Vegetables-how to use vegetables and how to prepare vegetables-

Vegetables and How to Prepare and Cook Them Food Fun and Facts

How to use Vegetables-How to Prepare Vegetables

Celery
Celery- Every part of the plant can be used to advantage. Stalks and hearts may be used raw, plain or with various fillings. Outer stalks may be stewed, scalloped, or used in combination to give flavor to other vegetables such as potatoes. Trimmings may be used for flavoring soups or in any cooked meat or vegetable dishes. Dried seeds may be used in pickles, and to flavor soups and salads.

Chives
Chives- Leaves are used in many ways. May be used in salad, in cream cheese, in sandwiches, omelettes, soups and in fish dishes. Mild onion flavor.

Garlic
Garlic- Vegetable similar to a small onion but with the bulk divided into sections known as cloves. May be used in very small amounts in flavoring meats, soups, sauces, salad and pickles.

Horseradish
Horseradish- Valuable for its white fleshy, pungent roots which are grated, mixed with vinegar and used as a condiment for meat, oysters, fish, eggs, sauces and in some kind of pickles. The young tender leaves may be useful in a salad.

Mushrooms
Mushrooms- Have a delicate characteristic flavor. May be used in meat or vegetable dishes, in sauces and soups or alone, creamed boiled or stewed.

Buying Vegetables

You can buy fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables.
Of course, fresh vegetables are highest in quality and have the lowest cost when in season. Canned vegetables are very convenient because they take the least preparation time.
They are, however, not as good a choice as fresh or frozen. Frozen vegetables come closest to fresh in appearance, flavor and texture. They do cost more than canned, however. Dehydrated vegetables are another choice
(dry peas, beans and lentils, instant potatoes, etc. )

Onion
Onion- Popular vegetable which combines in flavor with practically off vegetables, and some fruits, e.g. apple and orange; also with all meat and fish. Tender young tops may be minced and used as
garnish for soups and salads.

Peppers
Peppers- All varieties of green peppers and some of the red peppers may be used to give flavor to most forms of vegetable cookery. The peppers of mild flavor and thick meated type are particularly good for stuffing and for salad-also pickles.

Shallots
Shallots- Have a mild onion flavor used in the same way as onions.

Meatless Meals in Minutes

Reinvent dinner in 25 minutes or less!

(Family Features) - What's for dinner? Between work, school and evening activities, this question is often left unanswered until the last minute. However, if you want a meal that is fast, convenient and better for you than most take-out options, consider going meatless.

There are many meat substitute products available in your grocery store freezer that can be the cornerstone of any weeknight meal. Because they can be prepared in a variety of ways - on the stove, microwave or grill - you can choose which preparation is best for your schedule. With substitution options for everything from ribs and burgers to chicken and even sausage, the frozen meatless products can satisfy just about any palate. Best of all, they can be prepared and paired with a few side dishes for a simple, hearty meal in minutes, or used as ingredients in a host of delicious, meatless recipes.

For example, the Mango Riblet Wrap, with the new MorningStar Farms Hickory BBQ Riblets, is a quick meal option - it takes just 15 minutes to prepare - that's ideal when dinner is on-the-go. For your next sit-down family meal, try the Chik'n and Broccoli Fettuccine. Since it takes just 10 minutes to prepare, you'll have more time to catch up with your family around the dinner table.

For more recipes and quick food ideas, visit www.morningstarfarms.com.

Discover natural alternatives for healthy, sustained weight loss.

Easy Recipes
Cooking Tips
Vegetable Recipes
Storage of Vegetables
Household Hints

The Happy Diet

(Family Features) Most people recognize the link between what they eat and their physical health. But many don't know that there is a link between what they eat and their mood Literally, says Elizabeth Somer, M.A.,R.D., what you eat or don't eat for breakfast can have an effect on your happiness quotient by afternoon.

These tips are from, "Eat Your Way to Happiness," the latest book by Somer.

* People who eat breakfast have more energy, a more sustained good mood, they perform better, and they sleep better at night. They also are less prone to food cravings, have an easier time losing weight and maintaining the weight loss. The breakfast must have: a whole grain to provide needed high-quality carbs for the brain; protein to keep you satiated and maintain even blood sugar levels; one, preferably two, colorful fruits and vegetables.

* A light, low-fat lunch helps you stay alert through the afternoon hours, boosts energy, and fills you up without filling you out.

* Super mood foods are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidant-rich phytonutrients, while being moderate in calories. A perfect example is watermelon, which is higher in lycopene than are tomatoes, and is an excellent source of vitamins A, B6, and C. Watermelon is 92 percent water, which means it is a natural hydrator, and it contains two amino acids, citrulline and arginine that maintain blood vessels in the body.

Source: National Watermelon Board