Acid/alkaline balance. By now many of us have heard of it, some of us have a good understanding of it, and yet few people know how to balance our pH or bring it back into balance. Here I will discuss
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Acid/alkaline balance. By now many of us have heard of it, some of us have a good understanding of it, and yet few people know how to balance our pH or bring it back into balance. Here I will discuss firstly the basics of how our pH gets out of balance, and what we can do to restore it. I will also teach you a simple cost effective way to measure it. By Guest Writer Gavin Bragg ...read more


    Sesame Noodles with Chicken and Broccoli
    /Super easy, deliciously flavorful Asian dish you can have ready in 30 minutes! Lean chicken, vitamin rich broccoli and noodles are seasoned with a delicious sesame sauce that will leave you craving this recipe again and again. /



    Servings: 4
    Ready in: 30 minutes
    Prep: 15 minutes
    Cook: 15 minutes

    Ingredients:
    1/4 cup soy sauce
    3 Tbsp honey
    2 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
    2 Tbsp rice vinegar
    1 tsp Sriracha
    8 - 10 oz dry linguine fini, spaghetti or udon noodles
    3 cups (8 oz) small diced fresh broccoli florets
    1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced into small strips (about 1 1/2-inches)
    1 1/2 Tbsp canola or vegetable oil
    1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
    1 Tbsp peeled and minced ginger
    1/3 cup chopped green onions
    1 1/2 Tbsp sesame seeds

    Instructions:
    1. In a small mixing bowl whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar and sriracha, set aside.
    2. Cook noodles according to directions on package, adding in broccoli during last 3 minutes of boiling (preferably time the noodles to be done about the same time the chicken is done), drain.
    3. Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.  
    4. Add chicken strips and cook until pieces are golden brown on bottom, about 3 minutes then rotate and cook 2 minutes longer, toss in garlic and ginger and cook 1 minute longer or until chicken has cooked through.  
    5. Remove pan from heat and let pan cool about 15 seconds (so noodles don't instantly stick to pan and so sauce doesn't evaporate), then add noodles and broccoli, whisk sauce and pour over top.  
    6. Return skillet to medium heat and cook and toss noodles until about half of the sauce has absorbed into pasta, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.  
    7. Toss in green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve warm.
    ...read more



      Tostadas {with Chicken Guacamole and Beans}
      These tostadas are perfect for an easy weeknight dinner! They're loaded with layer after layer of deliciousness and you'll be savoring every bite. Plus it's a recipe everyone can agree on.
      Save time by using store-bought tostada shells, pico found in the deli, and store-bought rotisserie chicken

      #Avocados #CheddarCheese #Chicken #ChiliPowder #Cilantro #Cumin #GarlicPowder #Limes #MontereyJackCheese #Onions #RefriedBeans #SourCream #Tomatoes #Tortillas

      Servings: 6
      Ready in: 25 minutes
      Prep: 20 minutes
      Cook: 5 minutes

      Ingredients:
      6 tostada shells , store-bought or homemade*
      2 medium ripe avocados
      1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
      1/4 tsp garlic powder, divided
      Salt and freshly ground black pepper
      1 (16 oz) can Rosarita Traditional Refried Beans
      1 (10 oz) can Rotel Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies Mild, drained
      3/4 tsp ancho chili powder
      1/2 tsp ground cumin
      2 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
      2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken breasts
      1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
      1 cup pico de gallo, homemade or store-bought**
      6 Tbsp Sour cream

      Instructions:
      1. Using a fork mash avocado with lime juice and 1/8 tsp garlic powder to a slightly chunky texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.  
      2. In a small saucepan mix together refried beans, drained canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin and remaining 1/8 tsp garlic powder.  
      3. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
      4. To assemble tostadas, layer each tostada shell with guacamole (avocado mixture), bean mixture, lettuce, chicken, cheese, pico de gallo and sour cream. Serve immediately.

      Notes:
      The store-bought tostada shells can usually be found by the tortillas. If making the tostada shells yourself preheat oven to 400 degrees. Brush both sides of 6 yellow corn tortillas lightly with olive or vegetable oil (about 1 Tbsp total). Season lightly with salt then bake on a rimmed baking sheet about 4 - 5 mins per side until crisp.
      For homemade pico de gallo - in a medium bowl toss together 2 diced roma tomatoes, 3 Tbsp diced yellow onion, 2 Tbsp minced cilantro and 2 tsp lime juice. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
      Recipe source: Cooking Classy
      ...read more



        Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad
        Italian inspired salad made with nutritious kale, juicy tomatoes, crunchy almonds and croutons, flavorful parmesan and it's tossed with a fresh lemon dressing.
        /Recipe can be halved, or just make the extra and wait to add tomatoes and crouton crumbles to that extra portion and store in the fridge for a day. /

        #Almonds #Croutons #Garlic #Kale #Lemons #OliveOil #Parmesan #Tomatoes

        Servings: 8
        Ready in: 20 minutes
        Prep: 20 minutes
        Ingredients:
        2/3 cup olive oil
        1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
        1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
        1 tsp honey
        1 pinch salt
        1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
        1 tsp minced garlic (1 clove)
        1 lb. kale (about 2 large bunches)
        1 cup unsalted slivered almonds, toasted
        3/4 cup (3 oz) finely grated parmesan*
        1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
        1 cup croutons, slightly crushed

        Instructions:
        1. In a mixing bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, honey, salt, pepper and garlic. Transfer to fridge while preparing remaining salad ingredients.
        2. Remove kale leaves from thick ribs (you can pull and run along the rib to tear off or cut off). Rinse under water to clean then working in batches run through a salad spinner to dry well.
        3. Working in batches transfer a few handfuls to cutting board, bunch kale together and thinly slice.
        4. Transfer kale to a very large bowl. Add almonds, parmesan and tomatoes.
        5. Whisk dressing again then pour over salad. Toss well to evenly coat.
        6. Serve within a few hours and finish with croutons just before serving (you can lightly toss them into salad if desired).

        Notes:
        *To grate parmesan I buy a whole wedge or Parmigiano Reggiano, cut the rind off (reserve for soups or sauces). Cut into chunks about 1 inch or so then add to a food processor. Cover and process for a few minutes to a finely grate.
        Another option is to use 1 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese.

        cookingclassy
        ...read more



          Granola {Without Oil}
          Granola made without any oil or butter! This easy granola is likely to become your go-to recipe! It's made with simple pantry staples, it's perfectly crisp and crunchy and it has such an irresistible flavor. It's great for breakfast or an on the-go snack. Makes about 5 cups, 1/3 cup servings.

          #Almonds #BrownSugar #Honey #Oats

          Servings: 15
          Ready in: 45 minutes
          Prep: 10 minutes
          Cook: 35 minutes

          Ingredients:
          4 cups (368g) rolled old fashioned oats (don't use quick oats)
          1 cup (150g) sliced or slivered almonds
          1/2 cup (100g) packed light-brown sugar
          1/4 cup (60ml) honey
          2 Tbsp (30ml) water
          1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
          1/4 tsp salt
          1 tsp vanilla extract
          1/4 tsp baking soda

          Instructions:
          1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, toss together oats and sliced almonds, set aside.
          2. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, water, cinnamon, and salt. Bring mixture to a boil stirring frequently. Once mixture reaches a boil, allow to boil for 1 minute whisking constantly.  
          3. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and baking soda and whisk until mixture is foamy. Carefully pour hot sugar mixture over oat mixture and toss to evenly coat.  
          4. Spread mixture into an even layer on a silicone baking mat or parchment paper lined 18 by 13-inch rimmed baking sheet.  
          5. Bake in preheated oven, about 36 - 40 minutes until lightly golden brown, removing from oven and tossing twice during baking*.  
          6. Remove from oven allow to cool completely then break into clusters (note that granola wont be crisp until cooled). Store in an airtight container.

          Notes:
          *When tossing, I toss the oat mixture near the edges into the center and spread the mixture in the center out to the edges for more even cooking.
          1 cup dried fruit such as dried blueberries, cranberries or raisins can also be added to the granola. Toss the in just after removing granola from oven.

          cookingclassy
          ...read more



            Grilled Chicken Sun Dried Tomato and Avocado Spinach Salad
            /This is such a flavorful and satisfying salad! It's layered with so much goodness and the way the flavors compliment each other here is spot on delicious! A recipe you'll want to use again and again. /

            #Avocados #Basil #Chicken #Garlic #Lemons #OliveOil #Oregano #Parsley #PineNuts #RedWineVinegar #Spinach #SunDriedTomatoes

            Servings: 4
            Ready in: 30 minutes
            Prep: 20 minutes
            Cook: 10 minutes

            Ingredients:
            6 oz. baby spinach
            1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled and cut into strips or cubes
            1 large avocado, sliced or cubed
            1/3 cup (heaping) drained sun dried tomatoes in oil, finely chopped
            3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
            1/4 cup pine nuts
            Dressing
            1/4 cup olive oil
            2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
            1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
            1 1/2 Tbsp finely minced fresh parsley
            1 garlic clove, minced
            1 tsp dried basil
            1/4 tsp dried oregano
            1/2 tsp honey
            1/2 tsp dijon mustard
            Salt and freshly ground black pepper

            Instructions:
            1. For the dressing, in a mixing bowl whisk together all dressing ingredients and season with salt and pepper to taste.
            2. Divide spinach among 4 plates. Top with chicken, avocado, tomatoes, feta and nuts.  
            3. Stir dressing and pour evenly over each serving. Serve immediately.
            4. Recipe source: Cooking Classy
            ...read more