tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80784253674859914642024-03-13T22:13:29.671-07:00SAVOR THE DAYAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.comBlogger138125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-49747643854842982102015-11-03T17:08:00.000-08:002015-11-05T14:32:33.436-08:00Trust God, but Tie up Your Camel<br />
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“When God closes a door, he opens a window.” <br />
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Likely, you’re familiar with this expression. It means that when one thing comes to an end, it’s the beginning of something else. However, in my experience, the window doesn’t necessarily get opened right away or automatically. God does, indeed, open a window, but I’ve found that it usually takes some effort on our part too. We must demonstrate to the Universe that we’re ready for what comes next. There’s a wonderful Sufi saying that sums this up quite well. “Trust God but, you know, tie up your camel.” Trust that a window will open, but also take some action too.<br />
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Many years ago, after finishing graduate school, I searched for my first job. Nothing felt right. <br />
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The more I looked, the tenser I became. It just wasn’t coming together. Then, somewhat on a whim, I started researching boarding schools. The moment I decided to become a teacher, waves of relief washed over me. Within days (maybe even hours), I had a lead on a job, and shortly after that, I was hired. And, it just so happened it was my dream job! The school, which emphasized community building, was located on an organic farm on the coast of Maine. I couldn’t have found a more perfect place for that time in my life. The job seemingly came to me; however, it wouldn’t have manifested had I not taken the initial steps (tied up my camel, so to speak). <br />
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This included:<br />
1.) Deciding I wanted to be a teacher (this may sound obvious, but it’s important to clearly define what you want.) <br />
2.) Taking decisive steps in that direction (this included looking at job openings and contacting someone I knew who worked at a boarding school, who ultimately led me to the job in Maine). <br />
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After I’d made these decisive steps forward, the rest seemed to unfold magically. However, the proverbial window only opened after I’d done my part. <br />
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I currently find myself in an extremely scary and unbelievably exciting time in my life. God, so to speak, has closed a door…I’m being forced to move from my home. This is my time to spread my wings and fly, but it’s a bit dicey in the meantime as I wait for God to open a window. <br />
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I’ve chosen Los Angeles as my landing spot, but the search for a home and a job (to give me some security while I write my next book and continue to grow my Mystic Chef® community) is at times overwhelming. I’ve been trying to tie up my camel while simultaneously trusting it will all work out, but some days this is easier said than done. At times I’ve wanted to give up, especially when there seem to be more closed doors than open windows. My head is filled with doubt… <i>If I’m trusting it will all eventually work out, why do I have to push so hard? My effort seems to be for naught anyway. Can’t I just sit back and wait for a window to open?</i> Unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that.<br />
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A window will open; it always does. But, we really do have to both trust and tie up our camel. It’s easy to do just one or the other, but there’s a magic alchemy that occurs when we do both. <br />
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What doors have closed in your life? Are you waiting for a window to open? It’s important to take steps toward your future; however, if you find that you’re expending all your energy with little to no return, you may not be focusing your energy in the right direction. When moving forward in life, be sure to first get very clear on what you want. Journaling can be really helpful. Once you know what you’re working toward, take steps in that direction. And while you do this, trust that everything will be okay. This can’t just be wishful thinking. You must feel to your core that no matter what happens it will all come right in the end. From this state, magic will begin to unfold. It has for me, and I know it will for you too!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Grain-Free Maple Pumpkin Muffins</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Grain-Free, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Naturally-Sweetened</b></span></div>
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I struggled with the creation of this recipe. I pulled batch after batch of failed attempts from the oven. What was I doing wrong? No matter how much I tweaked the recipe, I couldn’t get it to cook properly. At one point I thought the oven might even be broken, but after purchasing a new over thermometer, I realized that wasn’t the problem. I wanted to give up. I nearly did. But instead, I changed tactic. Instead of making a traditional muffin with all-purpose gluten-free flour, I decided to make a grain-free muffin instead, which is currently more in alignment with how I eat. The recipe came out perfectly the first time, and it was so easy. There was no struggle. Everything flowed beautifully. Just as with life, sometimes we have to take steps in the direction we want to go, but when a window doesn’t open, instead of giving up, it just means we need to change tactic and trust that eventually it will all come together. These muffins are beyond delicious, and they are so simple to make. Enjoy! <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Makes 12 standard-size muffins<br /><br />5 large eggs<br />¾ cup maple syrup<br />½ cup coconut oil<br />½ cup canned pumpkin<br />1½ cups raw cashews<br />2 ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice*<br />¼ tsp. salt<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">*I usually prefer to measure out my own spice blend rather than using pumpkin pie spice; however, I wanted to keep this recipe as simple as possible. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice or prefer to measure your own spices, this is a good approximation:</span><span style="color: orange;"> 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp. cloves, ½ tsp. fresh ground nutmeg (¼ tsp. if not grating yourself), ½ tsp. fresh grated ginger</span><br />
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Grease a muffin pan with coconut oil and set aside.<br />
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In the order list, place all ingredients EXCEPT the pumpkin seeds into a high-power blender. Start on low power and slowly work up to high. Process on high until the mixture is smooth and well-aerated, about two minutes. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple times if your blender doesn’t have a tamper. <br />
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Divide the batter evenly between prepared cups of muffin pan. Sprinkle the tops with the pumpkin seeds. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Cool on a rack until the pan is cool enough to touch. Remove the muffins from the pan and cool on the rack.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-31047005857084418152015-10-18T21:38:00.000-07:002015-10-18T21:38:08.487-07:00Everything Will Be Okay<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I’ve been trying to write this article for a week. After a few paragraphs, I’d decide to scrap what I’d typed, and I’d start over, again and again. Usually my fingers fly over the keys. But not this time. Why couldn’t I get this right? Why wasn’t it working? <br /><br />When I took some time in nature to be still and listen to the whispers from my soul, I realized I kept butting my head against the wall because I was circumventing the things I most wanted to write about but was afraid to share.<br /><br />When I realized this article would be posted on Savor the Day’s sixth birthday, I decided to go for it. One of the greatest gifts I’ve received from writing this blog is vulnerability. It’s been through the writing process that I’ve become increasingly comfortable sharing from my heart about my hopes, dreams, and fears. This is not a natural state for me. Throughout my life I’ve played my cards pretty close to my chest. Writing Savor the Day, however, has unlocked the door, and I’ve walked through the gateway into a world where I’m willing to show my proverbial “man behind the curtain.” The Great Oz may seem all-powerful, but it’s the man behind the curtain who is genuine.<br /><br />Tears are welling up in my eyes as I write this. Six years ago I started this blog because I loved food and writing, and it seemed like something fun to try. I had no idea that the greatest gift I would gain would be so personal.<br />
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So, here it is. I’m feeling the fear and doing it anyway.<br />
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Due to a number of different circumstances, I’m being forced to leap from the comfort of the cocoon I’ve wrapped around myself and navigate yet unchartered territory. I currently have no home (I’m living with my parents while I catch my breath, but their house is on the market, so this is only extremely temporary). And, I’m learning to fly solo as I grow my business. I feel like a log adrift at sea that has completely surrendered to the ocean currents. Someday I will wash ashore, but for the time being I’m bobbing up and down with each swell. In this time of uncertainty, I vacillate between terror and extreme excitement for all that awaits me in the next phase. Some days I’m filled with so much hope I can barely contain it; yet, other days the tears prick at my eyes ready to fall with only the slightest provocation. <br /><br />I look at my friends who have families and successful careers and wonder what the heck I’ve been doing with my life. How can I be 38 years old and still feel like such a kid?! How can I not own a home, be married, have children, nor know where I’m going in my professional life. I know that’s crazy talk, but sometimes the gremlins sneak in. The truth is…I have an amazing life, but on the teary days, it can be easy to lose sight of this. My path may be more circuitous, but I wouldn’t trade places with any of my friends. Although I worry that my window to have children is becoming increasingly small, I also know that my life is unfolding just as it’s meant to. <br /><br />For those of you’ve who’ve been following my “where should I move” dilemma for the past year, I’ve finally answered that question! I’m going to move back to Los Angeles. However, that’s all I know. My life feels like a puzzle. Each puzzle piece depends on another. I’m moving there because it’s where my heart is leading me (more on that at a later time), but there’s a lot to figure out before I can make it happen, which is both exciting and daunting. However, time is running out. I’ve been waiting for a long time for the wind to blow me to a safe harbor, but I need to pinpoint my North Star and start rowing myself ashore.<br />
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I’m scared shitless about how I’m going to support myself financially through all of this, but I’m pretty sure that once I choose my path, what I need will fall into place. This may mean getting a day job for added security and it may mean putting myself out there in ways that are out of my comfort zone, but I will know what I’m working toward, and that will be the North Star that illuminates my journey.<br /><br />What are you afraid to share? If you could tell just one person something about you that no one else knows, what would you say? What excites you and scares you? What is your North Star, and where is it taking you? Everything is happening for a reason, which will become clear once the puzzle pieces are each put into place. If you are also going through a time of transition, know this... Everything will be okay! <b></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Grilled Cauliflower “Popcorn”</b></span></div>
<br />There is power in simplicity. The more life feels scattered and out of control, find simplicity in the things you can control. This dish is so simple and easy to make. It’s delicious as a snack or as a side. It will convert anyone into a cauliflower lover! <br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Serves 4 <br /><br />1 head of cauliflower, torn or cut into pieces<br />¼ cup ghee or olive oil, plus more for drizzling later<br />artisanal salt, such as Celtic, Himalayan, or smoked alder (my favorite for this dish)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Special equipment: Grill topper (this keeps the cauliflower from falling through the grate)*</span><br /><br />
Preheat gas grill on medium-high. Put the cauliflower in a large bowl and massage it with the ghee or olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, and toss to combine. Grill the cauliflower on the grill topper for approximately 15 minutes (time will vary depending on the size of your florets), turning occasionally. Before serving, drizzle with a bit more ghee or olive oil and add salt to taste. <br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">*This is the grill topper I purchased. This is not an affiliate link. I do not make money if you click here. I'm not endorsing this product. This is just in case you were curious what the heck a "grill topper" is =). <a href="http://amzn.to/1BAotMS">http://amzn.to/1BAotMS</a><a href="http://amzn.to/1BAotMS">http://amzn.to/1BAotMS</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-22800130566684343202015-10-01T09:59:00.000-07:002015-10-01T10:00:34.485-07:00It Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect…Just Begin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you riding the Transition Train? If so, welcome aboard! It seems as though nearly everyone I know is moving, ending a relationship, leaving a job, or embarking on a new venture. Change can be scary, overwhelming, frustrating, exhausting, and even paralyzing. But, it can also be exciting, reinvigorating, and inspiring. <br />
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I’ve just spent the past few weeks packing up my entire life, wrapping it in bubble wrap and stuffing it into cardboard boxes. My belongings, everything from lawn furniture to measuring spoons, are wedged into a storage unit. I’ve temporarily moved in with my parents while I contemplate my next steps. Some days I am filled with possibility. On those days the world feels wide and wondrous. However, other days, the world feels foreboding and impenetrable, and it seems as though I’ll never make it through to the other side.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGybgw0udGA/Vg1eFDj_7yI/AAAAAAAACi8/XbmyH3qz5O4/s1600/IMG_2311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SGybgw0udGA/Vg1eFDj_7yI/AAAAAAAACi8/XbmyH3qz5O4/s400/IMG_2311.jpg" width="300" /></a>Like an onion, when one is embarking on a new chapter, there are often many layers of fear to peel away. There are so many “what if” questions. What if I don’t find the right home? What if I don’t have enough money? What if I can’t find a new job? What if my business doesn't soar? What if I never find love (or find love again)? What if I regret this decision? What if my kids, husband, wife, friends etc. resent me? Your individual questions will, of course, be different depending on your particular situation, but you get the idea. The challenge with these questions is that they can bring forth so much concern that it becomes difficult to see anything else. <br />
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When you’re awash in a sea of unknowns, taking decisive action can often feel impossible. “What ifs” can grip you at every corner. For this reason, sometimes riding the Transition Train can become a permanent state rather than a temporary one. We settle in and we watch the scenery go by rather than hopping off at the next station to embark on a new adventure. Being in transition is akin to a caterpillar in a chrysalis. Transition is a time of incubation, but eventually you’re going to have to break out of the chrysalis if you want to soar. This often means standing up to the “what ifs” and going forth no matter how hard they try to tether you down. <br />
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I only brought a couple suitcases of clothes and one small box with me to my parents’ house. As I was unpacking the box of paperwork, a slip of paper fell into my hand. On it was written, “Wherever you are is the perfect place to start, so begin right now.” I don’t remember ever having seen this paper before, and I don’t know where it came from. It seemed to have fallen from the heavens. The exact message I needed to kick my own personal “what ifs” to the curb!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27L3VcS2kj0/Vg1fdEROutI/AAAAAAAACjI/IlPkkJnh_JY/s1600/IMG_2480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27L3VcS2kj0/Vg1fdEROutI/AAAAAAAACjI/IlPkkJnh_JY/s400/IMG_2480.jpg" width="400" /></a>How often have you turned down opportunity because you didn’t feel prepared? And, how many times have you missed out on something great because you didn’t think you could do it perfectly? There is great value in being prepared, knowing your plan, and having a sense of structure and organization in place before proceeding. I’ve dodged many a catastrophe as a result of my methodical approach to my life. However, sometimes this can keep you from acting. It’s possible to focus too much on getting it right instead of getting it done. My mom often says, “It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to get done.” <br />
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No matter where you are on the Transition Train, whether you’ve just gotten on board or you’ve been riding the rails for a while, do something today that will take you closer to your future. One step is all you need to get the ball rolling. You don’t have to have it all figured out. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You just have to take action, any action. Make that phone call you’ve been putting off. Create a website. Make a Facebook page. Send out your resume. Find a realtor. Join an online dating site. Whatever it is that will get you going, do it now. Once you set your future in motion, doors will begin to open. In no time you’ll hop off the Transition Train, break out of your chrysalis, and embark on a grand new adventure. Here’s to the next chapter! I believe in you!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was posted on Facebook by Earnest Pugh, but the original author seems to be Unknown.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Artichoke and Roasted Red Pepper Dip</b></span></div>
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When I was packing boxes, unfortunately, I didn’t eat as well as I would have liked. When I was short on time and long on angst, I found myself grabbing foods that I wouldn’t normally eat. They were quick and easy and didn’t require a lot of thought or effort. But this was exactly when it was essential that I nourish my mind, body, and spirit with healthful, delicious food in order to have the physical, emotional, and mental fortitude for the journey ahead. <br />
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When we’re hungry most of us reach for something nearby, so the more you keep tasty and healthful options at your fingertips, the more likely you are to eat them. As a suggestion, carve out 20 minutes from your busy day and wash and cut your favorite vegetables and make the following scrumptious dip. The vegetables will keep in the fridge for a few days, so do the work once and eat fresh vegetables throughout the week. Place them so they are the first thing you see when you open the refrigerator door. It may sound crazy, but simply having cut vegetables (as opposed to uncut) in the fridge will make you more likely to eat them.<br />
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The walnuts in the dip add protein so you’ll stay full longer, and the vegetables will make you feel light and fit so you can move forward into your future strong, vital, and joyful.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Makes about 2 cups<br /><br />½ cup raw walnuts<br />1-2 cloves garlic, peeled<br />1 12-ounce jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained<br />1 12-ounce jar roasted red peppers, drained<br />¼ tsp. French gray (Celtic) or Himalayan pink salt </span><br />
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Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender in the order listed. Process on medium-high until smooth or until you reach your preferred consistency. Enjoy with cut vegetables.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-83560817775992025712015-09-08T08:44:00.000-07:002015-09-09T11:16:12.084-07:00Things Fall Apart So They Can Fall into Place<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There would be no spring without winter. In the cold darkness when everything is dormant, the barren snow-covered fields and denuded trees may look lifeless, but in fact, under the surface they are making way for spring’s renewal. In this continuous cycle, death and rebirth ebb and flow like the ocean tide. What may appear to be the end is actually the beginning. When the land lays fallow, it rests and replenishes itself. The decaying leaves nourish the soil, making way for the resurgence of life that will sprout into being as the days grow longer. <br />
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Often in life when things seem to be falling apart, they are actually falling into place. When you’re in the middle of tragedy, catastrophe, turmoil, or change it can often be impossible to see how endings can give rise to beginnings, but that’s exactly what happens. Although forest fires can be very destructive—especially those that are caused by human negligence and those that happen near homes—in nature fire is necessary to the cycle of life. The jack pine, for instance, can only sprout after its seeds have been exposed to the intense heat of the fire. <br />
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Perhaps you’re currently being pushed to your limits, your own personal fire. But, what if this “fire” that you’re experiencing is the catalyst that will catapult you into the next phase of your life? Like the jack pine, it’s possible that this time of hardship is the very thing necessary to break you out of your shell and allow you to sprout and flourish into your full majesty. Like the phoenix that rises from the ashes, you will grow even more into whom you are meant to be as a result of weathering the storm. <br />
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I’m currently weathering a storm of sorts…<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Grandpa Linn in his Navy days </td></tr>
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On August 20th my grandfather passed away suddenly after a short illness. Just a few months ago he was a strong and vital 88-year-old who did his own roof repairs. It happened so fast that I’m still having difficulty grasping that he’s really gone. But, I’m grateful that I got to see him one final time. I was able to show him photos from my recent road trip to the Canadian Rockies (he loved road trips!) and ask him about some of the crafts he’d made over the years. I brushed his hair, which is something I would have never been able to do before his illness, as he was not a particularly touchy feely kind of guy. But, the action felt sweet, and something I will always remember.<br />
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At the same time my grandfather was declining, the house I live in sold. (As I type this I’m surrounded by bubble wrap and moving boxes.) I have just one week to put everything in storage, as I do not yet know where I’m moving. Like my grandfather’s passing, this also happened very quickly. While I look for a new place to live, my dog, cats, chickens and I will be moving in with my parents until their house, which is also on the market, sells. I usually have a plan, which makes this all the more frightening, but also oddly liberating. <br />
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Additionally, while I’ve been growing my Mystic Chef® community, I’ve been working for my mom, which has provided a stable income, but it’s time for me to fully step out on my own, which is exciting but also scary. There will be nothing to fall back on other than my own creativity and resourcefulness. <br />
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The things that have helped to create my identity, my home and my work, are being stripped away. However, what I’m left with will be the building blocks for the future that I will create. <br />
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Although some days my pulse quickens under the weight of it all, I also know that this is part of the cycle of life. Though it may feel like everything is falling apart, it’s also coming together in miraculous ways. I am scared, but I’m also immensely excited. I feel like the jack pine torched by fire on the brink of sprouting. <br />
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If you’re going through a hard time or if it feels as though everything is falling apart, know that this is part of the process. You will make it to the other side, and you will be at the beginning of something new and magnificent.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Future Is Bright Sauce </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Raw Heirloom Tomato Sauce </b></i></span></div>
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My grandfather first introduced me to the joys of growing vegetables. As I approach the final days in my home, harvesting juicy tomatoes in my garden is bittersweet. It may be a long time before I’ll be able to have such a bountiful garden again. Wanting to savor this season’s harvest, I’ve been making this raw pasta sauce all week. To me, it’s the epitome of late summer. <br />
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This is best made with heirloom tomatoes (the more colorful the better!); however, you can also use conventional tomatoes. The first time I saw someone peel a tomato I was about nine years old. Before slicing my grandpa’s homegrown tomatoes, my grandma always peeled them. To me, it seemed like an awful lot of work, and to this day I rarely peel tomatoes. For this recipe, however, I make an exception because the skins of heirloom tomatoes tend to be thick. If your heirlooms are ripe (but not squishy), the peel should come off pretty easily with a paring knife. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 4-6 <br /><br />3 lbs. (about 4-5 large) heirloom tomatoes, peeled and diced<br />3-4 cloves garlic, minced<br />¼ cup olive oil<br />artisanal salt, to taste (Himalayan pink, Celtic, or fleur de sel are all good choices)<br />1-2 Tbsp. aged balsamic (optional)<br />½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and cut in half (optional)<br />1 cup love <br />3 pinches of excitement </span><br />
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Peel the tomatoes. Dice them and put them in a large bowl. Pour off the liquid*. Mix in the minced garlic, olive oil, and salt. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and olives (if using). With intention, drizzle love over the entire bowl, and stir in hopes and dreams. Add three pinches of excitement for the future and blend until fully combined. <br />
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Don’t worry if the sauce seems liquidy (heirloom tomatoes expel a lot of water). The hot pasta will absorb some of the liquid. Let sit for approximately 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marry. This is a good time to start making the pasta. <br />
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Toss the sauce with 1 pound hot pasta (I use a brown rice/quinoa spaghetti, and I do not rinse it). <br />
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*Tomato water is a delicious and healthful tonic. Save the liquid you pour off and enjoy it on ice (or use it as a base for a light and refreshing virgin bloody mary).<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-51643328807683582872015-07-27T21:52:00.000-07:002015-07-27T21:52:32.761-07:00Being Right: What’s It Worth to You?<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SF3AnedPtm0/VbcJ0ABWv0I/AAAAAAAAChA/V43PzU6jJTM/s1600/yellow-690532_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SF3AnedPtm0/VbcJ0ABWv0I/AAAAAAAAChA/V43PzU6jJTM/s640/yellow-690532_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a>How important is it to you to be right? Have you ever experienced that whoosh of adrenaline when your thoughts, feelings, or predictions are proven correct? <i>I was right. You were wrong.</i> I have devoted a great deal of energy in hot pursuit of these seemingly magical words. In these moments of righteous indignation, I hold my head up high, puff out my chest, and feel immense pride. <br /><br />Being right can feel pretty darn good, but what is the cost of privileging it above all else? What do we miss out on experiencing? What do we give up in order to have this feeling? What avoidable circumstances do we create to make sure that our thoughts are justified? How much joy and harmony do we trade for this smug feeling?<br /><br />There are times in life to hold steadfast, but often there’s more to be gained by letting go. When a need to be right is strong enough, we can even create circumstances to prove our point, which may not be worth it in the end. This happened to me when I was a teenager. <br /><br />My mom was unable to pick me up from an event, so she arranged for a taxi to drive me home. I protested with all my might. “Please, please, please pick me up!! Can’t so-and-so come get me? Please don’t make me take a taxi.” (I wasn’t keen on an expensive ride with a stranger.) “What about a bus? Can I take a bus home, Mom? Please!” I probably even petitioned to walk, but that was out of the question since it was miles away, and I was just thirteen years old. My mom assured me it would be fine. She made advanced arrangements with the taxi company.<br /><br />When it was time for my taxi ride, I waited…and waited. I stood on the curb, twiddling my thumbs and mumbling to myself about how I wished a friend was coming to get me. Finally, the taxi arrived. He was late because he’d been at traffic court. <i>Traffic court!</i> As he zoomed through the parking lot, he told me he wasn’t feeling well. He’d been out late the night before…drinking. <i>He was hungover!</i> As he pressed the gas pedal to make it through a yellow light before it turned red, he asked me where I went to school. <br /><br />I had a scholarship to a prestigious school, and many people had preconceived notions about the kind of students who attended. So, quietly, I said, “I go to Lakeside.” The-hungover-man-fresh-out-of-traffic-court-who-was-careening-down-the-road said, in his most condescending, disgusted voice, “Oh, you go to Lakeside? What do Mommy and Daddy do?” In my head I was screaming at the top of my lungs. <i>I was right about the taxi!!! </i>I couldn’t wait to tell my mom that I was right and she was wrong.<br /><br />Although the taxi ride was miserable, there was part of me that was really glad. This way I knew that I’d been right. Had it been easy or maybe even fun, I wouldn’t have been able to feel so righteous, and boy was that a good feeling. <br /><br />So, I was right. But, was it worth it? <br /><br />Sometimes being right feels more important than harmony and joy. I read my parents the riot act when I got home, but what did that accomplish? Did I subconsciously go out of my way to create an experience that would justify my aversion to taking the taxi? On one hand, I was an innocent child thrust into an uncomfortable situation, but on the other hand, I was completely complicit in the experience. With each misstep the taxi driver took, the more I was filled with satisfaction. Had I been less determined to prove my mom wrong, I may have actually found the ride humorous. And who’s to say I didn’t manifest the experience. How would it have been different if I’d had a different mindset from the outset? What if I’d decided to make a point of having an amazing experience? Often what we put our intention on comes to fruition. If I’d decided that having a great taxi ride was more important to me than proving to my mom that a taxi was a bad idea, then likely that would have come to pass. <br /><br />What is your intention for today? Will today be filled with joy, fun, and harmony, or will you choose to be right at the expense of everything else? <br /><b><br /></b><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Mango Shrimp Cakes with Avocado Aioli</b></span></div>
<br />There’s a difference between wanting to be right so badly that you forsake everything else and knowing something to be true (intuition), even if you can’t quite say why or how you know. Much of my cooking is based on intuition. I get an image (or flavor) in my mind, and I can’t let it go until I bring it to fruition. That was certainly true for this dish. I’ve never eaten aioli made with avocado and mango, but somehow I knew that it was going to be delicious…and guess what?! <i>I was right (hehehe)!</i> This particular combination of vegetables, mango, and shrimp mixed into a cake was also new to me, but I could feel my cooking fairies urging me along. <br /><br />My mom (who is not at all biased) says this dish is the very best thing she’s ever eaten. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. <br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Makes 12 small fritters<br /><br />¼ cup minced yellow onion<br />1/3 cup minced celery (from 2 stalks)<br />1/3 cup minced red bell pepper (from about ½ pepper)<br />1/3 cup minced mango (from about ½ fresh mango or use frozen*)<br />¼ tsp. chili flakes (optional)<br />1 tsp. artisanal salt (such as Himalayan or Celtic) <br />1 Tbsp. lemon juice (from ½ lemon)<br />1 Tbsp. olive oil<br />2 eggs, slightly beaten<br />1 lb. wild sustainable shrimp/prawns, diced<br />1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (made from 4 pieces of bread)*<br />avocado oil for frying (or other high-heat oil) <br /><br />*Dry out four pieces of gluten-free bread (use white bread or one that does not have a strong flavor) in an oven at 200 degrees. Break into chunks and then blitz in a food processor fitted with chopping blade to create the crumbs. </span><br />
<br />In a large bowl, combine the onion, celery, bell pepper, mango, and chili flakes. Stir in the salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Add the egg and stir to combine. Mix in the shrimp. Fold in the breadcrumbs. Roll the mixture into balls, approximately the size of a plum and gently press to form a “cake.” Panfry over medium to medium-high heat, approximately 3-5 minutes per side. <span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Avocado Aioli</b></span></div>
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<br /><span style="color: orange;">2 cloves garlic, chopped<br />2 Tbsp. Olive oil<br />2 Tbsp. mayonnaise<br />1 Tbsp. lemon juice (from ½ lemon)<br />1 Tbsp. minced mango <br />1 avocado, peel and pit removed<br />¼ tsp. artisanal salt (such as Himalayan or Celtic)</span><br /><br />Combine all ingredients in a food processor fitted with the chopping blade (same one you use to make the bread crumbs). Process until the aioli is smooth and unctuous. Mmm!<br />
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<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-72863477172617259592015-07-13T10:44:00.000-07:002015-07-13T10:44:48.676-07:00How Much Courage Does It Take to Live Your Dreams?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Recently I asked my Facebook community when in their life they’d been the most courageous. I was delighted and overwhelmed by the response this question elicited. What was surprising to me was that with the exception of just a few who wrote about physical feats, most people described pushing through emotional challenges, such as walking away from bad relationships, letting go of people and places, or jumping into the unknown to follow one’s heart. For many, it seems, this is far scarier and more rewarding than any other act of bravery.<br /><br />A couple people turned the question around and asked me when I’d been the most courageous. As it turns out, I’m much better at asking questions than I am at answering them, which is probably a skill I cultivated as a schoolteacher. I was stumped. <i>When had I been the most courageous? </i><br />
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A number of possible responses danced in my head, but I couldn’t pinpoint a time when I’d truly put everything on the line. I began to make a mental checklist of some of the times in my life when my actions could be considered courageous. When I was 13, I went on my first Vision Quest and spent 24 hours alone in the woods. In 11th grade I left my friends and family in Seattle and headed to Vermont in the middle of winter to spend a semester living on a farm. And, at the age of 31, although I’d spent years and lots of money to attain academic degrees, I quit my teaching job with no plan other than wanting to follow my passion for cooking. That same year I started this blog, where for the first time in my life I began to share my thoughts and feelings openly. <br /><br />Could one of these events be my most courageous? Hmm… It left me pondering. Leaving my teaching job was scary, but I knew that I had enough savings to get by at least for a little while. And, although I was nervous that I wouldn’t fit in at the farm school in Vermont, I was also extremely excited for this unique experience. <br /><br />I have a feeling that one of the reasons I’ve suddenly become fascinated by the notion of courage is that I’m pretty sure the next phase of my life is going to be amazing, but it’s going to take a lot of faith and strength to get there. These previous courageous acts were building blocks to prepare me for this very moment.<br />
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My most courageous act is yet to come. Next month the owners are putting of my home up for sale. For the past six years I’ve been working alongside my mom, but it’s time that I step out on my own. So, in the coming months I’m going to be moving to a yet undetermined location while simultaneously learning how to grow and flourish professionally as a solo entrepreneur. <br /><br />While I know that my future will unfold in magical ways, and it will be just as it’s meant to be, I’m also freaking out quite a bit too. But, isn’t that what courage is all about? Tackling the things we know we need to do, even when it makes us sweat and our heart pound. We do this because we know that the pain of not doing it would be far worse.<br /><br />When in your life have you been courageous? What was the result of stepping out of your comfort zone? How has your life changed as a result? What kind of courage will it take for you to realize your dreams? What will you need to do to bring your future into focus? What can you do today, no matter how small, to take that first step toward the tomorrow of your dreams?<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Coconut Fudgy Oat Squares</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>(Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Naturally Sweetened) </b></i></span></div>
<br />All of the food at The Mountain School, the farm school in Vermont I attended in 11th Grade, was delicious and nourishing. However, Marilyn’s (the head cook) Fudgy Oat Squares were legendary. Twenty years later, I can still remember their ooey gooey decadence. I’ve done my best to do them justice while making them gluten-free and dairy-free. And, I added some shredded coconut…just for fun. <br /><br />This recipe makes a lot! Share them with friends and family (or freeze for later). Enjoy! <br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Makes 20 large squares</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">1 13.5-ounce can full-fat coconut milk<br />¼ cup honey<br />1½ cups coconut sugar<br />1 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled slightly<br />4 eggs at room-temperature<br />1½ tsp. vanilla<br />2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour*<br />½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />½ tsp. salt<br />3 cups gluten-free old-fashioned rolled oats<br />1 12-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />1 tsp. vanilla<br />½ tsp. salt<br />1 cup chopped walnuts and/or pecans<br /><br />*The blend I use contains brown rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour</span><br /><br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 15½ x 10 inch baking pan.<br /><br />In a small pan over medium-high heat, bring the coconut milk to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and whisk in the honey. Simmer for 40 minutes until slightly thickened, whisking occasionally. (You’re making sweetened condensed coconut milk.) <br /><br />Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the coconut sugar, coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla. In a smaller bowl, mix the flour, shredded coconut, baking soda, and salt together. Pour the flour into the sugar mixture and stir to combine. Mix in the oats. Press 2/3 of the oat mixture into the bottom of the pan. If the mixture is too sticky, use damp fingers. The remaining l/3 of the oat mixture will be used to top the bars. <br /><br />When the coconut milk and honey are finished simmering, remove from the heat and mix in the chocolate chips until fully combined. Stir in the vanilla and salt. Add the nuts and stir to combine. Spread the chocolate over the oat mixture in the pan. Drop the reserved oat mixture in small chunks onto the chocolate. Bake until golden, about 25 minutes. Cool completely before attempting to cut. Once the pan is cool enough to handle, you may want to refrigerate it for a few hours to get the fudge to set faster. Cut into squares and enjoy with childlike delight! <br />
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-20991434891015100912015-06-30T14:00:00.000-07:002015-06-30T14:00:38.466-07:00Being Present<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkUKtGCVrzw/VZL80ewX0JI/AAAAAAAACd0/wKdPoc0cd4k/s1600/SunriseJuneau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gkUKtGCVrzw/VZL80ewX0JI/AAAAAAAACd0/wKdPoc0cd4k/s640/SunriseJuneau.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Recently I was a presenter at a seminar-at-sea on an Alaska cruise. While our ship traveled along the Inside Passage, past evergreen cliffs and snow-covered peaks, I spent a lot of time pondering the natural world and the importance of solitude. In my class I taught about taking time to be still and spending time in nature on a personal retreat. This type of retreat is often called a “quest” or “solo.” <br />
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Although a cruise ship with its casino, multiple bars, and jewelry stores doesn’t necessarily lend itself naturally to being a venue for a traditional quest, by taking time to breathe in the sea spray and allowing my heart and mind to relax, I feel as though I experienced a quest of sorts. While on the ship, I spent as much time as possible looking out to sea, walking the decks, and allowing the ocean breeze to tousle my hair, which opened my mind to new awareness and soothed the creases in my soul.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJABmP3Ts-Y/VZL9cM_c8oI/AAAAAAAACeA/cz_MiO_L6HQ/s1600/MomSkagwayEagle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EJABmP3Ts-Y/VZL9cM_c8oI/AAAAAAAACeA/cz_MiO_L6HQ/s400/MomSkagwayEagle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom photographing an eagle</td></tr>
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One sunny afternoon, while standing on one of the lower decks, I calmed my mind to the point that the only thing I was thinking about was the vast expanse of water that filled my vision. Right then, a pod of dolphins appeared. Although they were likely chasing some fish, to me it appeared as though they were dancing. As I turned to see if others were also taking in this beautiful sight, I was surprised to discover that the man to the right of me, taking a deep drag on his cigarette, was caught up in his thoughts and didn’t seem to notice the dolphins. To the left of me, a couple emerged from inside the ship with a camera in hand. I assumed they’d seen the dolphins and had come out to take a photo; however, they proceeded to take a selfie with the ship’s deck as their background. <br />
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What I found remarkable wasn’t that the others didn’t seem to see the dolphins. Instead, what was noteworthy was that it made me realize how much magic surrounds us daily that we do not see because we’re focused on other things. It’s only when we’re fully present that our eyes soften, our heart opens, and we take in our surroundings. Seeing the frolicking dolphins reminded me of one of my favorite lines in St. Exupéry’s <i>Little Prince</i>: “It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-llNMtdRVNEM/VZL98NmqRkI/AAAAAAAACeE/hBdFrCVW2cY/s1600/CalvingGlacier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-llNMtdRVNEM/VZL98NmqRkI/AAAAAAAACeE/hBdFrCVW2cY/s400/CalvingGlacier.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A calving glacier</td></tr>
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In that moment, my heart was open and my mind was free to have this experience. It wasn’t that the dolphins were only there for me to see, or that I have a special ability to see what others do not. It was simply that in that moment, I was taking the time to look. It made me wonder how much majesty I’ve missed out on in my life when I’ve been myopically focused on a project or when my brain is too full to be fully present. <br />
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Have you ever gone for a walk with a toddler and taken the time to see the world through their eyes? Life goes at a much slower pace (a single block could take an hour). But, what did you see during that walk? What did you smell? Taste? Touch? Feel? <br />
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Life is so delicious. But, unfortunately, often in our frenetic modern world, we forget to take time to quiet our mind enough to savor our lives. It need not take a lot of time. Sometimes just a few minutes in nature doing absolutely nothing is all you need to quiet your mind, release stress, and maybe even see something you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. It’s not necessary to go on a quest or be on a cruise ship in Alaska to have meaningful experiences. All it takes is being present. Magic is everywhere.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mQ5fl8t3Ys/VZL_nXh-mCI/AAAAAAAACeY/1ei4mwcZlK4/s1600/JuneauSunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mQ5fl8t3Ys/VZL_nXh-mCI/AAAAAAAACeY/1ei4mwcZlK4/s400/JuneauSunset.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Juneau at sunset</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Decadent Dark Chocolate Cake with Chocolate “Buttercream” Frosting</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Grain-Free, and Honey-Sweetened</i></b></span></div>
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Spending time alone in nature can help quiet the mind and soothe the soul. However, taking time to be fully present when you eat can be another powerful way to practice mindfulness. And, when you savor your food, you begin to savor your life even more fully. Have you ever reached for a second handful of M&Ms, for example, because you were so distracted when you ate the first handful that you didn’t really taste them? So often we down our food while thinking about a million other things. But when you take time to engage all your senses and relish each bite, you’ll actually enjoy your food more and, believe it or not, you’ll likely end up eating less. This chocolate cake is a perfect food for practicing being present. Take deep breathes. Notice how it smells, how it feels on your tongue, and how the different flavors intermingle. <br />
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Although I try not to have favorite recipes (they’re all my babies!), this cake is currently my newest favorite. I love how easy it is since everything gets thrown into the blender. I love how rich and decadent it is. And, I love that it uses cashews instead of flour! I’m really proud of this creation. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. <br />
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Store the frosted cake on the counter. If refrigerated it will become a little less moist. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 10<br /><br />10 oz. high-quality dark chocolate (I use 72%), melted and cooled slightly<br />¼ cup strong brewed coffee, room temperature*<br />5 large eggs<br />¾ cup mild honey<br />½ cup non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening (also called palm shortening)**<br />2 tsp. vanilla<br />1 cup raw cashews<br />2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />¼ tsp. salt<br />1 tsp. baking soda</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><i>*If the coffee is hot, you’ll end up with scrambled eggs. </i></span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><i>** I use Spectrum Organic. Make sure you get a brand that has an “orangutan-friendly” label. Most palm oil comes from Asia where orangutan habitat is rapidly being destroyed. Spectrum Organic, however, gets theirs from Colombia from small, sustainable farms.</i></span><br />
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan. Place the pan on a piece of parchment paper and trace around the circumference with a pencil. Cut the parchment paper to the size of the pan. Grease the pan with vegetable shortening, both the bottom and the sides. Line the bottom of the pan with the parchment paper and then grease the top of the parchment paper. <br />
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Chop the chocolate and place it in a double boiler or in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, stirring occasionally. Once the chocolate is melted. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly.<br />
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Place all the remaining ingredients into a high-power blender in the order listed. Start on low power and slowly work up to high. Process on high until the mixture is smooth and well-aerated, about two minutes. Add the melted chocolate and process for another minute or so, until completely mixed. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender a couple times if your blender doesn’t have a tamper. <br />
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Pour into the prepared pan and bake on the middle rack until an inserted toothpick comes out clean, about 25 minutes. If the outside appears to be cooking faster than the inside, reduce the heat to 325ºF. Cool on a rack until the pan is cool enough to touch. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely before frosting. <span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br />Chocolate “Buttercream” Frosting</b></span><br />
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¾ cup non-hydrogenated vegetable shortening (also called palm shortening)*<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
½ cup + 1 Tbsp. mild honey<br />
1 Tbsp. strong brewed coffee<br />
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />
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Whisk the vegetable shortening in a standing mixer on medium-high until soft (either the paddle or whisk attachment will work). Add the vanilla, honey, and coffee and mix on medium-low until fully combined. Add the cocoa powder and whisk on medium-low (or whatever speed will keep the cocoa from flying out of the bowl and all over you) until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-1557223116363163142015-06-08T20:25:00.000-07:002016-04-26T09:48:06.015-07:00Getting What You Need, Not Always What You Want<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What in your life is exactly as you planned? What is completely different?<br />
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Exactly 15 years ago, I graduated from college. Never in a million years would that 22 year-old have imagined my present life. She would’ve fallen out of her chair laughing if you’d told her she’d be missing the 15-year reunion because she’d be speaking about spirituality on a conference-at-sea in Alaska. <i>There’s no way!</i> That pearl-wearing, Camus-reading girl would’ve thought you were making it up. <br />
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Like most teens, I’d made a big point of going in a different direction from my parents. The idea that I’d end up doing similar work to my mom would’ve seemed completely outlandish. And if you’d told me I’d be making arrangements for someone to take care of my chickens while I was away, rather than my husband and children, I’d have really been floored. What?! <i>Thirty seven and still single?! Chickens? </i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My animal family</td></tr>
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It’s rare that we end up doing what we think we’ll do. Each step puts us on a slightly different trajectory. And, as we get older, we grow and change, and our priorities change as we become increasingly more ourselves. Many years ago I had a boyfriend who dreamed of taking up residence on a tropical beach where he could fish all day. At the time, that sounded horrible to me. I was in strive, strive, strive mode. But, now…well, that sounds pretty nice. Things change.<br />
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Every once in a while we may encounter someone who’s known since they were little exactly who and what they wanted to be, and they’ve followed that path into adulthood without deviating. However, most of us, for better or worse, end up somewhere very different from where we set out to go. A good friend of mine from college decided to be a stay-at-home mom after completing her medical residency. Someone else I know planned to travel the world and never get married, but she fell in love and built a life in her hometown, and she loves it. Neither of these women would have guessed that this would be their life, and they couldn’t have planned for this turn of events, but it has worked out.<br />
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Although my current life is different from what I imagined when I graduated college, I’ve had some extraordinary experiences that I couldn’t have even dreamed of back then. I thought I was destined for a high-powered and/or academic career, but the reason that didn’t come to fruition is that it wouldn’t have been the right path for me. Though I used to like to think of myself as a type A personality, I’m not really that way. Being creative and savoring life’s pleasures is much more my style, but it took me a while to find my way back home.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A keynote on the secret alchemy of food... I would've never imagined</td></tr>
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As much as I want to get married and have a family, I also know that if I’d met and married a man years ago, it wouldn’t have been the right time. I was still figuring out who I am and where I’m going. And if I’d had children when I wanted, likely I wouldn’t have taken the risks (like quitting my job) that have played an integral role in bringing me to myself. So, in the words of the Rolling Stones, “You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometime, you just might find you get what you need.” I didn’t get what I thought I wanted when I left college 15 years ago, but I got exactly what I needed. And for that, I am truly grateful. <br />
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When in your life did you get what you needed instead of what you wanted? In what ways has this shaped who you are? Although it can feel antithetical to moving forward, as often as you can, take time to be grateful for all the missed turns in your life, because they may have actually been keeping you on your true path. It’s easy to feel regret. Gratitude can be much harder, but the things we regret are often the things that helped shape us and make us who we are today. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Great Life <i>Grain-Free</i> Granola</b></span></div>
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There have been a number of times in my life when my health has given me what I needed and not what I wanted. Although often frustrating or even devastating, the end result has always been for the better. Getting diagnosed with gluten and casein intolerance nearly five years ago was a huge blow, but it’s been a blessing in many ways. Not only do I feel stronger and more vital, but also I’ve become more sensitive to other’s dietary needs. A friend, who’s in the process of figuring out what foods work best for her body, recently introduced me to grain-free granola. I thought, <i>I can make that! </i>And so after a number of test-batches, here it is. The only problem…I can’t stop eating it. It’s pretty decadent. It makes a wonderful breakfast with fresh blueberries and <a href="http://www.savortheday.com/2014/08/to-settle-or-soar-story-of-mighty-tiny.html">homemade almond milk </a>(or yogurt, milk, or other milk alternative), but also it’s rich enough to be eaten like a cookie or granola bar. Enjoy! <br />
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Notes: Do not use store-bought flax meal. You will get more nutrients from grinding your own. Plus, pre-ground flax can go rancid quickly. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Makes 6-8 servings</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBo7rzwixVQ/VXZaGTSNv-I/AAAAAAAACc4/Lqa68YuPgsk/s1600/IMG_0782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FBo7rzwixVQ/VXZaGTSNv-I/AAAAAAAACc4/Lqa68YuPgsk/s320/IMG_0782.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: orange;">3 Tbsp. flax seeds</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">½ cup raw walnuts</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">½ cup raw pecans</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">¼ cup raw sunflower seeds</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">1/3 cup sliced raw almonds</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">¾ cup almond meal</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">¼ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">1 tsp. ground cinnamon</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">pinch salt</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">¼ cup coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">1/3 cup honey</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">2 tsp. vanilla</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">1/3 cup dried cranberries (optional)</span><br />
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Preheat the oven to 300ºF<br />
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Put the flax seeds in the bowl of a food processor and process until they are a fine meal (flour), about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the food processor and put in a large bowl (The bowl should be large enough for all of the granola ingredients as you will eventually mix everything together in it). Put the walnuts and pecans in the food processor and pulse to chop the nuts into pea-size pieces. Remove and add to the bowl with the flax meal. Put the sunflower and pumpkin seeds in the food processor and pulse to chop into small pieces. Remove and add to the bowl with the nuts and flax. Add the sliced almonds, almond meal, coconut, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl and stir to combine. Wipe out the food processor and fill it with the coconut oil, honey, and vanilla. Process until creamy and syrupy, about a minute. Pour into the bowl with the nuts and seeds and stir until fully combined. Spread the mixture evenly onto a large baking sheet and bake until golden brown, approximately 25 minutes. Halfway through, use a metal spatula to turn the granola so it browns evenly. Do not stir. Instead, flip it like a pancake. This will help keep the clusters together. After approximately 25 minutes, remove from the oven and cool on the pan. It will become crisper and firmer as it cools so don’t despair if it seems a bit soft when you remove it from the oven. Once cool, toss with the cranberries (if using), and store in an air-tight container.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-89517225175449340052015-05-31T17:21:00.000-07:002015-05-31T17:23:57.522-07:00Why Giving from the Heart Can Be So Scary<br />
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What kind things do you think but don’t say? How would your life be different if you expressed your love, desire, and gratitude more often to those closest to you? What do you keep to yourself because it feels too scary to share? <br />
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The following is an example of a seemingly insignificant moment that I’ve never forgotten because I chose to be guarded rather than vulnerable. When I was in 11th Grade, a friend and I set off on a late afternoon stroll through some pastures in Vermont. There was a golden hue as the spring day was slowly turning to night, and I remember looking at my friend and thinking how beautiful she looked. However, instead of sharing from my heart and telling her what I saw, I bit my tongue and said nothing. How strange to be too shy to extend a compliment, but this happens more frequently than you might think. <br />
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Telling someone what we think about them, even the nice things (especially the nice things) can make us feel really vulnerable. It exposes us. And, there’s the potential for rejection or ridicule. What if my friend had thought I was weird or what if she’d turned down my compliment by saying something like, “No, I’m not.” That would have hurt, or at the very least it would have diminished my gift. So, to protect myself, I kept my thoughts to myself.<br />
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But, what if I’d pushed through my timidity and my comment was welcomed with a smile? It may have made her day, or maybe even had a deeper, more lasting effect. And, it would have made me feel really good, too. Giving is a powerful act. <br />
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It’s quite common to clam up in romantic relationships too. What does your partner do that makes your life easier, more fun, or simply makes you feel good? Do you tell him/her? How often? Although it may sometimes feel contrary to what your mind is telling you to do, giving heartfelt compliments and expressing gratitude is essential to creating connection and intimacy. We may think that these things don’t need to be said, that the other person knows how we feel, but often they have no idea. And, even when they do know, it’s usually nice to hear it anyway.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is kind of how it feels to be totally vulnerable</td></tr>
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Before a recent date, I’d spent a long time getting dressed and styling my hair. One of the first things the man did was compliment my dress. It was amazing to see how something as simple as “I really like your dress” can relieve tension and bring about such feelings of joy. He recognized that I’d put effort into getting ready. <br />
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There’s a funny scene in an Adam Sandler movie in which Nicole Kidman’s character and her husband, played by Dave Matthews, tell each other everything they like about each other every time they separate or reunite. It’s funny because it’s annoying. I admit…if we spent all of our time complimenting each other it could get tedious. However, one heartfelt compliment that’s received with a generous “thank you” can be meaningful for both people. <br />
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So why is it that it can be such a challenge to share these thoughts? Here’s why: Seldom do we give a birthday present and the recipient says they don’t like it. Even if they abhor it, it’s usually received with some form of gratitude. However, we seem to have no problem rejecting a compliment, which is a gift of spirit. Sometimes we deflect compliments because they either overwhelm or embarrass us, or because we think that somehow it’s more polite; however, there’s grace in receiving. When someone says “thank you,” it honors the giver. What if I’d made a snide comment when my date complimented my dress? I might be thinking that I’m being humble, but really what I’m doing is insulting him. <br />
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Giving compliments from my heart can make me feel very vulnerable. My pulse quickens and my palms get sweaty, especially when I feel the stakes are high. Saying to a friend, “Hey, I like your purse” is no big deal. But, saying to a man I’m dating, “When you do x,y, or z, it makes me feel taken care of/cherished/appreciated” can feel really scary because it reveals something deeper. However, as you may remember from an <a href="http://www.savortheday.com/2015/05/my-vulnerability-quest.html">article</a> I wrote a few weeks ago, I’m on a vulnerability quest, and letting people know more often what they mean to me is part of that journey. <br />
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Would you like to join me? Let’s make a pact to compliment or express gratitude to at least three people this week, not just for the sake of a compliment but because it’s something meaningful we want to share from the heart. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Samantha’s Garlicky Grilled Green Beans </b></span></div>
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Although this recipe serves four, I can eat it all in one sitting. I love these beans that much! I first had them at my friend, Samantha’s, house last month (she’s the founder of the awesome <a href="http://raddishkids.com/">Raddish Kids</a> cooking club). I immediately purchased a grill topper so I could make the beans at home. It was easy to say to Samantha, “Wow, these are so good!” However, what I didn’t say is…“I really appreciate how you put so much thought into creating delicious and healthy gluten-free and dairy-free meals when I come to visit. It makes me feel loved and cared for.” This is the kind of expression of gratitude that we often leave unsaid, but it can be the most meaningful. It can feel harder to say, but that’s exactly why we need to say it. <br />
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You can purchase a grill topper for about $20. However, if you don’t have one, I’ve had good luck replicating this recipe on the stove with a hot cast iron pan; you just have move the beans around in the pan a lot so the garlic doesn’t burn too much. For some reason the charred garlic from the grill tastes really good (even though I usually dislike toasted garlic of any kind), but on the stove it seems to be more bitter. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 4 <br /><br />Special equipment:<br />Grill topper (this keeps the beans from falling through the grate)*<br /><br />1 lb. green beans, trimmed<br />3-4 cloves garlic, crushed <br />1½ Tbsp. olive oil<br />fresh cracked black pepper and artisanal salt (such as Himalayan pink or French gray)</span><br />
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Heat a gas/propane grill with grill topper to medium heat. Meanwhile in a large bowl toss the green beans with the crushed garlic and olive oil. Sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper and mix to combine. Spread evenly on the grill topper and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Be sure to turn the beans frequently to ensure an even char. <br />
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*This is the grill topper I purchased. This is not an affiliate link. I do not make money if you click here. I'm not endorsing this product. This is just in case you were curious what the heck a "grill topper" is =). <a href="http://amzn.to/1BAotMS">http://amzn.to/1BAotMS</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.savortheday.com/2014/09/blessing-in-disguise-how-whooping-cough.html">Recipe for Mustard-Thyme Marinated Grilled Chicken</a> pictured here </td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-9217720616771725622015-05-19T15:18:00.001-07:002015-05-20T09:18:39.940-07:00How to Receive Powerful Insights (and Maybe Even Find Some Money)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #990000;"><i><b>The Secret Alchemy of Clutter Clearing </b></i></span></span></div>
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Have you ever noticed how the moment you become open to receiving, the lessons, revelations, and messages begin to flood your being. <br />
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Currently I’m in a time of transition. The home that I live in is going to be put on the market soon, and as a result I’ll be moving in the coming months. I feel a lot of uncertainty about where I’m headed and what I’ll be doing. Knowing that organizing my exterior surroundings can bring clarity to my interior, I decided to spend an afternoon clutter clearing my closets and cabinets. If nothing else, I’ll have fewer items to pack when I eventually move. <br />
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A couple remarkable things happened.<br />
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<b>1) I found a sizable amount of cash. </b><br />
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With so much uncertainty about my future, at times I’ve been filled with angst about money. To my sheer amazement, I found some $20s I’d forgotten about in a carved wooden box on my bookshelf. Not only was I delighted to unearth the money, but also it felt as though it came with a bigger message. <i>Trust. Everything is going to be okay.</i><br />
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<b>2) I discovered that I never buy myself jewelry.</b><br />
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Every piece of my jewelry—with the exception of one pair of earrings—was a gift. This realization filled me with deep gratitude for the amazing people in my life who gifted me so many beautiful things. However, this also made me curious. The earrings I purchased for myself happen to be what I wear nearly every day. Why was there so little in my jewelry box that came from me?<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFax1IW1sO8/VVurhRrCfQI/AAAAAAAACZY/Vn9MMj1Ka5M/s1600/mount-st-helens-164848_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QFax1IW1sO8/VVurhRrCfQI/AAAAAAAACZY/Vn9MMj1Ka5M/s400/mount-st-helens-164848_640.jpg" width="400" /></a>As it so happened, a few days later I had to go to the local jeweler to get a ring repaired. I could hardly even hear what the clerk was saying because I was so mesmerized by a sparkling green gem made from the ash of the Mount St. Helens eruption. The necklace cost exactly what I’d found during my clutter clearing. It seemed meant to be! But, I left the store without even trying it on, because I thought I should use the money more prudently. However, I couldn’t get it out of my mind, so I went back a few days later, but it had sold.<br />
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I’ve spent much of my life being practical. And, I’m the queen of weighing out all sides of every decision. Both of these things can be great attributes; they’ve served me well. However, there are also times when you just have to go for it. The Universe presented me with a unique opportunity, but I let it pass me by. This was a reminder to me that sometimes I have to jump, even when I haven’t yet examined every nook and cranny of the net that will catch me. <br />
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<b>3) Once the physical space around me was cleared of debris, a spiritual gateway seemed to open. </b><br />
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Immediately after doing the clutter clearing, I was awakened in the middle of the night three days in a row. Each time, when I looked at my alarm clock, words were displayed on the screen instead of the time. The first time it flashed “day” over and over again. The second time, the alarm clock showed the word, “Hi.” Oddly, the alarm kept setting itself to go off at 6:45 AM. I would turn it off, and then it would reset itself. It did this over and over again, right in front of my eyes. Although I’m still uncertain of the message, it felt like there was something important to gain from this.<br />
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The clutter clearing precipitated a chain of events that I couldn’t have possibly imagined. My future is still uncertain, but I’ve received some powerful insights as a result: Be open to whatever happens, even if it means stepping beyond what is comfortable. Just like with the necklace, there may be times in the coming months when I’ll need to leap rather than contemplate. And the money I found is God’s reminder that it will all work out. <br />
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I encourage you to take a step today toward your future. Perhaps it’s cleaning out a drawer or maybe it’s doing some journaling and meditating. Take that first step, and be open for whatever messages and insights come as a result.<br />
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Mystic Chef® Savory Sound Bite (no makeup & crazy hair)...Clutter Clearing Excitement!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Emerald City Salad</b></span></div>
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In addition to clutter clearing my cupboards, I’ve also been doing some clutter clearing to my diet. I’ve been cutting back on sugars, starches, and alcohol, and at the same time increasing my vegetable intake. I’ve always eaten relatively healthfully, but I’ve noticed dramatic changes in my mental clarity and energy level with these adjustments, which is making me even more open to hearing the whispers from my soul. <br />
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For lunch most days I enjoy a large salad. This is one of my favorites! In honor of the Mount St. Helens jewelry and my hometown, Seattle, I’ve named it Emerald City Salad. <br />
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If you use full-size kale (as opposed to baby kale), remove the ribs/stalk, and massage the oil into the torn leaves. This will soften it and make it easier to digest. Plus, it just tastes better that way! <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 1 for lunch</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">2 large handfuls baby kale (about 3-4 ounces)</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced<br />½ avocado, cubed<br />2 Tbsp. shelled hemp seed (hemp hearts)<br />2 Tbsp. (scant) extra virgin olive oil<br />1 Tbsp. (heaping) aged balsamic vinegar<br />salt and pepper </span><br />
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Combine the baby kale, bell pepper, avocado, and hemp seed. Toss with the olive oil, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Enjoy!<br />
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Here's a little video of me enjoying this salad. Mmm! Mmm!<br />
Mystic Chef® Savory Sound Bite...Enjoying Emerald City Salad in the Sun on My Front Porch!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-44646418239090121792015-05-03T21:50:00.000-07:002015-05-03T21:50:14.258-07:00My Vulnerability Quest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When in your life have you been really scared? What has made your heart pound, your cheeks flush, and your body sweat uncontrollably? <br /><br />Although there have been a few times in my life when I’ve been afraid for my physical safety, most of the things that truly brought me to my knees wouldn’t sell much popcorn at a matinee. To the outside observer they may not even merit recognition, but they were monumental for me. <br /><br />I have an innate desire to appear in control, confident, put together, and capable. Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever felt like asking for help would somehow make you less than? And, have you ever felt as though sharing your truth could open you up to scrutiny or lead to a broken heart? <br /><br />I’ve lived much of my life with my own version of a “don’t ask, don’t tell policy,” which has been especially pronounced in my dating life. The thought of discussing intimacy with a man ties my stomach in knots. For instance, I would rather have a date think I was a bad kisser than tell him how little practice I’ve had lately. Crazy, right? <br /><br />I’m pretty good at receiving compliments, but I’m much more timid when it comes to fully opening my heart. For instance, many years ago when a boyfriend said, “I love you,” all I could say was, “thank you.” To be fair, my feelings for him were confusing, and I didn’t want to say anything that I didn’t 100% feel, but also I know that those words do not come to me easily. <br /><br />What is it about being vulnerable that can be so scary? Why are we so hardwired to present ourselves a certain way? A friend likened it to an M&M. We have this hard candy coating, but underneath we’re soft and sweet. Why don’t we let people see the soft and sweet more often? <br /><br />Over the five years I’ve had this blog, I’ve become increasingly comfortable writing about my feelings openly. But, as surprising as it may sound…sharing my deepest thoughts here isn’t nearly as scary as asking a boyfriend face to face for something I need or revealing to my friends that I might not *gasp* be perfect after all.<br />
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We often see vulnerability as weakness. I’ve never wanted to appear needy or broken. But, when I think about the people I gravitate toward, they aren’t necessarily the ones whose lives are tied up in a neat little bow. No. They’re the ones who stand in their own light with their heart open, while at the same time acknowledging where they may need support. I used to think that one could be either strong or vulnerable, but not both. However, I’m learning that not only is it possible to be both, it’s actually essential. Miraculously, our relationships will deepen and we’ll become an even better version of ourselves when we let others penetrate the candy coating. <br /><br />The times I’ve pushed through fear and allowed myself to be vulnerable have sometimes been very scary—nerves ballet dancing across my chest and red waves of adrenaline pumping through my veins at warp speed—but the sense of connection that comes from sharing with another human being is worth the sheer terror that sometimes grips my heart at the outset. <br /><br />My quest over the coming months is to ask for what I need, share my opinions, reveal my feelings, and express my essence more often (especially face-to-face, which is the scariest), while at the same time releasing my need to appear capable in all situations. And (now here’s the kicker), be willing for whatever happens as a result. One of the reasons it can be scary to show the cracks in our veneer is that we fear we might be so exposed that others will see that we’re just the man behind the curtain and not the Great Oz. And another frightening thing about opening ourselves up is that the protective shield around our heart has to come down, which makes us susceptible to pain. Yet, it’s also how we let in an abundance of love, joy, and happiness. <br /><br />I invite you to join me on this quest. Stand tall. Be your strong, beautiful self. And step through the gateway to all that life has to offer. It may make you quake in your boots, but that’s how you know you’re playing all out. Here’s to feeling the fear and doing it anyway! Magic will abound. <br /><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Creamy Mango Nibbles</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>(Honey-Sweetened, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free) </i></span></div>
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These creamy treats are soft with just the right amount of sweetness, just like me. To me, these nibbles symbolize what it feels like to be vulnerable. There is no hard candy shell protecting the tender center. The creamy softness is out there and up for grabs. But, it’s so worth it because you will bite right into them and immediately savor all they have to offer. <br /><br />I use frozen mango because it comes pre-chopped, and I always have a bag in my freezer. However, you could use fresh. Just be sure to cook the mango. The enzymes in raw mango (whether fresh or frozen) can prevent the gelatin from setting, but once it’s cooked you won’t have a problem. <br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">Makes about 40 <br /><br />1½ cups frozen chopped mango<br />½ cup canned coconut milk<br />1 pinch artisanal salt, such as French grey or Himalayan pink<br />¼ tsp. vanilla<br />2 Tbsp. mild raw honey<br />3 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin</span><br /><br />Combine the frozen mango, coconut milk, and salt in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, and then simmer for approximately 2-3 minutes until the mango is cooked. Stir in the vanilla and honey. Pour into a blender and puree the mixture on high until smooth. Sprinkle the gelatin over the mixture and blend on high briefly until combined. <br /><br />With a small spoon fill a silicone mold with the mango mixture. I find that it’s helpful if I transfer the mango mixture from the blender back into the small saucepan so I’m not dipping my spoon so deep into the blender. (This mixture usually fills about 1¼ of my molds). I find that using a baking sheet helps keep the mold level when transporting it in and out of the fridge. (If you don't have a mold, pour the mixture into an 8x8 baking pan lined with wax paper. Once it’s firm you can cut it into squares or make shapes with a mini cookie cutter.) Chill in the fridge until firm, approximately 2 hours. Remove from the mold and store in the fridge in an airtight container. They will melt if left in the sun.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span><span style="color: orange;">These are the molds I use: <a href="http://amzn.to/1Drw0gK">http://amzn.to/1Drw0gK</a></span></span><br />
<span><span style="color: orange;">(This is not an affiliate link. I do not make a profit when you click on the link.) </span></span><br />
<span><span style="color: orange;"><br />This is the gelatin I use: <a href="http://amzn.to/1bd3tVJ">http://amzn.to/1bd3tVJ</a></span></span><br />
<span><span style="color: orange;">(This is not an affiliate link. I do not make a profit when you click on the link.) </span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-80816073670089293362015-04-19T21:05:00.000-07:002015-04-19T21:05:18.352-07:00Change Happens When You’re Ready<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nothing has changed. But. Everything has changed. <br /><br />Have you ever felt that way, like everything is outwardly the same but inwardly completely different? <br /><br />I’m exactly where I was one year ago. Last year, at this very same time, I’d planned to spend May and June figuring out my next steps in life. It was to be a time of inner reflection and physical action. Then I got whooping cough, and all my plans were thwarted. <br /><br />So, here I am one year later, face-to-face again with an open calendar and time to build the foundation for my future, both professionally and personally. So, pretty much…nothing has changed. Twelve months have passed and I’m doing exactly what I thought I’d be doing a year ago. <br /><br />But, everything<i> has</i> changed. I’m not the same person I was then. From the outside, my life doesn’t appear to be very different. I’m a few pounds lighter, but for the most part I look like I did last year. I still live in the same house (for the time being at least). I have the same pets, wear the same clothes, and my work is about the same, too. So, what’s different, you ask? I <i>feel</i> different. It’s as simple as that. Something has shifted. There’s more flow. I’m experiencing and exuding even more joy. And, although there’s a lot of uncertainty spiraling around me at the moment, I feel remarkably calm.<br /><br />Looking back, I realize now that I wasn’t ready twelve months ago to make the decisions I’m going to be making in the coming months. My heart wasn’t ready to open to the possibilities that I’m welcoming into my life right now. There’s a well-known saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” However, I believe this extends to other areas as well. When we’re ready for love, a new job, or a change in direction, they reveal themselves to us and everything seems to flow with ease and joy. <br />
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I still have the same dreams, but now they feel more tangible. For instance, I’ve wanted to write a second book for a while, but it has just been an abstract idea. Now, I actually have a working title and I’m beginning to formulate a pl<span id="goog_2066224902"></span><span id="goog_2066224903"></span>an for how to proceed. <br /><br />Shifts in my personal life are also beginning to occur. I’ve spent years talking about my desire to get married and have a family. But this vision was something that was separate from me. I wanted it, but I couldn’t feel it. It always seemed somewhat out of reach. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. I just wasn’t ready. There were things I needed to do and experience first. <br /><br />I used to spend hours imagining my wedding. The white dress, fairy lights, and dancing under the stars filled my thoughts on long car rides and languid summer days. Every minute detail, from flowers to appetizers, would run through my mind’s eye like a scene from <i>Like Water for Chocolate</i>. The only thing … often the groom was absent from my reveries. My visions were so focused on all the trappings of a wedding that somehow I seemed to have forgotten the essential part.<br /><br />I’m not sure exactly when it happened, but one day a few months ago, I realized that I no longer dreamed about my wedding in the same way. Instead, I dreamed about a marriage and the children that would fill my heart. For someone else this might not have been a big deal, but for me this was a huge revelation. Maybe this is simply something that happens when you get older. But, I think it’s actually representative of a more profound shift within me. Sure, I would still love to have a beautiful wedding, but now I see it as the beginning and not the endgame. <br /><br />I'm a fervent believer in being an active participant in your life. You can’t just sit at home and expect mana to fall from heaven. However, I also believe in not forcing things that aren’t working. Usually, when things are meant to be, they happen with ease. When the tides turn and there’s a shift in the air, you’ll feel it, and you’ll know when you’re ready. Suddenly, your dreams will realize and opportunities will present themselves. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Life Is Sweet Homemade Fruit Snacks</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Mixed Berry Gummies</i></b></span></div>
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Life is sweet. When we get mired in the drudgery of everyday tasks or when it feels like life is at a standstill, it can be hard to remember all that is wonderful in this world. However, no matter how tough things are now, eventually they will come right. You may feel like nothing has changed, or maybe you feel like everything has changed. But, as long as you remember that life is sweet, you will eventually find yourself in a place where doors are opening for you and your life is expanding. Just like life, these fruit snacks are simple and sweet. Some days life may feel complicated and overwhelming, but at its core, life is simple. Love as much as you can and experience as much joy as possible.<br />
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I spent months experimenting with different ways to make these fruit snacks, but this is the clear winner. I tried using only juice, and I also tried combining the gelatin with pectin and cornstarch. But, the blended fruit gives the best flavor and the best texture. The reason for dividing the mixture is to keep as much of the nutrients in the berries and raw honey intact as possible. However, heating half the mixture helps the gelatin to melt. <br /><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Makes about 44 fruit snacks</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 cup frozen organic mixed berries*, defrosted</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">½ cup unsweetened berry juice**</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">2 Tbsp. mild raw honey (or to taste)</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">pinch of artisanal salt, such as French gray or Himalayan pink</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">3 Tbsp. grass-fed gelatin</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">*I use a blend of strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and raspberries. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">**I’ve been using 100% blueberry juice, but you can use whatever suits your taste</span></span></div>
<br />Combine the defrosted berries and berry juice in a blender. Process on high until smooth. Pour half the mixture into a liquid measuring cup with a pour spout and pour the remaining half into a small saucepan. Put the saucepan on the stove over medium heat and bring to a boil. Meanwhile, stir the honey and salt into the mixture in the measuring cup. Sprinkle the gelatin over this mixture and stir until fully combined (a fork works best). Once the mixture on the stove reaches a boil, pour it into the measuring cup and stir until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour into a silicone mold and chill until firm, about two to four hours. (This mixture usually fills about 1¼ of my molds). I find that using a baking sheet helps keep the mold level when transporting it in and out of the fridge. If you don't have a mold, pour the mixture into an 8x8 baking pan lined with wax paper. Once it’s firm you can cut it into squares or make shapes with a mini cookie cutter.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">These are the molds I use: <a href="http://amzn.to/1Drw0gK">http://amzn.to/1Drw0gK</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">(This is not an affiliate link. I do not make a profit when you click on the link.) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;"><br />This is the gelatin I use: <a href="http://amzn.to/1bd3tVJ">http://amzn.to/1bd3tVJ</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: orange;">(This is not an affiliate link. I do not make a profit when you click on the link.) </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-74487542647524810142015-04-13T12:14:00.001-07:002015-04-13T12:35:01.078-07:00How to Live the Life of Your Dreams Every Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you living the life of your dreams? <br />
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An interviewer recently asked me what had helped me create the life of my dreams. I paused for a minute, not really knowing how to answer. The question presupposed that I’d already reached the summit. In that pregnant pause, I could feel my mind and heart battling it out. <i>Was I really living my dream life? </i><br />
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Just as the air was beginning to thicken with my silence, and I could feel my heartbeat quickening, I realized that I am indeed living the life of my dreams, but not in the way that I had always imagined.<br />
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For years I’ve pictured my dream life as something momentous, characterized by marriage, the birth of a child, a huge professional success, or a beautifully renovated yellow farmhouse. Although those dreams still waft around me like the scent of cookies baking in the oven, they have yet to settle in my immediate vicinity. Despite this, I lead a pretty extraordinary life. However, sometimes it’s easy to see only the holes rather than the blessings and good fortune that befall me daily.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZNoOKrPaY8/VSwUnVdJ1-I/AAAAAAAACWY/RT7xA2MFLfI/s1600/IMG_0731low%2Brez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zZNoOKrPaY8/VSwUnVdJ1-I/AAAAAAAACWY/RT7xA2MFLfI/s1600/IMG_0731low%2Brez.jpg" height="400" width="312" /></a>It’s easy to think that once you lose weight, have your ideal job, or meet your soulmate that each day will then be filled with bliss, but surprisingly it’s the other way around. If you’re miserable now, there’s a good chance you’ll be miserable in the future, even if you finally get the things you want. But, if you’re joyful now, even if you don’t have the things you want, there’s a high probability that you’ll be joyful in the future.<br />
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Living the life of your dreams isn’t about finally reaching the summit or attaining that one massive achievement that makes you feel like you’ve finally succeeded. Living the life of your dreams is a choice you can make each and every day. You can choose to take pleasure in the beauty that surrounds you or you can choose to focus on challenge, lack, and unpleasantness. <br />
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Generally, as a society, we tend to be suspicious of people who find great joy in tasks and events that we deem undesirable. We see them as naive, lazy, or lacking in drive; however, if you had a choice between being unhappy but seemingly savvy or delighted by everything you see, which would you choose? <br />
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Even if I were living my imagined dream life (husband, children, beautiful farmhouse), unless I took the time to savor each of the little moments and find joy in my daily life, achieving the dream is meaningless. The secret to living the life of your dreams is to find ways to feel—in this very moment—how you would feel if all of your greatest desires were to come true. One of the easiest ways to do this is to take time each day to be grateful for the many blessings that already exist in your life. Also, take time to look deeper. No matter where you are, there is always something beautiful, funny, or awe-inspiring. Sometimes it just takes a shift in perspective. Take the time to see with your heart rather than always with your eyes. When you do this, you’ll begin to see that you’re already living your dream life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Dream Life Soup </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>with Celery Root and Apple</b></i></span></div>
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I love this soup because it’s so easy to make, but carries with it the elegance of a French purée. This blended soup contains three main ingredients: celery root for <i>flavor</i>, potato for <i>textur</i>e, and apple for <i>sweetness</i>, which incidentally are three important components of any joyful and well-balanced life. I like to think of the individual ingredients as the small moments we savor each day and the soup as a whole is the dream life that is created as a result. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 4-6 <br /><br />2 Tbsp. olive oil<br />1 small onion, chopped<br />3 cloves garlic, chopped<br />1 tsp. French gray or Himalayan pink salt <br />2 large celery roots (about 2½ pounds), peeled and cut into chunks<br />8 cups water<br />2-3 gold potatoes (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into chunks <br />1 large apple, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks<br />salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste</span><br />
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In a soup pot over medium heat, sauté the onions and garlic in the olive oil and salt until soft and translucent, about 5-10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from browning. Meanwhile, peel and cut the celery root into chunks. (Size doesn't really matter; though, the smaller they are, the faster they’ll cook. Uniform size will be helpful.) Add the celery root to the pot along with the water and increase the heat. Peel and cut the potato and apple. Add them to the pot. Cover. Bring to a boil; then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook covered until the vegetables are soft, about 20 minutes, though this will depend on size. In a blender or with an immersion blender, puree until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-20921882290553766592015-03-19T16:39:00.000-07:002015-03-20T09:41:05.487-07:00Leaping into the Unknown <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you in a time of transition? Do you know where your next step will take you? <br />
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I feel as though I’m on a precipice, about to leap into an abyss of unknowns. However, in my heart I feel calm and relaxed. Although I can’t see what’s ahead of me, and a storm of uncertainty is raging all around me, somehow I know it will all be okay. <br />
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When I was a child and I would jump off a log or something that felt equally high and scary, my dad would always be there to catch me. Just as I knew he would break my fall, I know now that no matter what happens, everything will be okay. Sometimes we have to battle the storm and sometimes it blows by like a gentle lamb, but either way, life seems to have a way of working out just as it’s meant to, even if it doesn’t always fit our plan. <br />
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I’ve just recently learned that the home I live in will be put on the market likely next month, so my pets and I will need to find a new place to live soon. I moved to this town nearly six years ago because my parents were here. However, they’re building a house in a remote part of Northern California. I don’t plan to follow them there, but without them here, there’s little tying me to this town. The wind is blowing me in a different direction, but it’s not yet strong enough for me to know which way it’s going.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where does your path lead? </td></tr>
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My parents are already in the process of packing the non-essentials in their current home, the one where I used to envision having my wedding. Cardboard boxes line the hallways, piles of bubble wrap add texture to the carpet, and the scent of fresh paint will soon permeate the air. I have yet to start boxing up my own home, but I know it won’t be long.<br />
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Coinciding with this move, the project that I’ve been working on for the past nine months has just come to an end. It fulfilled me in so many ways; however, I’ve been looking forward to the day when I would have time to expand my coaching practice, revamp my website, and start writing my next book. However, now that I suddenly have the ability to do so, I need to decide where to start and then pick up my feet and move in that direction, which is simultaneously exciting and daunting. <br />
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I don’t believe that hardship is necessary for growth, but I do know that when it happens and we make it to the other side, it can give us new perspective. The calm that I feel now, despite so many unknowns, is born of my illness last year.<br />
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When I had whooping cough and couldn’t work for three months, the minimal amount of energy I had was expended panicking about money and my future. To help me get through, I decided it was a chrysalis phase preparing me for what was to come. However, when I finally emerged, I did <i>not</i> feel like a butterfly. Luckily, my mom reminded me that a butterfly must first dry its wings before taking flight. I now realize that I’ve been drying my wings for the past nine months. When I do finally leap off the precipice, I’ll be ready to soar.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvlefW0B1pk/VQtTsXqvU1I/AAAAAAAACUk/X5nV3jI3NMY/s1600/IMG_0315_no%2Bwords%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvlefW0B1pk/VQtTsXqvU1I/AAAAAAAACUk/X5nV3jI3NMY/s1600/IMG_0315_no%2Bwords%2Bcopy.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a>As this chapter is closing, it doesn’t really feel as though another one is opening. Instead, it feels like I’m at the beginning of a new book whose chapters are yet to be written. <br />
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From what I gather from numerous conversations, I’m not the only one who is taking a leap of faith into an uncertain future. What is ending in your life right now? And, what is beginning? <br />
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It’s fitting that this time of new beginnings should happen just as we step into spring, which is traditionally a time of renewal and rebirth. <br />
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I’ve noticed that when I panic about money, love, career, or any of the other main aspects of modern life, I reap nothing but more panic. However, when I’m calm and accepting of whatever comes, I open the doorway to increased possibility. As a suggestion, when panic, overwhelm, and concern begin to flood your being, acknowledge their presence. Then, take a deep breath and tell them to take a hike. Sometimes the journey is difficult, but eventually it will all work out. Your life is unfolding in magical ways, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Here’s to new beginnings and awakening possibility!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Curry </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><b>for Grounding and Centering </b></i></span></div>
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No matter what’s going on in my life, I always take time for a good meal. It’s what grounds and centers me. Good food nourishes the mind, body, and soul. And, when it’s made with love, it’s like wrapping a warm sweater around your heart. This curry is warm and comforting, the perfect fuel for a leap into the unknown. <br />
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Tandoori seasoning is usually used for marinating grilled meats; however, I love it in this dish. And, I love the ease of just adding one spice blend to the pot rather than measuring multiple spices. You can find it in well-stocked groceries, natural food stores, or from a spice retailer. Omit the chicken to make a delicious vegetarian curry. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 4-6 </span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">4 cloves of garlic, peeled and grated</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">3 three-inch fresh turmeric roots, peeled and grated</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 two-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">3 Tbsp. vegetable oil</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">2 tsp. French grey or Himalayan pink salt</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 small yellow onion, diced</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 Tbsp. tandoori seasoning</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">½ tsp. cayenne </span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 small eggplant, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 bell pepper (any color you choose), cut into 1-inch squares</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 16-ounce package frozen green beans</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">2/3 cup raw cashews</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">½ cup water </span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 lb. free-range boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into pieces</span></div>
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Peel the garlic, turmeric, and ginger, and then grate them on a Microplane into a small bowl. Be careful with the turmeric—it stains everything in sight! Grate the ginger last since its fibers have a tendency to clog up the Microplane. <br />
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In a 5-quart Dutch oven or other sturdy pot with a lid, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic, turmeric, ginger, and salt. Stir frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn. Meanwhile, dice the onions and a then add them to the pot along with the salt, tandoori seasoning, and cayenne. Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about five to ten minutes. <br />
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While the onions soften, cut the eggplant and bell pepper. Add the eggplant, bell pepper, diced tomato, and green beans to the pot, and stir to combine. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft, about 30 minutes. <br />
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Meanwhile, combine the cashews and water in a Vitamix or other powerful blender. Start on low speed and work up to high. Process until smooth, about a minute. Cut the chicken. When the vegetables are soft, add the cashew cream and chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and the curry is bubbling, about 15-20 minutes. Serve with basmati rice and mango chutney.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-70668374022543543982015-02-19T11:50:00.000-08:002016-03-20T10:13:26.169-07:00Two Simple Steps for More Powerful Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but I learned a few things this year that I want to share. <br />
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From start to finish, my Valentine’s Day was magical, not because a man who looked like he stepped out of a magazine suddenly whisked me off on a romantic getaway, nor because I was showered with cards from friends and family near and far. No. It was amazing because I decided to make it amazing. <br />
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You might be familiar with the expression, “Unhappiness comes from unfilled expectations.” Hallmark, candy companies, flower merchants, social media, and a whole host of other entities have taught us to expect certain things on this one day and when those expectations aren’t met, it can be easy to let the little gremlins into your head. They wrap their knotty fingers around your heart and tell you you’re not worthy of love and they tickle your eyes with their onion spray to make you feel like you’ll always be alone. When expectations are unfulfilled it’s easy to downward spiral. Each thing in your life that might not live up to your ideal can become magnified in these moments. <br />
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But, it doesn’t have to be this way. Here’s my two-step process for creating a magical Valentine’s Day (or any other day).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My parents circa 1984 (My shirt says, "I love joy.") </td></tr>
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<b>1. Change Your Expectations</b><br />
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There are many ways to feel love, be loved, and spread love. Changing your expectations doesn’t mean lowering your standards or giving up on romance. It simply means shifting the way you imagine love should be demonstrated. Romance doesn’t have to happen just on February 14th, and it doesn’t have to be shown with a heart-shaped box of chocolates or a dozen red roses. <br />
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My parents have been married for forty years, and they have one of the best relationships I know. Valentine’s Day for them, however, is not a romantic holiday. Neither my mom nor my dad expects anything special for this day; instead they share their love in other ways each and every day. Since my mom works long hours writing and teaching, my dad makes dinner most nights. And even when my mom is on a tight deadline, she always sets aside time in the evenings just for the two of them.<b> </b><br />
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<b>2. Create Your Own Joy</b><br />
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If you’re in a relationship and Valentine’s Day is important to you, tell your partner. Unless you let him/her know that you might like to receive flowers or go out for an elegant meal, he/she may not know. Or, if Valentine’s Day just isn’t your partner’s thing, rather than hoping that one day this will change, and then resenting him/her when it doesn’t, instead create the romance you desire for yourself. This is also a great thing to do if you’re single, like I am.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Valentine's Day flowers </td></tr>
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Treat yourself to a special day. This can be done on Valentine’s Day, but you might also consider doing it at other times as well. When you cherish yourself this creates a ripple effect, and there will be increased magic in all areas of your life. <br />
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A great way to feel love is to spread love. The more love you share, the more you will feel. However, in order to do this effectively, it’s important to do so without expectations of how, when, or if the love you send out into the world will be returned. Do it simply because it makes you feel good to sprinkle love, not because you’re subconsciously hoping it will boomerang back to you. I’ve tried that, and it only leads to more gremlins. <br />
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On Valentine’s Day I bought myself a beautiful bouquet of tuberose and orange and yellow spray roses. Their perfume filled my entire house and every time I looked at them, I was filled with such joy. For dinner, I made myself steamed lobster claws with aioli, and I opened a bottle of French wine I’d been saving. And, of course, I finished off the evening with a bit of chocolate. It was a beautiful day from start to finish because I made it that way.<br />
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You are the most important person you’ll spend your entire life with. Treat yourself with love and kindness. Fill your home with flowers, draw yourself a warm bath, and make candlelit dinners. Rather than lamenting unfulfilled expectations, change your expectations or find ways to meet your expectations on your own. Here’s to abounding love!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Love Spell Brownies </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(<i>Gluten and Dairy Free</i>)</b></span></div>
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To feel immense love for yourself and your life, make this decadent special treat with the intention that love is flowing to you, through you, and from you. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Makes 16 brownies<br /><br />2/3 cup coconut oil<br />1¼ cup sugar<br />1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder<br />¼ tsp. salt<br />2 tsp. vanilla extract<br />3 eggs<br />1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour*<br />½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />2/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">*My favorite is a blend of brown rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch.</span><br />
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Preheat the oven to 325ºF. Prepare a 9x9 inch pan by lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang on two opposite sides. <br />
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Combine the coconut oil, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a
double-boiler or in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water.
Stir frequently until the coconut oil is melted and the mixture is
smooth-ish (the sugar won't melt completely). It will be quite hot.
Remove from the heat and set aside until just warm. <br />
<i><br />While stirring, fill the pot with love. I like to imagine my heart as a red, pulsating light that expands with each turn of my wrist. I picture the shimmering light flowing from my heart and swirling into the pot. You may even want to visualize those who eat the brownies being filled with love and joy while experiencing increased magic in their lives. </i><br />
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When the mixture is warm—not hot—stir in the vanilla. Add the eggs one at a time and stir vigorously with the intention that the brownies are filled with the energy of love-filled new beginnings. When the batter is thick and shiny, mix in the flour and stir until very well blended. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using). Pour into the prepared pan and spread it evenly into all the corners. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a bit of moist batter, about 25 minutes. <br />
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Cool completely on a rack before removing from the pan and cutting into squares.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-65808291929374875942015-01-30T21:11:00.001-08:002015-01-31T11:35:02.761-08:00How to Experience Increased Joy and Wonder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you feel lonely at times and wish you could share special moments? Have you ever remarked on the beauty of a rainbow, only to discover there’s no one there to hear your gasps of delight? Do you sometimes get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day that you forget to notice little glimmers of magic, and do you sometimes feel too overwhelmed and stressed to appreciate the simple joys of being alive? <br />
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In December I was supposed to fly to Vietnam with my parents, but due to some airline mishaps, I ended up getting separated from them and had to make the approximately 36-hour journey by myself. Since I’d been expecting to travel with my parents, and my dad had made all the arrangements, I hadn’t paid much attention to the ins-and-outs of getting to our destination. Despite having flown on my own numerous times, I was feeling surprisingly daunted by the idea of a seven-hour layover in the middle of the night alone in Saigon and having to navigate a sea of people in an unknown land to purchase a flight to Da Nang.<br />
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When I mentioned my anxiety to my friend, Kyla, she suggested I imagine a small version of her keeping me company and pointing out all the cool and wondrous things along the way. My shoulders began to relax and my breath deepened as I realized that this solo journey could actually be a lot of fun. Kyla has a keen ability to see the best in each situation and find magic everywhere she looks. For instance, one time at Disneyland, she even managed to make getting trapped on a ride for an hour feel like a blessing. So, I knew that with her voice in my head I was in for a joyous adventure. <br />
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Just before embarking on the first leg of the journey, I put a small heart-shaped rose quartz crystal in my pocket and decided to call it “Mini-Kyla.” I liked the idea of having a physical object to represent my imagined companion.<br />
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Every time boredom, fatigue, or loneliness set in, there was Mini-Kyla in my pocket remarking (in my imagination) on the friendliness of the cabin crew, the array of food options in the Hong Kong airport, and the thoughtfulness of the United pilot who gently woke me so I wouldn’t miss my flight from Hong Kong to Saigon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the beautiful sights I enjoyed in Vietnam</td></tr>
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What started simply as a way to find pleasure in a long overseas flight has become a wonderful new habit. The rose quartz (Mini-Kyla) is now in my pocket every day. If I’m in a bit of an uncomfortable situation, I gently touch the outside of my jeans pocket, and I feel its love and support. And, if I’m watching a particularly glorious sunset, somehow it feels as though it’s also sharing in my joy. But, most importantly, having the stone in my pocket reminds me to enjoy and appreciate simply being alive. It’s so easy to get caught up in work or family commitments and forget to cherish the beauty of our breath and the rhythm of our beating heart. So, some days I will stop halfway through composing an e-mail or pause while washing the dishes and ask, “What would Mini-Kyla appreciate about this very moment?” Even though Mini-Kyla is just a small stone buried in my pocket, this exercise makes me take time to feel increased gratitude and harvest even more joy. <br />
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When Kyla suggested I picture her keeping me company during the flight, she likely had no idea that Mini-Kyla would end up taking on a life of its own, but I’m so grateful to have the comfort of the stone in my pocket and the daily reminder to create moments each day that fill me with wonder and awe. <br />
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What do you want to be reminded of daily? Just like tying a string around your finger or writing a note on the palm of your hand, Mini-Kyla prompts action. If you had a small object in your pocket, what would be its purpose? What gifts would you gain from its presence? What would you call it? “Mini-Kyla” is the name that has stuck with me, but I suggest you choose a name that resonates with you, though you can, of course, also call yours “Mini-Kyla,” if you desire. You don’t have to call the object anything, but for me… giving it a name has brought it to life. Here’s to savoring each and every day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Kyla </td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sweet and Sour Beet Soup</b></span> </div>
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When I was making a pot of this the other day, from the depths of my pocket, I could practically hear Mini-Kyla squealing in delight at the magenta color. Not only is this soup a delicious balance of sweet (from the beets) and sour (from the vinegar), but also it’s stunning to look at. I also love how it’s a metaphor for the harmonious balance of the sweet and sour aspects of life, just in the way that Mini-Kyla reminds us to see joy and wonder even when it seems there’s none to be found.<br />
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To make this soup heartier, use chicken broth in place of the water and add a pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 4-6<br /><br />1 small onion, finely diced<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />3 Tbsp. olive oil<br />1 tsp. Himalayan pink or French gray salt<br />½ tsp. coarse ground pepper<br />1 lb. beets (3-4 small), trimmed, peeled, and grated<br />½ green cabbage, thinly sliced into short strips <br />¼ cup dried dill<br />10 cups water<br />2/3 cup white or apple cider vinegar</span><br />
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In a 6 qt. pot over medium heat, sauté the onion and garlic in the olive oil, salt, and pepper, until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, peel and grate the beets with a food processor or with a box grater. Add the beets to the pot. Slice the cabbage (you can also use the food processor, but I prefer to do it by hand). Add the cabbage and dill to the pot, and stir to combine. Add the water and vinegar. Increase to medium-high and bring to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for an hour, or until the beets and cabbage are tender and the flavors have melded. Add salt and pepper, to taste.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-63731561186076300812015-01-26T21:21:00.000-08:002015-01-26T21:21:07.072-08:00If Someone Tries to Dim Your Sparkle, Shine Even More Brightly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you limit yourself out of fear that others will cut you down, criticize you, or be jealous of your success? Do you worry that your friends and family won’t support you if you follow your heart and reach for the stars? Does fear of what-could-happen hinder your growth and expansion? <br />
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It’s cozy and comfortable to remain cocooned in the familiar. However, sometimes in order to grow it’s necessary to step beyond the confines of your surroundings and break through self-imposed barriers. This can be scary as hell. Like a baby bird flying free for the first time, once you leave the comfort of the nest, the world is filled with obstacles and potential hazards, but also there’s the opportunity to spread your wings and soar. <br />
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Although criticism can feel earth-shattering, it isn’t always a bad thing. Although I know this to be true, my heart and my head are sometimes at odds about this. I’ve been known to crumple into a wet mess of tears upon the slightest hint of denigration. However, I also know that not everyone will agree with me or like what I have to say. If they did, I would be playing it too safe. Criticism can actually be a sign that you’re on the right track. It means you’re casting your net wide and expanding your horizons.<br />
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Has anyone ever tried to dim your sparkle? It can be easy to take it personally, and it can even make you want to take cover under a rock and stay there…forever. It hurts to be judged harshly or unfairly. Fear of censure, critique, or reproach can hinder our growth, and it can also keep us from being our authentic selves. <br />
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When someone tries to dim your sparkle, shine brighter. Don’t let them win. Recently, I was presented with an occasion to wallow in some harsh things that were said about me. My face flushed and adrenaline coursed through my veins as I read the mean words. At first, I imagined my reputation so deeply tarnished that I’d have to hole away in some far off corner and start anew in a completely new line of work. But, then I realized that if I did that, I would be letting the words have power over me. Instead, wouldn’t it make more sense to turn the criticism into an opportunity to grow even stronger and shine even brighter? My great grandmother used to tell my mom, “When the wind blows the hardest, the tree’s roots go the deepest.” <br />
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Do you keep your beliefs, thoughts, or ideas to yourself rather than share them out of fear that others won’t agree? The truth is…the more you share, the more you grow, and the more successful you will be. Even the most inspiring, wise, and amazing teachers, leaders, and visionaries are not without their detractors. However, it can take tough skin to get to the point where it rolls off you. But, if you can use the criticism as fuel to continue forward with even more determination, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. <br />
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I’m extremely sensitive, and I can’t guarantee that the next time I’m criticized, it won’t sting with the ferocity of a hornet’s bite. But, I also know that if this didn’t happen from time to time, I’d be playing it too safe. When we try to please everyone, in the end we please no one, and especially not ourselves. <br />
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I love this quote from Elizabeth Edwards: “She stood in the storm, and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails.” Rather than feeling frustrated that the wind is not going your direction, use the wind to your benefit. Here’s to shining so bright that criticism of any sort bounces off you like rubber. I believe in you!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shining Bright Lemongrass Beef</b></span></div>
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I spent two weeks traveling in Vietnam with my family for the holidays. The radiance of the people we encountered in markets, the smiling faces on street corners, and the waving children in riverboats belied the atrocities of just forty years ago. Despite having lost pretty much everything, the people we saw seemed to have not just survived but thrived. It seemed that they have found a way to adjust their sails so the wind could blow them into a bright and joyous future. From what we could see, the past has not dimmed the sparkle of the present; it has only made it more vibrant. <br />
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This mouthwatering recipe was inspired by the flavors of Vietnam. It reminds me of the joy, radiance, and resilience that is possible when I let go of fear and embrace the future with wide-open arms. <br />
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Firm tofu can be used in place of the beef for a delicious vegetarian alternative. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 4-6 </span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">2 lbs. grass-fed flatiron steak, cut into thin strips (ask your butcher to do this for you)</span><br />
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<span style="color: orange;">4 stalks lemongrass, trimmed and chopped</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">2 kaffir lime leaves, rib removed and torn into pieces</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">3 shallots, peeled </span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">3 cloves garlic</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">¼ cup coconut sugar </span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">½ tsp. fresh cracked pepper</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">½ tsp. Himalayan pink salt or French gray salt</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">2 Tbsp. lime juice (from one lime)</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">1 Tbsp. fish sauce</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">2 Tbsp. vegetable oil, such as avocado or grapeseed</span><br />
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Use only the bottom 3-4 inches of each lemongrass stalk, which is the most tender. Trim the end as you would a carrot and pull off and discard any outer layers that are too fibrous (You’ll know because they’ll be hard to cut through). Rough chop the lemongrass and put it in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade (Or, you can use a large mortar and pestle). Add the kaffir lime leaves, shallots, and garlic. Sprinkle the coconut sugar, pepper, and salt into the food processor. Process until smooth-ish (You want it to still have a tiny bit of texture.) Add the lime juice, fish sauce, and vegetable oil. Process until fully combined. Massage the marinade into the beef. Cover and refrigerate for 1-3 hours. <br />
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Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grilling times will vary depending on the thickness of the meat, but plan on approximately 2-6 minutes per side. Grill until there’s just a hint of pink remaining in the center. Be sure the grill is hot enough to get a nice sear. <br />
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Serving suggestion: Toss steamed rice or rice noodles with sliced raw vegetables and fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, cilantro, green onions, and dill), and dress with a dressing made up of equal parts lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, and warm water. Place the beef on top. <br />
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With each bite, know that your sparkle is luminous! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-82765035811647425692015-01-09T17:29:00.000-08:002015-02-10T20:52:04.260-08:00Are Angels Protecting You? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes faith gets tested in unexpected ways. <br />
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<i>Angels in front. Angels behind. Angels above. Angels below. Angels to the right. Angels to the left. </i><br />
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Ever since I can remember, my mom has surrounded our car with angels. I vaguely remember her repeating her angel mantra (angels in front, behind, etc.) when I was a little girl, but it became a daily practice once I turned sixteen and got my driver’s license. I used to roll my eyes and groan, but over the years it has become as second nature to me as fastening my seatbelt. Actually, it’s become so ingrained that even when I’m in an airplane I can’t help but imagine the jet being lifted by angel wings. And, over the years, we’ve been well protected.<br />
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So, you can imagine my dismay last month when I heard a loud crunch as a woman drove her car into the back end of my Subaru in a grocery store parking lot. Luckily, neither of us was hurt, only my sweet car, which had to get a completely new bumper. After examining the damage and swapping insurance information, I got back in my car and took a deep breath. How could the angels have let me down? I thought they were supposed to protect me…and my car. <i>Why weren’t you in front, behind, above, below, to the right, and to the left?!!!</i> I wanted to shout.<br />
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But then I had an idea. Maybe they were protecting me after all. I wasn’t hurt and neither was the other woman. The event would prove to be expensive, but the damage wasn’t serious. I started to wonder if the gouged bumper was a small price to pay. Maybe the angels were actually surrounding my car, and they had a greater plan in mind. What if they had detained me in the parking lot for a reason? Perhaps there would have been a pile up on the freeway. Or, maybe deer on the twisty canyon road and I would have had to swerve to avoid. Sure, it was likely just an unfortunate fender bender. But, since I would never know the myriad of possible outcomes had I left the grocery store earlier, later, or had I not shopped at all, instead of blaming the angels for not protecting me, why not thank them for keeping me safe. I could choose to be angry or I could choose to be grateful. Gratitude feels a lot better than anger, so I decided to choose to believe that the angels were protecting me and accept that I would never know the full story.<br />
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Sometimes, as the expression goes, “shit happens,” for apparently no good reason at all. Though, when we believe that everything happens for a reason, it can change our outlook, not just on tragedies, but also on daily annoyances. A few months ago I got caught in a traffic jam and had to sit at a standstill, with no possibility of exiting the freeway, for an hour and half. Boredom, fatigue, and hunger blew through the car like an unwelcome arctic wind. I’d just flown across the country, rented a car, and was only two hours into my four-hour drive to Asheville. It was dark. I didn’t know where I was. And, I just wanted a warm meal and a soft bed. However, I subdued my irritation by telling myself that everything happens for a reason. I would likely never learn why, but believing that there was a reason made the delay feel more like an adventure rather than a roadblock to my destination. And, who’s to say that the angels didn’t put me in that traffic jam to shield me from something or simply to give me an opportunity to ponder the nature of their greater plan?<br />
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Often in life you have to take things on faith. It’s up to you to choose the story that brings you the most joy, solace, and peace. At times maybe that means blaming the angels for misfortune or accepting that sometimes bad things happen, but other times maybe that means deciding that whatever has befallen you is part of a greater design. Since you may never know the reason, choose the path that makes you feel the most uplifted. <br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Coconut Angel Pudding</b></span></div>
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If angels ate human food, this is what I would imagine them eating. Although I don’t eat a lot of desserts, sometimes I want a little sweet treat, and this hits the spot. <br />
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Serves 4<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;">1 13.5 ounce can of coconut milk (not light)<br />1¼ cup water<br />1/3 cup evaporated cane juice/organic sugar*<br />1/8 tsp. artisanal salt, such as Himalayan pink or French grey<br />3 Tbsp. arrowroot powder<br />2 tsp. vanilla <br /><br />2 bananas, sliced<br />shredded coconut</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;"><br />*You can also use coconut sugar, though it will change the flavor of the pudding. </span><br />
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In a medium pot, combine the coconut milk, water, evaporated cane juice/organic sugar, salt, and arrowroot powder. Heat the coconute mixture on medium heat, stirring frequently, until a gentle boil is reached, approximately 15-20 minutes. While whisking, imagine your love and gratitude for the angels flowing from your heart and into the pot. As you stir, say (and mean it): <br />
<i><br />I am protected<br />I am loved<br />I am guided<br />Thank you</i><br />
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Once a gentle boil is reached, whisk constantly until the pudding begins to thicken, about a minute. It should be approximately the consistency of pancake batter. Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla. <br />
Divide between 4 dessert cups, or pour into one large bowl. Chill until set, about four hours. <br />
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To serve, top each serving with half a sliced banana and sprinkle with shredded coconut. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-10125281155727283472014-12-14T12:46:00.000-08:002014-12-14T12:46:28.941-08:00Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you have regrets? Are there things in your life you wish you’d done differently? <br /><br />The things I regret aren’t the major decisions, but instead they are small moments. These seemingly insignificant events are poignant because I let fear dictate my actions rather than following my heart. <br /><br />When we make choices based on fear, we limit ourselves and create a narrow—though supposedly safe—environment in which to reside. Pushing boundaries can be extremely scary as there’s a chance of failure, rejection, hurt, and a host of other potentially undesirable feelings; yet, the rewards can be great. When we feel fear and do it anyway, we expand our horizons and open the door to increased joy, love, and fun.<br />
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Although you might not know it upon meeting me, I’m quite shy. Over the years I’ve learned to break through my protective shell, but sometimes the little girl who hid under her mother’s skirt creeps back. My inability to speak up for myself has at times prevented me from experiencing my life to the fullest and has sadly left me with some regrets.<br /><br />When I was in 11th Grade I spent the spring semester at a boarding school in Vermont. Some of the Jewish students organized a Passover Seder. Since I wasn’t Jewish, I didn’t sign up to join them. However, as the big day approached and recipes for Bubbie’s special brisket were being sent from home and students were arguing over the best type of kugel, I noticed that some of the non-Jewish students had signed up to take part in the dinner. But, I was still too shy to add my name to the list. By the day of the Seder, every student in the school, with the exception of three, had signed up. But, by that time the sign up sheet had been taken down. With every ounce of my being I wanted to be there, and I was mortified that my friends would think I didn’t want to celebrate Passover with them; yet, I was too shy to say anything. Even as I write this, twenty years hence, my heart still hurts. <br /><br />In retrospect I see that not speaking up was far more painful than it would have been to say what I really wanted. But, unfortunately, sometimes we can’t see clearly when we let fear be our guiding light.<br />
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A few months ago, I was presented with an opportunity to choose joy over fear, but I nearly chickened out. I was cooking for a retreat, and a woman from Australia mentioned she was going to go to Disneyland after the workshop. The day she planned to go coincided with my birthday, which seemed especially serendipitous since throughout the previous month I’d felt an inexplicable urge to celebrate at Disneyland, but I preferred to go with a companion and didn’t think I’d be able to find anyone to join me.<br />
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Despite this seemingly amazing coincidence, I didn’t immediately say, “Hey, I’d love to go with you if you’d like to have company” because the shy girl in me wondered… <i>What if she wanted to go alone? What if she didn’t want to hang out with me? What if she would feel obligated to say, “yes”?</i> But then I remembered the Seder and how I’d spent two decades lamenting giving in to fear. So, I gathered my courage, held my breath, and asked. We ended up spending two amazing days at Disneyland, and it was some of the most fun I’ve had in a very long time. And, in the process I made a lifelong friend. <br /><br />Feeling the fear but doing it anyway can be scary as hell, but when you speak up for yourself and ask for what you want, miracles can and will abound. Expanding your horizons need not be grandiose; it can be made up of seemingly small moments. A chick doesn’t break out of its shell all at once. It can take up to 24 hours of tapping and pecking before the egg breaks open and the chick is born into the world.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A chick hatching</td></tr>
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When in your life have you let fear be your guiding light? When have you been too shy to speak up and ask for what you want? What has prevented you from standing up for yourself? The next time an opportunity arises to choose joy over fear, take the step toward joy. Your palms may sweat and your pulse may race, but you’ll never know what awaits you until you try. <br /><br /><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Persimmon Courage Cookies</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free</b></i></span></div>
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Although the Cowardly Lion has innate courage that he just doesn’t realize, the special elixir (a medal in the movie) from the Great Oz suddenly makes him able to do the things he didn’t think possible. Like the Cowardly Lion, you are courageous. You have the ability to push your boundaries and expand your horizons. Within you is the capacity to feel the fear and do it anyway. Yet, sometimes it can be helpful to have a bit of encouragement. When you make these cookies with the intention that they will help you overcome perceived obstacles and be able to speak up and ask for what you want, so it will be. With each bite, courage will fill you.<br />
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This recipe is based on my Great Grammie D’s <a href="http://www.savortheday.com/2009/12/ode-to-persimmon-i-wish-i-could-say.html">persimmon cookie recipe</a>, though she probably wouldn’t recognize it since I made a number of changes and substitutions to make these cookies gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free. Don’t tell the rest of my family, but I think I prefer this version.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Persimmon Curd</td></tr>
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Makes about 2 dozen<br /><br />6 medjool dates, soaked<br />1 cup hachiya persimmon pulp*<br />½ cup coconut oil<br />1¼ cup almond meal<br />½ cup coconut flour<br />1 tsp. baking soda<br />½ tsp. salt<br />½ tsp. cinnamon<br />½ tsp. cloves<br />½ tsp. nutmeg<br />3 eggs, lightly beaten<br />1 cup chopped walnuts<br />1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut<br />1 cup raisins<br /><br />*If your persimmons are still a few days from being ripe (squishy and nearly translucent), you can expedite ripening by putting the whole fruit in the freezer overnight. When the fruit defrosts, it will be soft enough to use. <br /><br /><br />
Preheat the oven to 325ºF.<br /><br />Soak the dates in warm water until soft. This will take an hour or two. Scoop pulp from your persimmons until you have one cup. When the dates are soft, remove the skin (if you can) and the pit. Put the dates, persimmon, and coconut oil in a blender. Process on high until smooth. (This creates a delicious <a href="http://www.savortheday.com/2014/11/letting-go.html">Persimmon Curd</a> that can be spread on toast or pancakes.) <br /><br />In the bowl of a standing mixer combine the almond meal, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Add the persimmon curd and eggs and blend on medium-low until fully combined. By hand stir in the walnuts, coconut, and raisins. <br /><br />Use a soupspoon to scoop balls of dough the size of a ping-pong ball. Roll the dough in your palms and then gently flatten on the baking sheet into a round disc. These cookies will not spread much in the oven, so form them to your liking before baking them. Bake approximately 18 minutes, or until golden. Remove and cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.<br />
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-21590040891872078902014-11-30T16:52:00.000-08:002014-11-30T16:52:05.401-08:00 Letting Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Are you satisfied with your life the way it is? <br /><br />For all intents and purposes I have a pretty awesome life, but I’ve spent many years feeling dissatisfied. Much of my thirties have been whiled away yearning to be married with children. This has left me with what has, at times, felt like an un-fillable hole…until now. <br /><br />I have not yet met the man I will marry and I do not yet see children in my foreseeable future. Yet, something has shifted. I have changed my outlook. I’m finally willing to let go. Releasing my dream doesn’t mean I’m giving up, it just means that I’m making a conscious decision to see where life takes me. Rather than focus on lack, I’m seeing potential. There is so much in my life for which I’m grateful. And, right now I’m filled with such enthusiasm for the new projects and ventures I want to tackle that I feel complete.<br /><br />Letting go can take days, months, sometimes even years. It requires a complete overhaul in thinking and a shift in perspective. Letting go isn’t something you can force. If there’s something you’ve been yearning for but haven’t yet been able to manifest or release. You’ll know when the time is right to let it go, if that’s the best course of action for you to take. And once you soften your grip, you’ll likely feel lighter and freer.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let it go! Let it go! Let it go! </td></tr>
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For me, getting to this place has been quite a journey. The transformation that I now feel started last spring when I was in bed for two months with whooping cough. When I eventually awakened from this chrysalis and began to spread my wings, I became filled with renewed vigor and excitement for what lay ahead. Job opportunities began flooding in and my creativity started to flow like a rushing river. This alone, however, may not have been enough to loosen my grip on this particular dream. There was something else that played an important role in bringing me to where I am today. <br /><br />During a conversation with a friend who has chosen not to have children, I had an epiphany. I can choose to be single, rather than feeling like it’s happening to me. There are actually a lot of perks to living on my own. And, when I look over my life, so much of what I’ve been able to do, see, and become is not in spite of being single, it’s because of it. This doesn’t preclude becoming a wife and mother sometime in the future, but it does help me gain perspective on the many blessings in my life. Rather than lamenting my status as childless, I’m going to welcome the fact that I am, for the moment, childfree. Just four tiny letters, but the feeling between the two is vastly different.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Try this affirmation. The more you say it, the more you'll feel it.</td></tr>
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I feel such optimism and enthusiasm for what the New Year will bring. I plan to start writing my next book, make headway on some big projects I’m cooking up, and perhaps even move to a new city. With all these ideas percolating and all this gratitude for the experiences I’ve had, there’s little room to feel that my life is lacking in any way.<br />
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Getting married and having children would be a dream come true, but I have released this to the Universe and am looking forward to what life portends whether or not this comes to fruition.<br /><br />What are you yearning for? A relationship? A baby? A new home? A promotion? Expansion of your business? Increased abundance? You might not be ready to do so today, tomorrow, or even next month, but when the time is right, consider letting it go. Put it into the hands of God/Creator/Universe/Spirit (whatever you call the Divine), and see where the journey takes you. <br /><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Persimmon Curd for Letting Go</b></span></div>
<br />In cooking, just as in life, sometimes we have to let go. Last night I was a busy bee testing gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free variations of my great grandmother’s persimmon cookies. Midway through, I made a surprising discovery. When I pureed the persimmon pulp with dates and coconut oil, the result was a luscious, creamy curd. I’d been so set on making the cookies that I nearly didn’t take the time to recognize the deliciousness of this new creation. It would have been easy to soldier on toward my original goal, but instead I decided to let go of creating the “perfect” cookie recipe in a timely fashion, and instead I welcomed this unplanned taste sensation. I’m so glad that I did. Once you try it, you’ll want more! <br /><span style="color: orange;"><br />Makes about 2 cups <br /><br />6 medjool dates, soaked in warm water until soft <br />1 cup hachiya persimmon pulp*<br />½ cup coconut oil </span><br /><br />*If your persimmons are still a few days from being ripe (squishy and nearly translucent), you can expedite ripening by putting the whole fruit in the freezer overnight. When the fruit defrosts, it will be soft enough to use. <br /><br />Soak the dates in warm water until soft. This will take an hour or two. Scoop pulp from your persimmons until you have one cup. When the dates are soft, remove the skin (if you can) and the pit. Put the dates, persimmon, and coconut oil in a blender. Process on high until a smooth curd-like texture is reached. Enjoy on toast, pancakes, or anywhere else you might eat curd. Mmm!!!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-71625051299919912782014-11-14T20:41:00.000-08:002014-11-14T20:41:42.760-08:00Dream Big: Allow for the Limitless Possibility of Your Own Potential<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Climb high</div>
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Climb far</div>
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Your goal the sky</div>
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Your aim the star</div>
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<br />~Inscription at Williams College, my alma mater</div>
<br />Are you playing small? Are you dreaming big enough to reach your fullest potential? What if Oprah had only dreamed of an afternoon book club with her closest friends? What if Steve Jobs had never believed in the possibility of a handheld device that could connect us with the world? And, what if Gandhi had only hoped for friendship among a few people? <br /><br />What could you do? Who could you become? And what gifts could you share with the world if you allowed for the limitless possibility of your own potential?<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYXiXtlYpP4/VGbLmKSauKI/AAAAAAAACMI/cBlU5Y3W40Q/s1600/IMG_3765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KYXiXtlYpP4/VGbLmKSauKI/AAAAAAAACMI/cBlU5Y3W40Q/s1600/IMG_3765.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a><b>Dream big. </b>Before my trip to Asheville, I spent hours pouring over real estate listings online. It was a fun way to get a better feel for the area and see if it would be somewhere I might eventually want to call home. One of the houses in particular caught my eye. So, when I was there, I did a drive-by of my “dream house.” I’d chosen it because it had space for a garden and was reasonably priced (though still more than I could afford at this time). In reality, the tiny bungalow was wedged within a dark canyon and situated underneath a freeway. Everything about it made me feel small. It was, however, a powerful moment. I nearly laughed when I saw the house. Why was I dreaming so small? Since I’m not in the market for a new house at this very moment, why not dream big? Why not envision myself in the most beautiful and expansive feeling house on the most sought-after street? <br /><b><br />Be creative. Be big. Be bold. Be brave.</b> If you could do, be, or have absolutely anything, what would it be? Maybe the thing that would bring you the most joy is something that you can’t even begin to imagine yet because it’s so far out of your current realm. That’s okay. Dream it up anyway. There’s a possibility your dreams won’t come to fruition in the exact way you imagine them; yet, there’s a 100% chance they won’t come true if you don’t try.<br />
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<b>Dreams need to be specific.</b> In my bedroom I have a wooden box (called a “Miracle Box”) where I place slips of paper with my desires. These statements, I’m now realizing, are rather general and as a result they’re languishing. They say things like, “I am in love,” “I have happy children,” and “I have enough money to travel.” A few years ago I included a picture of my dream car, a silver Subaru Outback. The color didn’t really matter to me, but it mattered to the Universe. Of all these desires in the box, guess which one came to fruition? The car, of course! This happened because I was really specific about this dream. I didn’t just say, “I have a nice car,” I specified exactly what kind. Not only do I now have the Outback, but also it’s the same color as the one in the photo. <br /><br /><b>Take steps toward realizing your dreams.</b> Recently I saw a Facebook post from that said, “There is nothing standing between you and your dreams. Take the first step.” It’s important not only to dream big, but also to take steps toward making those dreams come true. We don’t simply wish something to happen and then it appears. The car didn’t just magically show up on my doorstep. I saved. I planned. I researched. I actively manifested this dream to fruition. We need to be intimately involved in consciously creating our own life.<br />
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<b>Even if it’s scary, take action.</b> Working toward your dreams can be an exciting process, but also it can be daunting. The other day, while feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of chasing my big dream of publishing a second book, I opened a magazine to escape for a few minutes. What a surprise it was to “randomly” flip to a Subaru advertisement that said, “Chase your dreams.” The car in the ad was the exact make, model, and color as the car I manifested a few years ago! Even if failure feels inevitable, keep going. When I first put the car in my Miracle Box I had never before purchased a car, let alone a new one.<b> </b><br />
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<b>Be grateful.</b> If you approach your dreams from a place of everyone-else-has-what-I-want-poor-me, you’re going to have a difficult time reaching the stars. But if you’re grateful for what you already have and create an action plan to move into a state of even more joy and love, there’s a greater chance this will happen. Celebrate every triumph, no matter how small, because you’re making progress.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Here’s to big dreams! Spread your wings and fly. Before you know it, you’ll be soaring into your greatest potential. </span></i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Shoot for the Stars Soup</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Roasted Cauliflower Soup with Pomegranate and Maple Pear “Croutons”</b></i></span></div>
<br />I named this soup “Shoot for the Stars” because it’s so easy to make; yet, when topped with the pears and pomegranate, it looks like something you’d be served in an elegant restaurant. Dreaming big (and eating well) need not be difficult or complicated. The journey can be simple and delicious. <br /><br />
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Serves 4 </div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 cauliflower, broken into florets</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 bosc pear, pealed, cored, and cut into chunks</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">½ tsp. fresh cracked pepper</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">2 tsp. lemon juice</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Maple Pear “Croutons”:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">1 firm bosc pear, peeled, cored, and cut into tiny cubes</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">2 Tbsp. maple syrup</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">To serve:</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Maple pear “croutons”</span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Pomegranate </span></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Chopped chives</span></div>
<span style="color: orange;"></span><br />Preheat oven to 450ºF. <br /><br />Put the cauliflower florets and chunks of pear into a roasting pan lined with parchment paper. Drizzle 3 Tbsp. of the olive oil over the cauliflower, and sprinkle with the cracked pepper and ½ tsp. of the salt. Using clean hands, toss the cauliflower until the oil is evenly distributed. Roast in the oven until the edges of the cauliflower are caramelized and the centers are soft, about 30 minutes. <br /><br />Meanwhile in a medium-sized soup pot, warm the remaining 1 Tbsp. olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and remaining ¼ tsp. salt. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is soft and translucent. <br /><br />While the onions sauté, peel, core, and cut the firm bosc pear into tiny cubes. In a small frying pan, heat the maple syrup over medium heat. Simmer for about four minutes, until thick syrup is formed. Remove from the heat, add the pear cubes to the pan, and gently toss until fully coated. Set aside. <br /><br />Remove the cauliflower from the oven and add to the soup pot. Pour in the water and mix in the lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes to give the flavors time to marry. Turn off the heat. Purée the soup using an immersion blender or a blender on medium speed. <br /><br />To serve, top with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds, chopped chives, and maple pear “croutons.” <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-71230550141773525662014-10-13T20:53:00.000-07:002015-10-06T12:44:31.747-07:00Being in the Flow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you feel like you’re butting your head up against a wall and no matter how much you try, nothing seems to come together? This is what happens when you’re out of the flow. <br />
Do you feel at other times as though your life is miraculously unfolding in ways that far surpass your wildest dreams? This is what happens when you’re in the flow. <br />
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Like a pendulum swinging to and fro, I’ve experienced both extremes. In recent years I’ve noticed this especially poignantly on my birthday. <br />
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My 36th birthday was a disaster. I’d had my heart broken by a man who I thought had potential to be “the one.” And no amount of birthday cheer could pull me out of the dark hole I’d fallen into. My mom tried absolutely everything to cheer me up, but it was for naught. As a result of my spiraling depression, there was no flow to the day. My mom had organized a day of pampering, but somehow nothing turned out as planned. We went to Sephora to have our makeup done, but the woman was out with the flu. As we were walking down the street, my shoe broke. Things that should have been simple appeared as massive hurdles. <br />
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I understand now that the day was mirroring the way I was feeling. There was no flow to the day because I wasn’t in the flow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjXcWlH3Et8/UJHZd__2VjI/AAAAAAAABPc/VBoWNkHEziY/s1600/IMG_0114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yjXcWlH3Et8/UJHZd__2VjI/AAAAAAAABPc/VBoWNkHEziY/s1600/IMG_0114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In bed on my 35th birthday with severe abdominal pains</td></tr>
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My 35th birthday wasn’t much better. I spent that birthday in bed with excruciating abdominal pains that, after a trip to the Emergency Room, was diagnosed as ovarian cysts. I wasn’t in the flow then either. For a few years I’d been dreading 35 because everything I’d read said a woman’s fertility withers like a brittle leaf in the autumn sun at that age. So, rather than celebrating that birthday with cake and ice cream, I spent it worrying that I might never become a mother. Since I’d put so much charge on turning 35, I wasn’t in the flow. As a result, my body created a physical manifestation of the angst I’d been carrying with me. <br />
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However, on the eve of turning 37, something seems different this year. <br />
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I feel as though I’m embarking on a new phase of my life. There’s nothing specific that I can pinpoint; it’s more of a feeling. And from what I’ve been hearing, it sounds as though there are many others who are also feeling this way. <br />
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Here’s an example of how things are currently in the flow. I’m not sure why, but a few months ago I got the idea that I wanted to celebrate my birthday at Disneyland. But, going to Anaheim was not in the flow. My autumn schedule was jam-packed, and finding a friend to join me would be difficult. Since it didn’t seem to be in the flow, I let it go. But, two days ago, an Australian friend out-of-the-blue said she was going to be in Los Angeles and was planning to spend a day at Disneyland, on my birthday! And then, as if by magic, everywhere I looked I saw signs that pointed me in that direction. When I turned on the television, there was a commercial for Disneyland, and I just happened to open a family album to a photo from a past trip to the Magic Kingdom. When you’re in the flow, life is filled with synchronicity.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinderella's Castle at Disneyland</td></tr>
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Something shifted in me this summer when I was sick with whooping cough. After spending two months in bed, I’m no longer willing to just coast or wait for life to happen. I’ve noticed myself jumping more quickly on opportunities, and as a result there have been even more such opportunities. Joy and happiness beget joy and happiness. And the more joy and happiness you experience, the more you’ll be in the flow, and the more you’re in the flow, the more seemingly effortless life will be.<br />
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Action steps: When you’re out of the flow, getting back in the flow can feel like a Herculean task. However, you don’t have to build Rome in a day. Start small. Last year when I was in a deep depression on my birthday, my mom and I sat by the river and dangled our feet in the current. Although my heart still hurt, watching autumn leaves flow downstream was a spark that put me back on the path to regaining my flow. There was such wonderment in that seemingly small moment. When you savor the small moments, bit-by-bit you’ll get back into the flow, and miracles will abound. We’re on the precipice of something special…I can feel it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Happy Birthday Applesauce Cake</b></span></div>
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This is the birthday cake my mom made for me every year when I was growing up. I was the only kid in the 80s with a gluten-free birthday cake, I’m pretty sure. But even when I started eating wheat in my teens, this remained a favorite. I hope you love it as much as we do. I’ll be enjoying a big slice on my birthday! <br />
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I’ve written instructions for using a standing mixer, but this cake can easily be made by hand.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With my Happy Birthday Applesauce Cake</td></tr>
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Makes 1 small cake<br />
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter <br />
½ cup sugar<br />
½ cup coconut sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />
1 1/3 cup brown rice flour<br />
3 Tbsp. potato starch (not potato flour)<br />
2 tsp. baking soda<br />
¼ tsp. salt<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1 ½ tsp. ground cloves<br />
1 cup raisins<br />
1 cup chopped walnuts<br />
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Preheat the oven to 325ºF.<br />
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Grease an 8x8x2 or a 9-inch round pan*.<br />
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In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachement, cream the butter and sugars on medium-low, scraping down the sides as necessary. Turn off the machine and add the eggs and applesauce. Mix on low until combined. <br />
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In a medium bowl combine the brown rice flour, potato starch, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and cloves. With the standing mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix until fully combined. <br />
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Turn off the machine and mix in the walnuts and raisins by hand. <br />
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Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake on the middle rack of the oven until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. My mom’s recipe says to bake the cake in an 8x8x2 inch pan for 1 hour 15 minutes. However, when I used a 9-inch round spring-form pan, the cake only took 50 minutes. <br />
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Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature before frosting. <br />
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* Greasing with butter is probably sufficient; however, I like to use parchment and flour as well. To use my this-cake-has-absolutely-no-chance-of-sticking method, place the cake pan on a piece of parchment paper and with a pencil trace around the edge. Cut the parchment to fit into the bottom or the pan. Grease the bottom and sides of the pan with butter. Then place the parchment in the bottom of the pan and grease the top of the parchment. Add brown rice flour to the pan and tap the sides to evenly coat with a thin layer of flour. <b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Cream Cheese Frosting</span></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeCmH_tyrhc/VDyY8M6o_5I/AAAAAAAACLg/GSGrpCLHI14/s1600/img013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UeCmH_tyrhc/VDyY8M6o_5I/AAAAAAAACLg/GSGrpCLHI14/s1600/img013.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom's original handwritten recipe</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Makes about 2 cups<br />
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1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese<br />
1 cup (8 oz.) sour cream<br />
¼ cup powdered sugar<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 tsp. lemon juice<br />
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Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Slowly bring the mixer to high, then beat until smooth, approximately 3 minutes. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since I have an autumn birthday, my mom always decorated my cake with colorful leaves</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-70797757788286937502014-09-29T22:26:00.000-07:002014-09-29T22:26:17.066-07:00Are you a Dream Stomper or a Dream Supporter?<br />
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Do you have someone in your life that supports you no matter what? Does this person believe in your dreams, no matter how hair-brained they might seem? Or, is your life filled with Dream Stompers? These are the people who may think they have your best interest at heart but somehow have a way of quelling your enthusiasm and limiting your possibility.<br /><br />I read an article recently in which the author said that when searching for your life purpose it’s important to find something at which you don’t mind failing, because likely there will be many failed attempts before you find success. Those who stomp on your dreams are often only trying to protect you from what could potentially end in failure; however, in most cases you have to be willing to tumble a few times before you soar. If a baby bird spent all of his time afraid to fall, he would never know the joys of flying out of the nest. <br /><br />Just a couple days ago, pretty much out-of-the-blue, I got the idea that perhaps Asheville, North Carolina will be my next town.<br />
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Let me back up a little bit. I moved to the Central Coast of California five years ago because my parents were here. However, they’ve recently purchased acreage in Northern California and are planning to move there in the spring. People frequently ask me what I’ll do when my parents move. My response has always been that I’m waiting to see which way the wind will blow. <br /><br />Since I hadn’t planned to think about whether I would move and where I would go until at least March, I was surprised by this inkling intuition about Asheville, which I owe surprisingly to a novel set near there.<br /><br />Picking up and moving to North Carolina seems rather crazy…With the exception of a week on the Outer Banks in college I’ve spent no time in the South. I’ve never been to Asheville, and I don’t know a single person there. <br /><br />However, when I mentioned this to my mom, who is my Dream Supporter, she didn’t say, “Are you crazy?” Instead, she said, “What a great idea! Why don’t you go check it out.” So, even though I usually like to spend a long time weighing options before making decisions, within two days of having this intuition, I’d already booked a flight. <br /><br />As a Dream Supporter, my mom didn’t question how financially feasible or potentially challenging it could be to pick up and move to a city where I have no friends or connections. Instead, she’s been staying up late at night with me looking at real estate listings, just for the heck of it. I’m not currently in a position to purchase a home, but I already know that. A Dream Supporter doesn’t need to tell you all the things that could be impediments. Instead, they help you envision potential.<br />
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When I said, “There are a lot of Bed and Breakfasts in that area. I think I would make a good innkeeper,” she didn’t say, “Running an inn is a lot of work.” Or “Where would you find the money to buy a Bed and Breakfast?” Instead, she said, “You’d be great at that! You could organize tours, host workshops, and offer cooking classes.” Although this sounds intriguing to me now, I’m not even certain this would ultimately be the right path for me, but why stomp on the idea before I have a chance to explore it. Her enthusiasm allows me to be even more creative as I brainstorm and envision what my future steps might be. <br /><br />A Dream Supporter helps you live in the realm of possibility. A Dream Stomper, no matter how well intentioned, squashes potential before it even has a chance to grow. I already know that the idea of moving to a place I’ve never visited is crazy, somewhat irrational, and currently makes no financial or social sense. However, it’s not necessary to have someone tell me that. Those thoughts are already present in my mind. If it’s not meant to be, I will discover that in due time. So, why not spend hours the time being pouring over real estate listings and daydreaming about a possible adventure? <br /><br />It’s your choice. Do you want to want to live in the realm of possibility where you might fail, or live in the realm of practicality where you might not spread your wings to their full capacity? If it’s the former, as much as possible surround yourself with people who uplift you and support you. Sometimes we can’t avoid the occasional Dream Stomper because they are related to you, but it only takes one Dream Supporter to make a difference. Here’s a little-known secret…One of the best ways to have a Dream Supporter in your life is to be a Dream Supporter for others. The more you support others the more support there will be for you. Here’s to soaring!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin Spice Pancakes</span></b></div>
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<b><i>Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free</i></b></div>
<br />Although I’m very excited to see if Asheville could possibly be my next home, I think I’m most looking forward to seeing the fall color. The photos I’ve seen of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains in autumn look amazing!!! Autumn to me means...colorful leaves, crisp air, longer shadows, apple picking, and an abundance of warm and comforting foods. And, of course, it wouldn’t be autumn without pumpkin spiced pancakes! This version is not only totally scrumptious, but also it’s gluten-free and dairy-free. <br /><br />Makes about 10 4-inch Pancakes<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour* <br />3 tsp. double-acting baking powder<br />¼ tsp. salt<br />2 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />¼ tsp. ground cloves <br />½ tsp. fresh ground nutmeg (if not grating it yourself, use less)<br />1 tsp. fresh grated ginger<br />3 Tbsp. coconut sugar (or brown sugar)<br />1 cup canned pumpkin<br />1 cup canned coconut milk** (full-fat, not light)<br />3 eggs<br />coconut oil for cooking the pancakes</span><br /><br /><span style="color: orange;">*The one I use is a blend of brown rice flour, tapioca flour, and potato starch<br />** I use Natural Value, which has a high fat content, so I have not added oil to the batter. If, however, your pancakes stick to the pan, add more coconut oil to the griddle and/or a bit to the batter. </span><br /><br />In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, spices, and coconut sugar. Set aside.<br /><br />In a medium bowl, whisk the pumpkin, coconut milk, and eggs together. Pour this into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to combine. <br /><br />Melt a bit of coconut oil in a medium pan or griddle or medium heat. Using a ladle or large spoon, pour enough batter onto the griddle to make a four inch pancake. Cook until the bottom is golden brown and the top is covered in bubbles, flip and cook for a few minutes more on the other side. Repeat. Enjoy with maple syrup. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is Earth Balance in this photo, but you can use whatever topping suits you best!</td></tr>
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<br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-1733617373102583402014-09-21T10:55:00.000-07:002014-09-21T10:55:13.805-07:00What Is So Today... May Not Be So Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Life is not static. For better or worse, nothing stays the same forever. Heraclitus famously said, “No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.” <br /><br />You are not stuck in your current situation. What today might seem unbearable can tomorrow be the very thing that propels you forward into the life of your dreams, for tomorrow you are not the same as you are today, because each experience, whether good or bad, brings wisdom, understanding, and perspective. <br /><br />This has certainly been the case for me with my illness. When I was in bed for months with whooping cough, I could not imagine ever having energy again to do the things I love. But now that I’m fully recovered, my life feels fuller than ever before. Even though it was difficult to see when I was in the throes of it, I now recognize that the disease was a powerful catalyst. <br /><br />Things change. What is true today may not be true tomorrow.<br />
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When we’re in pain or when we’re feeling sad, lonely, hurt, frustrated, worn out, burnt out, or any of the many other possible emotions that come with the ebbs and flows of life, it can be nearly impossible to imagine anything different. For example, a number of years ago when I had constant back pain that resulted in sciatica, I could not picture a day when I’d be able to comfortably ride in a car or bend over to pick something up off the floor. I figured this was the life I was stuck with. Although I still have to be careful, I can now do activities that I would have never dreamed possible back then. And, when I was diagnosed with gluten intolerance, I lamented that I’d never again be able to go to a sushi bar without lugging a bottle of gluten-free tamari in my purse. Little did I know that just a few years hence, Kikkoman would start making gluten-free soy sauce, which would be available in many Japanese restaurants. Anguish, whether it’s from something seemingly small or the deepest pain imaginable, does not last forever. Even after immense tragedy or unbearable heartbreak, somehow we find a way to keep going. <br /><br />If you were to look at the life stories of the people that as a society we deem to be successful, many of them did not come upon their success without some form of struggle along the way. This doesn’t mean that struggle is necessary for growth, but it does show that what <i>is</i> isn’t always what <i>was</i>. <br /><br />Over the years I’ve had many bouts of worry about my future as it pertains to relationships, finances, and career; however, I also know this to be true: <i>Life has a way of working itself out</i>. Having been single for a long time, despite all my talk of wanting to fall in love and have a family, sometimes I have difficulty imagining any scenario other than the one where I continue to live alone with my dog, cats, and chickens, because at the moment, this is all I know. But, the truth is…things change, and life works out as it’s meant to, even if it doesn’t follow the timeline that we expect. Sometimes life can change very fast. It only takes one phone call, one piece of mail, or one seemingly random encounter to forever alter the course of your life.<br />
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Are you in a difficult situation? Do you find yourself feeling as though you simply have to accept your lot in life, no matter how much it feels like drudgery? Are you frustrated? Do you feel a lack of freedom? If so, I want you to know that everything is going to be okay. We often hear that bad things can happen in an instant, but good things can happen in an instant too. We simply have to be open to the unexpected and willing to allow magic to unfold. When you next step into that river, you’ll discover that, indeed, you are not the same, nor is the river the same. Here’s to tomorrow! <br /><br /><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Magic </b></span>Double-Chocolate Pudding</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>(<i>Dairy-Free and Honey-Sweetened</i>)</b></span></div>
<br />After I was diagnosed with gluten and dairy intolerance, tears would smart at my eyes while I looked longingly at the recipes in my favorite cookbooks that I would never again be able to taste. Mostly, I resented the lack of freedom. But, just as with anything, things change. Now, nearly four years hence, I’ve come to embrace this new identity and revel in new flavors and textures. I now have the freedom to experiment with ingredients I would never have considered previously. Plus, having my own dietary restrictions has increased my empathy for others facing similar situations. And, the most exciting part is that I’ve discovered new ways of making old favorites that not only taste better than their original counterparts, but also support me in my journey to optimal health and wellness. <br /><br />Okay, so, pudding is not exactly “health food,” but for those special occasions when you want a little treat, this really hits the spot. <br /><br />The first time I served this pudding at an event I was catering, it was received with oohs and awes and lots of “Oh. My. Go-ods.” There is a secret ingredient that made all the difference... I held my hands over the bubbling pot and imagined love flowing from my heart, through my hands, and into the pot. And then, à la <i>Chocolat</i> (The novel by Joanne Harris made into a movie with Johnny Depp), I said an incantation that all who ate the pudding would be filled with love. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 6 <br /><br />¾ cup + 2 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder<br />2 Tbsp. arrowroot <br />¼ tsp. artisanal salt, such as French grey or Himalayan pink<br />1 13.5 oz. can full-fat coconut milk (I use Natural Value)<br />1/3 cup brewed strong coffee<br />2/3 cup water<br />1/3 cup mild honey, such as clover<br />½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />2 tsp. vanilla </span><br /><br />In a medium pot, whisk the cocoa powder, arrowroot, and salt. Slowly whisk in the coconut milk, coffee, and water until full combined. Stir in the honey. <br /><br />Heat the chocolate mixture on medium heat, stirring frequently, until a gentle boil is reached, approximately 15-20 minutes. While whisking, imagine love flowing from your heart and into the pot. As you stir, say (and mean it):<br />
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<i>With this food we dine<br />Greater love thus does shine,<br />As I work this magic spell<br />Into deeper love we dwell,<br />I invoke the Law of Love<br />Calling greater light from above</i><br /><br />(Incantation from <i>The Mystic Cookbook: The Secret Alchemy of Food</i>, Hay House, 2012, Denise and Meadow Linn, p. 49) <br /><br />Once a gentle boil is reached, whisk constantly until the pudding begins to thicken, about a minute. It should be approximately the consistency of pancake batter. Remove from the heat and whisk in the chocolate chips and vanilla. <br /><br />Divide evenly among six small dessert dishes. Chill until set, at least 3 hours. Top with fresh raspberries or strawberries. Enjoy!<br />
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<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8078425367485991464.post-77891010776315400622014-09-02T12:11:00.000-07:002014-09-03T07:26:24.463-07:00Blessing in Disguise: How Whooping Cough Kicked My Butt & Brought Me Back to Myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You’re probably familiar with the expression, “A blessing in disguise.” However, sometimes that blessing is so well disguised that no matter how hard you look, all you can see is the anguish that’s ripping at your heart and shredding you into tiny pieces. This might sound a bit dramatic, but that’s truly how it can feel when you’re mired in a difficult situation. No matter how much people may tell you that you’ll be grateful one day to have had this experience or that it’s preparing you for something greater, sometimes you just can’t see it. <br />
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Earlier this year, I went through a really difficult patch. This is the first time I’ve talked about this publicly, but I want to share with you what I learned, and so I’ve decided to write about my experience. <br />
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Have you ever been so frustrated by your inability to function and be a party to your own life that you had moments where you found yourself pleading with God for it all to be over? That’s what my journey with whooping cough was like. Although most days during my two-month convalescence were passed contentedly watching <i>Sex and the City</i> and <i>Law and Order SVU</i> marathons, there were other days when quelling my tears of frustration took every ounce of energy I could muster.<br />
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The most difficult time wasn’t when I felt the worst, because during those weeks I didn’t have the energy to be emotionally involved in my situation. It wasn’t until I was starting to heal that I was aware of how hard it was to have no income and no social interactions. This is when I began to feel the weight of my circumstances. However, this is also when I realized that there had to be a reason, some sort of blessing in disguise.<br />
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The months I spent in bed were during the time period I’d originally set aside to jumpstart my career. But when you barely have the energy to feed yourself, spending time figuring out your Life Plan and implementing it is not exactly top on the to-do list. So, I had to let go. I had to go with the flow and allow my body the time it needed to heal.<br />
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I began to see this journey as a chrysalis phase, leading to an eventual metamorphosis. I pictured myself cocooned by my surroundings. And when the time was right, when my energy returned, I would soar like a beautiful butterfly. I fully believed this, and this knowledge helped me through the rough days. <br />
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The problem was…when I finally felt better, there were bills to pay, articles to write, e-mails to return, and home repairs to do. Nothing felt different. If anything, life felt ho-hum and tedious because there was so much catching up to do.<br />
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How could I have made it through such a trying time and feel no different? What was the point? Of course, germs were the reason I was sick. But, wasn’t there a greater reason, something that made it all worth it? Where was my blessing in disguise? <br />
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Gravely disappointed, my heart ached. I was lonely, way behind on work, and as of yet, I couldn’t see any type of personal or professional metamorphosis taking place. My voice shaking, I lamented this to my mom while gasping for air between sobs.<br />
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My mom reminded me that even after the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, it doesn’t immediately fly off to sip a flower’s sweet nectar. Before it spreads its beautiful wings, it first hangs on the branch and waits. The metamorphosis isn’t complete the moment the butterfly breaks through its shell. There’s a waiting period, while it adjusts to its new surroundings and its newfound identity.<br />
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Miraculously, from that moment onward, I began to see butterflies in droves, and not always in places where you would expect them.<br />
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It’s been about six weeks since I regained my strength. My life hasn’t changed dramatically since my illness; however, once I understood that I needed to be patient, the urgency for transformation was gone and I was able to relax. Once that happened, amazing opportunities began to fall into my lap. I feel more content, sure-footed, and hopeful than I have in a very long time. <br />
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Of course, I wish I hadn’t gotten sick, but I am now able to see the blessing in disguise. Had I kept to my plan of vigorously seeking my life plan during the early summer months, I wouldn’t have been in the right frame of mind to open myself to accept the blessings of the Universe. I would have been struggling to attain something, whereas now I feel like I’ve planted some seeds that with gentle care and nurturing will eventually grow strong and vibrant. It will all unfold in due time. <br />
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Life throws us curve balls. And although it may not seem like it today, tomorrow, or maybe even a few years from now, eventually you will understand what your challenging experiences taught you and discover the blessing in disguise. Here’s to being patient! Here’s to keeping on keeping on, even when it feels like you’re heading nowhere! Good things are coming your way!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Grilled Chicken Marinated in Mustard-Thyme Sauce</b></span></div>
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While I was sick I had plenty of time to aimlessly surf the web. I learned a lot! However, the thing that got me the most excited was an article on the ancient mortar and pestle. I immediately ordered a granite one with 3-cup capacity. As soon as I was well enough to prepare food, I began using it to make marinades. Since its arrival in my life, I’ve made some of my very best marinades ever. <br />
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The instructions in this recipe are for using a mortar and pestle; however, if you don’t have one, mince the shallots and chop the thyme. Use cracked black pepper in place of the peppercorns. <br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Serves 3-4 <br /><br />1½ lbs. of boneless skinless organic free-range chicken breasts (2-3 breasts), each one sliced horizontally into 3 thin cutlets<br /><br />1 lg. (or 2 small) shallots, peeled and rough chopped<br />¼ tsp. French gray salt, Himalayan pink salt, or other favorite artisanal salt<br />6 peppercorns<br />2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, stripped from the stem</span><br />
<span style="color: orange;">1 Tbsp. spicy French Dijon mustard<br />1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar<br />3 Tbsp. olive oil </span><br />
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In a large mortar combine the shallots, salt, and peppercorns. With the pestle, pound until a paste is formed. Add the thyme. Pound the thyme just enough to release the natural oils, but not so much that it’s pulverized. With a fork, whisk in the mustard, vinegar, and oil. <br />
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To create thin cutlets, with a sharp knife slice the chicken breasts horizontally (just as you would cut a cake to make layers). I discovered this trick when I only had two chicken breasts, but four surprise dinner guests. Not only is this a good way to stretch the meat, but also it absorbs more marinade, cooks faster and more evenly, and the leftovers fit perfectly in a sandwich. <br />
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Put the chicken in a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag and pour in the marinade. With clean hands, massage the marinade into the chicken. This is a good time to imagine love flowing from your heart, through your hands, and into the chicken. Seal the bag and refrigerate for a couple hours or overnight. <br />
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Preheat gas grill to medium.<br />
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Grill approximately 4 minutes on one side and 3-4 minutes on the other, though this will depend on the heat of your grill and the thickness of your cutlets.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06984864173893125945noreply@blogger.com3