Gluten-Free Pumpkin Sweets

Many people are on a gluten-free craze, but many of us absolutely must adhere to a gluten-free diet in order to remain healthy and/or pain-free, because our bodies can't process wheat/gluten protein.  Now, honestly, a lot of gluten-free food is either tasteless or downright nasty!

Enter the Paleo diet... and guess what? It contains recipes that are gluten-free, and the following is my fave:

Paleo Pumpkin Muffins
 Ingredients:
1 1/2 Cup Almond Flour 
1/3  Cup Tapioca Starch
1 teaspoon non-aluminum baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 Cup raisins or chopped cranberries
3 Large eggs
1 Cup canned pumpkin (can use baked, mashed butternut squash)
1/4 to 1/3 Cup maple syrup (or honey, if your sweet tooth is as greedy as mine!)

1. Liberally grease muffin pans with virgin coconut oil
2. Combine dry ingredients and raisins or cranberries in a medium bowl. Whisk the eggs in another bowl (large). Add the pumpkin or squash and maple syrup or honey. Mix to combine.  Add the dry ingredients and mix until thoroughly combined.
3. Pour the mix into muffin cups.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F for about 25 minutes until muffins pull away from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffins comes out clean.
5. Allow muffins to cool in pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then run a knife around the sides and invert over cooling rack.  When cooled, cover and store for 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for longer storage.

These muffins freeze well, and can be popped in the microwave for about 30 seconds or less to thaw and warm.

The original recipe makes jumbo muffins (8) at 187 calories each; but I use a regular sized muffin tin for 12 muffins at 125 calories each.
 

ENJOY!!

Race in Politics, 2012

What is this new clamoring for photo IDs all about? And, why now?

What is it about the upcoming election that suddenly necessitates the dire need to ensure that those seeking to vote are who they say they are? 

Some of us remember the days of the "poll tax," when people of color were required to jump through veritably impossible hoops as they sought to exercise their right to vote. The law gave them the right to vote, but those at the polls had their own ideas, and thus was born the so-called poll tax. 

Could this sudden demand for a photo ID be a way to bring back the poll tax?  When someone off-mike is heard to say that it's time to put the "white" back in White House, one can only wonder.

The historical election of a non-white man to the highest office in the land gave the false impression to the uber optimists that the United States of America had moved into a post-racial age. Nice thought, but even I didn't buy into that one, and my rose-colored glasses are the rosiest shade of rose. I am truly a glass half-full kind of gal, but I am capable of seeing that the ideal is not always what is real.

Our country has by no means become a colorblind society, nor should it become so, IMHO (in my humble opinion). In order to see me completely, you must note my skin color, eye and hair color, whether I'm tall, short, thin,  or wide.  It is totally unnecessary to try to negate a person's skin color, which is a part of an individual's identity in order for ours to become an equal society.  But I digress...

I am always hesitant to say that a particular negative situation is racially motivated, but this voter ID thing kind of smacks me in the face and says..."Sarah Louise, call a thang a thang."  

Granted, a lot of voters cast their vote for President Obama because he looks like them, but let's not try to turn the clock back due to a desire to try to unseat him. That can be the beginning of a very slippery slope and the traveling down a road that we as Americans don't want to tread.  Many of our foremothers and forefathers have already trod down that road, and we don't need to repeat that particular part of the history of America.  

I would also posit to you that the majority of people who voted for the President believed in his vision for the country.  That he happened to be bi-racial was icing on the cake for many Americans, regardless of skin color or ethnicity.

Fair and square needs to be the rule of the day.  Our democracy already has a question mark beside it because of the Bush v. Gore election; let's not put it further into question by demanding something for this election that was not a requirement for previous elections.  Let's trust in our democratic process.

God bless America.

 

Bathroom or loo?

 I watch a LOT of British television and films, and yes, I occasionally forget the American English (Am-E) translation, if you will, for a particular word; but I feel fairly certain in the moment that if I use the British word,  I will not be understood so I have to wait a few moments for my gray matter to rearrange itself.  After reading an article in the New York Times concerning the apparently huge numbers of people substituting "Briticisms" for Am-E, I was very glad to learn that I am not alone! No longer will I feel that tiny frisson of discomfort when the words of a typical Londoner rather than those of a typical American roll off my tongue. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to have a coffee and ring my mum. Cheers.

Why is "Casual Vacancy" So Pricey on Kindle?

I was looking forward to reading J.K. Rowling's new publication, but was dismayed to see that the publisher has very nearly doubled the price for the Kindle edition!  Fortunately, I can download and read a sample for free.  If I like it, I will probably borrow a copy from the library. Just my voice of protest on the publisher being so greedy.   As a consumer, vote with your pocketbook/wallet by keeping it closed until reasonableness returns to those who insist on swindling us.

The Taste of Dragon...fruit, that is

If you are a fan of kiwi fruit, then get thee to the fruit aisle at your grocer and treat yourself to dragonfruit!  It is reminiscent of kiwi and the flesh even looks like kiwi in white, but has a milder flavor.

Now, I don't know the nutritional value, specifically, but I'm thinking that it's up there. Try it; you might like it.

Losing a Child

Can you imagine losing a child; as in a child who is in your care goes missing?  
 I'm reading a novel about that very thing. It's entitled "Year of Fog," and a seven year-old girl, who is in the care of the fiancee goes missing when the attention of the fiancee is diverted for what she perceives to be only a few seconds. 

This is a fictional story, but what if..?  It would be bad enough to lose your own child like that; but somebody else's child?! Oh, hell, no. What would you do? Tell me. It is so hard for me to even go to that place.  Then, I reflect on the number of children whom I see neglected by their parents in stores on a regular basis. In a split second, a predator could swoop a little one up and be gone, while the parent is perusing the clothing racks or what-have-you. I have seen mothers try to reason with a three year-old by wheedling; i.e., "Now, what have I told you about staying by me?" And immediately after the wheedle, the kid runs off again; so out comes another wheedle. Honey, it's time to just snatch that little rascal up and let him know exactly what's what.

Parents, please stop being scared of your children and/or treating them like small adults.   are responsible for their well-being.  They are in your charge, and if you really love them, you will do whatever is necessary to keep them safe. Too many parents are afraid that their children will not love them if the child is disciplined. People, please! How will your children learn if you don't teach them? And by discipline, I don't mean that you take a big stick to them. Get out the dictionary and look up the word discipline. It is not synonymous with beating; nor is it synonymous with punishment. However, punishment should not be a bad word, because sometimes your child needs to be punished, so that she learns that actions have consequences. And if one of your kids has the audacity to threaten you with 911, then you might want to consider going Madea on their behind so that they will know not to EVER even think about uttering those words to you again. And I'm sure Madea wouldn't mind if you keep her on speed dial.

Remnants of Evil

I was watching a program on the Holocaust recently, and having visited Dachau in the past, I was transported to the camps that were shown during this program. The evil that was perpetrated on innocent people who just happened to have been born Jewish is so hard to wrap the brain around. What do you tell yourself that allows you to discount other human beings that way? Is there a switch in the brain that you can flip so that you become a monstrous evildoer? Some of us will never understand because we just don't have the particular bent that would allow us to behave as a subhuman.

The atmosphere has changed in those places of extreme evil and sadness. For instance, in the notorious Sobibor Death Camp, the birds don't even visit and sing. There is utter and eerie stillness, as though the very air has declared that we will never be allowed to forget that this was a place of wholesale murder.

Though the Germans destroyed Sobibor Death Camp in 1944, the molecules of the air remember. 

The Case for Civil Dialogue

William Raspberry, award-winning columnist, passed away recently and I was privileged to read one of his last columns, pre-retirement, and though it was written in 2005, his words are so dead-on for today... basically, get over yourself and realize that other people are in the world, and are entitled to their opinions just as you are entitled to yours; and a truly civilized person knows how to agree to disagree without resorting to vitriolic and caustic comments.

Mr. Raspberry said that he found that he often agreed with both sides of an issue and thought that many other people did the same. For instance, he was both pro-life and pro-choice. Perhaps that very dichotomy causes such inner conflict in people, that rather than having a serious discussion with themselves (which is where their real problem lies) they focus outward and go on the attack against those who are against what the person is "supposed" to believe. I found that statement very interesting because just yesterday, when I read of a cop killer likely being sentenced to death, I was very, very glad. But. I generally consider the death penalty legalized murder. I actually stuttered in my steps as I walked across the floor when I realized that conflict. So, we must be wise enough to make situational decisions and not castigate someone else because their version of reality is different from ours.

Human beings are very complex. That's what makes us so very interesting, and the late Rodney King put it so simply and so eloquently when he asked, "Can't we all just get along?"

http://www.shoedazzle.com/invite/skz1wcsup

I am a handbag maven and a shoe freak. Finding a site that lets you indulge both these characteristics, with some jewelry and lingerie thrown in to boot is fab-u-lous! I have to admit that since I have slim and delicate feet, I must be very selective in which pair of footwear to order, but hey, ninety percent of the fun is in p-e-r-u-s-i-n-g and drooling, right?!  Right now, I am awaiting the arrival of a snazzy, yet chic hat and scarf combo. Huzzah-Huzzah!

Check it out, and find your shoe/bag bliss.  I promise that you will enjoy the experience.

10 Marlborough St - Back Bay Boston Ma 02116 - Boston

10 Marlborough St - Back Bay Boston Ma 02116 - Boston

Following the instructions from my Life Coach, Anthony Robbins, this is one of the #1s on my Goal List!  GOR-GE-OUS!!!!!

Shapewear (Spanx, et al)

How many of you are being squoze to death with Spanx and other manner of the latest torture to our bodies in the quest to appear flawless?  I spent entirely too much money on a pair of Spanx and nearly gave myself a hernia and an appendectomy trying to stuff myself into them. Then, when I was encased like a sausage -- you got it -- other parts of me kinda overflowed, so the whole exercise was pointless. Guess some of us need shapewear that covers like a burkha, huh?  

Well, I have good news! Put on a pair of bike shorts! (Mine are by Champion.) Not only do they comfortably control and smooth out any little imperfections, but they do double duty by preventing chafing of the thighs in hot, humid weather!  Now you can cross the worry about damaging your internal organs off your list.  Oh, joy!

To Dye or Not to Dye...

I had always looked forward to gray hair, and I vowed NEVER would I dye my hair when the lovely gray began to come in. BUT. What I pictured and what actually happened were two entirely different things! The picture in my mind was a sexy, sophisticated, striking stripe of silver-gray strands gracing my head as I continued to strut my stuff, so to speak.  That is not what happened!  These little sprigs of sproingy gray strands appeared.  EEK!  Still, I had that luscious picture in my head, so surely the reality would meet the fantasy, and very soon.  Fast forward...it ain't happened. Not to worry, though. Instead of sexy, sophisticated and striking silver-gray strands, I decided to rock the walk with a bodacious mocha and blonde 'do; but I'm still hopeful, and expect to wake up to the gorgeous gray at any time!

This post was engendered by an article which stated that a large number of women are afraid to let their hair go gray because they will be considered "old," and subsequently be discriminated against in the workplace... it's that school of thought that men with gray hair are distinguished and wise, but women with the same are somehow instantly transported into their dotage. How horrendous that in the year 2012, women are still fighting to be treated with equity in the workplace, especially over something as superficial as hair color. Gloria Steinem, help!  Somebody needs to see the light.  So, ladies, if you don't want to dye your hair, embrace your gray!  

Now, on the other side of the coin, there are some who don't want to be caught even dead (women and men) with gray hair; and there ain't nothin' wrong with that. The issue here, is choice. No one should be afraid of losing their job if she/he doesn't want to subject their bodies to harsh chemicals.  In that same article, a woman was not only told to dye her hair, but to get a "younger" wardrobe. Excuse you! Said woman would probably be very happy to go shopping if the boss was footing the bill, but only for clothing that she liked and chose.  Wonder if he also suggested new and different undergarments since he wanted younger looking. You know what I mean...

As Russell Simmons says:  "Do you."  There was only one of you created, so live your creation.

Super Bowl Commercials

Commercials airing during the Super Bowl cost an obscene amount of money, but it's the only time that I actually watch the commercials, instead of jumping up and squeezing in some "dit-dit, i.e., load washer, sweep a floor, empty dryer, etc. I think we can watch them all on www.nbc.com.  There are currently three minutes left in the game, and my New England Patriots are leading by two points. This is a nail-biter.  Gotta sign off, so I can pray! Catch you tomorrow.