Monday, November 11, 2013

Almond Fun!

In the fall, through the winter solstice, we are in the metal element of the Five Element Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The metal element is associated with the lungs and large intestine, pungent tastes, the color white, and the emotion of grief and sadness. Some of the foods connected with autumn and the metal element are; rice, navy beans, almonds, celery, mustard greens, onions, radish,  broccoli, cucumbers, pears, and bananas.  Any favorite recipes with metal foods you would like to share?  Do you have any questions about the Five Element theory or the metal element?  Please leave us your questions and I will answer them!
Almonds are rich in vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and potassium. Additionally, almonds are a significant source of protein and fiber, while being naturally low in sugar. About 23 almonds, a serving packs, 13 grams of healthy unsaturated fats, 1 gram of saturated fat and no cholesterol or salt. Of all tree nuts, almonds rank highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin content by weight. As if the taste and versatility are not enough, almonds are known to promote heart health, weight maintenance, digestive health and regulate blood sugar helping diabetics. I purchase my almonds from www.almondsfromca.com in a 10lb bag. A treasure to have on hand, whether it’s inventing more ways to creatively use an almond or straight out of the bag, delicious!
Raw Fermented Almond Cheese
1-3 cups of almonds
1 T probiotic powder or 5 probiotic caps
1 T sea salt
1 t raw local  honey
Water According to need
Nutritional Yeast
Herbs of Preference, Minced Shallots or Garlic
Soak almonds for about 12 hours, or overnight. Then place the soaked almonds in a food processor with the rest of the ingredients, except the nutritional yeast and herbs.. Use small amounts of water. (If needed, scrape the sides of the food processor.) The consistency is best to be on their thicker side. Next put the almond mixture in a glass bowl, cover with a paper towel and wrap a rubber-band around the bowl. Leave out at room temp in a dark place for 12-36 hours. This gives it a chance to ferment/culture. Since here on the east coast, the temperatures are dropping quickly, it may take more time. You may taste test to desired fermentation stage. I usually wait until I smell a yogurt-like smell. From here you have a few options. First, you may hand mix or food process in nutritional yeast, herb or anything else according to your preference. I rolled the fermented almond cheese into small balls, flattened them, then dipped in cracked peppercorns, thyme dill shallot blend, and Mexican chili spice. They store for about 2 weeks in the fridge. Another option is to store in the fridge and use for many possible uses, This can be used as any other raw cheese.
Raw  Almond Cookies
1.5 Cups raw almonds processed in a food processor
1 Cup of Coconut Flour
¼ Cup of Coconut Oil
¼-⅓  Cup Raw Honey
¼ Cup Coconut Sugar
¼ Cup Cacao Nibs
Toppings: Goji Berry, Cacao Nibs, Shredded Coconut
Process the almonds until it forms a butter. Then add the coconut oil , honey, and cacao nibs. Pulse in or hand mix the coconut flour. Simple. Roll into inch size balls, flatten, top with desired goodies. Set the cookies on wax paper, refrigerate. In my house, they lasted 5 days tops, but I would imagine they keep well, especially frozen. These were spare of the moment cookies using simple ingredients yet super tasty and satisfying.
Nothing other people do is because of you. It is all because of themselves. All of us live in our own worlds. When we take something personally, we make the assumption that the others know what is in our world, and we try to impose our world on their world. If someone gives you an optinion, don’t take it personally, because the truth is that this person is dealing with his or her own feelings, beliefs, and opinions. Page 48 The four agrements Miguel Ruiz
Namaste!