Seasons of change

Life has changed so much for me in the past several years. I've spent the past two years writing books nearly non-stop... and honestly I'm tired! For a little while I felt like I was pretty much done with cooking. I was "cooked' out, burned out, baked out. And "written" out as well...

Over the past few years we've been there with my Dad as he's survived a severe heart attack, followed by three months in the hospital and rehab, then this summer he was blessed with a "brand new" heart via a transplant... those times brought so much reflection, there was joy with tension, hope with timidity, love with smiles followed sometimes by tears... and through it all deep, deep appreciation for doctors and nurses, for people who choose to give their organs, for family and friends who have ALWAYS been there for us along the way. And of course for my Dad.

My cat Mitten (who was so much more than just a "cat") passed away this year and that brought deep grief and despair and yet, hope. We lost my amazing grandmother "Nan" along with my cousin Annie. We lost Michael's aunt, we had other family members going through major life changes that were painful and hard. And all we could do was simply watch, pray, be there... and yet feel like we couldn't really help, which feels so "helpless" in itself..

So my thoughts and my heart have been so incredibly far away from food these past few months. Which probably isn't the most effective way to be a successful cookbook author... but it was important to me to learn where my priorities needed to be and how to ride peacefully with each ebb and flow of life.

I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with this blog, with this little space on the vast internet that I've shared my story and my recipes since August 2007.

I haven't been creating a lot of recipes as of late, I've just been trying to get dinner on the table. Yes, it's gluten-free... but trust me, it isn't exciting. Yes, it's mostly paleo... but you wouldn't need a cookbook to make it.

Our meals have consisted of a protein + veggies + sometimes a healthy starch, like sweet potatoes or butternut squash or even white rice or potatoes on occasion. Truly nothing exciting... and honestly it's been a good place. I'm not looking for excitement at dinner these days.

I've found my thoughts veering towards simple, real food. I've been thinking about the way my grandmother made meals for us, the way my great-grandma always wanted to feed us. The way my Dad  has always expressed so much of his love for his family through food. I've been fascinated with food history and about the ways we need to honor the local foods of our region and our family traditions. I've always loved these things, but they've become much more important.

So as life has changed, my plans for this blog have changed. I'm not going anywhere... but I'm still not exactly sure about the content I plan to share in the future. I want to focus more on simple meals, on real foods, on family traditions, on bringing food close to home, etc... but how to do that, I'm not quite sure yet. I want to write more.

At it's core, this blog has been a way for me to write, and write often. And probably much more than cooking, I love to write. I love to explore thoughts and ideas through words and this means I may lose some readers along the way. I hope not, but I'm afraid that may happen.

I also want to share more about other aspects of our lives. Our faith, our journey, possibly poetry or short stories, essays, etc... and I want to hear from you. I want to share your stories. Your food stories, your life stories, your faith stories... I'd love to know what inspires you, what moves you, what makes you sing and dance, and cry, or simply pause in awe..

Oh and cats... maybe we'll share more cat pictures... those seem to be pretty popular around the internet these days :-P

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Prawn Linguine

Prawn Linguine

A very quick & easy supper dish that is also delicious and fresh!

Serves 2

Prep time:  5 minutes

Cooking time:  8 minutes

Ingredients

200g linguine

2 tbsp olive oil

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 fresh red chilli, de-seeded & finely chopped

12 cherry tomatoes

200g raw king prawns

½ fresh lemon, zest & juice

Small handful of fresh basil leaves

Preparation method

1.  Cook the linguine as per packet instructions.

2.  In a large frying pan heat the olive oil, add the garlic and chilli and gently fry on a low heat for 1 minute.  Now add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes.

3.  Add the raw prawns and cook until pink then add the cooked linguine to the large frying pan with the lemon zest and juice stir through with the basil leaves.

4.  Serve immediately, enjoy!

* Like these recipes check out Best Recipes @ Christmas on Amazon 

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How Does Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract Aid Weight Loss?

There has been a lot of interest in pure Garcinia Cambogia extract and its impact on weight management. This plant extract sourced from the fruit of Garcinia Cambogia (also commonly known as brindleberry or gambooge) consists of a compound called hydroxycitric acid (HCA).

Having been the subject of comprehensive research, HCA has been clinically verified to stimulate weight management. This compound helps the body eliminate excess fat through several processes, including blocking fat production, enhancing emotional wellbeing, and reducing appetite.

So let's look at the ways in which pure Garcinia Cambogia can assist with weight management:

1. Blocks Fat:

HCA suppresses the activity of citrate lyase. Citrate lyase is involved in fatty acid biosynthesis. Citrate lyase is the connection between metabolizing carbohydrates and producing fatty acids. When HCA is present in the body, rather than transforming excess sugar into fat, this energy is used to produce glycogen in the liver and muscles. This prevents the formation of fatty tissues.

By enhancing the availability of glycogen in the muscles, the body has more energy available to help muscle growth. As a result, HCA promotes the development of lean muscle mass. Furthermore, the formation of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL) are reduced by blocking the activity of citrate lyase. This helps to lower the risk of atherosclerosis.

2. Enhanced Emotional Well-being:

There are a couple of ways in which HCA promotes emotional well-being.

First of all, this compound assists with stimulating the production of serotonin. This feel good neurotransmitter lessens depression, anxiety and other mood disorders, which is great news for emotional eaters who seek consolation in food when they are feeling low. When mood is improved, the inclination to binge on unhealthy food items is reduced.

The 2nd way in which HCA improves emotional well-being is by lowering the concentration of the 'stress' hormone cortisol. This hormone can build up with time and have a variety of harmful effects, which includes weight gain. High levels of cortisol support the build-up of visceral fat cells in the belly area.

Excessive cortisol levels also impede the insulin-blood glucose relationship. This decreases energy availability and stimulates the brain to communicate food cravings to gain more energy. By decreasing cortisol concentrations, you'll crave less food and begin to lose weight.

3. Appetite Suppressant:

While HCA decreases food cravings by reducing cortisol levels, it also helps to suppresse appetite due to increased levels of glycogen. Increased glycogen levels stimulate receptors in the liver, transmitting messages to the brain that you've eaten enough. This lowers the amount of calories needed to feel satisfied, bringing about healthy weight-loss.

4. Choosing A Supplement:

Undoubtedly taking pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract offers a number of health benefits. However, you should beware when choosing a Garcinia Cambogia supplement. Opt for a supplement that is highly concentrated in HCA; more than 50 % if possible, and a high quality product with no extra ingredients.

Finally, one of the most crucial factors in the effectiveness of pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract has been shown to be how it is taken. It should be taken on an empty stomach approximately 30 to 60 minutes before a meal and with a glass of water. This ensures the HCA has been adequately absorbed before food consumption and will ensure maximum weight-loss benefit.

Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract has been shown to be highly effective for weight management, as well as contributing to the other health benefits already examined.

If you have enjoyed this article and would like to find out more about including Pure Garcinia Cambogia in your weight-loss program, you can do so here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Annette_R_Murphey

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The Best Vitamins For Weight Loss

Weight reduction is not all about the regulation of food consumption and performing serious workouts that burn fats. To succeed in your weight reduction program, you need to take into consideration the top vitamins for weight reduction that you could take to enhance your weight loss diet plan. The following are some of the top vitamins for weight loss:

i) Vitamin B2

Vitamin B2 improves the performance of the thyroid glands of an individual. The thyroid glands regulate the human metabolism processes. Insufficient amount of B vitamins such as B2, B3, B5 or B6 can suppress the rate of metabolism process hence contributing to weight gain.

Even though vitamins are better in pill form, they are also good in the actual food form. You should eat more almonds and leafy greens if you want to increase your B vitamins. It is also better to eat wheatgerm as a food supplement. You can simply drop one tablespoon in your breakfast smoothie if you do not like taking wheatgerm right from the spoon or in water.

ii) Vitamin B3

Besides assisting your thyroid operation, vitamin B3 helps in maintaining the blood sugar level stable. This does not influence directly weight loss or gain, however it has a strong control over the way you feel hungry at any particular moment. The low blood sugar level can also make you feel depressed and irritable. To maintain the levels of Vitamin B3 high, you need to eat oats, barley, salmon, brown rice. Additionally, cheese and chicken are also good sources of vitamin B3.

iii) Vitamin B5

Vitamin B5 is the actual goodie for weight reduction since it assists in burning fat. The best sources of Vitamin B5 include wheatbran, wheatgerm, beans and leafy greens.

iv) Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is mainly for the good operation of the thyroid glands. The good natural sources for Vitamin B6 are bananas and avocados. Other sources include eggs, brown rice and wheatgerm.

v) Vitamin C

In case your doctor told you that your have low cholesterol level, then you need to take Vitamin C. It also assists in converting glucose into energy form. Therefore, you can try taking Vitamin C if you cannot afford to go to a gym due to lack of energy. Main sources of Vitamin C are in orange juices.

vi) Calcium

Calcium is considered as being the best in weight reduction. You can get calcium from dairy products even though other mineral water is also a good source of calcium.

vii) Chromium

Chromium cholesterol and fat levels as well as blood sugar level in the body. Good sources of chromium are molasses and whole wheat bread.

viii) Choline and Inositol

Choline and Inositol vitamins functions together to remove excess fats from the liver and therefore, they are essential for the general body metablosim. Main sources of these vitamins include cucumbers, wheatgerm and peanuts.

ix) Manganese

Manganese is also another good vitamin suitable for weight reduction since it stabilizes the blood sugar levels even though it also assists in burning of fat. You can get more manganese by drinking more tea.

x) Zinc

Zinc is another vitamin which assists in weight reduction by supporting systems that controls the blood sugar levels. In case you do not feel crazy for hunger, then you are not likely to overeat and increase weight.

The above vitamins are essential in weight loss and can assist those who are overweight in controlling their weight gain.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Saadallah_Oudad

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Oatmeal Waffles

Oatmeal waffles with a touch of cinnamon
are just the right breakfast for a fall morning.

To save time, I sometimes mix the
dry ingredients in a covered Tupperware
bowl the night before.

I often mix another batch and store it in a jar.

 I topped this one with chopped pecans. 

Ready to go!

You could also give this jar as a gift. All

it needs is a directions tag and bow.

Combine the slightly beaten egg, and  milk. 

Add to the dry ingredients along with the

 melted butter. Mix to combine.

 Let the batter rest 5-30 minutes.

I use this time to make coffee, clean up, 

walk Lucy, whatever I need to do.

Bake in a pre-heated waffle baker, that's been

 sprayed with cooking spray, per manufacturer's

instructions. I leave them in a bit longer to crisp.

 I always serve on heated plates and dust with
powdered sugar. Serve with warm maple syrup.

George, my Turkey On A Shelf is
thankful for waffles!


Oatmeal Cinnamon Pecan Waffles

1-1/2 C flour
1 C quick-cook oatmeal
1 T baking powder
2 T brown sugar
1/2 t cinnamon
1/4 t salt
1/2 C chopped pecans, toasted lightly ( optional, but good!)
2 eggs
1-1/2 C milk
1/3 C butter or margarine, melted (6T)

Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl. In another bowl, beat the eggs slightly.
Stir in the milk and melted butter. Add egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Let rest for 5-30 minutes. Preheat and lightly grease waffle baker. Pour about 1/3C batter to each side and close lid quickly. Bake per manufacturer's directions (until steam stops) and leave in a bit longer to crisp them. Use a fork to lift waffles off the grid. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve with warm maple syrup.
12 4-inch waffles. 343 calories for 2 waffles.

Enjoy!

Links: No Minimalist Here
Between Naps on the Porch,
Rattlebridge Farm,
The Charm Of Home

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Lamb Pasanda

Lamb Pasanda

This curry is very straight forward to make.  It is a wonderful warming & comforting curry for this time of year!

Serves 4

Prep time:  15 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)

Cooking time:  1 hour

Ingredients

600g boneless leg of lamb, cut into 2.5cm cubes

2 tbsp garlic paste

2 tbsp ginger paste

3 tbsp vegetable oil

3 large onions, chopped

1 green chilli, deseeded & finely chopped

2 green cardamom pods, bruised

1 cinnamon stick, broken in half

2 tsp ground coriander

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp turmeric

250 ml water

150ml double cream

4 tbsp ground almonds

1 ½ tsp salt

1 tsp garam masala

To serve

Toasted flaked almonds

Basmati rice or Indian breads

Preparation method

1.  In a large bowl add the cubed lamb, garlic paste and ginger paste.  Use your hands to rub the paste into the lamb, cover and set aside in a cool place to marinate for at least 2 hours.

2.  In a large frying pan heat the oil over a medium heat, add the onions and chilli.  Now gently fry, stirring frequently for 5-8 minutes until softened and golden.

3.  Now add the cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, coriander, cumin and turmeric.  Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes or until the spices are aromatic.

4.  Add the lamb, cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.  Stir in the water, bring to the boil and then reduce to a simmer.  Cover the pan tightly and allow to simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender.

5.  Meanwhile in a small bowl add the double cream and ground almonds and mix together.  When the lamb is tender add 4 tablespoons of the cooking liquid to the cream and stir through.  Now add this to the lamb, with the salt and garam masala.

6.  Allow to simmer for a further 5 minutes uncovered.  Serve on warmed plates with a sprinkling of toasted flaked almonds and rice or Indian breads (or both), enjoy!

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Caramel Apple Coconut Macaroons (Grain/Dairy/Refined Sugar Free, Vegan)

Caramel Apple Coconut Macaroons

Egg/Dairy/Gluten/Grain/Cane Sugar Free Primal/Paleo





Ingredients:





1/4 cup maple syrup or honey

1/4 cup coconut milk

1 1/2 cups finely shredded coconut (I use "Let's Do Coconut")

1/2 cup super fine blanched almond flour (for best results use THESE brands)

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup Bare Fruit Crunchy

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