If you want to make a profound difference in your health
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Please, whatever you do, start with learning how to manage stress
It’s sobering the effect it has on the body. For example, here are just two of the many effects it can have on our digestive system
When we’re under stress, our body’s main goal is to prepare for fight or flight. The stomach and intestines are hit hard because our reactions divert energy away from our digestive tract and toward the muscles. Digestion is significantly slowed, or even put on hold until the danger has passed.
B vitamins, my goodness, B vitamins are so important to our bodies. Especially when it comes to digestion since they re-balance our body in the face of stress, the more we’re under, the less there are to help digest the food we eat.
Just as important is the effect it can have on the relationships we hold dear
My husband came home from work on a random evening this summer
“Hey, it’s great to see you. How was your day?”
For the next few minutes, he patiently listened to a long list of complaints from his stressed-out wife. Work, puppies, and random people at the grocery store. All of the things I hadn’t gotten done that I thought I should have that day
He still looked deflated, as I asked for forgiveness a few hours later.
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People don’t change until they’re uncomfortable enough to say “I’ve had it” and their “why” is so important that nothing will get in their way. For me, it wasn’t the threat of B vitamins or hydrochloric acid being out of balance or any of the other things that can affect my health.
Instead, it was the desire to be good to and connect in a way that’s meaningful with those I love.
“I re-promise you a happy home and wife with zen. Well, most of the time.” I whispered into the darkness that night
His whiskers scratched against the pillow as he smiled. “Sleep well; I love you too.”
A few weeks ago, we got dressed up and went to a fun restaurant in downtown Des Moines called Proof.
The menu was ambitious, with all of the dishes filled with incredible and interesting flavors. They change it up once a quarter, drawing upon influences from the Mediterranean and Northern Africa. There were some unexpected additions as well (for example a beet “marshmallow”)
The lamb sliders with date ketchup were my favorite. A knock-off version found its way to our menu this week. Such interesting combinations of flavors: caramelized onions, feta, and the ketchup? The ketchup is fantastic
Enjoy!
xoxo
ps: To make baharat spice blend, mix one tsp each of ground coriander and cumin with half a tsp each of cinnamon and paprika
— — —
~ Adapted from Epicurious
Lamb Sliders with Date Ketchup, Caramelized Onions + Feta
Ingredients
- Date Ketchup
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
- ½ cup beer
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- kosher salt + freshly ground pepper freshly ground pepper
- Caramelized Onions
- 2 medium-sized red onions
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- Sliders and Assembly
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 lb ground lamb
- ½ lb ground beef
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1 Tbsp Baharat spice blend
- kosher salt + freshly ground pepper freshly ground pepper
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 12 slider buns split and toasted (gluten-free if you’re avoiding gluten)
- For serving: arugula, caramelized onions, and crumbled feta
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions
- Rim the tip and root from the onions, cut them in half and remove the skins.
- Slice the onion from root to stem into thin slices.
- Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil, in your largest skillet over high heat.
- When hot, stir in the onions along with a few pinches of salt. Cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until the onions soften up - 4-5 minutes.
- Turn the heat down to medium and stir in the butter.
- Turn the heat down to medium and stir in the butter. Stirring regularly, cook another 10 - 15 minutes at this temperature, or until the onions just begin to caramelize a bit.
- Dial the heat back a shade more, and cook until the onions are deeply golden (this might take another 20 minutes or so)
- Remove the pan from the heat and set aside the onions
- Date Ketchup
- Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown (~ 5–8 minutes)
- Add the ketchup, dates, and beer. Bring to a boil, and then reduce the heat, and simmer, stirring occasionally (add water if you need, to prevent burning), until thick and slightly darkened (~ 20–25 minutes)
- Remove pan from heat and stir in vinegar. Let cool slightly.
- Purée in a food processor, thinning with water if needed, until smooth; season with salt and pepper. Let cool.
- Sliders and assembly
- Using your hands, gently mix onion, garlic, lamb, beef, parsley, and baharat in a large bowl.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Form scant 1/4-cupfuls of lamb mixture into twelve 2"-diameter patties.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place patties in skillet and immediately reduce heat to medium. Cook about 3 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Serve patties on buns with date ketchup, arugula, caramelized onions, and feta.
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