Saturday, November 14, 2009

OILS, BUTTER AND FATS

OIL……………………………………………….
Oil is oil. Of course butter and oil make food tasty and delicious….but it is fat and oil. When I see chefs on TV pour the oil casually with style, into pans and pots, I just think how much they are using. The sponsors need the advertisement and we need to be SANE and SENSIBLE.
We must cook and work with the minimum of fats and oils. It requires a little thinking and patience.

Selecting oil. When you buy oils, make sure that it is from a recognized and approved brand. Fresh oil has a clear light color and abused oil has a dark brownish hue. There have been reports in years gone by of people who color sunflower oil, green and sell it as olive oil. There are tricksters who add motor car oil, to increase the volume or do more horrendous things to make the color look good. Rather check the product and pay a little extra for quality oil. Remember that oils like sunflower oil with a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, has a shorter life span than olive oil and rapeseed oil. These have more monounsaturated fats.

Oils that foam or smoke prematurely should be discarded as they have signs of degradation. Oils should not be heated above 200degrees Centigrade. They can be flammable.
Do not reuse oil too often… Overused oil is detrimental to health...
When you need to throw oils away, DO NOT POUR DOWN THE SINK. You will block the drains. Simply mop it into newspaper and drop it into the garbage bin.

Keep oils in a dark spot, away from heat and sun light.

FRYING THER PERFECT EGG.

I recommend a DROP or two of olive oil in the pan.. Use the new ceramic style pans that are safe. The better alternative is what I do.

I pour enough water to cover the base and warm it up. I drop the egg in and it cooks or poaches in the water. I add a few herbs to the water and enjoy a fatless egg. Easy and healthier.

The idea of a blend of vegetable juices and herbs, works well Just pour them into the pan and heat, then drop the eggs in. I use tomatoes, parsley, onions and peppers for the juice.
There are new pans that are ceramic based and need no oil or butter at all.

SHAKSHUKA,
This is a great way to have tasty eggs.
Use a tomato based sauce, like one for spaghetti, with vegetable salt, red chopped peppers, onions, garlic, chopped tomatoes, garlic, pepper, a few tablespoons of chopped parsley and a little sweet paprika. Let it cook until the vegetables are soft. While it is bubbling, drop the eggs in. This is such fun to eat. There are many variations of this dish. To really experience it, go to MR SHAKSHUKA in Jaffa and you will always return for the pan of shakshuka the way he makes it.

OLIVE OIL SALAD DRESSINGS.
I always use olive oil and lemon juice, vegetable salt, pepper, honey and balsamic vinegar as a quick dressing. You can add agave syrup or some grated garlic, green onions, dill or any herbs you like. I find that a dropper bottle of olive oil, determines how much I use. This way you automatically use less.

OLIVE OIL AS A BASE.
I like using olive oil and vinegars, herbed or natural apple cider vinegar, with herbs, to "pickle" mushrooms, feta, goat's cheeses or vegetables. You use a good sized bottle, pour the oil in, add the spices and herbs you like, dill, parsley, garlic, onions, and the product you wish to pickle or marinate. Let it stand for a day or two and it is great item for sandwiches, salads and with a baked potato.

When you have a large salad, you can make a few spreads in little bowls with olive oil and herbs, pesto and oil, dried tomatoes in olive oil. Create a spread of black olives, herbs and olive oil. Just blend it well. These are tops with pastas, cheeses, wines and breads and of course in an omelets, that you fold over and serve with hot whole-wheat.
People love a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, mixed in a bowl, to dip into with a well baked brown bread. Just a few cheeses and a glass of wine, good conversation and the stage is set for an unforgettable meal.

OLIVE OIL WINTER DRINK….

This is a great morning drink. Tones the system, wards off colds and is a natural tonic for the skin. Do try it…….you will feel the benefit in a few days.
Boil the water, pour into a coffee size mug, and add half a teaspoon of lemon juice, a teaspoon of olive oil and a dash of honey. Mix well and drink. For people who suffer from sore throats, add grated ginger or one large ginger candy. For warming up the system, add cinnamon and mix well.

My daughters use this remedy and they have a glowing and healthy appearance.

Have a great and healthy week LOVE AND LIGHT RONA

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