Individual Cheeseless Margherita-Style Pizza

Personalized cheeseless vegetable pizza

This colorful vegetable pizza is quick to prepare and filled with flavor. Preheat conventional or toaster oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while assembling. Begin with Naan or unleavened flat bread. This recipe would be vegan if not for the possible ingredients used in Naan. Our naan is local but contains “DATEM”, which is an acronym for bread conditioners often containing animal ingredients.
Coat the bread of choice with just enough tomato sauce so as not to become soggy. Pesto is an excellent alternative!

Sauce covered bread.

Heap a generous portion of sautéed vegetables on top. I often choose the same selection of easy to come by garden veggies because I like them. These veggies were previously prepared and seasoned with intention for future entrees, like this one.

Add thick tomato slices or small wedges. Heirloom varieties, like this Black Krim, are known for their meaty texture, therefore; withstand heat well. Heirloom varieties contain higher levels of effective lycopene antioxidants, demonstrating a reduction of blood platelet aggregation. Our tomatoes were not ripening in the cool summer nights so I brought them indoors to save them from both animals and the elements, but only after a hint of color first appeared. This is the formation of lycopene, which continues to develop from the inside out.

Fresh Black Krim Heirloom Tomato

Garnish with fresh basil to bring forth the flavor of these mouthwatering tomatoes.

Fresh plucked basil complements the sweet tomato.

Finally, grind black pepper overall to taste. We use a Turkish coffee grinder as our pepper mill, for a fine dusting of a tri-color blend.

Grind pepper blend to taste

Bake briefly at 400 degrees F directly on top oven rack for just a few minutes. The finished product will be hot all the way through and the bread becomes slightly crisp while remaining flexible. Try different sauces and toppings to suit your individual palate and needs, because it’s all YOURS.

Now that I have fed myself, I will go feed the tomatoes. They are still growing!

Celebrate the Summer Solstice with Sun Infusions

Sun infused tisane

Celebrate the Summer season with sun-steeped teas.  These light, bright and refreshing recipes are designed to nourish and hydrate our bodies throughout the year.

Gathered botanicals

I formulated this equation as a framework on which to build a balanced blend.

Selected plants to steep

• 1 tsp. Base with earthy or woody constituents.
• 2-3 tsp. Flavor with fruits and/or florals
• 1-2 tsp. Green or White tea Leaves for antioxidant properties.

This is a mere suggestion I have found to work well for a full and satisfying, albeit therapeutic infusion.  When using fresh plants, be certain the plants have not been sprayed and are safe to drink.  Some florals are not intended for consumption and other aerial plant parts are toxic.  Stick with pre-packaged tea bags and commercial loose teas to get the feel for creating the perfect blend.  Eventually, this will become second nature as you spend more time with the plants themselves.  You will instinctively choose flavors and herbs that will address your needs, similar to why our bodies develop cravings.

Various commercial teas and blends

I am a fan of “Traditional Medicinals” brand teas; herbal infusions naturally designed to address symptoms.

v  1 Madagascar Vanilla Red Rooibos

v  2 Black Cherry or Dark Berry

v  1 “Fusion red, white & blueberry tea

v  1 “Traditional Medicinals PMS” blend

v  2 Echinacea Elder by “Traditional Medicinals”

v  1-2 “Fusion red, white & blueberry”

v  2 Orange Spice

v  1 “Traditional Medicinals Think-Q Ginko”

v  1 white tea

v  1 Earl Grey (fermented black tea)  “Twinings” is known for safe, high quality

v  2 “Gypsy Cold Care” by “Traditional Medicinals”

v  1 white tea

Cheerful florals for tisanes

Give botanical tisanes a try like these fresh growing flowers and herbs whilst it is summertime:

Spicy Oregano

v  Lavender/Anise Hyssop and Rose Petals

v  Spearmint/Spicy oregano

v  Lemon Thyme/Lavender.

v  Hibiscus or Jasmine

Anise biscuits & sugared lemon rind Compliments of Inn Walden

Potentiate the potion with dried plants and commercial blends to substantiate these fresh infusions.

Enjoy slow infusions extracted by the sun as well as a steeped, freshly brewed cup.  Be it the Summer or Winter solstice, stay safe and healthy all year long with home brewed infusions, regardless of your hemisphere.

High Tea
Compliments of Inn Walden

Have a Reiki Day

“Light Hands”, supplied internet image

The following are excerpts from a recent conversation with Ken Egbert, Reiki Master Teacher:

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that promotes healing.  It is administered by the laying on of hands, the same energy that flows through any living thing, plants and animals.  Reiki energy has an intelligence of its own, directing itself to where it is needed.

Reiki is complimentary to almost any kind of treatment.  It can calm a person in need of mental and emotional treatment and also help with medical treatments.  It helps reduce the negative effects of medications, radiation and chemotherapy.  “Stress is the major condition I treat. Sometimes just the act of laying hands on someone who is feeling ill and low has great healing power.  In the process of Reiki healing, I too am healed.”

The ability to channel Reiki is passed from teacher (Master) to the student. This process is called an “attunement”.  Reiki has different levels.  In Reiki 1 you are taught the history of Reiki, hand positions for treating yourself and others and an attunement.  Some people are born with abilities that are enhanced by Reiki training and attunement.  The ability to channel Reiki grows with use.

Reiki 2 begins the incorporation of Reiki symbols, how to use them, a Reiki 2 attunement, and the ability to use distance Reiki.  Advanced Reiki Training (ART) includes more symbols, training in their use and another attunement.  ART gives you a Masters ability to give treatments, but does not include the ability to teach.  Masters training gives you the ability to attune and teach others.  “I am a Master Teacher.”

“My Higher Power led me to Reiki.  It was suggested to me that I should find a way to enhance and practice something related to healing.  She led me to Ursuline college where I received my training and all of my certifications.  I have been practicing Reiki since 2008. There are different types and styles of Reiki training available.  I am trained in Usui Reiki and am also trained and certified in Karuna® Reiki, which is a style developed by the International Center for Reiki Training.  I find my training in Karuna® Reiki enhances my abilities and gives me more options during a treatment.”

Ken Egbert, Reiki Master Teacher

“I currently work at an amazing place called LivAwareMD, conceived and created by Dr. Martha Hackett.  Dr. Hackett is blessed with the ability to see beyond western medicine and provide people with the knowledge and resources to learn to heal themselves instead of just treating and maintaining their symptoms.”

“Reiki is of value.  I suggest to clients that they see me at least 3 times, with 2 weeks between treatments, unless illness or crisis dictates sooner.  I find that by the 3rd treatment their being (body, mind and spirit) has learned to love, trust and take the Reiki energy and use it to its fullest potential.”

“Reiki has led me on an amazing journey from which I have seen miraculous healing and growth, both for my clients and for myself.  Reiki is the greatest gift I’ve ever received!”

The secret art of inviting happiness

The miraculous medicine of all diseases

Just for today, do not anger

Do not worry and be filled with gratitude

Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.

Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.

Pray these words to your heart

and chant these words with your mouth

Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind

The founder , Usui Mikao

Quantum-Touch: Generating synergystic healing energy

Sunset reflective wind chimes in the key of “E”

I first gained insight into this phenomenal energy healing practice I  learned about just last year.  Quantum-Touch originated about 27 years ago when Natural Healer, Bob Rasmussen, claimed he could pass any test on any subject with no prior knowledge or education. He discovered his energy had healing ability when applying touch.  A follower named Richard Gordon asked Rasmussen about his process, writing down techniques while observing his work.  Primary studies were conducted in the Netherlands, Great Britain, Japan and Canada.  As a researcher, Assistant Editor of ‘The British Medical Journal’ and past surgeon, Gordon composed a book after testing these theories entitled ‘Quantum Touch: The Power to Heal’.

“Dreamscape” – Butterfly garden @ the Cleveland Botanical Garden

Quantum Touch.com defines this practice as a “Technique to enhance the life force energy”, drawing “life-force energy” known in Eastern cultures as the “chi”, “ki” and “prana”.  This universal healing technique addresses the whole being, balancing energies to effectively and continually heal the self.  This magnification of energy vibration heightens the recipient’s awareness where they resonate as one, achieving “entrainment”.  The Practitioner becomes a conduit for the receiver to invoke its own healing process, facilitating the body to achieve a healthy homeostasis.  Nurses practice Quantum-Touch to complement conventional medical treatments to further promote healing.

“Sunergy” Garden Ball

During a recent interview, I asked Certified Practitioner, Ernie Betz, what interested him in Quantum Touch.  An introduction to an energy/healing workshop in acupressure during the late ‘70’s soon had him moving in circles expanding into various bioenergetics, incorporating macrobiotics, spiritual presence and meridians.   He demonstrates how multidimensional energy modalities are applied simultaneously when adding Reiki, acupressure, massage, and EFT (emotional freedom technique), aromatherapy, among others; to enhance the Quantum-Touch experience.  Mr. Betz features Quantum-Touch as a contributing writer in the November/December 2012 publication of ‘Envision Chronicle’.

“Steel Man” Bessemer Furnace @ Station Square – Pittsburgh, PA
Photo credit: CDE

Quantum Touch Practitioners are trained on two levels.  One 12 hour Q-T class permits personal use.  Two classes with a certified Instructor plus independent practice sessions are required for professional practice.  Additional techniques for certification are taught on Level 2, where energies are localized for addressing specific diagnoses.  Different locations feature different levels of instruction and various states offer CEU, or continuing education units, for Nursing licensure renewal.  Mr. Betz performs educational workshops in northeast Ohio, currently available at “Creekside Healing Center” in Richmond Heights, OH.

Energy cats

Mr. Betz’s healing dynamic is often supported by another energy healing practitioner specializing in Practical Reiki and acupressure. They met while working with children and animals at another energy healing event and have been practicing together for nearly 2 ½ years. They continue attending widespread health fairs throughout the year. Thanks to Mr. Ernie Betz for sharing his energies by bringing Quantum-Touch to our attention.

Feeling everything at once

Me