Red Lentil and Rice Soup

Lentils are a great legume to prepare. They are high in protein and fiber and cook a lot quicker than other pulses. Lentils are an important source of B vitamins, especially B3, which is essential for both a healthy nervous system and digestive system. They also have healthy amounts of iron, zinc and calcium and are a good replacement for animal protein when combines with whole grains. This soup is very simple to make and makes a nice meal. If you use vegetable broth it qualifies as vegan.

This is the recipe I prepared on WLEX-TV today using eggs from Jon and Norma Brumley of Waterworks Farm in Shelbyville, KY (above).

Local pasture-raised eggs come from chickens that get to enjoy life in the great outdoors and dine on greens, grubs and grains. The latest research shows these eggs have a healthier nutritional profile with elevated levels of Omega 3 fatty acids. Today we’re using these fresh local eggs from Waterworks Farm in Shelby County to make an Italian Frittata with penne, asparagus and ham. It’s a great dish to serve for Easter brunch or any day of the week.

Here’s the recipe I prepared today on WLEX-TV’s noon:30 show.  I also like tossing the hot roasted tomatoes with thinly sliced collard greens and crisp bacon for a delicious side dish. And this is the link to the video on the LEX website: www.wlextv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7620219&nav=menu203_2_13.

I really like the Barilla brand multi-grain thin spaghetti for this, but you can use any shape. The multi grain ups the protein and it also has added Omega-3, which doesn’t hurt. The flavor and texture is infinitely better than other brands I’ve tried. Besides, Barilla is the pasta of choice of most of my Italian friends (even the ones who live in Italy).

Here’s the recipe I made on WLEX-TV today. These are surprisingly delicious and satisfying. You can also make small ‘burgers’ to serve as appetizers for a party.  The link to the video is here: http://www.wlextv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7620219&nav=menu203_2_13

Black Bean Burgers with Guacamole

The addition of walnuts to these burgers makes them even more heart healthy. They’re as satisfying as a meat burger and very simple to make.

Makes 4 burgers

1 1/2 cups canned black beans, rinsed and drained
2 garlic cloves
1/3 cup coarsely chopped onion
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1/2 cup coarse dried bread crumbs
3/4 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
1 large egg, beaten

This is the recipe I prepared on WLEX TV today.

Eating fish is better than taking fish oil capsules

The Omega-3 fatty acids present in fish is something we all need more of in our diets to help fight heart disease and inflammation. However, the latest research shows that fish oil supplements are not as beneficial. Salmon – and the healthiest choice is wild salmon from Pacific or Alaskan waters – is a top choice both for flavor and for Omega-3s.

Keen Footware visited the farm last summer and filmed for part of a documentary they showed on college campuses. The purpose was to inspire college students to ‘Take a Stand’ and get involved in the sustainability movement.

The crew was really great and I think did a nice job on the entire project. I was certainly inspired by all the stories. (Still waiting on my free Keen footware, though!).

Here’s a link to info on their ‘Stand’ program and the documentary.

http://www.keenfootwear.com/stand/default.aspx

Owner Susie Quick waited while Thomas Buckley, 6, left, and his brother Donald, 4, tried to decide on a treat at Quick’s Honest Farm Pure Kentucky Market on Jan. 30. Photo by David Perry | staff

This article appeared in today’s Lexington Herald Leader. God bless ‘em. For more info on local CSA participating farms, see my earlier blog on Lexington area CSAs.

Posted on Sun, Feb. 24, 2008
Slowdown on the farm
Market’s customers savor the winter pace and flavors
By Sharon Thompson

MIDWAY — It’s midwinter and quiet — sort of — at the produce market.

Here’s the recipe from today’s cooking segment on WLEX. To see a video of the recipe go to www.wlextv.com and click on Wellness Cooking 101. sq

Roasted Beet Salad

Seasonal recipes are usually included with your weekly CSA basket. Here’s one we’ll be doing in the spring when arugula and beets are at their peak.

Serves 4

1 bunch (about 1 1/2 pounds) small to medium beets
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
8 cups baby spinach or arugula
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
3 ounces goat cheese or brie, sliced

This is the topic discussed on today’s segment of ‘Wellness Cooking’ on WLEX-TV. sq

So, What’s a CSA?

A CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for members of the community to create a relationship with a local farmer and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farmer, people become "subscribers" or “shareholders” of the CSA. The majority of CSA farmers have members pay for the season up-front. Some CSAs (not this one!) also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season.

Another study showing the significant amount of organophosphates in the saliva and urine of children eating a conventional diet has been released. Organophosphates are ‘bug killers," a class of chemicals that kill insects by disrupting their brains and nervous systems. Unfortunately, these chemicals also can harm the brains and nervous systems of animals and humans. Children are particularly vulnerable.

An article at organicconsumers.org (link below) discusses the study and its implications. Similar studies have show that by replacing the same foods with organic versions that pesticide levels present in urine samples were reduced from around 80 to 100%. In some instances the change occurred within 36 hours.