Health & Wellness

Possibilities…..
“The greatest waste in the world is the difference between what we are and what we could become.” - Ben Herbster

This is a variation of traditional hummus that makes a great heart healthy snack.

Green Herb Hummus
1 15oz. can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained.
1 garlic clove
One handful of any one or a combination of fresh parsley, basil and dill
1 scallion, rough chop
2 T tahini paste
juice from 1/2 lemon
1 t honey
dash of cayenne pepper
1 t salt
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

Place all of the above ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Store in an air-tight container and keep refrigerated.
Enjoy this dip with pita chips, cut vegetables or spread onto sandwiches.

(source: Food Network)

Thanks to Diane for leading us on the hike - we managed to get it in right before the rain started.
Diane is extending an invitation to anyone who wants to hike with her anytime - she goes out everyday. Call her at: 412-259-8752.

This may look a lot of ingredients but this colorful salad comes together quickly.

Three Bean Salad
1/2 c chopped red onion
1/2 cup green pepper chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
1 (15oz) can kidney beans drained and rinsed
1 (15oz) can black beans drained and rinsed
3 T red wine vinegar
2 T olive oil
1 t black pepper
1 t lemon juice
1/2 t salt
1 T chopped fresh parsley

1.) Combine the first six ingredients in a large bowl.
2.) Whisk together the remaining ingredients and pour over the bean mixture, stirring to coat. cover and chill.

“Watch your thoughts;
they become words.
Watch your words;
they become actions.
Watch your actions;
they become habits.
Watch your habits;
they become character.
Watch your character;
it becomes your destiny.”
-Frank Outlaw

Here is an inspiring story of perseverance and friendship. You will want to get out the tissues for this one.

http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=4372243

Diane Lally will lead us on this intermediate level hike through Sewickley Heights Borough Park. This is not a beginner hike. We will be covering a distance 3-4 miles and will be going at a faster pace than the first hike. Most of the trails will be up and down moderate inclines. Everyone must wear a shoe that is tied to the foot and has some type of tread on the sole. The trails are rocky and slippery. It is also recommended that you bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated and a snack for energy.
During the hike, we will visit some incredible ant hills, and explore the ruins of what appears to be an abandoned “squatters home". The real story behind the home will be revealed and a bit of history of its inhabitants will be shared. The hike itself should be take about 2 1/2 hours. We will begin at 9 am sharp and meet at the park. Should you have any questions please contact Diane at 412-576-1577 or Sandra at 412-741-6724. Sign up sheet is in the back of the sanctuary or let Sandra know you will be coming along.
Directions:
From church: take Broad Street towards the hospital and make a left on Centennial Avenue. Go to the second stop sign and make right on Blackburn Road and make quick left onto Backbone Road. Follow up hill and turn right at first stop sign ( this is still Backbone Rd) and continue straight through second stop sign ( this is still Backbone). Continue down the road to the next stop sign and first road to the right and turn right onto Quaker Hollow Road. You will come to a stop sign at the entrance to the Allegheny Country Club - go straight through the stop sign and proceed to the end of the road. Make a left onto Pink House Road and follow this road down the hill until it ends. Make left onto Fern Hollow Road and the entrance to the park is immediately on your right. It is well marked with a sign. Come up to the very top of the road and park in the designated parking area. If you prefer to carpool - I will be at the church parking lot ready for an 8:30 am departure - let me know you are coming so I can wait for you.

This makes a nice light lunch or snack.

Black Bean and Brown Rice Pitas

2/3 c water
1/3 c uncooked brown rice
1 (15oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (4oz) can diced chiles
3/4 c frozen corn kernels, thawed
3 green onions, chopped
1 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/2 c fresh salsa ( store bought works too)
3 pita rounds, halved
romaine lettuce leaves
plain non fat yogurt or nonfat sour cream
fresh salsa

1.) Bring 2/3 c water to a boil in a small saucepan, stir in rice. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 35-40 minutes or until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Cool.
2.) Combine rice, black beans, green chiles and next 5 ingredients in a bowl and toss gently. Cover and chill.
3.) To Serve: line each pita half with lettuce, spoon rice mixture evenly into each half. Top with yogurt and salsa.

I hope you enjoy this beautiful and inspiring video. Click on the link below and turn up the volume.
Have a Marvelous Monday!

http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/popup-frame.html