Spinach and Fig Salad

Posted on by

LZ98_001_0015_11DM Here’s a great salad that my wife discovered on the internet a few years ago.  We enjoy this salad often and you can expect to find recipes like this in our upcoming eBook “The Mediterranean Diet for Weight Loss – Gracie’s Guide to Healthy Italian Meals.”

Be sure to share this with your friends, as anyone who subscribes to the site will get a free copy of the book.  We expect a release date around the middle of March.  Sign up now!

*******************************************************

Ingredients:

6 slices of bacon (can use turkey bacon)
1 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed
8 oz. spinach with stems removed
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. olive oil
8 dried figs, stemmed and sliced
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) Continue reading →

Mario Makes Butternut Squash Ravioli

Posted on by

 
Pasta

I love Butternut Squash Ravioli and was real excited when I stumbled upon this video of renowned chef and author Mario Batali whipping up  a fresh batch.  The video was shot four months ago when Batali appeared on the Martha Steward show.

The thing I like about Butternut Squash is they are totally nutritious in addition to being tasty, a fact that Batali and Steward both mentioned many times during the video.  The one downside to this recipe, and with just about any that Batali shares, is he makes it look so darn easy.

I plan on giving it a shot and so should you.  The toughest part may be in finding the Butternut Squash.  Enjoy the video, and please like it/us on facebook.

 

 

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Whole Wheat Pasta

Posted on by

 

Natural & Organic products

Is Whole Wheat Pasta Really Better for You?

LZ98_001_0024_11DM In supermarkets today the Italian section is loaded with Whole Wheat pastas, and every cut and package is claiming the health benefits associated with switching to the brown stuff.  Problem is that not all whole wheat pastas are the same and if you are really looking for the health kick, be sure to read the label closely.

In order for whole wheat pasta to live up to its health reputation it needs to contain 100% durum wheat and that should be listed as  the first ingredient.  Many of these products come with a 100% whole wheat orange stamp on the package. Continue reading →

Free EBook Offer

Posted on by

LZ98_001_0038_11DM

In honor of the Lenten season, “Gracie’s Christmas Eve Recipe Book – Night of the 7 Fishes” will be FREE Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Lots of great seafood recipes that work well with those of you fasting or giving up red meat.  Also works for those who just like seafood.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ALJ0AC8

Related articles
Enhanced by Zemanta

Celebrating Spanish Foods

Posted on by

Spain – Leading the Way with Mediterranean Foods

LZ98_001_0015_11DMIn today’s blog we are going to take a quick peek into the Spanish culture and the foods that make up this Mediterranean nation.  We are also delighted to introduce you to our latest affiliated partner La Tienda.  Click Here to Visit La Tienda!

Spanish foods are heavily influenced by seafood available from the waters that surround the country, and reflects the country’s marine culture. Spanish food is also  a combination of the many cultures that have inhabited the country leading to many unique  taste and flavors.   Noted for its health benefits, Spain is consider the leading nation influencing the Mediterranean diet. Continue reading →

Seafood Twice a Week

Posted on by

 

Try Seafood Twice a Week

Adding seafood to your diet twice a week, provides you with a good dose of healthy eating.

LZ98_001_0038_11DMSince I started my New Year’s resolution to lose some weight I have been eating seafood at least twice a week.  In places where I would have normally had a piece of meat, I now enjoying salmon, tuna steaks and swordfish.

There are so many choices and fantastic recipes, making this change was pretty easy.  Seafood is also loaded with many antioxidants that aid in the fight against cancer and other serious diseases. Continue reading →

Mediterranean Breakfast Idea

Posted on by

A Mediterranean Breakfast

Breakfast doesn’t have to be boring when your on a Mediterranean diet.  Try this breakfast pita recipe.

LZ98_001_0022_11DMTry this low calorie breakfast pita that is the ideal way to begin you crazy day.  Sticking to a strict diet can be tough, but by starting the day off with a healthy breakfast you are one step ahead of the game.

Researchers claim that most overweight people either skip breakfast all together or eat very little in the morning.  Having a good breakfast curbs that mid morning hunger, which usually leads to bad eating habits the rest of the day. Continue reading →

Here’s What I’m Making for the Big Game

Posted on by

Olive Salad Sandwich – Big Game Party Hit

Don’t know what to bring to your Big Game Party?  Try this Olive Salad Sandwich. 

LZ98_001_0024_11DMEvery year we throw a Super Bowl pot luck party and the food is always over the top.  We usually provide some side dishes, the beverages and the big screen TV.  This year however, I’m putting together a few 2 foot Olive Salad sandwiches, Muffuletta style. Continue reading →

Borlotti Beans

Posted on by

What are Borlotti Beans?

 

Borlotti-beans-255x181When we had our store we sold every Italian food product, from soup to nuts, even Borlotti Beans.  I am sure many of you are asking yourself, “What are Borlotti Beans?”

Very close in shape, size and taste to kidney beans, borlotti’s are very big in many southern regions of Italy.  They are quite meaty, not nearly as sweet as more popular beans and can hold up to some tough recipes.

Very high in protein, these beans are a natural for anyone looking to cut back on the meat intake and a definite if you are following a Mediterranean Diet plan.  I highly recommend them. Continue reading →