Sunday, December 21, 2014

Stuffed acorn squash with walnut butter drizzle

Sheree backpacking in October and telling fibromyalgia, "You've met your match."
 Life is a series of ups and downs, a study in contrasts. Just a few months ago, I was the Sheree in the photo above. I felt strong and as if I had, not conquered, but at least learned how to manage my fibromyalgia and other health issues, through diet and exercise.

Sheree post injury in serious need of therapy dog Misha
In an instant, I was the Sheree in the photo above---injured with a broken wrist from hitting a patch of ice and flying off my bike. The injury, coupled with the pain medicines and surgery, and being unable to continue my regular routine brought my fibromyalgia and stomach problems back with a vengeance. I tried to walk out to the mailbox and my neighbors wondered who was that slowing-moving, hunched over lady.

It was during this rough patch that I realized I wanted to change the direction of my blog to reflect by journey with fibromyalgia and the assorted accompanying health issues. Fibromyalgia is one of the most under treated chronic health issues, and I feel it needs as many voices and advocates as possible.

I plan to change the name of my blog to Fibromyalgia: Meet Your Match in the new year. My blog will still feature recipes, good for those with bacterial overgrowths, as well as pix of my favorite therapy canines and felines. I will discuss all the health issues that I have dealt with in my efforts to relieve my chronic pain.
Roasted veggies on acorn squash with walnut butter drizzle
Stuffed acorn squash with walnut butter drizzle is a recipe good for anyone but it also works for me as a holiday meal.

Here's what you need:

1 roasted acorn squash (you will need about 1/4 for a serving)
for the stuffing: 1/2 stalk celery, 1 baby carrot, 1 radish, 4 mushrooms, 1 small zucchini, 1/4 cup cauliflower, handful spinach
olive oil
salt and pepper
1 T. walnut butter mixed with 2-3 T. water
1 handful baby greens





Roast your acorn squash, halved, on parchment paper-lined baking sheet, at 400 degrees for about 30 minutes. Dice or slice your other veggies. Place them on another baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until tender, about 20 minutes.Saute the spinach in olive oil in a small skillet.
To serve, place the roasted veggies and spinach in and around acorn squash on a bed of greens. Serve with roast turkey and drizzle all with the walnut butter.
Here is a finger stretch I have been doing as I rehab my hand from my injury. I call these photos below my hand and finger selfies. Spread your fingers out wide and press them on a counter or desktop edge.
Repeat one finger at a time.
Do a similar stretch for your wrist by flexing the wrist while pressing against your desk or countertop.
Then, stretch out your fingers, spreading them apart.
Draw your fingers in to make a fist and repeat by extending your fingers.

Make a fist, extend your fingers out, and repeat about eight times.
And don't forget to get plenty of rest during the holidays or anytime---words according to the husky Misha.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Healthy pumpkin spice coffee

One-armed Sheree with cast hidden under giant jacket borrowed from hubby
 If you've been wondering where I've been the past few weeks, I wasn't taking a relaxing trip to a tropical island. The only flying I did was off my bike when I hit a patch of ice. Now, I am recovering from a broken wrist and surgery to repair it. Yes, that's me in the photo above, all glamorous with my one-armed look and my mountain-woman attire.
Pumpkin spice coffee
One-armed or not, I can still prepare a good cup of coffee, thanks to a Keurig. Right after my accident, I was in need of some serious comforting pumpkin spice coffee. Yes, I think I mentioned in a previous post that I too am addicted to all things pumpkin spice.

 This beverage is so easy to make even a one-armed lady can prepare it. First, gather your ingredients.
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups milk beverage of choice
  • 4 cups strong coffee
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • 1-2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • stevia or other sweetener of choice
Pumpkin spice coffee in crockpot
 Put all ingredients in a crockpot. Stir to mix. Turn on your crockpot and walk away. Pretty soon, your house will be filled with a wonderful pumpkin spice coffee aroma. Allow, the mixture to heat and meld for about one hour.
Store extra coffee in fridge for days of delicious pumpkin spice coffee
 Pour a nice cup for yourself, share with others or store extra in a container so you can enjoy pumpkin spice coffee for days.
This brew was so warm and comforting in the early days of my injury. But I could enjoy it just about anytime.
Where's my cup of joe?
Wow, now I can even use a keyboard again, albeit it's more laborious than my pre-injury days.But my doc says keyboarding will help stretch out the ligaments in my fingers and hands. I'm also doing lots of other hands and finger stretches, good for anybody. I'll post some pictures and stretches next time.

 http://wholenewmom.com/traditional-tuesday/homemade-toffee-chocolate-clusters-pumpkin-marshmallows/