And I Quote...: Ecards

And I Quote...: Ecards: ...

Spice Use Chart

Tips for using herbs and spices: 

• Avoid overwhelming a dish with too many seasonings, and never use two very strong herbs together. Instead, season with one strong flavor, and one milder flavor to complement the food.
• When cooking, add dried herbs early in the process, but use fresh herbs at the end for optimum flavor.
• Add herbs and spices to cold dishes several hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
• Fresh leaves should be chopped very finely. Exposing a greater number of surface cuts will allow the food to absorb more of the herb’s flavor.
• When necessary, a mortar and pestle can be kept in the kitchen to powder dry herbs.
• If doubling a recipe, you may not need to double the herbs. Use just 50% more.
• Dry herbs and spices carry more flavor than fresh. Use this guide when following a recipe: ¼ teaspoon powder = ¾ teaspoon dried = 2 teaspoons fresh

How to store herbs and spices: 
Proper storage is essential to retaining the flavor of herbs and spices.

• Dried herbs and spices should be kept in a cool, dry, and dark place. Storing right next to the stove, although convenient for cooking, is not the best location, because heat, air, and bright light destroy flavor.
• Store dry herbs and spices in tightly covered containers.
• Date dry herbs and spices when you buy them. Try to use them within one year.
• If you can’t smell the aroma of an herb when you rub it between your fingers, then it is time for a new supply.
• Treat fresh herbs like a bouquet of flowers: Snip the stems, stand the herbs in a glass of water, and refrigerate.
• To increase shelf life, freeze or dry fresh herbs. To freeze fresh herbs, wash and pat dry. Remove the leaves from the stems and store the leaves in a freezer bag. They can also be chopped and frozen in ice cube trays and then stored in a freezer bag.

Guide to using Herbs and Spices

Herb or Spice	Use to Enhance
Basil	Italian foods (especially tomatoes, pasta, chicken, fish and shellfish)
Bay leaf	Bean or meat stews and soups
Caraway	Cooked vegetables such as beets, cabbage, carrots, potatoes, turnips and winter squash
Chervil	French cuisine, fish, shellfish, chicken, peas, green beans, tomatoes and salad greens
Chili powder	Bean or meat stews and soups
Chives	Sauces, soups, baked potatoes, salads, omelets, pasta, seafood and meat
Cilantro	Mexican, Latin American and Asian cuisine; Rice, beans, fish, shellfish, poultry, vegetables, salsas and salads
Cumin	Curried vegetables, poultry, fish and beans
Curry	Indian or southeast Asian cuisine; Lamb or meat-based dishes and soups
Dill (fresh)	Seafood, chicken, yogurt, cucumbers, green beans, tomatoes, potatoes and beets
Dill (seeds)	Rice and fish dishes
Ginger (dried)	Rick, chicken and marinades
Mace	Baked goods, fruit dishes, carrots, broccoli, brussels sprouts and cauliflower
Marjoram	Tomato-based dishes, fish, meat, poultry, eggs and vegetables
Oregano	Italian and Greek cuisine; Meat and poultry dishes
Paprika	Spanish dishes, potatoes, soups, stews, baked fish and salad dressings
Rosemary	Mushrooms, roasted potatoes, stuffing, ripe melon, poultry and meats (especially grilled)
Sage	Poultry stuffing, chicken, duck, pork, eggplant, and bean stews and soups
Tarragon	Chicken, veal, fish, shellfish, eggs, salad dressings, tomatoes, mushrooms and carrots
Thyme	Fish, shellfish, poultry, tomatoes, beans, eggplant, mushrooms, potatoes, and summer squash
Tumeric	Indian cuisine; Adds color and taste to potatoes and light-colored vegetables

How-To Make Almond Milk

Sensual Secrets of A Leo Woman

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Diet Plans with Workout Routines

The Biggest Loser 7-Day Diet Plan

Just because you're not a contestant on the show doesn't mean you can't win your own weight-loss battle at home. To help you get started, we asked The Biggest Loser nutritionist Cheryl Forberg, RD, to design this seven-day meal plan, which is just like the one that helps the competitors slim down. With delicious recipes and easy tips, you're sure to lose weight in no time.

Monday

 

This is no deprivation diet: You'll eat three meals and two snacks daily, plus each dish packs a filling balance of 45 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein, and 25 percent healthy fats. When it comes to drinks, Forberg recommends sticking to no- and low-cal picks like coffee, tea, and water. And to accelerate weight loss, The Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper suggests doing 60 to 90 minutes of moderate exercise four times a week. So get motivated, get started, and get ready to watch your weight drop!

Breakfast
1/2 cup egg whites scrambled with 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon chopped basil, 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan, and 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1 slice whole-grain toast
1/2 cup blueberries
1 cup skim milk

Snack
1/2 cup fat-free Greek yogurt topped with 1/4 cup sliced strawberries

Lunch
Salad made with 3/4 cup cooked bulgur, 4 ounces chopped grilled chicken breast, 1 tablespoon shredded low-fat cheddar, diced grilled veggies (2 tablespoons onion, 1/4 cup diced zucchini, 1/2 cup bell pepper), 1 teaspoon chopped cilantro, and 1 tablespoon low-fat vinaigrette

Snack
2 tablespoons hummus and 6 baby carrots

Dinner
4 ounces grilled salmon
1 cup wild rice with 1 tablespoon slivered toasted almonds
1 cup wilted baby spinach with 1 teaspoon each olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and grated Parmesan
1/2 cup diced cantaloupe topped with
1/2 cup all-fruit raspberry sorbet and 1 teaspoon chopped walnuts

Tuesday

 

Breakfast
3/4 cup steel-cut or old-fashioned oatmeal prepared with water; stir in 1/2 cup skim milk
2 links country-style turkey sausage
1 cup blueberries

Snack
1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup raspberries and 1 tablespoon chopped pecans

Lunch
Salad made with 4 ounces water-packed tuna, 1 cup chopped Romaine lettuce, 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper, and 1/4 cup chopped green onions topped with 2 tablespoons low-fat Italian dressing

Snack
1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese with 1/2 cup salsa

Dinner
1 turkey burger
3/4 cup roasted cauliflower and broccoli florets
3/4 cup brown rice
1 cup spinach salad with 1 tablespoon light balsamic vinaigrette

Wednesday

 

Breakfast
Omelet made with 4 egg whites and 1 whole egg, 1/4 cup chopped broccoli, 2 tablespoons each fat-free refried beans, diced onion, diced mushrooms, and salsa
Quesadilla made with 1/2 of one small corn tortilla and 1 tablespoon low-fat jack cheese
1/2 cup diced watermelon

Snack
1/2 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt with 1 sliced apple and 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts

Lunch
Salad made with 2 cups chopped Romaine, 4 ounces grilled chicken, 1/2 cup chopped celery, 1/2 cup diced mushrooms, 2 tablespoons shredded low-fat cheddar, and 1 tablespoon low-fat Caesar dressing
1 medium nectarine
1 cup skim milk

Snack
1 fat-free mozzarella string cheese stick
1 medium orange

Dinner
4 ounces shrimp, grilled or sauteed with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
1 medium artichoke, steamed
1/2 cup whole wheat couscous with 2 tablespoons diced bell pepper, 1/4 cup garbanzo beans, 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 tablespoon fat-free honey mustard dressing

Thursday

 

Breakfast
1 light whole-grain English muffin with 1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter and 1 tablespoon sugar-free fruit spread
1 wedge honeydew
1 cup skim milk
2 slices Canadian bacon

Snack
Yogurt parfait made with 1 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt, 2 tablespoons sliced strawberries or raspberries, and 2 tablespoons low-fat granola

Lunch
Wrap made with 4 ounces thinly sliced lean roast beef, 1 6-inch whole wheat tortilla, 1/4 cup shredded lettuce, 3 medium tomato slices, 1 teaspoon horseradish, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup pinto beans or lentils with 1 teaspoon chopped basil and 1 tablespoon light Caesar dressing

Snack
8 baked corn chips with 2 tablespoons guacamole

Dinner
4 ounces grilled halibut
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms sauteed with 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 cup chopped yellow onion, and 1 cup green beans
Salad made with 1 cup arugula, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon balsamic vinaigrette
1/2 cup warm unsweetened applesauce with 1/4 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt, 
1 tablespoon chopped pecans and dash cinnamon

Friday

Breakfast
Burrito made with 1 medium whole wheat tortilla, 4 scrambled egg whites, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 cup fat-free refried black beans, 2 tablespoons salsa, 2 tablespoons grated low-fat cheddar, and 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro
1 cup mixed melon

Snack
3 ounces sliced lean ham
1 medium apple

Lunch
Turkey burger
Salad made with 1 cup baby spinach, 1/4 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup cooked lentils, 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan, and 1 tablespoon light Russian dressing
1 cup skim milk

Snack
1 fat-free mozzarella string cheese stick
1 cup red grapes

Dinner 
5 ounces grilled wild salmon 
1/2 cup brown or wild rice
2 cups mixed baby greens with 1 tablespoon low-fat Caesar dressing
1/2 cup all-fruit strawberry sorbet with 1 sliced pear

Saturday

 

Breakfast
Frittata made with 3 large egg whites, 2 tablespoons diced bell peppers, 2 teaspoons chopped spinach, 2 tablespoons part-skim shredded mozzarella, and 2 teaspoons pesto 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
1 small bran muffin
1 cup skim milk

Snack
1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt with 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed and 1/2 cup diced pear

Lunch
4 ounces sliced turkey breast
Tomato-cucumber salad made with 5 slices tomato, 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme, and 1 tablespoon fat-free Italian dressing
1 medium orange

Snack
Smoothie made with 3/4 cup skim milk, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup low-fat yogurt, and 1/4 cup sliced strawberries

Dinner
4 ounces red snapper baked with 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon no-sodium seasoning
1 cup spaghetti squash with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 2 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup steamed green beans with 1 tablespoon slivered almonds

Sunday

Breakfast
2 slices Canadian bacon
1 whole-grain toaster waffle with sugar-free fruit spread
3/4 cup berries
1 cup skim milk

Snack
1/4 cup fat-free cottage cheese with 1/4 cup cherries and 1 tablespoon slivered almonds

Lunch
Salad made with 2 cups baby spinach, 4 ounces grilled chicken, 1 tablespoon chopped dried cranberries, 3 slices avocado, 1 tablespoon slivered walnuts, and 2 tablespoons low-fat vinaigrette
1 apple
1 cup skim milk

Snack
1/4 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon sugar-free fruit spread and 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1/4 cup blueberries

Dinner
4 ounces lean pork tenderloin stir-fried with onions, garlic, broccoli, and bell pepper
1/2 cup brown rice
5 medium tomato slices with 1 teaspoon each chopped ginger, chopped cilantro, light soy sauce, and rice wine vinegar

Originally published in Ladies' Home Journal, February 2010.

The Perfect 15-minute No-gym Workout

http://www.beautyandconfidence.com/fitness/no-gym-workout/index.html#

http://www.health.com/health/yoga-pilates/

7 Detox Smoothies

Don't have a juicer? No problem! You can still make these healthy fruit and vegetable smoothies for the Challenge with these simple blender-friendly recipes.

2 cups mixed frozen berries (9 ounces) 
1 cup unsweetened pomegranate juice 

Combine berries, juice, and 1 cup water in a blender; blend until smooth. 

Serves 2. Per serving: 130 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 1 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbs; 19 mg sodium; 1.5 g protein; 4 g fiber.

Carrot, Mango, and Herb Smoothie

2 cups frozen mango chunks
1 cup fresh carrot juice
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 cup fresh herbs, such as mint, tarragon, or basil

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth.

Serves 2. Per serving: 225 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 56 g carbs; 36 mg sodium; 3 g protein; 5 g fiber

Green Smoothie

1 cup kale or collard greens firmly packed, stems removed, coarsely chopped (4 ounces)
1 Granny Smith apple, coarsely chopped
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

Combine kale, apple, banana, parsley, and 2 1/4 cups water in a blender; blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water.

Serves 2. Per serving: 105 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 26 g carbs; 32 mg sodium; 2 g protein; 4 g fiber.

Mango-Coconut Water Smoothie

2 cups ripe mango chunks (from 1 to 2 mangoes)
2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 cups unsweetened coconut water
Pinch of cayenne powder

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth.

Serves 2. Per serving: 159 calories; 1 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 39 g carbs; 256 mg sodium; 3 g protein; 6 g fiber.

Orange-Berry Smoothie

2 navel oranges, peel and pith removed, cut into chunks
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 cup frozen raspberries

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth.

Serves 2. Per serving: 132 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbs; 2 mg sodium; 2 g protein; 3 g fiber.

Beet and Carrot Smoothie

1 small red beet (equivalent to 1/2 cup), peeled and coarsely chopped
1 medium-size carrot, peeled and coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1 sweet apple, such as Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, coarsely chopped
1 ripe pear, such as red Bartlett or red D'Anjou, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

1. Steam beets and carrots until tender, about 10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.
2. Combine beets, carrot, apple, pear, juice, ginger, and 2 cups water in a blender; blend until smooth.

Serves 2. Per serving: 134 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 35 g carbs; 62 mg sodium; 2 g protein; 7 g fiber

Cucumber, Honeydew, and Mint Smoothie

1/2 English cucumber, peeled and chopped
1/2 honeydew melon, peeled and chopped (2 cups)
1 cup pear juice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

Combine all ingredients in a blender; blend until smooth.

Serves 2. Per serving: 134 calories; 0 g saturated fat; 0 g unsaturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 33 g carbs; 37 mg sodium; 2 g protein; 2 g fiber.

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Contest: Another Chance to Win a Nexus 7 Prize Pack from NVIDIA and Droid Life | Losing My Mind, One Child At A Time....

Contest: Another Chance to Win a Nexus 7 Prize Pack from NVIDIA and Droid Life | Losing My Mind, One Child At A Time....:

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Enter for your chance to win a Nexus 7prize pack from the good people at NVIDIA and Droid Life.

The Nexus 7 is Google’s very popular 7″ tablet, sporting an HD display, NVIDIA’s Tegra 3 quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM, a front-facing camera, and the sweet taste of vanilla Android. With the device comes the matching official ASUS dock that you would find on Google Play, plus a case to keep your shiny new toy safe.

Recipe: Lemon Brownies | Mrs. Fields Secrets

Recipe: Lemon Brownies | Mrs. Fields Secrets:

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22 Things You're Doing Wrong

22 Things You're Doing Wrong

Hero Faces More Jail Time Than The Convicted Steubenville Rapists He Exposed

Ironic..Sad..and Pathetically More Common Than It Should Be

Once again a person has to wonder, even question-our judicial system. In the pursuit to provide each Citizen with a "fair" trial according to the 6th Amendment of our Constitution, I feel more often than not, the guilty receive far better treatment. Is our Judicial System biased? I believe so!When a person tries to help another, to expose a crime and catch the perpetrator(s) steps outside the law themselves. Much like the law enforcement officers themselves do from time to time. Ends up in more trouble, more charges and a longer sentence than the Rapists of the young girl will receive.

I understand that the girl has a reputation and she was drunk when the rape took place at a party. To the women who read this...If by chance one night, you had one too many at a dinner or bar on Girl's Night Out. As you were walking to your car, you were suddenly attacked and brutally raped. Would it be your fault because you had had too much to drink? Your fault because you were wearing something other than a burlap bag? For the Men who might read this...what if this was your Mother, Wife, Daughter or Sister? No one deserves to be brutally attacked, let alone raped. Reminder:the girl was only 16 when this happened.  Here are some comments I found on this subject-



http://bit.ly/19hXs6x

To me it seems as though the young woman's life was worth far less to the establishment than the crime of hacking into a computer. However, let us not forget that the Rapists' were members of the local Football Team. In most areas the all mighty and wonderful Football Teams are so important that Academics are cut in order to support the Team. The student population on the whole, will pay the ultimate price, their education in order to support a bunch of boys that will never make it to the Pro's. Who will end up stuck in their small town, in a dead end job, over weight, married to their high school sweetheart (who they wish they could divorce) talking about their Glory Days and pushing their sons to play so they can once again, re-live their Good Ol' Days vicariously.

There are more times than not, when it's down right frightening to me, the world my sons will live in..or try to live in. 

                                 

Hacker Faces More Jail Time Than The Convicted Steubenville Rapists He Exposed | TechCrunch: 'via Blog this'