All Hail Kale !

via : http://juicegeneration.com/

Is Organic Better? Ask a Fruit Fly - NYTimes.com

The next generation is going back to where our grandparents started ~ !   bring it back around to organic and home grown.  eat local, eat organic, eat to live longer than a fruit fly!!   ;)
Check out this Article,
Leslie

via : Is Organic Better? Ask a Fruit Fly - NYTimes.com:

When Ria Chhabra, a middle school student near Dallas, heard her parents arguing about the value of organic foods, she was inspired to create a science fair project to try to resolve the debate.

Three years later, Ria’s exploration of fruit flies and organic foods has not only raised some provocative questions about the health benefits of organic eating, it has also earned the 16-year-old top honors in a national science competition, publication in a respected scientific journal and university laboratory privileges normally reserved for graduate students.

Photo Researchers

While the results can’t be directly extrapolated to human health, the research nonetheless paves the way for additional studies on the relative health benefits of organic versus conventionally grown foods. Fruit fly models are often used in research because their short life span allows scientists to evaluate a number of basic biological effects over a relatively brief period of time, and the results provide clues for better understanding disease and biological processes in humans.The research, titled “Organically Grown Food Provides Health Benefits toDrosophila melanogaster,” tracked the effects of organic and conventional diets on the health of fruit flies. By nearly every measure, including fertility, stress resistance and longevity, flies that fed on organic bananas and potatoes fared better than those who dined on conventionally raised produce. 

Raw "Pasta"

 
Sometimes I get a craving for a "pasta" dish without the grains and carbs.  
Pasta itself is not really all that flavorful....   It is the sauces, the add ins, and the heaviness that most of us *Crave*!

Zucchini is an excellent "pasta"  when it is sliced into thin pieces with a mandolin.  
I like to toss with olive oil, fresh veggies, black olives, red pepper, salt and pepper and - of course-  fresh herbs.  (the herbs can really take it up a notch)   Try basil, parsley, cilantro - whatever you favor. 

I usually experiment with whatever is in my fridge or at the farmer's market.  no need for a recipe... just follow your growling tummy to create your own  raw "pasta" dish.   Toss it all in a bowl and serve it up room temperature to bring out the flavors.

Enjoy !
you can do Raw -  it is easy.

~ xoox ~ leslie 

Add a lil KiCK to your meals this Memorial Day weekend

Memorial Day Weekend has me longing for big batches of food to share with friends!  
I am going to be making up a few salads to take to a friend's river house this weekend. 

Here's one of my new favorites : 
Black Eyed Pea Salad

You can use whatever you have on hand, but I love to add in jalapenos and lots of cilantro

• 15 oz black eyed peas (i like to buy them dried)  soak overnight and simmer on the stove until they are cooked to your preference
• 1 chopped green bell pepper
• 1 -2 chopped red/yellow bell peppers
• cilantro... lots and lots of cilantro.   
• jalapenos !  for some heat 

toss it all in a big bowl & then whip up this dressing to pour over the top

• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp pepper

Let the salad marinate for a few hours so that all the flavors soak in.  Enjoy!
you can do this one.  easy breezy.   

   

Making Flaxseed Crackers

 
Making another batch of flaxseed crackers this morning & trying a new "parmesan cheese"made from pumpkin seeds!

Quick Kitchen : Buffalo Salmon Wrap

Prepare Meals as INSPIRED- lavish or simple - have more FUN!

 

Gather up what you need for a recipe on the counter, early in the day....
when you walk through the kitchen, you will be more easily inspired to prepare the meal.

Create your meals when INSPIRED and you will have more fun in the kitchen!

if you aren't inspired to prepare a lavish meal, just eat SIMPLE!