The Rules of Onion and Garlic Use

There are rules in life that encourage us to follow the steps to success in the endeavour in which we are involved. In one instance Momsey has determined there should be rules of garlic and onion usage. Seems kinda of silly but why bother using these illustrious herbs if not to derive maximum benefit in these often used flavour enhancers, in cooking and salads.

Here I go.. Recipes interest me less than the ingredients used in them. Two or three cups of sugar, for instance, coupled with a corresponding amount of flour is preposterous in my opinion. Balance is key to cooking health.

We've been told sugar is an ingredient that harms us. Countries that export their homegrown sugar cane would be left struggling in a downward spiral economy if exports of their main product were to be forbidden. What then?

Turning our attention to onions and garlic would help restore our devotion to those 'foods' with other intentions in our daily diet. That's a thought! Garlic, I have learned, unleashes its greatest potency for health when left alone for 10 minutes before cooking etc. Chopping across instead of lengthwise the clove of garlic increases its health benefit to us in this regard.

Onion powder is the result of onions cooked one way then the product, dried. Different flavour here. Then we have raw onion and boiled onion, different flavour enhancers again. While watching a food show I learned the vlaue of using different types of onions in cooking. Onions can be boiled or roasted thus changing the flavour being imparted into the food being cooked.

In the decades momsey has been cooking in love with this super food - onions- I was not aware of its clever potential in our diet. ..... It does pay to stop, look and listen every so often. Experts in all fields of endevours know one important reality: we do not know it all!

Water.Coffee.Tea.Milk

We are made of nearly 70% water, a drink that was rarely given priority in my childhood. Milk was. And cow's milk was it. How times have changed. We now have oat, almond, cashew, goat, and coconut milks, to name a few, occupying exalted positions in our multifacetted diet.

As a teen, I began drinking tea, Red rose tea, the only tea available on the grocery shelves in 'those days'. Mom drank senna tea and black coffee and nothing else. Both brewed drinks were laced with lots of sugar and cream or milk. For me in the rare instance I drank tea was with orange juice. It seemed to be the only way enjoy the benefits of the one and only tea I drank.

Nothing seemed amiss. Choice did not exist. For me,milk was never added. It just seemed wrong. (At the grocery store, even dog food was in limited supply, occupying only half an aisle.) When I left home. I became a dog owner to a rescue about whom I have written. Why I wonder was glucose-fructose in the hamburger- like packages of Dr. Ballard's dog ' dry food? Why? Sugar belonged somewhere, I guess, but not in the main diet of humans and our pets. Would cats tolerate that? They are smarter human beings.

Coffee is number one for many of us. Not for me, however. I cannot drink it though it was a family favourite, a constant throughout my childhood. ... It is a hot drink commonly offered at parties, conferences, events, the office and of course weddings. Tea is available upon request. Whenever my mom and I shopped I was in charge of grinding a bag of coffee beans, twice, on 'very fine'. I loved the aroma as I closed the bag on its second round. Drinking it was not possible, however.

Tiramisu is a favourite dessert of mine, an Italian delicacy. Why I adore it I do not know. Coffee is laced in the lady fingers of this delicious dessert. I crave it whenever it is offered. Black coffee which my husband loved is a healthy drink, he was reminded, often. hoping he would continue drinking it. I offered to make it whenever. Millions of people around the world who drink coffee must know something. Recently I discovered that the addition of milk to tea or coffee cancels the benefits of these century's old hot beverages. Lemon juice is my  noteworthy add-in, a recommended choice all around.

With tea, I have found my elixir..Mixing different types for different reasons aids in health. Why eat or drink anything long term if there is no health benefit? Seems reasonable to me. When it is pop time, I drink the healthiest available, a few sips till the food is gone. Sugar is a better choice than other substitutes, lauded by the companies that use them....

Hibiscus and dandelion root, as well as black, green and white tea all factor into my menu planning. Hibiscus for reducing high blood pressure is the latest along with dandelion root. A slow introduction into the diet helps my taste buds become acclimatized to these new tea sensations. A 2-3 bag limit in my mug happens regularly. The more the merrier.

Minor changes in the liquids we drink and the foods we cook and prepare at home can result in major changes in overall health. Lemon juice, no excess salt or soy sauce added are simple changes that can help. And cooking at home is the body's biggest health secret.

Tea, coffee and water are formative tools in our daily diet. Much to learn about these clear drinks. If milk is wanted, drink separately. Choose the milk that benefits. Small changes with dramatic results  can occur. Simple, clear and clean. Timely reminders for every day health.