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Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Earth Day 2009

A happy Earth Day to everyone. May we all be more aware and caring of our one and only home, the Earth.

Most people by now are aware that the animal factory farming produces more greenhouse gases than all the SUVs, cars, trucks, planes, and ships in the world combined. Yet even with the stats that are available the majority are not willing to stop eating or reduce the amount of animal products consumed by their families. Hopefully this year will be different as people are now seeing the huge impact Global Warming is already having on our climate.

Also, do not to forget health issues encountered by more and more children, due to medication and additives given to animals and then passed on to them by this factory farmed meat, chicken and fish.

The horrors faced by animals in this industry is disgusting and certainly one wonders where the words humane and humanity come from, as many "humans" do not fall within either category by their ill use of them.


Useful Earth Links
GoVeg Factory farming video "Meet your Meat".
Farm Sanctuary Campaigns and Fact Sheets
Earth Day Network environmental fact sheets.
The World's Shortest Comprehensive Recycling Guide.
Kaboose Earth Day Crafts and Printables for Kids.

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Fruit Smoothies
From Peter Glickman of the Master Cleanse
For those concerned about their protein in the morning or wonder what to have instead of eggs to start their day, this smoothie makes a wonderful start.

Ingredients: Soaked flax seeds, Banana, Fresh or frozen fruit and water (dates and grated orange rind optional)

1. Place 1-2 heaping tablespoons of soaked Flax Seeds* in your blender.
2. Add 1-2 cups of water.
3. Turn on high speed until the seeds turn thick and "goopy." Add more water if needed.
4. Add one peeled banana.
5. Add frozen or fresh fruit. If you didn't add frozen fruit and want it chilled, add ice cubes.
6. If you want it sweeter, add 4 - 6 soaked dates without the pits.
7. If you want a nice orange tang, add a bit of grated orange rind.
8. Mix and match any fruits you like:
Strawberries and bananas;
Peaches, strawberries and bananas; or
Peaches, pineapples, bananas and coconut.
9. Add raw (unroasted) carob powder to any smoothie.

* I keep a container of flax seeds soaking in the refrigerator just like other people keep milk or eggs on hand. I also keep a small dish of soaking dates in water to use as a sweetener.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Banana Bread....



Another Breakfasty item is Banana Bread. I have two recipes that I love... 1 is naughty and the other is nice.... take your pick! First, the naughty Banana Bread (beware, you could eat the whole loaf in a day!)

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Dry Ingredients:
1 1/2 c flour
1 c sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda

Other Ingredients:
2 eggs, beaten
1/4 c melted butter
3 mashed bananas
1 Tbsp. milk
a handful of chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mash the bananas in a seperate bowl, add those. Then beat 2 eggs, add those. Melt your butter, add that. Pour your milk in and toss a handful of chocolate chips! (The recipe is fabulous without them as well).

Spray or grease your loaf pan (or pans). Pour batter in and bake for 1 hour. ***Helpful Tip: If I am short on time or want smaller slices I split the batter between 2 loaf pans and make "half loaves" cooking them for 30 minutes (at the same time on the same rack in the oven). Great for serving lots of people or for keeping a loaf for yourself and having one to share! (see picture above)
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Now the Nice (healthy) Banana Bread

Wet Ingredients
1 1/2 c mashed ripe bananas
1/4 cup oil
1/2 c honey
1 tsp. vanilla
2 beaten eggs

Dry Ingredients
2 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c wheat germ
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
** 1/2 c chopped walnuts

Mix the wet ingredients together first, then add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix well, and bake in a sprayed or greased loaf pan for 1 hour at 350.