Free Webinar: Navigating Organic Beauty, Dirty Secrets Exposed

Check out this free Online Webinar sponsored by Full of Organics!

You will learn:

• How to breakdown an ingredient label & understand impact on health
• How to define natural, organic, and certified organic
• How to identify cancer-causing chemicals in skin care products

When: Wednesday - May 11, 2011
Time: 9:00pm EST

For more info and to register, visit:
http://organicbeauty.eventbrite.com/

New Farmers Market Alert! Grand Opening Today!

The Frostville Museum in North Olmsted, OH will be the home of a brand new farmers market for 2011 and we can't have too many of those!

The coolest part is that the Cleveland Metroparks will be the back drop for this lucky market.


The grand opening will be May 7th, 2011

The market will be open from May to October, Saturdays, 9:00am - 1:00pm.

Location: 24101 Cedar Point Rd, North Olmsted OH 44138 (on the corner of Lewis & Cedar Point Road)

Stop by and support you local farmers!
The Hoff

Doc: Deconstructing Supper

This doc takes a look at the potential pros and cons of genetically-modified foods. If you don’t think you’re eating GMOs, think again – unless you’re eating 100% organic, every time you eat corn or soy either as itself or in processed foods, you are most likely consuming GMOs and the scary part is the FDA is not studying their effects on humans. Monsanto (a.k.a. Roundup) makes a cameo appearance in this doc as well, as they are the world’s largest producer of GMO seeds. By the way, Monsanto doesn’t feel it’s their responsibility to study the effects of consuming GMOs either. Nor will they supply independent researchers with seeds so they can study the effects of GMOs.  Europe & Mexico have banned the use of GMOs, what is America’s problem - $$$? Watch this to get up to speed.

Hoff's Black Bean Tacos

That's right, Wednesday night is Taco Night at the Hoff House!  Usually I just mix a can of fat-free, vegetarian, refried beans with a bag of Uncle Ben's Spanish Ready Rice for a super quick meal.  But tonight, I decided to go a little healthier.  These tacos are simple and delicious!


Hoff's Black Bean Tacos
Makes 4 tacos
meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free

Ingredients:

• Soft taco shells (4)
• 1 can Black Beans (drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 Red Onion, sliced
• Avocado
• Lime Juice
• Sea Salt
• Cumin
• Cilantro

 Optional Toppings:

• Shredded Iceberg Lettuce
• Cabbage Slaw
• Tomato
• Sliced Black Olives
• Salsa
• Shredded Vegan Cheese

Directions:

1. In a small frying pan, saute onion in a little water if necessary.  When turning translucent, add black beans and stir.  Add lime juice, sea salt, cumin and cilantro to taste.  Heat through.
2. In a small bowl, mash together avocado, lime juice, sea salt and cilantro to taste.
3. Combine black bean mixture with avocado mixture (or use as a spread).
4. Microwave taco shells on a paper towel for 20 - 30 seconds.
5. Time to chow - let the assembling of the tacos commence!

My2Cents: I usually serve my tacos with a side of lime tortilla chips or chopped mango - depends on how healthy I feel like being.

Cleveland Business: Cinnamon is Good for You

While celebrating Earth Day at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo a few weeks ago, I met Debbie Moskowitz, owner/operator of Cinnamon is Good For You.

Aside from being a pretty cool chick and entrepreneur, Debbie is also a Cleveland pastry chef, specializing in vegan truffles.  She uses organic ingredients from around the world, paired with local foods to create her specialized sweets.

Check out these unique flavors: Raspberry, Chai, Maca Root, Coconut, Lavender and Matcha tea

Having tried her goodies myself, I can attest that they are delectable, delicious and delightful!  I really like that they are made with only a few pure ingredients (about seven, give or take a few).

So if you treasure truffles as I do and want to try some with a vegan flare, check out Cinnamon is Good For You!

Say that The Healthy Hoff sent you, there's nothing in it for you, but I'd appreciate the shout out.


Bon Appetit!
The Hoff

Events: Preserving & Can-O-Palooza

Back on my Canning Kick!  I'm concerned that my CSA bounty will yield more food than I can handle or give away.  If you have this fear or are just interested in preserving fresh fruits/veggies, check out these two events being offered by the Basket of Life Farm.  An RSVP for both events is required.

What: Preserving the Season Class (demonstration on home canning)
When: June 25, 2011
Time: 4:00pm - 6:00pm
Where: 4965 Quick Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
Price: $5

What: Can-O-Palooza (canning social, can your own produce)
When: August 13, 2011
Time: 2:00pm - 9:00pm
Where: 4965 Quick Rd, Peninsula, OH 44264
Price: TBD

Click here for more details or email: eric@basketoflife.com

Garcon! Wine for my plants please.

Watering my plants with wine?  No, not really.  I use water just like everyone else.

However, I do use wine bottles to deliver that water.  There's a few reasons for this:

I tend to get wine as a gift for hosting dinner parties.  I don't actually drink wine because it doesn't agree with me.  However, I feel bad about not using the wine, but love the look of the wine bottles, so I keep them around the kitchen as decoration.

I also fill them with water in anticipation for watering day (once a week).  I like to let tap water sit out at least over night if not longer, also known as aging the water (kinda fitting, eh?) because this allows for the chlorine to evaporate and chlorine is not good for plants. 

Additionally, I find the long narrow neck of the wine bottle very convenient for getting in between delicate stems and leaves.

Lastly, the small opening of the bottle ensures that I don't drench my plants.

So there you have it.  Using wine bottles as watering cans gives a new life to something you'd normally throw away.  It also adds decor to your kitchen and in my case is a great way to remember a kind gesture by a wonderful friend.

Cheers!
The Hoff