Ch Ch Ch Chia... Chia drink!

Wait a minute... you want to drink your chia pet? Ummm no, well ok maybe in a
weird way. Hey have you heard about the new craze sweeping the nation?
Chia seeds are all the rage. They have only been around for a few
thousand years and just now is the American public realizing what they
are and what they can do for you!

Why should I eat/drink/ingest chia seeds?

First off they are fun (they swell and take on whatever liquid you soak
them in, tea, juice, etc.) They are high in antioxidants, fiber, omega 3
and 6, and the list goes on.

Nutritional content for Chia seeds: Serving size 1 ounce (28 grams),
Calories: 137 Fat (total) 9 grams, Carbohydrates 12 grams, Fiber 11
grams, Protein 4 Grams


How should I eat/drink/ingest chia seeds?

Soak them in water and add them to dishes to increase the vitamin
content as well as add low calorie bulk (decreases caloric intake weight
loss),
Let them soak up your favorite iced tea and enjoy like a healthy bubble
tea
Add them to cereal, salads, cookies, etc...

Google the possibilities and you will most likely find versions of
Iskiate, a delicious limeade made with chia. The recipe could not be
simpler.

Iskiate
Ingredients
Juice of 1-2 limes
Water
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Sweetener (agave, stevia, sugar, honey, etc.)

Directions:
Mix the water, lime juice, sweetener together to combine, add ice and
chia seeds. Let rest for 5 minutes and enjoy.

p.s. I heard about this from another local food guy Nick at
http://www.macheesmo.com/. Some of his recipes and ideas have really inspired
me. So, check him out and let him know I sent you over.

I will be posting some more ideas soon, so check out my site at
www.cookingwithtrace.com and in the mean time, go eat some seeds!

Trace

Fuel Glorius Fuel!!! and fries...

Breaking down food into fuel is a difficult process. Not physically, your body is quite capable of breaking down food and using the components for fuel, the problem is making sure that you always choose the best type of fuel. 

Technically there are three fuel components to food.

Protein (animal or vegetable), Carbohydrate (complex and simple sugars, fiber) and Fat (animal or vegetable, saturated or unsaturated). 

The body needs all three and is all three are found in nature.

As we look at the food that we find in our local supermarket, we have the responsibility to review what the ingredients are and then we have the problem of determining what food group (Protein, Carb, or Fat) they fall into.

I mean really what the hell is soy lecithin and is it a protein, or a carb? Why do I need it in my food? 

What is the answer? Choose foods that have as few ingredients as possible. How many ingredients are in a potato? One! How many ingredients are in the McDonalds fries? Six! (technically more since the vegetable oil that is added to the fries has three ingredients).

McDonalds French Fries:

1. Potatoes,

2. Vegetable oil (canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, natural beef flavor [wheat and milk derivatives]*,

3. Citric acid [preservative]),

4. Dextrose,

5. Sodium acid pyrophosphate (maintain color),

6. Salt.

Look again, they add vegetable oil to the fries and then they fry them in oil and other chemicals.

Source: http://nutrition.mcdonalds.com/nutritionexchange/ingredientslist.pdf

I love McDonalds fries... not only are they easy and quick but they are extremely tasty. However I think I have reached my lifetime limit on sodium acid pyrophosphate... (I am maintaining my color just fine thank you).

My point is food is complex if you are not sure where the food is coming from, and it is somewhat simple if you make it yourself (don't get me started on GMO, Organic, etc.).

Today's recipe is simple

French fries

1 medium russet potato washed and dried

Olive oil

Salt

The ingredients and the process are simple.

Prick the potato about 10 times on all sides (I use a thin paring knife to peirce all the way through)

Place potato on microwave safe plate and cook for 5 minutes on high.

While the potato is cooling off, heat a skillet with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil, when it is hot, it will shimmer. You do not want it to smoke.

When the potato is cool slice into 3 or 4 lengths, and then cut into fry shape. Add the potatos to the hot oil in a single layer not touching each other. Turn the fries with tongs to ensure golden brown deliciousness has reached all sides. Drain and lightly salt, wait just a few minutes (to cool) and enjoy.

Now go cook something!


Trace
email me at cookingwithtrace@gmail.com with your comments or suggestions!


Image: artemisphoto / FreeDigitalPhotos.net