Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Spring Food Festival, Part 2 - Rhubarb!

Did you try either of the Asparagus recipes I posted last time?  I hope you will.  The really are delicious and worth your time!

Today, I'm going to focus on another favorite (of mine, at least) - Rhubarb



I think I like it so well because it reminds me of my maternal grandma.  Stewed rhubarb was a staple in her kitchen...


From Wikipedia: "Rhubarb is a group of plants that belong to the genus Rheum in the family Polygonaceae.

They are herbaceous perennial plants growing from short, thick rhizomes. They have large leaves that are somewhat triangular-shaped with long fleshy petioles. They have small flowers grouped in large compound leafy greenish-white to rose-red inflorescences.


Although the leaves are toxic, various parts of the plants have culinary and medicinal uses. Fresh raw stalks are crisp (similar to celery) with a strong tart taste; most commonly the plant's stalks are cooked and used in pies and other foods for their tart flavour. A number of varieties have been domesticated for human consumption, most of which are recognised as Rheum x hybridum by the Royal Horticultural Society.


Rhubarb is usually considered to be a vegetable; however, in the United States, a New York court decided in 1947 that since it was used in the United States as a fruit it was to be counted as a fruit for the purposes of regulations and duties. A side effect was a reduction in taxes paid.

Here are the links to the Rhubarb recipes:

~ Martha Stewart's Mini Raspberry-Rhubarb Gallettes 
(I haven't tried this one, but I saw her make them on her TV show & they made my mouth water!)

~ Allrecipe.com's Streusel Rhubarb Bread

I've listed and linked a few products that  would help with these recipes.  Click on the HERE for more information.




2 qt. Mix-n-Stor Pitcher - Mix & Measure in One Container
  





Measuring Cups & Spoons - Every Kitchen Needs Them
  




Modular Mates - Pantry Storage for Staples like flour, sugar, etc.
  




Spice Containers - Keep Those Pricey Spices Fresh Longer!
  

Hope you enjoy these recipes.  Let me know if you try one!



Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Spring Food Festival - Asparagus!

Spring is officially here!  During the next couple of months, we'll be able to take advantage of all the delicious & healthy spring produce at our Farmer's Markets and from our own gardens.  Depending where you live of course... ;o)

I am going to take the next few days to talk about spring produce and provide links to recipes that I've tried, or in some cases, want to try.

I hope you'll enjoy them!  So, on with the Festival! 

Today's spring produce star is Asparagus!  This is my absolute favorite spring vegetable!



From Wikipedia: "Asparagus officinalis is a spring vegetable, a flowering perennial[1] plant species in the genus Asparagus. It was once classified in the lily family, like its Allium cousins, onions and garlic, but the Liliaceae have been split and the onion-like plants are now in the family Alliaceae and asparagus in the Asparagaceae. Asparagus officinalis is native to most of Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, and is widely cultivated as a vegetable crop. 

Only young asparagus shoots are commonly eaten: once the buds start to open, the shoots quickly turn woody and become strongly flavoured. Asparagus is low in calories and is very low in sodium. It is a good source of vitamin B6, calcium, magnesium and zinc, and a very good source of dietary fiber, protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, rutin, niacin, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium[citation needed], as well as chromium, a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells[citation needed]. The amino acid asparagine gets its name from asparagus, the asparagus plant being rich in this compound."

Here are links to two recipes, both I have made and recommend highly!


~Paula Deen's Asparagus with Citrus-Sesame Sauce

~Ina Garten's Roasted Asparagus


I have provided some links to Tupperware products that can be used in these recipes. Just click on the product picture for more information.







Keep Asparagus Fresh Longer!



Click on the product picture, then on "Shop Our Product Gallery > Refrigerate"






Freeze to Enjoy Later!




Click on the product picture, then on "Shop Our Product Gallery > Freeze"






Healthy Steaming - As seen on DR. Oz!





Click on the product picture, then on "Shop Our Product Gallery > Microwave"