Category: Books

Library Monday

I was so lucky today! I wanted to re-borrow the JJ Virgin book “The Virgin Diet” so I could read about what I wasn’t ready to deal with a few months ago.

I know the copies at the library have been on hold, but surprisingly, when I checked the online catalog, there was one lone “available” copy at a library a few miles away, so I jumped in the shower, and drove over to see if I could grab it.

Long-story-short, I couldn’t initially find it, but with a little gentle nudging, the wonderful library woman ended up finding it behind the desk on the cart. Yay!

So, that’s #1 on my reading list, I’d like to see how it compares to the Clean Detox.

I’ve also been reading “Crazy Sexy Kitchen: 150 Plant-Empowered Recipes to Ignite a Mouthwatering Revolution” by Kris Carr because I need all the help I can get to find clean recipes!

Until next week, Happy Monday to everyone! Keep reading and supporting your local library!

Starting Detox Cleanse/Elimination Diet

I am So NOT a fan of fad diets, including diets that eliminate foods; I’m an even bigger non-fan of celebrity doctors that make tons of cash promoting a health fad…but I’ve been feeling really crappy lately and I’m desperate to try to figure out if I do indeed have some sort of food sensitivity, or at the very least, to reset my buttons and get my body feeling better again.

Originally, when I lost weight (3 years ago), I felt healthy, vibrant and alive! Slowly, as time moved forward, I began to feel sluggish, foggy, and depressed, probably worst than I felt before the weight loss. I felt like my energy was disappearing and I didn’t feel like “myself” anymore. I blamed being peri-menopausal.

I recently began reading my library copy of the book “Clean Gut: The Breakthrough Plan for Eliminating the Root Cause of Disease and Revolutionizing Your Health” (Dr. Alejandro Junger) and even though I’ve read other gluten/dairy-free and elimination diet books, the timing must have been perfect, because I felt a little hopeful.

I found the My Clean Program web site, with a helpful “welcome letter” and started to read, read, read. (*Note: membership is required (free) to access all the diet documentation.)

The “clean gut” diet led me to the original “cleanse” detox/elimination diet, which then led me to the Dr Oz 30 Day Detox Diet (details: Dr Oz Clean Detox manual)

Diets Compared

I initially liked the idea of Junger’s “clean gut” diet (the one from the book I was reading). It allowed eggs, other lean meats & fish, and tomatoes, but there was some concern, because the diet did eliminate most fruit (except berries), all grains/beans (but quinoa and lentils) and some veggies like yams, sweet potatoes and beets. It suggested a shake for breakfast, and solid meals for lunch and dinner.

The original “cleanse” detox diet eliminates eggs, tomatoes/nightshades, some fruits, but it did allow some gluten-free grains like buckwheat, millet, quinoa, and also allowed chickpeas, beans, etc. It suggested a shake for both breakfast and dinner, and a solid meal for lunch.

The Dr Oz (*gasp*) Detox is more “user-friendly” – of course they have to cater to all his followers, who need an easy diet fix! ha! It was much less structured, without elimination of any vegetables or fruit, and it suggested a shake for breakfast, and solid food for lunch and dinner. They unfortunately promote it as a super easy way to drop some weight, but that’s not really what the cleanse is about.

All programs completely remove all gluten, dairy, peanuts, and processed sweeteners, but the original “clean” allowed sweeteners like dates or figs, to be used sparingly.

I decided that the list of allowed foods in the original cleanse was much more doable, but I didn’t like being forced to “drink” breakfast and dinner meals, so I’m modifying to only one smoothie in the morning. I also do not want to use isolated protein powders, so that is an adjustment as well.

The last modification is that I’m not following their daily supplement advice, at least not right now. I’ll still be taking my usual vit D, Calcium, and fish oil, but I added 200mg magnesium before bedtime. I’m hoping it will help me sleep better. (thanks also to Angela for her magnesium advice, I’ll also be searching her web site for inventive blender breakfasts.)

Here’s the list of Edible Foods For Cleanse:
whole vegetables, leafy greens
brown rice, non-gluten grains
stevia
beans, lentils
green tea, yerba mate
wild fish, organic chicken & turkey
nuts, seeds, & nut butters
avocado & coconut
whole fruits & berries

Here are the exclusions:
dairy, eggs
gluten
processed sugar
soy
coffee, soda, alcohol
beef, pork (I’m still going to occasionally eat beefalo)
corn
tomatoes, eggplants, peppers, potatoes, yams, sweet potatoes
bananas, strawberries, oranges, grapes

There is a lot more detail in the downloadable Clean manual.

The most difficult part is giving up dairy and gluten, ha! Sunday, as I was deciding to try the diet, I had just taken a fresh-baked loaf of bread out of the oven! What a big change this will be for me!

Day 3 Feelings

So here I am, Day Three, of the cleanse.

I’m still trying to feel my way around, and I’m sure I’m not doing things perfectly, but there’s 21 days, so I’ll get better as time moves forward.

I need to get more organized about meal planning, especially making grains/beans ahead of time. I can’t rely on bread-pizza night or fried eggs as a quick go-to dinner anymore. I know I’m not eating enough greens and veggies, especially with dinner. If ONE benefit comes out of this, it’ll be that I learned to better manage my ingredients and create more true-blue healthy vegetarian meals.

It’s also been scary because I realized that I am extremely caught-up in food and it makes me sad that there is a possibility of a dairy or gluten sensitivity. I think that is what stopped me in the past from trying an elimination diet. The fear of finding answers, answers that will be difficult to deal with.

I am keeping a detailed journal, and also keeping an open-mind.

Day one, I was ready to give up! I think it was due to feeling overwhelmed and disorganized. Day two started very dark and depressing, but it worked its way out with a good old fashioned cry. LOL. Nothing like a blast of cleansing tears!

And here, Day 3, I feel good. I’m trying to “rate” my days feelings with a #1-10. Today was a 7. I’d like to believe that my rating system is going to adjust itself, as a “7” in 10 days might feel more like a “10” today. Ha!

Believe me, I’m not fooling myself, thinking that the most difficult part is over. I’ve prepared myself for a lot of doubt and depression bubbling up, which will tempt me to give up…but I trust I’ll have the strength to remain diligent to reach my light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel goals: energy, clarity and happiness.

Library Monday (No Love for Gwyneth)

I promised my buddy Angela from Test Kitchen Tues that I’d review the new Gwyneth Paltrow “It’s All Good” cookbook I borrowed from the library.

Well the book was due back to the library, but unfortunately, there is no review.

I tried, I really tried to remain impartial, but there was so much extra “stuff” clouding my judgement of the book, that I thought it best to return it and possibly re-borrow it at a later date.

But here are my initial observations.

The book is full of beautiful photos…. of Gwyneth.

Gwyneth in shorts holding a tray of eggs. Gwyneth snuggled in a blanket. Gwyneth (wearing shorts again) breaking open an avocado. Close-up of Gwyneth eating a frozen dessert pop. Get the picture? It’s all about Gwyneth and how wonderfully billowy and blonde (w/soft-focus lens) she looks after eating all this wonderful food. {{sigh}}

I just couldn’t get passed her ego, so back to the library it went. Maybe in a couple of months, I’ll borrow it again.

What else is happening in the world of books this week?

Well I thought it was going to be a slow Monday, but I ended up at three different libraries! Yes, I know, I have an addiction problem, I can’t help myself!

I picked up the new Sherri Brooks Vinton preserving book “Put ‘Em Up Fruit” – the sequel to her awesome “Put ‘Em Up” book.

I also picked up another book I requested, “Clean Gut” by Alejandro Junger, plus I found Kitchen Gardening For Beginners on the “new” table. I have heard about the author, and I’m curious. He is also Gwyneth’s doctor, but I’m trying not to hold that against him ;)

And a boatload of other books:

“Crazy sexy kitchen” by Kris Carr (I think I borrowed this before, but it caught my eye on the new shelf again)

“Living with less” by Mary Lambert (also on the new shelf, it’s tag line is how to downsize to 100 personal possessions.)

“Canal House Cooks every day” by Hamilton and Hirsheimer (this is one heavy book! And it also looks intimidating, but it promises to be an “everyday” simple cookbook)

“Diet for a small planet” Frances Moore Lappe (I have heard about this book for years, and it was mentioned again in the “China Study Cookbook” so I’m finally gonna check it out)

My father’s daughter by Gwenyth Paltrow (an old fave; what a difference between this book and the new one! I could barely find any photos of her, most were big beautiful colorful plates of food, which, HEL-LO, is what a cookbook should be)

“Cooking in the moment” by Andrea Riesling (I saw this old fave on the shelf and couldn’t resist it again. This book screams spring and summer to me with so many awesome farm-fresh recipes. It’s also the first time I heard the phrase “Friends, Don’t Let Friends Eat Imported Shrimp” and that really stuck with me!)

“Melissa’s everyday cooking” by Cathy Thomas from Melissa’s Produce (I heard about this book from somewhere recently but can’t remember. Glad I found it on the shelf.)

“Glamping with Mary Jane” by Maryjane Butters (this book looks like a hoot. Glamping=Glamor Camping!! It’s got some DIY and a few recipes.)

“Latin d’lite” by Ingrid Hoffman (on the new book shelf, at first glance, the recipes looked yummy)

“The I love Trader Joe’s vegetarian cookbook” (I’ve seen books from “I Love TJ’s” series before, but never read one. With big bold photos, I couldn’t pass it up, also on new shelf.)

“The great vegan bean book” by Kathy Hester (Also found on the new bookshelf, I’m always looking for new bean books, and this one is brand spanking new!)

“The sprouted kitchen” by Sara Forte (another old fave, and another that screams farm-fresh summer to me)

Phew, I could barely carry my book bag into the house! In the next few weeks, I’ll be sure to post some new book reviews.

Vegetable Literacy by Deborah Madison – Book Review

I first noticed the Vegetable Literacy: Cooking and Gardening with Twelve Families from the Edible Plant Kingdom, with over 300 Deliciously Simple Recipes book on the library “new books” shelf and it immediately leaped into my hands.

I opened the book and while flipping through only a few pages, I knew this book was something special!

I should first mention that I am a big fan of the author, Deborah Madison. Long ago, I bought her famous “Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone” cookbooks and I’ve also borrowed the rest of her publications from the library.

I knew as soon as I saw her name on the binding, before I even opened the book, that “Vegetable Literacy” would be something that I needed to read.

The book itself is stunning. It’s a big heavy book, with well-crafted binding. It’s even got one of those fancy ribbon bookmarks (aah, the little things that thrill me!). The book cover is lovely photo of pretty garlic scapes, curling and knotting themselves into unique shapes.

The photographs inside the book are artistic, yet meaningful. What I dislike are photos that are added to a cookbook just for the sake of art, or the author’s ego.

Vegetable Literacy includes photos that describe each vegetable whether just pulled from the ground, flowering, or showcased in a recipe. There is no wasted space in this book.

One of my favorite photos is her “bolting” rainbow chard.

It’s truly an encyclopedia of edible plants!

The book is divided into twelve chapters, one for each plant “family”, including:

  1. carrot family,
  2. mint family,
  3. sunflower family,
  4. knotweed family,
  5. cabbage family,
  6. nightshade family,
  7. goosefoot & amaranth families,
  8. the (former) Lily family,
  9. cucurbit family,
  10. grass family,
  11. legume family
  12. morning glory family

Each chapter then presents specifics about each plant/vegetable in that particular family, including history, varieties, nutritional benefits, food compatibilities, cooking wisdom, and several intriguing recipes.

The index is extensive so it’s easy to find a recipe ingredient or where a plant is discussed, and I did refer to it when I wanted to read about a specific vegetable.

There are many personal anecdotes sprinkled throughout the book that clearly validate her longtime love and respect for vegetables that she personally grows, or finds at the market. One story that fascinated me was when she forgot garden carrots one fall, they rewarded her with beautiful flowers the next summer.

The only thing missing is detailed growing advice, which she does occasionally offer, but you’re probably better off with a gardening book for that.

She did inspire me to grow grow grow, and to try new things like keeping my carrots in the ground after frost or until January or February! Can you tell I am suddenly obsessed with carrots! ;)

This woman absolutely knows her stuff!

Some Bits of Plant Knowledge

Did you know that the Carrot family includes parley, fennel, and caraway among others. I had never heard of the herb angelica, which looks like parsley, but the flavor is unlike anything familiar.

Chia seeds are part of the mint family and are a compete protein (didn’t know that!) It is sometimes called the “running food” because just a handful sustained Aztec messengers during their extended running bouts.

Rhubarb grown in a greenhouse usually have rosy-colored stalks and they’re milder and more tender than stocks grown in the garden or in the field. A common mistake is assuming green rhubarb is not ripe, it’s is! Never eat the leaves, they are poisonous.

Buckwheat is also a compete protein, containing all eight amino acids. Buckwheat flour might need more liquid when using in batters.

The goosefoot and amaranth families include amaranth, beets, chard, lambs-quarters, quinoa, and spinach. For some reason, I thought chard was a crucifer vegetable like kale!

Here’s a recipe from the book I found at Epicurious: Doesn’t Peas with Baked Ricotta & Bread Crumbs sound scrumptious? And the recipe photo is divine!

I admit I didn’t have time to read every single word about every single plant, but I couldn’t believe how much I learned, and how much Deborah inspired me.

Read This Book!

Today, I am sadly returning Vegetable Literacy, admittedly a couple of days overdue, with the promise that I’m going to request a copy again very soon, because I didn’t have enough time with it.

If you find a copy of this book, it’s certainly meant to be cherished, and read over and over.

And that’s my Library Monday!

Disclaimer:
I love reading cookbooks, like some people love reading novels! I am inspired by recipes, and enjoy learning ideas from cookbooks, which means I’d rather put my own spin on a recipe than follow it exactly. Please keep in mind that my opinions might be completely different from the other home cooks.

“Good for You” by Williams Sonoma Cookbook Review

I just returned the cookbook “Good for You (Williams-Sonoma): Easy, Healthy Recipes for Every Day” by Dana Jacobi to the library and I already have plans to borrow it again!

I am a fan of Williams Sonoma publications, and this was no exception. It offers information as well as recipes, a lot of which are available on their web site.

The first chapter “start with the plant” offers a brief reference to each food group, such as “cabbages & crucifers” which enlightens the reader to the wonderful benefits of bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, napa cabbage and cauliflower.

The book offers a lot of nutritional snippets that I was happy to learn!

Did you know that red cabbage gives you twice as much vitamin C as green cabbage? And that kale beats broccoli in beta-carotene and carotenoid content as well as vitamin A and calcium? And that oregano has the highest antioxidant level of all herbs?

Then there were recipes, which were divided into Breakfast, Main dishes, Sides & snacks, and Desserts. At the end of the book, there are two pages of “Basics” which covers recipes like gremolata, pesto, and homemade yogurt.

Some of the inspiring recipes I found were:
Butternut squash and pears with Rosemary,
Spaghetti squash with garlic, oregano, and Parmesan
and Olive oil chocolate mousse, which utilizes olive oil instead of cream!

I returned “Good for You” to the library only because someone else requested it. Otherwise, I’d be keeping it for another few weeks! It’s worth a check-out for sure! Recommended!

Disclaimer:
I love reading cookbooks, like some people love reading novels! I am inspired by recipes, and enjoy learning ideas from cookbooks, which means I’d rather put my own spin on a recipe than follow it exactly. Please keep in mind that my opinions might be completely different from the other home cooks.

Library Monday

I thought this would be a light week when I found a copy of the “China Study Cookbook” on the library “new” books table.

But when I visited Whole Foods Market Saturday, I couldn’t resist stopping at the local library and I found a few more fun books to borrow.

The Food Matters Cookbook by Mark Bittman – Adding to my Bittman collection from last week (Food Matters and Kitchen Express) I’m always looking for inspiration for low-meat and meatless dinners.

The year-round vegetable gardener by Niki Jabbour – this book’s cover jumped out at me, with her greens surrounded by snow! I was recently in a discussion with my husband about finding a way to re-purpose old glass windows into a cold frame for winter veggies.
Seamus Mullen’s hero food by Seamus Mullen – found this on the new books shelf. Browsing through it, there was mention of Vermont, so I was hooked.
Techniques of healthy cooking by the Culinary Institute of America – I am not usually a fan of “diet” books, but this one was in agreement that lowfat diets just don’t work, and it’s the way you use fat that’s important. So I’m giving it a looksie. PLUS, wow can you believe they’re selling it on amazon for almost $50!!! This is one reason I cherish my library so much!

Library Monday

This weekend, I borrowed a few more books from the library. What would I do without my library!

Oldies but goodies:
My FAVE!

Put ‘Em Up by Sherri Brooks Vinton (and I just noticed that she now has a a new Fruit book!)
The Smitten Kitchen by Deb Perelman- read my review!
Food Matters by Mark Bittman
Kitchen Express by Mark Bittman

New to Me:
Delicious Simplicity by Anna Tourkakis
and Gwyneth Paltrow’s new controversial book It’s All Good

The author of Delicious Simplicity, Anna Tourkakis, was speaking at a nearby library this morning, so I was lucky to find her book at one of the local libraries beforehand. She had a lot of good recipes and ideas. My mother and my mother-in-law both came with me to the talk.

I didn’t agree with everything the author said, but for the most part, she was giving good advice to everyone. I let my mother in law take the library book home so she could look at it. I think she needs it much more than me, and I hope she can get some good ideas from it, especially on grains and salads and such.

Anna made a quinoa salad for us. She cooked the quinoa in chicken stock, which is such a good idea, something I always forget to do! Then she added raisins, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds. It was so simple and delicious. The stock really adds a boost of flavor; even my picky mom liked it! ;)

Library Monday

I’ve decided to start a weekly series of posts regarding my weekly library finds.

Today, I scored!

As I walked in, I noticed a copy of “Mastering the Art of French Cooking” by Julia Child in the donated book box. How can you beat spending 50 cents for a classic!? It’s in great condition and inside it states that it’s the 14th printing from 1967! I’m thrilled!

I also borrowed two old standbys: “Jamie at Home” by Jamie Oliver and Michael Pollan’s “Food Rules” along with “What to Eat” by Marion Nestle, which I didn’t finish last time I borrowed it.

Smitten Kitchen Cookbook by Deb Perelman Book Review

I’ve been an occasional reader at the Smitten Kitchen blog by Deb Perelman, but after reading her new cookbook, I’ve become a regular subscriber.

I borrowed the The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook from the library and I knew I needed to read it quickly as the library wait list was extensive.

I started out flipping through pages reading the recipes, noting a few favorites, and checking to see if I could find similar recipes online. But as I read one of her many book reviews/recipes online, she mentioned how funny and charming Deb’s stories were, as it was the first cookbook to make her laugh out loud.

I was intrigued so I slowed down, and started reading from the beginning. I have to admit up until that point, I was already hooked, but reading her charming narrative really did add another interesting aspect.

I even found several recipes that I originally bypassed, but after reading her recipe back-stories, I was excited to try. The whole wheat raspberry scones was one recipe!

Besides the sweet stories, she makes many elaborate sophisticated recipes seem attainable and simple to make, such as pizza dough, scones, and blintzes. I love her take on unique flavors and ingredients, and she assures that all but fifteen of the recipes are brand new!

There are tons of detailed, wonderful photos, including plenty of all-important finished dish photos. The one thing I can’t stand is wasted space for artistic photos of fancy cookware and close-ups of ingredients that illustrate nothing about the actual recipe. There’s none of that in The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook.

Just a few of the recipes that I want to try:

I’m sad to return this cookbook back to the library this week, but I have requested it again; in a few weeks I’ll have one more chance to read through it.

Update (May, 2013): I have borrowed this book at least 2 more times because I am so inspired by it!

Disclaimer:
I love reading cookbooks, like some people love reading novels! I am inspired by recipes, and enjoy learning ideas from cookbooks, which means I’d rather put my own spin on a recipe than follow it exactly. Please keep in mind that my opinions might be completely different from the other home cooks.

Food Network Magazine 1000 Easy Recipes Cookbook Review

food network 1000 easy recipes

I saw The Food Network Magazine 1000 Easy Recipes cookbook showcased on QVC and I immediately requested it from my local library.

When I picked up the book, the library staff mentioned how impressed they were when they browsed the recipes, so I was looking forward to diving in.

When you initially flip through the book, you immediately notice the stunning photos; pages and pages of detailed, full-color photographs illustrate how the finished dish looks.

The first part of the book highlights a few chosen recipes to consider for specific menus. Menus like Pizza Party, Thai Dinner Party, Tex-Mex Night, Autumn Dinner Party, Farmers Market Lunch, Vegetarian Night, Cozy Winter Supper and Family Picnic to name just a few.

I was really looking forward to checking out some of these recipes: Ginger crackles, maple walnut trunks, bell pepper pasta salad, veggie burgers, popcorn, oat walnut thins, and peanut butter mousse. Yum.

The book is separated into main chapters with sub-chapters:

  • Appetizers & Snacks: Crostini, Dips, Tea Sandwiches, Nachos & Potato Skins, Chips & Party Mixes
  • Breakfast & Brunch: Smoothies, Pancakes Waffles & French Toast, Eggs & Bacon
  • Main Dishes: Soup, Kebabs, Burgers & Dogs, Panini, Pizza & Pasta
  • Salads & Sides: Tossed Salads & Slaws, Potato & Pasta Salads, Beans & Grains, Veggie Sides
  • Drinks & Desserts: Cold Drinks, Hot Drinks, Cocktails, Brownies & Cookies, No-Bake Desserts

As the book sub-title “super fun food for every day” suggests, it’s all about putting together uncomplicated, quick family meals: Grill a burger, throw together some salad veggies and you’ve got dinner.

Make no mistake, this is not your average instructional cookbook, I suppose you could say the “recipes” in the book aren’t even recipes – for each type of dish, there are dozens of variations, each with only a simple paragraph “description.” The concept is very similar to Mark Bittman’s “Kitchen Express” cookbook.

While there are a thousand recipes in the book and a few tips scattered here and there, there are no instructions for basics like roasting a whole chicken or peeling a fresh artichoke. No one is holding your hand as you braise a beef chuck roast or make your first creme brulee.

For that reason, this book might not be the best choice for a beginner; although, I suppose it could be a helpful companion cookbook if the newbie also owned a copy of something more detailed (I highly recommend Cook with Jamie or the Essential NY Times Cookbook as cookbooks for beginner cooks.)

The Food Network Magazine 1000 Easy Recipes cookbook motivates a lot of experimentation in the kitchen, but does it go overboard with so many variations for one type of food? Sure, you will probably never need 7 pages of crostinis or 40+ kebab variations, but at the same time, it is inspiring and interesting to read their flavor combinations.

Bottom line, I don’t recommend buying The Food Network Magazine 1000 Easy Recipes cookbook, unless of course you are a big collector and must have every cookbook ever published.

If you are wise, you’d just grab a copy from the library to browse through first. Then find your favorite recipes online at the Food Network web site or just jot down a few notes from a few favorites as the recipes are so short and sweet.

This cookbook seems more like of a novelty, which isn’t necessarily bad, it’s just that personally, I can’t envision myself referring back to it again and again as I would with a more “mainstream” cookbook.

A Couple of my favorite recipes (found online) at Food Network:

Disclaimer:
I love reading cookbooks, like some people love reading novels! I am inspired by recipes, and enjoy learning ideas from cookbooks, which means I’d rather put my own spin on a recipe than follow it exactly. Please keep in mind that my opinions might be completely different from the other home cooks.