UB Cookin'

[Amigoo]

Bonding with your crockpot? ... and fond of wild rice?

Into half-filled pot of simmering water (now "double boiler"),
place a 2-cup measuring glass with 3/4 cup wild rice (rinsed),
filled just below the 2-cup mark with very hot water.

Carefully place in simmering water, cover crockpot,
and simmer about 1 1/2 hours. If desired, stir in
spices and herbs when cooked and let rest
(or cover and refrigerate when cool).

Wild rice tastes great with split pea soup

Rod

[Sandy]

I am thinking that Eggplant O'Bella would taste wonderful tonight. Now if only I had an eggplant. Okay that is one for next week.

Thank you Rod, for the many tasty recipes to try!

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Re: "It Starts With Food" by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig, 2012
Chapter 14: "Vegetables and Fruits", pp.153-154

"First, vegetables are a nutrient-dense source of carbohydrate."

"In addition, vegetables are distinctly anti-inflammatory ... often attributed to the fact that vegetables provide the richest source of antioxidants which prevent or reverse damage caused by excess free radicals ... produced when our immune system is fired up (like when we get an infection or fight off a cold)."

"Remember, an overabundance of free radicals in the body can damage cells and your DNA, and are profoundly inflammatory."

Suddenly, chicken soup with lotsa veggies, not overcooked,
sounds like one of the better disease cures - even preventative!
And food without significant nutrients sounds disease-nurturing.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://us.coca-cola.com/products/coke- ... dark-blend

"Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Coffee Powder, Natural Flavors, Phosphoric Acid, Sodium Benzoate (To Protect Taste), Caffeine, Potassium Sorbate, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium."

Re: https://us.coca-cola.com/products/coca-cola/original

"Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Caramel Color, Phosphoric Acid, Natural Flavors, Caffeine.

"Coffee Powder" seems to be the significant new ingredient,
hinting that cold espresso in original Coke could be a taste test
(but without the preservatives' flavors).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/04/health/m ... index.html
"For the fifth year in a row, the Mediterranean diet was first across the finish line in the annual race for best diet"

"All three of these diets reduce or eliminate processed foods, and stress packing your plate with fruits, vegetables,
beans, lentils, whole grains, nuts and seeds ... all offer variety, flexibility and few, if any, rules"

Somehow, 24/7 food advertising hints that few people are actually in this race!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.quora.com/Does-the-combinat ... te-protein
"Does the combo of pasta and black beans make a complete protein?"

(comment by Shaun Haney): "Yes, but it does not matter whether you eat them at the same meal or on two different days.
Your body has the ability to reserve essential amino acids until it can synthesize complete proteins, so the only time
you’re actually going to run into trouble is when you decide to only eat one particular food for days or weeks on end"

Rod

[Amigoo]

Steamed Sardine Loaf

Good for any meal on a faux fishing trawler.
To upscale serve with sliced fresh orange.

Ingredients:

3.75oz can Boneless/Skinless
Sardines in Olive Oil
1 tbsp dark chia seeds
1 1/2 tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp garlic granules
1/4 cup light oat bran
1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup diced celery tops
1 cup diced sweet onion

Directions:

Lightly oil 3-cup microwaveable bowl;
heat double boiler to simmer.

In a mixing bowl, mash sardines+oil,
then stir in ingredients as listed;
fold in celery and onion last.

Spoon mixture into oiled bowl,
place in double boiler, cover
and steam 45 min.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8142857/
"Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) is effective in lowering C-reactive protein levels"

"Monolaurin has a broad-spectrum activity as an antibacterial, boosts the immune system, and acts as an anti-viral.
Its ability to kill various types of viruses, especially enveloped viruses such as influenza viruses and coronavirus ..."

Re: https://www.monolaurinandmore.com/artic ... lete-guide
"Monolaurin studies show in-vitro the potential to inactivate a range of enveloped viruses
by purportedly breaking down the outer lipid membrane and destroying the virus."

Re: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mc ... oconut-oil
"What’s the Difference Between MCT Oil and Coconut Oil?"

VCO (not just MCT) seems a "must have" for the well-balanced pantry.

Rod

[Amigoo]

OBC Flatbread

Ingredients:

1 cup light oat bran
1/3 cup 100% cacao powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup applesauce
1/3 cup half & half
1/4 cup egg whites
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
2/3 cup raw sunflower seeds
(or chopped almonds)
3/4 cup dried cranberries

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400F degrees;
place parchment paper on baking sheet.

Combine ingredients in the order listed,
then stir in olive oil, then sunflower seeds.

Spoon batter onto baking sheet,
reduce oven to 375F, bake 40 min.

Rod

[Sandy]

Thanks for the new recipes, Rod. Although I am not a huge fan of sardines despite the fact that they are good for you, I am willing to give it a try. As it has to be an extremely beneficial dish.
Now that flat bread recipes sounds positively delicious. ( You have me hooked on Oat bran bread.

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

"An apple a day" the old fashioned way ...

It's no secret to nutritionists and to many nutrition-savvy consumers
that fresh fruit is better than cooked or juiced (edible fiber discarded).
This method preserves fresh apple but provides more convenience
with a complementary taste (and nutrition) boost:

Mix 1/2 tsp Vitamin C crystals with 1 cup chilled applesauce,
then add 2 med. diced red apples (try Fuji), sprinkle on
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp nutmeg; stir gently.
Refrigerate and consume as desired, whenever.

Plan C: Skip the cinnamon and nutmeg,
stir in 1 cup dried cranberries (soak in hot water
to remove any excess oil and sugar if desired),
then stir in 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice.

Upscale servings with fresh walnuts.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.brighteon.com/
(search for "Gravy Smothered Hamburgers With Rice")

Another "comfort food" meal from "Living The Life With Tracy".
Tasty recipes not so concerned about carbohydrates and fat
(but easily modified if desired) with interesting spices!

"Julia Child" presentations but how most people really live (IMO).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Cranberry Cacao Breakfast (one serving):

Microwave 2/3 cup water to simmering,
then stir in 2 rounded tbsp light oat bran,
2 tbsp raw sunflower seeds*, pinch of salt,
1 tsp 100% cacao powder,
2 tsp virgin coconut oil,
2 tbsp dried cranberries.

Cover and let soak 10 min.

Include a few slices of fresh orange
on the side to upscale this Cacaophony.

* Try pumpkin seeds instead of sunflower seeds:
Soak raw pumpkin seeds in water overnight,
then drain and refrigerate for various recipes
like this Cranberry Cacao or herby pesto.

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-40789353.html
"Daily glass of wine is not good for you."

However, researchers still agree that a daily glass (not jug) of red wine is beneficial,
especially because of antioxidants. This article suggests that a daily glass leads to alcoholism
and alludes to most alcohol lacking significant nutritional benefit (so drink with a good meal).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/19/health/n ... index.html
"the ultimate snack food — and it's better for you than you think"

"high in fiber, containing nearly 4 grams per 4-cup serving, and contains a significant amount
of polyphenols that can help lower blood sugar levels and help digestion."

Try air popped popcorn with olive oil spray and gentle sprinkle of salt, like this spray:
https://www.target.com/p/organic-100-ex ... A-77589816

Hmmm ... what wine goes with popcorn?
(probably in a chilled carton with straw)

Rod

[Amigoo]

Martian Applesauce Delight (one serving)
(product* mentioned for ingredients reference)

Mix 1 tbsp Supergreens mixture (add 2 tbsp spirulina to pkg)
with 1/2 cup chilled applesauce. For "walk on water" nutrition,
intensify your MAD greenery with 1 tsp dark chia seeds.

Today's Spell Checker humor:
Replace 'spirulina' with 'spiritual'.


* https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Living ... ref=sr_1_4
"Supergreens Protein Smoothie - Spirulina - Probiotics - Chlorella - Wheatgrass", 6oz pkg

"Ingredients: Organic Pea Protein Powder, Organic Hemp Protein Powder, Organic Agave Inulin Prebiotic Fiber, Organic Lucuma Powder, Organic Ground Cinnamon, Spirulina Powder, Organic Wheat Grass Powder, Organic Moringa Powder, Organic Vanilla Flavor Powder, Organic Chlorella Powder, Organic Alfalfa Juice Powder, Organic Monk Fruit Extract, Bacillus Coagulans Probiotic"

Monk fruit is the primary sweetener in this Supergreens product -
lucuma powder is a probiotic (associates with agave inulin, a prebiotic).


For simple Martian Applesauce

Mix 1 tsp spirulina with 1 cup chilled applesauce;
fortify your greenery with 1 tsp dark chia seeds.
Suggested serving size: 1/2 cup

To enhance the Martian Greenery theme,
add diced Granny Smith apples (adds soluble fiber).


Re: https://draxe.com/nutrition/spirulina-benefits/

"studies suggest that spirulina increases production of antibodies, infection-fighting proteins,
and other cells that improve immunity and help ward off infection and chronic illnesses such as cancer."


Rod ... ... (off to get my Granny
and walk on water ... in the parking lot)

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.brighteon.com/
(search for "Kentucky Homestead Turkey Spam and Rice Soup!")

Yum! 'Turkey Spam' was the only Spam I wanted,
but not available locally when I ordered a case from Amazon (last century ;- )

A 'comfort food' recipe where reasonable nutrition* is acceptable
when comfort - even nostalgia - are the higher priority.

* canned meat often contains excess sodium and fat;
fresh veggies are better than dried; white rice is 'filler'
(especially if the added vitamins are rinsed off).

Rod

[Amigoo]

Martian Granny Sauce

Mix 1 tsp spirulina with 1 cup chilled applesauce,
then stir in 1 large Granny Smith apple, diced.
Suggested serving size: 1/2 cup
Nice with sliced almonds.

Re: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21706829/
"inflammatory myopathy with widely spreading skin rash following use of Spirulina"

On the other hand, use caution ...
some people experience allergic reaction to health food supplements.

Rod ... ... (got my three Grannys
and walked on water ... in the parking lot)

[Sandy]

Thanks Rod for the new recipes,

I actually have some spirulina in the cupboard. I remember tasting a little like pond water though. LOL Worth a try for the nutrition it packs. So here goes...

xxSandy

[Amigoo]

Black-Eyed Tuna Whatsit

An easy peasy tuna combo that explores
the culinary limit of what goes with what.
Freeze, then stir in fresh herbs, spices,
and/or veggies after thawing.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups black-eyed peas, cooked
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
7oz can Flake White Tuna, drained

Directions:

Cover dried black-eyed peas with water, soak several hours,
then drain, cover with 1/2 inch water and simmer until cooked
(about 45 min), adding extra water if necessary.

When peas are soft, mash like potatoes, then stir in
remaining ingredients. Add preferred liquid to create
a dip for celery, carrots, chips or whatever.

What wine goes with a Peasy Whatsit
and canned skinless/boneless sardines?

Rod

[Amigoo]

Black Beans 'n Greens

A cold salad with intense nutrition.

Ingredients:

29oz can black beans, drained
15oz can non-GMO corn, drained
1 med. sweet onion, diced
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp garlic granules
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
med. bunch fresh spinach
(washed, stems removed, chopped)

Directions:

Stir together as listed and refrigerate.

Serve with slices of fresh bell pepper,
(even cherry tomatoes or whatever) and
Olive Oil & Vinegar Dressing (optional).

Rod

[Amigoo]

EUA Seed Sprouter (a good lockdown project)

Equipment:

one Ziploc Medium Square**, one Ziploc Small Square*
[ Small Square (SS) is tray for Medium Square (MS) ]
cookie cutter (keeps MS higher to drain better),
broccoli seeds (or other seeds), hole punch.

Directions:

Punch one hole inside MS in middle of groove along each side;
punch one hole in every corner in groove. Holes should be
slightly smaller than the seeds being sprouted.

Soak 3 tbsp broccoli seeds overnight in fresh water,
then pour off soaking water, add more water.

Place MS in sink and rinse seeds into MS.
Fill SS with 1/2" water, place MS inside SS,
add 1/2" water to MS to distribute seeds.

Jiggle Squares to cause seeds to spread evenly,
carefully lift MS, place in sink for water to drain.
Empty SS, place cookie cutter inside, place MS
on cookie cutter (helps water drain from MS),
cover with top and set away from light.

Each day, carefully sprinkle water on seeds
and allow them to drain into SS (empty SS
as needed). Remaining water can be drained:
place MS on a paper towel, then back on SS.

Seeds sprout in 4-5 days.

I'm testing broccoli seeds that I've saved 16 years.
It's Day 2 and already I see evidence of sprouting!
(more amazing since my kitchen temp is 60F)


*** Entrepreneur Alert: Create kits to share (or sell at cost)
with holes punched in the Medium Square. Include seeds
to upscale this sprouter kit with a whimsical name.

** https://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-Container ... ref=sr_1_3
* https://www.amazon.com/Ziploc-70935-Sma ... ref=sr_1_6


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.allrecipes.com/article/broc ... coli-rabe/

Broccoli Rabe - A good (or better?) substitute for sprouted broccoli!
However, slightly bitter ... like green grass (but more flavor).
Get your Mooo! on for better health (they say)

Suggested preparation for convenient use:

Separate the BR bunch and rinse stalks.

Pluck off broccoli-like heads; refrigerate separately.

Cut stems into mini pieces; refrigerate separately.

Cut leaves into a "chop", add diced large sweet onion,
sprinkle with garlic granules and salt, then toss.
Place paper towels in bottom of bowl, top with BR greens,
top this with more paper towels. Refrigerate overnight,
then remove paper towels (soak up excess moisture).

Now, use as desired (stir fry, steam, whatever).

Today''s email Spell Checker humor:
"Replace 'Mooo!' with 'Moon' " Caution:
Be careful where you get your moon on!

Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.brighteon.com/
(search for: "Jammin' With Jen - What to do When the Plague Does Not Come!")

"Vitality Capsules are the internal cleansers that give you three bowel movements a day so you can take turpentine."

Dr. Jennifer Daniels discusses prepping for the end-of-the-world plague (which did not come) and mentions her jar of aged garlic and honey. However, one time a day is usually sufficient with daily soluble+insoluble fiber - three times a day suggests consumption of "laxatives" (IMO).

Jen's response to an online question:
"A bull testicle a day is a good substitute for testosterone supplements"
Maybe the Mexican food stores in Texas sell these (or order online).

About the aged garlic & honey:
See also: https://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/ferme ... rlic-honey
(it's a real recipe ... apparently)
About the turpentine: She doesn't discuss this, but it sounds risky already.


In another video, Dr. Jennifer Daniels drips turpentine into a spoonful of sugar and consumes this, apparently for intestinal health. A quick internet search finds much advice that turpentine is toxic and could cause organ failure. However, turpentine was considered medicinal long ago (before electricity?).

Considering that turpentine is flammable, smokers would need additional caution for even handling this "cure". Besides, turpentine is not a common liquid to be found in a kitchen (and would be especially risky if stored in an unmarked container). Of course, an alcoholic drink called "Turpentine" might be acceptable ... if sans turpentine. "Turpenteen" could be the non-adult version, "Turpentummy" like a Pepto Bismol, and "Turpentude" the downside of "Turpentine" happy hours. But I digress.


Rod

[Amigoo]

Re: https://www.organicfacts.net/green-papaya.html

"A single serving of this fruit has more than 70% of your daily requirement for vitamin C,
which stimulates the production of white blood cells ... the body’s first line of defense
against infections and foreign pathogens."

Suggests vitamin C from natural sources (fruit and some veggies, consumed raw)
is now a mandated daily requirement ... and mitigates some medical mandates.

See also: https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/ ... -vitamin-c
"Natural sources of vitamin C"

Rod