Carrabba's Bread Dipping Spice...Juat add Olive Oil!

Ok guys, this recipe has been floating all around the web for years.  I of course happen to think that Carrabba's is a really good restaurant but I must say that my guilty pleasure when going there is the Bread and spiced dipping oil.  So when I found this recipe I was in heaven!  Ok, so we are not sure if this is EXACTLY their recipe, but it is very close and tastes great!

As always I give you a few options to think about with each recipe.  The oil and lemon in the ingredients list is a give or take.  It of course tastes good with or without the lemon but with the lemon and oil it is tough to make this exact recipe and keep for a future date.  If you plan on making a large batch and using over time leave the wet ingredients until later. 

***Now here is the bonus that I have not seen on other recipe lists.  I have the actual brand of olive oil that as of 2011 Carrabba's was using for their bread dipping oil recipe.  The brand that they are using is La Rambla Olive Oil.  So look around for it at your local super market or you can order it online.  This way you can have that as close to real Carrabba's dipping oil flavor every time!

Let me know how close you think it is!


Carrabba's Bread Dipping Spice

Ingredient List

• 1 tablespoon minced basil
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (Italian is best)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt or ½ teaspoon ground sea salt
• ½ teaspoon chopped rosemary
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon olive oil
• ¹⁄₈ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Combine all of the ingredients, EXCEPT oil and lemon.
2. Put in a small food processor (I used my little food chopper). Chop briefly until all ingredients are about the same.
3. Stir in oil and lemon juice.
4. TO SERVE: Combine about 1 1/2 teaspoons spice blend to 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil on a small Dish.
5. Dip sliced bread in mixture.
6. French bread is good.
7. ENJOY.

What does massage actually do? LOTS!

If you ask anyone to explain why people get massage, most would answer RELAXATION.  While relaxation is a component to massage, it is only one piece of a very big pie.  Massage is preventative medicine and if you approached massage with the understanding that massage is so much more than just relaxation, you would truly give yourself the tools to a healthier life.

According to Massagetherapy.com the benefits of massage are very wide ranging, do you have any of the symptoms below?  If so, how long have you experienced these symptoms?  Perhaps it’s time to take a minute out of your day and take a look at the list below and then at your own health.  There are options available to you.

The Benefits of Massage
What exactly are the benefits of receiving massage or bodywork treatments? Useful for all of the conditions listed below and more, massage can:

• Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
• Assist with shorter, easier labor for expectant mothers and shorten maternity hospital stays.
• Ease medication dependence.
• Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system.
• Exercise and stretch weak, tight, or atrophied muscles.
• Help athletes of any level prepare for, and recover from, strenuous workouts.
• Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin.
• Increase joint flexibility.
• Lessen depression and anxiety.
• Promote tissue regeneration, reducing scar tissue and stretch marks.
• Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation.
• Reduce post-surgery adhesions and swelling.
• Reduce spasms and cramping.
• Relax and soften injured, tired, and overused muscles.
• Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller.
• Relieve migraine pain.

A Powerful Ally
There’s no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen.

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into:

• Decreased anxiety.
• Enhanced sleep quality.
• Greater energy.
• Improved concentration.
• Increased circulation.
• Reduced fatigue.

Furthermore, clients often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.

Profound Effects
In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects. Research shows that with massage:

• Arthritis sufferers note fewer aches and less stiffness and pain.
• Asthmatic children show better pulmonary function and increased peak air flow.
• Burn injury patients report reduced pain, itching, and anxiety.
• High blood pressure patients demonstrate lower diastolic blood pressure, anxiety, and stress hormones.
• Premenstrual syndrome sufferers have decreased water retention and cramping.
• Preterm infants have improved weight gain.

Research continues to show the enormous benefits of touch—which range from treating chronic diseases, neurological disorders, and injuries, to alleviating the tensions of modern lifestyles. Consequently, the medical community is actively embracing bodywork, and massage is becoming an integral part of hospice care and neonatal intensive care units. Many hospitals are also incorporating on-site massage practitioners and even spas to treat post-surgery or pain patients as part of the recovery process.

Increase the Benefits with Frequent Visits
Getting a massage can do you a world of good. And getting massage frequently can do even more. This is the beauty of bodywork. Taking part in this form of regularly scheduled self-care can play a huge part in how healthy you’ll be and how youthful you’ll remain with each passing year. Budgeting time and money for bodywork at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health. And remember: just because massage feels like a pampering treat doesn’t mean it is any less therapeutic. Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

http://www.massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php

So what is stopping you from helping rid yourself of symptoms you have had for way too long?  Call for your appointment today!!

Banyan Tree Healing

414-331-1806

Mac-and-Cheese-Style Cauliflower

Now this is a very interesting recipe I found in the magazine "Vegetarian Times".  I made it a few weeks ago and everyone really liked it.  I have only two suggestions for the recipe.

1^st, make sure you do actually BROWN the tops of the cauliflower and cheese.  Browning it will add to the overall flavor. 

2^nd, this recipe calls for only one type of cheese, extra-sharp cheddar.  I prefer my cheesy bakes to have a richer fuller flavor and therefore I use a few different cheeses to create a depth of flavor one cheese cannot compete with.

As with previous recipes, this recipe calls for an ingredient that is not a standard for most kitchens, nutritional yeast.  I was able to find Nutritional Yeast in the bulk section at Outpost on state Street.  What the Nutritional yeast does is adds a nutty cheesy flavor but without all the calories.  According to Wikipedia, nutritional yeast is used by vegans and vegetarians because it is a source of protein and vitamins, especially the B-Complex vitamins, and it is a complete protein. It is also naturally low in fat and sodium and is free of sugar, dairy, and gluten.

 

Mac-and-Cheese-Style Cauliflower

 Get all the creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese—without the high starch content of macaroni. To make your own breadcrumbs, tear firm, fresh bread into pieces and whirl in a food processor or blender until crumbs form.

 

Serves 8

• 8 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 Tbs. butter or margarine
• 3 Tbs. all-purpose flour
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 1 clove garlic, minced (1 tsp.)
• 2 cups grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cauliflower florets, and boil 5 to 7 minutes, or until just tender. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid, and set aside.

2. Melt butter in same pot over medium heat. Whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Whisk in milk, garlic, and reserved cooking liquid, and cook 7 to 10 minutes, or until sauce is thickened, whisking constantly. Remove from heat, and stir in cheese, nutritional yeast, cayenne pepper, and egg yolks until cheese is melted. Fold in cauliflower.

3. Coat 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread cauliflower mixture in baking dish, and sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Spray breadcrumbs with cooking spray. Bake 30 minutes, or until casserole is hot and bubbly and breadcrumbs are crisp and brown.

Nutritional Information

Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 273, Protein: 16g, Total fat: 16g, Saturated fat: 9g, Carbs: 18g, Cholesterol: 94mg, Sodium: 314mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 6g

Would you like to save 30-50% on your Grocery budget every month?

If you have never heard of “Share”, you have been missing out, and boy have we been missing out!  I say “we” because I recently tried out Share Wisconsin or http://www.sharewi.org/ for the first time and boy have I been missing out.  It was very simple, all I did was went the website in early January and placed an order online.  This past Saturday morning I picked up my order pre-boxed and took it home.  Yep, it was that simple and I must say I am VERY impressed.  Here is what I received in my order

Everything listed below was only $46 and much of it is from local Wisconsin companies.

Meat Department

1lb Ground Turkey

1lb Whole turkey breast

1lb Chicken tenderloins

1lb Pollack filet

1lb cooked roast beef

1lb Pork Chops

1lb Smoked sausage and cheese

Organic Produce

1lb carrots

1 bag of 3 romaine hearts

3lb bag of apples

4lb bag of oranges

5lb bag of potatoes

4 bosc pears

Standard Produce

1lb carrots

1lb onions

4 bosc pears

2 grapefruit

5 oranges

1lb potatoes

5 apples

1 head of cauliflower soup

Misc

1 lb frozen vegetables

1 can of cranberry sauce

Now everything listed above was just what I picked off of a list, there was much more I could have purchased and all of it at a savings of 30-50%.  Doing my own research showed a few of these items were closer to a 60% savings which is really impressive.  Each month there is a different list of items available, so if something does not pique your interest this month check back next month.

If you are interested in testing out the Share program, it’s very simple.  Head to http://www.sharewi.org/ and click the link on the right hand side of the page “shop online” under the heading “How to Order”.  This will take you to the ordering page.  The very first link on this page is says “Click Here to get started”.  Click this link and an online order sheet will pop up that you can enter in quantities of items you would like to order.  Now, if you are like me and do not always read everything please be aware that the items on the list do not have descriptions, but if you leave your mouse pointer on the item for a few seconds a description will pop up giving you an idea of what the item will be.  It’s as simple as that.  Now if you do not like to use a credit card online you can also use a mail order form.

Here is a small look at February’s deals, there is a total of 22 items on the list here are some I may purchase this month.

Gerber cut up chicken 2.20lbs $6.95 – Ohio Amish family raised vegetarian feed chicken, antibiotic and hormone free tray packed whole cut up chicken.

Organic Produce selection 10lbs $15.00 – 5 kinds of certified organic fruits and vegetables.

100% Vegan Pockets  6 individually wrapped pasty’s $13.95 – Made in Wisconsin by Pasty Oven flavors include “Back to our roots”, “Taste of Italy”, “Chipotle fiesta”

Mixed Steaks  3lbs $16.00 – Three 8-oz Ribeyes and 3 8-oz NY strip steaks, individually wrapped, 3lbs total

And the one I am most excited about!!!  Blended smoothies here I come!!!

Frozen Fruit 2.5lbs $7.50 – Michigan based Nature Blessed brand. Large chunks of peaches, apples, strawberries, pineapple and sweet cherries.  No sugar added.

This is only one option out of many savings ideas in Wisconsin, if you have others please let me know I am always up for saving on bills!

Banana-Honey Granola Bars

Banana-Honey Granola Bars

From the book

  

http://www.amazon.com/Raw-Energy-Recipes-Smoothies-Supercharge/dp/1603424679

I love these little bars; they are a perfectly healthy tasty snack and yes there are a few new ingredients in this recipe that most of us will not have in our cabinets as ready ingredients, but fear not they are not hard to find.  (More information on these ingredients on the bottom)

Banana-Honey Granola Bars

1 medium, very ripe banana, peeled

2 cups raw oat flakes

1 cup raw almond butter or natural roasted peanut butter

¼ cup raw honey

2 tablespoons bee pollen

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Coconut oil, raw and unrefined

1 - Put the banana, oats, nut butter, honey, pollen, vanilla and cinnamon in a food processor or large bowl and blend or stir manually until you have a stiff, cohesive dough ball. *note, this method will result in a more fudge-like square. Mix it all by hand if you want to preserve the large flakes of oatmeal and maintain that granola-bar like texture and look.

2 - Coat a 9-inch square pan with coconut oil and oil your hands as well. Pat the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan. Cover and place in the freezer for 24 hours so that the flavors can meld; the texture will become quite firm and chewy. Alternatively you can roll the dough into bite-size balls if you wish, and store in the freezer as instructed below.

3 - Cut into three 3-inch squares in each direction, then cut each square in half as well so that you have a total of 36 squares (6 x 6).

4 - Store the squares/balls in a tightly sealed container in the freezer and consume within 2 weeks for the best flavor and texture.

ENJOY!!!

 

Ok, so what are Raw Almond butter, Bee Pollen and Raw Coconut oil?

Raw Almond Butter - Raw almond butter is simply a paste made from uncooked almonds.  This method keeps the nutrients that normally would be lost during the heating process.

Bee Pollen* – This ingredient does not have to be added, it is added more for the nutritional value than the added flavor benefit.  Bee Pollen is often sold in health food stores like Outpost or even at drugstores like Walgreens. According to www.livestrong.com, bee pollen is

1)       Anti-Inflammatory

Bee pollen has potent anti-inflammatory properties, according to BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. The researchers believe that this may be due to some of the flavonoids present in the pollen, though evidence suggests that other unknown substances may also be involved. In the conclusion of the study, bee pollen was recommended as a dietary supplement and as a functional food.

2)       Immunity Booster

Bee pollen contains many nutrients that are key to strengthening the immune system, including vitamins B, C,D, E and beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, selenium, nucleic acids, lecithin, cysteine, proteins and beneficial fats. The antioxidants in bee pollen fight free radicals, which damage DNA. Researchers found that bee pollen has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties and that it strengthens the immune systems of mice, even to the point of preventing cancerous tumors.

3)       Anti-Allergic Effect

Bee pollen should not be mistaken for the pollen that tends to contribute to allergies during springtime. Bee pollen is too heavy to float in the air and is collected directly from the legs of the bees. It is reported to have anti-allergic effects. Researchers found that bee pollen inhibits several factors that set-off the allergic response and even helps to prevent anaphylactic shock. It is also believed that the quercetin in bee pollen inhibits the release of histamine, which is a major factor in allergic reactions.

*Warning

If you're allergic to bees, consult a physician before taking bee pollen. A few people have had moderate to severe allergic reactions to bee pollen. Eating bee pollen that's locally cultivated may confer greater benefit than bee pollen from other locations.

(Read entire article at http://www.livestrong.com/article/97342-benefits-taking-bee-pollen-granules/)

Raw and unrefined coconut oil – Can be purchased at large supermarkets, I found mine at Pick n Save near the other oils.  Because this is unrefined it has of course more of its original health properties but for this recipe it is used for coating the pan and is not part of the bar itself.