FRESHIE FAVE: Texas Tea Step

The infamous Texas summer will soon be upon us. Some of us are bracing ourselves and others are jumping up for joy. But we all know that there is just about nothing better than quenching your thirst with nice ice-cold drink of tea. That’s where my new Freshie Fave, Texas Teas, come in.

Texas Tea is made in Austin and is a proud member of GO TEXAN – the Texas Department of Agriculture’s program that promotes the products, culture and communities that call Texas home.

Texas Tea’s Lone Star pride reaches even to the local ingredients they use. First of all, the teas are made with Texas water; then they add other natural flavor combinations that feature Nacogdoches blueberries, Rio Grande Valley grapefruit, Austin honey, Sugar Land sugar, Poteet strawberries and, of course, Fredericksburg peaches!

Can I get a “Yee Haw?” You might want to get a couple of bottles next time you’re in FRESH, not only to enjoy a glass of iced tea, but to also try this Southern-inspired Sweet Tea Brined Chicken.

Texas Tea Brined Grilled Chicken

4 lbs chicken (Choose any cut of bird you prefer)

2 bottles RGV Texas Style Half & Half Grapefruit Tea

1 small ctn diced onions (from FRESH Kit Kitchen)

1 lemon, sliced

2 sprigs rosemary 

4 garlic cloves, diced

1 Tbsp black pepper

1 Tbsp kosher salt

2 quart-size zip-top bags 

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Directions: 

In each zip-top bag pour one tea bottle (place in casserole dish or bowl to help keep steady). Add 1/2 garlic, 1/2 lemon, one rosemary sprig and 1/2 tablespoon of salt and pepper (add more or less to fit your taste). Seal bag and shake until ingredients are evenly distributed. 

Add raw chicken to bags and let marinate in refrigerator overnight. Take chicken out and discard left over brine. Dry chicken off with paper towels. Heat grill to medium. Place chicken on grill and grill covered for 25 minutes. Flip and cook other side for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Take off of grill and enjoy with a glass of Texas Tea!

Well and Good: The Knobby Root

Did you know that ginger has many health benefits? From inflammation to migraines to menstrual cramping, ginger is a great option for those looking for a natural remedy to pain.

Ginger comes in many forms:

• A knobby root
• Dried powder
• Sliced and crystallized
• Cubed and crystallized
• Candied

People in Asia have used ginger in cooking for more than four thousand years. It's been a staple in their medicine cabinets for more than two thousand years. People in this part of the world know something we haven't until recently: Ginger can help with a wide variety of common ailments. Ginger's powerful phenol compounds, like gingerols and shogaols, contribute to its powerful medicinal properties. Here are just a few ailments from which ginger can provide some relief:

Migraines. Preliminary research shows that ginger may help with migraine pain. Ginger seems to inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, which can lead to a headache. What's the best way to get ginger when a migraine's approaching? Slice three quarter-size pieces of fresh ginger root. Place in one cup water and simmer for about thirty minutes then drink the mixture.

Inflammation. Inflammatory conditions can be managed, and in some cases, relieved by the nitrous-oxide inhibiting power of ginger. Its anti-inflammatory properties may help with symptoms of arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. 

Menstrual Pain. If you're one of millions of women suffering in pain each month, listen up! Ginger might provide some relief. In a double-blind study, women taking ginger capsules reported as much or more pain relief than the women taking over-the-counter options like ibuprofen.

What's the take-away? Ginger might be a great option for natural pain relief. It's definitely worth a try! Stop by the FRESH wellness department for help with choosing the ginger supplement right for you. 

A FRESH Point of View: Don't mind if I Fondue!

Fondue is an elegant medley of food and culture. The traditional cheese fondue originated in the 1600s in the Alpine region – that delicious culinary melting pot of French, Italian and Swiss cuisine. Each culture is cheese-crazed, and each culture celebrates the family meal.

But oh, the chocolate fondue – it's uniquely American, conceived in New York in the 1960s by a Swiss restaurateur. And a couple of weeks ago, my niece, Karlee Grace, and I perfected this recipe. Should we share it? Yes!

Dispense with the double-boiler toil and trouble. And by that, I mean, do not use your double boiler, certainly not for a chocolate fondue, ever again.

This fondue recipe takes out all the treachery (I've served mutilated, lumpy, curdled chocolate before under the guise of "Hey, it's chocolate."). But 100 percent of the time this fondue will be a silky-smooth success. Statistics don't lie.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp heavy whipping cream

3 Tbsp honey

2 (4 oz) bars Ghirardelli milk chocolate  

1 Tbsp Grand Marnier

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

Click here to print this recipe or add items to My Shopping List.

Directions:

Heat the cream in a large bowl in the microwave until it's steaming but not boiling. Then pull it out of the microwave and stir in the honey. Break up the chocolate into small pieces and whisk them into the cream, allowing the chocolate to melt into the cream. There will be a lot of whisking. Reheat the mixture in the microwave as needed (you'll need to do this a few times because the mixture cools quickly). If it starts to get curdled or too thick, just add a little more cream, and it will smooth right out. Stir in the Grand Marnier and vanilla extract, and you're done. 

Now comes the really fun part – finding treats to dip in your chocolate concoction.

All of these are delicious: Strawberries, sponge cake, Peeps, marshmallows, raspberries and almost any kind of fruit.

The Fon-don'ts: Sharing is the goal of fondue, generally. And who better to share with than friends and family? Let us review etiquette (rules, rules, there are always rules!). Think of fondue like your bowl of salsa – the same rules apply:

1. No double dipping!

2. Use your fondue fork only for dipping, not for eating.

3. Don't hog it all (no matter how badly you want to)

4. And whatever you do, don't spill the fondue. Major party foul.

This is the kind of recipe that's perfect for the whole family, for a sleep-over or for a pregnant lady with a very big craving (me).

Enjoy!

Well and Good: Luna

How can something so good for us be so yummy? And I am into yummy! That is why I was on top of the moon to discover LUNA nutrition bars for women. They start with nutrition that matters most to women, the best ingredients possible and combine with mouthwatering flavors. Voila!

When it comes to food, LUNA’s philosophy is simple: They say no to guilt, deprivation, and dieting – yes to intuitive nutrition, pleasure, quality ingredients and, of course, chocolate. I like that last part the best.

In 1999, Clif Bar & Company founders Gary and Kit launched LUNA with a singular goal: Create a delicious, nutritious bar that women would love.  More than 13 years and 20 flavors later, that’s still their driving mission – a mission founded on a dedication to quality, community, sustainability and a balanced workplace.

Another impressive detail of these delicious bars is that they have four important core nutrients called out right on the packaging. These vitamins and minerals are the nutrients that help your body thrive day in and day out.   

Vitamins and minerals are the nutrients that help your body thrive day in and day out.  For women, a good rule of thumb is to think of iron, calcium, folic acid and vitamin D as the “Core 4” vitamins and minerals important to maintaining overall health.

I also noticed that organic ingredients are a big part of LUNA. Organic food differs from conventional food in that it is grown without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, or hormones, and there are a number of reasons that people choose to buy it. Some want to eliminate as many artificial chemicals and potential toxins as possible from their diets.  Some care that organic farming is cleaner and friendlier to the environment.  And for some, it’s about supporting an agricultural system of local growers and food producers. Because LUNA products are made with organic ingredeints, it is easy to maintain your organic lifestyle while nourishing your body.

May I suggest you indulge in the Chocolate Dipped Coconut Whole Nutrition Bar for Women? Come to our Health & Wellness Department, and I will show you exactly where they are. Well, at least the ones I haven’t eaten yet, so hurry!

Freshie Fave: Shaking up Salt!

I have to admit that I am salt-a-holic, and this is no surprise to my friends.

Herbamare^® is made according to the original recipe of the world-famous Swiss naturopath Al Vogel and is prepared with fresh, organically grown herbs. The fresh herbs are combined with natural sea salt from salt marshes located in Camargue, South France. The mixture ‘steeps’ for up to one year before the moisture is removed by a special vacuum process, at a low temperature. This steeping process integrates the full herb and vegetable flavor into the salt crystal.

Like all of the A.Vogel products, the raw ingredients are literally used immediately after harvesting; vegetables are brought in from the fields and finely chopped, mixed with real sea salt and allowed to marinate. The mixture is then dried under a vacuum. This process brings out the flavor of the vegetables, yielding a truly fresh condiment with a great flavor. Herbamare does not contain artificial flavorings, dairy products or gluten. Herbamare is certified organic by the USDA.

In this little shaker is a blend of celery, leek, watercress, onions, chives, parsley, lovage, garlic, basil, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, and kelp, all organically grown!

Well and Good: Filtration Fluctuation

Did you know that your kidneys filter about 180 liters of fluid each day? If you're like me, you had to read that twice. Imagine, 90 2-liter bottles of soda...every single day!

Many habits we develop with age affect our kidneys. For example, regularly drinking soda (especially a 44-ounce to-go cup) or caffeine and alcohol in excess can put unnecessary pressure on your kidneys and make them work harder than they should.

Believe it or not, our kidneys are affected by much more than what we drink. A diet with excessively high levels of protein, in addition to consistently elevated blood glucose levels, can also affect kidney function.

Here at FRESH, we want your kidneys to be healthy, fluid-filtering machines! Here are some habits you'll want to adjust for better kidney function.

Drink It Up. Many Americans have gotten away from their "daily 8" glasses of water and fluid-containing foods. Water helps your kidneys to “relax,” mainly because it dilutes the amount of large particles they have to filter. This is really important, especially if you're a daily soda or alcohol drinker. If you don't like the taste of water, try squeezing some lemon, lime or other citrus fruit into your glass. It's delicious and adds the ever-important vitamin C!

Portion that Protein. Protein is very important for overall health. Mainly used to build cells, the body relies on protein to sustain basic levels of health. But, just like everything, moderation is key. Too much of a good thing can be even worse than a little of a bad thing! Confused about how much protein to get? No worries... we've got your back!

First, obtain your weight (approximate is okay) in pounds. Now, divide that number by 2.2 to convert your weight to kilograms. Then, multiply this number by 0.8. This is the number of grams of protein you should shoot toward every day. If it seems lower than what you're used to seeing, don't worry! Backing down on protein might give your kidneys a break. And, since all excess macronutrients (like carbohydrates, fats and proteins) are stored as fat, it might help you lose a little of that excess weight!

Sweet as Sugar. Because our kidneys constantly filter blood, high blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels can also negatively affect their function. Shoot for naturally low-sugar foods like vegetables and grains as the foundation of your diet; then add the occasional dessert or sweet snack. A word of caution: swapping “sugar-free” foods that contain artificial sweeteners can be negative too. Aim for moderation and you'll be on your way to a healthy and FRESH new you in no time!

*We're not doctors. If you have kidney disease, please see a licensed practitioner in your area. 

Family Central: Texas Two-Step Stuffed French Toast

There are recipes for French toast dating back to the fourth century. It's the poor man's rib-sticking fare that makes use of all the things in the kitchen. It's the kind of recipe Alton Brown might call, "refrigerator Velcro." And it's a household favorite for us. 

So, what sets this apart? The combination of flavors: White chocolate apricot bread, Nutella, cinnamon and vanilla. This food is big on aroma.

My toddler decides what he's willing to eat based on how it smells. When Drew was a baby we began playing the spice game. I take him to the spice cabinet, open spice jars for him and let him smell the wonders contained inside. Think of it – vanilla bean, cinnamon, saffron, coriander, dill, star anise, lavender, nutmeg, paprika, curry powder and more. Each is uniquely its own. Each can be foreign and challenging for a toddler. It's important to me to introduce these aromas early and to inspire kitchen curiosity. His face lights up when he finds one he likes. He asks to play the spice game again and again.

We like to keep breakfast simple but big on flavor, and this two-step recipe is the ace in the hole. I can always count on my toddler to eat a hardy breakfast, especially where Nutella is involved. This is key when we've planned a day of big adventures.

Even better, little hands can be employed in the preparation phase. I had Drew pick cinnamon from a few other spices, based on smell. Then he scooped it with the teaspoon measure and put it into the batter. He did the same with the sugar and stirred away.

Ingredients:

A loaf of pre-sliced white chocolate apricot bread

Nutella (Who doesn't have this in their pantry?)

For the eggy dip, whisk together:

4 eggs

1 cup milk

2 Tbsp sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp vanilla

Take two slices of bread, spread some Nutella and make the "chocolate sandwich"

Dip the sandwich in the eggy dip (both sides). Then, sauté over medium-low heat like you normally would a French toast, about 1 to 2 minutes per side or until golden brown. Cover the pan when you're not flipping so that it heats through well.

I serve with maple syrup and butter. Drew likes his with a side of Loveaby Dragon by Barbara Joosse, a delightful picture book that we read together about a lonely girl who befriends a dragon who scares away the monsters and keeps her safe. The book reminds us that whether we are big or small, on the inside, we are all exactly the same size. And, after this breakfast, our insides are all warm and stuffed with stuffed French toast.

What was Drew's favorite part? He got to lick the Nutella spoon. But hey, those are the perks of getting dirty in the kitchen.

Well and Good: Light It Up

If you're sick of the diet treadmill with little, to no results, or big losses followed by big gains, you're not alone. With more than 90 percent of the American population trying fad diets each year, it's clear that we all have questions. The answers might be simpler than you think! Here are some basic principles to light your energy-burning powerhouse on fire!

Breakfast. It really is the most important meal of the day! Eating breakfast will help your metabolism get a great start. No time for breakfast? Try a cup of yogurt with FRESH signature granola on top. If you're more of a grab-and-go person, try making mini-quiches on Sunday night (using the week's leftover veggies) and freeze them to use during the week. There are thousands of options to make breakfast easier on your schedule and your budget. Not sure where to start? Try this week's recipe or stop by the Wellness department for a recipe from our stash. 

B Vitamins. B vitamins are famous for their role in energy metabolism. There are many B vitamins, including B12, B6, thiamin and riboflavin, to name a few. These vitamins can act to help your body process and utilize the energy you eat more efficiently. If you eat a fair amount of red meat, your B12 level is probably good; other good sources include eggs and nutritional yeast. If you're deficient in B vitamins, you'll feel tired and sluggish, possibly light-headed and anemic. If you feel your B vitamin levels might be low, review your diet, then have them checked by your doctor. We've got plenty of FRESH options for B vitamin supplementation; so if you have questions, don't be afraid to ask

Kick It Into High Gear. If you want to lose weight and keep it off, exercise is important. Building lean muscle mass will help your body to burn calories well after your workout is over. Lifting moderate weights is also important for bone strength and the prevention of osteoporosis. Plus, it gives you that great burst of endorphins that make everything better! Adding an exercise plan to a clean meal plan is a FRESH recipe for success! 

No matter what your weight loss goals are, we've got the support you need! Stop by your FRESH wellness department for everything you need to reach your goal! In the mean time, try this great recipe for a breakfast on the go:

Quiche On The Go!

INGREDIENTS

8 oz turkey breakfast sausage, removed from casing and crumbled into small pieces (Lightlife sausage also works well for a vegetarian option)

1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil

8 oz mushrooms, sliced

1/4 cup sliced scallions

1/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1 tsp freshly ground pepper

5 eggs

3 egg whites

1 cup 1% milk

Preparation

Position rack in center of oven; preheat to 325° F. Coat a nonstick muffin tin generously with cooking spray (see Tip).

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl to cool. Add oil to the pan. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring often, until golden brown, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer mushrooms to the bowl with the sausage. Let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in scallions, cheese and pepper.

Whisk eggs, egg whites and milk in a medium bowl. Divide the egg mixture evenly among the prepared muffin cups. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of the sausage mixture into each cup.

Bake until the tops are just beginning to brown, 25 minutes. Let cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Place a rack on top of the pan, flip it over and turn the quiches out onto the rack. Turn upright and let cool completely.

Note: Use whatever ingredients you have on hand! This is a great way to use up leftover veggies from the week, so whatever you have will be delicious!

These little packs of joy can be frozen for use during the week – just pop them in the microwave for a quick and healthy breakfast on the go!

Recipe adapted from www.EatingWell.com.

FRESHIE FAVE: New at FRESH, Charter Reserve Deli Meats

We are introducing Charter Reserve, a line of premium deli meats, giving you several new flavors of deli turkey, ham, beef and chicken to try.

Charter Reserve is high-quality, all-natural meat – providing great taste at affordable prices. But even though it’s budget friendly, they do not skimp on the quality or the preparation:

•  This is whole-muscle meat, with no binders or fillers.
•  No MSG or trans fats.
•  Every variety is gluten-free.
•  They’re all oven-roasted and seasoned with fine ingredients and spices.
•  Several varieties are even certified by the American Heart Association, meaning they meet the association’s guidelines for heart-healthy food.

Charter Reserve is a great line of deli meats. So don’t be shy, and ask for a taste today!

Well and Good: Digestive Dilemma

Digestive health isn't something you think about everyday. We tend to take the intricacies of our bodies for granted... until there's a problem. It's been said that the digestive system acts as a "second brain"... a kind of processing center for the energy we eat. It also absorbs the vitamins and minerals our bodies need to function properly. Digestive problems can affect every aspect of life and they're no fun! From bloating to nausea and gas, chances are we've all experienced digestive issues at one point or another. Here are a few of the most common digestive issues we see and the FRESH way to address them!

Gas. We hope you're making an effort to eat healthier and increase fiber in your diet! When your body isn't used to breaking down (insoluble) fiber in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, the adjustment period can be challenging. Often, gas is an embarrassing side effect of adding fiber abruptly instead of increasing gradually. If you're experiencing this unpleasant symptom, we suggest backing down on the fiber levels and increasing slowly. Let's say that you want to get to a goal of 25 grams of fiber daily. If you're currently getting 10 grams, don't try and get to 25 grams overnight. Add 3-5 grams and leave the levels there for a couple of days to allow your body to adjust. Do this until you reach your goal of 25 grams each day. But what to do about the gas, you ask? We like Hyland's Gas and Bloating remedy. It's homeopathic, so it won't interfere with any other medications and we've heard great feedback about it from our guests! If you notice that specific foods are causing gas, you might need to add an enzyme to your supplement plan. Come see us for individualized suggestions on remedies for you!

Bloating. Women seem to experience this symptom more frequently than men. When your abdomen feels full and tight, and you're suddenly uncomfortable in the clothes you've been wearing all day, you're probably experiencing bloating. The most common reasons for bloating related to digestion are:

• Overeating. Try smaller portions.
• High-fat meals. Fried catfish with french fries and hush puppies? This meal might be popular, but it will probably lead to bloating. Swap the fries for a baked potato or other vegetable and you're on your way!
• Eating too quickly. Try eating at a slower pace. You might be surprised at how much better you feel and at how much less you eat!

Nausea. Feeling nauseous after eating a big meal is miserable. Often, eating food that is too rich for us can cause us to feel sick. The remedy? Just have a bite or two of the pie, not the entire pie! Seriously, though, it's a good idea to monitor portions of rich food. Drinking vinegar and grapefruit juice has also been a successful remedy for many freshies. Another option is our Gin-Gins... individually wrapped ginger candy that are a convenient add-in for your purse or desk drawer!

Digestive issues are no fun, but here at FRESH, we've got you covered. Still have questions? Come see us! We'd love to talk with you about natural remedies for your digestive health.

If you're experiencing major digestive problems, please see your healthcare provider.