BUTTER GIRL GOES ORGANIC

Today the residual effects of Hurricane Sandy have left snow on the ground and the chilly winds continue to howl outside my windows.  I told myself this would be the perfect day to hunker in and attempt to get caught up on my nutrition homework.   But of course, throughout the day I have found numerous things to distract myself. Between video lectures regarding the processes of digestion, I headed to the kitchen and threw together some cookies.  What can be better on a chilly day than the smell of fresh cookies wafting from the kitchen?  I can think of nothing better! My joy of baking cookies goes way back.  When my boys were growing up, I always made it a point to have some home made cookies in a glass jar on the kitchen counter for them.  It made me smile to hear the familiar sound the shiny metal lid made as someone carefully unscrewed it and reached in to sneak a little treat.  I have missed that cookie jar.   With my nutrition studies, I am now torn with the craving fo

Last night while studying,  I thought I would take a look at the stats for my Butter Girl blog. (Why is it that I am so easily distracted!)  I was feeling a little guilty regarding the Redirecting My Crowd article that I recently wrote for the paper.  In the article I (sort of) chastised my group for not being too interested in my thoughts regarding good nutrition.  Comparatively, 4000 viewers on Marital Status: W vs. 400 on Butter Girl .  (Is this turning into a competition for me?)   Admittedly, the posts just poured out of Marital Status: W .  I had so much to say.  My nephew told me, "I can't keep up!"  And it was true, when I sat at the keyboard, the words just seemed to 'fall out'.   Now I shall attempt to do the same for my Butter Girl; it is now where I belong.  If I expect you to be remotely interested in good nutrition, then I am going to have to throw out the facts combined with some yummy recipes as the final proof.   Redirecting your eating

Madoline Jean Anatra . Born into our family on Sunday, October 21 at 10:41 a.m., weighing 7 lb. and 15 lovely oz. And as her mother says, "21 perfect inches long".  Today was a day to celebrate.  I had the opportunity to meet and snuggle; Miss Madoline Anatra, my precious little niece (great niece actually....but that makes me sound old, so let's just say niece for now). LOL Today I felt like I had the opportunity to revisit the gal I used to be.  When I received the 'green light' that I could make my appearance, meet Miss Madoline AND take lunch for us all to enjoy, I scurried to the kitchen with great delight.  There was  a party for a princess to be prepared!   How else could I share my joy but through the simple act of  preparing food and nourishment for my beautiful niece and her husband...both of whom I found to be weathered, weary and very hungry!  I wanted to take foods that would be hearty and nourishing; both for the body and the soul

(Column written for publication in The River Current) When I first started 'blogging away' earlier this year, I was amazed at the number of people who were reading my words.   My hope for my original blog Marital Status: W , was that I could help others who were also dealing with loss and grief in their own lives.   As they say...misery loves company!   Sadly, we never want to feel we are the only one 'in the boat'.    Well, apparently there were many other 'boater's out there, because in a little over 3 month’s time, nearly 4000 people had viewed and read my story.   I now have a dilemma.   My hope has been that I would eventually be able to redirect my audience to my second blog... Butter Girl Goes Organic , but I am finding this to be more difficult than planned.   Can it be true that so few are interested in learning and growing through good nutrition?   Rest assured I shall not surrender.   I am a woman on a mission and you know how persistent women c

After saturating you last week with the MANY health benefits of pumpkin, I thought it would only be fair to share a couple of recipes for you to try in your own kitchen!    Remember pumpkin is a storehouse of vitamins, minerals and other healthy nutrients that we should certainly include in our meal planning more frequently!    I’m not sure why we tend to only savor this tasty food in the fall of every year, when it can/should be something we enjoy all year long! Pumpkin Walnut Pancakes I admittedly have enjoyed testing the following recipe.   These colorful, spicy little beauties will keep you full for hours after eating just one serving! ¾ cup unbleached flour ¾ cup whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon organic pure cane sugar 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ginger ¼ teaspoon salt 1 pinch clove ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup organic milk   ½ cup canned organic pumpkin puree 1 tablespoon melted organic butter 1 egg chopped walnuts (optional) Direc

Allow me to first share that I love all things pumpkin....everything from pies, cookies, pastas, ice cream...and yes, even pumpkin beer!  I love them all!   I fervently anticipate this time of year and all of the cozy comforts that it brings along with it.  After a long hot summer, it is great to get out for my walks with a light sweat shirt and a comfy pair of jeans.  Ah yes, fall is upon us. I am deep in my nutrition studies and I can already share with you some important ideas I have taken away from my learning.  For starters, remember that food is something I have always had a passion for.  However, I now have a passion to share what we can do to make our diets healthier and fresh.   It isn't about deprivation and suffering....PLEASE clear that way of thinking from your head!  For me, it is about fresh and clean.   I have always been one to make things from scratch; never anything ready-made from a box or package for me or my family!  So this whole new way of think