Looking for Spring.......

I'm working on my Pistachio Ice Cream recipe so it's an easy dinner tonight w/ the help of

Trader Joe's and some of the Spicy Plum Dipping Sauce I made up last month:

<><><><><><><><><><>

Spicy Asian Plum Dipping Sauce

Dreary day here to end out February.
Rain, cold.  Ready for spring...............

Morning routine

My morning routine starts about 4am when my loving cat reminds me that it's time to go make some money and more importantly feed him.  I'm outside most of the day and I like to start off with a cup of heated Almond or Soy milk.   Add in a little vanilla Stevia, some Cafix coffee substitute and I'm off and running............I usually try to grab a piece of fruit.  This plum here started me off today and

Sugar Free Asian Ginger Dressing

Mix together well and chill:

1 Clove of Garlic minced
2 Tbs of diced fresh ginger
3/4 Cup Olive Oil
1/3 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1/2 Cup Tamari Soy Sauce

1/2 tsp. Stevia
1/4 Cup Water

Sprinkle dressing with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Keep refrigerated.

Okay so we can't eat chocolate at every meal..............
Enjoy!

This post is linked to http://simplysugarandglutenfree.com/slightly-indulgent-tuesday-022112/
          and http://glutenfreepantry.blogspot.com/2012/02/allergy-free-wednesdays-blog-hop-week-5.html

Jacob's Spicy Lentil Barley Soup

Lentils are very high in folic acid and a great way to help build up iron levels in our blood.  I developed this soup last year as a quick dinner with lots of flavor.  Add some hearty bread and/ or a salad and its a perfect quick healthy meal.  I usually have the ingredients on hand and it only takes about 20 minutes to get it ready.  This is the basic list I put in but feel free to add or subtract to your own tastes:

Spiced Pears

RED BARTLETT PEAR

ASIAN PEAR

WILLIAMS PEAR

Spiced Canned Pears 
Makes 7 Pint Jars
16 - 20 firm, but ripe pears ( I used a variety of Red Bartlett,    Asian, Bosc, and William's 4 of each)

BOSC PEAR

2 C. sugar
6-7 C. water
1 t. ground cinnamon
1 t. freshly grated nutmeg
3 whole star anise
7 pint jars
lids and rings
canning kettle
jar lifter
large ladle