It’s the Season for Special Dog Treats

dog treats, pumpkin, cinnamon, apple, dog, fall harvest
It’s the Season for Special Dog Treats

With the fall harvest among us, it’s the season for special dog treats. Some dogs are finicky eaters, while others will eat just about anything you call a “treat.” Bucky was the latter, while Shadow the former. Both of my dogs loved these treats so I thought I would share (my neighbors’ dogs loved them as well!).

 

Some dogs, like people are sensitive to certain foods. If this is the case with your dog, please use an alternate treat or make an ingredient substitution if necessary.

Cinnamon-Apple Dog Treats
Ingredients:
  • Natural Applesauce (or chopped apple) – 1 cup

    dog treats, fall harvest, dogs, treats, healthy
    Bentley — Time for a Special Treat
  • Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
  • Parsley – 1 tablespoon
  • Cold water – 1 cup
  • Vegetable Oil – 1/2 cup
  • Flour – 5 cups
  • Powdered milk – 1/2 cup
  • Eggs – 2 large
Directions:
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 
Combine all of the ingredients — add oil or water to the dough if needed.
  • Roll out the dough to the desired thickness and cut into fun shapes using cookie cutters.
  • Bake 20 -25 minutes until browned.
PUMPKIN DOG TREAT RECIPE
Ingredients:

 

Pumpkins for a Delicious Special Dog Treat
Pumpkins for a Delicious Special Dog Treat
  • Mashed pure pumpkin (NOT the spiced pie filling) – one 15 oz. can
  • Cream of wheat (or rice cereal if wheat-sensitive), dry, uncooked –         3/4 cup
  • Dry powdered milk – 1/2 cup
Directions:
  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.

    dog treats, healthy, organic, pumpkin
    It’s the Season for a Special Dog Treat
  • Mix all the ingredients together.
  • Drop small spoonfuls (about half of a tablespoon) onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.
  • Bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
  • If you’d like to make training rewards, bite-sized cookies for small dogs, or just little treats, you may want to use a pastry bag and squeeze out rosettes or a freezer bag with the tip cup out to squeeze out tasty bite-sized treats about the size of a dime.
  • These treats are also a great gift idea for the holidays, just make sure you include an ingredient list so the recipient can check for sensitivities.

ENJOY!
Do you have a special dog treat recipe to share?

A Healthier You with a Dog’s Magic Touch

dogs, unconditional love, healthier with a dog, "man's best friend"
A Healthier You with a Dog’s Magic Touch
                      Unconditional Love

A Healthier You with a Dog’s Magic Touch kicks off the start of a series focusing on the health benefits provided by “man’s best friend.” From the unconditional love they shower on their owners, to their use by the military to save countless lives, for therapy, in personal service, to detect cancer, as companions, or to provide protection detail, dogs provide that magic touch.

Man’s Best Friend

Studies confirm the fact that dogs are “man’s best friend.” Compared to other animals, research shows that dogs intimately have a greater understanding of specific areas of human nature. (2)

dogs, unconditional love, boy and dog, man's best friend, health benefits of dogs
A Healthier You with a Dog’s Magic Touch
A Boy and His Dog

There are many studies that show positive interactions between dogs and people can provide mutual benefits to both. Interactions such as talking, petting, playing and other pleasurable interactions create an increase in neurochemicals associated with positive feelings and bonding — oxytocin, dopamine, and β-endorphin (beta-endorphin). In essence, interacting with a dog, especially one you know, can have comparable psychophysiological markers similar to those of emotionally attached individuals who spend time together. (1)

Those Puppy Dog Eyes
puppy dog eyes, "man's best friend," health benefits of dog, dogs, comfort
Those Puppy Dog Eyes

Those puppy dog eyes just make your heart melt. But is that all? Studies also show that oxytocin, one of the neurochemicals noted above, promotes maternal bonding, altruism, and trust among people. In these studies, oxytocin levels in the mother and infant increased as they gazed into each others eyes. This has been referred to as the “feedback loop.” Researchers believe this loop is responsible for creating the bond between the infant and mother at a time when the baby is incapable of alternate forms of expression. (2)

puppy dog eyes, recue dog, health benefits, man's best friend
A Healthier You with a Dog’s Magic Touch
Rescue a dog and reap the benefits of puppy dog eyes.

In a 2015 study from Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan,(3) animal behaviorists set out to determine whether a mechanism similar to the “feedback loop” might be the factor behind the affectionate relationship between owners and their dogs. Researchers analyzed urine samples and found the following:

  • When owners and dogs gazed at each other a lot, both owners and dogs experienced a significant rise in oxytocin — owners had a 300% rise while dogs had a 130% rise.
  • Owners and dogs who did not make this type of eye contact had no increase in oxytocin levels.

Enjoy those puppy dog eyes…. They provide health benefits for both you and your pooch! Do you have a story to share about your special “best friend?”

(C) 2016 Karen Van Den Heuvel Fischer

References:

(1) Hecht, J (2015, April 15). “Is the Gaze from Those Big Puppy Eyes the Look of Your Doggie’s Love?” https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-the-gaze-from-those-big-puppy-eyes-the-look-of-your-doggie-s-love/

(2) McNamee, D. (2015, April 17). “‘Puppy dog eyes’ explained by science.” Medical News Today. Retrieved from
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/292567.php.

(3) Oxytocin-gaze positive loop and the coevolution of human-dog bonds, Takefumi Kikusui, et al., Science, doi: 10.1126/science.1261022, published online 16 April 2015.

Mr. Bugs Had It Right — Carrot and Cashew Soup

fall harvest, carrots, soup, recipe, ginger, carrot and ginger soup
Fall Harvest — Carrots

Mr. Bugs had it right! It’s the end of harvest season — at least in Colorado, and this Carrot and Cashew Soup recipe is delicious!

bunny, carrots, healthy, antioxidant
Mr. Bugs Had It Right — Carrots — A Healthy Choice

Before we get to the recipe, check out the skinny on carrots, a very versatile vegetable. It’s commonly eaten steamed, roasted, boiled, raw, and as an ingredient in many stews and soups. They are easy to grow and can be bought canned, frozen, fresh, and pickled.

Carrots – A Healthy choice

The carrot is a crunchy, sweet, aromatic vegetable that is a very healthy, popular vegetable high in Vitamin A (it provides 210% of an adult’s daily needs). Carrots also contain vitamin E, folate, potassium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc and fiber. Evidence exists that vegetables and fruits high in antioxidants (carrots included) reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. Vision will also be restored by correcting Vitamin A deficiencies.

If you have an over abundance of carrots, you may ask, “What should I do?” A neighbor who has a garden of carrots shared a delicious soup recipe — Carrot and Cashew Soup (this is a favorite even of those who are not crazy about carrot soup).

Ingredients
colorful carrots, carrots, Carrot and Cashew Soup, recipe
Colorful Carrots
  • Carrots — 3 pounds chopped.
  • Chopped onions — 1 1/4 cup.
  • Cashews — 3/4 cup unsalted, unroasted.
  • Olive Oil – 2 TBS.
  • 3 crushed garlic cloves.
  • Vegetable stock or water (you may substitute with 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth and 3 cups of water) — 6 cups.
  • Soy milk (or what you prefer) — 2 1/2 cups.
  • Ginger root — 1 Tablespoon grated.
  • Black pepper to taste (optional).
Directions
  • Add the water or stock with the carrots to a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
    onions, carrot and cashew soup, recipe
    Onions for Carrot and Cashew Soup

    Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

  • Sautee the onions, garlic, and cashews in another pan in the 2 tablespoons of olive oil until the onions are soft and translucent.
  • Place the contents of both pans in a blender and puree until very smooth.
  • Return the puree to the saucepan and add the ginger, soy milk, and black pepper.
  • Garnish with toasted cashews, parsley, and yogurt.
Colorado, fall, Karen Van Den Heuvel
Karen Van Den Heuvel — Fall in Colorado

You may salt and pepper to taste (although I avoid the extra salt since Americans consume too much).

Let me know your thoughts after you try this delicious recipe!

Hamstrings and Calves — Stretches

Colorado, Colorado Rockies, Stretches, hip stretches, alleviate stiff tight hips
Stretches for the Hamstrings and Calves

 

physical therapist, Diane Foley
Diane Foley, Physical Therapist

By: Diane Foley, Physical Therapist

Hamstrings and calves make up this last muscle group affected by prolonged sitting. The first four muscle groups included the neck, chest, low back, and hip flexors. The great news is that tight and painful muscles are preventable and reversible! Simply take advantage of short breaks throughout the day and actively stretch.

Just remember to speak to your physician before any changes are made to your health care regime. Additionally, do not bounce while stretching. Bouncing can tear your muscle fibers. Always discontinue any exercise if stretching causes pain, and if something hurts when you do it, please stop.

Back of the Legs (Hamstrings and Calves):

In these busy times, much of our time is spent sitting in a chair or a car. Sitting with knees bent for prolonged periods of time can tighten the back of the legs and increase your risk of back and leg pain. This can easily be avoided by stretching the back of the legs.

stretches, hamstring stretch, sitting hamstring stretch
Stretches for the Back of the Legs — Sitting Hamstring Stretch
Sitting Hamstring Stretch:

 

If you already have poor balance or a history of back pain, sit in a stable chair with your back supported.

  • Slowly raise the lower right leg until you feel a stretch in the back of the leg. If you don’t feel a stretch, then, while keeping the
    stretches, back of the legs, hamstring stretch
    Stretches for the Back of the Legs — Sitting Hamstring Stretch 2

    right leg extended, slowly lean forward at the hip until you feel a stretch in the back of the leg.

  • You can further increase the stretch by flexing your toes towards your nose.
  • Hold this position for 20-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
  • Repeat on opposite side.
Standing Hamstring Stretch:
  • Stand next to a stable surface that you can grab onto if you lose your
    stretches, hamstring stretch, standing hamstring stretch, back of the legs
    Stretches for the Back of the Legs — Standing Hamstring Stretch

    balance.

  • With the arms by your side and your knees comfortably straight (not locked), round your back and bend forward at the waist, walk your fingers down your legs until you feel a comfortable stretch in the back of the legs. Please keep the knees straight but not locked.
  • Hold this position for 20-30 seconds and then slowly walk your fingers back up your thighs until you are in the full standing position.
  • Repeat 2-3 times.
Note: If this exercise causes dizziness or severe loss of balance, then discontinue this exercise.
Calf Stretch 1:
  • Stand facing a wall.

    stretches, stretches for the back of the legs, calf stretch lunge
    Stretches for the Back of the Legs — Calf Stretch Lunge
  • While holding onto the wall, lunge with your right foot forward (front knee bent) and the left leg backward (back leg straight).
  • While holding on the wall, slowly transfer your body weight onto the back leg pushing the heel to the ground. You should feel a stretch in the back calf.
  • Hold for 20-30 seconds and then repeat 2-3 times.
  • Note: If you do not feel a stretch in the calf, then move your back foot backwards a little and try again.
    Repeat on the opposite side.
Calf Stretch 2:
stretches, back of the legs, calf stretch
Stretches for the Back of the Legs — Calf Stretch

This exercise is designed for people who are quite flexible in the calf muscle.

  • Choose a wall that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
  • Stand facing a wall with your feet about an arms length away.
  • While using your hands on the wall to balance, place your right foot on the wall.
  • Lean your body weight forward towards the wall until you feel a stretch in the calf muscle.
  • You can do this exercise with your right knee straight and then the right knee bent.
  • Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
  • Repeat on opposite side.

The stretching exercises shared throughout this five part series can be done separately throughout the day so it is easier to accomplish. Just think, we have the power to make a big difference in our overall health with just a few minutes spent everyday caring for ourselves! Enjoy life and continue moving and stretching! Any questions?

Stretches to Alleviate Stiff Tight Hips

On the Road to Healthy Living
On the Road to Healthy Living — Hip Stretches

 

physical therapist, Diane Foley
Diane Foley, Physical Therapist

By: Diane Foley

The stretches in this article will help alleviate stiff, tight hips. This is the fourth in the series that focuses on five of the most common muscle groups that will tighten up when you sit for long periods of time. Your Health — A Few Simple Moves was the first article that introduced you to the risks of sitting and provided stretches for the neck muscles. Simple Stretches to Reduce the Pain of Sitting, the second article, shared chest muscle stretches. Lower Back — Stretches to Make a Difference, was the third article. This article will focus on the hip muscles.

NOTE: Speak to your physician before you make changes to your health care regime. Also remember, please do not bounce during stretching. This can cause muscle fibers to tear. If stretching causes pain, discontinue exercise and if anything hurts when you do it, please stop immediately.

Front Hip Muscles (hip flexors):

As we grow older and sit more, the front of the hips become stiff and tight. Everyone should incorporate this stretch into their everyday lives and do it several times a day. If you are sitting for prolonged periods of time, it is extra important to stretch the front of the hips.

Lunge and Hold Stretch:

Stretch, hip flexor, hip muscle
Hip Flexor Stretch – Alleviates Stiff, Tight Hips
  • Begin by standing with your legs a few inches apart.
  • Take a comfortable step forward with your right leg and bend the front leg into a lunge. Be sure to keep the front knee in line or slightly behind the forefoot. This will ensure the knee is in a safe position to support your body weight. If you have trouble balancing, do this exercise next to a stable object like a wall or chair.
  • Keeping the hips facing forward, transfer your weight onto the front foot until you feel a stretch in the front of the hip of the back leg. Be careful not to arch your back during this exercise. If you do not feel a stretch, try squeezing your bottom together and then transferring your weight forward onto your front knee.
  • Note: The back foot (heel) can come up slightly to allow the stretch in front of the hip.
  • Hold the stretch for 30 seconds and then relax.
  • Repeat on opposite side and perform 2-3 times each side.

The wonderful thing about stretching exercises, is that you can incorporate them into your schedule when it is most convenient for you. It may be taking a 5-10 minute break between taking care of the kids, or after having sat at work for several hours. Next week we will take a look at the last muscle group — the back of the legs which includes the hamstrings and calves. Which of the exercises presented in the series so far is your favorite?

Lower Back – Stretches to Make a Difference

Stretches, make a difference, island
                                Make a Difference

Written by: Diane Foley, Physical Therapist

physical therapist, Diane Foley
Diane Foley, Physical Therapist

Lower back pain can be avoided with simple stretches. This is the third in the series focusing on the five most common muscle groups that tighten up when you sit for prolonged periods of time. The first article, Your Health — A Few Simple Moves, introduced you to the risks associated with sitting and a simple stretch for the neck muscles. The second article, Simple Stretches to Reduce the Pain of Sitting, shared two stretches for the chest muscles. This article will focus on the lower back muscles.

*As a reminder, before you make any changes to your health regime, speak to your physician. Also, please do not bounce during stretching. This can tear muscle fibers. Discontinue exercise if stretching causes pain, and if something hurts when you do it, please stop.

Lower Back — Stretches to Make a Difference:

Prolonged sitting can cause strain to the spinal nerves that attach at the spine and run through the buttock and down the legs. Standing and stretching the back muscles can greatly lessen the strain placed on those spinal nerves.

hoola hoop stretch, lower back stretch
Hoola Hoop Stretch to the Right
Hoola Hoop Stretch:
  • Choose a place to stand where your hips have enough space to move in a circle.
  • First, stand with your feet hip-width apart and put your hands on your hips.
  • Smoothly and slowly, move your hips to the right, then to the back (without sticking your derriere
    hoola hoop stretch, lower back stretch
                    Hoola Hoop Stretch to the Back

    out too far), circle around to the left and back where you started in the beginning position.

  • Do not pouch your hips forward, your low back may not like that position.
  • Repeat slowly in a circle again 3-5 times then reverse directions starting from the left.
hoola hoop stretch, lower back stretch
                  Hoola Hoop Stretch to the Left
Side Stretch:
side stretch, lower back muscles
Side Stretch for the Lower Back
  • With your arms relaxed, hanging by your side, stand with your feet a comfortable distance apart.
  • Bring your left hand to your waist, raise your right arm up and toward the left, and slightly bend your knees. Do not go too far to your side or bend your knees too deeply. You just want a nice stretch.
  • Return to your starting place with your arms relaxed at your side, and reverse it. You will put your right hand on your waist, raise your left arm up and toward the right, and bend your knees.
  • Again, return to your starting position and repeat 3 more times.

Next week we will learn stretches to help your hip flexors — the front hit muscles. What is your favorite stretch?

Simple Stretches to Reduce the Pain of Sitting

physical therapist, Diane Foley
Diane Foley, Physical Therapist

Written by:  Diane Foley

Simple stretches can reduce the injury and pain syndromes that result from muscle tightness when you sit for prolonged periods of time. This is great news in light of the fact that quite a few of us sit for a good part of the day. This article is the second in the series on how you can avoid and possibly even reverse tight and painful muscles. It starts with taking short breaks during the work day and actively stretching.

The 5 Most Common Muscle Groups:

The 5 most common muscle groups that tighten up with prolonged sitting include the neck muscles, pectoral muscles (chest), low back muscles, hip flexors (front hip muscles), and the back of legs. In last week’s article, A Few Simple Moves, we learned the simple move for stretching the neck muscles. This week we will take a look at the chest (pectoral) muscles. Before you even begin, please check with your physician before you make any changes to your health regimen and if something hurts when you do it, immediately stop.

Chest (Pectoral) Muscles:

When writing, the shoulders are usually positioned in a forward position causing the chest (pectoral) muscles to become tight.

Doorway Stretch:

Chest Stretch, Pectoral Stretch, Doorway Stretch
Diane Foley, Physical Therapist — Doorway Stretch for Chest
  • Stand in the middle of an open door frame.
  • Take one small step backwards.
  • Lift your right arm up to the side to shoulder level and bend your arm at the elbow with your palm facing forward.
  • Keeping your arm at shoulder level, place your forearm on the door jam and lunge forward onto your left leg.

 

Doorway Stretch, Chest Stretch, Pectoral Muscles
Diane Foley, Physical Therapist — Doorway Stretch for Chest — Rear Vie
  • Move your upper torso forward placing weight onto the front leg until you feel a stretch in the front chest muscles.
  • Hold the position for 20-30 seconds and then go back to the beginning position.
  • Repeat on the opposite side.

 

Chest Stretch 2:

Chest Stretch, Pectoral Stretch, Stretches
Diane Foley, Physical Therapist
Pectoral Stretch
  • Stand with your hands clasped behind you.
  • Keeping hands clasped, lift arms up behind the body until you feel a stretch in the front chest muscles.
  • Hold for 20-30 seconds.
  • Repeat 2-3 times.

 

 

Next week we’ll take a look at the low back muscles. How many hours do you usually sit in a day?

Your Health — A Few Simple Moves

stretches, simple moves, exercises
A Few Simple Moves

Most people sit more than 8 or 9 hours a day. A few simple moves are required to help decrease the risk associated with sitting. It’s common knowledge that cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for lung cancer, cardiovascular disease, and a multitude of other life-threatening illnesses. According to the American Diabetes Association, sitting is the next “cigarette.” However, sitting is to a writer and a myriad of other professions, as running is to an athlete. It’s essential, and most of us experience pain as a result.

Solutions are few and far between and include things like standing desks (with different health issues) and expensive treadmill desks which contain inherent risks. Aside from the obvious of multitasking 2 different types of activities, one of which is on a moving machine — I know I’d fall flat on my face, and if I didn’t fall, I’d be trying not to fall instead of working.

Diane Foley — Physical Therapist
physical therapist, Diane Foley
Diane Foley, Physical Therapist

We are going to have a guest for this next series. Diane Foley is a physical therapist who is going to share a few simple moves that you may have done or heard of before, but always check with your physician before you make any changes to your health regimen and if something hurts when you do it, immediately stop.

First, a little background on Diane:

  • She received her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Sports Science at the University of New Mexico in 1986 and her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at Stockton State College in 1992.
  • Diane worked as an inpatient and outpatient Physical Therapist for McKee hospital for 11 years and has been actively setting up exercise programs for individuals for the last 8 years.
  • She is passionate about motivating people to become healthy so they can enjoy life to the fullest!

According to Diane, “Sitting for prolonged periods of time can put your body at risk for pain syndromes and injury due to muscle tightness. The good news is everyone has the ability to avoid and even reverse painful and tight muscles by taking short breaks during the day and actively stretching.”

Diane will identify the 5 most common muscle groups that tighten up with prolonged sitting and follow each muscle group with a stretch that can loosen up tight muscles. Each stretch should be performed for 20-30 seconds 2-3 times.

The first involves the neck muscles.
Neck Stretch, stretches
Neck Stretch

“Most people strain their neck forward when looking down or at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time.” To help alleviate this problem, Diane suggests the Side Bend Stretch.

Side Bend Stretch:

Sit or stand with your arms at your side. Keeping your shoulders down, move your head to the right trying to touch your ear to your shoulder until you feel a gentle stretch of the neck muscles on the left side. Optional: to further stretch, take your right hand and very gently put a small pressure on your head and try to stretch the ear to the shoulder a little further.

stretches, neck stretch
Stretches – Neck Stretch – Optional

Hold for 20-30 seconds and return to starting position. Repeat on the opposite side.

 

This is the first in a series of helpful stretches from Diane. Stay tuned for more.

If your job requires extensive sitting, do you have any recommendations for alleviating the pain?

Interactions: Interference with Mineral Need

scientific laboratory
Scientific Laboratory

Interactions can interfere with mineral needs. Without certain minerals, you cannot sustain life. And, just because a food is rich in a mineral, does not mean you will garner its benefits. Such is the case when it comes to mineral interactions with fiber and mineral interactions with each other. This article will explore these interactions.

Fiber Interactions:
Grain Products
Grain Products

When it comes to fiber, certain substances can bind to the mineral preventing its absorption. In particular, grain fiber contains a compound called phytic acid which binds to minerals limiting its absorption. Another plant substance that binds minerals, especially calcium, is oxalic acid, found in high concentrations in spinach, thus severely limiting the absorption of this mineral. Accordingly, diets high in fiber can limit the body’s absorption of zinc, iron, and other minerals. The current recommended intake of fiber is 25 grams for adult women and 38 grams for adult men. A higher intake could create problems with the body’s mineral status.

Mineral Interactions
minerals, supplements, lab
Mineral Supplements are Manufactured in the Lab

With respect to mineral interactions with each other, this problem arises most frequently with those taking a specific mineral supplement. This is because several minerals, such as

  • calcium,
  • magnesium,
  • copper, and
  • iron

are similarly sized with similar electrical charges. These similarities create a competition among them for absorption affecting their bioavailability. In other words, if one of these minerals are taken in excess, it decreases the absorption of the others. For example, copper absorption is decreased with an excessive intake of zinc. For this reason, individual mineral supplements should be avoided unless recommended by a health professional due to a medical condition or dietary deficiency. On the other hand, food sources, pose little risk for mineral to mineral interactions.

Farmer's Market Fresh, vegetables
Fresh from the Farmer’s Market – Vegetables – A Great Source of Vitamins and Minerals

The bottom line is that there is minimal threat of interference in absorption caused by phytic acid and oxalic acid, two compounds found in high fiber foods and vegetables, with natural foods rather than pills. When you use a natural food product, mineral to mineral interactions is not an issue.

(C) 2016 Karen Van Den Heuvel Fischer

Southern Tomato Pie — Add to Your Summer Delight

Southern Tomato Pie, pie, farmers market
Southern Tomato Pie — A Summer Delight

Southern Tomato Pie is a delicious way to top off your summer! Savory, not sweet, take advantage of your garden or your local farmers market. Mouth watering fresh tomatoes and sweet Italian basil fill this pie along with a variety of cheeses. It makes a great side dish or a Vegetarian main dish — your choice.

Ingredients

  • 1 9-inch pie shell (store bought or homemade)
  • 3-4 tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup red or yellow onion chopped

    sweet Italian Basil, garden, herbs, farmers market
    Sweet Italian Basil — Home Grown or Farmers Market Fresh
  • 1/4 cup sliced basil (about 7-8 large leaves) — If you don’t have fresh, feel free to use dry.
  • 2 cups (8 oz.) of shredded cheese (use a combination of sharp cheddar cheese and Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (reduced fat preferred)

 

  • 1 tsp Hot Sauce if you like it hot (if not, skip this ingredient)
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (Note: Used to remove additional liquid from the tomatoes. Cheese has a lot of naturally occurring salt. Generally, after squeezing the tomatoes, I do not use salt.)

Directions

To prepare the tomatoes:
tomatoes, vegetables, fresh
Fresh Ripe Tomatoes
  • horizontally cut them in half,
  • squeeze to ensure the removal of excess juice,
  • chop to yield about 3 cups.
    • If using salt, lightly salt the tomatoes and set them in a colander over a bowl to drain.
    • Note: Remove as much moisture as possible. Squeeze or press with paper towels, potato ricer, or a clean dish towel.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F:

Pre-bake the pie crust until browned lightly (about 8 to 10 minutes — a frozen pie crust may take a little longer). You may want to poke holes in the bottom with a fork to vent.

Layer the pre-baked pie shell:
  • Start with a layer of chopped onions on the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust,
  • spread the chopped, drained tomatoes over the onions, then
  • sprinkle the fresh sweet Italian basil over the tomatoes.
Prepare cheese mixture:
  • Mix together the shredded cheese, mayonnaise, hot sauce (if used), and black pepper in a medium sized bowl.
  • Spread this cheese mixture over the the tomatoes & basil.
Bake:

Place Tomato Pie in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F until bubbly and browned. This usually takes between 25 and 45 minutes.

Visiting the Highlands, North Carolina area?

Southern Tomato Pie, tomatoes, basil,
Dusty’s Rhodes Superette
Highlands, N.C.
Serving Delicious Southern Tomato Pie

Enjoy breakfast or lunch at Dusty’s Rhodes Superette, a wholly owned family operation since 1952. The original owners built this market with an attached apartment where current owners, Dusty and Kitty were born. With fresh produce, meats, specialty foods, a bakery, deli and more, it’s a great place to stop, shop and enjoy a meal. They also make a delicious Tomato Pie!

market, dining, breakfast, lunch, Highlands, NC
Dusty’s Rhodes Superette
Highlands, N.C.