Cooking With Essential Oils

So I said I'd be experimenting, and this is what happened this last week...YUM.  Unlike some essential oil brands, most of doTerra Essential Oils are safe for consumption.  Food and medicine are one and the same to me, and it's even more so true now.  Enjoy!

Golden Rice Pudding

Golden Rice Pudding  This whole grain, dairy free, sugar free version of an old favorite just got better.  I've been making this for quite awhile to satisfy my sweet-tooth, but adding the golden raisins and using cinnamon essential oil in the place of my regular ground cinnamon was amazing.  Just the smell wafting up from the pot on the warm stove was therapeutic.  It's great served warm, or cold, for breakfast, or dessert. Make sure the brown rice you are using is well cooked and soft--it's a fantastic way to use leftover rice.

1 1/2 Cans Pure Coconut Milk (Use the cream that separates to the top for the second half)
10-15 Drops Pure Stevia Extract
7 Drops doTerra Cinnamon Essential Oil
1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Redmond Real Salt
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
4 Cups Fully Cooked Brown Rice
1/2 Cup Golden Raisins

Warm the coconut milk over medium heat, adding extracts and seasonings until integrated.  Add the rice to the warm milk mixture, stirring constantly and heating through.  Fold in the golden raisins, and remove from the heat to thicken and cool.  Allow the flavors to blend, then serve warm or cooled.  Keep leftovers in the fridge right in the pot so it can be easily warmed again over the stove.

Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfait

Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfaits Alright, I was skeptical this recipe from my 6/21/13 blog post last year would have any improvement using essential oils, but I simply love using the lemon oil in place of the lemon juice.  It's really good either way, but the lemon essential oil tastes less tart.  Also, you get the concentrated detoxifying benefit of several pounds of lemons using the essential oil!  I doubled this recipe for my last doTerra essential oils class.

32 oz. Plain Organic Yogurt

4 Packets of Sweet Leaf Stevia Powder

15-20 Drops doTerra Lemon Essential Oil

1 lb. Fresh Washed Raspberries

9 Sheets Organic Whole Wheat Graham Cracker (or Granola)

Homemade Organic Whipped Cream (optional)

Crush the Graham Crackers in a large plastic zip bag, using a rolling pin--(my kids do this part for me.)  Combine the first 3 ingredients to make the lemon yogurt.  Mix till smooth and creamy. Layer in a small glass the graham cracker crumbs, then the lemon yogurt, then the raspberries. Do this twice.  Top with some homemade whipped cream. 

Just a Little Every Day

Meet DoTerra

My four year old son, Liam wanted a pet fish.  We thought it would be a good thing to have the boys take care of an easy pet since we just had our new baby.  So, we went to the pet store and picked out  a Beta Fish.  Liam wanted the red one, which happened to be a male...so now I'm really outnumbered with all boys at our house, including our dog, and now this fish too!
Recently I signed on with doTERRA essential oils to start teaching classes and become an independent product consultant.  I have mixed emotions about it even after a month of getting started.This will be a lot like my old employment as a wellness counselor at the health food store, but I get to be home with my family.  I've missed the rewarding feeling of helping people as well as interacting, and exchanging valuable knowledge and opinions about health topics on a regular basis.  On the other hand, I'm overwhelmed with the learning curve, and with how much work I really do have to put in to make things profitable.  Having our new baby has helped me to take things slow.  "All you have to do is be consistent" were valuable words to that came from one of my mentors.  I thought, "Well, I know I can do that."
Later, a friend of mine called to see how things were going, since she had helped me in the process of making up my mind what to do.  We had joked about the typical multi-level sales person type, and she facetiously said, "You should name your new fish DoTerra."  I ran it by the boys, and they went for it, so it stuck.  I didn't know at the time that it would help me so much.
The fish food we bought is a small jar of tiny little pellets.  Our fish should only eat one or two a day, or we might kill him.  (Sadly we learned this from a previous carnival goldfish we acquired.)  Every time I go to feed DoTerra, I think, "Just a little every day is all I have to give.  That's all it takes."

This reminds me of another analogy I heard once; it went something like this:

Treat your projects, your goals, your talents, and your pursuits like a garden.  You go out to water the garden, to weed it, to harvest from it, but the garden is not you.  It doesn't define who you are.

So, with that being said, I need to keep my passion alive, and now I'm having so much fun coming up with ways to use my essential oils in recipes.  I served this yummy popcorn at my very first doTERRA class.  Enjoy.

White Chocolate Lemongrass Popcorn:

1/4 Cup Canned Coconut Milk (I use Thai Brand)
1/2 Cup oz White Chocolate Chips
5 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
1 Cup Corn Kernals Freshly Popped
2 Tbs. Butter
Redmond Real Salt to taste

Bring the coconut milk to a light simmer in a saucepan on the stove.  Gradually add the white chocolate chips, stirring until it forms a nice smooth consistency.  Add the lemongrass, stir, cover, and keep warm.  Pop your popcorn, and then add the melted butter and salt.  Simply pour the chocolate over the popcorn, stir to coat, and then serve warm and sticky.  You'll have to lick your fingers!

 

White Chocolate Lemongrass Popcorn

Boundless Limitations

Sunrise at the docks where I've practiced yoga--the snow has melted now, and soon I'll get back to what I love.

So it's time to make dinner, and you head to the kitchen to begin your preparations.  The options are few, because you haven't been to the grocery store in awhile.  The fridge is quite bare, and the cupboards are getting there.  Do you just order pizza? 

We have a new baby at our house, so for the first week, we had some meals brought in by our generous neighbors, friends, and family.  I was so grateful for their help.  It felt daunting to try and cook anything, let alone make it to the grocery store.  I finally gave in and actually sent a close friend to pick up some groceries for me--(which I have to confess I rarely even send Connor to the store for anything, because I have a control issue in this area.)  

So, lately I've had to get creative in the kitchen.  It's almost like a game for me--new combinations come up, and possibilities are actually ignited by having to make something from what feels like nothing.  I read an article in a cooking magazine once where a chef was saying that some of his best ideas come to him for new meals when he has run out of his usual supply of goods.  He said hew grew up in a home where they didn't have a lot of money to spend on food, so often they would have to think of ways to manipulate the menu.  I never forgot that.  Sadly, I did forget this Chef's name though--sorry.  

When I first started developing my own recipes, it was because I had restrictions.  I was very sick, and I was trying to figure out what it was I needed to eliminate from my diet.  It was a long process that tested my patience every day, but then I would discover foods that liked me as much as I liked them.  I was using substitutes for ingredients all the time, and gradually gathered a list of foods that were safe for me to eat.  I know there are plenty of people out there who have food allergies and intolerance, or who just want to start making a positive change in what they consume on a regular basis.  Sometimes, putting these kinds of limitations on ourselves can get really dull; really monotonous.  I have much I could say about this subject of overcoming food sensitivities, but I'll have to save that for another post.  My point is, that is doesn't have to be boring!

My boys love to hear stories about themselves.  One of Liam's favorites is when we went to the carnival as a family one night.  He was running to catch up with us, and tripped over a big cord that ran along the pavement.  He fell flat forwards, but then got up, turned around, and gave that cord a determined look with his hands on his hips.  He didn't say a word, but walked firmly back over the cord and jumped over it as if to say, "I'll show you!"  He smiled and went on his way.  I was so proud of his ability to get up and try again.  Liam is an example of resilience in my life, and I can't say that I'm the one who taught it to him.

Baby Owen is now a month old, and I can hardly believe it.  I've spent a lot of time in bed, in dim light, indoors, out of the cold.  I thought this all sounded cozy to have a winter baby, but I've struggled a lot with postpartum depression.  It's a reality that always surfaces for me after births, but not just then.  Unfortunately, that little dark cloud looms over me all too often.  Naturally, I think I inherited some gloomy genes.  Most days are good.  It helps to know the real me is not that way at all, and if I keep getting up, and doing the things know make it go away, it always does.  I haven't been able to exercise very much for over a month.  Each time I try and progress in my personal yoga practice a little more, being diligent and patient.  A few floor stretches evolves back to a strong vinyasa flow eventually if I don't give up, and just be consistent.  (I can't wait to start back into a real yoga practice again!)

What inspired me to write about this today was realizing how often I use words to express feeling held back:  Stifled, frustrated, trapped, put out, tired, sapped, and so forth.   The whole reason I ever even started writing this blog was to help people overcome mental barriers that get in the way of healthier happier lives.  I guess the reason I think about this topic so much, is because I have to practice it every day.  Moving through life like we are treading water is a lot of resistance, and it can get exhausting.  Maybe people who suffer from mental illness lose interest in the things they love most because they've forgotten how to be creative even when the resources are scarce.  However, I have a new mantra that is already taking effect: 

"I now go beyond others fears and limitations.  I create my life." --Louisa Hayes Affirmations

Owen is Here

 

I planted an Amaryllis bulb before Thanksgiving with my boys. At the time I wondered if it would bloom when baby Owen arrived.  Sure enough, the week of my due date, it bloomed. I was sure he'd be here any day.  

Then a week went by, and I watched my beautiful Amaryllis wilt. Still no Owen, even though I was experiencing plenty of false labor.  I've always delivered my babies overdue.  Induction has usually been necessary. This time I was doing all I could to help myself go into labor on my own.  If I could do that, then I could have a natural birth. 

Even though the flower had died, I kept thinking of the image of its bloom.  It gave me a feeling if hope that what I was experiencing was just what was needed.  The bloom symbolized to me the beginnings of a change or transition taking place slowly in my body.  I faithfully practiced prenatal and birthing yoga each day and saw this visualization in my mind of a beautiful and peaceful birth.  Often, that was the only time I really felt all that peaceful about it.  Fears crept in, and I started to feel more anxious each day. Physically, I became ill, and it was hard to get better.  My boys hadn't been sick all winter, but we were all home with head-colds for a week.  Why now?  Yet I knew If I could get better in time, and get over these fears, then I could have a natural birth. 

I did get well in time, and as soon as I began recovering, the contractions came back. I was excited to have things moving along again.  But then, I started to worry that Connor and I were not going to be able to do this together.  I wanted to feel his love and support and completely trust him and my midwives.  If I could do that, I could have a natural birth.  

The day arrived.  I knew that if I could remember all the answers to my prayers, all the people who we're cheering us on, and all the blessings I had received I could do this. If I supported Connor as much as he did me, we could do this.  The confidence and peace that came was amazing. I knew this wasn't my own strength.  Heaven's help was there. 

Now, playing back in my mind the night Owen came into the world--I feel like we can do anything.  

We did well, and things couldn't have gone any better.  After a most pleasant and quick labor, I cried out in a way I didn't think a quiet person like me was capable of--but Owen came quietly. He was a water birth.  He was born without a cry; alert, and looking up into our eyes.  His spirit is so wise in such a tiny body.  

Recovery is something I can do. Nursing is something I can do.  I can raise three active boys. Because I'm not doing this alone.  Now I wonder what great things Owen will do. 

Soon to Deliver

Last Days of Pregnancy are Here

Retrospect~

  My first pregnancy and delivery was hard.  At the time I was even thinking it might not be possible for me to try and do it all again.  Now, I look back at that experience and I'm so grateful for the things I learned from it.  Retrospect is a great teacher, but even more so when we document it.  Keeping a journal of all that I went through helped me a great deal in my following pregnancies.  As I read through the past, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, and gratitude for where I am now.  I admire my old self, in that I was strong enough to get through hard times, and it was humbling.   I'm much less likely to complain about smaller discomforts I've experienced in latter pregnancies.  I have more empathy for those who are struggling to get through their own maternal experiences as well.  I don't really want to go through and list all the things that happened.  Dwelling on things, and digging up old suffering doesn't seem to do much good--but we never forget what happened.  It changes us for the better if we let it.  We all have our own personal path of both trials and great joy.

After going through some particularly challenging physical and emotional times in my life, (this time not related to pregnancy,) at one point I wrote sort of a "Rising of the Pheonix" type poem:

Emerge from the rubble

Strap on my wings

Step out of the fire

A bit singed by these things

Purified my perspective

It seemed so hard before

We'll all resurrect 

From the dust of this world  

We'll rise again, and again.  It's not just some magical transformation that happens to us only once.  Every time I think I have myself figured out, I have to submit to how much I don't.  I believe there is a life after this one, and eventually we will rise and shake off the dust of this world, but we'll never forget or regret what we had here.  We have the opportunity to grow and change into future gods and goddesses.  Our capacity is unmeasured.  Every time I birth a small infant who enters this world, I believe he came from another place I'll someday return to.  We'll all return there together.  

During those long nights when I was pregnant with my first son, I would read for comfort.  My faithful dog Toby always seemed to be there, curled up by my side.  One night, I read this scripture:

"For after much tribulation, 

as I have said unto you in a former commandment, 

cometh the blessing."  Doctrine and Covenants 103:12

Bringing my sons into the world has been that blessing.  Its a joy I can't describe to be a mother, even though I feel completely inadequate for the job every day.  In just two weeks or so, Connor and I will have three small boys growing up under our roof.  It's going to be celebratory!

For an Easier Pregnancy~ Much of this information comes from Dr. Christopher, master herbalist.  I've modified it to my own needs.

A Whole Food Prenatal- Less nausea, and more absorption when it comes from a food source supplement.  I personally like Rainbow Light brand

Fish Oil- Take up to 4,000mg daily if suffering from depression during baby's stages of brain and eye development.

Chlorophyll-Fights fatigue by helping with iron absorption for anemia, bringing more oxygen to the bloodstream, and helps keep the blood mildly detoxified, as well as the bowels more regular.

Wheat Germ Oil- A valuable source of vitamins E, and B6.  Excellent for skin conditions as it lubricates the tissues, and improves heart health.

Black Strap Molasses- Provides Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium, as well as B6.  Supports thyroid function and endocrine system balance.  Supports the nervous system. 

Probiotics- Food Sources such as kefir and other fermented foods ward off digestive discomforts, and prevent future colic in baby.  Also, supports immunity in a very safe way.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea- Keeps Progesterone levels higher, which prevents miscarriage, nausea, emotional instability, insomnia, muscle tension, and headaches.  Tones the uterus, preparing it for delivery.  High is Magnesium, so therefore relaxes muscles, eases contractions and postpartum pains, and so much more.  Dr. Christopher recommends up to a quart a day.  I was drinking this much before pregnancy, so sometimes I even drink more than that, or use the capsules as well.

Other Herbal Teas to Rotate and Vary- Dandelion, Peppermint, Ginger, Nettle, Red Clover, Rooibos, Burdock Root.

Greens Powder including Kelp- This one is more specific to those who need a little help with a sluggish thyroid.  It's also a good source of quick energy, and veggies when it's just too hard to eat a salad.

Safe Immunity Boosters- Garlic, Elderberry, Vit. D, Vit. C (in smaller, infrequent doses), Zinc lozenges, Colostrum, Probiotics, Homeopathic remedies for colds and flu, Essential Oils, and Lemon Juice with a dash of Cayenne in water.

For Sciatica/Back Pain- YOGA (of course), Massage, Mineral Baths, Arnica, Peppermint Essential Oil, Magnesium, and Ice packs.  Also adjusting sleep position to the left side with pillows supporting between the legs.

My Own Personal Must-Haves- YOGA as often as possible, along with other forms of exercise.  Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, and Chlorophyll for Obstetric Cholestasis. Birthing Hypnosis Sessions.  Borage Oil for Post Delivery Belly Fat...

If these basic things are incorporated into an already healthy lifestyle, the results will have a ripple effect into every other discomfort you could experience.   I'm not saying that it will all just be a piece of cake, but the benefits are amazing.  Pregnancy doesn't have to mean becoming an invalid for nine months.  You can feel more like yourself, be more active, and have the resilience to get through the days that are inevitably going to be rough.   I believe that pregnancy, labor and delivery, nursing, and motherhood can all be mostly positive experiences.  I have my fears and worries, that creep up on me, but most of the time I've been looking forward with optimism in the days to come ahead! 

. 

The Art of Contentment

Cinna-Pomegranate "Rubies"   
Whenever I eat a pomegranate, I think to myself, "handle these beautiful rubies with firmness and gentleness at the same time--a good reminder for me how to handle my precious children also."
This was a delicious accidental discovery.  I had some residue from some essential oil on a plate, and ate my pomegranate on it.  

1 Drop Essential Oil of Cinnamon
1 Pomegranate

Wipe the cinnamon oil lightly with a paper towel on the inside of your single serving bowl-it's important that there is only a hint of cinnamon.  Don't drop the oil into the seeds themselves.  Place Pomegranate Seeds in the bowl, stir, and eat up..

Honey Holiday Wassail
This is a modified version of my mother's Christmas wassail she used to make.  I love the citrus juices in this recipe, and I can feel good about giving my kids a hot cup of Vitamin C and Antioxidants when they come in from the cold.  

1 1/2 Cups Honey
4 Cups Water
3 Cinnamon Sticks
1/2 tsp Ground Ginger
1/4 tsp Ground Allspice
1 1/2 tsp Whole Cloves
3 Cups Orange Juice
3/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
5 Cups Apple Cider
1 Cup Pineapple Juice


On Contentment~

Sometimes I go without the things I want, or know I need, but can postpone.  It's like a game to see how long I can do without something.  I remember when I didn't have a rolling pin, but instead of buying one, I used a Nalgene water bottle for couple of years, until I finally realized how ridiculous that was!  Then, I went out to go buy one, and I'm sure in my self-deprivation, I decided to buy much more than just a rolling pin.  I learned then, and I'm still learning now that making myself feel poor and needy is not a very healthy mentality.  Deprivation leads to splurges.  That's why dieting has never worked very well for people.  Eventually, we lose our self control, and will power goes down the tubes, because we haven't allowed ourselves to enjoy life in moderation.

Real wealth is not financial increase.  It is our quality of life.  It is having the bounties of life.  These bounties may be having more time to spend with our families and friends, having good health, or gaining knowledge, skills, and talents.  A bounteous life is full of valuable experience, and time well spent.  In a religious sense, it is having truth, forgiveness, repentance, inner peace, and love.  These are the possessions to seek after. When I get thinking about it, I understand I have been so blessed to live such an abundant life.

True wealth is knowing that we have enough, and to take it further, it's knowing we are enough.  Finding contentment is a way to having a peace amidst the demands we are surrounded by.  Everywhere we look we are told that we need more than what we already have.  We are told that we will never amount to being as wealthy, beautiful, educated, or talented as others.  So echoing things I've said before--we either try to hard, or we just give up.  There is a balance in feeling content with who we are, and what we have, without going to the extreme of deprivation.  You deserve to become that person you want to be.  Just be more patient about it, and in the process it will creep up peacefully upon you and rest.

This Christmas, I wish you all the peace of contentment, and your families too.  


"Sometimes I need
only to stand
wherever I am
to be blessed.”
 ~Mary Oliver

Thanksgiving Pies

Pumpkin Ginger Coconut Cream Pie

This pie was made in an effort to make a pumpkin pie with less dairy in it so my little Liam could enjoy some dessert on Thanksgiving.  Since I’m always for having less dairy, and I love the taste of traditional pumpkin pie, this became a yummy replacement.  Coconut oil is the perfect thing to replace the shortening in most recipes, making a surprisingly nice flaky whole grain crust.

To make 2 pie crusts:

2 Cups Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1 Tsp Real Salt

1 ½ Cups Coconut Oil

1 Egg

1/4 Cup Ice Cold Apple Juice

Place the apple juice in a cup in the freezer. While this is getting icy cold, combine the pastry flour and the salt in a mixing bowl.  Using a pastry cutter, mash the coconut oil into the flour mixture.

Take the apple juice out of the freezer, and crack the egg into the same cup.  Lightly whisk the egg in with a fork.   Blend in the apple juice and egg mixture 1 Tbs. at a time, kneading gently with hands until you can form 2 evenly sized balls of dough.  Wrap these in plastic wrap, place in fridge for ½ hour.  Place some wax paper on the counter with a little water underneath it so it will stick.  Roll out the dough on top of this, using a little flour to keep it from sticking to the roller.  When it is large enough to place into the pie tin, gently lift it away and press into the tin without stretching it too much.  Trim the outer uneven edges of the dough with a knife and flute the edges by pressing down with your thumb and knuckle of your forefinger around the outer edge.  This crust is left unbaked for the pumpkin pies or fruit pies, but if you need it to be a baked shell, for a cream pie, then you would prick the crust with a fork, and bake it at 425 for 10-12 minutes.

Pumpkin pie filling: (One Pie)

½ Cup Honey

¼ Cup Sucanat

½ Tsp. Real Salt

1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

¼ Tsp Ground Cloves

½ Tsp Fresh Ground Ginger

2 Eggs

15 oz. Pure Pureed Pumpkin (I use canned)

12 oz. Pure Coconut Milk

Mix together the honey, sucanat, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in a mixing bowl.

Using an electric hand mixer, beat the eggs in a separate bowl until they are emulsified, but not stiff.  Stir the pumpkin into the eggs.  Add the pumpkin mixture to the honey and spice mixture.  Gradually add the coconut milk, continuing to mix thoroughly.   Pour batter into an unbaked pie crust shell. (Recipe above.)

Preheat the oven to 425.  Bake the pie at this temperature for the first 15 minutes.  Reduce the heat in the oven to 350.  Continue baking for an hour, or until a knife comes out clean and the pie looks golden on top.

Whipped Topping:

1 Can Coconut Milk, Chilled, and Cream Separated

2-3 Tbs. Ground Sucanat

1 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Open the can of chilled coconut milk and separate the cream from the top, placing it into a chilled bowl.  Grind the sucanat using a coffee grinder if you have one, or a mini-food processor will do.  beat the cream, sugar, and vanilla using an electric hand mixer until stiff.  Keep cold, and serve a dollop with your pumpkin pie.

My Mom always made pie crust cookies for us with the left-over trimmings when she made pies growing up.  My boys loved cutting them out, and sprinkling them with some cinnamon sugar,

Apple Streusel Pie Filling:

5 Cups Tart Apples, Peeled, and Sliced

1 Tbs. Lemon Juice

1/3 Cup Pure Real Maple Syrup

1 Tsp Arrowroot Powder mixed with 1Tbs. water

3 Tbs. Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

1 Tsp Cinnamon

½ Tsp Nutmeg

1 Tbs. Soft Butter

Peel and slice the apples, put them in a small bowl, and pour lemon juice over the top, and gently fold.   Pour the apples into an unbaked pie shell.  (Recipe Above.)  Mix together the rest of the ingredients, and pour over the top of the apples.  The butter will remain lumpy--it's alright.  Bake at 425 F for 15 min.  Put the streusel topping on at that point, and reduce the heat to 350 degrees.  Bake for another 40 minutes.  Serve warm, with some vanilla ice cream. 

Streusel Topping:  (Combine in a food processor, then crumble with your fingers over the top of the apple pie)

1/2 Cup Ground Sucanat

¾ Cup Oat Flour

1/3 Cup Butter