The G-8 nations, lead by Barack Obama and the United States, are set to announce a $15 billion agricultural plan, in hopes of helping poor farmers around the world. The initiative will be formally announced today during the last day of the G-8 summit in L'Aquila, Italy. It will involve programs to help farmers grow and sell their own food, and increasing food supplies. This proposal was set up in hope of helping less-developed countries become self-reliant and produce their own food. The words "Teach a man to fish and he'll never go hungry" has never been more apt.

It is estimated that in 2008, around a quarter of a million more people go hungry each day. The global recession, as well as climate change, has been the top factors for the hunger problem. Last year, rising prices of food in sparked riots around the world in such places as Ethiopia, Mauritina and Sengal, to name a few. The G-8 leaders see investing in agriculture and livelihood as the solution. They propose that a full agricultural "green revolution" over the next 3 years will improve the lives of the poorest nations in the world. The United States will be funding around $3 billion for the plan. While aid will still be given, the initiative will try to shift the focus from aid by "improving productivity." Obama is set to make the announcement after his breakfast meeting with leaders from African Nations.

Labels: In the News

The Pesticides Action Network (PAN) recently launched a new website that seeks to inform the public about the amount of pesticides on our food. What's On My Food (http://www.whatsonmyfood.org) gathers toxicology data on various foods available in the supermarket. The group gathers data from the USDA, EPA and and other sources to come up with an extensive list of pesticides found on produce, meats and even bottled water.

Perhaps many people still do not know that even after thorough washing, foods can still retain pesticides used by farms. While these chemicals prevent insects from destroying crops, they also harms humans. These can cause many diseases, such as Parkinson's Disease, as well as certain types of cancer and birth defects.

Searching the various foods comes up with some alarming data - foods we consume everyday contain all sorts of chemicals that are passed on to us. Think of how many times you've eaten or served broccoli to your family - according to the site, broccoli can contain as much as 40 different types of chemicals. Do you serve applesauce to your toddler? A jar can contain 28 up to chemicals, including 4 different types of developmental toxicants.

Buying organic and pesticide-free food can be a good way to avoid these toxic substances. PAN has several resources for people who may be interested in helping their cause, including an online petition, asking President Obama to put a stop to the growing problem of pesticides.

Labels: In the News

Don't let that label fool you! As the Wall Street Journal found out, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) are pretty broad in how they define "natural". Not all the labeling half-truths are deadly and are done mostly to make consumers think they are getting more than they paid for. Things like yogurt and wheat bread are basically labeled to make us feel think we're getting more nutrients into our body. What's really shocking about the article, is how we all fall for it. The article cites how chickens are injected with water to "plump" them up, as well as salt to retain the water, thereby increasing its sodium content. Apparently because salt and water are "natural" as opposed to being chemically created, the chicken can still be called natural:

"A survey released this week from Foster Farms, a member of the Truthful Labeling Coalition, found that 63% of consumers are unaware of the practice, and 82% believe that salt-water-injected chicken shouldn't carry the all-natural label."

Labels: In the News

If you've ever wondered whether making your own pantry items was cheaper than buying them, then wonder no more. Jennifer Reese of Slate Magazine recently tested this theory and the results on average would probably not surprise any seasoned cook.

Reese used a basic pricing structure for some of the ingredients she had to purchase (such a flour, sugar and salt), cots of electricity and gas, while placing no value on her own time. She made bagels, cream cheese, yoghurt, jam, crackers and granola.

The final tally came up more or less even - bagels, yogurt and jam were voted "make", cream cheese, crackers and cream cheese were "buys" and granola? Although store-bought granola came out cheaper most of the time, she still likes the homemade stuff: "World-beating, super-crunchy cereal, worth every calorie and penny."

Labels: In the News

Earlier, I posted here about now-President Obama's favorite food, Chili. I made the his version a few days ago.

The chili was interesting, quite different from MY favorite chili. There was hardly any liquid, only 3 tablespoons of vinegar for an entire pound of meat. The tomatoes cooked down a bit, adding a little more liquid, but the chili was much more of a casserole consistency than a soup consistency.

The flavor from the spices was very tasty. I enjoyed the flavors of cumin and tumeric, which I don't normally use.

It was fun to try a different version of chili, but I think I'll be sticking with my recipe. The thinkness and richness of my chili makes my mouth water just thinking about it. I love the kick, and how I can tone it down by eating it with rice. I love the smell as it cooks, filling the whole house with the aroma...Oh, I really need to schedule chili for next week...

Labels: In the News

A phrase that I use flippantly, as do most of my peers. But that phrase has a different meaning in many places.

The current financial crisis has alot of Americans on edge. While we have alot of questions: Will we need to cut back on our meat consumption? Will we have to skip our vacation this year? Will we lose our home?, not many of us realistically have to worry about starving. After all, if we truly cannot afford to buy food, we can go to the many government-run or charity-run shelters in our cities.

But that's not an option for most of the world's poorest people.

According to this article in the New York Times, this financial crisis will cause an additional 22 children to die, per hour, throughout all of 2009.

And many of those that do not starve to death will be malnourished, or forced to drop out of school to help provide for the family.

Current hunger statistics can be found here, with some of the highlights being:

*Every day, nearly 16,000 children die from hunger-related causes. That amounts to one child every 5 seconds.

*Already 40 percent to 50 percent of the world's populations are undernourished and there are 50 million starvation-related deaths each year.

*Worldwide, 161 million preschool children suffer chronic malnutrition.

So if you are weathering this storm comfortably, perhaps now you are now feeling a little less comfortable. And if your answer to the questions above was no, perhaps you can consider voluntarily doing one or all of those things to help the poorest in the world actually make it through this time.

If you are wondering whether you can really make a difference, the answer is a resounding yes! Even cutting out meat once a week, $7, can provide a week's worth of food for one hungry person, and $32/month can provide food, medical care, and schooling to a needy child.

What are you willing to do to prevent one child from starving to death? Leave a comment with your ideas.

Labels: In the News, Thankfulness

This article in the New York Times calls us, shoppers and chefs, the family's "nutritional gatekeepers." We influence 70% of the food a family eats, and not just at dinner time. Our influence can be seen in breakfasts, brown bag lunches, and even restaurant choices! If we struggle with our food choices, there is a high chance that we will pass those struggles on to our families. But if we can conquer our eating, we can influence our families to do the same!

What is most important to you about the way you feed your family? Is it that they love the taste of the food? That it is new every day? That it keeps them healthy? That it is impressively displayed? That it contains the most number of calories per dollar spent? There there is good conversation around the table? Or just that the family eats?

The important thing is not as much who we are today as it is who we want to become. We need to examine our values as they relate to food, and come up with some food goals. If you have been planning your meals, you can look at what you've planned over the past few months. Does what your serving match your food goals? If not, take some time to sort through your recipes and decide which ones bring you closer to your goal, and which ones need to be removed from your recipe box. Be methodical, and view your weekly meal planning as a way to bring you and your family closer to the food goals that you have set.

We have the POWER!

Labels: Family Meal Planning, In the News

DinnerBeat salutes the first lady for an important topic on her agenda: healthy living. This article in the New York Times highlights the beginnings of her quest. She directs the White House staff to create healthy meals for her and her family, and will be working to convince Americans that eating healthy is an attainable goal for all income levels.

Mrs. Obama, come check out DinnerBeat! I know you will love what you see!

Labels: In the News

You’re walking in the produce aisle of your local supermarket and you’re faced with the decision – should you buy organic or not? It seems like it wasn’t so long ago that we didn’t have to worry about how our food was grown, nor did we have a choice in the matter. With the growth of environmentalism in the past decade, we’re faced with all these decisions over something as simple as which kind of apple to buy.

It makes sense, of course, that we should buy ALL organic – fertilizers and chemicals simply do not belong on our food (or in our bodies). The organic food business has seen a boom in the past 10 years, with an average of 20% growth per year. Should everything in our shopping cart come with an “organic label”? If money’s no object, why not? While there’s not a lot of extensive research done on the matter, some people might say it’s better to be safe than sorry. But not everyone can afford a trip to Whole Foods every week. The reality is, organic food can cost up to 20% more than conventional food, sometimes even 50% for items like dairy or beef. Consumer Reports examines which items should you buy organic and which ones are you better off getting from the standard shelf. Certain fruits and vegetables such as spinach, raspberries, peaches and bell peppers, which are part of the Environmental Working Group (EWG)’s “dirty dozen” – items which retain higher levels of pesticides than their organic counterparts. On the opposite end of the spectrum, seafood, surprisingly, is not worth the extra money because “The USDA has not yet developed organic certification standards for seafood” (though that doesn’t exactly bring any confidence when buying seafood at the supermarket). Not surprising? Cosmetics. “Just because a product has the word “organic” or “natural” in its name doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safer. Only 11 percent of ingredients found in personal-care products, organic or not, have ever been screened for safety.”

The complete article can be found here, and EWG's Shopper's Guide can be found here.

Labels: In the News

According to an article by the Los Angeles Times, the number of fast food chain restaurants in an area may be a factor in determining the population's susceptibility to strokes:

"Researchers [from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor] found that those who lived in areas with the most fast food restaurants had a 13% higher relative risk of stroke than those who lived in areas with the least fast food restaurants, after controlling for demographic and socioeconomic issues."

Apparently, the statistics revealed that the risk of stroke increased by 1% for each fast food restaurant in the neighborhood.

While these results don't directly link fast food chains with any type of disease or sickness, it does make one question and wonder how consuming too much fast food can so adversely affect an entire community. More importantly, what can the people in the community do about it?

Labels: In the News

This year’s Annual Academy Awards Governor’s Ball Dinner will once again be served up by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, who has been creating the menus for the Oscars for the past 15 years. What will Kate, Sean, Brad, Angelina and the other 1,500 guests be feasting on this year? "Our menu will have star-quality ingredients, each dish showcasing the essence of seasonal flavor” said Puck, “With locally grown, sustainable and organic ingredients, guests will enjoy an award-worthy culinary experience."

According to the official press release, this year’s ball will feature some favorites from the past such as “Tuna Tartare in Sesame Miso Cones; Chopped Chino Farms Vegetable Salad with Ginger Soy Vinaigrette, Maine Lobster and Caviar”.

Labels: In the News

According to an article by the New York Times, contestants on the NBC show “The Biggest Loser” not only take home their fit new bodies, but healthy habits as well:

“They learn fundamental cooking skills that they — like many Americans — have lost, or never had… Contestants climb a steep and brutal learning curve in the kitchen, since they have to do all their own cooking. ‘There’s no chef whipping up spa cuisine,’ Ed Brantley, a contestant from last season, said glumly.”

It’s certainly an interesting follow-up to the stories of the contestants we see on TV. While most do not keep all the weight off, the “losers” somehow develop healthier eating and cooking practices, even after the cameras have stopped rolling.

The facts that the article presents, however, are startling and sobering. Worldwide, home cooking is at an all-time low. Today, the average American woman spends 30 minutes a day preparing meals, compared to 13 hours per week back in 1965. Perhaps, as the article implies, it’s no coincidence that obesity rates have risen almost 60% in the last 40 years.

As with anything in life, it’s all about striking a balance. For anyone looking to lose weight, without going to the extremes the show’s contestant’s goes through, the article gives some sage advice: “…count your calories, exercise and learn to cook.”

Labels: In the News

Whether you’re cheering for the Cardinals, rooting for the Steelers or just there to watch the commercials, there’s no doubt that Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most anticipated events that kick-off the year and is considered an unofficial American holiday. It’s also a great excuse to have a party, get together with friends and feast on some delicious food.

Super Bowl Sunday is one of the most laid-back and relaxed parties you can have. It’s a time to just kick back with your friends and enjoy some good company, good food and some good times watching the game. According to the USDA, it is “the second highest day of food consumption in the United States after Thanksgiving”. If you’re planning to host a party, then there’s no need to stress over what to do or what to cook. To help get you started, here are some recipes for “traditional” snacks for you afternoon of fun!

Original Anchor Bar Chicken Wings with Bleu Cheese Dressing

Super Bowl Chile

Nachos Grande

Deviled Eggs

Pigs in a Blanket

Have any party ideas or recipes to share? Send us an email or join Dinnerbeat.com today!

Labels: In the News

As the Obama Express approaches its destination, the preparations for Tuesday’s Inauguration are going into full gear. Barack Obama’s first official meal as the President of the United States follows an Abraham Lincoln theme, as the meal has been especially prepared to include some of the 16th president’s favorite dishes. After Obama is sworn in, he will be taking part in the traditional Inauguration Luncheon at the Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol.

According to the official Inaugural Committee Website, the three-course lunch will consist of:

First Course:
Seafood Stew, paired with Duckhorn Vineyards, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

Second Course:
A Brace of American Birds: Duck breast with sour cherry chutney and Herb roasted pheasant with wild rice stuffing with Molasses whipped sweet potatoes and Winter vegetables, paired with Goldeneye, 2005 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

Third Course:
Cinnamon Apple Sponge Cake, paired with Korbel natural "special inaugural cuvee" California Champagne.

The company who created the menu, Design Cuisine of Arlington VA, planned the meal around regional ingredients which Lincoln preferred, such as "simple foods including root vegetables and wild game". It certainly seems like Barack Obama will be having a very delicious introductory meal to his presidency. The Inaugural Committee has the recipes for this menu on their website, which anyone can download here or you can add it to your Dinnerbeat Recipe Box by clicking on the links.

Not a member of Dinnerbeat.com yet? Join now and be able to keep this recipe in your own recipe box AND have a shopping list printed out for you.

If anyone wants to give it a try, please let us know how it turns out and if the meal is as divine as it sounds!

Labels: In the News

In light of the recent happenings in Washington, I thought it would be fun to include this recipe for President-elect Barak Obama's favorite food - Chili.

According to steadyhealth.com, Obama has been using this recipe since college. Here's the DinnerBeat version so you can add it to your recipe box.

1 large onion, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
Several cloves of garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground turkey or beef
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon ground oregano
¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground basil
1 tablespoon chili powder
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Several tomatoes, depending on size, chopped
1 can red kidney beans

Saute onions, green pepper and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add ground meat and brown. Combine spices together into a mixture, then add to ground meat. Add red wine vinegar. Add tomatoes and let simmer, until tomatoes cook down. Add kidney beans and cook for a few more minutes. Serve over white or brown rice. Garnish with grated cheddar cheese, onions and sour cream.

Looks delicious! Have you tried it? Let me know. I'll be trying it in the next few days and will update this post.

Labels: In the News