November 2007; Vol. 2, Issue 8

In This Issue
Nutty for Nutmeg
Nutmeg Nutrition
Recipe of the Month: Simple Butternut Squash Soup
Last Chance: Fall Food Cleanse and Workshop
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Greetings,
Trish
Awaken Wellness means...


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Nutty for Nutmeg

I'm not a huge "Fall" person.  When the leaves start dropping along with the temperatures, I tend to get a little gloomy.  But  something I do like about this time of year is the appearance of sweet, nutty spices that permeate seasonal menus.  Pumpkin breads, butternut squash soups and mulled wines are among my favorite Fall flavors. For me, adding a pinch of nutmeg can make any of these or other autumn foods so much tastier.

Nutmeg is the dried seed of a fruit that resembles a small peach.  When opened, the seed, or nut, is wrapped in a red fibrous covering that is separated by hand and removed before the seed is left to dry.  It is that dried seed that is ground to make the powder that we know as Nutmeg. 

Nutmeg
A ripe and opened Nutmeg pod on St. Lucia.

Nutmeg has a warm, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor.  It can be bought already in a ground powder, or in the whole nut form.  Whole is better, as nutmeg tends to rapidly lose it's oils (thereby altering the taste) as soon as it's ground.  Nutmeg is especially tasty when complimenting chocolate.  (See September's "Chocolate Goodness" Newsletter for more information on that glorious food.)
Nutmeg Nutrition
Spices
Nutmeg is a warming spice that enhances the "sweet" quality of many foods, especially root veggies.  It's slightly drying, too, so it can be a beneficial spice to add if you tend to get sniffly in the wintertime. 

Nutmeg can also enhance digestion, especially when it comes to trying to process mucus-producing foods like dairy.  This spice has also been traditionally used for general weakness, diarrhea, and gas or abdominal aches.  The oil in nutmeg also supports the adrenal glands and has been known to assist the nervous system in overcoming fatigue and various sexual disfunctions including frgidity or impotence.

Nutmeg isn't all yummy and good, though.  Eating more than one teaspoon in a serving can cause severe toxicity.  Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and even hallucinations and delusions are some of the symptoms that can occur.  A tiny dose of this tasty spice is all you need.  You CAN have too much of a good thing, after all.
Recipe of the Month:  Simple Butternut Squash Soup
Nutmeg Closeup
Simple Butternut Squash Soup
Recipe adapted from www.dr.gourmet.com

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups water
  • 2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves
  • 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
  1. Use two cups of the water in a large saucepan with a steamer basket over high heat to steam the cubed squash for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until tender
  2. After the squash has cooled, add it to whatever steaming water remains and blend together with a stick blender until smooth
  3. Replace the saucepan over a low heat and add the thyme, salt, pepper, and nutmeg
  4. Reheat the mixture gently, stirring in any additional water to adjust consistency
Tip:  I like to serve squash soup with some home-roasted pumpkin seeds floating on top for some extra added nuttiness and texture
Last Chance to Register:  Fall Food Cleanse and Workshop

Last chance to register for the Awaken Wellness Fall Food Cleanse and Workshop!!!

If you're feeling sluggish or rundown, you might need a Fall Food Cleanse.  This weeklong supported cleanse is a great way to detox your body before the crazy Holiday season starts up.  Introductory workshop is Wednesday, November 7th, or you can listen to the teleclass available Thursday, November 8th.  The cleanse lasts from November 10th through the 16th.

Discounts available for former clients, or if you sign up with a friend!

Click the image below for all the delicious details

Fall Food Cleanse

You can register to attend by calling: 646-246-7250
or email:  info@awakenwellness.com
Consultations

Wonder if holistic health counseling might be just what you're looking for?  If you want to have more energy, more focus, feel better and look better than ever before, then call for a consultation today.  This initial conversation could be your first step towards achieving the life you've always desired.  Are you ready?

Email trish@awakenwellness.com or call 646.246.7250 to schedule your appointment today.

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Sincerely,
Trish Balbert
******
Holistic Counseling, Reiki
www.awakenwellness.com
trish@awakenwellness.com
646.246.7250
Awaken Wellness | 1133 Broadway | Suite 1103 | New York | NY | 10010