Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Research, recipe, a pear...

Do you enjoy studying?
I love it, and believe that continuing to study and learn new things helps enormously with brain function the older we get.
At the moment I'm doing a free online 4-week 'Food, Nutrition & Your Health' course through Open University here in Australia.
I'm also doing private research into my personal health and that of my husband and Blossom. One of the most informative websites I came across in my gluten free journey was Dr William Davis's "Wheat Belly" blog. He offers so much in his emails, as well as on his webpage, and today I was able to purchase one of his books at QBD with a gift voucher...


I really like that he doesn't use the usual gluten free 'flour' mixes that spike your insulin, but takes a healthier approach with ingredients like coconut flour and almond meal instead of potato flour or rice flour.
Over the next few weeks I'll be trying various recipes on the family, and hopefully find a good balance with my desire to go mostly raw but being okay with the occasional GF baked treat.

Last night Blossom worked late so I held off dinner until she got home. After an amazing stack of fresh corn fritters (pics tomorrow when I make more for breakfast) served with green beans marinated overnight in tamari and sesame oil...


...I made a raw blueberry and macadamia crumble.
Fresh blueberries and chopped apricots were placed across the bottom of our dessert bowls, then a dollop of organic yoghurt spooned on top before liberally sprinkling with THIS incredibly delicious crumble.
I doubled Kemi's recipe as I just knew it would be awesome!
In my food processor I whizzed up 2 cups of raw macadamias, the zest of two lemons, 8 medjool dates, and 1/2 teaspoon of celtic sea salt...


Process until it becomes the consistency of breadcrumbs, about 60-90 seconds.


Then scatter across the berries and yoghurt and EAT!
Delish.
 You can also roll the mix into squishy balls and pop in the fridge for snacks...


This was my first time making an uncooked crumble...and it is now on the menu forever! 
This entire dessert took me just 5 minutes. You've gotta love that.

 In the mail yesterday a gift arrived from my sweet, sweet friend Ruth.
She is one who puts so much thought and care into what she gives, but this birthday gift really took the cake!
So you know I collect pears, right?
Well, look at what Ruth made me...


It's so delicate, and so funky, and so creative! I love it, Ruth. xx

Today I will be finishing the second of my projects for Let's Get Stitched.
Choosing just the right red buttons...big, small, medium? Two, three or five??
Decisions, decisions...


Then I'm off to Michelle's to help her start a blog!
I thought this day was never going to come.
\o/

May your day be filled with unexpected smiles!
hugs


6 comments:

Meadowcreek said...

I love all your posts, but I'm especially happy to see your latest posts about nutritional foods. After years of working at it haphazardly, I am finally taking seriously the kinds of foods that I put in my body. Better late than never, I guess.

Christine M said...

Your pear from Ruth is so unusual. How clever is she! Not long now before Let's Get Stitched. I can't wait to see what you have designed for us!

Larissa said...

The food sounds nice!! Thanks for the recipe!! ... I almost laughed out loud as I was thinking of doing that course as well!!! I ended up choosing to go with the 'Education in a Changing World' course - just decided that I needed a bit of a break from the heavy study again, especially with everything I have going on over the next month or so, and saw the free courses, deciding that one or two of these would at least keep the brain cells kicking over :) ... Let me know how the course is - I'm considering it for my next one ;) ... And once again, arghhh!!!! Such a lovely sneak, I'm not sure how I'll cope waiting until Sunday after next to find out what loveliness you're bringing us!!! ;) Have a good week sweetie!!! xx

Thoeria said...

I can just see a small bit of something peaking out in that last pic :) Ohhh the excitement!!
Love the pear your friend Ruth made! It is really unusual! Thanks for the scrummy recipe again!

Jeanette said...

Gorgeous pear. Love the sound of the crumble. Might have it give that a try. Hugs,xx

leanne said...

thanks so much for the link to open university - so wonderful to see so many awesome free courses ! I've just signed up for 3 classes including the food and nutrition course !