National Prayer Day 5/2

The magic created by touching our palms together in symbolic gesture of prayer can be felt throughout the world, when done in good intention. As we pray, we whisper in God's ear our deepest desires, our thanks, our heartfelt yearnings, our wishes and feelings of gratitude for the blessings we have. As I've prayed, I've felt closest to God in solitude, not where you would think but when driving, as I appear to be talking to myself but really it's not to myself but to God. I don't get a verbal answer, although I wish I did but I do have a sense of calm that comes over me, along with clarity. I feel that connection no only when driving but when meditiating and gardening. Prayer can happen anywhere, at anytime but on a special day, such as today, I feel miracles can happen of healing and restoration, as groups gather to pray together. Praying in private can take place anywhere but I feel prayers are especaially magnified, when working with the earth. The miracles that happen during the springtime show us that any seeds we plant in God's ear can blossom, as flowers almost miraculously come to be. Take a little time out to do a soul gardening and to be in communtion with God, if you believe, prayers are heard and miracles can happen.

Turkey, Sorrel & Garlic Patties

The panic that I felt early on this year when I saw those bikinis at Target is amplified as I'm no where near bikini ready. My attempted juice fast was not as successful as I had hoped, as I cut it short. My gym sweatathons, felt great but I just love food too much and I need to make wiser choices as well as portion control. Taking advice given to me moons ago from a trusted psychic, I'm going to avoid sugar and dairy, along with my beloved gluten. (Deep, deep sigh.) Please join me as I lighten up my recipes a bit and hopefully in turn the numbers on the scale, will lighten up also. With that said, was I excited as I walked out of the door a few weeks ago, to find my sorrel growing, knowing how much flavor it adds to dishes. But since it was still chilly out, I wasn't in the mood for its' lemony fresh flavor yet. But today is a beautiful spring day, that's just perfect for all of the brightness that it has to offer. If you don't have sorrel available, substitute a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice and a little lemon zest. Enjoy!

• 1 pound ground lean turkey
• 1/2 zucchini finely grated, about 1/2 a cup
• a few leaves of sorrel or more, finely chopped, plus one leaf used for garnish
• 2-4 garlic cloves
• sea salt
• ground black pepper
• cooking spray

Smash the garlic and mince finely. Sprinkle with sea salt to create a paste, using the back of the knife helps. Set aside the garlic and squeeze the the zucchini dry. Mix with the rest of the ingredients and divide into 8 patties, about a quarter to a half an inch thick. Heat up the cooking spray in a non-stick pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes per each side. These are nice piping hot or room temperature. If you aren't avoiding carbs, these would be nice as sliders, topped with sliced tomatoes and crumbled goat cheese. Garnish with slivers of sorrel. Makes 8 patties to snack on or 4 servings.

Marinara Smothered Porterhouse Steak

Yes, I feel guilty...but I'm sharing the recipe anyway, it was delicious, the deep, nutty saltiness of the cheese combined with the marinara sauce that's infused with a little extra meaty flavor...It was like an extra amplified meatball without all the fillers, lol. Enjoy!

• (1) 8oz. thin sliced porterhouse steak
• 3/4 cup good marinara sauce
• good Parmesan Reggiano cheese, a little grated and some thinly sliced
• freshly ground black pepper

Pour the marinara sauce into a heavy bottomed pan that has a tight fitting lid. Place the steak on top of the sauce and cover. Bring to a simmer on high heat. Once it's bubbling away, lower the heat to low and cook for 5 minutes, using the 5 minute mark as a guide for a well-done steak. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes. Place your steak on the plate with a nice amount of sauce on it, placing the extra sauce on the side. (This is especially great to top a pasta or potato side dish.) Sprinkle the cheese and arrange the thinly sliced cheese on top of the steak. The thin slices gives it an extra nutty and salty flavor. Grind a little fresh pepper over the steak and the sauce. Serves 1 or 2 to share, as a light meal.

Mellow Monday Music

It's what I call a "Mellow Monday." It's gray outside, overcast with occasional showers and on top of that, it's chilly. Everything is wet with no signs of the sun peeking out today. On days like this, I like to play a little Mellow Monday Music, a little slower, deeper, with a few classics thrown in and I just love it on days like this. What's on your "Mellow Monday" play list?

This is on mine, in no particular order...

Animal Collective- "No More Runnin"
Cults- "Go Outside"
Depeche Mode- "Precious"
John Mayer- "Half of My Heart"
Michael Jackson- "Man in the Mirror"
Modest Mouse- "Float On"
Pink Floyd- "Wish You Were Here"
Peter Bjorn & John- "Young Folks"
The Strokes- "12:51"
The XX- "Shelter" (The whole cd is Mellow Monday perfect)

Asian Inspired Wild Rice Salad

I love a nice Asian inspired salad but I'm trying to cut the calories without sacrificing flavor. I would have loved a nice plum sauce to sweeten this dish up but instead used a pear infused white balsamic vinegar for a little bit of the sweetness and it did not disappoint! Adjust the seasoning of the dressing to your liking. And topping it with a wasabi flavored sheet of seaweed adds an extra bit of flavor, without the added calories. They are so addicting, I just love them and at only three calories per sheet, they pack a lot of flavor. Serve with grilled salmon on the side for a nice meal. Enjoy and have a great weekend, it looks like it's going to be a beauty!

• 1 cup wild rice, cooked and cooled
• 1 cup shelled edamame, cooked and cooled
• 3 scallions, use the pale part, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons pear infused white balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Gomasio (a mix of black & tan sesame seeds)
• pinch of ground ginger
• pinch of wasabi powder*optional
• sea salt
• ground black pepper
• flavored roasted seaweed, for garnish

In a small separate bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, ginger, wasabi, salt and pepper. Toss the dressing with the rice, edamame and the scallions. Use scissors to cut the seaweed into shreds, to save a little on time. Garnish with the seaweed shreds. Serves 2 as a main meal or 4 as a side dish.