Food

Springtime Lemon Recipes

admin — Wed, 01 Mar 2017 15:50:43 +0000

Lemon recipes are fun, refreshing, and perfect for the springtime. If you’re a lover of lemons, you know that lemon desserts are simply irresistible. If the zingy flavor doesn’t pull you in, then the bright, beautiful color always does the trick. Give these lemon desserts a try after dinner this week.

Lemon Bars

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

Filling

2 large eggs

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

Additional confectioners’ sugar

Lemon bars are always a delightful crowd favorite. Like most lemon recipes they are tangy and delicious with a chewy brownie-like consistency. Begin by combining ingredients to make the crust in a 8-inch baking pan. Then prepare the filling, and pour over the crust, baking for at least 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool on a wire rack, dust with confectioners’ sugar, cut into bars, and enjoy!

Lemon Drop Cookies

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened

3/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tablespoon half-and-half cream

1 teaspoon grated lemon peel

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup finely crushed lemon drops

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

Take a light fluffy cookie, add a little bit of lemon, and you’ve got a refreshing, sugary treat. After combining all of the ingredients, and creaming them together, create balls with the dough. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned and cool on a wire racks.

Lemonade Icebox Pie Recipe

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

3/4 cup thawed lemonade concentrate

1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed

Yellow food coloring, optional

1 graham cracker crust (9 inches)

Enjoy a piece of creamy and smooth lemon pie. This pie’s lemon flavor is bold, and sure to become a new springtime favorite dessert. In a large bowl combine all ingredients until smooth, folding in the whipped topping if you desire. Pour over crust, cover, and refrigerate until set.

Neighbors Emergency Center has more centers opening in Texas. Be sure to check out our Facebook Page for neighborly news and updates. We are so excited to serve the Kerrville community!

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Guard Your Health With the Mediterranean Diet

admin — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 22:08:29 +0000

When it comes to eating healthy, there is a lot of information out there to digest. In fact, sometimes it seems like there’s almost too much. Is the new diet you’re reading about popular because it’s the latest fad or because it actually works?

The Mediterranean Diet is one that has increased in popularity over the last couple of years. Many people have adopted the lifestyle, claiming it’s led to better health. And unlike some other trends, this one has staying power. It recommends food choices that are ideal for all people, whether or not they have a medical condition.

What is the Mediterranean Diet?

The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes heavy consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and seafood, light consumption of poultry and dairy, and restrictions on sugars, processed meats, refined grains, and other highly processed foods. To add flavor, it focuses on using herbs, spices, and olive oil over salt and butter.

The diet gets its name because it mimics the traditional cooking style of countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Fruits and vegetables are a large component of the Mediterranean Diet, modeled after residents of Greece, who eat an average of nine servings of fruit and veggies per day, along with very little red meat.

The diet doesn’t focus on restrictions. Rather, it encourages healthy choices, allowing adherents to experience the wonderful flavors of colorful foods. It also recommends enjoying meals with friends and family, exercise, and drinking red wine in moderation, if desired.

Health Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet

The diet not only sounds and tastes great; it has been proven to make a difference in the lives of many patients. It has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL or “bad” cholesterol. The delicious diet has also been shown to reduce the incidence of cancer as well as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

The benefits also extend to other areas of health, including improving weight loss, controlling blood sugar levels, and reducing risk of depression.

At Neighbors Emergency Center, our goal is to encourage all of our patients to pursue healthy lives. Like us on Facebook for regular tips on how you can make good choices to look and feel better. For more health and fitness tips, be sure to visit us on our website, where you can find our blogs. We are proud to provide 24/7 emergency services to residents in Houston and beyond.

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3 Recipes to Score at Your Big Game Party

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2017 19:59:18 +0000

On the day of the big game, we get together to watch football and have fun, but we also gather for another important reason: eating delicious food. Typical fare for Super Bowl parties includes crowd-pleasers such as wings, pizza, burgers, and nachos. Those things are popular for a reason–they’re delicious–but we’re offering ideas to put your own twist on traditional Super Bowl recipes. Make your mark and wow your guests with these 3 spins on classic favorites.

Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls

Wings can get messy when you’re mingling at a party, so these fried Buffalo Chicken Cheese Balls are a great way to bring the flavor without sticky fingers.

1 store-bought rotisserie chicken

1/4 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank’s Red Hot)

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 3/4 cups sharp Cheddar

1/4 cup freshly sliced scallions

1 cups all-purpose flour

3 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups panko bread crumbs

Vegetable oil, for frying

Blue Cheese Dip:

1 1/2 cups mayonnaise

1/2 cup packed blue cheese, broken up

1/2 teaspoon hot sauce

2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 lemon, juiced

1 teaspoon chopped garlic

Shred chicken and place in a large bowl, then add the hot sauce, pepper, cheese, and scallions, tossing to combine. Roll into golf ball-sized balls. Dip each ball into flour, then the eggs, and then the breadcrumbs. Fry in 350 degree oil for 2 minutes and drain on paper towel-lined plate. Serve with sauce and enjoy!

Charleston Cheese Dip

Chips and dip will never fail to be a hit at any party. Try Trisha Yearwood’s Charleston Cheese Dip for something unique that will have all your guests coming back for seconds.

1/2 cup mayonnaise

One 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

1 cup grated sharp Cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 dash cayenne pepper

8 butter crackers, crushed, such as Ritz

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Corn chips, crackers or bagel chips, for serving

Mix cheeses, onions, and pepper. Bake in a shallow baking dish for 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Top with bacon and serve with chips.

Touchdown Cookies

Every decent party needs a delicious dessert. These Touchdown Cookies are a great way to end the fun-filled day.

1 cup butter, softened

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

GLAZE:

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

4 to 5 tablespoons hot water

3 to 4 teaspoons baking cocoa

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and beat well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine dry ingredients and then incorporate slowly into wet. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours. Roll out dough on a lightly-floured surface and cut with a football-shaped cookie cutter. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
For the icing, mix sugar and hot water until desired consistency. Set aside 3 tablespoons. Add cocoa to remaining glaze and spread on cookies. Pipe white glaze on cookies to form football laces.

At Neighbors Emergency Center, we want our patients to enjoy life. For more recipes and fitness tips to help you live your best life, visit us at NEC24.com. We are open 24/7 for emergency room services across the Houston metro area and beyond. We are committed to Making Lives Better every day.

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Bite-Sized Treats for Easy Party Eating

admin — Fri, 30 Dec 2016 18:20:52 +0000

There is no better way to spread festive holiday cheer than to throw a holiday party. It’s the time of year when friends and family come together to share food, laughter, and the joy they have cultivated all year.

While everyone loves delicious holiday food, they also want the freedom to socialize with the crowd without looking like they’re stuffing their faces. Save your guests the embarrassment of getting caught in an unflattering eating photo with bite-sized eats that are easy to swallow.

Appetizer: Mini Cheeseball Bites

For a classic appetizer that makes munching-while-mingling simple, consider these crowd-pleasing cheeseball bites. They’re like the standard cheese ball party fare, but instead of an awkward large lump that everyone shares, these offer individual portions that guests can eat in one bite.

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup white cheddar

3/4 cup dried fruit

1 1/2 cup mixed nuts, finely chopped

1 1/2 cup bacon crumbles

Medium-sized pretzel sticks

1 – 1 1/2 tablespoons italian seasoning

Beat together cream cheese, cheddar, fruit, and herbs until smooth. Form into balls and place on baking sheet to chill for at least 2 hours. Roll each ball into bacon, nuts, or both. Use the pretzel for a holding stick and enjoy!

The Main Course: Korean Meatballs
Spice up your holiday party with some spicy Korean-style Gochujang meatballs. These tasty treats are rolled into perfect bite-size balls so you’re able to pop them in your mouth with ease.

FOR THE MEATBALLS:

3 green onions, very thinly sliced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 egg, lightly beaten

1 pound ground beef

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

2 tablespoons canola oil, for pan-frying

FOR THE GLAZE:

1/3 cup apricot preserves

2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)

1-1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar

1 tablespoon soy sauce

FOR THE GARNISH:

Sliced green onion

Toasted sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients except oil. Be careful not to overmix! Form into small meatballs and then brown them in batches in the oil in a large skillet. Transfer browned meatballs onto a baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.

In a small saucepan, combine all the glaze ingredients and then simmer for 5 minutes over medium, until mixture thickens. Before serving, brush meatballs with glaze and sprinkle with garnish. Spear with mini forks for portability.

Dessert: Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
No party is complete without a scrumptious dessert. These strawberry cheesecake bites are a unique spin on chocolate-dipped fruit and cheesecake. They only have a few steps and can be made the night before your event.

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

12 large fresh strawberries, hulled

2 tablespoons graham cracker crumbs

2 (1 ounce) squares semisweet chocolate chips

1 teaspoon canola oil

Beat together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon mixture into a piping bag and fill hollowed strawberries with about 1 tablespoon. Dip exposed filling into the graham cracker crumbs. Melt the chocolate and oil in a bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until warm and smooth. Dip the unfilled ends of the strawberries into melted chocolate and chill on a baking sheet until set.

Your friends at Neighbors Emergency Center hope you have a safe and happy holiday season. Remember, we are open 24/7 year-round, even on holidays, so if you have an emergency, come see us. Check our Facebook page for the latest information. With our 24 hour emergency rooms throughout the Houston metro area, we can treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love.

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The Incredible Power of Garlic

admin — Fri, 03 Apr 2015 09:00:59 +0000

April is National Garlic Month, and Neighbors would like to celebrate this by highlighting the wonderful things garlic can do for your health. Famous for causing bad breath, this potent herb carries many positive medicinal qualities, in addition to providing fantastic flavor to a variety of dishes.

History

Allium sativum, or garlic, has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes since the time of Ancient Egyptians. Its use in ancient China dates back to 2000 B.C. Ancient Greek and Roman soldiers once consumed it as a “cure-all” on the battlefield.

Scholars from Hippocrates mentions garlic for the treatment of many conditions, including parasites, respiratory issues, poor digestion, and low energy. It was once believed to fight off acne, warts, toothaches, and evil spirits.

Medicinal Purposes

Today, though garlic isn’t the all-purpose medicine it once was, health experts still cite potential positive benefits on one’s health. Allicin, the key compound in garlic that gives it its distinctive smell, has been shown to help with high blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing certain forms of cancer.

Garlic is great for everyday concerns too, such as stomachaches and headaches. Some even believe it can help prevent the common cold.

Culinary Uses

Even if some of garlic’s health benefits have yet to be proven, that shouldn’t stop you from eating it. Garlic adds wonderful depth and dimension to a variety of cuisines, and is even good roasted on its own. The key thing to remember when cooking is that garlic burns very easily.

One way you can avoid this is to roast it in the oven. Here’s a simple recipe outlining the easy steps to perfectly delicious garlic. It’s wonderful on its own or mixed into mashed potatoes.

If you’re ready for maximum flavor and nutrition, consider giving Ina Garten’s Chicken with Forty Cloves of Garlic a try. Chock full of about three whole heads of garlic, this dish gets rave reviews from readers. No breath mints after dinner? Try chugging a glass of milk after eating. The fat should help with any lingering odor.

At Neighbors Emergency Centers, we strive to deliver the best in Houston emergency care services. We are open 365/24/7 for your convenience. To locate your nearest Neighbors, please visit nec24.com.

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Stay Fit Even in the Work Place!

admin — Thu, 30 Oct 2014 10:30:24 +0000

Everyone struggles with staying fit and healthy these days, but 8 hour work days in offices or cubicles can make that struggle ten times worse. You can also avoid long term physical and health issues just by doing these few simple things for a little bit everyday at work. Neighbors has some suggestions that will help you stay fit.

Firstly, snacking at work is almost everyone’s biggest pitfall. From candy to chips to stopping at the vending machine periodically, that all day snacking can add up to weight gain very quickly. Instead of snacking on that Snickers bar or bag of Doritos, keep fruit in the office fridge or a pack of trail mix or mixed nuts nearby.

These are great snacks that will also provide energy when you need it most. They can even help you eliminate coffee from your daily routine as there is more usable energy in an apple than in a cup of coffee.

The worst part of office work for your body is sitting in a chair all day. This can lead to low back problems and TMS or worse. Ways to mitigate these issues include getting a lumbar support for your chair or even replacing it with a yoga exercise ball.

This will also help you strengthen your abs in addition to your back muscles! In this same realm of thought, you can keep free weights beneath your desk and do reps while on the phone or any time your hands are free. If you don’t have free weights, you can use water bottles!

Simple exercises to do at work include calf raises. Any time your legs start to feel restless, stand up and do some calf raises. You can even do them while waiting in line or in a meeting if you happen to be standing. This goes along with the importance of stretching throughout the work day.

From spinal rotations in your chair to standing up and stretching as tall as you can, just 5 – 10 minutes of stretching per hour can reduce the risk of blood clots and muscle deterioration.

These simple tips will help any office work day go by more quickly, but also keep you engaged, energetic, and healthy. You can even do in chair exercises like leg lifts and isometric strength training if you really want to to do so!

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Eat Healthy For Less

admin — Wed, 02 Jul 2014 16:55:50 +0000

Eating healthy can be tough when you’re living on a budget. Fortunately, there are many cheap and healthy options out there if you know where to find them. Next time you’re at the grocery store, skip the snack section without having to splurge on expensive “superfoods” by buying these items instead.

Brown rice. Unlike white rice, brown rice has tons of fiber, minerals, and other goodies. Plus it’s super cheap and goes well with pretty much anything, which means stocking up on brown rice can save you a lot of money.

Beans. Beans are a great way to get your daily amount of protein without the unhealthy effects of eating too much meat. They also have lots of fiber. And like brown rice, you can use them in many different kinds of dishes, so introducing more beans into your diet is cheap and easy.

Canned tuna. Loaded with protein, minerals, and vitamins, fish is great for you. Unfortunately, it can also be expensive. Canned tuna, however, is cheap and has all of the benefits of more expensive fish.

Frozen vegetables. The high prices of fresh vegetables can deter you from eating healthy, so go for the frozen ones instead. They may not taste as good, but they’re still plenty good for you and a lot less expensive.

Drink water. We spend a lot of money on soda and other unhealthy drinks. Replace them with water to benefit both your body and your wallet. You don’t even have to buy it; just drink tap water, and get a refillable water bottle so you don’t feel the need to buy soda when you’re out of the house.
Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour emergency care in Houston and Austin, so you can get the best medical help whenever you need it.

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How to Feed a Picky Eater

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2014 20:40:49 +0000

One of the most difficult aspects of being a parent is getting your little ones to enjoy all of the nutrient-rich foods you know they should eat. Even though they might be fussy at first, use these quick and easy steps to get them on the right track to a more nutritious diet:

Don’t demand that they eat what’s on their plates! The best way to get you child chewing is by eating the food yourself. Eventually they’ll see your good habits and pick up what you’re doing.
Give straightforward praise, even if he only takes one bite. The best way to encourage a new habit is by…encouraging! Say small things like, “I’m so proud of you!” and “That looks yummy!” Soon they’ll understand why eating healthy is something that you like and will want to hear the praise more and more.
Don’t worry about how much or when your child is eating. If you child eats what he’s supposed to eat according to the food pyramid over the course of the week, he is right on track to be a healthy body weight and getting all of the nutrition he requires.
Offer choices that are inconsequential. Give her an option, for example, the red plate or the blue? A limited choice is often enough to end the power struggle. Just make sure to make your rules clear: “At home, you can choose whichever cup you like, but when we’re out you have to use whatever they offer.”
Your child won’t eat meat? No problem! There are so many alternatives that offer the same protein that meat offers, like yogurt, cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and a variety of beans. The texture might not appeal to youngsters, so relax. The vegetarian thing won’t hurt them at all.

Neighbors Emergency Center cares about you and your child’s eating habits. If he or she experiences an upset stomach, trouble eating, or other feelings of sickness, please contact us immediately. We’re always here to help.

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Tips to Eat Healthy After the Holidays

admin — Wed, 15 Jan 2014 21:46:31 +0000

The New Year is here and after all that not-so-healthy holiday food, most people feel it is necessary to add: “Lose weight/Eat healthier” to their new year’s resolutions. The good news is: you don’t have to dive into your diet all at once; in fact, experts recommend easing into healthier eating habits by making small changes to your everyday life.

Start your day with a big glass of water and some sort of physical activity such as walking, going to the gym or doing yoga.
Eat a big, balanced breakfast every morning. Skipping breakfast does the opposite of helping you lose weight since it makes you over-eat later.
Keep only healthy foods around your house and place of work, that way you won’t be tempted to eat foods that are bad for you.
Eat more mushrooms (they are immunity enhancers) and foods that contain alkaline such as pears, kale and lemons (they balance the body’s PH and blood sugar levels, as well as reduce inflammation).
Eat a light dinner.
Take magnesium supplements before bed.
Sleep at least seven hours a day.

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