Bunnies Have Known the Secret All Along

  These vibrant roots are a fantastic source of carotenoids, the potent antioxidants responsible for giving carrots their orange color.  Along with their beutiful hue, an abundance of carotenoids in one's diet can help to decrease the risk of postmenopausal breast cancer, as well as, bladder, cervix, prostate, colon, larynx, and esophagueal cancer. Carrots can also aid in reducing the risks of kidney and ovarian cancers.
  In addition to their cancer fighting abilities, the nutrients in carrots also prevent cardiovascular disease, help strengthen the immune system, and promote colon health.
  Carrots contain other goodies, including calcium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, fiber, vitamin C, and an incredible amount of vitamin A.
  Your Mom was correct when she said "carrots are good for your eyes".  They contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which work together to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts and promote overall eye health.
  Diets low in carotenoids are linked to heart disease and various cancers, so make sure you eat at least 1 carrot each day and enjoy them year-round. Culinarily and nutritionally speaking, carrots are good for you whether they're raw or cooked.  In fact, cooking them helps to break down the tough fibers, making some of the nutrients more easily absorbed.

Tips:
-Precut baby carrots are made from whole carrots and, although convenient, they lose important nutrients during processing
-Remove carrot tops before storing them in the fridge, as the tops drain moisture from the roots and will cause the carrots to wilt.

-Buy organic; conventionally grown carrots frequently show high pesticide residues

Vegan Carrot and Zucchini Bread 

2 1/2 cups flour

2 1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ginger

1/2 tsp salt

1 cup coconut oil

1 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup agave syrup
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups finely grated carrot
1/2 cup finely grated zucchini

- Grease and flour a 9" x 5" loaf pan.
- Mix together dry ingredients in smaller bowl.
- In larger bowl combine syrups with oil and vanilla, then add carrots and zucchini.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just mixed.
- Bake at 375 degrees until done (about 40 min)
- Let cool before removing from the pan

Pickled Carrots
1 ½ lb Carrots, peeled and halved lengthwise
3 Cloves
1/4 cup Honey
1 cup of White Vinegar
1 cup of Water
1 ½ Tbl Mustard Seed
3 sprigs Rosemary
1 Jalapeno, quartered
- In a saucepan, combine all ingredients except the jalapeno and bring to a boil
- Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Sanitize jars and fill with Carrots and 1/4 Jalapeno
-Pour liquid over the carrots and seal.
- Allow to cool upside down.
- Serve cold

Onion's Will Make You Cry Tears of Joy ...When you Find Out How HEALTHY They Are!

  Onions may make you a bit weepy, and they do have a tendency for giving unkissable breath, but although onions have a bad reputation, they do pack a BIG nutritional wallop!

  Onions are a Superfood containing super antioxidant power. They also contain Quercetin, a natural antihistamine that relieves airway inflammation, allergies, and hay fever.  Along with the Quercetin, onions also contain large amounts of Vitamin C. These nutrients help the body to battle cold and flu symptoms. They also help fight osteo- and rheumatoid arthritic pain and swelling.
  Onions contain potent cancer-fighting enzymes.  Onion consumption has been linked with lowering the risk of prostate, stomach, and esophageal cancers and are shown to reduce mortality from coronary heart disease.
  Onions are excellent for people who consume diets high in protein, fat, and sugar, as they help clean out arteries and impede the growth of viruses, yeasts, and other disease-causing agents. All of this because they are extremely rich in sulfur, antibiotic and antiviral properties. Onions also help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, and a peptide that helps to inhibit the loss of calcium and other bone minerals.
  With all of the health benefits onions provide, you should follow the "one a day, keeps the doctor away" rule.  However, if that's too many tears for you, add a few onions to your grocery list and try to eat a little bit every day. The best varieties are are shallots and yellow onions, but all are extremely good for you. Raw onions provide the most optimal nutrition, but they're still great when they're lightly cooked.
Tips:
-Choose rounder onions when possible. The spherical shape leads to better sulfur distribution... ie, less tears

- Onions should be stored at room temperature.

French Onion Soup
3 large Sweet Onions, sliced

2 large Red Onions, sliced
3 cloves Garlic, sliced
3 Tbls Butter
1 Bay Leaf
1 fresh Thyme Sprig
1 cup Red Wine
1 cup Calvados
3 cups Beef Broth
1 loaf Pumpernickel Bread, thick slices
To Taste Kosher Salt and Black Pepper
1 cup Fontina Cheese

-Melt the butter in a large pot. Add the onions, garlic, bay leaf, and thyme, and cook until the onions are soft and caramelized.
-Add the wine and calvados and simmer until the the onions are almost dry, about 5 minutes.
-Discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.  Add the beef broth, bring the soup back to a simmer. Season with salt and pepper.
-Sprinkle the thick slices of bread with Fontina and broil until bubbly and golden brown.
-Ladle the soup in bowls and float several of the Gruyere croutons on top.

Onion Tart
1 sheet Pastry Dough
1 Onion, sliced
1 Red Onion, sliced
1 Tbl Olive Oil
10 ounces soft goat cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 large eggs
1/2 tsp fresh thyme leaves

- Cook thinly slice onions in a large skillet with salt to taste in oil.
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- On a lightly floured surface roll out dough rectangle into a 16 x 6-inch rectangle and fit it into a 13 1/2 x 4
   x 1-inch tart pan with a removable fluted rim.  Prick bottom of shell in several places with a fork.
- Bake shells in middle of oven 10 minutes.
- While shells are baking, whisk together goat cheese, sour cream, and egg until smooth
- Spread cheese mix on pastry and cover evenly with onions
- Sprinkle with thyme bake tarts in middle of oven 10 minutes, or until puffed and golden.