This past week has been a bit edgy for me. I’ve been a tad irritated and that irritation has turned to anger, frustration and resentment, not necessarily in that order. So, when a fellow blogger friend, Ansh from Spice Roots texted me for a coffee therapy session, I texted back rather quickly with a time and day. A few cups of coffee and a great chat and things looked better.
What’s been rubbing me the wrong way? My food, or rather, big agriculture and corporate control of our food.
A little over a year ago, I decided to stop my RA medication and try to wing it with food. My medication, though it helps me keep my RA under control and somewhat pain free, it also comes with a slew of side effects that may harm me down the road; the biggest downer being the whole death side effect.
It was during the research of food that could help my autoimmune condition that I learnt so much about organics, natural, conventional and genetically modified (GMO). I also found out that auto immune conditions are directly related to environmental issues and food. The high use of pesticides, preservatives and genetically modified foods in our food system is causing these conditions.
So, I am angry. I am angry that I have to take medicines for the rest of my life just so I can function because corporate greed wanted to introduce chemicals into my food. Now, I have to spend extra money to buy chemical free food and unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that even that’s chemical free. It takes me hours to shop because I have to read labels on everything. I don’t eat out and if I do make the mistake, I pay for it heavily for the rest of the evening.
This shouldn’t be the choice I have to make or the countless other people who are in the same boat as me. Can you see my frustration? Lately, my knees have been giving me a lot of trouble and I’m to the point where I am thinking of going back on my medications. It’s a decision that I would not wish upon anyone. I’m having a hard time deciding what to do. If I give up a lot of the foods I like, and clean out my system, there’s a chance I can live medication free. But once I start reintroducing certain foods again, the intolerances start accumulating again and the pain comes back. How can I live without bread all my life, or ice cream or cream eclairs? Why do I have to give up anything? Why is this even a choice I should have to make?
My other choice; eat what I want but take the medication and just hope that later on down the road I don’t develop cancer, heart disease or die. You know what would’ve been the easier questions? The ones where the big agriculture companies asked me “Hey, can we douse your wheat and sugar canes in pesticide so it dries faster or hey, we’re going to genetically destroy this corn and soy, is that ok?” We know the answer to that.
The introduction of modern day wheat, the pesticides, preservatives, genetic modification and chemicals into our food supply is the reason behind the hundreds of auto immune conditions, allergies and cancers. However, I believe that everyone feels the effects of these chemicals in some fashion, you don’t necessarily have to get a chronic illness, it could be as simple as an allergy, bloating or joint pain.
Anyway, thank you for letting me vent. Since this is a therapy session, please feel free to vent in the comments, I’d to hear what’s been driving you nuts lately.
One other thing, since we are or rather I am venting, the recipes I develop or post on my site, lately, are all made using organic and non GMO products. I always note when I use organic, not because I’m being preachy, but because that’s what I use for my health issues. I do feel that if I learn something, it’s my duty to inform and so I do. I don’t ever judge and I hope I never come off as being preachy and pushy. I have come across certain blogs that sneer at those who use organic and write it in their ingredient list. I write it because I use it and sometimes in a recipe it makes a difference. I don’t appreciate their eye rolling attitude.
I promise, that’s it with the complaining, wait…maybe one more thing, no, I’ll leave it for another day. Let’s just move onto these cookies. As you can imagine, I’ve put away quite a few of these this last week. It’s been a depressing week but they have a knack of making you forget your worries.
These White Chocolate and Pecan Oatmeal Cookies are not altogether evil (I am biting my tongue because I have another issue I want to vent about). OK, so these cookies are cookies, meaning they have butter and lots of sugar and they’re probably not good for you in excess.
They are, however, very delicious and I tried to use some unrefined ingredients to oomph their nutrient value. They are made with raw turbinado sugar, whole organic oats and whole wheat pastry flour. They are chock full of toasted pecans, white chocolate chips and they don’t melt in your mouth. These babies are thick and chewy and require some effort from your jaws. That’s a good thing because since you take a while chewing them, you don’t feel the need to eat a whole plateful, though you still can quite easily because they are so good.
Serves: 33
Calories: 5078
Fat: 268g
- 1¼ cups/190g organic whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 tablespoons/170g butter, softened
- 1¼ cups/273g raw organic turbinado sugar
- 2 organic or free range eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 cups/160g organic rolled oats
- 1 cup/100g pecan halves, toasted and chopped
- ¾ cup/115g white chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon water
- Mix the whole wheat pastry flour with the baking soda, baking powder and salt and keep aside.
- In the bowl of a food processor, dump the 2 cups of rolled oats and pulse 4 times to chop the oats a little.
- Put in a bowl and keep aside.
- You can pulse the raw sugar a few times too to get it a bit finer.
- Using a mixer, beat the softened butter with the sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each egg.
- Scrape the mixer bowl to mix everything evenly.
- Add the vanilla and cinnamon.
- Add the flour mixture and mix gently.
- Add the oats, pecans and white chocolate chips and mix gently.
- Add the tablespoon of water.
- Make sure the batter is well mixed.
- Allow to chill for at least an hour.
- To bake, preheat the oven to 350F/180C
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or liner.
- Scoop out cookie dough with a cookie scoop or make balls with hands.
- Walnut size cookie balls, flatten slightly and bake for 12-15 minutes until browned at the edges.
- Cool on sheet pan for about 5 minutes and then on a rack to cool completely.
I hope I didn’t bum anyone out with my rant, but sometimes it’s just too much. Talking to Ansh helped because she understands the world of food as do all of you, otherwise you wouldn’t be here, reading a food blog. I also know that some of you have medical challenges of your own and your advice and support over the past months has been indispensable.
I hope you had a great weekend and have an awesome start to the week. Thank you for listening to me!
Wonderful combination.. yummy!
Hari Chandana recently posted..Happy Ugadi and Gudi Padwa 2014!
Thank you!
I wish I have a food blogger friend I could have coffee with here..
This is a great combination. Although I’m not very fond of white chocolate I must give this a try sometime. I miss dropping by your blog.
I miss you too! Come and visit more often 🙂
These look so great Nanzeen. I love cookies and particularly ones that combine chocolate and nuts.
Delish!
Krissie x – http://pearlsofstyle.blogspot.com.au
Krissie – Pearls of Style recently posted..Eat Me. Uncle Ming’s, Sydney
je comprends ta colère et tu as raison de l’exprimer la santé elle commence dans notre assiette ! bonne journée
Joséphine recently posted..Gâteau aux Fraises et à la Mousse de Fromage Blanc
I understand your anger, it is ridiculous how polluted our food has become, this makes me miss so much my childhood days, when everything was grown by my grandparents and completely organic. Nothing available now even comes close to those tastes not to mention being able to get truly organic produce. Wishing you lots of will and patience!
Oh gee, it must be so difficult, I just can’t imagine!!!
I hope a coffee and vent made you feel a little better, how absolutely wrong it is that agriculture can cause such serious health problems.
Gourmet Getaways recently posted..Pizza Supreme Cookies
ok, now I’m pissed! This all started for me about 6 years ago when I had a Vitamin Cottage Nutritionist come talk to a group of about 20 women at a luncheon. She got started on the big food companies and their sins and simply could not stop. She blames practically all of our modern day health problems on this very thing. I found it fascinating in a very disturbing way and it was my first lesson in how this has all developed. Shame on whoever has let this happen.
I try to eat from the perimeter of my Whole Foods market as much as I can and even steer clear of their processed foods. I’m hoping the organic vegetables/fruits/meats/dairy have survived all of this.
Great post Nazneen and thanks for sharing.
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) recently posted..Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Tostada for SRC
Vent away! We need people to speak out about these important issues.
I don’t (yet!!) have health problems needing medication, but am very aware that when I eat well, I have more energy, don’t get pimples (!!) and have a general sense of wellness. And I look at the rows and rows of soft drinks, packaged food and sliced bread that seems to stay soft for *weeks* (yikes!!), and it seems so sad that people would eat things like that rather than make fresh pesto that can be done while you’re cooking pasta. Or why buy hard-as-a-rock cookies when you can make your own (which also means you know what goes into your cookies). Sigh.
On a brighter note, your cookies sound delicious!!
saucy gander recently posted..Rash promises and kitchen derring-do: turkish coffee brownie layer cake
im glad you had a quick meet up with your friend..its just sad how bad our food system is 🙁 these cookies look wonderful.
Dixya @ Food, Pleasure, and Health recently posted..Salsa Chicken Lettuce Cups
Hi Dixya! Thank you so much, my dear.
I truly appreciate your rant, Nazneen. I wish we could legislate the usage of these things – or at last add warning labels. It is so stupid. When did we stop caring about what we put it our bodies? I guess when convenience overtook nutrition… The cookies are beautiful. So are you! 🙂
David recently posted..The Case of the Disappearing Desserts
Thank you so much David. Your comments always make my day, my dear friend.
I am so sorry to hear about your health issues Nazneen. I was diagnosed with some hormonal issues a few years ago and I was told it’s because of the hormones that are being fed to chicken and cows these days. It’s crazy how badly our healths are being affected by what we are eating and eating organic is sooooo expensive! :S
BTW, these cookie pictures are to die for!
cakewhiz recently posted..Carrot cake cookies
Thank you sweet Abeer. I am well just a bit pissed! Hope you are doing better.
Hi Nazeen,
You may remember that I’ve also been diagnosed with RA. I am on a low dose of mess but I haven’t had a relapse in 5 years! I credit this change to the healthier diet I’m on. Omitting alcohol, I eat and enjoy myself the same as everyone else at parties but stick the my own way of eating the rest of the time. I find that the hardest thing is coming up with meal that my boys will want to eat—-they like protein in the form of chicken and beef– not good for RA. But, I’m one of those people who sees the bottle half full. I never really felt good before. My brain was always in a fog and I felt lethargic, never mind the joint pain. I’ve really reduced the amount of certain foods that I eat, like dairy and beef, but I feel good. I can walk, bike ride, do yoga. What can I say, it’s made me appreciate life more. Just to be able to do those things is a blessing.
Mireya@ myhealthyeatinghabits recently posted..Asparagus with Yogurt Dill Mustard Sauce
Yes, Mireya, I remember you telling me and I’m way impressed with how you are managing it. You know, other than my knees, I am well. I don’t know what causes them to swell. The rest of me does really well. Here’s to our health.
Nazneen, I agree we pay the price for the corporate greed. Most ingredients used in my recipes are organic and non GMO, though I don’t mention because they are really expensive. One pod of organic garlic is double the price and the price of ginger is three times for organic that comes from Hawaii, and imagine these are the essential items in Indian cooking. Really feel sorry for your health, but I hope everything will work out good for you. And I would like to have some therapy session with you and Ansh 🙂
Love the cookies!
Balvinder recently posted..Warm Millet Salad with Kale, Lentils and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Balvinder, you will always be welcome at our therapy sessions!! Plan a trip, we’re not too far 🙂
Wow Nazneen! You really caused a stir. I could not agree with you more about the state of our food. It is
unconscionable what has been done to us. And most of the time we were innocently living our lives and eating that tampered food. I am glad we woke up. But….now what do we do about it? Lots of people are still unaware of all the things that have been done to our food and continue to be done.
Here is a link to the TV channel called “Link TV.” Maybe you have it in Denver if you have Direct TV satellite.
There was a show the other night called, “The Men Who Made us Fat.” That show will also make your blood boil. It shows us how some decisions about increasing food production made in the early 70’s by a few men changed our lives forever. Nixon was one and the then secretary of agriculture, Earl Butz, was another.
You are probably too young to remember them and besides you were living in a different country, too.
There are 3 parts to it, I think. Anyway you can watch it online. Here’s the link to the first part.
http://www.linktv.org/programs/the-men-who-made-us-fat-pt-1
I hope you will get to watch it. I think I already have part two on my DVR. I have not seen it yet.
Thank you, Caterina. I saw this show on my guide but never clicked to see what it was about. Thank you for the link, I will definitely check it out.
I could go on all day about this issue. It really is terrible what the food industry has done for our health. Luckily, more and more people are starting to speak out.
Mary Frances recently posted..Feeding the children
Yes, and I’m so glad. Let’s hope we can get some legislation for labelling passed.
I have so much respect for individuals like you who have mounds of strength to share about your health. There’s so much we can learn from one another, but above all, to support 🙂
xo
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com recently posted..Kadhi Kale Pakora {Kale Fritters in Spiced Yogurt Gravy}
Thank you for your kind words, Kiran!
I feel the same frustration that you have and sorry to hear about your illness…. yes, there are a lot of people who are bringing awareness regarding these issues, but getting things back to normal from the bad and corrupted corporates and agriculturist is nearly impossible.. as said I spend so much time shopping to make sure I buy the right and good food for my kid and family..
Venting out is always the best therapy and I do that often with my mom… she is the best healer for me, no matter what the issue is 🙂
Between, the oatmeal cookies are tempting and wonderfully presented… even though these cookies contain butter and sugar, it is OK to have them once in a while and treat ourselves and forget about the pain!
Deepti recently posted..White butter cake
Vent away! It’s good therapy. Really — just expressing things helps clarify your thoughts and can help give you a plan of action. You’ve got a tougher row to hoe than most of us, and I think you’re handling things quite well. The upside is I’ll bet you’re getting much better quality food than most of us — both healthier, and more flavorful. Anyway, great cookies — lovely recipe. Thanks.
John@Kitchen Riffs recently posted..New Orleans Barbecue Shrimp
Thank you, John! Yes, you’re right, it does help you sort it out once you let it out of your mind and on paper. Helps to hear from friends too 🙂
Sorry you’re so frustrated, Nazneen, even though you’ve good reason. Our food supply just isn’t what it used to be and the effects, as you very well know, are being felt more and more each day. Don’t worry about venting. Do whatever you need to make yourself feel better. If you really want to vent, send me an email. I promise I’ll only tweet the best parts. 🙂
Take care and I hope you have a better week.
ChgoJohn recently posted..This Pork Tenderloin is Plum Tasty
Haha! Sure you want to tweet any of it? Thank you for listening and for your kind words. Makes everything better 🙂
Nazneen I didn’t know about your illness, I’m sorry. But I understood so far that you are a strong and brave woman. I can understand your frustration against this system that makes people sick. Checking all the labels, avoid restaurants has to be really though, and lose time because of the lies of food companies can really drive people crazy and angry. For me it would the same.
Your biscuits look great, by the way. I really hope that eating them makes you feel better, even just for half an hour. Take care, big hug.
Margherita@lapetitecasserole recently posted..Onion, pancetta and fennel seeds stuffed chicken.
Thank you Margherita and thats ok! I’ve lived with it for 13 years but more and more I’m getting frustrated by our governments. It’s all about money anymore. Thank you for your lovely words.
Well, Nazneen at least here in the US there are some regulations. I invite you to live a week in any 3rd world country – like where I’m originally from :)- people have no price … Today I’ve just heard that the police arrested a well known man who owns a very very well known chains of restaurants and very wealthy for finding DEAD meat in his restaurants’ kitchen!! and why? the answer is GREED and I am sure he will get off the hook. Don’t let me vent here, I will just say Al hamd lelaah. Back to your cookies they are MARVELOUS white chocolate and pecan woow my fav.
Amira recently posted..Moroccan Harcha/Harsha bread
Yes, Amira, I am thankful we have regulations but there is too much control of our food and I don’t appreciate that. At least fresh fruit and meat isn’t tampered with too much in those countries.
I’m heading for organic since the start of this year but I need organic on a budget so I am struggling some how. My real problem is processed food like deli meat, hot dogs and so on …. do you have a recipe to make a decent deli meat. I’ve tried many but my kids won’t eat them 🙁
Amira recently posted..Mille-Feuille # Cook N’ Shoot
It is very difficult to do organic exclusively. I alternate weeks sometimes. I have totally cut out processed meats altogether. Usually I will just do a beef roast and slice that thin for sandwiches. I do the same with chicken breasts or make chicken salad. I don’t know if you are zabiha, but there are some non halal deli meat at Whole Foods, Natural Grocers and Costco. It’s expensive though. It’s easier to not eat it!!
hahaha yes I believe so better not to eat.
Amira recently posted..Mille-Feuille # Cook N’ Shoot
Vent away my friend, my mum should have coffee with you, she believes the same and so do I! I am sorry your condition makes it even more difficult to shop and I hope soon, we will be able to change that, truly. I cannot even begin to comprehend the difficulties in having a lack of control in your position.
On a nicer note, you have an incredible skill to keep going and make cookies that look so irresistible.
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Choc Chip Uru recently posted..CCU Undercover: High Tea w/ Peter Kuruvita @ Dilmah, Taste of Sydney
tell me when she’s free! WE can have virtual coffee and a rant! Thanks Uru, sweetheart for your lovely words xx
I hear you as well. Just a few days ago, my doctor and I were just discussing the preference to go organic if possible. Unfortunately, it’s often not possible for various reasons and sometimes I even question whether I can trust the labels and claims. It’s sad there are so many mystery chemicals in our food – now more so than ever and you can see it with the rise in allergies and all kinds of effects. I wish you well and good health.
And I’m very interested in these cookies – for one thing, a cookie that is so chewy, it’s a work out…is exactly the kind of cookie I enjoy.
Monica recently posted..Indian butter chicken, minus the butter
Thanks Monica. yes, it’s impossible to go 100% organic. First of all, it’s very expensive. I hope you can find some middle ground yourself and feel better xx
Well, I am home and though my husband managed to kill one plant, he did leave the dog alive. And the house is a mess but other than that I don’t have to much to vent about. The cookies look great and I am sorry for all your frustration. Very valid concerns they are and one that gives us all food for thought. Our food is something that none of us should take for granted as it is closely related to our health and if you don’t have your health, what do you have? Hang in there, Nazneen.
Abbe@This is How I Cook recently posted..Saffron Chicken and What a Sick Person Eats
Thank good ness for that! Only one plant. Thanks Abbe, I’m hanging in there, have been for years! It’s all so irritating!
Ai, ai, ai…What a great pile of cookies, Nazneen! And with pecans….I could not resist these!
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You recently posted..Brazilian Lemon Meringue Cupcakes…Welcome Spring!
Thanks Denise
well, rant or not, these cookies are lovely. everything here is pretty gross, so i ended up making nearly everything from scratch. Ps this is your space to vent and release! Don’t apologize for that, lady! Knocking on wood for your hours in the shop *well spent!*
Francesca recently posted..Fragrant Lamb Flatbread
That’s interesting to hear, I thought Europe was a little better at food control. I’m hearing more and more we’re all in the same boat. Thanks Francesca!
Don’t apologise for venting, it’s how people come to understand the challenges that are faced by others. It’s particularly hard when food can be used to control symptoms but has been so messed about that it ceases to be able to do its job. Vent Nazneen, we’ll always listen. GG
Thank you so much GG, your kind words mean a lot to me xx
Sending you hugs, loads and loads! I have enough issues trying to keep sugar out of the cabinets, I can’t even begin to imagine how worrisome it must be to go through this much. Venting is awesome, I do it all the time (my FB page is testament to that, though my blog is quite bland in that respect, lol!). But I hear you. I have had lots of different povs regarding GMOs, and I have not been able to make up my mind on it. But reading this makes me think if it does make a difference to your life, there must be something right? Pray corporate greed burns and dies and we start living and breathing in a more humane society.
And I don’t have to tell you I love those cookies…and those photographs. Parcel some? So yumm!
Minnie@thelady8home recently posted..Installing an Above Ground Pool
Thanks Minnie! yes, there are a lot of POVs regarding GMOs, but most of them are all bad. I am a scientist so I don’t just disregard research. But they didn’t test them enough, infact we are the test! I can tell you that I feel so much better now that I have eliminated almost all GMOs and processed foods from my diet. My weak points are my knees only.
I hear you. Sailing in the same boat. The things I had to go through medically with my daughter and myself because of food is something I don’t ever want to revisit.
Yes, people are rude to me when I refuse to eat things I don’t know the source of. They make fun of me . and I let them and pray for them. Because eventually when they would be doing the visits of hospitals, I will be praying for them even more.
As always I am ready for another therapy session when you are. HUGS !
Ansh | Spiceroots recently posted..Sauteed Amaranth Greens
Yep, I know, It’s frustrating. See you soon though?
I share your frustrations Nazneen. I too attempt to buy biodynamic and organic produce but it’s very frustrating as both require more money and more effort per purchase. Restaurants are terrible culprits. My friend (who cannot tolerate preservatives, additives and many other things… she suffers similarly to you) and I went out for dinner tonight. We tried to explain her intolerances to the waitress when ordering and we were met with both disrespect and rudeness. No attempts to be accommodating whatsoever. Makes me sad. Anyway, back to your gorgeous cookies… they look delicious! Love the fact that they’re absolutely packed with goodness but they also qualify as a treat when the need strikes 🙂 xx
laurasmess recently posted..Slow-Cooked Lamb Ragu with Pappardelle and Gremolata
It’s interesting to hear that it’s not just here in the US. I always thought the UK, Europe and Australia were better with quality control. I guess money is money everywhere.Thanks Laura!
A good vent session works wonders for the soul – so sorry about your healthy issues, Nazneen. I hope you have more good days than bad ones, dear.
By the way, these cookies sound fabulous – white chocolate, pecans and oatmeal is a wonderful combo indeed!
Shashi @ http://runninsrilankan.com recently posted..Marmite & Spaghetti Squash Scones!
Thank you Shashi! I am having good days but my knees bother me the most and that’s when the frustration sets in.
I too have auto immune disease – medication keeps it under control and I have been taking it for so many years that I always fear what will happen if I go off of it – I am now at 61 and I know the side effects of all these medications will one day catch up with me. Wouldn’t it be lovely if we could all go off the medication? I can’t though – it saved my life – well extended it any how for the last 26 years – maybe I can get another twenty? I do wish everyone else would realize though that it is the environment and the chemicals and such that have caused all these disease’s to begin with – when I mention I get eye rolls ect., what do they think is happening with all that stuff in the air and the chemicals in the food!! the recipe looks divine – I try to eat as healthy as I can but I can’t always afford the organics but buy them when I can and grow a little of my own in the summer time when I can.
Thank you so much for sharing your story with me Karen. It gives me strength knowing I am not alone and we can do this! Stay on your meds because they do help, they help me too. I just want to find another way, thats all.
You can vent ANY time and I will vent with you. 🙂 I share your frustration and anger, wondering how ANYONE could knowingly endanger the health and well being of others just to earn more money and power. It makes me sick. So glad you could meet with your friend AND have these delicious beauties to eat. 🙂
Krista recently posted..Late Summer in Germany’s Black Forest and Roasted Thai Spiced Beetroot
Thank you for your lovely words, Krista! Hearing from my friends has given me strength already 🙂
I’m sure you feel much better right, just venting? May Allah relieve all of your pains and aches, and may He give you Shifa. I can understand your angst because it’s hard that you feel like you’re paying a price for something that isn’t in your control. Hopefully our future generation will see a reform in the food industry because you and others like you have voiced your concerns.
By the way, these cookies look great mA! This week for me has been quite an upsetting one as well, and a few days ago I literally spent my entire day baking as a way to release some tension. I must say it’s a great form of therapy 🙂
Henna recently posted..Granola Bars (Chocolate Chip and Coconut)
I do, thank you Henna!! I hope so, iA. Hope all is well with you.
Really sorry to hear about your health and state of mind Nazneen. All valid points and I can sense your helplessness. Would have felt the same way if I was in your place. But those cookies..OMG!!! Cookies and cakes make me feel better and these could make me dance. Fabulous! Big hugs from my side along with a gluten free chocolate cake:-)
I love that this is a venting opportunity…aaarrggg!! There’s something so satisfying about venting..I have a lot to vent too but can’t do it here:-(
Stay well and take care. Love
Sugar et al recently posted..Peanut Butter White Chocolate and Raspberry Cake
Thank you, Sonali! It feels good letting it out 🙂
Yeah, that whole death side effect is a bit of a downer really, huh. None of us want that, or for it to be you that suffers that particular side effect.
Hindsight is an amazing thing isn’t it. If we’re starting to realise now the flow on effects of things like GMO, overuse of antibiotics and climate change is doing, I’m slightly petrified of what we’ll be looking back on in 50 years. At those times I’m usually thankful for things like bread, eclairs and ice cream, so I think that you have every excuse to feel a bit pissed off 🙂
I’m not a fan of preachy foodies, which is why I adore your writing. You aren’t preachy or pushy at all. Just honest, wise, kind and willing to share – the best kind of foodie there is 🙂 xx
Yeah, death…really quite a downer 🙂 Thank you for your lovely words Jas and your friendship.
I totally agree with you. There is such a thrust towards forcing us to eat contaminated foods or foods that haven’t been grown or prepared naturally. One hundred years ago food was food; today it’s so tampered with and hello…we have more people with chronic illnesses than ever before. A lot of blame is with the pharmaceutical companies who encourage all of this because they know we’ll get sick and then we’ll have to be dependent on their medication which isn’t designed to cure, it’s designed to make sure we’re dependent on it for the rest of our lives. Nightmare! xx
Hotly Spiced recently posted..Balmoral Beach Club Centenary
Yes! Big pharma and agri are in it together! Keep us sick and everyone wins, except us because we’re dead.
There’s no need to apologise for venting Nazneen – we all have our challenges when it comes to the ingredients we buy and yours is made harder by a medical condition. I don’t know what the answer is especially when it’s difficult to trust the source of the information we are getting.
I don’t waste money on organic products in Shanghai even though organic fruit and veg are available at the supermarket because I don’t believe that anything can be organic and grown here. All those organic vegetables are breathing the same air as me! And I don’t walk outside the apartment on bad days.
We lived in Tokyo for 2 years after Fukushima and had the same dilemma there too with regards to buying our food. There was so much emotion and judgement in the months afterwards about where people were buying food from friendships were actually broken because of it.
It sounds like you have every right to be angry. You are trying to do the best for your body but it’s coming at a cost to your purse. You’re right – it’s not fair.
When it gets tough, get baking. I love the sound of these chewy cookies. White chocolate is always good for you.
nancy@jamjnr recently posted..Once upon a time
Thanks Nancy. I can imagine you have it quite hard in China but at least most of it is not tampered with in some way. My only gripe with Chinese products is, why so many preservatives? I can’t find one bean sauce or hoisin sauce that doesn’t have a bot load of preservatives! I’m sure Japan was hard too, I still wonder about the fish from the Pacific. Oh well. I guess we’ll survive.
Wow I dont know whats wrong with me but this entry put tears in my eyes. May the worry of a terminal illness escape our minds and may we all be protected from any terminal illness. I wanted to add to the vent but my kids arent letting me add to my frustration. Ill continue later but I wanted to let you know that I pray for a long and healthy life for you and all my loved ones. You are making the right food choices for u and your family so surely this struggle will be fruitful for you all
Thanks Biba 🙂 take care my dear xx
Dear Nazneen, may I start by dousing you with compliments fro your amazing photography?! I love the dark background colors in your pictures – they make the lovely cookies look even more fabulous. It is always a good idea to have a wonderfu cookie recipe that leaves you with a nice, chewy, and delicious cookie. Then I am sending you big fat hugs from far away – I will keep my fingers crossed that you will continue to have the strength to lead a medicine free life. Hopefully it will be possible for you to steer away from medication by adjusting your diet. I might know a bit about these issues – my kids have food allergies and asthma and it means that I always, always have to prepare our food with the freshest and best ingredients that we can find and afford – this is not the easiests of tasks. And it takes up so much time. That can be very frustrating. And do please continue to use “organic” foods and say so, I do to, but not always because just as you, I often think that others might find that a bit “preachy”. But it is so very important!
Whishing you all the very best and tons of perseverance – although I already seem to think that you will be most successful!
Andrea
TheKitchenLioness recently posted..East Frisian Tea Cake – Ostfriesischer Teekuchen
Thank you my dear Andrea for making me smile 🙂 And then thank you for your lovely words and your friendship. It makes all things possible 🙂
I hear you loud and clear. Do you know back in the olden days my parents used to say drink your milk and now that is really one of the worst things you could be giving your kids as it is just pumped up with hormones, antibiotics and all kinds of things that you won’t not really want to put into your body. It is such a shame. I understand your struggle with RA. This time of the year is always the worst as it is between seasons and damp. Take care, BAM
Bam’s Kitchen recently posted..Shake and Bake Cheesy Stuffed Pork Chops
Thanks Bobbi. Yes, it’s very hard to live and eat in this world. Everything’s so contaminated. We can just try and make sme wise choices for our kids I guess. Thanks for your support xx