Wordless Wednesday- Broadway Anatasia

  Broadway Show Anastasia. 

November is a great time to go into NYC and see a show. 
I stood on the two fer line and got tickets for Anastasia, 
The acting, the singing, the dancing, and the music was outstanding! 
I enjoyed the show immensely!!
( No, not the children's show) 

      The play is based on Russian history and the murder of Czar Nicolas, his wife, and children. The story of Anastasia is based on a legend that one of the children actually survived, had amnesia, and discovers herself in Paris to start a new life! The music and singing was outstanding. LIsten to the Youtube I found.

Watch this delightful trailer for the show from Playbill to hear the amazing singing

    

                           Look what was playing next door!

                     My first choice was Hello Dolly with Bett Midler but I couldn't get tickets.

                 

Here is another YouTube from the 2017 Macy Day Thanksgiving Parade where the cast of Anastasia performed 
( watch the other YouTube first-it's better)

 I'm linking a Russian Recipe to go with this show

                                   Russian Herb and Farmer Cheese Salad 

Will be shared on shared on Beth Fish Reads Wordless Wednesday  

Create With Joy 

Wordless Wed on Tuesdays wordless on tuesday http://thesimpleyear.com/, 
image in ing, 
ClaireJustine linky 
West Metro Mommy  

Create with Joy 

bethere2day nanahood

\

                    
                      

Shitake Mushroom and Cauliflower Rice Casserole

 I am obsessed with this Shitake mushroom and cauliflower rice casserole!

 I love its taste, its texture and its ease and low carbs of cauliflower rice.
 Cauliflower rice a great substitute for white or brown rice in almost any recipe.

Cauliflower rice after I sauteed it for 5 minutes in a skillet

You can make your own cauliflower rice in the food processor using a whole cauliflower or simply buy a of frozen or fresh bag in most stores.

My personal preference is Trader Joes' frozen organic cauliflower rice.
It works best for me in my recipes and has an excellent mild taste.

Remember , it tastes like rice not cauliflower - so keep reading!!

This low carb and low calorie mushroom casserole is the perfect side for your holiday table because it works for those who are gluten free, vegan, dairy free, soy free , nut free.. etc. ( and who doesn't have guests with have eating restrictions or allergies??) It is a mix of shitake and white mushrooms.

It's a healthy recipe that will allow everyone to indulge without the bloat and guilt.

This delicious casserole calls for two different kinds of mushrooms ( Shitake and Cremini or White)  that make their own juicy sauce while cooking and add a fabulous flavor to the simple pilaf.

slice the mushrooms before cooking

Adding the mushrooms to the cauliflower rice results is a rich tasting side dish that everyone will enjoy! I brought this casserole to my son and daughter in laws for Thanksgiving and there were no leftovers- not one morsel!

I forgot to get a photo of the finished product-
so I can only show you mushroom or cauliflower rice photos

This recipe takes less than 20 minutes and makes a lovely presentation.

More and more heath practitioners are suggesting that we add more plant based recipes to our diet. Try this easy recipe ; you won't regret it!

Author: Judee Algazi @ Gluten Free A-Z Blog

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

1 bag of frozen cauliflower rice
8 ounces of shitake mushrooms
8 ounces of white mushrooms
Olive oil spray
Himalayan salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Directions

Spray a large skillet with olive oil spray. Add the bag of frozen ( or your own cauliflower rice)  cauliflower rice to the skillet on medium heat. Season with salt and pepper .Cook down for about 5 minutes until the cauliflower rice is heated and fluffy! Remove, spoon into a casserole and set aside.
Clean your skillet and spray again with olive oil spray. Add shitake and white mushrooms and sautee until mushrooms are soft. Add with any juices to the cauliflower rice and mix together.
Eat immediately. This will keep in the refrigerator as well. To reheat- bake in pre- heated oven at 350
for 10 minutes.

WW- Carriage Ride in Central Park in NYC

Went on a carriage ride through Central Park in NYC

The horses line up on the street near the entrance

I'll take the carriage decorated in purple

Look at the pigeons that are in the feed bucket

Taking a Break and Sharing Some Feed with the Pigeons

In the Park

Will be shared on shared on Beth Fish Reads Wordless Wednesday  

Create With Joy 

Wordless Wed on Tuesdays wordless on tuesday http://thesimpleyear.com/, 

image in ing, 
ClaireJustine linky 
West Metro Mommy  
Create with Joy 
bethere2day nanahood

Hate to Peel and Chop Garlic and Ginger? Try This

Do you hate to peel and chop garlic and ginger? 

Do you ever reach for a piece of garlic or ginger for a recipe only to find out that it has completely dried out? I hate when that happens.

It's frustrating to need to stop your recipe and run to the store to get more or not make the recipe. Or perhaps your recipe just calls for a little bit of herb and you just don't want to buy a full bulb or bunch.

Whether you do not like to chop or peel,  your garlic or ginger dries out, or you just don't have any in the house, I have found a really easy way to always make sure I have some fresh ginger, garlic, basil, parsley, and cilantro available for any recipe!

I have found an easier way that I love!!

I buy freshly frozen cube packages of herbs that keep in my freezer for at least 6 months. They are easy to use, take up very little room in the freezer, and are very convenient.
There is no peeling, grating, chopping, etc.
The frozen cubes are made up of 100% fresh herbs that have been blended and frozen.

I buy these convenient packages at Trader Joe's or most supermarkets.

The brand I have found ( I think there are other brands too) is called Dorot. The price of the cubes ranges from $1.99 -$3.99 depending where you purchase. I have found Trader Joe's is the most reasonable.

The frozen herb cubes are available in ginger , parsley, garlic, basil, cilantro, etc.  If you turn the package over, it looks like 20 little ice cubes. You can pop one or two out to use in a recipe and then return to the package to freezer for future use!

I love the ease and taste of this 100 % no additive pure product. It can be used in almost any recipe that calls for fresh garlic, ginger, cilantro or basil. I love it..and what a time saver!!!Note: you must keep it frozen at all times for the cubes to pop out.

I love to use these cubes in my easy Asian Broccoli Crowd Pleaser Recipe

Buy the garlic and ginger cubes ready made for ease or

How to make your own basil, parsley, or cilantro cubes

You will have to use a mini ice cube tray -
I've used this one Silicone Ice Cube Trays BPA Free  or
this one Mini Ice Cube Trays with Flexible Silicone Bottom For Easy Release Pop out | Set Of 3 Ice Molds BPA Free

The object is you want the cubes to be small and pop out easily- both of these are BPA free.

During the season when herbs are prolific , parsley, cilantro, chives and basil are economical to freeze in this manner.  You want the consistency to come out like pesto or actually you can freeze your favorite pesto recipe for a delicious use for basil in other recipes.

Ingredients: 
2 cups of basil, parsley,  or cilantro
4 Tablespoons of water ( or a little more if needed- you want it to be thick)

Directions: 
Blend to thick consistency like a pesto
Freeze in cube tray
Pop out as needed in recipes - no need to defrost to use in recipes

Garlic and ginger are similar but you need quite a quantity of each. 
That is why I just buy the garlic and ginger - it is easier and I believe ends up costing much less.

Disclaimer: I was not asked to evaluate Dorot frozen herb cubes- I use them, like them, and just wanted to share. I have no affiliation to Dorot company.

This post does contain Amazon affiliate links. If you click on an Amazon link and make a purchase, I will receive a very small compensation at no cost to you. Like most bloggers these Amazon links help to defray the cost of running a blog. Thank you for your support.

Thanksgiving Crudite Appetizer for The Kids

Thanksgiving is a holiday that's meant to spend  with family and friends. This is a fun activity that you can do with your little ones to get ready for the occasion. It's easy, it's festive, edible and  cute. In addition, all of the ingredients are healthy. Would you call it food art?

Do you remember my Halloween food art post that featured a few photos of various Halloween food creations that my talented friend Gail made for Halloween? 

Well Gail is at it again. This time she made a Thanksgiving turkey out of fruit and vegetables. 

Her creation is simple but cute and so easy it would be a great project to make with the kids.

I always serve a few appetizers on Thanksgiving for when everyone is congregating prior to the meal.  This adorable crudite platter lends itself to any type of dip.

Ingredients: 

You will need a yellow pear, raisins, red pepper, baby carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes and a dip of your choice.

Directions: 

Assemble ingredients according to the photo. Use toothpicks to hold on the eyes and nose.

This recipe will be shared on Beth Fish Reads- Weekend Cooking where anyone can share a food related post ( appears on Saturday)  and my daily lists of blog carnivals

Too Much Kale? Make Lemon Flavored Kale Chips

If you belong to a CSA like I do, you may be inundated with greens right now. This week I received collards, kale, lettuces, mustard greens etc. Although I am using the greens in smoothies and salads, I am concerned I won't get to all of it- so I decided to make kale chips.

Kale or Collard Chips Are Easy, Healthy, and Crispy
Kale or collard green chips are easy to make and are really delicious. Some people find they enjoy kale or collards best as a crunchy chip.

Lay out on cookie sheet that has been covered with parchment paper and spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with salt

Great Way to Get Kids to Eat More Greens

It is a great way for kids to eat kale! It makes a great after school snack or a healthy appetizer  for kids to snack on while waiting for dinner.

Cut out the hard stems from collards andk

Does Baking The Kale Destroy the Nutrients?

I was concerned that baking the kale would deplete its nutritional benefits. However after some research, I found out that the heat does not affect the vitamin K( which is vital for calcium absorption) or the fiber content. Although it does affect the Vitamin C and Beta Carotene slightly, it doesn't destroy all of it. So, you still get most of the benefit and you are likely to eat more kale this way! Baking kale removes the water content and leaves you with a crispy delightful snack that everyone seems to love!

Make your Kale Chips Your Way

If the chips are too bland for you plain, you can certainly add seasoning before baking. In the past I've made Spicy Kale Chips for Cinco de Mayo.  You can season with just salt and pepper or add some lemon or lime juice for a tangy flavor.

So, if you ever find yourself with too many greens like kale or collards- don't let them go bad-make kale or collard green chips.

Ingredients:

2 cups of kale or collards, de-stemmed and washed
2 Tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
Himalayan salt to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Wash and de-stem kale or collard greens. Place in a large mixing bowl. Mix lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Pour over greens and toss. Pour off any excess liquid. Place greens in a single layer on a cookie sheet covered with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes but watch carefully so it doesn't burn. Use two cookie sheets if needed . Do not put kale on top of each other.

Kohlrabi Carrot and Raisin Slaw - A Nutritional Powerhouse

This fast and easy kohlrabi carrot slaw is a powerhouse of nutrients with an incredible taste.
I like it so much, I could eat it everyday- really!

New healthy recipe that your family will love

Are looking for new healthy recipes that can help boost your immune system, your fiber, and reduce calories with easy fall recipes? Move over butternut squash and welcome low carb kohlrabi !

Kohlrabi is a seasonal fall vegetable

I have been seeing kohlrabi recently in many supermarkets. It is softer than cabbage and tastes great in a slaw or salad. Combined with grated carrots and raisins, grated kohlrabi makes a fabulous side that is sweet and juicy. Kohlrabi may be a light green or a deep purple - both taste the same.

Make this healthy slaw in just 5-7 minutes

You know fresh is best. Freshly grated slaw is nutrient dense and extremely tasty.  High in fiber while low in calories, carbs, and fat,  kohlrabi is a powerhouse of nutrition. Of course we already know that carrots are loaded with antioxidants especially beta carotene which our bodies convert to Vitamin A,  The duo may provide some serious health benefits.

I Eat 70% ( or more)  Raw 30% Cooked Food

I try to include a significant amount of raw food into my diet. Salad, slaws, and crudite are a few of the ways to enjoy raw food ( uncooked food which retains more of the vitamins).

Store the kohlrabi bulb in refrigerator for 2 weeks

Since a kohlrabi bulb can be stored in the refrigerator at least 2 weeks, I buy 3 or 4 and make this salad every few days. There are no complaints because it tastes so good and can be mixed with green salad as well. You be the judge.

Other Ways to Use Kohlrabi

This vegetable can substituted for a potato in soup or cooked and served like a potato ( mashed, baked fries, in soups) - but the carbs are much lower than potatoes. Last year when I received this foreign ( to me) vegetable from my organic CSA Farm, I experimented and used it to make a delicious red lentil soup.

Don't be afraid to try something new.
Next time you are at the supermarket, ask if they have kohlrabi!
It has been popular in Germany for a hundred years! There are two varieties: green and purple. I think they taste almost the same.

Kohlrabi Carrot Slaw is gluten free ( like all of my recipes) and vegan

More about Kohlrabi nutrition and benefits

Author: Judee Algazi @Gluten Free A-Z Blog
Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
Cook Time : none
Serving Size: 2-3 individual bowls

Ingredients:
1 large kohlrabi, peeled
1 large organic carrot, washed and scrubbed
1/2 cup of dark organic raisins
Juice of half a large lime
optional: add 1/2 cup walnut halves

Directions:
Grate kohlrabi and carrots into a medium mixing bowl. Add raisins and sunflower seeds. Add lime juice and serve.

My Notes:
1. This slaw can be made in advance and keeps for 24 hours covered in the refrigerator
2. Msake a great light and healthy colorful side for Thanksgiving 
3. Satisfy your vegans by adding the raw sunflower seeds or even walnuts to make this salad more substantial.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Please see my Blog carnival daily listings where I link my posts. 


This recipe will also be shared on Beth Fish Reads- Weekend Cooking where anyone can share a food related post ( appears on Friday) 

and also on Deb's Souper Sunday where anyone can share a soup, salad, or Sammie recipe ( appears late Sunday)

Kohlrabi - What is it ?

Are you familiar with kohlrabi?

Its a very tasty vegetable that is becoming an increasing popular. It's been eaten for years in Germany and  now its' available in most American supermarkets and  quite plentiful in the fall if you belong to a CSA farm.  It is so versatile that I use it in salads, soups, crudite, and side dishes. It is delicious but it's the health benefits that really keep me coming back for more kohlrabi!

What is Kohrabi?

Kohlrabi is a cruciferous vegetable in the same family as cauliflower, kale, broccoli, brussels sprouts, and cabbage sharing many of the same nutrients and phytochemicals that help nourish and fight disease. So, if you try to eat more kale, make room for kale's cousin- kohlrabi!

What are it's Nutritional Benefits? 

• High in fiber
• Low in fat 
• High in vitamin C
• Low in Net Carbs ( carbs per cup 8.3/fiber per cup 4.9)
• High in disease protective phytochemicals
• Potassium, B-6, calcium, phosphorus, folate

How Does it Taste? 

It tastes like a cross between a broccoli stem and jicama. Kind of juicy, crunchy and a slightly sweet.

Quick, Easy, and Healthy Recipe

I enjoy kohlrabi raw or cooked. Uncooked I like to grate it and add it to salads or cut it into sticks and use it for crudite. In addition, I've peeled and cut kohlrabi like I would a potato and added it to soup recipes.Kohlrabi and Red Lentil Soup

Why add it to your vegetable menu ?

Seasonal vegetables are great for your health. It is often said that it is important to eat local produce to get a boost for your immune system so get it from your CSA or local farmer's market.
Don't be afraid to try something new. It is available in most supermarkets ( it comes in purple and light green varieties which taste just about the same. It's so easy to add some to salad or a crudite platter.. 

How to Peel

Kohlrabi has a tough outer peel. I cut off the top and the bottom and then use a sharp vegetable peeler to peel the remainder. Make sure to take off all the tough skin. My favorite way to eat it is in this quick and easy slaw.

Juicy Kohlrabi Carrot Raisin Slaw in 5 minutes 

Kohlrabi and Red Lentil Soup

In searching the Internet I found these articles that explain more about the nutritional and great health benefits of kohlrabi. The first article by Dr. Axe explains how and why the nutrients in kohlrabi are disease fighters. The 2nd article gives some insight into how this vegetable helps with weight loss- just saying!!

Kohlrabi: A Disease Fighting Phytochemical Powerhouse 

Health Benefits of Eating Kohlrabi ( good article) 

Wordless Wednesday- Giant Ferns

Some shots of giant ferns and a friend on the bottom for Wordless Wednesday

My brother in law EZI 's  pride and Joy - Her name is  Aria 

Will be shared on shared on Beth Fish Reads Wordless Wednesday  

Create With Joy 

Wordless Wed on Tuesdays wordless on tuesday http://thesimpleyear.com/, 

image in ing, 
ClaireJustine linky 
West Metro Mommy  
Create with Joy 
bethere2day nanahood