Tag Archives: Garlic

Stuffed Calamari Salad

Stuffed Calamari Salad

Stuffed Calamari is ideal for summer time eating! A delectable dish layered with potatoes, olives, onions and tomatoes. It is easily prepared in 10 minutes, cooked/ baked in 20 minutes and can be reheated. Serves 4-6.

Or serve Grilled Calamari .

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 Egg
  • 1/2 cup Milk
  • 2 cups diced Bread (ciabatta/tuscan)
  • 2 Garlic Cloves  peeled and minced
  • 1 Tablespoon chopped Parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 large Potato peeled and sliced in thin rounds, toss with 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1 medium size Onion peeled and sliced in rounds
  • 1 Tomato sliced in large chunks
  • 2 Tomatoes sliced in rounds
  • 6-12 olives
  • 1 Tablespoon capers (optional)
  • 1 pound Calamari Squid
  • 1/8 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Mix Green Salad of choice
  • Olive Oil and Lemon to drizzle on salad

PREPARATION

Fill each Calamari with prepared stuffing.

Pre-heat oven at 375 F
Rinse calamari and set aside in a colander. In a large mixing bowl crack 1 egg and discard the shell; with a fork beat the egg for 30 seconds. Add milk to the egg, combine with fork. Place into egg/milk mixture the bread, garlic, parsley salt;  using a spoon, incorporate all ingredients. Set the stuffing aside.

Align Calamari onto potato lined baking pan.

Layer bottom of the pan with potato slices.

Begin filling each calamari by opening the white cylinder meat and fill each calamari 3/4 full with the stuffing. After filling the calamari insert a tomato chunk to close off calamari and    set each one on top of the potato slices, side by side. Distribute any remaining stuffing around the line calamari.

Layered Stuffed Calamari

Add olives and capers around the calamari. Layer onion rings and tomato slices on top of calamari. Drizzle olive oil over entire dish. Distribute water evenly over the food. Cover dish with tinfoil and place pan into the center of the oven, allow to bake for 15 minutes. Uncover dish and turn temperature to broil and broil for 5 minutes. When the potatoes are fork tender the Stuffed Calamari is ready to serve and eat.

Place a Green Salad onto plates, drizzle olive oil and spray half a lemon on salad. Lastly, serve the Stuffed Calamari onto the salad. BUON APPETITO!

By: Kimberly Crocker-Scardicchio

Zucchini and Carrot Side Dish

A perfect pairing of two vegetables! Zucchini is high in Vitamin B6,2,1 Vitamin C, A and minerals. While carrots carry the load in carotenoids with recent research also linking critical phytonutrients Falcarinol and Falcarindiol to inhibiting the growth of intestinal and colon cancer cells, making it a power house vegetable! Enjoy this wonderful side dish weekly or daily and see how you can improve your health.

Zucchini and Carrots maybe prepared together or separately. Maybe served over: Rice, Quinoa, Couscous, or Pasta.

Sliced Carrots and Zucchini for saute`

An easy side dish to prepare that takes little time to prepare and full of nutrients. Establish healthier individual standards and enjoy this dish served warm or cold. The recipe can be used for a”Zucchini” or “Carrot” only dish.

Ingredients

  • 2 Garlic Cloves minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 Carrots, thinly sliced rounds

  • Chopped Garlic and Parsley

  • 3 Zucchini, thinly sliced rounds
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped

Saute vegetables in pan

Directions:

Place skillet on low-heat, add olive oil and garlic, allow to heat for 4 minutes. Add in sliced carrots and saute` for 4 minutes. Place Zucchini into skillet and add salt. Using a wooden spoon integrate vegetables together, simmering for about 5 minutes.  Add parsley into carrots and zucchini.

By: Kim Crocker-Scardicchio

Research:

Lentil Soup with Nature’s Antibiotics

Lentil Soup w Natures Antibiotics

Lentil soup with reduced sodium and increased flavors! A favorite for the winter season.
This particular recipe adds Turmeric and Cilantro, both are credited for their antibacterial healing properties, boosting the immune system and curing what ails you! Delicious!
Serves 6+

  • 1/4 cup Olive Oil
  • 1 Carrot diced (not necessary to peel)
  • 1 Celery halved and sliced
  • 1 onion diced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1/4-1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or Cumin for a Middle Eastern flavor)
  • *8 oz Dry Lentils (225g)
  • **5-6 cups water
  • 1 tsp Turmeric (optional)
  • 2 Tbsp Chopped Cilantro (or torn leaves) or 1 Tbsp dry cilantro
  • **1 tsp salt

*For 28 oz canned lentils; drain, rinse for 1 minute & add to recipe
** May substitute water with brand name “Imagine Low Sodium Broth”. FYI, the lentils may not need additional salt if using pre-made broth.

Over medium heat place a large sauce pan and add olive oil, diced carrot, celery, onion and minced garlic. Allow to saute` for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add red pepper flakes (or cumin) and dried lentils. Stir. Add water, the lentils will absorb about 1/3 of the water. Lentils should be monitored for additional water after 25 minutes and add another 1 cup if needed. Cover with a lid slightly cracked propped with a wooden spoon. Allow to simmer for a total of 30 minutes. Stir in Turmeric until well blended, about 20 seconds. Remove from heat and serve.
Ladle lentil soup into individual bowls, placing into center 1/2 tsp of chopped cilantro into each bowl.

Feed Your Libido…

The best sex begins with great nutrition, according to international studies. Research on Maca is praised for: energy, strength, stamina, libido and sexual function. Doctors and Dietitians confirm that making certain minerals, vitamins and herbs as a part of your daily diet could add some zing to your step and encourage the Health Benefits of Sex.

Almonds, Basil, Vanilla are said to have a perfumes that entice and stimulate attraction.

Celery contains androsterone, a male hormone.  When men eat the celery, pheromones are released through the sweat glands, which then stimulates the female attraction. 

Dietary Source:  Truffles have the same effect!

Figs are fantastic finger foods to be shared between lovers.  They are high in Potassium, fiber, calcium and are all around heart healthy.

Garlic when crushed, releases an active enzyme called allicin.   Allicinassists in: erections, raises HDL cholesterol and fights off a variety of diseases.  The lack of an erection is typically due to reduced amounts of Nitric Oxide in the body.  Allicin inhibits iNOS (induced nitric oxide synthase) and allows nitric oxide to work better in the body.  Those with ED, may be showing a more serious problem that should be brought to your doctor’s attention.  

Dietary Source: Garlic clove: minced  in a vinaigrette,  tossed with vegetables, or rubbed onto a warm slice of baguette bread.

Maca is an herb/ (root) found in Peru, that has been studied for it’s health benefits. Maca is praised for: energy, strength, stamina, libido and sexual function (proven to correct ED). Similar to graham flavor, maca can be added in cookies, cakes, blender drinks, chips, or taken in a capsule (500mg 3x’s/day).

Potassium assists in the body’s electrolyte balance by pushing out excess sodium from cells. It promotes nerve transmission, muscle and nerve functions and a strong healthy heart. 

Dietary Source: fruits, vegetables and legumes.

Vitamin B.

  • Increase mood stability
  • Creates energy reduces headaches, (B-2)
  • Increase blood circulation and is a vessel dilator (B-3).
  • Improves fertility and promotes heart health, (B-12)
  • Reduce depression and stress (B-5 and B-7),
  • Reduces weakness, numbness, tingling in arms, improves on diabetes (B-6)

Dietary Source:  Fortified Cereal, Garbanzo Beans, Chicken, Banana, liver, meat,  eggs, spinach, tomato, potatoes.

Vitamin E   is an important body lubricant for all organs and muscles. Additionally, it keeps skin, eyes and the heart healthy (increasing HDL cholesterol). 

Dietary Source: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO), Avocado, Almonds, Olives, Nuts, Seeds

 Zinc plays an important part in the desire to reproduce. Including, organ function, increase of sex hormones (estrogen, androgen’s, testosterone) and sperm production.  

Dietary Source: Oysters, beef, pork, dark meat poultry, lamb, peanuts, legumes, (meat /egg protein enhance zinc). 

Ideal Dinner for Two

Substitutions

  • Alcohol: Sparkling Water with lime slice and after dinner coffee (aphrodisiac)  
  • Vegans: Lobster or Tofu instead of steak
  • Shell Fish: Prosciutto, Olives, Almonds, Bruschetta

AMBIANCE

Cover table with a white table linen and lightly scatter rose petals. Or, be adventurous, use fresh basil leaves and halved almonds, instead.  Place a low lit vanilla candle in center of table.

APPETIZERS: 

  • Begin with 1 of Glass of wine (don’t over do it or the plan will fail!) 
  •  Oyster on half shell (or mussels and claims)
  • Olives.

SALAD: 

  • Red Leaf lettuce,
  • Arugula,
  • Figs chopped
  • Avocado slices
  • Raspberry vinaigrette

DINNER: 

  • 4 ounce fillet Mignon top off with  sauteed onions in EVOO,
  • Mashed Potatoes,
  • Steamed green beans and thinly sliced carrot sticks (or Asparagus). Toss with 1tbsp of EVOO, 1 minced garlic clove and chopped almonds.
  • May serve with multi-grain bread.

DESSERT: 

  • Chocolate cake (made with a small amount of Maca),
  • 1 glass Spumante
  • Strawberries to enhance flavor of wine.

By:  Kimberly Crocker

 Global Literature Research

  3. Lonnerdal B. Dietary factors influencing zinc absorption. J Nutr 2000; 130: 1378 S.

Anti-Aging Foods: Salmon, Berries, Green Tea & More

The secret to feeling and looking younger comes down to fighting inflammatory substances that we ingest. Dr. Nicholas Perricone discusses the many benefits of whole foods and why they are a must in our diet.  It’s important for readers to understand that certain nutrients work more effectively in our body when in the presence of antioxidants.   Listed below are some substances found in foods that are linked to accelerating the body’s aging process:

1. Sucrose, such as corn syrup.

2.  Certain complex carbohydrates such as: white breads, cookies, chips.

3. Trans fats, which is any oil that has been hydrogenated, i.e. shortening. 

The Great News, as noted by Dr. Nicholas Perricone, is that certain foods high in antioxidants, reduce the effect’s of inflammation, associated with anti-aging.  Some nutritional foods to consider are:    Salmon, Blueberry and Green Tea.

Anti-oxidants, when consumed can fight the oxidants (O+) by attaching themselves to the free radicals and in turn reduce inflammation linked to many aspects of the aging process, not limited to, heart disease and even wrinkles.

Salmon contains a wonderful anti-oxidant (astaxanthin), causing Vitamin C and E to work longer, promoting the health of our eyes and skin.  Additionally, salmon is an excellent source of protein, which is needed to make all cells: skin, hair, eyes, muscles and organs.  It also contains a healthy fat found in the Omega 3 which promotes HDL to reduce the negative effects of LDL cholesterol.

Berries contain anthocyanin’s, which helps Vitamin C and E work better in the body. Research performed in Denmark found that Berries are used in the the reduction of inflammation and prevention or treatment of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s Disease, dementia and mood disorders.

Green Tea is a brain-wise healthy drink.  February 14, 2008 it was noted in the “Journal of Nutrition and Biochem”, by Japanese researchers that, “The catechins found in green tea are a source of anitoxidative defence for the brain neurons, preventing cognitive deficits.” Green tea does not stimulate your need for food. However, caffeine found in (north american) coffee, promotes hunger and a cascading process that begins with salivase (enzymes in your mouth) and ends with HCL found in your stomach, which can only be satisfied through food intake.  These foods are not usually associated with fruits and vegetables, but cookies, cakes and pies that are linked with inflammatory substances and weight gain.   

Three strong antioxaditive foods: Salmon, Blueberries and Green Tea, should be included in everyone’s daily meal plan, in order to, maintain ones mental and physical being. Additional fruits and vegetables high in anti-oxidants are: avocado, melon, whole grains, rice, soy, nuts, cruciferous vegetables. Two spices linked to improving th circulatory system are garlic and ginger.  Water is an individual’s best friend, as the human body is composed of 60% water.  

Eat whole foods, drink both water and green tea to give yourself the winning edge in keeping your body healthy and strong, which in the end is a contributing factor to longevity.

By:  Kimberly Crocker

Literature Research

http://oregonstate.edu/dept/IIFET/2000/papers/andersons.pdf

http://www.astafactor.com/in-nature.htm

http://www.blackcurrants.co.nz/english/secret.htm

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2007 Jun;51(6):675-83.Zafra-Stone S, Yasmin T, Bagchi M, Chatterjee A, Vinson JA, Bagchi D.  Research and Development Department, InterHealth Research Center, Benicia, CA, USA http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17533652?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

 J Nutr Biochem. 2008 Feb 14  Haque AM, Hashimoto M, Katakura M, Hara Y, Shido O.  Department of Environmental Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, Izumo City, Shimane, 693-8501, Japan.