Suzy Eats

Squash is a popular and healthy Mediterranean food. There are different types and ways to cook it. Squash provides an excellent source of carotenes, vitamin B, C and potassium. It is also an excellent form of fiber and can help prevent colon cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and prostate problems.

What are the different types of squash?

1. Acorn- small, ribbed squash with a dark greenish gold shell; served halved and baked
2. Spaghetti- buttery fleshed and served like spaghetti
3. Pumpkin- Halloween Squash
4. Butternut- most popular type; large pear like shape; taste like a sweet potato with nuts

When: Great during the winter cold

What: Squash should be heavy and firm.  Make sure it has no bruises or softness anywhere on the skin.

Where: Store it in a dark, cool, dry place. NOT in a refrigerator. If it is stored in <50 degrees Farenheit, it will break down quickly.

How Long (does it last): Acorn and butternut ~ 3months while other squash can last between 1 to 6 months

Below is a recipe for traditional hummus. If you have any tips or other recipes, feel free to comment. I would love to hear about it. Remember Hummus=Healthy!!

Traditional Middle Eastern Hummus

Healthy, Fresh Mediterranean Meal

Serves 4-6

16 ounces of chickpeas (garbanzo beans), soaked in water overnight

1 cup of lemon juice or juice of 2 fresh lemons

3 Tablespoons tahina paste (can be found in an ethnic food aisle)

2 garlic cloves, crushed

salt, to taste  

 

GARNISH 

1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2  teaspoon parsley, finely chopped

1. Place the chickpeas into fresh water (~1 cup) for at least one hour and up to overnight (be sure to leave in the refrigerator). 

2. Place the chickpeas into a blender (or food processor). Add the lemon juice, tahina paste, garlic, salt and enough of the water liquid (that the chickpeas were in) to obtain a soft creamy consistency.

3. Place hummus onto a flat plate.

4. Garnish with olive oil, paprika and parsley.

5.  Serve with warm pita bread or pita chips for dipping.

Eggs are staple in a Mediterranean Diet. There a few things that one must be aware of though before purchasing, handling and consuming our eggs……they are:

1) Always Check the Container: The shell is the main barrier for bacteria so if it is cracked there may be bacteria in the container. Don’t buy eggs with a broken shell.

2) Leave them in a Container: This will help prevent the eggs from absorbing other odors from foods in the refrigerator.

3) Store them on a Shelf: Evidence shows that eggs are fresher when stored on a shelf (rather than the refrigerator door slot for eggs).

4) Expired Eggs?: You can always test to see if the eggs are expired (do not always rely on the package date). Just pour some cold, salt water and drop an egg into it. If the egg sinks, it is still fresh but if it stays suspended in the water its a few weeks old so eat it quick.  If the egg float on the top, put it in the garbage. It is no good!

Hello and welcome to my blog. I am very passionate about cooking healthy meals and mediterranean meals are DEFINITELY healthy. What are some of your favorite things to cook??