How to Make Grandma's Best Spaghetti

How to Make Grandma's Best Spaghetti

I can taste it just thinking of the ingredients. This is my grandmother's spaghetti recipe, she is a first generation American. This recipe is good dolled up with meat and veggies or simple with just the spices. Sorry there are not many quantities, I am used to cooking with a pinch of this, a dash of that until it tastes right.

Things You’ll Need: Tomato Sauce, Fresh Garlic, Olive Oil, Basil, Oregano, Sage, Thyme, Rosemary, Marjoram, Savory, Hamburger Meat (optional), Onions (optional), Mushrooms (optional), Kidney Beans (optional), Red wine (optional).

SAUCE - The longer the sauce cooks, the better it tastes. I like to slow cook it for hours in my crock pot. Pour tomato sauce into pot, add spices (use fresh when you can), if you do not have all of the spices, they come combined in Italian Seasoning. Sauté garlic in olive oil for 1-2 minutes on medium. Then pour garlic into sauce.

OPTIONAL - Onions and mushrooms. Sauté onions and mushrooms in olive oil for 2-4 minutes over medium heat, then pour into sauce.

OPTIONAL - Slow cook hamburger meat in a sauté pan. After it is browned, pour it into your sauce from step one.

OPTIONAL - Kidney beans are very healthy and I love to add them in for extra nutrition for my kids. You will find them very delicious in this recipe.

OPTIONAL - Red wine. I think it is really a necessary ingredient, but if you are against it, I will understand.

SLOW COOK - Cook your sauce on low for as little as 15 minutes or as long as 3 hours. The longer you cook it the better it takes.

SERVE SAUCE over your favorite spaghetti. I prefer whole wheat. It is awesome with my Grandma's Garlic Bread.

Just reading this recipe takes me back to my childhood and the delicious meals and fun parties we had a Grandma's house and especially Grandma's Best Spaghetti.

Blackened Filet Mignon Steak and Mushrooms Recipe

Blackened Filet Mignon Steak and Mushrooms Recipe

Things You’ll Need: Filet Mignon, Olive Oil, Shiitake Mushrooms, Crimini Mushrooms, Black Pepper, Brandy, Beef Stock, Bulb of Garlic, Gorgonzola

HEAT - 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook them until they are soft. Remove from pan and set aside.

WIPE the pan. Add another teaspoon of olive oil and raise the heat to high.

PAT the steaks dry. Cover each side with pepper (I prefer grinding whole black peppercorns). Sear steaks on both sides until a crust forms. Turning only once. Remove the steaks from the pan.

POUR the brandy in the pan and light it on fire baby! When the flame dies down add the beef stock and roasted garlic (see my article on how to roast garlic). Keep cooking until the sauce is reduced, add salt and pepper to taste.

RETURN the steaks to the pan with their juices. Add the mushrooms and heat for 1 minute. Serve the steaks by spooning the mushroom and sauce on top and sprinkling gorgonzola cheese on top.

This blackened filet mignon steak and mushroom recipe is a gourmet level recipe that you will really enjoy.

How to Roast Garlic

How to Roast Garlic

Garlic is very nutritious and should be eaten every day (if you are married, if you are still dating take it easy on the garlic). Fresh garlic in olive oil is the healthiest, but if you need it roasted, here is the recipe.

PREHEAT oven to 275 degrees. You can roast it in the microwave, but I do not recommend it, the flavor will not be as intense. For a microwave, place the garlic in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and cook for 10-20 minutes.

PREPARE GARLIC - Cut 1/4" off the top of the garlic bulb. Place the garlic in a baking (oven safe) dish. Pour olive oil generously over the bulb.

BAKE the garlic for 1 1/4 hour or until the cloves are soft. Remove from oven and allow to cool. Squeeze each clove to release the garlic or serve it whole for your guests to squeeze out.

Excellent served with bread and gorgonzola cheese.

After you bake it once you will know how to easily roast garlic everytime without using the recipe again because it is so easy.

Succulent Shrimp Scampi

Succulent Shrimp Scampi

Your mind will think you are in an oceanfront restaurant while consuming this delectable dish.

Things You’ll Need: Shrimp, Olive Oil, Garlic, Butter, Italian Seasoning

SHRIMP - I usually use 28-30 fresh frozen shrimp in the shell to feed my family of four. You can pay a little more to get the de shelled and deveined shrimp. It is very easy to do it yourself. Farmed raised shrimp is fine. If it is frozen, place the shrimp in a collandar and run it under cold water until thawed.

GARLIC - Chop 4-6 large cloves of garlic. Set aside in a small bowl of Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

COOK - Place a large saute pan on medium heat and add a dash of olive oil. Add butter, I usually use 2 cubes (1/2 lb.), but you can do it with less. Add the shrimp. Sprinkle with Italian Seasoning. If you do not have it, it is a mixture of Rosemary, Basil and Thyme.

ADD GARLIC - Once the shrimp has turned pink add the garlic, you do not want to overcook it or burn it. Cook for 1-2 minutes longer. Remove from heat. You can serve it alone or with rice. Enjoy!

Shrimp Scampi is an excellent meal for all occasions. I prefer to serve it with a dry white wine

Tasty French Toast

Tasty French Toast

This is the best French Toast ever!

Things You’ll Need: French Toast Bread, Egg, Milk, Cinnamon, Butter, Powdered Sugar, Maple Syrup (Optional)

PREPARE - It is best to use French Toast Bread, but if you do not have it, any bread can be used. Try to use the thickest bread possible for best results. Preheat grill to medium. Season grill lightly with olive oil.

MIX - Mix 2 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a small bowl. Mix well. Take a piece of bread and smother it with egg, milk, and cinnamon mixture. Wash your hands after handling raw eggs.

COOK - Cook each slice on each side on grill until golden, watching closely. Use a spatula to flip toast to other side. Remove from grill. Serve immediately.

SERVE - Cover each slice generously with butter. Once butter has melted, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Maple syrup is optional. Another option is a generous portion of powdered sugar and a small splash of lemon.

French toast is a favorite amoung adults and children.

How to Make Grandma's Garlic Bread

How to Make Grandma's Garlic Bread

This delicious garlic bread recipe goes great with my Grandma's Best Spaghetti recipe.

Things You’ll Need: Bread, Olive Oil, Garlic, Butter, Paprika, Oregano.

BREAD - Start with a great bread. I love to use the Columbo Sourdough but you can use your favorite. Cut the bread lengthwise so that you have two long "boats".

PREPARE GARLIC - Chop at least 6 cloves of garlic or more if you are daring. Place the garlic in olive oil. Spread the garlic and olive oil mixture onto the bread. I usually use a spoon to apply it.

BUTTER - Cover the bread with butter. On top of the garlic. You may want to soften the butter slightly so that it is easier to apply.

SPRINKLE with paprika, do not overdo the paprika, just a light dusting and then lightly cover with oregano. BAKE at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes or until slightly browned and all of the butter is melted. The bread will be juicy, garlicy, and buttery. Slice and serve.

If you want a delicious garlic bread recipe this is the one for you.

The Best French Onion Soup

The Best French Onion Soup

This is gourmet restaurant style French Onion Soup. It may take you a long time to make it, but it is worth it!

Things You’ll Need:8 cups Beef Broth 4 lbs. yellow onions, 1 bulb garlic, 1/4 lb. butter, gruyere cheese, country loaf, olive oil, 1 glass dry white wine

ONION PREPARATION - Chop 4 lbs. of yellow onions. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil to a large (2.5 quart) dutch oven or large pot. Add 1/4 lb. butter. Heat on medium. Add onions. Cook until translucent. Cover, cook until golden. Add a dash of flour. Cook until browned. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use ground pepper and be generous.

SOUP PREPARATION - Add beef broth, one cup at a time. Slowly add 1 cup water and 1 cup white wine. Cover and cook on medium heat for 40 minutes.

BREAD PREPARATION - Chop 1 bulb garlic and set in a small bowl of olive oil. Slice loaf into 16 equal slices. Brush each slice on both sides with garlic and olive oil, make sure that a generous portion of garlic is on each slice. Broil bread for 1 minute on each side. Set aside.

CHEESE PREPARATION - Grate gruyere cheese. Set aside.

FINAL STEP - Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Scoop soup into oven proof bowl. Add 2 slices prepared bread. Add a generous portion of gruyere cheese. Add a dollop of butter. Bake for 15 minutes. Enjoy.

French onion soup is very filling and you may want to serve it with a salad and call it a meal.

How to Bake the Perfect Holiday Ham

You can bake a perfect, succulent, delicious ham without buying a spiral or honey baked ham.

Buy a fully cooked ham to feed your number of guests. Usually 1-2 lbs. per person. Hams are easy to slice, so there is no need to spend extra on a spiral. You will be making your own glaze, so do not buy a pre-glazed ham nor one with a flavor packet.

Bake the ham at 325 degrees. The length of baking is based on the weight, usually 2-4 hours. Ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Use a meat thermometer. I also recommend baking in a bag until glazing, then remove the bag.

One half hour before your ham is done, remove it from the oven and remove the baking bag if you used one. Completely cover the top of the ham with mustard, next completely cover the mustard with brown sugar, next completely cover the brown sugar with honey. Put the ham back in the oven, without the bag this time.

Cook for the remaining half hour. Basting as needed. Use a large knife to slice it, I recommend a sharp bread knife. Enjoy!

Acai Health Benefits

The Health Benefits of Acai

In our previous article, The Nutritional Makeup of Acai, we learned about what is in the Acai berry. In this article, we will look at how the nutritious Acai berry can help keep us in excellent health.

What will eating Acai do for me? The nutrients in Acai can help:

Maintain the healthy function of bodily systems and organs Increase energy, libido and stamina Promote healthy, glowing skin and hair Promotes healthy sleep Support immune system Act as a powerful anti-inflammatory Help reduce pain and soreness Help rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

How can Acai help with all these health issues? If you read our article - The Nutritional Makeup of Acai - you know that Acai is one of the healthiest foods you can eat. While there are many nutrients in the Acai berry, clearly the antioxidants are the major reason for the health benefits of Acai.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated studies to look at the link between antioxidant rich food and aging. Here are some direct quotes from the USDA website -
"Studies at the Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University in Boston suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high-ORAC value may help slow the aging process in both body and brain." Ronald L. Prior, the researcher for the USDA study went on to suggest that "the ORAC measure may help define the dietary conditions needed to prevent tissue damage."

"Science has long held that damage by oxygen free radicals is behind many of the maladies that come with aging, including cardiovascular disease and cancer. There's firm evidence that a high intake of fruits and vegetables reduces risk of cancer and that a low intake raises risk. And recent evidence suggests that diminished brain function associated with aging and disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases may be due to increased vulnerability to free radicals, says Joseph, a neuroscientist. "

- "Can Foods Forestall Aging?", published in the February 1999 issue of Agricultural Research magazine.

It is clear that the potential health benefits of eating high ORAC value foods should not be underestimated.

Doesn't Acai cure every ailment known to man?Okay, we admit this question is a little tongue-in-cheek - but if you read through some of the websites it sure seems like Acai is a miracle food. While other sites will talk about how Acai is a miracle fruit that cures every known ailment - we would never say that. There are no miracle cures - period. If you want to stay healthy and feel energetic and young the key is a good diet and exercise. It is true that when it comes to eating a good diet - you really can do no better than starting with a healthy portion of Acai. However, we would never give false hope by claiming that Acai alone is the cure to any disease.

I have heard that Acai kills cancer cells - is this true? A University of Florida study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry on Jan 12. 2006 found that acai berries triggered a self-destruct response in up to 86 percent of leukemia cells tested in vitro. While we consider this study a promising start, it is important to understand that the Acai killed cultured cancer cells in a test tube - this is very different than killing cancer in the human body.

Obviously, much more research needs to be done before anyone could make any cancer claims regarding Acai in the human body.

Recap: It is clear that eating foods with high ORAC values have numerous health benefits. Acai is one of the highest ORAC value foods. While there are no miracles, Acai is an incredibly healthy food that can help you maintain healthy bodily functions across the board.

Ready to start eating Acai berries? First you need to get the Acai out of the Amazon Rainforest...

Click Here for Freeze Dried Acai from the Amazon.

Nutritional make up of Acai

Healthy Fats

The Acai berry is very rich in healthy Omega fats. Nearly 50% of the Acai berry is fat - with 74% of the fat coming from healthy unsaturated fats such as Omega 3, Omega 6 and Omega 9.

Rich in Amino Acids and Protein

7.59% of the weight of the Acai pulp is from amino acids. 19 different amino acids have been identified in Acai. Since amino acids are the building blocks of protein, it is no surprise that you have over 8 grams of protein in a 100 gram serving of Acai.

Excellent source of Plant Sterols

Three plant sterols (or photosterols) have been identified in Acai - B-sitosterol, campesterol and sigmasterol. Photosterols have been shown to have numerous health benefits for maintaining healthy heart and digestive function.

Good source of Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C and E are all present in Acai. In fact, Acai contain as much Vitamin C as blueberries and has over 1000 IU of Vitamin A for every 100 grams of Acai. In addition, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc are all found in Acai.

Good Source of Fiber

For a fruit, Acai has a strong fiber profile. There are about 14 grams of fiber in every 100 grams of freeze dried Acai powder.

Delicious Taste

You would think anything this healthy must taste terrible - however, just the opposite is true. Acai has a berry and chocolate flavor that is truly unique and delicious. Acai is used in smoothies, deserts and can also be eaten by itself.

More to be discovered

Research on the nutritional makeup of Acai is ongoing and there are many aspects of the fruit that have not been characterized yet. We know there must be undiscovered antioxidants in Acai, because even though it is high in Anthocyanins - they are not high enough to account for the incredible ORAC scores. Click here for the Health Benefits of Acai.

Click here to for Freeze Dried Acai Berries from the Amazon.

For more information on acai berries click here.

Should I Use Acai Berry to Help Me Lose Weight?

Everyone thinks that they have the miracle weight loss drug. Wrong. Proper diet and health are the only true ways to lose weight, no pill in the world can do it for you.

Supplement manufacturers think that they can take the goodness out of a fruit or vegetable and hide it in a pill solidified together by god only knows what. I do not think that supplements of any kind are good for you and there have been numerous studies that have shown that they are not even healthy. People that take vitamins and supplements do not live as long as people that do not.

I do believe that acai berry is very healthy and if you are able to eat them or even drink their juice you should. But you should not waste your money on some kind of diet or weightloss miracle pill of any kind.

Acai Berry Juice Benefits

Acai Berry juice is known to have a high number of antioxidants. The numbers are at least as high as other well known fruits such as grapes, red wine, blueberries, cranberries, pomegrantes and the like. The antioxidants show up in your blood stream within two hours after consumption of the juice or berries.

Acai berries come from South America. They are not grown anywhere in the United States so they are always imported. The producers freeze dry the fruit directly after harvesting to preserve the natural nutrients and health benefits.