Tag Archives: coconut oil

Coconut Fever

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King coconuts for sale, Train station, Sri Lanka

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Muller von Ruffach, 1861

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I‘m coocoo for coconuts right now.

Just can’t seem to get enough of this wonderful fruit!

 I started drinking coconut water a few years back, then cooking with it a year or so ago,

as well as using it on my skin and hair.

More recently, I’ve been practicing the Ayurvedic treatment

of “Oil Pulling”

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A list of only some of the supposed benefits of Oil Pulling

-Whiter teeth and healthier gums

-decreased allergy symptoms

-Improved sleep and better energy

-clearer skin

-clearing of sinuses

-diminishing of headaches

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Pulling should be practiced every morning, when you first get up and on an empty stomach. Use 1 tablespoon of oil. Sesame oil is most commonly used in traditional ayurvedic pulling  but you may also use vegetable or coconut oil.

 I heat it in a tiny cup in the microwave for 20 seconds to melt and bring to a warm temperature that I find most pleasant.

 Swish the oil around your mouth for a minimum of 5 minutes, max. 30! ( I’m doing about 7)

make sure you push the oil through your teeth, under the tongue, etc. but

 do not swallow any of the oil (it is filling with bacteria :( )

Spit out after time is up and brush your teeth. Simple dimple.

The coconut oil leaves such a pleasant taste in your mouth (as well as moisturising your lips) that I honestly don’t even want to brush right away. I’d rather have my morning cuppa tea first, but that’s just me.

Truthfully, I haven’t noticed any changes in my skin or energy levels yet, but it’s only been just over two weeks and I’m giving it at least a  month. I actually sort of look forward to my little morning ritual and what could it hurt?

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Slim Paley photo

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Sharing fresh King coconut water creatures with friends in Sri Lanka

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Coconut flavoured Cultured Almond milk is not bad at all.

With some chopped tropical fruit and a sprinkling of toasted coconut flakes, I could easily have this for breakfast twice a week.

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Also happy to find this coconut chia & flax seed oil to add to smoothies and why not try coconut milk instead of dairy for awhile?

I like it just as much as almond milk with my granola-

not sure which is healthier, but variety is the spice of life!

(yes, that’s what constitutes ‘variety’ for me now. cue violin)

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I have a standing order with Amazon for O.N.E. coconut water to be delivered every month

but have you tried fresh “Baby coconut” water? It’s sooo good-much sweeter than “O.N.E.”

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Coconut cream for desserts, creamy curries, and of course… cocktails :)

Another great idea I read about but haven’t tried yet is making ‘whipped coconut cream’ instead of traditional dairy whipped cream.

Simply put a can of coconut milk in the fridge for a couple of hours, skim the thickened part from the top of the can, and whip.

see full instructions here;

Whip that Coconut!

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The Amanwella hotel bar, Sri Lanka

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We’ve been looking for Haagen Dazs Coconut and Pineapple ice-cream, but so far no luck :(

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Are you of the coconut body??

It seems to be one of those flavours that people either love or hate.

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But seriously, WHO can resist a divine Coconut Cream cake?!

oh wait…

we were talking about being healthy and Ayurvedic medicine, why did you lead me astray like that?!

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Gourds, Goblets & Gratitude

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HAPPY THANKSGIVING  EVERYONE!!

Wishing all of you a beautiful day filled with

family, friendship

and fantastic food prepared with love.

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Oh I do love the colours of this Season!

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If candied yams or sweet potatoes  are a traditional treat on your Thanksgiving table

have I got a tip for you (You’re going to love me for this-seriously, a game changer )

Use coconut oil in place of butter & glaze your marshmallows with the oil too- they get all crunchy on top

Sooo DELICIOUS.

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We always make  fresh cranberry sauce with lots of orange juice-very tart to balance those sweet potatoes (and lots left over for yummy turkey, brie & cranberry paninis)

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A clove studded onion simmers in heavy cream & whole milk for English bread sauce

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Source unknown

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I’d like to say I’m so thankful for all the fun I’ve had & the friendships I’ve made over the course of writing “Slim Paley”.

My readers (That’s YOU) are The Best!

xoxo

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Enjoy, be safe and don’t forget to pace yourself  :)

PS. Is the football game over yet??!

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Friday Favourites (17)

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Slim Paley Photo

FIRST SPRING ROSE to make it to the second story window  (don’t look at those aphids, I just put them there so you wouldn’t be too jealous)

 

It’s THE MOST GLORIOUS day here in Santa Barbara.  I’ve just been out in the garden and the rose bushes are full of promise,

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their leaves waxy and buffed, the buds literally about to burst.

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And the lilies aren’t even vaguely playing  ‘Hard to Get’ – they’re popping up everywhere, even in the stream.

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Just the other day, when it was pouring with rain (although it doesn’t look like it in the photo) I was in my office and I could have sworn I heard ducks.  I came out to investigate and lo and behold, some tourists were checking out our “Resident Fowl”

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“I said just act casual“

“I am, Brad, but I don’t think you should get involved…she’s got kids…”

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Alright,  just a few Friday Favourites to start off your weekend;

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As you know, my love affair with Trader Joe’s knows no bounds…

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So ridiculously easy even Slim Paley can bake them;

 

Take out of the freezer the night before and by morning these mounds of marvelousness will be awaiting you.

I swear, it’s like magic. Not being a baker (to put it kindly) it thrills me every time! ( I know…kinda sad…)

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More exciting than Jiffypop!

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Glaze with some egg wash and pop in the oven;

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et voila! (these are the mini plain ones, the chocolate ones are even better!)

 

 

And what better segue than this?

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Our younger son gave us these pedometers for Christmas and we’ve worn them almost every day since. Actually I don’t think “Mr. Paley” has missed a day, but my first one went through the wash.  They’re a fun & easy way to be aware of how much you are (or more importantly- are not)  moving every day.

For someone like me, who counts bringing my husband’s coffee upstairs in the morning as a weight bearing exercise, this little pedometer in my pocket serves as my mobility conscience.

I find I’m much more willing to run up and down the stairs for various tasks now that I have to face comparing scores at the end of each day with my husband! The goal is to reach 10,000 steps a day for optimum health benefits.

But, you know…it’s really about the “Journey” not the “Goal” isn’t it? ( I’ve only out-stepped the husband twice since Christmas- why are men so damn competitive?)

(Omron pedometers available on Amazon- my advice would be to get a bright colour that is noticeable in the laundry basket :) )

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OK, back to food…

I have a friend who happens to be, amongst many other attributes, one of the best cooks we know.  Recently we were guests in their home and she served the most delicious sweet potato fries ever. Not only did they look beautiful and taste great, but they smelled divine.

The secret? I’m going to share it with you because I’m sure she wouldn’t mind and it’s nice to share ;


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Simply chop up your sweet potato (or yam- I always get them mixed up), melt a lusty portion of coconut oil in the roasting pan for a couple of minutes, remove from oven, toss fries til they are coated in oil and bake until easily pierced. You might want to give them a turn about half way through.  Serve hot with rock salt.  So delicious and SO good for you!

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And lastly, I know there have been a lot of God’s creatures acting strangely this week, what with alligators crawling out of NY sewer grates, and the infamous Tweeting Python on the loose, but this lovelorn goose is really quite amazing…

Click below to meet;

Maria the Lovesick Goose

(PS. It turns out “Maria” is actually “Mario” but what does it matter in the end? Love works in mysterious ways…and as my grandmother used to say, “There’s someone for everyone”)

 

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Wishing you a glorious weekend!

xx

PS. and for all you basketball fans- How’d your brackets work out for you?!! (aren’t you impressed I know what brackets are?)

 

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