FreeRangeClub.com

Passport To The Good Life

You are in for a treat. A cornucopia of original dishes fit for the most discerning palate were created by our food editor, the Kitchen Shrink. Mixed in with them are secret family recipes the FreeRangeClub crew were ‘persuaded’ to divulge (promise! no thumbscrews or truth serum were involved). FreeRangeClub fans scoured cookbooks dedicated to healthy eating and selected some excellent recipes for us—which we, of course, had to tweak a bit, then test in the kitchen, to make sure they conformed to our health-nutty standards.
So dive in. Browse to your heart’s content through the recipes selected for your enjoyment and good health.Choose favorite foods–or toss caution and old habits to the winds and go for exotic new flavors.
Recipes come with humorous anecdotes and historical pedigrees of dishes and ingredient—for you to chuckle over, and show off with at dinnertime. Culinary advice and conversation topics in the same place—pretty cool, eh?
To start, let FreeRanger shortcuts make your grocery shopping a breeze by leading you directly to wholesome, taste-buds-thrilling foods that energize body and mind. Huge time-saver: We read labels—fine print and all—to help you avoid the minefields of toxic additives, pesticides, chemical fertilizers, trans-fats, genetically engineered grains and processed foods—which have as much nutritional value as an old sock. Knowledge is power. Take charge of your life with the help of constantly updated information (collected from reliable sources and analyzed by independent researchers) about the safety of our food supply.
Find out which foods are best for you—and in what combinations. (See Dr. Carolyn Mein’s http://www.bodytype.com)
We invite you to talk back to us, brainstorm, correct mistakes, argue or voice your disagreement with any FreeRanger’s posted information. Contribute your own information and opinions, making them credible and convincing by adding your reasoning, as well as your sources. In short, let’s make a helpful and ever-expanding forum for the development of scientific and experience-based information about the role that foods play in helping us protect our health, enhance our energy levels and live long and productive lives.
In spite of our enthusiasm, we’re not here to twist any arms… Feel free to choose whatever you find useful—and skip the rest. Or return for more, if and when you are ready. The Healthy Gourmet Train picks up anyone who is sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Or sad, for that matter—since depression, too, is often linked to what we put into our mouths. Of course, the thought of making even moderate changes in one’s eating habits can seem more terrifying than skydiving without a parachute. It certainly was to the founders of the Free Range Club–and we suspect it to be for some of you.
But here’s the thing—tried and now repeatedly tested: Terror is instantly replaced by a sense of wellbeing when a rejuvenating salad or other nutritious fare is substituted for some deep-fried ‘delicacy’. It may come as a shock to salt-, sugar- and fat-addicted taste-buds to be confronted with the flavors of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and other goodies, but they do adjust. In fact, you might be confused by how quickly you’ll play catch-up to your body, as it directs your eyes to the heart-healthy part of menus, and your legs to supermarkets’ organic shelves. Feeling well is the carrot that makes the journey painless. The memory of bloat and looming disease is the stick that keeps the traveler on the straight and narrow.
Still, breaking the junk food addiction is no picnic. Let’s face it, few things are more nerve-wracking than a tug of war inside every cell of your body, during which the withdrawal-crazed half is screaming “I want what I like—NOOOW!”—while the scared-healthy half tastes the garden-fresh produce and exclaims with relief, “Hey! This isn’t bad at all…” And as the fragrant herbs and palate-tickling spices burst through any remaining resistance, here come the ‘oooo’s and ‘mmm’s—followed by a surge of energy (“Wow! I feel jazzed!… Let’s go for a walk!”). Be advised: This could be quite unnerving for someone accustomed to the post-meal lethargy of a beached whale ready for its nap.
The good news is that even backsliders eventually find themselves metamorphosing from wimpy caterpillars to energized butterflies, ready to live life in full flight.

Dina Eliash Robinson

Catharine’s Book

Jolene loves junk food. She loves it so much she wears red licorice in her hair—and pink taffy underwear! The Munch Bunch calls her "The Junk Food Queen." Then, one night in her dreams, she meets a bunch of cool characters who take her on an incredible, edible journey into a world of juicy fruits, super salads and yummy smoothies.
Book acclaimed by The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation - which uses it in its fundraising drives.

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We want to hear from you!

Your corrections, critiques, contributions of recipes and other information are welcomed and appreciated. Email Free Range Club!

The Silent Epidemic Affecting American’s Children

English chef Jamie Oliver has come to the U.S. to start a revolution, to help save America's children from obesity and other food-related Illnesses. His successful efforts in the U.K. has resulted in improved school lunches in many communities there, as well as a total overhaul of the school dinner (lunch in the US) programs in that country. Following is a video of Jamie Oliver speaking before an audience at a TED conference.

Jamie Oliver Speaking to TED

KIDS KORNERCOPIA VIDEOS

Catharine Kaufman, the Kitchen Shrink, appears in a series of five videos. In the first video she is seen interviewing Dr. Lisa Loegering, MD, a pediatrician, concerning children's eating habits. The other four videos take place in Catharine's kitchen, as she instructs her two daughters, and two of their friends, in the preparation of various dishes. Please click on four videos to view them.

Children’s Eating Habits-Interview w/Pediatrician

A Video of Zoie (11) teaching us to make healthy sushi!

        Zoie (11 years old) is teaching us to make healthy sushi, with organic brown rice and organic avocado. Please click on healthy sushi to view the video.

RESTAURANTS OFFERING HEALTHY PLEASURES

First cooked up in upscale spas and enthusiastically adopted by fitness-loving Californians, America’s healthy eating revolution has been taking over home kitchens throughout the land.

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Tender Greens Restaurant

Unsafe Food Products Recalled by The FDA

DECEMBER 2009-FEBRUARY 2010 ANNOUNCEMENTS

On Dec. 17, 2009, Faribault Foods voluntarily recalled its Health Valley Organic No Salt Added Split Pea Soup (15 oz.) with the lot codes 22JUL2011, 18AUG2011, and 11SEP2011 because of the presence of an undeclared dairy allergen. This soup contains butter and potatoes, which are not listed on the ingredient statements of the affected lots. No other lot codes of this product or any other Health Valley product is affected in any way.

On Dec. 17, 2009, Willamette Filbert Growers of Newberg, OR recalled 29,861 lbs of its Shelled Hazelnuts and Shelled Organic Hazelnuts, because it might be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.

On Dec. 18 2009, Kunze Farms of Dayton, Oregon recalled 32,950 lbs. of its hazelnut kernels because they might have been contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems.

On Dec. 29, 2009, Janzen Farms, Dayton, Oregonrecalled hazelnut kernels because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

On Dec. 31, 2009, Publix Super Markets issued a voluntary recall for Publix Pumpkin Pecan Streusel Pie, because it was mislabeled and may contain undeclared pecans. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to pecans run the risk of allergic reaction if they consume this product.

On Dec. 31, 2009, Nutty Guys in cooperation with the FDA, issued a voluntary recall of all of its Butter Toffee Peanuts and Yogurt Covered Peanuts with sell-by dates before March 15th 2010. (No reason was given for the recall.)

In its memo dated January 17, 2010, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) alerted us that the following food items were recalled by their producers and distributors (for additional information and questions, contact the agency:


On Jan. 11, 2010, Parkers Farm, Inc. of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, recalled all of its ‘products’—regardless of code date--because of their potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes a sometimes fatal, and often serious health damage causing organism, which can also cause severe symptoms even in people with strong immune systems. (So far no illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.)

On Jan. 11, Rudolph Foods recalled 39 cases of Pepe’s Louisiana Hot Gigante Cracklins, 3,437 cases of 7-Select Louisiana Hot Onion Rings and 420 cases of Rudolph’s Louisiana Hot On Yums, because they may contain undeclared milk products and cause mild to severe allergic reactions in people with lactose sensitivity.

On Jan. 13, Helluva Good and HP Hood recalled its 8-oz. plastic cup containers of Cold Pack Cheese Food because they may contain Listeria monocytogenes (see *** above), an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness and nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

On Jan. 13, Nurture, Inc. and HAPPYTOT Stage 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 & Stage 2 selected varieties of Pouch Meals were recalled due to packaging defect that could cause possible bacterial contamination, through the swelling and/or leaking of the pouches could cause the pouches. Swollen or leaking pouches could indicate that the products may contain bacteria that could potentially cause illness. Nurture, Inc. specified Pouch Meals with date codes expiring between November 2010 and January 2011. NOTE: We at the FreeRangeClub suggest that, just to be on the safe side, all above-branded Pouch Meals be avoided until assurances can be obtained from the manufacturer, distributor(s) and the FDA that the problem has been resolved.

The FDA has issued a Health Alert on Jan. 14 for Merrick Beef Filet Squares Dog Treats packaged and distributed by Merrick Pet Care and marked with “Best By 111911”—because the product may be contaminated with Salmonella.

On Jan. 15, Hines Nut Company recalled 270 packages of its Harris Teeter Farmers Market brand Pine Nuts. Pine Nuts were purchased from Red River Foods in Camarillo, CA, and have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

On Jan. 15, PEO Chapter FO of Ashland, Oregon, recalled 75 of its 1 lb. packages of roasted hazelnuts, because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

On Feb. 2,2010, Global Commodities Inc., of Hicksville, N.Y. recalled its 0.50 lbs. packages of Aahu Barah brand Dry Apricot food treats because they contain undeclared Sulfites. People who have allergies to Sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

On Feb. 4, 2010, Pierino Frozen Foods Inc. of Lincoln Park, Michigan recalled its 24 oz. packages of Pierino Frozen Foods’ “Jumbo Shells with Cheese” because they contain undeclared eggs. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to eggs run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

On Feb. 4, 2010, Haifa Smoked Fish Inc., in Queens, New York, recalled its “Haifa” brand vacuum packaged “Whole Schmaltz Herring” with the lot number 20, because the product was found to be un-eviscerated and, therefore, may not be safe for consumption.

On Feb. 5, 2010, Cousins Products, LLC, of Covington, LA voluntarily recalled its Spinach Vinaigrette in 16 oz. jars and issued an allergy alert for this product’s undeclared contents of eggs, soy and wheat—which could cause severe health hazard to people allergic to these ingredients.

Note: The FDA posts press releases and other notices of recalls and market withdrawals from the firms involved as a service to consumers, the media, and other interested parties. FDA does not endorse either these products or companies. Contact information for the FDA: email: webmail@oc.fda.gov -- or by mail at 5800 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857 – or by phone at (800) 439-1420.