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!

Fortunately I love the smell of rosemary .

In school, I would have a little vase full of cut rosemary on my desk. Rumours be told, that it was the herb of remembrance and during finals ( and just plain studying times), I figured I would try anything.

Now my daughter is approaching her decade long plus of school tests and finals, I decided to tell her about rosemary helping with memory. She wasted no time but to get outside to pick some for herself.  I loved watching her!

I decided to further my research on the benefits of rosemary and was surprised to read all of the symbolizms, traditions and medicinal uses associated with this wonderful herb.

Queen Elizabeth of Hungary used rosemary to ease her rheumatism and gout ( it is still used widely as a digestive tonic). She also mixed rosemary and lavender and it supposedly created such beauty that even despite her age of 72, she was ask for her hand in marriage with a 26 year old! The goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite, was said to have given rosemary as a gift, so brides  began wearing wreaths of rosemary as a symbol of their fidelity.

I enjoy cooking with it as well. I use  when I am roasting a chicken, or with a potatoes and sea salt and a dribble of olive oil.

Be well,

For all those art enthusiasts or who have children who are crazy about doodling with colour, you really need to check out this Boulder based company ~ it is beautiful.

But not only is it beautiful, it is a brilliant natural art supply company that makes you feel good about your kids hands getting colourful with paint, clay well you name it. The art supplies are all-natural, certified organic and environmentally friendly ( and so is the packaging!)

They are now available in Whole Foods Market and will soon be available in selected Starbucks stores. Keep you eye out for these…they are great gifts to everyone!

Be well and happy colouring!

My first discovery was in India, where not only was I used for culinary creativities but also used by the Indians when swearing their oaths in court. I then migrated my way westward to the boot shaped country where Italian suitors would signal their love by placing a sprig of basil in their hair! In Romania this similar custom was practiced - where if a boy accepts a sprig of basil from a girl, it means they are engaged to be married.

In Greece, I am known as a magnificent royal and kingly herb! And even a symbol of fertility!

Also quite versatile I am, I stimulate the appetite and helps curb flatulence!

To grow me is easy. I love the summer sun and summer heat. Here is an informing video for you to learn more about me!

To be honest, I love to be served with the lovely red tomato. We are a very handsome and tasty couple!

I also love to be made into pesto. Below is recipe from Simple Recipes.

Pesto recipe

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed

• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano or Romano cheese

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/3 cup pine nuts or walnuts or macadamia nuts ( YUM!)

• 3 medium sized garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Place the your nut of choice into a food processor and chop/pulse.
2. Add the basil and pulse.  Add the garlic, pulse a few times more.
3. Slowly add the olive oil in a constant stream while the food processor is on. Stop to scrape down the sides of the food processor as needed. Add the grated cheese and pulse again until blended. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4. Add the grated cheese and gently stir it all together.

Enjoy!