There are some fabulous windows in NYC...creative, joyous and fun! But...I only have a second of internet service due to a blizzard!!!! And so, until we meet again....be merry! xoxox
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Did you see it?
Monday, December 20, 2010
Merry Wishes
Baby, it's cold out there and getting really busy. Before things get too crazed, I wanted to wish you a joyous holiday. May peace fill your plate and your heart. xoxooxox
Friday, December 17, 2010
Another Perfect Tree
Yesterday was a hoot...really spirited good fun! So much so that I began to think "party" food and came across this really cute dish...another Perfect Tree. It is a nice addition to my broccoli tree and cauliflower Frosty. Looks like I could build a whole winter wonderland out of veggies!
Have fun with this and have a fabulous weekend!
Celery Hummus Tree
7 stalks celery (most of one bunch)
1 cup hummus
Pick pretty stalks of celery with an inside curve that will hold hummus. Clean and trim any rough spots. To make an attractive tree shape, start with the most slender pieces and work towards the wider ones, each about a quarter-inch longer than the previous pair. Cut pairs of pieces that are mirror-images of each other. Both sides of each stalk should angle in towards the shorter bottom edge. The angle towards the tree trunk will be less than the one on the outside. To get the pairs to match, cut one, then turn it over and put on top of the matching piece. Cut the second piece so the angles match.
To keep the celery from flopping over once it is filled with hummus, slice a thin ribbon from the bottom edge of each piece, creating a flat resting place.
Spread hummus into the curve of each stalk and arrange tree on a long plate. If you don't have a long plate or may be leaving the plate where you are going, cover a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil.
Here is another great recipe for hummus, too.
Homemade Hummus
4 cups cooked chickpeas
1/3 cup chickpea broth, kept from cooking the dried chickpeas
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup tahini
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice with zest
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne or chipotle pepper, or to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Peel the garlic. Set up your food processor with the cutting blade or use a blender. Turn the machine on and drop the garlic in while the blade is turning. Turn the machine off. Add the chickpeas, broth, tahini, olive oil, and juice and zest of one lemon. Process or blend until smooth. Add the salt, cumin, cayenne or chipotle pepper, and black pepper. Process to blend. Taste, and adjust seasonings. If it tastes right but is just too thick, add more chickpea broth.
Use hummus right away or put in a container, cover, and refrigerate or freeze until needed.
Have fun with this and have a fabulous weekend!
Celery Hummus Tree
7 stalks celery (most of one bunch)
1 cup hummus
Pick pretty stalks of celery with an inside curve that will hold hummus. Clean and trim any rough spots. To make an attractive tree shape, start with the most slender pieces and work towards the wider ones, each about a quarter-inch longer than the previous pair. Cut pairs of pieces that are mirror-images of each other. Both sides of each stalk should angle in towards the shorter bottom edge. The angle towards the tree trunk will be less than the one on the outside. To get the pairs to match, cut one, then turn it over and put on top of the matching piece. Cut the second piece so the angles match.
To keep the celery from flopping over once it is filled with hummus, slice a thin ribbon from the bottom edge of each piece, creating a flat resting place.
Spread hummus into the curve of each stalk and arrange tree on a long plate. If you don't have a long plate or may be leaving the plate where you are going, cover a piece of cardboard with aluminum foil.
Here is another great recipe for hummus, too.
Homemade Hummus
4 cups cooked chickpeas
1/3 cup chickpea broth, kept from cooking the dried chickpeas
4 cloves garlic
1/2 cup tahini
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2-4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice with zest
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne or chipotle pepper, or to taste
freshly ground black pepper to taste
Peel the garlic. Set up your food processor with the cutting blade or use a blender. Turn the machine on and drop the garlic in while the blade is turning. Turn the machine off. Add the chickpeas, broth, tahini, olive oil, and juice and zest of one lemon. Process or blend until smooth. Add the salt, cumin, cayenne or chipotle pepper, and black pepper. Process to blend. Taste, and adjust seasonings. If it tastes right but is just too thick, add more chickpea broth.
Use hummus right away or put in a container, cover, and refrigerate or freeze until needed.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Cracking through my comfort zone
Until then, I am on the beverage trail. My son (remember I told you my kiddos are way ahead of me?!) sent me a link yesterday about animal testing and the makers of ubiquitous Lipton Tea, Unilever. Now, in the personal care product world, Unilever is a real bad actor. Blatant animal testing and toxicity scores up to "10" as in at the top of the hazard charts. Here are some of their personal care brands to run from: Aqua Net, AXE, BCBGirls, Caress, Chloe, CK, Crave, Degree, Dove, ESCAPE, Finesse, Lever 2000, Mentadent, Pond's, Salon Selectives, SHEER, Suave, ThermaSilk, Truth, Vaseline, Vera, Groom & Clean, Lagerfeld, Rave, Vera Wang, Unilever, Sunsilk.
Beverage-wise Unilever is "allegedly" conducting tests with its Lipton Tea to see the health effects on animals with certain conditions and illnesses that they are creating. Cruel-tea. This doesn't surprise me at all given Unilever's appalling disregard for animal and human welfare in the personal care world. Until I can uncover more information on this, here is the link my son sent yesterday. http:/www.peta.org/b/thepetafiles/archive/2010/12/15/was-your-tea-tested-on-animals.aspx
(Also, on a totally cruelty-free note, remember, today is your last day to be eligible for the brush set...see yesterday's post and don't miss out!)
Hope to see you tonight. I gotta get cracking my eggnog!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Locked and Loaded
Yesterday was a little strange, in a wonderful way, because three people stopped me to say how nice my hair looked and asked what I used on it. I thought I would share the picture of what they saw (the results of my haircare search!) and make a few comments...many women who read Wednesday's Women and Wednesdays posts have hair issues. I certainly do. Lots of guys do, too. Here is a look:
Now, while this may not look like a "good hair" day to some, it is...a remarkable one. I have been using the new shampoo and conditioner and at first, I was concerned that soft, happy, shiny locks were only going to be for straight-haired gals. That is usually the story. If you know anything about the struggles of curly hair, you know that most shampoos leave a dulling film of wax (usually petroleum based), are too heavy and weight the curls down, are too waxy and gummy and cause the curls to clump or too drying and cause...geez...more frizz.
And so, this new shampoo and conditioner amaze and delight me and my hair! My curls are merry, soft and low and behold, shiny. I shouldn't be so surprised, though...once the toxins and sludge are out, what's left is great hair and scalp food. And, no more worries about what's dribbling down my back and into my eyes and ears. Ick. That in itself is especially important for teens, kiddos and anyone who washes their hair in the shower. This line is totally cruelty-free (for you, me, all animals and the environment) as well as gluten-free. Huge.
You, too, can have lustrous locks in time for the holidays. Let me know if you want to try some and I will help you out. It also works on sweet little babies so you don't have to worry about the lack of safety in J&J products! Send me an email , pennyrudder@yahoo.com or use this link to shop. Go to "products" then "shop". www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/pennyrudder
Remember, if you do use the link, I cannot get you free shipping and you will not be in the contest for the free brush set and other freebies. Such a shame. Best to email and take full advantage!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
The Red, White and Postal
Sunday was delicious. I was invited by a friend to share what I know about toxins in skincare and to share the toxin-free line I use. Such a fun afternoon. On the drive home I got to thinking about the post office. Perhaps it was the power of suggestion...I was awaiting a shipment of goodies.
I know my mailman really well and rarely do things get so wrapped around the axle as they did last week. I had a package (that normally arrives within 3 -4 days) go AWOL in Pennsylvania or in post office terms, it was "re-routed for delivery". Now, I am a Pennsylvania gal but really...a "roots" tour for a package? Who knew? I about drove my mailman crazy and noticed every time he saw me coming, he either ducked or opened up a can of sardines. Anti-inflammatory you know. After about 10 days of this I declared myself over it and had the whole batch reordered. Got that package today in record time and pristine condition. Maybe those folks in PA need that first order more than I do.
This Red White and Food post is for the post office and our mailpeople and all that we expect of them and all they deliver, which, for the most part is pretty good. I thank our mailman with homemade goodies, almost always my Natural State Granola. But, because I cannot share that recipe, here is a fab ginger cookie. It travels really well, too, just in case your package gets "re-routed". Tell the folks in PA "hi"! xoxxo
I know my mailman really well and rarely do things get so wrapped around the axle as they did last week. I had a package (that normally arrives within 3 -4 days) go AWOL in Pennsylvania or in post office terms, it was "re-routed for delivery". Now, I am a Pennsylvania gal but really...a "roots" tour for a package? Who knew? I about drove my mailman crazy and noticed every time he saw me coming, he either ducked or opened up a can of sardines. Anti-inflammatory you know. After about 10 days of this I declared myself over it and had the whole batch reordered. Got that package today in record time and pristine condition. Maybe those folks in PA need that first order more than I do.
This Red White and Food post is for the post office and our mailpeople and all that we expect of them and all they deliver, which, for the most part is pretty good. I thank our mailman with homemade goodies, almost always my Natural State Granola. But, because I cannot share that recipe, here is a fab ginger cookie. It travels really well, too, just in case your package gets "re-routed". Tell the folks in PA "hi"! xoxxo
Ginger Gems
2 3/4 cups flour of choice
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon cloves
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
3/4 cup molasses
1 cup granulated sugar
Preheat oven to 350. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt and spices together. Beat in brown sugar and butter at medium speed of a mixer until light.Add egg and molasses and beat until well combined. Reduce mixer speed to low and slowly add flour mix. Scrape bowl and mix one minute at medium speed.
Form dough into little balls, roll in granulated sugar and place 2" apart on a parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until slightly browned and puffed. Transfer to a cooling rack immediately to cool or hey, eat one warm! Makes about 2 dozen.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Peace a Spoonful at a Time
We have been Meatless Monday-ing for some time now. I actually post all meatless recipes but for the sake of being part of a campaign, we are thrilled to officially dedicate every Monday as "Meatless Monday". There are lots of other folks doing this as well and so I thought you might like an update on how this seed of change has blossomed.
New stats reveal:
Nearly one-third of Americans are now aware of the Meatless Monday movement. That’s remarkable news, considering that just two years ago, national awareness was half that. A number of less-meatatarian approaches have sprung up in that same time as well, including weekday vegetarian, The Flexitarian Diet, daytime vegan, and the “meat as treat” Mark Bittman approach.
Overall, we are eating less meat. According to USDA projections, annual consumption of red meat and poultry will fall from over 221 pounds per person in 2004-2007 to less than 206 pounds in 2012. Beef consumption, in particular, is on the down-and-out: It’s declined nearly 20 percent since 1985. That’s good news for our arteries, since we’re now eating 20 pounds less of the saturated stuff a year. But our preference for poultry is growing: Chicken consumption increased by nearly 30 pounds a year over the same time period and you would be shocked at the saturated fat/body burden content in chicken, but that's for another post!.
There are many reasons why people choose to eat less meat or eat none at all. In this season of peace, consider this: Do no harm. Let peace grace your plate.
Here is a wonderful, warming soup for this cold snap. One spoonful at a time, it is sure to bring peace into your day. Happy Monday!
Lentil-Orzo Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onions (in 1/4-inch pieces)
1 cup chopped carrot (in 1/4-inch pieces)
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup lentils
4 cups water
1/2 cup orzo pasta (I use whole wheat orzo)
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (Eden Organic...BPA safe!)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomato (Eden Organic...BPA safe!)
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt or non-dairy yogurt (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and celery to the pot and cook, stirring, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the lentils and the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Simmer the lentils for 20 minutes; return to a boil and add the orzo. Cook 10 minutes longer.
Stir in the tomatoes, basil, oregano, pepper flakes, sherry vinegar and salt, and simmer soup another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Top each bowl with a dollop of yogurt and the parsley. Makes 4 servings.
New stats reveal:
Nearly one-third of Americans are now aware of the Meatless Monday movement. That’s remarkable news, considering that just two years ago, national awareness was half that. A number of less-meatatarian approaches have sprung up in that same time as well, including weekday vegetarian, The Flexitarian Diet, daytime vegan, and the “meat as treat” Mark Bittman approach.
Overall, we are eating less meat. According to USDA projections, annual consumption of red meat and poultry will fall from over 221 pounds per person in 2004-2007 to less than 206 pounds in 2012. Beef consumption, in particular, is on the down-and-out: It’s declined nearly 20 percent since 1985. That’s good news for our arteries, since we’re now eating 20 pounds less of the saturated stuff a year. But our preference for poultry is growing: Chicken consumption increased by nearly 30 pounds a year over the same time period and you would be shocked at the saturated fat/body burden content in chicken, but that's for another post!.
There are many reasons why people choose to eat less meat or eat none at all. In this season of peace, consider this: Do no harm. Let peace grace your plate.
Here is a wonderful, warming soup for this cold snap. One spoonful at a time, it is sure to bring peace into your day. Happy Monday!
Lentil-Orzo Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chopped onions (in 1/4-inch pieces)
1 cup chopped carrot (in 1/4-inch pieces)
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup lentils
4 cups water
1/2 cup orzo pasta (I use whole wheat orzo)
1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes (Eden Organic...BPA safe!)
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomato (Eden Organic...BPA safe!)
1/2 teaspoon basil
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup nonfat plain yogurt or non-dairy yogurt (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
Heat oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots and celery to the pot and cook, stirring, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the lentils and the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer, and cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar. Simmer the lentils for 20 minutes; return to a boil and add the orzo. Cook 10 minutes longer.
Stir in the tomatoes, basil, oregano, pepper flakes, sherry vinegar and salt, and simmer soup another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.
Top each bowl with a dollop of yogurt and the parsley. Makes 4 servings.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Seasonal Greens
Such a great week! Hope yours has been, too! I had lots of help making it a great one and had the perfect "set-up" for this fabulous week starting Monday.
Through a friendship started at a cooking class I taught on spices, I was invited to share a dinner of delicious food and inspiring conversation Monday evening. Everyone there had a focus on health and it was wonderful to have people on the same page...peas in a pod.
While I shared a salad last Friday, I am feeling the love and this was one of the dishes served at the dinner. It features pears which are a favorite winter fruit of mine. So festive and pretty. One of the Christmas salads I serve every year is pear-based and of the 22 paint colors in my house, two have pear in the name! They pair beautifully with oranges and purples. The only dilemma for making this salad...which gorgeous pear to use??? Thank you so much Dr. Bishop and Christina for sharing this recipe!
Spinach and Pear Salad with Spiced Nuts
Baby spinach leaves or fresh mixed greens
1-2 pears, sliced
1/2 cup spiced nuts (recipe below)
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
Top with oil and vinegar dressing.
(1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, ground black pepper, sea salt)
Spiced Nuts
1/2 cup local honey
1-2 cups pecans, almonds or walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Combine all ingredients in bowl and toss till nuts are completely coated. Spread nuts on a cookie sheet in a a single layer and toast at 300 degrees, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Serve on top of salad or eat by themselves.
Through a friendship started at a cooking class I taught on spices, I was invited to share a dinner of delicious food and inspiring conversation Monday evening. Everyone there had a focus on health and it was wonderful to have people on the same page...peas in a pod.
While I shared a salad last Friday, I am feeling the love and this was one of the dishes served at the dinner. It features pears which are a favorite winter fruit of mine. So festive and pretty. One of the Christmas salads I serve every year is pear-based and of the 22 paint colors in my house, two have pear in the name! They pair beautifully with oranges and purples. The only dilemma for making this salad...which gorgeous pear to use??? Thank you so much Dr. Bishop and Christina for sharing this recipe!
Spinach and Pear Salad with Spiced Nuts
Baby spinach leaves or fresh mixed greens
1-2 pears, sliced
1/2 cup spiced nuts (recipe below)
1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
Top with oil and vinegar dressing.
(1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 cup extra virgin olive oil, ground black pepper, sea salt)
Spiced Nuts
1/2 cup local honey
1-2 cups pecans, almonds or walnuts
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Combine all ingredients in bowl and toss till nuts are completely coated. Spread nuts on a cookie sheet in a a single layer and toast at 300 degrees, tossing occasionally, until fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. Serve on top of salad or eat by themselves.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Teddy's Toddy
I got an email from a friend yesterday about the heart-wrenching loss of her pup. Christmas always reminds me of one of our dear ones, a corgi mix, Teddy and his particular Christmas pose. He was a peach of a pup and part of a fabulous "gang" of pups and kitties that grew up with Christian and Lissa. While trying to keep this post upbeat and believe me, it could go either way, let me say he wore a Santa's hat well. I have a picture of him beneath the tree where he looks like the Cat's Meow. Oops. Sorry, Teddy. Ah, he looks like the Top Dog, proud as punch.
This Thirsty Thursday, while Teddy and that picture are on my mind, the closest beverage I can think of is the Hot Toddy. It is Teddy-like...warm, cuddly, fun and ready to roll with the festivities, hat or no hat. Happy Thursday, everyone! Love you,Teddercheese. Xoxoxo to all our dear ones.
This Thirsty Thursday, while Teddy and that picture are on my mind, the closest beverage I can think of is the Hot Toddy. It is Teddy-like...warm, cuddly, fun and ready to roll with the festivities, hat or no hat. Happy Thursday, everyone! Love you,Teddercheese. Xoxoxo to all our dear ones.
Teddy's Toddy
1 Tablespoon honey
3/4 glass tea (think of the possibilities here...one tea for every night of winter!)
2 shots brandy
1 slice lemon or orange
Brew tea and fill a tall glass 3/4 full. Mix in honey. Mix in brandy shots. Add lemon or orange slice and enjoy. Toddies are traditionally sipped in the late evening, before settling in for a long winter's nap.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Checking the list...
Ok...it is Women and Wednesdays and I am checking the list... of toxins that is. Here is the mission I have: to increase toxin awareness, educate everyone I can about it, offer safe solutions and help grow a new generation, young and old, that is as "toxin-free" as possible. Our Green Table is about food...whether it goes in or on your body, it must be nourishing and safe...even better if it is also fun.
Last Wednesday, I gave well-deserved thumbs down to that bad girl PEG. Today, I have the post office on my mind (about to drive me crazy BTW) and so I am going to share a link on nano-technology. Many companies tout their use of "nano-particles" or "specialized micro- delivery systems" to take ingredients deeper into a cell. Bullseye...right on target. This technology is also used in chemo. However, in the personal care product world, this "system" is not regulated nor are the ingredients. Many companies have wised up to the fact smart consumers will run from anything "nano" and are no longer using the nano-technology language, just the system, renamed! The risk to you could be great, especially if harmful chemicals like last weeks PEG's are used in the formulas. You will be mainlining those toxins right into your cell...bombarding them with easy access to potentially hazardous chemicals.
Here is the link; decide for yourself if a faster target is better!!http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=307
On a happy note, we have lots of folks eligible for that gorgeous brush set featured last Wednesday. Check it out!! There is still time for you to enter the contest and perhaps be the winner. Use this link to look over some safe solutions for you and your family's personal care: www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/pennyrudder. Go to "products" then "shop".
Email me directly if you would like to order and have me pay the shipping!! I have a"freebie account" established and can order from that for you. Email pennyrudder@yahoo.com. Our contest ends December 15th, and seriously, the brushes as well as the products are fab. Here is another look:
http://news.yahoo.com/video/us-15749625/23392057#video=23390905
Last Wednesday, I gave well-deserved thumbs down to that bad girl PEG. Today, I have the post office on my mind (about to drive me crazy BTW) and so I am going to share a link on nano-technology. Many companies tout their use of "nano-particles" or "specialized micro- delivery systems" to take ingredients deeper into a cell. Bullseye...right on target. This technology is also used in chemo. However, in the personal care product world, this "system" is not regulated nor are the ingredients. Many companies have wised up to the fact smart consumers will run from anything "nano" and are no longer using the nano-technology language, just the system, renamed! The risk to you could be great, especially if harmful chemicals like last weeks PEG's are used in the formulas. You will be mainlining those toxins right into your cell...bombarding them with easy access to potentially hazardous chemicals.
Here is the link; decide for yourself if a faster target is better!!http://safecosmetics.org/article.php?id=307
On a happy note, we have lots of folks eligible for that gorgeous brush set featured last Wednesday. Check it out!! There is still time for you to enter the contest and perhaps be the winner. Use this link to look over some safe solutions for you and your family's personal care: www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/pennyrudder. Go to "products" then "shop".
Email me directly if you would like to order and have me pay the shipping!! I have a"freebie account" established and can order from that for you. Email pennyrudder@yahoo.com. Our contest ends December 15th, and seriously, the brushes as well as the products are fab. Here is another look:
And, I would like to wish Elizabeth Edwards everlasting peace and her children, comfort. I admired her so. Here is a link to ABC news last night on the lights in Elizabeth's life:
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Peace Outside the Box
Once Christmas Day actually arrives, the tree will stand there in all its glory, with the big boxes of yesteryear peacefully absent. But there will be plenty of "gifts" outside the box to share with each other: the peace of the season, hours together, good food and wonderful smells, a few sweet surprises in our stockings.
Back to basics. Sounds delightful to me.
This Red White and Food post is to encourage you to think outside the box, literally. Whatever you have a talent or passion for, give a peace of it away.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Dishing out Tradition
In the shake of a tail feather (work it, Daphne!), the mood has changed. On December 1st, new dishes are on the table. Every year...on the 1st. That's a tradition. Mine are not overly Christmas-y. Actually, they are winter dishes and "Frosty" is the man of the season. Love him. And, not just because of his carrot nose. He is jovial, fun...a bright spot of whimsy and he gets to hang around all winter. On my dishes at least. My other winter set has hearts and pine boughs on it. A little bit of a nod to my smidge of Danish heritage. I do love hearts. These dishes are out and in use through Valentine's Day.
I love winter. I love all the seasons really, except when summer hogs the others and lasts way beyond its due. I even have a hallway that is papered in a pattern called "The Joys of Four Seasons". Magic.
And so, it may seem that I am rushing out fall (never!) with these dishes, but growing up in the Rust Belt, we always had a major snow storm the weekend after Thanksgiving. And, a chance to make the first Frosty of the season and so he is kind of a multi-season guy. (Looks like that tradition holds, too. Buffalo, where Papa Dick and Gram Jean are buried, just got 3 1/2 feet!)
December also brings the traditional dilemma: how to have a joyous holiday season without overloading the body, the brain or the wallet. Frosty to the rescue...off the plate and into the mouth. How cute and how multi-purpose!! First, he can be a fun, inexpensive edible place card as well as an appetizer. I used to make the kids broccoli trees during the holidays that they would pull apart and eat. This cauliflower Frosty would be delectable dipped into the luscious recipe below and may just dish out a new tradition of his own!
Mango Mayo
1/2 cup mango chutney
1 cup real mayo
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
juice of 2-3 limes
cayenne pepper to taste
1/4 cup yogurt, optional
Stir chutney into mayo and add in green onions, curry powder and enough lime juice to taste zingy. Stir in cayenne and the yogurt. cover and chill in fridge for about an hour. Taste before serving and add more lime juice if it tastes too sweet. Makes over 1 cup.
I love winter. I love all the seasons really, except when summer hogs the others and lasts way beyond its due. I even have a hallway that is papered in a pattern called "The Joys of Four Seasons". Magic.
And so, it may seem that I am rushing out fall (never!) with these dishes, but growing up in the Rust Belt, we always had a major snow storm the weekend after Thanksgiving. And, a chance to make the first Frosty of the season and so he is kind of a multi-season guy. (Looks like that tradition holds, too. Buffalo, where Papa Dick and Gram Jean are buried, just got 3 1/2 feet!)
Frosty to the Rescue
December also brings the traditional dilemma: how to have a joyous holiday season without overloading the body, the brain or the wallet. Frosty to the rescue...off the plate and into the mouth. How cute and how multi-purpose!! First, he can be a fun, inexpensive edible place card as well as an appetizer. I used to make the kids broccoli trees during the holidays that they would pull apart and eat. This cauliflower Frosty would be delectable dipped into the luscious recipe below and may just dish out a new tradition of his own!
Mango Mayo
1/2 cup mango chutney
1 cup real mayo
4 green onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon curry powder
juice of 2-3 limes
cayenne pepper to taste
1/4 cup yogurt, optional
Stir chutney into mayo and add in green onions, curry powder and enough lime juice to taste zingy. Stir in cayenne and the yogurt. cover and chill in fridge for about an hour. Taste before serving and add more lime juice if it tastes too sweet. Makes over 1 cup.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Phew...I need a salad.
The leftovers are gone and I am back to my regular eating routine and glad for it. I love holiday food but I also really like the way I eat on non-holidays. It is just fun...satisfying with a little adventure tucked into the mix. I saw this recipe for a salad and I am on it. This salad is simply delicious, detoxifying and full of gorgeous seasonal colors (with a little orange thrown in, of course!) And, I am hoping there will be lots for leftovers! Have a great weekend!
Gingered Spinach Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
2 small beets, roasted until tender, cooled and sliced or cut into wedges
6 cups baby spinach
2 medium oranges, peeled and cut into sections
red onion rings, optional
Lime Vinaigrette
Make a regular vinaigrette using lime juice as the acid. Add in 1-2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger and a dash of paprika. Taste and play with seasonings. If it is too tangy, add a splash of honey.
Arrange spinach on a salad plate, top with beets and oranges slices. Drizzle dressing over salad and if desired, garnish with toasted nuts or seeds. Serves 4.
And speaking of gorgeous seasonal beauty, here is my maple tree in all its glory!
Gingered Spinach Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
2 small beets, roasted until tender, cooled and sliced or cut into wedges
6 cups baby spinach
2 medium oranges, peeled and cut into sections
red onion rings, optional
Lime Vinaigrette
Make a regular vinaigrette using lime juice as the acid. Add in 1-2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger and a dash of paprika. Taste and play with seasonings. If it is too tangy, add a splash of honey.
Arrange spinach on a salad plate, top with beets and oranges slices. Drizzle dressing over salad and if desired, garnish with toasted nuts or seeds. Serves 4.
And speaking of gorgeous seasonal beauty, here is my maple tree in all its glory!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Feeling a little Groggy?
Having a little trouble shifting from being stuffed full to an action-packed week? Well, it is Thirsty Thursday here and no worries. There is a fun drink with your name on it :Grog. Smells so yummy as it is brewing and tastes so seasonally fun going down. Happy Thursday to you, whether you are groggy or not!
Grog
1 shot rum
1 teaspoon sugar (preferably superfine)
Squeeze of lime juice
Cinnamon stick
Boiling water
Stir all ingredients, adding enough boiling water to fill mug or glass.
The word "Grog" originally referred to a drink made with water (or weak beer) and rum, which was introduced into the English Royal Navy in 1740. Modern versions of the drink are often made with hot or boiling water, and sometimes include lemon juice, lime juice, cinnamon or sugar to improve the taste. Rum with water, sugar and nutmeg, known as bumboo, was more popular with pirates and merchantmen. Maybe Johnny Depp's fave, too?
1 shot rum
1 teaspoon sugar (preferably superfine)
Squeeze of lime juice
Cinnamon stick
Boiling water
Stir all ingredients, adding enough boiling water to fill mug or glass.
The word "Grog" originally referred to a drink made with water (or weak beer) and rum, which was introduced into the English Royal Navy in 1740. Modern versions of the drink are often made with hot or boiling water, and sometimes include lemon juice, lime juice, cinnamon or sugar to improve the taste. Rum with water, sugar and nutmeg, known as bumboo, was more popular with pirates and merchantmen. Maybe Johnny Depp's fave, too?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Giving PEG The Brush Off
First the fun...Our first game was a hoot...and, yes, we have a winner! She selected a yummy exfoliator...great to detoxify and polish up her face for the holidays. You glow, girl!
This was so much fun that I am repeating Game Days and have a fabulous prize to award. Take a look...
These seven brushes are fabulous and you cannot buy them. They are professionally designed, super soft, non-animal and ready for our winner. Valued at $150, this is a great gift or keep for yourself!!!
To play and be eligible, go to this link: www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/pennyrudder
and select the safest skincare and haircare on the planet...the only completely zero-toxin line out there. Either shop through this link for yourself or let me place the order for you. If you email me directly to order, I will also be able to repeat the free shipping offer. I will give each order over $35, 1 chance for the brushes, each order over $68, two chances and each order over $99, three chances.
This contest runs from today (Happy December!) through December 15th. Winner will have the brushes December 16th!!
Next, in this Monday's post, I rattled off a bunch of things. harmful chemicals, that I do not want in my skin or haircare. I am going to share some facts about those so you can make an informed decision about what you do or not want in your body.
While a nice name for a gal, PEG, is a dangerous name to have on your skincare label. Many direct sales and department store brands are loaded with PEG's.
Here is the scoop on PEG's...
How many cosmetics and toiletries do you use in a day? Go ahead and add them all up, from shampoo and body wash to makeup and hair dye. You assume those products are safe and non-toxic, right?
But did you know that, according to the government agency that “regulates” cosmetics, the FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, "... a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from FDA."
That’s right. And an Environmental Working Group analysis shows that “89 percent of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the CIR, the FDA, nor any other publicly accountable institution.”
Many common cosmetics like shampoos, mousse, moisturizers,deodorants and shaving products contain PEG compounds shown to have harmful impurities… but there are smart alternatives noted below!
That means that the cosmetics you use daily likely contain ingredients that have not been studied at all, have been studied inadequately, or worst of all, have been studied and have been found to cause harm.
Why You Don’t Want Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in Your Cosmetics
One such ingredient that is widely used, yet seldom spoken of, is polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG-6, PEG-150 and other similar names are all close relatives of the PEG family. PEG compounds are synthetic chemicals that turn a harsher chemical into a "softer" one, used in cosmetics as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsifiers, skin conditioners and humectants that many believe could increase the risk of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. They contain various harmful impurities, according to a report by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) committee that was published in the International Journal of Toxicology, including:
•Ethylene oxide: Ethylene oxide increases the incidences of uterine and breast cancers and of leukemia and brain cancer, according to experimental results reported by the National Toxicology Program.
•1,4-dioxane: According to the National Toxicology Program, "1,4-dioxane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
•Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs): Known to increase the risk of breast cancer.
•Lead
•Iron
•Cobalt
•Nickel
•Cadmium
•Arsenic
Unfortunately, the risks associated with PEG compounds are widely underexposed. Even the CIR concluded that many PEG compounds "are safe for use" in cosmetics, yet they added that PEG compounds should “not be used on damaged skin."
Do My Cosmetics Contain PEG Compounds?
According to the Environmental Working Group, the following percentages of common toiletries contain PEG compounds and other impurities that are linked to breast cancer.
Mousse 90.3%
Hair Dye 79.5%
Baby Bath Wash 73.8%
Douche/Personal Cleanser 58.3%
Menopause Cream 54.5%
Depilatory Cream/Hair Remover 48.2%
Baby Lotion/Oil 46.4%
Anti-Itch/Rash Cream 46.3%
After Sun Products 45.5%
Lip Balm/Treatment 43.6%
Moisturizer 43.1%
Deodorant 42.7%
Facial Moisturizer/Treatment 42.0%
Shaving Products 41.3%
Anti-Aging Treatment 41.0%
Styling Product 39.6%
Eye Treatment 38.8%
Concealer 37.9%
Foot Odor/Cream/Treatment 37.3%
Conditioner 35.2%
What’s the Alternative?
It may seem like an impossible feat to find cosmetics and toiletries that don’t contain PEG or other harmful additives, but if you can move beyond the major commercial lines of cosmetics sold in department, grocery stores, drug store chains and most direct sales companies, they can be found. Click here and you are PEG-free and safe and you may win those fabulous brushes! www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/pennyrudder
This was so much fun that I am repeating Game Days and have a fabulous prize to award. Take a look...
These seven brushes are fabulous and you cannot buy them. They are professionally designed, super soft, non-animal and ready for our winner. Valued at $150, this is a great gift or keep for yourself!!!
To play and be eligible, go to this link: www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/pennyrudder
and select the safest skincare and haircare on the planet...the only completely zero-toxin line out there. Either shop through this link for yourself or let me place the order for you. If you email me directly to order, I will also be able to repeat the free shipping offer. I will give each order over $35, 1 chance for the brushes, each order over $68, two chances and each order over $99, three chances.
This contest runs from today (Happy December!) through December 15th. Winner will have the brushes December 16th!!
Next, in this Monday's post, I rattled off a bunch of things. harmful chemicals, that I do not want in my skin or haircare. I am going to share some facts about those so you can make an informed decision about what you do or not want in your body.
While a nice name for a gal, PEG, is a dangerous name to have on your skincare label. Many direct sales and department store brands are loaded with PEG's.
Here is the scoop on PEG's...
How many cosmetics and toiletries do you use in a day? Go ahead and add them all up, from shampoo and body wash to makeup and hair dye. You assume those products are safe and non-toxic, right?
But did you know that, according to the government agency that “regulates” cosmetics, the FDA's Office of Cosmetics and Colors, "... a cosmetic manufacturer may use almost any raw material as a cosmetic ingredient and market the product without an approval from FDA."
That’s right. And an Environmental Working Group analysis shows that “89 percent of 10,500 ingredients used in personal care products have not been evaluated for safety by the CIR, the FDA, nor any other publicly accountable institution.”
Many common cosmetics like shampoos, mousse, moisturizers,deodorants and shaving products contain PEG compounds shown to have harmful impurities… but there are smart alternatives noted below!
That means that the cosmetics you use daily likely contain ingredients that have not been studied at all, have been studied inadequately, or worst of all, have been studied and have been found to cause harm.
Why You Don’t Want Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) in Your Cosmetics
One such ingredient that is widely used, yet seldom spoken of, is polyethylene glycol (PEG). PEG-6, PEG-150 and other similar names are all close relatives of the PEG family. PEG compounds are synthetic chemicals that turn a harsher chemical into a "softer" one, used in cosmetics as surfactants, cleansing agents, emulsifiers, skin conditioners and humectants that many believe could increase the risk of a variety of cancers, including breast cancer. They contain various harmful impurities, according to a report by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) committee that was published in the International Journal of Toxicology, including:
•Ethylene oxide: Ethylene oxide increases the incidences of uterine and breast cancers and of leukemia and brain cancer, according to experimental results reported by the National Toxicology Program.
•1,4-dioxane: According to the National Toxicology Program, "1,4-dioxane is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
•Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs): Known to increase the risk of breast cancer.
•Lead
•Iron
•Cobalt
•Nickel
•Cadmium
•Arsenic
Unfortunately, the risks associated with PEG compounds are widely underexposed. Even the CIR concluded that many PEG compounds "are safe for use" in cosmetics, yet they added that PEG compounds should “not be used on damaged skin."
Do My Cosmetics Contain PEG Compounds?
According to the Environmental Working Group, the following percentages of common toiletries contain PEG compounds and other impurities that are linked to breast cancer.
Mousse 90.3%
Hair Dye 79.5%
Baby Bath Wash 73.8%
Douche/Personal Cleanser 58.3%
Menopause Cream 54.5%
Depilatory Cream/Hair Remover 48.2%
Baby Lotion/Oil 46.4%
Anti-Itch/Rash Cream 46.3%
After Sun Products 45.5%
Lip Balm/Treatment 43.6%
Moisturizer 43.1%
Deodorant 42.7%
Facial Moisturizer/Treatment 42.0%
Shaving Products 41.3%
Anti-Aging Treatment 41.0%
Styling Product 39.6%
Eye Treatment 38.8%
Concealer 37.9%
Foot Odor/Cream/Treatment 37.3%
Conditioner 35.2%
What’s the Alternative?
It may seem like an impossible feat to find cosmetics and toiletries that don’t contain PEG or other harmful additives, but if you can move beyond the major commercial lines of cosmetics sold in department, grocery stores, drug store chains and most direct sales companies, they can be found. Click here and you are PEG-free and safe and you may win those fabulous brushes! www.avaandersonnontoxic.com/pennyrudder
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