When I am not busy taking care of my two energetic little boys, or working on an interior design project~ I play in the kitchen! For the last 15 years, I have been juxtaposing new flavors and ideas; it’s finally time to document my recipes...

I believe in fresh & affordable meals.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Twist on Greek

Romaine can get boring...and does not have many nutrients~ so I try and substitute with something "greener" when I can. So, I just made this Greek Salad with Broccoli instead of lettuce- and loved it. Its Raw...Crunchy...Savory...and a little spicy!

Small pieces of Broccoli
Diced Pepperoncini
Kalamata Olives
Tomatoes
Cucumbers
Pita Chips (crush into small pieces)
Sunflower Seeds
Feta Cheese
Fresh Chopped Basil
Fresh Chopped Oregano
Salt and Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients. I like to use a lil of the juice from the pepperoncinis as my dressing- and then add a some balsamic vinegar for an extra "bite". This recipe will not taste nearly as yummy if you do not use fresh herbs. If you prefer a less sour dressing- make your own...a squeeze of lemon and drizzle of oilve oil.


Health Benefits Of Broccoli
Broccoli provides a high amount of vitamin C, which aids iron absorption in the body, prevents the development of cataracts, and also eases the symptoms of the common cold.

The folic acid in broccoli helps women sustain normal tissue growth and is often used as a supplement when taking birth control pills and during pregnancies.
                                                         
The potassium in broccoli aids those battling high blood pressure, while a large amount of calcium helps combat osteoporosis.
 
The vegetable is also fiber-rich, which enhances the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, as well as aims to reduce blood cholesterol levels.
 
In recent years, broccoli has made the headlines regarding three components found in the vegetable. For instance, indole-3-carbinol has captured the attention of those looking to prevent hormone-related cancers, such as breast- and prostate cancer.
 
I3C promotes "good" hormones, while working against destructive ones. The sulforaphane in broccoli also helps to increase the level of enzymes that block cancer, while the beta-carotene in broccoli transforms into vitamin A within the body, providing an effective antioxidant that destroys free radicals (responsible for weakening the defense of cells).

Additionally, the health benefits of broccoli have been linked to preventing and controlling the following medical concerns: Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, calcium deficiencies, stomach and colon cancer, malignant tumors, lung cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and even the aging process.