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Family Cooking:Is Eating Canned soups healthy?

Apr 192011

Can eating canned soups help you stay healthy? The answer is both a “yes” and a “no“.

Before I get into giving you the pros and cons on canned soups, I want to let you know that I am a believer that canned soups contain too many additives, preservatives, and salts. Healthy and nutritious soups come from making them yourself.

There is nothing better than eating a hearty bowl of soup you made from scratch. You do not need to read a label to find out what is in the soup, you already know because you put the ingredients together and created your own delicious soup.

There is no substitution for homemade soup. Canned soup just do not have the fresh flavor and wholesome taste that you get from making soup yourself.

Most canned soups are tasteless with a commercial appeal for the masses. People become accustomed to eating canned soups and forget about the more healthy taste and flavor of delicious homemade soups.

I make up my soup and freeze them in pint size containers and eat soups through out the year.

Soups are so easy to make. If cooking time is a problem for you, try getting and storing several good Soup mixes . All you need to do is add a few ingredients serve a salad with it and a delicious corn bread mix.

If you need to lose weight, try including Soups to your diet. You can make a soup from just about any kind of fresh vegetable, fruit, poultry, fish, meat or combination of all. Then you only need to add the spices you like to your soup. Always try leaving out the salt until after you finish cooking your soup. Salt really suppresses the natural flavor of food.

Here is a very easy soup you can make. I prefer using chicken in stead of beef although the homemade beef & vegetable soup is excellent. You get all of the daily nutritional requirements to ensure that your body carries on its vital processes successfully. Our bodies must also meet daily allowance of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to helps in the overall well-being that armors the body against common illnesses and daily stresses.

Watch

Right now in our food industries, there are debates brewing over the healthiness of canned soups. Many claim of the health benefits of canned soups even though they contain high amounts of sodium and mono sodium glutamate. People, especially those under dietary restrictions can still enjoy low-sodium canned soups.

One of the main advantage of eating canned foods is the quick and easy preparation that suits the fast-paced, busy lifestyle of urban living. Simply open the can pour the soup in a bowl and place it in the microwave. Or, you can purchase the pre package bowl of soup to heat in the oven and, presto, you have a hot soup ready for lunch.

There are hundreds of stews and soups you can find in your local grocery store shelf including many of your favorite soup recipes.

The process of canning is purportedly to ensure the freshness of foods. Many canned stews and soups are sealed in their freshness that last for a maximum of two years. The process of canning is a convenient way of preserving vegetables that are in season and make them available off-season. Most companies have canneries located just a few miles from the farms, to ensure the ingredients are picked and packed on the same day.

Fortunately, many of the brands of canned soups and stews now specify the amount of sodium in each serving. As the vegetables are sealed in freshness, you are assured of getting higher levels of essential vitamins and minerals. Canned tomatoes are said to contain more of the cancer-fighting enzyme, lycopene, compared to their fresh counterparts.

Stews and soups containing large chunks of vegetables and meat can also provide equal or higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and protein compared to the fresh options. Most of the nutrients as well as protein are not lost to canning but are simply preserved in sterilized cans.

Remember, the secret to eating canned soups is to read the labels to stay on the healthy zone and to avoid eating what you shouldn’t. However, if you’re apprehensive on eating processed soups, there are always plenty of soup recipes that enable you to make substitutions to control your intake of fats and sodium.

Make and create your own homemade soups, it is fun and better in the long run for you and your health.

Family Cooking:Good, Bad or Nasty Pork

Family Cooking, Outdoor Grilling 4 Responses »

Mar 272011

Is Pork Good for the Body?

Not only do pork taste good, it is good because it is actually rich in many essential vitamins and
minerals, such as B6, B12, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

If you’ve got a lean cut of meat, make it leaner by trimming off any additional fatty tissue. Now, you’re looking at a meal low in both calories and fat, especially if you stick to a 3oz serving size. When preparing your pork, no matter the cut, bring the internal temperature of the meat up to a minimal of 170 degrees F. Cook your pork done.

Is Pork really bad for the body?

Not necessarily. It all depends on the cut, how it’s handled and how it’s prepared. Remember this one thing if you do not remember anything else. Whether pork is bad for the body or not depends on the farmers who feed, raise and slaughter the animals for human consumption. There is a wide negative misconception about hogs. These animals have been vilified by those who dislike them. We will talk about that later.

But what about trichinosis? This is a parasitic disease caused by the ingestion of undercooked pork containing roundworm larvae?

The good news is that in recent years, due to stricter legislation, the number of cases of trichinosis has decreased with around 12 cases reported each year between 1997 and 2001.

The reason for this decrease is that the pork industry has now been prohibited from allowing livestock and Pigs to eat raw meat garbage which is a disgusting habit that was common in the past. We’ve also seen a decrease due to the guidelines of commercial freezing and storage of the pork, as well as the better-informed public who is buying the meat. When everything is in place, you should be safe.

Types
As mentioned before, the effect that pork can have on body is dependent on the cut, or type, of pork you’re
planning to eat. Some cuts are leaner and, in turn, more healthy than other cuts. The pork tenderloin is probably the leanest cut of pork, coming in at around 3 grams of fat per serving.

Pig / Pork Cuts by Chart Both a boneless top loin chop and a boneless top loin roast have around 5 g of fat, 2 of which are saturated, per serving. The bone-in center loin chop has around 6, the bone-in rib chop has around 7 and the bone-in sirloin roast has just over 8 g of fat per serving.

As we learn more about the health of our bodies in relation to what we eat, each person may very well change his stance on pork. And as science advances, the way in which we raise livestock for food begins to change, finding leaner, healthier methods of bringing food to the table. Animal Welfare Aspects of Good Agricultural Practice pig farming.

Are Pigs Nasty?
Most of the time, pigs are seen by people rolling in muddy water in the pen they are confined too. Pigs will eat just about anything. True they are omnivores just like humans. They eat both plants and animals. They eat almost any kind of food, including dead insects, worms, trees, bark, garbage and even their own dead pigs.

In the wild, they forage for their food. They mainly eat leaves, grass, roots, fruits and flowers.
They enjoy rooting up the ground and waddling in mud and water. The reason for this is to rid themselves of biting parasites and to stay cool.
These animals have been taken out of their environment. They are bred for their meat for human consumption. As a result, their natural behavior has been suppressed and weakened. The horrible conditions that these animal endure on some farms is beyond belief.

Hopefully this video will enlightened people about this remarkable animal. We cook and eat these animal daily. In captivity, these animals should be raised and grown properly for human consumption. It is the least we can do for their very tasty meat.
The Pig – Mans’ other best friend? Pigs are not stupid, they are intelligent animals.

This is an excellent video on how pig farming should be done. Hats off to this farmer. This is quality pig farming at its best. Happy Grilling and Barbequing. I eat all of my pork grilled or baked.

Family Cooking:Benefits of Cooking with Hot Peppers

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Mar 162011

Did you know that hot peppers have been a popular part of human diets for almost 10,000 years, adding flavor and aroma to dishes, enhancing the enjoyment of food, and providing a substantial nutritional support for your body?

The spiciness and heat of hot peppers come from the natural anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory nutrient called capsicum, now used extensively in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals for the treatment of many inflammatory diseases.

Watch this interesting video on “How to remove some of the heat from hot peppers“. Always wear gloves.

Spiciness from hot peppers have anti-microbial effects and help keep food fresh longer without refrigeration in countries that have limited sanitation technology.

Hot Peppers are Healthy and Nutritious. They contain high levels of Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 (niacin) and an adequate amount of pro-vitamin A (beta carotene), all of which are significant antioxidants that protect the body from oxidation stress and free radical damage.

Cooking with Hot Peppers

Capsaicin, the chemical that releases spiciness in hot peppers, is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents that occur naturally.

Now, you should always take caution when handling Hot Peppers even though they have great health benefits. Always eat in moderation and eat them fresh.

Hot peppers can easily trigger a variety of gastro intestinal problems, from ulcers to irritated bowel syndrome. Many dried hot pepper powders may be contaminated with industrial chemicals that are known carcinogens.

As a catalyst, capsicum is used in combination with other herbs to increase effectiveness and absorption. When introduced into the body, it boosts the healing power of these herbs.

Loaded with vitamins A and C, capsicum peppers are excellent antioxidants. Antioxidants inhibit free radical damage to cells, blood vessels and nerves.

Make this delicious Hot Pepper Sauce for Black-eyed Pea Video: Watch

Capsicums, both hot and mild, are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to combat free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that cause cell damage. Antioxidants protect the cells by stabilizing free radicals.

Eating plenty of peppers can help to supply your body with important antioxidants. Peppers are very interesting plants. They come in many forms and shapes and colors. You can enjoy their beauty by visiting farmer markets, festivals and any outdoor event that carry food and vegetable vendors. You can even learn how to dry your own peppers for your favorite dish. It’s fun and exciting to learn “How to cook with Hot Peppers“.

Watch this video on how to make hot sauce:

Cooking with hot peppers is fun and exciting. You will enjoy the continued joy of bringing out the best in the foods that you prepare with these incredible plants. You can create your very own recipes on the spot as you cook. Don’t be shy. If you have the mouth and taste buds, experiment with different hot peppers.

If you enjoy your Chili Hot, try cooking this Hot and Spicy Chili using the Peter Pepper or habanero pepper in the Recipe. It is great!! I prefer my Chili without the beans.

Peter Peppers

Family Cooking: Prevent Bugs from Getting Into Your Pantry

Family Cooking 8 Responses »

Mar 132011

No Buggies In Your Kitchen Pantry

Cooking home food is fun and exciting. However, to prepare our food for our families we buy flour, meal, corn, rice, cereal and other grain products from the grocery store that contain unwanted creepy critters. The insect can be in the egg, larvae, pupae or adult form.

Most of the time the insect is in the egg stage when we bring it home from the grocery store. Therefore we do not notice any infestation. If we use up our flour, meal, rice or other grain product in short period of time there is no noticeable activity of growing insects.

However, over a period of time in a warm place, small tiny insects will appear inside the bag. Why is that? Simple. EGGS….Yes tiny microscopic eggs were inside that bag of meal, flour etc when you brought it from the store.
Watch Video:

Insect infestation in your grain products can become a serious problem if left unchecked. “Take it from me”… who experienced a very serious moth infestation in 35 lbs of my dehydrated red and green bell peppers.

The female moths were fertile once she hatched out and ready to mate immediately. It took me about 6 month to finally get rid of them. I literally had to track down where they laid their eggs and that was not an easy task. I had to get rid of every dehydrated vegetable that I had and start all over again. I really learned from my experience. Spraying helped a little, but did little to prevent the fast breeding females from laying eggs. It seemed like the eggs were immune to the spray I was using.

Solution

Always keep your food mixes, grain products Refrigerated or frozen until ready for use. The shelf
life will last longer as well. But do not forget to cook your food mixes as soon as possible.

Storing particularly susceptible foods in the refrigerator instead of cupboards is also a good way to prevent bugs from getting into products such as flour, cornmeal, rice etc.

Store these items in sealed containers in the refrigerator, and you’ll probably never again have a problem with bugs getting into food products in your cupboards.

I either refrigerate of keep all of my grain products in the freezer. No exception. Make sure you do not store your flour with your veggies or strong fruits. Flour absorb the odor from other products that surrounds it.

Enjoy cooking without the hassle of buggies in your flour and grain products.

Even though some say that these little insect critters provide protein and will not harm us if eaten…Can we be sure? I am not sure how healthy it is when these animals defecate, die and decay in our flour, meal or grain products.
Opening up a meal bag infested with beetles and moving larvae is not a pleasant or an interesting sight. Just knowing that you eat these varmints unknowingly is not a happy thought either.

Remember to remove your flour and any grain products from your cupboard. Refrigeration and Freezing of all your grain products is the key to keeping your kitchen pantry free from these wondering creatures.

Family Cooking:Cooking with a variety of Potatoes

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Feb 082011

Have you noticed the different varieties of potatoes the grocery stores are carrying these days? They are small and elongated called fingerling potatoes. Their color varies from purple to a creme colored white.

The purple potato is really interesting. It stands out from all the rest of the small potatoes. I really did not understand just how to cook the purple potato. At first I sort of just passed it by and dismissed it as just a genetically altered potato put out for curiosity to see if it would sell.

Fingerling potatoes

Over the years, the big brown russet potato has been low rated and demonized. This potato has been baked, mashed and engorged with butter, sour cream, bacon bits and all of that extra fattening addition to enhance the flavor. It also is cut up into strips, salted and deep fried in saturated fat which adds to the fattening effect. We have also been told that the potato contains a large amount of starch which is fattening and causes weight gain. (Very Misleading)

The nutritional value of potatoes are excellent.

Today we know that the potato is and excellent source of calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin c. Potato contains about 17% starch and 70-80% water. It is one of the best natural sources of starch. One medium size potato has only 107 calories. Perfect for a healthy diet. Of course you cannot live on potatoes alone although some people do.

So the belief that you become fat by eating potatoes is a misconception. Of course if your potato servings contain large quantities of butter, or if you can’t keep away from those high-in-fat-and-cholesterol French fries, you are bound to become overweight.

Try baking your potato and using just a little dab of butter (no margarine) and pepper. No salt. Stop eating french fries. Do not peel the potatoes. Eat the skin and all. Even when you mash your potatoes, include the skin. The skin is loaded with an important mineral called potassium(K).

Vegetable and beef soup Recipe, and Italian Sausage and vegetables soup are delicious and make excellent meals anytime of the year. I keep these two soups made up. Freeze them in individual serving containers for quick meals.

Your goal is to improve your health by eating healthier to live a long and productive life. Adding these nutritious potatoes to your diet without all of the fattening ingredients will help your longevity.

Watch this video for potato cooking tip video.

I love to eat soups and make them. I include a variety of potatoes in some of my favorite soup recipes. The smaller finger purple potato and its related finger potatoes are great for soups. They give a delightful color to soups. They can be mashed just like russet potato. They can be baked , boiled or sauteed and eaten alone. They hold their shape as they cook and do not break apart and mush up in a soup. Always add a little hot sauce to spice up your soup.

Author: Eloise Martin

Family Cooking:Why are you addicted to eating out and not at home?

Family Cooking 1 Response »

Feb 062011

Cook at home

Are the following a few reasons: you do not like cleaning up afterward, you are on the go all of the time, you have a very busy life, you are too tired to cook, and you actually enjoy eating out!!

Well, the above reasons could be eliminated only if you did a little cooking preparation. Most people love home cooked food by a family member even if it is just popping a slice of bread in the toaster and spreading butter and jelly on it.

There is something special about it when food is cooked and prepared at home. We all have busy lives. It is not easy going to work and dealing with work stress for the day, then coming home and having to cook for yourself or your family. However it can be done if you put a little preparation in place.

You can use paper plates; however, with a family the plastic plates are probably cheaper if you are on a budget. You do not have to keep purchasing them over and over again. The stoneware plates are excellent but they can break however, they are pretty on the table, microwavable and last a long time, but you do have to wash them after each meal.

We all have busy lives, we are on the go a lot and sometimes are just down right to tired to cook so, we spend a lot of money eating out. We stop by fast food places to pick up food for our families. What are the results of this type of behavior?

Well, fast food does satisfy your hunger at the time and there are times when it is very enjoyable to eat out with your family, but at what cost.

The food in restaurants is commercially prepared for mass production. There is no telling what chemicals, additives and preservatives are added for long term shelf life and to prevent spoilage. Food is cooked in a lot of unhealthy fat. Even when you eat out at an A or B rating restaurants, food cleanliness is not at its best.

I have heard and seen videos from hidden cameras taken of people spitting in food, sneezing, not washing their hands after using the bathroom, urinating in food, etc.

Restaurants do not keep their soft drink fountains clean. These machines grow mold and mildew inside. Dead insects and rats have been found in uncleaned soft drink dispenser machine. You may want to think twice when filling your cup up with your favorite soft drink again. Always purchase the bottle drink or water. These are reasons why people should get back to cooking home food. Chances are you are not going to get food poisoning eating at home and other food borne illnesses.

Think about what types of foods your family like to eat. Fruits are always good to keep on hand curbing appetites while you quickly prepare an evening meal. Vegetables cook very quickly, prepared soup mixes are quick and easy to put together. You can also purchase a juicer and juice any leftover veggie or fruits. Fresh juiced fruits and veggies are great. Healthy, healthy, healthy and good.

Meats are packaged where you can just throw them in a crock pot, grill quickly or baked in the oven. Frying meats, chicken, fish and sea food takes longer to cook due to the preparation of batter that they have to be dipped in. I personally do not eat fried meat, chicken or shrimps anymore because of the excess fat, and batter. I do like these foods grilled, baked or boiled for soups, and cooked well done.

Regardless of how you prepare your meats, even if you fry them, preparation time can be shortened. Just plan ahead. Make it a priority. You will save money, and be healthier,

Always purchase the best and healthiest food that you can afford. Remember, this food is going into your body to help you sustain your life for a long time.

Do not think of cooking as a chore even if you are tired; plan your family weekly meals. Make your quick and easy meals healthy and nutritious. You may start with a delicious prepared soup mix or make your own. Try avoiding canned soups . Keep the basic ingredients and seasonings needed for cooking and baking in your pantry at all times. Your family will enjoy watching you cook for them in your kitchen. They are learning by watching what you are doing even though you may not think so at the time. These are very impressionable moments will bond you and your family and will help build the character and foundation of your children lives that will linger with them throughout their adult live.

Let’s bring back family cooking at home. It’s wholesome, fun, healthy and nutritious for you and your family. Do not let it become a dying art.

Author: Eloise Martin

Family Cooking:Are You Hooked on Soups

Family Cooking No Responses »

Jan 242011

Homemade soup

Growing up in the 50′s was fun and hard work. I cooked for a family of nine. Fresh grown veggies were plentiful and were grown locally by the family & farmers.

Soups and stews were a major part of our weekly meals three to four days a week. I started by boiling a soup bone, added every vegetable available. Salt, garlic, and Hot Sauce to taste. Served with old fashioned cornbread I learned to make from my mother.

Vegetable soup , Chicken Noodle soup, & Black Eyed Pea soup , Sausage and Shrimp Jambalaya were all family winners then.

Cooking soups for my family got me hooked years ago. Now, I create and make delicious Soup Mixes that I sell on my Quick and Easy Cuisine website for you to enjoy.

These mixes are prepared by combining the same fresh vegetables used to make soups but only in their dehydrated form.

Watch this video on how to dehydrate tomatoes and lettuce. It is fun and easy to do.

I do bulk purchasing as well as dehydrate my own veggies for my soup and dip mixes. Very little salt is added to my Soup mixes.

My quick and easy soup mixes are designed with you and your on the go families in mind. Delicious and tasty Soups from a Soup mix. Serving ranging from 4 – 6.

Left over’s can be frozen in individual servings placed in zip locked bags. Mixes can be divided into half and prepared. There are no chemicals, or additives to enhance the coloring or flavor.

Soup mixes should be cooked within 6 months or refrigerated no longer than a year for freshness and to reduce insect infestation.

Please check out all of our Soups, dips, cakes and specialty mixes at Quick and Easy Cuisine . Homemade Soups are good and healthy for the body. You really need to weigh the benefits you get from preparing your very own soups yourself or from a mix.

Canned soups are salt and chemically laden with all kinds additives and preservatives. There is nothing better than a fresh pot of soup made from a homemade soup mix or one you prepare yourself. You only need to add a few items to prepare your soup.

I am working on creating and developing new Soup mixes and will share them with you soon. Please feel free to ask questions about any of our soup mixes or other products you like. You will indeed be very pleased with any soup mix you purchase.

Soups are very healthy and nutritious for you. They are Easy to digest and taste so good. They can compliment just about any other foods you serve and they can be eaten year around.

Homemade Vegetable Beef Sojp

This soup is so good and healthy. The recipe is linked to the image below. I made this soup up myself and wrote down the ingredients as I put it together. Visit the link and Cook it for yourself and let me know how you liked it.

Family Cooking:Is Eating Canned soups healthy?

Family Cooking:Good, Bad or Nasty Pork

Family Cooking:Benefits of Cooking with Hot Peppers

Family Cooking: Prevent Bugs from Getting Into Your Pantry

No Buggies In Your Kitchen Pantry

Family Cooking:Cooking with a variety of Potatoes

Family Cooking:Why are you addicted to eating out and not at home?

Family Cooking:Are You Hooked on Soups

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