I wrote about how I like to look at food list..how they inspire me to buy and cook with foods that I may have forgotten.  I thought it might be a good idea for me to create my own list - my favourite, everyday foods. Once I started typing away at my list I realized it was quite big! I thought about categorizing but well….nah.

My favourite super nutrient packed and yummy foods!

1. avocados
2. fuji apples
3. blueberries
4. broccoli
5. almonds
6. red onions
7. tomatos
8. good olives
9. salmon
10. spinach
11. basil
12. cilantro
13. thyme
14. egg
15. goat cheese
16. brown rice bread
17. butter
18. olive oil
19. dark chocolate
20. licorice mint tea
21. coffee
22. cream
23. sugar ( for my coffee!)

*** these foods I readily have in my pantry or fridge***

The foods I would like to eat more of:

1. kale
2. swiss chard
3. cabbage
4. beans
5. more fruit - kiwi and such ( I am not much of a fruit eater except in my daily smoothies)
6. leeks
7. root vegetables: squash, pumpkin ( not potatoes though - not my thing)
8. seeds

I am sure I could think of more but for now, that is about it.

I try to purchase all my foods/produce from the local farmers and organic. I really feel that when I buy local and/or organic I am not only helping to keep my family healthy but also the planet.

Be well,

PS If you have any simple recipes to encourage me to eat more of the foods I want to eat more of, please send them my way!

In the summer time, while I grow on my vines, the most lovely moment, are when children come and pick me, open me and pop me in their mouth with a big happy smile. Pure summer glory!

Let me step back in time and give you a little history about me. The Chinese Father of Agriculture, 5000 years ago, was said to be wandering around in the Chinese countryside searching for plants to be used for food and medicine. That is when he discovered me!

Remains of peas were found at Egyptian Tombs of the 12th dynasty (when was that? a long time ago - that I know!). It seemed like I was not a preferred meal with the Egyptians but my fellow friend, the chickpea was. Good for him and I was happy for him. My glory would come…and it did!

I was dried (known as the the split-pea – great for soups!) for the long ship voyage to America.  Peas were actually one of the first crops to be planted in America!

It was not until the 17th Century when I became a delicacy and very fashionable…at least in the food world! I knew my time would come!

I am quite nutritious full of iron and vitamin c that help with you immune system (i.e. keep you from being sick).

Try this YUMMY recipe!
Serves between 4 to 6

1 box - penne pasta
1 carton or bag of fresh peas (or frozen)
2 - cooked chopped or diced chicken breast
3 TBSP of pesto (or more or less – to your liking)
Parmesan cheese ( to sprinkle om top)

1. Cook your penne as directed.
2. When it is done, drain, add the rest of the ingredients except for the parmesan cheese.
3. Heat slightly for about a minute, while stirring.
4. Serve in bowls and sprinkle cheese on top!

Enjoy!

I am known to be a ‘Powerhouse of Nutrients’ among all green leafy veggies. Popeye the sailor man is the one person who truly promoted me as one of the most beneficial and healthy vegetables ( he was smart!).

I am filled with vitamins, proteins, anti-oxidants and essential nutrients that promote overall good health and well-being. Some even call me the anti-aging vegetable but I am so tasty that I am sure you do not need that incentive!

I first originated in the Middle East, but then my seeds were brought to Spain and I finally made it to the soils in California and Texas around 1906.  I am quite easy to grow if I am in a cool climate but I do need full sun and water.

I like to be eaten raw in a salad with strawberries, blueberries, a little goat cheese with a drizzle of Italian dressing - YUM! I also like to be in an omelet with some tomatoes!

Some people have linked me to prosperity so eat some spinach and maybe a cheque will arrive in the mail!

I first laid eyes on a kiwi when I was an early teen and I was amazed at its inner beauty!  And then when I tasted it…WOW YUM!

We all think kiwis originate in New Zealand (yes they are called Kiwis) but they actually were originated in China during the 14th century and it was first referred to as a Gooseberry! When the kiwi arrived in New Zealand the name was changed as they thought, the fruit resembled their fuzzy national bird - the kiwi!

The kiwi is full of vitamin c and e ( great for the immune system) and it a fun delicious snack for kids.  I put it in my older daughters lunch and she will just bite it open and break it apart and eat it!

This Kiwi Info. website is full of information about it’s history, nutritional value and even has some recipes.  I was surprised that it was not brought to America until the late 1950s and the first crop was in California and not until 1970!

Be well,

The people of Greece used me to cure their toothaches. Sound crazy? Well maybe it is but they believed it worked….maybe you should try it! And the Romans surrounded our gardens with high walls as they prized us so dearly (and no wonder look how beautiful we are!). We finally made our way to North America in the 19th century after a quick stop in England.

Grow me properly with tender care and not much water and I will provide you with my tasty stalk for many years! Watch this video to learn more about cultivating my seeds!

Remember to only steam me for 4 to 7 minutes (I am horrible when overcooked). For the simple taste buds drizzle me with olive oil, a touch of black pepper and perhaps a few graded shavings of Parmesan cheese, but those who like the gourmet cook, I love to be baked in a tarte with leeks and gruyere cheese!

Enjoy my fully loaded nutritional pack of vitamins a and c, potassium and a good source of fibre!

Be Healthy!