‘Ode to Kale’ from Chef Marian and Chef Marissa

Chef Marian — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:59:24 +0000

Today I am bringing you an ‘Ode to Kale’.

Occasionally, I have ‘guest bloggers’. These are chefs and nutritionists that have something more to offer. Today is no exception. Not only will I be cooking on stage at The Del Mar Fairgrounds this summer with Chef Marissa, but I have also come to know her as a good friend.

Marissa has been in the food industry for about 25 years. Restaurant ownership, kitchen management, entertainment, event coordination and professional organizing are brought to the table with Marissa’s ‘The Intuitive Kitchen’™. TIK™ presents a focus on natural foods, meaning a wholesome, balanced approach to eating.

And people that have taken her classes have this to say:

“Marissa’s preparation and presentation are phenomenal! She provided thorough and easy to understand information. The class itself was inspirational, informative and very entertaining. I could see a future for Marissa hosting her own culinary show!”

-Erica D., participant

Without missing a beat I asked…. “Will you blog for me”? She said: “Yeeaaah”!

So here you go. An ‘Ode to Kale’…….

Happy Eating,

Chef Marian

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Kale (photo From Eating Well)

“O, Wondrous KALE, How Do I Love Thee…?”

I love Thee braised, sautéed, steamed, roasted, chopped, rolled, tossed into a soup, layered in a casserole, blended in a smoothie, snuck into a puree, featured in a SALAD!! Shoot, I wonder what you can’t do? Probably not so good to wash my car…

What the HECK did we eat before you became such an adored “Superfood” Rockstar as of late, having worked your way up from a long-time unsung cameo role as Garnish?? Of course You are still lovely to behold in garden borders, colorful and hardy, but we have embraced you as the nutritional powerhouse that you are (cancer combatant, really?) and this is definitely one of my favorite ways to enjoy your ample supply of calcium, vitamins (especially K!), fiber and antioxidants:

Raw Kale Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

(I strongly suggest using organic veggies, esp. in-the-raw, for flavor and nutrition.)

1 Bunch of Kale, any variety* (ideally, a mix): chiffonade [ribbons]

Carrot (as much as you like!): grated or “shaved” with a veg. peeler

Sweet Onion, any kind, tho’ red is pretty (how much do you like?): thinly-sliced

Red Cabbage (how colorful do you want this?): shredded

Some Kind of Seed (pumpkin, sunflower, chia, etc.), toasted or raw

*Lacinato is nice but doesn’t hold the dressing as well as Green or Red Russian: mix ‘em!

Toss all of this together, except seeds.

Make this dressing:

Tahini, ½ cup

Tamari or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, 1 Tbsp. OR 1 heaping tsp. Miso Paste (red or yellow)

Fresh Lemon juice: depending on lemons, ¼ c, or however much you like

Fresh Garlic, at least 1 large clove

Fresh-ground Pepper, to taste (I like the “rainbow” mix of peppercorns)

Shake or blend and toss into salad.

Add seeds and EAT, while singing “My Favorite Things”.

Intuitively Yours,

Marissa

The Intuitive Kitchen

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Bringing to your attention ~ the March Against Monsanto

Chef Marian — Mon, 20 May 2013 06:07:26 +0000

March Against Monsanto

A March Against Monsanto in San Diego?

Yes. And No. It’s worldwide! lol

This wasn’t my idea….. I didn’t think of it (wish I did)…. but it makes sense to share this blog and this information with everyone you know. I have been blogging about Monsanto forever…. telling you how they have genetically modified our food, putting farmers out of business because when their seeds blow into a neighboring farm, they litigate them to death and put them out of business for ‘stealing’ their seeds. Now recently, they slipped into a bill their ‘right’ to never be sued……

Meanwhile, March Against Monsanto has announced that on May 25, 2013, tens of thousands of activists around the world will “March Against Monsanto…… Marches are planned on six continents, in 36 countries, totaling events in over 250 cities and in the US, events are slated to occur simultaneously at 11am PST in 47 states. San Diego will start at 11am at the Balboa Park fountain in front of the Science Center”.

Sooo0…… I guess it’s not just Chef Marian talking about Monsanto!

NO CHEF MARIAN! IT’S NOT JUST YOU!

And here’s my most important point of this blog: I’m not asking you to substitute anyone’s information for your own good judgement. I’m just calling it to your attention. Do the research! Look at the message (not the messenger). Figure out if this is something you want to get behind….

Below you will find more information ~ what I’ve been able to come up with, to help you hear from the horse’s mouth, why people are Marching. But feel free to google Monsanto yourself!

Happy Eating,

Chef Marian

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Sat May 25th

11am-2pm

at Balboa Park

1549 El Prado

San Diego, CA

The fight for our food!! On May 25, activists around the world will unite to March Against Monsanto. Why do we march? Research studies have shown that Monsantos genetically-modified foods can lead to serious health conditions such as the development of cancer tumors, infertility and birth defects.

In the United States, the FDA, the agency tasked with ensuring food safety for the population, is steered by ex-Monsanto executives, and we feel thats a questionable conflict of interests and explains the lack of government-lead research on the long-term effects of GMO products. Recently, the U.S. Congress and president collectively passed the nicknamed Monsanto Protection Act that, among other things, bans courts from halting the sale of Monsantos genetically-modified seeds. For too long, Monsanto has been the benefactor of corporate subsidies and political favoritism. Organic and small farmers suffer losses while Monsanto continues to forge its monopoly over the worlds food supply, including exclusive patenting rights over seeds and genetic makeup. Monsanto’s GMO seeds are harmful to the environment; for example, scientists have indicated they have caused colony collapse among the world’s bee population.

What are solutions we advocate?
Voting with your dollar by buying organic and boycotting Monsanto-owned companies that use GMOs in their products.

Labeling of GMOs so that consumers can make those informed decisions easier.
Repealing relevant provisions of the US’s “Monsanto Protection Act.”
Calling for further scientific research on the health effects of GMOs.
Holding Monsanto executives and Monsanto-supporting politicians accountable through direct communication, grassroots journalism, social media, etc.
Continuing to inform the public about Monsanto’s secrets. Taking to the streets to show the world and Monsanto that we won’t take these injustices quietly.
We will not stand for cronyism. We will not stand for poison. Thats why we March Against Monsanto.

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