11:11 Angels Message Board

Seedy Gran Ola

(long story short) After Grandpa Ola passed away, Grandma Ola kept their sunflower seed business thriving
by occasionally inviting a young man or "compatible" couple to stay overnight, then spend the next day(s)
harvesting and preparing her sunflower seeds. Gran Ola simply considered this free Bedd 'n Breakfast
(two 'd' represented two guests) in exchange for a day or dday of labor. Every breakfast included biscuits
(or biscuit crumbles) made of oat bran and sunflower seeds.

Naturally, in small towns where everybody knew (or thought they knew) everybody's business,
everybody assumed that Gran's "Seedy" referred to her Bedding. Not a problem for Gran Ola
who was always entertained by the faux romance gossip ... which often helped her attract
a sufficient day (or dday) of labor to keep her Seedy business thriving.

A myth soon developed (as reported in the gossip pages) that Gran's leftover crumbles
were again briefly baked, creating crunchy cereal called "granola". Who can tell

Ingredients:

2 cups light oat bran
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup half & half
1/2 cup cool water
1/3 cup egg whites
3 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp virgin olive oil

3/4 cup raw sunflower seeds

Directions:

Lightly oil a non-stick baking sheet;
pre-heat oven to 400F degrees.

In a medium bowl, combine dry ingredients,
then stir in half & half and water.

Stir in egg whites and brown sugar next,
then olive oil, then sunflower seeds.

Spoon batter onto baking sheet,
reduce oven to 375F and bake 40 min.
Dust with powdered sugar (optional;
also try lemon-flavored or zest!)

To bake as cookies, use 1/3 cup brown sugar,
use smaller scoops and lightly press down on each.
Increase sunflower seeds to 1 cup, if desired.

Rod

Seedy Orange Cow

(long story short) Considering that Gran's Seedy Acres were a bit distant
from the town, her Seedy Orange Cacao recipe was often mispronounced
as "Seedy Orange Cow". And this was a bit too reminiscent of the old
"UFO Beams Up Cow!" stories from up yonder (further north)
for the "everybody" to consider it a serious recipe:

Melt a 3.17oz bar of Ghirardelli 92% Cacao
with half of 4oz bar Ghirardelli 100% Cacao,
then stir in 1 cup raw sunflower seeds
and 1 tsp orange extract.

Spread evenly over plastic wrap on small tray,
cover with more plastic wrap, and refrigerate.
When cold, break into bite size pieces.

Especially tasty, served with chilled wedges of
Blood Orange (not "Bloody Orange").

Notes: 1) Cacao brand mentioned for reference.
2) Myth records that Seedy Orange Cows were once sold
as cow shapes with a bittersweet real orange coating.
But these were quickly beamed up into dark pie holes
whenever they were available.

Rod

Re: Seedy Gran Ola - http://board.1111angels.com/viewtopic.p ... 25#p212142

These well-baked crumbles (or clumps) make an interesting substitute for "meatballs".
Skip sugar and vanilla, add spices like Italian Seasoning, then add to sauces long enough
to heat well before serving. Or even roll them into small balls before baking!

"BBedd & Breakfast" now comes to mind!

Rod

Red Beans 'n Nice (also sauce for Gran Ola "meatballs")

(long story short) Since Grandma Ola often prepared this simple Italian style dish,
"everybody" in the distant town assumed that she referred to "Nice", once believed
to be part of Italy (it's in France, close to the border). However, Gran simply meant
a quick lunch or dinner to "make nice 'n tasty" nourishment for her guest-laborers.

Most likely a myth (Who can tell?), Gran was fond of the preparation convenience
on the days when she wanted to read the gossip pages to learn how provocative
her assumed romance had been that week. That her afternoon nap was preceded
by a 5oz measuring glass of red wine seems to explain why certain gossip pages
were sometimes left on her bedside table.

Ingredients:

28oz can crushed tomatoes
1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
1 tbsp dried oregano
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp paprika
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
15oz can red kidney beans,
drained & briefly mashed

Directions:

Prepare yesterday and refrigerate.
Heat quickly to serve (with whatever).

Rod

Thanks Rod,
These latest recipes sound like "keepers"
I purchased my frozen blueberries yesterday so I am all prepared to make Chia berry pudding.
It's raining heavily today...a good day for some culinary experiments, eh?
Take care,
xxSandy

Quintessential Quinoa

(long story short) When a guest brought her a fresh bunch of asparagus from the market,
Grandma Ola suddenly conceived (not related to her BBedding enterprise) a new recipe!
The asparagus would pair well with that which she first comprehended as "Keen What?",
a previous gift of multicolor granular appearance that she saved for whatever.

Gran Ola's impromptu quintessential concoction was so tasty that her guests that week
tried to convince her to open a Seedy Acres restaurant. However, Gran's reputation
was such that she worried about it being just another "Little Hoe House in Texas"
... despite her enterprise that "never needs no hoes".

Ingredients:

1 2/3 cups simmering water
1 cup multicolor quinoa, rinsed
1 tsp garlic granules
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 lg bunch asparagus, chopped & par-steamed*
1 lg sweet onion, diced

* rinse, chop, cover bowl, microwave 2 min.

Directions:

In a large sauce pan, simmer quinoa in water
until most of water is absorbed, then spread on
diced onion, then par-steamed asparagus;
cover pan and continue cooking.

When all water is absorbed, stir in spices
and olive oil. Let pan rest 10 min. covered.

For a Quintessential Sunrise breakfast,
serve with a steamed egg and a few wedges
of chilled Blood Orange.

Rod

You know, Rod, I think I may enjoy Quintessential Quinoa for lunch later on. I may have to change the veggie though.
Thanks for that!

xxSandy

Shredded Carrot Sauce

(long story short) One evening, when everybody at Gran's Seedy Acres
had just retired, Gran relaxed in her own quarters with the gossip pages.
As she was getting stimulated by a story, she heard "runnin' 'n jumpin' "
in the gguest quarters. Immediately, she knew that her Carrot Sauce
would be appreciated as the next day's afternoon snack! After all,
some healthy hoppin' should complement any evenin' "jumpin' ".

Ingredients:

10oz pkg shredded carrots, rinsed
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 cups natural applesauce, chilled
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp Vitamin C crystals (optional)

Directions:

In a medium sauce pan, simmer carrots in water until al dente,
then remove pan from heat and let cool, covered. Refrigerate
until chilled, then stir in remaining ingredients.

Especially tasty, served with raw walnut halves n' pieces.
Add steamed dark raisins for super energetic hoppin'.
Naturally, sunflower seeds complement these ingredients
but there's a limit to even seedy palettes.

Rod

Cozy Seedy Biscuits (makes 9, dense 'n moist)
(adapted from Fr. O'Brice Pumpkin Tops)

(long story short) Fr. O'Brice once invited himself ("I was in the neighborhood.")
to Gran's Seedy Acres to learn more about her "seedy" reputation in the region.
He was well aware how gossip permeates country villages, but felt obligated
to delicately investigate (locals call it "snooping").

Long story short, they had a pleasant visit; he shared his Pumpkin Tops recipe.
Gran Ola quickly adapted the recipe to her seedy style (with O'Brice's blessing)
and surprised him with a warm touch of coziness: Tap bottom of baking sheet
to make biscuit batter settle, allowing all biscuits to touch.

Ingredients:

2 cups light oat bran
2/3 cup oat flour
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup egg whites
1/2 cup half & half
1/3 cup water
2 xlg eggs
1/2 15oz can pumpkin
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp virgin olive oil

3/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
(or chopped walnuts)

Directions:

Lightly oil a non-stick baking sheet;
pre-heat oven to 400F degrees.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients;
stir in egg whites, half & half, and water.

In a small bowl, whisk eggs, pumpkin,
and brown sugar. Pour into oat bran mixture
and stir vigorously, then stir in olive oil.

Fold in pumpkin seeds, then spoon batter
onto baking sheet; cozy 'em if inspired.
Reduce oven to 375F and bake 45 min.

Rod

Re: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-healthiest-seeds
"6 Super Healthy Seeds You Should Eat"

"An observational study of more than 6,000 adults found that a high intake
of nuts and seeds was associated with reduced inflammation"

A good tip, considering that inflammation is often mentioned
in side effects from the virus and sometimes vaccines.

Rod

Sounds Fabulous (seedy Biscuit) I have a new recipe to try over the week end. It sounds like it will make a fair bit for one person. Do you think they will freeze well?
Thanks Rod!

xxSandy

Simple City Biscuits (makes 9)

(long story short) Gran Ola saved a city newspaper left by a guest,
then read the Arts & Entertainment section early the next morning.
One story mentioned that some popular TV shows in the past
had been cancelled because they were viewed mostly by
country folk. Obviously, thought Gran Ola, this was before
the internet which made residence unimportant for
societal interaction and world news awareness.

This TV ratings simplicity suddenly inspired the name
for her new "quick 'n easy" biscuit recipe for oat bran.
Best with butter, cream cheese, even Red Pepper Spread:
http://board.1111angels.com/viewtopic.p ... 10#p211510

Ingredients:

2 1/3 cups light oat bran
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 1/2 tbsp dried parsley
2 tbsp dried chives
1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp sugar

1/3 cup half & half
3/4 cup cool water
1/3 cup egg whites
1 tbsp virgin olive oil

Directions:

Lightly oil a non-stick baking sheet;
pre-heat oven to 400F degrees.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients;
stir in half & half and water, then egg whites.
Vigorously stir in olive oil, let rest 5 min.,
then briefly stir again.

Spoon batter onto baking sheet,
reduce oven to 375F and bake 40 min.

This recipe was soon nicknamed
Granny's OB Grainy Biscuits ...
oft served with steamin' gravy.

Rod

Re: https://www.daringgourmet.com/coconut-s ... d-cookies/

Sunflower Seed Cookies (with coconut, sunflower pictures, and a poem!)

I wondered how to make this and other sunflower seed recipes diabetic friendly,
but kept drifting to this: http://board.1111angels.com/viewtopic.p ... 58#p212142
C'est la vie!

Rod

Re: https://woodlandfoods.com/recipes/sunfl ... ed-cookies
"Sunflower Seed Cookies"

A recipe with potential since flour is often carb-intense!
Reduce the brown sugar to 1/2 cup, then munch a few
and see if your glucometer likes the recipe.

Best guess: Still not "diabetic friendly" but close enough
to permit an occasional nostalgic munch (or three).

Rod

Twilight Biscuits (makes 9)
(adapted from Fr. O'Brice Pumpkin Tops)

A compromise between muffin tops and oat bran biscuits,
limiting brown sugar and skipping all flour! You'll soon discover
that this is oat bran promotion, nearing "diabetic friendly".

Ingredients:

2 1/3 cups light oat bran
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup half & half
1 xlg egg
1/3 cup egg whites
1/2 15oz can pumpkin
2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp virgin olive oil

Directions:

Lightly oil a non-stick baking sheet;
pre-heat oven to 400F degrees.

In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients,
then stir in water and half & half
(helps moisturize oat bran).

In a medium bowl, whisk egg and egg whites,
then whisk in pumpkin and brown sugar.

Pour into dry mixture, stir to combine,
then vigorously stir in olive oil; let rest 5 min.

Stir briefly, then spoon batter onto baking sheet,
reduce oven to 375F and bake 40 min.

Rod

Re: https://foodwithfeeling.com/easy-pumpkin-cream-sauce/
Easy Pumpkin Cream Sauce (try on Twilight Biscuits)

Ingredients (slight adaptation):

15oz can pumpkin puree
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried sage
5 cloves garlic, chopped
med. sweet onion, chopped
1/2 cup half & half
3/4 cup almond milk or water
1/2 tsp salt; pepper to taste

Upscale with 1 1/2 cups chopped asparagus
(steam separately; stir in after the blending).

Rod

Hi Rod,

I made a batch of your "Cozy Seedy Biscuits" last night and I must say I was very impressed. They were delicious and there was no guilt associated with them in the eating as really and truly they are good for you. I spread a little cream cheese on mine but they would have been yummy without anything on them. Thank you for this recipe and others too, of course. I so appreciate you and your healthy recipes that are slowly and surely helping us to make better yet delicious food choices and develop stronger bodies.

xxSandy

Sandy,

Twilight Biscuits are now my preferred source of oat bran,
especially for its beneficial fiber! However, these are best
served with nuts, spreadables, cheese, whatever ...
since this biscuit recipe seems a step away
from milk poured over dry oat bran.

Rod

Re: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech ... warns.html
"study from University of Oxford researchers found alcohol consumption was associated with reductions in brain grey matter"

Grey matter matters ... apparently.
The health benefit of wine may relate more to grapes
than to what's produced by their fermentation!

And with sugar in grape juice causing health problems,
what's left for good nutrition? Raw grapes? Who knew?

Rod

Re: "Prescription for Nutritional Healing" by Phyllis A. Balch, 2002

This TMI hints that supplements are necessary only when one's nutrients
from food are DEAD (Deficient or Excessive or Absent and Daily).

Rod

Len Tilly's Loaf

Long story short: When Gran Ola presented her Lentilly Loaf to a noisy lunch gathering,
word quickly spread about her Uncle Len's lentil loaf. Gran Ola had no such Uncle Len
but was amused about the "Tilly" family name (she had an uncle who some described
as an "Aunt Tilly" for his frequent Julia Child kitchen impressions).

Ingredients:

1 cup green lentils
2 1/3 cups water
1/3 cup oat bran
1/3 cup egg whites
1/2 tsp garlic granules
3/4 tsp salt
2 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced celery tops
1 cup diced sweet onion

Directions:

Lightly oil a 2 1/2 quart baking dish;
pre-heat oven to 350F degrees.

Rinse lentils, simmer in water in covered sauce pan
until most of the water is absorbed (about 20 min.).
Stir in oat bran, cover pan and let rest 5 minutes.

Stir in egg whites, then spices, then olive oil,
then pre-mixed diced veggies.

Lightly press mixture into baking dish, forming rounded top,
then cover loosely with foil. Bake 45 min., then remove foil;
bake 20 min. Top with tomato sauce for final baking (optional).

Rod

OB Handies (aka "flat bread")

Long story short: Gran Ola was definitely not a "tea cakes" kind of lady,
so this term was taboo for her oat bran quickie cakes. While seeming
a rather bland, nondescript cookie, they were intended as saucers
for her also quickie Cinnamon Apple Mixture ("Gran's CAM").

Gran Ola had planned to flatten the sticky ball of dough with a spatula
but she discovered that covering it with a sheet of plastic wrap then
pressing down was a simpler method of creating one big flat cake.
For special guests, she would make a hand print on the flat dough
before removing the plastic sheet, giving the "handies" nickname.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups light oat bran
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon, optional
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup hot water
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
2 tbsp brown sugar, or 3
2 tbsp virgin olive oil

Directions:

Lightly oil a non-stick baking sheet;
pre-heat oven to 375F degrees.

Mix oat bran with baking powder and spices,
stir in hot water, then pumpkin, then sugar,
then oil; continue stirring for a minute.

Spoon sticky dough onto baking sheet,
cover with plastic wrap and press down.
Leave your hand print if you dare,
then remove plastic wrap.

Reduce oven to 350F and bake 35 min.
then turn over and bake 5-10 min.
for crispier handies. Cut as desired
... or not for handy handies.

Also try served with Gran's CAM
and raw walnut halves. What's in the CAM?
Diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar.

Rod

To say a dip has "je ne sais quoi" (“I don't know what”)
is not so complimentary, but this Peasy Avocado Dip
and Gran Ola's OB Handies, combined, have a certain
culinary "je ne sais quoi" with nutritional appeal.

Peasy Avocado Dip

Seriously mash 15oz can green peas (drained),
then mash in a small avocado, then stir in
2 tbsp water, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar,
2 tbsp virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic granules,
2 tsp dried dill, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

Tip: Cut avocado in half and scoop out flesh.

Rod

Thank you, Rod, for the healthy new recipes...I am thinking I would like to try first the Len Tilly Loaf. I really enjoy oat bran along side those kinds of ingredients. One of your recipes introduced me to that...and now I can't for the life of me remember which one it is.

xxSandy

Maybe this one: Fr. O'brice Herb Biscuits
http://board.1111angels.com/viewtopic.p ... 75#p204381

Rod

Re: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2 ... 112826.htm
"Could a mushroom a day help keep the doctor away?"

"Percival explained the dietary restrictions as follows: Fiber, tea and probiotics help the body's immune system,
so researchers didn't want to start with people who already had a strong immune system."

Informative but subtle clue about a healthy immune system! ... since 70% of the immune system is in the gut ... and a good balance of daily fiber (occasionally supplemented by probiotics) enhances the immune system! This hints that, for immune system health, a good quantity/quality of daily fiber is probably just as important as other nutrition.

So, what popular fast/snack foods have good fiber?
First thought: None!

Rod

More about fiber ...

Thaw 10oz pkg frozen blueberries + 1/4 cup black chia seeds + 1 cup water.
Stir occasionally until berries are thawed, chia well hydrated; keep refrigerated.
Stir in 1-2 tsp lemon oil to upgrade ; - )

Speaking of plant fiber, try a pesto ...

My Ima Greener badge was an idea headed for the trash bin,
such is the taste appeal of spirulina*. However, I quickly learned
that spirulina can be reasonably tolerated with green foods ...
like green smoothies, pea soup, and pistachio ice cream.

But as nutritional complement to an Ima Nooner badge,
two teaspoons of spirulina in the GFWAY Pesto is super!
(for better hoppin', dip with thinly sliced raw carrots)

Food process: 1 lg bunch each, Italian parsley and cilantro,
1/4 cup white sesame seeds, 1/4 cup virgin olive oil,
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 4 med. garlic cloves,
29oz can chick peas (drained), 2/3 cup water.

Tips: Adjust water as desired; use smaller stems of herbs.
Freeze in small Pyrex containers for more convenience!
Stir in lime juice (or more lemon) to upscale.

* See also: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324027

"Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that people can take as a dietary supplement.
People consider spirulina a superfood due to its nutritional content and health benefits."

Rod