Healthy for You: Asparagus and a Recipe

Asparagus is one of those vegetables you either like or you don’t. We never ate it while growing up so I honestly didn’t know if it was something I would like. My dad loves it and shared a bite with me at a restaurant about 10 years ago. It was in a salad and I couldn’t get over the woody taste. That taste caused me to wait seven years before I would try it again.

Because of my sister talking about them, I tried cooking Asparagus and Brussels sprouts. She told me to make sure the Asparagus stem snaps in the natural area it wants to bend. This would keep from getting the part of the stem that has the woody taste. Although the Brussels sprouts won my heart, my husband continued asking for Asparagus. Oddly enough, I researched Asparagus and found it to be on the high purine list of vegetables. This worried me because of my husband’s gout, when you watch someone suffer from the pain and effects of gout, you want to avoid any purines if possible.

Healthy for You - Asparagus

Back in February, I cooked Asparagus because it had been asked for and I cringed while cooking because I knew what was going happen. I was ready for the “I told you so” part that would come in the next day, but it never came. For several days afterwards, my husband talked about how good his ankles felt even after long days of driving. So, I bought another pound of Asparagus and we tried it again the next week. The only thing I did differently, I divided the Asparagus up for several days because the feel good feeling didn’t last longer than several days.

I researched Asparagus again, this time for all the health benefits it has to offer. Let me tell you, these little vegetables are packed full of healing benefits.

One cup of Asparagus contains vitamins A, C, E, K, and several B vitamins along with folate, copper, iron, calcium, protein, and fiber. There are also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and the cancer fighting compound, glutathione.

No wonder my husband was feeling so well after eating this little miracle vegetable. Those anti-inflammatory properties are a huge benefit for joint pain.

A whole cup of Asparagus only has 20 calories. That calorie count should be a little encouragement for those dieting.

While Asparagus has a higher count of purines than many other vegetables, plant purines are less concentrated than animal purines. This means the rise in uric acid levels will not be as high a risk like animal purines. For my husband, I tend to worry a little so I make sure he is not eating anything that could trigger his gout when eating Asparagus. As long as he is not seeing any bad side effects, I’ll continue cooking this little vegetable for him.

I was a little surprised to find this little vegetable to be a wonder pill for my husband. But thankfully, it’s a food we don’t have to sacrifice eating. Because of the health benefits in Asparagus, I think I could learn to love them.

There are many yummy recipes for asparagus. But since I cook only a handful at a time most nights, I sauté them. If you are cooking a full pound of asparagus, you can double the seasonings for your taste.

Simple Sautéed Asparagus

Ingredients:

• Asparagus

• Oil - enough to coat the stems

• Pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning

Directions:

In a small container mix the dry ingredients with oil. Toss the asparagus with the oil mixture and sauté for about 5 minutes. Remove from pan.

Disclaimer: I am NOT a healthcare provider. I am simply a wife who is sharing what she has learned from research and a trial and error routine of finding healthy foods for my husband to enjoy.

DIY Knitting Needles WITHOUT Power Tools

Last year, my husband made me a set of knitting needles. I was amazed at the cost of large plastic needles when I prepared to make an afghan. We were still living in the middle of nowhere Montana, and the local Walmart didn’t carry the size I wanted. And I was too far away for a quick drive to the nearest yarn store. After comparing prices, I knew I was not paying $20-25 for plastic needles. My only option was to make them. So that is what I did!

DIY KNITTING NEEDLES

**Before I even began with what I bought and how I made them, I need to make this announcement. I would never do this for smaller needles for clothing. The least little difference causes problems with the finished item not being the correct size.

Another service announcement: You can make these with power tools much quicker, but if you don't have access to tools like a belt/hand sander, give this a try. This method takes time. - Just a warning for you.

Needed items: hand saw (we used a coping saw), dowel rod, sandpaper (80,150,220,and 400 grit), something to put on the end of the needles (large buttons), and spray clear coat (optional).

For the first pair of needles, I bought a ¾ inch dowel rod because it was the closest to a size 50 needle without being to hard too work with. I already had the sandpaper, the buttons, the hot glue, and the clear coat spray. So, I only spent $3.00 on them.

DETERMINE THE LENGTH. On the first pair, I measured the rod at 13 inches. I wish I would have cut them longer because I had to squish the yarn on the needles while knitting the last little bit of stitches. It’s better for the needles to be a little too long than not long enough and risk the end piece coming off along with all your stitches.  I worked on a new pair of needles for a different size afghan, so I had them cut to  18 inches. If I remember, the rod in the picture is  ½ inch.

Cut the rod to desired length.

Sand down the rough ends using the 80 grit paper.

The next step, form the point. My husband held the rod at an angle to start the formation.

Once the point is formed, you can do two things. You can cut/whittle down the point to save time, or use the 80 grit sandpaper and sand the point down. Whittling keeps your hand from cramping, but if you are not comfortable with “shaving” down the wood, then using the sandpaper is the best way to go. (Just remember, it will take time.)

When you have your point made, switch to the 150 grit sand paper and smooth it and  the needle. Change to the 220 grit paper and sand. For the finishing smoothness, switch to the 400 grit.

If you choose to use a spray clear coat, now is the time to use it. Be sure to let each coat thoroughly dry before adding another. The first set of needles I used it, but the second set, I did not. So far, I haven’t had any problems with them.

Attach whatever you are using as the end stop of the needle.

Now, put them to use and knit something beautiful.

Don’t waste your time searching for large needles. Don’t waste $20 or more for a pair to only knit large projects.

Save Your Money, Make Your Own, and Work a Little Effort into a Pair – You’ll be glad you did!

Have you made your own knitting needles or something else similar to keep from spending a bunch of money?

5 Fall Decorating Ideas I Loved So Much I Pinned

Fall is my favorite time of year to decorate. I start pulling out my scarecrows and pumpkins at the first of September and enjoy them until Thanksgiving Day. Since we have not made it into a house of our own yet since our move, that means all of my fall pretties are in storage. But that’s okay because I’m sharing with you 5 Fall Decorating Ideas I Loved So Much I Pinned on Pinterest.

5 Fall Decorating Ideas
I Loved So Much I Pinned on Pinterest

Indian Corn and Pumpkins are a sure sign fall is here. Storing them in a basket is perfect for any decor.

5 Minute Fall Decor DIY is full of pinecones, pumpkins, corn, and squash.

Wooden Bowl Fall Decor – My friend Karen and I share a love for Primitive/Colonial decor. I always feel under decorated when I read about her seasonal decorations.

Yarn Pumpkin Garland – for my prim friends, can you imagine these in wool?

DIY Outdoor Real Looking Pumpkins – while this project is going to take longer than a couple of hours. You probably have just about every needed item to make them on hand. I love how these pumpkins turned out!

You can see the rest of my fall decorating board on Pinterest. I even have a Christmas board. Are you a Primitive/Colonial decor lover like me, then check out my prim board.

Do you have a Pinterest account? If so, what are your favorite things you pin? Leave a link to your Pinterest account in the comments, I'd love to see what you are pinning.