Kimchi

Have you heard about Kimchi (aka Kimchee). I have never tried it and I think that is crazy. It has so many amazing health benefits I have decided this needs to be part of my daily life. So I am in the process of making my first batch of Kimchi. 

For those that do not know what Kimchi is... It is traditional fermented Korean delicacy which is made from vegetables including cabbage and a range of spices and seasonings.

Benefits: 

• low calorie

• low fat

• high fiber 

• vitamin A

• vitamin B1

• vitamin B2 

• vitamin C. 

• High in eessential amino acids and minerals such as iron, calcium, selenium. 

• powerful antioxidants 

• probiotics  -  lactobacillus bacteria. 

• Also contains capsaicin, chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids and isothiocyanates 

Great Health Benefits: 

• Digestive health

• Cholesterol

• Antioxidants

• Atopic dermatitis

• Anti-obesity 

• Immune system

• Anti-aging properties

• Cancer

• Diabetes 

• Gastric ulcers

My first batch has turned out to be very bland. I am going to spice it up. I also used green cabbage, and think I should have used Napa cabbage, so I will use that next time. I will pass on the recipe I have once I am happy with it. Until then... back to kefir. 

Hello to 2015

I say hello, because it will take some time. It is not really here yet...in my mind. I am still in 2014. Technically 2013, but hey, the only real problem it causes in writing checks. Otherwise I can live like it is 2013 ;)  Sounds like a Prince song.

We had a wonderful Christmas holiday. It was very low key. We decided to not do presents this year, and we didn't do them. I was quite proud of us. Usually we say we will limit it to... but then at the last minute, all hell breaks loose and takes the budget with it. This year, any presents we gave were hand made. We did our usual crocheted blankets, hats and scarves. We also did a lot of canning of our wonderful organic garden surplus, and gave that to people as well. I have to say it was one of my favorite Christmas holidays.

I didn't spend time feeling guilty for spending too much or too little, picking the wrong gift, picking the wrong color, etc. I also didn't spend all of January trying to figure out how to pay off everything. Without all this chatter in my brain I was able to spend the holidays doing what I should be...Celebrating the birth of Jesus, spending time with my amazing family and friends, and enjoying all that is Christmas. Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday, and welcome to 2015.