Your Summer Kitchen: Summer Dessert Ideas

10 Fabulous Summer Backyard Barbecue Dessert Ideas

"These desserts are sure to please any crowd, without breaking your back slaving over a hot stove in the kitchen. Most of these desserts are easy to prepare, they just look like you've put in a ton of effort. (shhh! don't tell anyone, let them think you've been cooking all day)."

Barkely, aka Linette Gerlach

Enjoy those fruity cool light desserts, e.g.
- Easy Fruit And Yogurt Parfaits
- Creamy Berry Fruit Mould
- Everyone Loves Dirt Cake!
- Blueberry Oat Bran Muffins
- Grilled Stuffed Apples

http://www.squidoo.com/summer-dessert-recipes

PS. This lens belongs to The SUMMER Group on Squidoo

Your Summer kitchen - Tabouli

Your Summer kitchen

Tabouli is the ideal summer complement to almost any plate.

Tabouli is a Middle Eastern chilled salad in which bulgur (a form of cracked whole-grain wheat) is dressed in olive oil, mint, parsley, garlic and lots of tomatoes and cucumbers.

Tabouli is a refreshing change from the standard green salad so pair it with fish, chicken or beef.

Read more:http://www.squidoo.com/tabouli

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Hydroponics

Ever thought of growing your own vegetables but don't have a garden or not enough space? Try growing your veggies the Hydoponics way!

Hydroponics is the method of growing plants without soil.

It is a more efficient way to provide water and nutrients to your plants. Soil provides nutrients that must be broken down into a useable form and serves to anchor a plant's roots. Hydroponics uses a wet growing medium and a specially prepared nutrient solution which is readily available to the plant.

In soil, plants must grow a large root system to find food and water. In Hydroponics, food and water go directly to the roots. This enables the plant to spend more energy growing above the surface, producing more vegetation, larger fruit, flowers and vegetables.

Because Hydroponic root systems are compact in size, plants may be grown closer together. Add to this the fact that there is no weeding, fewer pests and lower water requirements. It is easy to see why home hobbiests, schools and research institutes, as well as commercial growers around the world use Hydroponics.

Hydroponic gardens can be used anywhere as long as sufficient light is provided with ample ventilation. Outdoors, much of the work associated with conventional gardening can be eliminated. Add the proper growing lights and you need not be limited to seasons.

Hydroponic systems range from shelf size, room size, or big enough to fill an entire greenhouse. Every system can be purchased as a complete ready to grow kit, or in basic, bare bones kits.

With a little experience you can enjoy fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers year-round!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can hydroponics support organic gardening?
People are finding that with a little experimentation, they can grow a successful organic, hydroponic garden. Typical organic products used for hydroponic gardening include bat and seabird guanos, liquified seaweed products, fish based fertilizers and enzyme activators.

What types of plants can be grown hydroponically?
Anything can be grown hydroponically, but some plants prove to be more space efficient. Some plants we suggest are tomatoes, sweet peppers, hot chilies, lettuce, spinach, squash, cucumbers, broccoli, beans, snow peas, herbs and flowers of all types.

Do you really get better yields in less time?
Absolutely. The plants, receiving everything they need, tend to be healthier, faster growing and generally more productive. Expect 30% faster growth with many crops.

Will the flavor compare to my outdoor grown, organic produce?
You bet! This is simply due to the fact that the hydroponically grown plants are getting everything they need, when they need it. Don’t be fooled by “hot house” produce grown commercially. The grower’s primary concern is shipability and storage, not flavor. When you grow your own vegetables at home, you can expect nothing less than excellent results. Plus, hydroponically grown produce has the added benefit of a longer shelf life.

Will I be using any pesticides? If so, what kind?
Generally, indoor environments demand less pesticides for obvious reasons. Hydroponic growing eliminates soil borne pests, as well. However, if pests do become a problem, one can choose to use insecticide soaps, natural pyrethrums and, in some cases, beneficial insects. These controls will be completely safe to use on edible crops and are also environmentally safe.

To sum up:

WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH HYDROPONICS?

Hydroponic gardening is efficient. You get a higher yield while using fewer resources.

Hydroponic gardening is flexible. You can grow plants without a yard. With a grow light, you can cultivate winning produce in a garage.

Hydroponic gardening is simple. Once you know the basics, you can do wonders!

Hydroponic gardening is affordable. You don't have to spend a fortune to get involved.

Hydroponic gardening is fun. There's something wonderful about finally being the person with a bright green thumb.

Resources

Get everything you need for your Hydroponic Gardening at Kalyx.com

Aero Machine System Air Cleaners Atmosphere Controllers Bench Modules CO2 Enrichment Composters Drip Systems Ebb And Flow Systems Fans & Blowers Grow Trays & Chambers Growing Mediums Horti-Trellis Hoses Jetstream Drip System Lamps/Bulbs MH/HPS Lamps/Bulbs/Fixtures Fluorescent Light Movers, Stands & Controls Light Reflectors & Fixtures Light Stands Light Systems Microgarden System Nutrients Nutrients, Dry Nutrients, Liquid Nutrients, Organic Nutrients, Rooting & Propagation Pest Control Pots & Inserts Pumps, Accessories Pumps, Air Pumps, Magnetic Drive Pumps, Multipurpose Pumps, Pond & Fountain Pumps, Water Pumps, Water Systems Reservoirs Sologro Automated Planters Temperature & Humidity Control Testing, pH, TDS, EC Timers, System Controllers, Meters, Electrical Tools, Hand & Potting Tubing, Accessories, Fittings Turbogarden System Water Systems & Treatment and more ...

Ebook: Growing Without Soil: The Hydroponic Garden

This ebook covers everything about hydroponic gardening. From lighting selection for indoor gardens, to plans for a simple hydroponic garden that will get results, it's all in here. By J.J. Cervantes

Or prefer a solid book?

Hydroponics for the Home Gardener: An easy-to-follow, step-by-step guide for growing healthy vegetables, herbs and house plants without soil. (Gardening) By Stewart Kenyon

You might also want to follow this Blog:
Hydroponics - Soil-less gardening The Science of Gardening without Soil. More food in less space with less water in less time. By Thanate

PS. Kalyx.com is one of 1000+ stores in MyPowerMall. Become a member of My Power Mall - and shop in your own Mall! Save and earn.

Eating the Mediterranean Way

Buy at AllPosters.com

Another article from Donna Zuehl's Forum "Health Topics - Discussion of health topics. Tips for improving health" at adland.pro. If you are interested in discussion of health topics you might consider joining this forum. It is certainly one of the best around!


Eating the Mediterranean Way

It's official: The so-called Mediterranean diet is good for you. Eating lots of grains, fruits, nuts, vegetables, olive oil and fish; limiting red meat and dairy; and moderating alcohol intake can protect against major ailments such as heart disease, cancer, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, say Italian researchers. They analyzed 12 international studies that followed 1.5 million people for up to 18 years and found that those who stuck to a strict Mediterranean diet had a 9 percent lower death rate from cardiovascular disease, a 6 percent lower incidence of cancer, and a 13 percent reduction in the incidence of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.

In honor of National Nutrition Month, hosted by the American Dietetic Association, take a close look at your diet, and add these healthy foods to the menu.

(End of Article)

Source: Forum Health Topics - Discussion of health topics. Tips for improving health at adland.pro, Forum Owner: Donna Zuehl.

DISCLAIMER: I am not responsible for any false or misleading health information in this blog. I am not a medecin or other physical health professional. All advice provided here in this blog has come to me through extensive study of literature at different sources both online and offline. In case of serious health problems always see your doctor first.

Read more here:

The Mediterranean Diet

From the ebook:
Why have Mediterranean diet plans become this popular so fast? Well, much of it is based on the exposure the diet's research is getting from many universities, research institutes and even heart foundations in civilized countries around the world including the American Heart Foundation and Harvard University. It is a favourite with medical practitioners and nutritionists and there's a lot of history to back-up the claims. Some have said that there is more backing this diet than any other known.

Vegan, Vegetarian, Macrobiotic ... What's the Difference?

Vegan, Vegetarian, Macrobiotic ... What's the Difference?

:: By Sally Kneidel and Sara Kate Kneidel

-->
So, you’re vegetarian and you don’t eat eggs,but your brother’s a vegetarian and he eats fish. And your best friend, she doesn’t even drink milk, but your neighbor calls herself vegetarian, even though you saw her eat chicken the other day. What’s going on? The truth is, being a vegetarian can mean lots of different things. Everyone has a different definition of what they do and don’t want to eat. Fortunately, if you want to be more specific, there are a number of useful terms. Let’s break it down.

Vegetarian
This is a general term. About 5 percent of the current U.S. population considers themselves to be vegetarian, although a number of varying dietary habits fall into this category. Usually this term refers to someone who doesn’t eat any kind of meat, including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, and seafood. However, there are many people who don’t quite match this description, but still use this label. These include …

Pollo-Vegetarian
This is someone who follows a mostly vegetarian diet but is known to eat the occasional McChicken sandwich or nibble at some turkey jerky. In reality, birds are meat, so this isn’t really a form of vegetarianism, but lots of people who call themselves vegetarians do indulge in a bit of chicken every so often.

Pesco-Vegetarian
Again, this is someone who follows a mostly vegetarian diet but who does eat a little meat—in this case, seafood. For some reason, lots of people don’t seem to count aquatic creatures as animals. This is often for health reasons: fish is a healthier choice than pork or beef, for instance. Other people choose to eat fish because it doesn’t affect land use as much as raising livestock does. However, overharvesting and polluting our seas and lakes is a significant environmental concern. Nonetheless, this is a popular diet, although, like pollo-vegetarianism, it’s not technically vegetarian.

Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian
This person eats no meat, including seafood, but does eat dairy products and eggs. Most lacto-ovo-vegetarians follow this basic rule: if you have to kill the animal to get the product, then don’t eat it. Therefore, milk is okay, but gelatin, which is made from horse hooves, is not.

Lacto-Vegetarian
This person eats no meat or eggs but does eat dairy products. Dairy products include cows’ milk and any food you can make from cows’ milk, such as ice cream, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, butter, and so on. Other animal products, such as goat cheese, are also included.

Ovo-Vegetarian
A person on this diet eats no meat and no dairy products but does eat eggs. This isn’t too common. (The lives of hens that provide table eggs are at least as miserable as chickens raised for meat, and eggs are no healthier in our diets than meat, so it’s little wonder there are few ovo-vegetarians.)

Vegan
About 1 percent of the U.S. population follows a vegan (pronounced “VEE-gun”) diet. This excludes all meat, eggs, and dairy products, and usually any other food produced by animals, such as honey. A strict vegan also avoids products that may seem innocent, such as refined sugar (white table sugar), because animal bones are used to process it. Many vegans also refuse to use nonedible animal products, such as leather, silk, wool, feathers, and so on. This can get really complicated. For example, did you know that camera film isn’t vegan? Gelatin is used to manufacture it. Or that some lotions contain lanolin, which comes from wool? Strict vegans have to be very well informed.

Macrobiotic
A follower of the macrobiotic diet is mainly vegetarian, but this diet sometimes includes seafood. All other meat products are excluded,as well as eggs and dairy products. Basically, this diet focuses on eating local and seasonal foods that balance each other in harmonic ways. Some people follow this diet as a philosophy of life and others follow it for health reasons.

Fruitarian
A fruitarian is a person who eats only fruits and vegetables, often including beans, nuts, and grains, usually raw. It is important that these things are taken from the plant withoutkilling it.

Raw or Living Food Diet
A person who follows this diet eats only raw foods. The concern is that heating foods above 116°F destroys important enzymes that help with digestion. This person also believes that cooking diminishes the vitamin and mineral content of the food.

Hurray for all types of vegetarians! All of these choices can be healthy—some more than others—but it is important to be well informed about the health benefits and risks of any diet that you choose to follow. Although people often feel strongly that their choice is the best and may be critical of others, the reality is that cutting your meat consumption in any way is a positive step. Reducing the amount of meat in your diet benefits your health, promotes animal wellbeing, and helps the planet support the growing human population.

From Veggie Revolution: Smart Choices for a Healthy Body and a Healthy Planet' by Sally Kneidel and Sara Kate Kneidel. © 2005 Fulcrum Publishing.

(End of Article)

Source: This is an article from GAIAM Community.

Gaiam.com is a health-conscious, environmentally responsible lifestyle company whose goal is to bring LOHAS to the mainstream. The Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) concept is centered on the idea that our own health and happiness is connected to the health of our planet. Taking a holistic approach to our content and product selection, we encourage wholesome lifestyle choices with healthy, green products for your home and body.PS: Should you feel inclined to shop there I advice you to join My Power Mall first. Gaiam.com is one of 10000+ stores in this mall. When you shop from your own mall, you will get great rebates on your shopping.

Related Video:
More-Ganics: Get More Organics In Your Diet
Essential Tips for Healthy Eating

Related Articles:
Celebrity Planet: Nicole Kidman Grows Produce...And Her Family
Eating Healthy & Organic on the Go





More Vegetarian Books

Related Ebooks:

How To Do The Raw Food Diet With Joy

Vegetarian Recipe: The Chinese Way

Quick Easy Chinese Vegetarian Cooking

Vegetarian Secrets Exposed ...

Natural Healing Recipes

Mountain Rose Herbs Wins Co-Op America's People's Choice Award for 2008 Green Business of the Year

Company Committed to Clean Transportation, Fair Trade, Zero Waste, 100 Percent Organic; Over 6,000 Ballots Submitted By Consumers Across the United States.

(CSRwire) WASHINGTON, D.C. and SAN FRANCISCO, CA. - November 12, 2008 - Eugene, OR-based Mountain Rose Herbs is being named today as the People's Choice for Green Business of the Year from Co-op America. The award will be made formally this Friday at the San Francisco Green Festival(TM).

Since 1987,

Mountain Rose Herbs has focused on delivering exceptional quality certified organic products with a strict emphasis on sustainable agriculture. Mountain Rose Herbs, which employs 60 people, produces only about 80 gallons of waste each month, the equivalent of an average four-person household. They are working toward a goal of zero waste. Additionally, the company is working to protect our environment, support the local economy, and move America towards more sustainable transportation in this country by having their commercial fleet of trucks runs on 100 percent locally produced biodiesel, made from waste vegetable oil, one of the cleanest modes of transportation available.

Thousands of consumers nationwide took part in a Co-op America online questionnaire to select their favorite green businesses. Based on 6,277 ballots submitted by consumers across the U.S., the top-10 finalists for the most popular environmentally-friendly business were: AlterEco, San Francisco, CA.; Babyworks, Portland, OR.; Frontier Natural Products, Norway, IA.; GAIAM, Boulder, Co.; Kate's Caring Gifts, Fremont, CA.; Mountains of the Moon, Chicago, IL.; Mountain Rose Herbs, Eugene, OR.; Pizza Fusion, Fort Lauderdale, FL.; We Add Up, Mentor, OR.; and West Paw Design; Bozeman, MT.

"We were thrilled by the tremendous interest of environmentally and socially conscious consumers across the country in voting for their favorite green businesses," said Co-op America Corporate Responsibility Programs Director Todd Larsen. "We're pleased to announce that green consumers awarded the prize this year to Mountain Rose Herbs, which is focused on maintaining eco-friendly practices not only in their production but also in their shipping and office operations. Their green and sustainable practices are truly a model for other companies."

Mountain Rose Herbs Operations Manager and Director of Quality Control Shawn Donnille said: "The environmental ideals and practices incorporated by this company are an accurate reflection of the principles that all of us adopt in our personal lives. None of this would be possible without the enthusiasm and commitment exercised by each employee, and we could not do it without them."

Mountain Rose is committed to being 100 percent organic, and has been since 2001, when they decreed that no conventionally grown materials would enter their warehouse again. They are also committed to their sourcing, which means providing quality green products to their customers, as well as protecting workers all along the supply chain. They are also one of the only companies in the US to carry Fair Trade Certified(TM) herbs, which guarantee that workers at the beginning of the supply chain receive a living wage and work under fair conditions. They also offer other Fair Trade items in their product line.

Mountain Rose Herbs uses 100-percent post-consumer recycled paper in their catalog, post-consumer recycled packaging for shipping orders, and uses office supplies, including paper clips and push-pins that are made with recycled content. They also power their building on 100-percent renewable energy, use energy-efficient computers, and only use green, natural, and biodegradable cleaning products inside their facility.


ABOUT CO-OP AMERICA

Co-op America is the leading green economy organization. Founded in 1982, Co-op America provides the economic strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses and individuals to solve today's social and environmental problems. Co-op America's green economy programs encourage corporate responsibility, tackle climate change, build fair trading systems, advance healthy, local communities, and provide green purchasing and investing information for families and businesses.

To receive Co-op America's popular publications, including Real Money and the National Green Pages, participate in Co-op America's Green Business Conferences or Green Festivals, or to get its free e-newsletter, providing the latest green news, green discounts and opportunities to take action for a green economy, visit http://www.coopamerica.org, email info@coopamerica.org, or call at 800-58-GREEN.



--> For more information please contact:
Ailis Aaron Wolf(703) 276-3265

For more CSR news and information from this organization:
Corporate Social Responsibility Profile for Co-op America


Visit Mountain Rose Herbs

5 Healthy and Delicious Lunches Your Kids Will Love

5 Healthy and Delicious Lunches Your Kids Will Love
:: By Jessica Goldbogen Harlan

When it comes to my daughter's lunches, there's certainly much more to think about these days than when my mom packed PB&J sandwiches into a brown paper bag or my Strawberry Shortcake lunch box. Most moms today worry about issues like pesticides, nut allergies and trans fats, and they want to make sure that what they send for their child's noontime meal is healthy and well-balanced. Still, you also have to make sure it's tasty enough so that it won't get traded (or worse, tossed).

According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service, a child's lunch should include milk,

a protein, a vegetable or fruit, and a grain. Within these parameters, you can think beyond the typical sandwiches that we grew up on and get creative about fun presentations and flavor combinations. Many young kids love the act of dipping their foods, so consider packing some healthy dips like yogurt or hummus to enjoy with vegetable spears. Try cutting or forming foods into fun shapes that they'll love to eat. Or, take a cue from the meals enjoyed by other cultures, particularly the cuisines that your child is starting to explore and enjoy, such as Japanese, Mexican or Thai.

Here's a week's worth of

school lunch ideas that ensure your child will stay satisfied all afternoon.

Monday: SB&J, Cucumber Fingers with Lemon-Dill Dipping Sauce
Spread soy nut butter and no-sugar-added fruit preserves onto slices of white whole-wheat bread and sandwich them together. Mix a squeeze of lemon juice, a teaspoon of fresh chopped dill, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper into plain low-fat yogurt; serve with cucumbers cut lengthwise into 3-inch wedges.

Tuesday: Turkey-Spinach Pinwheels, Veggies and Hummus, Oatmeal Cookie
Spread a whole-wheat tortilla or flatbread thinly with low-fat vegetable cream cheese. Top with a few slices of turkey deli meat (or tofu turkey deli meat), sprinkle evenly with baby spinach, roll and slice into pinwheels. Include a small container of hummus and your child's favorite vegetables for dipping (baby carrots, celery stalks, bell pepper slices, broccoli or cauliflower florets are all good choices). Include a store-bought or homemade oatmeal cookie.

Wednesday: Soba Surprise, Fresh Fruit
Combine about a cup of cooked whole wheat soba noodles with shredded carrots and zucchini, diced bell peppers, shredded, cooked chicken breast and shelled, cooked edamame. Make a dressing of 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil; toss with the salad. Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Include your child's favorite kind of fresh fruit, and, if they know how to wield them, chopsticks.

Thursday: Lunch Kebabs, Flatbread and Fruit
On wooden skewers, spear cheese cubes, cherry tomatoes, chunks of seasoned, baked tofu, and halved slices of cucumber. Include some crunchy flatbread or multigrain crackers and a container of seedless grapes or another favorite fruit.

Friday: Stuffed Pita
Fill a whole-wheat pita with sliced avocado, Monterey jack cheese and sprouts. Serve with soy crisps or vegetable crisps and sliced apples spread with peanut butter, almond butter or soy nut butter

(End of Article)

Source: This is an article from GAIAM Community.

Gaiam.com is a health-conscious, environmentally responsible lifestyle company whose goal is to bring LOHAS to the mainstream. The Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) concept is centered on the idea that our own health and happiness is connected to the health of our planet. Taking a holistic approach to our content and product selection, we encourage wholesome lifestyle choices with healthy, green products for your home and body.
PS: Should you feel inclined to shop there I advice you to join My Power Mall first. Gaiam.com is one of 10000+ stores in this mall. When you shop from your own mall, you will get great rebates on your shopping.