tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55550266669214173402024-02-18T21:55:37.151-05:00Easy Peasy Organic real food, real lifeEasy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.comBlogger399125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-76148321220270418782019-02-22T22:22:00.002-05:002019-02-22T22:22:32.405-05:00Where I Am NowI want to keep this space open, preserve what it was in my life and yours. But I find now that I'm writing more <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>, so that's where you'll find me! And, as always, on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amandacniehaus/" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/@amandacniehaus" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. Come say hello!<br />
<br />Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-1841836106991327812016-01-03T22:12:00.000-05:002016-01-03T22:12:24.010-05:00HOLD ME TO IT<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIglNNqNiMjnIVh8P5tpyji-klH-yq8NbJcui5sfKP2BFl7p_bYfhJOJh49CjHXcMngQ07REeqkQ7tri4PREeFoAu-KCIL8R7Z4LbA5NVpQdVSun51TNos-eTbqV14w9pN26SqmwGTAbbF/s1600/lava+walk+view+-+sunset+crater+-+AZ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIglNNqNiMjnIVh8P5tpyji-klH-yq8NbJcui5sfKP2BFl7p_bYfhJOJh49CjHXcMngQ07REeqkQ7tri4PREeFoAu-KCIL8R7Z4LbA5NVpQdVSun51TNos-eTbqV14w9pN26SqmwGTAbbF/s640/lava+walk+view+-+sunset+crater+-+AZ.jpg" title="Sunset Crater - Flagstaff, Arizona - winter hiking via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset Crater - Flagstaff, Arizona - a short hike at Christmastime</td></tr>
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It's back to school tomorrow here in Phoenix* and I'm not happy we have to get up early again. [7:40am start?! WTF?] But I'll manage. With a shitload of coffee, I'll manage.</div>
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We spent the Christmas holidays near Sedona -- hiking and trail running on several of the days and drinking beer most evenings. Red rocks and howling coyotes. A single javelina. Snow! Nelle and I watched the movies Laputa Castle in the Sky and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (repeatedly) and I got through some mind-twisting fiction (of the sort I most like!) including The Book of Monelle by Marcel Schwob and My Happy Life by Lydia Millet. We played Rack-O and sometimes I won. </div>
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Mostly I didn't. </div>
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I started reading books about writing (again) because I'm jumping into longer forms and it all kinda terrifies me … and reading about writing isn't really wasting time, right? </div>
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Yeah, I know what they say. </div>
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JUST WRITE.</div>
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So it's back to school tomorrow here in Phoenix--however numbingly early it happens--and the day is mine. To write and write ... </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz0Fe5NMyKAhZlNHlnSscOgOArkfJoFa2k2vUIZ108K65UqqruATqaJ1SWEgIyYDXokO3YyuAb6BOCcjLRYS3ZJ9T06FFLRVpYQ2aFegRMJout4ujasY-n51Mn7-PspTQCsWU3RajlA-k/s1600/baldwin+trail+-+cathedral+rock+2+-+sedona+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSz0Fe5NMyKAhZlNHlnSscOgOArkfJoFa2k2vUIZ108K65UqqruATqaJ1SWEgIyYDXokO3YyuAb6BOCcjLRYS3ZJ9T06FFLRVpYQ2aFegRMJout4ujasY-n51Mn7-PspTQCsWU3RajlA-k/s640/baldwin+trail+-+cathedral+rock+2+-+sedona+copy.jpg" title="Baldwin Trail - Sedona Arizona - winter hiking via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baldwin Trail - a longer short hike in Sedona, Arizona</td></tr>
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And write.<br />
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Right now, I'm making <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2012/05/blueberry-quinoa-loaf.html" target="_blank">blueberry quinoa bread</a>, except without the blueberries and swirled through with hand-cut dark chocolate and homemade raspberry chia jam instead. I'm making dinner. And plans for my week.<br />
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A DRAFT OF THIS THING.<br />
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That's the plan.<br />
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Hold me to it.<br />
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I get distracted easily.<br />
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Axx<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*yes! we're in Arizona till May!</span></div>
<br />Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-62312362926288056762015-06-13T01:01:00.002-04:002015-06-13T01:15:44.757-04:00Those Edges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHGh3KghKrKaeI4_7PDliPvd6aUZPf9WUz0h2PBny4_-UZ7T9GEIfnkrsi_peFqeDDi_z1Upg49wNM_aVjzVLWB8tsEB7wDJTa8Be3FKGzdsBiQ-1qakZIVohj1JR1pYHFlFYoG1j9hEO/s1600/self+and+satisfaction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivHGh3KghKrKaeI4_7PDliPvd6aUZPf9WUz0h2PBny4_-UZ7T9GEIfnkrsi_peFqeDDi_z1Upg49wNM_aVjzVLWB8tsEB7wDJTa8Be3FKGzdsBiQ-1qakZIVohj1JR1pYHFlFYoG1j9hEO/s640/self+and+satisfaction.jpg" title="galle fort - sri lanka - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just felt compelled to re-write <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">my "About Me" page</a>, because when I did it last year I was kind of copying a blog I wanted to be. Which is what they say you should do … but it really oversimplified (?) dramatised (?) who I <i>do</i> want to be. It's something I've been struggling with a bit, both in this space and in life. </div>
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<b>Who the fuck am I? What makes me happy?</b></div>
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And I think I'm finally beginning to get it. Happiness isn't cutting off your edges to fit into the right slot. It's pushing those edges up against the world - letting them feel the hot and cold, letting them ache and sting. </div>
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YESSSSSSS.</div>
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So I rewrote <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">my About Me page</a>. </div>
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And it makes me think that we all need one - a place to not-define who we are but where we can go when we forget that it's ok not to know. </div>
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Write it. Use it like a map, but don't follow too closely.</div>
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Axx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-10772065151865838402015-06-08T19:14:00.000-04:002015-06-08T19:14:00.466-04:00Homemade Peanut Butter Cups (In Ball Form)Winter's here, Brisbane.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0eeV6s071MDwAy0cREQs-KxfvQvpsAneUGO8LnRahYj9vvQO_v2mJPxhnRHXwNUXojLI9y_eAPYSq71LY-pbEIYPdp0PWId7nrmPh2FuOtJd5FUINJp2lb6cAlCdIYgmhXNBBbsRwv_T/s1600/brisbane+winter+powerlines+and+birds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0eeV6s071MDwAy0cREQs-KxfvQvpsAneUGO8LnRahYj9vvQO_v2mJPxhnRHXwNUXojLI9y_eAPYSq71LY-pbEIYPdp0PWId7nrmPh2FuOtJd5FUINJp2lb6cAlCdIYgmhXNBBbsRwv_T/s640/brisbane+winter+powerlines+and+birds.jpg" title="winter in Brisbane via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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There's a sting of it in the evenings and the mornings, before the sun beats it out. But there's no snow, no ice, and you can still get a sunburn; the bougainvillea's flowering at the corner of the deck, the passionfruit vines up the house a bit more each day.</div>
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So it's not much like the winters I grew up with in Iowa - building snow forts that lasted for weeks, careening down the hill on a little saucer sled. But it's winter, for sure. </div>
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And you know what winter calls for, don't you?</div>
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Chocolate.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4p-03icbYVtvtRA2zG4gQdrEGvAkXlw7avUX-8O0fxKLNZOLrqPctDnLUbYWOdRvEuK6Td7RMxLMwfPW_8kw0UvgJJVb8bdKcg7HftoGpHeJ7XZ8ey2e2E-7HRuq1tHhjXSH1v2Y7NMT/s1600/chocolate+covered+peanut+butter+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir4p-03icbYVtvtRA2zG4gQdrEGvAkXlw7avUX-8O0fxKLNZOLrqPctDnLUbYWOdRvEuK6Td7RMxLMwfPW_8kw0UvgJJVb8bdKcg7HftoGpHeJ7XZ8ey2e2E-7HRuq1tHhjXSH1v2Y7NMT/s640/chocolate+covered+peanut+butter+ball.jpg" title="vegan gluten-free chocolate peanut butter balls via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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But more than that. Peanut butter, too. </div>
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I made <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/12/16/peanut-better-balls/" target="_blank">these chocolate-peanut butter balls </a>this week for a quick and easy after-dinner dessert, after a vegan feast I put together <a href="http://www.wilsonperformancelab.com/" target="_blank">for Robbie's lab</a> from the cookbook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1607743949/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1607743949&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=P3RGEETZVAMSAPGB">Jerusalem</a>. On a side note, that book is AMAZING - really, if I'd taken pictures of our dinner, you'd be seeing almost all of it - but I had to look elsewhere for dessert. I needed fast and easy and vegan, and something I could make from my pantry.<br />
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Yes, dessert was an afterthought. Guess it goes to show how inspiring Yotam Ottolenghi's salad and grain recipes were.<br />
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There are a fair few chocolate/peanut butter ball/cup recipes out there, but I wanted something vaguely healthy, too. <a href="http://www.ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Angela</a> didn't let me down. These little balls require only a few nutritious ingredients (dark chocolate! peanut butter! coconut!) and come dangerously close to satisfying my cravings for Reese's Peanut Butter cups. I'm in biiiiiiiig trouble.<br />
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I followed <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2013/12/16/peanut-better-balls/" target="_blank">the original recipe</a> pretty closely but added a little too much coconut flour, so they came out a bit stick-to-the-top-of-your-mouth-y. But I can live with that. These peanut butter cup wannabes are even better after a couple days in the fridge, and I shudder to think how good they might be out of the freezer.<br />
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I had to eat two just to get the picture you see above.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls</span></b></div>
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<b>adapted from <a href="http://www.ohsheglows.com/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a></b></div>
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<b>makes 16-20</b></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 cup natural peanut butter (I used chunky)<br />
1/2 tsp sea salt (if the pb is unsalted)<br />
3-4 Tbs maple syrup or thick raw honey or a combo of both<br />
1-3 Tbs coconut flour (depending on consistency)<br />
1/3 cup crispy rice cereal<br />
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3/4 cup - or 130 grams - 70% dark chocolate (I like Green&Blacks! Go fair-trade for sure)<br />
1/2 Tbs unrefined coconut oil<br />
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NOTE: it's less fiddly to do these as balls than cups and doesn't use all the paper wrappings, too!<br />
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<b>Process</b><br />
1. Mix the peanut butter with the salt (if needed) and the syrup or honey until it's thick. In the original recipe, Angela talks about how the PB thickens up after a few minutes of stirring. Mine was always thick.<br />
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2. Add coconut flour a little at a time until the mixture is the texture of cookie dough and can be rolled into smooth balls that don't fall apart. I didn't need much flour at all with the peanut butter I was using, but at least put in some, because it gives nice tooth-feel. ;)<br />
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3. Stir through the rice cereal. Definitely don't skip it - you want the little crunches as you bite in.<br />
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4. Form the mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and put them on a sheet covered in baking paper. Set aside or in the fridge while you make the chocolate coating.<br />
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5. Microwave or stove-warm the chocolate and coconut oil over medium heat, stirring regularly, until it's all melted together. Let it cool a little bit.<br />
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6. The original recipe suggests spearing a ball on a fork to coat it, but I preferred a plop-and-recover method using a spoon. This fancy technique entails dropping a single ball into the dish of chocolate and fishing it back out with a spoon, before returning it to the tray. When all the balls are done, pop them into the freezer for 10 minutes or so until the chocolate has hardened.<br />
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7. Serve these cool or at room temperature, and store extras in the fridge. Just remember to WASH or SOAK your bowl and spoon straight away or the chocolate will harden into something like titanium on them.<br />
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PS. I've always found it difficult to make those 3-ingredient peanut butter cookies you see on the web - something about all that peanut butter … But these? No problems at all.<br />
<i>Damn</i>.<br />
Axx<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ2dFHbiq_GxcyIjeWpoALXXadnZ0-nuEAeKd5pxKmQZrinI4h_Al0KQ6m2THiY4Yo0G_bLScENNfu6nvEll5q6h_2fUrfIR3pfOvxC9YqffQkNI9RtowtaJvA19u1ELb51_J0bNOVmJS/s1600/brisbane+winter+rooftop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivZ2dFHbiq_GxcyIjeWpoALXXadnZ0-nuEAeKd5pxKmQZrinI4h_Al0KQ6m2THiY4Yo0G_bLScENNfu6nvEll5q6h_2fUrfIR3pfOvxC9YqffQkNI9RtowtaJvA19u1ELb51_J0bNOVmJS/s640/brisbane+winter+rooftop.jpg" title="winter in Brisbane via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-89269368746815399612015-05-21T21:42:00.000-04:002015-05-21T21:42:07.932-04:00Is a Massage a Week Too Much?<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D4e42q0wWZnWI2vSPz3iaJ2-aweYx4SNVnFAd3W6iG6G1gORm3tVy_RRghgKOwLeFjWMrEvsxUAoYwoq04yDyEpmgbGdOvijw_MeVTnMV6nzhZWnx1BP1sIFbSzt0Sq15zyIYFE7gSSQ/s1600/IMG_6003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7D4e42q0wWZnWI2vSPz3iaJ2-aweYx4SNVnFAd3W6iG6G1gORm3tVy_RRghgKOwLeFjWMrEvsxUAoYwoq04yDyEpmgbGdOvijw_MeVTnMV6nzhZWnx1BP1sIFbSzt0Sq15zyIYFE7gSSQ/s640/IMG_6003.JPG" title="everyday philosophy via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm on a bit of a massage thing at the moment, trying to sort out the clench of my shoulder blades and my hamstrings, the twinge in my lower back. Trying to relax. I go to those places at the shopping centres, where tiny ladies lean their elbows into you and your muscles explode. Amazing. Patentable.<br />
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I don't want to have to justify my habit, if you want to call it that--Reliance? Program?--but sometimes I feel the question rise up in me: Is a massage a week too much?</div>
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Here's what I think: Fuck no. Is sex too much? Or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shavasana" target="_blank">shavasana</a> at the end of hot yoga? Or the bit of ice cream dripping down the side of the cone, or tongue-slidingly-silky chocolate mousse, or those <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hand-Held-Scalp-Head-Massager/dp/B003NTKMLW" target="_blank">amazing head tickling things</a> you are seriously not going to pay $25 for (but maybe?)?</div>
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How about when you do whatever it is you love doing, and you get into the flow of it and time tips over on its side, but what does it matter because you've had a killer coffee and you're doing what you love doing--that thing you'd do if it were your last day on earth because it makes you feel so <i>right</i>. </div>
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Yes, that. And massage. And maybe sex, too.</div>
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*</div>
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<b>Every day, we stress about dying or work or gravity, and none of it binds us</b>. Stress isn't some miracle that keeps us from decomposing, and it doesn't mold us into the people we truly are. Who we are comes from looseness--physical and psychological and creative mobility. When we wear our skin like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naked_mole-rat" target="_blank">a naked mole rat</a> does (and <a href="http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/why-do-naked-mole-rats-live-so-long-230258/?no-ist" target="_blank">look how long they live</a>!)<br />
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"Hold your story loosely," says Alan Watt, in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0983141207/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0983141207&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=ONGWVOHKI52HGR5S">his book on writing</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0983141207" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />.<br />
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As far as I'm concerned, that's the answer to everything. Don't try to pin it down too soon, force it into something: if you let it breathe it can become so much more. More than you can ever imagine.</div>
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So can you.</div>
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Make space in your self--oceanic, atmospheric, blood-rushing space. Feel life rush in.<br />
Axx</div>
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Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-86544354116090596192015-05-12T21:35:00.001-04:002015-05-13T00:30:16.382-04:00How to Be Awesome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4tZfS7HB2KO-Fl9Wg0YIMv5gtl9b-XjFkO_zv5v2AqSnA3mj0mDliuWEGazVd000h_BpPtiEVCnvA57jERfbGiGQ8TJ41YTYXTG8gr5y94n9ZR0n7XjncapCAz6c4kCwFK15HFAhvH0H/s1600/leftover+veggies+for+veggie+stock+paste.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP4tZfS7HB2KO-Fl9Wg0YIMv5gtl9b-XjFkO_zv5v2AqSnA3mj0mDliuWEGazVd000h_BpPtiEVCnvA57jERfbGiGQ8TJ41YTYXTG8gr5y94n9ZR0n7XjncapCAz6c4kCwFK15HFAhvH0H/s640/leftover+veggies+for+veggie+stock+paste.jpg" title="veggie stock concentrate - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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You don't need a Thermomix to be awesome. </div>
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You just need some leftover veggies, herbs, sea salt, a couple splashes of olive oil and a blender or food processor. A glass jar, a fridge. </div>
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You need to look at yourself naked, and be ok. Scars, floppy bits, all of it. You're you, and you're beautiful. </div>
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You need to listen to your heart more, follow it whenever you can. </div>
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You need to sleep, move, eat. Live and love like you're mortal, because you are. Grow things. See the way light strikes your world. Examine, feel, taste.</div>
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*</div>
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Awesomeness comes from the foundations - the basis, the stock. It pours up like water through a tree, so find your roots and nourish them. </div>
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Whatever you need to be awesome - that's what you need. Nothing more. </div>
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*</div>
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So stand at the stove. Watch the water bubble off the bottom of the pot, stir in the veggie paste, tip in the skewers of pasta or the hard kernels of rice. Wait, and they will soften, pull in the flavour of the stock and the salt; absorb it. They will take it in and transform, become their better selves, truer somehow. </div>
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Watch it happen. </div>
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Amanda xx</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK0qjU0rfB3pIy1kD4uvotas3e0Ff7S0s4KKtPvNwG1qW83HIgd8iwgTHIJTnlYUMRLSq48M-vCLrXe3a0zi4cp8zwT1Pv0icfLxd747d8BqK_xVs_v7aF0-ZhmP4qKhRBKTKSgGqz7v9/s1600/veggie+stock+paste+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyK0qjU0rfB3pIy1kD4uvotas3e0Ff7S0s4KKtPvNwG1qW83HIgd8iwgTHIJTnlYUMRLSq48M-vCLrXe3a0zi4cp8zwT1Pv0icfLxd747d8BqK_xVs_v7aF0-ZhmP4qKhRBKTKSgGqz7v9/s640/veggie+stock+paste+2.jpg" title="veggie stock concentrate - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="424" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Veggie Stock Concentrate</span></b></div>
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<b>like the stuff you make with a Thermomix, only without the Thermomix</b></div>
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<b><u>Ingredients</u></b></div>
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700 grams raw mixed veggies - offcuts, extras, scrubbed peels, random bits</div>
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a handful of mixed fresh herbs</div>
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1-2 cloves garlic</div>
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150 grams sea salt (I like Maldon)</div>
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2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil</div>
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<b><u>Process</u></b></div>
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I first saw this veggie stock concentrate at a friend's Thermomix demo and had to steal the recipe. (I found a great one <a href="http://dinosandfairies.com/2013/07/31/thermomix-vegetable-stock-2/" target="_blank">here</a>.) I don't have a "Thermie" but I do have a super-powered blender, which easily smoothes up the veggies. You'll need to have a good food processor or blender for this recipe because we don't dilute it with water - that's the point, actually. It's a concentrate, full of flavour and salt*.</div>
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*On that note, DO NOT skimp on the salt, even if it seems excessive when you measure it out - it keeps the concentrate fresh and seasons the food perfectly. </blockquote>
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Just blend all your fresh, raw, clean, chopped veggies and herbs and garlic and oil and salt into a paste, store in the fridge (or in cubes in the freezer); it'll keep for weeks (or longer). </div>
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Use it for everything - <u>1 Tbs per 500mL of water</u>. </div>
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Life-changing. Seriously.</div>
<br />Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-39653420844211805122015-03-18T13:49:00.003-04:002015-03-18T13:54:24.561-04:00Through the Looking Glass<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is not a post about food. If it were, I might tell you how I sat on a bench in the shade of the primate exhibit and pulled a baguette from my backpack, how I tore it into large pieces and smeared the soft insides with butter from tiny plastic cases, how I used my sharp eye teeth to rip through the chewy crust. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But this isn't about that.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQBvgbfmW8l-FNnr9E3Zzqaic3sIVmbzafZ715f6RNzHj1EzeaHAyqWac-0KowWBxDh9AAwZQujqTO0Q5fFdz4fbrUcUgiyBj-k9WYfoVLaWPgwSn_-oCEs3gJ6OjdIEC7HGs-_JS9BZq/s1600/bonobo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQBvgbfmW8l-FNnr9E3Zzqaic3sIVmbzafZ715f6RNzHj1EzeaHAyqWac-0KowWBxDh9AAwZQujqTO0Q5fFdz4fbrUcUgiyBj-k9WYfoVLaWPgwSn_-oCEs3gJ6OjdIEC7HGs-_JS9BZq/s1600/bonobo+3.jpg" height="640" title="bonobo - San Diego Zoo - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="422" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Female bonobo, San Diego Zoo</td></tr>
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This is about a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonobo" target="_blank">bonobo</a>,<a href="http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v486/n7404/full/nature11128.html" target="_blank"> a species of ape that shares 99.6% of its genes with chimpanzees and 97.8% of its genes with humans</a>. This is about a moment I had, where a female bonobo lumbered toward me in a kind of crouched walk, sat down just across the glass wall and flicked her hand in my direction. Her heavy knuckles smacked against the barrier. She looked toward me, then turned her head away.<br />
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The window from my world to hers was scratched, but transparent - I have no idea what things looked like from her side. Could she see me seeing her? Or was I simply a shadow behind her own reflection?</div>
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<div>
Amanda xx</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFXb6UIeIg9y8tK6OfQN6bhhkRZpgMHjpSFH-pP1bjqy4ldYW5OBBDNW_Bse9dDtOsstw42KfrfaLFat99v_Hj0p0UOQGpK_aIvwgaH3kMs2VEEVpsPfds_mhJD8kHbvXdedLzv7GJ_Hr/s1600/bonobo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFXb6UIeIg9y8tK6OfQN6bhhkRZpgMHjpSFH-pP1bjqy4ldYW5OBBDNW_Bse9dDtOsstw42KfrfaLFat99v_Hj0p0UOQGpK_aIvwgaH3kMs2VEEVpsPfds_mhJD8kHbvXdedLzv7GJ_Hr/s1600/bonobo+5.jpg" height="640" title="bonobo - San Diego Zoo - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bonobos, San Diego Zoo</td></tr>
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Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0San Diego Zoo, 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101, USA32.735316 -117.14904632.7286375 -117.159131 32.7419945 -117.138961tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-42669358138094126352015-03-05T01:27:00.000-05:002015-03-05T01:31:40.171-05:00A Fruit-Themed Vegetarian Dinner Party and Anise Olive Oil CrackersWe recently had a dinner party for a bunch of our friends, because yes I'm crazy and I love doing this shit and you know you do, too, so stop being afraid and just invite some people over and feed them.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6pZ6bXJAU1_KmqVif6DjN51zweWiNIfGEj68IJhqEgjyvydaJl6lU0Y4mjdXa3fVYmCkNpEcekDLLNPwx4uSdKrhqEXijwEbfYIcMyFpPtRR0RRNO158nfO6MTg11yogNmt2fXTKw-wk/s1600/Nelle+sets+the+table+for+Nelle's%2Bgarden%2Bdinner%2Bparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga6pZ6bXJAU1_KmqVif6DjN51zweWiNIfGEj68IJhqEgjyvydaJl6lU0Y4mjdXa3fVYmCkNpEcekDLLNPwx4uSdKrhqEXijwEbfYIcMyFpPtRR0RRNO158nfO6MTg11yogNmt2fXTKw-wk/s1600/Nelle+sets+the+table+for+Nelle's%2Bgarden%2Bdinner%2Bparty.jpg" height="422" title="my daughter's first "instant restaurant" because she loves MKR" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dinner party for 8 - because friends are awesome</td></tr>
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Nelle, who's completely inspired by the show <a href="https://au.tv.yahoo.com/my-kitchen-rules/" target="_blank">My Kitchen Rules</a>, set up our "instant restaurant" for the evening. We called it <b>Nelle's Garden</b>, because it was held in our garden, and she set the table, and because I purchased a mega box of seconds produce at the greengrocer earlier that day, so I felt inclined to put fruit in EVERY SINGLE DISH.<br />
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Here's our menu (for 8):<br />
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<a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/04/crackers.html" target="_blank">Homemade anise crackers</a> with melted cheese and pear</div>
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<a href="http://www.eatboutique.com/2013/08/14/plum-cordial-of-ireland/" target="_blank">Plum and ginger cocktails</a></div>
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*</div>
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<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/peach-and-tomato-gazpacho-232601" target="_blank">Peach gazpacho</a></div>
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*</div>
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<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/peach-and-tomato-gazpacho-232601" target="_blank">Roasted carrot salad with orange and avocado</a></div>
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*</div>
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<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/overnight-pizza-dough-352109" target="_blank">Best pizza ever</a> with green pepper, apple and onion</div>
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*</div>
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<a href="http://www.notquitenigella.com/2014/09/24/chocolate-peanut-butter-mug-cake-vegan/" target="_blank">Quickie chocolate cake</a> with plum chia jam</div>
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Ok, sounds terrifying, but it wasn't. I'll walk you through it, you'll be fine.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITOvfkpH08uok8JKbCQee557PhfnEPmUVpMenaHVLiLh0ASvvMInGLOLdX71SGLHWgBLJEk3UkbVFLAmZjpdPNQ_am0MfWjhUgrdxFJIhhjapySFFFwhjQOpd4FN4HkPqrXbyjPnxZ7GJ/s1600/anise+olive+oil+crackers+with+melted+cheese+and+pear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiITOvfkpH08uok8JKbCQee557PhfnEPmUVpMenaHVLiLh0ASvvMInGLOLdX71SGLHWgBLJEk3UkbVFLAmZjpdPNQ_am0MfWjhUgrdxFJIhhjapySFFFwhjQOpd4FN4HkPqrXbyjPnxZ7GJ/s1600/anise+olive+oil+crackers+with+melted+cheese+and+pear.jpg" height="360" title="using fruit in every course because I have so much right now" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vegetarian dinner party</td></tr>
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PS. This is the only picture because then it got dark. But just imagine every course looking this pretty, and that's how it went.<br />
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<b>Starter</b>:<br />
My<a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/04/crackers.html" target="_blank"> all-time favourite cracker recipe</a>, which I've reposted below because it now has appealing photos. Because I'm now able to take better photos on my better camera and because I'm almost 40 and that's something. On a perhaps more-relevant note - the slight licorice-y flavour of the anise seeds complements the cheese and fruit.<br />
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(NOTE: I made the dough earlier in the day but rolled out the crackers right before people arrived so they were still a little warm. I cut the rolled dough very haphazardly because no one really cares what crackers look like. The recipe is perfect for this number of people.)</blockquote>
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<a href="http://www.eatboutique.com/2013/08/14/plum-cordial-of-ireland/" target="_blank">The plum cordial </a>was tasty, but I probably won't make it again. I'm more of a lime-with-my-gin type, I think.<br />
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(NOTE: I made the cordial the day before and assembled the drinks when people arrived. The recipe is perfect for 8.)</blockquote>
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BUT the bonus of the plum cordial was that I blended up what was left of the plums after straining for the cordial and added chia seeds and lime to it to make jam. How? <u>2 Tbs chia seeds per 1 cup strained, blended fruit</u>, with lime to taste. It's amazing. I used it in the cake at the end and gifted some and still have some left for toast … all for practically FREE because the cordial recipe told you to throw that bit out. Ha!<br />
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<b>Gazpacho:</b><br />
I wanted something fresh, and <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/peach-and-tomato-gazpacho-232601" target="_blank">this cold peach-and-tomato soup</a> was tasty but not my favourite. On the bright side, it didn't take much effort just to blend the shit out of everything and pour it into cups. Next time, I want to try a strawberry gazpacho recipe I've spotted in one of my cookbooks.<br />
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(NOTE: I made this right before serving. The recipe was too much for 8 - I would halve it.)</blockquote>
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<b>Salad</b>:<br />
OMG I loved<a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/peach-and-tomato-gazpacho-232601" target="_blank"> the roasted carrot salad with oranges and avo</a>!! I used regular carrots but cut them on angles so more surface area caramelised in the oven. A fantastic combination of flavours and a great way to use up carrots when you buy those giant bags of cheap "juicing" ones like I do. I went with a simpler dressing than called for - just a tiny splash of extra virgin olive oil and a hefty drizzle of rice vinegar. Hell yes, I'm making this again. And again.<br />
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(NOTE: I put the carrots in to roast right after I took the crackers out of the oven and assembled the salad right before serving. I didn't really follow the quantities in the recipe, more went by how many carrots I had and how many avocados I could afford*.) *these things are like gold in Queensland at the moment. </blockquote>
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<b>Pizza</b>:<br />
Two things here.<br />
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First - the combination of green pepper, apple and onion (with a dash of rosemary and basil) was a mouth bomb I learned from <a href="http://www.cristjenlai.net/" target="_blank">my very talented friend Cristjen</a>, who made a stir fry with those ingredients on his recent visit. I put them fresh on pizza, added mozzarella and a little dressed rocket, and was VERY happy indeed. I love when people change my perception of what flavours go with what!<br />
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(NOTE: I shredded the cheese and cut the peppers and onions the night before, and stored them in separate covered containers in the fridge. I also drizzled the cut onions with a little vinegar to take the burn out of them. I used 1 red onion and 1 huge green pepper and a couple small green apples to serve 8. Herbs were from the garden.)</blockquote>
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Second - I can never go back to <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2012/10/pita-pizzas-cabin-in-country.html" target="_blank">pita pizza</a> knowing how good the homemade stuff can be. I'm fucked. This dough was flavourful, easy to work with, and crispy and chewy in all the right places. Damn you, <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/overnight-pizza-dough-352109" target="_blank">amazing pizza dough recipe</a>!!<br />
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(NOTE: This is "overnight" dough but that doesn't mean you just put it in the fridge and it's done. There are <strike>many</strike> a gazillion steps but they are very worth it! This served 8 easily, with tragically few leftovers. Next time you people are getting more gazpacho.)</blockquote>
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<b>Cake</b>:<br />
Individual (vegan) cake portions in cute cups? I LOVE it!! I used <a href="http://www.notquitenigella.com/2014/09/24/chocolate-peanut-butter-mug-cake-vegan/" target="_blank">this recipe</a>, but substituted my homemade plum jam for the peanut butter because a) I had heaps of jam on hand and b) Australians are insane and do not in general like peanut butter and chocolate together. WTF?? And yet I became a citizen. Hmmm.<br />
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Anyway, I found the recipe a little challenging to make for 8 people, as the ingredients are listed by the single serving, but I did my best guesswork and everything came out deliciously. If you use super dark chocolate like I did, be sure to serve this with ice cream or fresh cream or sorbet to cut the bitterness. I cooked the batter in tea cups with enough space for dollops of ice cream and it was just right.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
(NOTE: I mixed the dry ingredients and the wet ingredients separately before the party and assembled and microwaved while I brewed coffee. I employed child labor on the ice cream.)</blockquote>
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Overall, this menu was great for a summery, vegetarian dinner party! I didn't spend too much time in the kitchen while our friends were here, except for the pizzas - but Nelle helped me with those. Next time, though, I think we'll do pizzas on the BBQ instead of in the oven so we can hang out with everyone else while they're cooking. I could hear snippets of interesting conversations out there!<br />
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Here's to enjoying your food, family and friends,<br />
Amanda xx<br />
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And - as promised - the crackers:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Olive oil crackers with anise seeds </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">and prettier pictures*</span></b></div>
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<b>* and if you don't believe me, <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/04/crackers.html" target="_blank">just look</a>. </b></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">
<span lang="EN-US">1 1/2 c unbleached white flour</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">
<span lang="EN-US">1 1/2 c whole wheat flour</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">
<span lang="EN-US">1 tsp salt</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">1 c warm water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'OFL Sorts Mill Goudy TT'; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">
<span lang="EN-US">1/3 c olive oil</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">+ 2 Tbs anise seeds</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ec9HT2yUgTYbAMBiNQ41GPpiHxm-LIb5bIrjpf4OjQFlZQRfq6CAXC23ZxdvOBA868K_9pAWnEJgvfVuMrBstquQnbuc26iRsDYtskfSDFt8crkTLUSqdRdk0Ptfm2IwQzoJdQ237snj/s1600/anise+olive+oil+cracker+dough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2ec9HT2yUgTYbAMBiNQ41GPpiHxm-LIb5bIrjpf4OjQFlZQRfq6CAXC23ZxdvOBA868K_9pAWnEJgvfVuMrBstquQnbuc26iRsDYtskfSDFt8crkTLUSqdRdk0Ptfm2IwQzoJdQ237snj/s1600/anise+olive+oil+cracker+dough.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">olive oil cracker dough</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>What to do</b></span></div>
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Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl. Add the wet ingredients. Mix with a fork until you can't mix it anymore, then use your hands to knead the dough in the bowl and/or on the bench top. </div>
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When the dough looks smooth, stop and put it in a covered dish for 30 minutes or so. Turn on the oven, really hot, like 200C hot, and put some pizza stones or baking sheets in there to warm up. </div>
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Sprinkle flour all over your bench top and use a rolling pin to flatten the dough as though you're making cookies. Thin, but not too thin. Use a knife to cut it into random sections. </div>
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Transfer the cut dough pieces to the hot baking sheets/pizza stones and cook for ~10-12 minutes until golden and crispy. You may have to flip them, depending on how hot the baking sheet is when you start. Super browned is not ideal, but not the end of the world, either. </div>
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Serve immediately! Or when cool enough to touch. You can keep these, but they're best eaten straight away.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0kaCsZrmvSXEnBi4LXLOQM2jq-32I9Wx0-wq2vudUUeIBwbryiJWcSSNBs_eALEP2uSwxROYgAF0XSsJ_1NH9efmqrdBwZLzKrQ6-6-FzOSRB2ZIw9Fc_Lu7TFPmghA-XPWql2AncoOz/s1600/anise+olive+oil+crackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE0kaCsZrmvSXEnBi4LXLOQM2jq-32I9Wx0-wq2vudUUeIBwbryiJWcSSNBs_eALEP2uSwxROYgAF0XSsJ_1NH9efmqrdBwZLzKrQ6-6-FzOSRB2ZIw9Fc_Lu7TFPmghA-XPWql2AncoOz/s1600/anise+olive+oil+crackers.jpg" height="456" title="cracker recipe for dinner party" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">anise and olive oil crackers with pear and melted cheese</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-70381103663870816432015-02-19T18:36:00.001-05:002015-02-22T05:35:52.337-05:005 Great Comfort Foods to Make This WeekendApparently there's a cyclone or two coming.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxD-G5-b9uIUrQrIw9nuh6m5T-w7BdrniJRxP_KCtytwC9EHbIuiJ8kgeoeWRKZv_mjL0_iv41ugylU5U4KXZPQQIT_FUSBGUn28rk3u67cCY3I3o11ZzsSYsbDQUEDPLf-QMQAtYdIb39/s1600/cyclone-Queensland-Australia.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxD-G5-b9uIUrQrIw9nuh6m5T-w7BdrniJRxP_KCtytwC9EHbIuiJ8kgeoeWRKZv_mjL0_iv41ugylU5U4KXZPQQIT_FUSBGUn28rk3u67cCY3I3o11ZzsSYsbDQUEDPLf-QMQAtYdIb39/s1600/cyclone-Queensland-Australia.tiff" height="514" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyclone Marcia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They say that Brisbane will get around 400-500mL (16-20") of rain <strike>tomorrow</strike> <strike>today alone</strike> one of these days - before the storm continues on its merry way down the coast, bringing even more rain for everyone.<br />
<br />
Robbie tried to convince Nelle that we're all going to spiral away in the winds to a land called Oz, which is kind of true, but also the wrong kind of cyclone. Luckily, she knows better than to believe him.<br />
<br />
You know what I think? Our garage will flood. The dog will refuse to go outside. My hair will frizz. My feet will get wet. And my legs. Quite likely, all of me.<br />
<br />
So I'm going to drink a lot of tea. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxaoPrsPtMLfDcyRb7euZv4WZu2twgEAVVA1l8aSsV0cFpyyBVa-PqsuFBGZx9Q24giXZJIdM2J3gkm2WVyCNFOG-6xNCHK9_IQuq0ZFOTHEbFPy4nj8IxaXvMu9NqJ6kVTHimrV3YMlc/s1600/tea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxaoPrsPtMLfDcyRb7euZv4WZu2twgEAVVA1l8aSsV0cFpyyBVa-PqsuFBGZx9Q24giXZJIdM2J3gkm2WVyCNFOG-6xNCHK9_IQuq0ZFOTHEbFPy4nj8IxaXvMu9NqJ6kVTHimrV3YMlc/s1600/tea.jpg" height="424" title="Sri Lanka tea plantation via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lot of tea </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And make comfort food.<br />
<br />
Because I<strike>'m currently in bed and</strike> I <i>still</i> don't feel like downloading the new photos I took of some <a href="http://instagram.com/easypeasyorganic" target="_blank">yummy things I've been making</a>, I had a look through the archives for recipes I haven't made in awhile. It's kind of alarming, actually. I mean, it's been YEARS since I scalloped anything, or popped popcorn just as a substrate for peanut butter! And we definitely need some cookies around here. You probably do, too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjAERAqnNpIx4greMGFus5-Sdii_bx1fm-UuAcPeiR8GbPq9RoKNuahAKn-m82_GChhkMfYYFw5qldZqUZLAR4cH6om6dY5u4MuvqAI9CNrkcrGhnSNUBu88ozaBCHt9b8nAiT03yhbEQ/s1600/oat+biscuits1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgjAERAqnNpIx4greMGFus5-Sdii_bx1fm-UuAcPeiR8GbPq9RoKNuahAKn-m82_GChhkMfYYFw5qldZqUZLAR4cH6om6dY5u4MuvqAI9CNrkcrGhnSNUBu88ozaBCHt9b8nAiT03yhbEQ/s1600/oat+biscuits1.jpg" height="512" title="oat and sunflower biscuits via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">oat and sunflower biscuits, redux</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>So here are the recipes I'm revisiting over the next few days</b> -<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2011/11/creamy-pepita-and-parmesan-pasta.html" target="_blank">Creamy Pepita and Parmesan Pasta </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2011/09/scalloped-everything.html" target="_blank">Scalloped Everything</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/10/new-traditional-peanut-butter-popcorn.html" target="_blank">Peanut Butter Popcorn</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/11/oat-and-sunflower-biscuits.html" target="_blank">Oat and Sunflower Biscuits </a> (I am so eating these with jam and cheese!)</li>
<li><a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2011/01/orange-poppyseed-cookies-and-girls-day.html" target="_blank">Orange Poppyseed Cookies</a></li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
And right now? I'm <a href="http://kitchenmeetsgirl.com/30-minute-dinner-rolls/" target="_blank">making fresh bread</a> and I reeeeeeally hope it works, because I need something NOW for butter and honey to go on. I'll let you know how we go :)<br />
<br />
Stay safe and dry, friends,</div>
<div>
Amanda xx</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-61901955622074676272015-01-20T19:08:00.000-05:002015-01-20T19:14:22.088-05:00What's Organic? What's Authentic? What Does it Matter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zFyVzUXhOJcUjrEC3I2SsGP_Irhss5x6KJ8H0V6G_3Kv5lYCm_yWsgncPYOtRf0CS-G5msdQrez99O1jkBM2_Lz6azngMpBlFqhd443nKTfzsTJeDd1vmbMxLxufqDxYUptrpq_Yyk5A/s1600/decay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zFyVzUXhOJcUjrEC3I2SsGP_Irhss5x6KJ8H0V6G_3Kv5lYCm_yWsgncPYOtRf0CS-G5msdQrez99O1jkBM2_Lz6azngMpBlFqhd443nKTfzsTJeDd1vmbMxLxufqDxYUptrpq_Yyk5A/s1600/decay.jpg" height="424" title="Georgetown - Penang - Malaysia via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You know what it all comes down to? We are all dying, every single one of us, every day. And there's nothing we can do to stop it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know, and I'm sorry. This kind of information sucks. But it's absolutely true, and I firmly believe that the sooner we accept the fact that we are going to die (and probably younger than we'd like, and with unresolved issues, and trips we never went on, and things we forgot to say, and time we forgot to appreciate, and maybe a little bit of pain), the happier we can be during this short, sweet life. Yes, I said pain. Get over it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've seen death in so many ways, we all have. That hair in your shower drain? Death. Death in my garden, in my heart, in nature, on the news, everywhere in the world around us. And that's just what we can see. Today, 50 billion cells in my body will die. Yours, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But I'm still alive.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And presumably, since you're reading this - so are you.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqMRLVXL0prEYq0z8J5vTt1N99rUlow1UK4KEO6NyPGPCSlXwSMv_GAsD4FnaKULG1HzD_uNunVuTno2M2F0MiLYx6BMr4JKuloUapH4aQTGtpH3D4ZXEZdChVgzOjLplBN7ZI_0WOW9v/s1600/empty+house+thailand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWqMRLVXL0prEYq0z8J5vTt1N99rUlow1UK4KEO6NyPGPCSlXwSMv_GAsD4FnaKULG1HzD_uNunVuTno2M2F0MiLYx6BMr4JKuloUapH4aQTGtpH3D4ZXEZdChVgzOjLplBN7ZI_0WOW9v/s1600/empty+house+thailand.jpg" height="424" title="Phuket Island - Thailand via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Which means that we can still make this the best fucking life ever. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, I've had too much coffee and my brain is pounding out my head with enthusiasm here … but also I really want you to see what I see - that there is TIME, there is right now and it doesn't matter what comes after that.<br />
<br />
Now <i>is</i> time. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So what does any of this have to do with being organic or authentic? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Everything. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Being organic isn't just about growing food without undue chemicals, though you know how I feel about that. (When you can, eat organic!)<br />
<br />
It's about being a LIVING BEING. Think: organ. And if you don't believe me, check <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/organic" target="_blank">the definition</a>. It's about being a live, dynamic, breathing, sweating, farting, crying, laughing, stressing, eating, thinking being. Changing everything, just by living. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We're alive, that's already been sorted. What we get to choose is how we live - and the more we care about the world, about our bodies, about the time we have left, the better off we'll all be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_owzcKji9weilabzq5eQL6bUGIunHx5Uu232_BGrZDIQEFUR0KaMOw6pUM_kPgoM2Dc8zbLFSjq4ZahBcSp2dF-hZifN3npMRx5BuHNdqUay6ISyM7OIqGX1l8ggtgequQs-soA0l_l_4/s1600/everything+and+the+kitchen+sink+georgetown+penang+malaysia+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_owzcKji9weilabzq5eQL6bUGIunHx5Uu232_BGrZDIQEFUR0KaMOw6pUM_kPgoM2Dc8zbLFSjq4ZahBcSp2dF-hZifN3npMRx5BuHNdqUay6ISyM7OIqGX1l8ggtgequQs-soA0l_l_4/s1600/everything+and+the+kitchen+sink+georgetown+penang+malaysia+copy.jpg" height="424" title="Georgetown-Penang-Malaysia via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's where being authentic comes into play. You're going to die. So are you going to do it anonymously? Or are you going to stop pretending to be something you're not and rip your clothes off and find out how this world feels on your skin?<br />
<br />
(Personally, I like being naked. Particularly in unexpected locations. Like mountain lakes. The rain. My living room. You should try it.)<br />
<br />
You know what authentic is? Don't you dare tell me hipster, or <a href="http://www.kinfolk.com/" target="_blank">Kinfolk</a>, or those awesome Instagram feeds we all drool over (yes, I love them too … ;) ). It's YOU. It's your little happinesses, and anxieties, and dreams, and insecurities, and all those trillion thoughts that flit through your head every day. It's who you were and who you want to be and most importantly who you are TODAY.<br />
<br />
Be YOU. There is no one else.<br />
<br />
So does it matter?<br />
You tell me.<br />
<br />
Big love, friends,<br />
Amanda xx<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_hEROKjqQL2kZu12kV8LlwKcsR9N0dogtEenmB7gQ8-eeUylVZe_gpB8WdwL18UjLAKVEW-4c54Whme0N3esOvR9wxmTOR9F-uIuXtTcper9GVgWar9PO4p8f0PHi_tiMjPVgbDNL7c2/s1600/nelle+and+leaf+kandy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_hEROKjqQL2kZu12kV8LlwKcsR9N0dogtEenmB7gQ8-eeUylVZe_gpB8WdwL18UjLAKVEW-4c54Whme0N3esOvR9wxmTOR9F-uIuXtTcper9GVgWar9PO4p8f0PHi_tiMjPVgbDNL7c2/s1600/nelle+and+leaf+kandy.jpg" height="424" title="Kandy Botanical Gardens Sri Lanka via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
PS. I get scared, too. That's cool. :)<br />
Axx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-30975247797440001702015-01-09T19:33:00.000-05:002015-01-09T19:34:04.974-05:00My Friend Died Today<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietFjwRHpo9VVcwZRKtClHZz9djFQYPt6M85day4S_rlqeZjR-0ylondg3VW2DxAecbrdfp2uqArFPTPV79UCAeL0TV5w6HvdTkKubJIDu-ZtipI2BxOqRVYM-B-GeE-qQxP8LFgfjGgNX/s1600/spiky+tiny+seeds+rainforest+litter+dusun+malaysia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEietFjwRHpo9VVcwZRKtClHZz9djFQYPt6M85day4S_rlqeZjR-0ylondg3VW2DxAecbrdfp2uqArFPTPV79UCAeL0TV5w6HvdTkKubJIDu-ZtipI2BxOqRVYM-B-GeE-qQxP8LFgfjGgNX/s1600/spiky+tiny+seeds+rainforest+litter+dusun+malaysia.jpg" height="424" title="malaysia rainforest via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Actually, she died Friday. Yesterday. But I wrote this last night in bed, my daughter asleep and softly snoring beside me, the doona off and the fan on blowing hot, heavy air. Summer in Brisbane - the smell of mock orange, the chatter of geckoes. You can tell how hot it is by how fast they chirp. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And my friend is gone, and I don't know how to feel about it. I'm sad, but am I as sad as I should be? Because she was so important to me in all <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/p/big-c.html" target="_blank">those cancer years</a> - the year of the surgery and the chemotherapy and the radiotherapy, when Nelle came to our support group sessions not even walking yet but with cheeks so pink and fatty you could sink your teeth into them - and then over the years after when it was still all about cancer. Every day. Death at my door.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But then, I didn't die. </div>
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I moved on into cancer-free life, a life of known but surely-distant mortality, and her cancer moved out of her breast and through her lymphatic system and into her liver where it would stay and grow and mark the end of her existence one cell at a time. </div>
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Is it fair that I survived? Is it fair that I lost touch?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga45ul_PvwjvvFRoV3HUdLehS35X_ZRhtlEpjhewOs04IBpGMROOyNT8-88Tq8IrHwu-HaLtjRSC4MqRaVvTKoSxlMmzireWsaKzeoliupHZlIPXOMwwZXrmWqI2tGD1oqpqMrSVQjWYxN/s1600/huge+ant+spice+garden+penang+malaysia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga45ul_PvwjvvFRoV3HUdLehS35X_ZRhtlEpjhewOs04IBpGMROOyNT8-88Tq8IrHwu-HaLtjRSC4MqRaVvTKoSxlMmzireWsaKzeoliupHZlIPXOMwwZXrmWqI2tGD1oqpqMrSVQjWYxN/s1600/huge+ant+spice+garden+penang+malaysia.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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I remember her smile, and the softness of her hugs. Sometimes she had hair, sometimes she didn't, and she wore bandanas and short scarves to cover her bareness. Years of chemotherapy. Years of hope, and waiting, and living, and dying. I ache for her pain, I hope she lived hard. </div>
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And how is it possible that I feel so connected and so distant at the same time, for this life that's gone and a friendship that had already spread apart over the years? Us girls, we are like a photograph in my mind - an image in another friend's living room, all of us smiling, making it, getting through. A picture that fades with time as we dissipate - as delicate as dandelion seeds - blown off the stem or stuck to it, but changed for the shared experience. My friend, all these friends, carved a space in who I became, who I am and will be all these years I live on and on. </div>
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Amanda xx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-21587128535785522432014-12-30T09:30:00.000-05:002014-12-30T09:30:01.668-05:00Lost and Found<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrApT0Q_w9Ts2Jkt-ZeaFkbPzir-CX2XBW2xXBjwp03hFA7R5DuiyKQyg6x6-2lDIXNTZSX6Z5_whQGj2a0uDkWQAtk4pMZDNlfXgua3H5OqOmtuhUbj2374VCHSQkwTw_4HruL4RIkWE/s1600/Amanda+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNrApT0Q_w9Ts2Jkt-ZeaFkbPzir-CX2XBW2xXBjwp03hFA7R5DuiyKQyg6x6-2lDIXNTZSX6Z5_whQGj2a0uDkWQAtk4pMZDNlfXgua3H5OqOmtuhUbj2374VCHSQkwTw_4HruL4RIkWE/s1600/Amanda+copy.jpg" height="422" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year I got lost. I <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/09/success-in-academic-career.html" target="_blank">flew over the Gulf of Carpentaria</a> and the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/11/writing-in-glasgow.html" target="_blank">the Atlantic Ocean</a> and through several books, including <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0812971833/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0812971833&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=WLXPYDGERWYPMLY5">Olive Kitteridge</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0812971833" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00985DYG0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00985DYG0&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=KGVQIAC4KTPAUWCD">Elders</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00985DYG0" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. I found my name carved in a tree.</div>
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I discovered <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0143037242/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0143037242&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=N7USJ3W7YAFR2PES">Rebecca Solnit</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0143037242" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and Hanukkah donuts (which were much like <a href="http://5secondrule.typepad.com/my_weblog/2014/12/eggnog-fritters-with-nutmeg-honey.html" target="_blank">these</a>, but lemony) and drank too much wine and slept in whenever I could, sometimes because I was tired and sometimes because I just didn't want to have to deal with my day. I made new friends, and spent time with old ones.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/09/moving-forward-and-making-progress.html" target="_blank">I oscillated</a> between writing and thinking and planning and cooking and wishing I didn't have to feed all <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/11/research-on-motor-performance-and-ageing.html" target="_blank">these fricken carnivorous marsupials</a> every day, but I fed them anyway, raw mince and calcium powder and vitamin drops. They, in turn, bit me and urinated and defecated and ejaculated on me and I wiped my hands on my jeans. All <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/p/scientific-research.html" target="_blank">in the name of science</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY29uR2wu6eWzzT09wbv1ysdu-1Yfzl3bKpL6osRmNi9VzK72OENhVntwWMhc0N9erGy_mEuH2spOl56wpDxcZL5pGal5D5qKNBFw8aGRqplOw0cO9Cib7voEW3p-bLMGhR1C2-ob9_vAi/s1600/melomys+escape+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY29uR2wu6eWzzT09wbv1ysdu-1Yfzl3bKpL6osRmNi9VzK72OENhVntwWMhc0N9erGy_mEuH2spOl56wpDxcZL5pGal5D5qKNBFw8aGRqplOw0cO9Cib7voEW3p-bLMGhR1C2-ob9_vAi/s1600/melomys+escape+2.jpg" height="480" title="wild melomys in great sandy national park, queensland via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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In Malaysia, I tried fresh durian and roti chani. In Scotland, I learned to salt my porridge. At home, I topped <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2012/10/pita-pizzas-cabin-in-country.html" target="_blank">pita bread pizzas</a> with crisp green salad and <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/10/dish-of-day-zucchini-salad-with.html" target="_blank">tangy vinaigrette</a>, and poured milk over cereal, and ground freshly-roasted beans for coffee. And in the evenings, Robbie made fires in the Weber on the deck and we sat outside - sometimes with Nelle and sometimes with friends - to watch the Brisbane sky darken and the fruit bats fly over, and when we were alone we talked about trips and renovations and ideas and our daughter. Stories I'd written and edited and submitted. Rejections. Existential crises. We laid next to each other in bed and watched people deal with kingdoms and zombies and surely that's more difficult than our everyday middle-class lives, right? </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUxbD7d4JhxAroQRVKOOYyDt97rNsca03agrDHxL5RH_Z4McToonK8rZLHF4lQbOAZydrkhYFL-TkL9kMQReXhEUFYcUDfWLi44lW3Uz-f6iEgCtsV_JVE7y7hmkwYuPJb0XuSam6Hd1p/s1600/malay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsUxbD7d4JhxAroQRVKOOYyDt97rNsca03agrDHxL5RH_Z4McToonK8rZLHF4lQbOAZydrkhYFL-TkL9kMQReXhEUFYcUDfWLi44lW3Uz-f6iEgCtsV_JVE7y7hmkwYuPJb0XuSam6Hd1p/s1600/malay2.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeop1ZTogbcOlo2BGWFNC2riRQd-63VgQWjyeHA0BS23L5-7hjHhU7olC4CgZ0xKjMIQ4fhEzADep-1PyFKJQtyjGFigvmG_ijV8DOa4bChmxlC9IpaLOQ_px7pVrnRwBW5OylT2ZfaxW/s1600/malay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyeop1ZTogbcOlo2BGWFNC2riRQd-63VgQWjyeHA0BS23L5-7hjHhU7olC4CgZ0xKjMIQ4fhEzADep-1PyFKJQtyjGFigvmG_ijV8DOa4bChmxlC9IpaLOQ_px7pVrnRwBW5OylT2ZfaxW/s1600/malay.jpg" height="480" title="durian in malaysia via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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I boxed the shit out of <a href="http://phoenix-ahwatukee.titleboxingclub.com/" target="_blank">some heavy bags</a> and <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2014/05/yoga-for-mothers-and-patience.html" target="_blank">did as much yoga as I remembered to</a> and walked in the desert. One month, I had a massage a week. I got stressed and angry and got shingles in my mouth and my daughter watched too much TV. Good mother, bad mother. A funny bright spot on an MRI, the pinch of a long needle, the sting of mortality, relief. I had <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/12/story-featured-in-krampus-crackers.html" target="_blank">a short story printed in Christmas crackers</a>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kdKD5ZCVfb_MJlVsc54tiYB5WUCXlBDD5qa6npXTkme7la_c4JCqDIq1ZxKJvb2qo47Q7wzJkyNDkGARYVMW4OC1Zw3M31pVhQtZDUnU2rewIweBEq-0NfkOdh06aW7Y_V6e3Wj9f-_F/s1600/go+john+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kdKD5ZCVfb_MJlVsc54tiYB5WUCXlBDD5qa6npXTkme7la_c4JCqDIq1ZxKJvb2qo47Q7wzJkyNDkGARYVMW4OC1Zw3M31pVhQtZDUnU2rewIweBEq-0NfkOdh06aW7Y_V6e3Wj9f-_F/s1600/go+john+7.jpg" height="422" title="Go John walk at Cave Creek AZ via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtGGsUxoYWQGCxkbes47n3NtRVKwCSkK8c5QiuWBWpYbsj-PCP393-u4SzXLNP1s84zQAXhGJFIjDPrBKDkt-bzMi_hemSM-lRWrRZJqaDxqONVFjTZhW71MLOgTY2iMoIXIOZLQpWLMI/s1600/Nelle+trapping+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOtGGsUxoYWQGCxkbes47n3NtRVKwCSkK8c5QiuWBWpYbsj-PCP393-u4SzXLNP1s84zQAXhGJFIjDPrBKDkt-bzMi_hemSM-lRWrRZJqaDxqONVFjTZhW71MLOgTY2iMoIXIOZLQpWLMI/s1600/Nelle+trapping+5.jpg" height="422" title="great sandy national park, queensland via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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I chopped <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2013/01/patatas-bravas-or-roasted-potatoes-with_19.html" target="_blank">potatoes for roasting</a> and danced in the kitchen to London Grammar and sometimes my daughter would dance with me but even if she didn't, I would. That's something. And you know that fuzzy feeling you have when you just wake up in the morning? Pushing your way through a muck, a haze, a softness, into the light and with some sadness leaving behind the imagined that you will never see again for the real, the very real ...</div>
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Well, that was 2014. Sometimes you need a year like that, a year of dreams, to prepare you for what's next.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsdW6xyrbzyhMXknCKJ01QLGJ7EpUszqcoxGXKZ__Y11YjjxUcSg-cHLJpYvI0HbrODLwd1vProswv0d6HIzj4Ga6ILFKnww3Y1sVnIjydQ2rFnPqcjrbfIdGPbhY7RQqfvRGlFoasgX_/s1600/cicada-girraween-national-park-queensland2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdsdW6xyrbzyhMXknCKJ01QLGJ7EpUszqcoxGXKZ__Y11YjjxUcSg-cHLJpYvI0HbrODLwd1vProswv0d6HIzj4Ga6ILFKnww3Y1sVnIjydQ2rFnPqcjrbfIdGPbhY7RQqfvRGlFoasgX_/s1600/cicada-girraween-national-park-queensland2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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And what's next?<br />
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The dreams will solidify, like clay left out in the dry air, formed and unformed and chalky in my hand. I'm going to write out my heart into science and short stories and essays and here, yes here. I'm going to stop worrying about whether I can be one thing or another thing and just do all these things, even the things that scare me. I'm going to push out, break out, crack open and live. Start seeing my real self in the mirror. Work towards strong. Experience individual moments. Carve my name somewhere. Taste my food, my world, my life.<br />
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That's my plan for 2015. What's yours?<br />
Amanda xx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-15819212324978906202014-12-13T18:47:00.004-05:002014-12-14T16:22:02.476-05:00Coffee Lover Holiday Wish List<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/coffee_lovers_holiday_wish_list/set?.embedder=12805217&.svc=blogger&id=143109610" target="_blank"><img alt="Coffee Lovers' Holiday Wish List" border="0" src="http://cfc.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-set/.sig/AEnn5MQg8vcQBjSmmr1raQ/cid/143109610/id/vEohXPSC5BGn2cPiJh98cQ/size/c600x528.jpg" height="528" title="Coffee Lovers' Holiday Wish List" width="600" /></a></div>
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I love coffee, and I use all of these things all the time. So just in case you have a coffee lover on your Christmas list (or are one yourself!), I wanted to share some great gift ideas with you. </div>
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<b>From the top left:</b></div>
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<b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">(1) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BNDJIQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000BNDJIQ&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=I3NY5PUYV2JMMHNA">a high-quality stainless steel stovetop espresso maker</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000BNDJIQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</b>- These make an amazing espresso-style brew and encourage a tea ceremony-like patience. Believe it or not, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delayed_gratification">waiting is good for you</a>. You <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2014/05/yoga-for-mothers-and-patience.html">might even do yoga</a>. The size of stovetop espresso maker you choose will depend on how many people you often serve for, and you might even feel the need to have more than one. Currently, I have a 2-cup size I keep in the US and a 4-cup size I keep in Australia. Yep. Seriously. </div>
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The one pictured here is drool-worthy, but also pretty expensive. Don't feel like you need to spend $200 (!!) but you should definitely get one that's a little more expensive than you feel comfortable with, and that feels heavy when you lift it. Light = thin steel = likely to warp or fail. A nice hefty stovetop espresso maker will last you AGES and you'll find yourself<a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2012/11/baileys-affogato-why-you-should-always.html"> taking it on camping or cabin holidays</a> with you. </div>
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<u>Why do I like this?</u> It makes an amazing coffee and doesn't have moving parts. </div>
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<b>(2) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00009OWEV/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00009OWEV&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=N3KOMBEP57JDGG3A">Eva Solo coffee maker</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00009OWEV" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> - It's so pretty, it's won design awards! </span>I have both sizes, 0.6L and 1.0L, for when I'm coffee-ing on my own or with others. The Eva Solo employs a pour-and-stir-and-filter method that's very easy and feels faster than a stovetop espresso, though I'm not sure if it really is. You still have to let the coffee steep in the glass carafe for 4 minutes before you pour it through the filter insert and serve it. The stylish little jacket keeps the carafe at just the right temperature, but a warning - it can make for some awkward moments if you try to put it on with someone you haven't had sex with. Just saying. </div>
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<u>Why do I like this?</u> It's simple and elegant and makes a great coffee.</div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;"><b>(3) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EOBD8Y6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00EOBD8Y6&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=BYBSK7FYNM57JBYL">Bodum stainless steel double-walled travel mug</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00EOBD8Y6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</b> - I love these, and never leave home without them. Baristas all over Brisbane and Phoenix are probably looking at this and thinking oh, yep, she's </span><i>that</i> girl because I pretty much use it every day wherever I'm going for coffee. (I have 3 in regular rotation). I wanted a mug that was quality steel with the option that I would never have to drink through plastic. Many steel mugs have a plastic rim at the top - this one doesn't. It does have a spill-proof plastic top that you can use if you want, though.</div>
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<u>Why do I like this?</u> My coffee stays warmer for longer and tastes like coffee instead of plastic. </div>
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<b>(4) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001802PIQ/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001802PIQ&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=YOICDYP4R2MPRMRA">Hario ceramic burr coffee grinder</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B001802PIQ" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
</b> - I only just learned about the benefits of ceramic grinders over the metal, whizzy kind. They produce (apparently) a nicer, more even grind, though I'll be honest - I really bought this for the hand crank and small size, meaning I can TRAVEL anywhere (electricity or not) with the ability to make amazing coffee. Mine is actually an all-steel version. The hand-grinding is another nice way to slow down the process of coffee-making, force yourself into a time out before you caffeinate yourself to the eyeballs again. </div>
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<u>Why do I like this?</u> I can take it anywhere.</div>
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<b style="font-style: normal;">(5) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P4D5HG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B000P4D5HG&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=PI2HQS6XDOCIXBEF">Hario v60 ceramic coffee dripper</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B000P4D5HG" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
and (6) unbleached filters </b><span style="font-weight: normal;">- This is the rest of my coffee-addict TRAVEL set. Along with some fresh beans, I can grind (#4, above) and brew delicious coffee just about anywhere that has boiling water. Screw you, stale gas station coffee! Life is too short for that shit. If you follow <a href="http://thechalkboardmag.com/blue-bottle-coffee-pour-over-coffee-101">these instructions</a>, this should give you a brew to rival the best of them. But use unbleached filters. Dioxins are icky. </span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><u>Why do I like these?</u> I can have great coffee anywhere, and </span>without plastic. </div>
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So there you go. Buy any of these for your favourite coffee lover - along with some freshly roasted beans (yes, fresh does make a difference) - and you're going to be very popular these holidays!<br />
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Happy coffee-ing!<br />
Amanda xx<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">PS. The links here are to my Amazon affiliate account, where you pay the same and I get a small commission for each purchase. Thanks! I use it to buy books and coffee paraphernalia, mostly :)</span></div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-12104695201821448612014-11-28T22:13:00.003-05:002014-11-28T22:13:56.425-05:00Leftover Cranberry Sauce? Make Post-Thanksgiving Cookies.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NLUJGAFQKAg/S_221M1t2fI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Ixj0pVQ9aiI/s1600/Good+Food_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NLUJGAFQKAg/S_221M1t2fI/AAAAAAAAAOE/Ixj0pVQ9aiI/s640/Good+Food_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-Thanksgiving cookies - use up the extra cranberry sauce</td></tr>
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Of course you have leftover cranberry sauce. It's virtually impossible to finish a whole batch in a meal. But then what the hell do you do with it after Thanksgiving? Let it fester in the back of the fridge? </div>
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(Yes?) </div>
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No way. It's time to make cookies. Here's a fave recipe of mine <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/05/sneaky-vegan-chocolate-cookies.html" target="_blank">from the Easy Peasy Organic archives</a> - just use cranberry sauce instead of jam! </div>
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And I know you're still full from all those mashed potatoes and <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/05/easy-peasy-no-bird-stuffing.html" target="_blank">stuffing</a> and <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/04/very-best-cornbread.html" target="_blank">cornbread</a> and turkey and whatever you ate all day yesterday… I am too. But hey, we don't want to <i>waste</i> the stuff, right?</div>
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So make these. Tuck your turkeyed self up in a comfy chair with <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/p/recommended-books.html" target="_blank">a great book</a> and a hot tea and these chocolate cookies. And have a great weekend! Remorse can wait.</div>
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Axx</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">***********</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Jam-Choc Cookies</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic; text-align: start;">Makes about 24</span></div>
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Adapted from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/156924264X?ie=UTF8&tag=having-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=156924264X">Veganomicon: The Ultimate Vegan Cookbook</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=156924264X" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> and originally posted <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/05/sneaky-vegan-chocolate-cookies.html" target="_blank">here</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
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1/2 c cranberry sauce or jam (your favourite flavour)</div>
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1 c <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/p/what-is.html" target="new">raw sugar</a> or coconut sugar</div>
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1/3 c extra virgin olive oil (or coconut oil)</div>
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1 tsp <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/04/save-money-by-making-it-yourself_11.html" target="new">vanilla extract</a></div>
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1/2 c + 2 Tbs <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/p/what-is.html" target="new">raw cocoa powder</a></div>
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1 1/2 c unbleached plain or spelt flour</div>
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3/4 tsp baking soda</div>
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1/4 tsp salt</div>
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<b>Process</b></div>
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Preheat the oven to 160C, 325F.</div>
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1. Mix the cranberry sauce or jam, sugar, oil and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until well-combined. Add all the dry ingredients and mix.</div>
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2. The texture of your cookie dough will be a little strange, but don't worry. Once it's all mixed well, pick up a Tablespoon-sized glob of dough in your hand, roll it around to make a ball, and then smush it flat between your palms.</div>
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3. Put the cookies onto a greased or baking-paper-lined tray. I like to make little forkprints in the top (like what you do in traditional American peanut butter cookies), but that's not necessary.</div>
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4. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 min. Don't leave them too long or they'll dry out and lose their chewiness. Take them out and cool on a rack. They'll feel a bit floppy, but they'll solidify a bit as they cool.</div>
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5. Enjoy hot, cold, with icing sugar sprinkled over them, whatever your heart desires. Store them in an airtight container and they'll keep for a week or so (if you can resist)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">*Photo by Dylan of </span><a href="http://www.sbmphotography.com.au/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;" target="new">SBM Photography</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-39703403630208388402014-11-26T15:24:00.000-05:002014-11-26T15:24:24.177-05:00How She Sees Things<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'm here, I'm not here. </i></div>
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<i>There's nothing that I know for sure.</i></div>
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<i> - </i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008C5J6QE/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008C5J6QE&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=ZRIRPCPB4MJ5GH6G">Julia Stone, 2012</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B008C5J6QE" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKBnIpzRtPMye4b0H2JF8y5Q0IGNzxWz08SJIoLBX-WdryIENEncxdLCmMr8VKeGU1GlGQBCyhQKnSxLkScbH4UIbuN_thnXF04zG0ECYPeyFrlguGrqrruo1jWq7Vr7-67xAlH0Bb0nQ/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKBnIpzRtPMye4b0H2JF8y5Q0IGNzxWz08SJIoLBX-WdryIENEncxdLCmMr8VKeGU1GlGQBCyhQKnSxLkScbH4UIbuN_thnXF04zG0ECYPeyFrlguGrqrruo1jWq7Vr7-67xAlH0Bb0nQ/s1600/IMG_4590.JPG" height="480" title="Loch Lomond, Scotland via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Lomond, Scotland </td></tr>
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I went to Scotland as a scientist, but had to bring the writer along. She doesn't stay behind anymore, and though it's <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/09/success-in-academic-career.html" target="_blank">a difficult combination for me</a> - the basis of persistent anxiety and existential dread - in the end I do like having her there. I like how she sees things.</div>
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I wrote more about my first night in Glasgow <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/11/writing-in-glasgow.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Amanda xx</div>
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Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0Glasgow, Glasgow City, UK55.864237 -4.251805999999987855.721638000000006 -4.5745294999999881 56.006836 -3.9290824999999878tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-27156641134238812762014-11-07T12:57:00.000-05:002014-11-07T12:57:57.146-05:00Amazingly Easy Fig and Chevre (and Bresaola) starters<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8y3kNNNsvzPbMP8irQ2Kfu2quzRGb8zV-Ex7Ai2yKMsfeWuZr4mF7vvN1L6VpSrOqevxy9LXqYPysT-RWRhAz7zryrFQFI8X6_em8Rohz2m1i4hIW07tEcRAW4wMzaTEGebPTtYKnriB/s1600/chevre+and+fig+easy+peasy+organic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8y3kNNNsvzPbMP8irQ2Kfu2quzRGb8zV-Ex7Ai2yKMsfeWuZr4mF7vvN1L6VpSrOqevxy9LXqYPysT-RWRhAz7zryrFQFI8X6_em8Rohz2m1i4hIW07tEcRAW4wMzaTEGebPTtYKnriB/s1600/chevre+and+fig+easy+peasy+organic.jpg" height="424" title="fig and chèvre appetiser via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet fig and creamy chèvre </td></tr>
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When's the last time you had a dinner party? Forget the mess, it doesn't matter. Forget the complicated stuff - all you need is some good cheese and fruit, fresh steamed or grilled veggies, crispy chewy bread, quality olive oil and flaked sea salt. Add some meat if you like. </div>
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Forget that you don't have time, because this is about making time. Are you going to remember that Sunday afternoon you cleaned out the pool, or the afternoon you had everyone over for an impromptu long lunch?</div>
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Thought so. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwF7kY-qyK1iHBml7tHhwj6EIpyz9HLYzzko9vXkWN2Qx308cYiS6UgChPLH5iGaNGPyZafBeRdR-F24dq2iVVzwx1lXvKjp45i19cmDFIsn9nl3ElhqPkVQ1Fnagl2_2I5gTfFQWdTByp/s1600/chevre+and+fig+and+breseaola+easy+peasy+organic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwF7kY-qyK1iHBml7tHhwj6EIpyz9HLYzzko9vXkWN2Qx308cYiS6UgChPLH5iGaNGPyZafBeRdR-F24dq2iVVzwx1lXvKjp45i19cmDFIsn9nl3ElhqPkVQ1Fnagl2_2I5gTfFQWdTByp/s1600/chevre+and+fig+and+breseaola+easy+peasy+organic.jpg" height="424" title="chèvre and fig and bresceola starter via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chèvre and fig starter with bresaola</td></tr>
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This may be the easiest, most delicious dinner-starter you've ever put out there on a wooden board. You do nothing, really, but sit back and sip your wine and watch your party guests self-assemble and devour the food - tart and creamy chèvre, sweet chewy figs. It's my kind of appetiser for my kind of dinner party, the one where everything is so simple that you actually get to enjoy hanging out. </div>
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All you need for this is chèvre - plain, herbed or ashed is fine - and quality dried figs, halved. (And by "quality", I mean dried but not tough). Go organic if you can, it does make a difference. Add strips of salty bresaola or prosciutto and wrap! Cheese on fig or cheese on fig wrapped in meat, depending on how you like it. </div>
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It's all about time, really. And you have it.<br />
Amanda xx<br />
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<br />Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-52284449586010499582014-10-02T19:23:00.000-04:002014-10-02T19:23:51.560-04:00Apple Cider Bread with Currants (and a Crapload of Melty Butter)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLJw7LpQA0BNjSXKpUDMKaDPlKL0dPF4Cum8DUV6ScgNXEnttqYt2GNy1PZhjwV07Gwo3jSTIia7l5dtGEYjnkUeUfH4gZMxrAaZk-oVgWP2RU8-m2OLidIbLKneDofNgOy99L0pyD3Dd/s1600/apple+cider+bread+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisLJw7LpQA0BNjSXKpUDMKaDPlKL0dPF4Cum8DUV6ScgNXEnttqYt2GNy1PZhjwV07Gwo3jSTIia7l5dtGEYjnkUeUfH4gZMxrAaZk-oVgWP2RU8-m2OLidIbLKneDofNgOy99L0pyD3Dd/s1600/apple+cider+bread+3.jpg" height="640" title="apple cider bread via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></div>
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Technically, if you do these without all the butter and honey on top, they're vegan. They're also soft, and chewy, and taste slightly of apples. You might like to add cinnamon, or raisins, or nuts, if you're so inclined. But the very, very best part of this recipe - which derives from <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2011/07/scottish-ale-bread.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a> - is that you can use any cider, any flour, any additions, anytime, anywhere. </div>
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I've started making <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2011/07/scottish-ale-bread.html" target="_blank">beer or cider bread</a> again in the midst of long working weeks away from home because it requires so few ingredients. Perfect for travel! <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/08/the-zen-of-fieldwork.html" target="_blank">Perfect for fieldwork</a>! Perfect for breakfast when <a href="http://www.amandacniehaus.com/2014/08/what-is-a-plan.html" target="_blank">things aren't going quite right.</a> Or for when they are.</div>
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Or any random Wednesday, really. </div>
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Cheers, friends! More soon :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Amanda xx<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">***********</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Apple Cider Bread with Currants</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>This recipe goes by ratios - but don't be afraid! </b><b>It just means you can make it even without proper measuring implements. Any old cup will do. And as for serving numbers? The more you make, the more you'll have to eat. It's ok, though. This bread keeps well for a few days.</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here it is:</div>
<b>5 volumetric units self-raising flour (or regular flour with 1 tsp aluminium-free baking powder or baking soda per cup) + 3 volumetric units cider + a dash of sweetener + a pinch of sea salt + a handful of dried fruit or nuts </b></div>
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<b>Ingredients</b></div>
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That's everything! This time, I used <u>2.5 cups spelt flour</u> (*with <u>1 tsp aluminium-free baking powder</u> to make it "self-raising") + <u>1.5 cups of apple cider</u> lurking in the fridge (1 can) + a <u>pinch of sea salt</u> + a <u>tablespoon of raw sugar</u> + a <u>handful of dried black currants</u>. The cider is pretty sweet, so you won't need to add much sugar to this. </div>
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<b>Process</b></div>
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1. Preheat the oven to 180C (360F). Grease a bread pan or tin or ramekins or muffin pan with butter or line with baking paper.</div>
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2. Pour the flour into the bowl, add the cider, add the sweet and salt and anything else, and stir with a heavy spoon until everything's completely mixed. You'll end up with a very sticky dough - don't worry! Just spoon it into your baking receptacles and pop it into the preheated oven.</div>
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3. Bake for about 30-40 minutes*, or until the top is golden and firm and a tap on the crust produces a hollow sound. Take the bread out of the oven, but don't remove it from its tin (or whatever) until it cools down a bit. *This depends a lot on the size of the tin you use - reduce baking times for smaller breads.</div>
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4. Enjoy warm with butter and honey. Or cold with butter and honey. Or vegan with … whatever margarine you can find without creepy ingredients. Yep, you heard me. I've got nothing against vegans - some of my best friends are vegans haha … but if you don't like butter then I recommend you always go for the most-natural butter alternative you can find. </div>
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</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-27772499696204022202014-06-09T18:30:00.000-04:002014-06-09T18:30:00.298-04:00The Only Way to Eat Radicchio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_Yf6ffhK-o5uENgnIiL4EQII9arnCMUuQrkDF_KDLvfWtSmiWShIgyYfqxA5Egwm2IRJMqxwtux2WsdSGtVOk0m0iNBjqg3iukbUIzS-U6fm1ImRojNL6jpj1VINSoEkn8WQPzscp-sH/s1600/grilled+radacchio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_Yf6ffhK-o5uENgnIiL4EQII9arnCMUuQrkDF_KDLvfWtSmiWShIgyYfqxA5Egwm2IRJMqxwtux2WsdSGtVOk0m0iNBjqg3iukbUIzS-U6fm1ImRojNL6jpj1VINSoEkn8WQPzscp-sH/s1600/grilled+radacchio.jpg" height="640" title="the only way to eat radicchio - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="424" /></a></div>
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Radicchio is seriously bitter. So why would anyone eat it? Because it looks awesomely trendy on a plate, for one. And it's one of those things you see at the market and you're like <i>what's that</i>? And you're kinda curious and you don't have anything purpley-red in your basket and it's next to the lettuces, <i>so maybe it's like lettuce</i>? Or perhaps you already know what it is, and you eat it because it has <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0316227935/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0316227935&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=DF3TF43SBSH4FACR">4x the antioxidants of romaine</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0316227935" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. (Take that, lettuce)</div>
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<b>Regardless of why you bought it, there's only one way to eat radicchio.</b></div>
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Grill the <strike>hell</strike> bitterness out of it.<br />
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Pick a deep red radicchio with unwilted leaves. In my experience, the fresher it is, the less bitter. Remove outer floppy leaves and quarter. Rub gently in olive oil and grill over a hot fire until it's cooked and charred and generally pretty appetising. Have a glass or two of wine, just in case. Remove the radicchio from the BBQ, douse in extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon, and Maldon sea salt flakes. A sprinkle of Greek oregano or fresh black pepper is optional. Carve up and enjoy.<br />
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If you're lucky, it's sweet and delicious. If not? Drink more wine.<br />
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Happy BBQing,<br />
Amanda xx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-9345658351480344312014-06-04T19:00:00.000-04:002014-06-04T19:00:00.419-04:00A little story about tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ43xSA1cmmv7ikq3ymdVGTZhDViMeAZt9lCcEtUKBRUk3rMKiSH7thoAjAjjjJZ_L22zrX26QlqdvThceH9XrqluT02nluD9-b4MKjychVkce6sC98fVNKM41-j8wSyWlF21nKQLk68F/s1600/heirloom+tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZ43xSA1cmmv7ikq3ymdVGTZhDViMeAZt9lCcEtUKBRUk3rMKiSH7thoAjAjjjJZ_L22zrX26QlqdvThceH9XrqluT02nluD9-b4MKjychVkce6sC98fVNKM41-j8wSyWlF21nKQLk68F/s1600/heirloom+tomatoes.jpg" height="640" title="heirloom tomatoes via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="424" /></a></div>
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Have you ever been wandering through <a href="http://www.thebeachesmarket.com/" target="_blank">a Friday farmers market</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_Beaches" target="_blank">Northern Beaches</a> with a strong <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_black" target="_blank">long-black-dash</a> in one hand and your dog in a bag slung over your shoulder (not for fashion purposes but because dogs weren't allowed and you didn't know that and she's small anyway, so you thought you'd sneak her in) and you happen upon the Tomato Guy. Every market has one, and if you're lucky he's Italian. You fall madly, instantly in love with his tomatoes. No, not <i>those</i>. Don't be disgusting. I mean real, honest-to-god, fugly, yo nanna's nanna ate these, farmer's market tomatoes. So you stack up on them - or, as it happens, you direct the Tomato Guy's grandson behind the table to fill a bag of them, which he does. And then asks you for $25. You nearly choke on your coffee, but you're so embarrassed - !SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCE! - that you accept the cost and borrow money from your sister in law (because it's somehow less embarrassing than declining the tomatoes) and pay it and run. And the farmer's market is over for you, because you're broke and your dinner must now consist exclusively of tomatoes. So you go, removing your dog from her bag and sliding the tomatoes in instead, gently guiding them home to wash and slice and drizzle and fucking hell you better enjoy every healthy, flavoursome cent from every single red, green, orange, yellow, purple, black or stripey tomato. No pressure. They're <i>heirloom</i>.</div>
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Nope? Me neither.<div>
Amanda xx<br /><br /><div>
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</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0Warriewood NSW 2102, Australia-33.6969476 151.2956646-33.7233716 151.2553241 -33.6705236 151.33600510000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-65108382215512900922014-05-31T20:18:00.001-04:002014-05-31T20:20:01.205-04:00Healthy Choices for Family Road Trips<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZJIMNLahbbYwD8Y17hQL18kzG9TiuGhphuVXhDRCmv44X_3tWzLqkuJQmGVNiGKTCwIx-P0OhDT7dqsmmLtPPCVhC3jS1z9CGc6Htdfiz2CPCmK06NrUSWuojFkbaxSnLBWB05KScVPM/s1600/roadtrip+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ZJIMNLahbbYwD8Y17hQL18kzG9TiuGhphuVXhDRCmv44X_3tWzLqkuJQmGVNiGKTCwIx-P0OhDT7dqsmmLtPPCVhC3jS1z9CGc6Htdfiz2CPCmK06NrUSWuojFkbaxSnLBWB05KScVPM/s1600/roadtrip+food.jpg" height="640" title="healthy road trip food for families - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">healthy road trip food</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yeah, you could eat half a bag of chips. (I recommend salt and vinegar.) Stop the car now and then for a stretch and a coffee and some sunshine and a packet of chocolate chip cookies - hydrogenated oils included! Don't worry about it ... Springsteen's blaring on the radio and you're on the open road, baby. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But ... maybe ... you <i>do</i> want to worry about it. Because (oh, yeah) the kids are in the back and they need more than junk food (and iPads) to sustain them on the 12 hour road trip. So do you. And your hands are greasy, their hands are greasy, and you feel bored and hungry despite all those handfuls of Doritos. The car is covered in fine, particulate, orange dust. Chip motes. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There's another way - all you have to do is plan a little bit ahead. And avoid panic. I'll show you how.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfi_yB1PLX8VGZ305bMStW_ZVZ8v0Jsg71R_5TfpL7A_NG1GN1aGvoCq8vEWDKPXadNwjxcHxbggihTw0gQXSwiArnMk5f6pym2uJlu4-_hTzIK8cUEW_8Nz8v0DCsKdFldY6qvy2KIPY/s1600/roadtrip+food+-+tiffin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXfi_yB1PLX8VGZ305bMStW_ZVZ8v0Jsg71R_5TfpL7A_NG1GN1aGvoCq8vEWDKPXadNwjxcHxbggihTw0gQXSwiArnMk5f6pym2uJlu4-_hTzIK8cUEW_8Nz8v0DCsKdFldY6qvy2KIPY/s1600/roadtrip+food+-+tiffin.jpg" height="640" title="the all-purpose tiffin - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is a tiffin - the best ever lunchbox / picnic box / camping food carrier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First things first, this is a tiffin: three stackable stainless steel layers that keep your food separate and can be held together (and carried) with a heavy duty locking handle system. You don't <i>need</i> one, but if you can find a good quality, stainless steel one - buy two of them. I bought mine in Malaysia ... you can get the same one on Amazon <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003V2JEK6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003V2JEK6&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20&linkId=SZPWGZINEJMWIRSN">here</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B003V2JEK6" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Second? Pack your tiffin full of rainbow colours for the road trip. Let's be honest, you don't really get ravenous when you're driving ... you just want to munch on things. Crispy things. And you don't have to limit yourself to chips. Try carrot sticks, zucchini sticks, multi-coloured mini tomatoes, sugar snap or snow peas, fresh green beans. Try berries and almonds and crisp, washed grapes. The key (<a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2011/10/easy-peasy-food-rules.html" target="_blank">as always</a>) is variety and rainbow colours. Plus - the kids are trapped! No chips in the car? Too bad. Heh, heh, heh.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't forget to <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2013/03/roadtrip-with-children.html" target="_blank">pack a picnic or two</a> for some nice stops or<a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2010/10/how-to-have-picnic.html" target="_blank"> a casual outdoor dinner at the hotel</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbFWm0kNq8dro3UDD_h4zs3qyEXvQPr-i-0FupabfHPIuHRB_2FN03X3g85YISQc1O62BIcrpy3cBX_vpd22JMtkjqMCkwX3KwqSaC5DGpDUb17rro8-ahKx2wsWR4szi3gbgVia6DnXq/s1600/roadtrip+food+and+oatmeal+pancakes+and+moisturiser+and+fig+starters+and+antechinus+trip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbFWm0kNq8dro3UDD_h4zs3qyEXvQPr-i-0FupabfHPIuHRB_2FN03X3g85YISQc1O62BIcrpy3cBX_vpd22JMtkjqMCkwX3KwqSaC5DGpDUb17rro8-ahKx2wsWR4szi3gbgVia6DnXq/s1600/roadtrip+food+and+oatmeal+pancakes+and+moisturiser+and+fig+starters+and+antechinus+trip.jpg" height="480" title="packing for road trips - via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picnic, not panic - simple and nutritious and without rushing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just don't panic about the packing. You'll get there. Preferably, without spilling a jar of poppy seeds in your mad rush out the door (as I did. Oops.) </div>
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It's holiday time.</div>
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<div>
Have a great weekend out there!</div>
<div>
Amanda xx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-57837330247754033072014-05-09T20:45:00.000-04:002014-05-09T21:19:17.801-04:00Yoga for Waiting<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've been spending a lot of time in bathrooms lately, and it's got nothing to do with fibre in my diet. My daughter seems to enjoy sitting on the commode - thinking, daydreaming, contemplating, chatting, doing pretty much everything except what she's supposed to be doing. </div>
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<br /></div>
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For me, standing and waiting waiting waiting? </div>
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It's excruciating.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfqX3iiNeMwxIG2ez-XKMEMS4Hxd0m9xKidUz0MR7BkmUiglBwNITIiK14mcFYdl_DLvmGkSe7of4albDUEOwTiOvaarEV82imOlBAzIMEV5PwqpvuGvCumZ1Y-uC2YszScxN4_0MHTSk/s1600/city+penang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="temple buddhist travel with kids" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtfqX3iiNeMwxIG2ez-XKMEMS4Hxd0m9xKidUz0MR7BkmUiglBwNITIiK14mcFYdl_DLvmGkSe7of4albDUEOwTiOvaarEV82imOlBAzIMEV5PwqpvuGvCumZ1Y-uC2YszScxN4_0MHTSk/s1600/city+penang.jpg" height="424" title="penang, malaysia via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penang, Malaysia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Particularly when we're having dinner. Or have just finished dinner. Or when we're at a busy hawker centre in Penang, Malaysia. Or at the Singapore Zoo, where undoubtedly exciting things are happening in pens just around the corner. <i>We are going to </i>miss<i> the elephant show</i>!!</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nothing I can say or do makes it happen faster. Never before have I wished my words could incite bowel movements - never before have I wished to become an oral laxative. <i>Come on, sweetie, just finish</i>. <i>Please</i>? <i>Are you done yet</i>? <i>Can you hurry a little more please</i>? </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
And if this was physiological, dietary, I'd be more sympathetic. It's not. As an armchair psychologist I can assure you this is a control thing. This is the one time she calls the shots 100%, because she knows I'm not leaving her in a random toilet in Kuala Lumpur. She's got me. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I've just got to <strike>get her back</strike> deal with it. Appreciate this time for what it is.<br />
Time.<br />
I've started doing yoga. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11V7t_ioL3BC24FaJBXd135RTLp7yeGGhZ4vbcyGJ6v2gdnbLI0Tw7KY03xSpJXAjbKsiMC9TzBtAc06xDp8he2AjlH-fWJ1S0h4vGP9kJUkjOmHuJyb2JSyIQ97J-_0FjOxjmN2-HAhyphenhyphen/s1600/kek+lo+si+temple+penang+malaysia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="family travel in asia" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg11V7t_ioL3BC24FaJBXd135RTLp7yeGGhZ4vbcyGJ6v2gdnbLI0Tw7KY03xSpJXAjbKsiMC9TzBtAc06xDp8he2AjlH-fWJ1S0h4vGP9kJUkjOmHuJyb2JSyIQ97J-_0FjOxjmN2-HAhyphenhyphen/s1600/kek+lo+si+temple+penang+malaysia.jpg" height="424" title="kek lo si temple, penang, malaysia via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kek Lo Si Temple in Penang, Malaysia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I once had a boyfriend who took every opportunity to stretch, or flex, or do press ups, or otherwise contort himself in humiliating (to me) ways. In line at the bank? Standing on the subway? Trying to decide between Powerade and Gatorade in the sports drink aisle? That's wasted time, if you're not working on your flexibility. It used to kill me when he'd do that. But now I kinda see the point, just a little bit - it's not just about using that time, <b><span style="color: #0c343d;">it's about taking control of it</span></b>. <i>My</i> time. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Don't get me wrong, I may see my ex's behaviour in a new light, but won't be doing calisthenics while I'm waiting in the toilet. That would be pretty silly - I mean, how dirty is that floor?! Nope, you can find me doing <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vriksasana" target="_blank">vrikshasana - the tree pose</a>, with modifications that mean a) I don't have to put the bottom of my shoes on my pants and b) it's not actually obvious to others that I'm doing yoga. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Here's tree pose:</b><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/yVE4XXFFO70?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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NOTE: Adriene (above) is awesome. She does awesome yoga videos - you totally need to check her out. </div>
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And here's my modification (and a REALLY dirty vintage mirror ... uh, sorry):<br />
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See how I do it? The main difference is foot placement, because (ew) we don't want the bottoms of our shoes on our pants when we're standing in the toilet, right? So my legs are firm, my foot rooted into the ground, spine straight. <b>Opposite (inside) ankle resting on the back my standing leg, as far up as I can get it by just lifting my foot.</b> I stand tall and strong, using my leg muscles to push my bent knee into the same plane as my body. Shoulders down, shoulder blades pulled together, chin up, abdominal muscles engaged. <b>Looking around makes this pose less apparent to everyone else in the toilet, and is also more difficult, which increases muscle toning.</b> 30-60 seconds, then I switch to the other leg. If you're like me and my charming daughter, you should get a few dozen rounds in before you have to stop. </div>
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But even a few minutes of yoga while you're waiting helps make you stronger - physically and mentally. So thank you, child, for this time.</div>
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<i>And can you </i>please<i> finish</i>?<br />
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Have a great Mother's Day out there!</div>
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Amanda xx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0Penang, Malaysia5.2632341000000009 100.484622700000054.7573396000000008 99.839175700000041 5.7691286000000011 101.13006970000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-87413160162919011282014-04-29T21:40:00.003-04:002014-05-06T19:40:48.911-04:00This is a Post about My Writing Process<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a post about my writing process - a little different from my stuff on<a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2013/04/4-weeks-of-lunchbox-inspiration.html" target="_blank"> lunchbox inspiration</a> or <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2011/10/easy-peasy-food-rules.html" target="_blank">food "rules</a>," or favourite recipes for <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2012/07/my-top-5-natural-skin-care-remedies.html" target="_blank">homemade skin care products</a> or <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2013/04/vegan-middle-eastern-feast.html" target="_blank">vegetarian mediterranean feasts</a>. If you'd rather read about those things ... just come back next week, or have a browse through the archives. I won't be offended.</div>
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Nope, this is a post about writing. Because I'm a writer ... in addition to everything else I am on a daily basis - and I'm pretty sure that even if you don't write for pleasure you have something outside of the job that pays you that makes your heart sing. Writing is mine, and even though <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2012/11/the-train-to-writesville-pre-new-years.html" target="_blank">I'm back and forth</a> and often confused about what I want to really DO with my life (when I grow up?), writing is always there. With eating. And coffee. And making baby basil plants. And <a href="http://www.easypeasyscience.com/p/amanda-niehaus-ageing-research.html" target="_blank">marsupial carnivores that fuck themselves to death</a>. Yes, you heard me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8CZf6PWBk3EbGzQ5sTiBe7l7M2BiFfKNgdzxS4HhF-hSKnGiWnr0K615XBG3KwqPQJ73PMKSvEHKkP7F8526KY-eAXRMe9BgS1tx_7LU85iayUHidgMyIMrBNrs0s_obQBsbtdhrgqyV/s1600/2014-03-22+16.50.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="writing and traveling" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH8CZf6PWBk3EbGzQ5sTiBe7l7M2BiFfKNgdzxS4HhF-hSKnGiWnr0K615XBG3KwqPQJ73PMKSvEHKkP7F8526KY-eAXRMe9BgS1tx_7LU85iayUHidgMyIMrBNrs0s_obQBsbtdhrgqyV/s1600/2014-03-22+16.50.18.jpg" height="480" title="where I write (Penang, 2014) via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">where I write - (Penang, 2014)</span></td></tr>
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I <a href="http://loftyambitions.wordpress.com/2014/04/23/writing-process-blog-hop-anna/" target="_blank">was tagged</a> in this Writing Process blog hop by <a href="http://www.amleahy.com/" target="_blank">Anna Leahy</a>, an American poet, essayist, blogger and all-round excellent writer who I had the fortune to meet (along with her husband and co-blogger, <a href="http://www.douglasdechow.com/" target="_blank">Doug Dechow</a>) at the <a href="http://sciwrite.org/" target="_blank">Santa Fe Science Writing Workshop </a>last year. At the time, I was just starting my research fellowship and in the midst of a serious existential crisis ... to which I say - if you haven't burst into wracking sobs in your writing group, you haven't really been writing. Ha. </div>
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Anyway, thank you to Anna for tagging me to talk about my writing process. Anna's book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0873389255/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0873389255&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20">Constituents of Matter</a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0873389255" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />
won the Wick Poetry Prize, and she's been published in <i>Crab Orchard Review</i>, <i>Cream City Review</i>, <i>The Pinch</i>, <i>The Southern Review</i> and others. Anna is the editor of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005K98HK6/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B005K98HK6&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20">Power and Identity in the Creative Writing Classroom</a>, which launched the New Writing Viewpoints series. Anna teaches in the BFA and MFA programs at Chapman University in California, where she curates the <a href="http://www.chapman.edu/poetry" target="_blank">Tabula Poetica</a> reading series and edits <a href="http://journals.chapman.edu/ojs/index.php/TAB-Journal" target="_blank">TAB: The Journal of Poetry & Poetics</a>. You can also find Anna and her husband Doug blogging about all things SPACE at <a href="http://loftyambitions.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Lofty Ambitions</a>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStr_iRqEQ-iPDySSXbfmYAQcuXo8qf9YTjjur6uNyr0u12u0tjpvdvdrsYfc7mK8KfpaKa6BrbQxxlrmjoI3coejK-C36RrMwXIjH7JIUUNUsTHFVgRn_osgMlfNnnu2-MSladbfnuAaj/s1600/2013-10-15+13.10.24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Phoenix Arizona travel writing" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStr_iRqEQ-iPDySSXbfmYAQcuXo8qf9YTjjur6uNyr0u12u0tjpvdvdrsYfc7mK8KfpaKa6BrbQxxlrmjoI3coejK-C36RrMwXIjH7JIUUNUsTHFVgRn_osgMlfNnnu2-MSladbfnuAaj/s1600/2013-10-15+13.10.24.jpg" height="640" title="where I write (Phoenix, AZ) via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where I write - (Phoenix, 2013)</td></tr>
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On to my writing process. Here are the questions I've been asked to address, and my answers to them: </div>
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<b>1. What am I working on?</b></div>
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I'm currently taking an online course in the Lyric Essay - which is a form of nonfiction that, well, garners inspiration from pretty much anywhere. Shopping lists, phone books, things in one's medicine cabinet, dreams, etc. The idea is poetic and creative nonfiction writing in whatever shape and form it takes. This course, along with a short fiction course I took late last year, have given me courage to write in ways I never did before. </div>
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So currently, I'm working on essays about cancer, immigration, and sex (not all at once, people!) and a series of short stories based around <a href="http://www.easypeasyscience.com/" target="_blank">my research on ageing</a> ... or at least that's what I'm trying to write about. Often what comes out is well and truly different from what I'm expecting. </div>
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<b>2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?</b></div>
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I don't believe in picking genres, actually. In fact, I think the best writing out there - whether it's a blog post or academic or literary or narrative nonfiction or poetry or science fiction or whatever - does 2 things: (1) it plants something sticky in your brain and (2) it makes you see something in a different way. Still caught up on the <i>sticky</i> thing? Sorry about that. But you see what I mean, right? </div>
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One of the things I'm really working on is bringing my experiences in science and as a scientist to new audiences. I want to finish up my fellowship in 4 years with a series of stories and essays (and Nature papers, of course) that inspire readers to think about ageing in a new way. I don't want to pick and choose, or define myself. I just want to explore. </div>
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<b>3. Why do I write what I do?</b></div>
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I guess I write what I care about, or what inspires me. For awhile earlier this year, I lost interest in writing about food or sustainability, so I dropped out of the blog sphere for awhile. It wasn't planned, or intentional, but I felt I had to go with what was clawing out of my heart at the time - which was short stories (and some lengthy research grants, ugh). The older I get, the more I realise I have to be true to what I'm feeling NOW. Underlying it all is a need to explore new ideas and infect readers with them, and to inspire people (including myself - I often need reminding) to live how they really REALLY want to live. </div>
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<b>4. How does my writing process work?</b></div>
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Technically, I do science 3 days a week and write the other 2 ... but science tends to bleed over into the other days. Research is really tough, and it takes a lot of time and brainpower. And it pays the bills. Currently, I try to make Wednesdays a full-on writing day, and do science or science writing the rest of the week. Eventually, I'd like to use more of my "academic" days to work on some of these other modes of scientific communication, too - the essays and fiction and still/video photography ideas percolating inside my head and heart. </div>
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I write with my laptop and a strong coffee and - most often - the "Tranquil with a Beat" playlist on Spotify. The fast pace of house music without words (or with non-English words) makes my brain very happy. Some days I'm ok at my desk at home - or the kitchen bench, where I am now ... others, I need to get out. I'll work at coffee shops or wherever. For me, I need to be thinking about what I intend to write for awhile before it hits the screen, so walks are good, too. When the words are ready, they flow out really easily ... when they're not quite there, they're definitely NOT THERE. I'm working a lot on my efficiency lately, so when the words aren't there I tend to abandon them for the short-term and work on something else.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRBkA7DpMaknmjldN7jeVmEEKs2ECt3bTspqziqwEIkt5iof4ZUEKVUTrkQLIn0bNpAjhaZJeuM6wJZeOnMDOIz7-VbUy5RX_xbe1VUJtALSQn4Zj_jCvGo4fytN9xWmgU8DgMJcfWTHb/s1600/2013-02-09+15.46.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfRBkA7DpMaknmjldN7jeVmEEKs2ECt3bTspqziqwEIkt5iof4ZUEKVUTrkQLIn0bNpAjhaZJeuM6wJZeOnMDOIz7-VbUy5RX_xbe1VUJtALSQn4Zj_jCvGo4fytN9xWmgU8DgMJcfWTHb/s1600/2013-02-09+15.46.28.jpg" height="640" title="where I write (Texas, Queensland) via www.easypeasyorganic.com" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where I write - (Texas, Queensland, 2013)</td></tr>
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That's it for the questions on the blog-tag, so now I'll pass you on to the next writers in the series. I've picked 3 people whose writing and philosophies I admire, from the 3 "facets" of my writing life (science + blogging + literary). </div>
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<b>Here's who's coming up next week:</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><u>Vincent Cannataro</u></span></b> holds a B.S. in biochemistry from SUNY Geneseo and is working towards his Ph.D. in biology at the University of Florida. Sometime during his graduate studies he caught the science communication bug- resulting in an NSF national public choice award for a science outreach video and a "best graduate student teacher" award from his department. His love for chatting about the world around him, and the process we use to discover this world, can spill over to the internet at <a href="http://vcannataro.com/" target="_blank">his (relatively new and still-getting-the-hang-of-this-thing) blog</a>. Here's Vince's <a href="http://vcannataro.com/2014/05/06/my-writing-process/" target="_blank">post on his writing process</a>.</div>
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<b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><u>Steph Bond-Hutkin</u></span></b> writes about Australian design for Mum, Kids and Home on her award-winning blog, <a href="http://blog.stephbond.com/" target="_blank">Bondville</a>, and is a regular contributor of articles on food, home and life at <a href="http://www.mumsbusiness.com.au/" target="_blank">Ebay's Mum's Business</a>. Steph organises <a href="http://blog.stephbond.com/p/abcd-meet-up.html" target="_blank">abcd networking meet-ups</a> for art, craft and design bloggers in Sydney, Australia, to inspire (mostly) work from home women to get out from behind their computers and meet in real life. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><u>Chris White</u></span></b> writes science fiction, horror, dark fantasy, and/or steampunk. He should have just said he writes speculative fiction, that's what umbrella terms are for. He lives in Brisbane, Australia, and his words have appeared in both 1's and 0's and in dead-tree form. Some free words at <a href="http://chriswhitewrites.com/">http://chriswhitewrites.com</a></div>
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So there you have it! My writing process. I hope you've enjoyed this post, and I'll see you soon for the next one ... on Bathroom Yoga. Yep, you can't wait :)</div>
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Amanda xx</div>
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Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-68412085700511218022014-04-22T20:47:00.000-04:002014-04-22T20:47:18.871-04:00How to Make Zucchini Pasta - Julienner vs. Box Grater<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Zucchini is NOT pasta. </span></b></div>
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But if you'd like to use it instead of pasta, go for it. It's good for you, it carries sauces and dressing well, it's less filling and calorific than pasta, and it's bloody easy to make. </div>
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<img alt="vegetarian lunch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-huQIi8uiBh4/T5CgDrXApdI/AAAAAAAAF4U/Y2heD1Rv1xQ/s640/_DSC9934.JPG" height="400" title="zucchini and persimmon salad" width="265" /><img alt="raw food" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHUym3DOHysDVKsld6DHt27PfD05vKqyL1-r05u5w1XsgX7e1bbzGlCCPb7dCz2y_P-7ARHqI5IRT1sAbBGsRWgY_xDtTA8YA_vcBZcD-a-Ffs6RE75b-2rBHk6xaOuS5I-XYKn7BuJAkk/s1600/zucchini+noodles+box+grater+versus+julienner.jpg" height="400" title="how to make zucchini pasta" width="265" /></div>
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How do you make zucchini pasta? I've seen it made with a special veggie spiralizer, a julienner and a box grater, and here's what I think about each.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GRIR87M/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00GRIR87M&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Veggie spiralizer</b></span></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B00GRIR87M" height="1" />: this is probably what the restaurants use, because it makes a lovely, rounded noodle. BUT. Do you need another device in your cupboard? Do you need to spend $40 to make the occasional zucchini noodle? Probably not. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YZENBY/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004YZENBY&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Box grater</span></a><u><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B004YZENBY" /></u></span></b>: simple, and you're likely to have one in your cupboard already. BUT. This is more like shredded zucchini than long, lean, smooth noodles. You can see what I mean in the photo below. My opinion? (So glad you asked :) ) Save graters for grating. </div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0018ICHH2/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0018ICHH2&linkCode=as2&tag=having-20"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Julienner</span></a><u><img src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=having-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0018ICHH2" /></u></span></b>: I've <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2012/04/persimmon-and-cucumber-salad.html" target="_blank">waxed lyrical about these before</a>, and I'm going to do so again now. LOVE LOVE LOVE my julienner. I use it all the time to make raw veggies interesting - carrots, beets, and - yep - zucchini. Long strokes along the squash, avoiding the seedy middle, gives you decent zucchini noodles with minimal effort, cost and storage space. Spend $7-10 on a quality julienner and you will not regret it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zucchini noodles 101 : julienner (left) vs. box grater (right)</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>And what are you going to do with your zucchini noodles?</b></span> Try them in <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2012/04/persimmon-and-cucumber-salad.html" target="_blank">this persimmon salad</a> (substitute zucchini for the cucumber) or <a href="http://www.mynewroots.org/site/2014/02/sweet-pea-pearl-onion-pesto-smothered-zucchini-noodles/" target="_blank">smothered in pesto</a> (courtesy of <a href="http://www.alkalinesisters.com/" target="_blank">Julie</a> and <a href="http://www.mynewroots.org/" target="_blank">Sarah</a>) or <a href="http://deliciouslyorganic.net/zucchini-noodles-brussels-sprouts-hazelnuts/" target="_blank">warmed and tossed with brussels sprouts and hazelnuts and *butter*</a> (courtesy of <a href="http://www.deliciouslyorganic.net/" target="_blank">Carrie</a>) or <a href="http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/mango-mint-marinated-zucchini-spaghetti/" target="_blank">marinated in mint and mango</a> (courtesy of <a href="http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/" target="_blank">David, Luise and Elsa</a>).<br />
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Basically, use your noodles as a gluten-free and raw (if you don't cook them) alternative to spaghetti any way you like, salad-wise or pasta-wise. Zucchini LOVES tomatoes or sesame or mayonnaise or butter (and who doesn't?) so play around with flavour genres depending on what's in season, and what you feel like.<br />
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Zucchini's not pasta. But who cares? Go for it.<br />
Amanda xx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-53073963845258711982014-04-14T19:08:00.000-04:002014-04-14T19:14:08.308-04:00A Naturally Clean Microwave<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzr_5eb_GX-VSqmJISngJPmw5eCIDyG1l4yalNpS3bnn0y_z0ZTMWYHr9Gv32r_r2a3QlTkBhDz2BvdBajhhM1uD54shLJGoTVNMmd0wl6lnjcafXcTeCbDMFQxhExnjBbAiCGROvLqOi/s1600/lime+cleaning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivzr_5eb_GX-VSqmJISngJPmw5eCIDyG1l4yalNpS3bnn0y_z0ZTMWYHr9Gv32r_r2a3QlTkBhDz2BvdBajhhM1uD54shLJGoTVNMmd0wl6lnjcafXcTeCbDMFQxhExnjBbAiCGROvLqOi/s1600/lime+cleaning.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">citrus - a key ingredient for all-natural cleaning</td></tr>
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One day, you'll open up your microwave - the machine you always wonder, every time, <i>is this bad for me</i>?? before setting your gone-cool cup of tea inside and pressing <b>start</b> - and you'll KNOW it's bad for you. </div>
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Because the entire inside surface will be covered in a prehistoric splatter crust. I spare you that photo.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Here's what you can do when this happens: </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>1. </b></span>Close the door and back away. If you haven't seen it, it hasn't happened. (or)</div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">2.</span></b> If you see the crust moving, catch it on video and youtube the fucker. It may be disgusting, it may be a new species, it may make you millions. (or)</div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>3<i>. </i></b></span>Clean it. Now.</div>
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You know how I am about cleaning (<i>Mom, I know you're reading this</i>). I'm not a fan, and I'd rather be rich and pay someone else do it for me if I could. But given we spend about 40% of our income on travel, and another 40% on coffee, that's (sadly) not an option. Yet. </div>
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So if you're like me with cleaning - you have to do it yourself, NOW. <a href="http://www.easypeasyorganic.com/2013/03/do-it-now.html" target="_blank">In your underwear</a>, in a loose towel, in your best dress, NOW. And if the cleaning involves your microwave, try citrus.</div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">This is nice cleaning.</span></b> It smells good, and it makes you feel like one of those paper towel commercials we all know are a complete set-up. Ooh, look how this stuff just wipes off! For REAL. </div>
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Slice <u>1/2 - 1 lemon or lime</u> - even kinda old ones will work here, but use a greater proportion of the fruit if it's old and dry - and place into a small bowl with <u>1 cup of water</u>. Microwave the bowl of water + lime (uncovered) on high for 3-5 minutes, until boiling. Then leave the door of the microwave closed for another 2 minutes so the citrusy steam can work its magic. If you're like me, you might even forget about the whole thing until 2 hours later, when you return to warm up a cup of tea. Oops. That's ok. Just carefully remove the dish (it might still be HOT! though not 2 hours later ... ) and use a warm, wet cloth to wipe down the microwave. Easy peasy. </div>
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And I hope you eventually enjoy that tea. :)</div>
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Amanda xx</div>
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Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5555026666921417340.post-44422875754241202382014-01-30T18:00:00.000-05:002014-01-30T18:00:02.615-05:00The Third Day of School<div style="text-align: justify;">
She's just kissed me goodbye and put on her backpack and opened the car door and closed it behind her and waved through the window and started up the stairs to school and looked back once (just once?) and then she's gone out of sight, my baby girl, my big first grader, and all I want to do is cry and follow her up and will she be ok? But I take a deep breath and shift the car out of park and pull away from her, from the the curb, and drive into work. </div>
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Axx</div>
Easy peasy organichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16622506744529786367noreply@blogger.com0