Posts Tagged ‘desert’
Maple Syrup is a Tast Treat For Everyone
I never let our cupboard run empty with good, ol’ maple syrup. My kids adore the stuff, especially with their favorite breakfasts. People eat it on things like toast, waffles, pancakes, french toast, or even on pasta. I began to worry at some point because I thought I was probably indulging them with too much sugar (actually, we all have a sweet tooth in the family; I, myself, can’t resist a piece or two of rich, gooey maple candy once in a while). When I looked into it I was shocked to learn that out of everything maple syrup can be one of the best sweets to be given to children that is readily available. For one, it’s not as calorie-dense as I thought and contains less sugar than honey. Another good thing is that it contains a small amount of zinc and manganese which are two essential minerals for peoples bodies, building the immune system and antioxidant defenses.
So what was a mom to do after knowing that her picky eaters of kids were actually consuming a healthy treat without them realizing it? To get it started simply!
Now I use organic canadian maple syrup to add to things like squash, on fries, or even on “maple and banana sandwiches” in place of peanut butter. My children really like organic maple butter with toast or wedged between stacks of corn cakes or pancakes. To make maple butter, just blend 1 pound of softened butter with ½ cup maple syrup, roll between parchment paper, store in the fridge, and cut into discs as needed.As a special treat for kids (and to make them eat oatmeal cookies) I just take normal (or low fat) oatmeal cookies and glaze them with a maple glaze. To make the glaze, just combine 1 C pure organic canadian maple sugar, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, a little maple extract, a few teaspoons of unsalted butter, all together on medium until it comes to a slow boil then you can brush it on your hot cookies. Let cool before serving (tip: the cookies taste better the next day).
Here’s something to keep in mind when you go shopping, really look for organic and pure maple syrup instead of picking up cheap flavored and colored synthetic syrup. The former may be pricier but since it isn’t diluted by other ingredients, you get a richer, earthier flavor, which makes it worth the extra penny. Keep in mind a simple rule; the lighter the syrup, the more subtle the flavor will be. Reserve the darker, amber-colored variety for cooking. Finally, remember that everything should be consumed in moderation and for goodness’ sake, don’t forget to brush those tiny teeth afterwards!
Gaara Of The Desert
are you familiar with Gaara of the Desert? Is it some kind of desert buffalo? Or is it some nomadic race of men who ride giant camels through the dark of night? The truth is even stranger. He’s a person in a Japanese cartoon and comic book called Naruto
Gaara of the Desert has specific meanings with the characters that write the name. Gaara has a Kanji, a Japanese character, on his head. It’s the second Kanji character in his name and it means Love. His name also has the characters for carnage and self in it. So his name overall means self-loving carnage or, by some interpretations, carnage loving self (guy who loves carnage.)
Gaara of the Desert fits the name, he loves to kill. Gaara killed a man just for passing him on the road when he was six, thus his father became very worried. His father hired some assassins to kill Gaara, but Gaara killed them. His father then tried to send Ninjas, even more deadly assassins, but Gaara proved to much for them. He killed the Ninjas and escaped death a second time.
Gaara of the Desert is around 12 when Naruto first starts. He had been genetically engineered by his father to be an unstoppable killing machine. His father placed a demon inside the boy, which is what gives him his hyper violent nature and the powers he has to kill. Gaara is doomed to always stay awake or the demon will control him.
In the beginning Gaara of the desert was Naruto’s enemy. Both were born in similar circumstances. But they took different paths in life. Naruto became a force for good while Gaara became the wild killer, a force for evil. They have many battles. Gaara eventually dies when Naruto removes the demon. Eventually though, Naruto restores Gaara to life.
Without a good villain no hero is truly a hero. Gaara of the Desert has filled this role throughout the Naruto narrative. Fans love him, and consider his battles with Naruto some of the best there are.
If you ever meet him, don’t make Gaara of the Desert angry. You wouldn’t like him when he’s angry.