Olive Beet & Nut Tapenade

I'm in love with Olive Tapenade, so decided to make my own. Once again no recipe because anything goes!!

Olives, Almonds, Walnuts, Beets are the ingredients.

Rough Olive Beet & Nut Tapenade Recipe:


2 or 3 Tbsp Olives (Black & Green) pitted
1 Tbsp Raw Almonds
1 Tbsp Raw Walnuts
1 Tbsp Cooked Beet
2 small cloves Garlic
1 fresh Tabasco pepper
1 tsp soaked Fava Beans
1 tsp soaked Chickpeas
2 Tbsp Turmeric Infused Olive Oil & Kalunji Oil
1 tsp Apple Cider Vinegar

Thanks to The Bullet, I blended them all to make a paste consistency.

Please note:  Avoid adding - the deadly white - Salt.  The olives are usually soaked or preserved in salt water, so they provide the dish with enough salt.

Turmeric Infused Olive Oil & Kalunji Oil

My mini jar of Turmeric and Kalunji oil, that I happened to find in Dubai, is running out on me. Luckily, I came across Fresh Turmeric Root today at an Indian Market. You should have seen the excitement on my face. Without hesitation, I bought a pound or two of it. Just as I do with ginger, I put the roots in the freezer, so as to prevent them from molding.








HOW TO:
Prior to putting them in the freezer, I grated a couple of roots into a jar (grated about 2 tablespoons of the turmeric.) Filled the jar with Olive oil, and added a couple teaspoons of Kalunji (Black seed/Nigella) Oil. 

I Finally have my own Homemade Turmeric Infused Oil with Kalunji - Time to Heal!!

Now I use this oil instead of plain old Olive oil. It has the benefits of all three plants.

- Olive - Turmeric - Kalunji - 

Turmeric: A whole body cleanser, Anti-inflammatory, Liver enhancing, Aid in detoxification, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Immune Boosting, and rich in antioxidants that aid in the body’s fight against cancer, heart failure, cataracts, dementia and ulcers. (to name a few)

Root

I've attempted to eat the root raw, and i can handle the taste - will attempt to use it for flavouring just as I use raw ginger.

Turmeric (& Kolongi) Oil

During a trip to Dubai and visiting the "Souk" flea market, I came across many vendors who carried spices & herbs. I was in Wonderland!!  that's where I came across an infused oil with turmeric and kolongi.  it's a topical application and It's a healer.  My cuts healed in half the time they usually did. Baby diaper rashes that wouldn't heal because of constant moisture from the diaper, were reduced in size and severity with this oil. I've used it on some rashes as well, with outstanding results.  This oil also contained Kolongi - a seed mentioned in the Quran as being "A healer of everything except death"

Zaatar breakfast with my Nephew

Boost your Brain!!!

My nephew loves zaatar (as I do) and we were in need of breakfast, this one PA day morning. Of all the choices, he decided on Zaatar & Chai (Black tea).

So off to the kitchen to make a dough. He helped me mix a flour & butter dough and we topped it off with Zaatar. The zaatar was mixed into the dough along with some black olives, and rolled into sticks and bite size balls. Then baked at 350 Celsius. Quick, easy and tastes wonderful!

We finished the presentation with sliced tomatoes, a bit of Labneh infused with turmeric, a hint of cayenne, and paprika for the dipping sauce, and of course a mug of black tea.


Zaatar is great for the Brain & Heart. It prevents coagulation and clotting of the blood, which in turn allows for transport of oxygen to tissues and organs. The oxygen dose to the brain replenishes it and boosts it's power.

Cucumbered Yogurt, with a hint of mint



CUCUMBERED YOGURT, with a hint of mint

please do take in consideration that this Yogurt is made with a starter culture of bacteria. If it's Tangy, it's probably healthier. It's the present bacteria that is beneficial to us. Any heat treated yogurts won't give you the same benefits since the bacteria (pro-biotics) are killed off.
Also avoid yogurts that contain any sugars, fruits, flavors, thickeners, stabilizers & preservatives. These are just additives that you could & should do with out (remember they might not directly harm you, but they build up in our systems & are forced to over work to eliminate them).
HEALTH BIT:

Yogurt is:* Rich in calcium (works with live culture to increase absorption by bones)
* Pro-biotic (Digestion aid)
* Rich in Proteins
Cucumber is:* Cucumber is a natural diuretic, secreting and promoting the flow of urine.
* Potassium content of cucumber - useful for high and low blood pressure.
* Cucumber contains erepsin, the enzyme that helps to digest protein.
* High silicon & sulphur content - said to promote the growth of hair
* The high mineral content
Mint is:* Promotes Digestion
* Activates secretion of enzymes
Olive Oil is:* high content of antioxidants
* Controls LDL "bad" cholesterol levels while raising HDL "good" cholesterol)
* Activates the secretion of bile and pancreatic hormones
Garlic is:* Natural Antibiotic - enhances the body's immune cell activity.
* Regulates the body's blood pressure
* Packed with vitamins and nutrients
HOW TO:
1 cup plain (natural) yogurt
3/4 cup diced middle eastern (small) cucumber
1-2 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
2 tbsp Chopped mint (fresh or dried)
1/8 tsp. salt
(amounts can be altered depending on your taste)
Mix & Enjoy!