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tibetan goji berriesWhat Makes a Good Cook?

Trained chefs are supposed to be good cooks, but I have had lousy meals at famous restaurants. I have also had five-star meals in friends' homes. One friend served pork tenderloin, sourdough bread, Napa cabbage slaw, and chocolate souffle. Her simple meal was a gourmet meal in every sense of the word.

In the dictionary the word cook is defined as "to prepare food by the action of heat." I think there is more to cooking than that. What makes a good cook?

A good cook understands recipes. Before the cook starts to prepare a recipe he or she reads it all the way through. The cook understands abbreviations, cooking terms, and follows the recipe step-by-step. After the cook is familiar with the recipe he or she may change it to suit personal tastes.

A good cook can use equipment. The cook can use a mixer, food processor, blender, immersion blender, grill pan, and other appliances. This cook is also familiar with kitchen tools like a whisk, mellon-baller, and microplane.

A good cook masters basic techniques. The cook knows how to saute, poach, braise, steam, grill, shallow-fry, stir-fry, and microwave food. In addition, the cook knows how to make a white sauce, thicken sauces with flour and cornstarch, beat egg whites, and temper eggs.

A good cook relies on fresh ingredients. Seasonal fruits and vegetables are the starting point for meals. The cook buys fresh fish and flavorful cuts of meat.

A good cook sharpens knives. As the old adage says, a dull knife is a dangerous knife. For this reason and cutting ease, a good cook cares for knives properly, keeps them sharp, and stores them safely.

A good cook practices food safety. He or she washes hands thoroughly before touching food and during preparation. Separate cutting boards are used for meat and chicken and washed well after use. Cold food is kept really cold and hot food is refrigerated promptly after a meal.

A good cook plans interesting menus. Some cooks prepare recipes from one culture, while others prepare recipes from many. Each part of the meal fits together like a fascinating puzzle.

A good cook makes simple things well. Only a good cook can make rich coffee, fabulous soup, and fluffy scrambled eggs. Though the cook is able to prepare complex recipes, he or she excels at the simple ones.

A good cook cleans up the kitchen. My mother told me this when I was a teenager and I have never forgotten it. She was an excellent cook and I learned a lot from her. She taught me to take good care of pots, pans, and dishes.

A good cook always adds love. You cannot rush when you are adding love, you must pay attention to what you are doing, and take the time to do it. Whether it is the first ingredient or last, a cook's love is what makes food so delicious.

Copyright 2007 by Harriet Hodgson

http://www.harriethodgson.com
Harriet Hodgson has been a freelance nonfiction writer for 28 years. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and the Association for Death Education and Counseling. Her 24th book, "Smiling Through Your Tears: Anticipating Grief," written with Lois Krahn, MD, is available from http://www.amazon.com A five-star review of the book is posted on Amazon. You will find additional reviews on the American Hospice Foundation Web site ("School Corner" heading) and the Health Ministries Association Web site.

Nutrient Depletion in Soil Leads to Poor Health

It is little known in this country what a serious problem nutrient depletion in our soil has become. With the use of heavy fertilizers, farmers are able to produce what appear to be healthy, nutritious crops. The problem is that the plants are highly deficient in key nutrients. After years of over farming and heavy fertilizer use, the soil loses all of its good, wholesome virtues. Vitally important soil microbes that break down minerals into a form useable by the body are lost. Vitamin and mineral levels are drastically reduced, and the soil is basically burned out.

Unfortunately, even when the soil is burnt out, farmers can still grow good looking fruits and vegetables by using high doses of fertilizer. The fruit and vegetables will have good caloric content but very little in the form of real nutrition. Most produce sold now falls under this category. We think, as we are purchasing a head of broccoli or a bag of apples that we are doing our bodies a big, nutritious favor. In reality we are receiving half the nutrition we think, if not empty calories.

The Earth Summit Statistics meeting in 1992 revealed that farmland in the U.S. is over 85% micronutrient depleted. Many people think that buying organic vegetables will remedy this problem. Unfortunately, this is usually not the case. Just because a product says organic does not mean it was grown in nutrient rich soil. It simply means that many of the harsh chemical fertilizers were not employed. Of course, this is a step in the right direction, but it still doesn�t answer the problem of nutrient deficiency.

Short of growing your own vegetables in soil you know is rich in nutrients, there is little you can do about this problem. Thankfully, your body can still receive all necessary nutrients by taking high quality nutritional supplements. VIBE from Eniva was designed using cutting edge technology to answer the nutrient depletion problem. You can still live a vibrantly healthy life if you are aware of the problems nutrient deficiency causes, and take action to protect yourself.

By Andrew Kryzak
Dedicated to health and wellness
vibrantlives@gmail.com
http://vibrantlives.com

Andrew Kryzak is an expert in the field of health and nutraceuticals, having developed his knowledge on the subject for over 10 years.

Why Organic Food Is Better For You

If you are like many other individuals, there is a good chance that you have heard that organic foods are healthier to eat. This may have caught your attention. If you are uncertain about making the switch to organic foods, you may be looking for reasons why you should. One of the most common questions asked is why organic foods are better? For a number of answers to that question, please continue reading on.

When it comes to organic foods, it is important to know that not just anyone can make organic foods. There are strict standards. Foods and organic food companies that are certified by the Quality Assurance International group (QAI) must undergo rigorous tests and meet very high standards. When this is done, all foods should be stamped with a Certified Organic by QAI sticker or label. This certification helps to give many comfort in knowing that the foods that they eat are truly healthy.

Another one of the many reasons why organic food is better for you is because it usually tastes better. This means that you and other eaters are more likely to eat more organic foods, as well as stick with organic foods or start a fully organic diet. These steps can help to improve your health. This is mostly due in part because vegetables and fruits are grown without the assistance of pesticides and other potentially harmful chemicals. Clean soil, which is required when growing organic foods, is likely to produce better results, which should mean better tasting food.

It has also been said that organic foods can help to lower the risk of cancer. Although some pesticides that farmers use are considered safe by many, there are still a number of risks, including a risk of cancer. This is alarming, but it is also something that many individuals are not aware of. Although the EPA does consider many chemicals, including weed killers and insect killers to be dangerous, they are still used on many of the foods, namely fruits and vegetables, that are sold today. This is not something that you have to worry about when buying organic foods. That is why many claim that organic foods can reduce your chances of cancer.

Although there are a number of benefits to eating organic foods, especially where health and wellness is concerned, many individuals are concerned with the cost. Yes, organic food does cost more money, but many still consider it to be well worth the cost. Some ask themselves if it is even possible to put a price tag on health. Even with the high costs of organic food, it is still possible to save money. You can do this by using organic food coupons, searching for organic food sales, and stocking up when you do find those sales. Many stores outline their weekly sales in store sale fliers or online. Organic food coupons can be found online or in weekend newspaper inserts.

Since there are a number of benefits to eating organically, you may be serious about doing so. If you are, you will find that you have a number of different options, in terms of organic food purchase points. Organic food, including fresh food, is sold online and locally. Your local options tend to include the organic food section at your supermarket or a specialty organic food stores.

Ronnie Wilson has many articles that you will want to check out at http://www.bighealtharticles.com and http://www.articleinferno.com

tibetan goji berriesPonderosity Deprivation through the relieve of Verdant Infusion

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:32:56 EDT
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A Writer Looks for Answers Concerning Tibetan Goji Berries

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 17:32:55 EDT
A search for facts on Tibetan goji berries reveals the nutritional value of that fruit....Having heard that comment, I can not help but wonder if Tibetan goji berries grow in much the same way as strawberries....In fact, it was a comment from that gentleman that motivated me to go on a quest for information about the method of growth for the Tibetan goji berries....It does not, however, disclose many facts about the way in which the Tibetan goji berries form on the bush or vine....

http://avril-lavigne-hotty.blogspot.com/2008/06/goji-berries-spirulina-and-manuka-honey.html

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:53:19 EDT
Goji berries have long been regarded in the Orient as an anti-aging, longevity, strength building and sexual potency superfood. ... Tibetan monks cherish this sacred berry so much that every year they hold a two-week traditional celebration to honour the berries....