Dreaming of Minty Kabobs

On June 6th I had surgery to complete a cosmetic need after my surgery in May 2011. This to me is the culmination, the period at the end of the two-year cancer experience process I have lived. With God's grace, I can mark that day as the end of a transformation and the beginning of living what I learned in those two years...of giving back in any way I am able.

And so I am confined to the house, and mostly my room, for a week.  No bending, lifting, driving, jumping on the bed or doing the Macarena! Also, as a test of my willpower, no cooking!

Today is my son's last day of school, and so I have solicited the aid of J and my daughter to stock our dining room table with a whole wheat pizza, fresh veggies, and some type of dessert.  He's bringing a few friends over, but I will be hiding in my room with my apple slices, cinnamon and almond cheese snack!

I can type however!  At least for a few minutes...

And so of course, since thinking of food and reading and watching videos are all I can do (oh, and I colored a cartoon scene I drew a few months ago), I figure why not contemplate what I want to make the instant I have the ok to resume my activities!

Well, these Kabobs came to mind. Lamb seemed the right protein, and middle eastern spices the right compliment.

Minty Lamb Kabobs

This recipe makes about 4 servings.

  • 1 Tbs. whole wheat Bulgur, rinsed (use bran flakes or quinoa for Gluten Free version)
  • 2 tsp. Coriander
  • 2 tsp. Cumin seeds
  • 3 whole Cloves
  • 3 green Cardamom pods
  • 6 black Peppercorns
  • 1/2 inch piece of fresh Ginger
  • 2 Garlic cloves
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh Mint
  • 1 small organic Onion, chopped
  • 14 oz. ground organic grass-fed Lamb
  • 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

Dip

  • 1/2 c. plain Soy or Coconut Yogurt
  • 1 tsp. Lemon juice
  • 2 Tbs. chopped fresh Mint
  • 3-inch piece of organic Cucumber, grated
  • 1 tsp. Mango Chutney

Soak bulgur wheat in 1/4 c. of warm water for 5 minutes. Drain.

Preheat oven on Broil.

Heat skillet over medium heat, and dry-fry the coriander, cumin, cardamom pods, cloves and peppercorns, until they turn a shade darker and release a roasted aroma. Watch and stir often to avoid burning.

Grind the spices in coffee grinder, spice mill or with mortar and pestle.

Put ginger and garlic in food processor or blender and process to a puree.  Add the spices, bulgur, mint, onion, lamb, and salt and process until finely chopped. You may alternately do this by hand, chopping garlic and ginger.

Mold kabobs into small sausage shapes or  4 metal or pre-soaked wood skewers. Cook under broiler for 10 - 15 minutes, turning skewers occasionally.

To make dip, mix all ingredients together in a small bowl.

Serve kabobs with lime slices and the cucumber - yogurt dip. Garnish with mint leaves.

~ To Your Health! ♥

Almond Cheese Panini

The Panini

Heat a panini grill or cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Slice some Almond Cheese and organic Tomatoes, and wash a few Spinach or Arugula leaves.

The Tapenade

Toss a handful of Kalamata olives in a blender with a large clove or garlic, some dry thyme and a dash of lemon. Blend for 4 seconds, then while running, drizzle 2 Tbs. of olive oil through top opening. Blend for another 3 -4 seconds.

Assembly

Spread a olive oil or ghee on one side of 2 Gluten Free slices of bread. place them on a plate oil side down. Spread with Tapenade, top with Tomato, Spinach leaves and finally the Cheese. Top with the other bread slice.

Place in grill or pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes watching that it doesn’t get too brown. Flip carefully and grill the other side.

Blue Cornflour Crepes

  • 1/4 c. organic Rye flour

  • 1 tsp. Sea Salt

  • 2 tsp. freshly ground Flax Seeds

  • 1/4 c. Blue Cornflour

  • 1 tsp. Baking Powder

  • 1/2 tsp. Psyllium Husk Powder

  • 4 Pasture-rasied Eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 c. Almond or Coconut Milk

  • 2 Tbs. melted Coconut Oil+ 2 tsp. for pan

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.  Add wet ingredients and mix well. Let stand 20 - 30 mins.

Coat a crepe or small saute pan with a little of the coconut oil over medium-high heat.  Wait 2 minutes and pour enough batter to coat bottom of pan.  Swirl to even out crepe.

Cook until edges turn brown, and flip.  Cook for another 20 seconds or until brown.

Remove from pan. Since crepe is not sweet, you may fill it with your favorite savory or sweet filling.

Note: Add 1/8 tsp. Monk Fruit or 1 packet Stevia to 2 c. of Marion Blackberries, simmer on med-low heat while the crepes cook.  Place berries in the crepe, and pour the juice on top.

~ Bon Apetit!  ♥

Garbanzo Beans

Also known as chickpeas, garbanzo beans originated in the Middle East, the region of the world whose cultures heavily rely on this high protein legume. The first record of garbanzo beans being consumed dates back about seven thousand years. They were first cultivated in the Middle East around 3000 BC. Recent studies have shown that garbanzo bean fiber can be metabolized by bacteria in the colon to produce relatively large amounts of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetic, propionic, and butyric acid. These provide fuel to the cells that line your intestinal wall. The fiber from garbanzo beans helps supports the energy needs of your intestine.

It is recommended that you consume 1–2 cups of legumes per day, at least 4 days per week, to help lower your risk of colon problems, including your risk of colon cancer.

Garbanzo beans also contain more concentrated supplies of antioxidant phytonutrients. The mineral manganese - a key antioxidant in the energy-producing mitochondria found inside most cells - is also provided in excellent amounts by garbanzo beans.

~ Pass the hummus! ♥