Thursday, April 24, 2008

The Goodness of WaterMelon




As summer approaches, its good to have fresh fruit juice daily. My favourite drink is the watermelon juice. Slice, blend and drink. I take the seedless watermelon, so that i dont need to use a strainer. Dont add xtra sugar!!!



THought, I could give some nutrient facts about watermelon. Watermelon’s red color is caused by lycopene, an antioxidant researchers believe helps fight cancer and other diseases.In fact,
the American Heart Association recently recognized watermelon's nutritional properties by giving it the "heart healthy" seal of approval. Now research has shed new light on its potential health benefits. Watermelon is fat-free, saturated fat-free, low in sodium and cholesterol-free. Watermelon is practically a multi-vitamin unto itself. With a 2-cup serving of watermelon containing excellent levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, this product contains a number of nutrients that are vital to good health.



Vitamin A found in watermelon is important for optimal eye health, can help prevent nightblindness, and boosts immunity by enhancing the infection-fighting actions of white blood cells called lymphocytes.



Vitamin B6 found in watermelon is used by the body to manufacture brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as serotonin, melatonin and dopamine, which preliminary research shows may help the body cope with anxiety and panic.



Vitamin C in watermelon can help to bolster the immune system's defenses against infections and viruses and can protect a body from harmful free radicals that can accelerate aging and conditions such as cataracts.



The Good: This food is very low in Saturated Fat, Cholesterol and Sodium. It is also a good source of Potassium, and a very good source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C.



The Bad: A large portion of the calories in this food come from sugars.



When choosing a watermelon, pick one without dents, bruises or cuts. You should hear a hollow sound if you thump on it. And pick the watermelon up and look at the underside; it should be a mild yellow color.

Monday, April 21, 2008

Macaroon


I was waiting to start this blog with a special food from my region. Macaroon is the most famous sweet snacks in tuticorin. I would call this sweet as a comfort food. Its so tasty and you just cant stop with one. I never thought I could do this at home and I found out that its very easy and simple. It takes time to bake but its worth waiting!!!


Ingredients

2 egg Whites

3/4 cup of sugar

3/4 plain cashew

Beat the egg whites for few mins.(Beat it with an electric beater) Add sugar little by little while beating the egg. Beat the mixture until it becomes stiff. It would take 10-15 mins to become stiff. Chop the cashew into small pieces. Add the cashew in the mixture and slowly mix it with a spatula. Pre-heat the oven for 200 degree. Cover the cookie tray with a parchment paper. Place a small amount of mixture making it as an inverted cone shape. Bake it for 30 mins, turn off the oven and let it cool in the oven for another 30 mins till it becomes crispy.


Note:

You can reduce or increase the sugar and cashew from 1/2 cup to 1 cup depending upon your taste.