BEING AWARE OF LIFE AROUND YOU

HECTIC WEEKS.

We notice that time is flying and everything we are trying to grasp, moves way ahead.

The technology is too fast  for many of us in the senior years………….our grandchildren just seemed wired differently and it is all natural to  their way of  thinking.

I have yellow ribbons in my home, on my bag, in the car and every time I glance at them I send love and light to Gilad Shalit and the Family. He is part of our thinking each day.

I try to send energy and faith to all who are stressed and have to endure mood changes and inability to cope in a mad, mad and rushed world. We have to be patient and more careful the way we handle people less confident and unsure of themselves.

Try to care for the environment,

The animals and birds need our smallest efforts to make their place in the world easier.

Tired public workers, nurses, street cleaners, the garbage collectors and the  guy who says Good Morning wherever you go…are the ones who need a friendly smile. It is good that we learn to  stand in line and are considerate of old folks trying to cross the road. 

NOW WE HAVE TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO RESPECT THEIR TEACHERS AND FRIENDS   at school and on the sports field.  Their job is so difficult and  very few  parents could do this for one day.

Discipline and order create healthy borders and define what we are allowed to do and what is expected of us in our home, school, society and environment. 

We live in a fast growing society in Israel Appreciate the systems that work and make life easier like trains, buses and public services. Try to use Libraries and have respect for books and CD’s that you loan.

Respect the environment, this is the heritage we are going to leave for our grandchildren.

Pray for our land Israel and peace in the world.

Love and light. Rona

 

ZUCCHINIS, MARROWS, COURGETTES

]MARROWS, COURGETTES, ZUCCHINIS.

These are wonderful vegetables to use. They are easy to handle and versatile as steamed, cooked, in casseroles, as pancakes, and baked.

ZUCCHINI PANCAKES.

Six to eight medium size zucchinis.

One beaten egg.

4 Tablespoons whole wheat flour,

1 teaspoon baking powder.

Vegetable salt and ½ a teaspoon of dried or freshly chopped parsley.

Oil for frying. You can make it in a roll and place in a greased baking loaf tin and bake.  Bake  in a medium oven for twenty minutes.  Then you slice it hot and can use it cold as well.

Peel and grate the marrows Add the dry ingredients. Add beaten egg. Make the pancakes and fry in oil. Drain and serve hot or cold.

ZUCCHINI CASSEROLE.

Six zucchinis, three tomatoes, three onions, three cloves of garlic.

Slice the  zucchinis, fry them in olive oil with onions and garlic. Add the cubed tomatoes and  spices. Salt , pepper and a little dried oregano and chopped chives.

Let this cook on low for ten minutes and serve over a plate of flat noodles, or whole wheat rice. I grate mozzarella cheese over this and decorate with chopped fresh parsley.

ZUCCHINI SALAD.

Slice six zucchini and fry in olive oil with black pepper and chopped red peppers Add vegetable salt and chopped celery stalks and two cups of sliced mushrooms.,  Let this ‘cook’ for ten minutes. Add vegetable salt and pepper. Serve with baked potatoes.

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ZUCCHINI SPREAD.

Saute two  onions, three chopped zucchinis and add salt and pepper.

Add three boiled  eggs, half a cup of chopped walnuts  and  ten chopped  green olives .

Blnd ino a spread and use on hot toast, on pasta or as a spread on crackers. You can add pickled cucumbers and chopped red peppers as decoration. 

Enjoy the vegetables  that are healthy and good habits in eating.

LOVE AND LIGHT

RONA

NEW READING FOR SHORTER DAYS

            NEW YEAR READING.

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Where ever we are, books seem to be around us. The first thing I pack for a holiday is a book. When you are alone , a book is your best friend… it does not answer back and can be put out of sight when ever you have read enough.

I feel one of the most exciting moments in my life was the day I could read.. The pleasure and joy of reading books, magazines, newspapers, catalogues and even a dictionary, still excites me.

Here are a few of the good books we have had in the book club lately.

“EVERY HOME NEEDS A BALCONY”           BY RINA FRANK.

This was originally written in Hebrew and we are lucky it has been translated for us to enjoy.

It is the story of a young Rumanian Jewish immigrant in the 1950s, set in Haifa. It is a portrait of the poverty, struggles and the social and historic climate of the time  We are  given  a delicate and  deep insight to real  issues they dealt with.

Life was tough, the country was growing and the  daily battles to survive were mingled with laughter and tears.  This is the story of a neighborhood and a nation.   It is being called the Israeli “Kite Runner” . It is a great book to give to a young adult……………. An insight for them about the early days in our land.

“ALONE IN BERLIN”  BY HANS FALLADA {HIS REAL NAME WAS RUDOLF DITZEN.}

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This is the story of a German couple in Berlin, who are active in illegal activities. They become anti Nazi when their son is killed in France in 1940. It is an amazing document of the ordinary German , the resistance of the of the small man.  The everyday scenes, like putting bread on the table, the bouts of drinking, that leave people in a haze are sad. They try to be activists to give voice to their anger and frustrations.

 The author Fallada, has written other books you might know, “Wolf among wolves” and “Drinker”  and the book that brought him success “Little Man – what Now?”

“AS A PALM TREE IN THE DESERT”     BY ZVI ANKORI.

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 This is written by the historian, writer and professor, Zvi Ankori.

His first novel was ‘”CHESTNUTS OF YESTERYEAR” .

“As a Palm in the Desert” takes us on a journey across five

Continents, spanning half a century and three generations. We  read about the Revolutions, the Holocaust and  the early days of the foundation of our state ISRAEL . The  history and life in TARNOW in Ukraine, is the most fascinating and descriptive reading. I loved the stories, the customs and the fact that the characters, sites, dates and events are all authentic.  This autobiography of an individual becomes the collective biography of an entire generation…..simply fascinating and wonderful reading.

“LOST” BY  DANIEL MENDELSOHN

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A search for six of six million. The holocaust was such a large operation, that we can never finish with the stories of horror, destruction and loss. Here is a book that tells of the story of a single family’s fate. The investigations, the letters, the early stories of beautiful families, are all woven into a large tapestry that is written in the most fascinating way. History, cultures, joys, sadness, laughter and tears are part of the story of the Jewish community of BOLECHOW , POLAND {NOW UKRAINE}

This is a wonderful book to read, to learn about an era we did not experience and to gain the knowledge in a most thought-provoking  story.

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“FREEDOM”    BY JONATHAN FRANZEN.

======================================================A fascinating  epic of contemporary  love and marriage. The story captures the temptations and burdens of a free society…………… too much liberty, too much of everything.

 We read into the thoughts of the teenager, the young married, middle age, the suburbs and the struggles of a confused world.       This writer wrote “THE CORRECTIONS” about postwar American family life. It received much public attention.

This is a book of over five hundred pages and the first part is about the people, families, their life style and environment   And then if becomes an  analysis of what could be changed, what should be done and why we have  to do what is not always convenient. We have to see the bigger picture, the vision for our children and grandchildren, how to save this planet, which ideas to implement.

I find this very interesting reading because it is the America we hear about…………

Please send me names of good books you have enjoyed. Send them to my email address…………….

rona@kruger.co.il

Have a good week and love and light

Rona

WINTER MEALS IN A HURRY

WINTERY MEALS….QUICK IDEAS.

As the weather grows cooler, we search for warmer and nourishing foods. Just take stock of what is available at the Market now. Firstly the guavas are the indication that we need Vitamin C. Then mandarins, narchies, oranges and grapefruit follow. All the fruits of winter.  Bananas remain a good source of Magnesium and Potassium, but load up on citrus fruits and juices.

If you make a habit to drink water as you rise, followed by a glass of boiled water with lemon juice in it, you will help to keep the system free of colds and sore throats.  The lemon juice tones the system too. Skip lots of caffeine, rather have fruit drinks, cinnamon teas and drinks like” Fortune Delight” lemon or cinnamon. These can be obtained from distributor in USA 480 2032871  -  Aaron.  I have one large glass mid morning and  another later in the day . I also recommend the “Vitadophillus” for kiddies and older people. This is a booster for the body. It is acidophillus in powder form that kids adore the  apple taste.  It   is easy to swallow or drink in a glass of milk or citrus fruit.

Eating a sane and sensible breakfast is vital. Cook oats, or a good cereal, granola or muesli. Yogurt and cut up  fruits, raisins and nuts are a good meal too. 

Buy good vegetables, lentils, beans, brown rice and rice pasta, wholewheat pasta and use these for quick meals.

PASTA IN A HURRY.

Boil the pasta , add a little olive oil and vegetable salt.

 Sauces…………..sauté two chopped onions, a few scallions, a clove of garlic, two peeled tomatoes,chopped parsley and a few basil leaves. Add vegetable salt and pepper .You can stir in two cups of yogurt and two tablespoons of grated cheese…………….stir carefully and serve over the  pasta.

RICE AND  VEGETABLES

Cook two cups of brown rice and stir fry vegetables. They need to be sliced in an attractive way. Use onions, garlic and a grated carrot as a base.  Then add diced zucchini,  cauliflower, diced tomatoes, a red pepper, sliced green onions,  a few pieces of thinly sliced ginger, a dash of cinnamon and

a teaspoon of curry powder. You can even add  a few sliced mushrooms into the mixture.  Stir and spice with added salt and pepper. Serve over the rice with grated cheese over it all.  This can be made ahead of time and combined to serve. You can steam the rice to keep it hot and the vegetables can be warmed over a low flame.   Serve a green salad on the side with some sunflower seeds in it.   

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SNACKY MEALS …. SOUP AND SANWICHES.

Serve a thick broth of soup with sandwiches of crusty bread with butter and grated cheese over it. Just grill in the oven for a few minutes and serve on the side plate with a bowl of soup.

VEGETABLE SOUP WITH PASTRY ROLLS.

Choose a pumpkin, sweet potato soup, or broccoli and serve with a  flaky Pastry pie. Just roll the pastry thinly and fill with vegetables that have been steamed . You can do them in the pan with a little oil as an alternative. I make a mixture of diced potato, grated carrot, half a cup  of peas and    chopped onions. Sauté in a little olive oil. Add salt and pepper.  Remove the pan from the heat and add a cup of grated Bulgarian cheese and mix it all. I roll the dough and place the mixture in and roll up Close edges with warm water. You can brush a beaten egg on the top for a shine and glazed look. Make it a size you can handle to place on a greased oven pan.  Bake in a hot oven for twenty minutes and cut into thick slices and serve on the side plate with steaming hot soup.

 Once the family has a hot meal, they will need less snacks and  worthless  salty items. You can always have washed apples, pears ,bananas and citrus fruits   in the kitchen for a quick snack.  

Winter can be good quality time, just plan for it and have good foods  in the home.

Take time to do family projects in the evenings. Photo albums, mending, knitting and maybe learning to put on a button. You do not have to be a rocket scientist for these easy tasks, but they do help when a button pops off a shirt or a hem needs mending.  Learning to polish and keep exercise and track shoes in order is necessary too.  Gym bags need to be checked and cleaned.Lastly realize that all the things your kids have grown out of, could be useful for others.  Jackets, coats, hats and sports clothes are good to pass on. My young grandson, collects these items for the less lucky people in our communities and I am proud of his efforts.. By remembering others  we contribute in easy ways.

Have a good week   Love and light Rona

THOUGHTS FOR A NEW YEAR.

THOUGHTS FOR A NEW YEAR.

 We all have ideas about resolutions for   a New Year. They begin with what  we can change and where we can improve our lives and   see our dreams come true.

 We  need to make a better world,  to be more aware of our environment, the  seas, water, trees, animals, birds and insects, bees and flowers. They all create a balance for earth and a harmony of nature.

 Our mental list should be for the creation of a better world for future generations.

Let us begin with nature, precious commodities  and an appreciation of what is good in our lives. The gratitude for what we have must not be taken for granted. We need to help the less  fortunate and show the uneducated a road of discovery. Children need to be treated kindly and the challenged members of society need our empathy and patience.  In order to understand all the facets of a society, we need to learn, volunteer and see another persons point of view .

Economic woes, financial disasters, unemployment and natural disasters, throw us into turmoil. We can suffer loss of identity, self esteem and confidence. Our lives are then threatened and our relationships suffer stress.  This is when we need to be there for each other. Help by listening and showing support in bleak times.  Helping fellow man is a measure of who we are.

“TRUE MEASURE OF A MAN, IS HOW HE TREATS SOME ONE WHO CAN  DO HIM ABSOLUTELY NO GOOD” SAMUEL JOHNSON.

 Nobody has a perfect life. We can, however choose to make the best of what we have. Make a list of what really matters and you will see how rich you are. Discard the negative, accentuate the positive and find joy in laughter, a good joke, a cup of tea and fun time with children and grandchildren.

I made my list and one of the items is to improve

the area of choices related to food and eating habits.. We will find foods that are more natural, free of added coloring and chemicals,   fresh and made under logical food standards, with the backing of food tests and controls.  Drinks must be alcohol free, natural, fresh juices and clean water. Choose less caffeine and drink herb teas and fresh herbs .

Choose meals that are simple   FOODS OF THE SEASON,  and vegetables and fruits grown locally.

Try to have hobbies that fill the days, read good books, enjoy  music and pleasant radio programs, skip trash TV and find worthwhile programs to watch. Join a new club, broaden your interest and try to meet new  people with interests  you  can share. It could be travel, museums and concerts, archeology and   sight seeing. Find time to learn a new hobby, teach kids English, how  to knit and sew or bake a cake, make an object out of wood, how to repair a bicycle puncture. What you might have forgotten . the youngsters need to learn. Share your knowledge and enjoy the satisfaction of watching the joy of discovery on a child’s face.

The list of what you can do is endless…..a few ideas are helping the old, delivering foods to people who are restricted to their homes. You can volunteer to collect winter clothing and blankets, bake for kids  in  homes where there are difficulties, assist once a week at a nursery school or simply read to a few kids. They love hearing another language and   stories of days you remember. Recycle magazines, clothes, toys, records and household goods. Find all the things you do not need and give them to a second hand store.  Someone will walk in and treasure your throw a ways

 Have a basket for the birds on your balcony or garden. Use a small container for herbs and small tomatoes and onions. Watching something grow, is good for the soul. Place a flower in your home daily. A fresh bloom, leaves or a herb plant has a magical affect in a room. Energize your home with a crystal on the TV or near the phone. Crystals bring calm, peaceful and harmonious vibrations everywhere.

 Let your prayers be meaningful and include those who need healing and love. Light a candle to bring light to dark areas.

I wish you emotional balance, sweet days, soft vibrations around you and the joy of good days.

 LOVE AND LIGHT

 RONA

TOMATOES....GREAT IDEAS

TOMATOES SERVED IN DIFFERENT WAYS.

We all love tomatoes and the idea of grilling,cooking them and making easy dishes is fun. I want to give you a great idea for a dish we call TOMATO ASPIC  . My sister Helena use to make this and it is a great starter for a meal and cool to enjoy.

 HELENA’S TOMATO ASPIC.

1 ½ lbs Tomatoes {wash and cut into pieces}

1 ½ Tablespoons sugar

 Salt

Clove , pepper corns and bay leaves.

1 cup of boiling  water.

1 1/2 Tablespoons Gelatin

Boil all  for twenty minutes and put through the sieve. Dissolve 1 ½ Tablespoons gelatin in the hot liquid Add I teaspoon lemon Garnish with hard boiled eggs, parsley and pickled cucumber. Refrigerate and serve cold in slices. This is great with a green salad and good breads and a glass of white wine. Enjoy.

TOMATOES AS A VEGETABLE WITH THE MAIN COURSE.

             Take two cups of cherry tomatoes. Wash and prick them. Place in an oven dish that is oiled with olive oil. Arrange rows of cherry tomatoes and cloves of garlic. Sprinkle herb salt and pepper and some rosemary on them and sprinkle with olive oil Bake  for ten minutes and serve hot

QUICK TOMATO GAZPACHO

Take two bottles of Tomato juice. Add herb salt , pepper and grated onion and three grated cucumbers. Blend all and add mint leaves , parsley and two teaspoon s of olive oil. This is  quick soup to serve in a glass or a soup plate. To serve in a plate, spoon in a teaspoon of yogurt and cut some chives on top  or add buttermilk {rivion} to the tomato juice for a thicker milkier gazpacho.  To make it really spicy add a little diced red pepper and a touch of soya sauce. The gazpacho can be early morning for the evening

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QUICK TOMATO SALAD.

 Cut three tomatoes and three red onions very thinly and arrange on a bed of large lettuce leaves.  Soak four figs in balsamic vinegar for an hour, and slice very thinly. Arrnage over the tomatoes and onions. Then grate or crush one cup of goats feat cheese over it all. Decorate with cut up parsley and  a few chopped walnuts. Serve with a dressing of olive oil and lemon juice, herb salt and lemon pepper.  Enjoy

BAKED TOMATOES TO SERVE WITH RICE OR AS A SIDE DISH

Take one tomato per person and cut in half. Grate some Feta or yellow cheese on top, add chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. Place in the oven and grill for a few minutes in a medium oven. Serve hot .

LOOK AT THE BLOG OF 25^TH AUGUST 2009 AND YOU WILL FIND  GREAT IDEAS   FOR MORE TOMATO RECIPES.

HAVE A HAPPY TIME PREPARING FOR ROSH HASHANAH.

LOOK AT BLOG OF AUGUST 5^TH 2009. AND LOOK AT BLOG OF HAPPY NEW YEAR OF SEPTEMBER 22^ND 2008 FOR MANY IDEAS AND RECIPES. 

LOVE AND  LIGHT AND MAKE A MEMORABLE NEW YEAR…………………………………………..RONA…………………………………..

BARBEQUE OR OUTDOOR BRAAI.

BARBEQUE…..OUTDOOR BRAAI…

Every one loves a meal outside in the garden It is so easy. Someone makes the grill ready and you just drop the food on it

and hey presto, it is ready. No fuss, no cleaning, no pots and pans to wash…so easy.

Well, let us be realistic. Some one has to plan, shop, find the grill, and find the barbeque tools, apron, drinks, ice and crockery, cutlery and all that jazz. Remember the cook needs a beer every fifteen minutes and a few towels, a fan, in case he or she sweats... and something to nash.

So prepare the first course and the second one, to serve while the main course is getting ready………………should be five minutes now….let us have a second helping of the first course?

FIRST COURSE IDEAS.

Buy a few French loaves and fun breads. These can be sliced in half and filled with a spread of butter, olives a  little basil , dried tomatoes and some mustard. People like the mix of pickled cucumbers, yellow cheese, mayonnaise or techina. I mix techina with olive oil and spread that over the bread. Just bake on the flame and serve.

Make buns for the kids with a tomato ‘sauce’ and grated cheese and olives. Bake and serve with bowls of potato crisps.

Cook lots of corn and wipe them with olive oil and bake on the flame

Scoop out a large pumpkin and make a filling of the pumpkin, grated zucchini, one cup of cooked rice, one cup of grated cheese and some cut up parsley, herb salt and pepper. Mix well and fill the pumpkin. Bake and serve hot.

PREPARE THE DAY BEFORE.

Make life simpler. Bake ten potatoes, sweet potatoes, red peppers and a few eggplants. Wash and bake for an hour, or until ready. I throw in a few garlic cloves and onions. Small ones are better for the barbeque.  These can be used for potato salad, sliced potatoes, hot sweet potato slices or mashed eggplant salad. For the potatoes, just wipe the thick wedges with olive oil, black pepper and herb salt and rosemary and bake on the grill. Eggplant can be scooped out and mashed with a teaspoon of honey, garlic, salt and pepper. Squeeze a tablespoon of lemon juice and mix….great as a spread. Sweet potatoes can be sliced and baked with a little cinnamon and butter or olive oil.

POTATO BEER BREAD.

Make one or two loaves. This is a recipe for one loaf.

1 cup mashed potato. 3 cups of self raising flour

1 teaspoon salt, one teaspoon baking powder and half a pint of beer.

Sift the dry ingredients, add the potato and beer, half a teaspoon of dried rosemary and dry onion flakes. Take the stiff dough and shape into a loaf. Place on an oiled dish for the oven and bake for fifty minutes on 180 degrees.

FRENCH LOAF, BEANS AND CHEESE.

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Cut a long French loaf in half. Mix a tin of baked beans, half a cup of grated cheese, half a cup of grated onions, a few cut up mushrooms, salt and pepper. Add two teaspoons of mayonnaise and fill the loaf. Close and bake

EGGPLANT AND BRIE.

Cut thick slices of eggplant and spread olive oil on both sides. Place on an oven tray. Cover the eggplant with sliced tomato. Sprinkle of dried basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Slice thin red onion rings and top with cut up brie. Bake this covered for fifteen minutes in a medium oven. Serve with a chilled white wine and a green salad with a generous amount of vinaigrette dressing..

CURRIED RICE AND VEGETABLES

  Cook two cups of rice. Mix with the sautéed dish of the following. Two cloves of garlic, a teaspoon of grated ginger, a dash of cinnamon, a teaspoon of curry, two diced onions ,two diced red pepper and two sliced tomatoes, salt and pepper.  Mix with rice and serve hot with the main course.

SWEET POTATO SLICES WITH COOKED APPLES.

Cook or bake five sweet potatoes. Slice into rounds and place on an oiled oven dish. Make a spread of a teaspoon of cinnamon and two teaspoons of grated coconut, half a cup of orange juice and half a cup of grated apples. Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce. Mix, spread on the slices of sweet potatoes.

Bake covered in a medium oven for

fifteen minutes. Serve with some chopped almonds on the top Enjoy.

Look at the  article of AUGUST 18^th 2008 for  SCHOOL LUNCHES and the  article of November 12^th 2008 for SOLDIERS AND AWAY FROM HOME.

Remember the last days of the summer holidays are difficult for everyone. We are all trying to find the new beginning, the next part of the journey and the best way to do things right. Be patient, and let all the questions be answered, and silly requests be considered. Care to share, plan to be loving and unconditionally there for the ones who need you.

I wish you all a GOOD YEAR. A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL  and a   more gentle world.

LOVE AND LIGHT 

RONA