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		<title>Crispy Sweet Potato Fries</title>
		<link>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/10/crispy-sweet-potato-fries/</link>
		<comments>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/10/crispy-sweet-potato-fries/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 10 May 2012 12:25:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>knewsom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kari's Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home made]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/?p=1789</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160;Over the past 3 years I’ve tried about 739 recipes for sweet potato fries. Okay, maybe more like 10 or 12 recipes – but after so many fails, it just seems like hundreds...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1908.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/IMG_1908.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;<br /><font size="3" face="Arial">Over the past 3 years I’ve tried about 739 recipes for sweet potato fries. Okay, maybe more like 10 or 12 recipes – but after so many fails, it just seems like hundreds upon hundreds.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1902.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/IMG_1902.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />Since I found my long lost love a.k.a <a href="http://pinterest.com/karinewsom/" target="_blank"><font color="#43818b">Pinterest</font></a>, I’ve pinned even more recipes for this delectable treat.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1904.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/IMG_1904.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />I had the most amazing sweet potato fries a couple years ago at a restaurant in Downtown Denver. Time stopped and the sun stood still when I took my very first bite.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1907.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/IMG_1907.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />Every love song I’ve ever known went on shuffle inside my head as I polished off the entire plate of them.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">They were that good and I’ve tried ever since to find a recipe like it.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Fail after fail after fail left me and my family lacking the excitement for these healthy fries and you could see the disappointment every time I’d put a bowl of them on the dinner table. Forcing them to eat another experimental batch of soggy fries.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><em><strong>Bleh.</strong></em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">So a couple weeks ago I found a recipe on <a href="http://pinterest.com/karinewsom/" target="_blank"><font color="#43818b">Pinterest</font></a> that caught my attention&nbsp; and so I braved the waters of sweet potato fries.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">It worked. <em>It really worked.</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1913.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/IMG_1913.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />When I was finished I had a baking sheet full of crispy, wonderful tasting fries that had me begging for more.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1909.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/IMG_1909.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />No more soggy, limp fries in this house.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Now, I can see how you could possibly get the soggy result, but if you soak them long enough and don’t over crowd on the baking sheet, then I think’s there’s no way you could fail.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">If you’re brave and have the time to plan for some soaking time, you should really test<em><font color="#43818b"><strong> </strong></font></em></font><a href="http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/guaranteed-crispy-sweet-potato-fries-sriracha-mayo-dip/" target="_blank"><font color="#43818b" size="3" face="Arial"><em><strong>this recipe</strong></em></font></a><font size="3" face="Arial"> out over at </font><a href="http://www.theartofdoingstuff.com/guaranteed-crispy-sweet-potato-fries-sriracha-mayo-dip/" target="_blank"><font color="#43818b" size="3" face="Arial"><strong><em>The Art of Doing Stuff</em></strong></font></a><font size="3" face="Arial">!</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Serve these along side a hamburger wrapped in lettuce, topped with cheese, tomatoes and avocados! It wouldn’t hurt to have a little bowl of <a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/09/grilled-veggies-with-butter-and-parmesan/" target="_blank">veggies grilled in butter and topped with parmesan cheese</a> to go along with it!</font></p>
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		<title>Grilled Veggies With Butter and Parmesan</title>
		<link>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/09/grilled-veggies-with-butter-and-parmesan/</link>
		<comments>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/09/grilled-veggies-with-butter-and-parmesan/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 09 May 2012 12:32:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>knewsom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kari's Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veggies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/?p=1784</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Although many places you can use your grill year round, that’s not the case in Colorado. Many times of the year it would require tromping through 3 feet of snow to make dinner....]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1915.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/IMG_1915.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F05%2F09%2Fgrilled-veggies-with-butter-and-parmesan%2F&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fs1188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz405%2Flivingonpurpose%2Fsweet%2520potato%2520fries%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DIMG_1914.jpg&amp;description=Grilled%20Veggies%20with%20Butter%20and%20Parmasen" count-layout="horizontal"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pin It" border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png"></a>
<p align="left"><font size="3">Although many places you can use your grill year round, that’s not the case in Colorado. Many times of the year it would require tromping through 3 feet of snow to make dinner. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">Not exactly my idea of fun, so when good weather rolls back around I’m so excited to get to use the grill again.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">Even though I eat the majority of my veggies raw – I do have moments where I can truly enjoy my grilled/sautéed/steamed veggies – straight from the grill.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">If you like veggies, I’m sure you’ll enjoy this quick and easy dish!</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">As always, using organic ingredients is best and healthiest!</font></p>
<p align="left">&nbsp;</p>
<p><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F05%2F09%2Fgrilled-veggies-with-butter-and-parmesan%2F&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fs1188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz405%2Flivingonpurpose%2Fsweet%2520potato%2520fries%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DIMG_1914.jpg&amp;description=Grilled%20Veggies%20with%20Butter%20and%20Parmasen" count-layout="horizontal"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pin It" border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png"></a>
<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1914.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/sweet%20potato%20fries/IMG_1914.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p align="center"><font size="5"><strong><u>Grilled Veggies with Butter and Parmesan</u></strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><strong><font size="3">What You’ll Need:</font></strong></p>
<blockquote><p align="left"><font size="3">-&nbsp; choice of veggies (I like to use zucchini, squash, mushrooms, tomatoes)</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">- organic real butter</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">- parmesan cheese (raw is best)</font></p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left"><font size="3"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><strong><font size="3">What You’ll Do:</font></strong></p>
<blockquote><p align="left"><font size="3">I realize that aluminum foil isn’t the best thing to use, but I haven’t found a great alternative yet to give it that steaming affect, while allowing them to sauté in the butter.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">- take 2 pieces of aluminum foil and create a sturdy ‘bowl’ with them</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">- place all the cut veggies in the ‘bowl’ and place some pieces of real butter over the veggies</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">- pinch the tops of the aluminum foil together so it has room to steam</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">- if you have a top rack, place them there, if not, then place them on the grill rack on the lowest setting</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">- you just have to keep an eye on these since cooking times will vary</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3">- when the veggies are sautéed, then it’s time to remove them and ENJOY!</font></p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left"><em><strong><font size="3">What’s your favorite way to prepare veggies?</font></strong></em></p>
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		<title>Are You Listening?</title>
		<link>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/08/are-you-listening/</link>
		<comments>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/08/are-you-listening/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 08 May 2012 16:13:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>knewsom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food Education]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/?p=1780</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Everyday your body talks to you. Do you know it’s voice? This past weekend I actually heard mine talk to me. Well, actually, it screamed at me. Quite a few times. This weekend,...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Everyday your body talks to you. Do you know it’s voice?</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">This past weekend I actually heard mine talk to me. Well, actually, it screamed at me. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Quite a few times.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">This weekend, Cinco de Mayo to be exact, I celebrated my 37th birthday. This meant that I strayed a bit from my normal, healthy way of eating. Okay, maybe strayed isn’t the best word to describe what I did. A better word would be abandoned.</font></p>
<p align="center">&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/37.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="37" border="0" alt="37" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/37_thumb.jpg" width="404" height="537">
<p align="center"></a><font size="2" face="Arial"><em>{me on my 37th birthday}</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">How in the world does my birthday have anything to do with hearing your body speak to you? Amuse me for a bit while I go over a few things.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Friday we celebrated my birthday with the kids by going to our favorite, local pizzeria. Pepperoni pizza and a salad with ranch dressing. I think my reverse osmosis water that I brought from home was the healthiest thing I ate that night.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Saturday, my actual birthday, started wonderfully with my Hubby making pancakes (his version, not mine) and eggs with a glass of whole milk.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I enjoyed snacking on chocolate chip cookies (my version of New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies). I probably visited the cookie jar 23 more times than I should have. To this day I say that it was worth it.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cookies.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="cookies" border="0" alt="cookies" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cookies_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="298"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />For dinner, Hubby and I went out for dinner and dessert. Dinner was at a little local Mexican restaurant called El Tepehaun. They have wonderful burritos we call El Burros, chips and super hot, yet addicting salsa. Somehow I ate all of it.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dinner.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="dinner" border="0" alt="dinner" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dinner_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="300"></a></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Arial">
<p align="left">After eating my 13 pound burrito, we went to this amazing little place in downtown Denver called “<u>d</u>” [d-bar] to finish out the evening . Yes, a it’s a dessert bar.</p>
<p align="left"></font><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dbar.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="dbar" border="0" alt="dbar" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/dbar_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="348"></a></p>
<p align="left"><em><strong><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />Genius.</font></strong></em></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">There I sat at this quaint little counter watching this lady meticulously arranging these fabulous desserts. I sat there in pure amazement as she painted the white, square plates with chocolate sauce, cilantro and perfectly round scoops of ice cream set upon pellet sized chocolate balls.&nbsp; I was anxiously awaiting my order of churros with ice cream accompanied by a hot mocha, with the foam sitting there with a perfect design drawn in it as Hubby waited for his layered chocolate cake and chocolate malt.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chef.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="chef" border="0" alt="chef" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chef_thumb.jpg" width="336" height="404"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />We chose the healthy options off the menu, can’t you tell?</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Then they arrived. For a brief moment I though I heard angels singing. My goodness – what better way to end my birthday evening than to consume churros with chocolate dipping sauce? Deep fried goodness covered in cinnamon and sugar. I’m sure everything I ate was refined and overly processed. Hubby’s chocolate cake was absolutely amazing. Dense, moist and not too rich. I’m not sure I’ve ever tasted such a tasty chocolate cake. </font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cake.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="cake" border="0" alt="cake" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/cake_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="300"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />I was only able to eat 2 of the 3 churros, because they&nbsp; were so rich. They actually melted in my mouth as I bit into them. So, I took my lone churro home and realized at 10:30 pm that I should eat the left over, award winning churro &#8211; since it definitely wouldn’t taste as good the next day.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/churros.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="churros" border="0" alt="churros" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/churros_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="300"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />I laid in bed that night feeling like I had 3 bowling balls sitting inside my stomach. My body was not accustomed to all this heavy food.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I managed to actually sleep that night and vowed I wouldn’t eat food for the next 2 days.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Sunday morning I did good by eating Wheat Farina for breakfast – it felt good eating real food again.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Then it went downhill from there. Again. After church I stopped by the grand opening of our new Coffee / Book Shop. Of course I supported our church and ordered a small latte. Then it was leftover pizza for lunch and some organic, chocolate cake that Hubby made on Saturday for dessert. After a little afternoon hike at Mt. Falcon, we made our routine ‘after hiking’ trip for ice cream. </font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hiking.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="hiking" border="0" alt="hiking" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/hiking_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="400"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong><em><br />Ice cream.</em></strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I figured I’d keep it simple by getting just a single scoop, but messed it all up by getting a chocolate dipped waffle cone to hold my Sleepless In Seattle ice cream scoop. By the time we got home all I could manage to do was drag myself around and accomplish nothing.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ICECREAM.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="ICECREAM" border="0" alt="ICECREAM" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ICECREAM_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="323"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><br />This is the point of my ramblings.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I heard my body talking to me. More like scream at me, but non-the-less, my body was not happy with the choices I made all weekend and it was letting me know. I ignored it and ignored it good. I had no energy, my stomach was so heavy and I seemed really tired throughout the day, when normally that doesn’t hit me until the evening. My husband was even a tad concerned and kept making sure I was okay since he isn’t use to seeing me just sit and do nothing. I told him that I didn’t eat anything over the course of the weekend that actually provided my body with energy.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">As I sat there in what people call a ‘food coma’ I realized something. It was enlightening.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">This is how people live everyday of their lives. They eat out all the time, consuming heavy, refined and processed foods in excessive amounts, get no exercise, they’re tired, sleepy and lacking energy all the time and they don’t get restful sleep at night. In order to combat the physical side of this, they drown themselves with coffee, energy drinks or sugar-laden foods to get those quick bursts of energy. But those are short lived and in the end, people never do anything to change this vicious cycle.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Everyday our bodies speak to us, but are we listening? </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">It was so clear to me by the end of this weekend that I can tell when I am feeding my body foods that my body needs and can do something with – as oppose to eating foods that are hard on my digestive system, drain energy from me and provide little to no nourishment. I think so many people are so accustomed to feeling ‘bad’ that it’s actually ‘normal’ to them. Most people may not even wake up to hearing what their bodies are saying until they take some time to eliminate their SAD diet (Standard American Diet) and allow their bodies to start with a clean slate.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">This is why I encourage and recommend for all my clients to make certain changes to their eating habits, such as eliminating processed foods, refined flours and sugars, soda and more. I also have them go grain-free for at least 3 weeks. This serves many purposes, but it’s a great way to give your digestive system a rest, so once you start introducing grains back in, you’ll be able to tell how they are actually affecting the body. Most people find that that when they try to go back to eating their old way – their body rebels – and rightfully so!</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">We need to come to terms with the truth that our body was created to function a certain way. It requires specific nutrients to remain healthy, thriving and strong. If we neglect to give our body what it needs, then issues began surfacing. If only we realized that just because we don’t like it, it doesn’t mean our body doesn’t need it AND just because we like it, doesn’t mean our body needs it. How profound.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Don’t get me wrong – I enjoyed my weekend with my family, date night with Hubby and all the great-tasting food! It just reminded me that eating this way cannot be a daily thing for me. When I enjoy these foods and outings on special occasions, I do just fine. It’s when I try to live off those foods that my body speaks up and firmly tells me STOP! I’ve learned the importance of listening to my body (not my mind and physical cravings) and it has benefited me in more ways then I could possibly express.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/mtfalcon.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="mtfalcon" border="0" alt="mtfalcon" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/mtfalcon_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="400"></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong><em></em></strong></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong><em>Are you listening to your body today?</em></strong></font></p>
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		<title>True Grilled Cheese Sandwiches</title>
		<link>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/04/true-grilled-cheese-sandwiches/</link>
		<comments>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/04/true-grilled-cheese-sandwiches/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 13:31:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>knewsom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Kari's Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[dinner]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home made]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kari's kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[raw]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recipes]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/?p=1757</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’m pretty sure grilled cheese sandwiches have been around since the Garden of Eden. If my memory serves me right, I ate these at least every other day when I was younger. You...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="left"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/Grilled%20Cheese%205-3-12/IMG_1892.jpg"></p>
<p><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F05%2F04%2Ftrue-grilled-cheese-sandwiches%2F&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fs1188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz405%2Flivingonpurpose%2FGrilled%2520Cheese%25205-3-12%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DIMG_1892.jpg&amp;description=Grilled%20Cheese%20Sandwich%20made%20on%20the%20Grill!%20Perfect%20outcome!%20%40living.on.purpose%20THE%20BLOG" count-layout="horizontal"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pin It" border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png"></a>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I’m pretty sure grilled cheese sandwiches have been around since the Garden of Eden.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">If my memory serves me right, I ate these at least every other day when I was younger. You know, grab the bag of sliced bread. I’m sure it was white for a while, but at one point my mom started buying wheat. Then I’d pull out the tub of Country Crock (insert “bleh”), then I’d unwrap my 2 slices of cheese product and go at it. Margarine up the bread, put a little in the skillet, insert cheese, top it off with a slice of bread and add more margarine. Fry it in the melted margarine, flip, fry it some more.&nbsp; Then I’d enjoy it along with either Kool-Aid or soda.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Sigh.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I’m so glad my method has changed since then, but I’ll be honest and say that I still enjoy my grilled cheese sandwich.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/Grilled%20Cheese%205-3-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1899.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/Grilled%20Cheese%205-3-12/IMG_1899.jpg"></font></a><font size="2" face="Arial"><em>{these are organic pickles from the store, but I want to try my hand at making them myself this summer}</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Just between you and me, I always thought they were called “Girl Cheese Sandwiches” and laughed a couple weeks ago when I heard my daughter calling them by the same name.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I definitely like my new version 1,000 times better and I actually grill them on the grill.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong><em>So good.</em></strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">If you’ve never made this delish meal on the grill, then step away from the stove and try it! You may never make these on the stovetop again!</font></p>
<p align="left"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/Grilled%20Cheese%205-3-12/IMG_1893.jpg"></p>
<p align="center"><font size="5" face="Arial"><u>True Grilled Cheese Sandwiches</u></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong><em>Here’s What You’ll Need:</em></strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Organic Sourdough Bread</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Organic sliced cheese or block cheese – we use sharp cheddar and pepperjack (really raw is best, but use what you can)</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- RAW and Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- REAL Butter, soft enough to spread (<a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/03/14/making-sweet-cream-butter/" target="_blank"><em><font color="#43818b">make your own</font></em></a> or buy a reputable organic brand)</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Any add-ins that you may enjoy on your ‘Girl Cheese Sandwich’</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="5" face="Arial"><u></u></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/Grilled%20Cheese%205-3-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1895.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/Grilled%20Cheese%205-3-12/IMG_1895.jpg"></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong><em>Here’s What You’ll Do:</em></strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Prep the grill by placing your grill rack or aluminum foil over the section you’ll be cooking on (aluminum foil isn’t the best, but if you don’t have a grill rack you really do need something over the main rack).</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Butter the bread on the sides that will be on the inside.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Arrange your cheese so it doesn’t hang out of the sandwich too much (on the grill, this causes a mess).</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Place another slice of bread on top of the cheese and spread some coconut oil over the entire top piece of bread.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Place on the grill with burners on low and cook for a couple minutes. Watch closely, everyone’s grill cooks differently.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Once you see the cheese melting and the underside bread is starting to brown a little, flip to the other side. You may need two spatulas so it doesn’t fall apart.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Cook for a couple more minutes and remove from the grill.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Serve with pickles, home made sweet potato fries or a nice dinner salad!</font></p>
<p align="left">&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/Grilled%20Cheese%205-3-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1890.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/Grilled%20Cheese%205-3-12/IMG_1890.jpg"></font></a><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F05%2F04%2Ftrue-grilled-cheese-sandwiches%2F&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fs1188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz405%2Flivingonpurpose%2FGrilled%2520Cheese%25205-3-12%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DIMG_1892.jpg&amp;description=Grilled%20Cheese%20Sandwich%20made%20on%20the%20Grill!%20Perfect%20outcome!%20%40living.on.purpose%20THE%20BLOG" count-layout="horizontal"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pin It" border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png"></a></p>
<p><font size="3" face="Arial">It’s that easy and they are oh so good! The bread turns out soft inside but just a tad crispy on the outside from the coconut oil. Truly the best grilled cheese sandwiches I’ve ever made!</font></p>
<p align="left">&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/signature1.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="signature" border="0" alt="signature" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/signature_thumb1.png" width="200" height="100"></a><font size="3" face="Arial"></p>
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		<title>Bondage, Stronghold or Freedom? {Defining Your Relationship With Food}</title>
		<link>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/02/bondage-stronghold-or-freedom-defining-your-relationship-with-food/</link>
		<comments>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/05/02/bondage-stronghold-or-freedom-defining-your-relationship-with-food/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 02 May 2012 16:19:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>knewsom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/?p=1746</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[photo credit Odd subject, I know, but it’s something we should talk about. Are you in such BONDAGE to eating healthy that you no longer enjoy your life and you’re making everyone around...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="center"><font size="3" face="Arial"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/jailsmall.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="jailsmall" border="0" alt="jailsmall" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/jailsmall_thumb.jpg" width="404" height="239"></a></font><font size="2" face="Arial"><em><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1226063" target="_blank">photo credit</a></em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Odd subject, I know, but it’s something we should talk about.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Are you in such <strong>BONDAGE</strong> to eating healthy that you no longer enjoy your life and you’re making everyone around you miserable? </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Has food become such a <strong>STRONGHOLD</strong> in your life that it has such control and authority over you as if you are weakened under it’s power, showing no restraint?</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Or, have you found <strong>FREEDOM</strong> &#8211; <em>that happy place</em> &#8211; of living a healthy lifestyle on a daily basis, but also allowing you and your family occasions for decadent desserts and late night meals of steak and lobster?</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I don’t know how many ‘food’ blogs you read or how many ‘foodies’ you know, but I’m pretty sure you can get bogged down with tons of information and possibly, at times, condemnation.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Even from my blog.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Only eat organic food, don’t eat refined sugar, don’t drink soda, don’t eat simple carbs too late in the day, soak your flour, soak and dehydrate your nuts, drink green smoothies, balance your hormones naturally, stay away from products with SLS, glycols and parabens – you know &#8211; everything you’ve read on my blog. AND If you don’t do these things, then somehow you’re a terrible person not worthy of anything good and you leave your computer feeling unfit as a human being.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">It’s time to clear things up.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Don’t get me wrong – I absolutely stand by all of those principals of living and eating healthy that I mentioned above. I also live by them. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I think I make people nervous, though. People who know me and what I do tend to feel like they need to justify why they ate pecan pie at Thanksgiving dinner or why they decorated sugar cookies with their kids for Christmas. It makes me chuckle, because I always tell them they don’t need to explain to me why they are enjoying their life. I also let them know that I ate chocolate cake on Thanksgiving and I, too, make and decorate the most amazing sugar cookies with my kids for Christmas. Sometimes I even do it for Valentines Day, birthdays or just because I want to. I also have this habit of making my favorite chocolate chip cookies on a regular basis (acceptable ingredients of course).</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I’m the first to admit that I’m a major health nut. I’m a fanatic. I’m passionate. I will always be this way when it comes to taking care of me and my family. I believe we need to be educated on taking care of our bodies – our most vital asset here on this earth. It’s not a secret that we take better care of our cars, golf clubs and clothes than we do the bodies we live in. Personally, I don’t think this is acceptable. I have devoted my life to learning all I can to ensure that me and my family live long, live strong and that we finish our time on this earth <strong>strong</strong> and in good <strong>health</strong>. I also believe it’s absolutely possible – so it’s not an inconvenience to live this way. It’s more like a mandate.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Enter in my blog. Since becoming a Certified Health and Nutrition Consultant I have wanted to share all that I have learned – with the world! That’s why I teach 2 classes, specifically on health, on a monthly basis, I put my all into helping my paying clients and I continually help people (you could say pro-bono) who are in need of help, but can’t financially afford to hire me. Everything I have learned on the natural side and on the Biblical side of living a healthy life is so life changing that I can’t help but share it. It’s like those blogs who are devoted to sewing, crafts, decorating or animals. These people have a passion, they have knowledge and they want to share the love and allow others to benefit from their talents and gifting. That’s what I want to do, so when I’m writing up posts and sharing recipes – I am very disciplined about the information I am sharing. I may even be cut-throat about certain things – like how people should stop eating processed foods, that fast food should become a thing of the past and home cooked meals should be routine, or that soda should be exiled from your house and if you’re not drinking whole milk, you may be making a life altering mistake. Does this mean you’re a bad person if you still eat cereal or hit the drive through lane every now and then? Absolutely not! Then why do I write this way? Essentially, I may have only one shot to reach someone. My desire is to teach people and it is my belief that you teach truth and you teach it fully. When you’re learning dance or a sport, they don’t beat around the bush and tell you that it’s a good idea to eat good, exercise if you feel like it and if you can sleep more than 3 hours a night it would be helpful – NO – they lay down the law, because they are teaching you to be the best at what you are setting out to do. This is where successful people are created.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I want to teach you to be the best and the most committed when it comes to your health and the health of your family, friends and all those you know.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Our generation has become so disconnected from nature, our body, natural living, real food and so much more, because we now have people telling us everything we need to know. Not only this, but we can trust everything they say, so there’ s no need to become educated ourselves. We just go with the flow, follow their leading and do whatever they say.</font></p>
<blockquote><p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><em>This is where I become a rebel. I believe this is where we have made a huge mistake – just taking whatever is said by government agencies, organizations, popular magazines or talk show hosts– and making that the final say so in our life.</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><em>They tell you that real butter is bad for you, so instead they push you to eat butter substitutes like margarine which are just sticks and tubs of plastic, deodorizers, dyes and other toxic chemicals that wreak havoc on the body.</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><em>They tell you that full-fat dairy will make you fat, so drink skim milk (or not milk at all) and low fat dairy products such as yogurt, sour cream or cream cheese. The problem is – this is causing issues with insulin and is stunting the sex hormones from thriving they way they are suppose to (can you say infertility?).</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><em>They tell you that eating a breakfast bar with fruit filling is equivalent to eating a piece of fruit.</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><em>We also hear that you no longer have to drink pure, clean water – you can just add a flavored powder (Crystal Light) and this can count for your daily intake of water.</em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><em>What about the latest buzz that popcorn may be healthier than vegetables (look at cattle and pigs that are fed corn and grain only – they’re fat, not healthy).</em></font></p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">We believe this. We act on this. And now we are paying for it.</font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="3" face="Arial"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chainessmall.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/chainessmall_thumb.jpg" width="404" height="304"></a></font><font size="2" face="Arial"><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/863724" target="_blank"><em>photo credit</em></a></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">In short, for reasons such as this, I will always remain steadfast and solid on my principals and ideals of taking care of me and my family and our ‘temples’ the best possible way that I can. This means the most healthy food I can get my hands on. Food that is unadulterated and untouched as much as possible. Meat that doesn’t come from crowded and diseased farms where animals are treated so unethically it brings tears to my eyes. Fruits and veggies that are grown to maturity (preferably in my garden) , nutrient dense and packed with so many vitamins and minerals that there’s no need to take supplements. Milk that has not been stripped of it’s health benefits and hasn’t had it’s structure altered by pasteurization. Grains and sugar that haven’t been refined – stripped of nutrients, bleached with toxins and lacking anything to benefit the body. Skin care products that won’t harm me or my family just from inhalation, water that is as pure and clean as we can get (although I’d be in favor of a spring in my backyard) and supporting businesses that are bringing us products made in the USA! Essentially, this is my platform and I will not be moved from it.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Now, does this mean that when I am at someone’s home I refuse to eat the dinner they made because they used conventional and non-organic meat or a cake made from a box mix topped with frosting that came from a plastic tub? Will I refuse to bake my children a birthday cake that has sugar in it? Will I never EVER drink another soda, Mocha Moolatte or enjoy ice cream from Cold Stone?</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong>No.</strong> </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I will always be gracious when eating at someone’s home. Their generosity blesses me, so I will honor and respect that. My children will always get birthday cakes (although I’ve learned how to make amazingly yummy cakes without body harming ingredients). I will enjoy ice cream outings with my husband and kids and I guarantee that someday I will enjoy another root beer soda. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong>Yes, I am okay with this.</strong> </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">My family lives an extremely healthy lifestyle. We LIVE it. We don’t just do it every once in a while, we do it daily. So, when these celebrations and special occasions are upon us – we embrace them and enjoy them. We enjoy the fellowship with other people while we’re enjoying a break from our routine of eating a very diligent diet. We laugh, smile, have fun and enjoy the food and company. We enjoy our life.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><em><strong>You should too.</strong></em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Don’t allow food to become such a bondage to you where it’s more frustrating than fun and you have put so much weight on eating healthy foods, that you refuse to eat cake at your friends birthday dinner and you find that your relationships are suffering because you are dogmatic about this. Eating healthy, but living with anger, stress and bitterness will be of no benefit, because as you’ve learned on my blog, those emotions can do harm on your body just as much as the wrong foods. The other side of the coin is – don’t let food become a stronghold over you either. Many people show no self-control or temperance in the area of what they are putting in their bodies. Many people just don’t care. Others have been educated very deeply, yet they refuse to make changes because of the inconvenience it may create in their life. When there is an area where you are no longer in control – then it has become a stronghold on you. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I realize that there are many people have never been educated, therefore don’t know any better. Others may not have the finances to eat as healthy as other people. Then you have people who don’t have the resources (such as organic food, clean water, etc.) and have no choice but to eat GMO food, non-organic meats and veggies and non-filtered water. We should not make these people feel like failures because they are not able to step up and make these radical changes in their life all at one time. </font><font size="3" face="Arial">If you find that trying to live a healthy lifestyle is causing you stress, frustration and financial problems – then it’s time to step back and try starting things from a different angle. I call it the <strong>FREEDOM</strong> angle.Take baby steps. Make small changes that will leave a lasting impact on your physical body. Allow these small changes to become routine and habit in your life, then start incorporating more changes.</font></p>
<p align="center"><font size="3" face="Arial"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/armshighsmall.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="armshighsmall" border="0" alt="armshighsmall" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/armshighsmall_thumb.jpg" width="272" height="404"></a></font><font size="2" face="Arial"><em><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1080072" target="_blank">photo credit</a></em></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I’ve had some clients who want to jump into the water with both feet and just get to work! With those people, that’s just what we’ve done. Others are honest and they’ve told me, “I don’t think I can make all these changes at once!” Thank God for honesty, because they recognized that they could potentially fail if they had to turn their life upside down in a moment’s time. Others may not have wanted to make so many changes at once, but their health was severely on the line, so they had to implement those changes immediately – but the important thing is this – do what will work for you and what will cause you to be successful in the area of living and eating healthy!</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">If you are regular reader of this blog – just know that you will always get the hard core truth from me when it comes to living a truly healthy lifestyle. I am here to help you on your journey to a healthier you. A journey takes time, it has steps and you go through different seasons along the way. Allow me to be someone who is guiding and encouraging you on your journey to reaching the optimum level of a healthy life – Spirit, Soul and Body! Choose the <strong>FREEDOM</strong> side! </font></p>
<p align="center"><font color="#43818b" size="4" face="Arial"><em>“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 3 John 1:2 (NLT)</em></font>
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		<title>Easy Peasy Peanut Butter Drops</title>
		<link>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/04/30/easy-peasy-peanut-butter-drops/</link>
		<comments>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/04/30/easy-peasy-peanut-butter-drops/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:26:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>knewsom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Food Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kari's Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[baking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[desserts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[food]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home made]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[kari's kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nutrition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/?p=1732</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[&#160; My house is always in need of things to snack on. I have 2 young children who expend energy faster than anything I’ve ever seen before in my life. I’m sure they...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1980.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/IMG_1980.jpg"></font></a></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;<a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F04%2F30%2Feasy-peasy-peanut-butter-drops%2F&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fs1188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz405%2Flivingonpurpose%2Fpeanut%2520butter%2520drops%25204-29-12%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DIMG_1980.jpg&amp;description=Healthy%20and%20quick%20peanut%20butter%20drops!%20Peanut%20butter%2C%20raw%20honey%2C%20unsweetened%20coconut%2C%20chocolate%20chips%20and%20sucanat!%20Packed%20with%20protein%20and%20energy!" count-layout="horizontal"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pin It" border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png"></a> </div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">My house is always in need of things to snack on. I have 2 young children who expend energy faster than anything I’ve ever seen before in my life. I’m sure they could create an entire science course around the energy that comes from my 6 and 3 three old children.</font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I also happen to like something sweet and tasty every now and then myself.</font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Like every 30 minutes to be exact.</font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1975.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/IMG_1975.jpg"></font></a></div>
<div><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Although I am disciplined enough to not graze throughout the day since it can mess your up by not allowing you insulin and human growth hormone to do the best job they can do – when my window of opportunity is open for a yummy snack – I take it!</font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">BUT…the snacks have to be healthy and provide some health benefits or I won’t make them or have them around for us to eat. One thing I have enjoyed over the past few years of switching to real and traditional foods is that you can still create amazing dishes, desserts and beverages. Desserts being the operative word, since I tend to lean towards have a sweet tooth, not a salty one!</font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">These peanut butter drops are a great little snack that provides a punch of protein and energy! They are quick and easy, but unfortunately they don’t stick around very long, so you have to make a lot of you want them around for more than a day. </font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">With ingredients like natural, organic, freshly ground peanut butter, RAW shredded and unsweetened coconut, really RAW honey, some super healthy mini-chocolate chips and a tad bit of sucanat (an unrefined sugar) – you have yourself a healthy treat you won’t have a problem giving your family to snack on.</font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1978.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/IMG_1978.jpg"></font></a></div>
<div><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1977.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/IMG_1977.jpg"></font></a></div>
<div><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1979.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/IMG_1979.jpg"></font></a></div>
<div><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">As always, using the healthiest ingredients is the best. The point is to eat healthy! We shouldn’t be filling our bodies with foods it can’t even recognize and it can’t even utilize. I want the food we eat to be nutritional building blocks for our health. This means I always use organic when it’s available. I grind my peanut butter at the store, so it’s fresh and has no added ingredients. You can also make your own at home in your food processor. I’m fortunate enough to have wonderful health food stores that carry organic, unsweetened shredded coconut. I do think RAW is the best, but typically you have to order that online.</font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I use really RAW honey that I can get at Vitamin Cottage. I choose ‘really RAW’ because it truly is the rawest you get. It is unheated, unfiltered and solid in it’s natural state. You may find some RAW honeys that are liquid and in my opinion – they are not truly RAW. If you cannot find really RAW, then by all means get the RAW that is liquid – but it’s best to stay away from cheap honey (aka, those cute little honey bears). Honey is packed with nutrients, minerals and natural energy – don’t waste money on a product that has removed all the benefits of this amazing food. </font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">As for my chocolate chips, I use a brand called Enjoy Life and they are the ONLY brand of chocolate chips that I have found in the stores that do not contain soy. I DO NOT LIKE NOR ENDORSE SOY! These amazing chips are soy, dairy, nut and gluten free and are made in a dedicated nut and gluten free facility. They are also vegan and kosher. You pay a bit more for them, but I think it’s worth it! </font></div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Last, I use Sucanat to roll the peanut butter drop and it gives it a soft sweet finish to it. Sucanat is an unrefined sugar, which is awesome and is wonderful addition to a healthy foodie’s kitchen!</font></div>
<div><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1983.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/IMG_1983.jpg"></font></a></div>
<div align="center"><font size="5" face="Arial"><br />Peanut Butter Drops <br /><font size="3"><em>(Packed with Protein and Energy)</em></font></font></div>
<div><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<div><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<blockquote><p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong>Here’s What You’ll Need:</strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">-&nbsp; 1/2 cup natural peanut butter</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">-&nbsp; 1/2 cup really raw honey</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">-&nbsp; 1/2-1 cup unsweetened, finely shredded coconut</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">-&nbsp; 1/4 –1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips (soy free)</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">-&nbsp; Sucanat (unrefined sugar) for rolling the drops</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="http://s1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/?action=view&amp;current=IMG_1984.jpg" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/IMG_1984.jpg"></font></a></p>
</blockquote>
<div><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</div>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong>Here’s What You’ll Do:</strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- In a medium size bowl, mix the peanut butter and honey until combined thoroughly. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Add the chocolate chips. You can add more or less according to your taste (I always add the larger amount). </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Add the coconut in 1/4 cup amounts until the consistency reaches a thick, yet semi-sticky state. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- You don’t want it so sticky that you can’t roll it, but you don’t want it so dry that it wont hold together. Find the happy medium. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Once you are able to roll them and they still have some stickiness to them, roll into balls and then roll in the sucanat. </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Place on wax or parchment paper on a baking sheet or plate. </p>
<p></font>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">- Refrigerate for a while so they can harden up a bit, transfer to a glass jar and keep in the fridge.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left">&nbsp;</p>
<p><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i1188.photobucket.com/albums/z405/livingonpurpose/peanut%20butter%20drops%204-29-12/IMG_1976.jpg"> <a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F04%2F30%2Feasy-peasy-peanut-butter-drops%2F&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fs1188.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fz405%2Flivingonpurpose%2Fpeanut%2520butter%2520drops%25204-29-12%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DIMG_1980.jpg&amp;description=Healthy%20and%20quick%20peanut%20butter%20drops!%20Peanut%20butter%2C%20raw%20honey%2C%20unsweetened%20coconut%2C%20chocolate%20chips%20and%20sucanat!%20Packed%20with%20protein%20and%20energy!" count-layout="horizontal"><br /><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pin It" border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png"></a>
<p align="left">
<p>Go ahead and give them a try. You won’t be sorry. If you’re not the hugest fan of coconut, I can tell you that I don’t really taste the coconut. The peanut butter is mostly what I taste, with the sweetness of the honey and sucanat. Oh and&nbsp; to get a wonderful piece of dark chocolate goodness in a bite makes the experience all the more better! </p>
<p align="left"></font>&nbsp;</p>
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		<title>Make Your Own Cream Cheese</title>
		<link>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/04/24/make-your-own-cream-cheese/</link>
		<comments>http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/blog/2012/04/24/make-your-own-cream-cheese/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 12:45:33 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>knewsom</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[DIY]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Food Education]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kari's Kitchen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[My So-Called Green Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[healthy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[home made]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[milk]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[natural living]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nutrition]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[organic]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sides]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/?p=1725</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I’m pretty sure I can make anything and everything from scratch. This thought is what keeps me in bondage to my kitchen – whether I like it or not. It’s how they did...]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_1543.jpg"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1543" border="0" alt="IMG_1543" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_1543_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="267"></font></a></p>
<p><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F04%2F24%2Fmake-your-own-cream-cheese%2F&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F04%2FIMG_1543.jpg&amp;description=Make%20your%20own%20cream%20cheese%20with%20just%20one%20simple%20ingredient!%20%7Bliving.on.purpose%20THE%20BLOG%7D" count-layout="horizontal"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pin It" border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png"></a>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I’m pretty sure I can make anything and everything from scratch. This thought is what keeps me in bondage to my kitchen – whether I like it or not.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">It’s how they did it in the years gone by, right?</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I know it’s more time consuming than just buying the product, but the more and more I’m researching and learning about how our foods are treated and handled to end up on a grocery store shelf – the more I find myself being defiant of supporting the system.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I’m a rebel, I know.&nbsp; Making my own cream cheese. I’ll show them! </font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Now, I realize that it’s not going to change the way industrialization works, but at least I know I’m giving my family safe foods that won’t harm their body.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Enter into the picture – cream cheese.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I’m not the biggest connoisseur of cream cheese, but every now and then I have recipes that call for it. I always felt guilty using non-organic brands, but for some silly reason I didn’t like spending money on organic brands that still used highly pasteurized milk.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">So, I pulled out my Nourishing Traditions Cookbook that has it’s own place on the top of my fridge for easy access and found how I could make my own easily.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I choose to use cultured buttermilk and unfortunately the brand of dairy I really like (which is low-heat pasteurized and non-homogenized) only has 2% milk-fat instead of whole milk. Okay, had to be okay with that, because it’s the best milk we can get in Colorado at the store since raw dairy is not legal for retail sale. This week I’m going to try it with 2 quarts of my home made yogurt that made last week. I’ll have to give an update on how that goes.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a><font size="3" face="Arial"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_1283.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1283" border="0" alt="IMG_1283" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_1283_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="267"></a></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">It’s simple to make and you get two products when you’re done.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Cream cheese and whey!</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">This is exciting because whey is such an amazing product and I add it to smoothies, my home made mayonnaise and also when I’m baking or soaking grains. It’s amazing to me how simple it is to get so many uses out of single products created in nature.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">So, if you’re a rebel like me and want to try making your own cream cheese – the directions are below. Seriously – so easy peasy, it’s almost silly.</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_1542.jpg"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1542" border="0" alt="IMG_1542" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_1542_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="237"></font></a></p>
<p align="center"><font size="5" face="Arial"><u>From Scratch Cream Cheese</u></font></p>
<p align="left"><strong><font size="3" face="Arial"></font></strong>&nbsp;</p>
<blockquote><p align="left"><strong><font size="3" face="Arial">Here’s What You’ll Need:</font></strong></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">2 quarts whole-milk buttermilk (you could also use yogurt – homemade being the best)</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">large fine mesh strainer</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">flour sack or dish towel with a sack cloth or tea towel texture (always used specifically for this process)</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">wooden spoon</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">2 large mason jars or a glass pitcher</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">1 large bowl</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p align="left"><a><font size="3" face="Arial"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Untitled-1.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="Untitled-1" border="0" alt="Untitled-1" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Untitled-1_thumb.png" width="400" height="315"></a></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"><strong>Here’s What You’ll Do:</strong></font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">If you are using the buttermilk, you will need to pour it into a clean class jar with a lid and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 days – until you see the milk separating. This will result in a light yellow liquid (the whey) and white curds.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">If you are using yogurt, then you have no preparation steps.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Place a large fine mesh strainer over a large, glass bowl and line it with a flour sack or clean dish towel.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Pour the buttermilk or yogurt into the strainer and allow it to sit for several hours to drain the whey out. If you are using yogurt, this will take longer than the buttermilk.&nbsp; I always take a plate and place it over the strainer so nothing ends up in the strainer.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">You will see the whey fill up in the bowl and the soon-to-be cream cheese staying in the strainer.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Once the whey stops dripping, it’s time to to tie up the towel and tie with cotton string (or you could use a rubber band). Make sure you aren’t squeezing the cream cheese though – let it be a loose tie up.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Insert a wooden spoon through the cotton string and let this rest over a large glass pitcher. If you don’t have a pitcher, you can use a bowl that can fit in between two large mason jars and rest the spoon on those (as shown in the photo above).</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">It will continue to drip for a while longer. Once it stops dripping, the cream cheese is ready.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Store the whey liquid into a clean class jar and put the date on it.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Store the cream cheese in a container and refrigerate.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">The cream cheese should last about 1 month and the whey will last about 6 months.</font></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">Like I said, easy peasy!</font></p>
</blockquote>
<p align="left"><a><font size="3" face="Arial"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_1544.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_1544" border="0" alt="IMG_1544" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/IMG_1544_thumb.jpg" width="400" height="288"></a></font></a></p>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial"></font>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a class="pin-it-button" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fblog%2F2012%2F04%2F24%2Fmake-your-own-cream-cheese%2F&amp;media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.livingstrongwellness.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F04%2FIMG_1543.jpg&amp;description=Make%20your%20own%20cream%20cheese%20with%20just%20one%20simple%20ingredient!%20%7Bliving.on.purpose%20THE%20BLOG%7D" count-layout="horizontal"><img style="display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto" title="Pin It" border="0" src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/PinExt.png"></a>
<p align="left"><font size="3" face="Arial">I don’t think I’ll ever buy Philadelphia Cream Cheese again. The taste does not compare! My favorite way to eat it? On toasted sourdough bread! Be a rebel and try it. When you do, tell me what you think!</font></p>
<p align="left"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/signature14.png"><font size="3" face="Arial"><a href="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/signature15.png"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="signature" border="0" alt="signature" src="http://www.livingstrongwellness.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/signature_thumb12.png" width="200" height="100"></a></font></a><font size="3" face="Arial">&nbsp;</font></p>
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