This is the time for peace, grace and joy just like Thanksgiving is gratitude and Valentine’s Day is love. Why then, at these forced holidays does more anxiety and strife occur than during the rest of the year? When I was little, I recall being over the top excited for Christmas–Dad and I secretly shopping for Mom, cookies, no school, The Beach Boys Christmas Album, the scent of a Douglas Fir tree in our living room! and cookies. That’s what Christmas was. Now it seems the holidays just wreak havoc on our social lives, our wallets and our digestive systems adding up to the most evil health problem of all- STRESS. A primary topic I’ve found in talking with others is that spending time with family leads to stress. We are forced together for extended periods of time, dancing around each other, attempting to maintain the peace in trying conditions. We must not forget the moments of joy that also occur. Hugs from a five year old, cookies, a shared laugh with your in-laws, the clinking of col’ones as we cheers to another year of living and learning.
Instead of hanging peace, grace and joy banners- make it happen. May you be at peace. May you act with grace. May you live in joy.
Now, I recommend whipping up a bowl of my Kuri Cashew Dip, chop some fresh veggies, pull out the crackers and invite your family and friends over. Let them know they are treasured. Life is short.
Kuri Squash Cashew Dip
1 1/2 cups cooked Kuri winter squash*
2 tablespoons cashew butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice
3/4 tablespoon peeled, minced, fresh ginger
Dash or 3 of cayenne
Place all ingredients in food processor. Blend until smooth. Serve now or later with fresh vegetables or crackers.
*How to bake winter squash: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut squash in half. Scoop out seeds. Place halves flesh side down in a 9 x 13 baking dish. Fill dish 1/4 of the way with water. Bake for 1- 1 1/2 hours or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain. Allow squash to cool. Peel off skin with knife or scoop flesh from skin with a spoon. Leftover squash may be frozen for future use.
Baked and a bit browned
Kuri Squash or Hokkaido, is rich in Vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium. It is incredibly sweet and would be divine as a substitute for pumpkin pie filling.
Mr. Alford knows that eating a healthy diet including lots of vegetables will make his muscles bigger.
Luscious Light 