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Today marks the last few weeks of the harvest.    Just six weeks left.  Whew!  

This  season has been moving extremely fast.  We started off in June watering like it was August.  This has left us with the feeling of never catching up.    There were times you would walk around the farm and you could hear all the plants asking for water, they were extremely thirsty.  

It is September and most of our crops are almost done, due to the fast ripening of the season.   We are hoping to still have produce  towards the end of the season.    If things become slim, I will be giving herbal remedies to get you through your cold and flu season.   

We have had a lot of abundance this year, the salad greens were slim due to the heat and they bolted.

  I am very thankful for this season's beautiful abundance.  

This Weeks Harvest:   Nettle, kale, mixture of greens, rosemary, parsley, basil, wax beans, lemon cucumbers, cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash,  a variety of tomatoes, potatoes, a variety of peppers and cabbage.

Nettle Information: 

http://cedarmountainherbs.com/nettles.htm

How To Make Your Own Powdered Greens: 

http://gnowfglins.com/2014/07/03/dehydrate-your-way-to-green-powder/?utm_content=buffer18d23&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Wax Bean Recipe: 

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/warm-yellow-wax-beans-in-bacon-v...

Use organic bacon, (Roths usually carries it) 

You can use red wine instead of sherry vinegar 

You can use regular onions instead of shallots 

You will need garlic for this recipe 

Abundance 

This morning was a beautiful morning.   It started with the birds singing their morning song, a cup of root chai and the weather was beautiful.  

Today's Harvest

Three different types of kale, two different types of mustard, lettuce, nasturtiums (spicy flower), peas, garlic greens, garlic chives, dill, parsley, lambs quarters ( wild spinach), sheep sorrel,  basil, nettle, stir fry brassica flower mix,  cleansing ( detox) tea of cleavers and apple mint, catnip (tea relax), lemon balm ( relaxing tea, infuse honey or infuse in olive oil), ox-eye daisy tops ( use like capers), arugula ( mix in salad or use for stir fry)

Mustard Green

  Arugula 

Lambs Quarters

Brassica Stir Fry Mix

Detox Tea Cleavers and Apple Mint

Ox Eye Daisy Tops ( use like capers)

Information on Ox Eye Daisy

http://rawedibleplants.blogspot.com/2012/06/ox-eye-daisy-leucanthem...

http://www.ediblevineyard.com/index.php/stories/article/ox_eye_dais...

http://www.celtnet.org.uk/recipes/miscellaneous/fetch-recipe.php?ri...

Information on Lambs Quarters: 

http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Plants.Folder/Lamb'sQuarters.html

Sheep Sorrel Spread:

http://www.wildmanstevebrill.com/Web%20Recipes/Sheep%20Sorrel%20Spr...

Have a great day ! 

This Weeks Harvest:

Nettle, kale, spinach,cabbage, cauliflower/broccoli mix, brassica mix, bitter Lettuce, zucchini, a pepper, a few purple beans, a cucumber,  collard greens, celery, curly top garlic,  lemon balm, peppermint, sage, basil and high vitamin c tea

High Vitamin C Tea

Ingredients:  rose hips, hibiscus flowers, lemon grass, cinnamon chips

Note:  Vitamin C is a noted antioxidant with disease-fighting abilities.  

Rose Hips:  They contain more vitamin C than almost any other herb, many times the amount found in citrus fruit when measured gram by gram.  

Hibiscus:  high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids.  It has slightly astringent properties.  It is useful for treating mild colds, flus, bruising, and swelling. 

Lemon Grass:  http://planetwell.com/lemongrass-health-benefits-and-healing-properties/

Cinnamon:  Although cinnamon is considered to be simply a spice by most Westerners, herbalists have been using it for centuries as a warming digestive aid.  It is a wonderful mild stimulant and can be combined with ginger to treat circulatory and digestive problems.  It has antiviral and antiseptic activities, making it useful for fighting infections.  

High Vitamin C Tea Recipe: 

4 parts rose hips

3 parts hibiscus

2 parts lemongrass

1 part cinnamon chips 

This is where I order my herbs from: http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/

This is a great recipe, I really recommend trying this one.

Sage Pesto:  http://mcminnvillehealthdefense.ning.com/profiles/blogs/sage-pesto

 ‘Green Sauce'

Green sauce is a common and ages-old early spring recipe, adapt to what you have on hand.

2 cups mixed greens, you can use orach, green garlic, beet greens, chard, arugula, celery leaves, nasturtium leaves, almost any other green herb from your garden... The sky's the limit. 1 clove garlic or 1 shallot or 3 scallion bottoms, chopped fine 1/2 cup cottage cheese 1/2 cup yogurt or sour cream S & P & lemon juice to taste Put all ingredients in  a food processor and mash/whirl til desired consistency. This sauce can be a soup embellishment, a potato topper, a risotto flavoring, etc. Experiment and enjoy.

Basil Vinaigrette

6 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp. white wine vinegar
20 basil leaves
3 roasted garlic cloves ( or more if you are a garlic lover)
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
 

In a blender, purée 4 tbsp. oil, vinegar, , basil, and garlic and season with salt and pepper; transfer vinaigrette to a small bowl and set aside.

Pour this yummy vinaigrette on some chopped veggies and roast them in the oven.  

Bread, Tomato and Basil Salad 

2 lbs. medium tomatoes, cored and cut into small wedges
12 oz. organic french bread or sour dough bread, torn into bite-size pieces and lightly toasted
1 cup loosely packed baby arugula ( or mustard greens, spinach, collard greens)
12 fresh basil leaves, torn
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
organic goat cheese or raw organic cheddar

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, bread, arugula, basil, and onions.

2. In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together the oil, vinegar, and garlic; drizzle dressing over salad. Season generously with salt and pepper, toss to combine, and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

3.  Serve and sprinkle with organic goat cheese 

Lemon Balm Herbal Butter: 

1/4 cup finely minced lemon balm

2 tablespoons, finely chopped thyme

1 cup of organic butter 

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp garlic granules

Cream butter and stir in herbs. Chill for at least 3 hours to allow flavors to blend. Use on roasted meats, rice, vegetables and bread.  

Lemon Balm Sun Tea 

2 tablespoons of fresh leaves for each cup water

Place lemon balm and cool water in covered jar in the sun for a few hours

Strain add honey and, or lemon

Add mint for a refreshing lemony mint tea

 Chocolate Zucchini Bread-Gluten Free

1 cup of Rapunzel Chocolate Hazelnut Butter OR  use almond butter sweetened with 1 tbsp of maple syrup

1 cup shredded zucchini

2 large eggs

2 tbsp grade b maple syrup

1 tbsp pure vanilla

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp sea salt

1-2 tbsp organic dark chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. In a medium bowl combine the chocolate hazelnut butter, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla and sea salt and blend for 2 minutes on medium speed.
3. Add baking soda and vinegar (will fizz up) and blend for 30 more seconds.
4. Stir in shredded zucchini. If really watery, squeeze out excess water.
5. Place in a lined or greased loaf pan. You can use one 5x9" pan or 2 mini loaf pans.
6. Top with 1-2 tbsp of mini chocolate chips.
7. Bake for 23-28 minutes if you have mini loaf pans and 35-50 minutes for large loaf pan. Start testing with a toothpick at 35 minutes and when it comes out clean when inserted in the center, it is done.
8. Allow to cool on a cooling rack and serve. You can also serve warm too.

Where does the time fly?  We are on our 15th week and the Wellness Boxes end Oct 12th.  It just seem like yesterday that we just started our first delivery.  

This weeks box: 

Celery seed, lemon balm, nettle, comfrey, zucchini, cucumber, salad, beans, beets, swiss chard, kale, tea mix, potatoes,tomatoes, peppers, leeks, cabbage, basil, parsley, celery and onion. Also, there will be some cleavers, this is your last chance to get a tincture made.  

Celery Seed Information:

http://curezone.com/cleanse/kidney/Celery-seeds.asp

http://www.foods-healing-power.com/celery-health-benefits.html

Celery seeds are most commonly used as a diuretic, helping to clear toxins from our body system. People who are suffering from gout and arthritis may find celery seed helpful, as the diuretic properties promotes the clearing of uric acid crystals collecting in the joints. Celery seeds also have anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the swelling and pain of the joints.

Additional benefits include the ability to lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

http://www.nutrition-info.com/herbs/herbs-celeryseed.php

Provides Calcium

Fun Fall Recipes:

The pumpkins are not ripe yet, but I thought for those of you who are craving those seasonal fun drinks of the fall would like some fun recipes.   I also included a fun recipe to add rejuvenation to your skin.  Enjoy this wonderful, healing, awesome orange veggie. 

GentlePumpkin Facial Mask

Thanks to exfoliating enzymes and healing vitamins A and C, pumpkin flesh is wonderful for the skin-especially for treating acne, blackheads, age spots, or dull flaky skin. Use canned pumpkins, or cook some fresh and puree or mash it. Warm, mashed fresh pumpkin works the absolute best, feels great, and has a wonderful texture. Honey, a natural humectant, attracts moisture to skin and helps create a plump glowing complexion.

1/4 cup pumpkin puree

1 Tbls Honey 

1-2 drops lavender or geranium essential oil (optional)

Mix ingredients together and massage immediately into dry skin. (You'll get the best results if you leave it on for at least 10 minutes.) You may want to double the recipe to use as a neck decollete treatment. Rinse with warm water and apply your favorite moisturizer. 

Donn't support Starbucks (big corporation that puts the little guys out of business), make your own healthier versions of their  pumpkin latte. 

Pumpkin Latte http://mamanatural.com/pumpkin-spice-latte/

Kakai Pumpkins coming soon........... 

Cucumbers 
How Sugar Affects The Body, Giving You The Lows And Highs

Tired of being wired and tired? 

Following sugar through the body.....

When a child/adult wakes up in the morning after sleeping for ten or more hours, their blood sugar is naturally low.  Even if they had protein-rich snack before they went to bed the night before, digestion has long since delivered it to the bloodstream and into the cells, and now their blood sugar has dropped down to the bottom range of normal.

One of he most common breakfast meals is favorite breakfast cereal, toast and orange juice.  Side note: Even though the cereal boasts of fortification with vitamins and minerals, the cereal contains over fifteen grams (about five teaspoons) of sugar PER SERVING.

The toast is usually covered with jam or cinnamon and sugar, which contains more sugar and other sweeteners than actual fruit.  Another five teaspoons of sugar.  Even though the orange juice does not contain added sugars, it is still pure carbohydrate, which rapidly digest down into simple sugar.  Within minutes, the entire "power breakfast" surges into the bloodstream in the form of glucose, unimpeded by slower-digesting protein or fat.  

This load of blood sugar is dangerous for the brain.  Although the brain is fueled by sugar, it can't handle excessive sugars, so the pancreas leaps to the rescue, dumping Insulin in to the bloodstream to remove excess sugars before they can "burn" the brain.  At each meal, the pancreas senses how much insulin is needed, even before digestion and absorption are complete, so an insulin reaction can happen very quickly.  Large amounts of insulin are released.  

Then just as rapidly, sugar is pulled out of the bloodstream and deposited in the liver.  When the liver is full, the excess sugar is stored as fat, contributing to the super rising epidemic of obesity in this country! 

Side note:  Even the child/adults who are thin these days are carrying to much fat.  This is also a new epidemic.

Due to the high sugar content of the breakfast the insulin response was exaggerated, so the blood sugar plummets.  It is as though someone pulled an electrical cord out of a socket, he or she will run out of steam.   Their sugar is too low and the brain starts to panic.  They get cranky, headachy, irritable, can't concentrate.   Sometimes a child will fall into a chair and star listlessly at their TV, computer or video games.  At other times their adrenal gland spits cortisol into the bloodstream in a desperate attempt to raise blood sugar.  This extra cortisol makes someone hyperactive and damages the hippocampus, their memory center.  Their energy is "false"...

At this point, child/adult reach for the frig, pantry or freezer, pulling out all the sugary foods they can get thier hands on and stuff them into their mouth, just to get their sugar up.   This will only work briefly, but insulin again kicks in and drops the sugar.

This cycle continues, all day long, daily weekly, monthly yearly unless their lifestyle eating habits change.  

I hope by reading this I have given you some motivation to stay away from sugar.  Fall is here soon and for most it starts the "Sugar Fest Of Eating" until after spring.   Challenge yourself to stay away from all the sugar holiday items this fall, winter and spring.

 Just Say "NO" To Sugar This Season! 

Getting Rid Of The Tired Bug Or The Up Down Bug

1.  Get rid of foods with added sugar, corn syrup and agave

2.  Limit fruit.  

        a.    Eat fruit for a dessert at night.  

         b.   Eat a protein with the fruit.   

         c.    Choose fruits that have less fructose in them, chart below 

3.  Exercise is a must

     a.  Adults at least 1 hour 5 days a week, this is the minimum amount 

     b. Tired after work, tough go for a walk/run/kung fu/lift weights/dance etc...

              1.  Get an exercise partner

               2.  Blog and have an audience help you keep your goals

               3.  Get private classes, this will keep on on task 

     c.  Children, tweens, teens.  At least an hour EVERYDAY.

                1.  Young children need to physically play off and on ALL DAY

                 2.  It is up to you as a parent to get your child physically moving, because                             there is not enough physical activity in school. 

4.  Limit Screen Time video games, movies, facebook, TV, social net works:

       a.   2-4 hours a week 

        b.  By limiting their screen time ( and yours) you will gain more energy 

5.  Get plenty of Protein- Organic When You Can

         a.  Eggs, nuts, seeds, cheese, meats 

          b.  Beans combined with rice, pasta or potatoes makes a complete protein

          c.  Organic protein bars

          d.  Organic protein drinks 

6.  Sleep

           a.  Lack of sleep increases health problems, add this to bad eating habits and                     you have doubled your chances of getting diabetes, heart disease etc.  

More information on sleep: 

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/08/23/seven...

7.  Avoid these foods:  read labels

Soy, corn, canola,  non-organic wheat, artificial colors, artificial flavors, msg, corn syrup, sugar, agave, hydrogenated oil, frozen meals, campbells, most restaurants, pilsbury products, hot dogs (unless they are organic) any coffee drink with added sweeteners and artificial sweeteners! ,  no soda,  no caffeinated drinks for kids, tweens and teens!! and any food that has words you do not know what they are. 

http://www.cspinet.org/nah/10foods_bad.html

Nettle,  comfrey, kale,  tea mix is apple-mint/stevia,  tea mix lemon verbena, basil, rosemary, beets, carrots, onions. peppers, tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, swiss chard, zucchini, cucumbers, celery and cabbage 

Making Apple Rosemary Muffins! 

http://www.cauldronsandcrockpots.com/category/herbs/rosemary-herbs/

Charred Green Beans with Lemon Verbena Pesto: 

Here is a link to a yummy recipe.  In this recipe they use pine nuts.  Never eat pine nuts, they are not good for you.  Use walnuts instead.  Use organic ingredients to make this a healthy meal. 

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Charred-Green-Beans-with-Lemon-Verbena-Pesto-395330

Other great uses for Lemon Verbena:  

Lemon Verbena infused olive oil and Lemon Verbena infused vinegar,  Yum! 

http://laist.com/2012/06/07/seasonal_eats_the_powerful_flavor_o.php

Are you taking care of your Hippocampus?  If you want to have a great memory in your golden years, make sure you take care of this one.   Hint:  Stay away from most caffeinated drinks, make sure you add play to your life and meditate on a daily basis.   

Play is crucial for social, emotional and cognitive ­development.

Imaginative and rambunctious “free play,” as opposed to games or structured activities, is the most essential type.

If you do not play you will become anxious, socially maladjusted, depressed, and have possible health issues.  

More on the importance of play, as an adult.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-tian-dayton/when-adults-play_b_666145.html

OK, turn off the computer, pack a picnic, head for a beach and watch the sunset or go for a hike, or buy an art pad and some pastels sit and draw,  just head outside and breath, laugh and play......

Kakai pumpkin, acorn squash, mix of collard greens, swiss chard and kale, Italian brassica leaves, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, basil, rosemary,green tomatoes, tomatoes, tea mix lemon verbena, comfrey and nettle.

Kakai Pumpkin and Acorn Squash: 

Use the Kakai flesh in soups or bake in an oven to use in muffins, cookies, cakes, or bread recipes.

http://www.happyboyfarms.com/our-produce-varieties.php?id=24&keywords=Kakai

Acorn Squash

Cut open, clean out seeds

Place in a Pyrex baking dish

Drizzle ( or heavy drizzle) with olive oil, butter, brown sugar, garlic powder, sea salt and pepper

Bake until tender 

Last Basil Of The Season

If you have not made the infused olive oil with the basil, you really want to make this one, it is incredibly good!

Let it infuse for about 4 to 6 weeks and then drain. 

Green Tomato Dip

A dip for fresh vegetables, a salad dressing for mixed greens, or a sandwich spread.  

Boiling-water bath canner; four 1-pint jars

8 green tomatoes, washed and cored

4 red bell peppers, washed, halved, and seeded

4 large onions, peeled, cut in half

3 cucumbers, peeled, cut into chunks 

1/2 cup sea salt or pickling salt 

2 1/2 cups white wine vinegar

1 cup organic sugar

2 teaspoons celery seed 

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 

1 teaspoon mixed pickling spice 

2 organic eggs

1/2 cup organic white flour

3/4 cup organic olive oil 

Grind the vegetables coarsely, using a hand-turned grinder or pulsating motions in a food processor.  You may also chop the vegetables by hand.  Sprinkle them with the salt. 

Cover and let stand at least 8-12 hours to allow the vegetables to "sweat" 

Drain the vegetables and combine them with 2 1/4 cups of the vinegar, sugar, celery seed, mustard, and pepper.  Add the pickling spice tied in a cheesecloth bag. 

pour the vegetables and seasonings into a nonreactive saucepan.  Cook, simmering over low heat, for 30 minutes.  Combine the eggs, flour, and the remaining vinegar in a food processor.  With the motor running, add the oil by droplets in a  steady stream until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. 

Remove the spice bag from eh vegetables and stir in the egg mixture.  Cook, simmering over low heat, until thick.  This should take 56-10 minutes.  

Ladle into hot, clean jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. 

Cap, seal, and process in a boiling water-bath canner for 10 minutes.

Green Tomato Pickle

4 quarts sliced green tomatoes

6 large onions, sliced

1/2 cup sea salt 

6 cups apple cider vinegar

6 sliced peppers

3 diced sweet red peppers 

6 garlic cloves, minced 

1 tablespoon dry mustard 

1 tablespoon whole cloves

1 stick cinnamon 

1 tablespoon powdered ginger

1/2 tablespoon celery seed 

2 1/4 cups honey 

Combine sliced green tomatoes and onions.  Sprinkle with salt.

Let mixture stand for 12 hours. 

Wash in clear water and drain. 

Heat vinegar to the boiling point, and add the peppers and red peppers and garlic. 

Then add the tomato-onion mixture. 

Tie the spices in a square of cheesecloth and drop into the mixture.  

Simmer for about 1 hour, or until tomatoes are transparent, stirring frequently. 

Then add the honey

Pour into hot jars, leaving 1/4 -inch headspace, and process quarts 15 minutes and pints 10 minutes in a boiling-water bath. 

The body is a dynamic organism, constantly changing  constantly repairing.  Everything looks the same, with gradual signs of aging appearing as decade after decade passes.  But every second in life, cells are being born, are dying, and are being reborn.  new tissue is being laid, old tissue is carried out.  

Billions of new red blood cells are manufactured in the core of bone tissue every day.  Every two to three days, each cell lining the digestive tract dies and is reborn with new materials brought in from the outside.  Minerals are carried out of the bone matrix and deposited into the bloodstream, then drawn from the blood stream and laid down into the bone matrix again.

In the words of Deepak Chopra, as though you were living in a house in which bricks were constantly being removed and replaced.  In time, a new house will have been constructed, a house that looks and "feels' the same but is completely different.

Ninety-eight percent of the atoms in our body were not there a year ago.  The skeleton that seems so solid was not there three months ago.  The configuration of the bone cells remains somewhat constant, but atoms of all kinds pass freely back and forth through the cell walls, and by that means you acquire a new skeleton every three months.

The skin is new every month   You have a new stomach lining every four days, with the actual surface cells that contact food being renewed every five minutes.  The cells in the liver turn over very slowly, but new atoms still flow through them, like water in a river course, making a new liver every six weeks.  

Our body's ability to heal and rejuvenate is fantastic, beautiful and I think a precious miracle.  

Nerve cells do not undergo the type of renewal experienced by other cells, that once the  neuronal tissue is laid into place, it is there for life.  The Brain, cells are not replaced once they die.  

Are you doing all you can to slide into your senior years with as many brain cells intact as possible? 

Most humans are not even close,  They engage in  "antinutrition."   Instead of minimizing the damage to their nervous system, they are accelerating the damage by the very foods (or nonfoods)  that they are stuffing into their mouths.  Humans are digging their graves with their forks.  

Are you taking care of your adrenal glands by eating better food?

Do you drown your anxieties in more work,  junk eating, buying more toys, drinking more coffee, drinking alcohol, taking drugs...anything other than slowing your pace?  

Are you planning your foods carefully and enjoying the process of meal preparation?

Are you savoring a healthy meal with people you love?

Do you see good nutrition as yet another impossible task to squeeze into an overcrowded schedule?  

Do you schedule play days?

How is your exercise program ? ("NO EXCUSES")

You can design a program to feed your brain, and give your body the proper nutrients it needs to rebuild.  But, only by turning your backs on the "American Food Culture" "The SAD Diet is the Standard American Diet, SAD." 

It goes without saying that if you are serious about feeling better, you will need to stop indulging in your favorite junk foods, processed foods, fast food, most restaurants,  coffee drinks, soda, caned soups, hamburger helper, frozen TV dinners, deli meats, movie theater junk food etc.. (this list can go on and on) , that poison your body and brain.  

Are you making a point to get to your farmers markets once or twice a week and purchase organic foods, grass fed meats and pasture raised poultry?  

Here is a list of foods the Mountain Mama Wellness Box Clients received today.  How can you implement new and healthy foods in your daily intake? 

Mountain Mama Wellness Box

Hops, , nettle, cleavers, yellow dock seeds, apple mint, catnip, beets,  carrots, potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, kale, swiss chard, salad mix, peppers, green beans, tomato, leeks  and basil.   

Nettle Bed

Green Mayonnaise:

1/2 cup cooked drained and finely chopped (steamed) nettle

1/2 cup mixed basil, mint, parsley, dill and chives

1/3 cup organic plain yogurt

3 Tablespoons coconut mayonnaise

http://www.selinanaturally.com/organic-mayonnaise-organic-mayo-with-coconut-oil/

1 Tablespoon organic olive oil

2 - 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

sea salt and pepper to taste 

Place all ingredients in a blender of choice.   Blend and Enjoy! 

Side note:   Sometimes, I love adding a little bit of roasted garlic and a small amount of minced onion.  

Apple Mint

Hops:

Make a tincture, combine with catnip mint

How to make a tincture: 

http://mountainroseblog.com/guide-tinctures-extracts/

Hops is a potent medicinal herb highly valued for its relaxing effect on the nervous system.  It is great for insomnia.  It is especially useful for hypertension and eases tension and anxiety in men.   Hops is one of the most potent bitters and is excellent as a digestive bitter.  Great for indigestion due to nervous energy and anxiety.  If you suffer with heartburn try taking a hops cincture with every meal ( please note that if you do suffer with heartburn, dietary changes need to be made). 

Catnip Mint :  Is an excellent calming herb and can be used for all manners of stress.   It is also a restorative digestive aid used for indigestion, diarrhea, and colic.   Also, used for lowering fevers and for the pain of teething or toothaches.  

Catnip Mint

Cleavers ( other names are goosegrass, grip grass, sticky Willie and Rubiaceae)

Make a tincture with your cleavers

http://mountainroseblog.com/guide-tinctures-extracts/

Cleavers have been widely used in herbal medicine for centuries, on account of the tonic, blood-purifying, and diuretic properties of the fresh plant.   In spring, after a starchy winter diet, the fresh green tops were made into a cleansing drink.  An infusion of cleavers is a traditional remedy for skin eruptions, while its diuretic properties are helpful for urinary problems.  Modern herbalists value cleavers tonic effect on the lymphatic system.  This encourages the elimination of toxins and explains the cleansing reputation of the herb.  

More information on Cleavers: 

http://www.eattheweeds.com/galium-aparine-goosegrass-on-the-loose-2/

 Yellow Dock Seeds: 

Yellow Dock Seed Crackers: 

http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2012/03/yellow-dock-pesky-weed-as-food-medicine.html

Yellow Dock Seed Vinegar: 

http://www.hardyecogarden.com/2011/07/eat-your-weeds-rumex-crispus-curly-dock.html

New Salad Bar Bed: 

Sunflowers that smile at you.... 

One of the tomato beds, patiently waiting for them to ripen.........

You don't have to eat less, you just have to eat right... On that note have you been to your farmers markets this week?  Have you tried some new recipes, have you tried a new veggie for the month and how about starting a family and/or single person cooking day once a month or once a week.

Last week my wellness box clients received:  nettle, tea mix of apple mint, lemon verbena and cleavers (wild edible food this week is in the tea mix, it is called cleavers), collard greens, cabbage, comfrey, zucchini, leeks, onion, potatoes, peppers, tomato, green beans, swiss chard, kale, basil, celery and salad mix.  

Tea Mix:  apple mint, lemon verbena and cleavers:  Put bag into a gallon jar fill with spring water or filtered water.  Let sit for 8 hours drain and enjoy 

Cleavers ( other names are goosegrass, grip grass, sticky Willie and Rubiaceae)

Cleavers have been widely used in herbal medicine for centuries, on account of the tonic, blood-purifying, and diuretic properties of the fresh plant.   In spring, after a starchy winter diet, the fresh green tops were made into a cleansing drink.  An infusion of cleavers is a traditional remedy for skin eruptions, while its diuretic properties are helpful for urinary problems.  Modern herbalists value cleavers tonic effect on the lymphatic system.  This encourages the elimination of toxins and explains the cleansing reputation of the herb.  

More information on Cleavers: 

http://www.eattheweeds.com/galium-aparine-goosegrass-on-the-loose-2/

Nettle Greens:  I got this recipe out of a cookbook that I have that is dated 1937

Put on your gloves to gather, wash, and cup up the nettles.  Pour boiliing water over and the sting will be gone.  Drain and chop fine.  Heat 2 tablespoons butter in saucepan, stir smooth with 2 tablespoons, flour.  Add 2 cups milk, stir and heat until thick.  Seaosn with salt, pepper, and a few dashes of nutmeg:  add chopped nettles and simmer.  This with a little cream if you wish.  This recipe serves for all greens. 

Basil Infused Organic Olive Oil:  

Basil is considered a sedative and digestive.  Hot basil tea is said to be helpful in alleviating indigestion and stomach cramps.  

Sweet and Sour Red (or green) Cabbage and Apples with Red Wine and Thyme 

2Tbls extra -virgin olive oil or coconut oil 

1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced 

1 cinnamon stick

2 bay leaves 

1 large head red cabbage (or green), cored and thinly sliced 

2 Granny smith apples cored peeled, and cut into 1/2 inch dice

1 cup spring water or filtered water 

1 cup organic red wine

1/4  cup red wine vinegar

1/4 cup brown sugar 

6 fresh thyme sprigs 

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive or coconut oil over medium heat.  Add the onions, cinnamon, bay leaves, and salt.  Cook stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened. 

Increase the heat to medium high;  add cabbage and cook, stirring, until cabbage wilted, about 8 minutes.  Add the apple, water wine, vinegar, brown sugar and thyme sprigs.  Let come to a boil, then lower heat until simmering. 

continue to cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender, about 45 to 60 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Uncover, and let simmer, stirring until the liquid is reduced to a slightly thickened sauce. 

Makes 8 servings

No-Knead Bread:

I love to knead bread but, for some people, time is a big issue and kneading does take from your time. With this recipe I would only use Organic Wheat Flour, and better yet, if you can grind your own. Flour that you grind yourself is better for you.  I would also use organic yeast. 

 http://www.frugallivingnw.com/frugal-homemaking/amazing-no-knead-bread-step-by-step-recipe/

Peasant Bread: 

http://www.alexandracooks.com/2012/11/07/my-mothers-peasant-bread-the-best-easiest-bread-you-will-ever-make/

Why do you spend money for what is not bread, 

and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen

carefully to me and eat what is good, and delight

yourself in abundance. 

Author Unknown 

Tea mix of pineapple sage, stevia, nettle, apple-mint, rose petals, calendula, young blackberry leaves and lemon verbena, salad, collard greens, potatoes, cabbage purple, cabbage green, zucchini, cucumbers, celeriac tops, brassica mix, kale, basil and wild food of the week yellow dock seeds: 

Wild Food Of The Week -Yellow Dock Seeds, Wild Buckwheat 

Yellow Dock Seed Crackers: 

http://www.methowvalleyherbs.com/2012/03/yellow-dock-pesky-weed-as-food-medicine.html

Yellow Dock Seed Vinegar: 

http://www.hardyecogarden.com/2011/07/eat-your-weeds-rumex-crispus-curly-dock.html

Zucchini Bread and Butter Pickles:  Water Bath Canning Recipe

Yield:  6 qts.

2 qts. organic apple cider vinegar

2 cups local honey

6 tablespoons salt

4 teaspoons celery seed

4 teaspoons dill seed

2 teaspoons ground mustard 

8 qts. fresh zucchini, sliced 

2 qts. onion, sliced 

Bring vinegar, honey, and spices to a boil.  Pour over the zucchini and onions.  Let stand for 2 hours.  Heat mixture to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.  They will get mushy if cooked longer. 

Pack into hot sterilized jars.  

Insert a knife down the edge of he jars to remove any air bubbles   Complete seals, process for 15 minutes in a boiling-water bath. 

Zucchini Carrot Muffins - Grain Free 

http://veggienook.com/2013/05/22/grain-free-paleo-and-vegan-carrot-zucchini-muffins/

Zucchini Apple Spice Muffins - Grain Free:

http://paleomg.com/zucchini-apple-spice-muffins/

Basil- Shallot ( Or Walla Walla Onion) Mustard

Yield:  5 1/2 pints 

2/3 cup organic apple juice

2/3 cups organic red wine or organic red wine vinegar

1/2 cup dry mustard

1/3 cup spring water or filtered water

1/4 cup light mustard seeds

1/8 cup chopped organic basil

1/8 cup minced shallots or walla walla onion

2 tablespoons honey 

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 

Combine the apple juice, wine or vinegar, dry mustard, water, and mustard seeds in a glass or ceramic bowl and stir, mixing well. 

Cover the bowl with natural wax paper and a cloth and let stand for 4 - 6 hours, stirring occasionally. 

Process the mixture in a bowl of a food processor ( or blender) until the mustard seeds are coarsely ground. 

cook the mixture in a double boiler over simmering water, adding the basil, shallots or onions, honey, sea salt and allspice.  Cook for 20 - 25 minutes   The mustard will thicken as it cooks. 

pour into sterile jars. Cap and seal. 

Allow the flavors to marry for 2 - 3 days before using.  Will keep in the refrigerator for 2 - 3 months unopened.  

Tea Mix: Nettle, apple-mint, pineapple sage, lemon verbena, calendula, wild young blackberry leaves and rose petals. 

Empty bag into a gallon jug of spring or filtered water.  Let sit overnight, strain and enjoy.  

Pineapple Sage

Nettle/Apple-MintLemon Verbena