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.