Tag: Health

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

For Thanksgiving, Why Not Go Greek?

Baked Acorn Squash with Wild Rice

I’ve written before about Greek vegetarian main dishes. The culture is rich with them, both vegan dishes and dishes with cheese and eggs. I know that Greek food is not exactly what comes to mind when you hear the word “Thanksgiving,” yet why not consider this cuisine if you’re searching for a meatless main dish that will please a crowd? It’s certainly a better idea, in my mind, than Tofurky and all of the other overprocessed attempts at making a vegan turkey. If you want to serve something that will be somewhat reminiscent of a turkey, make the stuffed acorn squashes in this week’s selection, and once they’re out of the oven, stick some feathers in the “rump,” as I did for the first vegetarian Thanksgiving I ever cooked: I stuffed and baked a huge crookneck squash, then decorated it with turkey feathers. The filling wasn’t nearly as good as the one you’ll get this week, but the creation was fun.

~Martha Rose Shulman

Baked Acorn Squash Stuffed With Wild Rice and Kale Risotto

Look for small acorn squash so that each person can have one.

Coiled Greek Winter Squash Pie

The filling is wrapped in phyllo cylinders, which are arranged in a coil in a pan, then baked until crisp.

Roasted Eggplant and Chickpeas With Cinnamon-Tinged Tomato Sauce and Feta

Eggplant is always a good, substantial vegetable to use for a vegetarian main dish.

Northern Greek Mushroom and Onion Pie

Use portobello mushrooms for this. They are meaty and make for a very substantial pie.

Giant Beans With Spinach, Tomatoes and Feta

The traditional way to wilt spinach in that part of Greece is to salt it lightly, put it in a colander and knead it against the sides of the colander for about 10 minutes.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

The Kugel Challenge

Kugel

Recently I received an e-mail from a reader describing a kugel made with carrots and quinoa that she’d tasted at a buffet dinner. “It was delicious served at room temperature, cut into cubes, which were firm in texture, sweet but not overly, and  prepared with quinoa,” she wrote. “I am wondering if you might be willing and able to conjure up the ingredients to make this particular kugel incorporating quinoa.”

~Martha Rose Shulman~

Quinoa and Carrot Kugel

This caraway-scented kugel will be a big hit at your family table.

Quinoa and Cauliflower Kugel With Cumin

If you have cooked quinoa in the freezer, this dish comes together even more quickly.

Sweet Millet Kugel With Dried Apricots and Raisins

Millet, a light, fluffy gluten-free grain, lends itself beautifully to both sweet and savory kugels.

Cabbage, Onion and Millet Kugel

This savory kugel is substantial enough to serve as a main dish.

Sweet Potato and Apple Kugel

Basting the top of this kugel with melted butter lets the sweet potato soften properly without the top drying out.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

The Many Colors of Squash

Winter Squash

   This week it’s hard not to think about pumpkins, even though most of you won’t be cooking your jack-o’-lanterns. But along with the pumpkins in bins outside my supermarket, there are as many kabocha squashes, butternuts, acorns and large, squat European pumpkins that the French call potirons.

   You can use either butternut or kabocha squash in this week’s recipes, though the two are not identical in texture or flavor. Butternut is a denser, slightly sweeter squash, and kabocha has an earthier flavor. Kabocha squash absorbs flavors beautifully and is especially well suited for salads because of the nice way it absorbs tart dressings.

Puréed Winter Squash Soup With Ginger

One of the most comforting dishes you can make with winter squash is a puréed soup.

Lasagna With Roasted Kabocha Squash and Béchamel

No-boil noodles make this rich-tasting lasagna easier to prepare.

Roasted Beet and Winter Squash Salad With Walnuts

This composed salad sets the colors of the beets and the squash against each other beautifully.

Winter Squash and Molasses Muffins

Add walnuts and raisins or chopped apricots to personalize these moist muffins.

Balsamic Roasted Winter Squash and Wild Rice Salad

Tossing the squash with the vinegar before roasting deepens the flavors of both.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

Whole-Grain Pancakes: Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Poppy Lemon Sunflower Seed Pancakes

I’ve got a pantry full of different grains and flours, a variety of nuts and seeds in my freezer, and a lot of ideas about how these hearty ingredients can contribute to a pancake. So this week I shook things up in the kitchen, and so far, so good.

I also wanted to come up with some savory pancakes and developed a couple of recipes that quickly became favorites in our home. I was thinking along the lines of traditional Chinese and Korean onion pancakes, but I wanted to make something lighter and at the same time more wholesome. When I’m researching whole grains, both for baking and for cooking, I often turn to Heidi Swanson (www.101cookbooks.com) for ideas, and I found a lot of inspiration in her pancake recipes.

~Martha Rose Shulman~

Poppy, Lemon and Sunflower Seed Pancakes

I decided to stir some lemon zest into the batter. I dotted some of the pancakes with raspberries and left others plain.

Brown Rice, Sesame, Spinach and Scallion Pancakes

Try them heated with a little grated cheese on top, or serve with yogurt.

Maple Pecan Pancakes

Instead of using only wheat flour in these pancakes, I’ve combined whole-wheat flour and almond flour.

Teff and Oatmeal Pancakes

Teff is a tiny, nutrient-dense grain native to Ethiopia. Its calcium content is higher than that of any other grain, and it’s an excellent source of vitamin C.

Savory Cottage Cheese Pancakes With Indian Spices, Cauliflower and Carrots

We eat these Indian-spiced pancakes for dinner, along with a green salad.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

Stir-Frying With the Seasons

Autumn Stir Fry

Right now I’m phasing out summer’s tomatoes and corn, green beans and zucchini and picking up Chinese broccoli, mushrooms, cabbage and carrots at the farmers’ market. I’m still finding an array of peppers and beautiful Asian eggplants to brighten my wok. Stir-fries can be adapted to any number of ingredients that may be lingering in your refrigerator, or in your freezer, like the frozen peas that liven up a fish and mushroom stir-fry that is one of this week’s recipes.

~Martha Rose Shulman~

Stir-Fried Chinese Broccoli and Chicken With Hoisin

The extra step to “velvet” the chicken is worth it for such tender, succulent chicken

Stir-Fried Rainbow Peppers, Eggplant and Tofu

Roasting the eggplant before stir-frying may not be the Chinese way, but it produces great texture without using much oil.

Stir-Fried Medley of Kale, Brussels Sprouts and Baby Bok Choy With Chicken

Omit the chicken or substitute tofu to make this dish vegetarian. In any case, the antioxidant-rich cruciferous vegetables are the centerpiece of this dish.

Cabbage and Carrot Noodles With Egg

Glass noodles, also known as bean threads, are made with mung bean flour and have more texture than rice noodles. Either kind works in this dish.

Wok-Seared Cod With Stir-Fried Mushrooms and Peas

Cooking the vegetables first prevents the delicate fish pieces from flaking apart in the pan.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

Fresh Spring Rolls

Spring Rolls

Spring rolls (also called summer rolls) can be like little portable salads. They’re traditionally filled with a mix of fresh herbs, rice noodles, vegetables and often a few cooked shrimp. The filling is unseasoned, but the fresh herbs are vibrant, and the rolls are served with dipping sauces. Still, I like to season the filling; it makes for a tastier roll that you can carry in a lunchbox or backpack and enjoy without a dipping sauce.

!Martha Shulman~

Spring Rolls With Carrots, Turnips, Rice Noodles and Herbs

This is a basic vegetable spring roll, vibrant with herbs and tangy because the vegetables and noodles are tossed with rice vinegar before being enclosed in the wrapper.

Spring Rolls With Tofu, Vegetables, Rice Noodles and Herbs

Putting dipping sauce on the inside makes these spring rolls flavorful and even more portable.

Spring Rolls With Beets, Brown Rice, Eggs and Herbs

Uncooked grated beets pair beautifully with spring roll seasonings, and the egg contributes protein.

Spring Rolls With Shrimp, Red Rice and Herbs

This looks like a traditional restaurant spring roll, but the seasoned vegetables and rice inside pack a surprise.

Spring Rolls With Spinach, Mushrooms, Sesame, Rice and Herbs

Choose whatever rice you like for these earthy rolls: Brown, regular basmati or jasmine rice will work.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

No Parsley Left Behind

Parsley Hummas

In addition to being an excellent source of vitamins A, C and K and a good source of iron and folate, it is rich in volatile oils (which give it its astringent flavor) and flavonoids. The volatile oils contain components that have been shown to inhibit the activity of harmful elements in the body, and studies have attributed antioxidant properties to the flavonoids, particularly luteolin.

If you do buy a large bunch of parsley for one recipe and want to keep it for a few days in the refrigerator so you can use it in another, take the rubber band or twist-tie off the bunch and wash and spin dry in a salad spinner. I sometimes pick the leaves off at this point, but not always. Lay the parsley, whether stemmed or not, on a double or triple thickness of paper towel, and roll up. Make sure the toweling is damp (spray with a fine mist of water if not), and wrap in a kitchen towel or keep in a refrigerator bag.

~Martha Rose Shulman~

Parsley Hummus

This hummus has a pale green hue and herbal overtones.

Parsley Salsa Verde With Grilled Cod

I’ve given you the recipe for this parsley salsa before, when it was served as a condiment for roasted or grilled summer squash.

Pasta With Mushrooms and Gremolata

This savory pasta is just one idea for gremolata, a pungent mixture of garlic, lemon zest and parsley.

Rice Pilaf With Carrots and Parsley

Carrots and leeks make a sweet combination, but you can also use regular onion in this pilaf.

Parsley and Romaine Salad

You can dress it with a vinaigrette, or with a simpler combination of 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

A Dynamic Duo: Beets and Beet Greens

Beet Green Fritata

Use whatever color beet you choose for this week’s recipes. The red ones will be higher in anthocyanins, the pigment-based phytonutrients that are believed to have strong antioxidant properties. But yellow and pink beets have a lot going for them nutritionally as well. All beets are rich in folates, potassium and the B-complex vitamins niacin, pantothenic acid and pyridoxine.

~Martha Rose Shulman~

Beet Greens Frittata

Cut the frittata into wedges and serve as a main dish or into smaller diamonds and serve as an hors d’oeuvre. It packs well in a lunchbox too.

Beets and Goat Cheese on a Bed of Spinach

This dish is much less elaborate than Wolfgang Puck’s iconic goat cheese and beet napoleon, but it hits all the same delicious notes

Beet and Chickpea Salad With Anchovy Dressing

Canned or home-cooked chickpeas will work in this pungent and flavorful Provençal salad.

Beet and Beet Green Fritters

If you get the oil hot enough before you fry these delicious fritters, much of the oil will remain in the pan.

Beet and Potato Salad

With a yogurt vinaigrette, this dish is a healthier and more piquant version of a French takeout staple known as salade Russe.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

Couscous Dinners, Ready When You Are

Couscous

All of this week’s recipes are hearty vegetarian bean and vegetable stews to serve with couscous. They are make-ahead dishes using the vegetables of late summer and early fall that will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you’re looking for vegetarian dishes to break the fast, or just dishes for getting ahead on the week’s meals, they’re perfect.

~Martha Rose Shulman~

Couscous With Tomatoes, White Beans, Summer Squash and Sweet and Hot Peppers

This late summer/early fall couscous can also be made in winter using canned tomatoes. The hot and the sweet peppers contribute great contrasting flavors.

Couscous With Chickpeas, Spinach and Mint

Spinach and chickpeas are a popular combination throughout the Mediterranean, but chard and other greens work as well.

Couscous With Tomatoes, Okra and Chickpeas

Don’t let okra’s slimy reputation put you off: Whole small pods add great texture, flavor and nutrition to this dish, without the slime.

Couscous With Tomatoes, Cauliflower, Red Peppers and Olives

Cruciferous vegetables make few appearances in North African tagines, but this dish is an appealing vehicle for nutritious cauliflower.

Israeli Couscous With Mixed Summer Vegetables

In this one-pot meal, the couscous pearls cook in the stew just before mealtime.

Health and Fitness News

Welcome to the Stars Hollow Health and Fitness News weekly diary. It will publish on Saturday afternoon and be open for discussion about health related issues including diet, exercise, health and health care issues, as well as, tips on what you can do when there is a medical emergency. Also an opportunity to share and exchange your favorite healthy recipes.

Questions are encouraged and I will answer to the best of my ability. If I can’t, I will try to steer you in the right direction. Naturally, I cannot give individual medical advice for personal health issues. I can give you information about medical conditions and the current treatments available.

You can now find past Health and Fitness News diaries here and on the right hand side of the Front Page.

Follow us on Twitter @StarsHollowGzt

Steel-Cut Oats, Sweet and Savory

Oats & Veggie Torta

A couple of years ago in the course of touring Bob’s Red Mill, the whole-foods purveyor based in Portland, Ore., I learned a new word: spurtle. A spurtle is a wooden dowel-like implement used to stir oatmeal. They are common in Scotland, where an international porridge-making competition called the Golden Spurtle is held every year in October. There are two sections to the competition: one for plain porridge made with steel-cut oats (also known as pinhead oats) and nothing more than water and salt; and one for specialty porridges, in which the steel-cut oats are used in a dish with other ingredients, sweet or savory.

Steel-Cut Oats and Vegetable Torta

Laurie Figone’s award-winning Italian Pinhead Torta is a spin on a rice and egg torta, a sort of frittata made with eggs, oats, oregano and Parmesan.

Cornmeal and Oatmeal Polenta With Tomato Sauce and Parmesan

Oatmeal adds texture and creaminess to this simple and satisfying dish.

Oatmeal Tabbouleh

This lemony, herb-filled grain salad is a good tabbouleh alternative for those who can’t tolerate wheat.

Blueberry Coconut Oatmeal Pudding

Hot or cold, this pudding is hearty enough for breakfast and sweet enough for dessert

Yogurt Berry Parfait With Steel-Cut Oats

A soak in yogurt softens the oats, and a tangy berry sauce lends them sweetness.

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