Spiced Apples and Cream Gelatin Dessert

While I love bone broth, it's an especially nice change to get my gelatin in other ways, too.  Summer is a great time to experiment with gelatin desserts because of the variety of fruits in season.  I've seen so many posts about gelatin recently, that I finally decided to try some recipes that included my own tweaking.  Since concentrating on better eating and more nutritious foods, I hadn't had a gelatin dessert for a long time.  Store-bought gelatin, with all its dyes and chemicals, is not something I want to put into my body!  And really, making one's own is just as simple, but it allows for much creativity (fun!) and is much more nutritious.  For more information on choosing gelatin powders, please see this post.  Below is the gelatin powder that I use.

A couple days ago, I decided to first try making a black raspberry and cream gelatin dessert with our fresh black raspberries.  (My inspiration came from this post with some creative gelatin snacks.)  It turned out pretty good, although there were some tweaks that I would incorporate for making it another time.  It had a little tooooo much gelatin (which isn't bad ~ just a texture preference) for one thing.  And then, I accidentally put too many drops of lemon essential oil in (they come out fast sometimes!), so that there was more of a lemony taste than black raspberry.  'No terrible mess-ups.  ;)   Of course, the seeds were a little annoying, as far as getting stuck in teeth since I didn't take the time to try to strain them out, but anyway...

After that experiment, my mind started concocting other possible flavors to try; there are just so many options!  I thought of one and then another until I decided to try spiced apples and cream.  This seems more "fallish," but the gelatin aspect still makes it seem "summerish" enough.

Spiced Apples and Cream Gelatin

Bottom Layer:

1 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons gelatin
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Pour the applesauce in a pan and sprinkle the gelatin on top.  Turn the burner on warm to medium just to whisk and dissolve the gelatin.  Sprinkle in the pumpkin pie spice while whisking.  When ready, pour mixture into two one-cup Pyrex dishes, dividing evenly.  Place the dishes in the refrigerator to set up while making the top layer (about 15 minutes or so).

Top Layer:

1/3 cup coconut milk
3 teaspoons gelatin
1 tablespoon raw honey
1/4 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla (or to taste)

Pour the coconut milk in a pan and sprinkle the gelatin on top.  Turn the burner on warm to medium to whisk in the gelatin and also the honey.  After the gelatin is dissolved, mix in the vanilla.  Take the dishes with the bottom layer out of the refrigerator and carefully pour the cream mixture on top of each, dividing evenly.  Place the dishes back in the refrigerator to finish setting completely, or put in the freezer for quicker results and quicker eating.  :)

Makes two one-cup servings.

I love these little one-cup Pyrex dishes with lids!  They are the perfect size for individual desserts, etc., like this.

What did we think of the final result?  Well, I thought it was pretty good.  The spice was definite, but not too overpowering.  I thought about adding a bit of honey to the bottom layer for next time, but it wouldn't be critical.  Although my husband is more of the cookie-pie-cake dessert eater, he said that it was fine and wouldn't change anything really.  Coming from him, that's not too bad!  ;)   I depend on him for constructive critiquing of my trial-and-errors.  :)

So, if you are in the mood for gelatin desserts, please give this one a try and let me know what you think!

Note:  The cream layer is basically a panna cotta, so that in itself has endless possibilities!

It's Springtime! Lilla Rose Review and Giveaway

A couple months ago, I decided to become a Lilla Rose consultant!  For quite a few months, though, I'd read other bloggers' comments about Lilla Rose products.  I think the one that struck me the most was by a woman who had gone through some rather severe health issues, resulting in her having thin hair.  Yet, according to her, the Lilla Rose clips stayed in her hair and did not pull.  In fact, she said that she forgot she even had a Lilla Rose Flexi clip in her hair, because she didn't feel it!

For quite some time, I'd been wearing an elastic/scrunchie combo., because the average clip just wouldn't stay in my hair.  (I like to call it having "hormonal hair!")  They may look nice, but that's about it!

Finally, when I saw that there was a sale (best time to try something if it's not free anyway!), I decided to order a couple and see for myself if they would work.  It took a little getting used to the feel of sliding the pin through, but the Flexi clip stayed in my hair!  Of course, the fact that there are grooves on the pin and that there are different sizes helps!  And, because the Flexi clip is all one piece, I didn't have to worry about dropping the pin as I was working it into my hair.

Now, I can wear something prettier in my hair--something that will stay put and is durable as well.  I like the fact that there are so many to choose from--a little plainer, to fancier, and some in between!

As for becoming a consultant, I decided that it was worth getting a discount on these lovely little items!  And, perhaps I would try some of Lilla Rose's other products as well.  Also, unlike many companies, Lilla Rose does not require a huge minimum yearly total in sales to remain a consultant.  So, that works great for those who would rather be a more casual consultant or just get the consultant discount.  However, there is also plenty of room for advancement.  Another plus that I enjoy is being part of the Lovely Ladies group on Facebook.  They are so kind to answer questions, share ideas, and even share prayer requests!  And, I've found that most of them are not consultants just to try to have play money; no, many [of us] use the extra money to help with costs of health issues, home schooling, etc.  So, if you decide that being a Lilla Rose consultant would be something for you to do, feel free to contact me.  Or, just go to my Lilla Rose web site where there is a link telling how you can join.

Well, without further ado, let's get on with the giveaway!  This giveaway is for those 18 years or older and is only applicable for those residing in the United States.  This giveaway is also only for Lilla Rose - Abiding Place customers and/or those who have never worked with or bought from another Lilla Rose consultant.  (After all, we respect each consultant's "territory!")  ;)   In addition, this giveaway is only open to those who have never won a Lilla Rose giveaway before.  This giveaway for a free Flexi clip valued up to $16 begins Friday, March 22, and runs through Friday, March 29, 2013.  Try to enter as many entries as you can for increased chances of winning, and thanks for entering!  I'm hoping to have the winner announced on March 30.  :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway



I'd like to mention, too, that until April 20, 2013, Lilla Rose - Abiding Place is running a Spring Special.  Just buy three Flexi clips and you will get a FREE Lilla Rose product of your choice valued up to $18.  The free product will be shipped separately.  Also, Lilla Rose is still offering their Spring Shipping Sale--free shipping on orders over $20, which is good through Saturday, March 23.  So, if you've been considering trying Lilla Rose, now would be a great time!   Just click this link to shop!

Making Bone Broth

Have you ever heard of bone broth or made it before?  It is actually a traditional food that seems to have been lost on our modern world of processed food.

When I first heard of it, I just sort of passed it off as being "too involved" to try to make.  It wasn't until I became more serious about using real food to help treat my health issues that I finally decided to dive in and make some.  There is much more information about bone broth than what I will be posting here, but I will add some links for those who are interested in more particulars.  For now, I will just give some basic information and take you on a tour of how I make bone broth.  And, as far as making it, I've found that people do it different ways.  I decided to follow the instructions that my CSA farmer gave me, and it has worked fine for me.  So far, I've made bone broth from beef bones and chicken bones.  The beef bones take longer to simmer--about 48 hours.  For chicken, I like to simmer a whole, pastured chicken in my dutch oven pan for about two hours.  (I'll rinse the chicken first and make some cuts under the wings and in the breast to expose more of the tissue.)  Then, I strain out the broth (my "first batch") and pick off the meat and skin to eat.  Although, sometimes I will leave the skin to simmer with the "second batch."  For the second batch, I fill the dutch oven pan with filtered water again to simmer the bones, tissue, and skin for about 24 hours.  By doing two batches, the meat is not over cooked, and there is more yield of broth.  Both batches gel fine, which is the desired result, as you will see later with the photo of the beef bone broth.

So, what is so great about bone broth, you might wonder?

Well, as this blogger says, as well as many others, "Every chef and foodie knows the key to a good soup or sauce is in the stock, and unlike the canned or cartoned varieties, homemade broth is loaded with minerals, gelatin, and glycosaminoglycans (which include substances like chondroitin and glucosamine, keratin and hyaluronic acid and more.) These nutrients known to benefit teeth, bones, hair, nails, and joints.  Bone broth is also a digestive elixir that helps to heal the gut lining for those who suffer from digestive problems, food allergies, and nervous system conditions including anxiety and depression."

Others, such as my CSA farmer, know that it has helped them with osteoporosis.  [Article]  The minerals that helped build strong bones for the animal are leached into the bone broth as it simmers.  By the end, the animal bones look as if they have osteoporosis then!  (See the picture toward the end of this post.)

Again, it's best to choose bones from sources that are pastured and do not use hormones and antibiotics.  For that matter, it's best to eat meat from these sources, too!  And, that's where you have to know your farmer.  ;)

So, let's get on to the bone broth making, and I will add other links on bone broth at the end of this post for further information.

First is the bag of bones.

The bags of bones that I get from our CSA farmer average three to five pounds, and she charges about $1 per pound.  That is a great deal because (1) I know that they come from grass-fed cows and (2) they yield broth that is cheaper in price and healthier than buying a carton of broth from the store.  Store-bought broth has undesirable ingredients added to it, such as MSG, etc.  It may take a little more planning/time to make it, but really it is easy enough for all the benefits.


If I remember, I'll first rinse the bones before putting them in the stock pot.  (Some like to first roast their bones with some garlic for added flavor.  And, some will add apple cider vinegar, parsley, carrots, etc.)  Then the stock pot is filled with filtered water and the heat set to high.  It takes a while, but the water needs to come to a rolling boil for about ten minutes.  The "scum" that floats to the top is spooned off and discarded.  It's not terrible if this step is missed, but the broth may not taste as good.

After that step is done, the heat is turned down to a low simmer, and the lid is placed on top--but not tightly--as shown.

Now it just simmers for about the next 48 hours.  If the water gets too low in the pot, more needs to be poured in.  I make sure it is filled before going to bed.  Toward the end, though, I let the pot remain at about 2/3 full; a full pot at the end will make the broth too watery, and it won't gel.  Some may be uncomfortable leaving the pot simmering on the stove all night for one reason or another.  In that case, this blogger has a post on some options.

After the broth is done simmering for those several hours, it's time to strain out the broth.  I use glass Pyrex storage dishes and Mason jars.  Some put it in ice cube trays for easy use in cooking.

As promised, below is a picture of one of the bones.  I hope you can tell how it has the look of osteoporosis!  It is easy to crumble with the fingers.

(And, for some reason, the picture won't rotate the right way!  But, I think you can still see the idea.)

 After the broth is all strained out, I put the containers of broth in the refrigerator overnight.  And, in the morning there is a nice layer of fat on top of wonderfully gelled bone broth!  It can be used be used as a base in soups, to cook rice, or just consumed as is with some sea salt and ghee/butter to taste.

So, bone broth is easy enough to make and is a healthier option than the store-bought varieties.  Below are a few more links for further information.  Happy bone broth making!  :)

**There is also gelatin powder that you can buy.  The brand I like to use is Vital Proteins.  Just use some powder as a healthy addition to smoothies, tea, or use it to make puddings, jello, etc.  But, making bone broth from bones still has benefits all its own.

http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/videos/stock-broth-and-soups/

http://www.lovingourguts.com/dehydrated-broth/

http://www.lovingourguts.com/the-difference-between-bone-broth-and-meat-broth-or-stock/

http://www.lovingourguts.com/gaps-basics-basic-bone-broth-tutorial-why-and-how-2/ 

http://www.cookingtf.com/five-more-bone-broth-mistakes-you-might-be-making/

Blessings That Overtake

Deuteronomy 28:2

"And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee,

if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God."

(KJV)

Yes, this is one of those "blessings posts!"

As with most, I need to remind myself of the Lord's many blessings in my life; it's too easy to forget.  And, it's not every morning that we wake up humming that wonderful hymn "Count Your Blessings."  The other day, a friend of mine posted this quote on her Facebook page, "How wonderful life would be if we could forget our troubles as easily as we forget our blessings." ~unknown.

Beginning last year and continuing this year, every day I've written in my daytimer at least one thing that I am thankful for.  Of course, it's easy to think of one blessing (especially if you have trusted Jesus as your Saviour and know that you are on your way to Heaven)!  But, have you ever taken time to let your heart and mind dwell on the multiple blessings in your life--to the point that they seem to overtake you?  If you have, you know that heartfelt praise and worship to the Lord take place, and that is a blessing to our whole being as well!  Praising the Lord is glorifying to the Lord; we were created for His praise and glory.

So, instead of thinking about one or two blessings, dwell on a multitude of them and let them overtake you.  Your day will probably seem a little brighter!

Today's Tidbit - Dry Skin Brushing

Are you familiar with dry skin brushing?  It doesn't take that long to do before taking a shower, etc., and it's so simple!  The brushes are fairly inexpensive, too.  Look at the benefits and tips below and try it if you haven't!

Streams in the Desert

This blog would definitely be missing something without a post on this wonderful daily devotional book!  Before receiving this book, I had heard of it but was not very familiar with it.  Shortly after the passing of Audrey, a friend thoughtfully sent this book to me.  She had bookmarked a particular devotional that she thought would be a blessing.  However, I soon found that each devotional I read was thought provoking and a blessing to my heart.

Here is an editorial about "Streams in the Desert" from Amazon.com:  "L. B. Cowman [the author] worked as a pioneer missionary with her husband in Japan and China from 1901 to 1917, during which time they helped found the Oriental Missionary Society. When Mr. Cowman's poor health forced the couple to return to the United States, Mrs. Cowman turned her attention to caring for her husband until his death six years later. Out of Mrs. Cowman's experiences and heartbreak came her first book, Streams in the Desert, followed by its companion Springs in the Valley. During the next twenty-five years, Mrs. Cowman inspired several nationwide Scripture distribution campaigns and wrote seven more books. Finally, on Easter Sunday in 1960, at the age of ninety, Mrs. Cowman met face-to-face the God she had served so faithfully for nearly a century."

If you do not have this book, I would definitely encourage you to add it to your personal library.  It makes a thoughtful gift for someone as well!

Today's Tidbit - Healthy Emotions

Did you know that emotions and health are very much connected?  Take a look at the infographic below (hint: click on the image to see a larger view), and consider Proverbs 17:22, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."  (KJV)