Savory & Tasty Jamabalaya Recipe

Jambalaya

I spent 5 years living in The Big Easy and every now and then I get a hankering for some good ol' Jamabalaya.  I miss the creole flavor and satisfying layers in New Orleans food.  When I want comfort food, this is my go to.  The recipe I use is adapted from, I Love Trader Joe's Cookbook.  

Yes, this is low glycemic but still full of carbohydrates.  Make sure you don't lay up after this one.  Go walk around the block or something to use the food fuel.  

Enjoy!

 Ingredients

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 2 tbs grape seed oil
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 6 cloves of garlic, chopped
• 1 jalepeno, chopped
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme, (1/4 tsp fresh)
• 1/4 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cumin (optional)
• 1/2 tsp salt (optional)
• 1 12.8 oz chicken or turkey andouille sausage, sliced 1/2 in thick
• 2 1/4 cups (organic) chicken broth
• 1/2 c white wine
• 1, 15 oz can of chopped tomatoes, in juice
• 3 c brown rice
• 1 pound raw medium shrimp, peeled
• 1 c (organic) cooked chicken (optional)

Directions

Heat both oils in a large pot or dutch oven and add onion, bell pepper and celery.   Saute until fragrant.  Add the green onions, garlic and jalapeno and saute for 3 minutes.  Add red pepper flakes, thyme, oregano, cumin and salt and saute vegetables for about 5 minutes. Add sausage, chicken broth, wine and tomatoes and bring to a boil.  Mix in rice and return to a boil.  Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.  Uncover and add in shrimp and chicken if desired.  Cover and remove from heat to let stand for 10 minutes.  Check to see that shrimp has turned pink and is cooked through.  Recover if needed for finish shrimp.  Enjoy with chopped green onions on top.

The Most Delicious Brussel's Sprouts Recipe Ever

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Capers, Walnuts and Anchovies

BY MICHAEL SYMON

Ingredients

• 3 pounds brussels sprouts, quartered
• 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup walnuts
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey, maple of agave
• 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed and chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• One 2-ounce tin of anchovies, drained and minced

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°. In a large bowl, toss the brussels sprouts with 1/4 cup of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread the brussels sprouts on 2 large rimmed baking sheets and roast for about 45 minutes.  You will want to mix them around  once or twice.  Cook until tender and charred in spots; shift the pans halfway through roasting.
2. Spread the walnuts on cookie sheet and toast for about 8 minutes, until golden. Let cool, then coarsely chop the nuts.
3. In the large bowl, whisk the vinegar with the mustard and honey/maple/agave. Whisk in the remaining 1/2 cup of oil until emulsified. Add capers, garlic, shallots and anchovies then season with salt and pepper. Finally add the brussels sprouts and walnuts and toss well. Serve.

Enjoy the deliciousness!

From MICHAEL SYMON'S HEARTLAND THANKSGIVING MENU

Organic or bust

 (Original post for http://mommynoire.com/6899/organic-or-bust/)

Despite a recent report from a Stanford study noting that non-organic/conventional produce has the same nutritional value as organic, I am confident that the less exposure to toxic pesticides the better.

Organic is still a WIN for me.

There were many flaws with the study that should prompt shoppers to reconsider organic if they left the concept in the dust. Furthermore, when it comes to fruits and vegetables that are “sprayed” (with inorganic pesticides) the health impact of the chemicals used warrants further evaluation.

Most pesticides are of a type called organophosphates. No need to remember that name but important to know that these pesticides are toxic to the nervous system.

One would wonder how such a harmful chemical would be allowed to come close to our food supply at all. To avoid going on a total tangent, let’s remember that it all comes down to the bottom line- money.  

Potent pesticides means that less pests will harm crops of produce.  Therefore, there is more product to sell.

Numerous studies have shown a consistent link between organophosphates and ADHD.

As early as fetal development, a pregnant mother eating conventional food can introduce pesticide residue to the blood stream.

This presence is even documented as having a tie with low birth weight in babies and a lower IQ in children.

There have also been numerous additional nervous system disorders or challenges linked to long-term exposure.

Eating an organic-based diet may be an option in addressing these issues since it would eliminate ingestion of the neurotoxin.

Don’t give up on organic. Be mindful of how your food is processed. It is after all what you put in your body every day.

What's the deal with gluten?!

With all the gluten hype, I've needed to remind myself why I avoid this vilified food complex.  

Am I caught up in the hype?  

Am I that easily influenced by marketing?  I then hear the little, big voice inside that reminds me of the headaches, bloating, acne and other unmentionable symptoms that arise when I eat something with gluten.

Gluten awareness is in fact not a fad, but a red flag that something is wrong or different with our food.

Many do chalk gluten free labeling/living/foods up to a passing trend, retorting,  "how could something my family has eaten for generations be bad?".  Others who have identified the culprit to feeling so incredibly awful, are so thankful to know they are not alone.  How wonderful it is that gluten free foods have become more readily available.

A bit about gluten:

• Gluten is a protein complex. It is wheat, barley and spelt, millet, semolina, kamut and may be cross contaminated due to processing in rye and oats.

• It may be added to dough to help bread rise in baking.

• Wheat has been augmented through hybridization to contain 90 percent more gluten than that of our grandparents generation.

• We are over exposed to gluten as it is in most processed foods.

• Many have underlying digestive issues that contribute to gluten sensitivity.

• We are a "sicker" society due to air pollution, chemical and heavy metal toxicity stress and junk food, contributing to an inability to handle more burden on the body from food allergies.

• Gluten is added to far more foods as a thickening/binding agent than ever before

• Symptoms related to gluten sensitivity or intolerance include: digestive disorders, headaches/migraines, sinus troubles, diabetes, osteoporosis, dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, weight management challenges, arthritis, MS and other auto immune conditions.

• Gluten intolerance is essentially an allergy. Histamine is released when introduced in the body. Stomach cramps, skin eruptions, itching, swelling, hives, sneezing, vomiting or diarrhea may be experiences soon after.

• Histamine is not produced in a gluten sensitivity. Symptoms may be experienced over time.

• Celiac disease is an auto immune condition that is caused by foods with gluten. The standard for diagnosis is biopsy of the small intestine.

• Good substitutes for foods with gluten are amaranth, quinoa, rice as a grain or milled into a flour. You can also try coconut or Jerusalem artichoke flour.

Why are people reacting to gluten?

You would wonder why people are so sensitive to gluten theses days.  The cause is linked to a few factors including, frequent exposure/ingestion, the modification and chemical treatment of foods that creates an allergic response and genetic risk factors.  

Let's face it, gluten is everywhere and as a society, we are consuming it in mass quantities.   

I strive to eat gluten free for myself and my family.  I also suggest it to my patients as I've seen many symptoms clear up with the elimination of it from the diet.  Now that you have some basic in's and out's, you make the call.