Back to basics

There has never been a time in our nations history, that food and nutrition were such hot topics amongst almost all Americans...yet ironically, never in our nations history have we been so overweight and suffering from so many diseases related to obesity.  We are a nation filled with fad diets...the most recent I saw reported on the news last night...it was a diet where you ate only lean protein and oat bran during the "first phase"...followed by a second phase where you reintroduced vegetables...a third phase where you added back in fruit and a final phase where you basically returned back to your normal eating habits, as long as you had one day a week where you only at oat bran and protein.  I found it funny that this was a top new story...but then again, Americans do spend about 40 billion dollars a year on diet and weight loss information and products...so I guess the information is in high demand.  You would think as a society, we would eventually figure out that what we've been doing isn't working...no matter how many infomercials filled with people swearing that the latest fad is THE one...the one that's going to change it all...it never seems to work out.  I remember 10 years ago...everybody was amazed and happy that they could eat all the bacon and cheese they wanted on the Atkins diet and there were hundreds of people who were willing to endorse it as an easy and successful lifestyle change...I wonder how many of them are still on it today.  I've always had a problem with diets that make us believe that fruits and vegetables are bad for us...would you feed your children only bacon and cheese??  How about only lean protein and oat bran??  If it's not good enough for your children...then why is it good enough for you???

All these things helped me decide my path.  The scientific research is out there...the fact that getting away from processed foods and getting back to whole foods has great health benefits.  And for those of you looking to lose weight...it only makes sense to get rid of things that have been scientifically proven to cause weight gain, right??  Getting back to the basics...eating food that looks (and tastes) like it does in nature...I've never seen a chicken's nuggets while it's walking around in a chicken coop!! 

So...that leads me to my recipes today...I made a simple roasted radish and radish green salad, baked ham and whole wheat bread. 

Roasted Radish and Radish Green Salad

2 bunches radishes with greens attached
2 T olive oil
2 t balsamic vinegar
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Place baking sheet in the oven to preheat also.  Rinse and trim greens and root end from radishes, cut larger radishes in half.  In a large bowl, whisk together oil. vinegar salt and pepper.  Toss radishes and greens in oil mixture until coated.   Place on preheated baking sheet, making sure they are in a single layer. (Depending on the size of your baking sheet, you may need two)  Bake for 10 minutes, until greens are crispy.  Remove greens and cook radishes an additional 5 minutes.  Remove radishes and serve together with greens. 

Cooked greens, just removed from oven

Food Processor Whole Wheat Bread

3 c whole wheat flour
1 pkg (2 1/4 t) active dry yeast
3/4 c plus 3 T warm water (105-115 degrees)
1 T olive oil
2 T molasses
1 large egg
3 t salt
2 T ground flax seed
Add 1 cup flour and yeast to food processor fitted with metal blade.  With the motor running, quickly pour in the water and process for 15 seconds.  Stop to scrape the bowl and then process for another 15 seconds.  Scrape bowl again, cover with the lid and let stand until the mixture has doubled in volume.  (30 minutes to 1 hour)  Add the oil, molasses, egg and salt and process for 15 seconds.  Carefully remove the metal blade and insert the plastic dough blade.  Sprinkle remaining 2 cups of flour and flax seed around the bowl.  Process for 1 minute, then scrape the sides of the bowl.  Let mixture stand for 3 minutes to allow the flour to absorb the liquid.  Process for another 1 1/2 minutes, or until the dough gathers into a ball and cleans the sides of the bowl.  The dough will be very moist, stick and elastic.  If necessary, add a bit more water or flour.  Lightly oil a large bowl.  Scrape the dough into the bowl, turn to coat all surfaces.  Form the dough into a ball.  Return to the bowl, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and let it rise at room temperature until the dough has tripled in volume (1-1 1/2 hours).  Butter a loaf pan, set aside.  Dump the dough onto a floured work surface and pat it gently to remove any air bubbles.  Shape into a loaf.  Place the loaf into the loaf pan.  Lightly cover with oiled plastic wrap and let raise at room temperature until the center of the loaf is about 1 inch above the rim of the pan (about 1 hour).  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Remove the plastic wrap and place in oven.  Bake for 30-35 minutes until the loaf is well browned. 

Although this recipe seems long and it has a lot of steps, let me assure you it is quite simple.  I am not a baker...not a fan of baking...and I'm only doing it now because I know that the whole grain bread I make at home will be better for my family.  My mom has always made bread and insists her recipes are easy...which they may be...I'll have to get a couple from her an try them...but I've always hated the kneading and rising..."exact measurements required" part of bread making, but this is a recipe I'd happily make a couple times a week!!! 

I like my ham without any glazes or sweeteners...I prefer the salty taste of ham...so we just bake ours at 375 for about an hour, then slice it.  If you are the type of person who likes glazes, I'm sure you can create some with some fresh pineapple and brown sugar. 

I've found that I'm enjoying my food a lot more the past couple of weeks...I've also found that I'm actually tasting food...not all the stuff that someone has added to it.  I feel great...I'm losing weight...and I know I'm doing what's best for my boys...who could ask for anything more!!!  Hope you enjoy the recipes!!