sweet

Sugar High: The Dark History and Nasty Methods Used to Feed Our Sweet Tooth

One of my favorite things about the GAPS / SCD diets are that you are also boycotting refined sugar when on them. I have long hated sugar, it is a drug more insidious and harder to kick than tobacco. I have kicked both the tobacco and the sugar habit so I can say this with experience. I love the saying “We are digging our graves with our teeth.” When we eat sugar this is exactly what we are doing. It’s history is as disgusting as the things this white powder does to our bodies. The only way to consume it is fermented in a batch of kombucha, and even then it is best to use a naturally dried type.

It is interesting to note that sugar cane was originally domesticated in New Guinea. I grew up in Papua New Guinea and I remember chewing on sugar cane as a kid. It was actually known as being good for your teeth as it is quite tough and fibrous and strengthens your teeth from the work out they get. I always remember being impressed with the local inhabitants strong teeth. Or check out this Midnight Oil track about the sugar refining company.

Walnut Persimmon Chews

Walnut Persimmon Chews

I have never cooked or eaten persimmons very much until coming to Vancouver. This year one of our local backyard gardeners (they have such amazing gardens in this city!) gave me a pile of homegrown persimmons and chokos. 1 1/2 c persimmon pulp (cooked or raw) 3/4 c honey 2 T butter 4 egg yol ...

Memories of Moroccan Sellou

Memories of Moroccan Sellou

I finally got around to searching for the recipe to this amazing almond and honey energy paste that they eat for breakfast during Ramadan in Morocco. It started niggling at me a few months ago, but the truth was I couldn't even remember the name of it. I soon found results coming up that were point ...

Sugar and Intuition as Monsanto Strikes Again

Sugar and Intuition as Monsanto Strikes Again

Consumption of refined sugar is the most pleasant means of gradual suicide. On Easter Monday (April 13, 2009) we finally stepped out of the house and went on an excursion. The cherry blossoms are out in Vancouver and Spring is finally in the air. We hadn't been out in months. We decided to he ...

Gingery Dates

Gingery Dates

500g (1 lb) dates 1/4 c gin 1/4 c vodka 1 inch grated ginger 5 cardamom pods Method: Rinse dates, leave the seeds in. Drain well. Place in bottle, add alcohol, cardamom and ginger. Cover. Place in fridge. Turn occasionally to allow liquid to cover dates completely. Keep at le ...

Plum Dumplings

Plum Dumplings

Hungarian Plum Dumplings (Szilvasgomboc) are a traditional food, this recipe comes from the Hungarian Cookery Book by Karoly Gundel (1956) Serves 6 6 potatoes 3 eggs 40g (2oz) butter salt flour plums or damsons Method: Boil six mealy potatoes and rub them through a hair siev ...

Rice Pudding with Meringue

Rice Pudding with Meringue

This favorite is based on a recipe from Ruth Wakefield's Toll House Tried and True Recipes. 1 c cooked rice 1 pt hot milk 2 egg yolks beaten salt 2T butter 1 lime's zest a handful of dried or fresh lemon verbena leaves (optional) 1/2 c maple syrup Method: Mix the milk, yolk ...

Maple Parfait

Maple Parfait

A very simple recipe and a great way to showcase the quality of ingredients used. Serves 6 4 (farm fresh) eggs, beaten stiff 1 c hot maple syrup Cook until mixture thickens, then cool and add: 2 c cream, beaten stiff Place in the freezer. ...

Honey-Citrus Dressing

Honey-Citrus Dressing

This is simple, and the flavor different from what might be expected from the two ingredients. Originally from A Book of Honey by Eve Crane. liquid honey juice of orange, lemon or any other citrus fruit Method Whisk together. Adjust amounts according to need and taste. Use raw buckwhe ...

Honey-Butter Hard Sauce

Honey-Butter Hard Sauce

Makes about 1 cup 1/2 c butter 1/3 c honey lemon juice to taste Method: Cream the butter. Gradually beat in the honey. Add the lemon juice slowly and blend until smooth. Brandy-Honey Hard Sauce: Brandy can be added instead of lemon juice. But add it very slowly. Use more th ...