Recipe

Food for Life – Cashew Balls

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” Sweet April Showers Do Bring May Flowers“
-Tusser-

So many have asked about Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), that I thought I would tell you this month exactly what I think it is, and why we should not use it.

From “Consumer Beware,” authored by Beatrice Trum Hunter, we learn that MSG has had a long history of use in food preparation and serving in the Orient. Extracted from seaweed or soybean, it was used to impart a meaty flavor to dishes in which meat, scarce or costly, was used sparingly.

“The composition of the MSG now added to more than 10,000 different processed food items in America differs from the Oriental product. It is manufactured from wheat or corn gluten or from sugar-beet byproducts. At present, more than 40 million pounds of MSG are sold annually to add to American foodstuffs. When first introduced, it was put in canned soups. By now, it is virtually impossible to avoid MSG in processed foods. MSG is found commonly in heat-and-serve convenience foods, meats, stews, and meat tenderizers; canned and frozen vegetables; seafoods, fish fillets, clam chowder, codfish cakes, and canned tuna; poultry and chicken á la King; almost all canned soups and soup mixes, seasonings, mayonnaise, French dressing, salad dressing, imitation maple syrup, potato chips, crackers and tobacco.

“Nutritionist Dr. Jean Mayer claimed that MSG was added to baby foods ‘to disguise the fact that there was less meat and more starch’ in those products than formerly. He added, ‘The MSG was a risk added to a disadvantage.’ MSG was also added to some vegetable and meat mixtures of commercially processed baby foods to make them more palatable to mothers who sampled them. Experimental evidence raised doubts about the safety of this additive in baby foods, and pending further study, in October 1969 some processors voluntarily stopped adding it to their baby-food products.

“Federal legislation specifically prohibits the addition of any material to food which causes ‘damage or inferiority’ to be concealed in any manner or which can make a food appear better or of greater value than it is. This prohibition is precise and without qualifications. Nonetheless, FDA permits wide latitude in the use of MSG, a substance which helps disguise inferior food quality.

“MSG has been glamorized for the general public as a ‘flavor enhancer’ which brings out the natural flavor of food. Three of MSG’s components—namely wheat, corn and sugar beet byproducts—are common allergens. For those who need to limit or eliminate these substances from their diets, the widespread use of MSG makes this extremely difficult. EVEN A CAREFUL READING OF LABELS WILL NOT HELP. For instance, although the addition of MSG must appear in the ingredients of all canned vegetables, THIS SUBTANCE MAY BE ADDED TO MAYONNAISE, FRENCH DRESSING, AND SALAD DRESSING WITHOUT LABEL DECLARATION.

“Since MSG’s use is sanctioned by federal regulation, it might be assumed that the safety of this material is well established. This is NOT the case. As early as 1955, Consumers’ Research Bulletin printed a report of a physician, who had traced a serious allergy affecting a woman and her son to MSG. Within a half-hour after eating meals of excellent food prepared at home, as well as meals eaten at fine restaurants, they developed acute distress resembling gall-bladder trouble. Their symptoms included epigastric fullness, belching, distention and marked upper-abdominal discomfort. The reactions were traced to MSG.”

We will continue with this study next month. Until then, God be with you, and remember to READ YOUR LABELS!

Recipe – CASHEW BALLS

2 cups raw Cashews
4 tablespoons Fruit Source Syrup (or any sweetening you prefer)

Chop nuts in a chopper, not in a blender. Add syrup and mix well. Using a teaspoon as measurement, roll into balls and refrigerate. Makes about 24 balls.

Food for Life – Tofu Salad Sandwiches

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Favorite Recipes from Staff and Friends of Steps to Life

God requires of His people continual advancement. We need to learn that indulged appetite is the greatest hindrance to mental improvement and soul sanctification. With all our profession of health reform, many of us eat improperly.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 156. “We should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply or a greater variety of food than for other days. Instead of this, the food should be more simple, and less should be eaten, in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to comprehend spiritual things. A clogged stomach means a clogged brain. The most precious words may be heard and not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many do more than they think, to unfit themselves for receiving the benefit of its sacred opportunities.” The Ministry of Healing, 307.

Recipe – Tofu Salad Sandwiches

1 10 1/2 ounce package extra firm tofu

1/4 cup raisins

1 cup seedless green grapes, halved

1/2 teaspoon curry powder

1/2 cup Vegenaise or soy mayonnaise

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup sliced celery

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Drain tofu and discard liquid. Finely chop tofu. In a large bowl combine chopped tofu, grapes, celery, almonds, and raisins. In another bowl, stir together the Vegenaise or soy mayonnaise, curry powder, salt, and ground ginger. Add dressing to tofu mixture, stirring to combine. Cover and chill till serving time.

To serve, spread tofu mixture on lettuce-lined toast. Makes 4 servings.

Add or subtract items to your taste. For an added treat, use flavored almonds, if available.

Submitted by Jerry Timmons. Jerry Timmons manages the shipping and mailing for Steps to Life Ministry.

Happy Cooking!

Food for Life – Minestrone

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Favorite Recipes from Staff and Friends of Steps to Life

“Children should be educated to habits of temperance, even while in their mother’s arms. Our tables should bear only the most wholesome food, free from every irritating substance. The appetite for liquor is encouraged by the preparation of food with condiments and spices. These cause a feverish state of the system, and drink is demanded to allay the irritation. On my frequent journeys across the continent, I do not patronize restaurants, dining-cars, or hotels, for the simple reason that I cannot eat the food there provided. The dishes are highly seasoned with salt and pepper, creating an almost intolerable thirst. During my last trip, the conductor of the sleeping-car kindly brought me a plate of rich vegetable soup. I tasted the apparently inviting dish, but found it so highly seasoned that I dared not eat it. The salt and pepper made my mouth smart, and I well knew that they would irritate and inflame the delicate coating of the stomach. I passed the tempting dish to another; for I dared not place such an abuse upon my digestive organs.” Review and Herald, November 6, 1883.

Milton-Freewater, Oregon, is home for Judi Knoefler, a homemaker and a fulltime beekeeper who cares for 1,900 bee hives with the help of her son, Matt, and husband, Melvin. A vegetarian since 1971, Judi collects vegetarian recipe books. She may be contacted by telephone at: 541-938-6122, or by e-mail at: knoefler@charter.net.

Recipe – Minestrone

1 Tablespoon olive oil
5 carrots, cut diagonally
2 stalks celery, sliced
1 onion, chopped
Sauté together 20 minutes.

Add:
5 small potatoes
4 cups tomatoes, fresh or canned, chopped
Cook 15 minutes.

Add:
1/4 cup salad macaroni or 1 cup cooked rice
1–2 cups cooked kidney beans
2 teaspoons beef style seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sweet basil
1 Tablespoon dry parsley

Cook 10 to 15 minutes, until macaroni is tender, or if using rice, heat and serve.

Do you have a favorite vegan recipe you are willing to share with LandMarks’ readers? Send it to us with a photo of you, if available, and a two or three line bio. We will consider all submissions. Send to the address below or by e-mail at: landmarks@stepstolife.org.

LandMarks Recipes
Steps to Life Ministry
P.O. Box 782828
Wichita, KS 67278

Food for Life – Westphal’s Pickles

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Withstanding Temptation

A few potent thoughts for this month from the little book “Confrontation” beginning with page 10: “Adam and Eve came forth from the hand of their Creator in the perfection of every physical, mental, and spiritual endowment. God planted for them a garden, and surrounded them with everything that was lovely and attractive to the eye, which their physical necessities required. This holy pair looked upon a world of unsurpassed loveliness and glory. A benevolent Creator had given them evidences of His goodness and love in providing them with fruits, vegetables, and grains, and in causing to grow out of the ground every variety of tree for usefulness and beauty.” [Emphasis supplied.]

Has the cost of your salvation ever entered your mind? “Satan followed Him [Christ] from infancy to childhood and from childhood to manhood, inventing means and ways to allure Him from His allegiance to God, and overcome Him with his subtle temptations. The unsullied purity of the childhood, youth, and manhood of Christ, which Satan could not taint, annoyed him exceedingly. All his darts and arrows of temptation fell harmless before the Son of God. And when he found that all his temptations prevailed nothing in moving Christ from the steadfast integrity, or in marring the spotless purity of the youthful Galilean, he was perplexed and enraged. He looked upon this youth as an enemy that he must dread and fear.

“That there should be One who walked the earth with moral power to withstand all his temptations, who resisted all his attractive bribes to allure Him to sin, and over whom he could obtain no advantage to separate from God, chafed and enraged his satanic majesty.” Ibid., 28.

Have you ever considered how much He endured for your sake and for mine? Look at our sins, the ones that so easily beset us—the common, little ordinary sins that will keep us out of Heaven unless we overcome them completely— like impatience, a harsh tongue, and gossiping. Even the smallest will bar our way to the mansions He has gone to prepare for us.

“When Christ bore the test of temptation upon the point of appetite, He did not stand in beautiful Eden, as did Adam, with the light and love of God seen in everything His eye rested upon; but He was in a barren, desolate wilderness, surrounded with wild beasts. Everything around Him was repulsive. With these surroundings, He fasted forty days and forty nights.” Ibid., 37.

“For forty days He ate and drank nothing. This made His suffering greater than anything which man would ever be called to endure.” Signs of the Times, August 7, 1879.

In light of the shortness of time, does this not behoove us to watch more carefully everything we do and say, that we might give all the glory and honor to Him alone? Let us pray for one another that we will remain faithful until Jesus comes.

Recipe – Westphal’s Pickles

1 gallon distilled water

1 cup salt (ice cream or pickle salt)

Bring this to a boil until salt is well dissolved. Pack small fresh cucumbers tightly in a jar.

 

Add: 3–4 cloves of garlic

2–3 grape leaves

Fill jars with the boiling salt water and seal

 

Happy Cooking, Marjorie

Recipe – Ratatouille Provencale

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Eggplant

for the Skin and Hair

Eggplant, also known as Brinjal or Aubergine, belongs to the nightshade family. Botanically, eggplant is a fruit and not a vegetable, native to India.

Eggplant is known to be rich in a variety of vitamins, minerals and other healthy enzymes that are good for our health. Phytonutrients present in eggplant enhance the functioning of the brain, its high vitamin C content gives antibacterial support and its high fiber content maintains a low blood-sugar level for diabetes patients. Apart from these health benefits, the consumption and application of eggplant have a number of skin and hair benefits.

Eggplant juice works wonders as a natural skin toner and maintains and improves firmness of the skin and also helps to get rid of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, etc. Take fresh eggplant juice and add a little witch hazel to it. Store in the refrigerator and use as a toner for soft and smooth skin.

Eggplant also has a very important ingredient called Chlorogenic acid in it which can reduce the risk of skin cancer. It protects our DNA from mutation and has antibacterial and antiviral properties which protect the body.

Eggplant is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which help in maintaining the natural shine, luster and health of the hair. Eggplant has a number of healthy enzymes, which make hair follicles strong and thus promotes the natural growth of hair. Application of eggplant juice on one’s hair can do wonders for maintaining moisture content and softening the brittle locks. This can be simply achieved by using eggplant juice for rinsing the hair regularly and see your hair shine.

Excerpts from www.epainassist.com/diet-and-nutrition/amazing-benefits-of-eggplant-for-skin-and-hair-health

Ratatouille Provencale

Ingredients

1 cup onions, sliced

3 cups eggplant, cubed

¼ cup olive oil, or water

4 cups zucchini, cubed

½ cup green or red pepper, coarsely chopped

1 ½ tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. water

¼ cup tomato puree

1 Tbsp. fresh basil

1 bay leaf

1 Tbsp. Herbs de Provence OR equal amounts of sage, marjoram, thyme, basil, rosemary and savory, mixed together

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 cups tomatoes, cut in chunks

Process

Sauté onions in oil or water until tender. Add eggplant and cook 5 minutes. Add zucchini and pepper; cook 10 minutes. Add remaining ingredients except tomatoes. Cover and cook until zucchini and eggplant are tender. Add tomatoes and cook briefly until soft. Remove bay leaf. Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or whole grain noodles.

Food for Life – Apricot Jam

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Among the changing months, May stands confest
The sweetest, and in fairest colors dressed.
James Thomson

I have had numerous requests to continue my article on the harm of MSG. This information is taken from Consumer Beware, by Beatrice Trum Hunter, page 62.

“More recently, additional information has been publicized. Dr. Robert Ho Man Kwok, senior research investigator for the National Biomedical Research Foundation, describing a strange syndrome that he personally experiences in restaurants serving Northern Chinese Food. About 15 to 20 minutes after eating, he develops ‘numbness at the back of the neck, gradually radiating to both arms and the back, general weakness and palpitation.’ Dr. Kwok added that some of his Chinese friends, both medical and nonmedical, also complained of similar symptoms after eating Chinese food. He speculated that it might be caused by some ingredient in the soy sauce, the high sodium content of the food, and/or the generous use of monosodium glutamate seasoning used in many Chinese restaurants.

“Dr. Kwok’s description elicited other reports of what came to be dubbed the ‘Chinese Restaurant Syndrome.’ (CRS). Many physicians confirmed similar experiences. In addition to the symptoms Dr. Kwok described, some included ‘profuse, cold sweat,’ ‘tightness on both sides of the head. . . . felt as though, at any second, the sides of my head would burst.’ ‘Pounding, throbbing sensation in the head, vise-like.’

“Interest in the subject continued. Medical researchers followed up the lead. Dr. Herbert H. Schaumburg, assistant professor of neurology, and Dr. Robert Byck, assistant professor of pharmacology, both at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, found MSG related to the CRS symptoms. They acknowledged that the syndrome has been well known to allergists and Chinese restaurateurs.

“The researchers ate Chinese food three times daily at a cooperating Chinese restaurant. . . . Upon sampling the individual ingredients, ‘the dagger of suspicion pointed at Monosodium Glutamate.’ The researchers found that as little as 1–1/2 grams, or about one-quarter of a teaspoon, of MSG can produce symptoms in some subjects. They also found that MSG ‘can produce undesirable effects in the amounts used in the preparation of widely consumed foods.’

“To determine whether MSG causes more than transitory symptoms, laboratory experiments were conducted, and large amounts were injected into animals. It caused brain damage in newborn mice. As adults, the MSG-treated animals showed stunted skeletal development, marked obesity and female sterility. The researcher, Dr. John W. Olney, of the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, [Missouri] said that he believed that pregnant women should not use MSG, until further data are available.

“As a result, the FDA announced its intention of reviewing MSG, which has been on the GRAS (generally regarded as safe). It should never have been put on that list, since it was already known and reported in a medical journal that MSG had caused eye damage in newborn mice.”

This should answer many of your questions, and hopefully you will eliminate MSG from your diet. God bless you throughout this month, and may you continue to strive for mastery in all these health items for the perfection of your character in Christ Jesus.

Recipe – Apricot Jam

¾ cup dried Apricots – Wash well and let soak in water for 1 hour. Then drain and rinse. Return to soak in water until soft for the blender. Cut Apricots in half and place in blender.
To Apricot pieces add:
¼ cup Raisins
¼ cup Dates
¾ cup Crushed Pineapple with juice
¼ cup water or Pineapple juice

This jam will keep 7-10 days in the refrigerator.

Food for Life – Lemon Pie

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“And what is so rare as a day in June?
Then, if ever, come perfect days;
Then Heaven tries earth if it be in tune,
And over it softly her warm ear lays.”
Lowell

“I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2. We have no right to wantonly violate a single principle of the laws of health.” Counsels on Health, 50. Then, citing Daniel’s experience, Mrs. White continues: “He did not conform to the habits of the courtiers in eating and drinking, but purposed in his heart that he would not eat of the king’s meat nor drink of his wines. This was not a hastily formed, wavering purpose, but one that was intelligently formed and resolutely carried out. Daniel honored God; and the promise was fulfilled to him. ‘Them that honor Me I will honor.’ I Samuel 2:30. The Lord gave him ‘knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom,’ and he had ‘understanding in all visions and dreams’ (Daniel 1:17); so that he was wiser than all in the king’s courts, wiser than all the astrologers and magicians in the kingdom.

“Those who serve God in sincerity and truth will be a peculiar people, unlike the world, separate from the world. Their food will be prepared, not to encourage gluttony or gratify a perverted taste, but to secure to themselves the greatest physical strength, and consequently the best mental [and physical] conditions. . . .

“Excessive indulgence in eating and drinking is sin. Our heavenly Father has bestowed upon us the great blessing of health reform, that we may glorify Him by obeying the claims He has upon us. . . . Those who are looking for the soon appearing of their Saviour should be the last to manifest a lack of interest in this great work of reform. . . . An aimless life is a living death. The mind should dwell upon themes relating to our eternal interests. This will be conducive to health of body and mind. . . .

“The world should be no criterion for us. It is fashionable to indulge the appetite in luxurious food and unnatural stimulus, thus strengthening the animal propensities, and crippling the growth and development of the moral faculties. There is no encouragement given to any of the sons or daughters of Adam that they may become victorious overcomers in the Christian warfare unless they decide to practice temperance in all things. If they do this, they will not fight as one that beateth the air.” Ibid.

In this wonderful book, we are further counseled that, “It is a terrible sin to abuse the health that God has given us; for every abuse of health enfeebles us for life and makes us losers, even if we gain any amount of education.” Ibid., 186.

“In the preparation of a people for the Lord’s Second Coming, a great work is to be accomplished through the promulgation of health principles. The people are to be instructed in regard to the needs of the physical organism and the value of healthful living as taught in the Scriptures, that the bodies which God has created may be presented to Him a living sacrifice, fitted to render Him acceptable service. There is a great work to be done for suffering humanity in relieving their sufferings by the use of the natural agencies that God has provided, and in teaching them how to prevent sickness by the regulation of the appetites and passions. The people should be taught that transgression of the laws of nature is transgression of the laws of God.” Ibid., 206. [All Emphasis supplied.]

Recipe – Lemon Pie

1 cup pineapple juice
1 cup fresh orange juice
¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh grated lemon rind
10 dates or ½ cup of packed, chopped dates
¼ cup water
1/3 cup cornstarch
¼ teaspoon sea salt

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend till smooth. Cook in saucepan on low heat, stirring constantly, till thick. Then pour into a backed cashew pie crust. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Food for Life – Nut Banana Loaf

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“The word organic has a specific meaning in chemistry and describes any compound based on carbon. Carbon dioxide, methane, and butane, as well as fat, starch, sugar, and protein are examples of natural organic compounds. In addition to compounds found in nature, modern science has created synthetic organic compounds. Nylon, for example, is a synthetic made from compounds found in oats. Most synthetic fibers and plastic products are made from natural raw materials, and are thus called synthetic organic compounds.

“Drinking water contains both natural and synthetic organic compounds, and they can create health problems. Some organics are what nightmares are made of.

“The Hudson River Valley in New York State is a place of great scenic beauty. . . . The land rises in palisades on one side of the river, affording magnificent views. . . . The Sunday sailors who take their snarks and snipes for a run in the summer breeze can look into the water and see fish swimming in large schools. In fact, the number of fish seems to be increasing each year….Indeed, the Hudson looks as if it has defied the odds and remained pristine in spite of the chemicals dumped by the riverside industries. But looks are deceptive.

“The Hudson River is so polluted with chemicals that the river’s fishing industry was shut down by the state in February 1976. Toxins such as benzene, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), tetrahydrofuran, toluene, and chloroform (among others) were found in such high quantities that fish caught in the Hudson are considered unfit to eat.

“A 1977 study by the Environmental Protection Agency identified 280 organic compounds in the waterways. A joint study by two environmental activist groups,…found that some of the most potent cancer-causing toxins and chemicals known to cause birth defects were present in the water that served 150,000 people in and around Poughkeepsie. And if the plans set forth by the Army Corps of Engineers are accepted, this water will serve 10 million additional people of the New York metropolitan area.

“Other guests at the chemical feast include: Philadelphians, who drink water from the Delaware River and are subjected to varying amounts of PCBs, a dangerous toxin. The former residents of Love Canal, a small housing development built on a filled-in canal near Niagara Falls. Their drinking water was contaminated by a landfill containing 82 chemical compounds, including 11 known or suspected carcinogens. Some residents of Canton, Connecticut, have been advised to buy bottled water because seven of the town’s wells contain extremely high levels of chemicals known to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Water is to Drink, by Carol Keough, 7–9.

Now we can begin to understand God’s final warning to His people that in the last days everything will be polluted, the air, the water, and the animals . . . everything! So people beware! It is an unsafe world out there, but for the protection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ over His chosen ones.

Recipe – Nut Banana Loaf

½ cup nuts, ground fine

½ cup Uncle Sam’s Cereal Flakes

½ cup ground dates

1 cup raisins, ground fine

2 ripe bananas

Mix ingredients thoroughly and put into baking pan.

Bake at 300–325° for 45 minutes.

Food for Life – Millet Patties

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Pure, Soft Water, Continued

Exercise and a free and abundant use of the air and sunlight—blessings which Heaven has freely bestowed upon all—would give life and strength to the emaciated invalid.…” Counsels on Health, 54.

“Pure air, sunlight, abstemious-ness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies. Every person should have a knowledge of nature’s remedial agencies and how to apply them.” Ibid., 90.

“If you would have your homes sweet and inviting, make them bright with air and sunshine. Remove your heavy curtains, open the windows, throw back the blinds, and enjoy the rich sunlight, even if it be at the expense of the colors of your carpets. The precious sunlight may fade your carpets, but it will give a healthful color to the cheeks of your children. If you have God’s presence and possess earnest, loving hearts, a humble home, made bright with air and sunlight, and cheerful with the welcome of unselfish hospitality, will be to your family and to the weary traveler a heaven below.” Ibid., 196.

“Life in the open air is good for body and mind. It is God’s medicine for the restoration of health. Pure air, good water, sunshine, the beautiful surroundings of nature—these are His means for restoring the sick to health in natural ways. To the sick it is worth more than silver or gold to lie in the sunshine or in the shade of the trees.” Ibid., 166.

“It is not a denial of faith to use such remedies as God has provided to alleviate pain and to aid nature in her work of restoration.…There are many ways of practicing the healing art, but there is only one way that Heaven approves. God’s remedies are the simple agencies of nature that will not tax or debilitate the system through their powerful properties.” Counsels on Health, 324.

“Nature will want some assistance to bring things to their proper condition, which may be found in the simplest remedies, especially in the use of nature’s own furnished remedies—pure air, and with a precious knowledge of how to breathe; pure water, with a knowledge of how to apply it; plenty of sunlight in every room in the house if possible, and with an intelligent knowledge of what advantages are to be gained by its use.…” Selected Messages, vol. 2, 289-289.

“It would have been better if, from the first, all drugs had been kept out of our sanitariums, and use had been made of such simple remedies as are found in pure water, pure air, sunlight, and some of the simple herbs growing in the field. These would be just as efficacious as the drugs used under mysterious names, and concocted by human science. And they would leave no injurious effects in the system.” Selected Messages, vol. 2, 292.

Recipe – Millet Patties

1/2 cup cashews

1 cup distilled water

1–1/2 cups precooked millet

1 cup wheat germ

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 medium onion, chopped fine

1 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon Braggs Amino Acids

Blend cashews and water. Pour over millet, wheat germ, oats, and onion. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Form into patties and bake for 25–30 minutes at 325°.

Food for Life – Oat Date Bar Cookies

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December! What a month of festivities! Pagan in origin and still pagan in philosophy, but nevertheless, we are surrounded by this element, and our children are bent to the ways of the world. Can we teach them the proper ways? I think we can. Instead of heaping the presents on them on this holiday, let us carefully keep in mind what Jesus went through while on this earth, and let us faithfully guard our children and their minds away from all earthly things to heavenly things. Let us keep His coffers full, instead of our own. God bless you and keep you during this holiday season.

“I should eat regularly of the most healthful food which will make the best quality of blood, and I should not work intemperately if it is in my power to avoid doing so.

“And when I violate the laws God has established in my being, I am to repent and reform, and place myself in the most favorable condition under the doctors God has provided—pure air, pure water, and the healing, precious sunlight.

“Water can be used in many ways to relieve suffering. Drafts of clear, hot water taken before eating (half a quart, more or less), will never do any harm, but will rather be productive of good.

“A cup of tea made from catnip herb will quiet the nerves.

“Hop tea will induce sleep. Hop poultices over the stomach will relieve pain.

“If the eyes are weak, if there is pain in the eyes, or inflammation, soft flannel cloths wet in hot water and salt, will bring relief quickly.

“When the head is congested, if the feet and limbs are put in a bath with a little mustard, relief will be obtained.

“There are many more simple remedies which will do much to restore healthful action to the body. All these simple preparations the Lord expects us to use for ourselves, but man’s extremities are God’s opportunities. If we neglect to do that which is within the reach of nearly every family, and ask the Lord to relieve pain when we are too indolent to make use of these remedies within our power, it is simply presumption. The Lord expects us to work in order that we may obtain food. He does not propose that we shall gather the harvest unless we break the sod, till the soil, and cultivate the produce. Then God sends the rain and the sunshine and the clouds to cause vegetation to flourish. God works and man cooperates with God. Then there is seedtime and harvest.

“God has caused to grow out of the ground, herbs for the use of man, and if we understand the nature of those roots and herbs, and make a right use of them, there would not be a necessity of running for the doctor so frequently, and people would be in much better health than they are today. I believe in calling upon the Great Physician when we have used the remedies I have mentioned.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 297.

Recipe – Oat Date Bar Cookies

2 cups coconut (unsweetened)

1/4 cup almond butter

l/2 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup date pieces, finely cut

1 cup chopped walnuts

2/3 cup whole wheat pastry flour

1/4 cup rolled oats

3/4 cup honey

Combine all ingredients, spread out into pan or form into cookies and bake at 350 degrees until light brown.