Karla’s Best Apple Pie

Apple pie is an icon not only of American cooking, but the American home. This recipe comes from my cousin Karla - and is the best I've ever tasted!

INGREDIENTS

·         Bag of Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into wedges

·         2 tbls all-purpose flour

·         1 cup dark brown sugar

·         1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

·         ½ teaspoon ground ginger

·         ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

·         1/8 teaspoon ground clove

·         ½ teaspoon mace

·         ¼ teaspoon all spice (optional)

·         Juice of 1 lemon

·         1 deep dish pie pan

·         1 box Pillsbury pie dough (2 sheets)

DIRECTIONS

·         Stir all ingredients together and taste. Add anything you think it needs.

·         Roll out pie dough and place 1 in bottom of pie pan.

·         Fill pie shell with filling.

·         Add 5 pats butter on top of filling

·         Place remaining pie dough on top of pie and cut slits into top of pie.

·         Bake at 450 for 15 minutes then lower to 350 for another 45 minutes. (If pie starts to brown heavily remove)

·         Remove pie and cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. (Test to make sure pie pan is touchable on bottom before slicing)

Slice and plate with whole-bean French vanilla ice cream or topped with whipped cream (or both hehe) and enjoy the best apple pie on the planet!

 

8 Super Foods to Help Anti-Aging

Along with getting a good night’s sleep to fight the signs of aging, now we're going to tell you how eating can be one of the best anti-aging defenses - and who doesn't love to eat?

Blueberries

Blueberries, compared to most anti aging foods, are the fresh fruit that contain the highest level of antioxidants. These antioxidants, including vitamins C, E, and A play a key role in keeping the skin protected from free radical damage. They also produce collagen, reduce inflammation, and have even been proven to improve memory.

Salmon

Salmon has one of the highest levels of Omega-3 fatty acids, and one of the lowest mercury levels. Omega-3 fats are important in all-around healthcare because they neutralize free radicals, can lower the chances of heart disease, and can have incredible benefits for the skin.

Red Wine

Well, not the wine exactly...this hidden gem lies in the grapes. The skin of the red grapes used to create wine or grape juice contain a powerful anti-aging agent called resveratrol. Resveratrol stimulates collagen production by activating a protein called sirtuin. The body is tricked into a state of defense, where the skin and body constantly repairs themselves and will actually extend your life. 

Flax Seed Oil

It can be difficult to find or afford a great source of Omega-3-rich fish that also have low mercury levels. A great anti aging food alternative is seeking out plants and oils such as perilla, or flax seed oil. Flax seed oil has one of the highest Omega-3 contents of any other source known. Flax seed oil will smooth and hydrate the skin if applied directly, or can treat cases of inflammation from the inside-out if ingested.

Spinach

Many green, leafy vegetables such as spinach are surprisingly good for your skin. Spinach is a great source of antioxidants...antioxidants like lutin, zeaxanthin, and vitamins C, A, K and E. Whether cooked or eaten raw, spinach boosts the body's immune system and will have a wondrous effect on your skin.

White Tea

White tea has been around for centuries, and its health benefits are no secret. This precious brew is known to actually extend your lifespan, and if drank enough, white tea will surely give you a youthful appearance along the way. The tea has powerful antioxidants which will protect your DNA from free radical damage, while reducing stress to further its skincare capabilities.

Avocado

Avocado has been long known as a great anti-aging food, highly due to its vitamin E, potassium, and other antioxidant content. Avocado will give your skin a youthful radiance. It has even been proven to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, so there are numerous alternative reasons to incorporate avocado into your diet.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants that will put a stop to premature aging quick. The cocoa will actually help maintain the healthy function of blood vessels which can possibly lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes.

With the busy lives led by most Americans, we know it may seem like such a task to include all of these 8 anti aging foods into your diet, but if you do you’ll live longer and healthier – and look younger doing it!

Eat it!

 

Couscous with Mushrooms and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Couscous gets all dressed up with sautéed mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes. Make it a meal and add simple sauteed chicken breast tenderloin and a green salad.

Yields: Makes 8 servings, 3/4 cup each

Total Time: 25 min

• 2 teaspoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 (1 cup) onion , chopped
• 1/2 cup(s) sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil), snipped into strips
• 2 cup(s) sliced mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon(s) chopped fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried
• 2 1/2 cup(s) reduced-sodium chicken broth
• Dash of hot sauce or more to taste
• 1 1/2 cup(s) couscous
• 5 leaves fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

---

Directions

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and tomatoes and stir until the onions are softened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and thyme and stir until the mushrooms give off their liquid and begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Add broth and hot sauce and bring to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from the heat and cover. Let stand until the liquid has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. With a fork, fluff the couscous and stir in basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Roast Chicken with Root Veggies

Ingredients (For four)

• 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 lbs), rinsed (make sure cavity is clean)
• 1 lemon, zested
• 10 sprigs of fresh thyme, divided
• 3 to 4 cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 1 tsp pepper, divided
• 2 T butter, softened (or olive oil)
• 2 onions, cut in wedges
• 3-4 potatoes, cut into 1 to 2-inch chunks
• 4 carrots, cut into 1 to 2-inch chunks

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Rinse chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Zest the lemon and set zest aside. Cut the zested lemon into 6 wedges, and place inside the chicken cavity along with 4 sprigs of thyme. 

Mince garlic, and mix with 1 tsp kosher salt. Remove leaves from 6 stems of thyme, and mix with the garlic, along with the lemon zest. Using your fingers or the end of a wooden spoon, separate the chicken skin from the breasts, starting at the neck. Using fingers, insert paste under the skin, working it across the breast. 

Rub the whole chicken with butter (or olive oil). Sprinkle all sides with remaining salt and pepper. Place a roasting rack in your roasting pan, and scatter onions and carrots around the edges. Place chicken breast-side-down in roasting pan. 

Roast chicken in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Rotate bird on its side, and roast another 20 minutes. Rotate bird to the opposite side and roast for 20 more minutes. Place chicken breast-side-up for the remaining 30 to 40 minutes. When juices run clear when cut into between the leg and thigh, the bird is done. (Total cooking time will be 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes.) Remove from oven and tent with foil; let rest for 10 minutes. Skim fat off pan juices and set aside. 

Plate chicken with carrots and onions scattered around, pour juices over chicken and veggies, and serve.