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