tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89195436009603874222024-03-23T02:14:05.618-08:00Run Hard Eat CleanJohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-9229872320194346972011-07-25T11:25:00.000-08:002011-07-25T11:25:50.136-08:00Cucumber Rose Mocktail<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipE-t3Yc4GaUrL_SX6vVcwLgFbsP6OWWL7OiK6v_c5ePhEye4YDjoobrB4oxo_BTEkQgEs3fhdgn7zOr9UQAKpMjDWGE4N2J-ijHQgb8e3R4djmTc7GKU2q_MOU5o0rpMJ2owCJs90_w/s1600/cuke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipE-t3Yc4GaUrL_SX6vVcwLgFbsP6OWWL7OiK6v_c5ePhEye4YDjoobrB4oxo_BTEkQgEs3fhdgn7zOr9UQAKpMjDWGE4N2J-ijHQgb8e3R4djmTc7GKU2q_MOU5o0rpMJ2owCJs90_w/s640/cuke.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love Pink and Green!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mmmm, I love gin and tonics! But, in an effort to make all of my other healthy choices count, I rarely indulge in them. The last week was indescribably amazing. The weather was so beautiful. Hot for native Alaskans, but for this Florida native, total bliss.<br />
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Of course, old habits die hard and the sun (and a really hot an sweaty 8 miler) made me crave the hammock with an icy gin and tonic in hand.<br />
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Instead, I made a mocktail. Not my usual lime and tonic water on ice. I was laying on the hammock looking at all of the wild Sitka Rose bushes in my 'yard.' Thinking about that one gin that is distilled with roses? Then I thought, gosh a Pimm's soda would be awesome. Except I don't have Pimms. But I do have lots of cucumbers in my greenhouse! Here's what I made up. I'm sure a shot of Gin would only enhance the peppery coolness, if you are so inclined.<br />
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<b>Cucumber Rose Mocktail </b><br />
3-4 Cucumber slices<br />
2 Tbs Rose Petals (fresh is key- remember darker petals have more flavor)<br />
Good Quality Natural Tonic Water (or seltzer and supplement with honey/stevia)<br />
Lots of ice<br />
Cold Glass<br />
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</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m62drjXjI2o/Tiz16gvgqzI/AAAAAAAAASI/cnD83IJZRek/s1600/rosecuke.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m62drjXjI2o/Tiz16gvgqzI/AAAAAAAAASI/cnD83IJZRek/s640/rosecuke.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Muddle rose petals in a glass. Basically you are trying to get the liquid out. Muddle Cucumber slices. Place in cocktail shaker (or mason jar) with tonic water. Shake/stir well.<br />
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Pour over chilled glass of ice.<br />
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Enjoy your marvelous summer day.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;"><br />
Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James</span></i>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-35356723098872155042011-07-24T20:32:00.002-08:002011-07-24T20:36:27.875-08:00Smoothie Sundays~ Banana Coconut Pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUIJttGv6kzsEuHV-kNy_xKOr5ACFJFw1xyeFd553iGwVXRDaAaPXdV0mHB-1RAAwSlI6ezT7JuUJWYotmNr15xUiP4xpQ2UNv1Iq_jtcyYbcyBAHidyP7CP3NjLmDjoT0brUmGaIlEg/s1600/smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinUIJttGv6kzsEuHV-kNy_xKOr5ACFJFw1xyeFd553iGwVXRDaAaPXdV0mHB-1RAAwSlI6ezT7JuUJWYotmNr15xUiP4xpQ2UNv1Iq_jtcyYbcyBAHidyP7CP3NjLmDjoT0brUmGaIlEg/s640/smoothie.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Mmmm mmm.. Smoothies this yummy are like having dessert for lunch!<br />
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I found a bunch of forgotten banana slices in the depths of our storage freezer. All of a sudden I had a huge banana craving! I don't have them all that often. Having your banana frozen prior to blending is crucial to the milkshake consistency that makes this amaaaaaazing.<br />
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You don't have to prepare the coconut milk ahead of time.. but it is 'best.'<br />
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<b>Banana Coconut Pie Smoothie</b><br />
1 Cup Frozen Banana slices<br />
1 Cup Almond Milk (or whatever)<br />
3 Tbs Shredded Coconut Flakes (I use the larger, but any work-unsweetened)<br />
1/4 of scraped Vanilla Bean (you could use maybe 1/2 tsp of extract instead.. but the bean is so intensely flavored and you get all those pretty specks!)<br />
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Splash of coconut milk for blending (optional-I just happened to run out of almond milk mid-blend).<br />
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Blend it all! Add 1-2 ice cubes to get it extra creamy! So, so delicious!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-76785845068963618552011-07-09T09:23:00.001-08:002011-07-09T09:27:40.375-08:00Quinoa Chocolate Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuZMUNKQ7DbW6flpww1ms37HHGrjXx4U-OgeDqIeWE3UuzYhwwOG0Ync1eYCdcJ1G2FOVg_r3V-Yjuz_JTQ4GcO42MB9b59jN6Dl4RrNZVJBrqog8SVJIfn-SOB7mLMgykLfUE8OfVO8/s1600/cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUuZMUNKQ7DbW6flpww1ms37HHGrjXx4U-OgeDqIeWE3UuzYhwwOG0Ync1eYCdcJ1G2FOVg_r3V-Yjuz_JTQ4GcO42MB9b59jN6Dl4RrNZVJBrqog8SVJIfn-SOB7mLMgykLfUE8OfVO8/s640/cake.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Puddings, cookies, breads, cereal, casseroles, burgers, soup, salad toppings.. I've tried just about everything with Quinoa. Most recipes were an experiment, trying to find new ways to enjoy this high protein grain (it's actually a seed).<br />
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While visiting my family, I got a couple of the women in my family converted with my favorite Quinoa/Avocado/Broccoli/Nutritional Yeast Mash. They took me to the health food store and had me walk around and answer questions about supplements and foods they've been wanting to try but didn't know what to do with.<br />
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One of my aunts started using cooked whole quinoa in her smoothies. This gave me an awesome idea, <b>Quinoa Protein Powder</b>! It's easy, and if you use the ivory quinoa, the taste is not overpowering (or the color). So, I just grind my quinoa into flour, store it in the fridge, and add to my smoothies! From what I've read, and I do a lot of food research, such a high percentage of saponin is rinsed in processing that rinsing is unnecessary. But I purchase in bulk, and I'm just in the habit of rinsing everything. So, if you rinse, be sure it is completely dry (talking hours here) before grinding. This powder is super fine and can also be used to thicken soups instead of dairy or rice. <br />
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Against traditional thought, all varieties (ivory/golden/black/red) of quinoa are very close in nutritional value. True to anything red, the red quinoa is a source of Vitamin E. But then again, so does the Ivory variety! Red/black quinoa is said to have a few more grams of fiber, as well as a bit higher in calories and protein. The darker varieties seem to take a tad longer to cook, and have a stronger earthy taste (the kind of earthy feel you get from brown rice). Mostly described as 'nutty.'<br />
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The benefits seem endless! What can't this grain (SEED!) do? I won't repeat it all here. This is one of my favorite sources for a quick run down on nutritional <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=142&tname=foodspice">info</a>.<br />
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If you've been using a recipe you love over and over, but it's losing it's luster, you should check out this book. My hubby surprised me with this book when it came out and while some of the recipes are things I had tried, I was thrilled to see them! Tested recipes! Whoo! At their <a href="http://www.quinoa365.com/recipes.html">website</a> you can try out recipes as they add them! Two very cool sisters wrote the book. <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=run02e-20&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1552859940&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe><br />
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Last night I made one of my favorite recipes out the book. One of my girlfriends is leaving for Germany for a year (so sad! but so excited for her!). She had a going away party last night and I brought this flourless chocolate cake, topped it with my own icing recipe and freshly picked beach strawberries. It disappeared, as usual, and I finally let out the secret! I love seeing the reactions! "All this time?" haha! Some definitely felt better after knowing. However, I must say, while it is high in protein and gluten free, it is certainly not 'clean' or healthy. I have a 'cleaner' version of my own which I will post. For potlucks, I actually follow the recipe (a rarity for me). Ok, sometimes. Last night I followed it (well with the substitutions- we don't use dairy milk for example). Because it is flourless, the cake always comes out even and the recipe allows for two 8-inch cakes, so it is easily layered and Voila! you have a beautiful layer chocolate cake that doesn't take long at all!<br />
*Note about cooking time: Mine come out perfect at 35 minutes. I have a gas oven, so maybe that's it... but start checking at 35 minutes.<br />
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Instead of typing it out myself.. <a href="http://www.doctorsreview.com/recipes/moist-chocolate-cake/">here</a> it is. I'm positive once you try this recipe you'll buy the book. The first 10 pages are about the history, use and specifics of Quinoa. Nice resource. There is even a baby food section! Really!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL-blXjsYyZoP6zfD2dDSP3HmOUqfa4-Y_OdfY0ryGaJHo6Y8lEVVNWbMr2qzM8UpYAj6ZnqHJ2edailENO1ISEUuoxCfejgHTB8qpgx8tc-mgRq4WVHUHz6ZVPaQ-SuBmAGX4NQv_9I/s1600/cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVL-blXjsYyZoP6zfD2dDSP3HmOUqfa4-Y_OdfY0ryGaJHo6Y8lEVVNWbMr2qzM8UpYAj6ZnqHJ2edailENO1ISEUuoxCfejgHTB8qpgx8tc-mgRq4WVHUHz6ZVPaQ-SuBmAGX4NQv_9I/s640/cake1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inside was even prettier!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Jo's Quinoa Chocolate Cake</b> (variation on 365 Quinoa Recipe)<br />
2/3 C Quinoa (white/golden/ivory)<br />
1 1/3 C Water<br />
1/3 C Almond Milk (instead of dairy)<br />
4 large eggs<br />
1 tsp Vanilla<br />
3/4 C Coconut oil (instead of butter) (have used 1/2 C applesauce with great but dense result-cut back on sweetener)<br />
2 tsp Stevia or 3/4 C Honey or 1/2 C Yacon (instead of 1 1/2 C Sugar) <br />
1 C Cacao, Carob or Cocoa Powder (Cacao was really strong, I got headaches, carob was delicious, cocoa was best)<br />
1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder<br />
1/2 tsp Baking Soda<br />
1/2 tsp Salt<br />
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*note about sweetener: I have tested all three. I listed them in order of preference. Honey tasted amazing, but for the cleanest option, go with stevia (dried, powdered, unprocessed is best). I have never used sugar in the cake. I use honey when I 'follow the recipe' and I still reduce it by at least 1/2 cup.<br />
*note about Cocoa: we used to use carob in place of cocoa until I started raw foods in 2008 and found out about raw cacao. Now, I'm finding I get headaches from it, and I've been pulling away from cacao, cocoa and the like more and more. If you don't care, use Cocoa. It tasted best (and because of the theobromine, most people would get headaches from raw cacao). <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobromine">Theobromine </a>is a myocardial stimulant (heart beats fast). You feel like you are on drugs if you have too much. Which makes sense now when I look back at some of the cacao loving raw foodists I met in Boone.. a little... 'wacky.'<br />
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Follow the same instructions for the recipe link above.<br />
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Ok, so everyone always wants to know about my chocolate icing. I used to make it with Agave. And started out making it with Avocado for raw brownies. It doesn't seem like it's going to work, but trust me. It will be very thin at first, once it cools.. you have control over the consistency. The colder it gets the harder. So, watch it unless you want to dirty more pans and heat it up and cool it back off again.<br />
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<b>Basic Heart Healthy-ish Chocolate Icing</b><br />
1/2 C Cocoa Powder<br />
6 Tbs Coconut Oil<br />
1/4 C Honey<br />
1/2-3/4 tsp Vanilla<br />
pinch of salt<br />
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On stove, in saucepan, melt/combine coconut oil and honey over lowest heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir to fully combine.<br />
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Add to the saucepan, vanilla, cocoa and salt. Stir well with fork. For about 3-5 minutes. It will thicken. I usually transfer this to a freezer friendly bowl, then stir. Personal preference.<br />
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Once well combined, place in freezer, and check every 10 minutes or so until thickened, but still easily spread (so you don't tear your cake!). Ice completely cool cake. COOL! Otherwise, it drips all over and what a mess. That goes for any icing.<br />
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I like to ice my cake with the icing not too thick, then place whatever pretty yummys I want on top, THEN place in the ridge for the icing to harden (thicken) completely.<br />
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Again, to go 'cleaner' omit honey, use stevia or apple juice.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-80736821977096001152011-07-08T10:42:00.004-08:002011-07-08T15:04:53.788-08:00Rosemary Grissini Crackers & Farmin' Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eftWQxGmC3Wtbpgdg3ihtEKzray5pKVWOc_8OOjCRcQHN0uek3k4Mtyk_QipuAjGt639nTDONSimQgVh3KTOGBfz4cXPtRCABZ9k3g5f1L_1yv12LBei2yR9l2jv3-bVt1cc21QDExM/s1600/crack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6eftWQxGmC3Wtbpgdg3ihtEKzray5pKVWOc_8OOjCRcQHN0uek3k4Mtyk_QipuAjGt639nTDONSimQgVh3KTOGBfz4cXPtRCABZ9k3g5f1L_1yv12LBei2yR9l2jv3-bVt1cc21QDExM/s640/crack.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Ah, the everlasting quest to use up that almond pulp! I'm always throwing together an experiment that may or may not be awesome. This recipe is one I make every other month or so. I always seem to forget exactly how I did it the time before.<br />
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Gluten and wheat free, this cracker is basically- almond pulp. It is amazing! Doesn't taste like almonds, insanely crunchy, and they last forever. Anytime I bring these to a potluck, no one can believe I made them, and then, no one can believe they are raw and healthy. hahaha! I love tricking SAD (Standard American Diet) people! Showing people that eating healthy can be deliciousness, easy and not break the bank gives me great satisfaction. I'm actually coaching my cousin right now through a detox and cleanse. She is kicking her own butt with exercise and completely re-designing her diet. I'm thrilled to be helping her along.<br />
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I used to love rosemary grissini. Crispy, salty, crunchy, with that touch of oil and rosemary.. ah! Total Italian heaven! Oh wait, that is Caprese... This cracker reminds me so much of those, I had to give it props. I think you could roll these out into grissini shapes and dehydrate forever and get a similar result. I've been meaning to try that.<br />
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Okay, crackers! haha.. I mean, here are the crackers:<br />
<b><br />
Rosemary Grissini Crackers</b><br />
1 C Almond Pulp (I don't usually add sweetener or vanilla to my milk.. make sure you don't for this)<br />
2 Tbs Flax Meal<br />
1 Tbs Olive Oil<br />
1 Tbs Rosemary (crushed in hand.. coarse)<br />
1 tsp Thyme (ground/powdered)<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
*extra oil and salt for the tops<br />
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Mix very, very well in a bowl (I'm trying to go a whole week without my food processor!-um still using the blender though). <br />
Spread thickly, evenly onto dehydrator sheets. Score now (or forever hold your peace!).<br />
It's better to dehydrate for 1 hour or so before scoring.. but sometimes I forget and then I have to break pieces off.<br />
Dehydrate at 104F.<br />
After 2 hours or so, you can carefully move the crackers to a screen for faster drying.. but it isn't neccessary. <br />
Continue drying overnight or until as crispy as you like!<br />
In the morning, I'll brush them with oil, sprinkle with salt and let dry another 30 minutes or so.<br />
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Probably a bake-able recipe. I'd say start with 300F for 10 minutes.. watch closely for browning edges.<br />
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One other way I love to make crackers is with seeds! You can really use just about anything. Sometimes I add in lots of different seeds and spices to make an extra flavorful cracker. You could also go sweet with cinnamon and honey or cocoa/carob for a graham cracker.. just score large.<br />
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Here is an easy variation:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7mhT4Omvkq7B4BXC5IH0XG728RIF_GIEhC06inhhzt0k15ipA8iRfx_t0yWz1mroNgZItOhOc8RqPmHSkwMxI1DT2fBe9uKudbEm3ixbP7pcwD7qU-5rKnW9Tufm86WGPevZ9f3yDZU/s1600/crc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7mhT4Omvkq7B4BXC5IH0XG728RIF_GIEhC06inhhzt0k15ipA8iRfx_t0yWz1mroNgZItOhOc8RqPmHSkwMxI1DT2fBe9uKudbEm3ixbP7pcwD7qU-5rKnW9Tufm86WGPevZ9f3yDZU/s640/crc.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>Honey Sesame</b> <b>Crunch</b><br />
Same recipe as above- omit: herbs<br />
Add 1/2 C Sesame (I like it chock full)<br />
1/4 C honey<br />
1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional-I've tried it both ways)<br />
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Follow the same instructions! Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Farmin' Friday!</b><br />
It was one busy week on the farm! A lot of mending, planting, picking, weeding, etc. There may have been a few hammock naps in there too. I've barely used the internet. Just the way I like it.<br />
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Well, the garden is near full bloom! It's much better than last year. We are definitely getting the hang o Alaska gardening. Down south we felt like pros! There is always more to learn about gardening. Always buying more books, trying to techniques. It's a lifelong adventure. Right now we are picking many various greens, lettuces, chards, cucumbers, broccoli rabe, young beets and turnips. That is all that is ready as the gardening season here is late and slow. One thing I'm particularly excited about is my purple Kohlrabi and my red onions, brandywine tomatoes.. and my dragon carrots. I'm excited about all of it.. but I especially love the funky colored stuff. Interesting fact; moose are color blind.. for example, they will eat red cabbage and walk right over green cabbage! haha<br />
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Speaking of moose! I was weeding, so I'm on the ground, low, quiet, and this moose and TWIN calves walk right by me (on the other side of the fence). It was magical. Gosh, what a moment. According to the local biologists, the twin rate is very high this year.<br />
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I'll let pictures say the rest!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSP_RlRf6FRovO0kjc3AS6Ty2L1u68H6KIfGPxD1q1g47G0p43Q3jJKopTgZxYs1GgY-SMg-8_4PNHUF3Xm6LOiwWYm-LPGBZ0ZkCHpmV-oOsRvhwqXaqj-keKnGSMC1GEORBd_U1FyTw/s1600/du.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSP_RlRf6FRovO0kjc3AS6Ty2L1u68H6KIfGPxD1q1g47G0p43Q3jJKopTgZxYs1GgY-SMg-8_4PNHUF3Xm6LOiwWYm-LPGBZ0ZkCHpmV-oOsRvhwqXaqj-keKnGSMC1GEORBd_U1FyTw/s640/du.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqA5UxX-PgdQTcFg6Vh4isL2tcMfTCF-wGyx_MLCJqK94Uimk435SwvjxTCH50tFZ0O7e7df5OnfPP7ceSUqx4fRcqXvGFG4diwecULZlmjvje4acV0u-7bWCEkwXwoSCXZdCFQXZM7o/s1600/chickendin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcqA5UxX-PgdQTcFg6Vh4isL2tcMfTCF-wGyx_MLCJqK94Uimk435SwvjxTCH50tFZ0O7e7df5OnfPP7ceSUqx4fRcqXvGFG4diwecULZlmjvje4acV0u-7bWCEkwXwoSCXZdCFQXZM7o/s640/chickendin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Dinner, the injured chicken, is doing much better! She is hobble-walking and cackling. She wants to hang with her friends so bad, but because she limps, they picked on her. I chaperoned until it go out of control and brought her back into the garden with me. She is still sleeping inside. Here she is chilling in the raspberries (which, luckily aren't ready or she would annihilate them!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-36475259465209483502011-07-03T15:06:00.001-08:002011-07-03T15:08:45.052-08:00Smoothie Sunday~ Pluot Juicy Pear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwC_PItjKjlIsO9ytG5soWR6E39rYIVJvPs1-pj0XhpnA51mqo2adLguT7Mbt4R562M1pC2ytdv_2Ax9acsbuIjtx9j72I4jgjb_wL7p0vzjaBJOUwuHblWmxq95zBgeawXSByuSZY0w/s1600/smoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwC_PItjKjlIsO9ytG5soWR6E39rYIVJvPs1-pj0XhpnA51mqo2adLguT7Mbt4R562M1pC2ytdv_2Ax9acsbuIjtx9j72I4jgjb_wL7p0vzjaBJOUwuHblWmxq95zBgeawXSByuSZY0w/s640/smoothie.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>We are running a tad lower on produce than usual. I did have a couple perfectly ripe, gorgeous, fuchsia and sweet Pluots and a perfectly ripe Bartlett Pear!<br />
<br />
So, into the blender they went! It's puky brown, once the spinach was added.. but at one point it was as bright as beet juice!<br />
<br />
<b>Pluot Juicy Pear</b><br />
2 small Pluots with skin-no pit<br />
1 large ripe Pear<br />
2 C Spinach<br />
1/4 C Frozen Raspberries<br />
Coconut Water added until easily blended... started with 1/4 C<br />
<br />
Blend it all together, enjoy a fruity green Sunday afternoon smoothie! Makes enough to share!<br />
<br />
*I also added in 1 Tbs Chia & 1 tsp bee pollen .. add whatever superfoods you like!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-62059413248048463452011-07-01T14:10:00.002-08:002011-07-01T14:16:48.703-08:00Flourless Beet Chocolate Cake & Farmin' Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33hjmEKL5877nrKJmZVk4hwBApnTp3q1tYnXUjFuWm530w4vtAQGzBfGCp8PghQEJf1sy1j047z_4-0I_e8fJhwfY-WlMYwAdzF7wgXKGYMDs_dTOT9ITvd4ynYfodH4wi28oejfRrXM/s1600/beet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33hjmEKL5877nrKJmZVk4hwBApnTp3q1tYnXUjFuWm530w4vtAQGzBfGCp8PghQEJf1sy1j047z_4-0I_e8fJhwfY-WlMYwAdzF7wgXKGYMDs_dTOT9ITvd4ynYfodH4wi28oejfRrXM/s640/beet.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>For my birthday I really wanted to blow out candles. I wanted some tradition this year. Oh, I got candles. I got the ones that don't blow out. Ever. I yelled "die!" and dropped them to drown in my glass of water.<br />
<br />
OK, I wanted some tradition. What I didn't want was the traditional sugar/flour overload. The hubs wouldn't be up for making a raw carrot cake, and besides, that's boring. I wanted chocolate! I've never liked chocolate cake. Until, I had beet chocolate cake. It was so amazing. But while the one I refer to was made with whole wheat flour, coconut oil and without eggs, it was still sugary and well.. full of flour?<br />
<br />
I've never tried to make a raw beet cake (ooh, challenge!). I know that may not sound so great, but I love beets. They are naturally sweet, healthy and I'm pretty much sold on the impossibly vibrant hue. I love how it stains my fingers.<br />
<br />
What I've found with many gluten free recipes is they are full of butter and eggs. We do have a lot of eggs around, but after many years of baking without them, I just don't use them. Why? I'm used to vegan cooking and baking and so I just do what I'm used to when I make say.. zucchini bread or something.<br />
<br />
I googled healthy beet chocolate cake, wheat free chocolate cake, flourless chocolate cake.. and most recipes were full of butter, cream and eggs. While, I could indulge in adding egg, I wasn't ready for the full hit on my cholesterol. So, this was a huge experiment. And, yeah, I kind of made my own birthday cake...<br />
<br />
I was determined to add beets. Overall it was successful. I couldn't get it out of the pan very easily, but it tasted pretty good. I loved the not so sweet taste.. but my guests may have preferred it sweeter since they covered it in vanilla ice cream!<br />
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<b>Flourless Beet Chocolate Cake</b><br />
1-2 oz. melted Dark Chocolate or about 1/2 C Cocoa powder<br />
6 Tbs Coconut Oil<br />
3/4 Tbs Vanilla<br />
1/2 tsp dried Stevia<br />
2-3 Good squirts Agave<br />
3 Beets, medium, shredded<br />
3-4 eggs <br />
pinch of salt<br />
pinch of cayenne (yeah baby)<br />
<br />
So.. a few notes:<br />
*I used part (half of each amount shown) melted chocolate and part cocoa (raw cacao has been giving me headaches).. because I was just experimenting. You can do either, or both.<br />
*I didn't want it that sweet and still wanted ti healthy, so I used stevia.. then I thought.. ok.. just a couple squirts of agave... soo...<br />
I used 4 medium eggs.. if you have large eggs, use 3.. I didn't say this was vegan right? You can keep in mind when purchasing eggs (support your local egg farmer!), that free range eggs are lower in cholesterol and higher in healthy omegas. I heard it here. That's just my biased opinion. Why eat eggs that came out of an unhappy, abused animal? Some say, why eat eggs at all? Yeah, I was there once.<br />
<br />
Back to your normal programming: CAKE.<br />
1) Shred the beets (I used a food processor). Simmer on the stove, covered, until tender.. about 20 minutes. You won't need to add liquid.. the beets have enough.<br />
2) In another bowl, combine melted coconut oil, and all other ingredients, stir.<br />
3) When beets are done, transfer to food processor, puree, add the bowl of remaining ingredients, blend a bit more, scraping if needed.<br />
4) Pour into greased (grease it better than I did) and maybe dusted with cocoa powder- cake pan. I used a 9 inch (I think.. I finger measured). You can use muffin tins too. It was thinner than I had planned. Next time I will double the recipe, or use a smaller/deeper dish.<br />
5) Bake @ 350 for about 10 minutes. No, really. I looked in and the cake had a volcano growth on one side.. it was done. My oven runs hot.. and it will depend on your pan.. but start checking at 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
Let cool.<br />
<br />
<b>Chocolate Icing</b><br />
1 Tbs Cocoa powder<br />
3 Tbs Coconut oil<br />
1 tsp Vanilla<br />
<br />
I whipped this together in a food processor. Then pour into a bowl, and chilled so the coconut oil would harden a bit, making an icing consistency.<br />
<br />
Once cake is cool, ice, top with whatever you want (I did strawberries and coconut) and chill until ready to serve. <br />
<br />
<b>Farmin' Friday!</b><br />
Dinner, one of my funny white chickens that does things like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7ngnEFJYqI8PbjoXzXiEq542eytuV8SIfNIpOD6cTJ7RRR3TLoIjbWYX3dvOvdVVWRv0sE4ipFBBfn5-1yUlwVlNLoDk7bXDwL3Fh6CjYSSmk4aj2Mpm2EDg4RvriaRqXMEUKd8iAl4/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7ngnEFJYqI8PbjoXzXiEq542eytuV8SIfNIpOD6cTJ7RRR3TLoIjbWYX3dvOvdVVWRv0sE4ipFBBfn5-1yUlwVlNLoDk7bXDwL3Fh6CjYSSmk4aj2Mpm2EDg4RvriaRqXMEUKd8iAl4/s400/3.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dust Bath in a Pot Full of Dirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>and was missing for a week? Story<a href="http://runhardeatclean.blogspot.com/2011/06/blossom-salad-farmin-friday.html"> here.</a><br />
<br />
Well, she is still alive! The last few days, every time I come in to feed her, she tried to stand up like "See? Don't give up on me!" and then falls back over. But today, she stood! Really, really stood! Using both feet. She's has been more aggressive with her daily strawberries (flinging them in the air) and eggs and is even eating feed now. So happy!! I think she's going to make it for sure. Every time I get that bad feeling, they prove me wrong. Except for the baby barred rock that died in my hand in May. :( I had a good feeling and she just, didn't.<br />
Here she is in all her dirty glory.. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMQ4tahMH3IvnI1E6gqB34V9vg6dllxC4No6Gn3fu43xXqZ21iHrny22k-VthcL-PmL5TUcpolV7BeHgbiDjNu3RygwBAd7SU1KhRV3OAGaqNas6PYhXTZkzyw2rKsmfS2Q8xDW48cAA/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCMQ4tahMH3IvnI1E6gqB34V9vg6dllxC4No6Gn3fu43xXqZ21iHrny22k-VthcL-PmL5TUcpolV7BeHgbiDjNu3RygwBAd7SU1KhRV3OAGaqNas6PYhXTZkzyw2rKsmfS2Q8xDW48cAA/s400/chicken.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lost weight huh?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A lot going on. A lot growing. Fireweed is about to bloom, Lupine, Wild Iris (pictured below) Yarrow and Comfrey are out. Currants are green and I'm waiting like crazy for the strawberries on the beach to be ready!<br />
<br />
The last photo is our 'surprise!' rooster. Silver Leghorn if I'm not mistaken. It messes up our roo to hen ratio a bit, especially given we will likely lose a few hens over the course of the year to various causes (i.e. hawks). He is very friendly and calm. I knew he was a roo when he was a few weeks old, but hoped against it anyway. He lets out a lil baby crow at sunrise (3 am or so) and when he hears me come to open the coop. Just a couple more weeks and they should be big enough to let loose with our adult flock.<br />
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I'll let pictures tell the rest:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTDmYM2OyoxxlXaucbd3GKE6bucjtJUjpcm9ooso6ZU4muUVzaNCw70rv3nPTInJubKzaf50s_7-z7TZ2O3Jd_nvp1DtBIVt0Uoj7DrdyNCK9NGRHl99_v0yDBCQtPdNKKtVT3EKUHio/s1600/cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTDmYM2OyoxxlXaucbd3GKE6bucjtJUjpcm9ooso6ZU4muUVzaNCw70rv3nPTInJubKzaf50s_7-z7TZ2O3Jd_nvp1DtBIVt0Uoj7DrdyNCK9NGRHl99_v0yDBCQtPdNKKtVT3EKUHio/s640/cat.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZwDVJ_b2TeHW0g_VzeoOI3LLJn7ci8ZChaaa9rbta1pB5PhzhdVtiRRfDZy150mJC22fw7-_eFlIa3mwaJOAqpttNt-CcwC9arHNcwqY0kqpxnTmsW8maRJ1XdQlAieZtMO5X7KzfTY/s1600/fence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZwDVJ_b2TeHW0g_VzeoOI3LLJn7ci8ZChaaa9rbta1pB5PhzhdVtiRRfDZy150mJC22fw7-_eFlIa3mwaJOAqpttNt-CcwC9arHNcwqY0kqpxnTmsW8maRJ1XdQlAieZtMO5X7KzfTY/s640/fence.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUtanBCl3Gr3C44KMsn8yGXLS328LVDqHYB_ppIalb948gW92Awswjl5TQslueiptA0aj7tyJWivNaysQxcnqs4qKCgl38-1OQvVkq6NXDd0lRkpkfz1XrMtxaqbJClVzMhQY4_oI-SE/s1600/flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMUtanBCl3Gr3C44KMsn8yGXLS328LVDqHYB_ppIalb948gW92Awswjl5TQslueiptA0aj7tyJWivNaysQxcnqs4qKCgl38-1OQvVkq6NXDd0lRkpkfz1XrMtxaqbJClVzMhQY4_oI-SE/s640/flags.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPcoG9hXCkZIaqSrfYrc1a9wKWPIFWKVOq4yCivW-eL5PqXSauuzOz2dFhPjcFBRsRPHEghnJi1gJDpAD_VbjTmToK-bBXTlI76s34j4Gr5TOL_VuAyZ7AIkXvRaG_pB4sjK_BpSR1ok/s1600/kull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAPcoG9hXCkZIaqSrfYrc1a9wKWPIFWKVOq4yCivW-eL5PqXSauuzOz2dFhPjcFBRsRPHEghnJi1gJDpAD_VbjTmToK-bBXTlI76s34j4Gr5TOL_VuAyZ7AIkXvRaG_pB4sjK_BpSR1ok/s640/kull.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWhq59vvQxDnpqZqzwaaGvBRdFI7R5h-Fsnavj4W6im6-xrkIC_VOZWATfqoru72nL6yklFtPySZPM0oG381rVL_vhZt3hxB0d-pR6mZo-UBNpep05Ybjr-ZmZXf4CP5BQPFwgNSfV78/s1600/iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIWhq59vvQxDnpqZqzwaaGvBRdFI7R5h-Fsnavj4W6im6-xrkIC_VOZWATfqoru72nL6yklFtPySZPM0oG381rVL_vhZt3hxB0d-pR6mZo-UBNpep05Ybjr-ZmZXf4CP5BQPFwgNSfV78/s640/iris.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGcCl5PSsYNjJFSIacXgT5S6g2-jpWFskV9cew8wVQygAe45jAahcOWm8Ca3dTKL4ByBE2sQkNzLJAe_6s0A7uKUd1q5HY_VeJHLTweyr5u6nrma7FI6TCehLnG8KT2s454O2tKumNf8/s1600/roo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlGcCl5PSsYNjJFSIacXgT5S6g2-jpWFskV9cew8wVQygAe45jAahcOWm8Ca3dTKL4ByBE2sQkNzLJAe_6s0A7uKUd1q5HY_VeJHLTweyr5u6nrma7FI6TCehLnG8KT2s454O2tKumNf8/s640/roo.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise! I'm a Purty Roo!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-90010967893699058782011-06-30T11:39:00.003-08:002011-07-01T14:34:58.711-08:00Grrrrilled Pizza Party!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghowNCud5FflLdSM0c3q9JVE_hMHTaMHbKKhOgXzU9T_tS-SVLvGVSTNQrsDRFLpW7K0BYsYTGMedYSaQT53b9ka3inyTY6sRD1ZQ-ECuilJd_9unaGX-T9X31neIKsBmH5nf8O7DXXS8/s1600/g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghowNCud5FflLdSM0c3q9JVE_hMHTaMHbKKhOgXzU9T_tS-SVLvGVSTNQrsDRFLpW7K0BYsYTGMedYSaQT53b9ka3inyTY6sRD1ZQ-ECuilJd_9unaGX-T9X31neIKsBmH5nf8O7DXXS8/s640/g.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sitting by the fire...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>For my birthday, I wanted to indulge. And not in alcohol, but in pizza and cake (cake post coming soon)! I actually indulged in fresh caught Alaska Salmon as well. It didn't sit all that well with me. :(<br />
<br />
I know pizza is a huge part of the runners food group, but I just don't eat it anymore! I'm possibly wheat intolerant. Which is sad. I'm still testing it out. All I know is I can actually breathe through my nose when I don't eat it. To be on the safe side, for my pizza, I used an oat crust.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1weg3sXNoY7alrBeiRnwPwFoNbeqINbjPF2cHkQ0CLbZmljUCNLzE7Xk0ckHKme0nn0DWJl40KybdSwzEXGpqNkF4kH-ZdYxtpXh4GUjncDXAPEjEtFSHwzbuBJ9bsZGLDOJZM71_JJo/s1600/gg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1weg3sXNoY7alrBeiRnwPwFoNbeqINbjPF2cHkQ0CLbZmljUCNLzE7Xk0ckHKme0nn0DWJl40KybdSwzEXGpqNkF4kH-ZdYxtpXh4GUjncDXAPEjEtFSHwzbuBJ9bsZGLDOJZM71_JJo/s640/gg.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>If you've never grilled pizza before, it is very easy, quick and you get that oven fired crunch. It's also a great party idea. Small party idea. Last night we had a couple people over and it was top your own crust. Monday we had a large potluck, and it was bring a dish etc. Anymore than 4-5 people and the grill will either not be big enough, and/or you won't all eat together.<br />
<br />
I kind of threw these crusts together, but I was very happy with how they turned out.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><b>Speedy Pizza Crust</b><br />
2 1/4 tsp Yeast<br />
1 1/4 C Whole Wheat Flour<br />
1 1/4 C Spelt Flour/Brown Rice Flour Mix (any lighter flour will work)<br />
1 C Warm water <br />
2 Tbs Olive Oil<br />
1 tsp Honey<br />
1 tsp Salt<br />
2 Tbs mixed herbs (I did oregano, basil and garlic powder) <br />
<br />
In a bowl, mix yeast and honey with wrist temp warm water. Stir until dissolved. Let sit for a few minutes.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt.<br />
<br />
Make a well in the middle, pour in yeast mixture, oil and water. Stir until loose ball forms. Knead until elastic. Leave in oiled bowl for however long you want. I was busy with other fixin's so it sat for about 30 minutes and doubled in that time! However, you can use this immediately, it does not have to rise.<br />
<br />
Once risen, you can divide this into at least 2 very large crusts, I divided into 5 nice thin crusts- the size of my pizza stone. Roll out on floured surface. The smaller they are, the easier they handle on the grill.<br />
<br />
Roll out thin, but not too thin... like 1/4-1/2 inch. Lay on a plate, dust with cornmeal/ground flaxseed. Layer with another crust. Repeat.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbrEMSAIyW6Q_EIBp2EOhF2ZDCrggJXjVLGYHyPX0H5Ny8oakT8fXGx0VUuTTG7ikAVxCqst4b7Sia68RQIiVvCNBs-Jni8Fh6bHmUNfVLJd71ScdxkwfSw20pAlwLX6ScyHube8gYdQ/s1600/g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbrEMSAIyW6Q_EIBp2EOhF2ZDCrggJXjVLGYHyPX0H5Ny8oakT8fXGx0VUuTTG7ikAVxCqst4b7Sia68RQIiVvCNBs-Jni8Fh6bHmUNfVLJd71ScdxkwfSw20pAlwLX6ScyHube8gYdQ/s640/g2.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>On the grill:</b><br />
On preheated/low heat grill, carefully place one crust over low flame. watch closely.. about 3-5 minutes, turn. Cook this side only until done.. not too brown. Remember that once the toppings are on, the crust will cook even more. You do want it done at this point though.<br />
<br />
Take crusts off grill. Top with your favorite veggies. Place crusts back on grill. Close the lid. And check every few minutes. The veggies will still be a little on the fresh side, which I personally love. If you have cheese, it will definitely melt quickly. We use the top rack of the grill to keep the crusts from over cooking before the toppings are done. If your grill only has one rack, just watch closely, or pre-cook your veggies a tad.<br />
<br />
Voila! Pizza on the grill!<br />
<br />
I made the above recipe for my company and hubs. For myself, (trying to avoid wheat/most flours) I made a pizza crust out of oats. I tried sneaking oat flour into all of my little sisters pizza crusts/pancakes/cookies. And until she caught me blending oats, it worked! haha!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQepwWhhlgtvMGfMadGApXz_hwlIb3zUXr1DakeVWyCD4kBHOn7SKcAUZw4iuRDmkw70XeNDn0UlojFFt3ywZmqHsek20D48fFtq11gKAVriIHaQ4tcxo5XkIngoj0sEhUqrQd9UeuLo/s1600/g3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQepwWhhlgtvMGfMadGApXz_hwlIb3zUXr1DakeVWyCD4kBHOn7SKcAUZw4iuRDmkw70XeNDn0UlojFFt3ywZmqHsek20D48fFtq11gKAVriIHaQ4tcxo5XkIngoj0sEhUqrQd9UeuLo/s640/g3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Oat Pizza Crust</b><br />
2 C Oat Flour (can be easily made in food processor/blender)<br />
2 1/4 tsp Yeast (can be made without)<br />
1 C Warm Water<br />
1 tsp Honey<br />
1 Tbs Olive Oil<br />
1/2 tsp Salt<br />
1 Tbs Rosemary, crushed in your hand<br />
<br />
In one bowl, dissolve yeast, honey and water. Let sit a few minutes.<br />
<br />
In another stir together flour, rosemary, and salt.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3FdCmUQULemtDb4yVm_Fi-8EMYqnYNOsvhcJu-uAFV_SOmPII9YF1BS-HnsC1d-SzqO-E2a4-3XmcyNJjKVJS1m8UrCAmC-LtQYkheokY9LkQoLC5EJt3PvA8GjYwod3C1CdcuGyShw/s1600/g4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3FdCmUQULemtDb4yVm_Fi-8EMYqnYNOsvhcJu-uAFV_SOmPII9YF1BS-HnsC1d-SzqO-E2a4-3XmcyNJjKVJS1m8UrCAmC-LtQYkheokY9LkQoLC5EJt3PvA8GjYwod3C1CdcuGyShw/s640/g4.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Make a well in the flour bowl, pour in yeast mixture, water and oil. Stir well. The mixture will be really wet. I made the mistake of chit chatting with a girl friend as I made this up and I though.. oh my.. not enough flour.. so I made/added more (which you can tell in the photos-I didn't grind completely). What I wasn't thinking about was that the oats would absorb the water and become a manageable dough.. so what I ended up with was a drier, more crumbly dough that I had planned for, but they taste was still amazing!! The amounts above are correct (or at least close).<br />
<br />
Once the oats absorb the water (about 10 minutes), form into a ball, and make as many crust as you can get for the size you want (this makes a good bit of dough, at least 2 medium large crusts-I made 6 small ones).<br />
<br />
Layer on a plate being sure to sprinkle cornmeal/ground flax in between each crust to keep from sticking. If your dough is sticky, add more oats. You don't want to put sticky dough on the grill!<br />
<br />
I loaded mine with cilantro pesto, zucchini, olives and garlic. I wasn't able to get a photo of mine, but snapped some pics of the leftovers.<br />
<br />
Follow the grilling instructions above! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
We were lucky enough to have fresh canned basic tomato sauce (like paste.. but not so thick) but you can use a can of tomato paste/sauce from the store.. or cook down a bunch of tomatoes (seeded and drained) from your garden, then pureed.<br />
<br />
<b>Basic Pizza Sauce </b><br />
1 C Tomato Sauce (if using paste-add water until sauce consistency) <br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
2 Tbs mixed herbs (basil, oregno, thyme, tarragon, and garlic powder are classic)<br />
1/2 tsp honey or other sweetener<br />
<br />
We added 1 Tbs of nutritional yeast to ours. You can experiment with other add ins such as fruit jam, hot sauce, or molasses/mustard/spices for a BBQ sauce.<br />
<br />
Mix well, let sit for a little while to soften the dried herbs if possible. Not necessary though. THis recipe works well for<b> marinara </b>as well, with a few minor adjustments (add chopped garlic, 1 tsp of olive oil, up the sweetener/salt).<br />
<br />
Super easy and a great alternative to fresh basil pesto. Cilantro can be easier to find and less expensive.<br />
<br />
<b>Cilantro Pesto </b><br />
1 bunch fresh Cilantro <b></b><br />
2-5 Tbs Olive Oil<b></b><br />
2 Tbs ground Almonds<b></b><br />
1 tsp Salt<b></b><br />
1-2 Tbs Parmesean (optional)<br />
<br />
So it basically follows <b>basil pesto</b> (which is basil, olive oil, parmesan, pine nuts, salt and pepper).<b> </b>But, you don't always have pine nuts or basil on hand. I made mine without cheese, and it was awesome! Salt is more to taste, start with less, especially if you add Parm.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-72185136074247383782011-06-27T08:00:00.010-08:002011-06-27T08:00:06.584-08:00DIY Mondays~Make Your Own Almond Butter!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-wgb9DPQCg-1wkJENFC_TOHxuHZ2dh6trOjhqJ4w3E_UhWUGGJdvC1SbCsvtJSGVKGBaWuvfyeFHbsUCSlRSg14XBbY431CMpkCvaUN1ljjQOt1aOw8gExZ4qVxU2DZnRYR06iwG0qY/s1600/al9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0-wgb9DPQCg-1wkJENFC_TOHxuHZ2dh6trOjhqJ4w3E_UhWUGGJdvC1SbCsvtJSGVKGBaWuvfyeFHbsUCSlRSg14XBbY431CMpkCvaUN1ljjQOt1aOw8gExZ4qVxU2DZnRYR06iwG0qY/s640/al9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Making your own almond, peanut, cashew or pumpkin, sunflower, coconut butter is SO easy, you'll wonder why you ever bought the jar stuff!<br />
<br />
Back in the day, I was really anti-appliance. I still have some amount of guilt when I use my blender or food processor 4-5 times a day. It's for my health though! Right? Ah. This debate is for a different day. I'm conflicted.<br />
<br />
So, we had an old recycled, re-used way to many times espresso machine for a few years. And no other appliances. No Juicer, blender or food processor; all of which we now have, now minus the espresso machine. We use a glass french press for coffee now, but have 2 largish appliances. I'm glad we still don't have a mixer, toaster oven, toaster, coffee machine etc. etc. But sometimes, when all three of our appliances are on the counter, I feel gluttonous and ridiculous. Healthy eating can be as simple as and apple and nut/seed butter! Oh yeah, the recipe!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKcg62mlpJY1K3kfI65oXqbfFVT7IjZTTGxlgaLm_y44aV8f041UurLhySRBl2wGSZ4LZgulxCyeefNO0zLpVFinKvV_1IX7v7fiK4Qej9HXxkRIFhAvYVjnC9NfyZnApjiEyor56RM8/s1600/al7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZKcg62mlpJY1K3kfI65oXqbfFVT7IjZTTGxlgaLm_y44aV8f041UurLhySRBl2wGSZ4LZgulxCyeefNO0zLpVFinKvV_1IX7v7fiK4Qej9HXxkRIFhAvYVjnC9NfyZnApjiEyor56RM8/s640/al7.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><b>Aren't You Cool Butter</b><br />
It's <i>this</i> easy:<br />
Plug in your food processor.<br />
Pour in some nuts (or seeds). <br />
Process, scraping fairly often (this will be ultra loud at first).<br />
And you have your own, homemade, rebel butter.<br />
<br />
<b>Fun Add Ins:</b> Honey, Cinnamon, Maple, Cocoa powder, dried fruit..salt as needed..<br />
<br />
Here is a photo log of Almond-Pumpkin Butter so you can see what you are looking for:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBh6E5zEwIQX9nIoMFC9Rr0KtLH0CeIfd7pJEm2XtclBsh8R0nw9xSE1r4B51VnOxe0OBCOvB9e5eJc_DggdNNOY2GZ2XG3S1iqmh_eF523AXvX9LATrMOUtGa87wxNcAHYm024_sxGQ/s1600/almond1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSBh6E5zEwIQX9nIoMFC9Rr0KtLH0CeIfd7pJEm2XtclBsh8R0nw9xSE1r4B51VnOxe0OBCOvB9e5eJc_DggdNNOY2GZ2XG3S1iqmh_eF523AXvX9LATrMOUtGa87wxNcAHYm024_sxGQ/s400/almond1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After 1-2 Minutes</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVMGk7dszgWMY5jM6UOHy7A3JdlA74wxJVnDFtZtD6ELOE4hHmXziT-akmg3bKURRavrP7jj1ZjvcAUexEh49zB-JoGaLtIihEY_POFvp6rCEFopsOa-Fpit-LJTNJWm6yWakQdYzgYE/s1600/almond2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVMGk7dszgWMY5jM6UOHy7A3JdlA74wxJVnDFtZtD6ELOE4hHmXziT-akmg3bKURRavrP7jj1ZjvcAUexEh49zB-JoGaLtIihEY_POFvp6rCEFopsOa-Fpit-LJTNJWm6yWakQdYzgYE/s1600/almond2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimVMGk7dszgWMY5jM6UOHy7A3JdlA74wxJVnDFtZtD6ELOE4hHmXziT-akmg3bKURRavrP7jj1ZjvcAUexEh49zB-JoGaLtIihEY_POFvp6rCEFopsOa-Fpit-LJTNJWm6yWakQdYzgYE/s400/almond2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close Up-see lil chunks</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOEFxQZ3kHriI7ptB3sJU4tVtjxW_0Bur1G3qn2LO4K9x9XJVjaAOgmEt0NXrYP2rB_pKfZ7i4Sg4Fg6YE_Snv6orQBIX0DW2DKDcwVj_gt7HHu6n-tie7znfc2pAmzDr6uTlsHtVd3k/s1600/almond3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOEFxQZ3kHriI7ptB3sJU4tVtjxW_0Bur1G3qn2LO4K9x9XJVjaAOgmEt0NXrYP2rB_pKfZ7i4Sg4Fg6YE_Snv6orQBIX0DW2DKDcwVj_gt7HHu6n-tie7znfc2pAmzDr6uTlsHtVd3k/s400/almond3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After another 1-2 minutes</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MkhPfGTlbBqiIoGJzHwXYoh2R6N3wc9tdOW_u4OQm2lmJ1yAgd0MTeLk62nxQ10M2QppRgU0nl1kyuXMafPlMYDaTc_wjR9uxK3UwyOzp8gllV5DRrby2Uy0AE0cw37_d5KpSzvKI38/s1600/almond4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8MkhPfGTlbBqiIoGJzHwXYoh2R6N3wc9tdOW_u4OQm2lmJ1yAgd0MTeLk62nxQ10M2QppRgU0nl1kyuXMafPlMYDaTc_wjR9uxK3UwyOzp8gllV5DRrby2Uy0AE0cw37_d5KpSzvKI38/s400/almond4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to release oils after another 2 minutes</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9zjaK7-BK018RaZin2DDMKwJPxUTzTuKsFL3d9D6WRXi4-6zUbiZFdHKAc5APK3mNXkkol3TcXoD5bP-ym2mKO8EpnS63SQpmnApGurZcjUUiCQzbO45ly8D1wg9jCOCHI88A-xBkDw/s1600/almond5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9zjaK7-BK018RaZin2DDMKwJPxUTzTuKsFL3d9D6WRXi4-6zUbiZFdHKAc5APK3mNXkkol3TcXoD5bP-ym2mKO8EpnS63SQpmnApGurZcjUUiCQzbO45ly8D1wg9jCOCHI88A-xBkDw/s400/almond5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 3 minutes</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkO9DUvJQhOalrFyayiJRKi0oXI-DbLGvoXoZPBYToZbS9m3bC64hH8NwB6eajfcgTIqTuoXlQ1UOUvNQ1B6Hc6Nn0_tsBz2eWZ1xJATR-0Pp6IjJq7EfVfYl16KkpJw79h3YQa3ZcuE/s1600/almond6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkO9DUvJQhOalrFyayiJRKi0oXI-DbLGvoXoZPBYToZbS9m3bC64hH8NwB6eajfcgTIqTuoXlQ1UOUvNQ1B6Hc6Nn0_tsBz2eWZ1xJATR-0Pp6IjJq7EfVfYl16KkpJw79h3YQa3ZcuE/s400/almond6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 3 minutes..</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>From here, it's preference. The butter becomes fairly warm from friction and will just get smoother as the oils warm up. <br />
From this point you can add a handful of whatever nut you are using and pulse it in for 'chunky.'<br />
Or, add in whatever flavor/spices/salt you want.<br />
<br />
From here I added in a small handful of pumpkin seeds and a touch of salt.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMbccPZXe7u4gHhWrCwPUg5jK3eflID09Q_hKe530RnX3Uv3OIsaBlJCdBfCLd7i2jM0UjrFRwuWk28TIW-pzV9KhSXUjTp7vXpjjeuf_UpanKYRgJehvesN7BuDqR8Rs5SfiLl3HicY/s1600/al8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMbccPZXe7u4gHhWrCwPUg5jK3eflID09Q_hKe530RnX3Uv3OIsaBlJCdBfCLd7i2jM0UjrFRwuWk28TIW-pzV9KhSXUjTp7vXpjjeuf_UpanKYRgJehvesN7BuDqR8Rs5SfiLl3HicY/s640/al8.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Using raw nuts and seeds may be more beneficial to your health versus roasted. Read <a href="http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/08/070821090455.htm">here</a> and <a href="http://www.3fatchicks.com/raw-nuts-vs-roasted-nuts-the-truth/">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Although, I believe raw peanuts may be a no-no.<br />
<br />
So easy! Oh yeah, and healthy, protein packed too.<br />
<br />
What is your favorite rebel homemade food?<br />
<br />
Do you have any crazy delicious combination ideas?Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-8230066456470129932011-06-26T08:00:00.003-08:002011-06-26T08:00:03.841-08:00Smoothie Sundays~Kiwi Arugula & Cantaloupe Strawberry<div style="text-align: left;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ezRyBdWos9owk900flCybcs6WaLsmcgZoV2XGRPzIcRsvH_NfPMchsDfhwBmTSmDMr7QP-Y-GM5OuUGtp6gazcLAio5sfctChsPuXE_a0C4XkqhlDwQ9kxIl1UVHgHpdsAyjYenqs90/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ezRyBdWos9owk900flCybcs6WaLsmcgZoV2XGRPzIcRsvH_NfPMchsDfhwBmTSmDMr7QP-Y-GM5OuUGtp6gazcLAio5sfctChsPuXE_a0C4XkqhlDwQ9kxIl1UVHgHpdsAyjYenqs90/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Put da Strawberry in da Cantaloupe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I drink a lot of smoothies. It's a great way to be sure you are getting your greens in. I try to get a variety and not use the same ol, same ol, but that is much easier in the summer.<br />
<br />
Here are two of my favorites from last week!<br />
<br />
With the first one, very basic, 2 fruits, one incredible flavor. Amazing<a href="http://www.elements4health.com/cantaloupe.html"> health.</a><br />
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<b>Cantaloupe Strawberry</b><br />
1 C Cantaloupe (chopped, no rind)<b> </b> <br />
5 Strawberries<br />
Almond milk/water as needed (any milk/liquid you want)<br />
Lots of ice<br />
<br />
I blended up the cantaloupe on it's own, poured it into a glass. Did the same with the strawberry. I just wanted to see the pretty colors on their own. Blend and Enjoy! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd7JhKTp1phSwmyQT5O7pd6tJ4nBOBMX9sUfd76AMhS9GPFTTTCwpw14oJ7w5iN0plWS1EIbjIGdwaeo4LCy36RsG7qk1MAQzztpjrUXIFzsugZTfC-g6NqaHsfdzv8uSQNrKw6tWlsc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcd7JhKTp1phSwmyQT5O7pd6tJ4nBOBMX9sUfd76AMhS9GPFTTTCwpw14oJ7w5iN0plWS1EIbjIGdwaeo4LCy36RsG7qk1MAQzztpjrUXIFzsugZTfC-g6NqaHsfdzv8uSQNrKw6tWlsc/s640/1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kiwi Arugula</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Next up Kiwi Arugula; if you are not familiar with the pungent spicy flavor or arugula, try it before tossing it in your blender.. or try adding mostly spinach and a touch of arugula to acquire a taste of this <a href="http://www.everynutrient.com/health-benefits-of-arugula.html">healthy</a> green! Freeze your chopped fruit prior to blending for a thick smoothie.<br />
<br />
<b>Kiwi Arugula</b><br />
1 C Arugula<br />
1 Kiwi- skin on if organic<br />
3-4 Strawberries <br />
1/2+ Hazelnut Milk (anything works.. I just had this on hand to be used)<br />
Ice to get it thick!<br />
<br />
*Pear would be a great addition/substution!<br />
<br />
Blend and Enjoy!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-53541288454157843062011-06-25T17:50:00.000-08:002011-06-25T17:50:39.840-08:00Cinnamon Toast Crunch & Cinnamon Raisin Bran~ Gluten Free<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xAYf9bBXTevZyRyyeFJHt_epeYvtTuSHdmYHKOWfDEFjRzPReiRkeqdlJ2Gfx7UZbYhzxNrul2jIVfe__yw5rO9iobbEHevsZeGXmFz3Dx0faxuHmMjtop8KIbMku7kHn88hXxVVjSQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xAYf9bBXTevZyRyyeFJHt_epeYvtTuSHdmYHKOWfDEFjRzPReiRkeqdlJ2Gfx7UZbYhzxNrul2jIVfe__yw5rO9iobbEHevsZeGXmFz3Dx0faxuHmMjtop8KIbMku7kHn88hXxVVjSQ/s640/1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Toast Crunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Did you ever eat those sugary Kellogs Cereals? Maybe you still do? I know growing up we were only allowed to eat Rice Krispies, Shredded Wheat, Corn Flakes, Cheerios and Raisin Bran. If we got lucky charms it was a HUGE treat. And I was caught picking out all of the marshmallows a few times! When I look back the more 'wholesome' choices (or lesser of evils) my mom made us eat, I'm grateful.<br />
<br />
However, when living a 'clean' life, eating clean foods, processed cereals with added sugar, chemical 'crispers', anti-caking agents and milled to death grains do not fit in. You don't have to go raw to have healthier options (think oatmeal/homemade granola/bran and quinoa flakes). But I do have a few raw <i>(well, truly raw if you leave out the maple syrup/extract-but who's keeping score? Still leaps and bounds from frosted flakes). </i>recipes to share. You can bake them though! Trust me, you or whoever you share this with will not know it's homemade or raw. It's that good. Gluten free and EASY, easy, easy.<br />
<br />
First off, if you've only had buckwheat in pancakes, or have never had it at all, you have got to explore this amazing 'grain!' It's actually a fruit seed.<br />
<br />
It's higher in fiber (per gram) than oatmeal, high in manganese, high in plant lignans and super versatile. The amazing list of benefits <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=11">here</a>. I think it's the next 'superfood.' I find myself using it more than any other sprouted grain in my arsenal. You will too!<br />
<br />
I soak my buckwheat overnight. Then rinse well 3-4 times. and rinse often. Buckwheat is slimy when you soak it.. so you want to rinse well so it will dehydrate fully and get ultra crisp. <a href="http://sproutpeople.org/bwgroats.html">Here</a> is more info on sprouting/using raw buckwheat. You can let it sprouts until the little tails are just peeking out. After they get longer than that, I find the taste notably 'green,' and not as palatable. <br />
<br />
Going truly clean to some people means no sugar entirely. This can make you feel deprived and less likely to WANT to eat clean, possibly relapsing to processed sugars. It takes practice and over time as your body detoxes of sugar, it does become easier, craving less often. Especially when you ween off with natural sugars. At least, in my personal experience. Maple Syrup is a processed sweetener. I use it for flavor and because I read <a href="http://quinetiam.com/?p=667">this</a>. If you want to go ultra clean, sub apple juice as a sweetener or date syrup in any of these recipes, or omit sugar entirely.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm0DwVCsUDzCZHpo8LUth7-y9GEKmnEBbwMv-QKPl3UQX4ooiM561IyFlwOP8ojRdDnoFJ165r-3PG-B9XgtHLcffLqYVnvlWHLerY_DxLBNqoNwqLfByceM44n6W7s4Yp8EQViylOJ4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm0DwVCsUDzCZHpo8LUth7-y9GEKmnEBbwMv-QKPl3UQX4ooiM561IyFlwOP8ojRdDnoFJ165r-3PG-B9XgtHLcffLqYVnvlWHLerY_DxLBNqoNwqLfByceM44n6W7s4Yp8EQViylOJ4/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>Cinnamon Toast Crunch</b><br />
3 C Sprouted Buckwheat<br />
1/2 C Maple Syrup (or whatever you choose)<br />
2 tsp Vanilla (or 1 vanilla bean scraped)<br />
1 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (or to taste.. easy to over do)<br />
<br />
Process all ingredients in food processor until pasty. (alternatively, you can just stir it all together.. no need to break up the groats really). It won't take long and will be rather wet.<br />
<br />
Spread this mixture out onto dehydrator trays (or baking tray). If you spread it thin, you can break it up into flakes later. I like to check after 1-2 hours (at 112) and break it up/pinch it into little clumps. Then dehydrate at 104F overnight. I've never baked this.. but I don't see why not. Try 350F for 5 minutes and keep checking. Maybe scoring/clumping up as you go.<br />
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No, it's not going to taste just like cinnamon toast crunch, which I believe is sweetened, flavored corn, but it is delicious! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d5dPV1Jfg-MRa50XXq1UfFBtk788cvnPOnq2_SFVhTXW3gfS6HTN1ZYonJRIdtIpRP5pZV-DlnscXg8lRe453EPIW4r1lb08vrI9XJBXGU_5ZaYeAKDV5riVMlp7wq9mSELoaSdoziI/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-d5dPV1Jfg-MRa50XXq1UfFBtk788cvnPOnq2_SFVhTXW3gfS6HTN1ZYonJRIdtIpRP5pZV-DlnscXg8lRe453EPIW4r1lb08vrI9XJBXGU_5ZaYeAKDV5riVMlp7wq9mSELoaSdoziI/s640/6.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Macaroon Crunc<b>h</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Macaroon Crunch</b><br />
1 batch Cinnamon Toast Crunch ingredients<br />
Add:<br />
1/2 tsp Vanilla<br />
1/2 C Shredded Coconut<br />
1/4-1/2 C slivered/chopped almonds<br />
<br />
Follow the same instructions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The following recipe is one of the first cereals I attempted to recreate (although never a huge fan of the real thing)<b> </b>when I first<b> </b>started raw foods. I posted it on Vegweb.com. It's pretty dang good! In my original recipe I added wheat germ and ground flax. I no longer do that.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYREpaIDpTFmWj4RBE2JJMyeQTHAuihFJRWcVosIQgpBaq74oh5wCxQMr-wkZSE7UsQbH7ySrzULfxSq0Ka4crC2-SKrIgXcIdywpMpOyLtNP9USXYhxvFp9WNPFUWpaAdcLb736o4Z10/s1600/ca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYREpaIDpTFmWj4RBE2JJMyeQTHAuihFJRWcVosIQgpBaq74oh5wCxQMr-wkZSE7UsQbH7ySrzULfxSq0Ka4crC2-SKrIgXcIdywpMpOyLtNP9USXYhxvFp9WNPFUWpaAdcLb736o4Z10/s640/ca.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cacao Puffs</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<br />
<b>Cocoa Puffs</b><br />
3 C Sprouted Buckwheat<br />
3 Tbs Sweetener (optional)<br />
1 1/2 Tbs Cacao (plain cocoa works)<br />
Pinch of Salt<br />
<br />
Follow the same instructions! Can be made in clumps or 'flakes.' Process until super smooth for flakes.<br />
<br />
This next recipe is not your childhood raisin bran, although I do have a recipe for that to post. It is delicious and a bit spicy from all the cinnamon. VERY crunchy! I make mine on thick side. They double as amazing breakfast crackers for nut butter or fresh fruit. You can spread this thin, make granola clumps, or bake it. Try adding chopped apples, raisins, nutmeg, allspice and cutting back on the cinnamon for an apple cake variation.<br />
<br />
Adjust the raisins/cinnamon to your preference.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYd9BaMzz2LDxgwVgBdREoHwK2HbAJ6fjosgiaSkpaCT71gw8sZXqJOeiD8zkOVjiBtHzSLz-V65OowJ97cEbhsRty6bI4F81_vXS1Cp4ZfAX3eCM2zaIopKRflORaQnZnNHHnKfB5IkE/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYd9BaMzz2LDxgwVgBdREoHwK2HbAJ6fjosgiaSkpaCT71gw8sZXqJOeiD8zkOVjiBtHzSLz-V65OowJ97cEbhsRty6bI4F81_vXS1Cp4ZfAX3eCM2zaIopKRflORaQnZnNHHnKfB5IkE/s640/3.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Raisin Bran</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Cinnamon Raisin Bran</b><br />
2 C Almond Pulp (or ground fine dry almonds)<br />
1/2 C Sweetener<br />
1/2-1 tsp Vanilla<br />
1-2 tsp Cinnamon<br />
1/2 C Raisins <br />
<br />
Process all ingredients except raisins. Pulse in raisins so you get largish chunks. Spread thick onto dehydrator sheet.. D at 104F for 1-2 hours. Score with a pizza cutter. Or make clumps. Then D overnight at 115F. Follow the remaining instructions as above.<br />
<br />
For a more traditional bran taste, cut back on the cinnamon, add 1/4 C moistened bran and pinch of salt. <br />
<br />
Top these cereals, or an invention of your own with fresh fruit, chia seed etc. and your favorite milk!<br />
<br />
Enjoy!!!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-67887415468236704282011-06-24T11:26:00.001-08:002011-06-24T11:29:23.181-08:00The Coolest Project! 500 postcards in 500 Days!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZDsXSCisr16BhCQLV2ORp7PZhCr-VHVXT2Wr6c65iU50MQJZsPxbVtrsmD3yuDST6pKIIl-_0NndZ3DPSlcUd8uoCDyxboTF3ajWrMSuulb91u0UFQQr6HC0K3AUmditp48UOofDCmI/s1600/p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZDsXSCisr16BhCQLV2ORp7PZhCr-VHVXT2Wr6c65iU50MQJZsPxbVtrsmD3yuDST6pKIIl-_0NndZ3DPSlcUd8uoCDyxboTF3ajWrMSuulb91u0UFQQr6HC0K3AUmditp48UOofDCmI/s400/p.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Check this awesome project out. It's a practice in discipline for the guy running it, but also very cool for everyone that receives a postcard.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.500postcards.net/">http://www.500postcards.net/</a><br />
<br />
Contact him and get a postcard! Without people, the project fails!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-54624098320604787422011-06-24T11:05:00.001-08:002012-04-16T22:32:44.176-08:00Blossom Salad & Farmin' Friday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz0BIDczT_lFFyaqomqniv6m4xfkgozGnyvXf0GbUFkGOfXpv9qXw9su1ZPKvChkR7HmLHYi23YVpKVitoB9vYAmpER4G-Hx8HzptovIfbrG4Zg90PJvazWxzuMyUCMdqFR9lrGApCRg/s1600/salad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikz0BIDczT_lFFyaqomqniv6m4xfkgozGnyvXf0GbUFkGOfXpv9qXw9su1ZPKvChkR7HmLHYi23YVpKVitoB9vYAmpER4G-Hx8HzptovIfbrG4Zg90PJvazWxzuMyUCMdqFR9lrGApCRg/s640/salad1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Did you know you can eat many flower blossoms?? So many beautiful blossoms are ready for picking, and I definitely have all I need for salad this time of year. Summer time salads are so much more fun that the same ol winter green salads. I love bright colors, and this salad just makes me smile. You can take this as an example and create your own! I just used what I picked that day. And, I measured by hand.<br />
<br />
<b>Jo's Blossom Salad</b><br />
<i>Greens: </i><br />
1 C Spinach<br />
1/2 C Arugula <br />
1/2 C Chard<br />
1/2 C Mixed lettuces<br />
1/4 C Kohlrabi leaves (young thinnings)<br />
<br />
<i>Toppings:</i><br />
Handful of Arugula Blossoms<br />
Handful of Chive Blossoms<br />
2 Strawberries Chopped <br />
1/4 Pear Chopped<br />
Sprinkle of Pumpkin Seeds<br />
Sprinkle of Coconut<br />
Sprinkle of Alfalfa sprouts<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVe3tkW0e8LSQugk3yh64Gd57FVmTNhVig1KEO3-YJvIPzVvVXRkI0L_LrQq_mHBAlWUz5tkEC_yW8LxUkdtdcadf7qOKFlgozXkrvhyphenhyphen2AQWhFug_qV_WMwoQIcN7AiKnWJQoeZt87tHM/s1600/salad2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVe3tkW0e8LSQugk3yh64Gd57FVmTNhVig1KEO3-YJvIPzVvVXRkI0L_LrQq_mHBAlWUz5tkEC_yW8LxUkdtdcadf7qOKFlgozXkrvhyphenhyphen2AQWhFug_qV_WMwoQIcN7AiKnWJQoeZt87tHM/s640/salad2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i>Dressing:</i> I just drizzled on Raspberry Vinegar and Grapeseed oil.. anything goes.. simple is best for this so you can experience all the tangy/spicy and sweet flavors. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Newbie Farmin Chronicles:</b><br />
SO much has happened on our little farm lately, I almost need a blog dedicated to it. To keep this post as short as possible, here is a short sentence recap of the past week:<br />
<br />
<b>Recap:</b> Plymouth Rock Chicken "Dinner" disappears/Black Bear on property-firearm gets carried around/Mysterious dead vole every morning (the cat)/Crazy Ptarmigan drives the dogs to lunacy/Sparky the duck fights a chicken/goshawk returns and there is a stick vs predator match/"Dinner" is found/Buff Orp Hen "Betty" is limping/Hens are hiding eggs in the fireweed and shed/Juicy Fathead the rooster is a bad ass<br />
<br />
Ah, so, pictures may explain more briefly.... I didn't get a photo of the bear because I ran for the rifle and had the cat in my arm, and I could get a picture of the fresh vole this morning.. but no. (Just to clarify, I don't shoot to kill anything.. unless it threatens me. The sound alone scares them off).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjisN3q0kppEbe4TjY-KqW2ZDfcG-GeLQjbwhkh7SQ5A6Gm-fbcqKWtT7K5KJQhL4jzM3fGYtMtulC36fn98tktWpIhzqZRV0M9N6sT2VRbWMdsb-op1KR6eywlkWt2tsLdb68kR3ayY/s1600/tar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjisN3q0kppEbe4TjY-KqW2ZDfcG-GeLQjbwhkh7SQ5A6Gm-fbcqKWtT7K5KJQhL4jzM3fGYtMtulC36fn98tktWpIhzqZRV0M9N6sT2VRbWMdsb-op1KR6eywlkWt2tsLdb68kR3ayY/s320/tar.jpg" width="227" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Ptarmigan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<b>Background:</b> We are amateur chicken keepers. This is our second year (well, mine-not my hubs). We added to our flock this year to prepare for selling eggs in town. Duck eggs, chicken eggs, and next spring-3 different breed hatching eggs. Our adults are free range. Once they left the brooder box, we kept them penned in from age 4 wks-7wks because they were still small (and vunerable). Now, we only keep them penned in at night (they go in the coop on their own) for their safety. In the winter I have to shovel snow so they can walk out. Our young flock is currently penned (still small and it's hawk 'season' here). We'll keep them in a bit longer to grow large enough that they can protect themselves when integrated with our older flock. After giving a few away as gifts, and 5 dying (hawk/weak chicks) over the last year, we have 55 birds total.<br />
<br />
<b>No Yoga:</b> Once the birds are old enough, chickens are relatively moderate maintenance. Well, at least in comparison to having one adult flock, a younger flock, a flock of ducks, a barn under construction, a special needs chicken and an injured chicken. I love having so much going on. It really keeps me busy (and outside!) however, it has disturbed my yoga routine (usually early morning before I work online) and I'm feeling stiff and maaybe a little cranky.. nah.. cranky before bed though. <br />
<br />
Hmm.. lets start with the most exciting. Yesterday I was picking greens in the garden, on the other side of the fence my adult flock was hanging out eating the thinnings/scraps I stuck through the fencing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHho0DKtnPvQoyt_Q1-HhXx67kJiLrr2_Z1O16DknyPrZAklYZyOIohi1AZ5NCkCA-dqen8cxIfwQV8QuvXn280MDRodzU9GIFkH5MJFQExrrNvhI5T3ySyPSoITHBbslh8-cmBhb_5E/s1600/bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQHho0DKtnPvQoyt_Q1-HhXx67kJiLrr2_Z1O16DknyPrZAklYZyOIohi1AZ5NCkCA-dqen8cxIfwQV8QuvXn280MDRodzU9GIFkH5MJFQExrrNvhI5T3ySyPSoITHBbslh8-cmBhb_5E/s400/bird.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">stayed like this forever</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <b> </b><br />
<b>The roo and the hawk and the woman with the stick:</b> So, my adult rooster is a bad ass. He fought a hawk twice last year, losing many feathers. He looks for his hens when they are missing. When he hears one cackle in distress, you've never seen a fat feathered butt run so fast! He's also gentle with the hens and eats crackers out of my hand. Very cool guy.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvLuJoQCG5J33xYfl5RH1KcaMLSwogCmqIn5_WNn8OvYVWXmBlOHqS9iVolgTaX1cCEm0rEfaVLxl94kk2_M9gYPt5l5VcSPp1VmBNBhnFAgbo1W0z_uXmExZxit_j3YjUpAeyxZchF0/s1600/chic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJvLuJoQCG5J33xYfl5RH1KcaMLSwogCmqIn5_WNn8OvYVWXmBlOHqS9iVolgTaX1cCEm0rEfaVLxl94kk2_M9gYPt5l5VcSPp1VmBNBhnFAgbo1W0z_uXmExZxit_j3YjUpAeyxZchF0/s400/chic.jpg" width="377" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hii-yah!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>They were eating and making happy chicken sounds.. and he makes this sound that gives me a bad feeling and I though "why is he warning them/is he mad at me?" and I look over (he is 5 inches away from me) and all the chickens look up, so I look up and holy shiz there is a hawk, head bent, low, eyeing the young chicks near the barn. I yelled "hawk!" haha! to who? The rooster? He's like "duh!" And I ran, handful of spinach (that I found later on the ground), jumped out of the garden, grabbed a stick and waited. I normally have the .22 out for bears. And we had a bear hanging out this past week. What was I thinking? Well, 2nd option is a shovel/rake.. I must have actually put those away, and had to grab a long stick (waiting to be used as a roost bar).<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflwzofteB65eRYoi6N-jOG55t_6gXHk-2CndoIyNDQO7HO_Q5vdHamGzAPDpmsY11Hbnfg11Rsu16ohTW26HnCtZ4ia5mP0e_pGoOlNL1doAvQ2ndSx_aPYNrCJm_Io-EOdusuAbVwHI/s1600/roo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflwzofteB65eRYoi6N-jOG55t_6gXHk-2CndoIyNDQO7HO_Q5vdHamGzAPDpmsY11Hbnfg11Rsu16ohTW26HnCtZ4ia5mP0e_pGoOlNL1doAvQ2ndSx_aPYNrCJm_Io-EOdusuAbVwHI/s400/roo.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010-Juicy Himself!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So, I jump into the young chicks pen area and wait. Here it comes.. I hear the rooster-who has already herded the hens into their penned area (which is safe and netted-the young pen area is incomplete). I'm standing there inbetween hot pink and orange incomplete netting, ready to swing. The young chicks see the hawk and run and hide.. the hawk hovers right over the barn, and I see how dang big it is now. She swoops down and guess who turns into Babe Ruth (oh wait-was he a pitcher?).. she is thwarted and flies into a tree across the yard. I wait. For 15 minutes. I knew she was coming back because all of a sudden a chicken cries and herds the ducks (that was funny) and they all run. So she comes even closer this time! And I just kept swinging and after a minute of this showdown (she's like WHAT is that??) flew towards the neighbors. So I ran in and called them to warn. We have wildlife phone chains here. That was pretty exciting. I felt really triumphant.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrWuJvN5bqM9iZqA053R2GZnTNYAVcuDD0_SRytO3O8GUjkH-CAk4vhzIO_axqwfyRA_v8qA5ILCFZZ856pk5Crwt3zESJBArWoRHYohaI79qwik2iiYuqlUcKSWrDA1Lav-gqSCkkSw/s1600/injured.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWrWuJvN5bqM9iZqA053R2GZnTNYAVcuDD0_SRytO3O8GUjkH-CAk4vhzIO_axqwfyRA_v8qA5ILCFZZ856pk5Crwt3zESJBArWoRHYohaI79qwik2iiYuqlUcKSWrDA1Lav-gqSCkkSw/s640/injured.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Found the Lost One:</b> Last bit of excitement was later that night. We found "Dinner" alive and under a tarp (that was covering some lumber). A weeks worth of chicken poo dried to her butt and she had laid an egg under there. After a minute, we got her to drink some water. And after about 20 she bit at a strawberry and chowed on some wet cornmeal. But, she didn't get up. And, after 13 hours, she still has not gotten up. I carried her inside after the first hour though and put her up in a brooder box with everything she needs. She holds her wing out for balance. One wing is missing quite a few primary feathers, all except 2. Her leg might be stiff, as she holds it in one direction-back. I checked her out and see no wounds, feel no broken bones. We'll see what happens.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipATXI-M51Ev0dwjb5qI-UdayqY_uF8YKc8ru6xRuTLPVSKgUC0OfMtw7qw8jMEKNdDQY09iYnxSeZkgwOJMdKdvnP_1FpYVaVO2j__AJ1kjaAmNtMGO2ybsoJNSqiLo6s7ZlDY_Ow-lY/s1600/crosss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipATXI-M51Ev0dwjb5qI-UdayqY_uF8YKc8ru6xRuTLPVSKgUC0OfMtw7qw8jMEKNdDQY09iYnxSeZkgwOJMdKdvnP_1FpYVaVO2j__AJ1kjaAmNtMGO2ybsoJNSqiLo6s7ZlDY_Ow-lY/s640/crosss.jpg" width="470" /></a></div><b>Crooked Beak:</b> Lastly.. little crooked beak. She is also a Plymouth Rock and has a birth deformity that has worsened. She needs special attention with feed. She does not get picked on, which is great. Very ambitious, she escapes the pen (the only one that knows how) and follows me around the yard for food. She likes to hang out on my arm too-while I'm working. Too funny. What a character. Isn't she cute/pitiful?<br />
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<b>Update: </b>Little Crooked Beak passed away over winter. :(Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-16319571244584870872011-06-23T11:08:00.003-08:002011-06-23T11:24:21.768-08:00Ice Cream in Your Blender<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBa9r9S_8lHBO8iXQAoZBjiMbB2RShN-SaEJ7B5YJNPueMW8mmmiECLgLctebYpT6Hxnk2cMqSMw51wAMuZCNh2uFxihzUJNhkNCwNU2uQmdvD2CDJnjsme2i2BSCK7s7Qve2K281wz0/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBa9r9S_8lHBO8iXQAoZBjiMbB2RShN-SaEJ7B5YJNPueMW8mmmiECLgLctebYpT6Hxnk2cMqSMw51wAMuZCNh2uFxihzUJNhkNCwNU2uQmdvD2CDJnjsme2i2BSCK7s7Qve2K281wz0/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dairy Free!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>You'll never look at ice cream the same way again if you try one of these recipes! Healthy, dairy free, and no ice cream maker required! The flavor possibilities are endless! You'll be an ice cream connoisseur before you know it!<br />
<br />
Funny enough, I made the following recipes over winter of all seasons. I made notes and took photos. There isn't a whole lot to do here in the winter! So, we eat. The planes don't come over much (little daylight) so groceries are even more limited and we get creative. I posted these on Vegweb.com in January. <br />
<br />
My hubs loves dairy ice cream. Except for the occasional sprinkle of feta/greek yogurt, I can't indulge in dairy anymore (bloat/digestive issues). One night I was watching him thoroughly enjoy his pint of Greek Gods and it looked so good that I became determined to recreate something for myself, so I tried to make my own Luna And Larry's Coconut Ice Cream (sold here in town for almost $8.00 a pint)! All you need is a bowl, spoon and your freezer!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhQmBbZlHtz42xR2f0njvlMpy9Zf-myM2gTUjeAFxamR5g4U7zpYepvFwBdaj-n6cNMkLQNVI7j-3Neq4V_xtsRmnUQbdnOgJ_0UyJah90X8krCPFL1_5nJqLqY74iuGyZgqjGIAuRE4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhQmBbZlHtz42xR2f0njvlMpy9Zf-myM2gTUjeAFxamR5g4U7zpYepvFwBdaj-n6cNMkLQNVI7j-3Neq4V_xtsRmnUQbdnOgJ_0UyJah90X8krCPFL1_5nJqLqY74iuGyZgqjGIAuRE4/s640/2.jpg" width="438" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Coconut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I'm not sure where I got the idea for the banana ice cream. Maybe I Googled homemade ice cream? I can't remember. All I know is I was so impressed and immediately concocted a zillion flavors. Now we don't even buy the $5.00 pints that my hubs was eating (toooo much of I dare say). They are so good, they converted an ice cream fiend. All you need is a freezer, and a blender or food processor.<br />
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A couple notes on the coconut ice cream. It is best in my opinion to use fresh, whole coconuts. Which can be a challenge. In a pinch, or just to try it out, you can use a can of good quality coconut milk however, please keep <a href="http://thehealthyskeptic.org/3-reasons-why-coconut-milk-may-not-be-your-friend">this </a>in mind about canned goods, especially coconut milk. Gosh, I use to use canned coconut milk ALL the time. :( I still do sometimes. But I don't feel as good about it.<br />
<br />
How to make your own fresh coconut milk <a href="http://www.thenourishinggourmet.com/2009/04/homemade-coconut-milk.html">here</a>.<br />
<br />
An alternative to BOTH, making milk with dried coconut flakes is <a href="http://www.thehealthyteacher.com/2010/10/04/how-to-make-your-own-coconut-milk/">here</a>. I find bobs red mill large flakes are best.<br />
<br />
<b>Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream</b><br />
1-2 C Coconut Milk (choose your method above)<br />
1-2 Tbs Yacon, Maple Syrup, Honey, Agave (I was using this at the time.. check <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/">here</a>)<br />
1 Vanilla Bean or 1-2 Tsp Vanilla Extract (bean makes the pretty speckles)<br />
<br />
<i>Chocolate Sauce:</i><br />
2 Tbs Cacao<br />
2 Tbs Liquid Sweetener<br />
(1 Tsp Coconut oil-optional)<br />
<br />
1. Coconuts: Open 1 to 2 coconuts (depending on size) and pour coconut milk into a blender. Remove the meat and add to blender; blend until super smooth. Strain if needed (I do). If your milk is purplish, throw it away! It's bad! If you are desperate to try this and do not have coconuts, see info above recipe.<br />
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2. Transfer 2 cups of blended coconut into the bowl of a food processor. (I use a food processor for the rest because it's easier to scrape etc.)<br />
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3. Add agave syrup and vanilla bean (I also throw in the husk after it's been scraped); process until smooth. Taste along the way, this will only take a minute or two to blend. <br />
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4. Pour in large glass bowl (anything may do) and place in freezer. Stir well every 30 minutes or so, making certain to scrape the sides and don't leave the spoon in! That is it! <br />
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5. Chocolate Sauce: In a bowl, combine cacao and sweetener; mix well (it takes a minute or two to get them to blend). Drizzle away!<br />
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Variations:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOlD-5J-2sfjK9_bNDE588_g_7Bhq5NP4RaugMlssAYMk3HtZlzxFsyB5JteV_ZB8-4nTJT1gFY4hC-vphjy6VZ-eSOrFExk_EdXJ6ANzOZco0alcqQru5UQYG4qZ7MPmreUsiBqVzlw/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYOlD-5J-2sfjK9_bNDE588_g_7Bhq5NP4RaugMlssAYMk3HtZlzxFsyB5JteV_ZB8-4nTJT1gFY4hC-vphjy6VZ-eSOrFExk_EdXJ6ANzOZco0alcqQru5UQYG4qZ7MPmreUsiBqVzlw/s640/b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberry Colada</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Blueberry Colada</b><br />
Add 1/2 extra cup of Coconut milk and 1/2 Cup of frozen blueberries, process until smooth (unless you want chunks) and mix in 1 Tbs or so of Shredded coconut.<br />
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I made this next one up especially for my mom who loves coconut/almond/chocolate combos. If you are like minded <a href="http://runhardeatclean.blogspot.com/2011/01/almond-joy.html">here</a> is an Almond Joy smoothie recipe also.<br />
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<b>Almond Joy </b><br />
1-2 C Coconut milk<br />
2-4 Tbs Maple Syrup<br />
1/2 Tsp Vanilla<br />
1/2 C Almonds<br />
1/2 C Chocolate/Carob Chips<br />
1/4 C Shredded Coconut<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
<br />
Process Coconut Milk, Maple (the maple is important for this recipe!) and vanilla. Pulse in remaining ingredients. Freeze, stirring every 30 minutes or so. Once fully hardened, let sit out 10 minutes or so for easier serving.<br />
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You can take it from here. Obvious delicious add ins would be berries, chocolate, pineapple, pecans, cinnamon etc. etc. <br />
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Now, 1 ingredient soft serve ice cream!<br />
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<b>Basic Banana Ice Cream</b><br />
1 chopped, then frozen banana<br />
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Place in blender/food processor. Process until smooth. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRocI2gV9lS0fY9WzrsIg2iqmPE_wVsNR17O2vodELAlryxypboYDZXxxbLDu_bcR0EHhcR7Fi_Qtoksuo5LxLnLDHofy1M9CL4HCkdn1kNLocZowsox48JxxOeqfAd7D_6ZEIiDhJWSc/s1600/h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRocI2gV9lS0fY9WzrsIg2iqmPE_wVsNR17O2vodELAlryxypboYDZXxxbLDu_bcR0EHhcR7Fi_Qtoksuo5LxLnLDHofy1M9CL4HCkdn1kNLocZowsox48JxxOeqfAd7D_6ZEIiDhJWSc/s640/h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choco Banana (sauce recipe above)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Choco-Banana</b><br />
1 banana, peeled, sliced into rounds, then frozen<br />
2 tablespoons yacon or agave or maple to taste<br />
2 heaping teaspoons cacao or cocoa powder<br />
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1. In a blender or food processor, place frozen banana slices, yacon syrup, cacao (or you could skip this and add one half vanilla bean, scraped, then include husk); process until smooth, scraping the sides a few times while blending. <br />
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2. You can eat it at this point, but if it started to melt during processing- pour into a large container, place in freezer, and stir every 30 minutes or so until totally frozen and ice cream like. (It will freeze pretty hard, so you'll want to leave it out 5 minutes before eating.<br />
Top with your favorite goodies! Enjoy!<br />
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This wasn't a favorite of mine. But I used an ultra ripe banana. And I'm not an ultra ripe banana kind of girl. I'm like 'em on the green side.<br />
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Variations I've tried (per 1 banana):<br />
<b>Strawberry</b>-Add in 3 Frozen strawberries (chopped if you can) per 1 Banana Pulsing in last one for chunks.<br />
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<b>Cinnamon</b>-Add in 1/2-1 Tsp Cinnamon and 1/4-1/2 Tsp Vanilla<br />
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<b>Masala Chai</b>- My sister in law and I worked to get this one right.. but I can't find the notes.. here is my guess from memory: Add in<br />
1/2 tsp+ Cardamom<br />
1/4-1/2 tsp Ground ginger and Cinnamon<br />
1/8 Tsp Cloves<br />
Pinch of white pepper<br />
1 Tsp of some kind of sweetener, Add vanilla if you want Vanilla-Chai<br />
<br />
<b>Ginger Lucuma </b>Add in 1 Tbs Chopped Candied Ginger and 1/2 Tsp powdered Lucuma<b> </b>(I like 1/2 Tsp honey in this)<b><br />
</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JOk9kF4qBolFUeoYWK7pRelO829ob1pQUx-6wXjiRFRqnE96z7pDohV-HhVk2yvX1YdkZKw3c1BluObD5vnFfCNi9NYtVsBkdCIbF_CvvbR_OW7tzJe4xwroHFI3-NNjF6sx3D-ZQ0s/s1600/k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JOk9kF4qBolFUeoYWK7pRelO829ob1pQUx-6wXjiRFRqnE96z7pDohV-HhVk2yvX1YdkZKw3c1BluObD5vnFfCNi9NYtVsBkdCIbF_CvvbR_OW7tzJe4xwroHFI3-NNjF6sx3D-ZQ0s/s640/k.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almond Butter-Banana</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Almond Butter-Banana </b><br />
Add in 1 Tbs Almond Butter per 1 Banana<br />
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Enjoy your healthy creation!! Share with a friend.. a little.<br />
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<b></b>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-301195716703191692011-06-22T16:59:00.003-08:002011-06-22T18:00:11.266-08:00How Much Does Produce Cost in Alaska? & Blender Minestrone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8L6SJARIqWoRJI5ZnuSAu77_4lDYvIxnYmLDUfAHzWRIAqwl6ZBUjqUPGcCHJ8ClLVkksGTjfCO3LETsuXMffOjh8216Y1yOBnIYwKbfQRZHW9wSSKvmTRJR006FS5PsndxX1JMh6Ogk/s1600/prouce.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8L6SJARIqWoRJI5ZnuSAu77_4lDYvIxnYmLDUfAHzWRIAqwl6ZBUjqUPGcCHJ8ClLVkksGTjfCO3LETsuXMffOjh8216Y1yOBnIYwKbfQRZHW9wSSKvmTRJR006FS5PsndxX1JMh6Ogk/s640/prouce.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Can YOU guess how much this pile of produce cost? Minus the 4 pluots I ate in the car... and the squash was a different purchase. I guess I should mention that this is all organic, and those are Valencia oranges, and Pluots. I still have produce to order from Juneau. It comes out to about the same, (freight from Juneau vs. markup in town), I just have more options.<br />
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I've got to wait for most of it to 'ripen,' but that will help me control myself. I've been low on produce for a few days, nursing a couple grapefruits and luckily picking from my garden.<br />
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On another note! I just LOVE tomatoes. It's always been a favorite. If you do not feel like cooking, chopping, and barely feel like chewing, I've got a great recipe for you! Almost any veggie works!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1Ct_B0bNm1kGdjK8DJZxDjqo3BVwrj0DLmYdiWkhD3q5y8qX71obsbqo9iBaopYSOytpTbLJgPd_6NdfIQ_g43CWuIR0qNSmBalyMxLzqQLI0Zyp0PGLvm1yZtdCCrlUofahkkUipxk/s1600/soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1Ct_B0bNm1kGdjK8DJZxDjqo3BVwrj0DLmYdiWkhD3q5y8qX71obsbqo9iBaopYSOytpTbLJgPd_6NdfIQ_g43CWuIR0qNSmBalyMxLzqQLI0Zyp0PGLvm1yZtdCCrlUofahkkUipxk/s640/soup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b><span style="font-size: small;">Blender Minestrone</span></b><br />
<i>Veggies: </i><br />
2-3 Tomatoes<br />
1/4 of Red Pepper<br />
1 Carrot<br />
2 inch piece Zucchini<br />
1 inch piece Red Cabbage<br />
Couple slivers of Onion<br />
1 Garlic Clove<br />
Half handful Parsley (or fresh basil)<br />
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<i>Spices</i>:<br />
Pinch Tarragon (totally makes it)<br />
Dash or two of oregano/basil/garlic powder/black pepper<br />
Salt as needed<br />
Dash of Cayenne (as finishing touch-just my thing)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCJrehT0zlkLiPLpHHvMb_1RmDli5GHwUX2EkUzDKw27AYRnnIBqVsrvknq0rVSBZTrKatoa-9vD_gFfSetpLsw1GAL4m8YaDpj6UVtMSxJiTSKuEBE8iPjxt8uuI-2v3dgD9R6cyVug/s1600/soup2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCJrehT0zlkLiPLpHHvMb_1RmDli5GHwUX2EkUzDKw27AYRnnIBqVsrvknq0rVSBZTrKatoa-9vD_gFfSetpLsw1GAL4m8YaDpj6UVtMSxJiTSKuEBE8iPjxt8uuI-2v3dgD9R6cyVug/s640/soup2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Place tomatoes, parsley, red pepper and carrot in blender. Blend well, but not completely smooth, you want tiny carrot chunks.<br />
Pulse/chop in the rest of the ingredients (so you have slightly larger chunks).<br />
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If you have a high powered blender, you can leave it on stir for a while to warm it up. Otherwise, transfer to a pot, gently warm on low heat.<br />
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This soup is a little on the thin side. Two options to thicken:<br />
1) If you have any last season tomatoes jarred, they have this canned consistency that is great for thickening (or just use a good quality canned stewed/diced etc).<br />
2) I like to add a touch (1/8 cup or so) of almond milk once the soup is warm and directly into my bowl (as opposed to in the pot).<br />
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SO easy. And it is very satisfying. Change up the spices to your liking. Serve with love! Shown served with my Rosemary Grissini Crackers (recipe coming soon!).Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-3375514303810839242011-06-21T19:48:00.001-08:002011-06-21T20:19:21.298-08:00Summer Solstice Hummingbird & Rhubarb Spritzer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJc9BKHaw8P8Efymb7hV3BXS31hyphenhyphenj6x0NlSnOaKZiQWiNblQj9FuyQA2ulBYZ5s54nNqkko7sY_Uh1FN3-B446PfyApiO7OQWUvVh5SL-xcEQYIQHfasYfpekYRjMTEfogURCBw2yemw/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGJc9BKHaw8P8Efymb7hV3BXS31hyphenhyphenj6x0NlSnOaKZiQWiNblQj9FuyQA2ulBYZ5s54nNqkko7sY_Uh1FN3-B446PfyApiO7OQWUvVh5SL-xcEQYIQHfasYfpekYRjMTEfogURCBw2yemw/s640/1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Tonight a (juvenile-see his coloring is not complete) male Rufous Hummingbird was trapped in my sunroom! I thought it was a Ruby Throated at first, I'll have to double check their range. The gorget was SO bright, it glowed! I didn't get a great picture of that (3rd photo).<br />
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The hummingbirds are all over, but I've never had one get inside. The other day I saw what at first looked like huge hummingbirds, and they hovered. I got so close to one (hovering right in front of me, SO cool) and saw that they were actually sparrows. Absolutely gorgeous.<br />
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I took these pictures very quickly as my husband walked him to his freedom. Didn't want to stress the little guy out anymore, but what luck to get a photo and see one up close (and still)! <br />
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Then, for a summer solstice party we are about to head out to; I made a Rhubarb Spritzer to bring.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSScbFnIsZR2NkuZWTG27ifmX9UHVJHqjiD3r4O4PH5aRZyuqw8v_WW9KD0Xsv5NBwzU1c87uLBhH7ZfMCWFyKtph9rggiVYc1XtHWQAUX78C0wPeQc4VeVLTkEuRQSSSfiYl6xPV138k/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSScbFnIsZR2NkuZWTG27ifmX9UHVJHqjiD3r4O4PH5aRZyuqw8v_WW9KD0Xsv5NBwzU1c87uLBhH7ZfMCWFyKtph9rggiVYc1XtHWQAUX78C0wPeQc4VeVLTkEuRQSSSfiYl6xPV138k/s640/3.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Summer Solstice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Rhubarb Spritzer:</b><br />
A bunch of chopped rhubarb (guessing 6-8 cups)<br />
Honey(agave, simple syrup etc) as needed (or whatever you want)<br />
1 C Frozen Strawberries<br />
Q-Tonic Water or Club Soda<br />
<br />
I tried Juicing Rhubarb the other day, it was fine in my Champion juicer for 2 stalks. After 4-5 the fibers clog it up. So, I switched to the blender. I filled the blender with chopped Rhubarb, used the juice (from the previous attempt-you can use water) to help move things along. Once blended well, I strained the pulp from the juice with a nut milk bag, but a colander will work fine.<br />
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Complete this same juice and strain method with the cup of strawberries ( I used frozen).<br />
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Place Juice back into blender, add Strawberry Juice and Honey to taste (I did 1/2 C).<br />
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This is also good with pineapple or apple juice as a sweetener. Or add some lemon/lime!<br />
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Blend. Then chill before serving.<br />
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I poured mine into a sun tea jar, it filled it about half.. then topped it off with Tonic Water. I love how this green foam floats on top of the pink liquid. So pretty.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-81690715782244209192011-06-20T16:22:00.000-08:002011-06-20T16:22:24.063-08:00DIY Mondays~ Spruce Tip TeaMaybe some of you Northwesterners need a quick inner slacker spruce tip recipe. Here it is!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianSlO-zNB3IsrT4w_0q2hHH0DpwU0EqaJKEMXRoD5qn7ksMPGCXJnIcOzFT7NrBdn_xTFomeRDSvPiZYMkqhalSrT0PTFk8QJX5JqkPi4igPqINstOb4QhSVis0jvBe7M8OkLxENAN7A/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianSlO-zNB3IsrT4w_0q2hHH0DpwU0EqaJKEMXRoD5qn7ksMPGCXJnIcOzFT7NrBdn_xTFomeRDSvPiZYMkqhalSrT0PTFk8QJX5JqkPi4igPqINstOb4QhSVis0jvBe7M8OkLxENAN7A/s640/tea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>Spruce Tip Tea:</b><br />
1) Pick young spruce tips with brown paper casing still on<br />
2) Remove papers, crumble onto dehydrator trays or mesh tray that you can leave in a warm place<br />
3) Leave out or dehydrate until full dry<br />
4) Jar and use as you would any loose tea!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0ZiiYXVqPkqLbMkciH_afFkz8OJEYP-UD98SKmqAsIKgX4iUny4Lz51Giwx2j1sxVBqlMNSEmXCLxNqfKJrItk7yaZdrCFNPIInrxG7EZ8bvRh3WubcV6Pd-_KdQeaQ0hx9VDZbGCc8/s1600/tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0ZiiYXVqPkqLbMkciH_afFkz8OJEYP-UD98SKmqAsIKgX4iUny4Lz51Giwx2j1sxVBqlMNSEmXCLxNqfKJrItk7yaZdrCFNPIInrxG7EZ8bvRh3WubcV6Pd-_KdQeaQ0hx9VDZbGCc8/s400/tips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Sweet and lemony smelling, Spruce Tip tea is good for the winter sore throat and congestion. Although, the older the spruce tips, the stronger the tea. If you want to eat your spruce tips, or make syrup, shortbread or salads with them, use the youngest, tender tips.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-9321031946808218772011-06-19T13:00:00.016-08:002011-06-19T18:45:58.335-08:00Smoothie Sundays-Blueberry Spinach & Chocolate Cherry!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qBIsFlQKQmw7NfrnIEtybRxd90MoEjXPjBtpjWysb1f8Cz0zkRzBgac_5T12d0aBToWkJh_m6OBbiC0p3SuejiP9Jjsv4jly_s_Ybn_gFRzI-Ukyx8tSNgQl71VkTghZL4l_Vk9Xk40/s1600/smoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qBIsFlQKQmw7NfrnIEtybRxd90MoEjXPjBtpjWysb1f8Cz0zkRzBgac_5T12d0aBToWkJh_m6OBbiC0p3SuejiP9Jjsv4jly_s_Ybn_gFRzI-Ukyx8tSNgQl71VkTghZL4l_Vk9Xk40/s640/smoo.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>I actually had this for dinner Saturday night. Still feeling a little icky, wanted to go with something liquid. Didn't feel like making miso.<br />
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This is pretty basic and delicious!<br />
<br />
<b>Blueberry Spinach Smoooothie</b><br />
2 Cups Spinach<br />
1 Cup Frozen Blueberries<br />
1/4-1/2 Cold Apple<br />
1/2 C Almond Milk (more as needed)<br />
2 Tbs Chia Seed<br />
2 Ice Cubes <br />
<br />
I put the ingredients in the blender in that order. Blend away and enjoy!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Post 9 mile run today, I made a smoothie that I can't believe I haven't though of before! Chocolate Cherry! I know, it seems obvious... buuuutt...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UPSvRcz9k8M234xUPQzswzIlJAHbTZBfbjYQLkMxY5IXEEjafQi5W0386ny9UcsHgWMwGMDqfHfA_Y2HPLIECAaigHv1rSJdIYNAm_YN0OerYGVWTcWhiNsfy-BjyRVQnSQsoWpRvgY/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_UPSvRcz9k8M234xUPQzswzIlJAHbTZBfbjYQLkMxY5IXEEjafQi5W0386ny9UcsHgWMwGMDqfHfA_Y2HPLIECAaigHv1rSJdIYNAm_YN0OerYGVWTcWhiNsfy-BjyRVQnSQsoWpRvgY/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Chocolate Cheeeeery:</b><br />
1 Cup Frozen Cherries<br />
3/4 C, Almond milk (may need more)<br />
1 Tbs Raw Cocao (although plain cocoa will work!)<br />
1 Tsp Flax Meal <br />
1 Tbs Chia<br />
2 Ice Cubes<br />
<br />
Blend away. Holy Schmoly, this was amazing! I made two in a row!<br />
<br />
PLEASE, comment with your favorite smoothie recipe!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-26159747208004632522011-06-18T13:00:00.021-08:002011-06-18T13:45:49.100-08:00Key Lime Pie For Your Soul!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTO_xDADGzz59SASTLqUPm7X0SiOo1cs0giMmz2I3ngOSCxYW_r2N7lsRbM-dM27Gqr4If5DC5nX5_kiUgDaB0mxVCeqtJwP2ggOwvwipSm14de5Ee0FFocuXRyFzVc0FR9lwDMqNKiI/s1600/pie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWTO_xDADGzz59SASTLqUPm7X0SiOo1cs0giMmz2I3ngOSCxYW_r2N7lsRbM-dM27Gqr4If5DC5nX5_kiUgDaB0mxVCeqtJwP2ggOwvwipSm14de5Ee0FFocuXRyFzVc0FR9lwDMqNKiI/s640/pie3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>Got the summer citrus dessert cravings yet? Maybe you just want a vacation in your mouth. This is a super simple, hard to botch freezer dessert. I've already eaten two of these. So, I had to get photos before my hubs ate the other half of the batch. I usually don't tell people (at potlucks etc.) what is in my pie or puddings, because some people haven't eaten the main ingredient before. It's the amazing, beautiful, ugly, don't judge a book by it's cover avocado!<br />
<br />
OK, you MIGHT have heard Avocados are the shiz nit. Here is some general <a href="http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=5">info</a>, just in case.<br />
<br />
I could do a month of posts on avocado recipes alone. It never fails me. It's good in just about everything, my favorite way is right off the pit. It makes a great snack, meal, supplement, thickener, savory, sweet friend to just about .. everything.<br />
<br />
The avocado pudding/pie has certainly been done before. Although I find most recipes for raw desserts a little heavy on the nuts, too sweet and too complicated, although almost always beautiful.<br />
<br />
This is EASY. (and way healthier than the SAD version!) And you can use this as a template for any 'pie' you want to invent. Changing up the filling when needed. I've made this pie with Cocao, banana, strawberries and plain vanilla bean (and coconut meat). The only thing is when you get into blueberries, mango etc.. you'll need to sub part or all of the avocado with nuts, more oil or psyllium, irish moss etc. It's a big experiment, that's for sure.. and there may be times you eat it out of a bowl, but that's okay! Remember that the coconut oil is important. When it freezes, it makes your filling a custard-cheesecake consistency. A blender is nice for this, but if you have the patience, you can hand whip the avocado. Halving this recipe doesn't work so well. It can be a pain to get the blender really going with a smaller amount than this. Besides, this is so good, you'll wish you made more!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDmdphdCKEE1drir4AD7l0EHMWluttN37Kir9fDU0GxwYVzK5RfvgWfIM0xB_3tCA_o2fX79njk_-qq6zLGa5ZqQzTGd0FmEgHwtRGlrC_zkGqIMpIO4xcYoDDAK0TaVuZp-Q3wBFJ4k/s1600/pie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfDmdphdCKEE1drir4AD7l0EHMWluttN37Kir9fDU0GxwYVzK5RfvgWfIM0xB_3tCA_o2fX79njk_-qq6zLGa5ZqQzTGd0FmEgHwtRGlrC_zkGqIMpIO4xcYoDDAK0TaVuZp-Q3wBFJ4k/s640/pie2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<b>Jo's Key Lime Pie</b> (6 smallish servings)<br />
<br />
<b>Filling:</b><br />
2 Avocados<br />
2 Tbs Lime Juice<br />
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil (did I say it was low fat? Whoops)<br />
2 Tbs Raw Honey (any honey really, I don't favor date syrup with this, experiment)<br />
<br />
<b>Crust:</b><br />
1/2 Cup Almond Pulp (I used leftovers from making milk- finely ground almonds/almond flour will work)<br />
1/2 Cup Dates (not soaked)<br />
Pinch of Salt<br />
Pinch of Cayenne (may think I'm crazy.. that's just how I like it..the spicy/sweet thing)<br />
<br />
*Blend all filling ingredients together. Set aside.<br />
*For the crust, process dates and almond pulp (and salt/cayenne) together until smooth(ish).<br />
*Press the crust into greased or lined muffin tins (or custard dish, whatever you've got really).<br />
*Spoon in filling. Freeze for 1-2 hours.. if it freezes hard, like ice cream, just leave out for 5 minutes before eating (of course you could have key lime pudding instead of freezing, but chill first for best taste.<br />
<br />
If you love this and want to make it for a potluck, grab a spring form pan (smallish), double/triple the recipe and top with shredded coconut for looks, and taste- coconut loves lime- you know.. put da lime in da coconut?<br />
<br />
<b>Nutritional Info </b>(according to Spark recipes)<br />
233g Calories<br />
14g Fat<br />
525mg Potassium<br />
276. g Carbs<br />
8g Fiber<br />
18.2 g Sugar<br />
4.4g Protein<br />
and bunches of vitamins and minerals<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e_r8kJN0CYGQv83aFyLOGefcm_jcuif1_a3apv0GsU7RHYSGvyfC6wk45ejqkmzt4UOLitR1djoqUNXiJCglqPzs-l5kzRxsV0N0flyY5ROB9zZ764GUNtuV6toY34U2XK-uIRwCCLs/s1600/pie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-e_r8kJN0CYGQv83aFyLOGefcm_jcuif1_a3apv0GsU7RHYSGvyfC6wk45ejqkmzt4UOLitR1djoqUNXiJCglqPzs-l5kzRxsV0N0flyY5ROB9zZ764GUNtuV6toY34U2XK-uIRwCCLs/s640/pie.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><b>Allrecipes.com's top <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/easy-key-lime-pie-i/Nutrition.aspx">Key Lime Pie</a> recipe</b> (at 6 servings: <br />
324 calories per serving<br />
13.4 g of bad fat (versus healthy avocado/coconut oil-good fat) <br />
37 g of sugar!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com67tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-45649432342278350192011-06-17T18:10:00.001-08:002011-06-17T18:14:36.785-08:005-Minute Raw Slaw Sandwich<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUGIw_UyD08X_jPJYtPGkm-zPlCDq-9Ukf3CL20HyZ9l0KmxfSTC_k6Q_HkjvC4jltex2OczUbYwUJWM2lHg4XRdiuukscQJuf3mTrsMjuxOGC7z-YAQPANF6utKuaTRb5Oo09C11xWA/s1600/sand1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUGIw_UyD08X_jPJYtPGkm-zPlCDq-9Ukf3CL20HyZ9l0KmxfSTC_k6Q_HkjvC4jltex2OczUbYwUJWM2lHg4XRdiuukscQJuf3mTrsMjuxOGC7z-YAQPANF6utKuaTRb5Oo09C11xWA/s640/sand1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummerlicious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Need an idea for using up random veggies in your produce drawer? You could play around with this recipe. I was going to make a whole batch of basic red pepper <a href="http://runhardeatclean.blogspot.com/2011/01/ani-phyos-red-pepper-hummus-bean-free.html">hummus</a> for lunch today, but in an attempt to use up some veggie odds and ends, I threw in the last piece of a cut zucchini and just pulsed in the food processor until I had a chunky, colorful spread! It can definitely be chopped chunkier with a knife instead. This recipe is for one sandwich serving (or multiple flax crackers).<br />
<br />
<b>Chunky Veggie Spread:</b><br />
1/4 Red Pepper<br />
1/4 Medium Zucchini<br />
1/4 Garlic Clove<br />
1/2 Tsp Tahini<br />
Dash of Cumin <br />
Pinch of Salt<br />
<br />
Festive and delicious, red, green & white with a little kick for your taste buds! I topped mine with sprouted quinoa and baby beet greens (thinnings from my garden), mache lettuce cuttings and dill. Experiment! Great on raw, dehydrated bread, regular bread, pita, crackers etc. etc.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-3501552928276210762011-06-16T17:05:00.000-08:002011-06-16T17:05:57.148-08:00V-5 Veggie Fusion & other Detox Fun!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTAjrUGEZv3YnEDLKcSv2jF5NSuSOz5lddFpEC6v6PFAc-OEX7QszxkFS6nCk14dhghf8mzzfuJRq5V0KHUoEFkhZjIlS3MbJx4sJnx96M6CgZL7TTloY3V5AGzAkoBZizDf82FDrzGA/s1600/calli+tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTAjrUGEZv3YnEDLKcSv2jF5NSuSOz5lddFpEC6v6PFAc-OEX7QszxkFS6nCk14dhghf8mzzfuJRq5V0KHUoEFkhZjIlS3MbJx4sJnx96M6CgZL7TTloY3V5AGzAkoBZizDf82FDrzGA/s640/calli+tea.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Calli Cinnamon Detox</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Still detoxing. It's fun. Once you get past the first two days. I eat all day, so it's hard for me not to be able to snack. Once I'm past that, I can see how some people fast forever (like 92 days.. like <a href="http://www.rawreform.com/index.php">Angela</a> Stokes). Okay, maaybe not. The longest I've ever detoxed (or juice feasted/fasted) is 2 weeks, The last 4 days I remember I was sick of juice. Here, I don't think I could afford to keep enough produce around to go even that long, so I've been supplementing with other liquids, Calli Tea and homemade Kombucha. The Calli tea I have is Cinnamon and it is palatable, but definitely tastes like tonic. I like to add oranges to it (which IS a little pulpy/solids..but good enough for me). I've been really going through my ready Kombucha (and I have 15 Scobys!). I have a couple different blends and 'flavors' right now. My favorite is Raspberry Green Tea. Just green tea with dried raspberries. Although I do a secondary fermentation before bottling my kombucha, I think the raspberries give the culture a little boost of sugar to digest. They also make the tea a beautiful bright pink.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuE29II08ae6tDG0o76jRFE6Twb-vmi_fo9fkw1vx0YOjb_fEne_TxqE_nKLDWNcYUR1wptoRHnl3JDtPvpDOqzIlfmC4-_932b8RKYb448bEWlXvdLlhw0-dpz3QL-JXgsGDW6FPjDw/s1600/kombu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimuE29II08ae6tDG0o76jRFE6Twb-vmi_fo9fkw1vx0YOjb_fEne_TxqE_nKLDWNcYUR1wptoRHnl3JDtPvpDOqzIlfmC4-_932b8RKYb448bEWlXvdLlhw0-dpz3QL-JXgsGDW6FPjDw/s640/kombu.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry Kombucha</td></tr>
</tbody></table> After grocery shopping, it's been really hard to resist snacking on all our yummy fruit! And, I thinned a bajillion beet green yesterday and I just want to eat them! I'm going to break my fast tonight or tomorrow morning so I can protein carb load.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Sgy-N98CfrjxsOr4YitKWumRvd4Zm8JaF5tZWwYGCpK7ZTnmgiM3-v3cfkNE7TVJW9TCFJ4dfsaMW4kKBld82_ZzJf-FujHeA1Kds38ihtlF2ByjaduWG2vcSalS5kx658kg_7jSlfI/s1600/vegg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Sgy-N98CfrjxsOr4YitKWumRvd4Zm8JaF5tZWwYGCpK7ZTnmgiM3-v3cfkNE7TVJW9TCFJ4dfsaMW4kKBld82_ZzJf-FujHeA1Kds38ihtlF2ByjaduWG2vcSalS5kx658kg_7jSlfI/s640/vegg.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow of Health!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Here is a recipe for my favorite way to drink a V-8 kind of juice (without the salt and that cold veggie soup thing):<br />
<br />
<b>V-5 Veggie Fusion </b><br />
3 Tomatoes<br />
2 Carrots<br />
1 Celery Rib<br />
1 Handful Parsley (no need to pick off leaves-whole thing)<br />
1 Clove Garlic<br />
1 1-inch piece Jalepeno (mine are frozen, works fine)<br />
1 Handful Spinach or mixed greens<br />
<br />
Juice (or blend on high speed, then strain with mesh/fine colander). I put this on ice usually because I forget to refrigerate the tomatoes beforehand. I like this drink cold. So one trick is to refrigerate all the ingredients beforehand. Trust me on the garlic and jalepeno. SO good! I always want to make more! I can't wait until our tomatoes are ready! Then I won't feel so gluttonous using 3 on one drink!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLRNpaubwyiXeVvl7GyrFnMq7IRPUyZM5S7Iv2gVpCdRTCR1vmT4Qzib1ZNJ2EHFRVQPNs7LAfKXBsC5Sy8Sx7bvlJfdSmcfbFt-aTE6AAoj7-AIiyp_sy_iZuCG2G2tBvukU_zFSLpU/s1600/ferry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzLRNpaubwyiXeVvl7GyrFnMq7IRPUyZM5S7Iv2gVpCdRTCR1vmT4Qzib1ZNJ2EHFRVQPNs7LAfKXBsC5Sy8Sx7bvlJfdSmcfbFt-aTE6AAoj7-AIiyp_sy_iZuCG2G2tBvukU_zFSLpU/s640/ferry.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferry in WA 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Our little town has been recently blessed with the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry service. Well, it is a blessing at times. On ferry days it's definitely a bit noisier than usual. We see cars and people we don't recognize and no one waves back at you. For a few months a year, the ferry will be coming twice a week! Leaving on Monday afternoon, coming back Wednesday afternoon. We shop all day on the Tuesday in between. The deal with the ferry is you can bring your vehicle, load it up in Juneau, then bring it back, with absolutely no charge on freight (as long as your car dimensions do not change, ie. lumber longer than your vehicle. On the small aircraft that service our town, you get 70lbs of freight, every lb thereafter is $0.40 per pound and you have to be able to fit it into plane (no furniture etc). Until this last year, the only way to get anything here was by plane or lightweight (a sloooow cargo service heavily used to get mail, Uhauls, etc. to Alaska).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnCs6C7ENKhwn176Ad5-wOzxLwAauk5oqdiuc-kfPNQsUupO7zMUNSHCjUXnvNNWTip3vBwYPJ-TGv44XSckHd_k9Zc8XQRusELEd7q9j80_ohiMDsPDmAdz8dnqH1bKvH_GIo5IPfPc/s1600/pack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAnCs6C7ENKhwn176Ad5-wOzxLwAauk5oqdiuc-kfPNQsUupO7zMUNSHCjUXnvNNWTip3vBwYPJ-TGv44XSckHd_k9Zc8XQRusELEd7q9j80_ohiMDsPDmAdz8dnqH1bKvH_GIo5IPfPc/s640/pack.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not all boxes are as they seem....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As nice and inexpensive (well-less expensive) as using the ferry is, I found myself wondering why in the world we put ourselves through this. It's madness, it's tiring, it drains your account. A 25lb bag of duck feed for example is $26. We pay .40 cents a lb just to get it here. When you are ordering 10 bags, plus dog food, it really adds up. And that is just for the animals. It's only $15 for a 50 lb bag of the same feed in the lower 48 (according to my research). Yes, back to wondering why we live like this... oh yeah, it's Alaska! Imagine what the first Alaskans had to do to survive! Groceries are a luxury! (and so is Alaskan Beer!-says the hubs).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LzJYXFcu3fV11zgxutG0eKAUR5kErq7qHyXG7GGmhKLRSZFXV6czcIqshOJWTL6ndRhqBOtbIARKG0mxBNlQDTWEguWrcclRtwc7vwlVL7VD5gqXXho3R-o3EutyLa65q6GuFilIEV8/s1600/nug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LzJYXFcu3fV11zgxutG0eKAUR5kErq7qHyXG7GGmhKLRSZFXV6czcIqshOJWTL6ndRhqBOtbIARKG0mxBNlQDTWEguWrcclRtwc7vwlVL7VD5gqXXho3R-o3EutyLa65q6GuFilIEV8/s640/nug.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Any Funny Caption Ideas?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-48744767501691626982011-06-11T16:58:00.002-08:002011-06-11T18:52:09.331-08:00Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Smoothie<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IV-uYcYB6xPckXTN0ziQcEMhP4fHkPdxaVI5ivXRUN9I3ihvTnYwIpd8473jw85rPSyzinZELXnvEky2dr-lkbvHrMhZGuiPUMm2FEZVO3E2nmvnHJmxnpDoIRpi2-S31FeJwxo8kvg/s1600/rhu5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3IV-uYcYB6xPckXTN0ziQcEMhP4fHkPdxaVI5ivXRUN9I3ihvTnYwIpd8473jw85rPSyzinZELXnvEky2dr-lkbvHrMhZGuiPUMm2FEZVO3E2nmvnHJmxnpDoIRpi2-S31FeJwxo8kvg/s640/rhu5.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homegrown Alaskan Rhubarb (2nd year)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While in the backcountry I developed an allergic reaction. The first night I woke with angiodemia (facial swelling) which I'm all too familiar with. I figured it was the dried fruit someone shared with me. There was mango in the package, that I avoided, but it was IN the package... soo. This continued every morning, in gradually lessening degree, even with the elimination of the dried fruit. By the end of the trip I was having a photovoltaic reaction on my hands and lips. It was pretty painful and I simply could not stay out of the sun. There was no escape.<br />
<br />
Not the best timing for a detox because I'm doing a large grocery/ supply shopping trip (in Alaska, that's a huge deal) in a few days and I'm going to feel like crap before I feel better. It is also going to interfere with my running. Detoxing is not fun. Afterward I feel like a new womyn though. It has to be done. I'll blog about it to show the incredible changes that occur. I'd like to do a week long cleanse. I'm going to start with 2 days. It's been a while since I cleansed and I'm feeling impatient. My mother in law brought me some <a href="http://www.calli-tea.com/Green-Tea-Detox">Calli Tea</a>. It sounds like a wonder tea and I've never tried it. I'll drink this, kombucha, and fresh juice. Until I return from my shopping trip, I'm going to prep for my detox with juice, smoothies and tea.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_Fh_H7mq5KtaANUwjino0V2JpWwEzMZfJE3EC5knHG22h3YXmiOv9Btt4rs_icWV8yOp-cCf-dCK_8ahj-Iky-ZK4d_SqqDpzAD8l3QXZyBk7k0Gg6CwYXat9hehCofGjDkF4W6-X8A/s1600/rhu3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_Fh_H7mq5KtaANUwjino0V2JpWwEzMZfJE3EC5knHG22h3YXmiOv9Btt4rs_icWV8yOp-cCf-dCK_8ahj-Iky-ZK4d_SqqDpzAD8l3QXZyBk7k0Gg6CwYXat9hehCofGjDkF4W6-X8A/s640/rhu3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm a tall person.. Some of these pieces were more than ready to pick.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I harvested a bunch of Rhubarb today. Strawberries will be ready soon and I plan to make lots of goodies. Most recipes involving rhubarb are heavily sugared desserts. Fortunately I LOVE the tangy flavor of Rhubarb and don't feel the need to eat it sweetened. Well... I'm sure a Rhubarb dessert is in the works. I'm already working on changing up my salsa recipe; Rhubarb wine (I'm totally allergic to grape wine), Rhubarb Stew... trying to think of more savory ideas. I'd also like to try to invent a Rhubarb tea. Hmmm... I juiced some with apple this morning and WOW!<br />
<br />
Wrestling the Rhubarb outside was a chore and I was pretty thirsty. So I made up a smoothie using some young Rhubarb and it was deeeelicious. Almost forgot to add that Rhubarb is pretty dern tootin' healthy too! It's actually a vegetable, quite high in Vitamin A, Vitamin K... is an Okay source of Vitamin C, pretty high in Potassium, low in calories, high in fiber. Oh yeah and deeeelicious! Nutritional <a href="http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/benefits-of-rhubarb-2104.html">Info</a> here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgjpVPEAhjebSuhviiXfbkWXzY5Pvb4EL3W80ltTEGO6R0BBiFGJ1mdt8gQi83eL-fzFcqAo8wQlO_33-pMOe7u7k2m7jQ6-XWt10mZ4Kszm-AEboKhRSbde-1bkEtIEqxQw0IVU8OBo/s1600/rhu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgjpVPEAhjebSuhviiXfbkWXzY5Pvb4EL3W80ltTEGO6R0BBiFGJ1mdt8gQi83eL-fzFcqAo8wQlO_33-pMOe7u7k2m7jQ6-XWt10mZ4Kszm-AEboKhRSbde-1bkEtIEqxQw0IVU8OBo/s640/rhu.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Go get cha some Rhubarb!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Smoothie</b><br />
<br />
2 small stalks of Rhubarb chopped<b></b><br />
2 Strawberries(frozen or fresh)<br />
2 Tbs Date Syrup (soaked dates blended with soak water)<br />
Dash or two of Cinnamon<b></b><br />
Water as needed<b></b><br />
<br />
The color was gorgeous and it tasted like pie! I'm sure that was the cinnamon... but maybe it was the tangy sweet thing going on too. Because (similar to celery) Rhubarb has such a high water and fiber content.. it's pretty filling too! I bet cayenne would be an awesome addition to this. But I add it to almost everything soo..<br />
Oh! And just in case; if you are picking your own, please remember the leaves are toxic! They contain Oxalic acid (the same foe on Quinoa, Buckwheat..). Besides being poisonous, Oxalic acid can interfere with the body's calcium absorption. If you are interested in eating more raw fruits/veggies juices.. here is a <a href="http://www.juicingbook.com/oxalic-acid">list </a>for you.Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-90873682111185031592011-06-10T19:37:00.001-08:002011-06-10T19:39:05.605-08:00Tropical Popeye<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv-c8ERRQrKsqHKfkhUqoocGmXMHhOao15IIGrWohGKfN_6D85GMhyphenhyphenxHUePwAM6AVknRCYsF67YEaYBuCyHTIXLUg2IQqC-7pRabAcx6NsBQJ6RMTh2bJhyFbyaw5SJd-Gj5XHUoVoxs/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv-c8ERRQrKsqHKfkhUqoocGmXMHhOao15IIGrWohGKfN_6D85GMhyphenhyphenxHUePwAM6AVknRCYsF67YEaYBuCyHTIXLUg2IQqC-7pRabAcx6NsBQJ6RMTh2bJhyFbyaw5SJd-Gj5XHUoVoxs/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>One of my favorite spinach smoothies is pretty basic with a twist:<br />
<b>Popeye </b><br />
2 C Spinach<br />
1 Chilled Apple, chopped with skin<br />
1/2-1 C Water or fresh apple juice<br />
1 Tbs Honey<br />
1 Handful Fresh Mint<br />
(I always add in supplements, i.e. chia..)<br />
<br />
This refreshing and delicious green smoothie is perfect post run or as a on the go meal. Apple and Spinach are pretty good friends. But Kale would be a tasty replacement. Pear definitely would be yummy in this too.<br />
<br />
Today I needed and on the go, out the door, 5 minute meal and had some fresh pineapple to use up. Here is the <b>Tropical Popeye</b>:<br />
2 C Spinach<br />
1 Chilled Apple chopped with skin<br />
1/2 C Fresh Pineapple <br />
1/2-1 C Water or fresh apple juice<br />
1 Tbs Honey<br />
1 Handful Fresh Mint<br />
<br />
Easy! And most certainly has been done before. The pineapple, mint and honey combo I wasn't so sure about, but the flavors complemented each other nicely. Tangy, sweet and minty.. perfect sunny day smoothie!Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-62368156156830773392011-06-09T09:46:00.000-08:002011-06-09T09:46:52.104-08:00Fiddlehead Dessert<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td>So, in Alaska, everything comes in season a bit later. Last week was the prime time for picking Fiddleheads. Fiddleheads are first 'sprout' of a plant, that will unravel into a beautiful fern. They are tender and the flavor reminds me of young Asparagus. The most common (the ones I know anyway) are Ostrich, Royal and Cinnamon. The latter look very similar to me. We bushwhacked to a peak for the views a few days ago, and picked fiddleheads along the way for 'dessert'. They were just right. A couple more days and we would have missed the young ones!</tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0BRgKWWFWOpHoliSY_CQDHDPTzz6D6yrLveCjiSV9xLeJx_EfnDE4UVXCJUwI2D4BrnXbpPI7EGyeh8d-ovfreMCCJaxLvQeqVhGWJ2a-zlRcaAvyobkYF8Meqnm5s4gxbKoblCefgM/s1600/fiddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0BRgKWWFWOpHoliSY_CQDHDPTzz6D6yrLveCjiSV9xLeJx_EfnDE4UVXCJUwI2D4BrnXbpPI7EGyeh8d-ovfreMCCJaxLvQeqVhGWJ2a-zlRcaAvyobkYF8Meqnm5s4gxbKoblCefgM/s640/fiddle.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Fern? A little too mature for picking..</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Iu_V6Xb9GaHTh2wfekHlob-ylnjgVCzZQ8FpWommUyc2B8tocxaQHShyphenhyphen-BaDFO6Ch-R55Sm_TMc1flja3_mhbcWpg7wlUgAlCVmPfTHHZOdFd4KsNx_TrjklP5Hvtv1mFSf9UNm7ZTU/s1600/fid2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Iu_V6Xb9GaHTh2wfekHlob-ylnjgVCzZQ8FpWommUyc2B8tocxaQHShyphenhyphen-BaDFO6Ch-R55Sm_TMc1flja3_mhbcWpg7wlUgAlCVmPfTHHZOdFd4KsNx_TrjklP5Hvtv1mFSf9UNm7ZTU/s640/fid2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freshly Picked</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczC1euOcbcCNcZF3bT1hiJM8rUdHOrgCnebf93iI4qsPkcGY_5votu-9viw9YLkaiyljcnJXFSHNnQrJKOf6SSoZ6_gB9tw1alvvEK1r1diDcq7QJxhLSs5maB7xIYrvh4dPLWElT7W4/s1600/fid3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczC1euOcbcCNcZF3bT1hiJM8rUdHOrgCnebf93iI4qsPkcGY_5votu-9viw9YLkaiyljcnJXFSHNnQrJKOf6SSoZ6_gB9tw1alvvEK1r1diDcq7QJxhLSs5maB7xIYrvh4dPLWElT7W4/s640/fid3.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooking on the GSI set</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b> </b></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Basic BackCountry FiddleHeads:</b><br />
Bowlful of Fiddleheads<br />
1 Tbs Butter (This was tasty, but I prefer olive oil)<br />
1-2 Tsp Dried Garlic slices (or fresh if you are home)<br />
Salt and Pepper to taste<br />
<br />
You can rinse your Fiddleheads (if at home). Ours were pretty clean, so I didn't waste the water. Heat up the butter in the pan, add Fiddleheads, once the pan is hot. About halfway through cooking add garlic, stir, add salt and pepper to taste! That's it! They have such an amazing flavor. One spice combo that may be tasty with this is mustard seeds and thyme or maybe a touch of allspice and ginger. Just an idea if you are making them at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh534dRkt6gNqH4S5ggHHS_xCPw8lNWJXgq013NRRjzmM2chkxv2gMlLFRGtVGvVAu28KMkhPzMTvzbpux9Ii9ZkE-S2hfxZlFHk8uA1bNK3wnhRF492-ArKPhKWxJuw09yO_nDpZ_VtKY/s1600/fid5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh534dRkt6gNqH4S5ggHHS_xCPw8lNWJXgq013NRRjzmM2chkxv2gMlLFRGtVGvVAu28KMkhPzMTvzbpux9Ii9ZkE-S2hfxZlFHk8uA1bNK3wnhRF492-ArKPhKWxJuw09yO_nDpZ_VtKY/s640/fid5.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lil Baby Fern</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
These were so tasty and it was a real treat to eat some fresh veggies! <br />
<br />
What wild foods have you tried? Ever pick anything camping that made you sick?Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-31190909598048089522011-06-09T09:16:00.003-08:002011-06-09T12:03:28.085-08:00SteriPen, Big Agnes & GSI Gear Review<style>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWEuoeBNlcnqTc5g8B3hOYHZl2zEQ9uF722Xxekm8scyR-SOKFVqy6-_CFAjKjIFjfPtEneQxjjVZQj1SwbQ5o3n8Dh6GUGl3A95ONO267Qb11mc8fqkGVw-27Ph7bKXu9w7FwNzIWM0/s1600/steripen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWEuoeBNlcnqTc5g8B3hOYHZl2zEQ9uF722Xxekm8scyR-SOKFVqy6-_CFAjKjIFjfPtEneQxjjVZQj1SwbQ5o3n8Dh6GUGl3A95ONO267Qb11mc8fqkGVw-27Ph7bKXu9w7FwNzIWM0/s640/steripen.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready for Action!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everyone has their favorite tool, mug or trail mix recipe for the backcountry. I like to stick with what works, but I'm always interested in testing out a new product. And when every other page in backpacker is a GSI ad, it's easy to be tempted! Although magazine gear guides are a big help, I like to find and read personal reviews before I rely on something new. If it doesn't work at the moment of truth, it can be challenging to find a suitable solution in your pack.</span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Something we were really excited about on our last trip trying was the <a href="http://www.steripen.com/journey">Steri Pen</a>. It's a water sterilization tool that uses UV light. Very cool idea. <a href="http://www.americanairandwater.com/uv-facts/uv-facts.htm">Here</a> is more on the power of UV. Instead of bringing a water filter (which we did bring anyway as a back up), you can pack this lightweight (not even 5 oz!), small, nifty pen in it's own carry case. We brought the Journey LCD pen. The LCD screen has a countdown timer and a little smiley face pops up when the water is ready. I found it worked best with clear nalgenes, as far as watching the light. But you have to hold it the entire time (so it doesn't fall in). The Steri Pen fits great in a narrow neck bottle though (like a metal green bottle etc.). It still doesn't take as long as a filter bladder bag or as painstaking as a Katadyn pump. And without the aftertaste. The website claims "<i>At 8,000 doses, lamp life for the Journey will allow you to purify water for a long time to come. If you purified four liters of water each and every day, your Journey would last almost six years!" </i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWviEVSN52PIM9lGSgCqS4SQswRtK4O7_piED54Av3CZAnxEzg-h1zGdzJlVyOs_QNTnewpAZ0Xa_Fqr9qVM3RM5ygZvl2YFWoj4-QlKdnUMJJCjGXhGbaWbJa-0e_DHPti6BFw0MW2c/s1600/steri2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWviEVSN52PIM9lGSgCqS4SQswRtK4O7_piED54Av3CZAnxEzg-h1zGdzJlVyOs_QNTnewpAZ0Xa_Fqr9qVM3RM5ygZvl2YFWoj4-QlKdnUMJJCjGXhGbaWbJa-0e_DHPti6BFw0MW2c/s640/steri2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The pen lights up the same green as this bottle..</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i>Personally, I found it took about 90 seconds to sterilize the water in one standard Nalgene. AND, we got a lousy FOUR bottles out of it before the Steri Pen popped out a frowny face on the LCD and claimed that the brand new batteries were dead. Which we tested in a flashlight and this was not the case. After some cursing and playing around, I think that we got a dud, a lemon etc. We are returning the Steri-Pen and hopefully the next one works great! The only other thing I don't like about it is: batteries. While they do last a long time, and if the pen holds up as long as claimed, there is not need to take out the batteries. However, (and luckily) I did find a battery on the ground. I some ways, I hate batteries. I hate batteries that are not disposed of properly even more! I think it is easier to LNT with a traditional filter. But the pen is fun and I'll probably continue to use it!</span> <style>
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">At $100, if it lasts a lifetime, that's a deal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJSjXzjj6wugIjQTNr_mT9dg_rS4MyMEiE0PqLb8B-vPBwTs6SU8YRjvWxJnbBiEgfkpCFwYZ5drIs8ACMTSppuEPfy8fJR99HA38ijn3AZqCtOeYhts1adVB-tIBzr0PfnpFRWNunbo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJSjXzjj6wugIjQTNr_mT9dg_rS4MyMEiE0PqLb8B-vPBwTs6SU8YRjvWxJnbBiEgfkpCFwYZ5drIs8ACMTSppuEPfy8fJR99HA38ijn3AZqCtOeYhts1adVB-tIBzr0PfnpFRWNunbo/s400/1.jpg" width="117" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">50% Recycled Material (rei.com image)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">Big Agnes Pad</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Something I was REALLY excited about was a new pad! I've had the same 2 Thermarests forever. One is the classic lightweight foam, and one is an okay inflatable. A couple years ago I used my in-laws Thermarest inflated pad on a last minute backpacking trip in NC and thought I was in total heaven. It had this layer of cush above the inflatable space. But had second thoughts every morning when I was half asleep trying to wrestle the air out and sitting on my pack to get thick cushy mat strapped back on. With all it's fatness, I still longed to have one. The one thing I will sacrifice weight/space for is a cushy mat. Sleep well, hike well. :) Just my personal indulgence. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Enter Big Agnes! These mats have been heavily advertised and I loved the idea of the Mummy style. This review is for the <a href="http://www.bigagnes.com/Products/Detail/Pad/InsulatedAirCore"><span style="color: blue;">Insulated Air Core Mummy Style.</span></a> Indulgence, but still cutting down on space and weight by cutting off the corners. This mat is ultra light, packs easily (into a bag!), comes with a patch kit (the one thing I worried about was gravel/holes) and oh yeah, it's deluuuuxe comfy. Takes 5-10 minutes or so to inflate, about the same to pack up. If you are trying to max miles and cut down on packing time, this may not be your mat... but really, it is so worth it. For those of you that like to sleep against the ground, good for you! :) I can only take so many days of that before I'm a total JOY to be around in the morning. I'm in LOVE. My photos from inside the tent are blurred. Here is one from the website. I have the 20 x 72 (2.5 inches thick inflated), and it was 21 oz. a Deal at $75!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLP4g4VM6DvBJ6X5mdEL4_VnCLGNB_6Z_zJqt0ItFa-OHxx2Eu_-M1EVojqcrWeN3dkvLwhlj1zDF_QosI2e64nvQngtr-sV4pGPJyNYdaVCowYjl8VbWIwDALDrOQRyalo05TKSVIwM/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLP4g4VM6DvBJ6X5mdEL4_VnCLGNB_6Z_zJqt0ItFa-OHxx2Eu_-M1EVojqcrWeN3dkvLwhlj1zDF_QosI2e64nvQngtr-sV4pGPJyNYdaVCowYjl8VbWIwDALDrOQRyalo05TKSVIwM/s640/2.jpg" width="452" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hot Ravens Brew! Mm mmm</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">GSI Pinnacle Backpacker & Java Press</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">So the hubs had to have his coffee. And I'll admit drinking hot coffee early in the morning was total heaven! Also helps move certain things along (ahem). The <a href="http://www.gsioutdoors.com/products/pdp/30_oz_java_press/all_gear/"><span style="color: blue;">GSI Java Press</span></a> ($30) became the highlight of the morning and the item packed at easy access. It works, it's durable, it keeps the coffee HOT for a long time and well, it's a coffee press. This is definitely a luxury item and only really feasible if you have a lot of extra space (or you want to strap it on the outside of your pack). Obviously not an ultralight item. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSml5bh49aYx0w9Z2UFyJsGEweqJJ3h3ABQMfXDlMGduKPEwB-62D1WbLm4UbhneD0Dd6zZT3-14dOYhxVdV-8JSSD16hZYKeSupv22yF_UZnewXW-hQtENG69ELQYhuwEEBy4WRGZiE/s1600/pigy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxSml5bh49aYx0w9Z2UFyJsGEweqJJ3h3ABQMfXDlMGduKPEwB-62D1WbLm4UbhneD0Dd6zZT3-14dOYhxVdV-8JSSD16hZYKeSupv22yF_UZnewXW-hQtENG69ELQYhuwEEBy4WRGZiE/s640/pigy.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pass the Pig </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;">Next up is the GSI <a href="http://www.gsioutdoors.com/products/pdp/pinnacle_backpacker/all_gear/">Pinnacle Backpacker Set.</a> ($80) Heavy advertisement for this item too. We didn't actually purchase this item. A friend brought it and we played with it. First thing, I'm not into the Teflon coating. Period. Bleh. I ended up using our 'ol MSR more because of this. I'd rather carry/use extra oil to prevent sticking than the Teflon, but I can totally see the appeal. I like how the set all fits together. The cups actually fit inside of each other (so well that my friend thought she lost one!). High quality material, lightweight and every piece is super multi purpose. I'm looking into purchasing a different set though. More photos of this set to come with the next post (a recipe post).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcEwIeGQf5r-f5g4hN8GoCoeLI2PWsJkiAbS9Pyl9EuV5KX1FmH4F5VdnXFKV1N-On4NJZ-UI41TmHbCg66Y1rgYIZO5v2ooLSeTyYuGX9doicWxjYvXix53HOuh-HZGRnXGwBDzyGLQ/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrcEwIeGQf5r-f5g4hN8GoCoeLI2PWsJkiAbS9Pyl9EuV5KX1FmH4F5VdnXFKV1N-On4NJZ-UI41TmHbCg66Y1rgYIZO5v2ooLSeTyYuGX9doicWxjYvXix53HOuh-HZGRnXGwBDzyGLQ/s640/1.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last but certainly not least is the lifeline!<a href="http://www.landfallnavigation.com/acrresqfix.html"> ACR Res Q Fix. </a></span> Thankfully, we didn't have to use this.. so no real review, but an amazing piece of equipment. ($649)</span></div></div>Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8919543600960387422.post-32191487785687591002011-06-02T17:45:00.002-08:002011-06-19T18:01:44.205-08:00Make Your Own Energy Bars!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo01Y9etJJ_mlHpVgM5O3oK6csn_1p9NSIVTrhCMJ9-zOTUumLGH2fZkD2wVCLhmmoUQ-yRnaQaJex6GblK4Xb6GFiM1ky5con5SwZ1E9688AMwqSudn0HMisN-SmSADykpni2HgVS_0/s1600/g2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjo01Y9etJJ_mlHpVgM5O3oK6csn_1p9NSIVTrhCMJ9-zOTUumLGH2fZkD2wVCLhmmoUQ-yRnaQaJex6GblK4Xb6GFiM1ky5con5SwZ1E9688AMwqSudn0HMisN-SmSADykpni2HgVS_0/s640/g2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coulda made 'em thicker? Hmmmm</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Well, you can't have too much food in the middle of the wilderness right? I mean, as long as it's not near your camp. If a bear gets all the goodies I made this week, I'll be seriously bummed. I figured I needed some kind of pick me up/I'm tired/bored snack, possible stand in for breakfast (and I'm already sick of granola because I munched on it all week). I'm used to weighing everything for camping trips. Not having to carry any of this on my back will be awesome! So, maybe I've been getting a little <i>too </i>excited about that. So, maybe I've packed too many avocados, apples and oranges. Nah, I'll just gobble them up on day 1!<br />
<br />
Never really got into nutri-grain, heavily grained or sweetened granola bars. But I do remember eating those nature's valley's granola bars as a kid (the peanut butter one!) annnnd I ate peanut butter Clif bars everyday in college. Wow, I was addicted. It was the only flavor I liked. The only flavor without that weird soy aftertaste. And without the crisp this and that. They were in my car, my backpack, sticky wrappers stuck in my books..<br />
<br />
While I was traveling I got more into energy chunks (found in your local HFS bulk bins), Kind nut bars and Larabars ( of course, peanut butter cookie was on my list of favorites). They packed nicely into my suitcase/ pocket and I could eat them quickly. Oh yeah, and they were healthy and energizing. If I had two minutes to scarf down some calories, they were my lifesaver!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0bUvTSDGR28pczr_axrXGV60shwAa5gXO_ekDvUIhnKy_SedgckmGo_COzaBWPwlQRJiX_ZuixdbvNpcpTnbTrnpFAZxJHebQU0V08VXULb9MLUQJsXMpTLPevK1yIFb7OynF_svC3k/s1600/mess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0bUvTSDGR28pczr_axrXGV60shwAa5gXO_ekDvUIhnKy_SedgckmGo_COzaBWPwlQRJiX_ZuixdbvNpcpTnbTrnpFAZxJHebQU0V08VXULb9MLUQJsXMpTLPevK1yIFb7OynF_svC3k/s640/mess.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small portion of my LARGE mess..</td></tr>
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Fast forward to living in Alaska. Yes, we have access to those energy bars, luna, clif bars etc. However we don't buy them because <b>A)</b> even being on the more 'natural' side, they are still a processed food containing more ingredients than neccessary (some of which I can't pronounce or have to look up)... <b>B)</b> we've slowly stepped away from soy the last couple of years (even though we still enjoy tofu and homemade tempeh occasionally) <b>C)</b> they are pricey <b>D)</b> making our own is fun, healthy and it's satisfying every time we wean off a corporate teat. I probably have many more reasons. I'll stop there!<br />
<br />
Just look at the back of the label of your favorite bar. Clif for example is pretty darn high in sugar. Yes, I have brown rice syrup in my cabinet, but how much would I myself put into a recipe? And, it's still sugar. And not the only one. Clif also contains barley malt extract AND Cane juice.. 3 types of sugar? At least the sugar in a Larabar for example is naturally occurring/unprocessed (dates, dried fruit). "Natural Flavors" (I'm sorry, WHAT? I hate seeing that on a label.. if it's 'natural' it doesn't need to be 'flavored.' Citric Acid, Absorbic acid, Synthetic fiber (inulin), all things I want to avoid. And I'd love to get into my new war on soy protein isolate.. that will be a whole other post. Protein is a hard subject with athletes. It's been a huge issue for me. I like <a href="http://www.rwood.com/Articles/Energy_Bars.htm">Rebecca Wood</a> 's(amazing womyn by the way!) take <i>"All protein powders—whether they’re from rice, soy, hemp, egg or whey—are highly processed, shelf-stable ingredients. Read “shelf-stable” as dead or lifeless. Furthermore, whey protein and whey protein isolate contain toxic MSG!"</i> It's a difficult thing to give up. There is a lot of information out there. A lot of research to be done. My jury is still out. Your take?<br />
<br />
Ok, look at this:<br />
<b>Snickers Candy Bar</b> has 266-280 calories (it depends according to google sources) and 28-30g of sugar. <br />
<b>Coca Cola</b> 150 calories, 39 grams of sugar<br />
<b>Krispy Kreme Doughnut</b> (I couldn't think of anything else!) 10g of sugar!!<br />
<b>Clif Bar</b> (depending on variety) 260 calories, 20+ g of sugar<br />
Is a Clif bar the healthier choice? Yes. I'd say so. Not to rag on Clif bars in particular, just for comparison's sake.<br />
<br />
If you eat any of these energy bar products, I'm totally not ragging on you. This is just my personal reasoning for making my own at home!<br />
<br />
Today I made a few different 'bars.' The first one is my hubs favorite. I used to make <a href="http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=27045.0">these</a>: the darker ones, they were raisin/cocao and coffee.<br />
<div style="color: purple;"><br />
</div><span style="color: purple;">Fun tidbit:</span> Raw cacao is at the top of the <b style="font-weight: normal;">ORAC</b> list! Read <a href="http://thefruitpursuit.com/2011/04/01/nutrition-101-raw-cacao-a-recipe/">here</a>. Awesome post with all the amazing info on Cocao. Especially awesome for the ladies!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't wait to eat all of these!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Huzbeast PB Energizer</b><br />
1 C soaked/pitted dates<br />
2 Tbs Cocao (<br />
1/2 C Sprouted Oat Groats (or whole rolled oats)<br />
1 tsp Maca powder (super energizing!)<br />
4 Tbs Peanut Butter (fresh ground or natural.. remember that sugar thing?)<br />
1 Tbs Chia gel (chia already soaked)<br />
1 1/2 Tbs Flax meal paste (ground flax stirred with water)<br />
1/2 tsp wheat germ<br />
1 Tbs Cocao nibs or chocolate chips etc. (optional) <br />
<br />
Ok, process it aaaallll together. Taste and adjust as needed. You may need a tad more peanut butter or flax or dates. You should be able to pinch a ball together and it doesn't crumble. Moist, but not sticky or dry.<br />
<br />
Pour contents onto wax paper, (or pan) form a ball, then press firmly into a large square and stick in the freezer for 5 minutes or so. This cools the PB back down (it warms up in the processor, even if you don't notice) and helps firm things up. Now cut with a pizza cutter, wrap individually if you like.<br />
<b>EDIT: </b><i>After a few people made these, they noticed how sticky they are. Mine were oily, but not sticky, so try one of these tips: squeeze your dates of water, increase oats, try adding more flax meal (or dry meal instead of paste, and thanks to Cyndi on Dailymile.com for this tip: roll the end product in oats, then individually wrap. The oil softens the oats and then the bars are easier to handle! Thanks for al lof your feedback!</i><br />
<br />
They are like peanut butter brownies. Energizing, healthy, protein rich brownies. Oh yeah, and you made 'em yourself! Too cool for school, right?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just dates, cherries and pecans...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Next up..<b> </b><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supa food for Supa Stars!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><b>Superfood Snickerdoodles</b><br />
Ok, there is nothing snickerdoodly about this, I was at a loss for fun labels.<br />
I took my favorite basic <b>'larabar' </b>recipe:<br />
<br />
5 Dates (NOT soaked if you are trying to make 'larabars')<br />
1/4 C Dried Cherries<br />
1/4 C Pecans (all soaked unless otherwise noted) <br />
and added:<br />
1/4 C Dried Blueberries <br />
1/2 C Pumpkin seeds<br />
1/2 C Almonds <br />
1 Tbs Chia Gel<br />
1 tsp Flax meal paste (ground flax stirred with water)<br />
1 tsp sesame seeds <br />
1 tsp Bee Pollen <br />
1 tsp Maca powder<br />
<br />
I just can't keep things simple. Sometimes, I do. The rest of the time I throw in all the good stuff I can find! Anyway, these are delicious. Pulse in food processor (or spend two hours chopping by hand). The idea is to have a sticky dough, then dehydrate for 1-2 hours and as the water dehydrates, the flax cements the ingredients together and it's like a cookie. If you do not want to dehydrate, omit the flax and chia gel (dry would be okay) and do not soak the dates. You may need another date. Again, this is approximate, as I add in here and there as needed.<br />
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I'd love to hear your own recipes and ideas for energy bars and your take on healthy/natural protein sources. What do you use?Johttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10274011485889621811noreply@blogger.com27