Tofu Stew with Root Vegetables

Many Vietnamese people will already know this dish if they are the Buddhists. This dish is regularly on the tables of Buddhist Temples every full moon celebration. For healthy living lifestyles, this dish must be in each family meal. All the root vegetables, such as daikon, carrot, kohlrabi, and bamboo shoots. because they add so many vitamins that are needed for the body to function well. I like to add the eggplant to this recipe to join in with this group of vegetables. The very light sauce cooked with coconut water will result in a sweeter taste for this recipe. I hope this recipe will make all the vegetarians happy and healthy.

Ingredients:

Root vegetables:*

Daikon, carrot, kohlrabi, and squash.

Other ingredients:

Fried tofu 12 oz.

Eggplant**

Long beans***

Cabbage***

Garlic-ginger paste

Chili flakes

Oil for stir-frying

Stew sauce ingredients:

12 oz. coconut water

1 tsp miso paste

1 tbs soy sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp mushroom seasoning

1 tbs honey

1 tsp blackstrap molasses

Directions:

Combine the stew sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well.

Peel and cut the root vegetables into bite-size pieces (about 1 ½ inch cubes or your choice).

You can buy ready-fried tofu at an Asian supermarket; if not available, just use some oil and cut the tofu into cubes and deep-fry them until golden brown.

Cut eggplant into bite size pieces.

Cut cabbage into bite size pieces.

Cut long beans (about 2 inch lengths).

In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup oil. Stir in garlic-ginger paste and chili flakes (stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant). 

Stir in all the root vegetables. Cook vegetables for 3 minutes and add the stew sauce.

Cover and cook for 10 minutes or until all the root vegetables are halfway cooked; then add tofu, eggplant, and long beans. Adjust the seasoning at this point with salt.

 Add cabbage a few minutes before cooking is completed. The final result for this dish is that all the vegetables are cooked and tender, not mushy.

*All the root vegetables combined should be about 4 cups total.

**Use half of the eggplant.

***1 cup cabbage, and 1/2 cup long beans. Throw in a few mushrooms if you like. This is a free style recipe. Choose whatever vegetable and how many vegetables you desire into this dish.

Gluten-Free Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chips Cookies

One night, I watched a YouTube clip from the Irish chef, Bolder Baker. She introduced her 3 ingredients cookies.  I like this recipe because it is easy and healthy. It also gave me an idea to come up with my own recipe to share with all my blog followers. This recipe is another way to use all the ripened bananas and to combine with other healthy ingredients, such as coconut oil, sesame seeds, and eggs. This is to me a healthy breakfast to replace a boring oatmeal congee. The chocolate chips can be melted and drizzled over the cookies when they are done or mixed together with the batter. Here it is.

Ingredients:
2 cups oatmeal
2 bananas, mashed
1 egg
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbs sesame seeds (optional)
1 tsp baking soda
2 tbs coconut oil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°.
Grease the baking sheet with coconut oil.
Combine all ingredients well.
Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, place each scoop or spoon full of batter about 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

A Cup And Coffee

A group of highly established alumni got together to visit their old university professor. The conversation among them soon turned into complaints about their stressful work and life. The professor went to his kitchen and returned with a large pot of coffee and an assortment of cups, including porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal, some plain-looking, some expensive and some exquisite. The professor told them to help themselves to the coffee. After all the students had a cup of coffee in their hands, the professor said: “ Did you notice all the nice looking cups are taken and only the plain inexpensive ones are left behind. While it is normal for everyone to want the best for themselves, but that is the source of problems and stress in your life. “ “ The cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In most of the cases, it’s just more expensive and hides what we drink.”, the professor continued. “What  all of you really wanted was coffee, not the cup, but all of you consciously went for good looking expensive cups and then began eyeing on each other’ s cups.” “Let’s consider that life is the coffee and the jobs, houses, cars, things, money and position are the cups.  The type of cup we have, does not define or change the quality of our lives.” MORAL:  Sometimes we fail to enjoy the coffee by concentrating only on the cup we have. Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s around you is perfect. It means you’ve decided to see beyond the imperfections and find peace. And the peace lies within you, not in your career, jobs, or the houses you have. Source: Spiritual Short Stories

Goji Berries

Goji berries are perhaps the most nutritionally-rich fruit on the planet. Goji berries contain 18 kinds of amino acids (six times higher than bee pollen) and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan). Goji berries contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus).

Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids, including beta-carotene (more beta carotene than carrots), of all known foods or plants on earth! They contain 500 times the amount of vitamin C, by weight, than oranges making them second only to camu camu berries as the richest vitamin C source on earth. Goji berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E.

Are Goji Berries a super-food?

Scientists have discovered that there is a small group of 'super- foods' that have up to twenty times the anti-oxidant power of other foods. These super-foods provide more anti-oxidant power than large doses of vitamin supplements. They found Goji berries contain 22 polysaccharides - some of which are totally unique to this plant.

One of these polysaccharides has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (substances that stimulate the endocrine system to increase hormonal secretions) - and that stimulates the pituitary gland to secret the rejuvenative human growth hormone, which helps build muscle tone and repair skin cells.

By helping to clean up free radicals before they can damage DNA, Goji berries help prevent cancers from ever starting and researchers now report that Goji's blend of amino acids can actually repair already damaged DNA, converting it back to its cancer free form.

Ingredient content of Goji Berries

Average quantity 100g
Total Fat 5.7g
Saturated Fat 1.1g
Protein 10.6g
Total Carbohydrate 21g
Sugars 17.3g
Sodium 24mg
Energy Value 346kj
Calcium 112.5mg
Iron 8.42mg
Crude Fibre 7.7g
Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 18.4g
Carotene 7.83mg
Amino Acid 8.48mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 0.15mg
Polysaccharides 46.5mg

Read more: http://songvuisongkhoe.blogspot.com/2007/#ixzz4xl4VRu8V

Goji berries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue (a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenative human growth hormone by the pituitary gland).

Goji berries have been traditionally regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and sexual potency food of the highest order. In several study groups with elderly people the berry was given once a day for 3 weeks, many beneficial results were experienced and 67% of the patients T cell transformation functions tripled and the activity of the patients white cell interleukin-2 doubled. In addition, the results showed that all the patients spirit and optimism increased significantly, appetite improved in 95% of the patients, 95% of the patients slept better, and 35% of the patients partially recovered their sexual function.

The famed Li Qing Yuen, who apparently lived to the age of 252 years (1678-1930), consumed Goji berries daily. The life of Li Qing Yuen is the most well-documented case of extreme longevity known.

These Goji berries grow in protected valleys in million year old soil in wild and cultivated areas. The plants grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. They are shaken onto mats, then dried in the shade.

The Goji berry is a deep-red, dried fruit about the same size as a raisin. The Goji berry tastes somewhat like a cross between a cranberry and a cherry.

A good daily intake of Goji berries is 10-30 grams (a small handful). Goji berries may be used as snacks or mixed with recipes or smoothies like other dried fruits.

While it has occupied an important place in traditional Asian medicine for countless generations, the secrets of its nutritional benefits have remained a mystery to most of the world. Over the centuries, traditional health practitioners have passed down anecdotal evidence of the power of Goji to each generation. From its discovery in the Himalayas, to the present day, those who know of the remarkable Goji are awed by its unmatched health-promoting powers.

In fact, the people of Central Asia cherish this little berry so much that they devote two weeks every year to festivals in its honor. From ancient times, medical texts have declared it to be superior for fortifying and maintaining the health of the entire body.

Contains 19 amino acids the building blocks of protein including all eight that are essential for life
Contains 21 trace minerals, including germanium, an anti-cancer trace mineral rarely found in foods
Contains more protein than whole wheat (13 percent)
Contains a complete spectrum of antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene (a better source than even carrots!) and zeaxanthin (protects the eyes). Goji berries are the richest source of carotenoids of all known foods
Contains Vitamin C at higher levels than even those found in oranges
Contains B-complex vitamins, necessary for converting food into energy
Contains Vitamin E (very rarely found in fruits, only in grains and seeds)
Contains Beta-Sitosterol, an anti-inflammatory agent. Beta-Sitosterol also lowers cholesterol and has been used to treat sexual impotence and prostate enlargement.
Contains essential fatty acids, which are required for the body’s production of hormones and for the smooth functioning of the brain and nervous system
Contains Cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure, alleviates menstrual discomfort, and has been used in the treatment of cervical cancer
Contains Solavetivone, a powerful anti-fungal and anti-bacterial compound
Contains Physalin, a natural compound that is active against all major types of leukemia. It has been shown to increase splenic natural killer cell activity in normal and tumor-bearing mice, with broad-spectrum anti-cancer effect. It has also been used as a treatment for hepatitis B
Contains Betaine, which is used by the liver to produce choline, a compound that calms nervousness, enhances memory, promotes muscle growth, and protects against fatty liver disease. Betaine also provides methyl groups in the body’s energy reactions and can help reduce levels of homocysteine, a prime risk factor in heart disease. It also protects DNA.

Baked Drumsticks Prepared with Garlic, Honey, and Lime

Drumsticks can mean a musical tune to play or the leg of a fowl, such as a chicken or turkey. This part of a chicken or turkey is the meat that I like the most for stews, stocks, or simply baking them for parties. The recipe that I am sharing with you here today will blow your guests and family members away because it tasty and easy. I am Asian so most of my recipes always have the Asian flair, which includes garlic, shallot, and some turmeric. It is not just the Asian flair, but it is also healthy to eat daily.

 Ingredients:

10 drumsticks, washed and drained

Marinade sauce ingredients:

2 shallots

4 garlic cloves

1 tsp salt

1 tbs soy sauce

1 tbs blackstrap molasses

1 tbs honey

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp five spice

1 tsp turmeric powder

2 tbs olive oil

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Directions:

Slit each drumstick, so that the meat can absorb the marinade sauce better.

In a mini-food processor. Grind the shallots and garlic to paste. Add the garlic-shallots paste to the rest of the marinade ingredients and mix well. 

Pour the marinade over the drumsticks and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.

Line a baking sheet with foil and place drumsticks on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven set to 375° for 30 minutes. 

Turn the drumsticks halfway through the cooking time. Turn on the grill function for 5 minutes.

 Serve with bread, rice, or with a side of. Yum!!

Easy Kale Chips Baked in a Microwave

Kale has become a must-eat vegetable these days. However, kale is a tough vegetable, and it is hard to eat raw. To make juice from kale is even harder because there is not much juice from kale. I like to eat a kale salad with quinoa and make soups from kale. I want to add more kale into my daily diet because kale is healthy, but kale alone is not an inviting vegetable to consume. For that, I try different recipes on how to make kale chips, which is, in my opinion, the best way to eat kale. I posted a kale chips recipe baked in the oven in my blog a few months ago. Even though it easy to make kale chips using the oven method, today, I will introduce another easier way to create wonderful, and healthy kale chips using a microwave oven. I am pleased with this method of making kale chips more so than oven-baked. These homemade microwave kale chips are and excellent choice to give as a gift to friends who love healthy snacks.

Ingredients:

1 bunch of kale

Seasonings:

2 tbs melted coconut oil*

Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, and sugar

Directions:)

Wash kale and remove tough stems (save stems for juicing. Tear the kale leaves into large pieces (there is no rule for this, but make sure the kale pieces are the same size so they can cook equally).

Mix well the torn kale pieces with the seasonings.

Cut a piece of parchment paper to measure to the same size of your microwave turntable. 

Lay pieces of kale on the parchment paper (do not overlap them). Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.

Cooking time depends on each microwave. Mine takes 4 minutes for each batch of kale chips.

Store kale chips in an airtight container.

*Coconut oil is a wonderful food for the brain, eyes etc...

Chili Fried Rice with Lemongrass, Turmeric, and Garlic

If healthy eating is part of your life, then this fried rice is the perfect choice for a quick, easy, and healthy recipe to prepare. All the spices used in this recipe are Asian spices. The lemongrass, garlic, chili and turmeric are commonly used for Asian dishes, such as curry and stew dishes. More and more people realize that lemongrass, garlic and turmeric are a natural source to fight cancer and other bacteria that builds over time in our body. Adding these spices daily in meals or drinks, such as lemongrass tea (which will be another recipe soon) will prolong youthfulness and a healthy life. It is always better to prevent the disease rather than curing it. This recipe is also a vegan dish like ingredients; however, different fillings, such as cooked fish or chicken can be added for each cook’s taste. I hope this dish will certainly become a frequent meal in every family.

Ingredients:

4 cups cooked, day-old rice

1 to 2 stalk lemongrass, the white part only

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp turmeric

2 tbs peanut oil, coconut oil, or your choice

3 eggs, lightly beaten

1 tsp chili flakes or fresh hot chili

1/2 cup peas

1 cup chopped onions

Seasoning ingredients:

Soy sauce, salt, black pepper and mushroom seasoning (optional)*

Directions:

Place rice in a mixing bowl and add turmeric. Mix well.

In a mini-processor, blend lemongrass and garlic to a fine powder (about 3 tbs total)

Add 1 tsp oil in a hot wok and sauté the mix garlic-lemongrass and chopped onions, until fragrant. Add chili flakes and remove from wok.

Add 1 tsp oil in a wok and add beaten eggs; scramble the egg on low-medium heat and remove from wok, or if wok is large enough, move eggs aside.

Add the rest of the oil and rice. Stir and cook. Add peas, if using; Season the rice with salt, black pepper, and soy sauce to your liking.

 Stir-fry the rice for 5 minutes. Serve.

*Mushroom seasoning is a powder made from dried mushrooms. It is sold in Asian supermarkets to enhance the flavor of the food, instead using MSG.