Love filled Food from our Past

 I have a lot on my plate this week,
or really I should say that
I'm dreaming up lots of delicious things to put on my plate this week.

When planning what to make for our family gatherings this Sunday, we wanted to bring back some old dishes from our wise and talented relatives.  We have a lot of Italian in our families, so naturally we chose to make some old Italian dishes.

So, we will be making versions of Manicotti as well as Baked Breaded Pasta with Anchovies as our, making old dishes new, and gluten-free of course!

A habit I will never break, is making old dishes new and safe for those of us who can not tolerate a molecule of gluten.  For me, it is always exciting to do this, especially with old family recipes.  It makes me feel that much more connected to my ancestors, and thus that much more connected with my food.  And we all know deep down, that food feeds much more than our bellies, it also has a direct line to our hearts.  Which is why it is so important to fill our foods with love to ensure a filled heart.

Dishes on the menu this week before Sunday Family FunDay....
Shrimp Cakes & Fish Tacos
*Crock Pot Coconut Curried Lamb
*Cinnamon Bread
Chocolate Macaroons
Roasted Chicken, *Millet Stuffing & *Mushroom Gravy
Almond Biscotti
*Carrot Cupcakes
Sweet & Savory Crepes
*Cinnamon French Toast
Egg in a Hole in a Bread....recipe below

*All recipes marked can be found in my cookbook, "Organic, Gluten-Free & Delicious"

A breakfast I have been bringing back into my morning is, of course, an old Italian breakfast my mother used to make for us, Egg in a Hole in a Bread.  Such a simple, but satisfying breakfast.

Egg in a Hole in a Bread

2 Slices Udi's Multigrain Bread
1 Organic Egg
Organic Coconut Oil Ghee or Organic Ghee, to taste
Sea Salt with Sea Vegetable Seasoning, to taste
 
In a skillet heat about 1/2 TB Coconut Oil Ghee until hot, but not smoking. 


Prep 1 slice of bread by cutting a hole out of the middle, about 3 inches in diameter.  Can use the rim of a glass, or I use the lid of a clean jam jar.  Once you have a circle cut out of 1 slice of bread, feel free to toast the circle and the full slice of bread, and spread ghee on to your liking.


When pan is hot, place your holed bread in the center, crack your egg into the hole in your bread, and let cook for about 2 minutes, or until the egg whites have solidified enough to flip the bread over.  Flip egg in a hole in a bread, and cook 1 minute longer for a runny yolk to dip your extra toast in.


Serve your egg in a hole in a bread, with a sprinkle of sea salt with sea vegetables, and enjoy!

Mindful Living

Mindful Living, is a pretty close friend to Barefoot Living. They both say it right there in the name, living with mindful intentions, for ourselves and our planet. The Dali Lama often speaks about mindfulness and an open heart. And how one can not heal or grow without these things.

As we take our steps through life, how can we be sure to live our lives with an open heart and open mind? So many wonderful ways! In our everyday lives how often to we rush around, not really paying attention to our actions, just going through the motions? I see this oh so often, and also can get caught up in it myself. Now of course we can achieve a great deal of mindfulness with daily meditation, but it is just as important to be mindful when doing everyday things like eating, driving, cooking, shopping, and walking.

Making everyday chores and activities a mindful meditation is a wonderful way to learn & grow. You will be surprised how much more you get out of doing the dishes, walking, or eating a sandwich. The easiest way to implement mindful living is to simply take a nice deep breath before any activity, and focus yourself on that task, and only that task, and put all other things aside in your mind. This practice can be tough for some at first, but just like most things in life, they key is practice, and you will be living mindfully in no time!

Food is a great way to begin your mindful practice. Try to eat 1 meal a day in silence, this can be done anywhere, with anyone, or alone. Turn off your cell phone, tv, computer, any electronic device that you might have near during meal time. If you are cooking yourself, your practice can start when you take out your ingredients. Take a nice deep breath and begin by giving thanks. Thanks to the farmer (or yourself if you are a backyard gardener like me) for your fresh produce, thanks to the earth for providing the magic for the bounty of foods she provides, thanks to yourself for taking the time to prepare a tasty, healthful meal for your body and soul, and any other direction of thanks that feels right for you. As you move on to cutting, chopping, sauteing, or baking, keep that gratefulness with you, in your mind and heart...and continue to hold onto that as you prepare your meal. Your mind and hearts are powerful tools, and with them you add the unseen ingredients into your food while you cook. And if it is a meal you have not had the joy of preparing yourself, you can still inject love into the dish, with a nice deep breath and your open mind & heart of good intentions.

After you have filled your meal with love and good intentions, its onto filling your body with its nutritious bounty. With all things, focus yourself with a good deep breath from the diaphragm, and set your intentions. When I begin this practice, more often than not it sounds like a gratitude prayer. I sit with my dish and ask that my body assimilates all of the nutrients that are provided on my plate, give thanks again that I am able to sit and eat this delicious meal, and begin the sensory experience that is eating. Paying close attention to all of your senses will help you stay in the moment with your food, and if you feel your mind wandering off, bring it back with your senses. How does the food feel in your mouth? Is is soft, crunchy? Is it sweet, sour or salty? How does it make you feel? Does it bring up any emotions? Sensations? Close your eyes if it is difficult for you to focus on only the food. After implementing this practice in your daily life, you will find it easier to be in the moment when you are doing all sorts of different things. It is amazing what we can learn about ourselves, our environment, and others around us, simply by opening up and living with mindfulness.

Happy cooking, eating & mindful living to you all!

Cookbooks now at Bob's Natural Foods

"Organic, Gluten-Free & Delicious" is now available at Bob's Natural Foods in Long Beach, NY. Stop in today to pick up your copy, they are going fast!
While you are there be sure to pick up plenty of fresh, gluten-free ingredients to get cooking right away. You will be able to find things like GF flours, rice crackers, a variety of frozen GF breads, select fresh organic produce, as well as a full juice/smoothie bar & cafe with GF choices. Bob's is the place to go for wonderful products and wonderful people!

NEW Cookbook on sale Now!!

Enjoy this very special Limited First Edition of, "Organic, Gluten-Free & Delicious" Order online here now!

Celebrate Earth Day Everyday!!!

There are many small things that Everyone can do Everyday, that can make a big impact over time. I am sure you have all heard of at least one of these things (you might even do one or two...I hope!), So now is your chance....give one (or all) a try!

And remember, you don't have to do it all at once...Helping the planet is a process, and if you do one thing at a time, you'll be surprised at how it becomes part of your daily habits. And one day when you look back at all your efforts you can be proud that the place you have left behind is a healthier place for many generations to come.

1. BYOB....Bring Your Own Bags into every store you go to. From the grocery store, to the office supply store, to the deli...anywhere they give you a bag...say 'No thanks, I've got my own!' I like to keep one Chico Bag on my person at all times, so I have no excuse (they come with a clip, so you can even hook it right to your belt).

2. Choose BioDegradable, Non-toxic cleaners for your home. Trust me....you wont regret it! With all the information out there about the toxicity of the cleaners right in your own kitchen, why would anyone want to use them anymore?
For all types of cleaning, and amazing performance give these a try....no risk, except a healthier, cleaner (thus happier) home! Get Clean! Products by Shaklee.

3. Switch out your old Bulbs when they die to Compact Fluorescent...you'll save energy and cash!

4. Walk, Bike or use public transportation whenever possible! Today my very own city of Long Beach, NY is celebrating Earth Day by giving everyone a FREE RIDE on our city buses. Way to go!!!

5. Grow your own organic food. Kitchen herbs in the window sill, a hanging planter of summer squash, a potted tomato plant. Even in the most urban of places, you can grow food in many ways, indoors or out.
You can even have a fruitful indoor garden all year long! Don't have enough sun? Try an AeroGarden, an Organic Indoor Hydroponic garden system (they've got everything from herbs, to tomatoes, to chili peppers, and more!).

6. Compost. Don't waste those scraps! Its as easy as digging a hole, or cranking a handle, or even as easy as a dishwasher!!! There are so many great tools for composting these days that it can be done in Any environment, even right in your very own kitchen!
Want to go the as automatic as a dishwasher route? Check out the NatureMill! Check out a few of them here at Greenfeet.com

7. Reduce, ReUse, Recycle....Before tossing something in the trash, see if there is a way to repurpose or recycle it...If you don't feel creative enough to reuse or repurpose, maybe someone else will....here are some great sites to help you do just that.
Find out how/where to recycle Anything....Earth911.com
Share your old stuff at Freecycle.com or List it on Craigslist

Wishing you all a Happy & Healthy Earth Day 2009!!
Take Nothing but Pictures, Leave Nothing but Footprints.

Featured Artist on Long Beach, NY Blog

I am excited to share, that Barefoot Photography has been featured on (the only) Long Beach, NY Blog!! Take a look, and keep checking back for more exciting things to come here in Long Beach. Keep informed this way, and you'll never miss out on the fun!
SeabytheCity.com

Eco-Friendly ways to Spread the Love....

http://evmilone.com/#/store/4532148879

Check out my newest Eco-friendly note & post card creations. All photos and design done by me. I am constantly working on new things....so check back for more updates!