Hamburger Stroganoff

I borrowed this recipe from cd Kitchen, however I put my own twist on it. It was very tasty! Kids loved it! :)


2 tablespoons butter,or olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons flour
3/4 cup beef broth
3/4 cup organic cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
hot cooked brown rice noodles (I used spirals)

In large skillet, heat butter. Add onion and cook over med heat, stirring often, until softened, about 3 min. Add mushrooms and cook until mushrooms have given off their liquid and are lightly browned, about 5 min. Drain off liquid. Add beef and cook, stirring often to break up meat; until loses its pink color, about 5 min. Add salt and papper. Stir in flour and cook, stirring often, 1 min. Stir in broth and bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 1 min.

Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Return skillet to med. heat and cook, stirring constantly, just to warm sour cream through, about 30 seconds. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately over hot noodles.

Celebrating Celery

Celery is well-known for having many healing properties. Eating celery, and especially drinking its juice, can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cancer. It aids in breaking down and eliminating urinary stones and it helps to reduce weight by reducing cravings for sweets and rich foods. Furthermore, celery may help lower blood cholesterol levels, reduce the risk of colon and stomach cancer, aid in the smooth functioning of the kidneys, and act as a mild laxative and diuretic. A substance called polyacetylene in celery is an amazing source of relief for all inflammation diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, asthma, and bronchitis. Celery even has a calming effect on the nervous system. Celery is truly a blessing from Allah with its many benefits.

High Fructose Corn Syrup (A Natural Sweetner?)

This ingredient has become very controversial over the few years. The marketers in the food industry are actually trying to pass this cursed poison off as a “natural” sweetener because it comes from corn; however, the refining process that is necessary to convert corn to high fructose corn syrup creates something quite deadly. One article that I read called it the “new silent killer”. The food industry embraced this substance because it found the product cheaper to manufacture than table sugar.
I believe that high-fructose corn syrup is even worse than sugar. First, all of the corn syrup that is made starts off with genetically modified corn. Second, HFCS goes straight to the liver, causing significant fat buildup in the liver. It is also said that fructose interacts with birth control pills and can elevate insulin levels in women who use them. Fructose also inhibits copper metabolism, which leads to a bodily deficiency in copper. This can cause bone fragility, anemia, ischemic heart disease, and so many other problems. Please, Please, Please, read your labels and avoid this ingredient like the plague. Choose foods without this ingredient and when you're able make your own. It allows you more control over what your family eats.
My alternative for recipes that call for corn syrup would be brown rice syrup. It is a little expensive, but far better for your health.

Chicken Makhani (Indian Butter Chicken)

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1/4 white onion, chopped
2 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup plain yogurt
1 cup half-and-half
3/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
1 pinch salt
1 pinch black pepper

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
1 teaspoon garam masala
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large saucepan over medium high heat. Saute onion until soft and translucent. Stir in butter, lemon juice, ginger-garlic paste, 1 teaspoon garam masala, chili powder, cumin and bay leaf. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce and paste, and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in half-and-half and yogurt. Reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat, and season with 1 teaspoon garam masala and cayenne. Stir in a few spoonfuls of sauce, and simmer until liquid has reduced, and chicken is no longer pink. Stir cooked chicken into sauce.
Cook 10 minutes longer to thoroughly cook chicken and mix flavors. Serves 4

Bell Peppers

Bell Peppers - Bell peppers are very rich in vitamins C and A, which makes them an excellent source of antioxidants. High levels of beta carotene help to fight off cataracts. Bell peppers also help fight blood clot formations, thus reducing the chances of heart disease and strokes. Red bell peppers have a higher content of nutrients than green and provide the body with lycopene, a carotene that fights against cancer and heart disease.

Are You Drinking Yourself to Death???

Did you know that drinking sodas on a regular basis can lead to obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, tooth decay, kidney damage, impaired digestive system and many other health problems? Despite the deleterious effects of this beverage, the United States ranks first among countries in soft drink consumption. It is estimated that the average American drinks 57 gallons of soft drinks each year. For a healthier alternative, make your soda at home. Combine your favorite all-natural fruit juice. (No Sugar added) and carbinated water and make a fruit spritzer. Alot healthier without all the negative ingredients.

Dijaaj Bi Summak/Chicken with Sumac (Arab)

4 loaves Arabic Bread
1 cup onions, slivered in thin crescents
Salt and Pepper to taste
5 TBSP or more ground sumac
3-4 pounds chicken cut into 6 pieces
1/4 cup or more olive oil

Open up breads so they are one layer thick. Tear into bite sized pieces.
Line a 10x14 inch baking pan with 2/3 of the bread. Spread onions over the bread. Salt and pepper the onions and bread liberally. Sprinkle 2 Tbsp ground sumac over it all.
Place chicken pieces on top of the bread. Generously sprinkle 3 Tbsp or more ground sumac over the chicken. Add more salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken. Cover with remaining bread pieces and drizzle with additional olive oil. Bake at 450-500 degrees for 1 hour. Check every 15 minutes as it bakes; if the bread on top begins to get too dark, cover it loosely with foil. Cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the oven temp. Serves 4