Tag Archives: sea salt

Simple Fermented Salsa, a Super Food for Health

fermenting 045Fermented vegetables are considered to be one of the three essential fermented foods for optimal health. The other top two fermented foods are the popular drink kombucha and milk kefir. All cultures have historically consumed various fermented foods as part of their eating traditions, knowing that these foods enhanced health.

Fermented salsa is a delicious, easy way to obtain the health benefits of fermented vegetables. Other popular American fermented vegetables include fermented cucumbers (pickles), along with sauerkraut. The benefits of fermenting vegetables is long term storage, improved digestibility and increased nutrients. Salsa once opened can usually only be kept for 2 weeks in the refrigerator. In contrast, fermented salsa can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Continue reading

Delicious, Healthy and Easy Soaked Nuts

fermenting 044Nuts are a healthy, easy snack and can provide quick protein when energy lags. They also provide good fats, containing 60 to 80% of their calorie content in the form of fat. For those with no digestive issues, raw nuts in small quantities are relatively easy to digest and pose no health issues. However, to maximize the nutrients found in nuts and improve digestibility, it is recommended to first soak nuts in a combination of sea salt and filtered water for several hours, drain and then dry at low temperatures for 12-24 hours. What this process does is reduce the levels of phytic acid and numerous enzyme inhibitors which can strain the digestive system. Soaking or sprouting nuts also improves the nutrient availability of nuts. Continue reading

Simple, delicious crock pot pastured chicken and soup recipe

October 2014 photos 028Coming home to the delicious aromas of food cooking in my crock pot is a treat. The added bonus is the simplicity and time saved by using my slow cooker. Plus, slow cooking is an excellent way to preserve the nutrients of  foods. When food is cooked on high heat, toxins are created and food becomes less healthy. This recipe is so simple, it almost does not seem like a recipe. There are only 5 ingredients.  Continue reading

Spicy Pakistani Spinach Potatoes

Summer 2014 471Years ago my good friend Shane taught me how to make this dish at her home. She estimated her ingredients when she cooked, but tried to help me measure the portions. Shane is an excellent cook and I had the pleasure of enjoying many of her home cooked foods over the years. Shane’s spinach potato dish became a family favorite and many friends have enjoyed this side dish, as well. My children used to refer to the dish as Shane’s potatoes and would often request that I make it. You may adjust the ingredients and spices as desired. I tend to use more spinach and less potatoes. As many traditional recipes do, this recipe uses many healthy spices such as cumin seeds, tumeric, sea salt and crushed red pepper. Continue reading