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Showing posts from May, 2013
  AUSTIN 2013 Nutrition Therapy testing begins. After months of studying...let's do this!! 

Memorial Day Weekend

  Memorial Day Weekend Sitting here with my books k nowing the rest of the world is out doing something fun....ugh.         

Bottling The Booch!

  Today is the day!!  Yes I know, I don't have time to be doing this...but I had to share...today I bottled my first batch of Kombucha!!  I have been impatiently waiting as this chemistry-sort-of experiment has taken place in my kitchen.  It has taken a little longer than I expected; but hey, I'm OK with that.  Some things just can't be rushed.  It's nice because Kombucha brewing doesn't require anything but time; unlike a sourdough starter  for example, that needs to be 'fed' everyday or so (kind of like children) lol.    In my reading, it said the Booch could be ready in 7 days.  A lot of this process is per your individual preference.  The longer the Booch brews, the less sugar in the Kombucha.  (Remembering, the live culture feeds off of the sugar.)  Some might prefer a sweeter taste while others prefer the bold, tangy taste of Kombucha after a longer fermentation period.    One thing that I did do, was to order a small heating mat to si

Much Needed Affirmation

  As hard as it is for me, I knew that I would not be able to spend much time on my blog in these last few days before my testing with the Nutrition Therapy Association.  I have thrown myself into study mode.  Most things are on hold until my return the first week of June.  I am in full study submersion.  Yesterday I even packed up and headed to a local library.  Staying here at home, means that the laundry calls to me, the weeds that have rudely returned to my flower beds call to me, the kitchen (my fav place to be) calls to me.  And because I am easily distracted, the library is the best answer for me.  Actually, my college aged student suggested this trick to his mother.  Thank you Zach...you have always been my greatest cheerleader; supporting me in whatever I do.  XXOX This morning I found something that I wanted/needed to share.  It is an email that I received from a brave and fearless client of mine.  A gentleman from Chicago.  Through a lot of communication and questi

Back to the Kitchen

Written for The River Current Publication on Monday, May 13, 2013 Today was my son’s first day of work at the swimming pool.   Being a lifeguard, they start work a couple of weeks early, in preparation of getting everything cleaned and polished before opening day.   I chuckled when he came downstairs in a pair of long johns this morning.   Lol…you’ve gotta love Ohio weather.   It looks like since Zach is now home from college, it is time for this gal to head back to the kitchen.   One day last week we had shared a late lunch together; a late lunch for me often meaning a light snack later in the evening is all that I will need.   It appears Zach’s stomach doesn’t agree with my plan.   I discovered this later that night, when he wondered into the room where I was studying and said, “Aren’t you hungry yet?”   Hmmm…I guess I hadn’t really thought about it.    Darn, it was already 9 p.m. and when I told him I would be happy with an apple and some peanut butter he said, “That

Aphrodisiacal Asparagus?

  Recently, I chatted about this cool javelin-shaped veggie that is currently making it's debut at local farmers’ markets and grocery stores.  The name for asparagus (a member of the lily family), comes from the Greek word meaning “shoot” or “sprout.” Now widely cultivated throughout the world, this regal vegetable is believed to have originated 2,000 years ago in the eastern Mediterranean region, where it was prized for its unique texture and alleged medicinal and aphrodisiacal qualities. (Aphrodisiac?  Hmmm...maybe that's why my parents were always trying to grow it?!?)  Besides these supposed aphrodisiacal qualities, this lovely spring veggie has lots to nutritionally share with us: 1.  It’s loaded with nutrients: Asparagus is a very good source of fiber, folate, vitamins A, C, E and K, as well as chromium...a trace mineral that enhances the ability of insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream into cells.   2.  This herbaceous plant—along with avoc
Enjoy this day... This momma will be spending the day with her two M asterpieces! Mother's Day 2013 

Pecan-Berry Coffee Cake for Mom

Written for the River Current Publication     This Sunday, we shall once again bestow praise upon our mothers.   We shall applaud them for all that they have tirelessly done for us…for raising us well, for their never-ending support, for being our teachers, our friends and our encouragers…and most importantly, for loving us unconditionally. Mothers come in all sizes, shapes and colors.   But one thing is true about mothers everywhere; the role they have assumed is both the hardest and most rewarding job in the world.   For me, being a mother is my proudest of accomplishments.   I extend my best wishes to all of you for a day that is as splendid as you! As mentioned last week, I am planning a special Mother’s Day luncheon for my mother this year.   Here is another recipe that I plan to share with her and my boys.   We shall gather our family around the table and carry on the tradition that my mother started so many years ago…sharing a celebration of good food with t

The Mother Booch

      I'm sooo excited!!   Yesterday I started my first batch of Kombucha!!  How appropriate that during this week leading up to Mother's Day, that I would start my very own Mother Booch!    Zach and his g.friend went to Yellow Springs yesterday.  Yellow Springs is a funky little town where thinking is liberal; emulating a sort of carefree hippie-ish atmosphere. It is a great day trip for shopping, hiking and yummy food.      I told him before he left, "Hey, let me know if they have any Kombucha".  It would only seem appropriate in thinking that these forthcoming hippies would be tuned in to the natural health benefits of Kombucha.  And guess what??  Holy hallelujah and Happy Mother's Day...he brought me home an actual starter kit!  I couldn't have been more thrilled and excited...lol...I know, I'm a weirdo.  I really, really have been wanting to dive into learning all about  this process, but recently have literally forced myself fr

Road Tripping Blackberry Crisp

    OK....I really should be studying, but instead my heart wanted to share this quick dessert-on-the-go idea with you!  With grilling season upon our door steps, it is always nice to have a quick/impressive idea in your back pocket when someone says, "You can bring the dessert".   Last week I had a fun invite for 'Dinner on the Deck' with a friend.  In reciprocation of the kind offer of hospitality, I wanted to be a contributor to the meal.  Hmmm...what could I take that would be impressive and would travel well?  'Dinner on the Deck' was a good 2 1/2 hours away.   I have always been a sort of freak about wanting things to be fresh and warm out of the oven when I serve them to others.  This would certainly be hard to accomplish with the long drive ahead.  Hmmm....why not prep all of the ingredients ahead of time and quickly throw them together upon my arrival?   While the rest of the dinner is doing it's thing on the grill, my dessert could

Study Portal

  If you were wondering why the (typically) chatty Butter Girl has been a little quiet lately, the reason is sitting above.  I have slipped into a study portal where my focus has been solely upon wrapping up my studies with the Nutrition Therapy Association. ...while at the same time, being available for my family and friends.  I will be heading to Austin at the end of this month and it will soon be show time for this girl!    Rest assured, I will still be popping in to share some thoughts with you.  It is here that I find my respite from the towering books above.  (And those my friends, are not all of them...I was afraid if I added anymore, the pile would topple!)   I am still planning a lovely Mother's Day luncheon for my mother this weekend and I am looking forward to sharing more recipes with you to enjoy with your own mothers.  Even though we often find our schedules full, one still needs to take time to celebrate those that we love!   I will close with one l

Planning a Mother's Day Celebration

  (Written for The River Current Publication)        Planning a Mother’s Day Celebration Today as I write this, my thoughts are all about spring.   I’m not sure why, but this year the arrival of spring and ‘all things green’ have made my spirits soar.   Was it just that it was such a long winter?   I hope that you too are finding a new skip in your step, (as my father says) as we open doors and windows and let the fresh air of spring back into our homes.   Good bye Winter, we will see you later this year…and don’t feel like you have to hurry back any time soon! With the arrival of spring means lawn mowing, flower bed revival, tulips, daffodils and…asparagus!   I remember for years my parents tried to master growing asparagus.   It was almost a sacred ritual when my Mother would harvest the very small crop that she would find at the edge of their garden and carefully prepare for my Father…creamed asparagus over toast.   I’m fairly certain that their asparagus crop n