Cantaloupe

Cantaloupe

My favorite of the melon group is "Cantaloupe".   This fruit that scores an "A" in nutritional grade makes for a great snack on this 90+ degree plus day.   This orange slice of melon is sweet and succulent in taste and encompasses a very high source of vitamin C, A and potassium and is high in dietary fiber and niacin.  The juice of cantaloupes are good for keeping the body hydrated.   Cantaloupes are high in anti-oxidants which assist in prevention of heart disease and cancer.  Vitamin C amounts in cantaloupe stimulates the white cells to prevent infections and strengthens the immune system as well as preventing many degenerative diseases.  The potassium helps to keep the heartbeat normalized and regulates the body's water balance by excreting excess sodium Wow at the vast nutrients and their benefits.   I'm glancing over at this marvelous melon to which I will joyously devour another slice.

Catfish Nugget

Farm raised Catfish Nuggets

Catfish Nuggets Treat

Its a hot day.  I opt for  indoor entertainment. Catfish Nuggets, friends and moi!  As they are of short preparation time I'm assured to have this dish completed in time for guests arrival.  The excessive heat will not be a bother to us as we sit absorbing cool indoor air and engaging our palate with this marvelous lite tasting treat of catfish nuggets.  I prepare these quite often as they make for great finger food. These tasteful strips of fish seasoned with lemon pepper and dusted with brown flower are a quick fix in olive oil. . .They're light and airy to the palate.  Very low caloric intake..80 per 4 oz. serving Each bite affords your body magnesium, potassium and protein all quite beneficial to the body. How wonderful they taste dipped in cocktail sauce.  It's such a wonderful treat for the soul

Red Alaskan Salmon

Red Alaskan Salmon

Salmon

Let’s talk “SALMON” That wild red Alaskan type.   I think it’s the “wild red” that peaks my permanent interest as I eat this fish on the regular.  There is no other salmon in taste that can top red Alaskan.    The pretty firey red orange color is breath taking.  That color incorporates high levels of heart healthy Omega 3 fatty acids.  Salmon also supply’s our body with loads of DPA and EPA necessary for combating disease such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes.  Salmon is an excellent source of protein.  The nutrients in Salmon help in maintaining great skin as well.  While purchasing I visualize myself in the Alaskan streams and rivers watching these well tasting fish prepare for a trip to Tracie’s kitchen.   Me realizing my salmon has been flash frozen upon catch to secure its quality and freshness until baked.  I honestly believe the pieces I purchase from my local fish market expect to see me at the end of their long journey from Alaska.  As pretty as they look in my bowl I can hardly wait to eat this delicate tasty treasure of a fish.

Blackberries & Bananas

Bananas & Blackberries

Tasty snack of Bananas & Blackberries

Blackberries caught my eye today at the market.  What can we do with these little black berries and who shall accompany them in the bowl of happiness.   BANANAS! I call it my quick fix food.  I had been craving one for a bit as I introduce this fruit full of vitamins and minerals to my palate just about every day.  It’s a major source of POTASSIUM and vitamins A & C.  Their bowl buddy blackberries also contain a vast amount of vitamins such as A, E & K.  Eating these fruits with similar vitamins and minerals in combination definitely gives you the most for a fruit salad affording your body a double dose of pleasure per spoonful.  I doubt very much if our bodies would argue with that.

Blue Fish & Red Potato

Fresh BLUEFISH for the baking

Baked BlueFish & Red potatoes

This BLUEFISH dish is for LONG trip ahead of us.  Although Bluefish is considered fish of high fat content I absolutely love this fish.  Maybe it’s the name “BlueFish”.  I admire the blue tint as I stare at its freshness with its source of Omega 3 and potassium.  After baked squeeze lemon and marvel in its taste.  FABULOSO!!  No qualms with the meaty taste considering the sufficient amount of Omega 3.  Along with baked red potatoes it made for a great meal for distanced travel. Potato screams that forbidden word "CARBS". YIKES! but its all good as we must consume a degree of carbohydrates each day.  Rub this pretty vegetable with olive oil and bake right along with the fish.  The skin holds the major source of vitamin C, essential for tissue repair, fiber and minerals such as Thiamin, Niacin, and is very important this part of the potato be eaten They inhabit very little fat.  Anything with the right amount of vitamins and very little fat gets a nod from me.  So lets all enjoy this marvelous dish of Bluefish and red potatoes with a smile. 

Mango & Dates

Mango & Dates

Mango & Dates

It’s a rainy day in New York but I’m in a tropical state of mind.  About to introduce my body to the same feel with a Mango & Date salad.  Mango known as “King of  Fruit” affords us loads of nutrients such as Vitamin A,C, B6, Potassium and Copper.  Mango's contain a great source of beta-carotene which slows the aging process.  Sounds good but I KNOW I don’t want to be (?)<<--(covering my mouth) forever:).  Copper I find an interesting source of nutrient in Mango's.  Copper helps in the production of collagen as well as being an active brain stimulant.  Any nutrient beneficial to the brain is okay by me.  The brain RULES!!  Dates have chosen to accompany mango on this ride on the palate.  Dates bring along to this soiree their own nutrients such as Vitamin A, C as well sufficient amounts of fiber.  What a glorious treat for a rainy day.  Makes it all the better!

Field greens and Strawberries

Field Greens & Strawberries

Here’s my salad for the beach!!  It’s hot so I figured something combining a vegetable and fruit.  I have a twinkle in my eye.  Got it!! Strawberries and field greens.  These colorful greens are light and delicious to the taste.   I love their color diversity and source of Vitamin A, C and K.  Vitamin K is an amazing group of vitamins that aid in blood clotting, bone health and brain function.  I need my brain to be powerful because my thoughts are always full speed ahead about healthy dishes I can create.  Vitamin K also protects cells from oxidative stress.  I’ll combine these pretty leaves with an equally pretty partner.  STRAWBERRIES!!!  These red delicious delights known as the “QUEEN OF FRUITS”  How fitting for us ladies who will be devouring this salad.   Each bite enlightens my face as I bask in the knowledge of all the nutrients invading my body.  Nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, B6. potassium, and many antioxidants and flavonoids necessary for the immune system to fight and protect against illnesses related to heart and cancers.  The fiber and folate also found in these berries help combat heart disease.  This salad is full of fun, zest and is deliciously healthy.  Oh these Strawberries!!