With the holidays here, It's getting very busy for me!!!!!

I'll be on blog break until next year.

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Christmas

and a wonderful new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

People are not always who they say they are.

It's best to approach a new friendship with caution.

Rosemary

Rosemary was burned as an incense in 17th century  England to protect against disease.

In the kitchen rosemary is used to complement bread,vegetables meats and even mashed potatoes.

Adding a sprig of rosemary to a bottle of olive oil will add a nice twist of flavor.

Thyme

There are many varieties of thyme. We only use two types in the kitchen-thyme and lemon thyme.

Thyme works best in soups, stews and casseroles. It's also adds a very nice flavor to potatoes and tomatoes.

 Thyme can be used to relieve indigestion.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon comes from a tropical evergreen tree and it was used in ancient times.

A half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon a day can help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Used for weight loss, colds, bad breath and indigestion.

Photo taken in my vegetable garden

Love in the past is only a memory. Love in the future is a fantasy.

Only here and now can we truly love.

Buddha

When wishes are few, the heart is happy.

When desire ends, there is peace.

Buddha

Good Intentions

It is nice to believe that another's actions towards us are done with the best of  their intentions.

Don't be afraid to stand out.

Be vivid.

Be bold.

No matter how difficult the past, you can always begin again today.

Getting Outdoors

Even though the weather is cooler and the days are shorter, we can still benefit from getting outdoors, even for just a half hour a day.

Vitamin D

Since the weather has become colder and daylight savings time has ended, the time most of us spend outdoors has lessened considerably.

The sunlight is a great source of vitamin D. We only need is 15 minutes outside with our arms and faces exposed to get our daily amount.

It's wise to take a multi vitamin containing vitamin D when the days become shorter. This way we're assured a healthy amount all year long.

Grilled Tofu

Ingredients;

2 tbs grapeseed oil

2 tbs balsamic vinegar

1 tbs coriander powder

1 tbs cumin

1 tbs honey

sea salt and pepper to taste

1 garlic clove, chopped

Extra firm tofu, cubed

2 large portabella mushrooms, whole

2 large sweet red peppers, sliced lengthwise

Prepare marinade by whisking all the wet ingredients and the spices together.

place whole mushroom caps, tofu, and sweet peppers in a bowl toss the marinade with the vegetables and season with sea salt and pepper.

Let vegetables marinade for 30 minutes. Once marinated, grill or broil for 3 to 4 minutes then flip and grill another 3 to four minutes.

recipe from "the spice goddess"

Autumn Detox

Photo by me

Autumn is a great time to detox yourself spiritually, mentally and physically.

Here's some great tips on how to follow an easy 3 day detox.

Eat only natural foods such as whole grains, vegetables, brown rice, beans, tofu, and fresh fruits.  Flavor with sea salt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, lemon or lime juice and herbs, either dried or fresh.

Load up on fresh fruits and veggies for snacks.

Drink plenty of water with a twist of lemon though out the day.

A great tea to drink during this 3 day detox is, "Everyday Detox" by "Traditional Medicinals. 2 or three cups of this tea a day during detox is good.

Spend as much free time as you can by yourself  inside and out in nature. Do the things you enjoy to do when your alone.

Journal your feelings every night or morning.

Do easy exercises that not only benefit your body but also your mind and soul, such as yoga.

Pumpkin With White Beans

Ingredients;

4 tbs extra virgin olive oil

1 large minced onion

1 tbs minced garlic

1 sliced serrano chile

 1/4 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp paprika

1 tbs tomato paste

3 cups vegetable stock or water

15 sprigs cilantro

1/2 small sugar pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into chunks

1 1/3 cup of cooked white beans

In a stockpot over medium high heat, warm olive oil. Add onions, garlic, serrano chile and salt to oil. Saute until onions are translucent.

Stir in paprika and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.

Add 3 cups vegetable stock and 15 sprigs of cilantro to the pan. Bring to a boil. Once boiled lower the heat and simmer partially covered for 35 min.

Add pumpkin and beans, plus additional water, or stock to pan. continue simmering partially covered for another 25 minutes or more, until tender.

Remove and discard cilantro. Serve immediately.

Recipe from whole living magazine.

Cat Folklore

According to Japanese lore,

the figure of a beckoning cat,

was believed to bring good fortune to it's owner.

"The Pumpkin"

Oh!-Fruit loved of boyhood!-The old days recalling,

When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!

When wild, ugly faces we carved in it's skin,

Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!

John Greenleaf Whittier, "The Pumpkin"1850

Spiced Pumkin Seeds

Pre heat oven to 350. Remove seeds from pumpkin. Discard membrains and spread seeds on baking sheet.Bake 20 minutes. Remove from oven. Toss seeds with 1 Tbs olive oil, sea salt, and pepper to taste, plus a pinch of cinnamon, cumin, cayenne pepper and 1 tbs honey.

Return to oven and roast coated seeds until golden about 15 min.Scrape pan and stir seeds to prevent sticking as they cool. 

Recipe from; Whole living magazine

Black cats in the South of France are known as "matogots" or "magician cats". It is believed that good luck comes to the owners who treat them with respect and feed them well.

In Abyssinia, an unmarried woman who owned a cat were thought to be a wealthy catch for suitors.

Cat Folklore

According to superstition in France, if you discover a single white hair on a black cat, Lady luck will smile upon you.

Cat Folklore

The ancient Chinese believed that evil spirits could be scared away by the glow of a feline's eyes.

Cat Folklore

An Italian superstition states that a cat sneezing is a good omen for those who hear it.

Cat Folklore

In 16th century England,visitors kissed the family cat to bring good luck.

Mulled Cider

Ingredients:
12 cups apple cider
4 whole cloves
3 cinnamon sticks
1 cup dark rum

 In a large pot combine apple cider, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil over medium high heat.
Reduce heat and allow cider to simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.
Pour cider mixture through a cheesecloth lined strainer into a large saucepan and keep warm. When ready to serve pour 2 tbs of dark rum into each mug and  fill to the rim with warmed cider.
Garnish with cinnamon sticks, orange slices and whole cloves in desired.

Roasted Acorn Squash

Ingredients :
2 medium sized acorn squash
1 tsp peprika
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1tsp cinnamon
Sea salt
Honey
Extra virgin olive oil
Cut squash in half. Remove seeds. Slice in semi thin slices.
Place on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with no stick cooking spray.
drizzle olive oil and honey over the sliced squash then add all the spices and salt.
toss well and place in an oven that has been pre heated to 435.
Cook until browned and soft, flipping occassionally while roasting.
Remove from oven and serve.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients;

6 medium sized green tomatoes
Extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste
In a large frying pan cover bottom of pan with olive oil. Heat oil then add sliced tomates to the pan. cook over medium heat. Once one side of tomato starts to soften and brown, flip over and cook on the other side Season with sea salt and pepper.
Fried green tomatoes taste great on sandwiches.

Roasted Pumpkin

Preheat Oven to 400. Cut a sugar pumpkin in half. Scrape out seeds. Drizzle pumpkin with 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, season with 3/4 tsp sea salt, And 1/2 tsp black pepper.

Place cut side down and roast for 35 to 45 minutes.

Recipe from Whole living magazine.

Easy Baked Apples

Ingredients,
4 large apples cut in half
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Honey
Cut apples in half. place in baking dish and drizzle honey over the tops. sprinkle with cinnamon and nut meg and bake uncovered at 435 for 45 minutes or until softened.
Remove from oven. Place in serving dishes. Using a spoon pour honey misture over each half and serve immediately.

Pumpkin Pasta

1) Preheat oven to 425. Peel half of a small sugar pumpkin and cut into 1 inch chunks.

Toss with 2 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt and 2 Tbs. honey. Roast on baking sheet until tender, about 45 minutes.

2) Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add whole grain pasta and cook as directed on the box.

3) While pasta is cooking, add 2 Tbs. olive oil, and 2 tsp minced garlic to a skillet. Heat over medium heat until fragrant, then add 1/2 cup of finely chopped walnuts and the roasted pumpkin. Toss combine and heat through. Set aside.

4) Drain pasta.  reserve 1 cup cooking water. Toss pasta with 1/2 cup cooking water and stir in 1/4 cup chopped parsley and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese(optional) Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Transfer to bowl and toss well with walnut, pumpkin mixture. Serve immediately.

Recipe from Whole living magazine.

Blog Break! B back in October!!!!!!!!!!

I'm taking a blog break! Be back in October for some great Halloween facts, recipies and fun!

Apple Facts

Dwarf apple trees are short making them very easy to pick.

Mcintosh Apples

  McIntosh apples have an aromatic fragrance. 

 This variety grows very well in New York’s cool climate.

 McIntosh apples are sweet with a tart tang, Very juicy, Tender, white flesh.

 They're great for eating and sauce, Good for salads and pies.

Warmed Peaches and Honey

Ingredients;

3 ripe peaches sliced

Honey

1/2 tsp ground cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

Place sliced peaches in a frying pan. Drizzle a good amount of honey over them. Add ground cloves and cinnamon.

Saute over medium high heat until peaches start to soften slightly and honey turns to syrup. This should take about 8 minutes. Stir frequently while cooking.

Once finished place in serving bowls and pour a bit of the cooked honey over the top. Eat warm.

HoneyCrisp Apples

This apple is the sweetest of the bunch. Chop it in your cereal in the morning instead of a banana to add sweetness and flavor.

Learn to respond not to react

The worst lies are the lies we tell ourselves. We live in denial of what we do, even what we think. We do this because we're afraid. We fear we will not find love, and when we find it we fear we'll lose it. We fear that if we do not have love we will be unhappy.”
Richard Bach Quotes

Strength

Silence


"Quietness is indeed a sign of strength. But quietness may also help one to achieve strength."






-Franz Kafka (1883-1924)
We all have a strength that we may not even realize. But it is there, deep within. It gets us through the most difficult times, it give us courage, and persistence when it seems that all is lost. We can tap into that strength at any time, and use it to achieve our heart's desire. And we can find that strength in silence.

VEGAN PESTO

Ingredients;
3 cups of fresh basil
3 large Cloves of Garlic
1/3 cup of olive oil
1/3 grated soy cheese (or regular grated Parmesan)
Place basil leaves and garlic in blender or food processor and mince well. Drizzle in olive oil, as you keep the machine running. When you have a smooth paste, transfer to a bowl and stir in grated cheese (either soy or dairy).
Season with salt and pepper.
To serve, place room temperature pesto in a warmed serving bowl. Add pasta and toss thoroughly. Allow 2 to 3 Tbs. Pesto per serving.

Tomatoes and Vegetables

Ingredients;

2 tbs extra virgin olive oil

3 medium cloves of garlic, minced

3 stalks celery with leaves if possible, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 cup of green beans, cut in half

1 summer squash, chopped

5 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped

1 bunch of fresh chopped basil

1 tbs of fresh parsley

A pinch of fresh rosemary

1/2 of a Thai pepper, chopped (optional)

Sea salt and pepper to taste

1 cup of cooked pinto beans

Heat oil in large sauce pan. Add garlic, celery, onions, green beans, and summer squash to pan. Saute over medium high heat for about 15 minutes, Add tomatoes, basil, parsley, rosemary, 1/2 Thai pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 15 to 20 minutes over medium heat stirring occasionally covered.

During the last 5 minutes add the pinto beans.

Once finished, ditch the meat for a night and serve this as the main dish with a side of whole grain bread.

Vagan Eggplant Lasanga

Ingredients;
4 medium eggplants, sliced lengthwise
1 tub of soft tofu
Soy mozzarella cheese
Marinara sauce(homemade or store bought)
1 tbs fresh basil, chopped
Vegan grated soy cheese
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Place sliced eggplant in a colander and put heavy plates on top to let moisture drain out of eggplant for about 1 hr.
Place eggplant on a flat baking sheet already sprayed with "extra virgin olive oil, no stick spray".
Bake at 375 for 15 minutes, turn slices over and bake for another 15 minutes.
Meanwhile drain, wash and dry tofu. Place in a large bowl. Add chunks of soy mozzarella, basil, sea salt, pepper and vegan grated soy cheese to tofu and mash.
Coat bottom of baking dish with sauce and lay eggplant flat, covering the bottom of dish. Spread tofu, soy cheese mixture on top and layer eggplant over mixture. Keep repeating this until all ingredients are used.
Pour remaining sauce over the top. Sprinkle with grated soy cheese and a bit of crushed red pepper if desired.
Bake at 375 covered for 30 minutes.
Once finished uncover and let sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Dreams

Many times the dreams that are vivid and stay with us through out the day,

are important messages and warnings from our angels.

Instead of ignoring these types of dreams, they should be studied very carefully and translated very clearly.

Cape Cod (Provence Town)

(The beautiful view from our balcony)

I'm back from my vacation. The weather was perfect the whole time.

There was a down pour for a few minutes one evening, which I thought was pretty cool to see. Here's some pics from our vacation.

(Commercial Street)

(Our room balcony)

                                                          
Last but not least, this very pretty "I love you"  I noticed in the sand one morning as I looked over my balcony (not for me and not from my hubby). I am sure someone totally lovestruck took a lot of time to tell their partner they loved them by carving this in the sand, then filling the letters and heart with seaweed!
How romantic!

I'll be off line staring today and into the rest of the week!
I'll be enjoying the sunshine!
Be back a week from Monday!
Wishing everyone a great week!!!!!

Gaining clarity of a situation that confuses us, will eventually become clear, if we sit back and quietly observe.

Mulberry

Mulberries are high in vitamin C, Iron, dietary fiber, Riboflavin and magnesium.