A gluten free pumpkin roll is always on my Thanksgiving dessert list each year.  My celiac and gluten sensitive friends like their fall treats too! So, with hosting responsibilities on my mind, I’d like to give you and I another way to please our guests.

The best part is…they won’t even recognize the slight change in ingredients.

As our fall holiday plans begin to take shape and we check off our list of things to do, the blessings mount, don’t they? You and I may have managed to lose a little weight, or we are maintaining our current weight!

Whoop Hoo! What if we just want to sustain a healthier eating pattern?

Whatever the plans and dreams in our hearts we have an opportunity this Holiday to give glory to God in thanks and praise.

He restores joy and long months of distance by giving us time together for a holiday. The prolonged separation helps us see how much we miss and need each other.

May the Lord draw us closer spiritually as we gather and cherish this special day.

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalms 9:1

The big plus for a gluten free pumpkin roll is decreasing exposure to wheat sensitive guts that stimulate the immune system to attack itself. We will both benefit from a little diligence in decreasing inflammation, right?

Since our immune systems can be under constant attack eating a few ultra -processed foods. Food sensitivities play a role in making us feel bad. Staying on track is important to both of us. That’s why you’ll find me giggling like a schoolgirl when I get to brainstorm ideas with my clients.

They love creating their own meal plans to enjoy!

Now when it comes to baking, I am not the best gluten free baker. However, I care about the people in my life who are susceptible to the damaging effects of wheat.

So, even though developing this recipe took several tries, it was worth it!

The one I made for a friend’s dinner and went over pretty well. Therefore, I hope it is a pumpkin roll you can use too!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Roll Recipe

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful

Colossians 3:14-16 ESV – And above all these put on love, which – Bible Gateway

I hope you enjoy this gluten free pumpkin roll for your gluten sensitive friends! God wants you and I thriving spiritually and physically. He also gave us the power to do that! The blessing of His Son for our redemption and the provision of all good things in the garden to heal our bodies. We can be truly thankful.

I am here for you if you have any questions about the recipe or if you want to talk to a health coach about making some changes in your lifestyle, exercise, attitude, or nutrition. You can contact me here at Book an Appointment for a 30-minute free consultation.

Roasted Butternut Squash is definitely a great side dish for fall. Paired with Garden fresh green beans and onions and this trio will compliment any main dish.

I particularly like this side dish because it’s low carb, nutrient rich, and you can plop it in the oven, set the timer and go do something else for a 30 minutes!

Check out the vitamin packed goodness of this winter squash HERE!

Although getting to this buttery goodness can sometimes be tricky, it’s worth it. In fact if you’ve let rest in the sun to harden for winter storage, tackling the outer skin can even be a hassle. Some people like to use a microwave to loosen the skin on their squash. While others will use their InstaPot or stovetop to steam/boil 5-10 minutes to loosen. I like to bake mine 30 minutes, let it cool a few, then remove the skin.

However you choose to prepare your squash I hope you enjoy it with your family as much as I do mine. Since, Thanksgiving will be upon us soon, I’m sure many are looking for lower carb, healthier options to serve with their bird. They can give thanks this one fits the bill.  God bless you and keep you today!

Remember…What’s in the garden is good!

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 9:1 

Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!

1 Chronicles 16:8

I give thanks to the Lord for another day to enjoy His goodness! The goodness from this winter squash harvest will last several months stored properly in a cool dry place. We’ll begin with using some left over butternut squash soup to begin making delicious wraps.

Butternut squash wraps can replace any tomato based salsa for people who have chronic reflux disease. Or if they are avoiding nightshade plants.

However, anyone can enjoy these easy squash wraps! Especially if they are having a craving for Mexican food.

Click HERE for Butternut Squash Soup recipe

You’ll also need some Tortilla Shells–Click HERE for recipes!

Enjoy these wraps today! And don’t hesitate to call upon the name of our Lord, He loves you so much!

Why are Nightshades a Problem for some people? Nightshades are thought to contribute to inflammation and chronic gastrointestinal permeability. This can result in reflux disease (GERD) in some people. The enzyme solanine is a natural pesticide found in these plants to protect them from disease. This substance may cause inflammation when consumed and contribute to arthritis pain, inflamed blood vessels, and irritates the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. There are no clinical studies on people to support this claim, however some medical personnel are advising patients to try removing them from the diet for a period of time to determine if there is relief of symptoms.

Follow this fibromyalgia link for more information: Fibromyalgia Resources

Amazing butternut squash has so many benefits to build and sustain our bodies!

Did you know that butternut squash when picked after its peak ripeness is able to protect itself from disease? Who knows the interpretation of a thing? The adaptability of a every species in the garden continually amazes me. What does not surprise me are the benefits! I love how it helps build the immune system and contributes to maintaining muscle and bone mass alongside a well balanced eating plan.

Who is like the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the hardness of his face is changed.

Ecclesiastes 8:1

Here in Ohio, this year’s volunteer crop of butternut squash sprouted spontaneously from our compost pile as my husband tilled its richness through the rows of potatoes.

God not only placed in the seed its genetic code to multiply, but also the protective ability to harden it’s skin as it lies in the sun ripening for winter. The clue to picking this at the height of it’s protection is after the fruit reaches its peachy tan color.

Once the peak color is present the fruit is ready for use in my soup.

Since I don’t want to damage the vine or the remaining fruit I carefully cut it leaving a one inch stem. I pick the first for a taste test and leave the rest.

The remaining squash lye on the vines several more weeks as hardening of the outer skin begins and the cooler temperatures at night cause the vines to wither and fade. I can’t help but picture the elements of life for this plant with our own task of self-preservation. We too develop a hard exterior at times when repeated exposure to invaders occur. Mentally and physically.

Butternut squash’s amazing benefits begin as its minerals and vitamins are extracted. These macronutrients help our immune system counteract free radicals. Therefore, counteracting the over processed and highly preserved items we tend to consume. At the same time, our minds are bombarded with fear of pandemics, deadlines, relationship woes, or a health crisis.

Moreover, how do we cope? How do we grasp onto sanity and bring forth preservation? The key of course is wisdom. The same wisdom that changes the face of the man in our verse above. We have the pleasure of applying the wisdom of God’s word to our daily lives so we can experience a change in our own faces.

Just as our butternut squash is filled with lush nutrient flesh to build and sustain our bodies, God’s word is filled with soothing Psalms to nourish our souls. 

Learn more about Butternut Squash Benefits Here:

Preparing the squash for this mineral and vitamin packed soup is easy:
1. Wash thoroughly with water.
2. Bake the whole squash on a oven safe dish for one hour at 350 degrees.
3. 40 minutes into baking add a bulb of garlic to roast alongside the squash, it will roast 20 minutes and 3 cloves will be added to the soup.

Butternut Squash Soup

You’ll need the following:

• One Large Roasted Butternut Squash
• Three Cloves Roasted garlic
• 4       Tablespoons of Butter or Olive Oil
• 1       Cup of Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 2       Tablespoons Fresh Chopped Rosemary
• 1/4    Teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1       32 Ounce Box of Organic Vegetable or Chicken Broth
• 1/2    Teaspoon Salt

Take the cooled roasted butternut squash and peel the outer skin. Slice down the middle and remove the seeds and strings. Dice the remaining flesh into cubes. You can proceed one of two ways: Place the squash in a blender with the 32 ounces of broth to puree or place in a soup pot with the broth and use an immersion blender to puree’. Your choice. I like to use my blender. So, I add the spices, roasted garlic, hers, salt, and broth to my blender and puree’. I then add it to my soup pot with the almond milk. Heat until warm and serve.

“Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.”
2 Corinthians 13:11

I like the key word in this verse…aim. Aiming for restoration and comforting one another. The act of living in peace is what we, as Christians wake up with every intention of doing each day. Meeting God in His word and beginning with prayer helps us hit the mark. Well, aim better anyway.

We may be tempted in situations to respond in haste. We may forego the extra time to stop and listen to the answer of our own question, “How are you?” to our neighbors. While each hour of our day passes we have the opportunity to take extra time or go the extra mile. When we do, a small spark of confidence grows and the peace of God is present in our small victories.

We can feel Him smiling as our aim is closer to that of his Son.

While we think about our aim to be more like Christ, I’ll share the aim of this cherry tart. It offers a balance of delicious tart and sweet flavor for our enjoyment. A crunchy oat and walnut cluster of top is slightly sweet and filling. Also, the use of a very small amount of sugar and stevia allow this pleasure to remain a healthier option for a rounded snack or breakfast substitute.

Cherries dark red juice and skin is loaded with anthocyanins to help fight inflammation. They also contain a decent amount of vitamin C. There is no guilt indulging in this beneficial treat.

Cherry Tarts

Filling

• 3 Cups Cherries (Fresh or Frozen)
• 1/4 Cup of Sugar mixed with 1 scoop of PURE stevia or monk fruit
• 1/2 Teaspoon Almond Extract
• 1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon or nutmeg
• 1 Tablespoon Tapioca Starch or Arrowroot Powder

Crust

• 2 Cups Organic Gluten Free Oats
• 1/3 Cup Organic Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Sugar (Optional)
• 1/2 Teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 Cup Walnuts Chopped

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine your filling ingredients in a bowl and toss well with the sugar, arrowroot powder, and spices. Place in a 8 pre-made tart shells and set aside. Combine oats, olive oil, sugar, cinnamon and walnuts in a bowl and place over the cherries. Bake for 30-40 minutes.

Take a couple of theses along with you as you visit shut ins or drop them off on the door step with a card of encouragement! Aiming high is our goal in our efforts to comfort and agree with on another.

Enjoy!

“….so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;
Colossians 1:10-11

Paul and his run on sentences! Breaking it down for me today for a short devotion….bearing fruit, increasing in knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power….(NOT according to my might but HIS might) and not just His might but His glorious might.

Now that is a promise worth holding onto for the rest of my days!

I have no strength apart from Jesus and I have no knowledge without the Word of truth shared in the bible. May the hope of these verses lift your spirit to a new level today just as a hearty meal from the garden will lift your stamina.

This sounds complicated because of three step process, but I assure you….it is easy. I chose to use Kale in this pesto only because I did not have basil on hand, and there is a LOT of it in the garden.

I’ve also used spinach in the past (LOVE THAT) it’s a little sweeter, but I like to keep things versatile so you can substitute and use what works for you. This is also one of those really good preparation day meals to cook ahead and eat later in the week.

There are so many benefits of kale with good amount of protein, rich in vitamins A, C, & K see this Healthline article for all the benefits!

Kale Pesto & Spaghetti Squash

Pesto

• 1 Cup Fresh Kale (Spinach or Basil)
• 1 Roasted clove of garlic (this gives a milder garlic flavor you can use fresh, but it will be strong!)
• 2 Tablespoons of Romano Cheese
• 1 Tablespoon of Sliced Almonds
• 1/3 Cup Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/4 Tsp Salt
• 1 Dash of Pepper

Puree in a food processor until smooth.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Prepare Spaghetti Squash by washing well, cutting in half, scoop out seeds, sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, Bake one hour until tender. Meanwhile, prepare meatballs.

Meatballs

• 1 Pound of lean ground beef (Turkey or Chicken)
• 1/4 Cup finely chopped onions
• 2 Tablespoons of Fresh Parsley
• 1 Tablespoon Grated Romano Cheese
• Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt and pepper ( I don’t measure this, it is to your own taste)

Roll into 1 inch balls and bake alongside squash for about 35-40 minutes.

When the squash is done, remove from oven and let cool until it can be safely handled. Carefully fluff with a fork to remove the flesh of the squash, add a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder as needed for flavor. Place in a container and add one tablespoon of the pesto. Mix well and top with meatballs. I added roasted asparagus. Delicious!

You’ll be more than ready to bear fruit in all your good work!

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20

I save myself a lot of anguish and regret when I am slow to speak….not that I always do, but WHEN I do, the outcome is better than when I don’t. There is so much noise and anger right now in our nation, it’s hard to discern what is righteous anger and what is just anger. My spirit aches for those angry hearts, because I know what it feels like to be trapped by it’s ugly snare.

Therefore, wise counsel from James is nice to hear among the clamor of voices. The reality of God’s word is summed up here…..he says, “the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” The context of this verse is tucked away in ongoing warnings of being lured by our own desires and staying away from filthiness and wickedness. He goes on to say that religion is worthless if we can’t hold our tongue (vs 26). Ouch.

Statements that check the genuineness of my heart and remind me to live free of anger! Thanks James, because I need to cling to God’s wisdom in an age of extreme chaos. It feeds my soul, just like the sweet potatoes coming on feed my cells.

Yes! My cells love this hormone balancing starchy vegetable from the garden prepared in a variety of ways. I love the nutrients of beta carotene, vitamins A &C, B1 & B6. As well as the good amount of minerals–magnesium, potassium, manganese and copper. Don’t forget they are also full of soluble fiber. All of which increase energy, balance hormones, provide fiber and sustenance. I like the added benefits of pumpkin and sunflower seeds for extra vitamin E and selenium too!

Hey, I”m packing as many nutrient’s as I can into one meal for busy people, ya know!

These wraps are inspired by watching a beautiful Indian woman making a flatbread with a sweet potato several weeks ago. Since I love to make a variety of wraps; why not use this idea to make my own version?

Here is all you need:

• 1 1/4 Cup Organic Unbleached Flour
• 1 Preboiled and Still warm sweet potato ( this makes about 3/4 cup)
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 Cup toasted pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds (1 Tbsp. each)
• 1 Tablespoon Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Place a skillet on the stove with the heat setting on low. Place the pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds in the pan to toast. Just a couple of minutes. Meanwhile combine the flour and salt. Place toasted seeds into food processor and gently pulse until finely chopped. Add them to the flour mixture and mix well.

In a separate cup combine the sweet potato and oil. Using a fork, incorporate the sweet potato mixture into the flour until a nice dough forms. Knead several times on a lightly floured surface until no longer sticky. You may need to add a little more flour. Divide the dough into eight small balls. Roll out one ball at a time, on a lightly floured surface until very thin. Place in the hot DRY skillet to cook, about 30 seconds each side. They will look dry and no longer wet when they are ready.

Place on a dish to cool. Use them for your wraps right away or store them in the refrigerator in a large zip lock bag. They are usually best when used within 7-10 days.

Enjoy the wraps, soak up God’s precious cleansing Word, and gather in the garden!

I pray wise cousel from God’s Word to feed your soul today, as you escape the craziness of our world for the peace of our sweet Jesus. I pray His precious Word brings you comfort as you balance your mind with the bible’s solid reassurance and your body with sustenance from the garden.

Because what’s in the garden is good!

“At daybreak, LORD, you hear my voice,
at daybreak I plead my case to you and wait expectantly.”
Psalm 5:3

Daybreak is my favorite time to meet with the Lord in His Word and draw near to Him. There is no better time of the day. Soon after daybreak, I check on the garden…..the kale is looking quite nice! Ready for a lunch date and wellness consult!

Here is the very simple recipe for salad to increase magnesium, manganese, calcium, and vital antioxidants for building your strength. I hope you enjoy this and your lovely day!

Kale and Beet Salad

• 4 Cups Fresh Kale chopped
• 1/4 Fresh Beet, shaved over salad
• 1 Small Apple finely sliced
• 1/4 Cup Chopped Walnuts or Almonds
• 1 Dash of Salt

Apple Cider Vinegar Dressing

• 1 Ounce Apple Cider Vinegar
• 3 Ounces Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon of Honey
• 1 Dash Pepper

Combine your kale, topped with apples, nuts and shaved beets, cover with dressing and toss.

What’s in the garden is good!

On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.
1 Corinthians 12:22

A clear picture of my need for others is in this verse. How many times have you held a baby and just could not resist hugging or kissing them……..especially if they’re part of you! They are weak and seemingly offer us nothing, however the sheer innocence of their presence offers indispensable hope! We need them and we need each other.

We have many needs in our spiritual body that require the gifts and talents of others. They are at our fingertips, a text or phone call away. I’m comforted I don’t have to hesitate, I can reach out for them today. Just as I can reach to the garden to meet my needs physically. Here is how you and I can do that today, using leftovers from the night before.

1. Asparagus On An English Muffin with Fresh Herbs

• 1 Egg
• 1 Tbsp. Leftover Steamed Asparagus
• 1 Tsp. Grated Romano Cheese
• 1 Tbsp. Fresh Herbs ( I used my favorite lemon balm, fennel, parsley)
• 1/2 Tsp Organic Olive Oil

Super easy preparation….In a mug, place your olive oil. Add one beaten egg, the asparagus, and cheese, microwave on High 1 minute. Place over English muffin and top with fresh herbs.

2. Gluten Free?….No problem, prepare items and place over leftover Wild Grain Rice

3. Low Carb for You?…….Easy fix, place egg mixture over a bed of greens with fresh herbs.

Eggs not your thing?
Adjust accordingly by combining 1/2 cup wild grain rice, a teaspoon of Romano cheese, Leftover steamed asparagus, a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds, and a tablespoon of walnuts. Heat in microwave 1 minute.

Why Fresh Herbs?
As we learned in our verse today, every part of our body is indispensable. That includes our gut health.
Fresh herbs aid in the digestion of our food, provide vital polyphenols and flavonoids to help us fight inflammation, disease and cell damage. All antioxidants and nutrients help us sustain and nourish our bodies. So, it is a good idea to add a few items from the garden to each meal.

I pray you have peace and nourishment in your body and soul today! What’s in the garden is good!

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
Romans 11:33

I’m glad I don’t have to try and search the wisdom and knowledge of God, it is at my fingertips in His Word. Moreover, it’s comforting to know someone is aware and can handle all the chaos, heartache and pain taking place in our country today. His depth and riches are beyond my comprehension. Yet, I want to be more like Him in his capacity to love, encourage, and empower His people.

We may think He is too big or too busy to think of us little nobodies, but scripture tells us He numbers the hairs on our head. He accounts for and names the stars in the sky. Furthermore, He knows where the birds will lay their head. Evidence He does care about the simple things too!

A starting point for all of us……..simple things.

Simply Delicious Summer Squash

• 1 Summer Squash
• 1 Zucchini
• 2 Boneless, Skinless, Chicken Breast
• 1 Small Onion Chopped
• 1 Teaspoon Oregano
• 1/2 Teaspoon Chili Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon Paprika
• 1/2 Teaspoon Pepper
• 2 Tablespoons Organic Olive Oil
• 1 Cup precooked Quinoa

Heat skillet to low med setting. Combine all spies in a bowl or small dish. Prepare chicken on a cutting board, sprinkle half of the spices on the chicken, cut into strips. Place oil in heated skillet, then add seasoned chicken, cook until done, about 5-6 minutes. Push to the side of the skillet. Meanwhile thin slice the vegetables on a different cutting board and sprinkle with remaining spices, Sauté’ until just tender, about 5-6 minutes. Serve over precooked quinoa.

I can take comfort in the Devine design of yellow, orange, and green displayed in my squash and carrots. I need stamina, endurance, and strength to be productive. The essential antioxidants in this dish meet those needs, while they also fight inflammation and cancer. Knowing the taste buds won’t be disappointed make this dish an easy choice.

People like me prefer the simple things in life! Simple recipes, preparation, and ingredients that cook quickly and provide satiety. So, I can do the work He has called me to do. This meal will assist in providing the necessary nutritional requirements to keep you going in your work too!

So feed your body and feed you soul because what’s in the garden is good!

Leave me a comment, let me know how you like it!