Calabaza is a popular squash varietal that is grown in tropical areas. Also known as West Indian pumpkin, calabaza is an earthy, sweet food that makes a perfect addition to dinner on a chilly fall night. It can be a substitute for recipes that call for pumpkin, acorn or butternut squash.
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It may be the last thing you would consider using to cook an egg, but toaster ovens are more versatile than they seem. Useful for more than toasting bread, toasters can be used to make simple, innovative breakfasts.
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If you are experiencing muscle aches and tiredness, it is possible that you are missing some important nutrients. A deficiency in vitamin D, B-12, C, or thamine can not only cause these symptoms, but also have other detrimental effects on your body if left untreated.
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If you take omeprazole to control acid reflux, you should be aware that the drug interferes with your body's ability to absorb vitamin B-12. The higher the dose of omeprazole, the less vitamin B-12 you are able to absorb.
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Folate, or folic acid, is an essential B vitamin that is needed for the proper formation of red blood cells and their division and DNA synthesis. This vitamin shares an important, but somewhat indirect relationship with a condition known as hypothryoidism.
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If you regularly crave salty foods, it could mean your sodium levels are too low, according to a 2008 review article in “Physiology and Behavior.” Sodium is an essential mineral needed to maintain blood pressure and essential amounts of water.
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Acid reflux can be painful and is often associated with a burning sensation. It can occur when stomach acid is pushed into the esophagus. During an episode of acid reflux, you may taste regurgitated food or sour liquid at the back of your mouth or feel a burning sensation in your chest.
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Tetley is a British company that has sold tea since 1871. Tetley offers several blends of black and green teas in both regular and decaffeinated varieties. The iced tea blends are formulated to minimize cloudiness upon refrigeration.
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Green tea is a healthy beverage, so you may be surprised if your doctor or hospital tells you to avoid drinking green tea before you undergo surgery or take medications. Some compounds in green tea interact with medications. In other cases, prescriptions can increase the effects of the caffeine in green tea.
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Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and peanuts all contain a host of healthful nutrients. Just a handful packs a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals and fats, all of which work together to affect your heart, your brain and your waistline.
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Chocolate is a versatile food. You can eat it as a confection, as a dip for fruits, as a dessert topping or as an addition to hot beverages. Further, dark chocolate does have some health benefits, due mainly to the antioxidants it contains.
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Recipes for sauces, soups, desserts, ice cream and cheesy sauces such as Alfredo sauce often call for heavy cream, which is high in calories and contains unhealthy saturated fat.
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With their sweet, earthy flavor, beets make an excellent addition to salads, sauteed leafy greens or grains like brown rice and quinoa. While they can take over an hour to roast in the oven, it only takes about 10 minutes to prepare beets in the microwave.
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Whole hams are a cinch to prepare and perfect for special occasions. Since the ham is smoked, it only needs to be heated before serving. Simply toss the ham in the oven and you're free to prepare any side dishes for your meal.
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Like oatmeal, cooked barley is a healthy and versatile way to begin the day. Barley has been shown to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol, and may reduce the risk of heart disease. It's also an excellent source of fiber. Barley takes a while to cook, but fortunately it reheats beautifully.
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Cod baked in foil packets, also known as "en papillote," is a dish as elegant as it is simple. The fish cooks in an aromatic steam, ensuring moist, flavorful results every time. There's practically no clean up involved because the foil is discarded.
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White potatoes are hands-down the best option for baking. While waxy varieties like red, yellow and gold potatoes become soft and creamy in the oven, white potatoes have a relatively high starch content and become light and fluffy when baked.
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Traditional risotto can be a tedious task, requiring strict attention and near-constant stirring. But you can make a simple no-fuss version of this hearty Italian classic with your slow cooker.
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Smoked sausages such as kielbasa, knockwurst and bratwurst are flavorful and quick-cooking, perfect for an easy dinner when you're short on time. Although these sausages are common grill companions, you can easily prepare them indoors when outdoor cooking isn't an option.
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Filet mignon is a pricey cut of beef, so don't throw your money away with improper thawing. Cut from the mild-tasting tenderloin, filet mignon is exceptionally tender despite being rather lean. There are three ways to defrost filet mignon, depending on your preference and time constraints.
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