Now being a staple of modern life, bottled water is taking over.  It’s populatiry has exploded in recent years with sales more than doubling in the last decade alone.  Now as we become increasingly aware of the environmental impacts of our consumption, bottled water is earning a bad rap and one Australian village has prohibited it altogether.  I would like to share with you an article I read about what this small town is doing.

The town will no longer allow any single-use bottles, citing the strength of their own local water supply and the environmental toll of producing plastic containers for a single drink.  Unlike other parts of the world where bottled water may be the only safe water on the market, Bundanoon residents can drink tap water without worry just like here in America.  Maybe we should think like them.

As Reuters reports - Australia spends more than half a billion dollars on bottled water each year.  Proponents of the measure cite the dramatically lower cost and carbon footprint of simply refilling reusable bottles.  The other side, however, claims that without the option of purchasing water, consumers will simply reach for a soda or juice instead - choices with just as much envioronmental impact, and generally less healthy as well.

Clearly, there is no harm in considering the consequences of our purchasing habits and striving to cut back where and when we can.  But whether any more towns are ready for outright bans - that remains to be seen.

Bowl your guests over by serving cold soup in everything from shot glasses to water tumblers, cups, and even bowls made entirely of ice!!  It’s quite easy and all you need are two stainless stell bowls that fit into each other.  Fill the large bowl halfway with water.  Fill the smaller bowl halfway with water.  Freeze overnight.  Remove and touch bottom of large bowl in hot water for 30 seconds.  It will slide out easily.  Place on a flat plate and ladle your cold soup into the bowl.

I found a great video on Youtube demonstrating how to do it.  Check out metacafe.com/watch/817683/make_an_ice_bowl.

In the meantime, enjoy the following cold soups.

ICY CUCUMBER YOGURT SOUP

I make this soup every summer and experiment with different herbs.  It’s easy to make and tastes even better the next day.  Note: I found that Balkan-style yogurt works best.

2 cups (500ml) 2% milk

3 cups (750ml) plain yogurt

2 tbsp. (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp. (15ml) white vinegar

1 clove garlic, minced

1 small vidalia or other sweet onion, pureed

1 Tbsp. (15ml) EACH chopped fresh mint, dill, tarragon, thyme and basil (or 1 tsp. dried)

1/4 tsp.  (1ml) cayenne pepper (optional)

1 small english cucumber - peeled and grated

Salt and white peper to taste

In a large bowl, carefully blend together milk and yogurt.  In a separate small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar, garlic, onion, herbs, and cayenne pepper, if using.

Carefully whisk items from small bowl into milk mixture.  Add cucumber and blend thoroughly.  Add salt and pepper.  Refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

CUCUMBER GAZPACHO 

This classic Spanish-style soup is simple to make and quick to prepare for large warm-weather gatherings or intimate get-togethers.  Recipe courtesy of the California Walnut Commission web site

4 English cucumbers - roughly chopped

1/2 bunch EACH flat-leaf parsley and fresh mint

1 bunch scallions - roughly chopped

1/2 small red onion - peeled

1/2 cup (125ml) extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup (75ml) champagne vinegar

6 oz (175g) plain yogurt

1 cup (250 ml) toasted walnuts

1 cup (250 ml) ice

Salt and freshly groud black pepper - to taste

Lemon oil for garnish

Salt cucumbers and let sit for 1 hour.  Combine all ingredients in a blender.  Serve in chilled bowls and drizzle wiht lemon oil.

I was away on vacation and had some of the best natural oatmeal ever.  As we chatted someone said I bet you don’t serve plain old oatmeal like this.  Well, we do but here are some great ways to jazz it up.

1.  Raisins, brown sugar, and cinnamon

2.  Honey and honey crunch flavor wheat germ

3.  Cinnamon flavored applesauce

4.  Low-fat granola and fat-free milk

5.  Raspberry nonfat yogurt and dried cranberries

6.  Apricot fruit spread and sliced almonds

7.  Sliced strawberries, plain nonfat yogurt, and brown sugar

8.  Pancake syrup and chopped toasted pecans

9.  Canned crushed pineapple, sliced bananas, an chopped macadamia nuts

10.  Strawberry nonfat yogurt and sliced kiwi

11.  Sliced bananas and vanilla nonfat yogurt sprinkled with cinnamon

12.  Reduced fat peanut butter and strawberry fruit spread

13.  Chopped dates, walnuts, and cinnamon

14.  Pear slices, maple syrup, and cinnamon

15.  Coarsely chopped canned peaches and ground ginger

16.  Diced dried apricots or diced dried mixed fruit and honey

17.  Pumpkin or apple butter and walnuts

18.  Blueberry fruit spread, vanilla or plain nonfat yogurt, and nutmeg

19.  Orange marmalade and dried cranberries

20.  Coarsely chopped apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and dates

21.  Plain nonfat yogurt, orange marmalade and orange segments

22.  Chopped dried apricots and honey

23.  Cherry preserves and wheat germ

24.  Reduced-fat caramel topping and chopped pecans

25.  Whole-berry cranberry sauce

26.  Applesauce and pancake syrup

27.  Berries sprinkled with cinnamon sugar

28.  Sliced bananas and mini semisweet chocolate morsels

29.  Warm apple pie filling and fat-free milk

30.  Brown sugar and apple pie spice

31.  Chopped dried figs and mashed ripe banana