Sprout Surprise!

I usually make a chia pudding weekly, soaking chia seeds overnight in a bowl of water then putting them into my food processor with lots of yummy things.  The chia seeds, when soaked, end up all thick and gelatinous like.
I had a little surprise this time, though, and found some of them had grown little tails - sprouted in other words!  I had always heard how sprouting Chia was hard, and well, I never bothered with them to be honest, as soaking for 12 - 24 hrs was enough for me.
But, the little tadpole-like sprouted seeds came about without me doing anything different - well, except the only thing I can think of is I placed a tea-towel over the bowl this time.
I might even try them in the jar with some Alfalfa or Clover (see my Products page)..... will keep you posted.
 Chia contains 8 essential amino acids and vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B15, B17, C, D, E & K and other goodies for your body.  (Info taken from Isabell Shipard's book "How Can I Grow & Use Sprouts?").
So, if you'd like to experiment with chia or just make a yummy pudding, I've included a Chia Pudding recipe in the Recipes page..... let me know how you go!

Sprouting Chives

I get asked every now & then about onion and chive sprouts in my mixes.  I don't sell them, because, from what I've been able to find so far, chive seeds are around $500 a kg !!  Maybe there are some way more reasonable out there......?
But, instead, what I've done is seed-saved the garlic chives seeds from my own garden.  To be honest, I actually harvested these ones a least 12 months ago, and they've been sitting in my kitchen waiting for me to attempt 'winnowing' them.
Well, finally last week (before the bubba was born) I decided to give it a go.  When you collect seed for sprouting, getting them clean from all debris is really important so they don't spoil when in your jar, bag or tiered sprouter.
I put the little black seeds in the sieve and went out side, gently blowing underneath it.  I lost a few seeds, but much of the dried debris flew out.  I'd love to learn how to do it properly, with the right equipment.... a goal for 2013.
When I soaked them  in my sprout jar I scooped out any remaining bits that floated to the surface.  Then added Alfalfa & radish seeds and sprouted as per usual.

The results :  little chive sprouts amongst my alfalfa & radish - YUM !
They didn't start sprouting as early as the alfalfa & radish, and at first I thought they weren't going to sprout at all, but about day 4, I think, they started and just kept growing.  Success !
Well, I'm ready to harvest yet more little black seeds soon, as my garlic chives all start to flower & go to seed.  Maybe you'd like to give it a try?

Our New Little Sprout....

Introducing our new little sprout .....
A baby boy born on 2nd January - healthy, peaceful and absolutely gorgeous!  6 lb 9 oz
I am passionate about starting my 2nd Blogspot for sharing with parents the art of "Nappy Free" or "Elimination Communication" - where we tune into our babies elimination needs and there is no need for the use of nappies 24 hrs a day.
Also, parenting in harmony with God's love - how we are meant to parent, with unconditional love and no expectation, demands upon our children.  Taking responsibility for our own feelings of anger, fear etc and not projecting them onto our children.  Recognition of (and feeling, releasing) our own emotional injuries & beliefs that shape the way we act towards our children.... a journey to become the most loving parent (without this idea of being perfect or getting it right all the time).  Shall keep you posted....

This summer heat is the perfect time to be eating lots of yummy living and raw foods!  In our fridge this week, we have a range of sprouts for our wraps, salads & other dishes, including Cress (sprouted in the 3 tiered Dome.... see my Products Page for more info), Radish, mung beans and my mix of clover & mustard and french lentils & chick peas.  (See my Recipe page for what to do with sprouted chick peas).
Try fresh sprouts on toast, with a drizzle of quality olive oil and Bragg Liquid Amino's, coconut Amino's or Tamari. Add a slice of tomato and / or avocado.  Yummy!

Green Smoothies.... another great breakfast for a hot day:
For some ideas on what to mix, see my Recipes page. 

Welcome....

To my first time at Blogging.....
Where you will find a little about me, what I'm passionate about, items I sell, Blogs & sites I enjoy and recipes I think are worth sharing.  
(And you may even read the word God here and there..... but not associated with a Religion or preaching.... simply what I am learning & experiencing about this amazing Being and her loving ways!)

With love,

Tara