Quick snack suggestion

So this is completely unseasonal and I stole the idea from a GAPS blog I came across a while ago, but it's a really tasty snack and satisfies the winter-time need for melted cheese!

It's worth mentioning that cheese (preferably raw and from pastured cows/goats/sheep) should generally be eaten in an uncooked state so as to preserve the nutritional benefits. However, every human person needs some melty cheese now and then, and if you're going to have it (and are avoiding starchy foods or wheat/bread) this is a pretty good way to do it.

Simply top sliced tomato with slices of raw milk cheese (I use Colby or Monterey Jack), sprinkle on a little grated Parmesan and some dried oregano, and broil for a few minutes, until cheese is warm and melty. I use our toaster oven which works great!

Another reason (as if you needed one) to eat chicken with the skin on

While looking up some Wikipedia-generated definitions of broilers vs. roasters, I came across this interesting section:

"...according to a 2006 Harvard School of Public Health study of 135,000 people, people who ate grilled skinless chicken 5 or more times a week had a 52 percent higher chance of developing bladder cancer compared to people who didn’t. However, such strong associations were not found in individuals regularly consuming chicken with skin intact."

If you're going to eat chicken, eat the skin!!

Come join me for a cooking class this Sunday in Greenpoint!

The topic is: Nourishing Winter Favorites for the Whole Family

Date: Sun. 1/9, 2:00-6:00pm........Fee: 80.00 (150.00 couples) Location: Greenpoint (Brooklyn)

REGISTER HERE or email me about paying by check (see my contact link on the right sidebar)

This class will cover a selection of winter-themed foods from breakfast to dinner (and more!) while offering general guidance in creating sustaining and easy-to-prepare family meals. You will learn what to have on hand to make cooking easier to manage, how to increase the "staying power" of each meal, and how to employ principles of traditional foods in your kitchen every day.

The menu includes plenty of family favorites that will please even the most demanding eaters (including toddlers!), and the class packet provides many additional recipes -- from pot roast to hot chocolate -- that will instantly boost your cooking repertoire.
Emphasis is on locally-sourced nutrient dense ingredients from sustainable family farms. Participants will enjoy a tasting menu "meal" and receive samples to take home.

Menu

* Apple-cinnamon muffins ~ a yummy seasonal "compromise" breakfast for busy mornings! Learn how you can make the most sustaining and nutritious baked goods by getting them started the night before.
* Cashew-crusted chicken nuggets ~ forget about the frozen food aisle! Your family will be thrilled with these tasty favorites.
* Potato "chips" ~ satisfy your family's cravings for salty snacks with these treats, served with a side of lactofermented ketchup (recipe included).
* Lactofermented ginger ale ~ a delicious beverage, filled with beneficial enzymes and probiotics. A favorite among all ages (and great to have on hand for digestive ailments!).
* Swedish meatballs & gravy ~ made with pastured beef and blended with spices, egg, and cream. Serve simply with gravy and a vegetable of your choice. No one can say no to Swedish meatballs!
* Butternut squash custard ~ even kids who hate vegetables will love this yummy custard. It boasts the benefits of raw cream and pastured eggs, plus delicious spices and just a touch of raw honey.