I think there are three “new years.”  The first is obviously January 1, the beginning of the calendar year.  The second is the first day of spring, nature’s new year when nature has a rebirth of sorts and we ourselves may find ourselves making a clean, fresh start.  And then there’s my third new year, BACK TO SCHOOL!  Right before the first day of school, I find myself organizing like crazy, making meal plans, freezing anything that can be frozen and attempting to set everyone up for a smooth school year.  I’m exhausted before anything has even started, but we’ll have muffins until Thanskgiving!

Here are some of my favorites that I’ve been talking about in class lately.  Have a great weekend!

 

Trader Joe’s Super Seed and Ancient Grain Blend

Trader Joe’s has really been on the ball lately with food trends and this new Super Seed and Ancient Grain blend is so exception. It is no secret anymore that seeds and grains are extremely beneficial to our health — high in protein, good fats and fiber, not to mention the minerals and anti-oxidants specific to each seed.  There are countless recipes on the web that help us incorporate seeds into our everyday diets – chia puddings, hemp seed dressings, flax crackers, etc.  But here, Trader Joe’s has gone and taken a slew of healthy seeds (chia, hemp, flax, buckwheat) and combined them with the healthiest grains/pseudo-cereals (quinoa, millet, amaranth) and put into a little bag for us.

The buckwheat and millet are sprouted which makes them more digestible and nutritious (and something I don’t always have time to do) and the quinoa and amaranth are organic. What I really love about this mix is the convenience factor; while I often have these same seeds and grains stocked, this saves me from having to pull 7 jars or bags from my pantry to get the same variety. It is all in one place, and the combination of these seeds and grains is so crunchy and satisfying.  I cannot get enough of these on my morning smoothie bowls and oatmeal. I have even thought how great these would be baked into a cookie, quick bread or granola bar…hmmm.. I see a recipe coming on, stay tuned!

 

Heath Ceramics

When I put so much time, energy and effort into the food that I cook, it really makes a big difference to me to serve it on dishes that I love, especially if I am entertaining. My best girlfriends gave me a few Heath pieces about 8 years ago and I loved them so much I proceeded to replace all my every day dishes with them.  In fact, most of the food images I take involve my Heath pieces.  So many people who have attended classes in my home kitchen have asked me about them, so I knew I’d have to include them in a Friday Favorites!

Heath Ceramics is known for their simple, matte ceramics that have a mid-century look. The dishes are heavy and durable and come in a variety of lovely muted neutral colors.  Most of my pieces are from the Coupe line in Opaque White.  I am lucky enough that they have a beautiful store here in Los Angeles, where they carry a slew of wonderful home goods as well. What I love about a company like Heath is they use recycled clay in all of their pieces and are committed to minimizing their environmental impact, and they take several steps to do so. These pieces are classic and timeless and whether you are getting a serving bowl, coffee mug, or bud vase you will have it for years to come.

 

Silicone Pastry Brushes

Silicone pastry brushes are such a helpful kitchen tool. They make easy work of things like brushing a BBQ sauce onto grilled chicken, painting egg wash onto pastry or brushing oil onto a hot grill. The reason that I prefer a silicone brush to a natural one is because it is so easy clean, does not retain any odors, is completely heat resistant and does not loose it’s bristles onto the food, which can sometimes happed with natural brushes. Silicone is inert and doesn’t leach anything harmful into your food.  Also, the bristles won’t clump or frizz like natural hair bristles, which means that this will last you years in the kitchen. I have 3 different ones and they are in top condition after tons of use for many, many years.  There is a great one on Amazon by OXO and you can also get these at any kitchen store such as Williams Sonoma or Sur La Table.

 

Seasonal Produce: Plums

During summer stone fruit season, plums almost always get completely overshadowed by peaches and nectarines. This is unfortunate because plums are divine and the variety in which they come is nothing short of crazy. Purple, red, green, Flavor King, Santa Rosa (my personal favorite,) the list goes on and on. Plums are in season right now and I guarantee you if you can find some good local plums at your farmer’s market you will not be disappointed. Plums are extremely nutritious as well and are known for their high Vitamin C and fiber content. When choosing plums look for one that give slightly to gentle pressure and are slightly soft at the tip. I like to buy plums that are slightly on the firmer side and allow them to ripen at home. Store plums at room temperature on the countertop until ripe and the store in the fridge. Plums are often used in desserts like cakes and crumbles, but I also love them in salads with or without cheese. You could sub plums in any of these recipes of mine, below. Or, check out some other recipes from around the web for more “unconventional” ways to use plums!

Sub plums for apricots in this crisp or sub plums for peaches in this crisp.

Sub plums for some of the berries in this Mixed Berry Buckle.

Grilled Kale Salad with Ricotta and Plums from Bon Appetit

Heirloom Tomato and Plum Salad from Williams Sonoma

Purple Plum Torte by Smitten Kitchen

Grilled Chicken Breasts with Plum Salsa from Cooking Light

 

Superfood Spotlight: He Shou Wu

I definitely think there is a place in a healthy balanced diet for supplements like Chinese herbs. These herbs are not very common in the United States, but are sworn by in other countries due to their outstanding health benefits. Considering that the US is not necessarily one of the most healthy nations in terms of obesity and heart disease, I don’t mind taking advice from other cultures and countries and incorporating Chinese herbs into my weekly routine. The herb that I wanted to tell you about today is He Shou Wu, which I buy from a company called Sun Potion and it is sold in powder form. This specific herb, which is actually derived from a root plant, is known for its ability to nourish the blood, hair, skin and nervous system. It is often times taken to reverse and prevent gray hairs from appearing, so believe me when I say He Shou Wu had me at hello. This herb is also said to improve fertility in both men and women, and increases red blood cell count. It is available on Thrive Market for a great price (40% off what they sell it on their website for!)   I love that it comes in powder form because I can then add a spoonful to my smoothie or hot tea.

To continue my back-to-school theme from last week, I thought I would highlight some of the purchased foods that seem to make it into my kids’ lunch boxes regularly.  Instead of Five Friday Favorites, I had to include a sixth.  I will admit, I do make a lot of snacks and sweets from scratch, but not everything.  In as much as I love to bake and create, I don’t have unlimited time!  Next week is my last week before the kids start school, so I will take two half days to bake many batches of cookie dough and quick breads to freeze.  Last year, this was really helpful and the rolls of cookie dough lasted me about 3 months!

The items I chose to highlight this week are the ones my students have been asking me about most often as of late.

Lundberg Brown Rice Cakes

Rice cakes are one of the few packaged foods that I always have on hand at my house and they are perfect for school lunches and quick on-the-go snacks. Our favorites for these are the Lundberg organic lightly salted brown rice cakes. The ingredients are clean (organic brown rice and sea salt) and while I wouldn’t necessarily say these are health food, they are a much better alternative to chips. My son is really the one that takes these to school most often and he likes them because they hold up well to healthy toppings like nut butters or hummus or smashed avocado. You can also break them into pieces to use with dips, or as an alternative to croutons in a soup or salad. I get mine at Whole Foods or Thrive Market.

 

Elemental Superfood Bars

It is no secret to anyone that one of the easiest portable snacks on the market come in the form of a bar. Bars have been a staple in the American diet for decades and while they were originally touted as being a health food or meal replacement, these things have been all over the board with ingredients. We have come a long way since the days of the Slim Fast Bar, but there are still several bars on the market that contain ingredients I want to avoid like processed oils, sugars, and protein isolates. It is so important to read the ingredients closely when choosing a bar because you might be surprised at how unhealthy many of them are.  While I love both this homemade granola bar and this homemade larabar that I have on my website, it is nice to have a good clean store-bought option for emergencies. These Elemental Superfood bars are so delicious and the ingredients are 100% clean and nutritious. They are gluten-free and dairy-free and come in a variety of flavors such as mulberry, cacao + spirulina and cranberry, almond + lucuma. I bought these at my local produce shop, GROW, and they are available on Elemnetal’s website here as well as Whole Foods.  They even have a crumble, which is a granola-like snack that would be a perfect topping for oatmeal, and smoothie bowls for a healthy breakfast!

 

Dave’s Killer Bread

Sandwiches are probably one of the most common and versatile foods for school lunches. There are so many whole, healthy and delicious fillings you could use for sandwiches- nut butters and chia jams, hummus and veggies, poached chicken and avocado, the list goes on and on. A big component of that sandwich is the bread, and I want to make sure that I am giving my kids a good, healthy bread that is full of fiber and protein rather than white flour, sugar, caramel coloring and processed oils.  I adore the sprouted breads from Food For Life, but they aren’t quite sandwich material (too dry.)   It has been challenging to find a bread to fit the bill, but I have finally come across a great sandwich bread—Dave’s Killer Bread. What I love about this bread (particularly 4 specific flavors- 21 Whole Grains, Good Seed, Seeded Honey Wheat, and Powerseed) is that there are at least 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein per serving, which is important if you want to keep feeling satisfied until your next meal.  Also, all of the ingredients are completely clean and organic, and there are no processed oils in the 4 specific kinds I listed above. While I have found several other healthful breads (organic, sprouted, and the like), I love this bread because it is soft enough to use as sandwich bread.   I should also note that this bread stays fresh a bit longer than a lot of the “healthy” breads which get stale after only a couple of days. Dave’s Killer Bread is sold at Whole Foods, and I have even seen it at Trader Joe’s in the past. You can check out their website here to see where they sell it near you.

 

Roasted Seaweed Snacks

While we all are knowledgeable about the benefits of vegetable grown on land, sea vegetables don’t get quite the same amount of attention. Sea vegetables (or seaweed as we more commonly know it) are actually extremely beneficial to our health. Seaweed has a very high protein content, which is especially great for vegetarians. It has anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is a fantastic source of minerals and iodine, which is hard to get in the normal diet and extremely important for a healthy thyroid. While some seaweed such as arame and wakame can be a bit off-putting for kids, my son is happy to munch on these roasted nori seaweed snacks all day long. They are crispy, flaky and salty which does the job for him and I am happy because not only is this a great substitute for chips but he is also getting a few health benefits. These are perfect to throw in your kid’s backpacks for an afternoon snack or part of a healthy lunch. These sea snacks are available so many places—from Trader Joes to Whole Foods, Thrive Market, Vitacost, and Amazon. Make sure you check the flavor because these also come with different seasonings such as sesame and wasabi.

 

Mary’s Gone Crackers

These crackers are a great option when you need a grab-and-go snack or a savory treat for school lunches. Mary’s Gone Crackers is committed to creating organic, gluten-free, non-gmo, vegan crackers, which covers all bases.  The crackers are so light, crispy and delicious I don’t think your kids will be able to detect that they are healthy. The ingredients are completely clean and consist mostly of organic brown rice, quinoa and a combination of flax and sesame seeds. They also have pretzels available which I have never tried but look like the cleanest and most nutritious pretzels I have seen on the market! They also have 3 grams of protein and 3 grams of fiber per serving which is not too shabby for a side snack.  And back-to-school aside, these are great on a cheese board, especially if you are accommodating gluten-free folks.  I have seen these at my local Whole Foods, and they are also available on Thrive Market and Vitacost.

 

Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter

Peanut Butter is such a pantry staple for me all year, but especially during the school year.  It is great for breakfast swirled in some oatmeal, blended into a smoothie, quick and simple for a lunch sandwich, and even great for a healthy snack on a rice cake or piece of celery.   Because my kids love peanut butter, we go through jars of it often and I also like to make sure that I am getting a good, clean peanut butter so that I can give it to my kids with confidence, knowing that it is not full of pesticides and contaminated from a plastic container. Enter Santa Cruz organic dark-roasted peanut butter, which is the go-to peanut butter in my house. It meets the two most important qualities that I look for in peanut butter- organic, because peanuts are very heavily sprayed and conventional peanuts test high for pesticides; and in a glass jar, because foods that are high in fat usually cause the plastics to leach.  Glass is ideal for storing liquids and foods that are high in fat, and peanut butter is no exception.  This brand also is completely clean- there are no other oils, sugar, or salt added, just 100% roasted organic peanuts.  It comes in creamy or crunchy, and a new variety called “Light Roasted.”  The dark roasted which I get has a rich peanut flavor, but the light is (obviously) lighter in flavor.   I get this on Thrive Market where they have it for a great price, but it is also available on Vitacost and Amazon (way overpriced.)

For some more back-to-school food inspiration, check out my previous posts on Mastering School Lunch, Building a Better Breakfast, and Snack on This!

It pains me a little to write a post about getting geared up for back-to-school, but it’s upon us.  In fact, I know there are some schools that are already in session!  I’m taking my daughter back to college next weekend and my other two begin just before Labor Day, so I have a little time before I have to start making lunches again.  I think having the right lunch equipment is part of the battle, so I thought I would devote today’s post to my favorite lunch accessories.  With three kids and about 16 years of lunch-making under my belt, I have definitely gone through my share of good and not-so-good lunch boxes.  One thing I did learn though, is that you get what you pay for.

PlanetBox

PlanetBox has been accompanying my youngest child to school for years now, and I couldn’t be happier with the quality of this stainless steel lunch box and carry bag.  PlanetBox comes in three different styles depending on how many compartments that you want in each box. For my son, I have found the “Rover” style to be most useful as it provides multiple smaller compartments, which allows him to have more food options. The other styles are great if you normally pack just a salad and sandwich, or fruit and veggies.

PlanetBox does not work well with foods that might leak, but I have successfully used the “dipper” containers which come with the Rover for things like BBQ sauce, Ranch dressing and yogurt.  I do not recommend PlanetBox for older kids (middle school and above) because the box doesn’t accommodate a large amount of food.  So this might be my last year with PlanetBox.  🙁

These boxes can seem a bit expensive at $60 a pop, but trust me when I say they’re worth it- I have had my son’s PlanetBox for years and it is still going strong—I have replaced the outer carrying shell once, but the inner stainless steel compartment is going on its 4th year.   You can buy PlanetBox from the company’s website or limited styles on amazon.

GoGreen Lunch Boxes

My kids used GoGreen lunch boxes a few years ago and loved them.  Each box comes with a stainless steel water bottle that fits into its own compartment, plus four other compartments.  The compartments are deeper than PlanetBox which is good if PlanetBox seems to not hold enough food for your child.   The boxes are BPA- and phthalate-free and also come with a stylish carrying bag that comes in a variety of colors and cute prints.  And there is even an erasable white board on the inside flap for your special messages.  These boxes have a turn ‘n lock technology that secures each compartments with silicon bands when closed, ensuring that the compartments will not leak into the one other.  I never had an issue with leaking.  The case is also dishwasher-safe.  You can purchase GoGreen Lunchboxes from gogreenlunchboxes.com or you can check the site for retailers near you.

 

LunchBots

LunchBot containers are my go-to containers for school lunches and travel. They are made of stainless steel, which allows them to be super durable, lightweight, and non-leaching. I often use these if my son is taking a thermos to school for his lunch and doesn’t need a full-size lunch box full of food, but rather just a smaller container with a few snacks. I also use these to pack snacks for traveling- the size is perfect for fitting right into my bag and they are not heavy or bulky. LunchBots come in a variety of compartment options- 1, 2, 3, or 4 compartments for the standard size box and there is also an “adult size” box with 5 compartments if you are looking for something bigger. I have had these containers for years and they really hold up well. One thing to note however is that these are not guaranteed leak-proof between compartments, so you do not want to use these for anything runny or liquid. They do have options for leak-proof round containers if you need those for liquids.

Lunchbots are available from lunchbots.com and amazon.

Thermoses

Believe me when I say I understand how challenging making school lunches can be. Figuring out a nutritious meal that can be eaten at room temp, is filling and satisfying, and can travel well is not exactly the easiest of tasks, especially when the “customer” is a little picky. Using Thermoses for school lunches has really been a game-changer for me. They allow me to pack hot foods for my kids, which has expanded the meal possibilities for us. I can pack them things like soups, stews, taco and burrito fillings, lentils and basically last night’s leftovers. The method that I use to keep hot foods hot until lunchtime is to first fill an empty thermos with boiling hot water. Let it sit in there while I reheat the meal.  Discard the hot water and then pack the thermos with the hot meal.  Preheating the thermos helps to keep the food warmer for longer. And of course, by the same token, thermoses are great for keeping cold foods cold.  I always use thermoses that are stainless steel on the inside.  You never want to store hot foods in plastic since that causes the plastic to leach.

I like the 10-ounce size, but a 7-ounce size may be just right for toddlers.  Thermoses are available in so many stores, including the camping section at Target, or online on amazon.

 

Unbleached parchment bags

Even though the schools in my area encourage “trash-free” lunches, sometimes the kids need a disposable lunch for field trips and the like.  As you know, I am not a huge fan of plastic.  Sometimes it’s unavoidable, but I have a great substitute for ziploc bags in lunch boxes — unbleached parchment paper bags.   They are biodegradable and because they are unbleached they will not leach anything into your food. They are made from a natural, renewable source and compostable.   Obviously not 100% leak-proof, but the bags also have a natural barrier that prevents any grease or oil from soaking through.  Available at Whole Foods and ThriveMarket.com, among other places.

 

Lunch Skins Reusable Bags

My friend Nicole gave me a few Lunchskins reusable bags a several years ago and I went crazy for them.  If you’re trying to limit plastic and trash, these are fab.  They are made from food-safe fabric and are washable (by hand or dishwasher.)  Lunchskins are certified lead-, BPA- and phthalate-free and they come in a few sizes and patterns.  Most of the styles close with a velcro tab, but there is one size which closes with a zipper.   The bags can stain though, so I wouldn’t put anything in there that bleeds.  You can find these all over, like at The Container Store, Bed Bath & Beyond, reuseit.com, drugstore.com and many other places.

 

Reusable Water Bottles:  Klean Kanteen, Clean Bottle and BKR

I know I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but I always opt for glass or stainless steel over plastic, even if it’s BPA-free plastic.  Our favorite reusable water bottles are by Klean Kanteen for my son, Clean Bottle for my husband and BKR for my girls and me.

Klean Kanteen is stainless steel, so durable and comes in so many sizes and colors.  My son has several which he uses for school and sports.  They have held up beautifully for years, despite being thrown around a lot.

My husband likes Clean Bottle the Square, which is has a stainless steel body and BPA-free lid and base.  I comes apart and is very easy to clean.

My girls and I like BRK, which is a glass bottle wrapped in a silicone sheath.  Very cute colors and even one style with a heart!  I like the 500 ml size for lunches, but there is also a 1 liter size which is good for bringing to the gym.

Ice Packs

I use ice packs regularly to keep food at a safe temperature.  The packs from Planetbox are nice and flat and don’t leak.

If you have some summer left, do enjoy.  But to make back-to-school a smooth transition, you’ll never regret getting prepared now.  For some school lunch inspiration, I wrote a post two years ago here, and all the suggestions are still relevant today.  Check it out!

Have a great weekend!

Despite the freak storm very early Monday morning that left us without power and phones (and wifi) for 36 hours, my visit with my family on Long Island has been divine!  With tons of kids running around, all you need is a pool and lots of grass and everyone is usually happy.  And a lot of fruit.  We have to go to the market every day, which is not my style at all.  But there’s no way to store more than a day’s worth of food given the quantities we’re going through.  Of course I haven’t had to buy a single vegetable with my dad’s flourishing gardens in the backyard.  My idea of heaven.

Here are a couple of new faves and a few staples I’ve been talking about in class:

 

Kite Hill Dairy-free Almond Cream Cheese

I love trying new products, especially ones that can help people with dietary intolerances.  I have been testing out some dairy-free cheeses lately — some good, some not so good.  I gave Kite Hill soft cheese a chance last year and I was not in love.  But then my friend Alex told me to try their almond cream cheese product.  I was skeptical, but Alex has a great palate, so I bought it.  AMAZING.  I am loving it!  It is made with almond milk and some natural gums and tastes very much like cream cheese.  It is definitely not as thick as regular cream cheese, but I didn’t mind that one bit.

Truthfully, Organic Valley makes a perfectly high quality organic cream cheese without preservatives.  But not everyone can tolerate pasteurized cow dairy and if I can avoid it or at least find a great substitute, I will.  I couldn’t find this Kite Hill cream cheese at my local Whole Foods, but I did find it by my parents’ house.  I will ask my Whole Foods to start carrying it as well as the chive flavor.

I have used it on toast and crackers, but I don’t know if you can sub it for cream cheese in a cheesecake.

King Arthur Gluten-free Multi-purpose Flour

These posts are about my favorites and I very often have to make a gluten-free version of something in my classes to accommodate an intolerance, and this is my go-to GF flour.  I know I could make my own flour blend and I have many times, but sometimes I get busy and I just can’t start measuring a dozen flours.  I have tried many gluten-free flour blends, but certainly not all that are on the market so I’d love to hear if you have a favorite.  This one by King Arthur gives me a great result every time.

I don’t care for the flour blends that are bean-based because the flavor is just off in the finished product.  I cannot bring myself to buy Cup4Cup because the first ingredient is cornstarch (and it’s not non-GMO/organic.)  King Arthur’s blend includes brown rice flour, tapioca starch, and potato starch.  What you have to know is that many times you need to add a little xanthan gum to a gluten-free flour mix in order for it to be elastic and have structure.  Xanthan gum is easy to find at Whole Foods and health food stores.   I use the one by Bob’s Red Mill.  Some gluten-free flour blends already contain xanthan gum, but in my experience it’s not always enough.

I use King Arthur GF Multipurpose Flour one-for-one in place of wheat or spelt flour, plus xanthan gum according to the chart on the bag of xanthan gum.  You can find this flour on the King Arthur website, on amazon (more expensive, but free shipping with prime) and at health food stores like Whole Foods.  Be aware though that all of King Arthur’s gluten-free packaging looks the same and if you’re not careful you could end up picking up a box of gluten-free pancake mix instead.  (I’m sure you can guess why I would think to offer such advice.)

If You Care Unbleached Parchment Paper

Here’s the situation:  nonstick materials leach chemicals when heated.  Untreated aluminum leaches when heated.  99.9% of baking sheets are either non-stick or aluminum.  I need to provide a buffer between the food and the cooking surface so that my veggies don’t absorb chemicals.  Yes, you can use a silicone mat, but oils that have been baked in can be tough to clean and you certainly wouldn’t want to cook something on a silicone mat that was very strong smelling.  Just for the record, silicone mats are great, reusable, and totally safe.  I’ll reference them in a future post.

My preference is unbleached parchment paper, which coincidentally is coated with silicone!  I don’t buy bleached parchment paper because it likely contains dioxin, a serious toxin which occurs in the bleaching process.

Here’s how I use unbleached parchment paper:

• to line non-stick or aluminum baking sheets when baking or roasting;
• to line pyrex and other baking dishes if I want to pull out the cake or baked good easily;
• for baking fish in parchment;
• to wrap sweet potatoes or individual beets or garlic, for example, and then wrapped in foil;
• to make a faux baking sheet with parchment on top and aluminum underneath for cooking on the grill or reheating in the toaster oven.

If You Care unbleached parchment paper can be found in natural foods store and online.

Superfood Spotlight:  Ghee

I am a big proponent of including healthful fats in the diet.  High quality fat fuels the brain, lubricates the joints, helps us absorb fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E and K, nourishes the skin and can even keep blood cholesterol in check.

Ghee is a high quality fat that I love.  It is a type of clarified butter, where the milk solids, impurities and moisture have been removed leaving a rich, heat-stable fat.  Because the lactose and casein have been removed, ghee is often tolerated by many dairy-free individuals.  This fat contains both saturated and unsaturated fats as well as a whole range of short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids.  High quality organic ghee also contains Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA), known for its fat-burning properties.

Ayurvedic tradition uses ghee to stimulate digestive functioning, build energy, enhance sexual vitality, nourish the skin and eyes, and feed the organs.  Ghee is known as a substance that gives longevity, its elemental qualities balance the aging characteristics by enriching the living body.  The purity of ghee allows it to be deep penetrating and nourishing as it passes through the lipid membranes of cells. For this reason, the vitamins and minerals from food cooked in ghee will be drawn deep into the body where they impart the most benefit.

In terms of cooking, one of the benefits of ghee is the higher smoke point (remember, no milk solids), so it is great to use in stir-fries, to cook eggs, in curries and roasting vegetables.  Ghee can also be used as a spread on toast or baked sweet potatoes, stirred into hot porridges, and blended into tea or coffee (think bullet-proof coffee.)  Ghee cannot be used one-for-one in place of butter in baking because the moisture content is different.  The flavor is also slightly different from butter in that it is much more intense and almost nutty.

I recommend purchasing only organic ghee.  Remember from this post that toxins are stored in our fat and animal fat, which is why non-organic butter contains such a high percentage of toxins.  Ghee is the same.  The mother of one of my students made me some ghee, which was the best I ever had.  It’s actually pretty easy to make, but I’ll admit I do buy it.  My favorite is Ancient Organics ghee which is made in small batches from the milk of grass-fed cows.  I also have used and love OMGhee and Purity Farms, both of which are organic and use milk from pastured cows.  All ghee is shelf stable due to the absence of water and milk solids so there’s no need to refrigerate it.

Seasonal Produce: Eggplant

If you went to a standard supermarket, you might think there is only one variety of eggplant and that they are grown all year round.  Not so!  There are so many varieties, shapes and colors and eggplants are a summer vegetable with its peak from July to October.  If you are finding eggplant outside of the summer, they are imported, usually from Mexico.

In addition to containing many vitamins and minerals, eggplant is also rich in powerful phytonutrients, many of which have antioxidant activity. Phytonutrients contained in eggplant include phenolic compounds, such caffeic and chlorogenic acid, and flavonoids, such as nasunin, which is concentrated in the skin.

Eggplants belong to the Nightshade family of vegetables which includes potatoes, bell peppers, and tomatoes.  It is said that nightshades aggravate inflammation in people with conditions such as arthritis.  I think it’s a good idea to be conscientious when eating nightshades and notice any reaction you may have.  Otherwise it is nothing to be concerned about.

Choose eggplants that are firm and heavy for their size. Their skin should be shiny, tight and smooth and the color should be bright. Scan the eggplant to make sure the skin is free of brown spots and indentations.   The stem should be bright green in color which indicates its freshness.

I can actually eat a dangerous amount of eggplant if it’s cooked properly.  My favorite way is simply grilled or roasted, but I’ll eat it any way it’s made.  Just be careful when you use oil when cooking eggplant, because it is like a sponge and will absorb a ridiculous amount of oil.  When grilling eggplant I use a brush to coat the slices of eggplant instead of drizzling oil.  I almost never saute or fry eggplant since too much oil is absorbed.  For eggplant parmigiana, baking the breaded slices is the way to go.  Much less work, too.

Some people find eggplant bitter and although I’ve heard the larger ones are more bitter than the smaller, I haven’t found that to be true 100% of the time.  One way to reduce the bitterness in eggplant is to slice it and sprinkle kosher salt on one side of each slice.  Arrange the slices in one layer and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes so that the salt will pull moisture (and bitterness) out of the eggplant.  Some people think that it also helps to soften the eggplant.  Rinse the eggplant and plat dry before using.

Here are some great recipes to help you enjoy eggplant this summer:

Eggplant Caprese

Grilled Eggplant and Lentil Salad

Stuffed Baby Eggplant with Lentils and Rice

Chopped Grilled Vegetable Salad

Eggplant Jam by David Lebovitz

Stir-fried Sesame Eggplant at Williams-Sonoma

Baba Ganoush by Yotam Ottolenghi

Enjoy these last bits of summer!

Here’s my summer conundrum:  I teach a little less in the summer which gives me more free time, so then I make a huge list of projects and stuff I’ve always wanted to get done (e.g. scan all the kids’ artwork and frame it), but then realize I need a break and cross nothing off my list and then see half the summer is over and it’s back-to-school in 4 short weeks.  GASP!!!  Thank you for allowing me to share my anxiety with you.

Ok, here’s what you missed in my classes this week and what I’ve been talking about:

 

Gentle Souls Sandals

I am too old to wear uncomfortable shoes.  If any of you out there is on your feet all day like I am or you do a lot of walking, you know it’s not worth it.  So when I find a shoe that is both comfortable AND cute, I’ll buy it in every color for me and my daughters and I tell everyone about it.

I have actually written about Gentle Souls sandals before, in a post about international travel tips here.  But it’s buried in the archives, and I had actually forgotten about it myself.  I thought to share these with you again because I wore my black Gentle Souls gladiator sandals on both flights to and from New York last week and I swear, all the flight attendants asked me about the shoes as well as the woman in the seat next to me and two women waiting for the bathroom behind me, and then some friends I saw at the farmers market the other day.

Here’s the deal:  they are the most comfortable shoes I own and they’re actually pretty.  The shoes have pillows of flaxseeds in the footbed to mold to the shape of your foot.  Memory foam is added to other key pressure points.  And the insole is lined with sheepskin.  And did I mention they’re cute?  I have been wearing Gentle Souls for at least 3 years, if not longer, and they are my go-to shoe for traveling.  My daughters and I have worn our Gentle Souls sandals throughout our long trips to Europe and no one ever complained of sore feet or blisters.

I won’t say I love all their styles, but the Break My Heart Gladiators and the Oak Sandals are my favorites.  The company was recently purchased by Kenneth Cole and that’s the best place to find a full selection of the current line of shoes with free shipping over $125.  On Amazon, you can also find random sizes and some other colors that have been discontinued, so it’s worth a look over there too, as well as Zappos.

Wooden Spatula (Turner)

I know it seems silly to devote attention to a simple utensil like a wooden spatula, aka a wooden turner, but these posts are about my favorite things.  And every time I mention in my classes how I can’t live without my wooden spatulas, people start taking notes.  I have many utensils in stainless steel which I love, but you can’t sauté or stir with stainless steel because it will scratch or damage your pots and pans.  And although I also have silicone spatulas, they can start to break down, stain and absorb smells.  I prefer to use them for baking (scraping and folding batter.)  Plus they are too soft and flexible to properly deglaze a pan.  I do not use plastic utensils when I am cooking as plastic leaches when heated.

Wooden spatulas/turners are the best for stir-fries, sautéing, deglazing, and especially scraping, but not for flipping pancakes.  I love that the top is blunt and longer than the tip of a spoon so you can push around more food more easily.  Plus, they’re very inexpensive and I think wooden utensils look chic.  I hand wash mine, no dishwasher.

You can find great wooden spatulas almost anywhere, from Bed Bath & Beyond to Amazon to Williams-Sonoma to Sur La Table and even Target.

 

Napa Valley Naturals Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Ok, this is actually not my very favorite aged balsamic, but I am using aged balsamic vinegar in my classes this month and understandably not everyone wants to spend $30 per bottle.  So I’ve been sampling this more more affordable Napa Valley Naturals aged balsamic and everyone has responded very favorably to it.  It is labeled “Grand Reserve Balsamic Vinegar 25 Stars.”  Unfortunately, it is one of very few of their non-organic products, but there are no additives which is hard to find these days in many balsamic vinegars.

Let’s first discuss the difference between “balsamic vinegar” and “aged balsamic vinegar.”  Traditionally, balsamic vinegar was an aged vinegar with a thick, syrup-y consistency.  To get the seal of approval, balsamic vinegar needs to have been aged at least 12 years.  But you can find bottles of thin, watery “balsamic vinegar” on supermarket shelves so how do you know what’s what?

Recipes should specify balsamic vinegar versus aged balsamic, but they don’t always so it’s good to know which you use for what.  The thin balsamic vinegar is good for marinades, salad dressings, roasting veggies. It is not expensive.  The aged balsamic is used in very small quantities as a finishing product, drizzled on salads, raw vegetables, cheese, strawberries or melon just before serving.  It is very expensive and usually runs from $25-50 per bottle.

Balsamic glaze is very often a cheap imitation of aged balsamic with additives like caramel coloring, gums, cornstarch, sugar and the like.  Read your labels to know what you’re getting!!  I never buy balsamic glaze.

If you want to make your own aged balsamic vinegar substitute, you can cook down balsamic vinegar until it thickens to a syrup.  Not the same as the real thing, but a more affordable, and perfectly acceptable option.

I think the Napa Valley Naturals Grand Reserve is a very good, economical aged balsamic for those of you looking for a clean product with a syrupy consistency and sweet, rich flavor that you would expect from an aged balsamic.  Napa Valley Naturals is selling the Grand Reserve aged balsamic for $7.64/bottle (a sale price.)  ThriveMarket has it for $7.95/bottle.  You can also find it at Whole Foods and many local markets.

 

Superfood Spotlight:  Carob Powder

You probably know that I love chocolate.  But I don’t always accept that chocolate doesn’t love me back.  I am sensitive to caffeine, even in chocolate, and sometimes chocolate causes me to break out.  Bummer.  For other people, chocolate can trigger headaches or migraines.  Even though it has its health benefits, it doesn’t always agree with everyone.

So what can offer a similar flavor to chocolate without the possible side effects?  Carob powder is fairly similar to cocoa powder in taste and texture.  But it actually has benefits that many don’t know about.  Carob is naturally sweet (unlike cacao and cocoa,) low in fat, high in fiber, contains calcium, potassium and no caffeine.  It is also vegan.

According to the Bob’s Red Mill website, “Carob is an excellent substitute for chocolate or cocoa powder in cakes, cookies, smoothies, beverages and confections. To substitute carob powder for cocoa, replace one part cocoa with 1½ to 2 parts carob by weight. To substitute for chocolate, use 3 Tbsp carob powder and 1 Tbsp water in place of each square of chocolate.” I actually sub carob for cocoa powder one-for-one, but you should also remember that since carob is naturally sweet, you can reduce the sugar a bit.  Huge bonus!

Don’t expect carob to taste exactly like chocolate though.  It is similar, and all brands are different.  ThriveMarket has an organic one at a good price.  And you can find carob at any health food store.

Here’s a link for my faux iced blended mocha with carob.

Carob-Avocado Pudding by Rachael Ray and Hazelnut Carob Cakes by Pure2Raw also look tasty.

 

Seasonal Produce: Peaches

I saved the best for last.  Peaches are my favorite fruit.  As in, I like peaches better than any other fruit out there.  I am always excited when something new comes into season, but make no mistake, I am jumping for joy when I see the first peaches.  Even though I instagram my breakfasts and dinners almost every day, I don’t post every peach I eat in between.  And there is one every single day.  There’s nothing better than a sweet, juicy, drippy peach.

I actually love all peaches, but there are definitely distinct differences amongst the varieties, especially when it comes to yellow versus white.  I am partial to yellow, which have a more intense flavor, and are little more acidic.  White peaches are more mellow, but slightly sweeter.  Then there are donut peaches which look like they’ve been sat on.  My kids love those!

I look for peaches with good, vibrant color and no green, which means it was picked too early.  And I smell them before picking.  Did you know peaches and roses are related?  So peaches should have a pleasant, sweet fragrance.  Don’t refrigerate peaches unless you have too, i.e. they are fully ripe or there are soft spots.  Otherwise they’ll get mealy and lose their sweetness.

I can go crazy listing all the amazing peach recipes out there, but my favorite way to eat a peach is out of hand with nothing on it.  That said, I freeze peaches for smoothies, add them to pancake batter, sprinkle chunks onto oatmeal and cold porridge, fold them into yogurt and add them to salads.  (Above are a few of my peach creations from the last couple of weeks!)  They go remarkably well with tomatoes and many cheeses.  I don’t think there is a food out there that I haven’t found a person who doesn’t like it or is intolerant, except peaches!

Arugula Salad with Nectarines, Tomatoes and Fresh Mozzarella (sub peaches)

Arugula Salad with Farro and Peaches

Peach and Blueberry Crisp

Warm Peach Pie Pots

Peach Pisco Sours by Katie Morford

Peach Lassi by Feed Me Phoebe

Tarragon Balsamic Grilled Peaches and Vegetable Platter by The Healthy Apple

Peach-Blueberry Crumble by The Crunchy Radish

Strawberry Peach Kefir Sorbet by Elissa Goodman

Shaved Fennel, Caramelized Corn, and Summer Peach Salad by Alex Thompoulos