Community Zen Acupuncture

Cinnamon, Walnuts, and Go Ji Zi Bread - From Mayway.com

https://www.mayway.com/blogs/articles/spring-recipe-cinnamon-walnuts-gou-qi-zi-bread

Here’s a great-tasting holiday bread that’s also nourishing. Cinnamon bark warms the active energy of the body. It promotes circulation and strengthens the blood. Walnut warms and benefits the Lungs and Kidneys, while benefiting the back and knees. They’re also great for the brain, and moisten the intestines to unblock the bowels. Goji berries are very nourishing and rich in vitamins and minerals. They also promote energy and brighten the eyes.

Makes 3 loaves.

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cups milk (or non-dairy substitute)

2 packages (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast

1 cup warm water (must be between 110-115 degrees for the yeast)

3 eggs

1 1/4 cup sugar divided (raw or coconut sugar)

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened for dough

1 cup Gou Qi Zi/Goji Berries/Wolfberries

3/4 cup chopped Hu Tao Ren/Walnuts

8 cups all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons milk to moisten dough (or non-dairy substitute)

3 tablespoons ground Rou Gui/Cinnamon bark

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted to brush on top

DIRECTIONS:

1 - Warm the milk in a small saucepan on the stove until it just starts to bubble, stirring occasionally, then remove from heat. Let cool til lukewarm.

2 - Dissolve yeast in warm water (must be between 110-115 degrees or the yeast won't activate) and set aside until yeast is frothy, about 10 minutes or so. Then mix in eggs, ½ cup sugar, butter, salt, walnuts, and Gou Qi Zi berries. Stir in the cooled milk slowly so you don't cook the eggs. Add the flour gradually to make a stiff dough.

3 - Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for a few minutes til smooth. Place in a large buttered mixing bowl and turn to grease the surface of the dough. Cover with a warm, damp cloth and let rise in a warm area. (Try putting it in the oven with just the light on for the right amount of heat and to keep the dough out of drafts.) Allow to rise until doubled, usually about 1 1/2 hours.

4 - Roll out on a lightly floured surface into a large rectangle 1/2 inch thick. Moisten the dough with 2 tablespoons of milk and rub all over the dough with your hands. Then mix ¾ cup sugar and the cinnamon and sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the moistened dough.

5 - Roll up tightly (the long way). The roll should be about 3 inches in diameter. Cut into thirds, and tuck the ends in and pinch the bottom together. Place loaves into well-greased (coconut oil or butter) 9 x 5-inch pans and lightly grease the tops of the loaves. Let it rise again in a warm area uncovered for about an hour.

6 - Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until loaves are lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and brush with melted butter. Let them cool on a rack for about 20 minutes, then lay the loaves on their sides and remove them from the pans. Allow to cool before slicing.

Shared by Laura Stropes LAc on MayWay.com

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This time of year, it’s important to support your immune system. With holiday stress and seasonal colds and flu, the formula is primed to knock you out for a few days. What's your secret weapon? Some supplements and practices to keep your immune system strong. (Your immune system is like a fence that keeps the baddies out).

Vitamin C, Elderberry, Zinc, and Vitamin D are essential for healthy immunity.

Taking care of your gut is important too, with ginger, pre-, and probiotics.

Wellness practices like exercise, proper sleep, and acupuncture help counter the effects of stress. (Chronic stress weakens the immune system)

More than anything, take care of yourself and try to enjoy the season. It comes and goes so quickly; try to show up fully and be present, for your own benefit.

Community Zen Acupuncture

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This Thanksgiving, I reflect on how much there is to be grateful for. On that list, I include the beauty of nature on earth, the vastness of space and all creation, and the preciousness of our short time in this world.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

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