A Nice Spring Yellow or Maybe a Fabulous Pink?

Why is it that when I think things are looking pretty black...they start to turn around?  When I breathe and take a step back, things are never nearly as bad as they seem.  Yet, I never seem to remember this when I'm in the middle of that dark place.  My friend posted recently about saying it like you mean it...about giving your words meaning.  So important.  As much or more so in the words we tell ourselves.  You know what I'm talking about; those words we tell ourselves in our head.  The ones we would never tell our best friend.  The names we call ourselves.  The ones we would never call our family.  We manifest those words we "speak" to ourselves.  No wonder things start looking pretty black.  And, while I look smashing in black, I'm tired of my brain being black...it's just not the right color!  I'm thinking a nice spring yellow...or maybe a fabulous pink!  I'm done with black brain; how about you?

Breast Milk Muffins

I think about breast milk a lot right now...maybe because my life seems to revolve around it. Anyway, the other day I felt like making muffins but we were out of Andrew's milk...Dylan, however, has plenty of milk to spare.  I can't donate it to a milk bank because I take Prozac and no one on the Facebook group Human Milk for Human Babies has taken me up on my offer for free milk.  

So, I made the muffins with Dylan's milk and they tasted just fine.  Andrew's a bit grossed out and won't eat them.  I've started quite the conversation with my friends about it.  By no means am I a trend setter when it comes to this.  Just Google "cooking with breast milk" and you will find all kinds of entries.  One friend's thoughtful response was as follows:  

In all honesty, I think we instinctively gag at this for the same reason we gag at the thought of eating dog or horse meat: because it's outside the norm and we are squeamish about food that is outside the norm. Technically, it's no different than what you ate as a baby yourself (assuming you weren't formula raised). However, it does illicit an ick factor.

Another friend commented:

I personally thought it was kind of great.

And, Dylan's pediatrician made this comment:

Very resourceful, if disturbing to our 21st century minds.

Have we completely sexualized the breast?  How about looking at them as a wonderful way to feed and bond with your child? Don't get me wrong, there is definitely a sexual component but let's get over our squeamishness and start thinking a little outside of the box.  Granted my box isn't always square...I'm off to try making butter for Dylan to go on those muffins! 

For actual recipes and ideas that go against conventional food visit Fight Back Fridays or Monday Mania!

Cranberry Date Bars

Apparently, I have a thing for dates lately.  I used to think I hated them...maybe it was the type?  I'm not sure.  But, I've been trying out the ones from the bulk bin in Winco and so far, I would say I like them...a lot...definitely more than I should!

Cranberry Date Bars

18 or so dates (use a few more if they are tiny, few less if they are huge...I know, really helpful right?)

1 c dried cranberries

1/2 c raw cashews

1/2 c raw almonds

1/2 tsp cinnamon

pinch of salt

In food processor, roughly chop the dates and cranberries.  Take them out and put them in large bowl.  Add nuts, cinnamon and salt to food processor and chop until fine but stop before it turns into butter.  Combine the chopped dried fruit and nuts.  Mix well by hand...it will be sticky!  Press into a 8x8 pan or a bit smaller one if you have it.  I lined mine with plastic wrap.  Refrigerate for an hour, cut into squares, and try not to eat all at once.

Find more yummies at Pennywise Platter Thursday or Slightly Indulgent Tuesday! 

Frustration

Definition of frustration from Wikipedia (bolding is my emphasis):

"...a common emotional response to opposition. Related to anger and disappointment, it arises from the perceived resistance to the fulfillment of individual will. The greater the obstruction, and the greater the will, the more the frustration is likely to be. Causes of frustration may be internal or external. In people, internal frustration may arise from challenges in fulfilling personal goalsdesires, instinctual drives and needs, or dealing with perceived deficiencies, such as a lack of confidence or fear of social situations.  Conflict can also be an internal source of frustration;  when one has competing goals that interfere with one another, it can create cognitive dissonance."

 Well there you have it...I'm frustrated by what I see as a lack of forward movement in my life.  I'm plagued by a number of ideas and yet I seem unwilling or unable to find the time and energy to follow through with them.  It always seems like I end up looking to others for fulfillment. 

I've been working hard to learn to be open to new possibilities and opportunities.  It's hard not to get frustrated when I see someone else moving forward.  I'm happy for them but still a bit jealous.  What is it about human nature that makes us jealous of those people; that makes us think the grass is always greener on the other side, so to speak?

When I stop to take the time, I realize my life is great.  I'm learning new things, I love my job, and I love my family.  Stuff and things are not the important part; people are the important part.  Guess that's why frustration "can create cognitive dissonance."

Not sure this post makes any sense.  Welcome to my thought process!

Slow Cooker Citrus Pork Roast

Make this immediately!  It is yummy.  Love citrus and pork.  Serve this with baked potatoes...the "gravy" is awesome on them too. (Adapted from this recipe.)

Slow Cooker Citrus Pork Roast

pork roast - medium size
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons coconut aminos or soy sauce
1 1/2 teaspoon grated orange peel
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1/2 cup orange juice

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, thyme, ginger and pepper; rub over roast. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown roast on all sides in oil.

Place roast in slow cooker. In a small bowl, combine the broth, sugar, lemon juice, coconut aminos/soy sauce and orange peel; pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until a meat thermometer reads 160º.  Our roast had a bone so we cooked it a bit longer.

Remove roast and keep warm. In a saucepan, combine the cornstarch and orange juice until smooth; stir in cooking juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with the roast. 

PS. If your roast has a bone, save it for making stock!

For more good ideas visit Pennywise Platter Thursday!