DINING WITH THE DEAD
We understand the concept of death as spirit leaving the body. But, what about the idea of spirits returning for dinner?
Our love for the deceased is shown by talking to them in their burial place, lighting candles for them in places of worship, and displaying their pictures. On the anniversary of their passing we have moments of silence, song, and food where we live, work, and pray. So, is setting a place for the dead at our dinner table going too far? Those who practice the Dumb Supper on All Hollow’s Eve don’t think so.
The Dumb Supper is a reverent event that discourages conversation of any kind. Dumb Supper literally means quiet meal—mum’s the word. It takes place on Samhain, which is All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween. This practice, celebrated worldwide, is one of the largest gatherings at the Festival of the Dead in Salem, MA.
After the family meal is cooked, the table is set with an empty place setting filled with food. This extra setting is for all the family ancestors to come and enjoy a meal with the living family members. Photographs of the deceased are often placed on the table.
Dinner begins with a prayer and a welcoming of the ancestors, and continues with quietude for the remainder of the meal. Appliances and cell phones are turned off because it is believed that silence is helpful for the dead to be among the living.
No one leaves the table until everyone has finished eating. The silence is broken when everyone thanks the ancestors for dining with them.
After the meal is over, the ancestor’s food is fed to the family pets, spread over the earth, or taken to the cemetery where it is left on their grave sites. It is believed that the dead ate of the essence of the meal and thereby shared in the celebration of life.
One of the largest gatherings for the Festival of the Dead’s Dumb Supper is held in the Grand Ballroom of the Historic Hawthorne Hotel in Salem; a haunted site featured on the SciFi Channel’s show Ghost Hunters.
Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos www.survivingcancerland.com and @PsychicHealing twitter
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Boots
THE BLACK LEATHER BOOT
Cooler weather has arrived. Our sandals are stored away. Nature has repainted life from a fiery palette that will cool to hues of winter’s blues. What can replace a classic sandal? The timeless black leather boot!
One of the staples in a woman’s shoe collection is the black leather boot—so versatile and sexy it can be worn in formal and casual activities. One word of caution when investing in a pair of boots; don’t sacrifice fit or quality for cost. Comfortable, well made boots can last a life-time if treated with proper care.
There are many different styles of black leather boots from which to choose. Locating that perfect pair is both daunting and fun. Defining personal needs can be the first step in finding the perfect pair. It can also eliminate “buyer’s remorse” that often follows random emotional purchases.
Black Boots can be as individual in style, shapes, sizes and versatility as the person wearing them. Some boots zip up, others lace, while a third group can be pulled on for a snug fit. There is the ankle boot—great with anything from jeans to pencil skirts, and the patent leather boot—perfect for rainy days. However, given all the choices in stores and online, I think a classic knee-high black leather boot is like wearing the timeless “little black dress” on your feet. Wear them together and look attractive and confident throughout the holiday seasons.
Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos www.survivingcancerland.com @PsychicHealing on twitter.
Cooler weather has arrived. Our sandals are stored away. Nature has repainted life from a fiery palette that will cool to hues of winter’s blues. What can replace a classic sandal? The timeless black leather boot!
One of the staples in a woman’s shoe collection is the black leather boot—so versatile and sexy it can be worn in formal and casual activities. One word of caution when investing in a pair of boots; don’t sacrifice fit or quality for cost. Comfortable, well made boots can last a life-time if treated with proper care.
There are many different styles of black leather boots from which to choose. Locating that perfect pair is both daunting and fun. Defining personal needs can be the first step in finding the perfect pair. It can also eliminate “buyer’s remorse” that often follows random emotional purchases.
Black Boots can be as individual in style, shapes, sizes and versatility as the person wearing them. Some boots zip up, others lace, while a third group can be pulled on for a snug fit. There is the ankle boot—great with anything from jeans to pencil skirts, and the patent leather boot—perfect for rainy days. However, given all the choices in stores and online, I think a classic knee-high black leather boot is like wearing the timeless “little black dress” on your feet. Wear them together and look attractive and confident throughout the holiday seasons.
Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos www.survivingcancerland.com @PsychicHealing on twitter.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Lunch
From SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing
(www.survivingcancerland.com)
QUICKIE (15 MINUTES OR LESS) COOKING FOR LIFE
(This is for everyone with time restraints.)
“Quickie” includes clean up. This recipe was taken from the cookbook section of my book. Over the next two days, I will post meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—with the nutritional and calorie information for a time challenged family. Enjoy!
Lunch can be an overlooked meal, especially when medical appointments take precedence in our lives. Everything else must be re-prioritized including family, home and work. Cooking and nutrition can get pushed to the end of the line.
After all we’ve endured, financially, medically, and emotionally, including a cranky belly; we need a belly pleaser meal that meets our needs and time restrictions.
I dedicate this recipe to all those hard working people, often raising their families alone while undergoing health treatments, and who put their children’s needs first. Not only do they bring home the bacon, they cook it, too.
Throw this lunch recipe together at breakfast time and it will be ready when you are hungry at lunch. It is a childhood favorite that adults love, too.
This recipe was taken from the cookbook section of my book, SURVIVING CANCERLAND. Over the next three days, I will post meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—with the nutritional and calorie information for a time challenged family. Enjoy!
LUNCH= Barbecued Pulled Chicken Sandwiches 312 calories 36.1g protein
On Whole Grain Sesame Seed Bun
Prep time= 2 min. Clean up= 2 min.
INGREDIENTS: serves 3
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, frozen 1 cup barbecue sauce
1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced into rings ½ teaspoon mustard
½ cup low sodium vegetable or chicken broth ¼ teaspoon “jar spices”
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
DIRECTIONS:
Put all ingredients into Slow Cooker on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until chicken is fork tender and shred.
Serve on whole grain Sesame Wheat Burger Buns.
Bun Nutrition Facts=Serving size= 1 roll (67g) Calories=220; Total Fat=6g; Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium= 290; Dietary Fiber= 2g; Sugars= 4g; Protein= 6g.
Barbecued Pulled Chicken Sandwiches=Calories serving=312; Total Fat=2.0; Cholesterol 147mg; Sodium 794; Total Carbohydrates 36.9g; Dietary Fiber 2.4g; Sugars 27.1g; Protein 36.1g.
Good Points=Low in Saturated Fats.
Bad Points= High in Cholesterol, Sodium (use low sodium sauce) and Sugar (use low
sugar sauce).
Bun Nutrition Facts=Serving size= 1 roll (67g) Calories=220; Total Fat=6g; Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium= 290; Dietary Fiber= 2g; Sugars= 4g; Protein= 6g.
(www.survivingcancerland.com)
QUICKIE (15 MINUTES OR LESS) COOKING FOR LIFE
(This is for everyone with time restraints.)
“Quickie” includes clean up. This recipe was taken from the cookbook section of my book. Over the next two days, I will post meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—with the nutritional and calorie information for a time challenged family. Enjoy!
Lunch can be an overlooked meal, especially when medical appointments take precedence in our lives. Everything else must be re-prioritized including family, home and work. Cooking and nutrition can get pushed to the end of the line.
After all we’ve endured, financially, medically, and emotionally, including a cranky belly; we need a belly pleaser meal that meets our needs and time restrictions.
I dedicate this recipe to all those hard working people, often raising their families alone while undergoing health treatments, and who put their children’s needs first. Not only do they bring home the bacon, they cook it, too.
Throw this lunch recipe together at breakfast time and it will be ready when you are hungry at lunch. It is a childhood favorite that adults love, too.
This recipe was taken from the cookbook section of my book, SURVIVING CANCERLAND. Over the next three days, I will post meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—with the nutritional and calorie information for a time challenged family. Enjoy!
LUNCH= Barbecued Pulled Chicken Sandwiches 312 calories 36.1g protein
On Whole Grain Sesame Seed Bun
Prep time= 2 min. Clean up= 2 min.
INGREDIENTS: serves 3
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, frozen 1 cup barbecue sauce
1 medium sweet onion, thinly sliced into rings ½ teaspoon mustard
½ cup low sodium vegetable or chicken broth ¼ teaspoon “jar spices”
¼ teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
DIRECTIONS:
Put all ingredients into Slow Cooker on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until chicken is fork tender and shred.
Serve on whole grain Sesame Wheat Burger Buns.
Bun Nutrition Facts=Serving size= 1 roll (67g) Calories=220; Total Fat=6g; Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium= 290; Dietary Fiber= 2g; Sugars= 4g; Protein= 6g.
Barbecued Pulled Chicken Sandwiches=Calories serving=312; Total Fat=2.0; Cholesterol 147mg; Sodium 794; Total Carbohydrates 36.9g; Dietary Fiber 2.4g; Sugars 27.1g; Protein 36.1g.
Good Points=Low in Saturated Fats.
Bad Points= High in Cholesterol, Sodium (use low sodium sauce) and Sugar (use low
sugar sauce).
Bun Nutrition Facts=Serving size= 1 roll (67g) Calories=220; Total Fat=6g; Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium= 290; Dietary Fiber= 2g; Sugars= 4g; Protein= 6g.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Quickies
Calling all Mr. Moms, Moms, and Bachelors! Read UP-
From SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing
QUICKIE (15 MINUTES OR LESS) COOKING FOR LIFE
“Quickie” includes clean up.
Over the next three days, I will post meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—with the nutritional and calorie information for a time challenged family. Enjoy!
The cooler weather is upon us. A hot breakfast on a cold morning is a delight that no longer needs to be a week-end treat.
When jobs and medical appointments take precedence in our lives, everything else must be re-prioritized including family, home and work. Cooking and nutrition can get pushed to the end of the line. After all we’ve endured medically, emotionally, and financially, including a cranky belly; we need a belly pleaser meal that also meets our treatment needs and/or time restrictions.
I dedicate this recipe to all those hard working cancer patients, often raising their families alone while undergoing treatment and who put their children’s needs first. Not only do they bring home the bacon, they cook it, too!
Throw this breakfast recipe together the night before and pop it in the oven first thing in the morning. By the time your children are washed and dressed, breakfast will be ready. Pull it out of the oven and serve. They will go to school with a hot meal in their tummies and you will face the day with a warm feeling in your heart. Any leftovers can be covered in the same dish, refrigerated, and reheated for another meal.
BREAKFAST=Simple Breakfast Casserole
596 calories 34.2g protein
Prepared the night before. Pop into the oven in the morning. Prep time= 10 min.
Clean up= 3 min.
INGREDIENTS: serves 5
6 eggs 1cup 2% milk
½ tsp pepper ½ tsp mustard
4 oz cheddar cheese 1 bag frozen hash brown potatoes
1 4oz (small) can of mushrooms
8 oz bacon (can also use turkey, chicken or non-meat sausage)
DIRECTIONS:
Cook bacon and drain on paper towel.
Line 8x8 dish with frozen hash-browns.
Sprinkle cooked bacon over hash-browns and add drained mushrooms.
Top with grated cheese.
Dab on mustard.
Refrigerate overnight (or not).
Cook at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Breakfast Casserole= serving size =239.8g; Calories =596; Total Fat=40.4; Sugars=5.6g; Cholesterol=312mg; Total Carbohydrates 22.6g; Dietary Fiber=0.9g; Protein=34.2g.
Good Points=High in Selenium, Calcium (33%), and in Vitamin. A(12%).
Bad Points= High in Fat and Cholesterol (use egg substitute).
From SURVIVING CANCERLAND: The Psychic Aspects of Healing
QUICKIE (15 MINUTES OR LESS) COOKING FOR LIFE
“Quickie” includes clean up.
Over the next three days, I will post meals—breakfast, lunch and dinner—with the nutritional and calorie information for a time challenged family. Enjoy!
The cooler weather is upon us. A hot breakfast on a cold morning is a delight that no longer needs to be a week-end treat.
When jobs and medical appointments take precedence in our lives, everything else must be re-prioritized including family, home and work. Cooking and nutrition can get pushed to the end of the line. After all we’ve endured medically, emotionally, and financially, including a cranky belly; we need a belly pleaser meal that also meets our treatment needs and/or time restrictions.
I dedicate this recipe to all those hard working cancer patients, often raising their families alone while undergoing treatment and who put their children’s needs first. Not only do they bring home the bacon, they cook it, too!
Throw this breakfast recipe together the night before and pop it in the oven first thing in the morning. By the time your children are washed and dressed, breakfast will be ready. Pull it out of the oven and serve. They will go to school with a hot meal in their tummies and you will face the day with a warm feeling in your heart. Any leftovers can be covered in the same dish, refrigerated, and reheated for another meal.
BREAKFAST=Simple Breakfast Casserole
596 calories 34.2g protein
Prepared the night before. Pop into the oven in the morning. Prep time= 10 min.
Clean up= 3 min.
INGREDIENTS: serves 5
6 eggs 1cup 2% milk
½ tsp pepper ½ tsp mustard
4 oz cheddar cheese 1 bag frozen hash brown potatoes
1 4oz (small) can of mushrooms
8 oz bacon (can also use turkey, chicken or non-meat sausage)
DIRECTIONS:
Cook bacon and drain on paper towel.
Line 8x8 dish with frozen hash-browns.
Sprinkle cooked bacon over hash-browns and add drained mushrooms.
Top with grated cheese.
Dab on mustard.
Refrigerate overnight (or not).
Cook at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS
Breakfast Casserole= serving size =239.8g; Calories =596; Total Fat=40.4; Sugars=5.6g; Cholesterol=312mg; Total Carbohydrates 22.6g; Dietary Fiber=0.9g; Protein=34.2g.
Good Points=High in Selenium, Calcium (33%), and in Vitamin. A(12%).
Bad Points= High in Fat and Cholesterol (use egg substitute).
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