Month: November 2017

We recently had a birthday party for my oldest and youngest daughter.  As we planned the party we started to think about what we could serve.  We wanted to have things that fit into the different dietary needs of the whole family.  Considering that and the fact that I am a bit adventurous when it comes to food, we decided to cook a whole hog.

So I started doing all sorts of research on how to cook a whole hog.  It turns out for every person that writes about it there is a different way of doing it.  I picked out all parts of the different methods that made the most sense and honestly seemed the simplest.  The point of this post isn’t to talk about the process. (I may do a post in the future about that.) It is to write about the results.

Once the pig was done, my plan was to pick the meat off the pig and bring the meat in on a platter.  My brother Jon set me straight on that plan. He said we should bring it in whole.  I was glad he felt so strong on that.  It was 100% the right call.

You might expect that there would be people that would be uncomfortable with seeing a whole pig, snout to tail.  I sure was thinking that, but everyone seemed to really get into the experience of it.  It was fun to watch everyone’s reaction and to watch the kids be completely fascinated by the different parts of the pig. It probably didn’t hurt that it tasted so good either.  I, as the good host, lead the way by trying one of the eyeballs.

My hope is that it gave people an experience and a memory that we can recall as a family for years to come.  It will sure stick in my mind.  It will be an anchor used for me recall that party and that time.  These get-togethers can take big commitments for the people putting them on as well as the people attending.  After this party, I better understand that it is important to have anchors for these parties.  We might as well put in a little more effort and have some strong memories of them.

I would like to hear from you about things you do to provide these anchors.  Please leave them in the comments below.

Coconut oil according to Wikipedia is an oil extracted from the coconut that is highly saturated which allows it to not go rancid.  We have been using it around our house long before we adjusted our diets.  We not only use it in our cooking but also use it for its other health benefits.

I am not a doctor and therefore not qualified to be medical advice.  So please do your own research and consult a physician before making any health-related decisions.   Coconut oil is high in saturated fatty acids, which have been shown to have adverse health side effects.  There are some studies know that show that there could be benefits to coconut oil and that it isn’t as risky as once thought.  I will focus mostly on my experiences.

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature and since it doesn’t quickly go rancid it doesn’t need to be stored in the frig.  It has a relatively high smoke point so it can be used in all sorts of applications.  The fact that it stays solid at room temperature makes it ideal for substituting for butter if you are avoiding dairy.  You can use it in baking and recipes of butter or shortening.  I recently saw a post on Facebook where someone said it didn’t work in pie crusts.  I think it might if it was chilled to firm it up much like you do with butter in a crust.

Virgin coconut oil does have a mild coconut flavor.  I seem to pick up that flavor more than the rest of my family.  It is something that can be used to the benefit of what is being prepared, so it is just something to keep in mind.

Coconut oil is largely made up of MCT, or medium-chain triglycerides.  MCT are more easily metabolized than long-chain triglycerides.  Which makes the good source of quick energy.  People who follow a Keto diet (more on that in a future blog) will use coconut oil because it is a good source of quick energy that will not raise your insulin levels.  I have added it to my coffee in the mornings on the days that I am intermittent fasting.  Once your brain is adapted to burning fats instead of carbs that shot of MCTs in the morning will give you the energy you need without breakfast.

I used coconut oil as a base for salves.  I will mix in some essential oils and apply it topically to help support my skin health.  It can also be used as a natural shaving cream.  You can check out this article for many more uses.

We would love to hear from you with any ways you like to use coconut oil.  Please leave them in the comments below.