One of my favorite herbs is oregano
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One of my favorite herbs is oregano

One of my favorite herbs is oregano especially dried but it is used fresh. I don’t know what it is I just love the stuff had it in my tuna fish sandwich at lunch today, my wife says it’s good on pizza but…. There are three common types: Origanum heracleoticum (Greek Oregano), Origanum majorna (sweet marjoram) and Origanum vulgare(wild marjoram, common marjoram, etc.; seems like this sub-species is very common).

Greek%20Oregano

I like Greek oregano so I wanted more and found this info at About.com

Greek name and pronunciation:

Rigani, ρίγανη, pronounced REE-gah-nee

At the market:

Oregano is sold fresh and dried as cuttings of flower tops and leaves packaged in disposable containers or as dried, ground leaves packaged in sprinkle-pour bottles.

Caution: Not all oreganos are equal. Greek oregano (rigani) is a subspecies with the latin name Origanum vulgare (previously Origanum heracleoticum or Oreganum heraclites). Look at oregano package labeling to identify it.

Physical characteristics:

Greek Oregano, in bloom, reaches a height of almost two feet. Like all culinary oreganos, its flower is white. Its leaves are coarse, oval, and fuzzy. Leaves are about 5/8 inch long; they are dark green when fresh and light green when dried.

Usage:

In Greek cooking, oregano is used in tomato sauces, with meats, fish, cheese, egg dishes, salads, cheeses, and with vegetables including tomatoes, zucchini, and green beans. It is also used to prepare a tea that is believed to be a treatment for indigestion, coughs, and to stimulate menstruation.

Dried orgegano

Substitutes:

Marjoram (three parts of marjoram for two parts of oregano), thyme, basil, summer savory

Origin, History, and Mythology:

Today, several varieties of oregano are grown in many different parts of the world, from seeds planted in light, dry, and well-drained soils. Historically, as the name implies, Greek oregano originates on the mountain slopes of Greece. It continues to be an important erosion-control plant: its roots reduce soil erosion on mountain slopes. Greek hillsides covered with summer’s growth of wild oregano in bloom are a fantastic excursion for eyes, feet, and nose!

The name “oregano” means “joy of the mountain” and has its origins in the ancient Greek “oros” (mountain) and “ganos” (joy).

According to Greek mythology, the sweet, spicy scent of oregano was created by the goddess Aphrodite as a symbol of happiness. In ancient Greece, bridal couples were crowned with garlands of oregano. Oregano plants were placed on tombs to give peace to departed spirits. It was also used as a laxative because of its cathartic effect.

Oregano’s power to heal has been known for centuries. It has powerful bacteria and fungi killing properties. It is used as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory. Oregano tea is a treatment for indigestion, coughs, and to stimulate menstruation. The oil of oregano is used for toothache, and in some cosmetics. The leaves and flowering stems are natural antiseptics because of high thymol content.

diced tomatoe and oregano

Then at whfoods.org if found this info..

 

The warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor of oregano makes it the perfect addition to Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines. This popular herb whose name means “mountain joy” is available throughout the year.

Oregano is known botanically as Origanum vulgare and is called wild marjoram in many parts of Europe since it is closely related to the herb that we know as sweet marjoram. It is a small shrub with multi-branched stems covered with small grayish-green oval leaves and small white or pink flowers. In Mediterranean climates oregano grows as a perennial plant, but in the harsher climates of North America, they grow as annuals……..

Health Benefits

You may have seen a bottle marked “oil of oregano” in a health food store. There are good reasons why!

Oregano

An Effective Anti-Bacterial

The volatile oils in this spice include thymol and carvacrol, both of which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus . In Mexico, researchers have compared oregano to tinidazol, a commonly used prescription drug to treat infection from the amoeba Giardia lamblia. These researchers found oregano to be more effective against Giardia than the commonly used prescription drug.

Potent Anti-Oxidant Activity

Oregano contains numerous phytonutrients—including thymol and rosmarinic acid—that have also been shown to function as potent antioxidants that can prevent oxygen-based damage to cell structures throughout the body. In laboratory studies, oregano has demonstrated stronger anti-oxidant capacity than either of the two synthetic anti-oxidants commonly added to processed food—BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated bydroxyanisole). Additionally, on a per gram fresh weight basis, oregano has demonstrated 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples, 30 times more than potatoes, 12 times more than oranges and 4 times more than blueberries.

A Nutrient-Dense Spice

Our food ranking system qualified oregano as a very good source of fiber. Fiber works in the body to bind to bile salts and cancer-causing toxins in the colon and remove them from the body. This forces the body to break down cholesterol to make more bile salts. These are just some of the reasons that diets high in fiber have been shown to lower high cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Oregano also emerged from our food ranking system as a bountiful source of many nutrients. It qualified within our system as an excellent source of vitamin K, a very good source of manganese, iron, and calcium as well as a good source of vitamin E and tryptophan.

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Description

While many people think of pizza when they think of oregano, this wonderful herb can add a warm, balsamic and aromatic flavor to many different dishes, especially those of the Mediterranean cuisine.

Oregano is known botanically as Origanum vulgare and is called wild marjoram in many parts of Europe since it is closely related to the herb that we know as sweet marjoram. Its name is derived from the Greek words oros (mountain) and ganos (joy) since not only was it a symbol of happiness, but it made the hillsides on which it grew look beautiful.

Read more at whfoods.org

sliced tomotoes with oregano

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Dont’a Touch My Taco and Shredded Chicken Treats
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Dont’a Touch My Taco and Shredded Chicken Treats

Week 3

When watching football you don’t want something that will make you miss that play, instant replay is not quite the same.  While eating these make perfect mouth popping eats or two bites for the ladies. Not only are they easy to eat but quick to make. I kind of threw this together so the measurements are estimated

Loosely based on about 3 recipes I read.

 

Ingredients

1 chicken breast I had ½ rotisserie chicken and I have talked about using left overs

1/2 pound ground beef

Mrs. Dash southwest seasoning

Hot sauce

¼ green or red pepper diced

2-4 tablespoons  chopped cilantro

Pepper to taste

1 package of wonton

Salsa – I used homemade

Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese

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How

Preheat oven to 400 degree

Sauté the hamburger with a couple of shakes of Mrs. Dash when cooked add remaining cilantro, peppers, and some hot sauce, mix and set aside

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Using two forks shred the chicken and mix with half the cilantro, peppers, a shake or two of Mrs. Dash and hot sauce, set aside.

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Using mini muffin pan place a wonton wrapper in each cup crimping slightly.

You can use a spoon or as I did my hands and place about 1 tablespoon of chicken mixture in each cup, top with salsa and then shredded cheese . Repeat with second tray and meat mixture.

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Bake at 400 degree  6-8 minutes

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Now plate and eat

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You could do this with BBQ sauce as well…I can taste them now….

Crown Royal BBQ Sauce
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Crown Royal BBQ Sauce

This sauce gets better with age. If time permits, keep it in the refrigerator a day or so to develop a deeper, richer taste.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 lg. sweet onion, minced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup Crown Royal
  • 2 cups ketchup
  • 1/3 cup white vinegar
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup molasses
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
  • 1/2 Tbs. salt
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 2 Tbs. Liquid Smoke
  • 1/3 tsp. Tabasco

How

Combine onion, garlic, and Crown Royal in a 3-quart saucepan. Saute’ until onion and garlic are translucent, approximately 10 minutes. Remove from heat and light mixture; flame for 20 seconds. Add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then turn down to a medium simmer. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring constantly. Run sauce through a medium strainer to remove onion and garlic bits if you prefer a smoother sauce. Cool and enjoy.

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe : Ina Garten : Recipes : Food Network

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/chicken-pot-pie-recipe/index.html

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WATCH: A Message From the Future

WATCH: A Message From the Future

Message from Future

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Quick Cucumber Salad

 

 Dressing

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons grated gingerroot
  • ½ teaspoon salt

300px-Cucumber_and_cross_section

Salad

  • ½ medium cucumber, cut in half lengthwise, thinly sliced
  • ¼ red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro

How:

Combine you can let sit in frig to let flavors come together or server right away as side or topping

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Red Onion Relish
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Red Onion Relish

We bought a bunch of red onions and remembered something we had made a long time ago turkey cutlets with red onion relish so I quickly decided we need some of this relish in the frig, it was good on that dish as well as chicken, burgers and on top of a regular salad.

Sweet-meets-savory relish gives a refreshing kick to this quick-to-fix main dish — the only prep step is chopping the onions.

Ingredients:

•             1  tablespoon(s) olive oil

•             1  large (1-pound) red onion, thinly sliced

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•             3  tablespoon(s) sugar

•             3  tablespoon(s) cider vinegar

•             1/2  teaspoon(s) salt

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How:

In 12-inch, nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium 1 minute. Add sliced onion and cook 15 minutes or until very soft, stirring occasionally.

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Stir in sugar, cider vinegar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Reduce heat to low and simmer 5 minutes longer.

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Makes about 1 cup relish.

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Roasted Corn Salad

I have made this before but every time it is different here is another version

  • 1 can black beans drain
  • 1 Red bell pepper chopped into bean size pieces
  • 1 Yellow or orange bell pepper chopped into bean size pieces
  • Salt and pepper
  • Jalapeno rough chopped
  • 2 teaspoons juice from Jalapeno jar
  • 1 tablespoon or so of 18 year old balsamic vinegar
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 ears of grilled corn

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Buffalo Bufallo Burgers
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Buffalo Bufallo Burgers

We have been suffering from a heat wave and after the 5th day of over 92+ degree temps we decided to forgo our normal Sunday walk at the Wrentham  Mall which is one of those out-door discount malls, flat and if you walk all the lanes is a one mile walk. Yesterday we did the Natick Mall this is a good one inside and if you do top and bottom is 2 miles. Yep we both like to walk but with the temps and humidity the way it has been we also like to be comfortable. Early in the week Vermont and NH were much cooler and no humidity and we did go to Nebo’s new location which was right on the water front so while we waited for them to open we sipped wine and gazed out over the harbor enjoying the cool breeze but most especially the smell of salt air. Anyway before I drift to far from my point we decided today to go to Solomon mall but half way there I asked why not Wegman’s it is huge and a bet just about 1 mile if we did all the isles, besides we needed a few things. I ask you what weekend is a weekend without visiting at least 3 grocery stores each with their own specialties.  As we walked picking up this and that we saw the ground buffalo still at $7.399 for a 1lb package all the other stores were at $9.99 so I figured we would use at some point. Oh I was right the walk was just over 1 mile. Tonight just before the thundered and rain rolled in I quickly made some patties roasted some corn and prepared dinner. I was not going to post this but it came out so good I decided it was a keeper for me, hence not a lot of pictures.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground buffalo
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons bread crumbs, you could use some crunched us puffed brown rice
  • Some slice Jalapeno that I diced
  • 1 tablespoon of the Jalapeno juice from jar.
  • Small amount of smoked maple cedar to melt on burgers

 

Roasted Corn salad – I have made this before but every time it is different here is another version

  • 1 can black beans drain
  • 1 Red bell pepper chopped into bean size pieces
  • 1 Yellow or orange bell pepper chopped into bean size pieces
  • Salt and pepper
  • Jalapeno rough chopped
  • 2 teaspoons juice from Jalapeno jar
  • 1 tablespoon or so of 18 year old balsamic vinegar
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • 2 ears of grilled corn

How

Burgers

Combine all ingredients and mix well set aside and let sit

I added the breadcrumbs because it is a leaner meat and the bread crumbs help retain some moisture

Form 4 patties

Grill on preheated oiled grill for about 4-5 minutes

Flip top with the cheese continue to cook 4-5 minutes

Take off grill and cover loosely let sit 4-5 minutes

off the grill

 

Roasted corn salad.

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Shuck the corn rub with olive oil put on grill turning occasionally until the corn is slightly charred in spots.

Set aside until cool enough to hold.

In the meantime chop the peppers and combine all ingredients

I like to take a small cup inverted in the middle of the bowl place the con bottom down and cut the kernels off the cobb with a sharp knife following the cob. This way they fall into the bowl. Now combine mix completely. You can server right away of refrigerate and the flavors should come together. I say why wait that’s what left overs are for.

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BBQ Oven Baked Rib for Gloria

A long time ago I had to stop eating fatty foods they started to do a number on my stomach. A few things made me decide to go for it this year, 4th of July with Lyn asking what are we going to BBQ and Gloria who recently found my site and wanted to know if I had any good rib recipes.  To be truthful the last few times I made them I bought the precooked and just reheated, added my own sauce and there you had it quick and easy but I used to cook these and still had the how in my head.  Last year I won a contest with my pulled pork and root beer BBQ sauce so I still have it in me. Then Wholefoods had St. Louis Style ribs on sale and I grabbed a slab, gave it a rub down and let it sit in the frig until yesterday.  Cooking ribs are relatively easy just time consuming that being said there is a true art to cooking the perfect rib and I am still trying to master that I lift my smoker lid to all those that have satisfied my taste bud in my travels. I remember the road trip my brother and I took bringing Mom and Dad’s car down to Florida for them we had ribs all the way down each a different taste treat. I have to say there was a gap of eating ribs for me after that trip.

Ingredients

  • 1 Slab of St Louis style ribs about 2 lbs.
  • Rub – had a can of smoke house rub

How:

Remove the white membrane from the bone side of slab peeling it off with your hands (optional)

If you did not remove the membrane poke several holes in the bone side

Liberally apply the rub of your choice to all sides and give it a good rub, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 8 hours, I prefer 24+ in this case it was 48 hours.

apply the rub

I take two sheets of aluminum foil and join along the sides to make one large one, repeat and lay the 2nd on top.

Place the slab meat side down and fold the tinfoil to make an air tight package. Place on a cookie sheet and bake at 225 to 250 for around 2 hours – until tender and the meat is pulling off the end of bones.

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Remove from oven, open foil and drain the liquid.

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Now brush BBQ sauce of your choice on all sides, you don’t need a lot.

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Here you can either turn heat up to 350 and cook for about 20-35 minutes or as I did move the slab to the cool side of the gas or gas grill and cook flipping once or twice for about 10-20 minutes

I cut the slab in half before the grilling, making it easier to flip and remove.

I was grilling some swordfish also and one of the apple smoke chip cans smoking away. (Drives the neighbors up wind crazy)

Remove cover loosely with aluminum foil and let sit for about 5 minutes, goes for the swordfish also.

Server up take a snap chat and send to you Mike and Laurel who were driving to Indiana enjoying rest stop food.

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