Asian Inspired Mushroom Soup (Vegetarian / can be Vegan)

I don't usually toot my own horn, but this soup is delicious.  I came up with the recipe last night and made it for Valentine's Day.  My husband raved about it and was disappointed when he discovered he had eaten that last of it.

The Garnish on top are quick fried enoki mushrooms I only did this to be a little "fancy" since it was a special meal.  The soup tastes wonderful without it.

Also the soup that I made is vegetarian, not vegan, because I used butter but, that could easily be substituted with Olive Oil and still taste super yummy

Ingredients

Lots and Lots of Mushrooms.  In this case I used a selection that I found at the Korean Market in my neighborhood.  Not only did they have a great selection, their prices were a fraction of what you would find in specialty markets.  

2 pounds of assorted Wild Mushrooms (cleaned a note on cleaning to follow)

1 package of Enoki Mushrooms (use as garnish)

6 cups of Vegetable Broth

2 Shallots; chopped

2 Tablespoon of Coconut Aminos (tamari or soy sauce as an option)

1/2 Tablespoon of Rice Vinegar

1 Tablespoon Butter or Olive Oil

1 teaspoon of sesame oil

Instructions

Clean Mushrooms*

Set aside 4 cups of mushrooms; sliced

Chop remaining mushrooms

In a large pot Saute onions and Shallot in 1/2 Tablespoon of Butter for 3 minutes.  Add Broth, 1 tablespoon of coconut amines and rice vinegar to pot.

Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer until very tender.  About 30 minutes

In the mean time….

Saute remaining mushrooms in the other 1/2 Tablespoon of butter and sesame oil for  about 2 minutes.

Add the other 1 tablespoon of Coconut aminos to deglaze pan (about 1 minute)

Remove from heat until the Soup is finished cooking

Now back to the soup…

After 30 minutes soup should be ready to blend.  Working in batches puree in a food processor (you could also use a submersible hand blender)

If it seems to thick, add a little water or broth until the desired constancy is achieved

Once all of the soup is blended return to pot and add the sautéed mushroom.

Heat through

As I mentioned above.  If you feel like being fancy you could use a quick fried enoki as garnish

Heat a whole bottle of peanut oil in the narrowest, deepest pan that you have.

Hold a whole bunch of enoki by their base with a set of metal tongs

When oil is really hot, dip the enoki in it for 1 minute

Drain Enoki on a plate layered with paper towels.  Gently pat the top to remove as much oil as possible

Cut the uncooked portion of the mushroom off and place a clump on the top of your soup

Enjoy

I Really Wanna Pee (diuretic) Drink

This is a really great drink when you are feeling bloated with water. Almost all of the ingredients in this drink have a natural diuretic effect and it's simple to make, refrigerate and sip throughout the day.

Ingredients

8 cups of Filtered Water

1 Cup unsweetened Cranberry Juice

Thumb size piece of ginger grated

12 mint leaves muddled (lightly pinch and crumble between your fingers)

1/4 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 cup of fresh juice (I used Apple/Blueberry)

If still not sweet enough add stevia to taste

Instructions

I like to make this after juicing some fruit in the morning. I set aside 1/2 cup to add to this mixture.

Put all ingredients in a pitcher and let sit for at least an hour.

Sip throughout the day :)

Why it Works

Water:  

Although it seems contrary you actually reduce water retention by drinking water.  This is because retaining water is the bodies natural protection against dehydration.

Cranberry Juice:    

Remember hearing the advice to drink cranberry juice for bladder infections…well it's actually true!  There is a compound in cranberries that inhibits the growth of bacteria in the urinary tract.  Along with this beneficial property, it is also a natural diuretic that helps release retained water in the body without depleting the potassium levels.

Apple Cider Vinegar:

The potassium in the Apple cider vinegar is the chief component that aids in the release of retained water.  It does this by countering the sodium accumulation in the body, thus preventing retention.  I really dilute mine because of the acidity and it's effects on tooth enamel, but some proponents of ACV recommend 2 tablespoons to 8 ounces of water.

Ginger:

Contains an anti-inflamatory compound called gingerols.  The gingerols in the rhizome counter the effects of inflammation and water retention.  Because of this it also helps relieve the effects of cramping and arthritis

Mint:

Has long been known as a natural diuretic which is why people drink mint tea when feeling sluggish (bloated).  Be cautious if you have never consumed mint as some people are allergic to it and the reaction can be quite severe.

Enoki Mushrooms (Izakaya style) ~ Vegan / Gluten Free / Soy Free

Izakayas are basically like a tavern or gastropub where people go to drink and eat small plates and "bar foods".  The term Izakaya means (stay sake shop) basically it is a perpetual happy hour where you are encouraged to take your time, hang out with friends and order a little bit at a time.

Since I am a huge fan of mushrooms (I will probably mention this a lot) I decided to use the Enoki Mushrooms that I found at the Korean Market to recreate one of my favorite dishes.

Ingredients

1 Bunch of Enoki Mushrooms

2 teaspoons of Coconut Aminos*

2 teaspoons of rice wine vinegar 

1 Tablespoon of Citrus Ponzu

1 teaspoon of sesame oil

1 tablespoon of butter

 pepper to taste

Furikaki *

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees

Whisk all liquid ingredients in a bowl.

Place mushrooms on a fairly large piece of aluminum foil

Pour liquid mixture over the mushrooms

place two pads of butter on top (tablespoon total)

sprinkle with pepper and fold aluminum oil around the mushrooms, crimping the edges to make a boat like shape (leave a little breathing room at the top)

Place on a baking sheet in the center of your onion and bake for 20 minutes

Remove from oven and place in shallow bowl with liquid sauce

Sprinkle with a little Furikake

**What and why Coconut Aminos:

coconut aminos are made from the tree sap of the coconut tree.  It is an organic sauce that is gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free.  It offers many vitamins and minerals that will not be found in soy sauce.

What is Furikake?

Furikake is a common seasoning in Japanese households.  It is great over steamed rice or Enoki mushrooms, in this case.  If you are vegan do not use this item because it does contain lactose which may be from a milk source.  Traditionally it is made with bonito flakes but, as far as I can tell this brand and type contains no fish

Cream of Mixed Mushroom Soup (Japanese Mushrooms) Vegetarian/Low Carb

I love my trips to the HK Market (Korean) by my house.  They have so many items in their fresh produce department that I have either never seen before or never cooked with before.  The particular market by my house carries a lot of organic, GMO, pesticide free items so it is a great place for me to pick up items at a much lower cost than conventional markets.

Being a gigantic fan of mushrooms, my heart felt like it would explode when I saw the selection that they had to offer.  I bought a lot…

I can't quite decide how I want to prepare this beautiful mix.  Part of me want to taste each one individually and another part of me wants to do a mixed cream of mushroom soup.  I will have to decide tonight.

I did however pull the enoki mushroom because I wanted to come up with a recipe similar to a dish I tried at our local Izakaya.  Here is a link to that recipe:

Izakaya Style Baked Enoki Mushrooms

Liver Cleansing Juice

Brightly colored and packed with antioxidants this combination of fruits and veggies is a great reprieve for your liver after a fun filled weekend.

Ingredients and why they work…

1 carton of organic blue berries 

4 organic carrots 

3 organic beets

1 thumb sized piece of ginger

1 teaspoon of Turmeric mixed with 2 teaspoons of liquid Coconut Oil and a dash of pepper

Juice all of these fruits and vegetables and then add the turmeric/coconut mixture after. 

*I am currently trying to come up with a type of turmeric butter (for lack of a better word) to mix conveniently with my juices.  Turmeric powder alone doesn't have the bioavailability that is does when mixed with an oil and pepper.

Blueberries: A University of Illinois laboratory study showed that many of the active compounds found in blueberries – including anthocyanins – possess the power to help prevent liver cancer in all three phases: initiation, promotion and proliferation.

Carrots: The flavonoids and betacarotene offer significant protection to the liver from damage caused by chemicals and pollutants.  A carrot a day will stimulate the liver and improve overall function.  

Beets:  This ruby red vegetable is one of my favorites.  The phytonutrients, known as betalains, that occur in beets have long been known to have powerful detoxification elements.   Along with a whole host of other health promoting abilities the beet is one of your liver's best friends.  A word of caution….the dark carotenes in Beets will give your urine and poops a dark red tone.  I freaked out the first time I witnessed this and wish I had been warned….so, you've been warned. 

Turmeric:  Turmeric helps boost liver detoxification by helping enzymes that flush out dietary carcinogens.  Curcumin in turmeric is well-known for its cancer-blocking properties it prevents the spread of malignant cells. 

Ginger:  In 2010 a study from the "Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences" showed that the active ingredients in the ginger root significantly improved liver functions when used daily.  It can also protect against the development of liver fibrosis. Ginger helps prevent and treat fatty liver by reducing oxidative stress in the liver. Simultaneously, ginger lowers insulin resistance, preventing inflammation, and distanced from the factors that cause a fatty liver.

Apples: I personally love to eat apples whole because of the fiber content which is lost during juicing but, even juiced the apple adds more than just amazing flavor to your diet. Apples provide and excellent source of pectin which is a fiber than binds with toxins and aids the body in the excretion process.   

Coconut Oil: So there are a few reasons that I like to add coconut oil to my juices.  I have found so many benefits associated with coconut oil, that at some point I would like to do an entire post on this alone.  But, for now I will keep it short.  Turmeric is considered a "Wonder Spice" because of all of the health benefits associated to it, however, the powder alone is not bioavailable unless mixed with a fat.  You could use the roots, but I have discovered they make such a mess when I press them.  

The MCT (Medium Chain Triglycerides) have long been used for treating absorption disorders, including liver disease.  Unlike other fatty acids, the MCTs in coconut oil go straight from the intestines to the liver.  Because of this they are burned immediately as fuel and can help the liver function more efficiently.  

Blackened Chicken over Spaghetti Squash with Chipotle Cream Sauce (Low Carb)

So I am really trying to watch my carb intake (mostly cutting out the "bad" processed carbs) so I thought I would create a creamy recipe that would taste amazing over pasta and serve it over spaghetti squash instead.

1 cup of whole wheat pasta = 37 grams net carbs

1 cup cooked regular spaghetti = 40 grams carbs

1 cup cooked spaghetti squash = 10 grams carbs

Along with the low carb count, spaghetti squash has tons of fiber, which will keep you feeling full longer (and keep you regular) and a host of vitamins and nutrients that you will never find in processed pastas.

Ingredients for the Sauce

3 Tablespoons Butter

1/2 onion chopped

1 cup peppers chopped (bell or mini peppers)

1 Can Rotel brand tomatoes and chilies

2 Cups of Half and Half

1 Cup Sour Cream

3 or 4 canned chipotle peppers - chopped

2 - 3 tablespoons of adobo sauce (that's what your chipotles are soaking in)

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions for the Sauce

If you are going to serve this with the blackened chicken, turn your oven on two 350 degrees before you start preparation 

Heat butter over medium heat.  Add onion and peppers and sauté until soft about 5 minutes.

Add chopped chipotle chills, adobo sauce, half and half and sour cream.

Add salt to taste

Heat until warmed through then remove from heat and add chopped cilantro

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Ingredients for the Blackened Chicken

1 pound of boneless chicken breasts (thin cut)

1 teaspoon of Paprika

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

1/2 teaspoon of Cumin

1/2 teaspoon of Turmeric

1/4 teaspoon of Black Pepper

1 teaspoon of Onion Powder

Instructions for the Blackened Chicken

Heat Oven to 350 degrees

Lightly grease a cookie sheet with olive oil

Heat a Cast Iron or Stainless Steal pan on stove until very hot (DO NOT!!!  I repeat….DO NOT use a non-stick pan ~ When heated alone they release toxins that can actually kill pet birds)

Mix all spices in a shallow bowl

Coat Chicken breasts in spices then add to hot pan

Cook about 3 minutes per side until you see it blackening

Move to cookie sheet in place in oven; cook an additional 4 minutes per side

Remove from oven and place on chopping board.  Slice chicken into strips (check for doneness at this point - no pink)


At this point you can either serve the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta or over spaghetti sauce as I did.  garnish with a couple sprigs of cilantro and lime wedges.  Enjoy!

Medicine Chest of Spices

Herbs and spices add more to your life than just intense aromas and flavors to your food, they are packed with health benefits too.

I keep these spices separate from the rest of mine because I use them nearly every day

I bought this convenient tin at Cost Plus World Market for $9.99 ~ quite a value

So whats so special about this mix of spices…

TURMERIC

The National Institutes of Health lists 24 current studies on the effects of turmeric (and there are many others to back these).  The chief component in Turmeric is curcumin which has a positive effect on many functions in the human body

*  It delays liver damage which could eventually lead to cirrhosis and is especially good as a supplant   for drinkers

*  If you eat meat it has been shown to reduce the levels of carcinogenic compounds that are formed when meats are barbecued, broiled or fried.

*  Studies on rats and mice have shown that curcumin inhibits the growth of several deferent cancers including melanoma and slows down the metastasis of breast cancer into the lungs

*  In some early studies it has been shown to enhance the beneficial effects of chemotherapy by making the cancerous cels more vulnerable to treatment

*  It helps in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease by blocking the formation of beta-amyloid, a sticky protein that causes the cell and tissue loss which is seen in the brains of Alzheimer's patients.  It also reduces the inflammation of neural tissues associated with this illness

*  It reduces the amount of inflammation in the body so it helps with people who suffer from arthritis and other joint disorders

*  It improves circulation and minimizes blood clots

*  It aids in weight loss by reversing insulin resistance, hyperglycemia and other inflammatory symptoms associated with obesity and metabolic disorders

*  Used topically it can help heal many types of skin diseases including acne, ringworm and many other viral, fungal and bacterial infections

and these are just a few.  The internet is filled with page upon page of studies related to this miracle spice.

GINGER

Ginger is a rhizome of the plant Zingiber official  a member of the same plant family as turmeric, cardamom and galangal.  A list of health benefits for this super star are…

*  As an aid in weight loss, ginger dulls the appetite and causes more action with the digestive liquids in the stomach

*  It is an anti-inflammatory and can help with a variety of joint issues

* It aids in the recovery of sinus issues

* Helps with nausea and is a safe alternative for pregnant women

*  Brings relief to people suffering from cramps

*  Studies have shown that ginger may reduce protein levels in urine which prevents kidney damage in diabetics and may also increase circulation, thin the blood and lower cholesterol and blood pressure

* The root works as an antihistamine and a decongestant and is a beneficial supplement for those suffering from allergies and colds

*  A study published in the journal of Osteoarthritis found that patients given ginger experienced significantly less pain than those given a placebo

SAGE

I have used sage since before I new it was good for you.  I love the earthy flavor and put it into a variety of foods especially soups, stuffings and stews.  It is an herb native to the Mediterranean region of the world and is part of the same family as oregano, lavender, rosemary, thyme and basil.  It has many of the same benefits of the herbs listed above  and is a rich antioxidant.  Studies have shown that it aids with the following:

*  Treating Alzheimer's disease

*  Preventing and aiding in the treatment of depression

*  Improving memory

* Anti Inflammatory

* Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic patients

* Lowering the painful effects of periods

* Treatment of stomach ailments including cramps, diarrhea and indigestion

* Reduction in excessive sweating 

CINNAMON (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum)

Cinnamom is one of the first trade spices of the ancient World and is referenced many times in Biblical text.  It is the bark and twigs of a number of related plants that the fragrant oil is distilled from.  People with liver issues should be careful about the amount of cinnamon they consume.  The health benefits include:

*  Improvement of glucose and lipid levels in diabetic patients

*  It contains properties that can inhibit the development of Alzheimer's disease

*  Some studies have shown that Cinnamomum cassia (bark) and Cardiospermum helicacabum (shoot and fruit) may prove to aid in the treatment of HIV

* It has been shown to help patients suffering from multiple sclerosis by halting the degenerative diseases effects

*Weight loss aid (yippee) researches at Penn State revealed that diets rich in cinnamon can help reduce the body's negative responses to eating high-fat meals and by controlling blood sugar

*  It can lower the levels of Candida in the body for those suffering with yeast infections

* If you have a stomach flu cinnamon tea is a great thing to sip on.  

*  People suffering from Irritable Bowl Sydrome (IBS) should consider this spice for it's ability to reduce bloating which it does by killing bacteria in the GI tract

*  It is a powerful Anti-oxidant

* can be used as an anti- fungal topically (works great on athlete's foot)

* Aids in memory and cognitive development

* Helps alleviate the symptoms of depression and is a mood enhancer

* Relieves many of the symptoms associated with PMS

* Kills E-coli Fighter / Salmonella and is a great natural alternative cleaner in the kitchen.  Mix cinnamon oil with hydrogen peroxide and use to clean your cutting boards and counter tops

CAYENNE PEPPER

The active ingredient in cayenne pepper is capsaicin, which is what makes it nice and spicy.  It has been used for culinary and medicinal treatment for centuries all over the World.   The pepper is loaded with a variety of vitamins and minerals and offers health benefits when ingested and used topically.  Some of these benefits include…

*  It has been shown to remove the plaque in the arteries of heart attack victims and improves blood circulation by thinning the bloods and removing toxins

*  It helps stabilize blood pressure levels

*  Regular use of capsaicin has been shown to lower cholesterol levels (The bad kind LDL)

*  Studies have shown that cayenne pepper can help kill cancer cells in people suffering from leukemia, lung, pancreas and prostate cancers

*  It helps reduce arthritic pain by targeting the nerves and pain receptors

Please be aware that I am not a health care professional and only report things that I have read in various online publications or magazines.  I find this interesting and hope you will too but, please consult a physician before using any of these ingredients for medicinal reasons