Welcome to vivarecipes!   This NEW website is a collection of delicious recipes of Mediterranean cuisine.  Check back often, new content is added daily.  If you would like to add a recipe, comment, or ask for a recipe simply contact us.  Thanks for visiting and visit often!

Mediterranean Delights 

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Food News You Can Use

This page will have recent and archived data of food information you can use.  These short paragraphs have been on the site in previous weeks and are saved here for your reference. 

January 21, 2011
Eggs, wonderful eggs!  Once they were thought to be unhealthy, but now eggs have made a comeback.  Eggs are an excellent source of proteins, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids.  The protein from eggs is more effective in muscle-building than beef or milk.  A bonus to cooking eggs is they are easy to prepare in many different ways.  Mediterranean recipes have many delicious uses for eggs.  You can make a very healthy and tasty meal with eggs, vegetables and whole grains.  So have your egg today! 

October 1, 2010
Football season is here and it is a great time to enjoy some Mediterranean foods.  Whether you are enjoying the game in front of the big screen t.v. or tailgating, you can try a variety of delicious and heart-healthy foods for gametime.  There are some wonderful foods which will make great finger foods and main meals for your football fans.  Try the crostini, feta phyllo triangles, churros, focaccia and guacamole for your appetizers.  The main meal can be the Tortilla Lasagna, Lasagna, or even the Eggplant Calabrese.  These bake ahead of time and can be easily transported to the tailgating party.  The foods are so delicious you will want to make enough for seconds!

September 18, 2010
Olive oil is a main ingredient in all the Mediterranean area.  You cannot travel throughout the entire area without finding olive trees, olives and olive oil everywhere.  Foods are prepared with olive and the oil, itself, is eaten with bread and used as a topping for many foods.  It is amazing how delicious a meal can become just by adding some good olive oil.  You may find it is a little more expensive, however, it is well worth it for the flavor alone--not even to mention the health benefits!   The monounsaturated fats in olive oil reduces bad cholesterol and the polyphenols are powerful antioxidants which contribute to overall health and heart health!  Check the Mayo Clinic website for more clinical information on olive oil.


August 25, 2010
There is a real danger of cancer-causing substances developing on your meats when you grill.  However, you can minimze the risk of these substances from developing by only choosing lean cuts of meat, using plenty of herbs, using olive oil, and marinating the meats.  All these steps will significantly reduce the chances of cancer-causing substances from ever forming on your meats.  You can read more about healthy grilling at the link below:

"
Recently scientists at the Food Safety Consortium project at Kansas State University have discovered that herbs of the Lamiaceae family (Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Thyme, Oregano, and Sage) used in marinades reduced HCA formation dramatically. This is good news and a great reason to grill with flavor. These herbal antioxidants reduce the formation of free radicals (bad stuff) when meat hits heat."    bbq.about.com/od/grillinghelp/a/aa022099.htm


August 12, 2010
Cooking light is much easier in the summer with the wide variety of fruits and vegetables available.  It is fun and easy to prepare a healthy and delicious dinner for the entire family.  There plenty of fresh vegetables available at supermarkets and groceries.  You will love the fresh harvest of eggplants, tomatoes, zucchini, squash, green beans, lettuce, cucumbers, spinach, radishes, and so much more.  Make good use of all these vegetables by preparing a huge salad and add a little touch of feta cheese, or mozzarella to flavor it up.  This will help you get your daily requirement of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A and C, B vitamins, fiber, and even iron.  Flavor up your salad with lemon juice, vinegar, olives and herbs like fresh basil and fresh oregano.  Enjoy the summer harvest. 

July 19, 2010
Now is seems everywhere you shop for groceries, zucchini are in fresh supply!  It is that time of year when zucchini are abundant.  They are an excellent source of vitamin C, one cup supplies 35% of your daily requirement.  One cup has 2 grams of protien. and 1 gram of dietary fiber, while remaining low-calorie, fat-free, and low in carbs.  Zucchini are very low on the glycemic index (2) and provide some anti-inflammatory benefits.  This is a versatile vegetable; it can be fried, boiled, baked, broiled and added to many recipes.  You must try zucchini cake or bread--it is similar to carrot cake and pumpkin bread and very delicious!!!

July 12, 2010
Green beans are in season and they are packed full of healthy benefits.  Green beans are a favorite in the Mediterranean region and they are delicious.  You can prepare them simply by steaming them in a covered saucepan with only a few tablespoons of water over high heat and then lower heat for only a few minutes. The steam will cook them and you just season with salt, pepper, crushed garlic and olive oil to taste.   Also, in Mediterreanen cooking green beans are used in sauces, stews and salads.  They are an excellent source of iron, which is fundamental to the production of hemoglobin.  Green beans provide vitamins A and C, which helps prevent the oxidation of cholesterol to keep arteries clear and reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.  So add some green beans to your meals today!

July 5, 2010
Fresh cherries are in season and there are several varieties to try!   You may have already heard of Bing, Rainier, and Van cherries, however, there are several other varieties of cherries.  The Bing cherries are dark red and sweet.  They are excellent for eating and for most recipes.  Cherries are wonderful all on their own, however, they make very delicious ingredients for pies, crostadas, fillings, toppings, ice cream and so much more.  Studies have documented the nutritiona and antioxidants in cherries.  Most recently studies have shown cherries reduce pain, reduce inflammation, help lower cholesterol and aid in sleep.  They are definitely heart-healthy and taste delicious!

July 5, 2010Fresh are in season and there are several varieties to try!   You may have already heard of Bing, Rainier, and Van cherries, however, there are several other varieties of cherries.  The Bing cherries are dark red and sweet.  They are excellent for eating and for most recipes.  Cherries are wonderful all on their own, however, they make very delicious ingredients for pies, crostadas, fillings, toppings, ice cream and so much more.  Studies have documented the nutritiona and antioxidants in cherries.  Most recently studies have shown cherries reduce pain, reduce inflammation, help lower cholesterol and aid in sleep.  They are definitely heart-healthy and taste delicious!

July 5, 2010Fresh are in season and there are several varieties to try!   You may have already heard of Bing, Rainier, and Van cherries, however, there are several other varieties of cherries.  The Bing cherries are dark red and sweet.  They are excellent for eating and for most recipes.  Cherries are wonderful all on their own, however, they make very delicious ingredients for pies, crostadas, fillings, toppings, ice cream and so much more.  Studies have documented the nutritiona and antioxidants in cherries.  Most recently studies have shown cherries reduce pain, reduce inflammation, help lower cholesterol and aid in sleep.  They are definitely heart-healthy and taste delicious!

 

July 5, 2010Fresh are in season and there are several varieties to try!   You may have already heard of Bing, Rainier, and Van cherries, however, there are several other varieties of cherries.  The Bing cherries are dark red and sweet.  They are excellent for eating and for most recipes.  Cherries are wonderful all on their own, however, they make very delicious ingredients for pies, crostadas, fillings, toppings, ice cream and so much more.  Studies have documented the nutritiona and antioxidants in cherries.  Most recently studies have shown cherries reduce pain, reduce inflammation, help lower cholesterol and aid in sleep.  They are definitely heart-healthy and taste delicious!

 

July 5, 2010Fresh are in season and there are several varieties to try!   You may have already heard of Bing, Rainier, and Van cherries, however, there are several other varieties of cherries.  The Bing cherries are dark red and sweet.  They are excellent for eating and for most recipes.  Cherries are wonderful all on their own, however, they make very delicious ingredients for pies, crostadas, fillings, toppings, ice cream and so much more.  Studies have documented the nutritiona and antioxidants in cherries.  Most recently studies have shown cherries reduce pain, reduce inflammation, help lower cholesterol and aid in sleep.  They are definitely heart-healthy and taste delicious!

 

July 5, 2010Fresh are in season and there are several varieties to try!   You may have already heard of Bing, Rainier, and Van cherries, however, there are several other varieties of cherries.  The Bing cherries are dark red and sweet.  They are excellent for eating and for most recipes.  Cherries are wonderful all on their own, however, they make very delicious ingredients for pies, crostadas, fillings, toppings, ice cream and so much more.  Studies have documented the nutritiona and antioxidants in cherries.  Most recently studies have shown cherries reduce pain, reduce inflammation, help lower cholesterol and aid in sleep.  They are definitely heart-healthy and taste delicious!

 

July 5, 2010Fresh are in season and there are several varieties to try!   You may have already heard of Bing, Rainier, and Van cherries, however, there are several other varieties of cherries.  The Bing cherries are dark red and sweet.  They are excellent for eating and for most recipes.  Cherries are wonderful all on their own, however, they make very delicious ingredients for pies, crostadas, fillings, toppings, ice cream and so much more.  Studies have documented the nutritiona and antioxidants in cherries.  Most recently studies have shown cherries reduce pain, reduce inflammation, help lower cholesterol and aid in sleep.  They are definitely heart-healthy and taste delicious!

 


June 4, 2010
As summer approaches, the ice cream, sherbert and Italian ice are calling.  These warm weather treats are too good to pass, however, moderation is key.  Although recent studies have found a benefit to eating whole-milk ice cream, don't finish off a box in one day.  This is tempting, however, 1/2 cup is a good portion size.  The CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) in whole milk has been shown to help reduce belly fat.  CLA is also found in beef, particularly in grass-fed cattle.  By the way, grass-fed cattle is the best beef to purchase and avoid beef from cattle which is fed fillers and animal meat.  Studies found CLA had benefits of aiding in weight loss, reducing cholesterol, and improving immunity (study by Dr. Pariza. University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2000).  So enjoy some ice cream and try the recipe for Tiramisu Ice Cream Cake! 


May 21, 2010
Summer is on its way and it is a great time of year to eat healthier.  The fresh fruits and vegetables will be ripening.  Mediterranean foods use plenty of healthy vegetables, fruits and grains.  Some of the most nutrition-packed foods are fresh vegetables such as tomatoes.  Making good use of tomatoes in your meals provides a powerful nutritional punch.  Eat your tomatoes everyday both raw and cooked in olive oil.  This is the most efficient way to get your body to absorb all the vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes.  They provide lycopene, vitamin E, Vitamin A and even some fiber.  Tomatoes are low in calories, fat, cholesterol, sodium and carbohydrates.  Just one cup of cherry tomatoes provides 32% Vitamin C and 25% Vitamin A.  Cooking the tomatoes in olive oil releases some antioxidants and lycopene for additional health benefits.  So have your tomatoes today!


May 15, 2010

Time to clean out the grill and get ready for more outdoor cooking!   It may seem a little chilly outside, but before you know it warmer temperatures will be returning and you will want to have your grill in top shape for cooking.  Clean the grill inside and out.  Make sure it is working and you have all your supplies ready.  Mediterranean foods are excellent for outdoor grills.  In fact, so much of the foods in this region are cooked outside over a fire grill.  Try some wonderful, mouth-watering kabob recipes, grilled vegetables, seafood, poultry, beef, lamb, flat breads, and so much more this year.  Remember to make it a last step of adding the sauces to any meats.  Studies have shown this helps reduce any chances of developing carcinogens on the meats. 

May 1, 2010
This Sunday, May 7, 2010 is Mothers' Day.  Try a beautiful and delicious brunch filled with healthy and nutritious foods.  Plan a nice spread starting with some good brunch foods like:   Chicken Broccoli Frittata, Moussaka, Warm Zucchini Salad, Italian Potato Salad, Tomatoes with Cheese, Asparagus, Hummus, Eggplant Dip, Moroccan Salad, and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.  Add a basket of warm pita bread, crostini, and even focaccia.  Serve grape juice, hot mint tea, and Espresso.  Coffee flans are a great idea.  Finish the meal with some homemade crepes.  The recipe for crepes with chocolate and walnuts is so wonderful it is light and yet rich in chocolate at the same time!!!  Remember you can make these dishes healthy--cook with olive oil, add plenty of vegetables and fruits, and reduce the amount of salt when cooking.  A nice centerpiece to the table can be a fruit basket; carved out of a watermelon.  Treat Mom right on this special day.  She deserves a nice relaxing day.


May 1, 2010
May is Celiac and Food Allergies Awareness Month.  In the past decade, there has been much more information on food allergies.  As we learn more about this, we must learn more about preparing healthy foods too, as well as, those we can tolerate without allergic reactions.  It is a great month to do some more research into food allergies.  Also, you may have noticed a substantial increase in the number of gluten-free foods and gluten-free bakeries and restaurant menus.  This is due to the increased number of people being diagnosed with Celiac Disease.  This disease prevents the consumption of any food products containing gluten.  If you prefer to make your meals gluten-free at home, you're in luck.   Many recent cookbooks are all dedicated to baking and cooking gluten-free. The Culinary Institute has a fantastic cookbook with all recipes gluten-free.  There are some on-line ordering sites which will ship gluten-free products right to your doorstep!    A great site is www.Chebe.com which offers many breads and baked goods which are yeast-free, wheat-free and gluten-free. 

April 19, 2010
Salt--most of us have a Love-Hate relationship with salt.  We must have the salt on our foods, but we hate what it does to our bodies.  Most prepared foods contain too much salt.  The advantage to cooking more at home allows you the control over how much salt you add.  Simply reducing the amount of salt provides an enormous benefit to your health.  Also, a good habit to develop is to add the salt after the food is cooked just prior to serving.  This will allow you to have the full flavor of the salt and will automatically reduce the amount of salt in the meal.  If the recipe requires salt for a chemical reaction, then you must use the salt during the preparation (such as baking breads, and pastries).  However, next time you prepare a soup, casserole, warm salad, meat, or other meal, hold off on adding the salt until it is cooked.  Then, just sprinkle a small amount right before serving.  This little trick will save your body much harmful sodium.  Studies have shown people who use coarse sea salt usually use less than they would with table salt.  Therefore, this may reduce the amount of sodium intake.
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April 5, 2010
Spring is here!  Although some of us may question that, with the cold temperatures still looming around.  However, spring is the time to reap the wonderful vegetables which are available this season.  Some spring vegetables are:   Arugula, Asparagus, Artichokes, Fava Beans, Fennel, Green Onions, Mint, and Parsley.  Late in spring, strawberries will be more in season in many areas.  Use these early season vegetables to make delicious and healthy meals.  A simple warm salad made from sliced hard boiled eggs, fava beans, over some lettuce greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon makes a healthy lunch or a light dinner.   
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March 28, 2010
Lamb is an elegant choice for special dinners and holidays.  It can be presented in many ways and prepared by roasting, grilling, baking, or in stews.  Some people are not thrilled about the strong lamb flavor, however, lamb properly cleaned and trimmed should have a wonderful flavor.  Find a good butcher shop and select high quality lamb.  The meat should have a thin edge of pink fat and firm, fine grained fibers.  Any strong taste comes from the skin that has not been removed.    When lamb is properly seasoned and cooked, it is similar to beef.  It can be prepared so well, it simply falls off the bone and tastes wonderful.  Lamb is a favorite among all the countries of the Mediterranean region.

A sheep less than one year old is lamb.  After 12 months of age, it becomes mutton.



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March 19, 2010
Many people can acquire sensitivity to gluten as they become older.  Studies have found especially in pre-menopausal and menopausal women, gluten becomes difficult to digest and attacks the villi in the intestines. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Therefore, it can be a good idea to reduce (or eliminate) gluten from your diet.   Gluten comes from wheat, barley and rye and all foods made with these three grains.   This means no more breads, pastas, pizza, and baked goods for many people.  We are going to add gluten-free recipes to this site and hope to increase awareness of this issue.  Also, remember many foods you prepare today can be modified to become gluten-free.  Simply switch from pasta to rice noodles; serve baked potatoes, rice or sweet potatoes more often and skip the bread and rolls at dinnertime.  Try cornbread recipes without any added flour.   We will soon be adding recipes for cake without flour, more polenta cakes, and other recipes without gluten.  Also, try different flours such as buckwheat (which is not from wheat at all), rice flour, chickpea flour, and potato flour. 
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March 5, 2010
This is a great time of year to take advantage of all the great prices on SEAFOOD!   Try the many varieties of fish, as well as, shrimp, crab and shellfish.  There is an abundance of nutrition and health benefits from eating fish twice a week.  Look for those which are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, but remain low in Mercury. 
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