Calcium Rich Cusine

You don't have to eat rocks to get calcium from your food. There are plenty of delicious and healthy foods you can enjoy and receive bone-strengthening nutrients for your frame. Some excellent sources of calcium include:
*Yogurt: one cup equals 448mg
*Sesame seeds: one-fourth cup equals 351mg
*Goat's milk: one cup equals 326mg
*Cow's milk: one cup equals 297mg
*Swiss cheese: one ounce equals 270mg
*Spinach,cooked: one cup equals 260mg
*Collard greens, cooked: one cup equals 226mg
*Mozzarella cheese, shredded: one ounce equals 180mg
*Canned Salmon with bones: three ounces equals 180mg
*Almonds: two ounces equals 150mg
*Navy beans,cooked: one cup equals 130mg
*Black beans,cooked: one cup equals 120mg
*Tahini (a sesame seed paste): one tablespoon equals 68mg
*Basil, dried and ground: two teaspoons equal 64 mg
*Orange: one equals 53mg
*Almond butter: one tablespoon equals 43mg


Here are a couple recipes for summer. The ingredients -- a combination of raw and cooked foods -- are made from ingredients that are packed with calcium. Your mouth and your bones will love them!

Salmon Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
1 large can of salmon, with bones
1 12-ounce package of whole-grain pasta
2 cups finely chopped red or green bell peppers
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cups cooked whole-kernel corn
1 tablespoon basil
Sea salt and pepper to taste
1 cup mayonnaise or substitute
1 cup plain yogurt
1 large bag of spinach leaves (washed)
Grated Swiss Cheese
Sliced almonds

Directions:
Cook pasta; drain, cool and set aside. Drain canned salmon and break into chunks. Place in a large bowl. Add cooled pasta, cooked corn, peppers, onion, basil, sea salt and pepper. Mix gently, but well.

Blend together mayonnaise and plain yogurt. Fold mixture into the other salad ingredients. Line salad plates with washed spinach leaves, and then spoon out the salmon pasta salad over the spinach leaves. Sprinkle with grated Swiss cheese and sliced almonds. Serve.


Black Bean Summer Salad
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:
2 cups freshly cooked black beans
1/2 cup chopped green onions
2 avocados, peeled, seeded and chunked
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sea salt
Pepper
Grated mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Drain the freshly cooked black beans; set aside and cool. After the beans have cooled, use a large bowl and combine the black beans, green onions, avocados, basil, tomatoes, corn cilantro, juice of one lime, olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Chill. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Serve.

exerpt from Extraordinary Health, volume 7