Progress?

I had picked up some raw almonds and actually got around to soaking them and baking them in a warm oven for 24 hours to make Crispy Almonds (Nourishing Traditions recipe). It’s not much, but having those almonds in the pantry ready to snack or use in a recipe feels like progress. I actually used some tonight in some veggies.

And that’s not all. I have been doing some research on what resources are around here and am finding some. I found a local farmer’s market and went out this week. And there I found a source for grass-fed beef! Yes! I ordered a variety pack to pick up next week so we can try them out. I am also on a waiting list for fresh, minimally processed, milk from a grass-fed dairy! They may be able to take me on as early as next month. Yeeha!

These are small steps, indeed. But steps they are – and in the right direction. It makes me feel that I might actually pull off that revolution in the kitchen I’ve been striving for. I have some budget work to do, as well, to see if I can utilize an organic produce service that delivers. How cool would that be? All this has the wheels turning in my head, and plans are starting to develop. Let the revolution begin!

S. A. D.

That stands for Standard American Diet. And, it really is quite sad. I was just catching up over on Through the Cooking Glass and found this post, a great summary of what is wrong with our American way of eating. Have a look, it’s not too long.

Not Your Everday Stuffed Potato

I picked up some ground lamb the other day and decided to see what I could do with it for dinner this evening. I hadn’t tried anything with ground lamb before, so did my usual internet searching for recipes. I figured I’d probably do something with rice. Was I ever surprised when I found a recipe for Lamb Stuffed Potatoes.

Now, being a Texan, I am quite familiar with stuffed potatoes – from BBQ to chili to even brocoli and cheese. Oh yeah! But this Mediterranean twist on an old favorite had me really intriqued. Stop the presses, the search is over. This is what we’re having for dinner!

Oh, and it was as good as it sounded. I am very happy to say that there are some leftovers that I get to have for lunch tomorrow. You absolutely must go back up to the first paragraph and click the link. This recipe is definately a keeper.

As usual, I didn’t have everything the recipe called for. Let’s see, I used raisins for the dried fruit. The recipe states you can use water or juice instead of the wine. I used Cranberry/Grape juice. And, I didn’t have any tomato paste. What did I use? [Looks around to see if anyone else is listening] Shhhh. [whispering] I used ketchup. Hey, it’s organic! But who cares – the end result was delicious! And I can’t wait to eat the leftovers.

So, if you haven’t done it yet, go check out the recipe. Definately put it on your must-try list.

Afford Life

More than one has made the comment as they return one of my health/nutrition books that “we can’t afford to eat that way.” I usually just nod. Really what can you say? You can’t argue with someone’s pocket book. But I really believe we can’t afford not to strive for the ideal. Once you come face to face with serious health issues, your priorities can change and what you can afford shifts perspective.

But, I never want to insult my friends by questioning their priorities, so I just leave it alone. Well, today I came across a blog post on that very subject: Food and Money. It speaks of how our priorities effect how we spend our money. I suppose each family or individual must consider their own priorities and go from there. But it is definitely something I challenge folks to do. If you’ve read about food and health, and really believe what you read, what are you going to do about it?

In this post I list a few of the books that have influenced my view of food and health, if you’re interested in the subject. As I’ve said here many times, I am a long ways from the ideal. Sometimes, I’m even a hypocrite, buying and consuming stuff I know better. But I keep on trying and do the best I can – most of the time. There is always room for improvement. I want to be a good steward with the body God has given me and take good care of my health, and the health of my family. Shouldn’t that be a priority as we decide how to spend our financial resources? Not THE priority, but one of the top 5 maybe? What do you think?

Hanging in There

All my plans for planning had to take a back seat while we moved to a new community. I’m still surrounded by boxes in some rooms here. But I’m very slowly starting to etch out a routine in our new home and community. That’s tough with a 4 yo and a soldier who’s been in and out (more out than in lately).

On my other blog I just posted about getting homeschool planning done and putting some chores on a schedule. Once I get that nailed down and settled into a routine, the meals come next. Boy do we need to get back on track with the food! Aaack! Then I have to figure out when to squeeze in some Pilates. It doesn’t look like we’ll get to the garden this year. Watch for that next year.

All that to say that I’m still here and hanging in there. I’m working my way back to this blog and some healthy living.