Pablo Blanco and How He Came to Be
Maybe you like to eat, maybe you like to cook --- if you're lucky you like to do BOTH. This section is set up with GRATE pleasure and appreciation to accept the gracious, Southern hospitality of recipes from Pablo Blanco. As some of the people you see here in our videos at Lumigrate.com experienced first-hand in our one and only year together related to 'integrative medicine', his food 'rocks' and then you have to 'roll' afterward because you couldn't stop eating it was so good! (See the 'boil' recipe, below, and he also made jalapeno poppers for our holiday party which were like a drug to me, I embarrassed myself I couldn't stop eating them -- that salty/spicy/creamy (cheese) mix was just TOO good! We also had a lot of FUN because many of us are musicians at some level or another, so our gatherings were about food, people, and music.
Last I saw there were a few more (and better quality) supplement bottles on Pablo's kitchen counters in addition to the peanut and olive oils, sea salt, and secret spice blend. I'd moved here about five years beforehand, and he had time to discover that one of the significant natural resources of the Grand Valley is the agricultural industry; in my lifetime (since 1960) it has transitioned from apples, peaches and apricots to be heavily grape vineyards and wineries! (This was due to the the Peace Corps teaching the world how to do agriculture, I have been told, and other countries could grow peaches and applies cheaper than we could, creating this 'reinvention' of what to grow -- grapes and turn it into wine!)
I am a Colorado native ... raised in the mountains west of Denver, with parents who were from Chicago and of German and Norwegian descent culturally. We never fried meat, EVER, donuts and sopapillas for a while on Sundays until my dad was diagnosed with hypoglycemia. Naturally, I ate french fries, I was part of the McDonalds generation.... But that was all the fried foods I ever ate. Pablo's deliciously decadent hush puppies and fried trout opened my eyes to why it has to be incredibly difficult for Southerners to embrace the new information about health and cooking and make changes in their lives!
I recall as we were preparing a fried trout meal one weekend afternoon that he was just OBSESSED and POSESSED about making, it seemed like, I didn't see why he'd go to all that fuss to not only go out and
catch a trout, but then to soak and batter and dredge and FRY it ... until I took a bite! He's also served the fish with home made peach salsa on top (full of cilantro though don't tell him that's 'good for you' or he might not like it as well!
), topped with friend green tomatoes picked at the first freeze from his garden.
THAT meal is when I saw why he had been obsessed and possessed with making that meal and said 'you know, some of the people who frequent Lumigrate.com are also good cooks and I started an area of the website where they can put their recipes... I just added mine for that chili I keep telling you about and never make .. I'd LOVE to have you contribute too!" (He really didn't believe me that I used to be a very good cook and cooked a lot -- it's like a whole different life today from before, which is fine -- variety is the spice of life!)
It took some negotiating but obviously, he agreed to provide some recipes here! So I hope many, many people enjoy these wonderful, authentic (and not intended to be 'healthy') recipes. I want you to know he's been really impressed with the ones already put here by You Grate Lumigrate contributors!
Filosophy of food/ philosophy of phood...
Pablo Blanco, when it comes to cooking, is simply, a phenomenon, and I learned a new appreciation for the association of food to 'comfort' and the past/history! I have helped cook and clean up from a number of meals at his house and I recently remarked that it would be a "hoot and a half" to videotape it because it always feels like R2D2 (Pablo) in the forefront with C3PO (Mardy) following around, trying to keep up both physically and mentally. He puts on some of his great music collection (Southern Rock, blues, Grateful Dead, Americana, bluegrass are the usual) and balances the stresses of his daily home/ work life with his passion for food, music, and woodworking.
We DID record him making GUMBO last year with me trying to help when his beloved New Orleans Saints were in (and won!) the superbowl. It was a TON of fun and I knew he did important presentations for work, but I got to see that he IS a really good teacher... he integrated history of the south with sociology about why the recipes aren't recorded well, and even put in a plug to go to New Orleans and enjoy the place! You never know when a reality TV show will be born ........ but the video is archived, per his request, to potentially help others someday if the traditions of Southern cooking are lost. History is a great teacher for the present toward the future, I believe.
How You Eat is as Important as What You Eat
Just as you can watch musicians such as Elton John or Joss Stone perform and know they just have 'it' ... that "something" that allows them to 'have the 'flow' experience' .... Pablo Blanco has that for cooking. It's a tremendous outlet for his simultaneous contagious and tiring physical and mental energies, and I am most appreciative that he has agreed to share a few of his recipes with Lumigrate.com.
So, it is our sincere hope that you put on some good music, dance around the kitchen a little bit ("like no one is watching), and get a beverage of your choice and and create something delicious AND nutritious. Snack on the ingredients along the way -- enjoy the process!
Have some fun ... Lumigrate's was deemed in the fall of 2009 'the most fun health site on facebook' by the woman who went on to create "Yenta", our wise 'connector' of new and old concepts on Lumigrate. Yenta has FUNNED US UP here in the forums and even has contributed some authentic Jewish recipes here in the recipes area. She wrote a marvelous piece about The Story of Esther for Purim, which I think might be where drinking games were invented!
And then don't forget to
enjoy the experience of nourishing your self. Maybe even
enjoy cleaning up -- gratitude for little things has a big effect and affects our body, mind, spirit -- soul!
Maybe you'll be healthier and happier for it! 
"Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better!" ~~ Mardy
__________________
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!
Comments
4-5 whole free range, organic or natural chickens (depending on size of birds and desire for leftover chicken for chicken salad)
Natural Foods mixed wild rice blend (10-12 servings)
5 large or 8 small to med fresh sweet potatoes
Frozen organic broccoli florets, large pack or 4+ fresh broccoli heads
Mushrooms, sliced dehydrated
8 oz? dehydrated veggie mix (corn, tomato, pea, etc.)
1 jar or can of dried whole rosemary leaves, or two packs fresh rosemary
1 can of Old Bay seasons mix, salt and black pepper
Suggest this is served with:
Frozen croissants (and butter)
Spinach salad
Chicken is grilled or roasted whole, then served in pieces on rice with veggies on side
IF you want vino .... white wine ... Cab Sav or Fume Blanc recommended
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate [1] and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!
Wild Fish Cheniere'
20 Fresh Caught Filets
1st catch fish – no problemo !
3-4 cups unbleached non-self rising flour
2 lbs Red Mill brand medium grind corn meal – available at Natural Foods
4 eggs
6 jalapeños
1 green bell pepper
Cream corn 1-12 oz can
3 medium-large onion
5 tsp backing powder
1 tsp baking soda
Real Mayonnaise
Ketchup
Hot sauce – Louisiana Brand, or Red Oriental Chicken sauce
4 lemons
Old Bay spice blend, salt, black pepper
1 gallon peanut oil
Propane tank with a hot burner
Very large black cast iron pot
Potato salad or cole slaw for 10 (need help with this)
Bottom Line – Delicate, moist, lightly fried filets to die for served with the World’s Best Southern Cornbread Hush Puppies.
Note: can be griledl or baked as a delightful alternative
Best when accompanied with good ice cold beer IF that is 'your thing'.
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate [1] and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!
Shrimp and King Crab Boil
8 lbs Alaskan King Crab
6 lbs frozen Wild Shrimp, raw, shell on, 20 count or larger
Corn on the cob, pack of 10 medium or two 8 packs of the short size cobs
20 small red potatoes
Chicken-apple sausage, 8 links, 2 packs of four links each
2-3 whole garlic pods, depending on size of pod
4 medium or 6 small onions
20 fresh mushroom caps 1-1.5” in size
10-12 Large Lemons
Whole Bay Leaf, 1 package
2 boxes of Zatarans Crab Boil (spice sacks)
1 can Old Bay Seasons mix
½ cup sea salt
Served in a beautiful pile of goodness on newspaper, on the picnic table
Recommend a choice of good beer, or red wine, some may prefer white wine OR clean and pure WATER!
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate [1] and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!
Shrimp and Scallop Pasta in a White Wine Cream Sauce
6 lbs peeled, de-veined frozen Wild Shrimp 24 count or larger, shell on okay -- just more work to prep/eat
10-12 large frozen Wild Scallop (will be grilled then quartered)
Chicken-apple sausage, 8 links, 2 packs of four links each
Extra virgin olive oil
1 bottle of capers 6 or 8 oz
1 package of pine nuts several ozs ~1/3 cup
1 large onion
1 red and 1 green bell pepper
3 sticks celery
2 jalapenos
1 pint organic half n half
1 pint of spice free horchata (for lactose intolerant)
Good white wine, cab sav preferred
Old Bay spice, salt, black pepper
1 container of Parmesan flakes,
1 container Romano flakes
Angel hair pasta for 10-12
Nice Caesar salad (need help with salad)
White or red wine to drink
Note: this is easily made to order by individual taste in sequential variations that hold out or add the peppers, onion, garlic, horchata for cream, etc.
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate [1] and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!
Squash/Corn/Apple/Vegetarian Gazpacho
4-6 cups of cubed squash/zucchini – 6 small or 4 med-large
6-8 large ears of corn cooked and the tips of kernels cut off (16 oz frozen creamed corn okay instead)
Bell peppers, 1-red, 1-orange, 1-green
6 jalapeños
6-8 cloves garlic
1 red onion
3 sticks celery
1 gallon organic apple juice
Extra Virgin olive oil
Old Bay spice blend
Salt and black pepper
Puree everything in blender, sear in olive oil, add apple juice to get the right consistency and then simmer for 10-15 minutes
Garnish with fresh shredded carrots and mint leaves
Goes well as a meal for lunch, or with sandwiches, is delicious served hot or cold.
Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate [1] and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!