Hey Gorgeous - A female Owned Beauty Company that is the (Bath) Bomb

My husband is a mechanical engineer by trade, but he is a team leader for a group of engineers that travel the world to his employer's many facilities to troubleshoot things that make my brain tired.

He always brings me back a gift, sometimes something delightfully tacky from an airport gift shop (sucker with a scorpion inside an example) but very often bath and beauty products as I just LOVE them. (You know your husband loves you when he'll drive 100 miles to find a Boots store in London to get you the skin lotion you can't find in the States any longer).

This was a wonderful surprise from South Africa, where his company has a large production facility, and after trying some of their products I made my first online order.

The company is called Hey Gorgeous.

I had to say I was impressed with their online presence, verified customer reviews., and how quickly and safely the products got here, traveling many thousands of miles.

"All of our products are formulated by real women for real women and are made with the highest quality organic and natural ingredients that are completely beneficial for the skin. From organic essential oils to bio-dynamically grown botanicals and fruit and nut oils, these ingredients are individually and carefully selected from local suppliers (wherever possible) for their ability to heal and nurture the skin naturally. Seekers of more natural cosmetics and skin care alternatives can now try our gorgeous products and experience the difference of completely natural skin care. The benefits will reveal a complexion that is soft, supple, and glowing."

Hey Gorgeous.  They use all natural products, lots of essential oils, all carefully crafted for the best in skincare without being a lab experiment.  Don't panic when you look at the online prices - they are listed in the "Rand", the countries currency which is about 7 U.S. cents for each of their dollars, so the prices were quite reasonable, including the shipping. More than drugstore but much less than department store brands.

But hey, they had me at cupcake bath bombs (photo is from their website).

https://hey-gorgeous.co.za/

I won't review them compared to my husband's DIY bath bombs that looked like pink sticks of dynamite. (and came with their own antique "blaster's handbook")

I also ordered the  Hey Gorgeous Gogi Berry Face Mask, and a Marshmallow body wash (it's the little kid in me but I LOVE the scent of marshmallow).

The products arrived within 10 days, very well wrapped and in great condition.They shipped the body wash with a different cap than the one you use to dispense (which was enclosed) to avoid leakage which was a great idea.

I LOVE the smell and feel of the products.  The Rosehip night cream had a wonderful smell and texture.  I'm not sure it was as  moisturinzng as the shea butter cream I normally use for for normal, normal/dry skin I think it would be excellent.

 The mask was listed as follows:

The most exciting benefit from Goji berries is its anti-aging potential. Goji berries contain 11 of the 22 essential dietary trace minerals, including calcium, potassium, iron, zinc, and selenium. Though each performs different functions in skin, they all help fight off the damaging effects of free radicals, and many encourage the production of collagen and elastin, helping to maintain tautness and flexibility. Many minerals also are essential to the skin’s ability to heal and regenerate itself. Our gorgeous Goji Berry Face Mask will smooth and hydrate the skin, plump up fine lines and leave your skin feeling incredible.

I have to agree, with just a few minutes of application my face was plump and soft and smooth, with a light gentle fragrance and unlike 90% of the over the counter products I try (I have rosacea and its resultant acne) - it didn't irritate my skin or cause any new breakouts. After just one use of the mask  my skin was calm and soothed.

The body gel, I added to my evening bath water for an all-natural bubble bath and it left my skin soft and smooth and smelling so good. (Never underestimate the spouse that smells like a Rice Crispies Treat).  I can't wait to use it in the shower tomorrow when I do my every other day hair wash.

Hey Gorgeous is female owned and operated and so far I love the products I've tried and I've already placed another order for more bath products and hair care.

Click on photo to enlarge and read the ingredient list.

You can see the natural ingredients listed on the jars.

Note:  Since this is a foreign company the first time I tried to order my credit card declined it with a fraud alert. This is NOT unusual for ordering from overseas.  A quick phone call to my credit card company cleared that up and was so worth it and I was able to re-place the order within minutes. The online ordering site is an internet secure one but my credit card company just saw the continent and flagged it.

Food Sensitivity Test Results - Surprise!

Well, I got my results from the EveryWell Food Sensitivity Test.

There were a couple of surprises.  I have always known I'm sensitive to wheat if I eat a bunch of it, but it only showed as moderate as far as a food trigger.  Yet, every time I eat breakfast cereal (with the exception of Rice Chex or the specifically labeled Gluten Free Rice Crispies) my IBS goes nuts.  I figured it was the dairy, but switching to almond milk didn't help.

That made a quick breakfast problematic as a couple of eggs with even gluten-free toast would set me off as well.  The only thing I'll eat before the drive to the office or church/Bible study is my Go Macro Bar (assorted flavors), with gluten-free, no soy, no GMO ingredients, just oats, raisins, coconut, brown rice, natural sweeteners, and nut butter. It literally is the ONLY quick to eat packaged food that I like for breakfast that doesn't trigger an IBS flare-up (and all the flavors of the bars are really filling and tasty though the coconut granola is my favorite!)

My biggest food sensitivities? (those the test said I have a "high reactivity to)

Soy (Nor surprised as many people are sensitive to it, and I knew if I ate too much meat-free soy-based products my IBS flared up big-time

But the big surprise?

Malt

Yup, an ingredient in almost all breakfast cereals and prepackaged breads (not to mention the single malt scotch I sip on weekend evenings). It's in my breakfast cereal, it's in my packaged cookies, it's in my beer with pizza, it's in the Vitamin C powder I take every single day. It's no wonder I live 10 feet from a bathroom.

Malt is hard to spot in packaging -  it's usually listed as:

Malted barley (or corn, etc)
Malt Extract
Malt Vinegar
Maltodextrin (technically not a malt but may be made from wheat so I'm including it)
Maltose
Malt Syrup
Ethyl Maltitol
Isomalt
Hydrogenated Isomaltitol
Isomaltitol
Maltitol
Maltol
Malt Sugar

It looks like I'm going to be eliminating a TON of processed food and my occasional nightcap is going to have to be brandy  (which is distilled from wine) instead of single malt Scotch.  I also checked my favorite frozen pizza brand Connie's and it has BOTH malt and soy.  On the plus side, the runner-up favorite pizza, Chicago's Home Run, is malt and soy free, so as an occasional treat (as it has wheat) I'm good.

On the moderate food sensitivity, some things I"ll have to watch out for are:

Dairy  - except for mozzarella (I knew this already just from experience)
Apples - I LOVE apples :-(
Barley (which includes some brown rice syrups)
Wheat Bran (oat bran appears to be OK)
Gluten
Wheat
Chicken Eggs
Avocado (not a huge fan anyway)
Sweet Potato (regular potato OK)
Mushrooms

Moderate means I can probably have them on a special occasion but not as a regular part of my diet.

On the plus side - there are 80+ foods that are NOT triggers for me including almost all fruits, nuts, veggies, meat, honey, cocoa, tea, and coffee.

I am so glad I spent $199 for this easy at home test.  Yes, it is NOT a true allergy test but it explains some of the foods I thought were "safe" were actually likely triggering my chronic IBS.

Everly Well Food Sensitivity Test - Review

Any of you who have visited here for any time know I have some "gut" issues.  I had ulcerative colitis as a teen and as an adult displayed all the symptoms of IBS.

I've gotten better through eating "cleaner" food with less additives and junk, but still, there are days I'll eat something pretty plain and get an attack.

I've never done the test for Celiac - I'm sensitive to wheat (but do fine with Einkorn ancient grain flour) but I don't know about other food sensitivity issues.

So when I read about a test I can take at home to measure my immune response to 96 common food triggers for less than $200 and no charge for a doctor's visit,  I was in.

From the well-regarded folks at EveryWell, it's not a true allergy test (those are done through a doctor's office) but does measure your food sensitivities to craft an elimination diet with the least effort

The box arrived from EverlyWell pretty quickly and there were clear instructions as well as an online tutorial on their website where I first went to register my product. Everything you need is included, bandaids, gauze, alcohol swab (I would have preferred Bourbon) instructions, a biohazard mailer, the paper that collects your blood drips and the lancelets.

It required blood collection.  I was hoping for spitting in a cup or something but the scientist part of me know there would be a blood stick.  Users have said it's pain-free.

Remember I'm a redhead - redheads and pain are a whole 'nother animal, but it was only a very quick "poke", not one I'd volunteer for on a daily basis (as evidenced by how I sent their box back with my results) but worth it, if it means a calmer gut. For you non-redheads you will probably say "Boy is that L.B. a WIMP!"

But secretly I think the video provided, which shows a young lady picking up the lance, not actually poking her finger, then delicately letting the drops of blood fall to the paper editing out the "Son of a (*#)@*" scene that occurred at my house.  Just saying.

But I'm a wimp.

One word of advice - they recommend running your finger under warm water 30 seconds then hold your hand down at your side shaking it a few times.  Don't do it longer than that (don't ask me how I know). Still, they said I might have to "milk" my finger (by rubbing in a circular motion) to get a drop of blood.

Nope - in typical LB fashion, my very warm finger bled like nobody's business when meant I had to be FAST to get the drops collected, but I got it done with minimal mess and after the initial surprise of a poke, my finger didn't hurt at all.

It's all boxed up (they supply everything) and I will mail back to the lab first thing in the morning.  I'm supposed to have the results by email in less than a week.  I'll keep you posted.  So far I'd recommend this as a product for being easy to use and understand! They literally walk you through it with online and paper tutorial.

From their website;

Our Food Sensitivity test measures your body's IgG immune response to 96 foods that are commonly found in western diets.

An improvement in food sensitivity symptoms after eliminating the triggering food source is always the best test. Rather than randomly eliminating foods over many months and assessing your change in symptoms, you can have a directed elimination plan. An antibody IgG immune response can offer guidance on what foods may be the best to eliminate. Note that this test is not a food allergy test, which measures severe allergies that can be life-threatening conditions. Food allergy tests measure IgE antibodies and can't be currently taken at home. This test also cannot diagnose Celiac Disease. Food can trigger an immune response which may manifest itself in physical symptoms such as: Dry and itchy skin Other miscellaneous skin problems Food intolerance Feeling bloated after eating Fatigue Joint pain Migraines Headaches Gastrointestinal (GI) distress Stomach pain

Perfect Guacomole

Guacamole is one of those "love/hate" dishes for some people.  I used to hate it until I tried actually GOOD guac and not some runny and bland Mexican fast food versions.  It also is full of healthy fats so even if watching calories, it's a great nutritious snack with some veggies or gluten-free paleo-friendly crackers.

Unlike many popular recipes for this dish, I leave out the tomato and garlic  (though I might use a little tomato for photo garnish ). You can also leave out the onion if you don't eat onions.  The key is using the grocery store avocado (Hass)  which are ripe but not so ripe they are mushy.  The avocado should yield to a gentle squeeze of your hand. Friends don't let friends buy mushy avocados.  If all the store has are hard ones, take them home and put in a bag with a couple of bananas which will help ripen them in a day or two.)

4 medium ripe avocados, halved and pitted
1/2  cup finely chopped white onion
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
1 small jalapeño, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 and 1/2 limes)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin OR coriander
1 teaspoon salt
dash of black pepper
4 dashes hot sauce (optional - I love Scoville Brothers Singing Smoke brand)

INSTRUCTIONS

Use a spoon to scoop the avocado flesh into a medium sized serving bowl, discarding any browned bits.  Promptly add remaining ingredients (except hot sauce) and mash using a  fork, or potato masher until it's at your preferred texture. If using hot sauce, gently stir in after mashing - to taste

I often add a pinch more salt, but taste first and add extra salt after.

Store leftovers in a tall narrow container to reduced the top surface area that may brown.  Cover well with plastic wrap (note, if you use onions in yours, placing a good chunk on top of the guac will help reduce the browning, though you will wish to remove any small areas that do brown before serving leftover.)

Vegan "Chicken" Soup

This is a quick easy soup that you can have on the table in less than 20 minutes. (and it's way better than canned soup).

2 cups water and 2 cups vegan "chicken" brothveggie broth
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup sliced celery
1/4 cup diced sweet onion (optional)
1/3 cup mushrooms, thinly sliced (I used two different varieties)

1/4 pound gluten-free noodles
small handful of shredded spinach

2 cups diced veggie chicken.

Saute carrots, celery, and onion (if using) in a teaspoon or two of extra virgin olive oil (or butter) for 2-3 minutes to soften.  Add liquid and bring to a low boil and simmer 9-10 minutes.  Add noodles and cook 8 minutes more, adding mushrooms the last couple of minutes.

Add protein and bring to a boil, adding in spinach to wilt in the last minute or so.

Season to taste (I used a couple of dashes of salt and pepper, a pinch of Italian seasoning, a dash of crushed red pepper and 2 pinches of thyme).

• 
  

Vegan "hamburger helper" (with gluten free option)

As a child I loved noodle casseroles.  With a Scandinavian Mom and it being the 60's, that was not a problem.  But she battled cancer most of my childhood, so sometimes even my SuperMom didn't want to cook dinner.  So in the early 70's Mom found  Hamburger Helper. We didn't have it often, but it was a treat for my brother and me when we did.

After many years away from it, I tried a box of my favorite flavor, the beef noodle.  It just did NOT taste the same.  It also had a lot of ingredients I couldn't pronounce as well as corn syrup, artificial colors, soy and MSG.  No Thanks.  So I haven't had it in over 10 years, but wanted to make a veggie version for some children in the family.

This was not particularly photogenic but it was very tasty, kids love it, and it makes four-six  entree-sized servings. It's an easy to put together meal on a work night, or when you have the grandkids visiting and the dry seasonings can be mixed in batches and stored in a sandwich bag to speed things up even more.

Vegan version of Hamburger Helper Beef Noodle 

1 pound veggie beef crumbles or TVP of your choice
1 Tablespoon dried minced onion or 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
1 and 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. (gluten-free Worcestershire sauce)

Recipe for that here:  https://abbysmomgetsfit.blogspot.com/2016/03/gluten-free-herbed-pilaf-main-dish.html

Combine in a cereal bowl:
1 Tablespoon:
Corn Starch

1 teaspoon each:
Parsley
Paprika
Parsley
Garlic Powder
Sugar

Have ready

2 teaspoons tomato paste

1 and 1/2 cups water, brought to a boil
3 Edward and Sons Non-Beef Bullion cutes
1 and 1/2 cups almond mil

2 and 1/3 cup wide egg noodles (gluten-free noodles). Note:  I added extra noodles based on a small person's request :-) using less will give you a saucier dish.

In a large fry pan with a cover gently saute your protein with minced onion (celery) in a Tablespoon or two of water.  Add tomato paste and combine and let sit, reducing heat to low for a few minutes to warm it through.

Increase heat to medium and add 1 and 1/2 cups hot water in which you've already dissolved the bullion cubes.

Add almond milk to the bowl with dried seasonings/cornstarch/sugar.  When at a gentle simmer add noodles, cover and cook for the time listed on the noodle package directions.

Add salt and pepper (to taste and optional)

Served with corn and some carrot and celery sticks.

Veggie "Ham" and Bean Soup

With it starting to snow, Sunday seemed like a great to make soup to go with

• Gluten Free Sourdough Cornbread

This is one of those "you really don't need to measure" dishes.  Plus it turned out deliciously thick and creamy without ANY flour or other gluten-containing thickener and there is no added salt (just what was in the ham)  I'll tell you my secret soon.

Since it was just two of us and my husband was going to be gone for two weeks on business. I made enough for 5-6 bowls.  If you want more, this easily doubles.

Gluten and Soy Free "Ham "and Bean Soup (lower sodium)

1/2  of a 16-ounce bag of dry navy beans, sorted for any stones or debris then soak in water overnight.

1/3 sweet onion chopped (if you don't like onion, add extra celery)
a handful of chopped celery and carrots (optional, I just had some in the fridge).
large handful of chopped Yves Brand "ham" veggie protein.

Mrs. Dash Original seasoning (I use about 6 shakes)
black pepper (about 3 shakes)
crushed red pepper (2 shakes)
pinch of Sage

After beans have soaked overnight, drain water.  Put beans in a deep saucepan (if they aren't already in one) and cover with FRESH water - enough so there are 2 inches of water over the beans. Make sure the pan is big enough so that as the beans cook and expand there is room.

Bring to a boil on high, reduce heat to medium.kiw, cover and simmer for an hour.

Add veggies and seasoning, stir and simmer another 30-60 minutes (check at 30 minutes, beans are nearing done when they are soft and will "squish" if pressed in a spoon with another spoon).

Carefully remove (as its hot!) with a large ladle about 1 and 1/2 cup of beans and liquid plucking out any larger veggie bits to go back into the pot.  Warm your blender jar with warm water so the heat from the soup doesn't shock the glass, then add beans and liquid to the jar and blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Stir this mixture back into the soup, adding the "ham".  Taste and season more if you wish.

Heat uncovered until ham is heated through and beans are fairly soft. (on my old gas stove it was 2 and 1/2 hours total cook time from stove to finish, but will vary by stove and water amount).

Bend Soap Company - Family Run, Family Values

Dwight and Marilee Johnson (no relation to us!) and their family of 11 live on a 40-acre farm in beautiful Central Oregon. I know that area well. Back when I was playing airline pilot we had a run into the Redmond/Bend airport and it was one of my favorite trips as we had a layover long enough to enjoy the amazing scenery.

 As the Johnson's raised a herd of happy healthy goats that ate only good food and were given natural substances to keep them healthy rather than medications that would then end up in their milk – they got the idea of making some soap with it. With a long history as a successful entrepreneur and the support of his creative and clever wife, Dwight's  initial soap soon became a family effort as a result of crafting some soap from their farm’s goats to help with eczema that their young son Chance was suffering with.

Making some goat milk Kefir in my "cowboy wineglass"
 - no milking involved, just a trip to Whole Foods.

Consuming goat milk (which I drink in place of cow’s milk which I don’t digest well) the Johnson family knew the benefits of the milk nutritionally.

• Goat’s milk is full of vitamins, proteins, and minerals
• Is easily absorbed by the body
• And has a pH that is relatively close to that of the human body

Could that also help young Chance's skin if used topically?

They found that by putting a couple bars of their newly created honey and oatmeal soaps into the bath and letting Chance play and soak in the water for 15-20 minutes gave him great relief, and his eczema was practically gone after one week of daily baths like this. This is great news because it’s often recommended that you avoid frequent bathing if you have eczema as it dries out the skin, making the itching worse.

That’s the secret behind their amazing milk bath product. This was one of the first products I ordered, the online ordering easy and the products arriving quickly (with a free sample bar of tea tree soap - thanks!)

Rather than a powdery, strongly scented product like many bath additives, it’s fine shards of the purest soaps with essential oils (except the unscented one which has no essential oils) that dissolves in your bath like a cloud. Goats milk also has natural alpha-hydroxy acids which will gently exfoliate the skin. I used some for the first time last night, the “English Garden” scent and my husband commented on how smooth my arms were when he gave me a hug as I came out of the bathroom in my pajamas. He also commented on how clean and pretty the scent was.

He then used a bar of unscented goat milk soap in his shower to wash his hair. When we first married and I moved into his home, I noticed he only used this one generic brand of dandruff shampoo. I told him several years later that it must work as he had no dandruff. He laughed and said, “I never have, I just hate the strong scents of drugstore shampoo.” Well, the dandruff shampoo was kicked to the curb. So much of what we put on our skin is absorbed into our bodies that I didn’t want him using a medicated product he didn’t need. He'd found a couple of natural shampoos he liked but he loved the idea of a bar he can use to shampoo as much as he travels in his engineer job.

He washed his fine blond hair with the unscented Bend Soap and his hair was SO soft and shiny. I’m loving the soaps as well, the unscented for my face cleared up some acne-like bumps I get on my arms after working out and sweating a lot. Within two days, my skin looked 100% better.

Got Pets with sensitive skin?  Made to lather well, the goat milk soap is easy to use on your dog or cat's coat.  It will get their fur clean, but it is a LOT easier to rinse off than most other pet shampoos.  Gentle and non-irritating on the skin it also doesn't contain chemicals that their bodies will absorb, or remain on the skin to be licked off later.  Always do a patch test first like any new product, but Abby has her baths with goat milk soap (a much more expensive brand so I'm happy to find this) since we got her and her fur is SO soft and shiny.

For a shower or bath for we humans, it’s great. Most commercial skincare products are made with a mixture of alcohols, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals which strip our skin of its natural oils that keep it protected and are intended to defend it against becoming dry, irritated, and unhealthy.I had a little rubber bucket of assorted bath products for my nightly bath, but I couldn't use them every night or my skin would dry out and itch.  (I hadn't learned yet that the GMO oils used in cheap bath products, even those touted as "moisturizing", can irritate and dry the skin.)

The Bend Soap and Bend Milk Bath have made a huge difference in my skin in only a few days and the milk bath is soothing and inexpensive enough I can use it frequently! I can’t wait to use the goat milk lotion on my face and body instead of the scented products that often make me itchy or break me out.

With the quality ingredients including palm oil, that they ensure is sustainably harvested, it’s no wonder.

So for my book fans and readers some questions

 •Do you suffer from harsh skin sensitivities, like me, spending thousands of dollars over the years trying to help?

 •Are you allergic or sensitive to many skin care products and can’t use them?

  •Are you concerned about toxic products in your body and the effect on you and your family's long-term health?

  •Would you love to use wonderful products to make your skin and hair soft and supple without spending $9 a bar or $30 a jar?

 Natural, gentle, deeply moisturizing, healing and convenient products from a family run company that's had years of happy customers.  What's not to LOVE?

• Bend Soap Company

There's soaps, lip butters, scrubs, lotions, and even a natural deodorant and lots of information on their company and products and it's obvious how close this family is.

I so enjoyed the photos on their website of their children helping with the chores and the production - growing up as I did doing things with my brother around our Western home to earn a little money, learning responsibility, sharing, and commitment to something.  As I look at the smiling faces of the Johnson family, I can't help but think of what wonderful family memories are being made right now as they provide a product that supports and nourishes a community of people.

Go check them out, especially the gift tins with the holidays coming up (and seriously- orange Sugar Scrub? - I am SO ordering that!)

Triple Berry Sourdough Muffins

Thanks for your patience everyone - I've got a new Novella being published in October (part of an anthology with other authors) and I've been busy finishing that up with my editor.  Fortunately, I got on the scale and though I've been eating somewhat haphazardly being busy and with a husband that's been traveling for work a lot, I haven't gained any weight.

So time for some baking.

My sourdough starter has been doing really well, so I made another batch of muffins.  My husband eats one of these every morning as a snack and they are always a hit. I vary the berries in them and sometimes use  1/4 tsp. Cardamon in place of the Cinnamon. They also freeze really well so I can take some into work to share.  They aren't particularly low-fat or low-sugar (you could replace some or all of the oil/butter with applesauce to make them healthier), but for a homemade snack they are really moist and tasty and the slight tang of the sourdough pairs nicely with the fruit.

You can get sourdough going two ways:

(1)  Find a friend that has some going and borrow at least a half a cup.  Store in a glass jar covered with a coffee filter and rubber band.  You will need to "feed" your new sourdough, then feed it again in a few days.  Feed by adding equal parts flour and non-chlorinated (always) water, stir with a wooden spoon (sourdough does NOT Like metal) and let sit in a warm room (68-70 degrees min.) for an hour or two before and after feeding. If the room is cold, set it on top of a heating pad set on "low". Then store in the refrigerator between feedings.  Feed it with equal amounts flour/water mix at least once a week (I don't feed more than a cup of flour at a time, usually a half cup). In a few days with a couple feedings, it will be ready for baking. Always leave a 1/2 cup in the jar to grow additional starter.

Every two-three weeks I pour the starter into a clean dry bowl, thoroughly wash the glass jar, dry and re-add the starter as some of the starter eventually dries on the side of the jar as you pour it into a measuring cup.

(2)  Or you can make your own starter if you have a warm kitchen and about 5 days (daily upkeep is minimal but it takes several days for it to "take off").

Directions are here:
http://blog.kingarthurflour.com/2012/04/05/creating-your-own-sourdough-starter-the-path-to-great-bread/

Triple Berry Sourdough Muffins

In one bowl stir until well combined:

2 cups flour (if using gluten-free add 1/2 tsp Xanath gum)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup plus 3 Tablespoons brown sugar

In another bowl mix:
1 cup sourdough starter (mine is about the consistency of Kefir - if your starter is thicker you may wish to add another Tablespoon or two of water to the recipe).
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup (4 Tablespoons) melted butter
1 egg (whisked)
1 Tablespoon honey
pinch of lemon zest (optional)

Mix wet and dry ingredients and fold in:

1 and 1/2 cups clean and dry berries (I used 1/2 cup each of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries).

Sprinkle muffin batter with a tiny bit of granulated sugar and bake in a preheated 375-degree  F. oven for 27-30 minutes (or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted comes out clean)

Thai Noodles with Chili Ginger Dressing

I LOVE Thai food and could eat it a couple of times a week.  However, it CAN be somewhat high in oil and sugar when commercially prepared.

Wanting a taste of Thai on this meatless Monday, this was my cold lunch - and it was SO good.  The dressing actually makes enough for one large or two single serving noodle salads.

To assemble - fill a single serving sized bowl with cold cooked linguini or rice noodles.

Top with a large handful of assorted:
carrots
snap peas
celery
red pepper
cilantro
a pinch or two of peanuts
lime for drizzling.

Then top with a wonderful ginger chili dressing (do in your food processor to incorporate the red pepper flakes into an emulsion, if you wish).

Chili Ginger Salad Dressing

1/4 vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 tsp. fresh grated ginger
1/4 tsp. dried chili pepper flakes
1 tsp. honey or Agave Nectar (natural sweetener)
1 tsp. Spring water
1/4 tsp. salt
black pepper to taste (optional)

Mexican Food Doesn't Mean 2000 calories

I had a craving for Mexican but I knew that if we went to one of the local restaurants I'd have a platter the size of New Jersey preceded by 2 pounds of fried chips and salsa.

Still, I wanted that taste and that crunch.

So I made homemade tostadas.

Rather than buy Tostada shells I just used corn tortillas and lightly sauteed them in a little hot oil, just until crisp, then patted dry to remove most of the grease.  They were topped with some fat-free beans ( pinto's smashed with a little cooking water and a dash of oregano), lettuce, a few strips of leftover chipotle seasoned veggie beef crumbles from a previous meal (you can also replace with Setain) a TINY sprinkle of dairy-free cheddar, fat-free sour cream substitute, mild salsa, a splash of hot sauce,  and a few slices of avocado I served it on a colorful salad plate to give it the appearance of being a larger serving than it was, a great trick I use all the time.

Yummy - and I didn't even miss the chips

Beeswax Candles and Handcrafted Honey - A Review of Raines Honey Farm

I love honey products, using beeswax candles in my home to clear the air which helps with both allergy and pet dander issues.

For years I used the typical decorative candle that smelled like apple pie or cinnamon or such.  I also attributed the constant sneezing and sniffing when I was burning a decorative candle to seasonal allergies.  But when I started cooking and canning and doing more things from scratch around the home, I looked into a better, cheaper option.  Well, beeswax isn't cheaper, not at first glance, but it is SO much better, and ultimately, a good value.

Hundreds of years ago, candles were made from beeswax.  Over time, those beeswax candles were gradually replaced by tallow (animal fat) candles, and then in the last century by paraffin candles.  If you look at the candles in your home, that's likely what you have. But what exactly IS paraffin?

Well, it's made from the goo found at the bottom of barrels of crude oil, which is then treated and bleached with chemical solvents such as benzene and toluene to "clean it up".  This is AFTER the stuff to make asphalt is extracted.  There's a reason such candles put out soot and smoke when you burn them, along with some tasty carcinogens.  To get around that natural "diesel fuel" smell the makers add synthetic fragrance oils, many of which can be toxic if burned.

No wonder I was sneezing and sniffing.  The minute particles of that sludge byproduct, over time, can also stain walls, and drapes.

Then I discovered 100% beeswax candles.

Not only do beeswax candles not put out the pollutants, they also help clean the air, for as the candle burns, negative ions are emitted that clean the air.  How?  Negative ions are drawn to positive, and positive ions attract and hold on to airborne things such as mold, dust, bacteria, viruses, and odor causing pollutants, and are suspended in the air.  The negative ions latch on to the "contaminated" positive ions and weigh them down where they fall to the ground.  It's similar to  the cleansing of the air you see after a thundershower a negative ionic event if there ever was one.

I have no hard science as to the allergy connection, but several friends for whom I gave beeswax candles as gifts, say they have seen a marked improvement in their allergies, burning a beeswax candle in their bedroom for about 3 hours before sleep.  I burn one for a few hours in my small home prior to a visit from a friend that's sensitive to pet dander and she says it helps immensely.

But LB!  You're part Scot!  You're a spendthrift!  You refinish and reupholster throw away curb furniture and bake your own bread.  Those candles are rather pricey!

100% Beeswax candles burn 3 times longer than traditional candles.  Considering that, they are quite competitively priced with most high commercially sold candles. It's dollars well spent.

Home Emergency Supplies - candles are a part of most smart folks ready reserves for a natural disaster or electrical outage.  Not only does the beeswax candle burn cleaner, nice in close quarters, but it has a flame that's much brighter than traditional candles, with the same light spectrum as a ray of sun.  I keep one in the glove box of my vehicle, in case of an on road emergency requiring a bit of natural light and heat without polluting the cab of the bat truck.

But (there's always a but).  Not all Beeswax candles sold are 100% pure. Labeling in the US requires only that they be 51% beeswax to be pure (much like some of our food labeling).  Look for the phrase "100% pure beeswax" and note the unique and fresh, subtle honey fragrance.

Today's new beeswax candle comes from an Illinois beekeeping family:

• Raines Honey Farm

The Raines family has been beekeepers for the past 19 years, expanding their business to keep up with the demand for their premium honey.  Their hives are placed on family farms across Northwest Illinois and Southwest Il.  A small one-family operation they produce some of the tastiest honey I've had in years.  Sure, premium honey costs more than store bought but once you try it you'll view store honey like "really bad coffee".  There is that much of a taste difference.  The Raines honey is pure, raw, and natural with a sweet flavor that comes from local flowers, mostly clover.  They never cook, pressure filter or add anything to their honey nor do they use any chemicals in their beehives. 

Ordering online is easy and it's also found in a number of stores in North Central Illinois.  I did an online order and I got my package promptly delivered to Chicagoland, wrapped securely with bubble wrap to avoid damage.  In addition to my new candle, I got two kinds of honey, both regular and whipped (I love that on my morning bagel) a beeswax balm stick (great on dry heels and elbows and as a travel moisturizer since it's solid the TSA won't take it away), a scented bath soap. and they gifted me a new lip balm as a thank you for my first order. All of their products are vegetarian and are only tested on friends and family, NOT animals.

Now I can add a new animal candle around my tub now instead of those Ikea tub o'tealights for ten bucks, which just sooted up my bathroom. These candles produce NO smoke and last SO long, while your drapes, walls, and air stay fresh and clean.

Whether you are a candle lover, a homesteader, someone who loves their "Calgon Take Me Away" candle accompanied baths, or live in an area with power outages, add some pure beeswax candles to your supplies and order up some yummy honey from the Raines family while you are at it. You'll be glad you did.

Be Warned - Appetizer Crack

Looking for something to serve at a family outing or take to a party that you can nibble on without guilt?  The first time I made this for three friends, they ate the whole bowl - and it was a BIG bowl. We ended up putting the enchiladas I made for the main course in Tupperware for everyone to take home.

It's easy to make but for some chopping, fat free and vegan.  For a Paleo friendly dip transport celery sticks work great.  This does have beans and corn so it's not perfectly Paleo but it's a lot better for you than all of those heavy cheesy dips.

Around here it's known as Appetizer Crack

(easily cuts in half measurement wise)

2 cups roasted corn, chilled before blending with other ingredients. (honestly, you can  use the Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn and no one will be able to tell the difference)

2 cans black beans - rinsed and drained

2 red peppers

2 green peppers

2 Roma tomatoes - chopped

2 jalapeno peppers, seeds removed and finely diced.

1 cup chopped cilantro. (I'll be honest, I don't like cilantro but I loved it in this dish).

1 medium to med/large red onion - chopped (but not one of those Jabba the Hut sized onions).

DRESSING

juice of 4 limes (if you must use bottled lime juice, try and find the Key West brand, use 8 tablespoons).

2 Tablespoons APPLE CIDER vinegar

1 clove garlic (if you used the minced fresh in the jar, the amount to equal a clove is on the jar, about 2 tsp).

1 teaspoon sweet Hungarian paprika (there's sweet and smoky types, get the sweet)

few grinds of fresh pepper,

1/4 (roughly) teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon ancho chili powder (I used Penzey's, their stores are in many Midwest cities and you can buy on- line, very reasonably priced). Some stores carry other brands. If you absolutely can't find it, use regular chili powder.

2 Tablespoons honey

1/2 cup  extra virgin olive oil

Directions: Wash all the produce well. Chop and combine all the fresh veggies, the corn and the beans. Chill while mixing dressing. Mix all dressing ingredients except the olive oil. In a thin stream, while using a whisk like you mean it, slowly drizzle in the olive oil, whipping it until it is emulsified (if you want to be boring you can use a blender).

Pour over veggies and stir well, chill at least two hours, re-stir and serve.

Why Healthy Eating is So Hard in 2017

Vegan Crockpot Sloppy Joes

I decided to do something different than our usual pizza night as my husband had been fed pizza several times lately while working late in a plant in another city that needed the advisory engineer.

I also had a busy work week and didn't want to fuss in the kitchen OR heat up the stove when it was 90 degrees out.

Crockpot Sloppy Joes!

But I wanted to make a lower fat version that, other than sweetener, had simple ingredients.

I know you can buy a can of the sloppy joe sauce at the store.  But have you ever looked at the ingredient list of the most popular brand?

Tomato Puree (Water, Tomato Paste), High Fructose Corn Syrup, Distilled Vinegar, Less than 2% of: Salt Sugar, Dehydrated Onions, Dehydrated Red and Green Bell Peppers, Chile Pepper, Tomato Fiber, Spices, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Dehydrated Garlic, Carob Bean Gum, Natural Flavors. 

I think I will pass.

You'll start with a pound of TVP or veggie "beef crumbles.  Add that to 1/2 chopped onion (or a small handful of chopped celery) that you have sauteed until golden.o not add seasoning as you are going to rinse when done to get rid of as much fat as possible.

In your crockpot mix:

1 and 1/2 cups ketchup (or use tomato sauce if you are cutting back on sugar)
dash of salt and pepper
3 shakes crushed red pepper
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon chopped garlic (optional)
2 teaspoons chili powder
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon Molasses
2 and 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire Sauce
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar (I use Braggs, with the "mother")
3/4 cup water (note:  this makes a fairly "saucy" sauce, if  you like it nice and thick reduce to 1/2 cup)
2 Tablespoons tomato paste.

Add in protein/onion mix and a large handful of chopped red, yellow, and green peppers

Cook on low until heated through and the veggies have softened, at least 4 hours.

Perfect Reheated Pizza - Just Add Cast Iron

Everyone loves pizza it seems - whether it's thin, thick, or Chicago style, regular or gluten free, meaty toppings or veggie.  Even while watching your calories, pizza makes a delicious meal, simply request that any high-calorie toppings be applied lightly and consider getting all or half of the pizza with extra vegetables. I also have the pizza cut in squares so I can get some smaller slices out of it and serve on a salad sized plate so it just LOOKS like a have a huge plate of pizza  (honest this tip of serving on small plates works).

I also love having leftover pizza, when the local pizzeria has an extra large size on sale.  But microwaved reheated pizza is just limp and heating it in the oven dries it all out.

What to do?

Get out your cast iron skillet.  

Heat the unoiled skillet on high for one minute.  Add pizza slices, making sure there is some space around them.  Heat for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes (this was a pizza with medium thickness).  Add 3-4 drops of water total to the bare parts of the pan and immediately cover with a heavy lid, turning heat down to medium-low and heat an additional 2-3 minutes.  (You'll soon learn what times work for your stove and favorite pizza).

The result of the quick heat on high followed by steam on lower heat while covered  is a very crisp perfect crust and moist cheesy pizza.  If you want to see more, click on the photos to enlarge.

If doing multiple batches for a family, put finished pizza slices on a cookie sheet, lightly tent with foil and place in a warm, not hot oven

A Review of CVS Gluten Free Cookies

I don't know if any of you have been into a CVS store and noticed they have their own line of gluten-free snacks/cookies.

Because I love both vanilla and shortbread I immediately snagged a box of  CVS brand Abound Gluten-Free Vanilla Shortbread Cookies. I regularly buy the CVS brand of various cosmetic and skin care products and am MORE than happy with them.

Plus I'm a big fan of cookies. Even the sometimes rock hard Dare Coconut ones. But let's just cut to the chase on my personal opinion of the CVS Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies.

The squirrels wouldn't eat them either.

Veggie Sandwich with a Twist

A Veggie sandwich can be more than cheese and cucumbers and sprouts.

Create with some sliced roasted chilled sweet potato, avocado, tomato, a slice of sweet onion (optional), a few sprouts, AND some mayo (or Vegan Veganaise)  to which you've added a pinch or two of lemon zest and poppy seed.  On a dense whole grain, lightly toasted bread, it's 3 degrees of yummy.

Veggie Shepherd's Pie

It's almost summer-  but sometimes you want a nourishing "comfort food" meal.  This one is isn't "low fat" but made with fresh and leftover roasted veggies it has a LOT less fat and calories than traditional Shepherd's Pie.

Ingredients
• 6 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• Kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced (or substitute celery)
• 3 large carrots, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 2 stalks celery, cut into 1/2-inch chunks
• 1 bunch baby turnips, halved or quartered if large
(I also added in a small handful of leftover roasted asparagus)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, leaves chopped (stems reserved)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup chopped veggie burgers or vegetarian protein crumbles (optional)
• 2/3 cup low-fat milk
• Grated parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions

Preheat the broiler. Cover the potatoes with water in a pot; season with salt, cover and boil until the potatoes are fork-tender, 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a stovetop casserole dish or shallow enamel pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, turnips and garlic. Season with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables brown, 8 minutes. Add 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid from the potatoes to the casserole dish. Lower the heat and scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. Tie the parsley stems with twine and add to the casserole. Cover and simmer until the vegetables are tender, 8 minutes. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons butter and the chopped veggie burgers and warm through, 5 minutes. Remove the parsley stems and stir in the chopped parsley. Keep warm.

 Drain the potatoes and mash with the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the milk; season with salt and pepper. Place the casserole in a single dish or individual serving side dishes.  Spoon potatoes over the casserole (s). Sprinkle with parmesan, if desired. Broil until golden brown, 5 minutes.

Healthy Recipe Cooking Tip:

Sautee your kale in 2 teaspoons of organic coconut oil.

That makes it easier to slide the burned, slimy mess into the trash while you get pizza.  :-)

Salami and spicy honey on woodfired crust - Chicago may have its negatives but bad pizza is not one of them.

Tornado Alley - Playing Chicken With Dinner

Before the storms hit, I had to make a dash to the local grocery for two things I'd forgotten. Partner in Grime was driving back from O'Hare where he was arriving after a week on the road and I wanted to make him a nice "not Subway" meal.  He looked at my purchases, lemon juice, and foil, raised an eyebrow and said: "so, making batteries for supper?"

Most of you have seen at least the lower front of his shirt over a dinner table. For those of you that haven't met him, Partner in Grime is my husband,  but also that fellow I share a last name with (trying to look all serious for me, vinegar and yes, he has blue eyes)

No batteries for dinner!  I was going to try and make supper out of just what was on hand (emergency rations not counting).   I had a few chicken breasts.  There was also some odds and end bits of frozen veggies, some leftover chicken stock, and the usual herbs, and vinegar.

Plus, with the tornado sirens going off to our south, I needed something that could get interrupted with no ill effect. Abby was NOT leaving the closet and showed no interest in what I was making.

Champagne Balsamic Chicken.  He'll eat plant based meals with me a lot of the time, but after he's pulled a very long day in the plant, (no pun intended) he'd prefer to have some chicken or salmon with his dinner.

 It's not the most photogenic dish in the world, but it was really good.  I made it with a champagne balsamic vinegar I picked up at Artisano's  the last time I was in Indianapolis and hadn't tried yet. For those that don't live in Indiana, they ship, and if you order something -  get a 1 or 2-ounce sample of the applewood smoked salt, ghost pepper salt (hot!) and espresso sugar.

It was pretty simple, cooked on the stovetop in my favorite Red French Oven (you can use any big, sturdy pot.

In the pot mix:

2 Tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup champagne balsamic vinegar (or any good quality balsamic)
3/4 cup plus 3 Tablespoons chicken stock (or canned broth)
3 generous teaspoons of jarred minced garlic
2 dashes of sea salt
1 bay leaf
1/2 heaping teaspoon mixed dried herbs (I used a mixture of chives, basil, tarragon, chervil and a tiny bit of dill, but just tarragon or basil would work).
a couple grinds from the pepper mill

Add 3-4 skinless chicken breasts and bring to and maintain, a low boil.  Cook for 15 minutes, flip chicken pieces over then reduce heat slightly and cook at a gentle simmer until internal temp is 165 F. on a meat thermometer, (around 30-40 minutes for the pieces I had), keeping lid OFF so that the liquid is reduced to better caramelize the chicken pieces, still leaving enough for you to drizzle on other things.

When the chicken is about 160 degrees F., remove the bay leaf, lower the heat slightly and put some bread in the oven.  What's good?  Popeovers, (Moosewood Kitchen recipe)  always good on a cold, blustery day.]

The popovers were 1/4 of the cost of packaged frozen rolls and much tastier. Between gust fronts, they went in, as those are a little more temperamental cooking wise, but they were worth it, tall, buttery custard-like texture inside, flaky layers on the outside.

Dinner was easy and good, the chicken staying really moist and the garlicky champagne balsamic sauce, absolutely wonderful drizzled over the sweet potatoes (there was also broccoli). Even better, we didn't have to hunker down in the basement when the sirens went off, watching the radar on the computer and seeing the cells with rotation potential going well south of here.

I hope all of you out there are safe, warm and happy and if you're going to play chicken, do it in the kitchen, not with the weather.

OK, I'll come out of the closet for a piece of chicken.