Nina in Vermont Hidden Treasurers

Seed Oils Good or Bad? This is a good question that has raised its head recently. These are found in most foods that we eat daily. Yes, they do have benefits, but they also have some concerns in the way that they are processed.

And because of that, seed oils have been put on a watch list. Below are some of the in’s and out’s of many oils on the market.

Seed Oils-Good Benefits:

• Rich in Healthy Fats – high in polyunsaturated fats, omega-6 and omega-3. This can help reduce bad cholesterol, and support heart health when used in moderation.
• Source of Vitamin E. Some sources are sunflower, and safflower. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative stress and skin health.
• High Smoke Point: Canola, sunflower have a high smoke point, which means they don’t smoke until very high temperatures. This makes they likable for frying or roasting, because they don’t break down into harmful compounds.
• Affordable and available – these are usually inexpensive in comparison to olive or avocado oil which makes them the people’s choice.

Seed Oils-Drawbacks:

• It can be high in Omega-6 fatty acids. While Omega-6 is good for you, it can cause problems when the balance between Omega 6 and Omega 3 is off. This is because it is also used in most processed foods we eat daily. One problem that arises is inflammation in the body.
• Since it is highly processed beforehand with high heat and chemicals. This causes nutrients to be stripped and can lead to the formation of unhealthy trans fats, which in itself can cause more problems.
• Oxidation Risk. Polyunsaturated fats in seed oils are prone to oxidation when they are exposed to high heat, light, and air. This causes oxidized fat to make free radicals, which sometimes contribute to inflammation, heart problems, and other chronic health issues. These are unstable molecules that can possibly damage cells, proteins, and DNA.
• Additives and Refining: They may contain additives, preservatives, or in some cases bleached to improve their appearance, and shelf life. This sometimes reduces their nutritional value and in turn can introduce unhealthy compounds.
• Weight Gain – Because we consume so much of these oils, in the processed foods we eat, or cook with. It is not the oils themselves, but the fact that they are used in calorie-dense processed foods.
• Gut Health – these oils may negatively affect the health of our gut. An imbalance in gut bacteria can affect the lining of the gut. Some of these harmful substances may get into the bloodstream, can trigger inflammation and immune responses. If you are interested in finding another way to help with your gut health just click here for more information;

Alternative – Oils to Seed Oils:

• Olive Oil – (extra virgin or regular) Some benefits are monounsaturated fats, like oleic acid, which is linked to heart health. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. Can be used for salad dressings, drizzling over dishes, and low heat cooking.
• Avocado Oil – High in monounsaturated fats and Vitamin E. Also has a high smoke level, so good for high-heat cooking.
• Coconut Oil is rich in MTCs – which are medium-chain triglycerides. These are metabolized differently than other fats and may support energy. Has a longer shelf life. It is used in baking, frying and sautéing. Coconut oil, when used in dishes, can add that touch of flavor. Virgin coconut oil has a higher flavor and can add that added flavor to that special dish. While refined is neutral.

Animal Fats – Not Seed Oils, But Have Drawbacks

• Butter or Ghee (clarified butter): Provides saturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins (A,D,E,K). More stable is Ghee because the milk solids have been removed, thus giving it a high smoke point. Some uses of these are frying and adding flavor. Ghee is lactose-free, thus making it used where people have dairy sensitivities.
• Animal Fats (Lard, Tallow, Duck Fat) – Although lard has been used for many years in pie crusts, frying, and roasting, was readily available. These contain a mixture of saturated and monounsaturated fats. They also add flavor to many dishes. Lard and Tallow are used in savory cooking, and duck fat can add that touch of flavor to roasts and potatoes.

Other Usable Oils – Not Seed Oils

• Palm Oil (sustainably sourced) This oil has a mixture of saturated and unsaturated fats and is good at high temperatures. Also, a rich source of vitamin E and carotenoids when unrefined. This can be used for both frying and baking. When buying look for sustainably sourced palm oil to avoid ethical and environmental concerns.
• Flaxseed & Walnut Oils These are both a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, these can help in the omega-6, omega-3 balance ratio. The walnut oil has a rich, nutty flavor. These are more nutritious than most seed oils, but less stable in cooking; hence they are used for more cold applications, dressings, smoothies, or to be drizzled over foods.
• Sesame Oil, unrefined, contains a good balance of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Also rich in antioxidants like sesame oil, which help protect the oil from oxidation. This is mainly used in Asian cuisine. Can be used in stir-fries, dressings, and low-heat cooking. The toasted variety has a strong nutty flavor, which can enhance many dishes.

Summary: Are Seed Oils Good or Bad?

There are many pros and cons to these oils, and they can be found in almost everything we eat and sometimes drink. You would be surprised to find exactly where they are used. Sometimes in things that you wouldn’t think would have them. Even though these can be beneficial to heart health and cooking, they do have their drawbacks. Inflammation, processing, and environmental concerns because of the way that some of these seed oils are processed and where they are derived from.

There are other ways to get your body healthier, click here to find out. There are also other ways people explore improving wellness, energy, and gut health.

If you have questions or would like more information about anything you see here, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to connect.

All Things Cooking, Food, Wine. There are incredible finds here. When you see the incredible access that you get through the links below. There are so many things in food, and adding more all the time. That all said, having fine wines delivered to your door. Below is going to change your life forever. You will thank us many times for this and for many years to come. Enjoy. Love Great and Healthy Cooking, Amazing Food, and God’s gift of some Exclusive Wines. Several selections have been added to help you enjoy all of this here below:

Cooking does not always need to be complicated to be enjoyable. Many home cooks today are looking for meals that are both healthy and easy to prepare. Simple recipes using fresh ingredients and good cooking oils can create flavorful meals while still supporting a balanced lifestyle. Dishes like the one below show how everyday ingredients can come together to create a satisfying and nourishing meal.

Healthy Cooking

Healthy cooking is a great thing. When you do it correctly, you can often indulge in sweets and have fun. We will provide the resources to do just that, and all right here. We are here to help you and your family get the most out of every day.

There are also wellness-focused products available that may support a healthier lifestyle alongside better cooking habits. In addition to choosing better ingredients, it is important to understand what goes into the foods we use every day. For example, many people are now taking a closer look at “seed oils” that have long been considered safe.

Once you do, you will find yourself reading the labels on many of the products that you use. These, as you will see, pop up on almost everything that we eat. Trying to eliminate them from your diet will be challenging but rewarding when you do. Your body will thank you for it. And as you will see, your mindset will also change.

For more information on “seed oils,” please read here. Here you will find more detailed information on “seed oils” where they come from, and places where they can be found. Which ones can you choose, and which should you stay away from? How they can affect your health and the health of those you love. It will amaze you and make you think twice about using some of the seed oils out there. And allow you to spot them in the ingredients lists on products that you buy and already have in your possession.

Knowing this information will allow you to make informed decisions for the health of your loved ones and others who are close to you. It will also allow you to start feeling better and living a healthier lifestyle. Thus allowing you to do more things with your loved ones because you, as a person, are feeling better. This information will also allow you to make educated decisions on how to cook and buy the food that you and your family eat.

For those who like cooking with olive oil, here is a recipe that you can try. This will be changing every month, so bookmark this page to see what comes up next.

Grilled Lamb Rib Chops—A Lamb Lover’s Dream

Ingredients (serves 8):

• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 strip lemon zest (about 2 inches by 1/2 inch), cut into several pieces
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea), or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 16 lamb rib chops, each about 3/4 inch thick

• Instructions:
  In a blender or a small food processor, combine the garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Run until the mixture is fairly smooth. Add more salt and pepper to taste.
• Place the lamb chops in a resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over them, massaging the bag so all are well-coated. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
• Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to medium-high. Drain the chops, wipe off any excess marinade. (Discard the marinade.) Arrange chops on the hot grate, leaving a third of the grill free for a safety zone. Watch the chops carefully, as the fat and olive oil can cause flare-ups. If a flare-up occurs, move the chop to a different part of the grill with tongs. Grill the chops for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired degree of doneness. Transfer to a platter or plates.
• Enjoy the recipe and cooking the lamb rib chops. You will find other recipes for desserts, salads, and healthy suggestions. That will be updated from time to time, so keep coming back.

Chocolate cheesecake is a rich and satisfying dessert that combines smooth texture with deep, indulgent flavor. Allowing it to chill properly before serving helps it set perfectly and enhances its creamy consistency. Cocoa, one of the main ingredients, contains natural compounds that have been studied for their antioxidant properties, making this dessert a more balanced treat when enjoyed in moderation..

CHOCOLATE CHEESECAKE IN THE BASQUE STYLE

Basque cheesecake is the ultimate in creaminess. Unlike traditional cheesecake that has a crust and is baked at a low temperature, this style is crustless (perfect if you’re gluten-free) and cooks at a higher temp. Adding two kinds of chocolate to the traditional ingredients makes it a chocolate lover’s dream. The parchment paper used to line the springform pan creates Basque cheesecake’s signature look when peeled away and makes for a great presentation at holiday celebrations.

• Ingredients
  1/3 cup unprocessed cocoa
  1/3 cup cornstarch
  1/2 teaspoon instant espresso
  2 cups heavy cream at room temperature
  6 ounces dark chocolate (64%–72% cacao), divided
  2 pounds best-quality cream cheese at room temperature
  1-1/3 cup sugar
  1 tablespoon vanilla
  1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  6 large eggs at room temperature
  1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• Directions Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 10-inch by 3-inch springform pan with a large piece of parchment paper, pleating it as needed to flatten it against the sides—don’t worry about making the pleats uniform. Add a second piece of parchment if needed for full coverage, placing it diagonally opposite the first one. 
• Sift the cocoa and cornstarch into a small bowl to remove any lumps; set aside.  In a small cup, mix the instant espresso into 1 tablespoon of the heavy cream; set aside. Coarsely chop the chocolate and place 5 ounces in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 2 minutes, stir, and repeat until the chocolate is almost fully melted. Out of the microwave, add the remaining ounce of chocolate to the bowl, let sit for 2 minutes, and then stir until smooth; set aside.  In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the flat beater or in a very large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese at medium-high speed for about 2 minutes, until smooth and creamy, stopping every minute or so to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the sugar, vanilla, instant espresso and cream mixture, and salt. Lower the speed and add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the cornstarch/cocoa, the melted chocolate, the rest of the heavy cream, and the olive oil. Make sure to scrape the bottom of the work bowl with a flexible spatula to incorporate any lumps.  Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about an hour, until the top turns deep brown (the center will still jiggle a bit).
• Place on a wire rack to cool completely before transferring to the fridge to chill from 4 hours to overnight. 
• When ready to serve, release the sides of the pan and gently peel the parchment away from the sides. You can slice it from the parchment right from the pan bottom or use a cake lifter to transfer the cake to a platter.  
• Yields 10 servings

Food brings people together in many ways, whether it is preparing meals at home, discovering new recipes, or enjoying special ingredients that enhance everyday cooking. Our goal is to continue sharing helpful resources, recipes, and discoveries that make cooking easier, healthier, and more enjoyable for everyone who visits.

Cooking, food and wine are an important part of everyday life, bringing people together through flavor, creativity, and shared experiences. There are many great ideas and resources here, with new content being added regularly to help make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and more rewarding.

Many people enjoy discovering new food products, specialty ingredients, and unique flavors from around the world. Food exploration has become a popular hobby for those who enjoy cooking at home or simply trying new tastes. Through our community resources, visitors can explore products, cooking tools, specialty ingredients, and culinary discoveries that may not always be easy to find in traditional stores.

Many people enjoy finding simple ways to improve their daily routines, especially when it comes to food and beverages. From choosing better ingredients to trying new preparation methods, small changes can make a big difference in both flavor and overall enjoyment. Exploring new ideas can help make everyday meals more satisfying and easier to prepare.

This section highlights useful discoveries related to food, cooking tools, and ways to make meal preparation easier and more enjoyable. Visitors can explore options that fit their lifestyle and interests.

The Benefits of Wine Without Wine

They have been telling you that you should have a glass of red wine a day. But there are those of us who don’t really want to drink wine. Here is the answer: it is called Reserve®. Its main focus is antioxidants that support and contain a blend of antioxidant-dense botanical and support extracts. These go to work to help repair free radical damage and protect cells from oxidative stress. It is like a glass of red wine without the glass or the wine.

There are many ways to make healthier choices when preparing meals. We can look out for bad oils, which are sometimes already in our food, or that we use when preparing it. Once you understand the difference in the many seed oils that are out there, how they can affect our lives, you will want to make sure that you are using the “good” ones. Below are a few recipes that use olive oil, which is one of the good ones.

There are many ways to cook in a healthier and more balanced way. Here is a recipe that will help you get those healthy meals prepared.

Here Is One Receipe That Allows Cooking In One Pan

PAN-ROASTED COD WITH TOMATOES

Ingredients

4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, coarsely chopped 1 small bell pepper, coarsely chopped 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, more to taste1 pound cod tenderloin or fillets 2 cups cherry tomatoes 1/2 cup fish stock or white wine 6 large basil or flat-leaf parsley leaves, roughly chopped

Heat a large wok or sauté pan over medium heat. When hot, add 3 tablespoons olive oil, the garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Then put in the red pepper flakes, and cook for one more minute. Put the vegetables to the side and put the last tablespoon of olive oil in the center of the pan where you will place the cod. You will cook the cod undisturbed for 5 minutes. Place the cherry tomatoes in a ring around the cod. Wait till they burst, about another 5 minutes. At that time, mash them with a large fork or potato masher to release their juices. Add the stock or wine, herbs to the pan, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover and cook for about 5 to 8 more minutes until the fish is cooked through. Using a spatula, transfer the fish to a platter. Turn the heat up under the pan and bring the pan sauce to a low boil; cook for another 5 minutes to reduce it. Divide the cod into portions and spoon on the tomatoes and sauce. Yields 4 servings

There are many ways in which we can get our lifestyle to be healthier, and not just with food, but with supporting ways that will help our bodies function better and with less additives that aren’t good for us. To see some of those ways, click here:

We hope you have found helpful ideas here for cooking foods that are healthy, easy to prepare, and ready in no time.

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Olive Oil and Much More shares shopping tips, useful facts, and recipes designed to help you enjoy and understand extra virgin olive oil. From choosing quality oils to trying new dishes, this page offers practical information for everyday cooking and healthy living.

You will find here some useful information and hints on how to shop for olive oil, and I hope you find the recipes included that you will be willing to try and enjoy.

The best is extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) and seems to be on everyone’s shopping list. Some health experts, including organizations such as Harvard Medical and the Mayo Clinic, have praised extra virgin olive oil as part of a healthy diet. EVOO is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. Known for enhancing longevity, and has become the rage among the Paleo, keto and Atkins diets. This is because of its taste, zero-carbs and makes almost any meal have more flavor and be satisfying.

What To Look For When Shopping

When shopping, look for Extra Virgin. This is the only grade that will retain its natural phenols (antioxidants), and that is because it is cold pressed, which means no high heat, harsh chemicals are used to extract it. Because it is minimally processed, it retains more of its natural nutrients and antioxidants. All of the other grades have been chemically refined, which destroys the phenols.

Supermarket Olive Oils

These are olive oils that you should purchase with care. Many of these oils are past prime, adulterated, or in some cases, counterfeit. The reason being they are not fresh! Olives are a fruit, and in order to get the best taste it has to be fresh, just like orange juice. This oil can’t be like wine, the older the better. It can only keep its glorious flavor and nutritional value for about six months from the time it was harvested. Because of this, it is hard to find in a supermarket.

Most are shipped to the United States on cargo ships, then sit in warehouses and on shelves when at their destination. So as a result and they are basically within “best used by date” but past their peak freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. If you wish to get it fresh, buying it online where it can be shipped from where it was made would be a much better choice. The four most important words are “the fresher, the better”. Once you have received a bottle from an award-winning farm online, you may notice a difference compared to typical supermarket options.

Now, did you know that there are “fake” oils? Well, just like everything else, there are knockoffs in this field too. Because the US is the largest consumer market, everyone wants in on the action. Some lower-quality oils may contain unwanted additives or contaminants.

You can find superb, award-winning olive oils online, but you have to do your homework. These will ship the oil directly to your door. You can find societies that have joined together to make sure that the best, freshest oil is available. Here you can find recipes and much more.

I have tried their olive oil and I must say there is a difference.

Recipes:

This is one that people who love lamb will enjoy. It originated from Chile, where lamb is sometimes cooked over a wood fire, which helps with the smoky flavor. This recipe serves 8.

What you will need for ingredients are:

• 2-3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves coarsely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 strip lemon zest (about 2 inches by 1/2 inch) cut into several pieces
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt (kosher or sea) or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 16 lamb rib chops about 3/4 inch thick

Instructions:

In a blender or the small bowl of a small food processor, combine the garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, EVOO, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is fairly smooth. Add more salt and pepper if needed. Then put the lamb chops in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over them. Massaging the bag so all the chops are well coated. Place them in the refrigerator. For 1-2 hours.

Set up the grill for direct grilling, preheat to medium-high.

This recipe is from ” Annetta “Annie” Paterson of Australia.

Flourless Chocolate Hazelnut Cake

Ingredients (serves 8)

• 1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup hot water
• 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
• 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups packed light-brown sugar
• 1 cup finely ground hazelnut meal/flour
• 4 large eggs, separated

Preparation:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Line a 9-inch springform pan with a round of parchment paper on the bottom with a rectangular strip around the inside of the pan.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa powder and hot water; whisk until smooth. Melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl over a simmering double boiler, stirring constantly. Add to the cocoa-hot water mixture along with the olive oil, brown sugar, and hazelnut meal.

Stir until thoroughly combined and set aside. Place the egg whites in a large mixing bowl and the yolks in a smaller bowl. Beat the egg whites with the whisk attachment of a hand mixer until soft peaks form. Stir the egg yolks one at a time into the chocolate mixture, stirring well after each addition. Add half of the whipped egg whites to the chocolate mixture and gently fold them in with a rubber spatula until well combined. Repeat with the remaining egg whites. Scrape the mixture into the pan.

Bake for 60 minutes. A toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake should come out mostly clean – some moist chocolate may remain on the tester when removed, as the cake should be fudgy, like a brownie. Leave the cake in the pan until it has cooled completely. Remove the cake, peeling off the parchment. Slice into wedges.

As you can see by these recipes, there are many ways in which we can use this oil. There are many ways in which we can have a healthier body, immune system, and much more. If you would like to explore more ideas on healthy living, feel free to learn more through the resources available.

These are just two of the many recipes that I have, and will change them from time to time. So please feel free to come back and visit.

If you have questions or would like more information about anything you see here, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to connect.