Wednesday, December 31, 2008

New Year Message from Guruji

Learn and unlearn from the past: Become free
- By Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Every year, we begin the New Year wishing others happiness and prosperity. What is the sign of prosperity? The sign of prosperity is freedom, a smile and the willingness to share with people around you, without fear. The sign of prosperity is the trust and confidence that you will get whatever is needed in life. Welcome the year 2009 with a smile from within. As we flip the calendar, we need to keep flipping our mind as well. Often, our diaries are full with memories. See that you don't fill your future dates with past events. Learn and unlearn from the past, and move on.You want to be free from greed, hatred, jealousy and all such imperfections. If the mind is holding all these negative qualities, it cannot be happy or peaceful – you cannot enjoy your life. So the first step is to see that negative emotions are due to the past and not let the past affect your experience of life now. Forgive the past. If you cannot forgive the past, then your future will be miserable. This new year make up with someone with whom you are not on good terms. Commit yourself to dropping the past and starting a fresh life. When the new year arrives wish everyone with a sankalpa (intention) for peace and prosperity for all the people on the planet. With the economic meltdown, looming terrorism, with floods & famine around, do more selfless service. Realise that our foremost priority is to check violence in the world, to free the world from domestic and societal violence. Make a resolution to do more good to society, help the people who are in need and bring solace to those who are suffering. Take responsibility for the nation. The spiritual dimension of life brings a great sense of belongingness, responsibility, compassion and caring for the whole world, for the whole humanity. The spiritual dimension in the truest form smashes the narrow boundaries of caste, creed, religion and nationality and gives one a broader awareness of life present everywhere. This year, let your devotion flower. Give it a chance to work. We should experience the divine's presence, the divine's light around us. You should have a desire in your mind to experience this. Has such a desire ever risen in you - that you want the highest peace? The whole world is running by this divine light. When you sing or pray there should be total involvement. If the mind is preoccupied elsewhere then that is no prayer at all. You are like a free bird. You are fully open. Feel that you are flying like a bird. Learn to fly. This is something which you have to experience within yourself. There is nothing else. If you consider yourself as bonded, you will remain bound here. Be free. When will you experience freedom? Become free right now. Sit down and become content. Spend some time in meditation & satsang so that your inner self becomes strong enough to deal with the challenges. When the mind relaxes, the intellect becomes sharp. When the mind is loaded with small things such as ambition, feverishness and desire, then the intellect loses its keenness. And when the intellect and observation are not sharp, life does not express itself fully, ideas dont flow and abilities diminish day by day. With this understanding, step out of your little mind and that step will solve many problems in your life. Be natural. Be with love. Involve yourself in service. Celebrate your life .............CELEBRATE NEW YEAR - 2009


Saturday, December 27, 2008

Who wins

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said: 'My son, the battle is between 'two wolves' inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority,
lies,false pride, superiority, and ego. The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith.'
The grandson thought about it for a minute, and then asked his grandfather: 'Which wolf wins?'

The old Cherokee simply replied: 'The one you feed.'

-Mahendra


Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Passive and Aggressive

In a discourse on Bhagavad Gita, Guruji says :

"There are two types of people in this world – Passive and Aggressive. Passive are those who don’t do anything and don’t get involved in any thing. Aggressive – they do anything (legal, illegal, right, wrong) to achieve whatever they want. Sooner or later, both find their hands empty - both feel failure. The Gita says: 'Dynamism with Calmness'. That serenity, which is proactive, is what is needed; It is what would be the right solution to any problem."


Monday, December 15, 2008

Gurudev as guest editor at TOI

Guruji was the guest editor at Times of India, India's largest circulated newspaper, for the Dec 15 edition, 2006 ! Enjoy ~
Art of editing: Let the good Times roll

He’s counselled statesmen and celebrities, tycoons and the down-and-out, spiritual seekers and sinners, cops and convicts, and various other shades of humanity. He’s journeyed far and wide—on both the physical and metaphysical planes. He’s been conferred numerous awards, and nominated for the Nobel peace prize. And he’s discoursed, joked and sung his way through many a satsang. But there’s one thing even Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar hadn’t done until yesterday—edited a newspaper.
“I feel like a boy on his first day in university,’’ He confessed.

If so, he’d done his homework. Well before the big day, the Smiling Sage had thrown himself into the project with his trademark exuberance, discussing ideas and suggesting reports. If you thought he’d only be interested in non-material, other-worldly subjects, think again. Sure, he wanted pieces on spirituality in politics and business. But he also sought—and got—an analysis of the executive-judiciary faceoff, a comparison of how India and China are faring, and a critique of the politics of caste in India. You can find all these articles—and many more on the pages mentioned alongside.

Racing against tight deadlines (for once, we truly wished time was mere maya), we finally got everything in readiness. Minutes later, the Guest Editor glided in, showering smiles and one-liners (sample: asked to explain why he had so many followers, he quipped, “That’s easy. I walk really fast.’’) Then it was time for some serious work.

We began by asking him if he read the paper regularly. “Oh yes,’’ he said promptly. “And when I’m out of the country, I follow the news on the internet. I make sure I keep abreast of current events.’’ Some words of praise for TOI followed. “I like the fact that instead of trying to educate the young, TOI seeks to educate the old about what the young are thinking and doing. And I really liked the survey that appeared in a recent Sunday Times edition on faith in India.’’

‘WAR: Worst Act of Reason’

Guru Gyaan: Sri Sri Ravi Shankar On The Art Of Living, Role Of Media, Growing Global Tension And Lots More
He likes to read the newspaper everyday, but does spiritual guru and Art of Living founder Sri Sri Ravi Shankar have any favourite pages or columns?
“I flip through most of the pages, except sports, which doesn’t interest me much. Of course I read Speaking Tree and Sacred Space on the TOI edit page, but I also like to read science stories. I have a degree in science, you know, though I can’t
claim to know much about science.’’
How did his interest in science square with his spiritual pursuits, we asked. “Where’s the contradiction?” he retorted. “Both science and eastern spirituality begin with the same premise: experience it first, then believe it. That’s why there’s never been a clash between science and spirituality in the Orient.”

Modern Art

How does He feel when he’s criticised by the media?
“The media’s job is to criticise, and it must do its job. But the criticism should be constructive. Criticism has value when you’re thinking big and positive, not when you’re thinking narrow and divisive. I don’t agree with biased journalism, which attacks specific communities or groups.”

“Actually, I think the media has two roles,” he went on. “One is to present the facts as they are. And the other is to provide a ray of hope, present a vision for the future.”
We moved on to the movement he founded, which has now grown into a global spiritual empire. Who coined the term ‘The Art of Living’, we asked. “A group of us were sitting together and someone said our principles turned living into an art. So I said, fine, call it The Art of Living. The name had a nice, secular, allinclusive feel to it. It’s really a modern name for a traditional philosophy. Remember, 25 years ago, most Indians tended to see Vedanta and Yoga as outdated relics; there was little respect for them. It’s nice to see things coming full circle now.”
So how does he react to charges of being a well-marketed Guru? “It’s like commentary after the match is over,” he shrugged. “People can study the movement’s success and turn it into a marketing model now, but no model was originally designed to make it a success. Frankly, no one was more surprised than I was that it became so successful. Truly, I want nothing except to share my joy. Maybe that’s why so many things are happening.”
What about people who misuse the foundation’s name for commercial benefit? “I can’t police the world. But I do request anyone who’s thinking of joining a centre to log on to our website and make sure that it’s actually affiliated to us.”
How does he react to arguments that religion is becoming an increasingly divisive force and creating tension in the world? “I think western philosophy has been really clogged up by the concept of good and evil,” he responded. “If someone doesn’t think like you, he becomes evil. Indian philosophy has never been so black and white — notice we have no concept of Satan. And we say that when even Ravana died, his soul merged into Rama’s, because after all, we’re all part of the same cosmic unit. But the world is getting increasingly polarised. I gave a speech at the European Parliament saying all religions have the same goal and a lot of MPs were furious. They asked how I could equate their religion with one that they claimed gave rise to suicide bombers.”
“The tragedy is that people from all parts of the world can do so much harm while being convinced they’re upholding the cause of good,” he went on. “I call war the Worst Act of Reason. After all, everyone comes up with a rational justification for war. Saddam said he had good reason to invade Kuwait, George W Bush insisted he was justified in attacking Iraq. But what good finally came of it all?’’

Choices & Blessings

The conversation turned to the day’s big stories. Where does He stand on the great Afzal debate?
“Personally, I oppose capital punishment. I believe every criminal should be given the opportunity to reform. But I can understand the sentiments of the families
of those who died defending Parliament. Letting off Afzal could demoralise them, apart from hundreds of security personnel. I would suggest life imprisonment for Afzal.”
Does he know tennis ace Leander Paes? “I’ve met him a few times.” Does he have any advice for Leander following the much-publicised spat with doubles partner Mahesh Bhupati at the Asian Games in Doha? “I don’t give advice unless asked. The world is full of orphan advice — advice not taken because it wasn’t asked for. Of course, a lot of times people also ask me for advice so that they can later blame me if things later go wrong. At times like that, there’s a phrase I really like to use, “The choice is yours, the blessing is mine!’
Happily, he didn’t use that phrase even once during the news meeting. Stories were pored over, details sought in some cases, and slots decisively indicated.
And then it was time for a graceful exit. Clearly, the Guru of good times hasn’t just discovered and perfected the art of living, he’s also mastered the art of leaving — people happy, that is.


- Sri Sri at The Times of India’s news meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, 2 years ago




Friday, December 12, 2008

What to offer in Puja ?

What is the proper offering to God?

It is said, Patram, Pushpam, Phalam, Toyam
(a leaf, flower, fruit and water).

What are these?

Your body is the leaf, your heart is the flower,
your mind is the fruit, and your tears of bliss are the water.

Instead of attaching undue importance to this ephemeral body, emphasize the atmic principle.

Also surrender the body unto God. How?
By acts of worship and other sacred deeds.


Saturday, December 6, 2008

Finding life's direction

published Friday August 12 2005 15:23 IST


A river needs two bunks to flow. The difference between flood and a flowing river is water flows regulated in a direction in a river. During floods the water is muddled and has no direction. Similarly, the energy in our life needs some direction to flow. If you don't give direction, it is all confusion.

Today most of the people are in confusion because there is no direction in life. When you are happy, there is so much of life energy in you; but when this life energy doesn't know where to go, how to go, it gets stuck. When it stagnates, it rots! Just like how the water has to keep flowing, in the same way, life has to keep moving.



For life energy to move in a direction, commitment is essential. Life runs with commitment. If you observe every small thing or big thing in life, it goes with certain commitment. A student takes admission in a school or college with a commitment. You go to a doctor with a commitment saying that you are going to take the medication or listen to whatever the doctor says, right? The banks work on commitment. Government works on commitment.

Needless to say, a family runs on commitment: mother is committed to the child, child is committed to the parents, husband is committed to wife, and wife is committed to husband.

Whether it is love or business or friendship or at work or any area of life you take, there is commitment, isn't it?



What would really irritate you is non-commitment. If you just observe, you expect some commitment from someone and when they don't do it, you get upset. Or when someone doesn't keep up his or her commitment, you get upset. Commitment is essential in life. You cannot stand someone who does not commit, but see how much commitment have you taken in your life? Of course our commitment is proportional to what we have, our power, our capacity or capability. If you are committed to taking care of your family, that much capacity or power you gain. If your commitment is for the community, you will get that much energy, joy, that much power.
In life, what you always want is more joy, more power, more energy, isn't it? You want more, anything you are given, you want more, more money, more fame, more beauty, more joy, more pleasure this 'wanting something more' bugs in your mind and that you do not look to your capabilities. More will be given to you only if you utilise properly what you already have! This is a law in nature. Why should the nature give you more when you are stuck with your little mind? This tendency of wanting more is there in you; you only have to give a twist to it. Instead of 'what more I can have', just turn it around and start asking yourself 'what more I can do?' . Then you will see that there is joy. Nature of joy is to give because you are the source of joy! The more responsibility you take on, the more energy/power will come on to you.

Greater the commitment you take, greater the energy/power you gain to fulfil that commitment. Greater the commitment, easier things are. Smaller the commitment, suffocating it is for you. Smaller commitments suffocate you because you have more capacity, but you are stuck in a small hole! When you have ten things to do and even if one thing goes wrong, you can keep doing the ten things, that thing that has gone wrong will set right itself! But if you have only one thing to do and that goes wrong, then you are stuck with it. Usually we think we should have resource and then we will commit. Greater the commitment you take, greater the resources will come to you automatically. You don't have to sit and worry how you will get resources. When you have the intention to do something, resources simply flow when it is needed and how much it is needed.

In doing what you can do, there is nothing much about it, there is no growth. Stretching a little beyond your capacity will increase your capacity. If you can take care of your town or your society, there is nothing great about doing that because it is within your capacity or capability. But if you stretch it and little more and take commitment to take care of the whole state, then you gain that much more power. As much as you take on the responsibility on your self, that much your capacity increases, your capability increases, your talents increase, your joy increases and that much you become one with the divine force. In whatever capacity you do something for the society, for the environment, for the creation, that much you progress further both materially and spiritually (value wise). The heart opens up with a feeling that you are part of everyone.

The technique to get depressed is to sit and think only about you! If you just sit and
think, 'what about me, what will happen to me?' you will thoroughly get depressed. The way to expand from individual to universal consciousness is to share others sorrow and joy. As you grow, your consciousness should also grow. When you expand in Knowledge with time, then depression is not possible. Your inner most source is joy. The way to overcome personal misery is to share universal misery!

The way to expand personal joy is to share universal joy. Instead of thinking 'what about me?' What can I gain from this world?' Think what can I do for the world?' When everyone comes from the point of contributing to society, you have a Divine society. We have to educate and culture our individual consciousness in order to expand in time with the Knowledge from 'what about me?' to 'what can I contribute?'

A commitment can only be felt when it oversteps convenience. That which is convenient, you do not call commitment. If you just go on your convenience, your commitment falls apart causing more inconvenience! If you keep dropping your commitment because it is inconvenient, can you be comfortable? Often, what is convenient does not bring comfort, but gives an illusion of comfort. Whatever you are committed to brings you strength. If you are committed to your family then your family supports you, if you are committed to your society, you enjoy the support of society. If you are committed to God, God gives you strength. If you are committed to Truth, Truth brings you strength.

Often one is not aware of this idea and that is why one is hesitant to commit to a greater cause. Also there is a fear that commitment would weaken one or take away one's freedom. To the wise, their commitment is their comfort.

Whenever their commitment is shaken, their comfort is also shaken. To the lazy, commitment is torture though it is the best remedy! Your commitment to a cause is bound to bring you comfort in the long run.

Are there any commitments that can be given up? Yes, commitments made with shortsightedness can be given up because when you are committed without a vision, you feel stifled when your vision expands. When your commitment brings misery to many in the long run, it can be given up. Just like you run out of fuel in the car and you have to refill it again and again, in the same way your dedication and commitment runs out in the course of time and it needs constant renewal! Commitment in life grows toward a higher cause. The higher the commitment, greater is the good for all.


Friday, December 5, 2008

Recipe of Blue berry muffins

Makes about 60

Ingredients
Butter - ¼Cup
Unsweetened applesauce - 2 ½Cup
Salt - 2 ½TSP
Blue Agave - 5 Cups 
Whole wheat flour - 10 Cups 
Vanilla - 5TSP
Milk - 2 ½Cup
Blueberries - 10Cups
Baking powder- 5TBS
Walnuts - 2.5Cups

Method:

Preheat oven to 350Degree F
Line muffin cups with paper liners or spray with non stick spray ---- Instead of spray take olive oil in a bowl and with paper /napkin spread it on the muffins cups.
Mix all ingredients together until moistened
Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups. Each should be filled ¾ full.
Bake 35 minutes or until the tops are firm.
Cool on a wire rack.


Recipe of Saag soup

Serves 40 people

Ingredients

Spinach - 11.5 LBS
Ground coriander - .25 Cup
Large red potatoes - 11 
Water - 51 Cups
Ghee - ¾ Cup
Ginger (A little more than ½ cup)
Salt (to taste) 

Method:


Pressure cook the potatoes until tender. Cool, peel and keep it aside.
In a pan bring water to a boil. Add spinach to the boiling water and switch off the heat immediately.
Cover with a lid for 20 minutes. Strain the spinach. Allow it to cool.
Blend together the potatoes and spinach until smooth. Add water if required.
Take a pot and add ghee to it. When the ghee is heated add ginger and coriander and sauté.
To this add the blended mixture and salt to taste. Add water to get desired consistency.
Serve hot.


Recipe of Sautéed green vegetables in Pesto

Serves 40

Ingredients
Broccoli - 14 Lbs 
Green beans - 5 Lbs 
Zucchini - 9 Lbs 
Olive oil to Saute 
Basil - 10 Cups 
Pine nuts - 5 Cups 
Olive Oil - 7.5 Cups 
Cashew - 1 Cup
Lemon juice - 2.5 Cups 
Ginger - 1 Inch
Salt - 1 Tsp 
Pepper - 2 tbsp 

Method

Sauté Green beans (cut into 1" lengths) with broccoli florets and zucchini. Cut zucchini into ¼" slices, sauté briefly in olive oil, then add broccoli and green beans to pan, sauté until all vegetables have changed color. Then add a little water and put lid on pan to steam vegetables until done. When vegetables are tender, remove lid, let remaining water boil off and toss vegetables with pesto.

Pesto: Mix all the ingredients and blend.


Recipe of Cumin Couscous with vegetables

Serves 40

Whole grain Couscous (yellow one if not available) 1 box ~ .75 Cups 10Boxes (164g)
Water (as per direction) 
Cumin 
Peas - 1.25LBS 
Carrots - 6
Medium Winter squash like acorn - 3 or 4 Medium 
Parsley 
Dried coconut powder 
Salt Pepper 
Olive oil (as per direction)…though a little less is good else the taste is overpowering
 
Method

Add oil to pan. Once heated add cumin (don't sauté as much as we do for Indian cuisine) Add vegetables. Saute it. Don't overcook it. Put water (boiling) over the vegetables and add salt. Immediately pour couscous and stir to make sure it is mixed properly. Put the lid, turn off the gas and let it sit for 5 minutes. Don't open the pot even if you are tempted to. Fluff up the couscous. Garnish it with coconut powder, parsley.


Monday, December 1, 2008

India Asks Sri Sri Answers : On Economic Slowdown

CNN IBN has organized a question answer session with Sri Sri to answer common man's questions during the economic recession times. As usual Guruji answers in a simple yet firm manner with a smile. Here is the first of four clips. You can get the other three from the site. Enjoy viewing!

http://ibnlive.in.com/videos/78517/watch-now-india-asks-sri-sri-ravi-shankar-answers.html


Recipe for Mixed vegetable soup

Ingredients
Serves 40
Carrots - 10
Green Beans - 2 LBS
Sweet Potatoes - 6
Seitan? 
Zucchini - 6
Fresh basil 
Salt and pepper 
Mung dal for viscosity (Probably around 2 cups for 8 to 10 cups of water) -6 cups
Water - 35 Cups

Method

Say for 10 people probably use 2 cups of mung dal and 8 to 10 cups of water.

Bring water and mung dal to boil. Once the dal is mushy then use hand blender to mash it thoroughly. It shouldn't be very thick. Add vegetables to it and once cooked then tofu (or replace with cooked shell pasta. Add fresh basil, olive oil, salt and pepper.


Yummy Oatmeal

Ingredients
Serves 40
Oatmeal (Usually 1 cup for 4 people) 10Cups
Organic Apple 6
Salt
Soaked raisins 4Cups
Blue agave 

Method:

Soak oatmeal overnight. For 1 cup oatmeal take 2 cups of water. Boil the water and add oats to it. Finely chop the apple and put it along with oats into boiling water. Add little salt. Then add soaked raisins, either maple syrup or blue agave (but not too much). Add cinnamon (optional). Turn the heat to low and let it simmer for some time. It probably takes about 30 minutes

Also soak almond and raisins overnight.
Tips

The oats have tendency to get burnt at the bottom so stirring continuously is important.


Recipe for Herbed Millet Potato Kichari

Ingredients:

Serves 40
Unit Organic Millet (washed and drained) - 10Cup
Red lentil dal
Washed and drained - 5Cup
Cumin seeds - 10 TSP
Mustard seeds - 10 TSP
Turmeric powder - 2.5 TSP
Large Organic sweet potato diced - 10
Cilantro leaves finely chopped - 2.5Cup
Mint leaves, finely chopped -2.5Cup
Ginger, finely chopped - 10TBS
Asafoetida - ½TSP
Coriander powder - ½ Cup
Cumin powder - ½ Cup

Method


In a thick bottomed saucepan heat the sunflower oil. Add the cumin seeds, turmeric, mustard seeds, asafoetida and ginger.
After the seeds pop add the sweet potato, millet, water and salt
Cover and reduce heat to low.
Cook until most of water is absorbed (about 30 min) and consistency is between a soup and stew
Add cumin powder, coriander powder and black pepper. And let it simmer.
Add very little lemon juice as all other recipes have tangy taste to them.
Garnish with cilantro and mint and serve hot.


Recipe for Mixed green salad with steamed green beans & tahini dill dressing

Ingredients:

Serves 40 people
Unit Romaine - 1 romaine for 5 people
Radicchio - 5
Fresh green beans - 1.5LB
Walnuts - 5 Handfuls
Whole grain / Wheat crackers as croutons 
Tahini paste (Usually ½ bottle of 365 organics is needed for 30 people) - ½ Bottle
Lemon juice - 3-4
Fresh dill leaves - 4 Bunches
Salt and pepper
Olive oil - 1 Cup
Sugar 
Some warm water

Method

Mix all salad dressing and fresh and cut dill and using hand mixer blend together.
Warm up some water and add French beans to them for 2 mins. Cut Fresh green beans into 1 cm length so that they taste good.


Recipe for Kapha Pacifying carrot soup (raw)

Ingredients:

Serves 40 (Proportion is 4 people 1 cup)

Large Organic Carrots - 7
Small organic celery branch - 2
Organic tomato - 2
Organic orange - 2
Thick slice of ginger - 2"
Soaked organic cashew nuts (optional) - ¾ Cup
Dry organic ginger - ½ teaspoon
Organic cumin powder - 2 teaspoon
salt and pepper
Cilantro as garnish


Method

Soak the cashews for a few hours. Cut the orange in half and juice it. Place all ingredients into the blender including pulp of orange as well. Blend together. Serve warm (do not heat above 115 degrees Fahrenheit)

Variation: Add cashew as garnish instead of blending them together also can add currants to them.


More Recipes!

Recipe Name: Cucumber Raita (Non dairy)
Type: Side
Ingredients:

Serves 40
Unit Cucumber (finely chopped) - 10
Lemon juice
Cilantro
Peanut powder 3Cups
Salt Curry leaves 1Cup
Cumin seeds
Ghee
Hing
Mustard seeds
Urad dal

Method

Chop cucumber, coriander finely. Toss all together. Don't cut this way ahead.


Lunch
Recipe Name: Italian Salad - Grape juice poppy dressing
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Serves 40
Sweet Grapes (to make 4 cups of juice)
Olive oil (Formula is 1 1/2 -2 cups of oil for 1 cup of juice) 8Cup
Lime juice 1Cup
Poppy seeds 1Cup
Salt to taste 6TBS
Pepper 2TSP
Rosemary 4TBS
Water4 Cup
Romaine Heads 35
Radicchio 5

Method

Make fresh grape juice if possible. Wash and blend the grapes and strain the skin. Mix all the above ingredients and whisk it away in blender.
The above dressing goes well with Italian Salad green mix.

Recipe Name: Cumin Couscous with vegetables
Type: Salad
Ingredients (Done)

Serves 40
Whole grain Couscous (yellow one if not available)
1 box ~ .75 Cups 10Boxes (164g)Water (as per direction) Cumin Peas1.25LBS Carrots6Medium Winter squash like acorn3 or 4Medium Parsley Dried coconut powder Salt Pepper Olive oil (as per direction)…though a little less is good else the taste is overpowering
Method

Add oil to pan. Once heated add cumin (don't sauté as much as we do for Indian cuisine) Add vegetables. Saute it. Don't overcook it. Put water (boiling) over the vegetables and add salt. Immediately pour couscous and stir to make sure it is mixed properly. Put the lid, turn off the gas and let it sit for 5 minutes. Don't open the pot even if you are tempted to. Fluff up the couscous. Garnish it with coconut powder, parsley.

Dinner
Recipe Name: Tomato, black olive, chick pea stew
Type: Soup
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Extra virgin olive oil10TBSWater CupsWhole peeled tomatoes15CupsChickpeas (Usually the measure is 5 pounds for 30 people)6.5CupsCured black olives – pitted2.5CupsCrumbled dried or minced oregano5TBSSea salt Black pepper White grapes juice or water1.5 CupsHing Ginger Lime juice to taste
Method

Soak chick peas overnight and pressure cook it with salt.
Using Dutch oven or other enameled cast-iron pot, heat over medium heat and add olive oil. When oil is fragrant, reduce heat to medium-low and add water. Once its hot add tomatoes, chickpeas, capers, olives, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook 15 minutes more, or until heated through. Set aside, covered, until ready to serve.
Add lemon if required to give it slightly tangy taste

Recipe Name: Italian Salad with orange dressing
Type: Salad
Ingredients:
Served 40

Italian Salad Mix greens5PacketsRomaine heads (1 head per person) 30 Radicchio 5 Diced cucumber4 Yellow bell peppers3 Shredded or cubed carrots5 Garnish with raisins Salad dressing Orange juice4CupsOrange zest8TBSMaple syrup Olive oil6Cups
1 cup of juice needs 1 ½ cup of olive oil and two table spoons of zest

Method

Dice bell peppers, cucumber and shred or cube carrots. Mix it with Italian salad mix greens and sprinkle raisins on top

Swish juice, zest, syrup and oil in blender.


Recipe Name: Delicata Squash stuffed with Quinoa
Type: Main
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Quinoa6.5 CupWater12.5 Cup (read instructions)
Salt2 TSPGround coriander2.25 TSPTurmeric1 TSPChopped cilantro2.25 CupDried currants2.25 CupPine nuts toasted and chopped1.5 CupRed Bell peppers 5 ½ Grated orange or lemon zest3 TBSSalt and freshly milled pepper Olive oil 8 1/2 TBSAsafetida Ground cumin 2.25 TBSGround cinnamon 2.25 TSPGround ginger 2.25 TSPDelicata squash 20 Pomegranate seeds 3
Method

Halve the delicate squash and scoop out seeds. Bake; face down, in 350 oven for 45 minutes. Serve filled with Quinoa Pilaf.
Rinse
the quinoa several times in a bowl of cold water to remove the saponin, draining it each time in a fine sieve. Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan, add salt and quinoa. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the spiral of the germ is visible, 12 to 15 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes. Drain.
Meanwhile, warm the oil in a small skillet. Add the asafetida, spices, and several grinds of pepper, and cook gently until softened, about 10 minutes. Season with salt. Toss it with the onion mixture, drained quinoa, cilantro, currants, pine nuts, and citrus zest.
We garnished with a little chopped cilantro and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds.


Day 3 – 21st November

Breakfast:
Recipe Name: 8 Grain gluten-free Cereal with dried fruit and nuts
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40
8-grain wheat free cereal10CupWater (1:3 according to Deborah's menu)30 Cup (read instructions)
Gold raisins 1.5 Cups Pistachio nutmeats1.75 Cups Raw or roasted unsalted cashews 1.5 Cups Chopped apricots 1.5 Cups Cantaloupe 6 Grapes 2 LBS Blueberries 2Costco box Bananas 10 Raisins 3 Cups (Soak overnight) Almond Milk Rice milk Regular Milk
Bring water to a boil, stir in dry fruits and nuts, cook for 5 minutes, then add dry cereal, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. When all cereal is blended in and smooth, add remaining ingredients. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring continuously.
Serve with almond milk and maple syrup. Make fresh fruit available too.
Cut cantaloupe and mix cantaloupe, grapes and blueberries together. Mix a little bit of mint into it.
Cut banana into 3 pieces and serve.
Also soak raisins overnight

Lunch:
Recipe Name: Upma
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40
Coarse grain Semolina9.5CupsGhee2CupMustard seeds4TBSSplit Urad dal10TBSCumin seeds5TBSChanna dal 6.5TBSCashew .75CupGreen beans3CupsPeas3Cups Carrots5 Cups Spinach leaves4BunchWater19CupsSalt TBS Lemon juice Curry leaves 1.5CupsGinger 4 Fresh coconut 1PKT
Method:

In a little bit of ghee Stir-fry the semolina in a large, heavy frying pan over moderate heat for 6-8 minutes or until the grains darken a few shades. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Heat the ghee
or oil in a heavy saucepan over moderately high heat. Sauté the black mustard seeds in the hot oil until they crackle. Add the channa dal, curry leaves, urad dal, ginger
and cumin seeds and saute them until they darken; add the chilies and, stirring, add all of the vegetables. Saute for 2 or 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to moderate and continue to cook for another 4 or 5 minutes or until the vegetables are limp and partly cooked.
Carefully add the hot water and bring to the boil. Add spinach and then add the semolina, stirring continuously. Add the salt; reduce the heat to very low, and half-cover with a lid, stirring often until the upma
becomes a light, fluffy pudding (about 10 minutes). If the upma
appears too dry, add a little warm water.
Remove the upma
from the heat, stir in the cashew nuts, coconut and fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot with a sprinkle of lemon juice.


Recipe Name: White bean, greens and tomato Gratin
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Calculated for 15 people
Leafy bunch green Chard 6.5LBSKale Beet greens Olive oil7.5TBSGinger White beans7.5CupsTomatoes (Peeled, seeded and chopped)7 Vegetable broth2CupsDried thyme2TSPSalt2TSPCottage cheese Topping Fresh bread crumbs3CupsOlive oil3TBSSalt
Method

To make bread crumbs, whirl two or three slices of day-old French bread in a food processor or blender to fine crumbs.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9-inch round or 10-inch oval gratin or baking dish. Remove tough stems from greens and rinse well. Stack greens and cut into thin strips.
In Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add ginger and stir 30 seconds. Add greens and cook until tender, tossing often, about 7 minutes. Remove from heat. Add beans, tomatoes, broth, thyme and salt and mix well. Spoon into prepared gratin dish, spreading evenly.
Topping: In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Sprinkle evenly over top of greens mixture. Bake until hot, about 40 minutes.



Recipe Name: Sautéed green vegetables in Pesto
Type: Main
Ingredients

Serves 40

Broccoli 14 Lbs Green beans 5 Lbs Zucchini 9 Lbs Olive oil to Saute Basil 101Cups Pine nuts 5½Cups Olive Oil 7.5¾Cups Cashew 11/8 cupCupLemon juice2.5¼Cups Ginger 1 1 cmInch salt 1 Tsp Pepper 2 tbsp
Method

Sauté Green beans (cut into 1" lengths) with broccoli florets and zucchini. Cut zucchini into ¼" slices, sauté briefly in olive oil, then add broccoli and green beans to pan, sauté until all vegetables have changed color. Then add a little water and put lid on pan to steam vegetables until done. When vegetables are tender, remove lid, let remaining water boil off and toss vegetables with pesto.

Pesto: Mix all the ingredients and blend.

Dinner
Recipe Name: Kale & potato
Type: Salad
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Fingerling or small new potatoes6LBSCelery (replaced Onion)1BunchOlive oil17TBSGinger (replaced garlic) Chile pepper such as jalapeno (seeded and finely chopped)4SmallKale (torn into small pieces)4.5 LBS Lemon (replaced balsamic vinegar) 17 TBS Fresh Oregano 8 TBS Salt Ground pepper
Method

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In medium bowl, toss potatoes and celery with 8 TBS olive oil. Spread potato-celery mixture on baking sheet and roast until potatoes are tender, about 30 minutes. When cool enough to handle, cut potatoes into bite-size pieces.
In large skillet, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add ginger and chile pepper and cook, stirring often, 30 seconds. Add kale, potatoes and celery. Cover and cook until kale is wilted, 2 to 5 minutes. Add lemon, oregano, salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly and serve.

Recipe Name: Coconut Quinoa Khichari
Type: Main
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Beans20 CupsQuinoa 5 Cup Baby spinach leaves20 CupsCumin seeds10 TSPTurmeric10 TSPDry ginger 10 TSPFresh ginger 10 InchPeppercorns Ghee 20 TBSWater CupsSalt and black pepper to taste Parsley to garnish Coconut to garnish

Method


Heat ghee in a large saucepan. When hot add the turmeric, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, dry ginger and peppercorns to it. When cumin seeds brown and mustard seeds pop add fresh ginger sauté for few mins.
Add all veggies except spinach and stir fry for 5-10 min or until vegetables are tender.
Add quinoa and water to it. Simmer for 15 min more or until quinoa cooked
Add cumin powder, salt and pepper to taste and lemon juice. Add spinach leaves. Take off the flame.
Garnish with parsley and coconut and serve hot.


Recipe Name: Masoor and Spinach soup
Type: Soup
Ingredients:
Serves 40

Masoor 10 Cup Spinach 25 bunches lemon juice 8 TBSP ginger shredded 9 inches cumin powder 2/3 Cup coriander powder 1 Cup Salt TBS Pepper Red chilli powder Water 30 Cup

Recipe Name: Apple crisp
Type: Dessert
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Apples, sliced thin (20 count)1020CupsSuccanat2 ½5CupsWhole wheat pastry flour2 ½5CupsRolled oats.751.5CupGhee.751.5CupRaisins 1.53CupBaking powder, aluminum free 1.53TSPCinnamon 3 1/310TSPLemon juice .751.5CupWhole milk

Method

Spread the sliced apples in a 9X 12 inch pan. Add lemon juice and mix.
Sprinkle raisins and a cup of brown sugar on top
Add the cinnamon spice
Combine the butter, half cup of cane sugar, whole wheat pastry flour, rolled oats and baking powder together. Cream with fingers till crumbly and semi sticking together. Use milk if needed.
Sprinkle this mixture on top of apple cane sugar mixture
Bake in a preheated oven at 375 for 40-45 minutes
Cut into serving slices and serve hot

Day 4 – 22nd November

Breakfast:
Recipe Name: Blue berry muffins
Type:
Ingredients:
Makes about 60
Butter ¼CupUnsweetened applesauce 2 ½CupSalt2 ½TSPBlue Agave 5 Cups Whole wheat flour 10 Cups Vanilla5TSPMilk2 ½CupBlueberries10CupsBaking powder5TBSWalnuts2.5Cups Gluten free Cereal 15Cups Almonds 2
Cups (soaked overnight)Raisins 3Cups (soaked overnight)Pumpkin seeds1.5 Cups (Soaked overnight) Bananas Pear20 Persimmons 15 Almond Milk 2 Regular Milk 2½ gallonRice milk 1 Butter
Method:

Preheat oven to 350Degree F
Line muffin cups with paper liners or spray with non stick spray ---- Instead of spray take olive oil in a bowl and with paper /napkin spread it on the muffins cups.
Mix all ingredients together until moistened
Divide batter evenly among the muffin cups. Each should be filled ¾ full.
Bake 35 minutes or until the tops are firm.
Cool on a wire rack.

Lunch:
Recipe Name: Saag soup
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40 people
Spinach11.5LBSGround coriander.25CupLarge red potatoes11 Water51CupsGhee ( A little more than ½)¾CupGinger (A little more than ½ cup)¾CupSalt (to taste)2Cups

Method:


Pressure cook the potatoes until tender. Cool, peel and keep it aside.
In a pan bring water to a boil. Add spinach to the boiling water and switch off the heat immediately.
Cover with a lid for 20 minutes. Strain the spinach. Allow it to cool.
Blend together the potatoes and spinach until smooth. Add water if required.
Take a pot and add ghee to it. When the ghee is heated add ginger and coriander and sauté.
To this add the blended mixture and salt to taste. Add water to get desired consistency.
Serve hot.


Recipe Name: Almond butter dressing
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Serves 40
Italian salad mix Romaine 25 Radicchio 5 Cucumber10 Red Bell pepper5 Dressing Almond butter12TBSOlive oil3CupsLemon juice3/2CupBlue Agave9TSP Lots of black pepper Sesame seeds6TSPDry Oregano6TSP

Method

Mix all the dressing ingredients.

Adjust dry oregano as required.

Recipe Name: Pesto zucchini and squash pasta
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Serves 40
Medium size zucchini 40 Medium size yellow squash 40 Pesto Sauce Pine nuts 5 Cups Ginger 10 Inch Cilantro 5 Cups Fresh Basil5CupsLemon juice20TBS Bragg Liquid amino30TBS Coarsely chopped tomatoes20Cups Very Finely Chopped Red bell peppers for garnish2CupsVery finely Chopped yellow bell peppers for garnish 2 CupsVery finely Broccoli 1 CupFinely chopped Roasted walnuts2 Cups


Method

Shave zucchini and squash into ribbons (like fettuccini pasta) using vegetable peeler.
Purée pine nuts, ginger, cilantro, basil, lemon juice, liquid aminos and pinch of salt in food processor until smooth. Add tomatoes, and pulse until blended.
Toss squash ribbons with pesto. Season to taste with pepper.
Chop roasted walnuts, red bell peppers, yellow bell peppers and broccoli into very thin and fine pieces

Dinner
Recipe Name: Squash Soup
Type: Soup
Ingredients:
Serves 45
Butternut pumpkin (17)11.25LBSGinger chopped3.75TBSPMustard seeds1.25TBSPCumin Seeds2.5TSPFresh Coriander2.5TBSPNutmeg 1.25 TSP Turmeric 1.25 TSP Salt 1.25 TSP Lemon Juice 1.25 TBSP Lime juice
Lime and lemon can be replaced by a cup of apple juice2.5 TBSP Rice milk 1 Gallon Water1 Gallon Parsley for garnish3Cups
Method

1. Bake squash until very well done. Scrape pulp. (Should = 10-11 cups)
2. Sauté ginger for a minute in ghee and then blend to puree. Sauté black mustard seeds until they pop and then add other spices and sauté a few minutes. Add squash and sauté.
3. Add apple juice or citrus juices and then milk and water to get soup consistency


Wash and peel the butternut pumpkin. Cut into quarters and pressure cook with enough water until tender. Approximately 3 whistles on medium heat. Cool and blend into a smooth paste.
Take a pot and add ghee. When the ghee is heated add mustard seeds. When they pop add cumin seeds .when they turn brown add turmeric, coriander powder and fresh ginger. Saute for few mintues. To this add the blended pumpkin. Add nutmeg, salt.
Add citrus juices and then milk and water to get the consistency. Cook for few mintues.
Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Recipe Name: Couscous with dry fruits
Type: Main
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Instant couscous6BoxesRaisins 3 Cups Olive Oil 13 TB Ginger 6 TSP Cayenne 1.5 TSP Zucchini 6 Large Chickpeas 8.5 Cups Green beans 6 Cups Freshly ground pepper Salt Chopped pitted dates 6 Cups Cashews 4 Cups Parsley (minced) 3 Cups Mint leaves for garnish Serve Pita chips

Method

An adaptation of the Moroccan classic dish, this Americanized version melds sweet with savory and just a tinge of heat. Part of its charm lies with its handsome presentation, which shows off its many textures and colors. Feel free to make your own adaptations using golden raisins instead of black ones, and summer squash, fava beans or trimmed green beans for the zucchini and chickpeas. This meal-in-one calls for accompaniments of toasted pita triangles and a spicy hot or chilled tea, plus something exotic for dessert, such as a wedge of baklava or a dish of rose-scented Persian ice cream.

Directions
Using a large saucepan, cook grains with raisins according to package directions and with no added fat.
Meanwhile, heat 2 tablespoons oil in skillet over medium heat and when hot, add ginger and sauté. Add cayenne, paprika and zucchini and sauté 7 to 10 minutes. Stir in chickpeas and green peas, and season to taste.
Stir vegetable mixture into cooked couscous. Spoon into large serving dish, making well in center. Fill well with dates and cashews, and garnish dish with parsley and mint leaves. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Recipe Name: Oven roasted vegetables with lemon herb
Type: Side
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Zucchini10 Yellow squash10 Carrots10 Sweet Potato10 Olive Oil1.5CupBasil leaves1.25CupLemon juice5TBSPRosemary5SprigOregano5SprigAsparagus (can add)

Method

Cut zucchini, squash, sweet potato into thinly sliced rings.
Cut carrots into 1" pieces
Chop rosemary and oregano very finely
In a bowl whisk olive oil, lemon juice and chopped herbs
Add vegetables to it. Season with salt and pepper
Spread the vegetables on a baking pan
Preheat the over to 350 degrees and bake for 35-45 min till crisp and tender.

Recipe Name: Winter punch
Type: Side
Ingredients:
Serves 40
Cranberries20QTSWater20QTSMaply syrup5CupCinnamon sticks20 Whole cloves5TSPLemon cut into thin slices 5 Orange juice 1 Nutmeg Dash
Method

This winter punch will warm you up and is packed full of vitamin C from wholesome cranberries.

Cook the cranberries in water untill the skins pop. Strain through a sieve or blend in a blender.
Add maple syrup, cinnamon and cloves and boil 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and add lemon slices and orange juice.
Reheat and serve hot, sprinkled with nutmeg.
Very easy to put together and it will be perfect for the course :)

Day 5 – 23rd November

Breakfast:
Recipe Name: 8 Grain gluten-free Cereal with dried fruit and nuts
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40
8-grain wheat free cereal10 CupWater (1:3 according to Deborah's menu)30 Cup (read instructions)
Gold raisins 1.5 Cups Pistachio nutmeats 1.75 Cups Raw or roasted unsalted cashews1.5 Cups Chopped apricots 1.5 Cups Apples12 Bananas 15 Almond milk Rice milk Regular milk
Method:

Bring water to a boil, stir in dry fruits and nuts, cook for 5 minutes, then add dry cereal, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. When all cereal is blended in and smooth, add remaining ingredients. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring continuously.
Serve with almond milk and maple syrup. Make fresh fruit available too.
Cut cantaloupe and mix cantaloupe, grapes and blueberries together. Cut banana into 3 pieces and serve.
Also soak almonds overnight

Lunch:
Recipe Name: Lentil and Barley soup with vegetables
Type:
Ingredients
Serves 40
Organic Red Lentils6CupsOrganic pearled barley3.5CupOrganic carrots3.5CupLemon juice2LemonBaby spinach leaves6CupCumin seeds4TSPTurmeric4TSPGinger 4Inch Ghee 6TBS Water 35Cups Salt and black pepper to taste Cilantro 3 Cups

Method:


Wash and rinse red lentils and pearled barley 2-3 times .Pressure cook with enough water. Blend it so that it is smooth and not very grainy.
In a thick bottom pot add ghee. When hot add mustard seeds, when they pop add cumin seeds. When they brown add turmeric, peppercorns and dry ginger. Sauté for few seconds and then add fresh ginger. Saute for few minutes. Add little water and cook carrots in it.
Once the carrots are slightly cooked then add cooked dal and barley. To this add cumin powder, pepper powder and salt.
Allow it to boil adding enough water to get the soup consistency. Add spinach and lemon juice. Take the pot off the heat.
Garnish with cilantro and serve hot.

Recipe Name: Hummus wrap
Type: Main
Ingredients
Serves 40
Cooked chickpeas20Cup Tahini (Sesame paste)7.5TBS Fresh lemon juice7.5TBS Olive oil 2.5TBS Vegetable oil5TBS Ginger2.5TSP Cumin powder.625TSP Salt.3TSP Tomato10 Cucumber 15 Alpha Alpha or sunflower seed sprouts Whole grain tortilla 40 Chopped lettuce 6HeadsCilantro 4CupsTooth picks
Method

This is a vegan

• Place all the ingredients into a blender or food processor (or do the 'chunky' version by mashing them with a potato masher or fork) and mix until smooth.
• Spread the hummus on the wrap and put chopped cucumber, tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts and cilantro. Probably need tooth picks or something like that to keep it in place.

Recipe Name: Spinach Quinoa salad with cherries and almonds
Type: Salad
Ingredients
Serves 40
Sliced almonds3.3CupsQuinoa 10CupsSpinach leaves (not baby)13CupsFresh cherries or raisins 13CupsCucumber 10 Chickpeas (100 oz) ~ 7cups4lbsCelery 3.5CupsYogurt 1.5CupOlive oil 20TBSLemon juice 13TBSGinger 5InchAvocado 4
Method

Preheat oven to 350F. Spread almonds on baking sheet, and toast 7 to 10 minutes, shaking pan occasionally, or until golden brown. Cool.
As per instruction to cook Quinoa take enough water and bring it to boil over medium-high heat. Stir in quinoa. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer 15 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed.
Remove from heat and cool, covered, in pot.
Lay 5 or 6 spinach leaves flat on top of one another on cutting board. Roll tightly into cylinder, then slice into slivers. Repeat with remaining spinach.
Toss together quinoa, almonds, spinach, cherries, cucumber, chickpeas and red onion in large serving bowl. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice and garlic in small bowl. Pour over salad, and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop, then serve

Recipe Name: Chocolate chip cookie
Type: Dessert
Ingredients
Serves 40

Organic carrots15LBSBrown sugar (Succanat) Ghee1CupWhole milk Cardamom powder3TBSFinely chopped nuts Almonds Cashews Pistachios
Method

Wash, peel and grate the carrots.
Take a pan, add ghee to it. When heated add grated carrots to it and sauté.
Add whole milk to it till the carrots are soaked. Allow it cook on medium heat till it becomes tender stirring continuously. Once cooked, add sugar and allow it to cook till all the liquid is absorbed.
To this add cardamom powder and stir.
Place it in a serving bowl and garnish with chopped nuts.

Recipe Name: Bliss balls
Type: Dessert
Ingredients
Should make about 70
Unsweetened Shredded coconut powder3Cups 365 brand organic creamy almond butter 2 Cups Mejdool dates 15 Organic Thompson raisins 12 TBSP 365 Organic wildflower honey 4 TSP Organic walnuts 2 Cups Organic unsweetened coconut powder for rolling balls Walnut powder Almond powder
Method

Hand mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Divide into bite sized balls, Roll ball in organic un-sweetened shredded coconut
Roll it in walnut powder or almond powder or coconut powder