
two melted 3.17oz 92% cacao chocolate bars,
then stir in 1 rounded tbsp paprika.

Spread on small tray covered with plastic wrap,
(use back of spoon to distribute), then top mixture
with another sheet of plastic wrap.

Refrigerate overnight, then break into pieces.


Then, there's Pepper Beet Cow

Stir 1 1/3 cups dried red pepper mini pieces into
two melted 3.17oz 92% cacao chocolate bars,
then stir in 1 rounded tbsp red beet powder.

Spread on small tray covered with plastic wrap,
(use back of spoon to distribute), then top mixture
with another sheet of plastic wrap.

Refrigerate overnight, then break into pieces.


Chocolate Lava (version of Pepper Beet Cow)
(appearance as mixture slides on plastic wrap)

Stir 1/2 cup coarsely ground black sesame seeds
into two melted 3.17oz 92% cacao chocolate bars,
then stir in 2 tbsp organic red beet powder.

Spread on small tray covered with plastic wrap,
(tilt tray to thin as desired), then top spread
with another sheet of plastic wrap.

Refrigerate overnight, then break into pieces.

The ultimate lesson is that cacao, when first consumed,
was not "candy". 92% cacao transitions back to non-candy food.
And these recipes are Anti-Candy (antioxidant enriched)

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://wavesinthekitchen.com/black-hummus/

"Black sesame seeds are simply white sesame seeds who hulls have not yet been removed – that’s what makes them black.
Their flavor is darker, nuttier and toastier. They’re white sesame seeds' more pungent, slightly bitter, more intense cousin."

Not true ... according to a local health food store:
black sesame seeds are another color of sesame seeds,
whereas hulled seeds are not usually from black seeds.

A peppercorn grinder works for unhulled black seeds
(try these course grains with the 92% cacao recipes)

Rod

[Amigoo]

Regarding pomegranates ...

When consuming the seeds (inside the arils) for more dietary fiber,
the thin white membrane covering arils is a nutritious, easy chew -
the edible white flesh near the peel is often bitter.

Try serving pomegranate in multi-nibble chunks:
Peel the pomegranate, leaving a thin layer of white flesh,
then insert knife into one end to separate the halves;
chunks break away easily at this point.

Tip: Fruit juice is often a diabetic caution because of natural sugar,
but a lesser problem when paired with accompanying fruit fiber.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Lotsa Napa (first draft)

An impromptu assembly of veggies, tossed with
a scoop of oat bran and simple herbs 'n spices
to create a casserole with lotsa Napa cabbage.

Ingredients:

1 med. Napa cabbage, coarsely chopped
2 large sweet onions, chopped
2 cups sliced carrots, bite-size
2/3 cup light oat bran
1 tbsp ginger powder
3 tbsp dried chives
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup virgin olive oil

Directions:

Lightly oil large baking dish (with lid); pre-heat oven to 325F.

In a large mixing tub, spread chopped cabbage and onions,
then sprinkle on herbs 'n spices and half of the oat bran.

Spread sliced carrots on top, then remaining oat bran.
Stir the mixture well, then dump into baking dish
and drizzle olive oil all over.

Cover baking dish and bake 1 hour 20 min.
Take a short napa if desired (set timer).

Rod

[Sandy]

That Lotsa Napa recipe sounds perfect to go along with my more vegetarian and healthy eating I've planned for January and beyond.
I even have all the ingredients on hand... ( well I take that back, I don't have chives. )

Thanks Rod.