I am too tired at the moment to think of a poem I really enjoy, however, it being April 1st, I feel I should post something of poetic consequence.
So for now, I will post a few line poem I wrote a few months ago:
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Changing my style
So I figured the only way to change my habits is to change my style- life style.
Thus, over spring break I picked up some books on yoga poses and mediterranean cookbooks.
I still have yet to try all of the yoga poses (though I do take a class at my gym, so Im pretty familiar).
But I have read this Mediterranean lifestyle book and tried many of the recipes (ie: gelato and shortbread cookies). I have even become confident enough to create my own mediterranean dishes like my Greek pasta salad and roasted red pepper hummus.
I am really enjoying trying to eat this way. It is not just about eating however. It is also about how you spend your time; taking time to stop and think, not about work or school, but family, friends, etc.
I have found myself spending more time with my friends and valuing my time with my family.
What a wonderful way to start spring!
So while I am making these dishes, ranging from Greek to Italian, I am listening to soft jazz, reading books about picking up and moving to Italy, and stretching into pose, and most importantly, valuing life for what it is.
If you've always wondered about the "Mediterranean Diet" (lifestyle), I can tell you more about it! I would love to share this experience with you; the more the merrier and lighter the load!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Gelato- Italian for icecream
Yet another delicioso reipe from my Mediterranean cookbook- Chocolate Gelato! It is oh so easy- I made two batches in less than 30 minutes.
Makes 3 cups. Ingredients:
3 tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 sugar
2 1/2 c. milk
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Combine cocoa powder and half of the sugar into a small bowl. Stir in just enough milk (about 1/4 c.) to form a paste, whisking completely.
2. Place the rest of the milk in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Slowly pour about 1/4 cup hot milk into the paste, whisking constantly. (This is called tempering; this ensures the chocolate paste doesn't burn when you pour it into the pot)
3. Stir the paste into the boiled milk and continue cooking on a lower heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
4. Beat together the egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale in color.
Add a few tbs of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, beating constantly. (tempering in this situation keeps the eggs from scrambling) (I used a basting tube to drop a few tbs in)
Add the yolk mixture into the pot.
5. Return the pan to heat and cook on medium until temperature reaches 185 deg. on a candy thermometer.
Remove from heat
6. strain the mixture into a large bowl using a fine mesh strainer.
Makes 3 cups. Ingredients:
3 tbs. unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 sugar
2 1/2 c. milk
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
1. Combine cocoa powder and half of the sugar into a small bowl. Stir in just enough milk (about 1/4 c.) to form a paste, whisking completely.
3. Stir the paste into the boiled milk and continue cooking on a lower heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
4. Beat together the egg yolks and remaining sugar until pale in color.
Add a few tbs of the hot milk mixture into the yolks, beating constantly. (tempering in this situation keeps the eggs from scrambling) (I used a basting tube to drop a few tbs in)
Add the yolk mixture into the pot.
5. Return the pan to heat and cook on medium until temperature reaches 185 deg. on a candy thermometer.
Remove from heat
6. strain the mixture into a large bowl using a fine mesh strainer.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Saturday Morning French Toast
Wednesday as my brother and I were watching tv, we saw a showdown of french toast on Food Network, with the winner being a stack of fluffy guava stuffed french toast- it looked amazing. At the moment we both decided that saturday morning called for french toast. I went onto the Food Network site and couldn't get the recipe, so I decided to try my own.
I went to Publix and picked up all of the strawberry themed stuff I could find (I figured strawberry is a good typical flavor) and brought it to my brother's house. I think it turned out pretty well,
Sarah's Stuffed Strawberry French Toast
Cream Cheese spread
Smuckers strawberry jam
Cool Whip strawberry dip
Smuckers Red Raspberry syrup
fresh strawberries- sliced
12 Grain Bread
2 eggs
powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Take two slices of whole grain bread, and spread one side with a layer of cream cheese spread. Spread strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese (make it thick enough to taste between the bread)
2. whisk two eggs in a shallow bowl, and dip both sides of the sandwich into the egg.
3. Heat a frying pan to medium heat, and spray with cooking spray. Put toast into pan and fry about 2 minutes per side
Remove and place on a dish
4. while warm, slice the toast diagonally. Place a dollop of strawberry cool whip on each slice of french toast
5. arrange sliced strawberries to the side of the cool whip, on top of the toast
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with strawberry syrup. Eat while it's warm!
I went to Publix and picked up all of the strawberry themed stuff I could find (I figured strawberry is a good typical flavor) and brought it to my brother's house. I think it turned out pretty well,
Sarah's Stuffed Strawberry French Toast
Cream Cheese spread
Smuckers strawberry jam
Cool Whip strawberry dip
Smuckers Red Raspberry syrup
fresh strawberries- sliced
12 Grain Bread
2 eggs
powdered sugar
Directions:
1. Take two slices of whole grain bread, and spread one side with a layer of cream cheese spread. Spread strawberry jam on top of the cream cheese (make it thick enough to taste between the bread)
2. whisk two eggs in a shallow bowl, and dip both sides of the sandwich into the egg.
3. Heat a frying pan to medium heat, and spray with cooking spray. Put toast into pan and fry about 2 minutes per side
Remove and place on a dish
4. while warm, slice the toast diagonally. Place a dollop of strawberry cool whip on each slice of french toast
5. arrange sliced strawberries to the side of the cool whip, on top of the toast
Sprinkle with powdered sugar and drizzle with strawberry syrup. Eat while it's warm!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Habakkuk
There are so many things to say about the nation's situation today, that everytime I finish a blog, I think of something else I'd like to say.
But I don't want to diminish the impact of anything I've said before, and I don't want to diverge into a rant. This is my final view on politics (for the moment)
About this time last year, I posted an entry about the book of Habakkuk and how it applies to our nation today.
I would like to re introduce that thought, because so often you can read things multiple times and get a different response each time.
Habakkuk 1:2-4 relates to our current troubles. While Habakkuk was speaking to God about Babylon's troubles, I feel as if we could take upon his petitions as our own.
Habakkuk 2:5-14 parallels leaders, whether they be local or national, I think we have all encountered a few like this.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 brings us hope and consolation in this turbulent time.
These verses I have referenced are only Habakkuk's side of the story.
I encourage you, as it is only 3 books long, to engage and read the book of Habakkuk for yourself, and pray and ask God what it is He would have you do for our nation.
But I don't want to diminish the impact of anything I've said before, and I don't want to diverge into a rant. This is my final view on politics (for the moment)
About this time last year, I posted an entry about the book of Habakkuk and how it applies to our nation today.
I would like to re introduce that thought, because so often you can read things multiple times and get a different response each time.
Habakkuk 1:2-4 relates to our current troubles. While Habakkuk was speaking to God about Babylon's troubles, I feel as if we could take upon his petitions as our own.
Habakkuk 2:5-14 parallels leaders, whether they be local or national, I think we have all encountered a few like this.
Habakkuk 3:17-19 brings us hope and consolation in this turbulent time.
These verses I have referenced are only Habakkuk's side of the story.
I encourage you, as it is only 3 books long, to engage and read the book of Habakkuk for yourself, and pray and ask God what it is He would have you do for our nation.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Cranberry Cornmeal Cookies
3/4 lb unsalted butter; room temp.
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1 c. cornmeal
1/2 tsp salt
2 c. dried cranberries
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put butter and sugar in a large bowl, and cream until smooth with a mixer.
2. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well. Add vanilla, beat well.
3. In a separate large bowl, whick flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients into the sugar-butter mixture. Fold in cranberries.
4. Place on a greased cookie sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Bake until golden brown; should be crispy but not burnt.
5. Let cool and enjoy!
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
3 c. unbleached all-purpose flour
1 c. cornmeal
1/2 tsp salt
2 c. dried cranberries
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put butter and sugar in a large bowl, and cream until smooth with a mixer.
2. Add the eggs one at a time and beat well. Add vanilla, beat well.
3. In a separate large bowl, whick flour, cornmeal, salt, and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients into the sugar-butter mixture. Fold in cranberries.
4. Place on a greased cookie sheet, and bake for 8-10 minutes. Bake until golden brown; should be crispy but not burnt.
5. Let cool and enjoy!
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Health Care; part two
So it's another day, and today is the day that President obama will sign the Health Care Reform into law.
What a treacherous day in history. Now to finish, or atleast continue, my blog about the provisions of this bill. But first, I would like to address a major problem with the voting process that went on behind this bill. The most disturbing facet of this whole issue is that so many of the representatives were payed off to vote for this bill. PAYED OFF, meaning, promises for their certain states and personal benefits. Okay, if you have to buy votes, I think it is quite ibvious that there is something wrong this this legislaion that is putting sane people against it! Not to mention the fact that 39 states are in the process of passing lesgislaton to repeal this federal law. Do you think that the nation wanted this bill passed? Isn't it quite obvious, Washington, that you voted AGAINST the American's wishes? Are you not "representatives" of the PEOPLE? You are not there for yourselves (well, you are, but you shouldn't be). you are there to do what your name says, represent the people of your state, and the people of your state didn't want this!! (with the exception of a few really liberal states).
Okay, back to the legislation. So you are getting free healthcare? Isn't government already in debt from all of the economic turmoil of last year? So my question is, where are they getting the money to pay for your insurance? Oh, yes, I know, from you! So you re still paying, but you don't know it. Especially the more fortunate (rich).
We must get something straight- healthcare, or health insurance, is NOT a fundamental right; it is not!
Yes, it is unfortunate that there are people who cannot afford insurance, yes, it is. But the harsh truth is, that is life. People all around the world are sick, and poor, and dying. It is inevitable, no one can stop it. And this legislation will not stop deaths, I can almost bet you that it will cause more deaths, because of wait lines.
President, Government, you cannot force me to purchase health care. Yes, obviously, I want it; I need it. But forcing me to takes away my freedom. If you are forcing me to be free, I am not free. What an oxymoron.
There is a site that has a poll on the sidebar, and I voted. It was a yes or no question of whether or not you would like to repeal this healthcare bill. After only one day of being law, I clicked, yes, and you know what the poll result was? 100%. I do not know how many people took the poll, but I am sure it was alot; and 100% voted to repeal it. This is the voice of the people; and you are not listening Congress. Get your money hungry hands off of my freedom and vote like you have integrity!
Health Care Rundown
http://www.contractfromamerica.org/
What a treacherous day in history. Now to finish, or atleast continue, my blog about the provisions of this bill. But first, I would like to address a major problem with the voting process that went on behind this bill. The most disturbing facet of this whole issue is that so many of the representatives were payed off to vote for this bill. PAYED OFF, meaning, promises for their certain states and personal benefits. Okay, if you have to buy votes, I think it is quite ibvious that there is something wrong this this legislaion that is putting sane people against it! Not to mention the fact that 39 states are in the process of passing lesgislaton to repeal this federal law. Do you think that the nation wanted this bill passed? Isn't it quite obvious, Washington, that you voted AGAINST the American's wishes? Are you not "representatives" of the PEOPLE? You are not there for yourselves (well, you are, but you shouldn't be). you are there to do what your name says, represent the people of your state, and the people of your state didn't want this!! (with the exception of a few really liberal states).
Okay, back to the legislation. So you are getting free healthcare? Isn't government already in debt from all of the economic turmoil of last year? So my question is, where are they getting the money to pay for your insurance? Oh, yes, I know, from you! So you re still paying, but you don't know it. Especially the more fortunate (rich).
We must get something straight- healthcare, or health insurance, is NOT a fundamental right; it is not!
Yes, it is unfortunate that there are people who cannot afford insurance, yes, it is. But the harsh truth is, that is life. People all around the world are sick, and poor, and dying. It is inevitable, no one can stop it. And this legislation will not stop deaths, I can almost bet you that it will cause more deaths, because of wait lines.
President, Government, you cannot force me to purchase health care. Yes, obviously, I want it; I need it. But forcing me to takes away my freedom. If you are forcing me to be free, I am not free. What an oxymoron.
There is a site that has a poll on the sidebar, and I voted. It was a yes or no question of whether or not you would like to repeal this healthcare bill. After only one day of being law, I clicked, yes, and you know what the poll result was? 100%. I do not know how many people took the poll, but I am sure it was alot; and 100% voted to repeal it. This is the voice of the people; and you are not listening Congress. Get your money hungry hands off of my freedom and vote like you have integrity!
Health Care Rundown
http://www.contractfromamerica.org/
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