The Mystique of Egypt – Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations – Foul (Ful) and Koshari (Koshary)

Anthony Bourdain, traveling chef extraordinaire. Anthony will take you on unforgettable trips to unimaginable places. His life is a culinary fairytale. Click HERE to see a selection of his books on Amazon. Special Favorites: A Cook’s Tour: Global Adventures in Extreme Cuisines, No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach

Don’t ask me why, but this dish captured my memory and my heart the first time I saw it over a year ago. It stuck with me. That’s the power of Anthony Bourdain.

I’ve gradually collected the following items as if through osmosis without effort or thought:

* can of fava beans
* onions
* eggs for boiling
* seasonings
* spices
* rice
* noodles

It’s been in my dreams…

It might have been the vibrant energy of the street vendors… somehow the sights and sounds of Egyptian carts come threw the screen and you imagine the air fragrant and alive with sound and movement.

In all the excitement of these shows, I had mixed TWO Bourdain Egyptian recipes into one.

Full Article Here »

Miracle Noodles provide a fine comfort noodle food with zero calories.
 
These enormously popular shirataki noodles fill you up without “filling you out.” They have a mild flavor that absorbs sauces and seasonings exremely well. They’ve taken the US by storm.
 
Soak in hot water before cooking, then simply add to any of your noodle dishes. These noodles swell up in your tummy thereby helping you feel full. Since these noodles absorb flavorings easily, simple seasonings and easy cooking techniques can help create a super low calorie, satisfying and delicious dishes.
 
We have collected a number of recipes and ideas. (See below.)

Full Article Here »

I'm your companion, your lovey, more loyal and true than all the universe. You can do no wrong... and I live to love you, adore you. You are my heaven. May I make a little request? Would it be ever so much to have a bit of yummy delicious food? It does give my heart such paws...

Full Article Here »

What If I Can’t Say No to Food?

It's okay to tell the little child in yourself, No! Lovingly, gently. : )

Does the Paragraph Below Describe You?

No matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to stop eating, to tell yourself no, to not take the next bite. You can’t say “No!” to Food.

Noes vs. Yeses

First of all, you may have heard that we need to accentuate the positive and diminish the negative. that No’s should be changed to a Yeses some how, some way.

For example: Instead of saying, “No, don’t touch the light socket,” one might say, “The light socket is dangerous. Let’s go touch something else.”

This is all good and dandy. But honestly, it’s rather a demanding exercise to follow through consistently…

Full Article Here »

Call it a fruit or call it a vegetable, ithe tomato is one of the most beloved fresh staples in the entire food world.

What would the world be like without tomatoes? No pizza sauce, no spaghetti, raviolis, no juicy hamburgers with fresh tomatoes or ketchup. Everytime I go to the store, every visit always includes some tomatoes…

The other day we stopped by a “regular” grocery store…

One of those cavernous and colorful big box stores that blanket the landscape with universally recognizable names such as Ralph’s, Vons, Albertsons, Stater Brothers. This particular store is particularly inviting, I must say.

In fact, we inevitably drop by this store before others because of the warm, cozy halogen lighting that spreads cheery light so lovingly on colorful endcaps with deli goodies, Pizza, Salads, tasty treats.

Full Article Here »

EATEN right off the cob. Fresh raw organic corn on the cob - I slay the little beast, shedding it's green garb revealing crisp sweet kernels of yummy goodness...

Organic Corn on the Cob fresh from the local health food store. The little green vegetable awaits its fate... - corn on the cob done RAW.

3:37 PM 7/27/2009

When organic corn on the cob is so fresh, sweet and crisp, there’s only one way to eat it – raw.

Now calm down and let’s consider…

Hot buttery corn on the cob in definitely delicious, but raw is so oddly refreshing and different, an acquired taste that becomes so  addictive, that one’s body leaps about for joy  transmitting its elation to you – if you’re listening.

Full Article Here »

Weight Loss – Losing Weight and Keeping It Off

Losing Weight: Slim is In, fat get back... Losing weight has become a national past time.

Losing Weight and keeping it off is a huge dilemma for many.

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most influential television personalities of this century, has been struggling for years to lose weight and keep it off permanently.

Here’s a recent quote she gave regarding recent weight gain:

“It’s about using food — abusing food. Too much work. Not enough play. Not enough time to come down. Not enough time to really relax.”

As brilliant as Mrs. Winfrey is, we beg to differ with her just a bit.

Many have said that weight gain can be a substitute for missing or misplaced emotional elements or other sundry mind and body causes.

This gives rise to innumerable strategies to change and cope.

Instead, we believe dealing with weight may be a great deal simpler than one thinks.

First of all, let’s see if we agree upon the following and go on from there.

Food can be absolutely delicious, tempting, addictive. Just as much as any other addictive substance such as drugs, cigarette smoking, inhalants, alcohol.

Food can seem to fill empty places in a person’s psyche. At least, it feels that way.

Food can be used to comfort and soothe.

And THAT, my friends, is what spurs the addition and prevents the reasonable limiting of food intake.

The Comfort and Soothing Aspects to Food

The comforting and soothing aspects of eating are physiological body responses to anything that tastes fantastic. Other feelings involved can include euphoria, peace, tranquility, energy, excitement, joy, contentment.

How and why are you supposed to say “No” to that?

Answer to Why: Just because something is pleasurable doesn’t mean you should do it.

Answer to How: Telling your body and mind, “No.”

Why People Can and Can’t Say No to Food

So how in the world can anyone say no to such stimulus?

After all, most all people do have the capacity to enjoy eating with the greatest of delight and pleasure.

Nevertheless, the following conditions may explain the differences among people and their appetites.

• Some people have an internal turn off switch.

• Others don’t quite enjoy eating as much as others.

• Some have greater response and sensitivity to taste.

• Some have no turn off switch at all.

• Others have a great deal of body fat that creates chemical reactions causing great cravings to maintain and grow more fat storage.

• Some people have food clocks that no longer function properly.

• Some people know no joy other than putting something in their mouths that tastes good.

What is Somebody to Do?

The best way to change your body’s appetite and your over eating habits may not be the easiest.

It requires putting the food DOWN. This is virtually impossible to many people.

They simply can’t say no. Or, rather,

THAT’S WHAT THEY THINK.

Actually, they CAN say no, they CAN put the food down. They simply aren’t willing to put up with the suffering after they do these things.

Putting Up with the Suffering

That’s the magic trick here. Learning to accept the suffering of saying, NO.

Then, realizing that THE SUFFERING DOESN’T GO ON FOREVER.

In most all cases, once you have learned to accept the suffering of not eating what you want, and walking around thinking about food all day long, you will gradually change.

We Have Forgotten

In today’s first world societies, we have become accustomed to freedom from “suffering.” There are countless pills and remedies to alleviate every type of discomfort including sadness, anger, frustration, too much energy, not enough energy, anxiety, moodiness, mild itches, imagined afflictions.

There’s money to be made in the industry of “Discomfort.”

However, there are times when discomfort is legimitimate – for example, growing pains, the pain of exercise, the pain of losing something valuable. And, the pain of saying no to something we want.

We can take drugs, use gimmicks, tell ourselves platitudes. Or, we can learn to accept, handle, move away from, pain. The pain of saying No to ourselves when we know it’s bad for us.

For some, the pain can be inordinate and unendurable. They absolutely cannot learn to accept the suffering, or their appetites are far too strong to resist.

This resembles those who are addicted to something and suffering greatly through withdrawals.

In these cases, and in fact in all health related matters, one must consider consulting with their physician.

Meanwhile, we surmise the following:

The first step to losing weight and keeping it off could very well be:

Learning to accept the suffering required to say “No” to ourselves and follow through.

It may not be easy in the beginning, but the good news is that it gets easier and easier as time goes on. Now that’s a relief!

These are opinions only. We are not physicians, therapists, consultants or practitioners in any sense whatsoever regarding this issue.

Always talk to your physician about any health matters.

We look forward to your thoughts!

All the Best!

Click HERE to visit our “Can’t Say No” Page
(If the link doesn’t work, we’re adding more information…)

Irish Wild Sea Bass, Tripe, Sausage, Scallops, Irish Stew

 
The Irish Autumn Mad Hatter’s Festival features some of the finest most tempting cuisine in the world.

The Sublime Mad Hatter Irish Gourmet Feast in Kinsale, Ireland

Kenmare In County Kerry and Kinsale in County Cork consider themselves Ireland’s gourmet capitals. No wonder – they specialize in some of the most sublime dishes ever to grace the Emerald Isle.

Due to their competitive spirit, the fine fresh produce, fish and superb soil, the food is simply unparalleled.

One fine establishment features wild Irish sea bass with roasted vegetables, mashed potato with shredded cabbage (colcannon), and the traditional Irish stew with tender chunks of flavorful lamb, potatoes, onions, parsnips, barley, tripe, parsley, stout and flavored to hearty perfection with Stout and seasonings.

But Breakfast can reign supreme – Fresh juice, Irish soda bread, steaming porridge, a large plate brimming with sausage, ham, black and white pudding sausage with sweet potato, barley and oatmeal, grilled tomatoes, sweet baked beans with bacon.

During the seasonal festival held in October, Kinsale’s best restaurants provided a plethora of incredible dishes, wine and spirits tastings, all enjoyed while wearing a Mad Hatter Hat.

This year featured seafood chowders, fresh scallops prepared in a variety of ways, squid and monkfish in a ginger scallion sauce.

The traditional favorites included meats of all sorts including rabbit pate, packet (drisheen) and tripe. Drisheen is a hearty, flavorful and rich black pudding sausage.

What is all this fine Irish competitive cuisine attributable to? Perhaps the fact that one of the finest cooking schools is based in nearby Cork nestled in a 100 acre organic farm. If you ever have a mind to spend a wondrous 12 weeks learning some of the finest gourmet cooking techniques in all the world, consider Darina Allen’s Ballymaloe Cookery School. Hope to see you there! : )

For more Mad Hatter Taste of Kinsale information: Click Here

For the Ballymaloe Cookery School: Click Here

Fruit – Sweet, Succulent, Delicious, Refreshing

Fruit, Glorious Fruit - Sweet, Succulent, Gorgeous, Refreshing - Nature's Treat... Fruit is one of the most nutritious and most natural foods on Earth. It is also one of the most enjoyable. Fruit contains high quality natural liquid, unrefined sugars, natural enzymes and readily available vitamins, minerals, nutrients.

Did you know that people can survive well on a diet of fruit? Of course, one must have knowledge and take care. But, nevertheless, fruit can be a hearty main dish.

That said, fruit is best served as a refreshing treat or luscious dessert. A more handy snack food could not be found. Comes with it’s own biodegradeable or often, edible wrapping!

Many times, the seeds of a fruit are edible and have wonderful nutrients on their own. We seldom make use of fruit seeds any more… perhaps because most folks are not aware of what’s seeds are good to eat, and what seeds are not necessarily good.

Fruits are so varietal, that it would take a full encyclopedia to mention them all.

There are the ubiquitous mainstays such as apples, oranges, peaches and pears, and of course the banana, mango, citron, lemon and lime… does your mouth water at the mere mention of Nature’s sweet or sour delicacies?

One of the most delicious and nutritious ways to serve fruit is fresh off the vine, tree or bush, with a bit of natural, organic cheese.

Another wonderful family secret is to buy a variety of fresh organic fruits, wash and cut them up into bite sized pieces, and put them is an attractive bowl in the fridge to be dispensed at random to lucky visitors, throughout the day.

Rather than grabbing a soda or candy bar, oh so much better to grab a fresh little bowl of ready to eat bite sized fruit pieces.

When they’re sweetened with a dash of organic raw honey, maple syrup or raw sugar, they’re bits of heaven whose pause lifts the spirit and energizes the body.

We will have fabulous fridge-bowl fruit recipes that will rock your socks! : )

Meanwhile, any favorites fruits can be mixed lightly. You can even put them in individual little bowls to be taken one at a time. Very very handy.

There probably isn’t a better option for light snacking that a prepared single serving sized fruitbowl treat.

Fruit can be aptly named, Nectar of the gods! : ) More coming real soon!

Late night radio with Coast to Coast is all about spooky mysterious doings and beings... apocalyptic end of the world as we know it musings. Special Recipes required! : )

Here’s some recipes for late night radio fans only – spooky and mysterious… delicious! Please send us your recipes – and we hope to have a blog page with more recipes up soon! The spookier and more delicious your recipe, the better!

Try these recipes at your own risk – they may need tweaking… These recipes are contributed by friends and visitors.

Survivalist Tea
Add home grown mint to 1 cup steaming hot water, steep for 1 minute, add 2-3 tsp. canned sweetened whole milk (no filled milk with milk powder or additives) with dash nutmeg and cinnamon, serve. YD Points: 56

Apolcalyptic Burn in He** Hot WingsTake regular hot wings, chop 1 or 2 or jalapenos in cheezwhiz, stir and heat – use for dip. Adds spicy, gooey flair with just the right touch of gross. Tasty!

Aliens Among Us Stew
Heat 2 inches of water in Stew Pot, cut up into inch pieces, the following: 1 yam, 1 sweet potato, 1 golden potato, 1 red potato and 1 regular potato, 1 carrot, 1 onion, 2 small or 1  large zucchini. Add 2 pats of butter.

Cook low heat till potatoes and zucchini are tender, approximately 3-40 minutes. For meat eaters: Instead of water, use 2 inches  beef or chicken broth. Serve with melted cheese on top with dash of parsley sprinkles. All the multicolored potatoes and yams look alien, cheese adds a fun moonscape aspect, and it tastes delicious!

Economy Collapse Pot Pie
Make a light dough of 2 cups unbleached flour, 1/2 oil or 1 stick or 8 tbsp. butter or shortening, and 2 tbsp. milk or water, 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. sugar, stirring little as possible. Pat into 8 circles, place 1 circle on bottom of four small pie tins. Keep remaining circles for top of tins. Poke bottoms with fork. Refrigerate.

Cook 1 package peas, carrot and green beans with 1 can chunky chicken or turkey, add 1 pat of butter, 1 teaspoon sugar, salt and pepper to taste, thicken with water mixed with 1 tbps. flour, adding slowly while stirring so there are no lumps, till vegetables till tender, 12 minutes.

Oddities :: Late Night Radio Recipes for the Initiated!
Place mixture into tins on dough, top with remaining circles, cut little slashes on top dough, bake at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes till tops are light golden brown. Serve! Classic and Yummy!

Personal Economy Collapse Pot Pie

Saute one small chopped onion in 2 tbsp. oil, fat or butter until translucent. Make dough as above and place circles in pie tins.

Mix 30 saltine crackers (preferably unsalted) broken into pieces with 2 whipped eggs, 3/4 cup of milk seasoned with 1/2  teaspoon sage or poultry seasoning, 2 teaspoons sugar, 2 individual serving ketchup packets (optional), the  sauteed onion, salt and pepper to taste.

Let soak until cracker pieces are fairly soft. Add 1 can drained peas and carrots. Mix gently, spoon mixture into tins piled high, cover with dough circles and make slits, bake at 300 for 40 minutes until mixture is bubbly. Serves 4 extremely generous portions, or 8 standard portions.

Reptilian Underground Frappe
Mix some whipped cream with chocolate syrup until brown. Spread on hot coffee, sprinkle liberally with chocolate sprinkles and chopped nuts. Serve as rocky road coffee for underground reptiles with nictitating membrane eyes! : )