Simple Tuna Salad Recipe You Can Make Before Work

Not only is this a simple tuna salad Mediterranean style, but it is also an extremely healthy one. No processed ingredients are used and best of all, the top stays firmly on the mayo jar! This recipe will provide enough for several large plate servings where it is the main attraction or for many more where it is part of a larger catering operation such as a buffet. Of course if it is just for yourself then scale back accordingly. This salad is best made before going to work as the flavors really intensify while it is stored.

Photo: Taste.com.au

To make the dressing:

• 4 Tb good olive oil.
•  Juice of 1 whole lemon.
• 1 Tb Dijon mustard. 
• A few finely chopped tarragon or basil leaves, to taste, or 1 ½ tsp dried tarragon or 1 tsp dried basil.
• Fresh ground pepper & Kosher salt to taste.

Then Stir dressing into a salad mix made up of:

• 2 finely shredded medium sized carrots. 
• 24 oz canned tuna, drained and crumbled. 
• ½ bell pepper, chopped. 
• ½ small onion, chopped. 
• ½ c pitted and chopped olives. 
• 2-4 oz crumbled Feta cheese. 

The salad can be eaten immediately after preparing but the combining of all the different flavors is the thing that really makes this dish work. Admittedly it is a little bit more involved than just slapping some mayo and the contents of a tin of tuna into a bowl and stirring in some chopped onion but your taste buds will really thank you for the small amount of extra effort. Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce or with cut tomatoes. 

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Are Chili Peppers The Latest Super Food?

Peppers are one of the most common food types used by many different cultures around the world. From Italian pasta, to Indian curries chili peppers are used throughout the world. Many have speculated that their heavy use in countries such as India has contributed towards the health and long life expectancies of the nation.

The fruit from chilli plants come from the Capsicum family of vegetables which is divided into two categories; sweet bell peppers and spicy chili peppers such as the habanero or scotch bonnet. The difference between bell peppers and chili peppers arises from the presence of the chemical that gives chillies their heat - capsaicin.

Chili peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C. Sweet peppers contain as much as two times of vitamin C as oranges. Though not a much as sweet peppers it is surprising to know that chili peppers also pack a heavy punch when it comes to vitamin c. In addition chillies provide a number f other benefits such as:

1. Effective treatment for inflammation such as arthritis

2. Reduce risk of heart attack by reducing cholesterol, by helping to help keep arteries unblocked

3. Clear blocked noses and sinuses

4. Prevent prostate cancer by inhibiting growth of cancerous cells · Prevent stomach ulcers by killing bacteria in the stomach and stimulate more protective stomach juices.

5. Help to lose weight as it speeds up the body's metabolism rate, suppresses appetite and cravings for sweet foods.

6. Lower risk of Type 2 diabetes by controlling the blood sugar.

Saying that hot peppers are a super food may be a bit of a strong statement. I think it is wrong to call any food a super food. However by incorporating chilli peppers into a healthy diet you may benefit from some of these effects. Just remember that as with all so called super foods the best advice is to eat them along with a healthy low fat varied diet, combined with regular exercise.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Is it Too Late For a Summer Garden?

Summer is here and with it comes summer gardens. These summer gardens are not only a delight for the eye, but for the body too. Now is the time to put on the finishing touches. If you did not put out seeds then plants are still a viable option. There are many great plants available. Greenhouses and nurseries offer a wide variety.  

Even if you are a little late in the planting season you still have plenty of time for reaping. The later planting only means more watering for some plants and finding a shade for others. Consider what you are planting then go ahead and take a step out.
 
Herbs do well in well drained soil and lots of sunlight. Herbs include thyme, basil, oregano, tarragon, and mint. These will thrive well in small areas or containers and make a great addition to your recipes.

Tomatoes are available for just about every climate. Most tomatoes thrive in mild temperatures, but need lots of direct sunlight. Some tomatoes are more heat and drought resistant. Know your climate and plant accordingly.
 
There are so many peppers it would take pages just to name them. Peppers are also available in plants. I have found peppers are about the easiest plant to grow. They do well in direct sunlight and can withstand the afternoon sun. However, for me, the best produce is during the fall. Don't get me wrong, peppers produce all summer, but when fall comes. . .WOW can they put out!
 
Cucumbers are also a great garden plant. There are so many things to do with these delights. Eating them raw is just one option. If you are into canning they make great pickles. These can be canned without a lot of trouble. 

 
Peas and green beans come up from seed rather quickly and put on fruit almost as fast. If you have never tried fresh peas or green beans you have missed out. These little wonders can provide the body with much needed nutrition such as vitamin A and calcium. Fresh peas can provide one of the best colon cleanses available. For this reason eat fresh peas and beans with care. You may enjoy the moment, but despise the after effect.
 
If you live in a cooler region, you can plant lettuce. It is a cool weather plant and fresh lettuce is a real treat. If you have a green house with a shade, or an area with lots of shade you can still get by with planting lettuce even in the summer time. 

 
One of my favorite vegetables is okra. This plant tolerates heat well and is usually planted in May and ready to harvest around July. Okra provides many great vitamins, minerals, and is a source of protein and fiber as well. Okra is one that needs to be planted from seed. It does not transplant well. 

 
There are so many plants available for a great garden. Some I didn't mention include: squash, melons, and eggplant. Enjoy your summer and add some freshness to it with a great garden. It not only provides a great meal, but also a great work out!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com