Do It Yourself~Fresh Pesto

 Posted by Michelle in O.P.P.Style♥

Picture from cooking channel

Basil Pesto!
5 1/2 pounds genovese basil, weighed before picking leaves
1/2 pound walnuts, toasted
6 extra large cloves of elephant garlic, or more depending on flavor
4 cups extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for topping jars
1 1/2 pounds parmesan cheese, rough chopped or store bought corsely grated
2 teaspoons sea salt or more to taste
18 Kerr's Wide Mouth 8oz mason jars or 8oz plastic deli containers
Prepare an ice bath in a clean sink or large bowl. In a large non-reactive pot boil moderately salted water for blanching. In batches blanch basil for 2 seconds, remove immediately and plunge into ice bath. Drain and set aside in refrigerator. Repeat until all basil is blanched, changing blanching water if it turns green. Cut garlic cloves in half, remove tiny germ inside, and blanch in boiling water for ten seconds, remove to ice bath.
Due to the large quantity of ingredients this pesto is best made in a few batches that are equally divided. In a food processor fitted with a metal blade add garlic and walnuts and pulse to roughly chop. Add basil pressed dry of water, and cheese. Pulse to chop while drizzling olive oil. This must be done quickly. If the food processor's motor gets too hot it will begin to turn the basil black.
Mix separate batches together, check for correct seasoning and adjust. Fill jars just below screw mark level and top with 1/4" of extra virgin olive oil. This will help to seal the pesto so it doesn't turn color.
Pesto can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Or frozen for 3 months.

Which oils are better for you?

Posted by Michelle in Ocean Pacific Papaya Style

the huge variety of oils at the store have always put me on overload. which ones are the best? why? what are they all for? well i decided to put my research hat on and find out a little bit more about them. here is a quick overview of the best oils, and some resources to boot. which oils are your favorite?

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

this one is the big winner, woohoo! that’s good, because this is the one i use the most. evoo is a less processed and (therefore) more flavorful oil than other oils and wins for best oil because of it’s monounsaturated (that’s the good one) fats and plant compounds that protect against heart disease and cancer. lucky for us, it also tastes oh-so-good.

Sesame Oil

It is derived from toasted sesame seeds and may help to lower blood pressure. it’a also great in asian inspired dishes.

Flaxseed Oil

Flax oil is a big component of how we get our heart-protective omega-3 fatty acids in each day. these essential fatty acids protect against bone loss and reduce inflammation in people with arthritis. heating flaxseed oil will destroy it’s nutrients, so keep this one in the fridge and use on salads or in smoothies. (hint: we also add about 1 tbs to toaster’s food each day! it keeps his coat shiny and skin extra healthy.)

Walnut Oil

i haven’t used this oil very much, but i know one thing, i do love walnuts! walnut oil contains a specific antioxidant that helps prevent cancers (say no more!). it turns bitter when heated, so this is another one to keep in your fridge and drizzle over salads or pastas.

 Sunflower Oil  

you got it, this one is made from sunflower seeds! it has a light taste and contains vitamin e, which reduces your risk for heart attack.

 Did you know?

it’s best to store your healthy oils in a dark, dry cabinet away from heat or sunlight (preferably, in the fridge). nut based oils such as walnut, flaxseed and sesame need must be refrigerated as they can turn rancid at room temperature.
for a more in depth look at oils, read this great article on cooking oils.
source:simple living

Garden Catch All Salsa Recipe by Amanda Joy

I have an absolute love for tomatoes!! I love making salsa!! It is so yummy on my fish, chicken, or shrimp tacos. It is also good just by itself ♥ I came upon this recipe on Bonnie's Seasonal Recipes. Yummy! Enjoy!!

Posted by Michelle in Ocean Pacific Papaya Style

ingredients:

4 large tomatoes, chopped
2 medium peppers, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 avocado, chopped
1 can corn, drained
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
dash of hot sauce
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Bohemian Style

Traditionally the word bohemian means "a gypsy". Bohemian also means an unconventional or eccentric behavior. A person who is a nonconformist or someone who disregards traditional or conventional norms of behavior is called a bohemian. Very often artists and creative people are associated with having a bohemian life style. Not only are they unconventional in dress and mannerisms but also in their outlook. They would rather live by their rules rather than live life the usual way.

You know who you are, but know not who you could be.

~William Shakespeare

The flower symbolism associated with the daisy is purity, innocence, loyal love, beauty, patience and simplicity.

Stevie Nicks

Black beans with smoked poblanos topped with blackened shrimp, lemon Greek yogurt, and egg!

A friend of mine made this yummy breakfast this morning. I had to share. By Mark Butler

All things GREEN~

MUDMAID♥

Herbal Living

Basil, a popular herb in the same family as peppermint, is used to season sauces, soups, salads and pasta dishes all around the world. In addition to its versatile flavor, basil also offers many important health benefits that will have you scrambling to add a little basil to your next meal.
One of the primary medicinal uses for basil is for its anti-inflammatory properties. This effect stems from eugenol, a volatile oil in basil that blocks enzymes in the body that cause swelling, making basil an ideal treatment for people with arthritis.
 Basil, especially as an extract or oil, is known to have exceptionally powerful antioxidant properties that can protect the body from premature aging, common skin issues, age-related problems and even some types of cancer. The herb also contains the flavonoids,orientin, and vicenin, which are plant pigments that shield your cell structures from oxygen and radiation damage.
(source:b-o-h-oteacup)

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more.
~George Gordon, Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage

Everyone wants the look of a mature, weathered garden. A quick trick for getting that look in a rock garden is to cultivate moss on the rocks themselves. Here’s David Beaulieu’s twist on the old buttermilk recipe for getting moss to grow on rocks and stone. About.com

Healthy Eating Habits