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September 2008
What’s the secret to REAL chili?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Devotees of chili will descend on Stone Mountain Park on Saturday for the Miller Lite Chili Cook-off, to sample the work of more than 300 teams competing for this year’s chili bragging rights. Which got us to thinking about chili — specifically about making it and eating.
But your definition of chili — and what goes in it — may be very different from your neighbor’s. Depending on your preference, you can choose beef, pork, chicken or vegetables as your base.
There are also regional varieties to select from: the unadorned Texas, loaded with chunks of beef and not much more; the classic Midwestern, full of ground beef, beans and tomatoes; the New Mexico, brimming with dried local chiles and pork; or the cinnamon-spiced Cincinnati, which is served over spaghetti.
Are you getting the picture?
PHOTO: Three bowls of chili: Texas red chili (top left), Cincinnati chili (top right), and Southwestern green chili (bottom, with plenty of New Mexico chiles) / PHIL SKINNER / Staff; Styling by JEANNE BESSER / Special. More chili photos
We’ve seen recipes that call for beer or molasses. Others swear by a hint of chocolate, a a splash of freshly brewed coffee or even a tablespoon or so of peanut butter.
Here are some recipes to get you thinking. Chili recipes, Brunswick stew recipes and Cornbread recipes.
So, tell us. What do YOU SAY is the most important ingredient in the very BEST kind of chili? And do you make it yourself or buy it?
Permalink | Comments (22) | Post your comment | Categories: Local Food
Testing claims of miracle foods
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dark chocolate, Vitamin B, blueberries have at least two things in common. They each are associated with claims that they can make you healthier.
And they are are examined in a new book by Atlanta author Robert Davis, “The Healthy Skeptic” (University of California Press, $21.95).
We asked Davis about some of these miracle foods. Here’s an example:
The claim: Vitamin B gives you more energy.
The Healthy Skeptic: Vitamins help convert carbohydrates into energy, but they are not a source of energy. Only food supplies energy. A normal diet and multivitamin provides sufficient Vitamin B to covert carbs into energy.
Bottom line: You do not need extra doses of Vitamin B. You can get what you need from your diet and daily multivitamin.
How do you decide which health claims to believe and which to ignore?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Healthy eating
Do you take snacks to school for the class?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
At some metro Atlanta elementary schools, snack-time comes courtesy of the parents.
The daily treat might be sliced apples, cheese and crackers or a chocolate chip cookie.
At some schools, the treats are provided by parents as part of a snack rotation, and when it’s your turn, you decide. Otherwise, you are at the mercy of other parents and their food choices.
Has this snack challenge caused any problems for your child or you, and what kind of healthy snacks do you bring to class when it’s your turn?
Please share your stories and tips with AJC features writer Helena Oliviero at holiviero@ajc.com.
RELATED: Peanut Butter and Jelly variations | Snack recipes
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A new reason to worry about food poisoning
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Most of us have experienced food poisoning only as a short, unpleasant, bout of diarrhea or abdominal pain. But according to researchers a small group of people have or will develop long-term health problems from food poisoning. And researchers say their ranks are growing. What is also alarming is that it can sometimes take years for an ailment related to food poisoning to show up, the experts said. Arthritis. Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Kidney disorders. This list is just the beginning of the many health problems some researchers are now linking to food-borne infections. Read the article
These are more good reasons to be more vigilant about avoiding food poisoning. Do you know how to keep your food safer at home? Any ideas about eating safer at restaurants?
RELATED: CDC’s Foodborne illness page | Food-safety news and links
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Food Safety
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