Gluten-Free Pumpkin Pancakes with Apricot Jam and Maple Syrup

It's true. Pureed pumpkin adds a depth of flavor to anything gluten-free. And pancakes are no exception. My other gluten-free trick is the flour combo. Coconut flour and quinoa flour. Coconut flour adds fiber and subtle sweetness. Quinoa flour adds vegan protein and a hint of exotic flavor that snuggles in behind pumpkin like a match made in heaven.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients:

1/2 cup sorghum flour1/4 cup coconut flour1/4 cup quinoa flour1/4 cup tapioca starch/flour1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Add in and beat lightly:

1/3 cup pumpkin puree (canned pumpkin is fine)
2 tablespoons oil- grapeseed, canola, coconut2 tablespoons gluten-free brown rice syrup or raw agave nectar1 free-range organic egg*
1 cup So Delicious Coconut Milk or non-dairy milk, more if needed

Mix the batter until it is smooth and silky- and not too thick.

Heat up a griddle or large iron skillet and oil it lightly. When a drop of water pops and sputters on the griddle or iron skillet, it is ready to cook pancakes.

Drop about 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot griddle and quickly spread the batter into a circle using the back of a soup spoon. Don't make the pancakes too thick.

Cook the pancakes for two to three minutes till bubbles form; then flip the pancakes with a thin spatula and continue to cook until the underside is golden and the center is cooked through- roughly two more minutes.

If the pancake batter is too stiff to work with, add more coconut milk, a tablespoon at a time until you achieve a smooth pancake batter that you can smooth easily with the back of a spoon. However, if the center of the pancake is gummy, it may be that the batter is too wet. Adjust by adding a sprinkle of sorghum flour (not starch) into the batter.

To serve:Your favorite buttery spread
Pure maple syrup (warmed is nice)
Apricot jam
Pepitas or toasted pumpkin seeds

The subtle pumpkin flavor of these pancakes is lovely with real maple syrup. It also cozies up to apricot jam. Total deliciousness. And the unexpected crunch of pepitas is fun

Makes about 10 pancakes.

Read more: http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2010/11/gluten-free-pumpkin-pancakes.html#ixzz14WuaJFbj

Were You Born To Run

I recently recommended a book to a client whose new girlfriend, a runner, has inspired him to take up running.  He has set an initial goal of running a half-marathon.   The national best seller, “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall, is an inspiring, entertaining read for anyone who runs, who aspires to run, or who appreciates a well-told story.   It’s a true, non-fiction account of the author’s struggles to run beset with common running injuries.  He is told by sports medicine specialists to give up running.  Instead, he sets out on a quest to learn the secrets of successful distance runners.  This eventually leads him to the isolated Copper Canyon of Mexico where he discovers the Tarahumara Indians, a people who are superior runners, regularly running distances of hundreds of miles.  The men, women and children run from a young age until well into older adult years.  Central to McDougall’s adventure is fascinating science about the human body, the physiology of running, and an indictment of the modern running shoe.  This book helped popularize the trend in barefoot –style running.   The characters are spellbinding (Caballo Blanco, or White Horse, is the American runner who lives among the Tarahumara), and the adventures so riveting that you may find it difficult to put this book down.   The knowledge though that human beings are artfully designed to run in biomechanical efficiency for a long-time and amazingly long-distances, may have you finishing the book and setting out for a trail run. 

See you at Flying J open space…

Mary

Say Goodbye To Dry Winter Skin

Now that we are approaching the dry uncomfortable skin phase that I mentioned in an earlier blog, It is time to change our regimen to care for our skin.  As the humidity lessens and the air gets dry, so does the skin.  Cheeks and lips are chapped, cuticles can peel and bleed, hands and feet are rough and cracked.
So what can be done to sooth dry winter skin? Start by improving the air inside by adding a humidifier to put water back into the air.  Daily hot showers with harsh soaps containing detergents can rob your skin of its natural oils.  Limiting your shower time and lowering the temperature from hot to warm can make a significant difference to itchy, inflamed skin.  Try using moisturizing shower creams and mild cleansers that have soothing ingredients like oatmeal or chamomile.  After showering, while the skin is still damp, apply a thick moisturizing lotion.  Ingredients like Shea butter or cocoa butter are excellent emollients for the body.
When caring for the face, switch to a mild facial cleanser to avoid excessive dryness.  If you just have to use an astringent after cleansing, try an alcohol-free toner instead.  If irritation is a problem when using topical prescriptions like Retin A or similar products, consider mixing them with your moisturizer to cut the strength of the product, or use it every other night.  Check with your physician first before altering your prescription.  Choose a moisturizer that lists hyaluronic acid as one of the top ingredients.  When applied topically, it creates a film or barrier on the skin, locking the moisture in while pumping up fine lines caused by dehydration.  And last, but not least, increase your water intake to increase hydration to the body and skin.

The Spa at Evergreen, located inside The Four Elements, offers skincare services and products that combat dry, dull winter skin for the face and body.  Call 303-670-1180 to schedule an appointment today with Lisa.

Reflections, Evergreen Lake at Sunset

Happiness is not a destination.
 It is a method of life.    Burton Hills

Facts about Mineral Make Up

Most mineral makeup has remarkably similar ingredients. Some commonly used minerals include micronized titanium dioxide, micronized zinc oxide, iron oxide, silk mica, and hydrated silica.
Micronized titanium dioxide, a common ingredient in sun block products, is particularly suited to protect skin from damaging sunlight. This white mineral's crystalline structure naturally reflects and defuses the sun's harmful rays. Micronized zinc oxide works in combination with the micronized titanium dioxide to reflect the sunlight's dangerous UVA and UVB rays.
Iron oxide is found in nature in red, orange and yellow hues. These pigments are blended into flesh tones for mineral foundations. Silk mica and hydrated silica soften the mineral compounds for use on the skin. Silk Mica gives mineral makeup a smooth texture, and hydrated silica binds the minerals to make them less messy. Individual brands may add secondary ingredients, such as vitamins, extra skin softeners or stronger pigments to neutralize skin tone.
Mineral makeup can counteract a host of familiar challenges. People prone to allergies or with sensitive skin will find mineral makeup contains no irritating dyes or perfumes. They do not use talc and other fillers that can be harmful to the skin. The acne-prone will find mineral makeup is organic, hypoallergenic and oil free; it will not clog pores like some conventional cosmetics.
Unlike traditional cosmetics, mineral foundations can provide sheer to full coverage. A light, sheer finish can be accomplished by moving the applicator brush in small circles on the face. Mineral makeup can also provide a more opaque texture if applied in layers with a damp sponge, much like you would apply liquid foundation. Fortunately, the consistency of mineral makeup gives coverage without the thick, unnatural, pore-clogging consequences of traditional liquid foundation.

Call to make an appointment for a make-up consultation with Candice, 303-670-1180.


source: Ezinearticles.com/expert CorinneWaldon.

Defining Yoga

Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity.  This evolution includes all aspects of one's being, from bodily health to self realization. Yoga means union - the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul.  Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day to day life and endows skill in the performance of one's action.  B K S Iyengar

Just Breathe

Breathing is a vital source of energy. We can live for several weeks without eating any food, several days without drinking fluids but we can only survive a matter of minutes without breathing air. The human body is designed to release 70% of its toxins through breathing. The other 30% is discharged through sweat, urination and defecation. If you're not breathing efficiently to rid yourself of toxins, other systems of the body, such as your kidneys, must do the extra work. The skin is the body's largest organ and needs life-giving oxygen to look vibrant and healthy. When deprived it must take over helping to eliminate toxins from the body.

You might think that aerobic exercise would supply enough fresh oxygen to your system to keep it healthy. Although vigorous exercise is extremely beneficial it actually burns up the oxygen as soon as it comes in. By practicing deep breathing exercises you are nourishing your body and receiving therapeutic benefits that aerobic activities don't provide. After teaching breathing exercises to a woman with emphysema she suggested I write a book because the exercises gave her more relief than anything she had ever tried before.  Stress causes shallow breathing. The fastest way to de-stress is to breathe deeply. It is physiologically impossible to breathe deeply and feel stressed at the same time. Therefore, you can immediately change the way you feel by changing the way that you breathe. Breathing consciously is an integral part of a balanced life. It is a way of connecting the mind with the body and living in the present moment.

Our Satori Fitness classes always start with vigorous deep breathing exercises. We offer these classes on Mondays at noon and Wednesdays at noon and 5:30 in the evening. Once you learn these exercises you will have a way to energize yourself in five minutes!

Breathe deeply,

~ Carol