Miso-Soup

Dec 07,2006 at superdeluxe Roppongi www.myspace.com/1misosoup



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQxz7Y50jKo&hl=en

Top 5 Qi Improvement Ingredients in Chinese Herbal Soup & Free Recipe

In Chinese medication books, there are 1000 types of herb to look for, however there are way too many herbs with different features and nature, so it is not advisable that you simply mix and match with Chinese herbs. At least you need to understand the nature and behavior before mixing them around in soup.

The top 5 Chinese Herbal Soup ingredient for Qi improvement are:

1. Wild Ginseng
Ginseng is beneficial to all internal organs, it stimulates physical vigor, soothes temperament, promotes general well-being and longevity. It is the "Yang" type of herb according Chinese medication reference book. The older the age of this wild ginseng, the better and higher level of minerals and nutrition.

2. American Wild Ginseng
Stimulates energy and nourishes the lungs and spleen. It is beneficial to those who suffer from mental and heart weakness, cough, fatigue and menopause. America Wild Ginseng is sometimes very good in having it anytime in the day, usually it is best to drink in the morning or before bed.

3. Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae (Dangshen)
Reinforce Qi, invigorates and improves blood circulation. It is also effective in the treatment of fatigue and pale complexion. It is the most commonly used in Chinese herb soup making as the ingredients.

4. Chinese Yam
Tastes sweet and is neutral in nature. It nourishes the lungs and kidneys, strengthens the spleen, stop diarrhea, improves vitality and restores Qi. Since it serve more healthier in cleaning up the body.

5. Walnut
Walnut improves Qi and regulates blood circulation. It is also known as "longevity fruit". Other than this, it also help in improving our memory power and healthier.

A Qi improvement Chinese Herbal Soup recipe: Chinese Yam with Pork Spare Ribs Soup

Ingredients:
1. Pork Spare Ribs 750 gram
2. Chinese Yam 500 gram
3. Soup Stock 1000 gram
4. Salt 8 gram
5. Some Ginger slices
6. Water 2 liter
7. Some White Pepper powder

Steps:
1. Soak port spare ribs in cold water and boil it until water is boiling. Pick it up and set aside to let it cool down.
2. Skinned Chinese yam, cut into slices and soak into salt water to avoid it gets oxidation.
3. Put port spare ribs, soup stock, hot water, ginger slice into pot and cook until half done.
4. Add in Chinese yam, continue boil it with big fire heating until boiled, then change to small fire heating continue for 40 minutes.
5. Add in a dash of salt and some white pepper powder before serve.

Enjoy~

Recipe For Delicious Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup and It's Diabetic Friendly Too!

Soup is good for soul no matter the weather. But during this current deep freeze we are in, it seems even more appropriate. Personally, I am sure I could live just on soup while I know others may not agree that soup is that great. So whether you want a cup of soup with a salad or sandwich or a huge bowl like I do, here is a great recipe for you to try. For those like me, who like a lot of vegetables, broccoli is prominent in this soup. For diabetics, meat eaters, etc, you also have chicken. And cheese is a universally loved ingredient. So you have the perfect makings for a yummy cup or bowl of soup. Give it a try soon!

CHICKEN BROCCOLI CHEESE SOUP

1 1/2 lbs fresh broccoli

1 small can chicken breast meat, drained

2 1/2 cups water

1 pint half & half cream

1 lb Velveeta-type cheese

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 cup cornstarch mixed with 1 cup water

Wash broccoli and steam until crisp tender. While broccoli steams, place the half & half and the water in the top of a double boiler. Add the cheese, salt and pepper. Stir the mixture with a whisk while cooking until all the cheese is melted; add the cubed or shredded chicken. Chop the steamed broccoli and add to the cheese mixture. Stir the cornstarch water to blend well; add to the soup mixture, stirring constantly. Heat over simmering water until the soup reaches the desired thickness. Serve with a sandwich, salad, or fresh fruit.

Enjoy!

10 Reasons to Switch to a Vegan Diet

1. Do it for the Environment

It takes far less energy and resources from the planet to farm plants than it does animals. Gary Null points out that "the breeding and slaughter of animals, and the subsequent processing and packaging of the meat, requires an inordinate amount of land, water, energy, and raw materials." In addition the production of meat generates way more greenhouse gas emissions than the growth of plant based food. In our current culture when caring for the environment has become a moral obligation rather than a choice, going vegan is another thing we can do to help our beautiful planet earth.

2. Vegan Diets are Cholesterol Free

The only foods that contain cholesterol are animal products. Cut out dairy, eggs, cheese and meat and you will completely eliminate the cholesterol in your diet. Add cholesterol-lowering legumes such as kidney beans and chickpeas and you will never have to worry about your triglyceride and LDL levels again.

3. Reduce the Amount of Hormones and Chemicals You Ingest

Treating animals with hormones to speed growth and increase productivity is a widely accepted practice within the meat and meat by-product industries. Hormone residues in meat and meat products can disrupt the hormonal balance for many humans. Take for example a common growth hormone called estradiol, the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Veterinary Measures Relating to Public Health has raised evidence that suggests this hormone is a carcinogen that exerts both tumor initiating and promoting effects.

4. A Healthy Vegan Diet is a Low-Fat Diet

A vegan diet is naturally low in fat. One hundred grams of mature boiled chickpeas contains only 2.6 grams of fat of which only 0.27 gram is saturated. Of course the 7.6 grams of dietary fiber in that same serving of chickpeas will quickly carry that out of your system. Tofu contains only 4 g of fat per 100 g. Compare that with cheddar cheese which contains 15 g of fat per 100 g - more than four times the amount.

5. A Vegan Diet is High in Fiber

By its very nature a vegan diet is high in fiber. Animal products have absolutely no fiber. Legumes on the other hand are one of the most fiber rich plant source foods on the planet. Pair the legumes with lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains and you are well on your way to the 25-35 g of fiber recommended daily. (The average North American consumes only 10 g of fiber per day).

6. Vegans Eat a Wide Variety of Protein Sources

As a holistic lifestyle and nutrition coach I often ask my clients, "What are your protein sources?" The answer is simple: chicken. Day after day, night after night. My vegan clients on the other hand choose a wide variety of protein sources from legumes and nuts to tempeh and hemp.

7. Vegans are Healthier

The American Dietetic Association and Dietitians of Canada found vegetarians have lower body mass indices than non-vegetarians, as well as lower rates of death from ischemic heart disease; vegetarians also show lower blood cholesterol levels; lower blood pressure; and lower rates of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported high fruit and vegetable consumption is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease, several common cancers, and other chronic diseases (such as macular degeneration and cataracts).

8. It is possible to get B12 and Iron from a Vegan Diet

There is a myth that because vegans do not consume fish, milk and milk products, eggs, red meat, and poultry they could not possibly be getting enough of iron or B12 without supplements. Many people do not realize that B12 is naturally available in miso and nutritional yeast. Iron on the other hand occurs naturally in spinach, legumes and pumpkin seeds.

9. A vegan diet is an Alkaline Forming

An acidic environment in the body keeps the body from achieving optimal health. Over consumption of acid forming foods including meat, dairy, refined grains, and sugars leads to obesity, fatigue, kidney stones, viruses, bacterial infections, cancer and fatigue. Consuming an alkaline forming diet including plenty of chlorophyll-rich vegetables creates an environment for health in the body.

10. Do it for the Animals

Concern for the ethical treatment of animals is a powerful reason to eat a vegan diet. Many animals are kept and transported in abysmal crowded conditions and slaughtered inhumanely. Compassionate living is synonymous with a vegan diet.

Tegomass - Miso Soup Intro

Tegomass in Taipei Arena 07 : ) taken by me



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EoYQsmjJmc&hl=en

Kelp - The Miracle Plant

When we think about the different types of plants that are out there, often times, we do not even realize all of the healing qualities that these various plants have. For instance, did you know that the Aloe plant has a variety of uses other than just being aesthetically pleasing? For instance, you can use it as a house plant; you can use it to moisturize your skin; you can use it to heal cuts or wounds; you can use it to soothe sun burn and you can also use it as a laxative!

The next time you go to the grocery store or to your local Lowes and/or Home Depot, make sure that you check out the plant section. Pay special attention to all of the various names and varieties of plant life that is there. If you're curious enough, when you get back to your home, look up the various plants on the Internet. Most plants serve dual purposes other than just being a decoration in your home. Another great example of this is Rosemary. Rosemary is a neat little shrub-looking plant that can be utilized as a houseplant. It gives off a distinct and welcoming odor that smells great. It can also, however, be used to season food. Kelp is another great plant that serves different purposes.

Kelp, or seaweed, is a marine plant, a type of brown algae, that is often used in a variety of Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi and miso soup. It has won the name of "miracle plant" because of its tremendous therapeutic properties and high nutrient content.

Kelp is extremely rich in ocean minerals such as selenium and iodine which can help to boost the immune system. It is also flooded with tons of other vitamins and minerals including Vitamin A, Calcium, Iron, Niacin, and phosphorus. Additionally, kelp is a great source of protein. It has an amazing and ever growing list of health benefits. And this marine plant has been widely used to help regulate thyroid conditions, helps to prevent heart disease and cancer, can boost development of the brain, assist in preventing osteoporosis, and can treat mineral deficiencies. Kelp dissolves fat tissues which aids with weight loss, alleviates arthritis pain, improves the functions of the liver and digestive system, and lowers cholesterol. It has even been shown to help reduce hair loss, stabilize hormonal balance, and benefit those suffering from impotence and anemia. Some research also suggests that kelp can suppress AIDS and kill the herpes virus.

With this amazing list of benefits, which seems to be constantly growing with more research, it is easy to see just why kelp is called the "miracle plant". But how do you get enough kelp to reap these rewards? As mentioned before, kelp can be used in cooking; however, if you do not care for the taste of seaweed, there are many kelp supplements available at an affordable price from your local store, making kelp very easy to take. It is important to note that if you are already taking iodine supplements or thyroid medication you should consult a physician before taking kelp supplements.

How to Make Pasta e Fagioli

This soup makes you happy to be alive!

Pasta e Fagioli

Did you know that Pasta e Fagioli...is a Life-Changing food? Well, it is in our home, and it can be in yours too!. Ever since I have been young, this soup has always come to the rescue to make everything "better."

There is no need to go to a restaurant for this Italian favorite, you don't need a pasta maker, or any fancy pots and pans...all you do need is about 15 minutes of your time, and a few simple ingredients. And...from this, you will get what our family calls Italian Comfort Food.

The Story's in the soup! It's A Family Affair

When my children were little, and they wanted comfort food, Pasta e Fagioli fit the bill! When my husband Jake came home from the hospital, I asked him what he wanted to eat...you guessed it...that magic soup. He ate it every day for a week, and after that week, he was so much better. The doctor said he passed all the tests with no after affects from his sickness. Now, I'm not saying that this soup cured my husband, but I do know that this Italian comfort food helped him get through some pretty tough times.

When I was at my mother's house the other day, she said she forgot how to make pasta e fagioli , she is 90, and says that her memory is not as good as it used to be. I wrote the recipe out for her, and said "mommy, this is your recipe, and I am returning it to you". She smiled, and so did I.

So many people, after coming to our home for dinner, or lunch, have asked for this recipe also. How can such a simple soup, with such simple ingredients, makes such a heartwarming meal?

When we make our soup over the holidays, we usually serve it with an antipasto. When we are at my sister Lynda's for our family get togethers we always make an antipasto, because there is always time for soup and antipasto.

Italian "Comfort Food" - Comfort Food That You Can Serve To Your Best Friends

When Betty, one of my best friends, was told she had stage 4 cancer, she came over to visit and she asked if I would put Italian music on the CD player, and make her a dish of Pasta e Fagioli! That was comfort food for her also. Betty has since passed away, but I will always treasure the memory of the two of us sitting at the kitchen table, Italian music playing, eating our favorite food for the last time.

My Recipe of Pasta e Fagioli For You Eat This, It Will Make You Feel Better!

Now, I want to give you my recipe for this wonderful soup, so if you choose, you will make it for your family and see if it really is Life-Changing. There are many recipes, each person has their own and their favorite. This is ours!

Pasta e Fagioli
1 onion chopped
2-3 stalks of celery chopped
2-3 cloves of garlic chopped
Salt and Pepper to taste
8 oz can of tomato sause
Ditalini (You can use elbow macaronni if you can't find ditalini)

Saute onions, glarlic and celery in olive oil until soft. Then add 2 cans of Navy Beans or Cannellini Beans (White Kidney Beans) Your choice. I use both depending on which I have in the pantry.

After adding beans, add one small can of tomato sauce. When I am making this soup, i always fill up the empty cans from the beans and the sause two times in each can with water. This usually gives me enough water for the soup. But, if you want to make more, you can just add more water. My daughter Debra uses canned chicken broth instead of water, but I never do. This is the way Aunt Carrie and my mother always made it, and that's what I do too. You can add salt and pepper to taste at this time also, and if you choose, a little bit of hot sause. That is the way my family likes it, but do what is best for yours. While this is cooking on medium burner, boil some water for the ditalini. I usually use ½ a box, but if you think you would like more pasta for your soup, use the whole box. Cook according to directions on the box. Let soup cook for about ½ an hour, if you have the time, if you don't 15 minutes will be fine also. This soup is very easy and comes out great no matter how long it does cook, it is very forgiving. When you are ready to eat, just put some of the pasta in the bowl, add the liquid, and sprinkle with grated cheese. If you are making it to serve right away, then you can put the ditalini in the soup, but if you are going to serve later in the day, don't add the pasta to the soup as it will "drink" up all of the juice. Now ENJOY, and I hope your family will love it as much as mine does!

Yumm-Oh A dish of pasta e fagioli, a glass of my brother in laws home made wine, a few pieces of Italian bread...what a lunch that is.