Go Global with Asparagus

Treat yourself to fresh asparagus and celebrate a spring vegetable that full of vitamins A, B and C plus iron and potassium. It’s been a delicacy since ancient times, when the Greeks and Romans cultivated it. Today’s Spargel Fest in Germany and asparagus festivals in Michigan and California, to name a few, are annual rites of spring. This recipe uses Asian flavors with a spritz of lemon to add zing.

Asparagus With Lemon-Soy Sauce

• 1 1/4 lbs. thin asparagus stalks, ends trimmed and cut diagonally into 1 1/2-inch lengths
• 8 whole scallions, trimmed to include a little green
• 1 Tbsp. canola oil
• 1/4 tsp. fresh ginger, minced
• 5 scallions, trimmed to include a little green, minced and divided in 2 batches
• 1/2 cup fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
• 1 tsp. reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp. sugar
• Freshly ground-black pepper
• 1 tsp. lemon juice, or to taste

Steam asparagus and the whole scallions in a steam basket over boiling water (or in the microwave, with a small amount of water) until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Rinse under running cold water to stop the cooking and set color. Drain and cool.

To make the dressing, heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add ginger and stir until it begins to color. Add half the minced scallions and cook a few seconds. Add broth, vinegar, soy sauce and sugar. Set aside.

Just before serving, place the remaining minced scallions in a large bowl. Add steamed asparagus and scallions. Bring the dressing to a boil over medium-high heat. Let boil 30 seconds. Gradually stir in pepper and lemon juice, tasting, to achieve an appealing tart and peppery flavor. Toss the vegetables with the dressing.

Makes 4 servings.

Per serving: 86 calories, 5 g. total fat (less than 1 g. saturated fat), 10 g. carbohydrate,
5 g. protein, 2 g. dietary fiber, 538 mg. sodium.

Often someone in your sphere of influence will be a dream stealer!  It could be your co-workers, aquaintences, frends?? YES Friends and even worse your significant other or spouse!  OUCH..

When reaching for new goals, wants and desires you may have to set boundries for the dream stealers so that you can JUST be focused on RESULTS!

1 Can (16 oz) salmon, drained                        2 TB minced chives

2 egg whites, lightly beaten                            1 TB chopped fresh, or 1 tsp dried dill weed

2 TB minced onion                                         1 Cup dry unseasoned bread crumbs

½ cup chopped celery                                     1 TB lemon juice

2 TB minced green pepper                              Cucumber sauce (recipe to follow)

1. Drain salmon, reserving juice; if there is skin and bones discard of them.  Add water to salmon juice to make ½ cup.  Combine liquid, salmon, and remaining ingredients, except Cucumber sauce, in large bowl.  Spoon into greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.  Bake at 350 degrees until golden, 30-40 min.
2. Unmold onto serving platter if desired.  Serve with cucumber sauce

CUCUMBER SAUCE:   ( makes ½ cup)

½ cup fat-free plain yogurt

2/3 cup seeded, finely chopped cucumber

1 tsp dried dill weed

     Nutritional Values:  Calories-  201  Protein-  21.1   Carbs-  16.2    Fat- 5.2

Definition

Like many people, you may develop cabin fever during the winter months. Or you may find yourself eating more or sleeping more when the temperature drops and darkness falls earlier. While those are common and normal reactions to the changing seasons, people with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) experience a much more serious reaction when summer shifts to fall and on to winter.

With seasonal affective disorder, fall’s short days and long nights may trigger feelings of depression, lethargy, fatigue and other problems. Don’t brush this off as simply a case of the “winter blues” that you have to tough out on your own.

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression, and it can severely impair your daily life. That said, treatment — which may include light box therapy — can help you successfully manage seasonal affective disorder. You don’t have to dread the dawning of each fall or winter!  This is real.. people so do not take this lightly! (no pun intended)