Cool Kitchens

"If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen."  Good words to live by, Harry.

Warmer weather is coming back and, when it does, grab your dinner protein and veggies and head for the grill. 

Not a 'grill person'?  Dust off your crockpot. Your kitchen stays cool; you get to eat.  What's better than that?! 

Or cook a few entrées while it's cooler, freeze, then microwave to reheat when the weather turns warmer. 

Whichever method you choose, you'll be eating well and staying cool!

 

All my best,

 

Evelyn

www.TheEasyEntree.com

How to Grill Vegetables

It's too hot to cook inside so you head for the grill with your Easy Entree. Complete your meal by grilling some vegetables.  It's surprisingly simple and oh so tasty.  You and your kitchen remain cool as a cucumber.

Speaking of cucumbers, they don't grill well.  Actually, any vegetable with a high water content doesn't do well - celery and leafy greens included.

Focus on red and green peppers, onion wedges, asparagus (have you seen the beauties in the store?!), corn on the cob, portabello mushrooms, and eggplant if you're feeling adventurous.

1. Clean the grill.
2. Wash the veggies.
3. Cut into chunks or wide strips or whatever makes them easy to work with. You may want to use a grill pan or skewers so the vegetables don't fall through the grates on your grill.
4. Brush them with a nice olive oil.
5. Sprinkle with some herbs or spices if you wish, even if it's just Kosher salt and coarse-grind black pepper.
6. Grill 2 - 3 minutes per side or until they are done to your preference.

While you're cooking outside, make dinner special by throwing a blanket on the grass under a tree and gathering the family for a picnic in the backyard.  It's amazing how much cooler it is in the grass.  And your family will enjoy seeing your inner child appear unexpectedly.

 

All my best,

 

Evelyn Turner

www.TheEasyEntree.com

Introduce Your Kids to New Flavors

One day your child will try any new food and the next day they won't eat anything that doesn't come in a blue box.

You're not alone. According to Naomi Kakiuchi, Founder of NuCulinary Cooking School in Seattle, kids over five become your typical 'picky eater'. 

It's not always about the taste of the food but a power play between the two of you. And guess who often wins? Yep.  Now you're cooking a limited list of foods that your child will eat.

You can encourage your child to branch out with these quick ideas:

Spend time in the produce section and have them choose vegetables for the next few dinners.  For the younger ones, give them a choice between two vegetables.  If your child is curious about brussel sprouts or pomegranates, buy just a few to try. 

Get them involved in preparing dinner.  If they are part of the process, studies continue to show that they are more likely to eat what they help prepare. 

Of course, that takes time and makes a mess in your kitchen but it can be quality time with a long-term payoff.

 

Evelyn Turner

www.TheEasyEntree.com

Top 10 Most Nutritious Veggies

If you're going to make the effort and spend the money on vegetables, you might as well choose those with the biggest nutritional bang for your buck right?  www.bellaonline.com has her list of Top Ten and I have to agree!  Of course, I had to put in my two cents in the brackets.

1. [Dark] Green leafy vegetables, such as kale, chard, collard greens, spinach, parsley and dark green and red leaf lettuce are high in carotenoids and best eaten raw in salads, on healthy sandwiches, lightly steamed or in nutritious soups.
2. Broccoli is good steamed, raw (as a snack or in salads) and cooked in soups, stir-fries and other dishes. Both the green flower heads and stalks are nutritious.
3. Brussels sprouts are best quickly steamed to preserve nutritional values and avoid releasing sulfur smells caused by excess cooking.
4. Cauliflower, because of its bland flavor, can be eaten as a raw snack or added inconspicuously to dishes like soups and chili to boost nutritional values.
5. Red and Green Sweet Peppers are great in salads and healthy stir-fries. [And since we eat with our eyes, the deep colors make everything look more appealing.]
6. Garlic and Onions are most nutritious eaten raw in salads or healthy dips. But they also make great flavorings for just about any cooked dish.  [If you're looking to keep flavor without using a lot of fat or salt, this is an easy way to do it.]
7. Sweet Potatoes are delicious when baked and eaten plain (without butter). They can also be used in soups and stir-fries.  [Beats a white baked potato hands-down in so many ways.]
8. Tomatoes (actually fruit) are good in salads and on sandwiches. Cherry tomatoes make great raw snacks. And pasta sauce is a good source of tomato nutrients.
9. Green Peas are best eaten raw (especially snow peas) or lightly steamed. Add fresh peas to salads (including chicken and pasta salad), soups and stir-fries. [Edamame isn't a pea but can serve the same function and is so good for you.]
10. Carrots are sweet, high in carotenoids and super when grated into any kind of salad. Baby carrots also make good raw snacks.

All my best,

Evelyn Turner

www.TheEasyEntree.com

Ziploc Bags are Recyclable!

Great news!  I spoke with Northwest Recycling in Bellingham, Washington this Monday and they confirmed that Ziploc bags are recyclable!  

"Should they be rinsed?"  Yes, it will help keep odors down.  “How do I recycle them?" Put them in your curbside recycling just as you do other plastics.

How easy is that?!  A big thank you to www.DandelionOrganic.com for tipping me off to this opportunity.

Here at The Easy Entree, we also minimize packaging waste by buying in large quantities.  For example, I buy chicken in 40 pound boxes.  Each box means 40 pounds of chicken that don't need styrofoam trays, white absorption pads, or shrink wrap that is considered necessary for consumers when they are buying in smaller quantities at the grocery store.  One large can of ketchup doesn't have the same environmental impact that six plastic ketchup bottles have, and so on.

By being able to recycle Ziploc bags, we have one more opportunity to minimize our impact on the environment.

 

Evelyn Turner

www.TheEasyEntree.com

The Top 8 Food Allergens

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration now requires food manufacturers to list any of the top 8 allergens that are contained in their products. 

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts)
• Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder)
• Shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp)
• Soy
• Wheat

With the apparent rise in food allergies, it's of some comfort to people with those food allergies to have that requirement.  However, the label requirement only applies to ingredients put in the product itself. 

Cross-contamination can happen during the manufacturing process.  For example, a wheat-free product may be produced using the same equipment as a product containing wheat, which means there could be some wheat in the 'wheat-free' product.  Some manufacturers will put the warning on the label that equipment has been shared but, at this point, that is voluntary.

If you have a significant reaction to any of these allergens, it is best to contact the manufacturer directly. Have the product packaging with you during the call.  The bar code is often essential to making sure you and the employee are talking about the same product. 

Listen closely to the person you reach.  Do they really understand the allergy and the importance of a correct answer?  Do they talk the language?  Do they refer to a database of allergen info on their computer or appear to be guessing? "I don't think we use wheat in any of our products." is a big, red flag.

The FDA has issued standards for foods to be labeled 'gluten-free' but that labeling is currently voluntary.   Even if wheat is not listed as an allergen, the product may still contain gluten from barley, rye, or oats unless it is clearly marked 'gluten-free'.

Here at The Easy Entree, we list the major ingredients in each entree.  Go to www.TheEasyEntree.com.  Click on "Entrees" and then the link "Ingredients".  Of course, that's the first step.  Call me and we can continue the discussion.

All my best,

Evelyn

734-5502

www.TheEasyEntree.com

 

Growing Your Business the Obama Way!

GROWING Your Business Using Other People's Money!

(Getting in on the Obama Stimulus for Small Businesses)

FREE BUSINESS MIXER: Wednesday April 8, 5-7pm 

Local folks who have viable businesses needing growth capital to expand your business, buy or build a business, or just improve your operation need apply! You will walk away with a kit and a solid grounding on how to approach your lender and get the money you so richly deserve. Tap into the Stimulus Plan via Small Business Association, Private Investors and Regional Banks who are committed to the spirit of local entrepreneurship.

Regular mixers will be announced. Ideas will be exchanged, investors will be on hand to answer questions. For more information, call Loannetter: 360 647 8822

Non alcoholic beverages offered   

http://biznik.com/members/susan-templeton/events/growing-your-business-using-other-peoples-money-getting-in-on-the-obama-stimulus-for-small-businesses 

 

OK, to find out where this happening is happening you have to join biznik first...what a GREAT idea! CLICK now and and check out the amazing social and I mean social network coming to a town or coffee shop near you!

 

 

 

The Balancing Act

So your work is crazy busy, the kids have homework and afterschool activities, and your parents wonder why they don't hear from you more often. It's been a long winter.

Some tips to help you cope

 

●  Set realistic goals.  You can't do it all so prioritize what is important to you.

●  Get/accept help.  Maybe the kids won't fold the clothes the way you prefer but it's better than having them piled up on top of the dryer.  If you can afford it, hire help. 

●  Take care of yourself.  Lots of fruits and veggies and water, adequate sleep, a walk at lunchtime with a coworker or after dinner with the family - all go a long way towards your health and sanity.

●  Find some time for yourself.  I know, I know.  It's the seemingly impossible task.  Set aside some time to journal, for a regular massage, to read a chapter in your current book or to do something that causes you to take a deep breath or a sign of relief.  Taking care of yourself means you can take better care of your loved ones.

 

Evelyn Turner, owner

The Easy Entrée

 

www.TheEasyEntree.com

How we all contributed to create our Credit Crisis!

Crisis of Credit-Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0zEXdDO5JU

Crisis of Credit-Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhDkZjKBEw&feature=related

These two YouTube videos are very well illustrate how Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan's lowering of the Treasury rate to 1% (to strengthen our economy post the dot.com bust and 911) caused a run on cheap money by the banks, eager to lend for a higher profit margin. Investors who wanted more than the 1% Treasury Rate of return created complex Credit Derivatives. The resulting demand for these high profit instruments led to the creation of easier mortgages, generating higher risk, and voila: our housing bubble was born, which in turn has frozen our financial system. We did this to ourselves, folks.

Within these clever exposes, no answers are offered. While I don't care how the illustration lumps mortgage brokers as the only purveyors of these loans (Countrywide and Washington Mutual invented the most egregious of these loans and sold in their own retail operations) the facts are clear that the instruments were created to meet demand for high profits based on a shell game. These animated charts are easy to understand, if painfully obvious. The end game is stopping the madness and greed. Unfortunately the pain of unwinding these complex games are impacting many small time investors in hedge funds, bank stocks and retirement accounts. We have yet to see the full effects once all these ticking time bombs go off.

What can we do? As entrepreneurs, we are the backbone, the creative first responders who can quickly adapt to meet the needs created by the consequences created on Wall Street. Meeting real needs creatively is a great long term investment in yourself, your business and our region. What are you doing about growing your business to meet new 'needs gaps'?

Does Alcohol Evaporate Completely When Cooking?

I’ve always heard that any alcohol added to a recipe would evaporate once it was cooked.  Makes sense, right?  Wrong.

Alcohol evaporates more quickly than water but there may be some left even after extended cooking according to the USDA.

If the dish is baked or simmered, here is how much alcohol is left.

15 minutes 40%

30 minutes 35%

1 hour 25%

1 1/2 hours 20%

2 hours 10%

2 1/2 hours 5%.

Obviously, you won’t get tipsy from alcohol in a cooked dish but if you want to avoid all alcohol for whatever reason, remember that some alcohol will remain even after cooking for several hours.

Evelyn Turner, owner

The Easy Entrée

www.TheEasyEntree.com

Mortgage Fraud: Who are the really Bad Dudes?

There are some advantages to being 100 miles from Seattle. I seldom see their newspapers!

 

Recently, a friend dropped by a front page Seattle Times article she found on MORTGAGE FRAUD, an expose about a Bellevue loan officer guilty of a huge housing scam who was recently sentenced to 7 years in prison. While his jailing is great news, I object to how 'loan originators' in this article are misrepresented.

 

Their colorful half page graphic names "loan originators/mortgage brokers" as the culprits in this scam. The term 'loan originator' happens to be the legal definition of a licensed employee of a broker, like myself. Chris Brooks, the perpetrator of this particular scam, worked as an unlicensed loan officer of a mortgage BANK.  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008793819_webbrooks27m.html

 

What amazed me about the article is that his bank (American Mortgage) is barely mentioned leaving one to assume what they will.

 

I took the liberty of posting my concerns on Active Rain, a Real Estate social network followed by some 137,762 members of the Real Estate Industry across the nation. Here is a link: http://activerain.com/blogsview/966935/Is-It-True-Loan-Officers-HAVE-MORE-FUN

 

Mortgage Brokers applaud a higher national standard that holds all parties accountable for their deeds, but in so doing, does not malign the innocent. I have asked the Times to retract and clarify on behalf of honest mortgage brokers. Stay tuned on that!

Green Real Estate - What does it mean?

Green real estate – What does it mean to be a green real estate company with Eco Broker Designated agents?  Green real estate agents are trained in understanding the features and benefits of green homes and know how to effectively promote and market properties with these elements.  Eco Brokers (www.ecobroker.com) will promote the green features of the home such as energy efficient radiant floor heating, on demand water heat, passive solar design, energy efficient windows or Energy Star appliances.  Selling the added value of these features will set the home apart from the competition and as a result sell for a higher price and in faster amount of time.  Buyers that work with Eco Brokers benefit by saving money and learning how living more comfortably.  Eco Brokers know energy efficiency and can share cost–saving ideas and provide the resources to “green” a home.  They can also help with improving indoor environment by addressing indoor air quality, ventilation, radon testing, voc paints and water testing.  Eco Brokers are concerned about building healthier communities for you, your family and the planet. 

 

 

 

 

Joe Laudenbach

Realtor, ABR, CRS

Sterling Real Estate Group

360-393-2075 cell

360-756-2475 fax

www.JoeLaudenbach.com

www.BellinghamHomeDeals.com

 

 

!

 

Pack a Nice Lunch

Here are a few ideas to help you pack a nice lunch for the kids, your sweetie, and yourself.

Make it fun! Who enjoys opening up the same sack lunch each day to find the same sandwich, carrot stocks, and apple. Mix it up a bit.

Cut the sandwich on the diagonal. Or use pita bread or tortillas for a change. Make Ants on a Log with celery, peanut butter, and raisins. Pack star fruit or pluots (a fabulous hybrid fruit of plums and apricots) instead of apples or bananas. Include both carrot sticks and sugar snap peas. Given a choice, they might actually eat one or the other!

For the adults in your household, pack leftovers in a microwavable container for a hot meal that beats a cold sandwich any day.

Tuck a personal not inside to let them know you’re thinking of them. You can make a week’s worth of notes at a time and hide them in the kitchen drawer so you don’t have to be creative before your first cup of coffee each morning. Simply pull one out and add to the lunch.

Remember it’s often the little things we do in life that mean the most to our loved ones.

All my best,

Evelyn Turner, owner

The Easy Entrée

http://www.theeasyentree.com/

Choices for furniture finishes

Recently Ellen asked about 'finishing" furniture and green choices. This area of furniture is definitely "emerging green". By that I mean that there are no hard and fast "green" answers. More research and development has to be done.

Some small furniture makers use an oil/wax emollient. The down side of this is that the wood is not really protected from moisture (glass rings) and not hard enough that hot sunlight doesn't soften the finish. Eliminating poly-urethanes and nitrocellulose lacquers as non-"green" leaves you with pre catalyzed lacquers and varnishes and the water based lacquers.

The general "Green" think out there prefers the water based lacquers (due to low VOC with little off gassing) but they have some inherent problems that need to be addressed before they are universally accepted. They dry very hard quickly and are tough but they can scratch and if that happens they cannot be touched up but need to be stripped off with nasty chemicals and the finish re applied. They tend to "blush" (a pinky/purple color) on certain types of wood and with cooler or moister weather/shop conditions. Also they are thinner and can run easier on vertical surfaces causing "sags" in the finish.

The pre catalyzed varnishes and lacquers have low VOC with some temporary off gassing. They can be tough but if a scratch happens they can be fixed because the touch up will meld into the original layers of finish. They don't have the "blushing" problem. These are frequently the choice of many professionals.

Holly Barbo

Barbo Furniture

Bellingham, WA 

www.barbofurniture.com

Will we see new trends in real estate?

Over a decade ago people thought that the new trend in real estate would be baby boomers, who were close to retirement, would downsize and build smaller but high quality homes. As I look back over the last decade it seems as though the actual trend was to the contrary and that baby boomers were actually building bigger homes – retiring or not. The term "Mc Mansion" was commonly heard. During the last decade baby boomers were also using the equity of their highly appreciated primary residence and buying second homes.

Today we have a different picture. The current economic environment has impacted not just one element of our lives, but several. The most notable being higher gas prices and a significant drop in both our monetary investments as well as our real estate. I believe the severity of the current economic conditions will result in new trends in the way we live. In the same breath, I also believe that since the definition of "home" is different for every person, all styles of homes will continue to be necessary in order to meet everyone's needs.

With that said, I believe the following trends are very probable:

1. Retiring baby boomers will downsize and in the process will determine what aspects of a home are truly important to them. I.e. An office for two people and master bedrooms on the main floor.

2. With the very high cost of long-term care facilities, I won't be surprised if we see more parents moving in with children and, therefore, see more homes and condominiums being built with two master suites.

3. Retirees may own two homes, but both homes will be on a smaller scale.

4. Condominiums in urban areas will be in demand not just for the younger generation, but also for retirees. Many retirees are very busy and they are more interested in volunteering, traveling, etc. and less interested in taking care of a lawn and garden.

5. The demand for "green" building will slowly increase as the cost/benefit gap improves.

6. Urban areas will be in more demand as all generations will seek the convenience and efficiency of urban neighborhoods.

7. City parks within the urban neighborhoods will be important for all generations especially for families with children.

The good news about real estate is that we all need a place to live and we are fortunate to have the freedom to choose a home that meets our individual priorities.

Lin J. Nelson

STERLING REAL ESTATE GROUP
2620 N. Harbor Loop, Suite 17
Bellingham, WA 98225

360-961-0408
lin.sterling@comcast.net

Not All Fruit Juices Are Created Equal

Soda or fruit juice?  Most of us know we should reach for the fruit juice but which one?  Turns out not all of them are created equal.

Health magazine reports that a UCLA study has ranked the top 10 fruit juices based on their levels of disease-fighting antioxidants.

1. Pomegranate juice
2. Red wine
3. Concord grape juice
4. Blueberry juice
5. Black cherry juice
6. Açaí juice
7. Cranberry juice
8. Orange juice
9. Tea
10. Apple juice

So when the urge hits to grab a soda, turn to one of these juices instead.  You'll be more satisfied and give your body something good for it.  Of course, no single food is the answer to health.  Be sure to watch the natural sugars in these juices and don't skimp on water. 

Evelyn Turner, owner

The Easy Entrée

 

www.TheEasyEntree.com

 

Listing in a Home Improvement Guide

Hi Annette
If Allstate Insurance is interested in listing in the Home Improvement Resource Guide you will be in good company as many other businesses see the value of listing in a co-op publication which gives your business much more exposure than providing information on your own. Listing in this guide automatically puts Allstate on a website where you will find all kinds of businesses available to help people live in a more comfortable and efficient way. There are also tips available online so people can discover why improving one's home is a great way to invest your money while enjoying the investment by living in it. We are here to show your business in the best light possible. Free distribution though out the North Puget Sound area guarantees that homeowners will pick it up by their own choice and may subscribe if interested. We appreciate your interest in this product and welcome your comments.
Ellen Clark, listings director

Specialty Salts

That blue box of Morton salt in your cupboard may be getting some company.  Specialty salts are all the buzz.

Kosher salt is the most commonly known, additive-free and coarse-grained with a flaky texture that melts more easily and is less dense than table salt. 

Hawaiian salt has a natural red clay mineral rich in iron oxide to give the salt added beneficial trace elements.  The iron oxide gives Hawaiian salt its distinctive pink color. 

Smoked salt has been smoked with specialty woods such as alder.  Lower grade salts just have artificially smoked flavoring added.  Use on meats, fish, or vegetables. 

Experiment with different specialty salts.  They'll add interest to your meals and provide a great conversation starter at your next dinner party. 

 

All my best,

 

Evelyn Turner, owner

The Easy Entrée

www.TheEasyEntree.com

 

The sustainability of wood

I love the feel and look of wood. Considering all the aspects of sustainability, what is the best wood to choose in the northwest and how is the best way to have it finished.

Ellen Clark

360-927-6743

http://www.homeimprovementmag.com/

Loannetter on Cara Community Financial BLOG

OBAMA Rescue Plan Thread: I recently shared my observations on the state of mortgage brokering with Bill Cara, a top commentator on the global banking and financial system. My letter was published today on his site sparking a discussion among this circle.

http://caracommunity.com/content/president-speaks-well-he-listening 

Members of this community may find this blog relevant to your own investment perspective. I have been following Cara, a noted Canadian trader, now based in the Bahamas, for about a year. He wrote a book titled Lessons from the Trader Wizard as a guide to trading in equity markets. Enjoy his generous perspective! Thanks for supporting your local mortgage broker. Loannetter  http://www.loannetter.com

 

 

 

Facebook backs down on selling user information

Over the past few days many friends and business associates have asked me about the current controversy surrounding Facebook's changes to it's privacy policy that gave Facebook a popular social networking site with 175 million users perpetual ownership of user information presumably to be used as a profit making gold mine of data to be sold to marketers now and in the future.

 

Facebook users and consumer groups revolted in a powerful and effective way. Today, Wednesday February 18 in the heat of intense consumer pressure Facebook made an about face and has agreed to change it's intended policy to sell user information. Here are two very good links that will explain the issue. Read the top link first.

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/technology/internet/17facebook.html?em

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/19/technology/internet/19facebook.html?_r=1

 

John Sedgwick

Vantage21st

Internet Marketing - Online Video Marketing
Great Websites by Design

 

http://www.vantage21st.com

john@vantage21st.com

Where is "away"?

We all throw stuff away. But I would like to ask you: Where is "away"? Most of us don't think about it at all. We throw it in the trash and the garbage man picks it up . Believe me it is not an alternate dimensional universe like in the comic books I read as a child. "Away" is a land fill. What goes in a landfill just decomposes. A portion of it leaches into our ground water and off-gasses into our air. This is becoming quite an issue.
Part of the problem is our buying habits. When we impulse buy we often purchase without looking for quality. It is "cute" and the price is good, or better yet, it is on SALE! So we get it. We don't ask questions or examine the piece for flaws and weaknesses. Then when it doesn't hold up, or it doesn't fit right or it shrinks we throw it away. We do it with everything from clothing to furniture. In the United States, roughly 3 million, 3 hundred thousand sofas end up in a land fill every year. That doesn't count the cabinets, chairs and other stuff that are decomposing right along side! Experts are now saying that our buying practices must and will change. We need to buy the best durable goods that we can afford, that will become classics and be with us over the years. It is a more economical practice and better for our environment.

Holly Barbo
Barbo Furniture
Bellingham, WA
www.barbofurniture.com

The scent of home

A light and pleasing scent can go a long way in affecting mood in your home. It helps put people at ease and makes your home more comfortable and inviting. The smell of fresh baked cookies can help sell a home as it increases the comfort level and stirs fond memories. A clean home is the base point but people go many directions beyond that. Plug-ins, incense, scented candles and diffusers are the most common. I prefer to keep the scent light and not use energy doing it. So I eliminate the first two. Since I like natural things I am picky with the last two.

Many candles are petroleum/paraffin based and actually increase the pollutants inside your home. I recommend 100% beeswax candles. They drip less and burn slower because the wax melts at a higher temperature than other candles. But they also give off negative ions as they burn which bond with the pollutants in the air, making them heavy so they actually clean the air in your home. They smell great also!

If diffusers are your preference then make sure you get those which have pure ingredients. There are many out on the market which have preservatives to prolong the shelf life. Those diffusers can give you or your guests headaches. That isn't very welcoming. Again choose a light scent as many people can react adversely to a stronger scent.
Enjoy your scent quest. It will enhance your home and possibly the relationships therein.

Holly Barbo
Barbo Furniture
Bellingham, WA
www.barbofurniture.com

Adding 3 Foods to Boost Your Health

Adding these 3 foods to your diet is an easy way to boost the health of you and your family, according to Dr. Jonny Bowden of MensHealth. Ladies, keep reading. They're good for you, too.

Cabbage. Grab a head of cabbage instead of lettuce. We've known for a long time that cruciferous vegetables offer powerful nutrients that boost your cancer-fighting enzymes with very few calories. Put cabbage on your burger or sandwich as a crunchy alternative to that bland iceberg lettuce. .

Tomatoes. Vindicated in the recent food safety outbreak, tomatoes can take their rightful place at the top of your healthy food grocery list. They also have been found to help avoid sunburn and wrinkles. A study at the University of Manchester found that people were a third more protected against sunlight and had positive effects on their skin appearance. The antioxidant, lycopene, is thought to protect against the effect of free radicals on the skin and DNA.

Cinnamon. One of my favorite spices so I'm happy to hear it's so good for us. The main benefit is in controlling blood sugar. The USDA researchers found that people with type-2 diabetes who consumed 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon each day for 6 weeks significantly reduced not only their blood sugar but also their triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol. Sprinkle it liberally on your lattes or oatmeal.

Evelyn Turner, owner

The Easy Entree

http://www.TheEasyEntree.com

Umami - The Fifth Taste

 We can all identify sweet, sour, salty, and bitter tastes without much trouble.  Mention lemons or caramels and you immediately know which is which.

What we’re learning now is that there is a fifth taste – umami.  A chemistry professor in Tokyo first discovered that our taste buds are capable of discerning umami.  Loosely translated, it means ‘delicious essence’ and can be identified as a savory or meaty taste.  Think aged cheese, mushrooms, prosciutto, soy sauce, and vine-ripened tomatoes.

Evelyn Turner, entrepreneur

The Easy Entrée

www.TheEasyEntree.com

 

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Delight your family and friends with this delicious chocolate treat.

Ingredients
1 quart of strawberries
1 package of semi sweet chocolate chips

Preparation tools
1 large 8 to 10 inch diameter sauce pan*
1 large stainless steel mixing bowl*
1 box of toothpicks
2 cookie sheets
Wax Paper
*(You may use a double boiler in place of the sauce pan and mixing bowl)

Procedure

1. Wash strawberries, remove stems. To remove water, roll berries on a towel.
2. Place berries on a rack to dry. Berries must be TOTALLY dry before you dip them in chocolate. If they are wet, the chocolate will become grainy.
3. Stick a toothpick (dipping handle) into the top of each strawberry.
4. Cover cookie sheet, plate or other tray with wax paper.
5. Fill sauce pan with an inch or two of water.
6. Place the stainless steel mixing bowl on top of the sauce pan, let it settle down into the pan. The bottom of the bowl must NOT touch the water.
7. Leave one inch of clearance between the water and the bottom of the bowl.
8. Bring the water to a boil and turn the heat down so the water simmers.
9. Put the chocolate chips into the bowl.
10. When the chocolate begins to melt stir it until it is all melted.
11. Pick up each strawberry with the toothpick handle.
12. Roll strawberry in melted chocolate until the berry is covered.
13. Place chocolate covered berries on wax paper to harden.
14. To hasten hardening put berries in the refrigerator.

Posted by John Sedgwick

Be Aware of the Green Dragon

I have been to China. I have seen the acres of greenhouses, the high rises and the desperate childless couples as a solution of overpopulation. I have also seen the Buddhist temples where hugs are freely given to strangers and factories where jobs are given to children. In America we think this is abusive, maybe it is but these people work harder than anyone else on the planet and they see the green market as an opportunity to cure a problem and keep their family healthy while also becoming a respected global partner. We have been sending them our used electronics long enough to realize they may have something that we haven't considered.

With our labor unions and competitive wage structures are we losing sight of reality? Does it take an economic tidal wave to wake us up? If we propose to be the knight in shinning armor protecting our precious independence it is certainly time to think in less smog, become aware of the boiling frog, and don't wait until next year, next month or tomorrow to go green. Every decision counts.

Ellen Clark, Home Improvement

The Art of Tasting Chocolate

Who knew?!  There's an art to tasting chocolate.  We're talking about the chocolate that's designed to give you an experience rather than a quick snack.  Good chocolate is like good wine.  If you savor it with both smell and taste, you'll enjoy it even more.

So how do we determine which of the specialty chocolate companies make the best chocolate?  Well, there's only one way to find out.  Let the tasting begin!

1.  Clear your palate. 
2.  Place the chocolate in your hands and smell the aroma.
3.  Take a normal bite and let it slowly melt on your tongue.  What is the texture? Smooth or grainy?  What is the taste? Sweet or bitter?  Is there an aftertaste?
4. Clear your palate and begin again with your next piece of chocolate.

Indulge yourself and keep some individually wrapped dark chocolates handy.  It's a small piece of enjoyment that, in moderation, is good for you, too.

 

All my best,

 

Evelyn Turner

 

www.TheEasyEntree.com

Pancakes Like My Dad Used to Make

Food can be such a trigger for memories.

I remember my dad in the kitchen on Sunday making pancakes for the family. This is a dad who was in construction, an avid fisherman who filled his traditional roles while Mom filled hers. That meant it was a big deal when Dad was in the kitchen making pancakes. Now, these weren’t ordinary pancakes. These were pancakes in the shapes of our initials. They tasted so much better than Mom’s…. we thought.

Another twist on pancakes is to make them into the shape of a pig’s face. A large one for the head, a smaller one laid on top (towards the bottom) for the snout, two small oval pancakes for the ears, and then some raisins for the eyes and the nostrils. It can’t help but bring a smile to your face!

So if you’re looking for ways to create memories for your family, take a page from my dad’s book. It’s easy and fun and the memories will stay with your children long after you’re gone.

Evelyn Turner, entrepreneur

The Easy Entrée
www.TheEasyEntree.com

Home Show

Who's going to the Whatcom County Home Show?

Ellen Clark

http://www.homeimprovementmag.com/

Social Networking 101

Social Networking is a new adaptation of an old tool. As an individual wanting to connect with new people of common interest you might join a club like the local chapter of the Sierra Club, a church or an orchid gardeners club. As a small business person serving a local community you know that one of the best ways to spread the word is by good old fashioned word of mouth. This is traditional "social networking."

In the virtual world of the Internet "social networking" takes on a new meaning and is supported with new and powerful tools that allow us to connect "face to face" on the World Wide Web. We can meet others through our Facebook accounts. YouTube brings us the power of video allowing others to see us in motion, hear our voice and see virtually anything we choose to present. We can be serious or funny, read poetry or demonstrate a new product. We connect or network with others in a very human and social way.

By John Sedgwick

Focus Northwest Co President

john@vantage21st.com

Collaborate, Create, Discover Solutions

We all spend many hours a day at work and play collaborating with friends, family and colleagues to improve our collective quality of life. We strive to make considered decisions that will contribute to making our planet a better place for all. Focus Northwest members are united by a common vision, a vision that will bring the full energy of our member's creativity to enhancing your lifestyle success.

Collaboration is a key goal for our blog. Blogging allows us to come together as one to share ideas and discover solutions. Blogging extends community to a global level. Our members live and work in the Northwest corner of Washington State USA yet a question posted here may draw an answer from a far away continent. Blogging brings new meaning to the old phrase "The World is Your Oyster" for it truly is.

The professionals at Focus Northwest look forward to hearing from you. We invite you to share in our success. Visit our website and please feel free to call on us anytime.

Thank you for visiting and sharing your ideas.

John Sedgwick, Focus Northwest co President