Sunday, January 30, 2011

Pasta a'Plenty

First, watch the Calories.

Pick 4-6 ingredients from the list and mix.
Pasta - spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, macaroni, rotelle, orzo, orechiette, farfalle, rochetti, any other

Oil (go easy) - olive, nut, herb flavored

Dairy (try low- or no- fat) - Gorgonzola, Parmesan, sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, ricotta, yogurt

Herbs/leafy greens - basil, mint, arugula, watercress

Crunch - walnuts, garbanzos, kidney beans, pistachios

Veggies - tomatoes, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, sprouts

Spices/seasoning - crushed red pepper, black pepper, salt (go easy), garlic, onion

Added protein - flavored tofu, tempeh, soybeans, meat

Acid - lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, vinegar
Eat.

Mmmmm...

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Acids

Acids add an "edge" to foods.

They can be found in fruits, wines, even cheeses.

When a recipe calls for vinegars, there are many type you can use.

Each imparts a different flavor to your meal, making the experience new.

Here are some to consider:
Balsamic Vinegar
Basil-Garlic Vinegar
Berry Vinegars – e.g., Blackberry, Raspberry
Black Currant Vinegar
Cherry Vinegar
Chile Pepper Vinegar
Chive Blossom Vinegar
Cranberry Vinegar
Dill Vinegar
Dill, Garlic and dried red peppers Vinegars
Fig Vinegar
Fruit-Flavored Vinegars, e.g., Orange, Raspberry
Herb Vinegars – e.g., Mint
Hot Pepper Vinegar
Jalapeno-Garlic Vinegar
Lemon Vinegar
Mint Vinegar
Mixed Herb Vinegars – e.g., Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme
Orange Vinegar
Peach Vinegar
Red Wine Vinegar
Rosemary Vinegar
Strawberry Vinegar
Tarragon and Garlic Vinegar
Tarragon Vinegar
Wine Vinegars, e.g., Pinot Grigio
You can even make flavored vinegars yourself.

Recipes for flavored vinegars can be found here.