the "other" dehydrator

I saw this "other" dehydrator from Cabela's at a workshop and was very intrigued, and purchased the largest commercial size for myself. It has 24 racks, a digital screen, is on wheels so it can be moved around, and a glass door so you can see in to check on things without letting heat out. I don't see it mentioned much on any blogs so I thought I'd post it here! I see there is also a new 10 rack version which is interesting. I still love my Excalibur -- but my sister is using it now :)

http://www.cabelas.com/dehydrators.shtml

A Fund for Jennie

I have never met Jennie, and I did not even know her name until today. But her beautiful photo and sad loss reached me through blogs, and I was so moved I had to share. I rejoice so much in the love of this beautiful couple, and I hope that Jennie and her family are surrounded by peace during this difficult time. And I am grateful that in its own unique way, the internet can bring us together, to remind us that we are all connected. I hope Jennie takes comfort in how far her story of love has spread, and how many lives she and Mikey are touching, even now.

You can donate to support Jennie here, and read her posts also:

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2sCrQm/thesensitivepantry.squarespace.com/the-sensitive-pantry/2011/8/22/a-fund-for-jennie.html

GF/DF recipes for kids!

A friend with 4-year old twins asked for some quick and easy recipes that were KID-friendly GLUTEN-free DAIRY-free -- here's my quick list!

Green Smoothies for breakfast!
(fresh spinach, pear, lemon juice, pinch of salt, water)
(fresh spinach, mango, lemon juice, pinch of salt, water)
(fresh kale, orange juice, coconut water, pinch of salt, blueberries)
(if they need more sweet you can add bananas or dates also)
(add spirulina also if you can – for blue-green algae omega 3s!)

“strawberry milk”
(cashew butter, chia seeds, strawberries, water, honey if needed)

“gorp” snack
(goji berries, cashews, almonds or other nuts, raw cacao nibs, coconut flakes, dried mango)

chia seed pudding
(add chia seeds to nut butter and water – blend and let sit for 10 minutes – add “gorp” ingredients and/or fruit/grains according to your preference!)

“cheez” quesadillas
(Rice tortillas "Food for Life" brand is my fav, Daiya cheddar shredded “cheez” from refrigerated section, buttery sticks vegan butter)
Warm tortillas with buttery sticks in a frying pan – add “cheez”, then fold over tortillas and press down until melted. Cut and serve! You can also add fresh tomatos, or black beans, whatever your kids like.

lettuce “burritos”
kids like these b/c they can get to choose the ingredients and put them together!
(avocado, shredded daiya cheez, diced tomatos, shredded carrots, cucumbers, brown rice - or quinoa, amaranth etc, beans of choice)
Roll ingredients in romaine lettuce or cabbage leaf and eat!

Notes:
Probiotic powder can be sprinkled in applesauce, in chia pudding, on coconut yogurt, etc.
For omega-3 – fresh wild salmon, hemp seeds, blue-green algae (spirulina)
hemp milk is better than rice or soy
coconut yogurts (fresh and frozen) are better than soy

on food and community

Without common food, it's hard to build community. So much of human identity -- cultures, countries, societies, rituals -- are tied to the foods, drinks, herbs and aromas that are shared and familiar. As food becomes more political (vegetarian, dairy, GMO, organic, local, RAW) and personal (health, tastes, indulgences, addictions), I'm afraid it might only get harder to find common ground...?

would buddha play with guns?

the school tells me it's natural and unavoidable: boys will play with guns. they might be made out of sticks, or out of plastic, or built by design, but no matter -- they will be built, and the boys will shoot them. what is encouraged? when is it stopped? I imagine 5 year old buddha running around gleefully aiming arrows at his friends...and I have to smile to myself. perhaps there is innocence in the play that I didn't see...