Health Benefits of the Potato

"Today one cannot even imagine vegetables without potatoes. This shapeless and ugly looking tuber, bearing the scientific name Solanum Tuberosum, has cast a spell on us. Potato lovers (including me), and those who do not like them, will be equally delighted to know that potatoes have more in store for them than just carbohydrates and calories. Let us uncover them."

"Proper functioning of the brain depends largely on the glucose level, oxygen supply, some members of the vitamin-B complex and some hormones, amino acids and fatty acids like omega-3 fatty acids. Potatoes cater to almost all the needs mentioned above. They are high in carbohydrates and thus maintain good level of glucose in the blood which does not let brain fatigue creep in and keeps the brain active and alert. Next is oxygen which is carried to the brain by the haemoglobin in the blood and whose main constituent is iron. Potato contains iron too and thus aids to this function also. Next is the turn of vitamin-B complex. Here again, potato is rich in vitamin-B6 and contains traces of other members of this complex. In addition, it contains certain other elements like phosphorus and zinc which are good for brain too."

"Vitamin-C and B-complex and minerals like potassium, magnesium,phosphorus and zinc are good for the skin. Apart from that, pulp obtained from crushed raw potatoes, mixed with honey, can serve as excellent skin and face packs. This helps even curing pimples and spots on the skin. Again, this pulp, if applied externally on burns, gives a quick relief and heals fast. Smashed potatoes, even water in which potatoes are washed, are very good for softening and cleaning skin, especially around elbows, back of the palms etc."

Read More From Original Article:

http://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-potato.html

Pearl Couscous with Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese

1 cup Pearl/Israeli Couscous

2 cups vegetable stock

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

3 ounces fresh goat cheese, coarsely crumbled

2 large beets

1 garlic clove, chopped

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for couscous)

Preheat the oven to 450 F.

Line a baking sheet with foil. 

Peel beets and dice into bite size pieces. In a bowl, drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil over the beets. Add chopped garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat beets. Place beets on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes or until caramelized and soft. Set aside. 

In a medium size pan, add vegetable stock. Season with salt and black pepper. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Stir and bring to a rolling boil. Add couscous, stir continously for 2 minutes. With the lid on, reduce heat to low and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed and couscous is al dente. Dry about 15 minutes.    

In a large serving bowl, add couscous. Season with salt, black pepper, and an extra drizzle of oil. Arrange the beets around the couscous. Sprinkle with goat cheese and dill. 

Serve warm with rustic bread and salad greens.

   

Slow Food USA

"Slow Food USA is fighting the good fight. For all that the organization categorizes as "good"-the pleasures of eating delicious food, and the traditions of its cultivation and cooking preserved and thriving-commercial industry presents considerable opposition. Fast-food restaurants, packaged convenience foods, and industrial food manufacturing processes pervade America and other westernized countries. In the name of convenience, they threaten both our health and our heritage. Slow Food USA reminds us that enjoying a quality, meaningful, sustainable life includes appreciating food and the pleasantries surrounding its enjoyment."

"We believe that you can't be fully healthy in an unhealthy environment. The health and well-being of adults and children in our country is of vital concern, and we are proud to be a sponsor of Slow Foods USA. Awareness of how nutritious foods arrive at the table can be an important enticement away from the many fast and unhealthy substances being marketed as foods today. Slow Food USA provides an enjoyable and communal way to promote sustainable farming practices and incorporate them into culinary creations. Slowing down certain things in our lives-like eating food-can be a positive step toward a more balanced and happier life."

Read More From Original Article:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/05/10/prweb8400430.DTL

Orange Marmalade Sour Cream Loaf

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1/2 cup of sugar

2 eggs, room temperature

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon orange marmalade

2 tablespoons orange rind

Preheat oven to 350 F

Grease a large loaf pan. Cream butter, sugar, eggs, orange rind and marmalade. Add dry ingredients, then sour cream. Mix well.

Bake for 1 hour or until baked through.