Pickled Apples

Pickled Apples

1/2 Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 Water

2 teaspoons salt

Bring to Boil. Pour over sliced apples. Add a few whole black peppercorns and a few dashes of cinnamon. Let cool, place in fridge for 24 hours. Enjoy with cheese and wine. : )

We recently went to a little wine bar fairly close to our house on Sunset called The Mercantile Wine Bar. After trying a few white wines (the boyfriend hasn't been able to drink red after getting sick off of a bad wine, it happens to the best of us) we finally decided on an organic Sauvignon Blanc. We planned on ordering a cheese platter as well until I discovered the grilled cheese. "YOU of all people want to order a grilled cheese". I knew that question was going through his mind by look he gave me. It's true, I usually stay away from menu items like this one. Not because of all the fat or trying to be a skinny "L.A. girl" but because of how unhealthy it is for you. White bread, processed cheese, oil, etc. However, this specific grilled cheese seemed like it was made for the two of us. I responded to his silent question by saying " babe, let me read the description to you and I know you'll have to try it". Of course, I was right. He could't argue. After ordering at the bar we sat down at our cozy table. Brick walls, candlelit table, mason jars, french style bistro tables, cheese and meat counter. The yelp reviews described the place similar to that of a West Village wine bar. Being from New York, this yelp review sold my boyfriend on checking the place out. Our plate of goodness came. Grilled Cheese w/ aged cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, roasted jalapeño, tomatillo jam, sourdough bread and tomatillo soup. It was Mercantile magnificent and everything we imagined it to be. Also on plate, which wasn't written in the menu description were pickled apples. We were both a little hesitant to try it since we had no idea what it was. It had a taste I wasn't expecting. It looked like either a pear or apple but tasted similar to a pickle. Eaten alone wasn't the greatest however, eaten with a bite of grilled cheese was the key. The flavors went so well together.

I recently blogged about my spicy pickles. The same day I had leftover "pickling liquid" and remembered these pickled apples we had enjoyed weeks prior. I sliced up some apples, poured the vinegar, water and salt liquid over them, added black peppercorns and a tad of cinnamon. They came out better than the restaurants version. Made me very happy and my boyfriend commented on how it seems like there isn't anything I can't make. This isn't true but I'm willing to try anything. The cinnamon made them more versatile in the sense that we would eat these with more plates than just grilled cheese sandwiches. Absolutely trying them again.

Bee Pollen

Yes I am obsessed with honey. Everyone who knows me knows this. However, I'm not sure if they know why I'm so crazy for it. It's not the taste of honey that I love so much, even though it is very yummy, it is what honey can do for you that I'm am so fascinated with.

I'll have to write a blog about honey soon. This blog happens to be about bee pollen. I need everyone to put my honey obsession aside and realize that I'm not eating bee pollen for any other reason except that it is insanely healthy for you. It has an acquired taste that I'm not too fond of but the benefits outweigh the taste bar-none. My boyfriend's friend came to Hollywood to visit us recently. He is extremely health conscience. After fighting cancer a few years ago he was determined to get his health under control. With my health background we started talking about everything from dairy to nutrients to cheese and meats. We talked briefly about honey and he mentioned bee pollen.

My boyfriend and I were at the Farmers Market over the weekend and of course stopped at the honey tent. Bee pollen was the first thing I noticed and I remembered our friend mentioning it so I thought I'd give it a try. As soon as I got home I started researching how to use it. I thought I was looking for tips and recipes and didn't anticipate the information I would find. The back of the jar states to take 6-8 granules twice a day and increase each week until you are taking about a 1/2 teaspoon twice a day. Because of it being a food product and contains fat, it also needs to be refrigerated.

Everyone needs to start buying bee pollen. I repeat, start buying bee pollen. If you want to be healthier, buy it. If you have a health issue and haven't been able to cure it, buy it. Name a problem and bee pollen will cure it. These tiny little nuggets have so many positive benefits to your health. In case my credentials aren't convincing enough, click on the link at the bottom of the page to read more. There is also more information in the article that is not mentioned in my blog. If this blog, that I randomly decided to start, doesn't do anything for anyone except this single post convincing a few people to start eating bee pollen, I'll be satisfied. I'm a giver. I genuinely love knowing that I could make a difference in someone's life. No matter what it is, I've always been one to try to help people or make their lives better. Start eating bee pollen. Buy it for yourself, your grandma and your dad. Russian scientist, Naum Petrovich Ioyrish, chief of the Academy of July 26, 1997Vladivostok and author of Bees and People reported "Long lives are attained by bee pollen users. It is one of the original treasure houses of nutrition and medicine. Each grain contains every important substance necessary to life."

Studies after studies have shown proof that this "gold" can heal you."Bee-gathered pollens are rich in proteins, free amino acids, vitamins, including B-complex, and folic acid," writes Dr. Jospeh Mercola on his article "The Use of Bee Pollen as a Superfood."  Scientist have tried to imitate the pollen, but after giving a bee the fake nutrient nuggets, they died shortly after. Humans, with all the technology and science available, cannot duplicate what the bees can make. We have proof that it works so everyone should take advantage of this knowledge and improve their health. No other vitamin or single food item can do for you what bee pollen can.

It will help you lose wight by correcting your nutrient insufficiencies and thus stopping your cravings. It will also help you gain weight if needed. Bee pollen with increase athletic ability by making you stronger, taller and even help you live longer. Yes, bee pollen will make you taller. Yes, bee pollen will make you live years and years longer. Bee pollen will also treat allergies and stimulate ovarian function. The benefits are endless.

Bee pollen. Buy it, use it, share it, love it.

http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/10-amazing-health-benefits-of-bee-pollen



Mercola, J. "The Use of Bee Pollen as a Superfood." Retrieved June 2, 2013, from
http://www.mercola.com/article/diet/bee_pollen.htm

Spicy Pickle Recipe

My boyfriend and I absolutely love this recipe. I made them the first time after making a greek dinner (hummus, falafel, tzatziki, yogurt dressing) and had leftover ingredients. I didn't know what to do with my extra dill and cucumbers except make pickles.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Water

Salt

Cucumbers

Fresh Dill

Whole Black Peppercorns

Jalapeños and/or Serrano Peppers

Garlic cloves, cut in half

Fresh onions, chopped

First measure how much liquid you need by filling up your container half way with vinegar and filling the rest with water, leaving room for your pickles, about 3 inches to the top. Note: it's better to be left with too much liquid than not enough. Try to measure about half water and half vinegar but don't worry about being too exact. After measuring, pour the liquid into a small pot and add about 1 Tablespoon of salt. A little more or less depending on the size of your jar. Place on the stove and bring to boil.

Serrano pepper: spicier than
a jalapeño. 

While your liquid is heating, add everything else to your jar. You can either cut your cucumbers into spears or into slices. If I have a skinnier jar I cut slices but if I'm using a large pickle jar I cut spears and top with round slices. The amount of your added ingredients depends on how you like your pickles. I added one whole serrano pepper, about 5 black peppercorns, 2 cloves of garlic, about 1 Tablespoon of chopped onion and a handful of dill. You can't really mess it up. J If it's too spicy or garlicky for you, next time use less.





Once your liquid is boiling, pour the hot mixture over your cucumbers leaving about one inch. Tap the bottom of the jar to the counter to release any air pockets. Continue tapping until little or no air bubble are being released. Secure the top tightly and let sit for about an hour or so.


Once the jar is cooled, place in fridge for 24 hours. Do not open and let any air in for the next two days.

 After two days of patiently waiting, open your pickles and enjoy. : )