Adoption Update

Not much progress as of late, other than the disappointing news that our wait time with China has increased yet again. Our 36 months wait time, has now increased to more than likely 51+ months. Oh well, all in the Lord's time I suppose. We have no control over any of this. Holly and I look forward to our chance to parent someday, and will be ecstatic once we have a child to call our own. We will definitely spoil her, and probably get a Corgi as well at that point to keep her company.

Understanding An Eater's Manifesto

I can honestly say, that reading all the Michael Pollan books as of late, have really helped change the way I approach nutrition, health, wellness, and sustainable eating. While he does not necessarily promote veganism, vegetarianism or even organic over conventional eating habits, he promotes being informed. In that aspect his books have been highly motivating, highly informative and have honestly changed my approach to how I choose to consume food products. Hopping on the organic food bandwagon has been the best thing for Holly and I. Granted it's more expensive, but we are being more thoughtful about the things we choose to consume. We still eat meat, but less often and only consume high quality sustainably raised types of meat. We also try to eat local food as often as possible. All these changes have helped tremendously with my lifestyle changes in becoming more lean, more athletic and dropping the weight so I can live a long, healthy and productive life. In all actuality, his books changed my thinking to actually do something about it. To be a conscious eater and to be a "localvore" as much as possible. Not only is it good for me, it's good for my community and local farmers. I would recommend this book to anyone to ready. I finally understand for the first time in my life, that we as humans truly are what we eat. Quality input does in fact equal quality long term output. The entire processed industry that exists in this country is extremely bothersome to me now and is creating a pandemic of health problems for many Americans. We can change this by being very thoughtful about what we eat.

Balsamic Onion Marmalade

This past weekend I really wanted to make onion marmalade. So I searched out a bunch of recipes online and pretty much came up with one with a few adjustments that allowed this to be shelf stable. Most of the recipes called for making the marmalade and then storing it in the refrigerator. I really like the way preserved food can look in glass jars. So, with the addition of a little extra sugar, vinegar to ensure the right acidity, and ample amounts of liquid pectin, I now have several jars of some of the best tasting pancetta infused onion marmalade I've tasted, as well as a new custom recipe for my collections. I will be making this new recipe of mine again not only for entertaining but for nice culinary gifts during the holidays.



The main ingredient.



Lots of sweet onions prepped and sliced for caramelizing.



I cooked a pound of pancetta to render the fat. You don't actually process the marmalade with the meat in it, but used the rendered fat to infuse and flavor the onions and garlic as they slowly caramelize.



Cane and brown sugar to help preserve and get the right viscous texture.



The other two star ingredients of the marmalade. Lots of quality aged balsamic vinegar and a good burgundy wine to slowly reduce.



Starting the slow caramelization.



Once golden brown, adding the vinegar, sugar and wine for the second cook down.



Reduced and almost to the appropriate viscous state. Then I added the pectin.



Post water bath processing in some half pint jars.



I love how you can see the texture of all the onions suspended in yummy wine and balsamic goodness. I served some of this up as an appetizer on the 4th of July. Took some nice rosemary crackers, spread them with goat cheese and put some of this marmalade on top. I topped each cracker with a healthy dose of crispy pancetta bits. It was a fantastic appetizer, and great start to a nice holiday meal with friends.

Improving Myself, One Pound At A Time

When I was approaching the age of 35yo, I knew I needed to make some serious changes to my health and wellness. With our pending adoption, I knew I needed to get my health together. Something that I needed to do for a long time. With that in mind I drastically changed my lifestyle. Adopted exercise into my routine and became an exercise addict. Gave up processed food [for the most part], and re-taught myself portion size and took up a good habit of adjusting recipes to be much healthier for our consumption. Holly and I have enjoyed doing this together, and are both riding the surge of health and wellness these days. We've developed habits we can both stick with for life.



I hit a major milestone this past week. I've lost 100 pounds to date. The second goal of three goals I've set for myself in this process. I'm down numerous pant sizes, and many inches in my waist. All good things for my long term health. My next goal is 40-50 pounds. I'll be back to high school weight. I can fit in the suit I was married in 10 years ago, and have basically taken back 10 years of my life health and wellness wise.



My reminder of myself at my heaviest. I'm a different person these days. Not only in the way I look, but also in the way I approach my life, my activities and my interests. Bring on the "Flirty-Dirty-Mid-30's" for both Holly and I! :)