How to Get More Folic Acid in Your Diet

Folic acid stimulates cell growth and regeneration, enhances red blood cell creation, and even prevents against depression, which is important for people of all ages. Pregnant women benefit even further from folic acid because it prevents against fetal deformities. If you want to take advantage of the many benefits of folic acid, here are a few of the best food sources.

  1. Dark, leafy greens. Dark green colored vegetables like spinach, kale, and collard greens are some of the very best sources of folic acid, and even just one large salad filled with these leafy foods can provide you with enough folic acid for the entire day. Spinach is especially beneficial, as it contains 65% of your daily value in only one cup.
  2. Citrus fruits. Oranges, grapefruits, and other citruses have more folic acid than all other types of fruits. One papaya alone offers 115 mcg of folic acid, which is about 29% of the average person’s recommended daily intake.
  3. Beans, peas and lentils. While not all of these foods are high in folic acid, there are a few beans, peas, and lentils that contain impressively large quantities of the B-complex vitamin. Lentils are especially high in folic acid, containing over 90% of your daily intake in just one cup. Pinto beans, garbanzo beans, and black beans are also very good sources.

Surprising Sources of Folic Acid [Yahoo! Shine]
Foods High in Folic Acid [Prenatal Vitamin HQ]
15 Foods High in Folic Acid [Global Healing Center]
18 Foods High in Folic Acid to Prevent Cancer & Birth Defects [Bembu]

Public Domain/Public Domain

The Outlets at Orange: Something for Everyone

Thrifty shoppers know that outlet stores are the best places to find amazing deals. The Outlets at Orange are stocked full with quality pieces at reduced prices. High end fashion chains supply The Outlets with overstocked merchandise, which is then sold to you for an unbelievable price. High end stores like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue have outlets here, as do H&M and American Eagle Outfitters. The quality of stores here is pretty remarkable when comparing to your typical outlet stores. The only real difference is the price you’ll pay for these great items. New arrivals are frequent, as are daily reduced prices in the form of specials and deals. Parking is typically a breeze at The Outlets, but at busier times feel free to take advantage of the convenient valet service. The Outlets also feature a lot of great restaurants for hungry shoppers. There is even a cinema to finish off your day with a movie.

The Outlets at Orange
20 City Boulevard West
Orange, CA 92868
(714) 769-4000
http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-outlets-at-orange-orange

Lola Gaspar: Spend Your Afternoon Siesta at This Latin American Tavern

Lola Gaspar channels the easy lifestyle of Latin America through its eclectic menu, elaborately decorated interior, and afternoon siesta offerings, which are perfect for guests who want to call off the workday a little early. The dining room is small and romantic, featuring rustic chandeliers and a very quaint, cozy seating area.

Warm chips and grilled calamari make flavorful appetizers, and the tacos are some of the most popular menu items. Lola Gaspar also serves heartier entrees, like skirt steak or spicy carnitas, and regulars rave about the perfectly crispy French fries. The weekday siesta specials include discounted snack plates and cocktails from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., just like they do in Latin countries. Whether you stop by for dinner or to spend the afternoon on the outdoor patio, Lola Gaspar is a welcome respite from the daily hustle and bustle.

Lola Gaspar is open 11:30 a.m. to midnight on weekdays. The hours change on weekends, so be sure to check before planning a visit.

Lola Gaspar
211 W. 2nd Street
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 972-1172
www.lolagaspar.com
www.yelp.com/biz/lola-gaspar-santa-ana

Memorize These Cooking Terms Before Tackling That New Recipe

One of the first steps in becoming an expert in the kitchen is having a thorough understanding of each cooking term on a recipe. After knowing your ingredient, being able to read and follow a recipe correctly is important in how the dish turns out. Here are four must-know kitchen terms to help you out.

  1. Meuniere. This term refers to an ingredient, like poultry or fish, being dredged in flour, then sauteed in butter.
  2. Hull. When preparing a fruit salad, you may be asked to hull the berries, which means to remove the green stems and leaves.
  3. Macerate. Soften and sweeten fruits by macerating them, which means to cover them with lemon juice or liqueur until they have absorbed the flavor.
  4. Proof. Before baking bread, you may need to proof the yeast. This tests if the yeast is still active by dissolving it in warm water with sugar or honey for five minutes to see if it foams or bubbles.

The Basic Kitchen: Glossary of Cooking Terms [Le Petites Gourmettes]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Better Homes and Gardens]
Cooking Terms [Recipe Goldmine]
Glossary of Cooking Terms [Cookery]
Culinary Terms: Food Dictionary and Glossary of Cooking Terms [Culinary Arts About.com]

Coffee Is Served Without Gimmicks at The Lost Bean

We’re not sure where the name “The Lost Bean” came from, but it could refer to the coffeehouses of day's past—those simple, welcoming, unpretentious places that brought you good food and memorable coffee. The Lost Bean won’t try to sell you brand memorabilia or toys; the focus is top-notch organic coffee and tea. That’s it. No tricks, no branded products—just comfortable seats and good drinks, the perfect atmosphere for a casual date, a business meeting, or to kick back with a book.

Blended drinks are made with skill, food is reportedly delicious (don’t miss the broccoli and cheese quiche or the chocolate zucchini bread for dessert), and service comes with a smile. The Lost Bean is the return of the coffeehouse as an art form.

The Lost Bean
13011 Newport Avenue
Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 544-2584
www.thelostbean.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-lost-bean-tustin

The Road Less Traveled: Home Decor and Stationery for the Environmentalist

With its literary name and adorable selection of environmentally friendly products, The Road Less Traveled is a natural living center for bookworms and thinkers. The owners of this adorable home decor and stationery shop also host DIY workshops and the annual Patchwork Indie Arts & Crafts Festival.

All of the products at The Road Less Traveled are natural, handmade or eco-friendly, from the scented candles to the colorful tea towels. Clothing items are crafted from natural fibers, and there are even purses made of soda tabs and other salvaged items. The store itself is open and filled with natural light, and it’s decorated with colorful, whimsical displays that are sure to inspire. If you’re looking for a thoughtful gift, the shop also sells art made by local artisans that will make a long-lasting impact on your friend, sister, or special someone.

The Road Less Traveled is open noon to 7 p.m. most days and until 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Sundays. The shop is closed on Mondays.

The Road Less Traveled
125 N Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 836-8727
www.roadlesstraveledstore.com
www.yelp.com/biz/the-road-less-traveled-santa-ana

Happy 4th of July

We hope everyone has a safe and happy day as we celebrate America's Independence. Happy 4th of July!

Chapter One: Local Dishes and Cocktails From Around the World

While the elaborately decorative, handcrafted dishes at Chapter One are made with local produce, the stylish restaurant’s wine and cocktails will transport you to all corners of the world. This foodie-friendly hotspot serves imaginative dishes for lunch, dinner and even in the evenings for hungry night owls, and its impressive menu is always updated to keep up with the produce that’s currently in season.

Small plates like the ever-popular duck fat fries give guests something to munch on while they peruse the menu, and the lunchtime soups and salads will make you rethink the way you look at these everyday dishes. For dinner, Chapter One gets really experimental with new takes on classic dishes like gnocchi, fish and chips, and even fried chicken. If you’ve always wanted to sample a macaroni and cheese made with truffle oil, smoky bacon, and caramelized onion relish, you’ve come to the right place.

Chapter One is open 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily, and it opens early, at 10 a.m., for brunch on Sundays.

Chapter One
227 N. Broadway
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 352-2225
www.chapteronetml.com
www.yelp.com/biz/chapter-one-the-modern-local-santa-ana

Lanta Thai Fusion: Terrific Fusion Cuisine

Lanta Thai Fusion brings a mix of Thai, American, and Chinese cuisines that comes together to make some delightful dishes. The varied menu means you're likely to find something to enjoy here.

The chicken or beef satae are pieces of meat skewered and sautéed and accompanied by cucumber and peanut sauces, while the tofu with sweet and sour sauce. Lanta Thai Fusion also features an array of curries, including panang, pineapple, massaman, a classic Thai curry served with potatoes and onions, as well as spicy red curry for adventurous diners. Lanta Thai Fusion even offers a four course dinner special, allowing diners the choice of meats with dishes like pad thai, chow mein, and stir fried broccoli.

Visit Lanta Thai Fusion's website to learn more.

Lanta Thai Fusion
724 East Katella Avenue
Orange, CA 92867
(714) 532-4922
http://www.yelp.com/biz/lanta-thai-fusion-orange

Watch Out for These Surprising Sources of Gluten

Whether you suffer from celiac disease or you simply want to promote a healthier lifestyle, more and more people are cutting gluten out of their diets. Gluten is most prominent in breads and other foods containing wheat, but it also sneaks its way into some fairly surprising dishes that you might not expect. Here are a few lesser known sources of gluten.

  1. Veggie burgers. Sure, veggie burgers are a great meat alternative for vegans and vegetarians, but that doesn’t mean that they’re right for gluten-free eaters. Many store-bought brands of veggie burgers contain wheat gluten, and some homemade recipes do as well.
  2. Salad dressing. While replacing a sandwich with a salad is a great way to stick to your gluten-free diet, be careful of the dressings that you choose to top that salad. A number of the thickening agents found in salad dressings achieve their effects with the help of gluten. Check for a substance called “modified food starch” before you purchase any dressing.
  3. Potato chips. Potato chips technically don’t contain gluten because most are made with potatoes and oil, but some brands of flavored potato chips contain flavorings that contain wheat, barley, or rye. Be cautious of any potato chips flavored with things like barbecue or sweet onion.

There’s Gluten In That? [Everyday Health]
10 Surprising Gluten-Containing Foods [Delicious Living]
7 Foods You Never Knew Contained Gluten [HuffPost Healthy Living]

Pin It on Pinterest