Bartlett’s Farm and the American Farmer.

farmland

The American Farmer is disappearing from our nation’s landscape. There are fewer than one million Americans now claiming farming as their primary occupation. If you are lucky enough to live near a farm, support them by purchasing their delicious farm grown produce. Support them in any way that you can. I am fortunate to live within walking distance of a beautiful farm in operation for seven generations; Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm. Their fields are pure inspiration. Carrots, zucchini, peppers, corn, tomatoes, cabbage, squash, pumpkins, lettuces, herbs, sugar snap peas, shell peas, cucumbers, spinach, swiss chard, beets, melons. And flowers, rows of glorious flowers. When you buy locally you: Eat healthier more nutrient rich food. Help farm families to stay on the farm doing the work they love. Preserve open space. Say no to genetically modified food. Prevent air pollution. Support a clean environment that benefits wildlife. Buying locally has countless benefits, visit your local farm or farm stand today.

To read more about Bartlett’s Ocean View Farm go to:

http://bartlettsfarm.com/

To find a local farm near you go to:

http://www.localharvest.org/

The Best Raw Brownies Ever.

Do you have a craving for something chocolatey, gooey and delicious?  These raw brownies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. They are in a word, Yum.  Use this recipe as a starting point.  Add in flavors that make you happy like shredded coconut or dried cherries.  Be creative and make this one your own.  Happy unbaking.

brownies

The Best Brownies Ever

  • 12 oz walnuts (preferably soaked and dehydrated)
  • 12 organic medjool dates (pitted)
  • 1 heaping teaspoon Yacon powder
  • 1 heaping teaspoon Lucuma powder
  • 2 vanilla beans ( or 2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract)
  • 5 heaping tablespoons of Raw Cacao powder

Pulse walnuts in a food processor until finely groundAdd dates and process until well combined
Add remaining ingredients and process until well combined
*the mixture should be tacky and have a dough like consistenc
Press the mixture into a 9 x 9 glass pan
Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight
Remove from the refrigerator and cut into individual brownies

A note about soaking and dehydrating:

Nuts that have not been soaked contain enzyme inhibitors that can cause uncomfortable digestion. Once they are soaked  they are much easier to digest and their nutrients are easier to assimilate.  This is the optimal way to eat nuts, however if you are pressed for time or don’t have a dehydrator, it is perfectly okay to use unsoaked walnuts in this recipe! 

Soaking and Dehydrating Nuts:

  • Place Nuts in a large bowl and cover with water
  • Let soak overnight.  Rinse well.
  • Drain and dehydrate at a temperature no higher than 130 degrees until completely dry (about 12 hours depending on the nut)

For more info on Yacon and Lucuma go to:
http://www.navitasnaturals.com/

Dharma Mittra and the Dharma Yoga Center.

headstand

There really aren’t words sufficient to describe Dharma Mittra.  He is more than a teacher, he is an example.  He is the real deal.  He is “yoga”.  In an era where yoga has become a business, Dharma quietly teaches and practices with the humility of the new kid on the block.  The only difference is that he has been teaching in New York since 1967.  One of the first classical yoga teachers in New York City, Dharma has been inspiring students for more than 40 years.  He can still be found Monday through Thursday at noon teaching his Master Class. There is nothing quite like being in the presence of Dharma, with the look of an eye or the touch of a finger he has the ability to bring you into a pose you never thought possible.  His kindness and love for all beings is what yoga is all about.   Expand your practice.  Expand your heart.  Expand your consciousness.  “Be receptive.”

To learn more about Dharma Mittra and The Dharma Yoga Center go to:  http://www.dharmayogacenter.com/welcome.php

Practice. Eat. Live. All Things Yoga.

Welcome.

Welcome to Ahum.

A weekly blog where we will discuss all things yoga.  On the mat and off the mat.  Here you will meet great teachers or discover a new pose.  Find recipes for yummy nourishing food.  Discover the perfect pair of yoga pants or an excellent new book.

Thank you for joining me.  I look forward to our travels along the path and welcome your feedback.

Namaste.

(The gesture Namaste represents the belief that there is a Divine spark within each of us that is located in the heart chakra. The gesture is an acknowledgment of the soul in one by the soul in another. “Nama” means bow, “as” means I, and “te” means you. Therefore, Namaste literally means “bow me you” or “I bow to you.” —Aadil Palkhivala

PRACTICE

“Practice and all is coming.” —Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

EAT.

“Relate to your food so that you can relate to each other.”—Eddie Robinson

LIVE.

“Dance as though no one is watching you, love as though you have never been hurt before, sing as though no one can hear you, live as though heaven is on earth.” —Souza