The Stone Soup Story

I. Let me share, "The Stone Soup Story"

A long time ago, somewhere in Europe, a terrible famine spread throughout the land. People were selfish with each other that each family kept their food hidden away so no one would find it. Each one fought over food. One day, a poor traveller arrived and set up a tent by the side of the road. He had with him a large pot, a wooden spoon, and a stone.

The villagers said, "You can't stay here! There is no food for you."

"That doesn't matter. I have enough food I need," said the traveller.

In front of his tent, the traveler gathered his sticks and built a fire. He placed his pot on the fire and added some water. The villagers came one by one watching him. The traveller smiled with satisfaction. Then from his pocket, he took out a big stone and put it in the pot. He waited for the water to boil as he stirred patiently and gracefully.

The villagers had gathered around the pot. They were all curious. "What are you making?" "Stone soup," replied the traveller. "It smells good isn't it? Of course, salt and pepper and some potatoes would make it more delicious."

"I have salt and pepper," one villager answered. "I have some potatoes," another one answered.

The villagers looked at each other. Each brought something to put in the boiling pot. The rumor spread around the whole village, as each desired for the boiling soup that smelled so fragrant. Truly, the villagers hungry stomachs craved for the stone soup. Each household took a dish and there was plenty of soup for everyone to eat.

II. Healthy, Affordable, Easy, Staple Soups

No doubt, soup is boiled water/liquid or sap and all the nutrients of the ingredients in it. It is liquid food by boiling meat, fish, or vegetables. It can feed anyone - both babies and the elderly. It can feed the sick, those who diet, and just anyone all the time of day.

In different countries soup is a famous dish. Oftentimes, it comes before the main dish is served. It can go with a side dish, bread or croutons, or just simply the soup itself.

People like soup because it warms the stomach. It comes in a variety of foods mixed even with milk, paste, cream, among others. Of course, the ideal soup comes in measuring the right ingredients to make up for almost a complete food.

1. Baby soup. An old tradition from the province believes that the rice stock (am)is good for babies who are starting to feed on solids. This rice stock with some milk added contains a lot of nutrients. Some old folks even say that it is cheaper than milk. But of course, the nutrients found in milk are different. Rice stock plus milk would make good food served together, especially for babies. Some mothers even prepare 1 kilo of ground rice and cook it in small amounts adding water and a bit of salt or sugar.

2. Everyday soup for good health. Malunggay leaves, squash, or any vegetable boiled in water make a healthy everyday soup. Grandparents love this soup. Again, rice stock or any meat stock (but not so fatty) are boiled with the vegetables.

The simple malunggay leaves soup is boiled in water, salt, and garlic. For added flavor, it could be dashed with desired spices. The malunggay leaves (rich in vitamins and minerals) is plucked leaf by leaf, washed thoroughly, then boiled for a few minutes. The soup would turn yellow and smell good with the garlic flavoring.

Various veggies can be cooked with ginger and rice stock. The vegetables are sliced in tiny pieces, washed thoroughly, then boiled. A bit of salt may be added.

3. Common vegetable soups. Some veggies may also be boiled and mashed. With the sap in water, milk or cream plus spices. For variation we can add Knorr or Campbell ready soups. Usually mushroom, asparagus, and chinese soups blend well with fresh vegetables.

4. Chicken soup. Again elders tell us that chicken soup has lots of nutrients to restore sick people. And especially those who got flu and are recuperating. Chicken essence has special extracts old people believes.

5. Egg soup. Egg soups are very easy for moms to prepare. Egg is added to broth, which is classified as thin soup.

6. Seafood soups. This soups contain mussels, clam, and shell families sauteed in ginger with tomatoes, onions, or leaves of, and some herbs that make up a healthy seafood soup.

III. Complete Food for the Sick

Moreover, soups are convenient and healthy food for the elderly, those who can't eat from the mouth, and those with tooth problems. Ingredients blended together makes a rich complete healthy food ... Slurp! And don't forget the alphabet soup for children, the noodles and macaroni soups, the fish lip soup that make wonders for everyday meals

Rosalinda Flores Martinez
ishalleatandcook
EzineArticles.com

Annoying Orange (Thanks for sharing this one)

The Simple Burger You Would Love: Coconut Burger

Burgers are just easy and lovely to eat!

Of course, there are food chains around, and burger houses to visit and munch and lusciously cut with your teeth! Kids and adults love burgers, and mothers can also cook them easily. There are lots of these recipes and cooking styles.

Let me share one recipe, if you have an abundant coconut resource. But then, don't cheat. They're not a substitute for meat or any main ingredient. Tell them exactly, it is made of grinded/ shredded coconut. Coco Burger is uniquely made from coconut!

Here's how:

Ingredients:

1 whole coconut meat (grinded or shredded)
Some flour or cornstarch to let the coconut stick to each other
6 slices of cream bread/ loaf slices
1 egg
A dash of salt and pepper

Procedure:

1. Put the coconut is a large mixing bowl.
2. Add one egg (yolk and white).
3. Wet (but not so wet) the slices of bread (dip into mineral/drinking water in a another bowl).
4. Add to coconut mixture. Mix well.
5. Add around 6 tablespoons of cornstarch (or flour). Check if they the burger mixture sticks together to form patties. If not add more fillers (flour or cornstarch).
6. Add some salt and pepper.
7. You can add herb and spices if you like.
8. Form into patties. Flatten and you can freeze or cook.
9. To cook, fry just like frying meat or fish burgers.
10. Serve with mustard or tomato catsup.
11. Make a sandwich with fresh tomatoes and cucumber.

How to make your bread/sandwich meal yummy: Spread mayonnaise, or sandwich spread, or butter on your bread as desired. Lay on your sandwich some vegetables like lettuce or cucumber. Add the burger patty. Add some cheese. Add fresh tomato and/or onion. Sprinkle some pepper or salt, as desired. Add some mustard or ketchup as desired.

After all the stuff on your bread, put another bread slice on top. Or you can you get a French bread, too. Of course, you can always make variations. Eat now!

Also, please don't forget to say grace before and/or after the meal. Thank you God for the food. Yum!

Coconut fruit is usually grown in tropical countries and around many places in the world. Its juice is good for stomach cleansing, but be sure to take something hot first in the morning. Its meat can be eaten raw and in its shell. They are thirst quenching, especially during summer and in beach parties.

Sometimes lychee fruit is good to add to coconut juice for more flavour or variation. Also, ice-cream can be eaten with the fruit, like our common banana and strawberries.

Happy cooking!

rose flores martinez
rosevoc2
ishallwrite

The Basics of Organizing Your Kitchen

"Keep the kitchen clean."

Why? It must be kept clean because you make food in the kitchen, and that food will be taken for nourishment. Being clean and getting the right foods is cheaper than being confined in a hospital.

The kitchen has to be comfortable as the living room because everyone gathers together in the kitchen, as in the dining room.

There must be shelves and a cupboard, among others. If the kitchen is small, then get a small kitchen organizer or clean side tables.

Check these organizing and kitchen tips:

Rags, mats, and/or carpets must be kept dry. When the rag is dirty, wash it immediately.
Polish or scrub your kitchen as you do your living room.
The sink must be washed every time it is used.
Sponges for glasses and plates must be replaced often.
Gas must be turned off, immediately after use.
Pots and pans must be scrubbed to remove blackness.
Try to fill the basic kitchen needs like sugar, salt, coffee, tea, chocolate, milk or creamer, and the most important, mineral water.
Group your condiments and some ingredients, as to use and safely. Put labels on jars if refilled.
Freeze the foods that are needed to be frozen.
Be sure the table cover and mats are fresh and not stinky.
Cupboards and/or cabinets must be thoroughly dusted, as scheduled.
Stocks must be checked for expiry dates.
Budget for you rice, bread or noodles; they're necessary.
Spray insecticide, at least one a week or one every 2-3 weeks. Take the water-based kind. Use them when all foods are inside the refrigerator and/or freezer.
Garbage must be tidied and taken out everyday.
Clean the kitchen surroundings every time you cook, like sweeping and scrubbing the floor. If there's carpet, vacuum it.
Pick up food crumbs; they're inviting to roaches, ants, and other insects.
Be sure the chairs are strong, you might fall.
Knives, scissors, matches and candles must always be returned in its proper place.
Check the electricity, and turn off or unplug if appliances are not in use.
Let dry towels and sponges after use.
Empty bottles and cans are supposed to be away from the kitchen perimeters.
Get tight containers for other food storage, but stack and arrange them orderly.

Keep the kitchen safe, clean, comfortable and fragrant no matter how big or small it is. Remember meals are sacred and the foods we eat are a grace from God.

Organizing a kitchen can be practiced. Just stick to the basics. A well-equipped center and simplification of work and labor will lead to kitchen efficiency and easy handling of the kitchen and/or kitchen grooming habits.

Keep your surroundings clean. Keep your kitchen clean and be healthy!

rose flores martinez
ezinearticles.com
ishalleatandcook

Some Tips: Chef's And Their Families

Chefs are food experts. Of course, they are food lovers. But then, as they are endowed with that gift of food and cooking, they can be humbler and more considerate than us, with regard to other's cooking. However, priorities of their main concerns are food cleanliness and kitchen order.

Enjoy reading the chef's answers (to my questions) below.

Mrs. Soenen said that she developed a fascination for food when she and her husband, Cyrille Philippe Soenen (Chef de Cuisine of a noted hotel) lived in France for 81/2 years. "It is not just an event, but an occasion for good company," On days, lunch at the Soenen's sometimes lasted for 5-6 hours. At home Anna made sure the kitchen was clean, knives were sharp, and the food right for her husband's. "I prepare the menu, but he makes the final approval," Anna said.

She also trained her children to eat whatever is served on the table.

Mrs. Lolita Taylo said of her husband, "He loves simple recipes like green beans sautéed in slices of pork or bit of shrimp. He is not choosy."

At home, Lolita decided what to cook, but sometimes consulted her husband. The chef required that the food was clean and odor free. During parties, the chef cooked morcon, special embotido, and Cantonese style noodles.

Most chef's advise their wives to be very organized, hardworking, and dependable so the end product of any meal is always beautiful.

Maria Teresa is a wife of German Chef Katcer. The couple owned a restaurant. "I've learned a lot from my husband where cooking is concerned," she said. "There must be order in the kitchen."

Can you imagine a chef's home now? Most of the rules point to kitchen cleanliness. Food could be simple, but real clean!

And of course, the kitchen must have the basics needed, including the utensils.

The chef's families delight in simple food and even make them more fashionable. They always agreed on healthy foods, too.

Finally, some of the chef's wives said that their husbands had sensitive stomachs. Kids said, "They're just great dads, too." But then, could it be possible that this is what makes them such excellent chefs?

When I asked Chef Rudolf Mendoza about his best recipes, he asserted "My secret is the Smile Recipe!"

Tips:

1. Maintain a clean kitchen.
2. Have the basic kitchen utensils.
3. Keep the kitchen orderly.
4. Store food carefully, and read expiry dates.
5. Simple meals are okay. Meals need not be always expensive. Be creative in your cooking.
6. Cook healthy foods.
7. When you cook, aim for a good result. Practice.
8. Let your household learn to eat whatever is served on the table.
9. Pray before meals and thank God for the food.
10. Cultivate the art of cooking with passion.

Happy cooking!

rose flores martinez
ezinearticles.com
ishalleatandcook.blogspot.com

Easter Eggs

Easter Eggs

Magical Minerals

How's your mineral IQ? This may not be a perfect-cocktail party conversational warm-up material, but bear in mind, you need you minerals! These body regulators play a big role in keeping balance. Minerals have been proven to prevent every major form of disease, including cancer. So if your mineral IQ needs a boost, now is the time to do it.

Many of us neglect our minerals because they don't directly contribute to our energy needs. In this fast moving world of this 21st century, energy is seen as the key to practically everything. But what about sustaining the conditions that make your energy possible? Bottom line: minerals are vital substances.

Off hand, how many minerals do you know? If your know the most important ones like calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine, iodine, sulfur, fluorine, and manganese, that is a good start.

The next step is to make sure you are getting your RDA's worth. The RDA (Recommended Daily Allowance) was established in 1943 by the National Academy of Sciences. It indicates the amount of minerals you need daily in order to be, or to stay healthy.

Below, a checklist of some important minerals and their sources:

1. Calcium

Calcium gives you healthy bones and teeth. In fact, 99% of all calcium you take in goes to the bones and teeth. The rest helps the nerve, and aid in muscle contraction and blood clotting. Some megavitamin nutritionists claim that giving your child a good amount of calcium daily will help to make you less temperamental.

Children who are deficient in calcium are in danger of contracting rickets, while adults with a calcium deficiency may contract "osteomalacia" which is ricket's adult equivalent.

One main source of calcium is milk, one pint of which should give you almost three-fourths of an adult's daily calcium requirement. Other good sources are Cheddar cheese and green leafy vegetables such as mustard greens, broccoli, fish (especially sardines and pilchards, whose bones are eaten), sesame seeds, almonds, fortified cereals, and white flour.

2.  Iron

Iron helps to form haemoglobin, the oxygen factor in your blood. The good news is, you need small amounts of it. But if serious blood loss occurs, you'll to take in a comparatively larger quantity in order to form new red blood cells.

A deficiency in iron can result in anemia, and in extreme cases it can affect your immune system. You can get iron from red meat, kidney, liver, oysters, cocoa, nuts, breakfast cereals, eggs and beans.

3.  Phosphorus

Phosphorus is found in every cell in your body. It aids a large variety of blood processes including the metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Almost all the chemical reactions that occur in your body make use of phosphorus.

A deficiency in phosphorus can cause a loss of appetite, weakness, bone pain, stiff joints, central nervous disorders, and respiratory failure. You can find phosphorus in nearly all foods, especially those that are high in protein such as meat, nuts, shellfish, and chicken.

4.  Magnesium

Magnesium helps you to have healthy bones and teeth, and helps in the proper functioning of your muscles, nerves, metabolic enzymes, and vitamins B1 and B2. A deficiency of magnesium can cause anxiety, muscle cramps, insomnia, and an irregular heartbeat. Some food sources for magnesium are wholemeal flour, cereals, milk, eggs, shellfish, chicken and nuts.

So know the four, and there's more. Be healthy!

More Minerals

"Minerals, minerals
Vitamins and minerals
These are the body's peripherals!"

Below, a checklist of your other important minerals, their sources, and how much you need of each. Take care of your body. Be healthy!

Sodium, potassium, and chlorine

These three minerals work closely together in the body. For example, chlorine is used largely in combination with sodium as sodium chloride (ordinary salt: NaCl), which occurs in all body cells and fluids. Chlorine also helps to form hydrochloric acid, and is an important factor in digestion. Sodium and potassium regulate the water retention of the body.

A deficiency of this mineral can cause dehydration, low blood pressure, vomiting, thirst, and in extreme cases, drowsiness or coma. You can find sodium in common salt, baking powder, smoked fish, milk, and bakery products. Potassium is found in fresh fruits and vegetables, potatoes, chicken, meat, prunes, and milk.

Sulfur

Sulfur is contained in insulin, a hormone that is produced by the pancreas which controls carbohydrate metabolism. It is also found in one of the important minerals, thiamine (vitamin B1). Most of our sulphur is obtained from animal and vegetable protein foods and dairy products.

Iodine

Iodine plays an essential role in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It usually stays in thyroxine, the thyroid hormone that stimulates the oxygen consumption of body tissues. It is also found in small quantities in other regions of the body.

A deficiency in iodine can cause goiter, fatigue, and increased weight. Its excess can cause thyroid disease. Iodine is richly present in the ocean, which explains why sea foods are a rich source of it. The soil also contains iodine, ergo, vegetables are another sources of it.

Fluorine

Fluorine is found in bones and teeth, with the greatest concentration in tooth enamel. It makes teeth resistant to decay. A deficiency in fluorine can cause caries, osteoporosis, tooth discoloration and the increased density of bones in the spine. A major source of fluorine is fluoridated tap water, toothpaste, China tea, and fish bones.

Manganese

Manganese is known to be essential for rats and chickens; but it may be needed by man, too. A deficiency in manganese is very rare, but it may cause decreased growth rate or sometimes, deformities. The mineral is found in many natural foods like wholegrain cereals, nuts and tea.

Certain organic substances, called trace elements, are also minerals. They exist in the body in very small amounts. Some of them are cobalt, nickel, molybdenum, zinc, and aluminium. Trace elements are widely distributed in foods, so anyone who follows a normal diet is bound to have a supply of them.

How much of these minerals do we need? It depends on your age and circumstance of age needs. Generally, children require lesser minerals than adults, but growing children under 17 years of age need more iron then men, while women who are pregnant and nursing mothers will require more iron and calcium than usual.

Bottom line: stay conscious of your daily intake of these magical minerals!

rose flores martinez
ishallcookandeat
ezinearticles.om
rosevoc2

Traditional Filipino Food Art and Delicacies

The artistry that goes with how you package and present food affects how others will receive it. What is pleasant to the eye tends to see the palate. In one small town in the Philippines, where people are known for their sweets and fruit jam, care is taken in wrapping their sweet delicacies.

Raymond Castelo and Luz Ocampo, in Bulacan shared their traditional art. Luz has been known as the "Master in Fruit Carving and Candy Wrapper Making."

According to Raymond and Luz, "Deliciously sweet!" adequately describes the town's jam specialties made of pomelo, lime, wax gourd, breadfruit, pineapple, jackfruit, native oranges, and soursop, among others. They are preserved in light transparent syrup, and then stored in glass jars.

The artistry that goes with preparing and packaging them is breathtaking. First, the fruits are made or carved with flowers, leaves, rosettes and varied patterns. They are bottled with the design facing outwards. Imagine a store-shelf, full of jam delicacies. They look to be inviting you in a most fetching manner to crave for such delicacies.

Below, their instruction on how to prepare your own jam and candy.

1. Lime or pineapple jam

Prepare the materials and ingredients. (Lime, pomelo, sugar, fruit caver, jar, kettle, and a medium basin)
Embroider or carve the fruit with your desired design.
Wash the fruit with warm water.
Peel the fruit carefully, and slowly remove the seeds.
Soak in water for one day and one night.
Pour in syrup made from sugar to preserve the fruit.
Store in sterilized jars.

2. Milk candies made from milk and sugar. The candies are not only famous for their taste, but for their colourful, cherry wrappers, as well.

They are wrapped with Japanese paper, which are cut into stars, leaves, flowers or holiday greetings pattern producing a veritable showcase of design and color. The milk candies, which are usually just a little more than an inch long, can be shaped as desired (but commonly the familiar rectangle shape will do). Then they are wrapped in the plain portion of the paper. The long, specially designed, cut patterns are used as the outer covering. The candies can be later displayed on "fiesta" or party tables.

Candy Wrapping Tips from Ramon and Luz:

Prepare the materials needed: Japanese paper, scissors, cutter, pencil
Cut 1/4 and 1/8 sizes of Japanese paper (the 1/4 size the outer wrapper and the 1/8 size the inside wrapper).
Fold the 1/4 size wrapper into four parts, putting aside the 1/8 size.
Draw sketch of your unique design.
Cut the created design carefully.

Arrange and store the stripped designed pieces, that are now ready for use in wrapping the candies/sweets.

Indeed, fruit carving and candy wrapper making are traditionally precious Filipino food art. This old craft has successfully been passed down from one generation to the next, the next, and the next.

rose flores martinez
ishallcookandeat
ezinearticles.com

Supplements: Of Pots and Plots

In these days, everyone practices love for gardening, as a form for healthy and happy living. Healthy living requires good food, exercise and vitamin supplements. Or we can try some herb tea, or plant sap to clean our bodies. Below are herbs from various parts of the world that could aid in cooking and detoxify the body. Try them on pots and plots!

Garlic. To plant garlic needs plenty of organic matter. Divide a bulb into its cloves and plant at the end of winter. Try using your bulbs to repeat growth.

Chamomile grows from seed. The flowers can be used fresh or dry to make a refreshing tea, which is good for digestive troubles. It also aids a good night's sleep.

Basil is common in tropical areas. It is often successfully grown in pots, in greenhouses or on window-sill. Basil aids the digestion, eases stomach cramps, and excellent in pasta and salad.

Borage will self-sow easily. Simply pull out the excess seedlings. It is used against rheumatism and respiratory infections. Its flowers can be eaten with salad.

Take cuttings of the Lavander plant, and it will grow. Its flowers contain a very relaxing essential oil. It can be used as an infusion in the bath. Lavander is good for coughs, headaches, wind and rheumatism, and as antiseptic for cuts.

Lemon balm is very easy to grow from seeds or cuttings. It makes a refreshing tea that is good for anxiety and nervous exhaustion, as well as indigestion, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Marjoram in pot or wild marjoram (oregano)can be grown from seeds, cuttings or divisions of roots. They prefer a dry, warm soil. There are lots of these in the Philippines. They're good for relieving colds, indigestions and minor respiratory infections.

Rosemary needs a light and rich soil. Good for antiseptic gargle.

Aloe Vera is good for the hair and could be planted in moist earth.

Pepper seeds can be scattered or planted. They are good for veggies.

Plant pandan in moist soil or small plot. You can also try to grow it in deep pots. Pandan tea is good for maintaining healthy blood pressure, and fragrant rice.

The popular mallunggay is now around blocks. This small strong tree could be grown anywhere, even in corners. The leaves are good as tea or soup and very rich in vitamin content. The Philippines is abundant with this tree, of good treat and healing leaves. A branch or cutting of this can easily grow.

Brother Sherwin, from the Rogationist Seminary has a special kind of fertilizer to grow plants (fruit bearing or flowering) that aren't damaging to the environment. This special fertilizer (from their own garden)makes richly grown plants, herbs and trees. You can try them, too!

Let us plant trees for the earth. Let us use God's gifts of rich resources for everyone to enjoy!

Traditional Irish Blessing