Green is my favorite color (all shades) no contest!

Can we ever really improve on Mother’s Nature’s palette?

Created for the May 12th Woven Dreams prompt: GREEN THOUGHTS.

]]> http://wiggledywoo.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/glorious-greens/ Wed, 09 May 2012 05:15:11 +0000 Kristin Shoolbraid http://wiggledywoo.wordpress.com/2012/05/08/glorious-greens/ Our whole world has gone a billion shades of green, as spring bursts out in all its glory, and I plan to do a painting to celebrate.

I continue to conjure about ‘Reality’: coming to believe that our days are not fresh, new and unique, but a rehash of memory snippets arising from a multiplicity of origins that are retrieved from our memory banks to create the illusion of an on-going reality that is wholly our own.
I think we are probably the only species that gets into this tangle, because we have managed to persuade ourselves, by misuse of our superior brain, to believe that each one of us is independent from everyone else and the balance of existence.
During the time we are awake, and probably when we sleep, we constantly work on our memories, updating them, refining the information to keep them consistent with what we believe is reality.

It seems that what we are doing is play-acting with what is in our own heads, using this crude means of reference to relate to others in a similar state.
More and more I prefer to think of myself as part of the river of All Life, I don’t need an identity, only full awareness, and right now it’s definitely green.

This sesame tofu recipe is really great, and is a perfect prep-it-on-Sunday and enjoy-it-on-Monday dish since the longer the tofu marinates the more flavorful it becomes.

Notes:  I included the recipe as it appears in the book but for next time I would increase the red pepper flakes for some added heat.  Additionally, I used more than the called for amount of cilantro and scallions. I served the tofu on black rice and, as always, a bed of glorious greens for added nutrients!

Sesame Tofu 
from Deborah Madison’s Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone

Ingredients:
a 1-pound package Chinese-style firm tofu
Sesame marinade (recipe follows)
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
chopped cilantro

Directions:
Cut the tofu into slabs and blot well with paper towels.
Make the marinade and pour half into a pie plate. Add the drained tofu, then the rest of the marinade. Cover and let stand for an hour or as long as you have time for.

When ready to cook, pour off the marinade and set it aside.
Heat a nonstick skillet with the oil, add the tofu, and fry until firm and browned, about five minutes on each side.

Add the marinade to the pan and cook until bubbling and hot. Serve the tofu and the sauce over brown rice and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro.

Sesame Marinade
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons sesame oil
1 tablespoon dark sesame oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
5 teaspoons balsamic or rice wine vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar or to taste
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or chili oil
2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions:
Combine the ingredients in a bowl and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust for sweetness if needed. Depending on the type of soy sauce you’ve used, you many need to add more sugar for balance.

Enjoy!

-Rachel

Hugely Delayed Thanks Goes to The Patches Market, the 6th edition. We were very proud to be part of it, the day went very smoothly and it’s always a blessing to be surrounded by great artists like http://www.nadegerenee.com, Lisa Ambrigio, David Falzon, and Pat of  www.handzbypatz.com.

The response was once again spectacular. It’s great to be part of this Special Market ,  to hear your feedback and your sprouting stories, your methods and uses , but most of all , it’s great to see the growing enthusiasm for the product itself !.

Abby Doneo very kindly helped out on the day, she also took some awesome Photos which should be posted in the coming days.

The Evening though was not over on this grant day, for it continued with our contribution of Sweet Caramelized onions to the Simon`s Music Festival: www.simonspubmalta.com.  This charity event was a great success. Big thanks go to Simon and his wife for all the work and effort they put in it.

All in all it was a day of great Achievements

Due to popular demand, at the Glorious Greens we are presently working on a small cooking book exploring the different uses of sprouts. Keep your eyes peeled for updates shortly …

Wishing you all fellow sprouters,  a great and sunny day.

…. and welcome to a brand new Edition of Patches Market.

Being held on Sunday 1^st May at Suq Tal-Belt in Valletta between 10 am and 6 pm.

For more info on this market please visit www.patchesmarket.com , where you can view all the other interesting products which shall be on display at this market.

At the Glorious Greens, we would like to thanks again Denise and Jimmy for welcoming us into this prestigious market. Over the past few months this market  evolved from a collective of various artists to a benchmark in all that is considered Artisan and crafty .

We had a look at the weather forecast and it looks like rain is on our menu again, so in order to keep up tradition we shall be cooking up some Bean Sprout soup, with a twist.

Following last month’s soup, we shall not disclose the ingredients until the soup is ready.

At The Glorious Greens, fresh, seasonal produce is out prerogative.

We shall be handing out both soup and sprout samples, for all you newbies.

Looking forward to seeing you all there J

Let’s keep …. Sprouting health within you ….

Nothing can beat these simple  joys .

At The Glorious Greens we have a new batch of Spouts on the way , they should be done in about 5 days !

Now that spring is officially here, we’re ready to put aside the hearty winter soups that have gotten us through the cold months and move on to something new.

Something fresh, crisp and, most importantly, green!

We’ve pulled together a classic  spring salad recipe to make as soon as you get home from the market.

Mexican Sprout Salad
serves 6 as a small side salad

3 cups loosely packed mixed sprouts (such as  alfalfa, Puy lentils or Mung Beans )
1 cup loosely packed shredded purple cabbage
1/2 cup lightly toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

For the dressing:
1/4 cup Olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

In the bottom of a salad bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients and whisk well. If the sprouts are particularly long (longer than you might want to try stuffing into your mouth) chop them up a bit. Add the sprouts and cabbage and toss tenderly so as not to damage the sprouts. Top with pepitas and serve.

Should you wish to get your hands on this new batch , please do not hesitate to contact me …Your Comments are always welcome , so go on … leave a comment … let us know how your salad turned out !

Lets raise  our glasses to longer days and a healthier US .

The Bean Bids Farewell

Our Bean Sprouts stirred plenty curiosity amongst the patrons, the response from you guys was phenomenal.

It was refreshing to meet fellow sprouters, to exchange tips and be able to shares views and opinion .

At the Glorious Greens we take YOU very seriously and every comment, suggestion and tips are essential  to our growth !

We can be reached on : info@thegloriousgreens.com . We look forward to listen to your sprouting stories or interest in the matter .

Big Thanks goes to  Christian John Griscti for helping out on the day .

All our Families and Friends for the continuous support and help in many ways ,

Abby Doneo for taking Pictures ,

Jimmy and Denise for Curating this  event and to all the highly creative People we were surrounded with, at this Market .

Thank you all !

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Farewell Fellow Sprouters ….. Till next time

Time is Slowly ticking by at

The Glorious Greens, Both us and the beans can’t wait for Sunday with all the anticipation .

After much discussion it was decided that we are to go with the Soup for the day, we shall be serving you all …warm and heary….

Pumpkin, Coconut, Ginger Soup topped with Crunchy and Nutritious Bean Sprouts .

Free Samples will also be available at Patches , so for all of you new to this super food , you will be able to taste the goodness for yourself .

We shall be setting up at around 10.30 am and plant to remain until stock lasts  !

Our beans are steadily growing presently and can’t wait … to Sprouting Health Within you .

Are you ready for some sprouting dishes? Here at the Glorious Greens we are very proud to announce that we have made it into the much-anticipated Patches Market, being held at is- Suq tal- Belt (indoor) in Merchants street Valletta.

Our neighbours shall be an array of Artists and gifted craftsmen and women, we look forward to have our products amongst all these beautiful and lovingly crafted items.

Sprouts are a beauty in themselves and they deserve to be the munch of higher thinkers.

You can follow all the latest news on this Inquisitive and so Special market on www.patchesmarket.com or on Facebook.

We still have not finalised the set up, we shall have a soup for sure, but there are also talks of exotic Stir fry’s and Raw and Vegan Salads……..One thing is for sure ….

We shall be creating awareness and showing the versatility of these little nutritional bombs. Throughout the day we shall be giving out Free Samples to quench the curious and tantalize the hungry. That is why we urge you to take part in our Poll and let us know what you would like to eat … please take part and your wishes shall be granted !!

Keep your eyes peeled we shall be sprouting health within  you …. Veeerrrrry  Sooooooon

And finally festivities are over! At the Glorious Greens we tried our best to be extra cautious and Healthy.

It proved quite a challenge at times, but hurray we all made it the same size we started off.

I would like to apologise for the delay in Posting, we promise more action in the near future.

Sprouting Seeds: The Ultimate Food

Sprouts are one of the most alkalising, nutritious and easily accessible foods known to man. Being rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes.

A sprout possesses all of the energy, vitamins , nutrients and power that enables it to be transformed from a small seed into a strong plant. At this stage its nutritional value is at its highest for instance, sprouted seeds can contain 400% more protein than lettuce and over 3900% more beta-carotene.

Also, due to their size and taste you are able to eat hundreds of sprouted seeds at a time. In so many sprouts, you are eating the equivalent of hundreds of fully grown plants all at once – when else would you be able to get the goodness of one hundred mature plants in one meal?!

Studies have also shown that Mung and other types of sprout contain exceptionally high levels of a natural cancer fighting compound called sulforaphane (20 – 50 times more than in mature broccoli) which helps support antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E.

Sprouted Seeds: Raw, Crisp and Delicious

Sprouts are an alkalizing, living food which continue to grow and gain vitamins after being harvested, which when compared to food bought at the supermarket which begins to lose their nutrient content as soon as they are picked (and are not then consumed for weeks on end)Sprouts, actually  become more  attractive – especially if you are trying to add more raw food to your diet.

They are great to be eaten on their own, used in salads and stir-fry’s or juiced into your green drink.

Sprouts: Packed With Nutrients

The nutritious value of sprouts is remarkable with sprouts containing a greater concentration of vitamins, minerals, proteins, enzymes, phytochemicals, anti-oxidants, nitrosamines, trace minerals, bioflavonoids and chemo-protectants (such as sulphoraphane and isoflavone) which work against toxins, resist cell mutation and invigorate the body’s immune system than at any other point in the plant’s life – even when the plant is fully matured.

The abundant enzymes in sprouts also make them easily digestible as their delicate cell walls easily release elemental nutrients.

So get super healthy and up and Running

Send us a Mail and Order your sprouts …Today,Hurray

What a Joyful Festive Season

A long and overdue post due to the lengthy festive celebrations. At the Glorious  Greens , the bean was very cautious so as to avoid all evil and complicated foods , I hope you all have been good too .

It has been an awesome first December at The Glorious Greens Filled with sprouting love, healthy Foods and strong new beginnings .

The Event, at Why Not? Was a great success, everyone’s feedback is greatly appreciated especially the empty mugs of soup…. Their a cooks secret pleasure to collect polished cutlery !

I would like to thank again Ellen, Mike , Andrew and Stefan for all the support at every step of the way . The Collaboration happened effortlessly and also created the right set up for the launch. A big thank you also to all of those who made it down and showed their support .

Our next batch of Sprouts will be ready in about 3 days . This time we aim to disperse out seeds of joy a bit further out. So book your sprouts now !!! – Contact us on info@thegloriousgreens.com to avoid disappointment .

Our Next event will be on a larger scale – More news to follow in the New Year

Here are some photos from this great night !

The Bean will See you in 2011

May the Bean be with you

It has been yet another Glorious Week. Big thanks go to all you lucky people who got the free Produce .

Your comments have been greatly appreciated and we look forward to implement all  your suggestions .

Today, a new Batch of seeds has stared its journey to sprouthood !

They are all waiting to be boxed and presented at Next Saturdays Gathering in Selmun, then On Wednesday 22nd at Why Not ?

We look forward to seeing you all Next Saturday 18th December 2010 from 5 pm onwards where we shall be having a small Get together and Selling some sprouts in the open air .

On Wednesday 22nd December, We all urge you to come to  Why Not ? …. a cosy Bohemian Place where one can sooth

both body and Soul . This is an outlet that incorporates produce from all corners of the earth,From Nepali Clothing to Mexican children’s Wear, A large Array of Fair Trade Beads , Paintings and wall Hanging  . At  very good prices . Affordable, fun and with a definitive Green Ethos.

The Glorious Greens shall be Serving some Yummy Roasted pumpkin, ginger and Sprout Soup at this event , to sooth all you Hungry Festive Shoppers.

So do come and pop by , the place is between Champs Pastizzeria and The Paceville Bus Terminus, right in front of the Pendergarden Business Centre .

Andrew Schembri and Marie Claire Camilleri will be talking about the Benefits of Sprouting, its nutritional value, Ancient history and most of all Sharing ideas with YOU !!! Educational Videos shall be on show while on going talk is always encouraged!
So if you’re a Vegetarian, a Vegan, a raw-foodist, a Coeliac, following a low sugar or low card diet , Lactose Intolerant or just simply curious …. Just pop round …. You will not be disappointed!!…Every one is welcome, from all walks of life….

Master Brochure 1 – This Brochure outlines our various products and has all necessary Contact details
We Look Forward to  ….….

The Artwork is in hand and is breathtaking !

Big thanks again goes to Jimmy @ http://www.jimmygrima.com for bringing together our 3 major aims:

Corporate Image

Organic living

Funky lifestyle

Also would like to take this opportunity to remind you that booking are slowly coming through . So hurry … and book your FREE BEAN SAMPLES …. just send us an e – mail at info@thegloriousgreens.com as to avoid disappointment .

Have a great weekend

The Bean Bids Farewell and Puts on its dancing shoes !

Big thanks today goes to Jimmy … http://www.jimmygrima.com…. For his innovative approach at Baking The Glorious Greens Branding .  The bean is very excited and cant wait to have the Artwork splashed around .

The First Grow, was a total success, everyone’s feedback was very encouraging!  Second Batch will shortly be available, with a surprise !

With winter at our cold doorsteps, the soup mix is the obvious choice. This will have a mix of Adzuki, Chick  Peas, Mung Beans and Puy French lentils … all sprouted and nurtured to give you the experience you expect from our product .

So, if you’re a vegetarian, A Vegan , Lactose intolerant , Coeliac, on a Low Cholesterol Diet or simply curious ….

just send me a mail on info@theglorious greens.com and you can pick up your free sample and questionnaire….

Yes You heard Right …..YOUR FREE SAMPLE ……

Just for you who are curious on how to use them… here is a basic and simple recipe for 2 hungry people in less than 30 mins

….you will need …..

1 Onion chopped

3 cloves garlic

2 tbsp Olive Oil / Ghee

3 large Zucchini cubed

1 large (or 2 small Centinaria *  )

2 Sprigs of fresh Thyme

1 FREE sample of The Glorious Greens Soup Mix Sprouts

1 organic Vegetable stock Cube (optional)

500 ml water

Salt and Pepper to taste

….this is how it goes ….

Put on some nice relaxing music and your favourite apron ….

in a hot large pan throw the Oil, add the onions and 2 cloves of  garlic .

Throw in the zucchini and Centinaria  and 3 mins later the water/stock.

Add Thyme, Salt and Pepper .

Cover, and leave to simmer for 15/ 20 mins on a medium heat.

Once creamy thow in the beans and the last clove of garlic  .

Let it simmer for another 10 mins .

You can either blend it or eat is as is for a hearty soup.

Some nice wholemeal bread lightly toasted will make an ideal hearty supper.

For those of you who do not know what Centinaria * is …. This is an ugly vegetable presently in season.It is Pale Green in color and grows on a creeper like plant . Lately it has sprouted at the vegetable man, before you  could only acquire it if you knew someone with a plant ! I think it comes from the Squash Family . unfortunately i do not know its english/latin name . Would be nice if someone could shed some light on this matter

So how does the freebie system work ?

Simple, send me a mail and i will tell you when and where to pick it up from. Various pick up points throughout Malta .

All you have to do is send me your comments back, your identity will not be disclosed, all we want is testimonials and comment …so that YOU can have a better and more proactive Product …..

…So keep sprouting health ….. Until next time …..

The Bean Bids Farewell

Dearest fellow Munchers,

It has been a great week here at The Glorious Greens, Learning is on the forefront of  the  Agenda.

Here is a bit of the multitude of information The Bean has collected over this past week.

Remember ! Winter is around the corner, and Sprouts are definatly your best bet to make sure winter colds stay at bay …

So long ….

Till next week

….keep sprouting health within you ….

Varieties

The International Sprout Growers Association

The Bean has been  running around various institutions looking for grants and information on the upcoming business venture . The business Plan is also taking shape  and most of this week was spent doing market research at various locations around Malta . The thrill of the ride is also slowly surfacing !

The bean came across some very interesting data The Glorious Greens has embarked on an extensive market research . According to the Lifestyle survey published by the National Statistics Office in Malta on 3rd December 2008 reference : 21 1/2008 This survey throws life on several aspects on the lifestyle of Maltese Adults aged 18 + . It includes Hobbies and work, leisure trend, health and physical characteristics. The enquiry was carried out between November 2006 and January 2007 and was addressed to over 18 year olds in Private households.

This Study States that 79.1 % of the Maltese chose going to a restaurant as their main  form of leisure time entertainment.

It also highlights that more than Half of the Maltese islands are following some form of diet .With 1.5 % as vegetarians , 4.8 % as diabetic 18.8% on a Weight reducing diet , 0.7 % on a Gluten free diet 15.4 %on a Low cholesterol diet , 3.6% on some other form of Diet , while 8.8 % are actually following more than one diet .

This puts out Product at a very advantageous position since more than Half the islands population is seeking and endorsing the need to control their diet

THis is very exciting news for us since our Product will be needed by at least half the Maltese Population .

But now on a more fun note here is a very interesting video I came across

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuRnJQeVa08

Keep your eyes on our next block … The Bean Bids Farewell