The Cardiologist's Wife

Pimento Cheese, Not Your Grandma's Spread

Pimento cheese is one of those foods that has been so corrupted by the food industry that it has become synonymous with other crappy foods like Spam. I'm not even certain what store bought pimento cheese might contain, nor do I want to find out. It's a shame because pimento cheese can be a delightful treat, even if it does Read the full post…

Plum Good BBQ Sandwiches

In a few days it will officially be fall but the temperatures are still warm enough for me to continue swimming for a few more days. The breeze was a little cool but that didn't stop me from swimming several laps this morning and I felt great afterwards! Have you exercised lately? With fall's cooler temperatures and fewer insects, you Read the full post…

Shingles Vacine and Treatment

A friend of mine was recently diagnosed with shingles so I felt I should discuss this nasty virus once again. If you ever had chicken pox, you are at risk for getting shingles and believe me, you don't want it. Shingles is a painful rash with blisters that scab over and may take 4 weeks or more to heal. The Read the full post…

Vegetarian Tacos are muy delicioso!

There are times when I think I could easily become a vegetarian, especially when I try a new dish that is as good as the vegetarian tacos I had at Local Lime restaurant in Little Rock and the tofu fried rice at Sai Tai here in Jonesboro. My husband and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary this past weekend by spending Read the full post…

Midyear Health Check

Summer is winding down , the year is more than half way over and our January resolutions are long forgotten. It's time for a health reality check. First of all, how is your health lately? If you have enjoyed good health, are you thankful? Take some time to appreciate how wonderful it feels to be healthy, for your family to Read the full post…

Vacation Lessons For A Healthier Life

I'm back from a lovely beach vacation and I wish I was still there with all my heart. Wouldn't it be nice if our every day life was as nice as a vacation? If we could relax, eat well, sleep and exercise just enough without having to worry about bills, work, illnesses and school, our lives would be perfect. But Read the full post…

1 2 3 4 5 6

Gardening Update

[ Post by Lisa Tedder ][ Post on April 2, 2013 ][ In Diet Tips and Better Eating Ideas, Medical and Health Information ]

I realize I am getting ahead of myself here but I am so excited that my little seeds have sprouted in an amazingly short time and some are over an inch tall! Just last week, I planted the seeds for cilantro, basil and lettuce and in two days, they were poking their tiny heads up. Soon I must transplant them to pots or in the case of the lettuce, to their water bed.

I have run into a bit of a snafu as far as my experiment with hydroponic gardening goes; I can’t find the proper plant nutrients for hydroponics locally so I will have to order some online. I should have checked that out before I got started but it’s not too late. Tomorrow I am going to a lunch and learn program on container gardening at the local library. Our Craighead County Extension office is teaching the class and I am hoping to get some good tips. Then on April 10th, there is another program on herb gardening which I plan to attend as well. By the way, these programs are free to the public and are at noon in the Round Room. Maybe someday I will fullfill my dream of having a green house and plenty of fresh produce.

A garden is work but with just a little effort and plenty of sun (which I lack), you can grow tomatoes and herbs in pots. I know several people who container garden and I even talked with a chef while on vacation who told us some of the best produce he had ever had came from a man who grew everything in pots on a small, sunny lot. I firmly believe people would eat more vegetables if they could get fresh, locally grown veggies that have more flavor. Growing your own produce can reduce your grocery bill as well.

I also used to scoff at cooking with fresh herbs and I will testify that dried herbs are just fine. However, try making salsa with cilantro! Dried cilantro just won’t cut it after you try fresh. I have been buying salad greens with herbs added in and I love the subtle taste. Add basil or cilantro to your sandwiches to boost the flavor. We often forget that herbs aren’t just for seasoning; they are packed with nutrition as well. Herbs add powerful anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals to your diet so go a little crazy and add some to everything you cook. Buy frozen roll dough and follow the package directions. However, take them out of the oven just before they are done, brush with melted butter and sprinkle some chopped fresh rosemary on top. Finish baking till nicely brown. Rosemary adds a nice touch to baked goods and meat dishes.

I will keep everyone updated from time to time on the success (or not!) of my latest gardening attempts. I also encourage everyone to indulge their inner gardener and grow something to eat this year. When I put my hydroponic garden together, I’ll update that as well. Till then, I’ll be dreaming of salsa, pesto and BLTs.