"White noise"

A piece from the past.

Cranberry Pistachio Chocolate Bark with extra LOVE

Ingredients:

• 4.5 oz shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
• 2.5 oz dried cranberries, coarsely chopped
• 7 oz organic dark chocolate bar
• Place chocolate in pot on medium heat, keep a eye on it so it does not burn. Add melted chocolate to nut mixture, stirring until just combined. Spread mixture evenly on a jelly-roll pan lined with foil; freeze 1 hour. Break into pieces.

*Great as a Valentine's Day yummy gift!!

Quinoa salad tacos

Quinoa is one of my favorite foods! It's on my list of superfoods. Quinoa contains all the nine necessary amino acids making it a complete protein. Included is lysine which is necessary for the tissues of your muscles to grow and repair themselves. And since quinoa is a good alternative source of protein instead of meat, it is perfect for vegans. It will give you the necessary and sufficient amount of protein that your body needs. Also very high in antioxidants, minerals (high in magnesium), vitamins and! it is gluten free.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 3/4 to 1 cup cooked black or another kind of bean (or used canned)
• 1 small orange, peeled, sectioned and cut into pieces
• 1 small avocado, diced
• 1/2 red or yellow pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 small shallot, finely diced or 3 green onions, sliced
• juice of 1 lime
• 1/4 tsp each: ground cumin and chili powder
• 1 small bunch baby spinach, washed well and thinly sliced (any tender green would be fine)
• a few corn tortillas (homemade are best, but I've used store-bought here)
• crumbled goat cheese (optional)

Mix all the ingredients together and serve in corn tortillas.

Broccoli Gribiche

This recipe is from one of my favorite bloggers Heidi Swanson from 101 Cookbooks. I recently bought her cookbook Super Natural Everyday, and this dish is my first from this must have cookbook. The flavor of this dish is so full filling. I love, love roasted potatoes so I was extra satisfied.

Broccoli in my eyes is a super food. So many benefits! especially calcium. Broccoli's noteworthy nutrients include vitamin C, vitamin A (mostly as beta-carotene), folic acid, calcium, and fiber. While the calcium content of one serving doesn't equal that of a glass of milk, broccoli is an important calcium source for those who don't consume dairy products. Calcium does more than build strong bones. Research shows that this mineral may play a role in the control of high blood pressure, and it may work to prevent colon cancer.

Tarragon is one of the herbs used in this dish. I love working with tarragon, it has such a strong unique flavor and so many health benefits.

Tarragon is notably excellent source of minerals like calcium, manganese, iron, magnesium, copper, potassium and zinc.

Potatoes are my favorite food! Anything that has taters in them I am a fan. You name I love it!

Potatoes are nutrient-dense, meaning you receive many nutrients for the amount of calories they have. The fiber is half soluble, half insoluble, so it helps to keep you regular and helps to lower cholesterol. And slowing down digestion helps to keep you full longer. Phytochemicals in potatoes include flavanoids and a recently identified compound called kukoamine that appears to help lower blood pressure.

*Note my little helper

Here's what'cha need:

• 1.5 pounds of fingerling potatoes
• 1/2 cup EVOO
• sea salt
• 12oz broccoli florets
• 4 large eggs, hard cooked and peeled
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dijon-style mustard
• 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives

Preheat the oven to 400F. Use your hands to toss potatoes with 1 tablespoon of EVOO, sprinkle with salt, and turn out onto a baking sheet. Roast until they are cooked through and starting to brown. About 15 min before you think the potatoes are done, toss the broccoli with EVOO, sprinkle with salt, and arrange on the baking sheet with the potatoes. The broccoli is delicious if it has a slight char. To make the dressing, mash just the yolk of one of the eggs in a medium bowl. Very very slowly add 1/2 cup EVOO, beating constantly; the dressing should look smooth and glossy. Whisk in the vinegar, then mustard. Stir in the capers, shallots, herbs and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Coarsely chop the remaining eggs and egg white, and fold them into the dressing. Put the warm potatoes and brocccoli in a large bowl and gently toss with the dressing.

My Inspiration

"A simple I love you means more than money."

Agreed.

I pass this almost everyday...

It is a great reminder.

What is yoga to you?

Yoga to me is...

• To attain what was previously unattainable – every change is yoga (and life).
• Attentiveness – being in the moment 100% to be the best you can be in whatever you are currently doing.
• “To be one with the divine” – Anything that brings us to the awarness that there is a higher being and something greater then ourselves.
• Asana - the physical pose.
• Pranayama (breath)

I encourage those who practice yoga, (if you have not already) to open your mind not just your body. To me Yoga is not* just the physical, that is just one of the building blocks to the core of what yoga can bring to your life.

Here is a quote by B. K. S Iyengar from Light on Life

" Yoga allows you to rediscover a sense of wholeness in your life, where you do not feel like you are constantly trying to fit the broken pieces together. Yoga allows you to find a inner peace that is not ruffled and riled by the endless stresses and struggles of life. Yoga allows you to find a new kind of freedom that you may not have known even existed. To a yogi, freedom implies not being battered by the dualities of life, its up and downs, its pleasures and its suffering. It implies equanimity and ultimately that there is a inner serene core or one's being that is never out of touch with the unchanging, eternal infinite."

My BFF

Need I say more.

A C V

Apple cider vinegar - this stuff is off the chain with benefits, no lie!

I personally use it for my acid reflux, yes! I did say for acid reflux.

Here's the deal! ok so your stomach makes this stuff called "Hydrochloric acid" HCL. Which it needs to break down the food. etc. But what happens 90% of the time with people who have reflux, their bodies are not making enough HCL which in return causes this off balance and in a round about way causes heartburn, GERD etc. So what do we all do? grab for a Tums, or Prevacid, etc which are a "catch all" they either stop the acid production or slow it down (keep in mind you are already low on HCL, usually) So over time damage sets in from not having HCL. You need this to breakdown your foods so you can absorb your nutrients. Protein being the biggest absorbing problem. Now here is where ACV comes in, the acidity in vinegar from apple cider makes the LES lock up to protect the esophagus from acid reflux and rebalances the acid level, which is important for the body in the process of digestion. You might ask "why go to all this trouble, just take the drugs" and that choice is up to you. But keep in mind pharmaceuticals have side effects and you can not be on them forever. Actually, they have not even done studies on the long term effects of these drugs.

I recommend taking a teaspoon mixed with about 3oz of water with your biggest meals and anything that you know irritants your reflux. If you are having a hearburn "attack" then I suggest, 2 teaspoons of ACV and 2 teaspoons of honey in 8oz of warm water.

Also you can go to any health store and pick up HCL tablets. The goal in all of this is to help wake up your body so it starts producing its own HCL. And for those of you who are actually producing to much acid, you will know as soon as you try this.

check this out

Hey Hey for Tempeh!

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces tempeh
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled, crushed and chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon powdered chipotle (or a couple pinches of cayenne)
• 2 1/2 cups cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)

Cut the tempeh diagonally into 4 triangles. If possible, thin those triangles out by slicing each in half horizontally - 8 triangles total. Set the tempeh aside while you make the maple marinade by combining the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, garlic, and chipotle powder in a small bowl. Reserve a few tablespoons of the marinade to use later as a drizzle.

Place the pieces of tempeh flat in a large baking dish. Pour the remaining marinade over the tempeh. Make sure the tops and bottoms are coated and marinate for anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 days, flipping occasionally.

Grill the tempeh on a medium hot grill for a few minutes on each side - Brushing all the while with the marinade remaining in the bottom of the baking dish. When the tempeh is a toasted, deep, maple-y, golden brown remove and enjoy on a sandwich, over rice, or however you like.

Serves 2 - 4

Dali Technique

Years ago, an old friend had a mad obsession with Salvador Dali. I often recall a story she told me about how he found inspiration for a lot of his work. It was a technique that included a spoon and REM sleep. He would fall asleep in a chair, hold a spoon and drift off into oblivion.... and before he could hit REM he would drop the spoon and immediately get to work. Having full memory of his dreams=surrealism. Here is a article going into more detail. I adore Dali and find him to be one of the most inspiring artists of the 20th century. I have visited several of his museums all over the world, which brought me much joy! I have yet to try this inspiring technique but! it is on the "to-do" list.

Balls of energy!

I love, love these little guys! they are so filling and give you energy! You can make a batch and have them ready for when you are on the go or want the 2pm pick-me-up. The base of these guys are Dates*-which are power-packed energy nuggets, filled with nourishing carbohydrates, fiber and naturally occurring sugars, which are quickly assimilated in the body. They are also an excellent source of potassium. This is considered a "raw" snack so yes you are getting all the yummy benefits you are promised!

So Enjoy! Bon Appetit! <3

Energy Balls

Ingredients:
2 cups dates, chopped (or you can also use some raisins, cranberries, prunes, apricots)
2 cups nuts (I used walnuts, almonds and sunflower seeds, but pecans, Brazil nuts, cashews, macadamias also work well.)
Dash of cinnamon
Sesame seeds for rolling (optional)

Directions:
1. Set out a few sheets of parchment paper and a Tupperware container (you will have very sticky hands when you’ll need this)
2. Place the dates and /or other dried fruits in a food processor. Pulse until processed to a paste. Transfer paste to a medium bowl (don’t clean processor).
3. Add the nuts to the processor and pulse until finely chopped (see photo above). Add the nuts, along with the cinnamon, to the bowl with the fruit paste. Use your fingers to knead the nuts into the paste (this is the fun part – kids love it too!)
4. Taking small amounts at a time, shape the kneaded fruit dough into small balls. You can roll the balls in sesame seeds, which will prevent the balls from sticking together, but this is optional. I like the crunch it gives and the extra boost of calcium never hurts!
5. Store in layers, in parchment-lined containers in the refrigerator until you set off on your next energy-intense adventure!

Rise and Shine!

Who needs an alarm clock when you have one of these. I woke up yet again to this little face standing over me. Incessant little thing, although it would not be a complete morning without those persistent meows. <3

Club book.

Last night we (book club) had our first meeting of 2012. It was a typical meeting where we discussed the book for maybe 15 minutes and then went on to chit chat about our lives. This month we read The Girl Who Fell from the Sky By: Heidi W. Durrow. Here is the review from the author herself. If you are looking for a smooth, easy read with a interesting twist I suggest this book.

Happy reading!

Did somebody say tacos??!

Last night after a yoga session, we decided to have a "taco party" which you can't loose when tacos are involved. My contribution was black bean tacos with goat cheese and cabbage slaw. They were a yummy success! <3

Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Goat cheese & Cabbage Slaw

Yields: 6 tacos, 2 servings

For the black beans:

1 15 oz. can black beans, drained

1/2 small onion, thinly sliced

2 garlic clives, thinly sliced

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the cabbage slaw:

2 tsp. olive oil

1 tbsn. lime juice

2 cups coleslaw mix

2 green onions, chopped

1 tbsn. mayonnaise (optional)

salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the tacos

2 tbsn. olive oil

6 corn or flour tortillas

1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese

hot sauce, for serving

In a medium pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the onion and garlic and saute until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the black beans, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Use a fork to slightly mash the beans and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes. To make the cabbage slaw, mix 2 tsp. of olive oil and lime juice in a medium bowl. Add the coleslaw, green onions and toss to coat. If desired, you can also add the mayonnaise for a creamier slaw. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Heat 1 tsp. of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add three tortillas in a single layer. Once golden brown, flip, then spoon 1/4 of the bean mixture onto each tortilla and cook for 1 minute or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining tsp. of oil and tortillas. Fill the tacos with goat cheese and slaw. Serve with hot sauce, lime wedges and sour cream.

A must see documentary

I highly suggest watching this film!

Synopsis

Just simply...

A message in every corner

"I love you so much, not time nor distance or death could change that"

Be mindful of your surroundings, there are little treasures everywhere.

"Winter soup"

1 organic butternut squash

1 organic white potato

2 1/2 cups of veggie stock

2 cups of water

5 tablespoons chopped white onions

clove garlic, ground

1/8 teaspoon ground thyme or basil

1 bay leaf

1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

a pinch of ginger

Sauté onions and garlic with oil. Add squash, potatoes, vegetable stock

and water, and bay leaf. Stir in peppers and thyme or basil. Add a pinch of ginger, and

bring to a boil for about 18-20 minutes.

Nature called our name today.

Yesterday me and the hunny went for a little get away in the woods. Much needed I might add.

Now it is January but here is the odd thing, it was 67 degrees outside. I am not at peace about the "winter weather" this year. It is a very odd feeling to be wearing a tank top in the middle of January, I suppose I have no choice but to except it and take a wonderful hike.

Namaste

The Miracle of Mindfulness

I love, love this book. I believe everyone should own it, use and live by it.

Here is a quick overview:

Zen master Nhat Han blends several different methods of teaching in his

examples to show how a mind that is meditative and conscious at all times can “reveal

and heal”. He is the master at helping the reader reach a calm state of mind, a refuge within ourselves. Reminding us that “ there is a only one important time and this is now”.

Over time, mindfulness can bring about long-term changes in mood and overall levels of happiness and well being. Mindfulness is about observation without criticism; as well as

being compassionate to yourself. In essence, mindfulness allows you to catch negative thought patterns before they tip you toward a downward spiral. It begins the process of putting you back in control of your life again. Mindfulness meditation is so beautifully simple that it can done at any moment, day or night. Being aware of what you are feeling and acknowledging it, taking charge of that moment and embracing the beauty around

you.