Friday, August 31, 2012

Beetroot Salad - Salatat Shamandar

Beets are a delicacy in Jordan and they are expensive.

We use them in an appetizer called left, which is pickled white turnips in salt. I do not know why, but Arabs love salt.

Here is a very simple recipe for beet salad, done the Arab way.  


Beetroot Salad

Ingredients:

•1/2 kilo beets, cooked

•3 medium onions cut into rings

•1/3 cup to 1/2 cup parsley, chopped

•1/2 cup white vinegar

•1/4 cup of cold pressed olive oil

•1 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1.Place the rings of onions in a large bowl and add in the salt and the vinegar.

2.Peel the beets and then slice them. Make sure you are wearing plastic gloves at the time as they will stain your hands.

3.Place the beets in the bowl with the onions. Add in the parsley and stir.

4.Place the salad on a large serving plate and sprinkle with the oil.

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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Men Fall Short in Skin Cancer Knowledge and Prevention

In a new survey, just 51 percent of US men reported using sunscreen in the past 12 months, and an alarming 70 percent did not know the warning signs of skin cancer. Created by The Skin Cancer Foundation and the makers of Banana Boat® and Hawaiian Tropic® brand sunscreens, the survey was administered online by the market research firm TNS to 1,000 male and female respondents. www.surgery.org

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Taste Local! Taste Fresh!

Foodlink's 9th annual culinary showcase and fundraiser will take place


Sunday, September 16th, 2 - 5 pm at Riverside Meadows Park in St. Jacobs.

Come meet the farmers who grow our food and taste amazing food creations prepared by top chefs from the region.

Be entertained with the delightful Flamenco Gypsy music of JuneyT. Take home your very own, one-of-a kind pottery plate.

Early bird tickets available until Aug. 31, 2012;

Only 400 tickets to be sold.
For details contact 519-513-8998 or email: info@foodlink.ca

Featured Events


Agriventure Farm Camp
Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at Steckle Heritage Farm

Metaphysical Gardening
Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at Pfennings Farm

Preserve the Summer Class
Thursday, August 9, 2012 at 740 Belmont Ave. W
Preserving the Harvest Q&A
Saturday, August 18, 2012 at Healthy Foods & More, Waterloo
Movie: To Make a Farm
Wednesday, August 22, 2012 at Princess Cinema, 6 Princess Street W, Waterloo

Movie: To Make a Fair Thursday, August 23, 2012 at Princess Cinema, 6 Princess Street W, Waterloo

Potatofest
Sunday, August 26, 2012 at Laepple Organic Farm, 2298 Bleams Rd.






Monday, August 27, 2012

Understanding Salt: A Vital and Misunderstood Nutrient



by Sue Ward, MS CCN

Sanoviv.com

Common table salt is “refined” salt consisting of a higher amount of sodium and chloride than unrefined salt. The refining process strips the salt of the essential minerals and moisture, making it a lifeless product. Although this will assure a longer shelf life, this salt is exposed to ferrocyanide, ammonium citrate and aluminum silicate, none of which have any positive effects in the body. Refined salt is exposed to high heat (about 1200 degrees Fahrenheit) which alters its natural structure. The salt is also bleached in order to obtain the white color. Iodine is added to the salt to prevent goiter (enlarged thyroid), however, the amount is generally insufficient to prevent thyroid disorders. Refined salt is the type also used in food processing. These two types of salt; unrefined and refined, have nothing in common.

Adding the right type of salt to your diet can help with blood pressure, cholesterol, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, stress (adrenal) disorders, thyroid problems and immune system function. It helps with sinus and respiratory health and can promote bone strength and vascular health. In combination with water, it is essential for regulating your blood pressure. Unrefined salt can also help with detoxification of various harmful chemicals from the body including bromine, a toxic element that is increasing in our food supply. Bromine robs the body of iodine, a critical nutrient for the prevention of thyroid disorders and breast cancer. Bromine is found in most commercial bakery products (breads, cookies, cakes), some carbonated drinks (Mountain Dew and Gatorade) and many medications. It is also used as an antibacterial agent for pools and hot tubs as well as a fumigant for termites.

So what about low-salt diets? Conventional medical practitioners commonly recommend low-salt diets for those with high blood pressure. However, there is not much data to support low-salt diets for treating hypertension, especially since most studies did not look at unrefined salt and its impact on blood pressure. In fact, only a small minority of people will see a lower blood pressure from a low-salt diet. Many also experience a drop in energy level as well as hormonal and immune system imbalances on a low-salt diet. It is precisely the minerals contained in unrefined salt that are helpful for regulating water balance and blood pressure, potassium and magnesium in particular. Remember, refined salt is stripped of all these beneficial elements; it is a very toxic substance for our bodies and should not be used.

So be aware of these important differences between unrefined and refined salt and for optimal health, choose only unrefined salts. These will be light gray, pink or off white in color sometimes with specks of different colors, but remember that unrefined salt will never be all white. Sanoviv recommends Redmond Sea Salt, Celtic Sea Salt and Pink Himalayan salt for food, cooking or put a pinch in your pure drinking water for a healthy electrolyte drink.

“The human being must have salt, he cannot be without salt. Where there is no salt, nothing will remain, but everything will rot.” Paracelsus (1493-1541 AD)

Read the Full Article and Comment here: http://www.sanoviv.com/blog/2012/07/05/understanding-salt/

Friday, August 24, 2012

Corn on the cob with no silk

Just in time for corn season!

This is the neatest trick I have seen in sometime. If it does what he demonstrates, it's the slickest thing since the invention of Grandma's washing machine!




Thursday, August 23, 2012

Cold sores: Nine all-natural ways to treat... | Chatelaine.com

Cold sores: Nine all-natural ways to treat... | Chatelaine.com

We’ve all been there. You’re getting ready for a big presentation or a first date when you notice a small red blister making an unwelcome appearance. It’s a cold sore and of course applying an over-the-counter cream to get rid of it only makes it more obvious.




We become prone to cold sores (also known as fever blisters or herpes labialis) when our immune defenses are weakened. When we’re under stress, like when we've had too much sun or after a life trauma, our vulnerable spots like the nose, mouth, lips or chin are susceptible to infection. Failing to follow a healthy, nutrient-rich and balanced diet can further promote an attack.



Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Skin Care Chronicle: Burt’s Bees Births Lifestyle Line

Skin Care Chronicle: Burt’s Bees Births Lifestyle Line:   The well-loved and trusted natural skin care brand, which has gained global consumer trust, has announced the launch of Burt's Bees...

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Keep Squirrels out of Bird Feeders

Keep Squirrels out of Bird Feeders

by Earl Proulx

Squirrels are notorious pests when it comes to stealing food that's been put out for the birds. Here are three ways to keep those stealthy rodents out of bird feeders.

1. Slip the feeder onto a long wire and hang it between two trees, but away from any low branches. Also, string empty thread spools on the wire to act as a further deterrent.

2. Another effective way to keep squirrels off your bird feeder is to smear gobs of petroleum jelly or car grease on the pole that supports it. You'll have to clean it up in the spring, but it works. The squirrels hate the feeling of grease on their paws.

If your bird feeder sits on a pole and you're pestered by squirrels stealing the seeds, go to the pet store and buy a squirrel baffle. This is a plastic dome that you attach under the feeder. It curves downward and away from the feeder, providing a barrier against upwardly mobile squirrels. Make sure the baffle is high enough that the squirrels can't jump past it.

http://www.yankeemagazine.com/home/garden/squirrels-bird-feeders

Monday, August 20, 2012

RONA TO PLANT CLOSE TO 50,000 TREES ACROSS CANADA Print this page


In celebration of Canadian athletes who competed in London RONA TO PLANT CLOSE TO 50,000 TREES ACROSS CANADA


Boucherville, Quebec, August 16, 2012 – Building on the patriotism and national pride that is sweeping across the nation, RONA, the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products, challenged Canadians to participate in the “Plant Your Feet” online collective relay. To thank Canadians for their support of the program, RONA will plant a tree for every kilometre walked or run. Showcasing the strength and determination that are hallmarks of our nation’s character, Canadians logged a total of 49,665 kilometres, more than 900% of the original goal, to cross Canada from coast to coast.

“We encouraged Canadians to participate in our online relay, and the response has surpassed all of our expectations”, says Karim Salabi, Executive Vice President, Marketing at RONA. “As promised, RONA is supporting reforestation programs across Canada by planting a tree for every kilometre logged in the relay. RONA wants to build on the tremendous support shown to the Canadian Olympic Team and we look forward to giving back to the community by planting 49,665 trees across the country.”

RONA has partnered with the David Suzuki Foundation (“DSF”), a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to building healthy communities and protecting nature to accomplish this feat over the next two years. With a focus on encouraging Canadians to live greener, healthier lives, DSF will be working with a strong network of regional partners to plant the trees at key sites in some of Canada’s major urban areas.
RONA is now adding close to 50,000 trees to the tree planting program announced earlier this year, a three year program to support the DSF urban reforestation program.

“We relish the opportunity to work with RONA on this exciting reforestation project”, says Dr. Faisal Moola, Director General, Ontario at the David Suzuki Foundation. “By planting almost 50,000 trees across the country, RONA is helping to clean the air and keep our communities cool. Trees not only naturally filter dust, allergens, and pollutants from the air, a single healthy tree can provide the cooling effect of 10 air conditioners. The true value of trees in our communities, both from an environmental and economic standpoint, cannot be overestimated.”

RONA and DSF will begin planting trees in Fall 2012 in locations across Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. Additional reforestation sites will be selected in Spring 2013, when the remainder of the 49,665 trees will be planted.

About RONA


RONA inc. (TSX: RON,RON.PR.A), is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home renovation and gardening products and operates a network of more than 800 corporate, franchise and affiliate stores of various sizes and formats. With close to 30,000 employees working under its family of banners in every region of Canada, the RONA store network generates more than $6 billion in annual retail sales. Visit rona.ca for more information.

About the David Suzuki Foundation

The David Suzuki Foundation is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding solutions for living within the limits of nature and mobilizing Canadians to make their communities healthy and green.  www.davidsuzuki.org



Friday, August 17, 2012

Playtex® Twist ’n Click™ Snacker Cup



Newest addition to the Playtex® Infant product line




 


Twist ’n Click™ Snacker is perfect for both busy toddlers needing fuel to
keep them active throughout the day and fussy eaters who prefer
frequent snacks to full meals. The Twist ’n Click™ Snacker cap keeps food
protected and easily rotates to snap onto the bottom when kids are ready
to snack. The Snacker is designed to help the child learn to snack
independently and gives moms piece of mind thanks to the Twist ’n Click™
technology* that makes the 100% break-proof guarantee** ideal to toss in a diaper bag. The Playtex® Twist ’n Click™ Snacker is available at all major retailers across Canada for a suggested retail price of $5.49.


Playtex® Twist ’n Click™ Bowl 

A perfect companion to the Playtex® Twist ’n Click™ Snacker, the Twist ’n Click™ Bowl is ideal for packing full meals for kids and comes with an

ID tag to help keep track of the contents and its owner. The same Twist ’n Click™ technology* ensures the lid is properly closed and 100% leakproof guarantee** for clean and easy transportation. The Twist ’n Click™

Bowl is available at all major retailers across Canada for a suggested retail price of $7.99 (2-pack).

*The Playtex® Twist ’n Click™ Bowl and Snacker are both dishwasher safe and are the ONLY mealtime products that provide mom with an audible click for reassurance against leaks when not in use.

**If not completely satisfied, return for a full refund of purchase price or replacement.
Playtex and all other trademarks are licensed or owned by Playtex Products, LLC.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Power Up, People! belVita Breakfast Biscuits Help Americans Fuel Up For Back To School With Delicious New Flavors

As parents and students prepare to head back to school, Kraft Foods announces the introduction of new flavors of belVita Breakfast Biscuits to help them fuel up for the busy school season ahead. Already available in Blueberry, Golden Oat and Apple Cinnamon varieties, busy parents and students can now get the morning energy they need with belVita Breakfast Biscuits in new Chocolate and Cinnamon Brown Sugar flavors. The new flavors, in addition to existing flavors, can be found in the cookie/cracker aisle of stores nationwide.




ABOUT KRAFT FOODS
Kraft Foods Inc. (NASDAQ: KFT) is a global snacks powerhouse with an unrivaled portfolio of brands people love. Proudly marketing delicious biscuits, confectionery, beverages, cheese, grocery products and convenient meals in approximately 170 countries, Kraft Foods had 2011 revenue of $54.4 billion. Twelve of the company's iconic brands – Cadbury, Jacobs, Kraft, LU, Maxwell House, Milka, Nabisco, Oreo, Oscar Mayer, Philadelphia, Tang and Trident – generate revenue of more than $1 billion annually. On Aug. 4, 2011, Kraft Foods announced plans to divide and create two independent public companies: a high-growth global snacks business and a high-margin North American grocery business. The transaction is expected to be completed on Oct. 1, 2012. A leader in innovation, marketing, health & wellness and sustainability, Kraft Foods is a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Standard & Poor's 500, NASDAQ 100, Dow Jones Sustainability Index and Ethibel Sustainability Index. Visit www.kraftfoodscompany.com and www.facebook.com/kraftfoodscorporate.





Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Study Finds Sugar, Corn Syrup Work With Reduced Calories Diet

Study Finds Sugar, Corn Syrup Work With Reduced Calories Diet
(via redOrbit)
Connie K. Ho for redOrbit.com – Your Universe Online Researchers, studying the effects of corn syrup and sugar, recently looked at the elements that can influence an individual’s diet. The new study discovered that sugar and high fructose syrup perform as well as a reduced calorie diet. The researchers…




Monday, August 13, 2012

How to have a backyard picnic | Chatelaine.com

How to have a backyard picnic | Chatelaine.com



Savour a sunny afternoon by setting up a rustic picnic in your own backyard or a nearby park.

Pack the essentials — some cozy pillows, a blanket, sandwiches and drinks — in a few crates or boxes that double as impromptu tables. A few rice paper balls hung from low branches add instant ambiance.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Strawberry-Peach Pops Recipe

Soymilk, organic berries, yogurt and honey whip up into freezer pops you can feel good about serving.                  

Ingredients:


1 cup (250 mL) soymilk or 2% milk

1 cup (250 mL) frozen strawberries

1 container (170 g) peach yogurt

2 tbsp (25 mL) honey

10 paper cups (3-oz size)

10 craft sticks (flat wooden sticks with round ends


Method:

•Place soymilk, strawberries, yogurt and honey in blender or food processor. Cover; blend on high speed about 1 minute or until smooth.

•Fill each cup with about 1/4 cup yogurt mixture. Place cups in freezer until partially frozen, about 45 minutes.

•Insert sticks; freeze until firm, about 1 hour 30 minutes. To serve, remove cups.

Substitution : Lemon or any berry yogurt is a good substitute for the peach.