OK, pretend this was from last week...

     Last week was las paletas week. Paletas are a type of Latin American Popsicle. Wikipedia says, "The name comes from palo, or "stick," and the diminutive ending -eta, referencing the little flat stick frozen into each item." I strongly suggest that in this summer heat you experiment with these yourself.
     I bought a Popsicle maker from Bed, Bath and Beyond- you know one of those little plastic things with brightly colored holders that you stick into it. I got the one that has the little sipper thing, too, so that you get to enjoy it even as it melts. It costs me $3.
     There are two types of paletas- cream based and water-based. I tried both and loved both. Some of the combos I made were as follows:

• Coconut milk and toasted coconut (cream based)
• Coconut and large pineapple pieces (cream based)
• Mango (water based)
• Mango and sweet tea (water based)
• Arnold Palmer (which is half lemonade and half tea. It tastes like really lemony tea)
• Pineapple (water based)
• Pineapple and pineapple sage (water based)

     I had planned to make cherry and cherry yogurt swirl, but Ben and I ate all the cherries before that could happen. I also tried to work out a s'morescycle. Too sticky so far. There are some paletas that are traditional that I have not the courage for such as dill pickle and avocado.
     I love experimenting like this. I discovered some fun flavor combos and eat Popsicles. I have kept making my faves ( pineapple and I made peach) because it is so darn hot. The best part is that they are all natural- no unnatural flavors or preservatives or colors. Even the "real fruit" pops have all of that stuff in it. What is not to love?

Oooh, yeah.....

     So the title I forgot last week was "moment of death". if it tells you how good it was I forgot I watched it. I did learn that cooling the body during heart attack or stroke does not just reduce brain damage it can also help bring a person back to a higher level on consciousness that without. Hm.
    This week was tough but rewarding. Can I tell you how hard it is to buy at the grocery store? I ate lots of veggies and organic meat. I even found some pasta that was just semolina, salt and water. Other than that I did not eat breads. Most grains that are available have preservatives. Unless you make your own. Just doing this for one week I decided I would rather just go without. Cooking became vital for this week. There are few easy meals unless you just want a bunch or raw veggies. That is fine for some meals, but I really don't care to eat that for all of them.
    On Thursday I had a major meltdown. I was tired from the week and did not want to cook. I had ran out of fruits. I didn't want to cook breakfast. I didn't want to cook something for lunch. So I just ate cereal. Oops. And for lunch I had a salad. Not too bad. Just the dressing threw it off. Oh, and the hot dog. Still...
     What was the result? I guess I fell better. So far I can't really tell about that. However, I have gotten two compliments on my complexion while at work. I figure if it can make my skin look that good in one week, well six days, then what would it do in a month? Si I have decided to keep it up. I will not be so exclusive. I will try to keep all artificials to a minimum.
     So the fourth of July fell during my diet. What did I have? I made ribs, but I had to make my own sauce to keep it "real food". here is a rough recipe. Remember if you try it, do it all to taste.

1 small can of tomato puree
1 box of organic chicken stock (Be sure to check the ingredients)
2 Tbsp non-processed brown sugar
1 Tbsp molasses
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
dash of liquid smoke
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp cumin

1. Basically just mix it all together, adding the chicken stock slowly. I got my very thing because I based the ribs often. You can keep it thick if you want.
2. Salt and pepper your ribs.
3. Cover you ribs in the sauce. Cover with tinfoil.
4. Bake for at least 4 hours in a 300 degree oven.
5. For a crispy skin remove the foil and bake another 15 min.

     Besides the ribs I had corn on the cob and mashed potatoes. Most good butter is only made of cream and salt. Watch for yellow food coloring! Then dessert was blueberries. I also ate omelets, organic oatmeal, meatloaf (with organic sugar-free ketchup) and sauteed zucchini and layered bean salad.
     This week is once again food related. it is Las Paletas week. That is a style of Popsicle made of crazy flavors. SO far I have made mango tea pops and Arnold Palmer pops. I am looking at how to do S'mores and coconut. Maybe something spicy. Any suggestions?