Category: Recipes and Tips

Ahhh… Spinach… :) Popeye knew it all those years ago… it’s good for you… :)

Check out the latest recipe from Natural Wellness Solutions: Whitby, Ontario.

“Spinach is an excellent plant based source of iron, virtually fat free and only 41 calories in one cup of cooked spinach. Spinach also contains at least 13 flavonoid phytonutrients that also function as powerful antioxidants. Spinach is available throughout the year, but its flavor is at its peak during the cold months. Spinach stems are great for adding more fiber to our diet. The healthiest way to prepare spinach is by quick boiling for 1 minute. Avoid overcooking, steaming, or sauteeing. Cooking with oil is not recommended. Spinach cooked al dente is tender because it is cooked just long enough to soften its cellulose and hemicellulose fibers, thereby making it easier to digest and allow nutrients to become more readily available for absorption.”
 
 
Fettuccini with Spinach Pesto
 
1 lb. brown rice fettuccini or kudzu and sweet potato pasta
1 lb. pkg. frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese (goat, if available)
2/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 cup packed chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup boiling water
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 tsp. anise seeds
a little ground black pepper
 
Prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and return to the pot.
Meanwhile, combine the spinach, cheese, 1/3 cup of the nuts, the basil, oil, water, salt, garlic, anise seeds and pepper in a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping the bowl as needed. Sauce will be thick. Pour over the pasta and toss gently to coat.
Divide among 6 plates and top each portion with some of the remaining 1/3 pine nuts.

Visit Natural Wellness Solutions for more great healthy living tips.  :)

I got this recipe from my sister Janine who lives in Connecticut with her family. Janine has always been an awesome cook, and this recipe comes out great. I modify mine slightly, and  I will list the modifications. Either way this is a fabulous banana loaf and doesn’t last long in our house. :)

ingredients:

3 to 4 Banana’s

1/3 cup of melted butter   (modification: 1/3 cup of olive or vegetable oil not heated)

3/4 to 1 cup of sugar           (modification: 1/2 cup of honey)

1 beaten egg

1 tsp of vanilla

1 tsp of baking soda

pinch of salt

1 and 1/2 cups of flour  (modification: whole wheat flour)

Method:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees or equivalent gas mark.

In a large bowl mash banana’s thoroughly, melt butter and mix in with banana’s. (If using modification do not heat). Mix in sugar (or honey), beaten egg and vanilla, sprinkle in baking soda. Lastly add the flour and pinch of salt.

Pour into bread pan (4×8 or equivalent 1.5 qt loaf tin). Place in oven for one hour, check for doneness. Eat plain or with butter or margarine on it.