Friday Perspective

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17

Happy Thanksgiving

I have so much to be grateful! Enjoy your day with family and friends, remembering above all it is Christ who enables us from death to life! Speak words of life with those around, be a light and a difference that makes them want to know "who is this Jesus?" 

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful. - Col. 3:15

Coconut-Coconut Granola & Banana Crunch Coconut Muffins

So, you've had granola.  And not another granola recipe, you say.  Almost opting yourself right out of reading this one.  Don't.. keep reading.  

In the past few years, I admit losing my love of granola. Super crunchy cereal, pantry basic.  No big deal.   And then, you try some that transforms this breakfast snack into another world.  This recipe did that for me and I will never look at granola the same.  It is found after many years of making dozens of versions.  Finally landed on this perfection.. and it's something I get excited about.   It is great by the handful.. or use it with cold milk alone.. deelish.  In yogurt, so good. In baked muffins.. ah-mazing!  So, try it.  It will change your ever loving granola life.  And, it's makes a great gift. Often I add chopped dark chocolate chunks.. makes an even more amazing treat! 

Banana Crunch Coconut Muffins

And soon after falling in love, make these muffins.  Barefoot Contessa's recipe for Banana crunch breakfast muffins which is probably my most requested muffins.. calls for 1 cup of granola and 1 cup of coconut. Using this coconut granola transcends the recipe.  Over the top yum.   I have my version of her muffin recipe posted below. Always trying to opt for a healthier, yet still delicious result.. this recipe was an easy one to bring into the light. Even with 1 cup less sugar (there's added applesauce) and switching to whole wheat flour.. these babies are still rich and decadent as far as muffins go.  Hey, there is still 2 sticks of butter in there.  However, it does make 18 good size muffins.. or 24 regular.  The original recipe would be closer to a dessert than a breakfast item.  Again, another great gift.

Back to the granola for a minute..  I am using coconut oil here, which not too long ago was wrongly looked down upon.  We were scared into believing that it was a horrible fat.  Well, just like olive oil, avocados and nuts.. we are learning that these fats are actually good for us and necessary for good health.  

The health benefits of coconut oil include hair care, skin care, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels, weight loss, increased immunity, proper digestion and metabolism, relief from kidney problems, heart diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV and cancers, dental care, and bone strength. These benefits can be attributed to the presence of lauric acid, capric acid and caprylic acid, and its properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, soothing, etc. 

In other words, its AH-MAZING and we should try and use it wherever we can.   

When buying coconut oil.. virgin is best where not heated to a high heat, but warmed and used.  Virgin coconut oil has a distinct light coconut flavor.    It is an investment, but worth it.   However, I have noticed it newly upon the Trader Joe's shelves and their prices are always very reasonable.  Just remember.. IF heating, don't use virgin.  Try coconut oil when making popcorn.. so good!

Jojo's Coconut Coconut Granola
     6 C. rolled organic oats


     1 2/3 C. unsweetened shredded coconut

     
1/2 C. raw clover honey

     1/3 C. virgin coconut oil

     
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract
     
1 tsp. kosher salt
 

1. Heat oven to 300º F.
2. In a large bowl, combine oats and shredded coconut.
3. In a small saucepan, cook honey, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt over medium heat until the mixture just begins to simmer.
4. Pour honey/oil mixture over oats and coconut flakes, and stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
5. Spread out granola on a baking sheet. Place in oven, bake for 10 minutes, then stir granola. Repeat until granola is well-toasted..  approximately 40 minutes total cooking time.
6. Cool on baking sheet, stirring occasionally.  When cooled, store in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks. Can refrigerate or freeze for longer shelf life.





Banana Crunch Coconut Muffins

3 cups white whole wheat flour
1 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

2 sticks unsalted butter, melted and cooled
2 extra-large eggs
3/4 cup whole milk

1 cup applesauce
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2 bananas)

1 cup medium-diced ripe bananas (1 banana)
1 cup small-diced walnuts

1 cup Jojo's coconut coconut granola
1 cup shredded coconut

Topping:  Dried banana chips, roughly chopped and shredded coconut, optional

1.  Preheat the oven to 350º    Line 18 large muffin cups with paper liners. 

2.  In bowl of stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3.  Add the melted butter and blend.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, applesauce, vanilla and mashed bananas, and then add them to the flour-and-butter mixture. Scrape the bowl and blend well. Don't over mix.
5.  Fold the diced bananas, walnuts, granola, and coconut into the batter.
6.  Spoon the batter into the paper liners, filling each 1 to the top. I use a large ice-cream scoop.
7.  Top each muffin with chopped banana chips and coconut, if desired.
8.  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the tops are brown and a toothpick comes out clean. 9.  Cool slightly, remove from the pan, and serve.

Zucchini Bread Simple & delicious

Zucchini Bread

This recipe for basic zucchini bread is my tried and true.  It works every time.  It's delicious. It has less sugar than it used to and I don't miss it. It's got more zucchini than most recipes.  It freezes well.  It's sturdy and is even more delicious topped with tarragon chicken salad served as a light lunch or as an hors d'oeuvre. 

If my zucchini bread ever needed a profile for a dating site.. there you have it. It's all good.. you should make it yours. 

Jojo's Zucchini Bread

Dry Ingredients:

3¼ cups ap flour (whole wheat white is what we prefer)

1½ teaspoons salt (I use Kosher)

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

2 teaspoons baking soda

1½ cups of sugar

Wet Ingredients: 

1 cup of Olive Oil (or Coconut oil .. but be sure to warm it to liquid state)

4 eggs, beaten

2/3 cup of water

3 cups of zucchini, grated on a box grater

zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon lemon juice (juice after zesting!) 

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat Oven to 350º

Butter or spray (2) 9x5" loaf pans or (5) mini loaf pans. Sprinkle buttered pans with sugar, emptying out excess. (Sugar is optional.. I like it because it gives a crunch to the crust.)

Whisk together all dry ingredients (except nuts if adding) in a large bowl.  In a separate bowl mix together wet ingredients, then fold into the dry.  Add nuts or add ins*

Bake 1 hour or until done.  (Tester comes out clean, no wet batter) 

*Add ins.... 

Besides walnuts ... You can also try pecans, pistachios, raisins, chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, dried coconut flakes, chopped dried apricots or figs, chopped crystallized ginger or some combination thereof. To start, keep the add-ins to a cup or less. 

Note.. Often this bread takes me 10-15 minutes more baking time.  This is depending on oven, pans, etc...  Always test the center. 

15 min. Super Easy Healthy Mac & Cheese (Rice Cooker Method)

This recipe is super easy, super pleasing (kid's favorite!) and quick!.. about 15 minutes.  It puts to good use the rice cooker.  I actually make rice on the stove and only use my rice cooker for this recipe.  It is my go-to when we want something quick, wholesome and delicious.  Most of which is pantry staples.  We often add a vegetable...  sometimes broccoli, sometimes peas, sometimes baby carrots.. Add some cauliflower if you think  your kids won't enjoy seeing green in their mac and cheese.  A good stir at the end and it disappears, but those nutrients don't!  Simply delicious on it's own too.   Change the cheese.. and possibilities are endless.  We use homemade chicken bone broth or a good quality low sodium chicken broth when we don't.  The broth makes it savory, completely absorbs into the pasta and adds a good source of protein.     

Bone Broth Mac and Cheese (Rice Cooker Method) 

2 cups pasta (your choice we use all kinds)

2 cups bone broth or chicken stock (enough to barely cover pasta) 

pinch of sea salt (depends on your broth)

Add pasta, broth and salt to rice cooker, cover with lid and turn to cook setting.  Let bubble away...  My rice cooker takes about 10 minutes. Liquid should be mostly gone and pasta tender. 

Add:

1 1/2 cups grated cheese (I like a combo of cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan)
1/2 cup whole milk

Stir to combine (adding vegetables, if you choose to) Cover with lid and cook 5 more minutes.  
If you like a crust on the bottom, don't stir til finished.  If you (are completely mad and) don't like a crusty cheese crust, then stir a time or two. I happen to think the crust is the best part.  Scarlett however does not like this part at all. It works out great for us. 

Options..

add 1/2 teaspoon of dry ground mustard and a shot or 2 of Worcestershire sauce 

Real Energy

Lacking energy? Today we focus on 2 major practices and a whole food supplement that I have found has changed my world drastically.  Reseting your circadian rhythm and raw liver pills. 

Adrenal Healing (PROTEIN) 

Contrary to popular belief, I believe that most of our health issues are not age based.. but rather loss of function.  When your adrenals are damaged and not working properly, it effects so much.. and the symptoms look like aging.  I have been reading The Adrenal Reset Diet by Dr. Alan Christianson NMD and am learning so much about how important protein is.  How important it is to consume at least 30 grams of protein 1st thing in the morning. Actually, within an hour of waking for hormonal and weight balance.  Protein provides the amino acids that are an essential part of all living organisms and we cannot heal our bodies without it.  Protein consumed 1st thing in the morning actually resets our circadian rhythm which assists energy levels throughout the day and helps us sleep soundly at night.  Hello? 3-4pm slump anyone? I've always struggled with that. Bigtime. 

Well, this certainly isn't something I have really ever done.  Breakfast is not a priority unless it follows a more than decadent night out, usually with regret.  Hello, brunch anyone?  Favorite meal ever.  I used to swear that the best hangover cure was a greasy burger.   But besides that, I never seem to be hungry first thing in the morning.  I don't want anything except maybe coffee and a good french baguette or toast with some butter.  I'm sure I shared this already but when I was a designer living a bit more stressful life in NYC and at the Jersey shore.. I was the girl who's more than most days of the week breakfast was a big cup of coffee with cream and sugar. I would then nurse that and a few more until around 2-3pm when I would actually go eat something.  That was my world.  No wonder my adrenals have issues!  And funny thing is that I thought it worked quite well for me.  I was always thin, never had a muffin top or a belly.. perfectly flat.  Buzzed around doing a thousand things, nothing could stop me until I hit a wall around 3 or 4pm (slump) and then would get another cup of coffee or a sugar hit to keep me going.  I saw no need to change it.  It was not ideal but my body didn't seem to want more.  The outside may have been working, but the havoc wreaked on my insides, not very good. Now I can't even have a regular cup of coffee. My adrenals are pretty much shot.  I am that girl at Starbuck's ordering a decaf now. Yep, that's me.  It's kinda like a cone of shame for coffee lovers. 

So, here we are.  Mending adrenals and thyroid for me and preventative health for little one. Back to the topic of protein for breakfast.  Well, as you read, it's not that easy for me so the best thing I have found to make this actually happen is SMOOTHIES for Scarlett (7) and BONE BROTH for me.  Smoothies are way too cold for me in the morning.  I prefer a hot cozy cup of shut the hell up, aka don't talk to me and give me hot coffee...  not a bright cold cheerful chatty smoothie.  However, she loves a smoothie anytime.  Therefore, a hot cup of bone broth has become my perfect protein-within-an-hour-of-waking solution.  

For smoothies there are a lot of great protein options out there.  Here are my favorites to add: 

• Organic Hemp Protein (Living Harvest or Nativa) plant-based
• Grass-fed Whey Protein (365fit)
• Peanut Protein powder and Brown Rice Protein (only if no other carb is added) 

It's a challenge when you are not used to eating protein 1st thing upon waking, but it has made a huge difference.  I believe that resetting our circadian rhythm is crucial to good health, healing and regaining that energy. 

Raw Liver

Another way I get protein in the morning and needed iron is consuming raw organic beef liver.  Low iron in women, especially me (I have always been anemic and struggled with that).. is a major reason we are lethargic and lack energy.  Liver is such a super food rich with iron that is highly usable but also so many needed nutrients that you cannot get as easily and absorbable anywhere else.  Here's a few nutritional facts...

• High iron 
• Excellent source of protein that your body can easily absorb
• High in all the vitamin B's, especially B12
• Folic Acid
• CoQ10
• Best source for trace element Copper
• Zinc and Chromium
• Fights fatigue 
• Good source of purines, nitrogen-containing compounds that serve as precursors for DNA and RNA

Such a super food.. And there is nothing like liver that makes as drastic a difference in me and pretty instantly too.  While I love the smell of cooked liver and onions, (I actually crave it)  but I can barely handle actually eating it, chewing it.  Texture thing..  kinda makes me sick.  Maybe it is the I keep hearing "Johnny, I want your liver back.." sing-song and haunting my ass right back to the 4th grade.  Seriously!! lol  So, I've learned how to get around it because as I said, there is nothing that makes me feel better than liver and I know I need it in my diet.

Here's how I've learned to get it in our diets regularly besides cooking it for dinner.. 
Grated frozen raw liver into our smoothies. Yes, you read that right and before you barf.. hear me out.  
Simply keep a piece of liver frozen and grate on a metal box grater right into the smoothie. Blend up and viola! Iron and protein rich super food smoothie.  Did I mention you can't even taste it? Shh.  So good. 

 Raw Liver Pills This is even easier and what I do regularly.   Simply get an organic liver.. and then freeze it.  Cut it up into capsule size (small enough to swallow whole).  Flash freeze the capsule size cuts on a sheet pan separately and then place in an airtight container once frozen solid.  Each morning I take 3-4.. swallow whole like a pill. No taste, no problem.  And for 

Important when using Raw Liver 

Always make sure you are buying a fresh liver from an organic source that was freezes the liver immediately after butchering.  

Keep it frozen for at least 2 weeks before consuming raw. 

Never use the liver bought in a conventional supermarket when you are going to consume it raw.  Know your source!  It's not worth taking a guess on the risk. We buy from local organic farmers.  They know I want the liver and set it aside for us. 

Beef and Bison are best source of iron. Grass-fed is always best. 

If you consume up to 4 a day, that is equal to a serving of liver a week. (2-3 ounces) 

Fresh organic Beef liver, frozen then cut into pill (swallowable) size.
It's easier for me to handle when frozen.  If feeding to children, I
cut into pea-size.  Scarlett has no issue swallowing these capsule size. 

Lay out on parchment paper, single layer and flash freeze til solid,
about 15 min. Then transfer to an airtight container and keep in the
freezer til ready to use. 

For smoothies, grate frozen liver quickly on box grater.
Add to your favorite smoothie.  I find mixed with blueberries is
the most concealing.. We also add maca and spirulina which
I am sure masks the liver. 

I'm LOVING it!

#aprilfools



Haha!  Been over 10 years since I ate this crap. I just couldn't resist. The photo, that is.

Super Easy Molten Lava Cakes

This recipe is so delicious, impressive and so easy I've got it to memory.  It comes out great every time.  Never had a flop.  There are few ingredients, so use the best available.  What I love is.. well, CHOCOLATE.  And this recipe shows it off. You can vary the taste with different chocolate choices. Good excuse for buying up a bar or two of the different boutique chocolates out there. 
It is a great recipe for a dinner party.. you can make ahead (up to 3 hours) and bake when ready to serve. 


Here you can see it in action... oozing chocolate heaven. 

Chocolate Note: I like to always use at least 4oz. semi-sweet and vary the other 4oz. Bittersweet, dark, very dark.. the more you make the more you'll want to experiment.

Molten Lava Cakes

Prep:

Butter and flour well 4 custard cups or ramekins, set aside 

(tip: if you mix a little cocoa powder with the flour it won't be white)

In a double boiler melt til smooth:

8 oz good chocolate (semi or bittersweet.. I prefer a blend)
8 oz. butter (If using unsalted, add a pinch of sea salt)

In a bowl whisk til pale and light (1min):

2 eggs + 2 yolks
1/4 c. sugar

Add melted chocolate mixture to egg mixture and add:

2 teaspoons flour
1/2 teaspoon espresso powder

Pour into ramekins or molds. 

(At this point you can bake immediately or hold for up to 3 hours in the fridge.  If baking later, be sure to bring to room temp first.)

Bake 450°  7 to 9 min. You want them puffed up but jiggly in the center.

Sit for 1 min and turn over onto plate. 

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream (a must!)

Tomorrow is Shine A Light On Slavery Day

A day started by supporters of A21 to bring awareness to human trafficking. Let's join in prayer that this movement and awareness moves in the hearts of people and reaches our government and can cause some movement. 

A red X on your hand to bring awareness to this movement.  

#setanalarm #middaybabymidday #endit 

But let justice run down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream [flowing abundantly]. Amos 5:24

Homemade Vapor Rub Balm

Soothe the cough right out of my sole!

Well, I had seen this post floating around the internet a year or so back for a simple cough remedy.. Rubbing Vapor Rub on the soles of your feet.  Like all things internet.. interesting but does it really work.  Fast forward to Scarlett's spring break that turned into fighting this nasty virus going around with high fevers and then after 4 days of that, bringing an insane cough back that we thought was gone.  Immediately I ran to make my Pear Tea which I learned from the Chinese herbalist.  Which I do believe helps.  

It was nighttime and I had put Scarlett to bed.  The cough was waking her up.  Grandma reminded me of that post we both had seen for the rub on the soles.  I ran in and grabbed my homemade vapor rub, which I keep on hand.  Have I ever mentioned my vapor rub obsession?  That smell is one I love.  When I smell it I immediately see the vaporizer we grew up with that usually accompanied the rub.  The whirring of steam, the smell.  It might just be why I love to sleep with a fan on still.  I blame it on sleeping in the city, the noise.. but it might just be this nostalgia.   The thought of going to sleep without a fan on makes me tense.  I might just admit that. 

Anyway, this rub is super simple and easy to make.  You do need a few ingredients and oils but they are easy to come by in a health food store or online.  I love Rose Mountain Herbs for most oils and herbs. They also have nice containers.  Love Brambleberry.  Locally, Nature's Elements in Enumclaw, Marlene's in Fedway for shea, cocoa butters and essential oils.   These are my go to for making soaps, balms and lip bombs.  Balms?..  Yes,  that's what I meant, but quite honestly.. they are the BOMB. 

Obsessed about making my own everything, this is what I do.  I actually derive maj pleasure from it.  But you might not.  That's ok, just find some all natural (non-petroleum) at a health or natural store.  Everything is available, pretty much everywhere now.  

So, why no petroleum jelly or the store brand we grew up with, you ask?  Don't get me started.  Ok.  You did.  It is a bi-product of oil refining process, firstly.  Then there are these harmful hydrocarbons.  Basically this study in 2011 found that: 

There is strong evidence that mineral oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of the human body, amounting to approximately 1 g per person. Possible routes of contamination include air inhalation, food intake, and dermal absorption.

We can't metabolize them and they get stored in our fat.  Gotta love that. It's making us fat.  Hydrocarbons are very common in make-up and most beauty products.   Once in, it's very difficult to get rid of these contaminants. And what's worse, these contaminants can be passed on to our children, even through breast feeding.  

So, that's hydrocarbons, in a nut shell.  But there's more.  

The barrier it creates when it sits on your skin can cause collagen breakdown.  Collagen is what keeps us youthful looking. God, no to that!   It also blocks pores and does absolutely no good, which a natural alternative would.  Let's see what else.. estrogen dominance.  This is where it hits home for me as I am diligently trying to heal my adrenals and thyroid from years of being off balance most likely from products and foods that have such estrogen dominance like petroleum jelly.  Store brands even contain turpentine, which is very toxic to children, even deadly in doses as little as 3 teaspoons.  The new greaseless formula is even worse.. It not only has parabens (which is the one consistent thing found in breast cancers and yes, found in most beauty products) but also diazolidinyl urea which is a formaldehyde releasing chemical that is.. guess?.. TOXIC UPON INHALATION! Isn't that the point of vapor rub?!! 
There's more. PEG-100 stearate another ingredient that is often contaminated with cancer-inducing dioxane.  

If we really start looking at the products sold by big food and these major companies that have marketed America so well that we trust them like they are family.  They are nostalgic, right?  Not right.  So wrong. 

Start scratching around and a ton more of information will come up to defend why we should really not be using this or many other products.  What's sad is that Petroleum jelly is everywhere.  It may appear as petroltum, mineral oil, liquid paraffin or paraffin oil on labels.  And you will find it everything from lotions, to baby products.  Mostly baby products.   It's ability to create a protective barrier on the skins and hold in moisture might seem like a good idea.. but these are the downsides. 

Ok, rant done.  So, buy it natural or make your own.  You can alter the oils for different results.  

I do think moving forward I will try and make a batch with more coconut oil and pour it into a chapstick-type container, so you could just swipe it on your feet.  More coconut oil (which hardens at 76 degrees) and less shea butter will produce a harder product.  But for this application, I think I might like that.
    

Homemade Vapor Rub BALM  (for feet or chest)

4 teaspoons grated beeswax or pellets

3 Tablespoons shea butter (you could sub cocoa butter here)

7 Tablespoons coconut oil

High quality Essential oils:

20 drops Eucalyptus

10 drops Rosemary

10 drops Lavender

10 drops Lemon

10 drops Tea Tree (see note*)  

In a double boiler, mix beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil until melted.  Take off heat and blend in oils.  Cool and place in jar or container.  

*Note:  I love using tea tree oil in my blend for it's healing and antibacterial properties but it's not to be used on children under 6 months of age. To make without Tea Tree, simply boost the other oils to be equal to the 10 drops you are eliminating.  

Other combinations I love: 

20 drops eucalyptus / 20 drops peppermint / 20 Rosemary  This is an amazing "inhaler" type for colds and congestion.  However, as good as it smells, do not put on skin under the nose.. it may cause irritation.  Simply breathe in or I like to put this on a stone necklace or on my sleeve and throughout the day breathe some in.  Talk about wellness feeling. 

Your LOVE is Fierce

New found song that I am in love with at this moment.  Fierce by Jesus Culture.  Enjoy

Give Love

Here is a link for those who wish to send cards to human trafficking survivors and give a gift. This is through A21 which I introduced last night. 

LET'S CELEBRATE FREEDOM!
YOU can make a difference in the life of a human trafficking survivor. This holiday, as you give to family and friends, why not send a personalized card to one of our shelters across the globe? Your support and encouragement means the world to our survivors as they move from a point of crisis to a state of stability. Thanks to your generosity, we can help our survivors overcome their trafficking experience, transition back into society, and find lasting restoration.

"At the shelter we were offered everything that we needed. And through the time I was there, I learnt much about who I am... and what I want." - Anna [A21 Survivor]

https://www.a21.org/campaigns/donate.php?linkid=3943