UB Cookin'

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

Eggplant, mushrooms (pre-heated to remove some of the moisture),
green onions, and cheese complement the flavors in this casserole.
But it's a versatile recipe! Try with 1 tbsp celery seeds!

And this reheats well to make a good breakfast option

Also (common internet advice) ...
"studies suggest that beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre in oats,
may have immune-boosting properties."

Best wishes for your culinary goal! For several years I've been drifting
to simpler meals for better nutrition as well as lower cost.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Cornbread & Stuff (moist with gentle crunch)

A creative way to heat a cold kitchen ...
as well as use an old package of cornbread mix.

Ingredients:

1/2 rounded cup polenta (coarse cornmeal)
1 1/4 cups very hot water
1 xlg egg + 1/4 cup egg whites
1/4 cup half & half

6oz pkg yellow cornbread mix
1/2 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp dried chives

1 med. sweet onion, diced
15oz can non-GMO corn, drained
1 tbsp virgin olive oil

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 400F degrees;
lightly oil non-stick baking pan.

In a small bowl, soak polenta in hot water
until water is absorbed (about 20 min.).

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

In a mixing bowl, combine cornbread mix,
garlic granules, baking powder, and dried chives;
then stir in soaked polenta, then egg mixture.

Vigorously stir in olive oil,
then fold in corn and diced onion.

Spoon batter into baking pan,
reduce oven to 375F and bake 45 min.

Rod

[Sandy]

Hi Rod,
Thanks for the suggestions regarding Lotsa Napa. I am off to make it in just a few minutes. (Something to look forward to. )
I'll let you know how it goes.
xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

Thank you for the reminder about Lotsa Napa (I wander to other recipes so easily).
This Lotsa has unusual "comfort food" appeal, is still tasty when reheated,
and the Napa cabbage has good flavor/texture for this casserole!
I'll try it next with eggplant (that I consume once a decade).

Who knew (from a different web page) ...
"the skin of purple eggplants contains its most valuable nutrient, a powerful antioxidant called nasunin,
a type of flavonoid called anthocyanins present in many fruits and vegetables with red, blue and purple hues.
Choose young, tender eggplant to avoid tough skin (but still edible).

See also: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eggplant-benefits

Rod

[Amigoo]

Who knew

For an easy Parsley/Garlic Spread ...
combine 15oz container "spreadable butter with olive oil"
with 1/4 cup dried parsley, 1 1/2 tsp garlic granules,
and 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil.

The olive oil solidifies in the refrigerator,
maintaining the spreadable consistency
and extends the oil's health benefit.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Who knew

There's the Be Fresh Diet (BFD) ...
where you eat something fresh with every meal,
be it a piece of fresh fruit, herb, or more!

Jayne: "My family is on the Be Fresh Diet!"
Garry: "BFD! Everybody knows about it!"

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.emedicinehealth.com/what_fo ... cle_em.htm
"What Foods Have the Highest Antioxidants?"

Online info suggests that antioxidants are best obtained from fresh foods - not supplements ...
and that a good variety of antioxidant-rich foods is best ("super food" is a marketing lure).

Rod

[Amigoo]

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

(a comment) "These chefs are describing the way to cook Indian curry. However we are not in India. Here we cook British curry,
which is a completely different thing, and we cook it the British way, and in the UK it is allowed to have poppadoms before, with,
or after the meal, or on their own like crisps."

Like all recipes, have it your way! ... especially if it's going down your own pie hole
... even with poppadoodles (whatever). Eventually, you'll sample the authentic recipe
and decide if your -doodles were just -diddles.


Who knew ... "curry" is already a British word!
Re: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/reci ... ry-powder/

"Curry spice blends vary from region to region in India and throughout the world, depending on the region, the availability of ingredients as well as the preference of the curry blend maker. There is no singular curry powder. Curry has spread around the world from India. You’ll find it now in many regions, such as Japanese curry, Jamaican curry and more. Interestingly, the word 'curry' is actually a creation of the West, having appeared in British cookbooks in the 18th century, borrowing ingredients from Indian culture and cuisine, similar to garam masala."

Rod

[Amigoo]

About jicama, a typical Mexican vegetable ...

Re: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/ji ... n-benefits

"Its flesh is juicy and crunchy, with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Some think it tastes like a cross between a potato and a pear."

- Add it to a vegetable platter
- Add it to a vegetable salad for extra crunch
- Stir-fry it with sesame oil and rice vinegar
- Combine with mango, pineapple or papaya for a tropical fruit salad
- Cut it into thick slices and serve with a dip like guacamole or hummus
- Sprinkle it with lime juice and chili powder for a spicy snack
... or soak slices briefly in natural apple juice (or pineapple juice)!

Tip: Grapefruit size is a good reference.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Crunchy Gingery Jicama

Potato-like slices but porous with texture/taste a-peel.
A satisfying snack option to limit other daily treats.
The juice is ... juice! Bon Appétit

Jicama slices soaked in a mixture of apple juice,
lemon, and water with a few slices of fresh ginger.
Peeling is unnecessary, but peel can be discarded.

Scrub a medium jicama in fresh water, then slice off both ends,
cut in half vertically, then cut each half in half horizontally.

Create slices, then soak in mixture of half apple juice + half water
+ juice of one medium lemon. Mixture should cover all jicama slices.
Add a few slices of fresh ginger and refrigerate between uses.
If desired, use more apple juice than water.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Scrambled Polenta

"Comfort food" alternative to morning oatmeal;
even serve with salsa and breakfast meat

Ingredients:

4 eggs (or 2 + 1/2 cup egg whites)
2/3 cup polenta (coarse corn grits)
1 3/4 cup water
1/4 tsp garlic granules
2 tbsp dried chives,
1/2 tsp salt
small sweet onion, diced
1 tbsp virgin olive oil

Directions:

Scramble eggs in butter or olive oil then set aside.

In a medium sauce pan, simmer polenta in water
until water is almost absorbed, then stir in
diced onion and finish cooking.

Finally stir in salt, garlic granules, chives,
then olive oil; fold in scrambled eggs last.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.vietworldkitchen.com/blog/2 ... apaya.html ,
https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Gr ... _12259.php

"Papaya is known as the "power fruit" as it is used as a universal remedy for many health disorders and diseases. It contains beneficial enzymes and has a high antioxidant content. It strengthens the immune system, helps the digestive system and protects against free radicals."

Re: https://food.ndtv.com/health/15-amazing ... re-1244242

Due to the rich fibre content and low glycaemic index, guavas prevent the development of diabetes. While the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels, the fibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated.

Speaking of "green papaya" ... try GGreen Tea (pronounced "G Green")
Munch on a ripe guava and wash it down with green tea.

Notes: Guava seeds do not need to be chewed for their benefit (they still digest).
"Fiber" is a secret to good blood sugar control (plus limiting carbohydrates).

Rod

[Sandy]

Hi Rod,
I must remember your scrambled Polenta recipe. What a nice breakfast treat that will be for someone who loves cornbread.

I think I am going to add eggplant or mushrooms to the Lotsa Napa recipe. do you think it would be too much to add both of them?

That recipe has become a favourite.

Cheers!
Sandy

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

I would favor mushrooms in the Lotsa Napa since eggplant might dominate,
but peeled eggplant seems OK ... with loss of nutrients in the peel.

I just bought a Napa cabbage and oat bran to make another casserole!
... after I finish baking and consuming my Polenta Peas casserole ...
... that's now a wanna_B&B runner-up to Scrambled Polenta.

(new stand-up material for a cookin' show)
New neighbor to old resident: "May I borrow your polenta?"
Old resident: "I don't have a pole and my name is not Enta!"
New neighbor: "Cool! I also appreciate a good Huckleberry!"
Old resident: "That was not a joke and my name is not Barry!"
New neighbor: "You're such an aromatic nutmeg! ..."

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: http://www.drudgereport.com/ "Edible insects move closer to dinner plates"

Tip: If they're moving on their own, move to a different table

More about these edibles ...

Re: https://chicago.suntimes.com/taste/2021 ... -food-diet

"Researchers said the worms, either eaten whole or in powdered form, are a protein-rich snack or ingredient for other foods...

"The U.N.’s Food and Agriculture Organization in 2013 championed edible bugs as a low-fat, high-protein food
for people, pets and livestock that are good for the environment and help feed the hungry."

Best guess: Probably like a coronavirus mRNA vaccine ...
some people prefer to wait a while to see what crawls within.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.amazon.com/Solgar-Omega-3-F ... 00331RPSS/

[a comment] "My vet recommended this for my dog.
She said that Solgar is one of the only companies that tests for heavy metals and other impurities,
and that their fish oil is actually what it says it is unlike those from some other companies.
It has vastly helped my dog's occasional creakiness, and his fur looks good too."

Apparently, helps humans with their creakiness
... but for crankiness (especially at bedtime),
try a small glass of merlot.

Rod

[Sandy]

Hi Rod,

I forgot to put mushroom or eggplant on my grocery list so it looks like regular Lotsa Napa for me. I got a bit side tracked avoiding the sweets and cookie isle and a growing desire to dive into a decadent package of chocolate covered Digestives.

So finally tonight Lotsa Napa is on the menu. ..a real treat to look forward to.

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Sandy,

I made another casserole earlier today, ate a serving then put the baking dish in a cold room
to cool before refrigeration. I started nibblin' on the cold casserole later, eating another serving!

Other veggies might be added but these in the recipe seem to have a delicate flavor balance
that can easily be dominated by another veggie (like asparagus or mushrooms).

With the oat bran providing complementary texture and absorbing veggie juices,
any other adaptation might create a NotSo Napa version.

Try served with fresh avocado slices.

Rod

[Amigoo]

EZ Salsa Hack ...

Combine half of a 6oz can of tomato paste
with a 15oz can petite diced tomatoes (mashed)
and 16oz jar Mexican salsa.

If desired, stir in dried cilantro, garlic granules,
minced sweet onion and or jalapeño peppers.

"Hack" typically means that you're adapting
a recipe that will be shunned by food critics
... or less spicy version for children.

Rod

[Amigoo]

EZ Pineapple Hack ...

Peel a fresh pineapple, quarter lengthwise,
then cut each quarter into wedges with core as a mini handle.
Rinse slices and drizzle on fresh lemon juice (or 50/50
mixture of lemon juice and cold water).

Tip: For salads, slice off core from quarter
before cutting quarter into wedges.

Rod

[Amigoo]

EZ Avocado Hack ...

Cut an avocado in half lengthwise (score with knife around seed),
then twist halves in opposite direction - seed stays in one side.

Lightly sprinkle garlic powder on side with seed, then refrigerate
in container, plastic wrap or bag; consume other side.
Use remaining side within a few days.

Tip: Use spoon to "cut" slices from avocado half
instead of trying to peel it.

Rod

[Amigoo]

EZ Boiled Egg Hack ...

Carefully crack open eggs and place in heat resistant bowl,
then pour liquid egg whites around each yolk. Steam eggs
in a double boiler (or use small rack in a large pan)
until eggs are cooked (about 25 min.).

Steamed eggs last longer in the refrigerator
than boiled & peeled (and avoids peeling).

3/4" water should be sufficient in pan;
try a microwaveable bowl.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Buckwheat Knights (makes 9)

Dense buckwheat mini pancakes, enriched with 100% cacao powder;
knot made with wheat flour! Often consumed as a flatbread.
For sweetness, serve with maple syrup or whatever.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup oat bran
1/3 cup buckwheat flour
3 tbsp 100% cacao powder
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup egg whites
1/3 cup half & half
1/3 cup water

1 tbsp virgin olive oil
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
(or 1/3 cup hemp SEEDS,
else they're Darth Knights)

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients.
In a medium bowl combine the 1/3s,
then stir into dry mixture, then olive oil,
then sunflower seeds. Let rest 3 min.

Stir again and cook like pancakes.

What?! You didn't know this meant Jedi Knights?
https://www.geekalerts.com/star-wars-pancake-molds/

Of course, Jedi Knights know more about nutrition:
https://www.oprah.com/health/buckwheat- ... erfood/all

Rod

[Amigoo]

BasíC Flatbread (pronounced "B así C",
makes six 6" flatbreads)

Nutritious buckwheat enriched with 100% cacao.
Super EZ recipe and good source of soluble fiber!
"Flatbread" instead of "Pancake" avoids syrup.

Try chopped nuts, seeds, herbs, or dried fruit.
(sesame seeds provide complementary fiber)

Ingredients:

1 cup buckwheat flour
1/4 cup 100% cacao powder
1 tsp baking powder
2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup egg whites
1/3 cup half & half
2/3 cup water

1/3 cup natural applesauce
1 tbsp virgin olive oil

Directions:

In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients.
In a small bowl, combine liquid ingredients,
stir into dry mixture, whisk in applesauce;
whisk in olive oil last.

Cook as pancakes on pre-heated griddle
(but still think "flatbread").

Rod

[Amigoo]

More about cacao nutrition (100% cacao is best) ...
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/co ... n-benefits

For a super treat ...
combine 10oz pkg frozen blueberries (thawed) with 1 cup blueberry pie filling.
Serve with Flatbread and complementary drink (hot or cold).
Accompany with raw walnuts to upscale this treat!

Rod