Dear Justin Trudeau

This opinion piece by Casandra Effe on Facebook that is going viral is well written and wanted to share it with those who might not 'Facebook' as well as my own take on it!

"Hey Justin. I’m Casandra, and I’m an average west coast, middle class mom voter. You and I are the same age. I have so much to learn in terms of diplomacy and leadership, and so I’m guessing you acknowledge this in yourself too. This is going to be quite the ride for you and I.

I have a pit in my stomach because I just stood behind a cardboard box with a lump in my throat, feeling like I was gambling my life away. I think that’s the seed of what’s churning in my belly… in a democracy, why do I feel like I have to “play my cards” when I vote? How many millions of us gambled today on whatever bet would be “not harper”?

My country’s electoral system throws away all votes that don’t “win”. This last election's votes meant two thirds of us weren't represented at all. That's crazy! I need you to know that even though I put my X next to your name, I did not vote for you. I voted against the alternative. And so with this knowledge, and knowing millions of other Canadians just made the same decision out of pure rage and fear, I hope you can do a few things in your newfound position. 

Since the internet loves “Top Ten!” lists, here’s mine for you:

1. Get real about your win. Accept it with humility and modesty, and treat your fellow left politicians with respect and gratitude, for it is THEIR supporters who got you here with your sweeping majority, and not your own.
2. Change our electoral system. Be brave enough to see the big picture and not just for whom our voting system will immediately benefit. Be strong enough to face those that disagree or may lose their roles because a better system is needed for the health of our country. Be the one to recreate what democracy is in Canada. You have the chance to make history for your Trudeau name (round two), and what a magical gift that is… to have the ability to create a legacy.
3. Rebuild Canada’s name on the world stage. I was once proud to sew my flag on my backpack. Now, I’m ashamed of my country. We can become peacekeepers again. We can be examples to the world of how we educate our youth, support our vulnerable people, and protect our mountain streams. We can disagree with the United States, and we don’t have to be business partners with countries that commit horrific crimes against humanity. We can be a world leader in more ways than one.
4. Please don’t be bought. Your rewards for strength of character, your ethics, and being a true voice for Canada’s people today and 100 years from now will bring you far greater reward. Turn your back to those companies and lobbyists that think they can buy you (and Canada) in exchange for decisions that financially reward a few today and hurt people for generations.
5. Protect our rare and natural resources and don’t get caught in the jargon. Climate Change, global warming, carbon emissions… the jargon is divisive. There are certain decisions that clearly DO destroy this blue planet upon which we survive, and those that don’t. I recognize the harvesting of our forests, minerals, metals and oil bring jobs and money to our country, but consider moderation, balance, and sustainable practices, instead of debating the validity of the “climate change” phrase.
6. Related to #5 above, but worthy of its own number… please create fair subsidy practices. Either stop subsidizing oil, or start subsidizing energy alternatives. Refer to #4.
7. Support science. Rebuild our libraries and the information learned from thousands of reputable, skilled scientists over decades in Canada. Support a system to archive this information rather than destroy it.
8. Support an unbiased public information forum. Maybe this is the CBC. Maybe not. But probably… yes… the CBC. I’m guessing a truly democratic country thrives on the sharing of information that is non-partisan, non-religious, non-corporate, for the benefit of having an educated, engaged populace. Refer to #4.
9. Listen and communicate in real ways - no political mumbo jumbo say-nothing jibberjabber. We’re all just people, and we all deserve to be spoken to with honesty and respect, even if it’s not decisions we agree with. We’re talking inclusion, veterans, aboriginal women, veterans, jobs, refugees, pot, the justice system, the TPP, pipelines, healthcare, the senate and government corruption. And it doesn’t stop there. Good luck, but a good start is always good communication.
10. Bill C-51. Fix that thing. That’s like a bad sci-fi movie happening in real life. I can’t believe you voted for that in the first place. Refer to #3.

Thanks for your consideration.
Cass"

What Cassie has said here is inspiring ~ regardless of who you voted for yesterday NOW is the time to let the Liberals know what we need and expect as Canadians ... the Liberals made promises in their platform but those are not actual policy or plans yet. PLEASE the election process is not over just because we've voted yesterday and a 'winner' was announced ... NO ONE HAS WON YET not until we see the change they promised and it truly does benefit Canadians ;) 

Please do not wait 4 years quietly watching bad choices or policy be made again and occasionally vent about it in social media where it may or may not be seen by those who can actually affect change as has happened for the past two elections. 

Do not sit back and do nothing during the next four years and than complain about what they did or did not do do during their term as we head into the polls! 

Our new MP's that were elected yesterday they SERVE US the little people, they SERVE the RIDING that elected them and they are our VOICE in Ottawa and they need to know what their riding needs / wants / expects of them!

The Unions, Big Business, certain large Advocacy groups all have a LOUD voice in Ottawa about what they 'need' because there is someone being paid to make sure they are heard there ~ we the LITTLE PEOPLE do not. Our MP they need FEEDBACK from the LITTLE PEOPLE and BEFORE the leader of their party unveils their 'big policy changes' otherwise without our voice they listen to the whispers of those who stand to gain from advocating for one thing at the expense of another that benefits only the group they are being paid to represent! The reality is that is how POLITICS works! 

I encourage everyone to be like Casandra write to Justin Trudeau​ and the MP representing your riding and let them know YOUR top 10 as we head into our new government.

Do it NOW during the first 100 days as they 'form' their new policies and so forth!

I know I will be getting my thoughts together about what I like about their platforms and what scares the crap out of me as a taxpayer and what they can do to help alleviate that fear for myself as a voter as they move forward specially if they want to help ensure that they get to serve more than just the 4 years that this election of 'anyone but Harper' appears to have bought them. 

They said they can 'be the REAL change we need' but now let them PROVE THAT by listening to the people about the CHANGE THEY WANT! 

 

Have an amazing day! 

Margaret

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Totallyawake4-life

The Beauty of the Beet!

Totallyawake4-life Balsamic Roasted Beets

Ok so this week in the interest of stretching my palette we are working on developing a love for Beets ... as a child the most memorable way of these being served was 'pickled' and as a totally visual eating the 'running red juice' that would infect everything on the plate totally turned me off even wanting to TRY bringing a beet anywhere near my mouth so needless to say I never did 'try' one until much later and well the pickled flavor of them is not my cup of tea so never tried again until recently when while dining at the Keg they served 'roasted beets' as the vegetable side and I was like 'these are lovely what are they?' and someone at the table laughed at me and said 'you've never eaten a beet?' ... oh these are not beets beets are cold and bloody and pickle tasting? Well jokes on me and my little view of the great big world ~ just shows you are never too old to learn something new! They were so tasty I had to try to recreate them at home! 

Think that I NAILED IT! Give them a try and let me know!

ROASTED BALSAMIC BEETS

What You Need:

• Fresh beets - roughly 2 pounds or 8 medium beets
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup of Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 tsp raw honey
• Zest of one orange
• Fresh Ground Pepper to taste
• Tinfiol

What You Do:

• In a bowl mix 1/2 the tablespoon of melted oil, vinegar, honey, zest and pepper in a bowl and set aside.   
• Let the mixture marinade for at least 15 minutes to get the flavors into the oil and vinegar.
• Wash your beets really well to remove all dirt~ I love our Enjo Veggie cloth shown below. It is amazing at removing all the dirt and bacteria on the surface of the skin so you can eat the skin with confidence and retain all its nutritional benefits! 
• Cut the ends off and discard and than chop your beet into bit size pieces.
•  Add beets to the bowl above and toss to coat.
• Use the remaining oil to 'grease' your tinfoil to help prevent sticking.
• Make a 'boat' with the tinfoil and pour in the beets and all the fluid from the marinade mixture. Close up the top of the boat to seal it tight.
• Roast on the BBQ or in the Oven on 350F for an hour or until the beets are 'soft to a fork'.
• Serve with your favorite meat and alternative side ... for me the Beets where my 'potato' replacement and so I served these with steak and a side of angry onions and peppers. (angry onions and peppers are sauteed in Red Hots Original Tabasco Sauce)

Cooks Tip:

If you do not have one already I highly recommend getting on of these they really are a must have ... I use to loose so much of the great nutritional value of fruits and veggies because I felt I need to 'peel' them to remove either the visible dirt in the crevices OR out of fear of 'residue' being left from wax and other manufacturer 'add ons' to make selling them more profitable! 

Seriously just look at the difference between them the brown looking is not washed at all the two on top are 'washed' the way I use to with a brush and that shiny one THAT is ENJO CLEAN not a fleck of dirt or debris left behind! 

 

Why ENJO Veggie Cloth's ROCK!

 Why does one need beets in their diet?

That is an awesome percentage of daily vitamins and minerals being met by just one cup and 59 calories of one's daily allotment ~ so that only is enough to sell me!

And if that chart is not enough to sell you on at least TRYING them than here is a handly little list of the benefits that those vitamins and mineral have in your life!

Image Source Fain N Fitness

• Beets are an excellent source of folate
• Beets contain a significant amount of fiber, manganese and potassium
• Beet greens are an excellent for of calcium, iron and vitamins A and C
• Stimulate liver function
• Reduce Cholesterol
• Natural Colon Cleanser
• Contains beteicyaninis which counter act cancer
• Immune Booster
• Nicknamed Nature's Viagra
• Contains polysaccharhides for digestive tract health

When I read that list I could not help but think someone in the family is definitely getting TWO SERVINGS .... I will leave the who up to your imagination!

Have an amazing day!

Margaret

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Totallyawake4-life

If you had a magic wand?

It's Election Day in Canada .... tensions are high and its looking like a tight race and at the end of the day we will either have a same majority government we've had for the past 10 years OR we will have some form of 'new government' either a majority with a new leader or a minority with its work cut out to put partisanship aside and get things DONE in the interest of Canada!   

This election has been a particularly stressful one with all the 'negative campaigning' at the focus throwing mud and accusations of scandal around ~ so much focus on what is 'wrong' with our country verses what is RIGHT or what we can do to make it BETTER ... it really makes it hard as a VOTER to choose between LEADERS who behave in such a manner or who allow others to behave in such a manner on their behalf ... seriously our focus on elections and campaigning needs REFORM as does now our leaders are chosen!

I have no political background or expertise but if I had a magic wand to waive and only ONE thing I could change than I would like to try instead of having to vote for a 'party' as a whole would be to instead have each person running either as part of a 'party platform' or as an 'individual enttity' put their 'platform' for all the key subjects out there and we voted for the platform ... aka Economic Platform, Foreign Policy platform, Social programs platform, etcs the platforms with the most votes is what we work towards as a country and the person with the most platforms chosen would official 'lead' the country as our Prime Minister moving us towards those platform goals the majority chose even if it means supporting someone else's platform while doing it! Seems like a far more 'democratic' way to do things to me?

Plus, in my humble opinion, THAT is what TRUE LEADERSHIP is  ... it is not about arguing who has the 'right or wrong' idea and trying to make everyone accept YOUR idea but rather the ability to take what is voted by the group as the BEST idea and than to mentor the team to run with it and make it happen in the most efficient and timely manner! 

We need to stop focusing on what was done 'wrong in the past' and instead learn from it and make a plan to do BETTER in the future and we need to stop shooting down an idea for change just because of WHO suggested it and instead focus on really looking at would it work!

So regardless of who wins tomorrow we have another chance in 4 years to promote MORE CHANGE to continue to strive to make Canada BETTER for all  .... and we can start by continuing to let them know NOW what you WANT and NEED in the years to come so that when election time rolls around again MAYBE we can have REAL CHANGE verses just the lip service they play toward 'change' with the SAME OLD BEHAVIORS behind it once the election passes .... lets see ACTION for REAL CHANGE in politics over just the typical electorial SPEECHES about change? 

So that's my election day rant ... and I am totally grateful to live in a country where I can make a rant and judgement about our leaders in a public format, to VOTE for change if I so desire! 

So if you had a magic wand to wave to create Election reform what would YOU change? 

Have an amazing day!

Margaret

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Totallyawake4-life

Boost your Health with Hazelnuts!

I LOVE the flavor of hazelnuts ... this time of year as the weather gets cool my 'old habit' would be to start hitting up the Tim Horton's drive thru for a Extra Large Hot Chocolate with a shot of Hazelnut flavor! 

Lorann Hazelnut Bakery Emulsion

So in an effort to 'fix' that poor habit I went looking for a way to add some hazelnut to my morning breakfast routine that would not result in so many calories but still give me the benefits.

I tried pureeing in Hazelnuts right into my shake and while that was tasty to get the flavor I wanted it added quite a bit of calories to my morning shake and well I prefer to 'eat' my calories for the most part my shake is for when I am too busy to make an actual solid breakfast. 

So I was very excited to find the Lorann Hazelnut  Bakery Emulsion option ~ which is even better than an 'extract' as they are alcohol free .... plus I get all the flavor in 1 teaspoon of the emulsion liquid but only 5 calories! 

Hazel nuts are an amazing source of nutrition for fueling the body ....

 I don't know about you but I can use all the help I can with the 'brain boost' as well as all the other benefits that they bring! 

Their nutritional break down shows they pack a lot of punch in the vitamins and minerals department 

The first benefit you will be able to derive from hazelnuts is healthy skin. They will improve the immune system and speed up the cell turnover which shall in turn give you glowing and beautiful complexion. The elasticity of your skin shall be improved and you will combat free radicals. - See more at: http://www.a2zlifestyles.com/articles/hazelnuts-benefits/#sthash.vZVNVrF9.dpuf

Natural Skin Glow:
The first benefit you will be able to derive from hazelnuts is healthy skin. They will improve the immune system and speed up the cell turnover which shall in turn give you glowing and beautiful complexion. The elasticity of your skin shall be improved and you will combat free radicals.
Boosts your brains:
Hazelnuts are something that will boost your brains immensely. If you are one of those people who are preparing for an exam or are college students, take some hazelnuts regularly. You will be surprised what these nuts can do for you. They will surely sharpen your memory and help you remember all the important things.
See More:  Cherry Fruit Benefits
Controls Your Hunger:
Hazelnuts tend to be very filling. They keep your stomach full all throughout the day and prevent you from over indulging or over eating. They are very much beneficial for someone who is following a healthy diet. It will reduce the changes of indulging in-between meals and keep you active all throughout the day.
Lowers Your Cholesterol:
A great way to lower your cholesterol and maintain your health is by having some healthy and tasty hazelnuts. They are great for those who suffer with high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. They reduce the signs of strokes, heart attacks and several cholesterol related diseases.

Reduces Signs of Ageing:
In order to reduce signs of ageing, have some hazelnuts. By ageing, we mean fine lines of ageing, wrinkles and dark spots. You will not only make your skin firmer and tighter but also see the various signs of ageing vanish every day.
See More:  Green Apple Benefits
Strengthens Your Hair:
Hazelnuts are also great for strengthening your hair. It contains several healthy nutrients which are beneficial for maintaining strong and healthy hair. The proper flow of blood in your body will prevent hair fall and give you strong, manageable and beautiful hair.
Gives you a lot of energy:
In order to recharge your batteries when you have completely run out of fuel, we would suggest you to make full use of peanuts. They are full of vitamins and minerals which will fill your body with a lot of energy. This will keep you active and energized all the time.
Improves Digestion:
Hazelnuts are full of dietary fiber which makes it useful for your digestive system. Your entire digestive tract shall be cleansed and you will never face any kind of stomach infection or constipation. You should also expect timely bowel movement.
- See more at: http://www.a2zlifestyles.com/articles/hazelnuts-benefits/#sthash.eeUSzdjg.dpuf

Natural Skin Glow:
The first benefit you will be able to derive from hazelnuts is healthy skin. They will improve the immune system and speed up the cell turnover which shall in turn give you glowing and beautiful complexion. The elasticity of your skin shall be improved and you will combat free radicals.
Boosts your brains:
Hazelnuts are something that will boost your brains immensely. If you are one of those people who are preparing for an exam or are college students, take some hazelnuts regularly. You will be surprised what these nuts can do for you. They will surely sharpen your memory and help you remember all the important things.
See More:  Cherry Fruit Benefits
Controls Your Hunger:
Hazelnuts tend to be very filling. They keep your stomach full all throughout the day and prevent you from over indulging or over eating. They are very much beneficial for someone who is following a healthy diet. It will reduce the changes of indulging in-between meals and keep you active all throughout the day.
Lowers Your Cholesterol:
A great way to lower your cholesterol and maintain your health is by having some healthy and tasty hazelnuts. They are great for those who suffer with high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. They reduce the signs of strokes, heart attacks and several cholesterol related diseases.

Reduces Signs of Ageing:
In order to reduce signs of ageing, have some hazelnuts. By ageing, we mean fine lines of ageing, wrinkles and dark spots. You will not only make your skin firmer and tighter but also see the various signs of ageing vanish every day.
See More:  Green Apple Benefits
Strengthens Your Hair:
Hazelnuts are also great for strengthening your hair. It contains several healthy nutrients which are beneficial for maintaining strong and healthy hair. The proper flow of blood in your body will prevent hair fall and give you strong, manageable and beautiful hair.
Gives you a lot of energy:
In order to recharge your batteries when you have completely run out of fuel, we would suggest you to make full use of peanuts. They are full of vitamins and minerals which will fill your body with a lot of energy. This will keep you active and energized all the time.
Improves Digestion:
Hazelnuts are full of dietary fiber which makes it useful for your digestive system. Your entire digestive tract shall be cleansed and you will never face any kind of stomach infection or constipation. You should also expect timely bowel movement.
- See more at: http://www.a2zlifestyles.com/articles/hazelnuts-benefits/#sthash.eeUSzdjg.dpuf

Source from Nutrition and You

Natural Skin Glow:
The first benefit you will be able to derive from hazelnuts is healthy skin. They will improve the immune system and speed up the cell turnover which shall in turn give you glowing and beautiful complexion. The elasticity of your skin shall be improved and you will combat free radicals.
Boosts your brains:
Hazelnuts are something that will boost your brains immensely. If you are one of those people who are preparing for an exam or are college students, take some hazelnuts regularly. You will be surprised what these nuts can do for you. They will surely sharpen your memory and help you remember all the important things.
See More:  Cherry Fruit Benefits
Controls Your Hunger:
Hazelnuts tend to be very filling. They keep your stomach full all throughout the day and prevent you from over indulging or over eating. They are very much beneficial for someone who is following a healthy diet. It will reduce the changes of indulging in-between meals and keep you active all throughout the day.
Lowers Your Cholesterol:
A great way to lower your cholesterol and maintain your health is by having some healthy and tasty hazelnuts. They are great for those who suffer with high blood pressure and cholesterol problems. They reduce the signs of strokes, heart attacks and several cholesterol related diseases.

Reduces Signs of Ageing:
In order to reduce signs of ageing, have some hazelnuts. By ageing, we mean fine lines of ageing, wrinkles and dark spots. You will not only make your skin firmer and tighter but also see the various signs of ageing vanish every day.
See More:  Green Apple Benefits
Strengthens Your Hair:
Hazelnuts are also great for strengthening your hair. It contains several healthy nutrients which are beneficial for maintaining strong and healthy hair. The proper flow of blood in your body will prevent hair fall and give you strong, manageable and beautiful hair.
Gives you a lot of energy:
In order to recharge your batteries when you have completely run out of fuel, we would suggest you to make full use of peanuts. They are full of vitamins and minerals which will fill your body with a lot of energy. This will keep you active and energized all the time.
Improves Digestion:
Hazelnuts are full of dietary fiber which makes it useful for your digestive system. Your entire digestive tract shall be cleansed and you will never face any kind of stomach infection or constipation. You should also expect timely bowel movement.
- See more at: http://www.a2zlifestyles.com/articles/hazelnuts-benefits/#sthash.eeUSzdjg.dpuf

Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Boost Smoothie

What You Need:

• 8 oz Unsweetened Almond Milk ~ store bought or homemade 
• 1 scoop Protein powder of choice ~ love my Wegman's low carb high protein option
• 8 ml Pure Cocoa powder ~ we love our Epicure brand
• 1 cup Spinach
• 1/2 Banana ~ great way to use up a over ripe banana I keep them frozen
• 1 teaspoon Hazelnut Bakery Emulsion
• 5 or so icecubes
  

What You Do:

• Combine all ingredients in your blender and pulse until smooth!

How did if fare on the Nutritional Facts?   

I give it two thumbs up ... it tasted DELICIOUS with lots of hazelnut flavor and it stays in course for my desired calorie count for breakfast and packs a lot of protein and fiber and a reasonable carb balance from the banana.

Calculated using www.caloriecount.com

Do you have a favorite breakfast boost smoothie you'd like to share? 

Have an amazing day!

Margaret
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much
Totallyawake4-life

Whipped Coconut Cream

Whipped Coconut Cream

What You Need

• 1 14-ounce can coconut cream or full fat coconut milk (Thai Kitchen is best)
• 1 tablespoon of sweetener of choice ~ we use either honey or coconut palm sugar or stevia depending on the age of the kids sharing it with or if personal use
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

What You Do

• Chill your coconut cream or coconut milk UPRIGHT in the refrigerator overnight along with the bowl you want to prep the whipped cream in~ handle with care as you remove it because you want to keep the contents 'separated'.
• Carefully open the container of coconut cream or full fat coconut milk and scrape out the top, thickened cream and leave the liquid that settles at the bottom behind (do not throw it out you can bake with this or add it to smoothies for extra flavor and healthy benefits of the coconut water)
• Place hardened cream in your chilled mixing bowl. Beat for 30 seconds with a mixer until creamy. Then add vanilla and powdered sugar and mix until creamy and smooth - about 1 minute. Taste and adjust sweetness as needed.
• Use immediately or refrigerate - it will continue to set in the fridge the longer it's chilled. Admittedly ours never stays around long but I have read that it will keep for up to 1 - 2 weeks you just need to whisk it up with a fork again before serving!

 Baker's Note

 If your coconut milk didn't harden and separate it is likely made without the the right fat content. Rather than throwing it out you can try to salvage it with a bit of tapioca flour - 1 to 4 Tbsp - during the whipping process.

Whipped Coconut Cream is awesome on your sweet treats like hot chocolate, pies, ice-cream and sometimes we have it as a 'dairy free pudding' alternative with a side of fruit on top!  

Have an amazing day!  

Caribbean Spicy Mango Sauce ~ lower carb style

OK my other half just LOVES store this bought Pineapple Coconut Mango Tequila sauce from Costco ... and  do not get me wrong when he brought it home the first time I thought this is some TASTY stuff with lots of flavor and a nice kick of spice however it is not really 'fix approved'  for my needs specially to be using it on a regular enough basis in our cooking in order to go through that big honking bottle from Costco before the expiry date or to justify the real estate it takes up in my fridge once it is open ~ and I need all the real estate for fruits and veggies and so forth! 

So my mission this week was to figure out a way to take the main ingredients in the above and find a way to create a recipe where the nutritonal facts are better ... aka lower the carbs and increase the fiber and so forth.
  

Margaret's Spicy Caribbean 

Pineapple Mango Sauce

Yields: just shy of 2 cups of sauce ~ my apologizes I did not think to take a photo last night in my rush to get dinner on the table however next time I make this I will upload a new photo so you can see what it looks like!

What You Need

• 1 ripe mango - diced. If they are not in season 1/2 cup flash frozen thawed
• 1/2 cup of diced pineapple. If fresh is not in season flash frozen thawed
• 1 medium size lime
• 4 tablespoons Coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
• 1-2 splashes of Sriracha sauce
• 1 ounce tequila
• 1 tablespoon raw Honey  

 What You Do:

• Juice the lime directly into your blender - make sure no seeds drop in. If you do not have fresh lime you could use lime juice follow the amounts suggested for '1 lime' replacement.
• Add all remaining ingredients into your blender 
• Pulse together until you get a creamy pureed sauce consistency for a true sauce OR you can leave it chunkier for a 'chutney' depending on your desire.
• Allow flavors to marinate together in the fridge for a couple of hours before adding to your recipe. 
• Freeze any unused sauce in an air tight container for the next time its needed or store in the fridge for a few days if going to use up for leftovers or what not. I would not keep it more than 3-4 days myself cause without an preservatives you just do not know how long it will stay safe.

 Suggested uses

Spicy Caribbean Turkey Stir Fry

This sauce pairs nicely cold as a 'dip' for homemade chicken nuggets or tossed in with stir fry veggies and poultry, pork or beef (shown above) as well as we love it in the crockpot over mini meatballs or tossed with chicken wings and baked. I also love it as a ketchup alternative with my Butternut squash french fries. 

And for the nutritional comparison used the Calorie Count Recipe Converter   ...  and as you can see compared to the store bought facts above we have lowered the calories by over 50% and lowered the carbs by over 75% and added some dietary fibre and the taste and consistency is still pretty close. 

 Have an amazing day!

Margaret
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much
Totallyawake4-life

Fried Radishes?

What's in a Radish?

OK so I am challenging myself to try to eat new vegetables and this week it was to master the palette of the radish.

So first up lefts cover the nutritional benefits of why I am even wanting to be eating a 'radish' cause they have always seemed kinda like a 'garnish' verses an actual source of nutrition to me!

So according to the Nutritional Database here a serving of 1 cup of radishes has the following nutritional breakdown

 So overall it seems like a fairly strong add on to the menu rotation because while most of its calories come from sugar it is LOW in calories over all so you'd have to be really 'over doing it' on the radish portions to get a weight gain result PLUS it is a good source of  Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper and Manganese, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin C, Folate and Potassium all things I need to be adding to my grain free diet. 

Radish is also said to have the following benefits to aid in health which all sounded like an awesome reason to give this little baby a try ...

Image found on Pinterest from Fresh Organic Gardening

FRIED RADISHES

 What You Need:

• Bunch of fresh radishes (we were serving two of us so I did up about 2 cups of sliced)
• 1 tsp of coconut oil
• Fresh Ground Pepper
• 2 gloves garlic - minced
• 2 tablespoon onion - minced

What You Do:

•  Remove greens from radishes, clean with your veggie cloth  (PS I love my ENJO veggie cloth) and slice into thin even slices
• Add oil to pan and melt
• Add garlic, onion and thinly sliced radishes
• Saute on medium heat until the radishes are al dante and start to brown nicely
• Season with the black pepper to taste 
• Serve as a 'side' in place of your traditional grain

 Cook's Review

As a child I always associated a 'radish' with the nasty horseradish adults put on their roast beef so had stayed clear of them. As an adult radishes were something I have always 'tolerated' if sliced finely in a summer potato or macaroni salad at potluck but not something I have actively 'cooked with' as a part of a main meal ... raw I find them a nice spice addition to the salad but too much all on their own however FRIED they take on a whole new flavor and texture which is actually quiet tasty. While not something I can say I would 'crave' I think I was able to successfully palette them and finished everything on my plate. I think that these will definitely go into the menu rotation ~ maybe not daily but regularly! 

Have an amazing day!

Margaret

Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much

Totallyawake4-life