There couldn't be any better way then this to finalized a whole intense month of wonderful High holidays.
I'm not the kind of person that is normally looking for trips suggested from magazine,however it is the second time around that I do and every time I'm amazed again. I found it in one of the local Israeli's magazine "We are in America", where one of the writers who is fond of nature hikes, recommends people of good places to travel.
I lived in Los Angeles for way to many years and I never even thought this place exists here, especially when it's within 30 minutes drive from where I live. So I am very thankful for finding this magical place that's called Eaton Canyon Park & Center in Pasadena. For those of you who like me have never heard of it before, you should definitely schedule a visit there in your next free day. It is a great hike for family's or alone and you can bring your dog with you as well. We happened to have amazing weather today but I'm sure it is really nice there after the rain as well. As a matter of fact I was thinking I should try to check it out once as well. We packed a light back pack with sandwiches,snacks and bottles of water,and also towel,water shoes, and extra socks if your planning on getting really wet.
The best reward for me as were hiking back was my son telling me "mom you know I love nature It's beautiful". That is why I thank GD for letting us have all this beauty to enjoy.
I wanted to start by talking a little about raw honey. When it comes in it's natural form unheated and unprocessed,it contains all the vitamins and enzymes within. Raw honey is considered to be an alkaline forming food which is great for our digestive system. Containing the enzyme amylase it helps predigest starchy food like bread. There are many other great benefits to the honey.
When mixed with lemon and ginger, honey is a great remedy to relieve nausea,supply energy and also great to relieve symptoms such as sore throat,colds,hoarseness and others. Next time you feel like baking cookies or a cake try to experiment with substituting the sugar with honey.
Since there are still quite a few High Holidays ahead of us, and were trying to keep it as sweet as we can,yet healthy as possible,this cake is a moist and delicious alternative to your traditional holiday cakes. I changed the original recipe I found to an organic whole wheat flour version and it works perfect for the holidays because I use honey instead of sugar.
You can use it with walnuts or without and also you can add raisins to it. I make it allot of times plain and it's just wonderful especially with a nice warm tea.
11/2 Cup of organic whole wheat flour
1/2 Tsp salt
1/2 Cup Honey (if you have access to raw honey even better)
1 Tsp baking soda
1 Cup pumpkin pure (available organic)
1/2 Cup olive oil
2 Eggs beaten
1/4 Cup water
11/2 Tsp mixed spices nutmeg clove cinnamon
1/2 Cup walnuts or raisins optional
Preheat oven to 350. Mix all the dry ingredients together.Mix the oil,pumpkin,eggs, water and honey.Slowly add the dry mix till you get a creamy texture.Pour the mixture in pans and bake for 50-55 minuted and check with toothpick if it comes out clean.
MAY OUR LIVES BE ALWAYS FILLED WITH SWEETNESS !
This fish has so many versions to it from different cultures and each one of them claims the title for the originality. This is the way I prepare it and it seemed to be pretty popular between the kids as well. Again I prefer to use a fish that has no hormones or color added to it.
I normally use the Salmon although it goes well with White fish and even Trout.
6 pieces of fish
4 Dry chilly red pepper (you can use small spicy chillies as well if you like it real spicy)
5 Garlic cloves peeled
1/2 Bunch fresh cilantro cut small
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 Tsp cumin
1/2 Tsp turmeric
1 Tbs paprika
Salt to taste
1/2 Cup water
Place the chillies in a deep pan. Arrange the pieces of fish on top and spread the garlic and cilantro all over the fish. In a small bowl whisk all the spices together with the oil until you get a creamy texture and pour it over the fish. Turn the stove on high and the minute it start to sizzle pour the water on top and let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes or so covered. If by any chance it turn out to be running with liquid take out the lid and let it cook open till the water evaporates a little. You should have sauce but not flowing with liquid.
With blessings of HAPPY NEW YEAR
Love & Spices
