daikon salad

This week there was Daikon Radish in the CSA share. Sometimes referred to as Oriental Radish, these tasty roots are very high in vitamin C and are also a good source of folate, potassium and magnesium. In addition to the roots, the leaves are edible and are also high in vitamin C as well as providing some calcium and iron.

Daikon can be eaten raw, stir-fried, steamed, or even added to soups. It has a definitive flavor that mellows with cooking. Many Oriental cultures pickle the root and eat it as a condiment.

One of my favorite ways to eat this delicious root is in an Oriental Salad. The tops of the root, the fatter part, tends to be milder in flavor so I use that when making this salad. The bottom of the root is great for pickling or stir-frying. I make this using the julienne blade on my cuisinart.

Daikon-Carrot Salad

1 C. julienned daikon root

1 C. julienned carrot

1 t. fresh grated ginger

1 T. rice wine vinegar

2 T. vegetable oil

1 t. sesame oil

1 t. tamari sauce

1 T. sesame seeds, toasted

2 t. ground nori (optional)

whisk together the vinegar, tamari sauce, sesame seeds, nori, and ginger.

slowly whisk in the oils

in a separate bowl toss together daikon and carrot

pour dressing over the vegetables and toss gently

marinate 30-45 minutes

can be served cold or at room temperature

Enjoy!

photo courtesy of KoS | commons.wikimedia.org

officially disgusted

Today, while out shopping for Christmas items, I finally reached overload. In one of the stores I went to they were pushing the season. I know, you're thinking, 'Okay, everyone is getting ready for Christmas/Hannukah/Kwanzaa/Solstice/Whatever-your-winter-celebration is.' But hold on to your hats folks. The holiday on display was Valentine's Day.

It's bad enough that before Halloween has arrived, they're loading the aisles with Christmas merchandise. I know that manufacturers and shop keepers are desperate to make as much money as they can but there has to be a limit. How can you enjoy what the moment you're in if you're worrying about what is to come. I believe this is part of the reason that so many people feel that they are on complete overload.

This continual merchandise-push is an attempt to force you to buy, buy, buy. To overconsume, disregard the meaning of the season, and always focus on what's next. I hear many people complaining about how far behind they feel. How they miss the time spent with family. How rushing around leaves little time to enjoy the moment. But you are in control.

It's time to take back our lives, the season, and any traditions that you may have. You have the ability to stop buying in to the media/merchandising hype; to determine what is "enough." Enjoy the moment. Choose to ignore those messages, to stop paying attention to the "stuff" and instead focus on your family. You'll feel less stressed and so will they.

Happy Holidays.