Mystical Fungi - also known as Fun Guys :-)

A fungus can be any of the 144,000 known species of the kingdom Fungi, which includes yeasts, rusts, mildews, molds, and mushrooms.

Together with bacteria, fungi are responsible for breaking down organic matter and releasing carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus into the soil and the atmosphere. Fungi serve as nature's primary de-composers, recycling essential nutrients back into ecosystems.

For example, Live Oaks and fungi have a symbiotic relationship. The fungi are more efficient than oak roots at extracting water and nutrients from soil. They also produce protective chemicals against harmful bacteria and insects. In return, the oak provides carbohydrates to the fungi, food the fungi cannot produce itself.

Mystical Fungi

"In the shadows, where sunlight fades,
Beneath the canopy, in twilight glades,
Fungi weave their hidden lore,
Whispers of the forest floor.

Mushrooms sprout in clustered clumps,
Fairy rings and delicate bumps,
Caps of color, stems so slight,
A symphony in muted light.

Mycelium threads through soil so deep,
A network vast, in silent keep,
Connecting roots, a secret dance,
Of life and death in balanced chance.

On fallen logs, they find their stage,
Breaking down the wood of age,
Shelf fungi, with their layered grace,
Decomposers in a timeless race.

In damp and dark, spores take flight,
Invisible travelers, day and night,
Seeking places to call their own,
A kingdom where the strange is known.

From truffles hidden underground,
To molds where bread is sometimes found,
Yeasts that make the dough arise,
Fungi’s forms are nature’s prize.

Some bring healing, some cause woe,
Penicillin’s life-saving glow,
While others, toxic, bring a blight,
In nature’s balance, wrong and right.

Fairy-tale fungi, glowing bright,
Bioluminescent in the night,
Guiding footsteps with their gleam,
Like something from a distant dream.

A world unseen, yet ever near,
Fungi thrive, year after year,
Silent stewards of decay,
Turning death to life each day.

In the forest, in the field,
In every corner, secrets yield,
Fungi whisper, unseen, unheard,
Nature’s quiet, wondrous word.”

~Vinaya Joseph, Poet,

Calendula for Healing Wounds

How does Calendula work? How does this little orange flower support the body to heal cuts, scrapes and wounds while preventing infections?

In homeopathic medicine we can’t connect how a plant grows or what it looks like with what it does. It is simply empirically proven that it works in a certain way. 

But, with Anthroposophic medicine, the attempt is made to connect the phenomenology of a substance with its effect, to understand why it works. This means… the way something LOOKS or SMELLS or HOW IT GROWS or WHAT COLOR it is can help us to understand WHY it works. 

An advantage of this approach is that it enables us to assess the medicinal effect of a new substance without trying it out in a homeopathic proving.

Calendula has abundant growth energy. Its growth is lush and moist and the flowers come quickly and keep arriving into November. They are an intense orange, almost fluorescent. Although it is an annual, it re-seeds easily and comes back each year. It can grow in poor soil because it has so much innate vitality!
Thus it contains a life energy which helps damaged tissue to remain vital and knit together without any infection.  

But there is more to it. When you SMELL the plant, its background scent is not exactly pleasant. In fact, you may find it smells SOMEWHAT ROTTEN! Yes, it smells decayed underneath the pleasant scent, even though it looks perfectly lovely and alive and full of vitality.

Because…Calendula contains an image of the illness it is used to treat, as well as the cure! The vibrant orange flowers and other parts have resins that preserve tissue against deterioration. It’s also interesting to note despite the lush growth, the numerous flowers stop overgrowth, preventing it from getting “out of control”.  

Thus, Calendula shows the illness of excessive, “inflammatory” growth and the remedy of proper containment, establishing healthy boundaries again. 

10% Calendula gel can be an important addition to your natural healing cabinet.

Raspberry Fudge Brownies (Grain, Dairy, and Nut Free)

Raspberry Sauce:

• ½ c fresh organic Raspberries

• 1 Tbs. Coconut oil

• 1 Tbs. pure Maple syrup or raw Honey

Batter:

• 4 free-range Eggs (or 2 eggs + 2Tbs. freshly ground flax in 4 Tbs. warm water)

• ⅓ c. Coconut oil

• ⅓ c pure Maple syrup

• 2 tsp. pure Vanilla extract

• ½ c. pure raw Cacao powder

• 2 Tbs. Coconut flour

• 2 Tbs. Almond Flour

• 1 Tbs. decaf Instant Coffee (opt.)

• ½ tsp. Baking soda

• ¼ tsp Sea salt

• ⅓ c. Dark chocolate chips or pieces 

• ½ c. fresh organic Raspberries
  
  Preheat oven to 350℉ (175° C).

Directions

Sauce: 
Place ½ cup fresh raspberries and coconut oil in a pot over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.  Stir until raspberries have broken down and you’ve created a sauce.  Take away from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. Set aside.

Brownies:
Next combine wet brownie ingredients in mixing bowl.  Add in dry ingredients and stir until incorporated.  Gently fold in chocolate chips and raspberries.  Pour batter into 8”×8” (20.25 cm x 20.25cm) or 9”x9” glass baking pan greased with coconut oil.

Drizzle raspberry sauce over the top and swirl into batter with a knife so it’s barely under the surface.  Bake on lower oven rack for approx. 25 minutes. 
Don’t over-bake this brownie.  It should still be a little soft on the inside. Let it cool for 15 minutes before cutting into squares.

Harness the Power of Your Mind

There are numerous documented cases of patients improving or healing from the belief alone that they have received a powerful treatment, even when that treatment… whether physical or intangible… was a placebo.

Click the link below to read about the seemingly miraculous case of Mr. Wright.

https://www.cornellhealthcarereview.org/post/the-power-of-the-placebo

10 Reasons Why Having a Health Coach is a Necessity... Not a Luxury

Ultimately, a health coach can be a valuable partner on the path to better health, offering guidance, support, and expertise that can lead to a happier and healthier life.

1.     Personalized Guidance: A health coach provides personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs, goals, and situation. This ensures you receive suggestions that are most relevant to you.

2.     Accountability: We all procrastinate or give in to old habits. Accountability can be a powerful motivator to stick to healthy habits and make positive changes.

3.     Expert Knowledge: A holistic health coach has personal experience, deep research and/or training. They are knowledgeable about more than the physical aspects of health and can provide evidence-based information and strategies that may lead to better outcomes.

4.     Goal Setting and Progress Tracking: A health coach can help you set realistic health goals to track progress. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with self-motivation.

5.     Overcoming Barriers: Many people face barriers to achieving their health goals, such as time constraints, lack of knowledge, or subtle emotional/mental obstacles.

6.     Behavioral Change Support: Changing unhealthy behaviors can be challenging. A health coach can help you identify and address the root causes of your behaviors and provide strategies for making lasting, positive changes.

7.     Stress Reduction: Health is not just about diet and exercise; it's primarily about managing stress and mental well-being. A health coach can offer ways to address these.

8.     Long-Term Health Benefits: Investing in a health coach can lead to long-term health benefits and a higher quality of life. By addressing issues early and making positive changes, individuals can potentially prevent or better manage chronic diseases.

9.     Cost-Effective: Having a health coach may seem like an expense instead of an investment in regaining vibrant health. It may help some people minimize potential healthcare expenses.

10.  Support and Encouragement: Sometimes, all you need is someone who believes in you and support your health journey.

Trusted Personal Care Product Brands

Trustworthy Brands:

• 100% Pure Makeup

• Avalon Organics

• Desert Essence

• Devita

• Emerita

• Old Man Murray's

• Dr. O’Hhira’s producuts

• Active Organics

• Amrita

• Peelu toothpaste

• Weleda

• Some Juice Beauty products (read the label)

Be Well. ♥

My Gluten-Free Pizza Dough

• 2 ½ c. Bob’s Red Mill All-purpose Flour

• 1 c. Almond Flour

• ¼ c. Olive Oil

• 1 ½ tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 Tbs. Tapioca Starch

• 2 pkgs. active dry Yeast

• ½ tsp. Sugar or Honey (for proofing)

• 1 ½ c. very warm Water

• Add : ¼ c. chopped organic Green Onion, or 1 tsp. dry (1 Tbs. fresh) Oregano to dough for a twist

Place yeast and sugar in warm water to proof.  Set aside for 10 minutes.

Place flours, oil, salt and starch in Food Processor or mixer with dough blade.  Blend until crumbly.  Add herbs if you’re using any, and slowly add 1 c. of the water while processor/mixer is on. 

Add as much of the rest of the water until dough holds together and is soft to the touch, but not very sticky.  If it is too sticky sprinkle a little flour and process until incorporated and dough is smooth.

Place dough in a glass or stainless steel bowl that has been lightly oiled, cover and let rise for 45 minutes.

I like to pat the circles out by hand to 1/4″ thickness (thinner is better), but you can take 4 oz. of dough (for mini pizzas) and roll with a rolling-pin, or make one large or two medium pizzas.

Top with your choice of sauce, and chopped veggies and herbs.. then finish off with shredded plant-based Cheese.

Bake in lower half of 425º oven for 12 – 15 minutes, or until bottom is golden brown and cheese is melty. Will make 6 – 7 small pizzas depending on size.  Also fun for appetizer size pizzas.

~ Enjoy! ♥

A Powerful Golden Detox Tea

Along with its anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties, Turmeric is a metabolism boosting spice.  It is a great detox agent, helping the liver break down toxic chemicals.

This delicious spice tea is a wonderful drink on its own. You can double the recipe and sip throughout the day.

• 2 cup Hot Water

• 1/2 tsp Turmeric

• 1/2 tsp Powdered Ginger

• 1 small Ceylon Cinnamon stick

• 1/2 tsp. Coconut Oil (aids in absorbing turmeric)

• 1 tsp raw Honey

• Pinch of Cayenne

• Pinch freshly cracked Black Pepper (boosts effectiveness of turmeric)

• Juice of 1/2 small organic Lemon

  Bring 2 cups of water to a boil.  Add ingredients except lemon and honey. Simmer for 5 min.  Remove cinnamon stick. Add lemon and honey.

  Let cool slightly and enjoy.

• ~ Cheers! ♥

Cherry Chip Almond Cookies, Gluten Free

It’s time for summer fruit to take center stage... Cherries!

These little cookies are so tasty, they won’t last a day!  Luckily since they are low in sugar so you can have more than one.

• ·       1 ½ Tbs. grass-fed Ghee (or increase Coconut Oil to 3 ½ Tbs.)

• ·       2 Tbs. Coconut Oil

• ·       1/4 c. Pure Maple Syrup or raw Honey

• ·       1 hi-Omega3 organic Egg

• ·       ¼ tsp. pure Vanilla Extract

• ·       ¼ tsp. pure organic Cherry Extract

• ·       1 c. + 2 Tbs. blanched Almond Flour

• ·       1/3 c. Sorghum or Coconut Flour

• ·       2 Tbs. Flax Seeds, freshly ground (opt.)

• ·       1 tsp. Xanthan Gum

• ·       Pinch of Sea Salt

• ·       ¼ c. organic mini Dark Chocolate Chips, or chopped 80% dark Chocolate Bar

• ·       3 Tbs. fresh organic Cherries, chopped

Preheat oven to 325°.

Line baking sheet with lightly greased parchment paper.

In bowl of a standing mixer (or use hand mixer) whip the butter, coconut oil, syrup/honey, and egg until frothy. Add extracts.

Continue beating on low and add flours, flax, xanthan gum, and salt. Beat on medium until well mixed. Remove bowl from stand and stir in chocolate chips and cherries.

Dampen your hands slightly and roll dough into 12 – 14 balls and place on cookie sheet 2” apart. Press down with tines of a fork in crisscross pattern to 2/3” thickness.

Bake for 14 – 15 minutes. Allow to cool on wire rack. Cookies are delightfully chewy.

~ Cheers! ♥

Crock pot Chicken, Italian Style

This is one of our family's favorite crock pot meals. You may either cook this in a crock-pot or a large pot on the stove, depending on availability of equipment and time.

Crock Pot Chicken, Italian Style

This dish is abundant in lycopene, and onions are a major source of a Quercetin, a super-antioxidant. Similar to garlic, onions and shallots seem to be most helpful in cancers of the digestive tract (e.g. esophagus, stomach, and colon). Bell Peppers offer the antioxidant beta carotene.

Thyme It is an excellent source of iron and manganese and Thymol has been found to protect and significantly increase the percentage of healthy fats found in cell membranes and other cell structures.

• 1 large organic Red Onion, cut into 8 pieces

• 1 large organic Yellow or Red Bell Pepper, cut into 8 pieces

• 2 tsp. fresh organic Thyme leaves (1 tsp. dry)

• 6- 2" long fresh Sage leaves (1 tsp. dry)

• A handful of baby Bok Choy or Spinach leaves

• 1 tsp. organic Oregano

• 4 organic, free-range Chicken Thighs

• 2 organic, free-range Chicken Breasts, cut in half (to make 4 pieces)

• 1 shallot, diced (1 Tbs.)

• 2 cups homemade or jarred organic Marinara Sauce

• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 tsp. Black Pepper

• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (opt)

Place half the onions, peppers and herbs in the bottom of the pot.

Add half the chicken, then the rest of the onions, peppers, herbs and the rest of chicken.  Sprinkle shallot and seasoning on top.

Pour sauce over chicken, nudging pieces with a spoon to allow the sauce to make its way to the bottom.

Crock Pot: Cover and place on High.  Time for 3 1/2 hours.

Stove Top: Add 1/2 c. of water to chicken, and place on medium high until sauce begins to bubble.  Turn to medium low, cover and cook for 1 hour. Check at 30 minutes, gently stirring to make sure chicken is covered with sauce.
~ Sahtein! (double health) ♥

Serve with baked sweet potatoes and a fresh mixed green salad for a delightful meal.

Hearty Veggie and Bean Bowl

A fillling nutritious meal in a bowl.

Prep Ingredients

• 1 Tbs. Coconut oil or e.v. organic Olive Oil

• 3 medium cloves of Garlic, finely chopped

• 1 cup diced organic White Onion

• 1 Tbs. Ginger, finely chopped

• 2 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1-1/2 tsp. Cayenne

• 1 tsp. grnd Ceylon Cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. Allspice

• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1 organic Broccoli, cut into pieces

• 1 c. organic Carrots, cut in 3/4" chunks

• 2 c. organic Zucchini, cut into bite-size pieces

• 6 - 7 organic Red Radishes, halved

• 6 - 7  organic Mushrooms, sliced (opt.)

• 15 oz. organic Tomato Sauce

• 1/2 - 1 c. hot Water

• 1/2 c. organic Red Lentils, rinsed

• 1 c. cooked Cannellini Beans (or Black beans)

• Chopped fresh cilantro

  Heat oil and 2 Tbs water in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

  Add the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook for a few minutes until the onions is translucent. Add cayenne, cinnamon and allspice. Stir mixture for 3-4 minutes.

  Add vegetables, tomato sauce and 1/2 c. of water. Bring to a boil. Add lentils and beans, cover and simmer on low heat until lentils are cooked and vegetables are tender, about 25-30 minutes.

  If needed, add the rest of the hot water for stew-like consistency.  Serve in deep bowls garnished with cilantro and chili flakes.

Lentil Pumpkin Curry

This is a tasty, satisfying meal. Serve with steamed kale, chard or spinach.

Turmeric is the one substance that can target the nucleus of a cancer cell!

• 1/3 c. diced sweet Onion

• 3 large cloves organic Garlic, minced

• 2 Tbs. Coconut or Avocado oil

• 1 c. Red Lentils, rinsed

• 1 c. Pumpkin pulp, canned or steamed and mashed

• 1 Yam (washed and diced into 1/2" cubes)

• 1 stalk Lemon Grass, washed and cut into 3 pieces

• 2 Bay Leaves

• 2 tsp. Curry Powder

• 1 tsp Sea Salt

• 1 tsp. Paprika

• ½ tsp. Black Pepper

• ½ tsp. Turmeric

• ½ - 1 tsp. Red Pepper Flakes (to taste)

• 2-3 c. of Water

• ½ c. organic canned Coconut Milk

Over medium heat, sauté onions and garlic in coconut oil for about 3 minutes.  Add lentils, pumpkin and potato to pan and sauté for 3 more minutes.

Add lemon grass, bay leaves and seasoning, and enough water to fully cover ingredients. Stir and bring to a boil.

Lower heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 25 – 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so contents don’t stick to bottom. If needed, add more water to retain curry consistency.

Add the coconut milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking.Remove lemon grass stalks and bay leaves.

Serve in bowls over greens.

10 Powerful Ways to Clear Beliefs That Prevent Wellness

Most of us go through life ignoring that we are energy beings in a “barely physical” human body. Our attention is focused on the outside world, and we only register what’s going on internally when we feel ill or have a shift in emotions.

Science shows there is a hard-wired connection between our daily thoughts, beliefs and traumas, and our health. We wake up every morning with the same thoughts, make the same choices, have the same expectations and the same unconscious fears, worries, beliefs. Our brain reacts the same way it always has to situations that are even the least bit ‘similar’ to those that happened in the past. We no longer control our present, our past controls us.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can change the old programs. Very little of what we experience daily is about what is going on outside of us. We go on believing the same old ideas and beliefs without questioning them. We accept that “this is the way life is”.

Imagine how much your life will improve if you uncover and reslove the limiting beliefs that are preventing vibrant health, fulfilling work and loving relationships!

There are 10 practices you can adopt NOW and literally live the life of your dreams while you boost your health and happiness.

There are numerous accounts of people whose life-long ailment or disease resolved after they forgave and released a past hurt, trauma or difficult relationship.

One of the techniques that can help this process is EFT Tapping. It is easy and powerful, as a negative emotions clearing technique. It has been used very successfully with Veterans suffering from PTSD.

You can start by working with somoeone well-versed in the techinique that resonates with you the most. I am very fond of and practice the Bengston Method , which has outstanding results with Cancer and many other conditions. It is also a tool for manifesting.

Go to the Resources tab for more.

Manifesting - The Law of Attraction

I've consulted with a number of prominent energy medicine professionals and learned several techniques that help identify and clear negative subconscious beliefs and unresolved emotions.  

The manifestation of Cancer is aided by sudden trauma (old or new), habitual negative emotions, thoughts or beliefs, and the inability to forgive those who have injured us. It is fueled by stress, fear, anger, and unhealthy habits.

The power of the mind is not unknown to us.  Volumes have been written about ordinary people harnessing the power of belief and of visualization, and changing their world.  From Tony Robbins to Napoleon Hill and Dr. Wayne Dyer to Dr. Joe Dispenza. They all agree that controlling negative thoughts, clearing old grudges and practicing forgiveness pave the way for a healthy, happy life. We can measure the shift in our body’s Chemistry when we shift your thoughts! I have experienced this over and over again.

Below are Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Ten Principles of Manifestation. I recommend you print the list and put where you can see it daily.  You are the healer.  There is no greater power than that of Divine Light, and it’s available to you. All you have to do is consciously fill your being with it. Take time during your day to sit quietly and envision that light surrounding areas of your body that need healing. Then BEHAVE AS IF YOU ARE ALREADY HEALED.

The mind’s job is to manifest what we believe.  It cannot distinguish between images you create that are accompanied by an elevated positive feeling, and reality.  That's why hypochondriacs can manifest symptoms when there is no illness, and why a Placebo will work for many patients.

The 10 Principles (click for video):

1. Have a mind that is open to everything and attached to nothing.

2. You can't give away, what you don't have.

3. There are no justified resentments.

4. Don't die with your music still in you. (live it now)

5. Embrace Silence. (music is the silence between notes)

6. Give up your personal history. (everyone has a story, don't live in moments that are gone)

7. You can't solve a problem with the same mind that created it. (Embrace new thoughts)

8. Treat yourself as if you were already what you want to become. (Act your way into reality)

9. Treasure your divinity.

10. Wisdom is avoiding all thoughts that are weakening you. (entertain ideas only that will strengthen you)

Recommende Videos:

1. Dr. Joe Despenza - Rewire Your Brain to Heal

2. Guided Healing Meditation

3. Guided Meditation - Self Love - Body Healing - Louise Hay

4. Qigong to Move Your Energy - Lee Holden

Be Well.

Hoda's Lentil Salad

Like rice, lentils have been a staple in West Asia (often called the Middle East), for many centuries.  Eaten together, they offer a low-fat, nutritious source of complete protein, fiber, iron and other essential minerals.

Glycemic Values

The glycemic index gives us the impact of carbs on our blood sugar levels; the higher a rating, the more it spikes your blood sugar. On a scale where 100 is pure sugar (glucose), white rice has a GI of 64, while lentils are low on the index at 29.

• 2 c. boiled organic Brown Lentils

• 3 organic Scallions, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped

• 1 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 1/2 tsp. Celtic or Himalayan Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. Allspice

• 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

• dash of Black pepper

• Splash of lemon juice (opt.)

Mix all together.  Let sit 15 minutes to blend flavors.  Stir and enjoy served in romaine lettuce leaf boats.

~ Sahtein (double health)! ♥

Vegan Eggplant and Spicy Chopped Salad Sandwich

Eggplant - Mushroom Medley

I love this concoction because it goes well on lupin flour pasta, on a GF cracker or as a dip.

• 1 med. organic white Onion, chopped

• 1 med. Eggplant, mostly peeled and diced

• 5 organic Mushrooms, peeled and chopped

• 1 organic Tomato, chopped

• 1 c. chopped Parsley

• 1 Tbs. organic Tomato  Paste mixed with 1/2 c. hot water

• 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt, or to taste

• 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper (opt.)

• 5 cloves of Garlic, chopped

• 1 Tbs. e.v. Olive Oil

Place onion in a large saucepan over medium heat, no oil.  Watch the onion, stirring until it begins to turn brown.

Add eggplant and mushrooms and cover, turn to medium low, and stir every 2 minutes, until eggplant is wilted.

Add tomato and parsley. Stir, cover and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

Add the diluted tomato paste, seasoning and garlic, turn heat to medium, and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until veggies are cooked through and water is absorbed.

You may drizzle with of olive oil once you remove from heat.  This dish is good warm or cold.

Spicy Chopped Salad

• 1/2 bunch organic Parsley, chopped

• 1/2 bunch organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1 small white Onion, diced

• 1 organic Tomato, chopped

• 1/2 organic Jalapeno pepper, minced

• 1 Tbs. fresh Lime juice

• 2 tsp. fresh Lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

• 1 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

Mix it all up!

Serve as a topping for stews, sandwiches or as a fresh dip with toasted GF bread.

Assemble Sandwich

• Vegenaise (opt.)

• 1 Tbs. organic Tomato Paste

• GF, high-fiber Bread or WASA Rye cracker

Spread a slice or bread or a cracker with tomato paste and the other slice or cracker with Vegenaise.

Spread some of the Eggplant Medley over the tomato paste. Then top with Spicy Salad.

eggplant sandw3

(You may add a protein if you like).

Cover with other slice, press down, and munch!

Hello Brussels. Why so Bitter?

The Case of the  Brussels Sprout

This is not the story of a boy from Brussels and how he wound up in Court....

This is the story of a Sprout accused of being bitter and unfriendly.  The first mention of this sprout is traced to the late 16th century. It is thought to be native to Belgium, specifically to a region near Brussels, after which it was named.

This Sprout is a member of the Brassica family and therefore related to Broccoli and Cabbage. Don't be fooled by its size however! Watch what you say because a Sprout grows up with a bunch of 20 to 40 other Sprouts, on the stem of a plant that grows as high as three feet tall!

These miniature-sized vegetables contain the largest content of anticancer phytochemical compounds such as glucosinolates. Like broccoli, the indole-3-carbinol has been found to reduce cancer growth especially for estrogen dependent cancers (e.g. uterine, breast, cervical).

brussel sprouts

In order to plead the case for this Sprout I lay before you the following:

Character Traits *

• Brussels sprouts can help us avoid chronic, excessive inflammation

• You'll find nearly 100 studies in PubMed (the health research database at the National Library of Medicine in Washington, D.C.) that are focused on Brussels sprouts, and over half of those studies involve the health benefits of this cruciferous vegetable in relationship to cancer

• They provide us with this cholesterol-lowering benefit whether they are raw or cooked. When the cholesterol-lowering ability of steamed Brussels sprouts was compared with the cholesterol-lowering ability of the prescription drug cholestyramine, Brussels sprouts bound 27% as many bile acids

• The fiber content of Brussels sprouts: 4 grams in every cup makes this cruciferous vegetable a natural choice for digestive system support.

• The detox support provided by Brussels sprouts is extensive. There is evidence from human studies that enzyme systems in our cells required for detoxification of cancer-causing substances can be activated by compounds found in Brussels sprouts.

* HealthDiaries.com: 11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

It Takes Proper Cooking to Bring Out the Sprout's Goodness!

Perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts have a crisp, dense texture and a slightly sweet, bright, and "green" taste. Steaming the Sprouts increases their health benefit potency.

Steam them

Bring a scant 1/2 inch salted water to boil in a large frying pan or saute pan. Add Brussels sprouts, cover, and cook until sprouts are tender to the bite and water has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes (depending on how crisp you like them).

In a Steamer Basket:  Bring about an inch of water to a boil in the bottom of a pot into which your steamer basket or insert fits. Put cleaned Brussels sprouts in the steamer basket, set over the boiling water, cover, and steam until tender to the bite, about 5-7 minutes.

You can toss them with Olive or Coconut Oil, salt and pepper; garlic and lemon; or with Pasta Sauce!

Roast them

brussel-sprouts, roaste

• 1 1/2 lbs. organic Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and yellow leaves discarded

• 2 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground Black Pepper

• 1 tsp. Paprika

• 1/2 tsp. organic Garlic Powder or 2 cloves well mashed

• 4 Tbs. lemon juice

Rinse Sprouts trim off ends and place in a large bowl. Blend the spices together with the oil and lemon. Pour this over the sprouts and toss until well coated.

Place in oven proof dish or cookie sheet lined with parchment, and roast at 400ºF for 35 minutes or until lightly golden.

Braise them

Braising, or slow cooking in liquid on the stove, is a great way to elicit Brussels sprouts' natural, nutty flavor.

Middle-Eastern Fava Bean Stew with Rice (Broadbeans)

Fava beans, also known as Broad-beans and very popular in Middle Eastern cooking, are dense with nutrition. Fava beans have no saturated fat or cholesterol and offer a healthy dose of thiamin, vitamin K, vitamin B-6, potassium, copper, selenium, zinc and magnesium. They are also a source of lean protein.

Fava beans can be served raw or cooked.  The bean pods are usually discarded, but if young and tender you may blanch them before adding to a dish. The beans themselves can be served in their skin if young and tender, or shelled before eating.

A serving of cooked or fresh Fava beans can significantly increase your intake of folate, iron, manganese and dietary fiber.

This traditional Lebanese recipe is a meal-in-a-pot. It is cooked with home-preserved beef during winter months.  You may omit the beef for a vegetarian version.

But besides being an excellent cool weather meal, it can be served at room temperature on warm days.  Add a protein and salad.

Fava Bean Stew with Rice

• 2 Tbs. Coconut oil mixed with 1 Tbs. organic Olive Oil

• 1/2 c. organic Onion, chopped

• 2 c.fresh Fava Beans, leave inner skins on if tender

• 1/2 c. each organic Brown Basmati and Wild Rice

• 1/4 c. organic Brown or French Lentils

• 2 c. Hot Water or warm Broth or brewed Green Tea

• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1 tsp. Cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. Allspice

• Pinch of Saffron (opt.)

Place oil in a 1-1/2 qt. pot over medium-low heat.  Wait 3 minutes, then add onions. Turn heat to medium, and cook onions, stirring, until they begin to become golden.

Add Fava Beans and rest of ingredients.  Turn heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.

Cover, and cook on low heat until rice and beans are tender, and liquid is absorbed, about 30-35 minutes. If needed, add a little more liquid, cover and cook until done.

Enjoy with almond yogurt, and a fresh green salad with a garlic, lemon and olive oil dressing.

~ Sahtein (souble health)! ♥

The Most Delicious Non-dairy Ice Cream!

Two new yummy words: ASHTA and MASTIC GUM.

Ashta is the creamy foundation of many Lebanese Desserts. It is made with either dry milk, or for a richer flavor half and half. It is used as a filling in shredded phyllo desserts, and in pastry. It is also served as a dessert with nuts, or frozen.

Lebanese Ice Cream

Lebanese ice cream contains mastic gum, which lends it a gelato-like texture. It comes in a myriad of flavors and is served in narrow cones.

Mastic Gum

This is a resin made from the pistacia lentiscus tree. The mastic plant originated in the Mediterranean nations in the south of Europe, northern portions of Africa, and the Middle East. The gum has a variety of uses in cooking, art, and alternative medicine.

For cooking, mastic gum requires boiling in hot water or another liquid, because the hardened resin will not dissolve in cold water. It comes in 'crystals' and can be crushed into a powder to add to puddings.

mastic gum

• 1 pint organic Vanilla Plant-based Ice Cream

• 1/4 c. Orange Blossom water

• 1/4 c. Rose water

• 1 c. finely chopped Pistachios

• 1/2 tsp. crushed Mastic gum

Crush the Mastic gum in a mortar and pestle till it becomes very fine (powdery).

Transfer ice cream to a bowl.  Add the flavored waters, mastic and 3/4 of the pistachios.

Mix well, but quickly so as not to melt the ice cream.

Transfer to a glass baking dish. Sprinkle remaining pistachios on top. Cover with wax paper and freeze for 2 hours or overnight.

You may cut into squares and store in a freezable container.