I can't believe it's been almost a year since my last blog post. What happened??
Apathy (also called impassivity or perfunctoriness) is a state of indifference, or the suppression of emotions such as concern, excitement, motivation and passion.
That's it!
I've been apathetic about this blog and that's why I just stopped, BAM, stopped. I truly want to change the world, shout from the rooftops, jump up and down. Oh, and did I mention, HAVE SOMEONE LISTEN!!! Ya know, take notice, join in, spread the word, do the dance, walk the walk. More than that I wanted it to be ME (MOI) that inspired them. Wow, news broadcast, just in.... Selfish Blogger wants Kudos (Kudos - Acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement. From Greek, meaning "glory" or "renown".) I guess I'm writing this as a statement of my own ephiphany.
I'd like to revive this humble little blog and hopefully express my passion for the importance of changing the way we all look at food and where it comes from. It doesn't just show up all tidy and neat on the supermarket shelves without consequence.
You know what, I'm learning as I go, and I screw up, and I eat BAAADDD things sometimes but I really, really do want to make thoughtful choices. So, to kick off this glorious beatiful Fall season and resume my general OUTRAGE at the commercial food industry, I'd love to share this great little video I came across on Grist..
Scoot on over to Grist for more great stories to get you juices going...or not...hmmmm
BPA is bad for your semen, and other news about our favorite endocrine disruptor
In case you forgot BPA is that horrendous stuff in canned foods, see Lisa's post here to refresh your memory.
I've missed a lot during my apathetic leave of absence and hope to hear from anyone who stumbles across this blog. PLLLLEEEASE use the little comments button at the bottom of each post. Please don't let me slip into the abyss of bad choices. Tell us what you think or, just say Hi! In fact, please say HI!
Go forth and eat healthy and while you're at it enjoy this little song by Best Coast also found on Grist..
Thanks,
Maryann
Monday, November 8, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
HAPPY (BELATED) NEW YEAR!!!!!
Best wishes to you, dear readers, for a happy and HEALTHY 2010! After an intensely busy, hectic holiday season, I finally have some "me" time to focus on getting back on track and starting the new year off right. I hope you're able to do the same.
First, for local folks, I'd like to pass along information I received from Asbury Farm. They have a weekly winter market with fresh organic produce (how cool is that??!!!). Check out the link below to their Web site for information. They are also offering the opportunity to join their CSA.
We are opening our 2010 season to new shareholders. Farmer Charles will honor a discounted price of $675 for 30 + weeks of produce if you send in the attached Commitment Form by the end of January along with your deposit. If you need a hard copy form sent to you in the mail, please reply to this e-mail with your mailing address.To sample some of the tasty produce you will be receiving next season, drop by our Winter Market this Saturday, January 16, from 10am to noon. You can visit http://www.asburyfarm.org/retail_page.html for pictures and details.Regards,CurtAVF Farmhand and Garlic Manager
Also in the name of health (with a different focus) I've decided to spring for a new desk chair--a super-comfy model with featuring mega lumbar support and a nice padded cushion for aching back and poor, hurtin' bum. (I hope I will no longer resemble Quasimodo when I attempt to walk following a morning of computer work. Ouch.) The new year also brings a my new resolve to not only eat right, but to kick it up a notch: cut waaayyy back on sugar (my weak spot...still crave the stuff), and continue to reduce my intake of animal protein. A couple of week ago I had occasion to speak with a well-known women's heart specialist. Care to guess what he had eaten for lunch that day? Brown rice and broccoli. Yep. It goes without saying that he's a proponent of vegetables, whole grains, and cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna (please see my previous post about tuna. All tuna is not created equal).
With all the focus on the bad things that are in the foods we eat, I thought it would be nice to start out the new year with a reminder of all the GOOD THINGS that are in fruits, herbs and veggies, and grains. If you don't eat some of these foods on a regular basis, here's your motivation to start off the new year with a few positive additions to your family's diet! (Some of this info came from an excellent little sidebar in Parade Magazine's November 15, 2009 issue).
Cinnamon - Here's an easy one to sell to the kids--a win-win! According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, cinnamon may lower cholesterol and reduce blood sugar. Sprinkle it on your morning cereal, on applesauce or yogurt, add it to baked goods.
Ground flaxseed - Ok, not so easy to sell this stuff to the kids, but here's what I do (shhhh....): slip it into whole grain pancake batter, and bake it into healthy muffins. You can even use it in place of some of the oil in your recipes. Flax is a great source of fiber, antioxidants called lignans, alpha-linolenic acid (a plant version of Omega-3), and studies show that it can lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and even prevent breast cancer. It has a nice nutty flavor. Two tablespoons a day is all you need to reap some benefits!!
Parsley - Eat your garnish! Parsley has vitamin C, iron, and flavenoids, which the American Institute for Cancer Research says may help protect cells from cancer.
Rosemary - Scientists from the Burnham Institute for Medical Research found that this herb can help protect brain cells from the aging process and from damange caused by the free radicals that lead to Alzheimer's. (Oh boy do I need to grow this stuff by the bushel....)
Turmeric - The University of Arizona College of Medicine says curcurmin, the active ingredient in this Indian spice, helps prevent joint inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rutgers University researchers say it may also slow the spread of prostate cancer.
Carrots - (Excerpt from Rawsome! Maximizing Health, Energy, and Culinary Delight With the Raw Foods Diet by Brigitte Mars--thanks to my dear friend Lyn for this excellent info):
The carrot (Daucus carota sativa) is a member of the Apiaceae (Parsley) Family. Daucus is the ancient name for Wild carrot, also known as Queen Anne's Lace, the ancestor of today's cultivated carrots. The ancient Greek word for carrot was philon, meaning, "love," as the root was regarded as an aphrodisiac. Native to Afghanistan, the original carrots were purple and black. The foliage of carrots was once worn as hair and hat plume adornments for ladies of the English court of James I. (Anyone care to start a new fashion trend??)
Carrots are sweet, warm and alkaline. Carrots contain beta-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, pectin, and fiber. The leaves are high in flavonoids and potassium.
Carrots strengthen the stomach, spleen, liver and lungs. Carrots has been used to treat acne, asthma, bladder stones, cancer, catarrh, colitis, constipation, cough, cystitis, diarrhea, dry skin, eczema, gall stones, gastritis, gout, indigestion, high cholesterol, indigestion, irritable bowel, jaundice, kidney stones, obesity, parasites, pyorrhea, sore throat, tonsillitis, toxemia, ulcers and vision problems such as dry eyes, Bitot's spots and night blindness. Carrots are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, diuretic, galactagogue (increase mother's milk), laxative, liver tonic and a urinary antiseptic. If every one ate one carrot a day, lung cancer rates could be cut in half. Eating a raw carrot daily, exercises the teeth and jaw.
We should all thank our moms for making us eat so many carrots when we were kids!
What are some of the foods you're planning to eat more of this year? Please let us know!
Lisa
First, for local folks, I'd like to pass along information I received from Asbury Farm. They have a weekly winter market with fresh organic produce (how cool is that??!!!). Check out the link below to their Web site for information. They are also offering the opportunity to join their CSA.
We are opening our 2010 season to new shareholders. Farmer Charles will honor a discounted price of $675 for 30 + weeks of produce if you send in the attached Commitment Form by the end of January along with your deposit. If you need a hard copy form sent to you in the mail, please reply to this e-mail with your mailing address.To sample some of the tasty produce you will be receiving next season, drop by our Winter Market this Saturday, January 16, from 10am to noon. You can visit http://www.asburyfarm.org/retail_page.html for pictures and details.Regards,CurtAVF Farmhand and Garlic Manager
Also in the name of health (with a different focus) I've decided to spring for a new desk chair--a super-comfy model with featuring mega lumbar support and a nice padded cushion for aching back and poor, hurtin' bum. (I hope I will no longer resemble Quasimodo when I attempt to walk following a morning of computer work. Ouch.) The new year also brings a my new resolve to not only eat right, but to kick it up a notch: cut waaayyy back on sugar (my weak spot...still crave the stuff), and continue to reduce my intake of animal protein. A couple of week ago I had occasion to speak with a well-known women's heart specialist. Care to guess what he had eaten for lunch that day? Brown rice and broccoli. Yep. It goes without saying that he's a proponent of vegetables, whole grains, and cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna (please see my previous post about tuna. All tuna is not created equal).
With all the focus on the bad things that are in the foods we eat, I thought it would be nice to start out the new year with a reminder of all the GOOD THINGS that are in fruits, herbs and veggies, and grains. If you don't eat some of these foods on a regular basis, here's your motivation to start off the new year with a few positive additions to your family's diet! (Some of this info came from an excellent little sidebar in Parade Magazine's November 15, 2009 issue).
Cinnamon - Here's an easy one to sell to the kids--a win-win! According to the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, cinnamon may lower cholesterol and reduce blood sugar. Sprinkle it on your morning cereal, on applesauce or yogurt, add it to baked goods.
Ground flaxseed - Ok, not so easy to sell this stuff to the kids, but here's what I do (shhhh....): slip it into whole grain pancake batter, and bake it into healthy muffins. You can even use it in place of some of the oil in your recipes. Flax is a great source of fiber, antioxidants called lignans, alpha-linolenic acid (a plant version of Omega-3), and studies show that it can lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and even prevent breast cancer. It has a nice nutty flavor. Two tablespoons a day is all you need to reap some benefits!!
Parsley - Eat your garnish! Parsley has vitamin C, iron, and flavenoids, which the American Institute for Cancer Research says may help protect cells from cancer.
Rosemary - Scientists from the Burnham Institute for Medical Research found that this herb can help protect brain cells from the aging process and from damange caused by the free radicals that lead to Alzheimer's. (Oh boy do I need to grow this stuff by the bushel....)
Turmeric - The University of Arizona College of Medicine says curcurmin, the active ingredient in this Indian spice, helps prevent joint inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rutgers University researchers say it may also slow the spread of prostate cancer.
Carrots - (Excerpt from Rawsome! Maximizing Health, Energy, and Culinary Delight With the Raw Foods Diet by Brigitte Mars--thanks to my dear friend Lyn for this excellent info):
The carrot (Daucus carota sativa) is a member of the Apiaceae (Parsley) Family. Daucus is the ancient name for Wild carrot, also known as Queen Anne's Lace, the ancestor of today's cultivated carrots. The ancient Greek word for carrot was philon, meaning, "love," as the root was regarded as an aphrodisiac. Native to Afghanistan, the original carrots were purple and black. The foliage of carrots was once worn as hair and hat plume adornments for ladies of the English court of James I. (Anyone care to start a new fashion trend??)
Carrots are sweet, warm and alkaline. Carrots contain beta-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, pectin, and fiber. The leaves are high in flavonoids and potassium.
Carrots strengthen the stomach, spleen, liver and lungs. Carrots has been used to treat acne, asthma, bladder stones, cancer, catarrh, colitis, constipation, cough, cystitis, diarrhea, dry skin, eczema, gall stones, gastritis, gout, indigestion, high cholesterol, indigestion, irritable bowel, jaundice, kidney stones, obesity, parasites, pyorrhea, sore throat, tonsillitis, toxemia, ulcers and vision problems such as dry eyes, Bitot's spots and night blindness. Carrots are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, astringent, diuretic, galactagogue (increase mother's milk), laxative, liver tonic and a urinary antiseptic. If every one ate one carrot a day, lung cancer rates could be cut in half. Eating a raw carrot daily, exercises the teeth and jaw.
We should all thank our moms for making us eat so many carrots when we were kids!
What are some of the foods you're planning to eat more of this year? Please let us know!
Lisa
Thursday, December 17, 2009
It's GRAS don't worry
Hey do you know what GRAS is?
The chemical concoction used to create that yummy buttery flavor in microwave popcorn is GRAS....
image Assoc. Press
you know GENERALLY REGARDED AS SAFE........
Yeah, confidence is high!
The FDA defines GRAS as .........."A food substance that is not subject to premarket review and approval by FDA because it is generally recognized, by qualified experts, to be safe under the intended conditions of use."
A few years back there was a big bru ha ha regarding the substance "Diacetyl". Per the FDA Diacetyl is GRAS. I remember moms chatting in the checkout line and buying air poppers. Many popcorn makers changed their formulations and their labels to be "Diacetyl free". If you go to the company websites you'll see their proclamations about being diacetyl free.
Yippee we can all buy the easy microwave treat again!
Think again.......
Per Andrew Schneider in his article "Just when you thought it was safe to Make Popcorn" (Dec 09)
Two years ago, Orville Redenbacher soared from the graveyard and announced in weeks of TV ads that his popcorn was now free of diacetyl. That's the chemical in artificial butter flavoring that has been blamed for sickening hundreds of workers, killing a handful and destroying the lungs of at least three microwave popcorn addicts. Almost every other popcorn maker followed suit. But now, government health investigators are reporting that the "new, safer, butter substitutes" used in popcorn and others foods are, in some cases, at least as toxic as what they replaced.
Per Schneider....
Even the top lawyer for the flavoring industry said his organization has told anyone who would listen that diacetyl substitutes are actually just another form of diacetyl.
So what is the Obama administration going to do about it? Nothing meaningful, at least for a year, it said this week, stunning unions, members of Congress, public health activists and physicians who have pleaded for government action to protect workers and consumers from the butter flavoring.
"We've been very clear to flavor manufacturers, food companies and regulators that these so-called substitutes are diacetyl," said John Hallagan, general counsel for the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association.
Hallagan said that his trade association discouraged using these materials and calling their products "diacetyl-free."
So, let me get this straight, the dude who's the lawyer for the Trade Assoc. for the Flavorings Industry is on record advising manufacturers to behave ethically regarding this very dangerous substance that our kids shovel down their throats.
In addition NIOSH and OSHA the government agencies responsible for protecting workers are on record stating these substances are unsafe for workers. Lawsuits have been filed and won for workers and eaters.....
from newsinferno.com
As usual the wheels of bureauacracy are turning very slowly and our government is not responding with lightening speed to protect us.
Here's what ConAgra foods says in a press release dated Dec 07 ConAgra Foods Introduces Orville Redenbacher's(R) and ACT II(R) Microwave Popcorn with a New Great Tasting Butter Flavoring with No Added Diacetyl
Be sure to read the entire article here...............there's more
In response to continued worker complaints about diacetyl in flavoring, NIOSH conducted a health hazard evaluation at the General Mills bakery mix facility in Los Angeles. In a report made public last week, NIOSH said that investigators found concentrations of butter flavoring agent 2,3-pentanedione in liquid buttermilk flavoring and during production of a bakery mixes. A "safe" level of diacetyl has not been established, and even low levels of diacetyl are potentially hazardous, the report said. It concluded that "the toxicology of other flavoring ingredients, including diacetyl substitutes, can result in deeper lung penetration and perhaps greater toxicity.'"
Guess what guys times up, game over, THAT's IT! Boycott the darn stuff. Don't buy it!!!!
Beware of butter products that are just too yellow (it's in there too).
The response from the manufacturers and our government is too little too late as far as I'm concerned.
BOYCOTT = Decreased Profits = Corporate Response and change!!
It's the only way. Ladies and Gentlemen start your air poppers!
The chemical concoction used to create that yummy buttery flavor in microwave popcorn is GRAS....
image Assoc. Pressyou know GENERALLY REGARDED AS SAFE........
Yeah, confidence is high!
The FDA defines GRAS as .........."A food substance that is not subject to premarket review and approval by FDA because it is generally recognized, by qualified experts, to be safe under the intended conditions of use."
A few years back there was a big bru ha ha regarding the substance "Diacetyl". Per the FDA Diacetyl is GRAS. I remember moms chatting in the checkout line and buying air poppers. Many popcorn makers changed their formulations and their labels to be "Diacetyl free". If you go to the company websites you'll see their proclamations about being diacetyl free.
Yippee we can all buy the easy microwave treat again!
Think again.......
Per Andrew Schneider in his article "Just when you thought it was safe to Make Popcorn" (Dec 09)
Two years ago, Orville Redenbacher soared from the graveyard and announced in weeks of TV ads that his popcorn was now free of diacetyl. That's the chemical in artificial butter flavoring that has been blamed for sickening hundreds of workers, killing a handful and destroying the lungs of at least three microwave popcorn addicts. Almost every other popcorn maker followed suit. But now, government health investigators are reporting that the "new, safer, butter substitutes" used in popcorn and others foods are, in some cases, at least as toxic as what they replaced.
Per Schneider....
Even the top lawyer for the flavoring industry said his organization has told anyone who would listen that diacetyl substitutes are actually just another form of diacetyl.
So what is the Obama administration going to do about it? Nothing meaningful, at least for a year, it said this week, stunning unions, members of Congress, public health activists and physicians who have pleaded for government action to protect workers and consumers from the butter flavoring.
"We've been very clear to flavor manufacturers, food companies and regulators that these so-called substitutes are diacetyl," said John Hallagan, general counsel for the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association.
Hallagan said that his trade association discouraged using these materials and calling their products "diacetyl-free."
So, let me get this straight, the dude who's the lawyer for the Trade Assoc. for the Flavorings Industry is on record advising manufacturers to behave ethically regarding this very dangerous substance that our kids shovel down their throats.
In addition NIOSH and OSHA the government agencies responsible for protecting workers are on record stating these substances are unsafe for workers. Lawsuits have been filed and won for workers and eaters.....
from newsinferno.com
The first consumer lawsuit over Popcorn Lung Disease—bronchiolitis obliterans—has been settled between FONA International Inc., formerly Flavors of North America Inc., and a Denver Colorado man who developed the disorder after consuming two bags of microwave popcorn daily for years, said EMaxHealth.
In March we wrote that a jury ruled in favor of a plaintiff in a Popcorn Workers Lung Lawsuit. In that case, the Associated Press (AP) wrote that a federal jury in Iowa ordered a flavorings manufacturer to pay the victim—who died the day prior due to complications from Popcorn Workers Lung—and his wife $7.5 million for causing his injuries.As usual the wheels of bureauacracy are turning very slowly and our government is not responding with lightening speed to protect us.
Here's what ConAgra foods says in a press release dated Dec 07 ConAgra Foods Introduces Orville Redenbacher's(R) and ACT II(R) Microwave Popcorn with a New Great Tasting Butter Flavoring with No Added Diacetyl
Dietitian Carolyn O'Neil Discusses the Benefits of Popcorn for Holiday Celebrations and Anytime Snacking Occasions
OMAHA, Neb.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 17, 2007--ConAgra Foods today announced that it has reformulated its Orville Redenbacher's and ACT II microwave popcorn brands with a new butter flavoring that has no added diacetyl. These newly reformulated products are arriving on store shelves now.
"Microwave popcorn has been one of America's favorite snacks for years because it is delicious and convenient. Orville Redenbacher's and ACT II have all of the nutrition benefits of a whole grain, zero grams of trans fat per serving, and now no added diacetyl flavoring," said Stan Jacot, vice president of Marketing for ConAgra Foods' popcorn business. "Our flavor experts have reformulated all varieties of Orville Redenbacher's and ACT II microwave popcorn to address any consumer perceptions about diacetyl and to make our popcorn factories as safe as possible. We want to assure our consumers they can continue to enjoy their favorite popcorn with complete confidence."
Be sure to read the entire article here...............there's more
In response to continued worker complaints about diacetyl in flavoring, NIOSH conducted a health hazard evaluation at the General Mills bakery mix facility in Los Angeles. In a report made public last week, NIOSH said that investigators found concentrations of butter flavoring agent 2,3-pentanedione in liquid buttermilk flavoring and during production of a bakery mixes. A "safe" level of diacetyl has not been established, and even low levels of diacetyl are potentially hazardous, the report said. It concluded that "the toxicology of other flavoring ingredients, including diacetyl substitutes, can result in deeper lung penetration and perhaps greater toxicity.'"
Guess what guys times up, game over, THAT's IT! Boycott the darn stuff. Don't buy it!!!!
Beware of butter products that are just too yellow (it's in there too).
The response from the manufacturers and our government is too little too late as far as I'm concerned.
BOYCOTT = Decreased Profits = Corporate Response and change!!
It's the only way. Ladies and Gentlemen start your air poppers!
Friday, December 11, 2009
WARNING....calories ahead!
FRIDAY FIX................................SNOWY CROWNS.
Here I am in my kitchen wearing my new designer frock, classic pearls, and, although you can't see them, oh-so-cute high-heeled pumps. Trust me, they're there. This is my customary attire for baking holiday cookies, you know. OK, so I'm really wearing chewed slippers, ratty sweats stained with God-knows-what, and I haven't washed my hair in three days. Welcome to 2009!!!
Anyway.... if you want to take a break from reading about endocrine disruptors (thanks MaryAnn for a GREAT post) and get a jump on holiday baking, here's one of my favorite festive cookie recipes. It's an adaptation of a recipe from a vintage book, a little spiral-bound number published by the Wisconsin electric company, (in which I found this charming photo) sent to my mother by her mother, Catherine "Birdie" Knappe of Milwaukee. There's even a notation in Birdie's handwriting, on page 24, above a recipe entitled "Sour Cream Cashew Drops." It says "mailed to Lisa, Feb. '63." Of course I have no recollection of this. Rather an odd choice of cookie for a little kid, would you agree? Then again, maybe cashew drops are thoroughly yummy. I should make them sometime and find out.
But I digress.... here's the recipe. The finished product is similar to a Linzer tart, but without the nuts. The dough is like a shortbread and a lot simpler to make than the traditional Linzer tart dough.
SNOWY CROWNS
1 cup butter
1/2 cup confectioner's sugar
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1. Cream butter. Add sugar gradually. Cream until light. Blend in sifted dry ingredients. Roll in a ball and chill for about an hour. Roll out dough 1/4 inch thick on floured surface. Cut with linzer tart cutters*, making tops with half the dough and bottoms with half of the dough. (If you don't have Linzer tart cutters, use a 1 1/2 inch round cutter. The down-side of this is you'll have to figure out how to cut little holes, about the size of your thumbnail, in the centers of half the rounds. I've used the backs of icing decorating tips). Note: If the dough gets warm--and it will as you roll and cut repeatedly--it will get sticky so you will have to add more flour and/or chill it again.
Place tops and bottoms on an ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until cookies are very lightly brown on the edges. Remove bottoms and tops to separate plates. Spread about 1 teaspoon of seedless raspberry jelly on each hot bottom (that sounds funny!) I like jelly that has fruit and juice only, without added sugar. When the tops are completely cool, dust with confectioners sugar, and GENTLY place the tops on the bottoms, and push down very lightly. This is the tricky part, and no matter how careful I am I always crack one or two tops, so I always bake a couple of extras. Makes about two dozen--I think--I've never really counted! My advice? Double the recipe--you can even freeze half the dough if you don't have time to bake them all--or they'll be gone in a flash. These are delicate and tender and crumbly and fruity and simply irresistible. They were my mom's favorite cookies, and my in-laws love them, too. I hope you enjoy them as much as me and my relatives do!
*if you don't have a set of Linzer tart cutters, they're well worth purchaing. I think they're about $12. You can get them with a variety of themed center cutouts, and they also have pretty fluted edges. My set has stars, diamonds, and hearts, and I use the stars at this time of year. Garnish your serving plate with some festive greenery, and prepare to hear oohs and aahs. Gorgeous and delicious!!!
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