Cardamom Tango

Favorite Posts from ... well ... way back

2010-02-26T08:31:00.001-05:00

Ok, so this winter, my clothes would have frozen before they dried, if I'd hung them outside. And drying all of them inside would have been a mess. But, articles like this one from More Minimal inspired me to try to air dry more of my clothes. And who knows, maybe with the recent Green Revolution in my home, it might become all.

Yes, so, I am totally going to plant an indoor lemon tree, as suggested on Re-Nest.

We don't have a baby, but if we do, The Exotic Foreigner may be handed this article from Ohdeedoh about modern art by dremel for nurseries.

I love this bit from Trent @ The Simple Dollar about why it's okay that his towels don't match his bathroom curtains. (It's not because he's a guy.)

Best. Clip. Ever.

Earth Hour 2010

2010-02-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

Just a friendly reminder in advance: Earth Hour 2010 will be March 27, 2010 at 8:30 pm local time. My own suggestions for what to do with no electricity for an hour:

Host a storytelling hour with raw foods for snacks.
Go for a walk
Plan an electricity-free block party
Hold a candlelight vigil for peace
Play cards/board games
Meditate or pray
Go to bed early

Saving Money and Going Green

2010-02-22T08:31:00.000-05:00

By now, you probably have figured out that a lot of the things you can do to go green also save you money. Changing to CFLs. Turning down the thermostat. Carpooling. Etc.

We had already done a lot in those categories (although I am still looking for a workable carpool). I thought we had done all we could do until I got our January electric bill. We have a heat pump, so most people could have told me it would be bad. I just had no idea.

So, we started by turning the thermostat down to 55 (F) when we left for work. The Exotic Foreigner ordered us a programmable thermostat. I conducted an informal survey on Facebook regarding where other thermostats were set. Most were between 68 and 72, and ours sat at the lower end of that spectrum. And then someone floored me with a response of 60 degrees all day and all night!

I couldn't help it. This person and I are so alike that I felt almost like I should already be on that bandwagon. I had turned the setting up to 68 when I got home, but went to turn it down. The next day, it stayed at 60 all day and I was very comfortable! A coworker suggested closing vents in seldom-used rooms, so I did that as well.

I'll have to wait until the bill comes to report on our savings, and even then, we will wait to see the effects of the programmable thermostat. I am thinking we may take it much lower during the day, and somewhat lower at night. It may be next winter before we have definitive results. But what I can tell you about the green side of things is that:
According to several sources including wearewhatwedo.org, turning down the thermostat by 1 degree C (1.8 degrees F) can reduce carbon emissions by .89kg/day.
We reduced our thermostat by 4.5 degrees C (20 to 15.5), so we are reducing our impact by about 4.5 kg of carbon emission per day.

Now, I have heard that the programmable thermostats are all the rage when it comes to saving energy. Can anyone tell me why my uncle thinks that turning down the thermostat for some time periods does not save money? He argues that using the emergency heat strips uses more energy than it's worth. Are we all being duped by the programmable thermostat push? Or are older heat pumps the only ones this applies to? Or doe they, yes, use more energy heating up but less energy than if we were keeping the house that warm to begin with? Does it depend on the size of your home?

Image credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/41831077@N08/ / CC BY 2.0

Nets not Caskets

2010-02-20T11:32:00.000-05:00

I was shocked this morning when I logged into my facebook account and found that my friend Jeremy had malaria.

He and Tamara, his wife and my good friend, have been in Uganda for about a year. They are working in the Masese slums, and to tell you what they do would be a bit difficult. They have several projects going on there, and I think the descriptions are best coming from them. You can read about them at http://www.boonesinafrica.com.

I write about this today because I am also reading The End of Poverty, by Jeffery D. Sachs. In this book, Sachs describes the poverty trap that keeps many societies from getting a foothold on the ladder out of poverty. Malaria is one of the obstacles that keeps civilizations down. The depressing fact is that it is only one of the challenges to helping other societies defeat extreme poverty, but it is probably one of the first that must be addressed.

If you explore a bit on the Boones' page, you will see that you can donate to Nets not Caskets through their sponsor, Equip International. I have not researched other charities through which you can do this, but I am aware of their existence. If you have a desire to help people get a foothold up, this is one very direct way to do it.

Another interesting project you will find on their page is "Way Out," in which women of the Masese slum have begun making jewelry in order to bring in some income.

I am writing this as a sort of advertisement, yes, but not necessarily only for Jeremy and Tamara's benefit. I hope that you might donate to them, but if not, please join me on my quest for knowledge regarding how we who are so tremendously wealthy can truly help those who are not as fortunate. Stay tuned for more on this, especially when I have finished The End of Poverty.

Book Review: Barbara Kingsolver's The Poisonwood Bible

2010-01-30T00:01:00.001-05:00

Kingsolver, Barbara. The Poisonwood Bible. New York: Harper Collins, 1998.

I found The Poisonwood Bible on a friend's bookshelf in the company of volumes of poetry, classics, and, closest to its own nature, politically-themed books. Knowing already that I liked Barbara Kingsolver's writing, I took a snowy, solitary weekend to read most of the pages, and finished in a hurry, licking my chops for more.

The Poisonwood Bible is the story, the fictional account, of Nathan Price's rebellious, unapproved missionary journey to the Congo with the idea of saving souls. The story describes Price's utter failure in all areas: his family is sacrificed for the journey, his ideals are proven non-applicable in the Congo, and the Congolese, because Price is dismissive and sometimes hateful toward them, are largely uninterested in what Price has to say. The focus of the novel becomes what happens to his family, but the reader always hopes that Price fails or repents.

What drew me to this work of historical fiction was first its style. You begin the story as a member of the cast of characters, instructed to look down from the trees at the family in the middle of the first part of their struggle. Tellingly, the father is excluded from this picture; it is a mother, her four daughters and an impending tragedy. Each of these takes turns telling what happens, and some do so from a multi-dimensional perspective.

Secondly, I latched on to this book because I cared about the main characters. On the reverse of this, I hated Nathan Price. He was an easy one to hate, but it tells all-too-personal information about me to even admit that. To hate such a one-dimensional character might mean that I was looking for someone at whom to direct my anger. It might mean that I immediately gobbled up every word that Kingsolver wrote about bad missionaries. It might mean that I cursed the Underdowns, who lived in a palace compared to the Congolese they were to be serving. It might mean that I thought Nathan Price symbolized many (though not all) missionaries to that region at that time. It is this last bit - what does Nathan Price symbolize - that troubles me.

I know former missionaries to the Congo, and they are nothing like the Underdowns, nor do they in any way resemble Nathan Price. It took me a minute to come down off my high horse, as Ruth May might put it, but it is not logical to think that I have met the only missionary family to the Congo not composed of fundamentalist, hard-headed goons or passive, unhappy wives, both unaware of the situation into which they flew. So, I wrote to my dear friend, who immediately responded. He first told me that there is no historical account of what happened in the Congo that does not have a slant to it in one direction or another. This fact does not surprise me; perhaps the accounts in Congo are a bit more biased, but all historical accounts have a biased (as Kingsolver's work of fiction is also entitled to have). I will quote him below, as I think he describes it as only one who has been there can:

Her missionary and his family resemble nothing that I saw in Congo and does not remotely resemble the majority of missionary work around the world. Back in the beginnings of missionary efforts, missionaries seldom stayed alone very long. They tended to congregate into mssion posts. The protestant effort was dedicated to presenting the Gospel to the natives in their own language. Since there were no written languages in most of sub-Sahara Africa, the first task was to develop an orthographiy, vocabulary and grammar and then translate the Bible.Then, of course, one had to teach the natives to read and write. Schools were among the first establishments. Because the missionaries always seemed to have so much in the way of resources, they soon found sick and injured people coming to them for help. Medical work developed very quickly. The typical mission station (such as where we lived and worked) was a collection of missionary homes, a church, a school complete with dormitories and then a hospital. A village would grow around these facilities. Also in the early years of our own mission (of the Southern Branch of the Presbyterian church) there was a substantial number of African Americans among the missionaries. There was an agricultural school and a school of industrial arts.

Contrary to the bleak picture painted by Kingsolver, this paints the mission, yes, as having a main goal of converting the Congolese to Christianity, but not ignoring the value of the human lives and stories, and not at all as a simple, one-track goal. Kingsolver herself makes some efforts to ensure that we do not see Nathan Price as typical of the American missionary of the time: the church did not really want him there and only partially funded him. The church did not condone Nathan Price or his mission. Perhaps this is her point about American extremist Christianity: the true church does not condone self-righteous exploits like Price's. Perhaps Price in meant to represent one side of the story only; maybe Price is the aggressive United States that does what it has to to get its way, and his helpless wife Orleanna represents the victims of such exploits. Even so, are there not several sides to every story?
Obviously, this conflict is still not resolved for me. Barbara Kingsolver did go to the Congo to research, and she worked with people who had experienced those tumultuous times, and read the best books available on the subject. I do not doubt that she met people there for whom this story is very real in some way. I think it is possible that she came to the conclusion that if she wanted to write something advocating for those people, something that might raise awareness of why Africa is where she is today, she did have to create one-dimensional characters. After all, if we could understand all the different viewpoints, and everyone's reasoning for his actions, we might well have solved a lot of the problems there by now. The problem, however, is the people who will read this, and, like me, become angry at the wrong people. That solves nothing.

Overall, I recommend this book. It is a work of fiction, and should certainly be read as such. The historical events described from the mid-point of the book onward are, as best as I can tell, accurate, as well as quite interesting.

4 out of 5 stars.

Another Healthy Breakfast

2010-01-28T00:01:00.001-05:00

By "another" I mean it to follow the smoothie entry. Not the crockpot french toas t one. Because that's not healthy at all. In a way, though, this is a compromise, since this will warm you up while providing a lot of yummy nutrition.

So, I use milk on this one. You know very well that you can use water.
I use about 2 cups of milk and one cup of oats for two people. Add a splash of vanilla right away.
Once the oats are about halfway done, I beat two egg whites, and stir them in, along with a handful or two of any frozen berries I have on hand for smoothies and 1/4th cup ground almond. When the oats are cooked, I turn off the eye, but leave them over the heat and stir in 1/4th cup ground flax seed and two bananas, sliced small, and put the cover on while I make some tea or coffee. Spoon into giant mugs or bowls and top with honey.
This recipe is for two breakfast people. If you're used to an apple on the run, you might want to cut this in half or smaller.
Doing it this way prevents the fruit from cooking more than is needed.

General Update

2010-01-26T00:05:00.000-05:00

...in which I introduce you to a military officer whose last name is pronounced [oop-dah-tay].

That was really bad.

I only have a bit of time this morning to post some general updates from recent articles.

Remember a few days ago when I discussed the Hazards of Sugar and I said I wanted to find out why agave nectar was considered a good alternative to sugar? Well, The Kitchn just posted a little info on the subject, and apparently it's not. I encourage you to read and decide for yourself, but it sounds like the stuff is more like HFCS than a natural way to sweeten. They also link to a defense of agave nectar by a producing company. I mean, we really have to choose what to believe when it comes to these things, but the articles are more or less in line with what I learned from the Hazards of Sugar lecture: sugar is a poison that cannot be processed completely under all circumstances. We should choose wisely when and how to sweeten.
My book order came in the mail and I've just started reading The End of Poverty. Let me tell you--it is heart-wrenching. I'm looking forward to getting to the solutions portion.

2010: First Year of Veggie Gardening Seed Order!

2010-01-24T00:01:00.000-05:00

Here is my seed order for my very first vegetable garden!

Vegetable/Herb/Fruit Variety Description # Seeds per package Price per pack
Angelica The dried leaves of angelica can be used in an infusion (tea) to improve energy, stimulate circulation, reduce flatulence and as a warming expectorant. Has antibacterial and antifungal qualities. Prefers a partly sunny location, rich soil and plenty of moisture. Sends up ribbed stalks the second year of growth, bearing light green flowers. Height - 6 feet. Biennial. 30 $1.25
Basil Genovese (Ocimum basilicum) – A large Italian variety that’s great used in pestos! Use either fresh, or dry the spicy dark green leaves for sauces and dressings. Grows best in a sunny garden location, with moderately rich soil. Height – 2½ feet. Annual. 30 $2.00
Basil Holy (Ocimum sanctum) Grown extensively in gardens and temples all over India, where it is considered sacred. The clove-scented leaves, however, are very spicy and aromatic, and are used in many Thai recipes. Height – 12-15 Annual. 25 $2.50
Basil Sweet Ocimum basilicum) -  A very popular herb, sweet basil can be used in tomato dishes, as well as soups, meat, vegetable and fish dishes. Sow the seeds directly in the garden after the soil has warmed, or to get an early start, the seeds may be started inside 3 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Basil grows rapidly and is a heavy feeder, so plenty of compost should be worked in the soil before planting. Harvest often to ensure a continuous supply all summer long. Basil loves a hot, sunny location in the garden, with a regular watering routine. The delicious leaves can be used either fresh or dried. Height - 2 feet.   Annual. 150 $2.00
Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) - The seeds of this herb can be used in flavoring candies, beverages, sauces and soups, while the crushed seeds are often used in cakes, custards and jellies. The fresh leaves are delightful additions in both Asian and Mexican cuisine. Sow the seeds outside early spring, in a sunny location (the plants can withstand cold weather). Harvest the leaves at any time for fresh use, as drying the leaves will diminish their flavor.   Height - 1 to 3 feet.    Annual. 50 $2.00
Bean Aquadulce Fava 85 days – This Old World variety is a good choice for an extra early crop. The upright, 3-3 ½ foot plants produce long pods of tasty and nutritious beans. Can withstand the cold. Plant either in very early spring or in fall, for a late harvest. 25 $2.00
Bean Blue Lake Pole 70 days – Straight, stringless, dark green beans grow on tall 6- 7 foot vines. A consistent producer of qualtity pods. Excellent for freezing, soups, or canning. A favorite for generations. approx. 75 $2.75
Bean Great Northern 65 – 90 days - A heavy yielder of “navy” type beans that dates back to 1907. The 2 foot plants produce straight, 5 inch pods with 5-6 thin, white seeds enclosed. Excellent for soups or baking. An heirloom variety grown by the Mandan Indians. 150 $2.00
Broccoli Raab Early Fall Rapini 45 days – An old Italian delicacy that has the flavors of broccoli and mustard greens. Harvest the tender, turnip-like leafy shoots, tops and tasty flower shoots from the 1½ - 2 foot plants. Delicious when steamed or sautéed with garlic and olive oil. 200 $1.25
Carrot Autumn King 72 days - This stump rooted, 6 to 7 inch carrot is a must for winter storage or freezing! The delicious, orange flesh stays crisp, even in storage! Sow this one in late summer for a delightful fall harvest! 1200 $1.25
Carrot Parisian 58 days - This very uniform, 1 inch globe-shaped variety is smooth, nearly coreless, and a deep red-orange color. Always sweet and crisp, this round carrot is a good choice for stews, soups, relish trays, and freezing 500 $1.25
Collard Greens Vates 75 days - This non-heading variety has dark green, slick, crumpled leaves on 30 inch plants, and is bolt and frost resistant. Winter hardy in southern and mid -Atlantic states. 200 $1.25
Cucumber Delikatesse (Cucumis sativus)  60 days – A German favorite that bears an abundant supply of delicious, pale green, 10 inch fruits. The medium sized, rounded cukes have excellent taste and make great pickles when small, or use as slicers when larger. 60 $1.25
Dill (Coriandrum sativum) - The seeds of this herb can be used in flavoring candies, beverages, sauces and soups, while the crushed seeds are often used in cakes, custards and jellies. The fresh leaves are delightful additions in both Asian and Mexican cuisine. Sow the seeds outside early spring, in a sunny location (the plants can withstand cold weather). Harvest the leaves at any time for fresh use, as drying the leaves will diminish their flavor.   Height - 1 to 3 feet.    Annual. 100 $2.00
Eggplant Long Purple 80 days - This Italian favorite has plants that grow 25 to 35 inches, and bear 4 or more fruits per plant, each growing 8 to 10 inches. A productive variety, with dark purple fruit. A delight to eat! 25 $2.00
Eggplant Pingtung Long 70 days – Long noted for its disease resistance as well as its beauty, this delightful variety originated in Taiwan. The long, slender 12 x 1½ inch fruits have a pleasant flavor with a striking violet colored skin. 20 $1.25
Eggplant Thai Green 80 days – A delightful, 2 foot plant with origins in Thailand. The light green, 12 inch fruits are tender and mild. A productive variety that’s able to withstand light frosts. 20 $1.25
Kale Winter Red 50 days - Excellent variety rich in vitamins. The dark green, oak leaf cut leaves change to red and purple hues after a fall frost, giving way to tender and sweet, rich, dark green kale when cooked. Very disease resistant. 200 $2.00
Kale Lacinto 60-90 days -This heirloom dates back to the 18th century Tuscany region of Italy. The unusual, blue-green leaves are 3" wide by 10" long on the loosely formed plants. Very decorative in the garden; extremely winter hardy. 200 $1.25
Lavendar English (Lavandula angustifolia) - The wonderful aroma of this plant has long been valued in its ability to scent soaps, sachets, and perfume linen. Miniature pillows stuffed with dried lavender flowers may help with insomnia and restlessness. If started indoors, the seeds need to be stratified before sowing; otherwise, directly plant in the garden late summer or early fall. Prefers a sunny, well drained, sandy location in the garden.   Height -30 inches. Perennial. 50 $1.25
Leek Carantan 95-110 days - This European heirloom produces a heavy crop consistently! The plants have dark green leaves with white, tender stems that are mild and tasty. Great for fall and winter harvests 300 $1.25
Lettuce Boston Red 68 days - The 12 inch diameter heads are a medium green color, with a rose-red tinge along the edges of the crumpled leaves. A light green heart is found in the middle of this delicious lettuce. An excellent choice for the salad garden! 750 $1.25
Lettuce Mascara 65 days – Almost too lovely to eat with its deep red, tightly ruffled, oak-shaped leaves, but you won’t be able to resist the tender, sweet flavor of this loose leaf. A slow-to-bolt variety that retains its color even as the season progresses. 200 $1.25
Lettuce Red Romaine 70 days – Tangy and crisp, this variety will add color to any salad. Varying in shades of green, deep red and bronze, the color develops best in cooler weather. The large, decorative 12 inch leaves look as lovely in the garden as they do in the salad bowl. 200 $2.00
Lettuce Salad Bowl 50 days - "ALL AMERICAN SELECTION" winner in 1952.   A fine leaf lettuce, with long, green, wavy leaves. A favorite of gardeners that's also slow to bolt! A great addition in any salad. 750 $2.00
Mustard Brown (Brassica juncea) – The seeds of this easily grown herb make delicious spreads, while the leaves make tasty southern dishes. Medicinally, can be used as an appetite stimulant or a poultice to relieve pain.   Prefers a sunny location in the garden. Self sows readily. Height - 2 to 4 feet. Annual. 100 $1.25
Mustard Greens Green Wave 43 days - This "All American Winner" in 1957 does well in all areas of the United States. The dark green, deeply frilled leaves, has a spicy, hot flavor! 200 $1.50
Onion Red Burgandy 95 days - These 4 inch onions have red-purple skin, white flesh tinged in red, and a delicious, pungent flavor! As the nickname implies, perfect on your hamburger! Long day type for northern gardens. A good keeper! 150 $1.25
Onion Yellow Sweet Spanish 105-130 days - These large, globe shaped onions can weigh one pound or more! This onion is yellow-brown in color, with mild, creamy white flesh.   A long day type recommended for northern growers. An excellent storage onion! 300 $1.25
Oregano Greek (Origanum vulgare hirtum) - The leaves of this delectable herb are a must in tomato sauces, pizza and other Italian dishes. Europeans often used it medicinally to treat coughs and bronchitis.    Prefers rich, well drained soil in a sunny location. Sow directly into the garden after the last spring frost; germination can be slow. Can be dried for longer storage.   Height - 18 inches.     Semi hardy perennial. 150 $2.00
Parsley Curled (Petroselinum crispum)  - Deep green color and highly curled. An indispensable herb, parsley is an attractive garnish, as well as making a tasty addition to foods. Chewing the raw leaves helps sweeten the breath, as well as being a good source of vitamin C. Soaking the seeds overnight prior to planting will help speed germination, which is otherwise slow, taking up to 3 weeks to sprout. Choose a sunny or partially shaded location, with rich, well drained soil. Will regrow after it is cut.    Height - 15 inches. Biennial, but grow as an annual. 100 $2.00
Parsley Italian Petroselinum crispum) – Dark green, flat leaf variety. This parsley has a stronger flavor than the curled variety, and is used for more intense flavoring. Excellent choice for drying and storing. Soaking the seeds overnight prior to planting will help speed germination, which is otherwise slow, taking up to 3 weeks to sprout. Choose a sunny or partially shaded location, with rich, well drained soil. Will regrow after it is cut.   Height - 15 inches.   Biennial, but grow as an annual. 100 $2.00
Pepper Beaver Dam 80 days – A crunchy, good tasting, tapered pepper, with just a touch of heat. Brought to Beaver Dam, Wisconsin in 1929 from Hungary, this productive variety begins a bright green color, ripening to red. A good choice for chutneys and salsas. 20 $2.50
Pepper Birdseye Chili 90 days – An extremely pungent variety that matures to a bright red color. The compact 1-1½ foot plants grow bushy and are covered with 1" erect fruits. Great for containers! 20 $1.50
Pepper Orange Sun 90 days – The crunchy, sweet taste of this large, blocky, bell variety makes it a great choice for eating raw or using in stir-frys. The thick-fleshed fruits start out dark green, maturing to a beautiful glossy, orange color. 20 $1.50
Pepper Sweet Banana 65 days - These banana shaped fruits are wonderful either in salads or frying! The 6 inch peppers are sweet and mild, growing on plants that average 20 inches high. Pick early when yellow or let mature to a deep red color. One of our best sellers! 25 $1.50
Pepper Sweet Pickle 65-85 days - This petite, 12-15 inch plant is perfect for container growing. Highly decorative, the fruits taste as good as they look. The 2 inch, oval peppers have sweet, thick walls and mature to lovely shades of yellow>orange>red> purple. 20 $2.50
Sage (Salvia officinalis) -The traditional herb used to season poultry, pork, and tasty stuffings! The leaves can also be used to make a tea which may help relieve colds and sore throats. Start the seeds inside 8 to 10 weeks before the last spring frost, transplanting outside in a sunny, well drained location. The leaves can be used either fresh, or dried for longer storage.   Height - 18 inches.   Perennial. 25 $2.00
Snow Peas Mammoth Melting Sugar MAMMOTH MELTING SUGAR 70 days – A high yielding variety, with vines that grow 4-5 feet. A very sweet snow pea that produces over a long period. Remember to pick before the seeds develop in the pods.   An excellent variety for stir-frys! 125 $2.75
Soapwort (Saponaria officinalis) – A great alternative for more gentle, non-irritating cleansing. Steep the roots in water to make shampoos and body washes. Great for delicate fabrics. Used as a skin rinse, soapwort helps provide relief from itching. This easy to grow herb will flourish in either sunny or partially shaded locations. Height - 2 to 3 feet. Perennial. 100 $1.25
Spinach Winter Bloomsdale 45 days – Almost too lovely to eat with its deep red, tightly ruffled, oak-shaped leaves, but you won’t be able to resist the tender, sweet flavor of this loose leaf. A slow-to-bolt variety that retains its color even as the season progresses. 100 $2.00
Squash Buttercup (Cucurbita maxima) 100 days - This old heirloom was first introduced in 1920, and many believe this is still the best tasting winter squash! The dark green, turban shaped fruit has thick, dry, orange flesh, and average 4 to 5 pounds each. Simply delicious! 20 $2.00
Squash Butternut (Cucurbita moschata) 90 days - This all time favorite is a light tan color, with rich golden-orange flesh. The bottle shaped fruit average 3 to 5 pounds each, and are great tasting! A good variety for winter storage! 20 $2.00
Squash Dark Green Zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) 55 days - This variety was first introduced in 1931, and is still one of our most popular squash! The bush plants take up less room in the garden, while still producing plenty of straight, smooth, dark green mottled fruit with green-white interiors. A very prolific variety that has excellent taste! 20 $2.00
Squash Sugar Loaf Cucurbita pepo) 100 days - This tasty squash is dark green with tan stripes, with flesh that is yellow-orange in color and very sweet. This smaller size squash is perfect for one or two people, and is a good storer! 20 $2.00
Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant 55 days - The broad, dark green, heavily crinkled leaves make this a favorite of many! The thick, white, 2 1/2" wide stalks grow on plants 24 to 28 inches high. Produces an abundant crop all season long! ? 1/4 oz $2.00
Swiss Chard Oriole 60 days - The decorative coloring makes this variety a real stand-out in your garden. The green leaves have a beautiful orange stem contrast. Harvest the baby leaves for salads, or let mature for use in braising, stir-frys or cooking greens. 100 $1.25
Thyme English (Thymus vulgaris) - The universal herb! Use freely on red meat, poultry, or fish as well as in flavoring sauces, stews, or soups. A medicinal tea made with thyme and sweetened with honey may help colds and sore throats. Start the seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last spring frost, transplanting to a sunny, but well drained location, outside. Harvest the leaves prior to flowering for maximum flavor.   Height - 12 inches. Hardy perennial. 100 $2.00
$83.50

I'm afraid I'll jinx it...

2010-01-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

But something I've been doing has been working.

For years, I struggled with keeping my energy up. I would commit to do something I truly wanted to do, and even things that related to a passion, and find myself just not doing it. My favorite way to avoid the things I needed to do was by reading online. It wasn't for a love of reading, because I would avoid the books I wanted to read. And it wasn't a terrible habit, because a lot of good came out of it, such as Cardamom Tango herself. The amount of time I was spending online was a problem, however, and I knew that it wasn't the internet that was calling me. It was one thing that summoned me when my energy dropped.

Now, I am doing things like writing on a daily basis, keeping my home presentable, composting, cooking at home instead of eating out, and avoiding being snappy at The Exotic Foreigner. What changed?

Several things. Not only did the internet summon me when my energy levels dropped, but so did caffeine. I haven't cut out caffeine entirely, but it has been replaced as my go-to remedy. Instead, I get some exercise. If I am home, I turn on the Wii Fit and give myself 30 minutes fun playtime with the only requirement being that I get moving. It doesn't have to be a lot of exercise. I just need to move. At work, I have the freedom to take a walk if I need to, or walk the stairs if it's ugly outside.

The other change came at the suggestion of my life coach. I don't want to write too much about our conversation, but the bottom line is that there was a very large part of me who did not want to waste hours away, and who knew that this was feeding low energy. Instead of banning internet, as I'd tried to do, I banned the internet from the me that feels guilty about it. At the very moment that I feel guilty about spending the time on the internet, I leave. This is a terrible explanation, because sometimes we feel guilty when we should not. I guess the difference is that at my core self, and in this situation, I experienced "guilt" as the manifestation of the feeling that I did not actually want to be on the internet, but was there to avoid something else.

I took a break from cleaning up the kitchen to write about this. It's a great freedom to know that I can do that.

The Hazards of Sugar

2010-01-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

I mentioned earlier that I was going to watch The Hazards of Sugar, and have now done so. I link to a link of the videos for two reasons: first, it was through Eat. Drink. Better. that I came across the lecture in the first place, and also because if you haven't heard of that blog and you are interested in food, you're missing out. I cannot believe how fast the presentation went. Some of the biochemistry was a bit over my head, but all in all it made a lot of sense.

The speaker, University of San Francisco professor John Lustig, sets out to prove that fructose is the main culprit in the fights against several diseases and conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and hypertension. During the 90-minute lecture, he successfully shows a correlation between that chemical and several of these diseases, and then goes on to illustrate why that is. This illustrated what I had long known to be true -- high fructose corn syrup is bad. But, previous to watching, I was not aware that sucrose acted in the same way. In addition, and this may sound pretty ignorant, I sort of thought fructose outside of the super concentrated syrup was okay, and I learned here that it "sort of"is and "sort of"is a poison. I was a little nervous that I was going to have to stop eating fruit until Dr. Lustig pointed out that nature provides the antidote -- in this case, fiber. Wipe the sweat off that brow, I can keep making those smoothies.

On the other hand, I now have further research to do. I would like to know why agave is considered a good alternative to sugar. There's no fiber in that bottle of it I bought the other day. And also, I would like to know why I do not trust Splenda or related sweeteners. I wonder what sort of effect they have on the liver and the rest of the body.

Reading List: January - March 2010

2010-01-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

My previous entry indicated that my January/February Reading list would be next, and so it is. Except, plus a month. (March, for those waiting in suspense.) I have already completed The Poisonwood Bible and will write a review when I receive my copy in the mail (I was borrowing it from a friend and loved it so much I used a paperback swap credit to get my own copy.) Not all of them have to do with my theme of social justice; some are simply on my want-to-read list.

Kingsolver, Barbara. The Poisonwood Bible. New York: Harper Collins Press, 1999.

Rubin, Robert Aldin. On the Beaten Path: An Appalachian Pilgrimage. New York: The Lyons Press, 2000.

Sachs, Jeffery. The End of Poverty: Economic Possibilities for Our Time. New York: Penguin Press, 2006.

Allende, Isabel. Paula. Trans. Margaret Sayers. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, 1995.

Kingsolver, Barbara. Pigs in Heaven. New York: Harper Collins Press, 1994.

Collier, Paul. The Bottom Billion: Why the Poorest Countries are Failing and What Can be Done About it. New York: Oxford University Press, 2007.

In addition, I have three gardening books that I won't read cover to cover but will skim thoroughly and probably comment on a lot during my first year of vegetable gardening:

Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes. Rev. ed. Edited by Needham, Julia and Deborah Burns. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 1998.

Ellis, Barbara W. and Fern Marshall Bradley, eds. The Organic Gardener's Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease Control: A Complete Problem-Solving Guide to Keeping Your Garden and Yard Healthy without Chemicals. Emmaus: Rodale, 1996.

Smith, Edward C. The Vegetable Gardener's Bible. 2nd ed. Madigan, Carleen and Gwen Steege, eds. North Adams: Storey Publishing, 2007.

New Year's ReVolutions

2010-01-16T13:54:00.000-05:00

Some believe in making resolutions and others do not. I find I often have trouble sticking to resolutions no matter when I make them, unless they have to do with something about which I am passionate.

The crisis in Haiti, and all the effort into increasing awareness around why Haiti is in the political and economic shape it is, have awakened (or re-awakened?) a passion within me for making the world a better place. It is an easy time to say that: everyone's doing it, and those such as Rush Limbaugh and Pat Robertson that are speaking against it simply look stupid.

Haiti has been taken advantage of for years. Any "devil" they may have dealt with has World Bank's pitchfork and the IMF's pointy tail, and is the same one that many deals that devil has made with countries around the world. I am no expert on the matter, but I wish to become one.

And THAT is the true root passion behind this blog. I like sustainable living because I wish that I was helping better distribute the world's resources. I love cooking and hosting because those are the simple joys that everyone in the world should have a right to. I crave knowledge because it is part of the path to solutions. Which leads to my New Year's Resolution: I want to read as much material as possible about the reasons for poverty, the history behind failed and failing governments, and the ideas on how to effect real change.

My next post will be my reading list for January and February. I wish I could read more, but time does not permit right now.

Although I have enjoyed making this post about Haiti into a post about Me, I want to appeal to my few readers to give to Haiti. International relations are complicated. That goes without saying. Money does go to pay overhead costs; that's necessary and not always evil. Sometimes money falls into the wrong hands, and that is unfortunate. However, Haiti immediately needs help. Find a well-vetted organization. A donation to the Red Cross, for example, will absolutely go to the recovery effort.

I'll leave it at that. The world is a bit shocked, I think, at the catastrophe that has befallen the Haitians, but we cannot possibly understand, unless we have been through something similar, what the devastation actually feels like on site.

Holiday Morning Stuffed French Toast

2010-01-16T09:02:00.000-05:00

I know it's quite late to be posting holiday recipes. A really easy one on top of that. And without pictures, to top it off!
However, this is an easier-than-pie recipe that I think it great to make the night before for any morning, and winter ones especially. I don't have a true step-by-step for this - it doesn't need one and will depend on how large a crockpot you have. You can have fun with it.

You'll need:

About a loaf of bread. Doesn't have to be stale. Doesn't need to be a certain kind. I actually usually make cucumber sandwiches for Christmas Eve and use the scraps from that. If you are making a lot, and have a large crockpot, of course you could need more.
A fruit that cooks up nice and soft. Bananas are a sure bet.
Optional: Cream Cheese. If you're watching the fat intake you can skip this, but it does add a really nice flavor. Whipped cream cheese is easiest.
Milk
Eggs
Vanilla
Sugar or substitute (I am about to listen to The Hazards of Sugar (and then look for some rebuttal) so I might be saying agave later...
Optional: a cooking friendly nut of your choice. Walnuts work well, if broken up.

For optional syrup:

1 part sugar
1 part water
1 small orange for every cup of water
1 cinnamon stick

Make the bottom of your crockpot unsticky with butter and flour or your choice of other methods. Now, all you have to do is put a layer of bread, followed by a layer of fruit (which has been brushed with cream cheese if you want that) and the optional nuts, and repeat until your crock pot is full. The top layer should be bread.

In a bowl beat enough eggs and milk together to generously soak the mixture. I think 1 egg to every cup and a half of milk is a decent ratio. You can also cut that ratio down and use some whole eggs and some egg white only. I wouldn't use less than one egg to every 2 cups of milk. Also, depending on how sweet you want it, add about a tablespoon of sugar for every cup and a half of mixture, and a splash of vanilla. (I told you there is no real step-by-step to this!)

Pour the egg mixture over the layers, making sure it's drenched. You don't want it overflowing, but you want to be sure it is thoroughly drenched. Some might advise to pour the mixture over each layer as you put them in. I've never found a real difference when using enough mixture.

When you've done that, cover with lid. If it's 4am Christmas day before you start making this and you want it for Christmas morning, go ahead. Cook it on high. Otherwise, turn it on low and take a long winter's nap of at least 6 hours.

In the morning, you can make an easy and tasty simple syrup by heating and stirring 1 part water to 1 cup sugar. Throw in a cinnamon stick while heating. After sugar has dissolved, add some freshly-squeezed orange juice.

Back from Hiatus

2010-01-15T22:17:00.001-05:00

As I told a friend recently, I don't know if I've ever been busy until recently. The holidays had everyone rushing around as usual, but I've also taken a real interest in trying to keep our home in order despite working longer hours. Add to that a slightly busier than usual social calendar, and you've got poor little Cardamom Tango feeling neglected in her little corner of the web.

This weekend has started in a wonderful way -- a celebration of The Exotic Foreigner's birthday. We went snow tubing and it was such a simple and completely happy day of fun (during moments I wasn't thinking about the very real possibility of breaking my neck), that I simply must recommend it. Some may prefer skiing, and I respect you for that. But being that I normally fall immediately upon exit from the chairlift, I'll take an easy day of tubing, hands down.

Expect a post tomorrow.

Copenhagen

2009-12-11T20:38:00.002-05:00

No - I'm not actually in Copenhagen, but the environment is my project this week.

Let me start with my motivations. When it comes to climate change, I know two types of people. One group does not believe in global warming. The other cannot believe that there are actually human beings who do not believe in it. The vast majority fall into the second category.

I'm in a group all by myself. I believe in global warming and that we humans are probably the biggest aggravating factors. On the other hand, I can see why people might be skeptical. It's really hard to trust in our media and politicians, and the stolen emails are easily misread to indicate a cover-up of one big lie. In this case, I do think we have access to some pretty clear data, but some aren't so sure.

So, maybe instead of focusing on things we can't yet agree upon, we should look at undeniable facts.

Fossil fuels are limited. Whether we engage in offshore drilling or exploit other reserves, they will run out. Is it acceptable to leave our children and grandchildren to figure out the energy problem when we know the problem is out there?
The most accessible deposits of these fuels are under the control of other countries. Do we go to war to gain access to the fuel? Some may answer that we do not. The almost 10 million barrels of crude oil imported to the US each day equal dependency. In that case, is it healthy for our country's economy for us to be so dependent on this import? (source: US Energy Information Administration)

If the damage to the Earth's o-zone is not clear to all, can we agree that the pollution from auto transportation pollutes the air at our level? Is the correlation between this and increasing rates of allergies and asthma too far a leap?

Consumerism in other areas is also damaging to the Earth. The production of cotton clothes items uses an abundance of pesticides, which contaminate water supplies and major bodies of water and use extreme amounts of energy and water to process. According to the EPA Office of Solid Waste, Americans throw away more than 68 pounds of clothing and textiles per person per year. Is this acceptable? Is it moral to create things we think of as being so disposable that we cast them off at such a rate? Why are we buying things we don't want or need in the first place?

The Society of St. Andrew reports that forty to fifty percent of all food ready for harvest in the US never gets eaten. Again, why is this okay? Why do we allow this to happen?

So, yes, I am trying to decrease my impact because I believe it will help in the fight against global warming. But I also think it's my responsibility to do my part because I cannot tell my little sister or my future children that it's up to them to solve the energy problem without the help of the generations who helped create it. It's my job because I take responsibility for my own health and would like to be able to breathe clean air. I want to decrease my impact because I do care about my water supply (as well as others'). And finally, I want to decrease my impact because it is senseless to pay to waste resources.

World leaders have been meeting in Copenhagen to hammer out agreements regarding how we will address the need to reduce our environmental impact. I hope that they are able to come to an effective agreement, but everything about it is complicated. It will not happen overnight. Economic factors aren't just about greed. They are also about keeping people from starving. I do have hope that some little bit of progress will come from Copenhagen.
No one has all the answers, but I absolutely have answers about what I can do. That is, I can consume less, I can reuse what I can no longer use in its present form. I can compost. I can reduce my impact by eating less meat. I can turn off the lights when I leave the room. I can watch less TV. I can drive less. I can ask my local government for more usable public transportation. And I know that my own changes are small, but I hope others will choose a change to make this week. And another one next week. And another one the next.

Image Credit:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aussiegall/ / CC BY 2.0

2009-12-11T19:13:00.000-05:00

Ironically, I found that posting every day in my blog about sustainable joy is not, er, sustainable.
So, in the interest of maintaining quality above quality, and also, allowing myself time to devote to other writing endeavors, I'm going to commit to updating once a week, realizing I will probably update more often than that.

Wildcard Wednesday #2: Daydream Believer Edition

2009-12-09T00:13:00.000-05:00

I've been a skeptic for quite awhile now. As a child, my head was always in the clouds, but as I grew up the world taught me, as it does too many, to ignore those dreams. Also, I wanted to be Dana Scully.

And now I find out that actually, I need to daydream, and to believe that I can have those things I want. It's crazy to think about now, but a lot of the things I want most and thought I could not have, are things that are very attainable. For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to learn to make clothes, to grow a vegetable garden, and, um, section hike the Appalachian Trail. The Exotic Foreigner and I have dreamed together about sailing long distances, and even living in a small house on a remote beach.

Some of these things will be accomplished soon, and others will be in another era of my life, and still others may not come to pass. However, allowing myself to daydream even of things that may never happen can lead to ideas for things that can happen. It helps me map my future and gives me goals to work toward.

Tasty Tuesday #2: In a Rush, Lower our Cholesterol Edition

2009-12-08T07:09:00.000-05:00

Well, we have been rushing around like crazy getting things in place after the floors got in. (Did I mention the floors? No? Oh, well, you must see: Lookie!) And then came the letter informing us that someone's (not my) cholesterol is worse than the last time it was tested when it was simply bad. This person is not at all excited about making the changes needed, so I'm searching away for good ways to make little changes.

Last night, we made some polenta. It was made with 2% milk, but we prefaced it with a salad, and used vinegar and a little olive oil for dressing, so overall it was acceptable. Tonight's dish, pasta primavera, is another reason to be excited about having a garden next year so I can can my own vegetables for this.

This is easy enough that I'll just post pictures. The blackish looking things on the left are frozen basil from my own herb garden.

Money Monday #2: Negotiating

2009-12-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

If you do a quick search on "negotiate your cable price," your results will include quite a few links to sites and blogs that teach you how to negotiate down your bills, so there's no need for me to add to that list. Actually, all I want to do is say that doing this is probably the first thing you want to do (if you haven't already) to more effectively spend your money toward that which brings you better quality of life.

I write about this because I was slow to jump on that bandwagon. Of course, the Exotic Foreigner was on the bandwagon long ago, coming from a culture in which bargaining and negotiating happen as a matter of course. I think it made me feel like a cheapskate to try to negotiate what were in my mind "fixed" prices. But when our cell phone company whichwillremainunnamed started charging us fees for services we did not subscribe to out of the blue, it became pretty clear to me that if I didn't push my own prices down, they were just going to continue pushing them up.

Again, there's no need for me to walk you through doing this. I used Ramit's guide at IWillTeachYouToBeRich.com: Optimize your cell phone Bill.

My results were as follows:

We were already on the lowest plan possible for cell phone and data usage. In fact, we were on a plan that didn't yet exist. The Exotic Foreigner told the customer retention department that it was more viable for us to cancel our plans, pay the associated fees, and switch to a pay-as-you-go plan with another company than it was to pay for this plan, which still had more minutes than we need. He was given $10/month off our bill for one year, at which time he will call back and do the same. At that point, it will be even easier for us to pay the cancellation fee because of the way they structure their charge, so I've no doubt we'll get our $10/month off.
I called our cable and internet provider. I told them that because of the economy, we were taking a long, hard look at how we spent our money, and we decided that we just were not going to be able to pay for cable service. The representative knocked $5/month off the bill indefinitely.

Neither of these calls took longer than 15 minutes, and we are saving $15/month. I know that doesn't sound like a lot but IT'S YOUR MONEY. If you don't want or need it, there are other people out there who do, and who will use it much more wisely than these large organizations. Like me.

Change in Programming

2009-12-06T00:08:00.000-05:00

I'm not sure I like the "Sweet Saturday" theme I'd proposed. I am open to suggestions for Saturday themes. My current idea is kinda different and may be particularly difficult for me to devote the necessary time to: creative writing.
Thoughts?

Circuit Sunday #2

2009-12-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

1. Here's what I am making for my cousins' sons this Christmas: Superhero capes from Crafting a Green World! (I am soooo excited!)
2. Some well-thought-through ideas for getting ready for winter over at MoreM-n-mal. I'm especially excited about composting to get ready for spring!
3. Lily over at A Charmed Wife, has a great list of ways to save on dinner. . .
4. ...while Trent at The Simple Dollar gets specific on How to Save on Salads.
5. And on a completely different note, I love this suggestion for a simple and free holiday tradition from J.D. @ Get Rich Slowly.

Friendly Friday #2: Big Brothers Big Sisters Edition

2009-12-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

This Friday's post is not so much a shout-out to a friend, as to an organization that brings together friends across barriers of age, income, and cultures. One of the best decisions I've ever made was to be a big sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters.

BBBS began over a century ago as two distinct organizations which finally united in 1977. Through a study conducted in the early 90's, we know that at-risk children who are mentored are:

6% less likely to begin using illegal drugs
27% less likely to begin using alcohol
52% less likely to skip school
37% less likely to skip a class
more confident of their performance in schoolwork
one-third less likely to hit someone
getting along better with their families

(Source: bbbs.org)

I have found that my local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters does an excellent job of coordinating events for us. I spend most of my time with my little one-on-one, but we get a free Y membership, free classes in a variety of areas, such as preparing healthy snacks, study skills, and belly dancing, group outings, and parties for holidays and the end of the school year.

When I first began mentoring, I thought I needed to plan elaborate activities to do with my Little. As time passed, though, I realized that she really and truly just wanted to spend time with me. She is happy to just come over and cook dinner with me. We like to go swimming, too, and I like to take her with me on hikes (not her favorite activity, but she's up for anything).

I encourage you to think about whether you would like to mentor a child. If, not, please remember when you're planning your holiday giving, that BBBS is a non-profit organization, and, like many 501(c)3s, would certainly appreciate whatever you can give. Please visit the national site at http://www.bbbs.org or google your local chapter.

Project Thursday #1: Bamboo Flooring Edition

2009-12-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

Well, let's start with a doozie: we replaced our old carpet with bamboo flooring!

We decided on bamboo for several reasons. First, we were able to find a price we liked. Also, bamboo is, you guessed it, an ecologically friendlier choice than, say, Brazilian Cherry. And, finally, the darker version was a color we liked. The option we chose was pre-finished, so once it was in, it was in.

We installed it ourselves. I should say, actually, that the exotic foreigner and his friend installed it themselves.
Here's the process start to finish:

And while they were busy with their little project, I wasn't just twiddling my thumbs. I cleaned up the study, and did some other housekeeping items, but the most relevant project was adding felt to the bottom of our furniture so it wouldn't scuff the floor

And, here's our new living room!

Wildcard Wednesday #1: Waiting Games

2009-12-02T00:01:00.000-05:00

I am terrible at waiting. I clearly remember my father telling me once that I needed to learn to wait, because for most of my life, I will be waiting for something. Turns out, he's right, as some fathers tend to be sometimes.

Most often, I am waiting for Friday. This wait is not so distracting. I daydream a little about how it's going to be when it gets here, but I know it's on its little way, so I trudge through until 4:59 on Friday, when I am on that elevator.

But, what about waits for things that are not guaranteed, for things that are completely out of your hands? What if you are waiting to hear back about a job, or how a loved one's doctor appointment went, or for a love interest to make a move? These are the waits that tend to distract me the most. I lose focus. I forget who I am and who I want to be. I give my power away.

Is this a fact of life? Is this how I will manage the majority of my wait time in my life, no matter what I do? I think I may have found some strategies that work for me. I'm not waiting for anything major right now, so I don't know when I will use these tips; maybe you can let me know how they work!

What are they? Well, assuming I have done all I can and the decision is in someone else's (or the universe's) hands:

Don't tell anyone. Don't make it a big secret, but don't tell anyone. I find that when I tell anyone, I start feeling the desire to check in with them. In addition, the companionship developed around that wait makes the focus a bigger one than it really is. This is akin to Gretchen Rubin's 3rd myth of Happiness: Venting Anger Relieves it. Just as "venting" anger actually fuels it, talking about something that is causing you suspense adds to the suspense. Now, obviously, if you are waiting to make a major decision, you might need the input of a loved one. This is applicable in situations in which you have no further control.
Distract yourself. While waiting to hear back from one employer, I signed up to take the GRE one month from then. I spent all free time studying. This is something I cannot seem to make myself do if I have no pressure. I could not, for example, decide to read Joyce's Ulysses on my own. But that urgency allowed me to find something more important to worry about.
Exercise. The last time I was waiting for something, I could not get myself to work out. I know I would have felt better, but I think the stress kept me down. Everyone knows that working out relieves stress (if you don't, here's an excellent article about it). If I can't get myself to go for a run, maybe I should just do one sun salutation. Or 10 sit-ups. Or take a walk. It's better than nothing, and once I get going, maybe I'll feel like doing more.
Be creative. Similar to #2, but without the pressure. I can absolutely lose myself cooking and baking.
Make a plan B. If I can see advantages to things not turning out how I think I'd like them to, then this security helps me realize that it's going to be okay either way.
Realize that even without a plan B, it's going to be okay. There have been other times in my life in which I thought if I didn't get what I wanted, life would not go on. In many of those situations, I did not get what I wanted, and life went on. It will again.

Tasty Tuesday #1: Smoothies? Or Health-Packed Juice?

2009-12-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

December is not smoothie season.
Or is it?
Ok, no. It's not. But what if your body is craving a metric ton of antioxidants and nutrients, and you just can't seem to find time to cook?

First -- watch this for inspiration:

The Liberacion Juice Station from Pete Bell on Vimeo.

Ok, ready?

So, please don't be scared away by the ingredients - the things listed below that don't sound like they'd taste good in a smoothie don't actually make a taste appearance. They just play very important supporting roles. Also, don't be intimidated by the number of ingredients.

1 large handful finely chopped kale
1 carrot
1/2 banana
2 tsp wheat germ
2 tsp (before grinding) flax seed, ground in a coffee grinder
1/8 cup (before grinding) almonds, ground in a coffee grinder
2 tsp raw sugar
1 cup frozen berry of your choice (do not recommend blackberries due to seeds)
1 cup frozen berry of your choice of a different color than the first
1 cup no sugar added natural berry juice
(please note elephant incense burner NOT included in ingredient list)
(also note use of store-brand frozen berries)
(thirdly, yes, I learned from experience about the blackberries)

1. Use blender to chop up kale and carrots with 1/2 cup juice. You really want to be sure to blend them beyond recognition so that you don't chew kale while drinking your smoothie.
2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend on high for 30 seconds. My blender has a smoothie setting (as many do), and between steps 1 and 2 I go through the smoothie cycle 3 times.

***

This recipe makes 2 smoothies.

I made this on Sunday morning and tripled the recipe. I only made 2 servings for then, and put the rest of the ingredients (without blending) in a glass jar in the fridge. This would only work for a day or two, but I do plan to freeze some in plastic containers in the future.

The great thing is that you can change the berries so as not to get tired of the same thing each time.

***

So, why these ingredients?

Kale, first of all, is amazing. It is full of vitamins K, A, and C. And while we're talking about those guys, carrots have a lot of those same vitamins. Then we've got almonds, which are high in monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. Another nutrient that lowers bad cholesterol is Omega-3 fatty acids, which is why we add the ground flax seed. Wheat germ has a moderate amount of quite a few good-for-yous, but is especially good in the B-vitamins and the Omegas. And of course, we all know that berries are excellent sources of anti-oxidants.

Now, what about sustainability? Well ... this smoothie is not really a local treat. I could definitely grow these berries and freeze them for use in winter smoothies, and I could grow kale in my area into fall. I buy flax seed at a local discount grocery store. I will probably post about shopping at discount stores in a later post, but this minimizes the impact of my purchase. Wheat germ is actually a byproduct of milling wheat berry, so the impact involved is lessened. That leaves almonds and bananas, neither of which are particularly good choices on the sustainability spectrum unless you go out of your way for it.
But, to me, there is a balance. I have a small household, and there are a lot of feel-good nutrients in that glass. Considering sustainability, health, and even price, compared to a muffin and a latte, the this rocks.

Do you have a favorite smoothie or juice recipe?