Tag: recipe

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| Health Storey Notes | Soups |

The Surprising Benefits of Eating Soup—Anytime, Any Meal!

Soup is often thought of as a comforting meal during colder months, but did you know it can be a nutritious, delicious, and versatile option for breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Whether you’re aiming for a light, easy-on-the-digestive-system meal or looking to stay full and satisfied, soup fits the bill perfectly.

Why Choose Soup?

1. Gentle on Your Digestion
Soup is easy to digest, making it a great meal choice if you want to give your digestive system a bit of a rest. A cup of creamy mushroom soup, for example, with mild flavor and a few croutons, can be filling without overwhelming your stomach.

2. Hunger Control
Soup helps keep hunger at bay, with many people feeling fuller for up to four hours after eating a serving. This makes it an excellent option to prevent overeating between meals.

3. Budget-Friendly and Nutritious
Soup is inexpensive to make and can be packed with nutritious ingredients. For instance, a vegetable soup can be made with simple, affordable items like chicken bullion, celery, onions, mushrooms, and bok choy. Here’s a glance at approximate costs:

  • Chicken bullion: $0.10 per cube
  • Celery: $0.50 per stalk
  • Onions: $0.30 each
  • Mushrooms: $1.00 per cup
  • Bok Choy: $1.20 per bunch

These ingredients combined will create several servings of soup, costing roughly $0.75 to $1.00 per cup per person, depending on portion size and ingredient prices. If you do a Soup detox for the month, your grocery bill will be for one person $30.00 for soup and around $30 for breakfast coffee, milk and eggs. Your protein in the soup may be in the mushrooms if you purchase shiitake or oyster or portobello.

How Long Does Soup Last?

Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, most homemade soups last up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze soup for longer storage—up to 2-3 months—making it easy to prepare meals ahead of time.

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Advent Day 13 | Baking a Holiday Cake | Almond Cake | Decorate with Homemade Candied Orange Peels |

Follow the recipe below for the cake or use a cake mix from the store. The candied Orange peel you will have to make from scratch.

Almond Cake Recipe [ If you don’t want to bake, use an almond cake Mix available at some grocery stores]

DIY Holiday Cake: Almond Cake Decorating with Sugared Orange Peels

The holiday season calls for festive treats that not only taste delightful but also charm with their presentation. One such crowd-pleaser is the Almond Cake—a rich, moist dessert infused with nutty goodness and crowned with an elegant decoration of sugared orange peels. This DIY holiday cake is simple to make, beautiful to display, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Here’s a step-by-step guide to baking and decorating your own holiday masterpiece.

Ingredients for Almond Cake

  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup milk

Ingredients for Sugared Orange Peels

  • 2 large oranges, peeled into strips
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup water

Baking the Almond Cake

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together almond flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream butter and sugar: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs and extracts: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla and almond extracts.
  5. Combine mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making Sugared Orange Peels

  1. Prepare peels: Slice the orange peels into thin strips, removing as much white pith as possible to avoid bitterness.
  2. Blanch peels: Boil the strips in water for 2 minutes, then drain. Repeat this blanching process two more times to soften the peels and mellow the bitterness.
  3. Simmer in sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add the peels and simmer gently for about 45 minutes until translucent.
  4. Dry and sugar: Using a slotted spoon, remove the peels and place them on a wire rack to dry for a few hours. Once dry, toss them in granulated sugar to coat evenly.

Decorating Your Holiday Almond Cake

Once the cake is completely cooled, you can choose to dust it lightly with powdered sugar or spread a thin layer of almond or orange-flavored glaze for added shine. Arrange the sugared orange peels artistically on top of the cake. They can be twisted into spirals, layered in a wreath pattern, or scattered delicately for a rustic look.

Final Touches

For added holiday cheer, consider sprinkling a few toasted almond slivers around the edges or adding a sprig of fresh rosemary or mint for a pop of green. The combination of nutty almond flavor and sweet, citrusy orange peels makes this cake a memorable centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

This DIY Almond Cake with Sugared Orange Peels is as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Its beautiful balance of flavors and elegant decoration make it perfect for celebrating the season with family and friends. Happy baking!

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Day 5 of Advent | Recipe Card JPG by Health Storey for Gifting

Use this image for your emails when you send out your christmas recipes or print and add the recipe to the card. Happy 5th day of advent. (A recipe for rice pudding is included below)

Wholesome Rice Pudding for the Holidays!

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of rice pudding. This creamy dessert isn’t just a delicious treat; it also brings together nutritious ingredients that can contribute to your overall health. Today, we’ll explore the health benefits of cranberries, rice, and milk, along with a simple and scrumptious rice pudding recipe that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Why You Should Love Cranberries

Cranberries are small but mighty berries packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Here are some health benefits:

  • Rich in Antioxidants: Cranberries are loaded with antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.
  • Heart Health: They can promote cardiovascular health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure.
  • Urinary Tract Health: Cranberries are famous for helping prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria.

The Nutritional Power of Rice

Rice is a staple food in many cultures, and for good reason! Here are some benefits:

  • Versatile Energy Source: Rice is a great source of carbohydrates, providing you with energy throughout the day.
  • Gluten-Free: For those with gluten sensitivities, rice is a fantastic alternative to wheat and other gluten-containing grains.
  • Easily Digestible: Rice is gentle on the stomach, making it an excellent option for those with digestive issues.

The Creamy Goodness of Milk

Milk is not just for drinking—it’s also a star ingredient in many dishes. Here’s why it’s great for you:

  • Bone Health: Rich in calcium and vitamin D, milk helps strengthen bones and teeth.
  • Muscle Repair: The protein in milk aids in muscle recovery after workouts.
  • Hydration: Milk can help keep you hydrated, which is essential for overall health.

Wholesome Rice Pudding Recipe

Now that you know the health benefits of cranberries, rice, and milk, let’s treat ourselves to a delicious rice pudding! This recipe is simple, nutritious, and perfect for a cozy dessert.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup cooked rice
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 cup milk (you can use plant-based alternatives if preferred)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional: Cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the cooked rice, dried cranberries, brown sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Heat: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture begins to simmer and thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add Flavor: If you like, sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor. Stir well to incorporate.
  4. Serve: Once the pudding reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat. Spoon into bowls and enjoy warm!

This wholesome rice pudding recipe is not only a delicious dessert but also a great way to incorporate nutritious ingredients into your diet. With the benefits of cranberries, rice, and milk, it’s a treat you can feel good about enjoying. Savor every bite of this rice pudding for a warm breakfast or as part of your lunch.

Happy cooking!