Blue Moon - Go with the flow.

How amazing that there is a Blue Moon this New Year's Eve. A blue moon is a full moon that is considered an "extra" in the yearly cycle of full moons- which as we know from the saying "once in a blue moon" is pretty rare :) but guess what? This moon is also eclipsed moon!

On the day of the full moon we may begin to see flaws in our grand plans. Money/Relationship problems will be highlighted.

Astrogrrl has this advice...

http://www.astrogrrl.com/

"Take a few ... slow .... deep .... breaths, and repeat. Then, take it all in stride. With both Mercury and Mars in retrograde, the next few weeks bring more information that previously may not have been available to you and/or the path best taken may still be revealed. All that's required of you is patience and awareness. Take this time to become more attune. But before all that, take a sip of some bubbly with people who make you smile and celebrate the coming New Year.

This eclipse is linked to this summer's Cancer-Solar Eclipse that on July 22, 2009. Think back to that period. Events/issues brought up now and in the coming weeks may be reminiscent of those from this summer. Perhaps, this full moon brings resolution, finality, endings or culmination to something that may have first come to light on or around the month of July."

AND This from Crystalwind

http://www.crystalwind.ca/latest/blue-moon-lunar-eclipse-december-31-2009.html

"The good news is that creative and artistic qualities will be discovered as you let go of beliefs that don’t correspond with your current reality!! :-) with the Sun and Moon. This Eclipse in the Moon’s own sign of all Lunar Eclipses emphasize emotional reaction!! During this Eclipse, powerful Pluto opposes the MoonSaturn squares it, creating tightness and pressure that can be frightening. It may be tempting to duck confrontation or avoid any serious change, yet refusing to act only reduces your power. You may have hard choices to make on the cusp of the New Year, yet they demand focus and attention. Be bold and face your outer reality. You will experience the prizes of fulfillment as you reshape relationships and find ways to fulfill your creative potential. Psychic sensitivity, spiritual instincts and emotional connectedness are aroused by this Lunar Eclipse as the environment becomes a little unstable. Outdated ideals or dreams may need to be discarded, which can be painful but necessary. You experience an awakening (emotional and spiritual) to today’s truths as the clutter is cleared away and the present is seen in a new light. Over the next six months you will redefine your personality and your image!! A new hairdo AND wardrobe may result!!"

Remember to say please and thank you and to treat others with respect and civility even if they aren't showing you the same courtesy - it can't hurt and hopefully this will ripple out to others who are in a more confrontational state.

Happy New Year everyone!

Holiday Spiced Nut Mix

Nice for a holiday nibble bowl... I adapted this from Matthew Kenney's Mixed Candied Nuts recipe in Everyday Raw. I omitted the maple powder he suggests and threw in some dried cranberries & added the hemp hearts. I tweeked the ratios a little here and there as well to suit my own tastes.

Holiday Spiced Nut Mix

• 4C Walnut Halves (soaked at least 6hrs)
• 4C Pecans (soaked at least 6hrs)
• 4C Almonds (soaked at least 6hrs)
• 1C Hemp Hearts
• 1tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2C Maple Syrup
• 1T Cinnamon
• 1/2C Dried Cranberries

Dehydrate nuts for 24hrs after soaking (not hemp hearts), Add maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon mix well, add hemp hearts mix again until well coated. Dehydrate on screens for another 48hrs mix in dried cranberries.

BTW: Incase you didn't know why soaking nuts and seeds is a good idea.

The main reason soaking nuts and seeds is so important is because they contain enzyme inhibitors. By soaking the nuts/seeds you remove these inhibitors so your body is better able to digest the nut.Soaking times vary. Generally the more dense the nut, the longer you should soak it.

Cranberry Banana Smoothie

Simple, tasty a great breakfast in a pinch. I've been pretty tired the last few weeks since hurting my back so have been making a lot of smoothies. A nice fast meal.

Cranberry Banana Smoothie

• 1C Frozen Cranberries
• 1 Medium Banana
• 1C Fresh Orange Juice (for small amounts like this I use an old glass orange/lemon squeeze style juicer - saves cleaning up my electric juicer)
• 1/3C Hemp Hearts
• 1T Blue Green Algae
• 1T Raw Cacao Powder or nibs (if you need a pick me up in the am)

Put all into high speed blender and blend until smooth.

Herbed Eggplant Stack

An interesting fact... did you know Thomas Jefferson introduced eggplants to the United States in 1806? Jefferson was an avid horticulturist, among other things :) and grew several varieties in his Virginia garden. Eggplants are an excellent source of dietary fiber and a very good source of vitamins B1, B6 and potassium. They are also a good source of copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, niacin, and folic acid.

Herbed Eggplant Stack

Marinated Eggplant

• 1 Medium Eggplant
• 2T Sea Salt
• 1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
• 2T Olive Oil
• 2 Cloves of Garlic
• 4T Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2T Italian Herb Mix
• 1 Medium Red Onion
• 1 Medium Red Pepper

To prepare the eggplant: Slice of the top and bottom. Cut eggplant into 1/4" slices. Toss with sea salt. Marinate for 2 to 3 hours. Drain off juices. Gently squeeze egg plant slices. Slice Red Onion and Red Pepper then marinate all (eggplant too) with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ACV and italian herbs - let marinate for at least 1hr

Macadamia Cheese

• 1C macadamia nuts
• 1/3C Lemon Juice
• 1T Olive Oil
• 1 Clove Minced Garlic
• 3T Nutritional Yeast
• 4T Water

Soak nuts for 1hr then drain. Blend cheese ingredients together until smooth.

Marinara

• 1/2C Sun Dried Tomatoes
• 4 Roma Tomatoes
• 2T Italian Herb Mix
• 1 Clove Garlic
• 1T Olive Oil 1T Maple Syrup
• 1T Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1t Sea Salt

Soak sun dried tomatoes in fresh water until soft. Drain and rinse. In a food processor pulse until a smooth texture is achieved.

To Assemble Stacks

Place one slice of eggplant on a plate top with one tablespoon of cheese, one slice of onion, one slice of red pepper, a slice of eggplant one tablespoon of marinara a slice of onion, a slice of red pepper, then repeat first layer end with a dollop of marinara. 


                        Eggplant
                       
                   

December 2 Full Moon in Gemini - Change

“Newly opened lands offer the pioneer new opportunities for experience. Keynote: The power and joy of new beginnings – RISING TO THE OCCASION.”

Lots of energy is promised with this full moon.

"This Full Moon is in Gemini, the sign of communication, changeability, short trips, and anything of a mercurial nature, and Mercury, the planet of communication and the mind that is the ruler of Gemini, is very active in the chart of this Full Moon. Mercury is in a challenging square to Uranus, the planet of radical thinking and change, so there is a tendency towards impulsive thinking and hasty speech as well as a heightened sensitivity of the nervous system. Don't be surprised by emotional outbursts of all kinds, and those of us with anxious natures may find ourselves with a case of the jitters.

Uranus has just changed direction, so it's influence is stronger than usual. Uranus inspires innovation and change, and can bring about sudden and surprising events that turn our world around. There is also the danger of accidents and equipment failures under this influence.

At the Gemini Full Moon, the Sun is in the opposite sign of Sagittarius and there is a necessity to balance the search for the one Truth (Sagittarius) with an embrace of many ideas (Gemini). During this period we have a unique opportunity to create change and become more adaptable to new ideas and new ways of living our life; to learn the inner strength that an increase in flexibility can offer us.

Because Gemini is so oriented towards communication and the sharing of experiences, this is a wonderful time to bring people together to share new ideas and to learn more about each other. "

reposted from Astrological musings...

Gemini Full Moon, December 1-2 2009

http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings

Sorry I haven't been posting regularly in a while. I had a yoga/headstand accident and threw my back out. Starting to feel better and hoping to start posting more recipes in the next few days - keep checking back!

More things I love... Rancho Vignola

My nuts are here, my nuts are here - Yay! I ran out of cashews over a month ago -I make most of my cheeses and ice creams from cashews so have been anxiously waiting for my order. For the past two years I've been getting my raw nuts and dried fruit along with a small co-op of locals from a company called Rancho Vignola based in Vernon, B.C. Canada. You can only order from Rancho Vignola once a year because they only sell from the current years harvest. We buy in bulk, have it shipped north, run to the depot when the order arrives sort and pack off our goodies like squirrels getting ready for winter everyone smiling. The photo above is just a small sample of my hoard :) If you are Canadian check them out - their products are the best I've found...

http://www.ranchovignola.com/buy_online.html

Moons of the Faithful Biscotti

Chewy sweet and buttery these Apricot Biscotti with Almonds turned out really well. Confucious called Apricots "moons of the faithful" because he ascribed his knowledge to the apricot tree. Apricots are high in copper and cobalt and are commonly used in the treatment of anemia. Apricots are one of the best sources of beta-carotene around (vitamin A). They are also a great source of fiber. Plus they are super tasty! mmmm

Moons of the faithful Biscotti

• 1 1/2 C Dried Apricots (soaked for .5/hr to soften)
• 2C Almonds
• 3 Large Pitted Dates
• 2T Raw Almond Butter
• 1t Cinnamon
• 1T Vanilla
• 1/4C Soak Water (reserved from Apricots and Dates)

Soak almonds in water overnight. Drain and rinse. Soak the Apricots and Dates in water for around .5 hour to soften. Drain set aside soak water. In a food processor, chop almonds until fine. Add dates, apricots, almond butter, cinnamon, and vanilla blend drizzle in water until a dough like paste is formed (will be a little chunky). To form roll all dough into a large loaf shape cut into biscotti. . Dehydrate at 110 for 20hrs flip off non stick sheets and return to dehydrator for 4-8 hrs.
Stores well in plastic bags in the freezer.

Salad Rolls with Sweet Ginger Walnut Sauce

I was in the mood to make something pretty tonight so I went with salad rolls. The Sweet Ginger Walnut Sauce was an experiment that turned out really well.

Marinated Mushrooms/Onions Stuffing

• 2C Sliced Mushrooms
• 1/2C Sliced White Onion
• 1/4C Apple Cider Vinegar
• 2 Cloves Garlic Minced
• 2T Braggs Liquid Aminos
• 2T Italian Seasoning

Mix ACV, Garlic, Liquid Aminos and Italian Seasoning together in a medium sized bowl add mushrooms and onions and set aside to let marinate.

Rolls

• 2Large Carrots
• 1 Large Zucchini
• Handful Baby Spinach

Using a mandoline slicer slice Zucchini and Carrots into thin strips layer in a shallow bowl sprinkled with salt to soften - set aside while you make the sauce.

Sweet Ginger Walnut Sauce

• 1C Walnuts
• 1/2C Tahini Paste
• 1/4 Lemon Juice
• 2T Maple Syrup
• 2T Fresh Grated Ginger
• 1T Braggs Aminos
• 1/4C Sun Dried Tomatoes (optional)
• 2T Olive Oil
• 1/4C Water (or apple juice)

Blend all until smooth in a high speed blender

Assemble

Drain and pat dry carrots and zucchini. Lay zucchini flat and place a strip on top. Put 2 Spinach leaves near one end and a small scoop of the mushroom/onion mix. Roll up and using a piece of the sliced carrot (sliced into ribbons) tie up the roll. Place rolls on a plate and serve with dipping sauce.

H1N1 & Vitamin D3

If you've been doing any research at all about H1N1 you may have run across a lot of information about the importance of D3. If you decide not to get the vaccine (or even if you do) you may want to make sure you supplement with D3 - not D2 or D. D3 is usually found in liquid form - Ddrops are a good brand. I thought since flu season is upon us the follow is worth a repost....

Here are some tips from ehow (http://www.ehow.com/how_5280919_naturally-prevent-hn-swine-flu.html)

1. Take 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3 per day until the flu season starts. Vitamin D3 is absorbed by the body better than D or D2. Vitamin D helps with the body' s immune system.

2. Step 2

   When the flu season starts, take 5,000 IU of vitamin D3. This is the dosage needed to prevent the flu.

3. Step 3

   When the flu season is over, go back to 1,000 IU of vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is fat soluble and should not be taken at large doses forever. !,000IU is safe.

4. Step 4

   When taking vitamin D, take calcium. I recommend Floridix calcium. It is predigested by enzymes for better absorption. Be sure your multiple vitamin and mineral has magnesium. 500 mg is the recommended dosage. You need magnesium to absorb the calcium.

5. Step 5

   Use a saline nasal spray a couple of times a day. Start asap. The solution creates an environment in the nasal passages that prevent bacteria and viruses from multiplying.

6. Step 6

   And as always, wash your hands before touching food or your face.

Full Moon In Taurus

Frosty Moon, Mouring Moon, Beaver Moon
Feeling a little tense/agitated today? Look to the sky - it may have a something to do with the full moon - in Taurus (noon today in North America 11:14 PST).

The Taurus Full Moon occurs when the Moon in Taurus opposes the Sun in Scorpio, creating a 180 degree angle and a tension between the conscious mind (Sun) and the emotional instinctive reactions (Moon).

This full Moon has a grand cross that engages all the fixed signs, and that can bring on a sense of trying of internal struggle. A grand cross is a cosmic wrestling hold, and eventually something has to give.

If you perceive an attitude of antagonism coming from others, it’s a sign that you yourself may need to find another way to express yourself. Defense mechanisms aren’t going to be tolerated by too many folks this week, so word to the wise: take responsibility for yourself and save the excuses.

According to Mystic Medusa (http://mysticmedusa.com/2009/11/02/full-moon-weirding)

"The Full Moon in Taurus could be Tranquility Central, an oasis of Zen Noire amidst the Scorping…You know? Taurus Moons are always good times for being Sensual & Grounded. It is the massage Moon. BUT…This one is squared Mars in Leo and opposed by Sun/Mercury in Scorpio. And, due to the Sun-Mercury conjunction after the Moon, the whole thing becomes one of those extended Full Moons…With the drama or intensity stretching out to encompass Monday AND Tuesday. So I am declaring all Monday and all Tuesday as days of Full Moon weirding and that’s regardless of where you are on this beautiful orb of hours.

Stay as Zen Noire as poss. Don’t provoke fights. Don’t go asking for favours. Don’t indulge your own stalkery or lower instincts. Use every trick in the book to keep out of merde. Personally; I am just getting on with my tasks, trying to eat well and employing basic evasive tactics. Professionalism & being at one with your bod is always a good move with this sort of energy…If you expect that ornery peeps will be blasting off with the usual bullshit, than you are at least prepped. Ask for what thy want and chase things up later in the week. Aim not to over-react. Think: Aura of white light all around you…

IF you can do the Zen Noire professionalism and some kind of tranquil, totally in-your-body-Taurean trip than you will be rewarded with massive awareness, solutions, creative breakthroughs and transcendental bliss.

Affirmations for the Full Moon in Taurus:

• When I honor my creativity, I am gifting to the world.
• I believe that I have something unique to share.
• I grow rich when I lovingly cultivate my own talents and resources.
• I have the courage to face my own darkness, and transform it.
• What I hold deep within can be brought out, and enrich others.

This Full Moon illuminates: the skills and resources that nurture your talents; areas that could use a stronger foundation; the joy of sinking in where you are; steps to stability; a path to diligent creativity; your tenacious spirit; body pleasures; the cozy comforts of home.

It's a Good Time to: bloom where planted; take stock of your finances; look at different ways of generating income; assess what has value; commit to your art or craft; allow yourself to move at a slower pace; revel in the sights, sounds and smells of nature; consolidate your resources; add a pleasing texture to your bedroom; be voluptuous; take a slow amble around; plant a tree; make a good investment; acquire land or real estate; stock up on your favorite foods; prepare your home for winter; fill your home with exquisite smells; prepare a mouthwatering meal and share it; keep it simple

Websites sources:

• http://starstruckhoroscope.blogspot.com/2009/11/everything-must-change-week-of-november.html
• http://astrology.about.com/od/themoon/qt/FullMoonTaurusgen.htm
• http://www.lunarliving.org/articles/fm1102_09.shtml

Greek Salad with Walnut Feta

Crisp and delicious. If you want a true white feta look use only macadamia nuts and no walnuts.

Greek Salad with Walnut Feta

Salad

• 1 English Cucumbers chopped into cubes
• 1 Medium Red Onion sliced
• 1 package of grape tomatoes (or 2 handfulls)
• 1C Kalamata Olives

Dressing

• 3T Italian Seasoning
• 6T Olive Oil
• 1/4C Balsalmic Vinegar
• 1 Large Clove Garlic minced
• Pinch of Pink Sea Salt
• 1/2t Maple Syrup or Agave

Mix together in a medium sized bowl and set aside while you make nut feta

Walnut Feta

• 1/4C Walnuts (or Macadamia - I ran out - mac nuts make a creamier white version feta)
• 1T Lemon Juice
• 1T Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1t Olive Oil
• 1T Nutritional Yeast
• 1 Clove Garlic minced
• 1 Pinch Sea Salt

Soak nuts at least one hour. Drain off water and blot with a towel until dry. In a food processor or high speed blender chop nuts until fine. Add lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic and olive oil pulse until mixed well (you may need to scrape the sides of your blender or food processor while mixing). Add Nutritional yeast and sea salt pulse until crumbly.

Sprinkle nut feta over salad before serving.

Fruit & Nut Meusli

A nice heavier breakfast option for fall.

Fruit & Nut Meusli

• 2C Large Organic Rolled Oats
• 2 Medium Red apples
• 1/4C Lemon Juice
• 4T Water
• 2T Maple Syrup
• 1C Almond Milk
• 3T Pumpkin Seeds
• 1/4 C Sliced Almonds or Walnuts
• 1t Almond Extract
• 1/2t Nutmeg
• 1t Cinnamon
• 1/2 Dried Cranberries
• 4T Cacao Nibs

In the evening before serving core and cube apples combine with lemon juice, water, nutmeg, cinnamon, and almond extract blend all until smooth in a high speed blender. Pour mixture over rolled oats in a medium sized bowl stir - cover and place bowl in fridge until morning. The apple mixture will soften and flavour the oats over night.

The next morning use a medium cup and layer oat mixture with nuts, maple syrup, cacao nibs, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries.

To Layer

• Oat mixture
• Drizzle with Maple Syrup
• Cover with layer of almonds or walnuts
• Sprinkle with Cacao Nibs
• More oat mixture
• Cover with Pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries and more cacao nibs
• Top with oat mixture
• Drizzle Almond milk over all
• Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon

Enough for two large or 3 smaller servings.

One Way to Water Fast...

I’ve been fasting off and on for years. The first fast I ever tried was the Stanley Burrows book “The Master Cleanser” (you can find the book online or at most health food stores). This is the fast a lot of people start out with when they become interested in doing a cleanse.

** I stopped doing this fast a few years ago because I have found that for me water fasting (just water and fresh lemon juice) with cascara sagrada taken at night, then moving into a juice fast if I want to do an extended cleanse works much better. Another excellent way to cleanse the body is to do a green smoothy cleanse especially if you eat a standard american diet. Jumping right into a water fast after years of eating fast/junk/processed foods can be very uncomfortable as your body starts to eliminate toxins very quickly. Many people who jump right in experience sever headaches, bodyaches and nausea to a degree where they never want to try fasting again and what a shame that is! Fasting is such a wonderful way to heal your body when it is done gently.

If you are interested in trying the Master Cleanse the recipe for the “lemonaid” you drink is as follows...

• 2 Tablespoons of organic fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 2 Tablespoons of organic grade B maple syrup
• 1/10 Teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 10 oz of filtered water
• mixed together and at least 5-6 glasses are to be consumed daily (you can drink as much as you like).

When I used this I generally made 2- 3 litre bottles of “lemonaid” daily.

A little about Elimination...
Your body should be having two to four bowel movements a day, even though you are not eating any solid food. You should be passing waste from your body, which was stored in the form of toxins and mucous. If you are not feeling well on the cleanse, it is probably because you are not going to the toilet enough. In this case it may be a good idea to take either some herbal laxative tea. Some people choose to do Salt water bath to keep things moving along (I found it didn’t make me feel well so I would use herbal teas or cascara sagrada.

Directions for internal salt water bathing:
Prepare a full quart (1 litre) of lukewarm water and add two level teaspoons of sea salt (more for coarse salt) and drink it first thing in the morning. You should do this on an empty stomach, and the salt water will cleanse the entire intestinal tract.

The Purpose of a fast:
• To dissolve and remove toxins and mucous from the body.
• To clean the kidneys and digestive system.
• To cleanse the glands and cells of the body.
• To remove waste and hardened matter in the joints and muscles.
• To relieve pressure and irritation in the nerves, arteries and blood vessels.
• To create a healthy blood stream.
• To return youthfulness.

When to use the Cleanse:
• When sickness has developed.
• When the digestive system needs a clean.
• When a person has become overweight.
• When the body needs to be rebuilt and better assimilation of nutrients and food is needed.

The Master Cleanse can be performed three or four times a year to keep the body in a normal healthy condition. But the diet may be undertaken more frequently for serious problems. The diet can be followed for 14 days or more.

Those are the basics if you are interested in trying the Master Cleanse

Search the internet for more information. Some fasters feel this cleanse isn’t as healthy as others because of the high sugar content in the maple syrup others swear by it. I have older posts on Juice Feasting and some wonderful videos by the Boutenko’s on Green Smoothies (surf back in my posts about 3 months). If you are new to fasting try you may want to try a green smoothy cleanse first. Green Smoothies will allow your body to eliminate toxins more slowly - less nasty healing crises! Victoria Butenko’s book “Green For Life” is an amazing resource if you want more information on the subject or surf the net there is a lot of information out there!

Eating in Rhythm With Nature...

I stumbled across an interesting concept today regarding eating in rhythm with nature. The idea is to plan your eating according to the phases of the moon. The theory behind this is that when the moon is changing phases the gravitational effects that take place not only influence oceans and rivers but, also the body. It is thought that perhaps the changing phase of the moon makes it easier for your body to let go of excess stored fluid. So how does it work? Here is the lowdown...

According to Johanna Paungger and Thomas Poppe in their book Moon Time: "The waning moon detoxifies and washes out, sweats out and breathes out, dries, consolidates, prompts to action and the expenditure of energy." During the waxing moon, conversely, the body is better at taking in than it is at letting go. Whenever you have any choice in the matter - i.e. unless a health crisis means you must start immediately - always schedule your longer detoxes to happen when the moon is waning. You will get much better results.

According to this theory the body's capacity for detoxification is at its highest each month on the day of the new moon. Choosing to consume only juices or light meals of raw fruit and vegetables every new moon is a great health habit to get into. It is also advantageous to do this, or at least eat a very clean diet, on the day of the full moon, for the opposite reason: this is the day on which the body's capacity for absorption is at its highest.

Lunar calendar

More moon theory - two opportunities for super detox
Each year there are two periods when your body's capacity for detoxification is greatest of all: the two equinoxes, spring and autumn. This knowledge has existed in all civilizations since ancient times, but it is largely lost in the modern world where it's possible - and not unusual - to live as if seasons did not exist. If we are living in tune with nature, our bodies will always go into intense detox mode during the transition between seasons, especially winter to spring and summer to autumn. If you want to help this process, at the very least make the equinoxes themselves - March 20 and October 22 - detox days. And if you are feeling extra motivated, remember that according to Chinese medicine, the window of opportunity extends ten days before and after each equinox. Can you schedule a 20-day period of extra-light eating and living during these two periods each year? For many people this (coupled, of course, with a consistently healthy lifestyle) is all that is needed for year-round well-being, radiance, energy and vitality.

Finally, if you are dealing with serious health issues, or you have tried to detox before but haven't been satisfied with the results, you may benefit from seeing a good naturopath, natural nutritionist or other appropriate professional. It is very common to feel great for a few days and then to feel terrible, and it is not always wise to dismiss this as 'detox symptoms' and soldier on. Especially if you find that it happens every time and is only relieved by stopping the detox. It may be a sign that toxins are becoming backed up in the lymphatic system, blood, liver or colon - all of which they must pass through before they leave your body for good. In such circumstances, continuing the detox without clearing the blockage will only be counterproductive. However, various treatments such as lymphatic massage, castor oil packing, colonics, hot tubbing and cold wraps can be very effective in getting things moving again.

(taken from the article how to get the most out of your detox by Sarah Best)
http://www.fresh-network.com/acatalog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-detox.html


If you intend to do even more for your nutrition you should incorporate the nutrition suggestions of the moon calendar in your daily meals. During the fruit days (aries, leo, sagitarus) for example you should prefer beans, peas, eggplants and rice instead of carrots, red beets, spinach and potatoes. Moreover the majority of people can do with less alimentation - corresponding to the respective day - a welcome side effect. By now we have almost reached the moon diet. Following it you have to keep consequently to the recommendations of the "chief-cook" moon. This way you almost automatically take care of a healthy and diversified nutrition - this even confirm otherwise "moon - skeptical" sources."
(source http://www.moonsigncalendar.net/lose-weight.htm)

is this a wee bit over the top - I'm not sure. I believe the moon effects people (just pay attention the next full moon to the way people are driving) but, I'm not sure about structuring my eating/fasting around the phases of the moon. However I know a lot of people who garden/farm by the phases of the moon and produce amazing results. So maybe? An interesting concept worth looking into further.

FYI The Lunation Cycle Each lunar month the Moon passes through four phases – New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon and Last Quarter. The number of days between each change of phase can vary from 6 3/4 to 8... The next full moon falls on November 2, 2009.

Thanksgiving Nut Loaf

Little round nut loaves drizzled with mushroom gravy. These nut loaves have a similar flavour to traditional stuffing. A really nice main course.

Nut Loaves

• 2C Almonds (soaked)
• 2C Walnuts (soaked)
• 2C Carrots Chopped
• 1 Medium Onion Chopped
• 3T Olive Oil
• 3T Poultry Seasoning
• 2C Celery Chopped
• 1T Italian Seasoning
• 1/2C Water
• 1/2 Mushrooms
• 1T Lemon Juice
  

Add Nuts to food processor and pulse until broken down. Add remaining ingredients and pulse all together until a sticky ball forms. Scoop out with a spoon and roll into medium sided balls. Dehydrate at 115 for 3-5 hours until outside is browned and crunchy. Serve warm drizzled with mushroom gravy.

Dairy Free Waldorf Salad

As great tasting as it looks. Another nice Thanksgiving dish.

Dairy Free Waldorf Salad

• 1C Celery finely chopped
• 1C seedless Grapes halved
• 1/2 Lemon Juiced
• 1/2C water
• 1 Apple Peeled Diced
• 1C Baby Spinach Leaves (or greens of your choice as a bed for salad)
• 1/2C Shredded Coconut

Soak apple in mixed water and lemon juice while you make the Mac Mayo (to keep apples from turning brown)

Mac Mayo

• 1C Macadamia Nuts rinsed
• 1/2C Water
• 4T Olive Oil
• 3T Lemon Juice
• Pinch of Sea Salt

Blend all in a high speed blender

Drain lemon juice from apples mix celery, grapes and apples in a bowl pour Mac Mayo over and mix well. To serve made a bed of spinach and spoon salad over - sprinkle with shredded coconut.

Holiday Punch

Holiday Punch

• 1 knot of Ginger Sliced
• 1C Strawberries Sliced
• 8 or 9 Cranberries as a garnish
• 2 Oranges Juiced
• 1 Lemon Juiced
• 3C Fresh Water
• 2C Ice

Soak sliced ginger overnight in 1C of water. Strain off Ginger Water the next

day into a large pitcher, add sliced berries and cranberries, orange juice, lemon juice fresh water and ice. Let sit in fridge while you prepare the rest of the meal. Serve in Champagne flutes.

Options:

If you feel like having more of a treat use 3 tins of club soda or 2 tins of club soda and 1C of white wine for a holiday spritzer.

Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Whipped Sweet Potatoes

• 2 Medium Sweet Potatoes or Yams
• 1C Coconut (shredded is fine fresh from a mature coconut is better)
• 2 Tart Apples cored and skinned
• 2 Lemons juiced
• 1/2t Nutmeg
• 1/2t Cinnamon
• 1 Orange Peeled
• 1/4C Water
• 1/2C Walnuts
• 2T Maple Syrup

Blend all until smooth and warm in a high speed blender.

Mushroom Gravy

This rich mushroom gravy is tasty over nut loaves and mashed potatoes (or whipped parsnip/cauliflower). A great way to use up older mushrooms.

Mushroom Gravy

• 1/4 Almond Butter (or tahini)
• 1 1/2 C Mushrooms
• 1/4C Spanish Onion
• 1/5t Nama Shoyu (wheat free soy sauce)
• 4T Nutritional Yeast
• 1/2 Veggie Bullion cube dissolved in 1C hot water

Blend all well in a high speed blender until warm. Add extra diced mushrooms to gravy if you have any left overs.

Whipped Parsnip/Cauliflower

• 1C Parsnip
• 1C Cauliflower
• 1/2C Macadamia Nuts (or pine nuts)
• 1.5C Water
• 2T Olive Oil
• 2 Garlic Cloves

Blend all in a high speed blender until warm & creamy. Sprinkle nutritional yeast or drizzle mushroom gravy over before serving.

Cranberry Relish

Raw and delish a yummy thanksgiving cranberry relish.

Cranberry Relish

• 1 Whole Medium Orange (quartered with hard navel removed - skin on)
• 2C Cranberries
• 1/2 C Agave or Honey (to taste)

Blend Orange in high speed blender until fairly smooth, add cranberries and agave or honey and pulse until well blended.

Raw Pumpkin Pie

This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving and I am finding it is one of the harder holidays to get through. This pumpkin pie is something everyone at the table can enjoy. It is totally raw, refined sugar, wheat and dairy free.... YUM!

Raw Pumpkin Pie

Crust

• 1C walnuts (soaked and dried)
• 1C Almonds (soaked and dried)
• 1C pitted dates
• 1/2T vanilla extract
• Chop nuts in food processor using S blade. Add Dates and vanilla then blend until a sticky dough is formed. Press into a 9-10" spring form pan or pie plate

Filling

• 2T Agar-agar flakes OR 1T psyllium husk powder
• 1/2C Warm Water
• 1 Medium Avocado skinned pitted
• 4C Raw Pumpkin seeded skinned chopped into cubes
• 13 Dates (pitted and soaked)
• 1.5T Pumpkin pie spice
• 1t Vanilla
• 1C Macadamia nuts rinsed
• 1/2t fresh grated Ginger

Dissolve agar-agar in warm water and then process in a high speed blender with pumpkin, vanilla, ginger, spices, and avocado until smooth - add dates and nuts and blend again until well mixed and smooth. Poor over pie shell or pressed base into spring-form pan. Sit in freezer for 1hr then serve with a dolop of Cream Whipped topping.

Cream Whipped

• 1.5C Macadamia Nuts rinsed
• 1/2C Orange Juice
• 1/4C Lemon Juice
• 1t Vanilla
• 1/4 Honey or agave

Blend until creamy