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The Most Under-Rated Veggies

December 13, 2012 By

Next time you're grocery shopping, get a little adventurous in the produce aisle and purchase these under-rated but truly delicious vegetables.

Parsnips
Lighter and sweeter than a potato, this simple root vegetable is fabulous either roasted, or mashed with butter and cream. Parsnips are also great grated raw and tossed with a citrus dressing for a light salad.

Kale
This healthy veggie is packed with iron, but is often underserved when it comes to taste. Perk up boring steamed kale with a dressing made of garlic, lemon, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Or try baked kale chips – rinse and dry the leaves thoroughly, spritz with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and bake in a single layer at 350 for 5-10 minutes or until the edges are starting to brown. This crunchy snack tastes great with any seasonings you desire like parmesan cheese.

Radishes
Radishes not only provide a nice tang to salads and make for pretty garnishes, but they are also delicious and beautiful sliced in half and sautéed in butter or olive oil or roasted.

Zucchini
In the late summer months, gardeners often have many large zucchinis to get rid of, and the price at the market drops to almost nothing. This is a great time to take advantage of this squash’s versatility, making breads and muffins or slow-caramelizing zucchini in oil with a few mustard seeds for a surprisingly decadent side.

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The Best Exercise Routine for You

November 15, 2012 By

So, this is the year you're going to get in shape. Good for you! Maybe you’re just beginning a work out regimen, or perhaps you’re already active but want to try something new.  Below are some popular exercise options to try:

Exergames
Motion-sensor gaming innovations like the Nintendo Wii, and Xbox Kinect have unleashed a wave of game-based exercise programs. Whether you like golf, bowling, tennis, dance, yoga, or more traditional aerobics there is a game out there for you!

Pros: The games are relatively inexpensive compared to gym membership, can be used at home, and automatically track your progress so you can easily monitor your improvements.

Cons: The workouts are generally mild to moderate (good for beginners but you may soon outgrow them) and sometimes repetitive. Also, there is less accountability because you're not paying for a membership or working out with others.

Joining a gym
Gyms offer a great range of exercise machines and classes – everything from kickboxing to Zumba to yoga.

Pros: Since you’re paying for it, you’re generally more motivated to use it. Most gyms offer a good variety of programs for different fitness levels, personal training, and there are also gyms that are targeted to serious athletes, beginners, and women so you can find one that suits you best.

Cons: Membership can be costly and it can be hard to make the time in your day to go there – especially if it's a bit of a drive. Also, some beginners may feel intimidated or self-conscious working out in front of other people.

Heading outside -
Many people prefer to get their exercise in the great outdoors. Fresh air, natural beauty, and freedom can be great motivators. Also, you can invite friends or co-workers to join you!

Pros: You can make your own exercise routine and work outdoor activity into your daily schedule. Exercising outside with friends can be appealing and provide motivation.

Cons: If you’re going solo, it can be tough to stay motivated and structured, and you are at the mercy of the weather.

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Have You Heard About These Healthy Food Trends?

November 8, 2012 By

Some of the hottest new food trends involve foods that aren't just delicious, but good for you, too! Read on to learn about the latest in healthy eating:

Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are 20% protein and full of antioxidents. The sprouts make great additions to salads and sandwiches. Ground chia seeds are a wonderful addition to baked goods, and are a wonderful supplement to your smoothie, too.

Coconut Water
The use of coconut water has seen a much deserved surge in popularity in the past few years, and it's easy to see why. It has an incredible amount of potassium and is high in minerals, all while being low in sodium, calories, and carbs. Drink it a sports drink substitute, and stay hydrated the healthy way.

Locally Grown Food
Fresh food that's been farmed close to home will have more nutrients than that which has had to travel long distances first. As this trend has gained in popularity, local farmers markets have increased in number, making these tasty local items easier to find.

Flexitarianism
Flexitarianism is a dietary lifestyle in which you embrace mostly vegetarian eating habits, but allow yourself meat from time to time. Rather than the hard to maintain choice of eliminating meat from your diet entirely, flexitarianism embraces a sense of balance that allows for a bit of everything.

Palm Sugar
Similar to brown sugar in flavor, this rich flavored product has become an alternative to agave syrup as a delicious, natural sweetener. With a low melt temperature and high burn temperature, it's great for cooking.


 

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Super Easy Crockpot Dinners

September 13, 2012 By

If getting dinner on the table by 6 p.m. is a bit challenging after a long day, why not make use of that handy crockpot that’s been sitting on the shelf for ages? For a super simple weeknight supper, toss ingredients into your slow cooker, and just let it work its magic. When dinner time rolls around the food will be ready, and your home at NSY Portsmouth Homes will smell wonderful! Here a few recipes to get you started:

Cheesy Chicken
Place 6 boneless chicken breasts in a 4 quart crockpot. Pour a 10 oz. can of condensed cream of chicken soup and one 10 oz. can of condensed fiesta cheese soup over the chicken. Add 1/8 tsp. pepper and 2 tsp. chili powder, and stir to combine. Cover slow cooker and cook on low 6 to 8 hours, until chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked. Serve over rice or couscous. Makes 6 hearty servings.

The Easiest Pork Chops Ever
If you wish, you can brown the 4 pork chops a nonstick skillet 3 to 4 minutes on each side, and then place chops into a 4 quart crockpot. In a bowl, combine 1 envelope onion soup mix and one 10 oz. can ready to serve chicken broth, and stir until blended. Pour mixture over the pork chops. Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Serve chops with veggies or salad and rice. This recipe makes 4 servings.

Potatoes & Italian Chicken
Place 4 diced potatoes on the bottom of the crockpot, then drizzle with 1/4 cup spicy Italian salad dressing. Top with 1 lb. boneless chicken breasts, and drizzle with another 1/4 cup of dressing and sprinkle with cracked pepper. Cover slow cooker and cook for 6-8 hours on low until potatoes are tender and chicken is thoroughly cooked. Makes 4 servings.

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Great Chili Ideas

June 14, 2012 By

Chili is a fabulous one pot meal – and one of the most popular. Everyone has their own take on this dish, but if you're looking for some inspiration, here are some of the most popular regional variants, as well as some essential tips to keep in mind before you start cooking.

Chili, obviously, is named after the spicy peppers that give the dish its trademark heat. Mix-up your chilies. Using just one kind of pepper will make the dish taste one-dimensional. Combining jalapeno, Serrano, and other peppers in moderation will vastly improve the dish.

Meat is the core of a chili dish, and many regional styles such as Texas chili don’t use beans at all in the preparation of the meal. Before you add your meat to the pot, brown it in a pan first. That will help release essential flavors and keep the meat from getting too mushy. I prefer using roughly-cut strips of steak, but ground beef works fine. Ground turkey or chicken is good for a more heart-healthy dish.

That said, vegetarian chili is also increasingly popular. Rely on a variety of beans and sauteed vegetables like onions and mushrooms to create a hearty meal without the use of meat.

Always use fresh vegetables and good quality meats. Chili was originally invented as a way to disguise the flavors of substandard ingredients, but in the modern world there’s no reason to eat bad food. The better the ingredients, the better your pot of chili will be!

Taste the pot frequently as you’re cooking to adjust the consistency and spice blend. Keep in mind that heat will develop slowly as you cook it, so don’t add more peppers unless you’re sure that it’s not hot enough.

Enjoy!

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Have You Tried These Five Healthy Foods?

May 24, 2012 By

Eating well doesn't have to be a chore! There's so many flavors and foods in the world and you should make a point to try to experience as many of them as you can. Sure, these five are common, but they're often overlooked. Each makes a wonderful addition to a healthy diet! Consider keeping some of them in your pantry at home at NSY Portsmouth Homes!

Broccoli
Aside from being exceptionally high in vitamins K and C, broccoli has been proven to help in the prevention of a number of cancers. It's also a great detoxifier, and can lower cholesterol.

Salmon
This delicious fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Salmon is also high in niacin, which studies have shown can help against memory loss and Alzheimer's. Wild salmon is a healther choice than farm-raised, so it's important to know the provenance of your fish.

Pumpkin Seeds
The seeds are easily the most nutritious part of the pumpkin, loaded with magnesium. They are also beneficial to prostate and bone health, and can also lower your cholesterol. Whether snacking on roasted pumpkins seeds or adding a few to a salad, they make a great addition to your diet.

Garlic
There's a reason why garlic has been a medicinal ingredient for thousands of years. It has proven antimicrobial effects, and helps lower the risk of heart disease. It also contains a high number of antioxidants, and can strengthen your immune system when included in your diet.

Avocados
This rich and delicious veggie is great for helping cholesterol and also works to regulate blood sugar. Make sure to peel it carefully, as a greater concentration of nutrients is in the dark flesh just beneath the skin.


 

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Cream Of The Crop: Essential Farmers’ Market Eats

March 29, 2012 By

Farmer’s markets are cropping up all over the country, as people become more and more interested in getting food from local sources. Producers are bringing fresh food at great prices. Here are five foods you should certainly try from the farmer’s market next time you go:

Eggs are one of the best things to get fresh. The difference in consistency and flavor between a store-bought egg and one fresh from the hen is jarring. The yolk is brighter, firmer, and much tastier. If your farmer offers duck eggs, try those too – they fluff up amazingly and are great for baking.

Potatoes might seem like a funny thing to buy from a farmer’s market, but they are amazing. Usually much smaller than store-bought spuds, fresh potatoes are deeply flavorful and complex. Slice them thinly and roast them with onions.

Seasonal tomatoes are some of the best things to buy at the farmer’s market. In the late summer and early fall, when they’re coming fresh off the vine, you can get enormous heirloom tomatoes that are great for sandwiches or just eating with a little salt and pepper.

One of the best things to do with farmer’s market produce is teach yourself about pickling and canning. If you’ve never made pickled beets, they’re a delicious treat – sweet, tangy, salty, and savory all at once.

Local cheeses can be delectable as well. Many dairies produce artisanal cheeses that are robust with flavor. They also often provide samples to try before you buy.

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Top Tips for a Healthy Life

March 22, 2012 By

Who doesn't want a long, healthy life? But let’s be frank—we can't cut everything that's bad for us out of our lives. Thankfully, there's virtue in moderation. Below are some small steps that can lead to big results down the road:

First and foremost, get 30 minutes of exercise a day. To ease yourself in, begin with 30 minutes of movement 3 days a week and slowly work your way up to a half hour of fitness every day. It’s easy to set aside some time to take a brisk walk, ride a bicycle, or hit the gym. As long as your heart rate goes up, you’re good.

Make sure to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. The mouth is a major portal to infection, and oral hygiene can help considerably. Flossing, especially, has been proven to decrease risk of disease later in life.

Try to only eat when you are hungry. This seems like a simple suggestion, but obesity is a major epidemic in America right now, and a significant contributor to shortened life spans. Learn to listen to your body's true hunger and stop eating when satisfied to avoid overeating.

And, lastly, if you smoke, stop smoking now! It might not be easy, but it will save your life.Talk to your doctor and turn to friends and family for support – they will all back your decision to take control of your health.

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How to Make Pesto

February 2, 2012 By

Pesto is a popular, simple Italian sauce that packs a great deal of flavor. It requires only a few ingredients, and it's well worth your time and effort to make at home.

The most basic recipe for requires three main ingredients: (1) a green, (2) an oil, and (3) a nut. Each element adds a different slant to the flavor of the dish. The most traditional style of Italian pesto is made with basil, olive oil, and pine nuts and also Parmesan cheese. For truly authentic pesto, you’ll want to finely chop all of the ingredients by hand using a sharp knife or a mezzaluna, but it works well to use a food processor to coarsely grind all the ingredients and does not change the flavor.

Another great thing about pesto is that it can be used in so many ways. Toss it with pasta, such as spiral noodles, that will capture the sauce. It's also great as a marinade for chicken, toasted on Italian bread, or used as a condiment on sandwiches.

After you’ve mastered pesto the traditional way, feel free to experiment with a variety of ingredients. Cashews or walnuts can make a great replacement for expensive pine nuts, and using kale instead of basil can make a delicious healthy pesto.

Bon appetit!

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