It's About Time...

I need to do better tracking the garden progress! I always look back to previous years and wonder why I didn't take more pictures. It's helpful to look back and see how big things were and what to expect year to year.

I am tickled to say this is the best luck I've ever had with broccoli and spinach! Both are producing bumper crops. It about broke my heart to thin the broccoli, and it's still about twice as thick as it should be. I have been picking gallon ziplocs of spinach and washing and freezing them for smoothies. And I can't keep up!

The rainbow carrots, beets and two rows of bush beans are on their way.
 

My indoor planting of tomato seeds wasn't very fruitful, and I talked to a lady who just plants seeds in the ground in May, so I thought I'd try it! Tomatoes grow so fast anyway, what's a couple weeks head start? The left row is an indeterminate variety that I hope to stake, and the right row varies more, with two cherry tomatoes and a Roma I got from my neighbor, and a bush variety from seed. 

We planted three types of pumpkins this year, and I'm always amazed that the plant itself is an indicator of fruit size--small, medium, and large! The far mound is an heirloom carving variety, the middle a 200 pounder, and the close a 1000 pounder! We planted them outside the garden in a large flower bed area, and we'll let them just go wherever they want. Should be interesting to watch and see!

We put our giant sunflowers on the opposite side of the garden this, closer to the front of our house. It will be fun to see them more as we come and go. Behind them you can kind of see the zucchini mounds (I have 5 growing right now and I need to pull a few or I'll be kicking myself!) and a whole row of butternut squash.

The peas are flowering and turning to pods. We squealed with delight when we spotted all those sweet peas growing!

The kale is out of control, and I love it! We have used it in smoothies, salads, and today we made a batch of kale chips that got scarfed in a matter of minutes. Requests are in for more tomorrow.

At the top of this picture are the 6 red potato plants that are doing fabulously well! In the same row are four bell peppers and an Anaheim from Peggy. Down the middle of the picture is the melon row, with watermelons at the top and cantaloupes at the bottom. This is the best start to melons we've ever had, so we're excited!

Not everything is doing well, though. My cucumbers never came up from seed, and I almost gave up on the onions, but now I see about 7 or 8 that might make it. I'll need to separate them soon so they can start to bulb out, so we'll see how that goes.  
 

The corn experiment is on! I planted each row a week apart to extend our harvest. Hopefully it helps!

The view of the whole thing from the corn side. I'm pretty happy with it overall this year. Let the fun begin! As I've been writing this, I've realized just how much produce I'm going to have on my hands in a few months!

My favorite thing is when my kids stay nearby and help. Ella takes the most interest right now and knows what everything is and how it's doing. Tonight she caught a butterfly and a ladybug. Jake pulled some lettuce for me (so helpful) and they all gathered strawberries and helped me eat them. Yum!

End of No-Sugar May

Day 21: Coconut curry rice and roasted brussel sprouts. This rice is so easy and versatile! It's just 1/2 yellow onion diced, one red pepper diced, sauteed in coconut oil. Then dump in a whole can of coconut mil, season with 1/2 tsp curry and s&p, and dump over rice (I usually use brown but ran out). You could add lots of things--peas, broccoli, chicken, pineapple... but I like it simple. the brussel sprouts are my favorite! Quarter then and roast with 2 tbsp coconut oil at 375 for 30-40 minutes. I just have to share my family's reactions. Mike: This is the most brussels I've even eaten. They're kind of bitter. Maddie: I'll have them! I love them! Ella: Awww, no fair! I want more! Ty: They're yummy! They feel good in my tummy! Jake: windshield wiped them all over the floor. Ya win some, ya lose some.

Day 22: Fruit popsicles were a hit! Best ones we've ever made, and way better than an otter pop. It's all about replacements and nobody feels deprived! 1 kiwi diced, 1/3 cup pineapple diced, 1/3 cup watermelon diced. Fill popsicle molds, the fill to top with 100% juice-- we had grape on hand. Freeze till set. (Made 4)

Day 23: Taste the rainbow! I am in love with guacamole salad. We eat it with organic corn chips or quesadillas. 1 can black beans, drained, 1/2 pkg frozen corn, 1 bell pepper, 1/2 red onion, 1 clove garlic, handful of cherry tomatoes, handful of cilantro, 1 avocado-- all chopped. Then dump in some olive oil, juice from one lime, and salt to taste. 

Day 24: Saturday night movie and popcorn! We love it homemade cuz it tastes so much better! (Not to mention how many ingredients you skip when you do it yourself.) Melt 1 tbsp coconut oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup organic kernels and shake as they heat up to keep any from burning. Put lid on when they start to pop. When all are popped remove from heat. Drizzle with another tbsp of melted coconut oil and sea salt to taste. What a treat!

Day 25: I have to say most cravings for sugar are gone. If I ever do need something sweet (or Mike needs more energy to mow the lawn) this is my favorite--a spoonful of heaven! Peanut butter and raw honey are both high in antioxidants. Coconut oil and raw honey are both anti-viral, -bacterial, and -fungal. PB promotes heart health. Coconut oil gives energy, positively affects hormones and blood sugar, and increases metabolism and endurance. Raw honey is full of natural vitamins and enzymes, stabilizes blood pressure and sugar, is anti-inflammatory, and eliminates allergies! I love it when something tastes good AND is good for you! 

Day 26: Having leftovers of this for lunch, and it's amazing. Similar to the guacamole salad a few days ago, but with my first lettuce from the garden! Instead of olive oil and garlic, we used home made ranch. We also added 4 grilled chicken tenders and 1/3 cup of cubed cheese. I could eat it all day... But lucky me, we're having even more yummy food for a Memorial Day family party! (I ended up grilling salmon in honey lime marinade, and making the berry salad again, along with watermelon, pineapple, apples, and chips.)

Day 27: Sweet potato boats from Superhealthykids.com were a hit!

Day 28: We tried a new treat recipe for chocolate chip cookie dough dip with apples. My kids were obsessed with it... I just thought it was ok. Secret ingredient: chickpeas! 1 can chickpeas drained, 1 1/4 cup dates soaked in 1/2 cup water for 2-3 hours, 1/8 tsp salt, 1/8 tsp baking soda, 1 tbsp vanilla, 1/4 cup nut butter, 2 tbsp oatmeal, squeeze of honey, milk to help texture. Blend all ingredients (including date water) until smooth, then stir in chocolate chips (we used some grain sweetened). I didn't have vanilla and I think that would have been better!

Day 29: Lunch was a delicious pesto pasta salad. I used most of a jar of pesto (Kirtland from Costco) over a package of whole wheat pasta, a big handful of chopped spinach, a cucumber, orange pepper, grape tomatoes, chopped, and a shredded carrot. Good hot or cold! Recipe source, @eating_whole, a favorite food Instagram account!

Day 30: Lentil casserole makes it on the rotation most weeks cuz it's so easy and tasty. We eat it like taco salad and top it with cheese, greens, guacamole, salsa, tomatoes, olives... Whatever sounds good! We like to scoop it with chips. Recipe: 3 cups water, 3/4 cup lentils, 1/2 cup brown rice, 1/2 yellow onion chopped, 1/4 tsp basil, 1/4 tsp oregano, 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish and cover. Bake at 350 for 1 hour or until water is absorbed. 

Day 31: My attempt at kiwi custard creme was so-so. I substituted the sugar with maple syrup, but the kiwi was still pretty tart. Recipe here: http://homecooking.about.com/od/dessertrecipes/r/bldes68.htm

Sooooo... Today is the last day of May, and I'm happy to say we all did it!!! I'm proud of my family and their determination and acceptance of our goals. Was it hard? Surprisingly, not really! We had so many good things to eat that we didn't feel too deprived (except maybe when Mike was camping and wanted a s'more). Maddie even turned down cake at a party, and when I asked it it was hard, she said, "No, I'm used to it."

It took more time to find new recipes and a little more work in the kitchen, and it cost more to buy real food (we ate more honey, raisins, nuts, and produce)... But it's so worth feeling good. To answer some common questions, yes we both lost a few pounds, and yes we will continue to avoid sugar. We plan to enjoy a weekly family treat, but to use sugar very sparingly. The bottom line is sugar causes acidity in the body and feeds cancer and degenerative diseases, and I plan to live a long time. :) Thanks for all the enrouragement friends!

Wheat Oatmeal Waffles and Quiche

Day 20: It was a breakfast for dinner kind of day. We tried a new wheat oatmeal waffle recipe from my sister, topped with real maple syrup and fruit. The spinach quiche was super tasty too.

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Waffles (or pancakes)

1 cup whole wheat flour
2/3 cup oats (I ran through blender to make them finer)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups milk
2 eggs

Combine dry ingredients. Whisk together wet ingredients in a separate bowl, then whisk into dry ingredients. Batter should be lumpy. (For some reason I mistook this as a waffle recipe and it worked great in my waffle iron, but it originated as a pancake recipe!)


Easy Quiche

1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 cups chopped spinach
4 eggs, well beaten
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon salt
Shake of pepper
1 cup cheese

Saute onion and garlic in coconut oil until soft. Combine eggs and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in veggies.  Pour into a 9x13 pan greased with coconut oil. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30 minutes or until set.

Family Flowers

Many of my flowers that are blooming right now remind me of my mother and grandmothers... and many are actual transplants from their gardens! 

My mom had bleeding hearts when I was growing up and they will always remind me of home.
 

This white iris is from my mom's clump in our back yard at home, where I first fell in love with them! These take me right back to early summer in my teenage years.

This ruffly purple iris is a transplant from my gardening friend, Peggy, but they are almost identical to another one I have from my grandma's yard.

This picture does not do it justice, but these purple iris are so dark they're almost black. They are breathtaking when you inspect them in the sunlight.

These yellow and purple with yellow throats are also from my mom's yard, which she got from my grandma. I am so excited that they are all blooming this year, and that I can keep the legacy going.

This is such a beautiful time of year in the yard. I love being out at dusk and soaking in the smells and last few rays of sunshine.

No-Sugar Catch-Up

 

Day 15: Costco, how I love thee! They carry so many healthy and organic foods at good prices! We eat this Pita Pal hummus almost every day and I feel good about it because it's made with organic olive oil instead of soybean or canola. I even figured out how to get raw carrots into my baby--food process them and add then to hummus!

And Costco had samples of these sugar free Belgian chocolates today.... My first chocolate all month, and that's sayin' somethin'!
  

Day 16: Granola, a heavenly food. This is my family's favorite breakfast, afternoon treat, and midnight snack... Which is why we're always out. Supply can't keep up with demand!

Granola
6 cups oats
1 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1 cup unsweetened coconut
1 cup chopped raw almonds
1/4 cup flax seeds
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 cup honey
1 cup raisins
1 tsp cinnamon

Mix grains, nuts, seeds, and coconut. Pour oil and honey over and stir well. Spread on two baking sheets and bake at 300 for 15 minutes. Add raisins and cinnamon and stir. Bake 15 more minutes, stir again and allow to cool.
 

Day 17: Watermelon on a hot day is so refreshing! Bring on summer!

Day 17 addendum... My sister Dana gave us the idea of watermelon slushies and my kids would not leave me alone until I tried it! It was so refreshing and sweet--and easy!! I used 2 cups watermelon, 2 strawberries, 2 cups ice, 1 tsp lemon juice, and blended till smooth.

Day 18: Berry salad. We love the "nuts about berries" salad at Zupas so we do our own knock-off version. A bowlful of spinach, 3-4 strawberries sliced, a handful of frozen blueberries, and handful of almonds, and cinnamon vinaigrette: 1/8 cup olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or white), 1 tbsp honey, and a few shakes of cinnamon.

Day 19: Do anyone else's kids get hungry again after dinner? It's getting worse now that it's light longer and they play hard outside. I feel like I need to lock the kitchen sometimes! This was a good solution a few nights ago... Carmelized pears: 2 pears quartered. Place cut side down in a small baking dish. Top with 3 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp water, 2 tbsp butter, and sprinkle with cinnamon. Bake at 400 for about 40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes. This was a win for kids' tummies and Mom's sanity! 

Snobby Joes and Sweet Potato Fries

Day 14: 'Snobby' Joes were well named, because although the boys and I thought they were tasty, the girls turned up their noses snobbishly. Good thing we also had sweet potato fries, of which we could have eaten triple the amount! For those you cut a sweet potato (or three) into thing spears, place on a baking sheet, and dab with 2 tbsp coconut oil. Roast at 400 for 15 minutes, stir and roast another 15 minutes or until desired cripsness.

Snobby Joes (adapted from Isa Chandra at Post Punk Kitchen)

1 cup lentils
4 cups water
1 tbsp coconut oil
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 red or orange pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tsp salt
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 tbsp pure maple syrup

Bread or buns for serving.

Place lentils with water in a saucepan, cover and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 20 minutes, or until soft. Drain and set aside.

Saute onion, peppers, and garlic in oil until soft. Add seasonings, tomato sauce, and drained lentils and simmer until combined.

Planting the Veggie Garden!

We interrupt this recipe mania to say that we planted the garden last Saturday! The kids were great little seed planters, although if spacing is wacky I blame it all on them.

We planted a row each of carrots (a rainbow heirloom variety!), beets, beans (x2), butternut squash, cucumbers, and mammoth sunflowers. We planted two groupings of zucchini, 3 mounds of pumpkins (small, medium, and large varieties!), 8 tomatoes, half a row of cantaloupe, and half a row of watermelon. I am trying interval planting with the corn, just doing one row a week so we can harvest it over a longer period!

A week ago we planted our red potatoes and a row of onions, and we're anxiously waiting for them to sprout! Planting always makes me nervous, but usually those little seeds amaze me!