How does YOUR garden grow?

OK, so mine is pretty DEAD from the incredible lack of rain, thank you very much. I was so excited this year to finally install a really nice garden for my family. It started out so nice too. I tilled much of it with my hands. It was a great project to work on while I was going through the harder days of chemotherapy. I would even just lie in the grass sometimes and take in the sun and fresh air. I know my neighbors thought I was a nut. Oh well. Maybe there's hope for a fall garden.

In the meantime I buy all our fruits and veggies organic at the store or local co-op and just pretend some of it's from my garden. This way, I'm also supporting the local farmers who must be suffering much more than I during this drought. I love living in denial. Hey, it works for me.

My salad today was SO delicious and fresh. It tasted just like it was straight from the backyard garden. :) I hope it inspires you to do something healthy for yourself today!

Fresh Garden Salad

Chopped Greens, romaine, spinach, etc.
tomato, diced
beet, diced
a few mint leaves
thin slice of sweet onion, diced
1/2 avocado, diced
1/2 cucumber, peeled and diced
hemp seeds
juice of 1 lime
flax oil
pinch of mineral-rich sea salt

You'll notice I didn't use specific measurements. That's because every salad should be unique to the person eating it in order to enjoy it fully.

A FEW CANCER FIGHTING PROPERTIES:
Romaine greens and tomatoes are not only rich in fiber they are also cooling which helps with summer heat (and chemo-related hot flashes!).
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Psalm 52:7-9
"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever."

Gluten-Free Granola - it's about time!!

My entire family loves granola. Who doesn't? Since my son, Robert (6), is a celiac, meaning he can't have gluten products (including oats), I've been working on a gluten-free granola recipe for what seems like forever! They always seem to turn out very nut-heavy, which doesn't really work for breakfast. Of course, I'd also like it to fit into my cancer-fighting list of foods. Well, I'm proud to say, I think I finally hit the mark!

The following recipe is my version of a traditional granola, only better! No oats so no gluten. It's sweetened with agave nectar, so it's also low-glycemic (good for cancer fighters). It's also very simple to make and loaded with spices, whole grains, seeds, and nuts - all good for the healing body. This is something I would have LOVED to nibble on when I was going through chemotherapy. It's not too sweet, and settles very nicely in the tummy too. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. The children all give this a big thumbs up!

Gluten-Free Rice & Spice Granola

1/3 C light olive oil or coconut oil (in liquid state)
¾ C agave nectar
1 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
4 1/2 C puffed brown rice*
1 C pecans or walnuts
1 C almonds
1/2 C sunflower seeds
2/3 C pumpkin seeds
½ C hazelnuts
½ C dried, unsweetened coconut (shredded)
¾ tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp sea salt

If you have time for it, soak the nuts in water overnight to remove the tannins. Drain and rinse well, and allow them to dry before using in this recipe. This will make them much easier to digest.

In a small saucepan, combine the oil and agave nectar and stir over medium-low heat. Allow it to heat until bubbles begin to form from the bottom of the pan, but do not boil. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Add vanilla.

Pulse-chop all nuts and seeds in a food processor until minced. Combine remaining ingredients in a large bowl with nuts and seeds. Pour oil/agave syrup over dry ingredients and mix to coat well.
Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the mixture over both sheets. Cook at 250 degrees for 1 hour. Serve with almond milk and fresh berries.

*Barbara’s Bakery Organic Brown Rice Crisps is highly recommended. There are only three ingredients: Organic Whole Grain Brown Rice, Organic Fruit Juice Concentrate (Apple, Peach, Pear or Pineapple), and Sea Salt. If you can find one with even fewer ingredients, all the better.

This is one of the few times you'll see me using a packaged ingredient as I do my best to avoid them as much as possible. I believe this to be a reasonable compromise however. :)

A FEW CANCER FIGHTING PROPERTIES:
The almonds, whole grains, and spices in this dish make it a joy for the digestive tract as well as the nervous system. There is also some argument among researchers that almonds help to inhibit cancer growth and lower cholestrol.

Veggie Rolls w/Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

We went camping last week with the kids and had an amazing time. It was relaxing, rejuvinating and just plain fun. Our form of camping is slightly less primitive than the average Joe-camp-guy. We have a lovely trailer fully outfitted with kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and most-importantly, air-conditioning. Well, at least we park it in a campground.

My extra time was spent outside, under the trees enjoying the sights and sounds of the birds and river, and the smells of the Texas hill country. So sweet.

We like to eat a little lighter on these trips so I'm always experimenting with greens, fruits and vegetables in fun unique ways. Charlie and I ate a lot of what I'd call "spinach bowls" which we enjoyed very much (more on those later). But today I wanted to share a different recipe with you. It's one I find very versatile as it serves as a dip, spread, and filling for a wrap. It's a Black-Eyed Pea Hummus with garlic and turmeric - both very good for fighting cancer. In the wrap (pictured) I added grated zucchini, carrots, sweet onion slices, and sprouts - I never can get enough sprouts (love 'em). I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
2 C cooked black-eyed peas
3 T minced chives
¼ C tahini (sesame butter)
1 tsp. garlic powder
¼ tsp. paprika
¼ tsp turmeric
juice of half a lime
sea salt and pepper to taste
a little water, as needed

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until smoothe.

...and before you ask, yes, I do take my food processor and spices with me camping. What kind of vacation would it be if I didn't?!!

A FEW CANCER FIGHTING PROPERTIES:
Turmeric, when complimented with black pepper, garlic, and onion are some of the hardest working cancer fighters in the vegetable kingdom. Each one has strong immune boosting and antibacterial properties. Turmeric is also used to regulate blood sugar. All this and they add a tasty PUNCH to foods too!

Birthday and Coconut Cream Pie!

What a tremendous birthday I had yesterday! I so wish you ALL could have shared it with us. A dear friend came over and brought her two children - with my four we had a housefull to say the least. It was wonderful. All the energy and noise, laughing and playing - and the kids had a pretty good time too! :)

Each birthday, I strive to make a delicious healthy dessert. This year I think I hit the highest mark. It will be difficult to improve on this one. It's from the book, I am Grateful, produced by the owners of Cafe Gratitude in California. The recipe is called, "I am Devoted," otherwise known as Coconut Cream Pie. Boy, am I ever devoted to this pie!

As are the rest of the recipes in this clever book, this one contains simple ingredients and loads of flavor. But its absolute best feature is the "melt in your mouth" texture accompanied by a feeling of well-being - with "0" guilt! As I do not have permission to reprint their recipe, you might want to try searching for it online, or just buy the book. You won't be disappointed.

I hope this finds you all feeling joyful and blessed!

Love,
Anna

A FEW CANCER FIGHTING PROPERTIES:
Because coconut is high in satured vegetable fat, people with cholesterol concerns should watch their consumption carefully. Don't over do it! However, because coconut butter is over 50% medium-chain fatty acids, the kind that are NOT stored as fat, the body metabolizes these fatty acids into energy. Who couldn't use a little more of that? Fresh coconut is also loaded with lauric acid (also found in human breast milk) which enhances brain function and boosts the immune system.

Raz-Berry Rose Sorbet

Since summer is upon us, I feel the need to make the first recipe post something cold. Right, well here it is. This is a most refreshing dish - really simple too. No cooking! You will need a blender and an ice cream freezer for best results.

Here's a great reason to go get sweaty and get the heart rate up...

RECIPE:

1 1/2 C raspberries
1 1/2 C organic or home-grown fragrant rose petals
4-5 strawberries
water and meat from 1 Thai coconut
juice of 1/2 lemon
1/2 C honey or agave nectar
pinch of sea salt

Place everything in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into ice cream freezer and freeze per manufacturer's instructions.

A FEW CANCER FIGHTING PROPERTIES:
Roses, vitamin C (believe it or not!)
Raspberries & Strawberries, very high in antioxidants

A New Beginning

I was diagnosed with stage IIIC breast cancer in August 2008, and I'm nearly finished with my year of treatments. At this point, it's time for me to get more serious about my health than I've ever been - including nutrition, exercise, stress, and most importantly my spiritual walk with God.

During the past 10 months, I've experienced the greatest love and deepest friendships of my life. My wonderful husband, children, and several close friends held my hands through every challenging step, and we drew closer together because of it. My prayer life became much fuller and richer for the experience. As odd as it may sound, I feel completely blessed because of my cancer in many many ways.

This is truly the beginning of the rest of my life. I invite and welcome you to join me in this journey of celebration and joy, as I restore my health and fight cancer with every bite.

Anna