UB Cookin'

[Amigoo]

Black Seed Oil

Re: https://www.amazon.com/Heritage-Store-B ... 01LQEHSC6/

Comment from Eric:
"black seed oil is amazing and for men lacking in size in a certain area it's been shown applied topically to enlarge that area as well"

However ... growing more hair (up above - not down below) would be a better demonstration!
Nevertheless, my 9 out of 10 taste buds believe that this brand is fresher and more economical
(than my current favorite).

There's no current plan to demonstrate other benefits.
Since this oil is widely touted for its nutrition when consumed,
topical application could indeed be a plus (size).

Rod

[Sandy]

Hope you are enjoying a happy week end, Rod.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Yes, Sandy, a good weekend ... since the daily 100F+ temperatures are ending soon!

At least, I was able to confirm (again) during these summer 109 days that exhaust fans can drop my attic temperature by 10 degrees. This lower temperature helps keep my house cooler, but more attic insulation would help (always at the bottom of my To Do List).

Rod

[Sandy]

Hi Rod,
If I ever complain about any of our temps that under 100 ...I don't care how humid I declare it to be, you have my permission to give me a good thrashing. Really 109? Is this a usual summer temp or are you Texans experiencing a bout of extreme heat?

Yeah, my son has an attic fan and it is amazing in a few minutes how it can help...well, if the temps are not crazy hot, anyway.

Stay cool.... It's almost over.

XXSandy

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

The five-day 108/109 temps is very rare, but good for extreme testing of the attic fans (left them off one day to compare thermometers).

From research several years ago, I learned that exhaust fans must be numerous (or powerful) enough to create a noticeable breeze all over the attic (at higher temperatures, asphalt shingles begin acting like mini hot plates (IMO) that keep transferring heat below and take hours to cool).

Technically, shingles do not need to conduct heat in the winter (which would create moisture problems in the attic), so these shingles could be made to not conduct heat in the summer. Certainly, natural materials exist to minimize the need for oil-based asphalt.

Rod

[Sandy]

Hi Rod,
One thing I noticed when I first moved hear was that asphalt shingles were non existent. The most popular roofing item seems to be a spanish looking tile, made from terracotta or concrete I do believe. You also see attractive metal roofs as well.

https://www.arm.net.au/the-3-most-popul ... australia/

http://blog.rooroofing.com.au/australia ... ng-options

https://www.google.com.au/search?q=imag ... 00&bih=769

I remember roofing a yard barn one hot summer and the shingles were sticking to each other in the package. What a mess...

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Thanks for the info, Sandy

This looks like a good summary:
https://www.thespruce.com/best-roofing- ... ty-1821951

100+ years of durability for the more expensive roofing material!
I'd want a guaranteed reincarnation to buy that roof now.

Relative heat absorption/conduction is rarely mentioned with materials -
wood seems best and metal hot like asphalt (but not retain heat like asphalt).

Insurance premiums may be higher for above-standard materials.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Red Beet Slaw

Slice thin a medium head of red cabbage, then place in a pressure cooker
and sprinkle on 2 tsp caraway seeds and 1/2 cup water. Heat pressure cooker
just until pressure is stable, remove pan from heat, cool to room temperature,
then refrigerate overnight (tip: leave cabbage in pressure cooker).

In a mixing bowl, combine cabbage with chilled 15oz jar pickled beets
(if desired, dice large pieces) with 1/4 cup raw apple cider vinegar;
fold together gently with a spatula, then refrigerate until served.

For crunch, reduce pressure when pan removed from heat.
Very tasty, served with many types of cheese!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/bi ... mouse-meat

Q: Do dogs purr after eating lab-grown mouse meat
A: No, but their ears get bigger if they're named Mickey.

A nutritional subtlety of this lab research is that fungi (mushrooms)
are really good food! even for humans!

Rod

[happyrain]

Mushrooms are gaining popularity as a superfood in our store.

[Amigoo]

Martian Moo (substitute similar products)
Sometimes you just need to go out and Moo!

Combine one quart chilled Westsoy Unsweetened Plain Soy Milk
with one tablespoon Sunny Green Cleansing Green Powder;
refrigerate and shake well before first serving.

One-by-one, other "faux" milks were eventually discarded because of
minimal protein, stevia aftertaste, and/or excess gum (xanthan, gellan).
This final Moo is both refreshing and nutritional! - for more protein
and other nutrition ... eat something!

Who knew?! This soy milk concoction lends itself well
to an alcoholic complement to a "White Russian".
The name? Green Martian (of course!)

I'll need cream, vodka, and fresh mint(?)
... or just host Green Martian Meetups ...
until we get it right.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: Martian Moo (and Green Martian)

On the other hand ...
any drink made with "faux" milk cannot be the real deal.

If the other hand were to mix this cocktail today,
some cream, melon liqueur, a "splash" of vodka ...
and something green would be combined.

Rod ... ... (off to get pistachio ice cream
for "something green" + cream - a drizzle of melon liqueur
might then be the inspiration to go out and Moo!)

[Amigoo]

Re: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/food/ ... althy.html

Benefits of foods consumed in pairs ...

"Avocado and carrots
- munching on avocado and carrot simultaneously increases the absorption of beta-carotene and stimulates its conversion into vitamin A, the holy grail nutrient for healthy skin, strong bones and keen vision.

Grilled meat and leafy greens
- parsley, spinach, kale and cabbage contain cancer-fighting properties called carcinogens that are particularly active when paired with fried, roasted or grilled accompaniments.

Berries and nuts
- Nuts and fruits like acai, blueberries, blackberries and strawberries are rich in mono-saturated fats which lower cholesterol and even contribute to improved brain function.

Kale and citrus
- Pairing vitamin C rich fruits like lemon, lime and orange with dark green vegetables such as kale helps the body to absorb all important iron found in leafy plants."

However, consuming these foods in a daily diet (not two by two) may be sufficient to reap the same benefits. For example, the body accumulates amino acids from food (during the day) to use to "build cells and repair tissue, form antibodies, and carry oxygen throughout the body". The greater benefit of "two by two" is gustatory (visual appeal, complementing taste & texture, etc.).

And this makes sense from an evolutionary perspective, else cave men
would have to bring their nuts with them on long hikes to find berries.

Rod

[Sandy]

Thanks for that valuable information, Rod.... I'm putting it to good use.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/31/health/r ... index.html

"The CDC recommends washing vegetables thoroughly and boiling any frogs or snails you might be eating for three to five minutes."

Starting with cold water so the frogs won't notice is not recommended - the water should be boiling.
And for any of your bug-themed bowls, choose only gummy centipedes:
https://www.candynation.com/haribo-gummy-centipedes

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: Benefits of foods consumed in pairs ...

To maximize the benefit of curcumin (a component of turmeric):
https://www.faithful-to-nature.co.za/bl ... bsorption/

After reading this article, I added 95% curcumin powder to my daily Black Seed Oil*
and believed that I could walk on water ... but was just overwatering my plants.

Seriously, curcumin is another "Good for what ails you" antioxidant.
(curcumin is an intense serving of turmeric)

* See also: https://www.healthline.com/health/food- ... its#safety

Rod

[Sandy]

Amazing! I never knew how beneficial Turmeric can be or that it needs to be activated for best absorption. That's a great article which I plan to bookmark as I have a difficult time remembering all this good stuff for any length of time. Thanks Rod!
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Not Poached Eggs (aka "steamed eggs")

An easy cooking method that simulates poaching
and requires a medium sauce pan with glass lid
with optional small wire rack under bowl.

Directions:

Fill pan with 3/4" water, cover, and heat to simmering.

Coat bottom and sides of 10oz Pyrex bowl with 2 tsp olive oil,
carefully crack two eggs into bowl, place in simmering water,
and cover pan. Steam 5-10 min. until egg whites are cooked.

Remove bowl from pan with spatula and/or gloves
and pour off excess oil (if desired).

A slight learning curve, leading to a favorite method,
especially with this convenient cooking/serving bowl!

Tips: Bowl should be wide enough for part of the yolk
to stay above the egg whites while cooking (steaming).
A glass lid is best until method is perfected.

Rod

[Sandy]

Thank you, Welles. I'm eating a fair few eggs these days so I will definitely give this method a try.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

No-Cook Tomato Sauce

A versatile base sauce without intense flavoring or sweetness,
but still tasty as prepared! This tomato sauce easily upgrades
to near-gourmet with a home chef's inspiration.

Combine 6oz can tomato paste with 2 cans of water;
stir in 1 tbsp dried parsley, 2 tsp each oregano, basil,
and 1/2 tsp each ground thyme, garlic granules, salt
... then whisk in 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Refrigerate overnight; stir before use.

Heat briefly to use as dippin' sauce for breadsticks
and serve with finely grated cheese for sprinklin'.

Rod

[Sandy]

Thank you Rod!
I know I will make good use out of this one.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Kiwi Fingers

Who knew that kiwifruit is finger food

Rinse the kiwi, then cut a small slice off each end.
Place one cut end down and make 3 vertical cuts
along its length (creates 120-degree wedges).

Finally, cut each wedge in half horizontally to make
bite-size pieces (bite the flesh away from the skin).
Refrigerate these in a covered container.

Tips: Cut several (or more) for lasting convenience.
Keep the sliced ends for nibblin'.

Rod

[happyrain]

Kiwi's are a magical fruit. Of course, everything in moderation. This fruit will do wonders for the temple that is your body.

[Amigoo]

Broccoli Bucket

A near-Paleo combo (it's Paleo if consumed raw), but prepared for modern convenience
with good nutrition! As prepared, this veggie bucket tolerates refrigeration for days!
Substitute veggies as desired since minimal cooking is this Paleo's intent.

Ingredients (relative proportions, all bite-size pieces):

2 cups broccoli tops
1 cup chopped sweet onion
2 cups chopped bell peppers (mix colors)
1/2 cup diced fresh cilantro (or Italian parsley)
1 cup chopped zucchini
1/2 tsp garlic granules
1/2 tsp salt

Directions

Gently toss all veggies except broccoli,
sprinkle on salt and garlic granules, stir briefly,
then spoon into container for refrigeration.
Spoon broccoli on top and cover.

To cook in a serving bowl, microwave broccoli for 2 min.,
then add a scoup of cut veggies and microwave 1 min.
Drizzle on extra virgin olive oil or butter; if desired,
sprinkle on salt & pepper.

Tip: For greater convenience, toss broccoli with veggies
(but broccoli cooks better if heated first). Microwave longer
for less al dente texture (try an extra minute).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Oregano Reds

A simple Paleo combo with unexpected taste synergy
and pleasing crunch; stores well in the refrigerator.

Ingredients:

15oz can red kidney beans, rinsed
1/3 cup olive oil & vinegar dressing
1/4 tsp garlic granules
1 tbsp dried oregano
small red onion, minced

Directions:

Combine ingredients and refrigerate overnight
in a covered container; stir before use.

Rod