Monthly Archives: May 2012

Tart Cherries Invade Unsuspecting Brown Rice!

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A lovely blend of flavors, fit for a luncheon served with a grilled fish or lime glazed chicken breast.

Keep some tart dried Cherries around for this impromptu dish.  In a pinch you may substitute dried Cranberries.

You may cook the Gaba rice in advance (like early morning) since it takes about 35 – 40 minutes, and leave pot out until you’re ready to make the Pilaf. I always have pine nuts in my freezer for immediate availability.

Recipe

Serves 8

  • 1 c.  chopped organic Green onion
  • 2 c.  chopped organic Celery
  • 1/2 c.  dried, Tart organic Cherries
  • 1/2 c. Pine Nuts
  • 1 Tbs. chopped fresh organic Thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 tsp.  ground Black pepper
  • 1 Tbs. Coconut Oil (or Virgin Olive Oil)
  • 2 c. cooked brown Gaba rice (may use Wild Rice)

Put onion, celery, cherries, nuts, thyme, pepper and oil in a large skillet.

Cook, uncovered, over medium heat 10 minutes, or until vegetables are tender; stir occasionally. Add rice; mix well.

Cook 3 to 4 minutes, or until thoroughly heated.

That’s it, simple and scrumptious!

~ Enjoy! ♥

Taurine – What’s in a Name?

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Taurine is an amino acid that supports neurological development and helps regulate the level of water and mineral salts in the blood. Taurine is also thought to have antioxidant properties.

Taurine is found naturally in meat, fish and breast milk, and it’s commonly available as a dietary supplement.

Taurine may help lower high blood pressure by encouraging the excretion of excess fluid, calming the sympathetic nervous system, and relieving arterial spasms that can cause blood pressure to rise. It helps stabilize blood sugar levels; protects lung and eye health. It is also protects the gallbladder, and may help reduce the risk of gallbladder disease associated with use long-term use of anti-seizure medications.

Some studies suggest that Taurine supplementation may improve athletic performance, which may explain why it is used in many energy drinks.

In one study, people with congestive heart failure who took Taurine supplements three times a day for two weeks showed improvement in their exercise capacity.

Up to 3 grams a day of supplemental Taurine is considered safe. Any excess Taurine is simply excreted by the kidneys. Moderation is important, however. Little is known about the effects of heavy or long-term Taurine use.

TIP: Because the doses of Taurine needed are in gram quantities, you may prefer to purchase a powder form rather than capsules. It is best taken between meals, early morning or bedtime.

CAUTION: Taurine might have an effect like a water pill or “diuretic.” Taking Taurine might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium

Scraped Knees and Apricot Sherbert

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I am soo happy to see that Apricots have now joined the other organic fruit on display at our neighborhood groceries.

I remember my Mom giving me a leg-up to get into the Apricot trees in our orchard in Lebanon, and me picking the red-cheeked, juicy ones that were too high to reach from the ground, and gently tossing them onto a folded blanket that Mom spread under the tree.

For every few I tossed down, I ate one, until both the baskets and I were filled to the top! My nephew or cousins would be in other trees, and sometimes I felt it my duty to turn the basket filling into a contest. Our fruit picking trips always included a picnic featuring tasty Lebanese mezza dishes (appetizers) that Mom made the day before… Tabboouleh, stuffed Grapes leaves, homemade Arabic bread, Hummus or Baba ghannouj, cheeses, olives, fresh veggies, and a watermelon for dessert.

My nephew resting after Apricot picking, Mom in the chair.

Me at 14, leg healing from tree-climbing scrape!

As a skinny preteen, I usually had scraped knees and was often found in trees or sitting top of the many 6-foot tall stone walls in our home town. I’m not so found of climbing into trees anymore, unless they are low to the ground!

Yesterday I brought Apricots home of course, and after eating 3 or 4, I decided to cook some up into jam and sherbet. Below is the dairy-free Sherbet recipe.

Recipe

  • 2 lb. ripe Organic Apricots (12-15)
  • 1/4  c. Water
  • ¾ c. Almond or Soy Milk
  • ¾ c. Xylitol or 2-3 packets Stevia (to taste)
  • 3 drops Almond extract
  • 1/2 tsp. Orange Blossom Water (Whole Foods or Middle Eastern market)

Split apricots and remove pit. Cut each into 1/6’s.

Reserve 1 Tbs. of the apricots.

Cook apricots with water in a medium non-reactive saucepan over medium heat, covered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 10 mins. Add milk.

Remove from heat and stir in sweetener.

Let cool to room temp.

Puree the mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth. Stir in the extract, orange water and rest of the apricot pieces.

Chill thoroughly, then freeze in ice cream maker, or pour into Popsicle molds.

~ Sahtein! (double health) ♥

Pick Up a Colored Pencil, Open a New World

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A few weeks into my Chemotherapy, I remembered that the Anthroposophic doctor I had seen the week before hosted painting classes for some of her cancer patients.  She herself had amazing drawings she created when battling illness.

For those unfamiliar with Anthroposophical medicine, it is a complementary approach to medicine that integrates the theories and practices of modern medicine with homeopathic medicines, physical and artistic therapies and biographical counseling.

The medical approach has its foundation in a spiritual-scientific understanding of the human beingthat regards human wellness and illness as biographical events connected to the body, mind and spirit of the individual.

Anthroposophical medicine uses a holistic approach (“salutogenesis“) that focuses on factors that support human health by strengthening the patient’s physiology and individuality, rather than solely addressing factors that cause disease. The autonomy and dignity of patients is a central theme; therapies are believed to enhance a patient’s capacities to heal.

This system was founded in the 1920s by Rudolf Steiner in conjunction with Ita Wegman as an extension to conventional medicine based on the spiritual philosophy of Anthroposophy.

….

Up to that moment I used to spend the first few days after Chemo reading stacks of books by my favorite authors, taking my ’round the clock list of supplements, attempting a short walk in the afternoon, and doing light cooking till my son and bf came home around 4pm.

Based on that recollection of art as therapy, I felt the urge to try to paint, so my daughter brought me some paints, a few small canvases and brushes.  As a teenager, I dabbled with my father’s oil paints, but enjoyed drawing a lot more.

I attempted an abstract painting, but didn’t like the medium, so I asked J to buy me a drawing tablet on his way to work the next day, and he gave me a huge box of colored pencils. I ordered a rainbow of Sharpies from Amazon too.

In the early 70′s I loved drawing psychedelic pictures, and actually had a couple that my Mom thought to bring me from Lebanon on one of her trips here in the early 90′s.

Below is the template of one of them done in pencil that I decided to redraw in color.

A World of Colors

This began a journey that wove a thread from the past into the present in a lovely healing pattern.  I was addicted to cranking out a picture every 2-3 days.  Since I have never really ‘grown up’, I brought my favorite animated or cartoon characters into surround, and asked them to join me in this play with shapes, color and images.

The focus, the colors, and the call to be creative in a world of fantasy, helped me ignore the raging battle inside; my body dealing with the onslaught of Chemo drugs (I was on a dense-dose regimen with a treatment every 2 weeks), trying to cheerfully weather the awful taste in my mouth for 6 days after treatment and still eat well, and the stunning transformation of my hair into a brittle patch of falling squiggles, and the inevitable a drop in energy. (I shaved my head not long after that very disturbing experience began!)

My family had fun being surprised by each new creation, and made suggestions for the next picture.

Since my boyfriend J is in the music business, and we all either play an instrument, sing, or are avid music lovers… I had come up with a tribute to the what is essentially the backdrop of our lives.  Remember, my creativity was dampened more and more each week by the Chemo doing a number on my brain cells.

I laughed that these were worthy of a child’s portfolio!  But I was having a blast, or as much of one as I could during this amazing process of rebirth.

Conclusion

I framed the originals, three were gifts, and made good quality copies of the rest, since my family thinks that I should make them available for purchase!  Cute people, aren’t they?  :)

Art is a meditation, it reduces stress and summons creativity… as side many of us may not nurture enough.

So next time you’re dealing with an overwhelming situation, whether you think you have talent or not (it didn’t stop me!), pick up some colored pencils, crayons or markers, and Go WILD!

~ In Good Health! ♥

Windy Days and Whole Wheat Pie Shells

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Something about windy days puts me in the mood for baking.

It’s sunny and warm, but there’s a lovely breeze blowing, and the house is still a comfy 67º.

My teenager just got home and is hunting for a snack… thank goodness I made a large bowl of Hummus yesterday, so that…a glass of milk…and some wheat crackers should do it.

The windows are open to let in the bird chirps and distant rumble of a car on an adjacent street.

I think I am going to chop some apples and apricots, and perhaps toss in a handful of blueberries. A little coconut oil, cinnamon and stevia... and perhaps our friend Chia… and into the oven!
Hmm.. and how about a smattering of dark chocolate chips?

      Tell me how you choose to fill your shell!

Pie Shell Recipe

Here is a basic pie dough that lends itself to Quiche, fruit or pudding filling.

  • 1 c. organic Whole Wheat Flour
  • 1 Tbs. freshly ground Flax seeds
  • 1 Tbs. organic Butter, cold and sliced (or use Coconut oil)
  • 1-1/2 tsp. Baking Powder
  • 1/2 c. cold Water or cold Green Tea
  • 3 tsp. Xylitol
  • 1 omega-3 Egg + 1 tsp. water beaten till mixed

Combine dry ingredients with butter using a fork to blend.

Add water 1 Tbs. at a time, mixing after each addition.

Knead dough 5 times on floured surface.

Roll out into a 9″ round, fit into pie pan crimping edges. Brush egg wash around edge.

Poke holes in bottom with fork tines, and bake for 8-10 minutes.

Chia Chocolate Cupcakes – GF & Vegan

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Ok, so how in the world can these cupcakes be ok with our anti-cancer diet?

Well, we’ve upped the fiber by adding chia and flax seeds, and used cocoa powder with antioxidants, replaced the sugar with Xylitol, and used olive oil for the friendly fat.

I’m not saying you can sit down and eat 3 of these…but 1 cupcake is super ok!

For an extra smudge of goodness:
Melt 10 oz. 75% dark chocolate in a double boiler, add 1 Tbs. almond or soy milk and 1 packet Stevia. Stir well and smear on the cupcakes as they reach room temperature.

Recipe

  • 3/4 rounded c. Sorghum flour
  • 3/4 rounded c. Potato starch or tapioca starch
  • 1/2 c. unsweetened raw Cocoa Powder
  • 1/4 c. Chia seeds
  • 1 Tbs. ground Flax seeds
  • 3/4 c. Xylitol (or 3 packets Stevia)
  • 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt
  • 1 tsp. Xanthan gum
  • 1 tsp. Baking Powder
  • 1 tsp. Baking Soda
  • 1 Omega-3 Egg (use 1 Tbs. Egg substitute of 2 Tbs. freshly ground Flaxseed for Vegan)
  • 3 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp. Vanilla
  • 1/2 tsp. distilled Vinegar
  • 1 c. warm Water or Green Tea or Decaf Coffee

Line a 12-c. cupcake pan with paper liners. Preheat oven to 350º F.

Whisk together the dry ingredients.

Add in the warm water (or tea or coffee), egg, chia seeds, oil, vanilla, and vinegar and beat until smooth. Beat for 2-3 minutes.

Scoop the batter into the 12 lined muffin tin cups.

Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Remove the cupcakes to a wire rack and let cool completely.

~To Your Health! ♥

Herbal Index: Common Herbs and Their Uses "D, E, F"

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Reblogged from Conservatory of Magic:

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Dandelion

Medicinal Uses: Dandelion, commonly thought of as a weed, is a very useful medicinal herb and can be found growing wild or purchased in the store. Dandelion as a culinary treat is very beneficial. It is full of vitamins A and C, beta carotine, potassium, with enough iron and copper to keep you healthy. You can eat the leaves, stalk, and flowers as a salad.

Read more… 666 more words

Hear, Hear for Herbs!

The Flower Patch, and Tri-Color Salad

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J and I finally made it to the Nursery yesterday, and filled the double-decker flat-bed with plants for our circular garden patch.

There were 4 more shrubs we wanted bring home, but until these spread out a little and give us an idea how much space they’re going to claim, we need to check our desire to get everything at once.

I’ve always wanted to plant Lantana in my yard…it holds a lot of wonderful childhood memories for me, as does the Hydrangea.  My paternal grandmother had a purple – pink Hydrangea in the front courtyard of her home that was at least 5′ wide and 4′ tall.

My cousins and I played often in that courtyard, surrounded by a wall of climbing flowering plants and that amazing Hydrangea.  We have a lovely blue one  in the front against the house, and brought home a pink one for the side yard.

All that color outside inspired me to continue the colors indoors with this salad…

Recipe

  • 2 large Belgian Endives
  • 1 small head organic Red-leaf lettuce
  • 1 small head organic Green-leaf lettuce
  • 1 organic Golden Beets, cooked and sliced
  • 1 small bunch organic Watercress

 Dressing

  • 2  Tbs. Balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2  tsp.  Sea Salt — to taste
  • 1/4 tsp.  Pepper — to taste
  • 1/4 c.  extra virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 Tbs. freshly squeezed organic Orange juice
  • 1 Tbs.  Dijon Mustard
  • Juice of one large organic Garlic Clove

Topping

  • 3 pieces of whole grain or gluten-free Bread
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • Garlic Powder
  • Dried Thyme

Rinse and tear lettuces into a large bowl. Wash and chop watercress with some of the stems. Slice Endive and combine with lettuces and beets.

Combine the dressing ingredients in a mason jar and shake to mix.  Pour over the bowl of salad.

Drizzle olive oil over bread and sprinkle with garlic powder and thyme. Toast until brown. Cut into bite size pieces, and add to salad.

Toss and serve.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Cool and Rich: Chocolate-Nut Ice Milk Pops

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It’s getting warmer out here in the West, and the lines are getting longer outside the ice cream, gelato and fro-yo shops.

Just because we can’t have ice CREAM, doesn’t mean we can’t have just as delicious ice pops or Sorbets! You can pick up a Cuisinart ice cream/sorbet maker for around $60 on Amazon (not expensive), or you can buy molds to make ice pops.

We’re going to get creative with flavors, but for starters here’s is a simple recipe to get you going…

Recipe

  • 2-1/4 c. Rice Milk
  • 1 c. Xylitol
  • ¾ c. unsweetened Dutch-process Cocoa Powder
  • Pinch of Sea Salt
  • 6 oz. bittersweet or semi-sweet Chocolate, finely chopped
  • ½ tsp. pure Vanilla extract
  • ½ c. chopped Almonds (or hazelnuts)

In a large saucepan, whisk together 1-1/2 c. of the rice milk with sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently.  Let it boil, continuing to whisk, for 45 seconds.

Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted. Stir in vanilla extract and remaining water. Transfer to a blender and blend for 15 seconds.

Add nuts. Chill thoroughly, then freeze in ice cream maker according to instructions.

Ice Cream in Glass

Note: If too thick to pour into machine, whisk vigorously to thin.

Wrap It – à la Mediterranean

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They’re easy to transport, easy to make, inspire creativity, and are fun to eat… I’m talking about Wraps.

Many Seaside Cafés along the Lebanese stretch of the Mediterranean offer a variety of Pita bread wraps.  Our loaves there are the size of large tortilla shells, so they lend themselves to substantial lunch fare.

Two of the most popular are Falafel, of course, and roasted chicken with pickles and a thick Garlic Aioli we call ‘Thoum” which literally means garlic.

Below is a wrap that integrates a North African ingredient with a tasty chicken-hummus (or you may substitute BBQ’d tofu) filling.

Mediterranean Chicken Wrap Recipe

 Yield – 8 wraps

  • 1 cup uncooked whole wheat Couscous
  • 1/2 c. chopped Almonds, toasted
  • 1/2 c. golden Raisins
  • 3 c. cooked, shredded or thinly sliced Roasted or BBQ Chicken
  • 2 c. shredded organic Romaine Lettuce
  • 2 Tbs. diced organic Red Onion (opt.)
  • 2 Tbs. raw organic Honey
  • 1/4 . extra virgin organic Olive Oil
  • 1/4 c. organic Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 tsp. Cumin
  • 2 Tbs. chopped organic Parsley
  • 1 tsp. grated Lemon peel
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 whole wheat Pita Bread pockets, split into 8 rounds (or 8 whole wheat organic Tortillas)
  • 1 c. Hummus

Cook couscous according to package directions.

In a medium bowl, gently combine couscous, almonds, raisins, chicken or tofu, lettuce and onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, cumin and lemon peel. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix 1/4 cup dressing into couscous mixture.

To assemble wraps, lay bread split side up on work surface. Spread each with 2 tablespoons hummus. Spoon approximately 1/2 cup couscous mixture down center of each pita round.

Drizzle with 1 tablespoon dressing.  Fold up bottom and then sides to wrap.

~ Sahtein! ♥