Phoenix-journal #49-1-/25/2010

On My Mind...so many wonderful elders with heart disease, arthritis, cancer, digestive issues, diabetes, and dementia...I love my family and friends...it is so hard to see them disappear before my eyes.

Celebration...wonderful time spent with loved ones this week...

Deliciousness...I got the idea from a recipe that my friend Anne linked. Of course I had to change it and increase it. Because we eat such huge quantities of veggies around here, the original recipe could not serve four of us as a main dish. Here it is according to little Ginger. I made salmon to go with it, because the soon to be missionary really doesn't want to go vegan. I have to say my recipe for Ratatouille is much better, but we need more ways to cook this favorite vegetable (fruit).

Eggplant Caponata
1 medium eggplant, diced into ½-inch cubes (leave skin on)
3 tomatoes, diced

2 T. black olives, sliced in half
2 T. kalamata olives, sliced in half
2 t. olive oil
1/4 t. dried Italian herbs
1/2 c. minced fresh parsley

1.  Place diced eggplant in a large colander, sprinkle with salt, and let drain for 20 min. Rinse and pat dry.
2. Combine the eggplant, tomatoes, olives, olive oil and salt in a large baking dish.
3. Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes until eggplant is tender.
4. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. This is great over brown rice or brown rice pasta.

This is another recipe from the same source also shared by Anne.

Sorta Lara Bars
1 cup almonds
1 cup macadamia nuts
1 cup dates
1 cup tart dried cherries
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons ground cardamom

1. Place nuts, dates and cherries in a food processor, pulse until well ground
2. Pulse in vanilla, ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom
3. Remove mixture from food processor and press into an 8 by 8-inch baking dish
4. Refrigerate overnight (6-8 hours)
5. Cut into squares and serve

Homemaking...It was lovely to come home to a snug and tidy house...continue with Pantry Principle Areas


Appearance...denim a-line, pink blouse, denim wool cardigan


Toward a Real Education...I crammed all my studying into three days last week...still loving it.

Bee News...if we can find a warm afternoon, we'll take off the final supers.

Garden Gate...no news

Apothecary...sunshine is the best cure...after a hard time with a seized hip joint, the warm sun in Phoenix loosened me up and sucked away my pain.

Scripture Meditations..."And set in order the churches, and study and learn, and become acquainted with all good books, and with languages, tongues, and people.” Doctrine and Covenants 90:15

Praying For...Those that serve the Lord in dangerous places. Our Oakley... she's a wonderful little lady. We pray for safety, health, and happiness for her and all children of the earth. Praying for our children and all the changes they are facing right now.
 
What's Coming...temple with Spencer on the 28th

Simple Pleasure...warm Phoenix fall