June Fork-casts

(This is up early due to my zany travel schedule, but click back on May if you're needing more info from May)....

June brings the moon of 'making fat', not to be confused with the moon of 'counting calories' :).  Jessica Prentice in her book "Full Moon Feast" says it best: "Before the twentieth century, most cultures valued fat.  Not only was it precious, but those animals and plants that yielded it were precious as well.  Fat was used as food, and also for lighting, for religous ceremony, and for annointing the body."  But here in the modern world we have collectively decided that fats = bad, and that is not necessarily the truth.  In fact, we have been confused about the nourishing energy provided by fat for a long time.  We refuse hydrogentated fats, we use nonfat yogurts in our smoothies, request nonfat milk in our lattes and we feel all the healthier for our conscious decisions.  In reality, we require fats to create cell membranes and other important functions such as carrying vitamins and coverting nutrients for mineral absorption.

With the 'moon of making fat', June is a good month for you to try some new 'fats' in your diet.  Experiment with cooking with duck fat, ghee or sesame seed oil.  Play with using kefir or coconut oil in your morning smoothie.  Order that coffee with half and half.  Make that egg, yolk and all.  Before we jump into the daily June Fork-casts, below is a simple recipe utilizing coconut oil as a fat from the aforementioned book and author that go great in a ziploc for a long bike ride or hike, in a lunch box, or on a plate at a party.

Coconut-date Energy Balls
makes about 20 
Excerpt from "Full Moon Feast" by Jessica Prentice 



1 c. date paste or 1 1/2 c. pitted dates

1/2 c. coconut spread or coconut butter

Zest of 1 lemon or small orange (optional)
3 Tbsp. cocounut oil

1/4 c. finely shredded dried coconut, plus more for rolling the balls in

1. In a food processor, proess the date paste or dates for a few seconds or a minute or so.  If you're using dates, they should be processed into a chunky paste.

2. Add the coconut spread (and the optional zest, if using) and pulse a few times until the ingredients are mixed.

3. Melt 1 Tbsp. of the coconut oil in a very small pan.  Then  start the processor and pour the melted oil in through the top while the processor is running.  Add the dried coconut and process for 5 or 10 seconds more.

4. To roll the balls, pick up a very small handful of paste and press it in your hand.  It should stick together.  Then take th paste and press and roll it into a little ball, about 1 inch in diameter - a little smaller than a walnut.  Put the balls on a plate as you roll them.

5. When you have finished rolling all the balls, melt the remaining 2 Tbsp. of coconut oil and remove from heat.

6. Now take each ball and do this: Put it in the little pan with the melted coconut oil.  Take the warm oiled ball and immerse it in the dried coconut flakes so that it gets covered with coconut.  I do this by just putting the ball into the bag of dried coconut and rolling it around.  Put the ball back onto a clean plate or straight into a cookie tin.  Repeat with all the balls until they are all covered with coconut.  Store in a cool place and eat as desired!

I'm experimenting with a different format - hopefully it's helpful.  Essentially, I'm making suggestions for both staying in and going out - see what you think!

June 1: New Moon in Gemini - Make a Wish! A new moon in Gemini is a good time to make intentions, wishes and prayers in the areas of learning, communication/writing/speaking, calming the mental body, social interactions, short trips, and siblings/neighbors/roommates or anyone you live closely with. Regarding health, this is a good time to ask for assistance with anything from your fingers to your shoulders, lungs/breathing, and the nervous system.

For your guide to eating on this day and through June 3rd, go out and be a social butterfly.  Make stops at numerous locations.  Share appetizers with friends.

June 4-5:
Home-cooking: Try using some new fats in the kitchen.  Experiment with using ghee with seafood. 
Heading out: Order crab cakes, fried shrimp - or seafood that otherwise makes you feel at home.

June 6-7
Home-cooking:  Get inspired by watching one of the top chef or food challenge shows and create their masterpieces in your home with plenty of guests to admire your handy-work.
Heading out: Make reservations to try something that is a hot topic. 

June 8-9
Home-cooking:  Make a pesto using basil from your garden; serve with pasta or jar it up and give as gifts to neighbors or co-workers.
Heading out: Order a salad with lots of earthy-greens.

June 10 -12
Home-cooking: This is a great day for baking sweets. 
Heading out: You'll want to save room for dessert (just not too much room).

June 13-14
Home-cooking:  Play with hot and spicy flavors.  This is a good time for dinner dates at home; cook for your lover.
Heading out: Date night! Go somewhere dark and mysterious whether you are single or paired.

June 15-16
Home-cooking:  Make something that reminds you of an over-seas journey.  Throw a potluck party and let the theme be multi-cultural.
Heading out: Try food from a different culture than that which you normally eat.

June 17 - 18
Home-cooking:  This is a day to adhere to strict diets.  Make good choice for your bones, something with lots of calcium like brocolli. 
Heading out: Take someone who is your elder or an authority figure to a 'reasonable' location.

June 19-20
Home-cooking: Shock everyone with something completely new and different; create a fusion all your own from leftovers.
Heading out: What is the most outlandish, rebellious place you can think of to eat out? Go there.  Even if you have to drive an hour - it will be surprisingly worth it.  Great day for surprise parties too.

June 21 - 23
Home-cooking:  Take a moment, tap your inner voice, and just simply make what sounds good to you.
Heading out: Order fish at your favorite place to indulge.

June 24 -25
Home-cooking:  Make something that you like to burn or have to torch: fried chicken, fried okra, flan...
Heading out:  Flambe all the way.

June 26-28
Home-cooking:  Beef.  Beef tenderloin, steak, chicken fried steak, beef fajitas, skirt steak, medallions, petite filets, beef stew, roast, rib-eye.
Heading out: Same principle as above (beef), only someone else is on the grill.

June 29-30

Home-cooking:  Put together a smorgassbord of leftovers so you can have a little of this, or a little of that.  Something fancier? These are great days to plan a progressive dinner.
Heading out: Multiple courses: drinks, appetizers, salads, soups, entrees, desserts, coffee.

May Fork-casts 2011

During May, we will be operating under the 'milk moon's influence.  This is when the cows have had their calves and are being nourished with milk.  This moon is also called the 'flower moon' due to the fact that flowers are in abundance in most places during this month.  No matter what kind of milk you drink, this is a good month to nourish and cultivate.  Note - Mother's day falls during this month on May 8th - don't forget the flowers.

Milk Moon Recipe: Tiffany's Cashew Milk  

• 1 package raw organic cashews
• 1 tsp. rose water
• 1 tsp. orange flower water
• 1 tsp. vanilla
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. cardamom
• 1/4 c. agave, to taste

Soak cashews in water overnight.  Rinse well (washing off enzymes and any dirt).  Blend cashews only to form a buttery consistency until it is not gritty.  Add water slowly blending to your preferred consistency, then add the rest of the ingredients.  Blend and chill.  You can make a thicker consistency for a milkshake, or a thinner version for everyday drinking.  Consume within 3 days of making and don't over-soak the cashews.

May 1 - Happy Beltane!  Beltane is an ancient Irish festival celebrating the first day of Summer.  The word Beltane means 'bright fire' and in medieval Ireland the Beltane fire was made on the central hill.  With 6 planets in Aries (fire element) today and the spirit of Beltane, you can set yourself up for something new.  This day looks good for purification.  Have you been thinking about doing the Master Cleanse?  It would be a great day to start (maybe after enjoying a healthy feast with friends).

May 2-4: Indulge in something hearty and expensive.  Think steak and wine.  Leave room for a decadent chocolate cake.  Thin budget? Make beef stew at home and a gallon of ice cream.  The idea is to treat yourself with something that warms the heart.

May 3 - New Moon - Make a Wish! The new moon is a good time to set new intentions in motion.  With a new moon in Taurus, make your wishes/prayers/intentions in the areas of money and love.  Taurus also represents perseverance, patience, self-worth.  It's a good time to release any stubbornness.

May 5-6: Make plans to go out - these are great nights for social butterflies to be flittering about from one party to the next.  Embrace a variety of options rather than settling down in one location.  Besides, you'll never be able to make up your mind with the moon waffling through undecided Gemini.  Order large appetizers and share with friends to avoid getting plate envy.  Dining solo? Try a buffet, or if you're at home heat up a smorgassbord of leftovers.  When it doubt, do it all.
May 7: Home cooking.  This is a perfect day to bring lunch you made from home, and a great evening to cook for your family.  Home is where the heart is during this influence. 

May 8: Happy Mother's Day! - This mother's day falls on a cancer moon.  Cancer is the crab in the zodiac, and represents mothers, the home, emotions and water.  If you have the opportunity to cook for your mom at home, do that.  If she wants to go out, take her to a place on the water. 
May 9-11: This is a good cluster of days to try a new restaurant.  What has everyone been talking about? See if you agree with the reviews and test out the newest trends.  Is there a celebrity restaurant? Maybe a new trailer?  A restaurant opening on one of these days will have a great party.

May 12-13:  Think Earthy, herbal and earth-foods.  If you have a garden, be sure to utilize for eating over the next few days.  Drink herbal tea.  Buy Earth-foods from the farmers' market (non-packaged, non genetically modified, natural fruits/vegetables/meats).

May 14-15: You'll be tempted to blow your diet, so be aware of the need  for balance.  These are good days to get take out, or try something Oriental or Indian.  Drink Zen tea blends.
May16-17: These are great date nights whether you are in a pack and on the prowl, or one on one with a commited sweetheart.  Choose something or somewhere sexy.  Dress to impress.  Play the role you want to be in.  Be ultra-feminine.  Let the guy pick up the tab.

May 18-19:  Pay it forward and make a day of it.  Take someone else an unexpected dinner tonight.  Generosity.  Invite someone to your home and have them there while you are cooking.  Make enough food for there to be leftovers tomorrow.  Draw the meal out into an afternoon activity. 

May 20-21: These are great days to kickstart a diet regimen.  Use this day to plan your meals for the week.  Clip coupons and do responsible grocery shopping.  Make adult decisions.  Strategy.

May 22-24:   Although this is a good time to be out in groups, let plans be loose and play things by ear - you might want to change your mind.  Give yourself an easy exit strategy so you are free to roam.  Lots of things sound good to eat today but try something that energizes you, as opposed to something that would weigh you down.  Think of your food as if you were fueling a race car. 
May 25-26: These are easy days to blow diets and binge on sugar, alcohol and things you generally don't need.  If you choose to escape in food/drinks, just be careful not to over do it or make plans accordingly for the following days.

May 27: Full Moon - the "Milk moon", or "Flower moon" - Full moon on a Friday night = howling.  You might want to induldge in a full moon feast and then hit the town.

May 28-29: You might wait to the point where you're too hungry before you make a meal plan and you need something fast.  You need something on the go that is quick to eat.  Try one of the trailers for something hot and fast.
May 30-31: With four planets in Earthy Taurus, these are good days for cooking a sensual dinner from your home garden.  Grill.  Chop wood and carry water.

Introductory post

In light of my adventures in trailer food diaries, some of my friends have encouraged me to provide this quirky informational blog about astrological musings and insights with respect to foods and moods.  I am bringing to the table salon-style straight talk about how the cosmos (and our unique perspectives) can divinely inspire dinner parties, picnics, cheat-meals, and more.  I'll sprinkle it with some research and suggestions, but ultimately you are your own best guide.  Meanwhile, let me give you some ideas to chew on.....

• Need a date on the calendar and meal-plan to woo your sweetheart?
• Kids not eating what you fixed and you want a solution?
• Struggling with weight loss and need a new game plan (with a best day to implement it?)
• Want some dates on the calendar for days you should reel it in, and some dates to let it all hang out?
• Unwanted company coming for dinner and you need a food plan to make them leave?
• Need help deciding which appetizers (sweet or savory?) you should bring to a party?

I got you covered. Credibility: over 10 years of an astrology habit, a MA in health psychology with an emphasis on research, a successful multi-media business on trailer food, and curly hair (you can't trust an astrologer with straight hair).