I am one of those people who become friends with the person behind the counter, I am not shy. I met one of my closest friends at the library and I have made countless friends at the supermarket and in Doctors waiting rooms. I think it is a consequence of living in isolated places and being the new kid.
Late last year I met a beautiful lady. She serves me at her work place at least three times a week and I always look forward to seeing her.
With each visit we know each other a little better.
She is smiling, warm, friendly and helpful. I think she is great.
Yesterday she told me a story, shared some of her past and broke my heart.
It was one of those stories that put your problems into perspective. When I left we both had tears in our eyes. I thought of her all day, I am thinking of her now. I know I will think of her many times throughout my life.
She is so strong, I have always seen that in her, but now I know her heart is heavy, that she has had a lot to carry. I hope there has been loving people around, keeping her warm and lightening the load.
I am helpless, her story begun many years ago but it will never end and it will be with her every day.
I am proud of her. I admire her. I am blown away by her courage and spirit.
I perhaps spend twenty minutes a week with her but I have always been grateful that I have such a lovely lady helping me out. It makes such a difference when people smile and take that extra step to do their best for you. Every time I leave her work I can’t help but think that perhaps the world could do with a few more just like her.
I am sorry for what you have endured and I dare not attempt to imagine your pain. But I do wish you joy, loads of it. Thank you for sharing with me.
Our banana bread is the most popular recipe on our site. However, some of you cannot try it because of the eggs, others because of the inability to readily source coconut flour. I think banana breads and cakes are a great option for the school lunch box so I also wanted to keep this recipe nut free. Like the majority of our recipes it is also free from gluten, grains, dairy and refined sugar. I hope it works for your family and that you enjoy it.
Banana Cake
If you are wanting the ever popular Banana Bread you will find that recipe here
3 ripe bananas (300 – 400grams)
8 medjool dates, seeds removed
4 cups desiccated coconut
3 tablespoons hulled tahini
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon concentrated natural vanilla extract
juice half a lemon
1/2 teaspoon bicarb
pinch of salt
Preheat your oven to 175 degrees or 350 degrees Celsius.
Grease and line loaf tin.
You will need a powerful processor to do this one. The coconut needs to completely break down.
Place all of the ingredients except the bicarb and lemon into your blender or food processor. Pulse until the coconut is broken down and the mixture is smooth and very well combined. Add the lemon juice and bicarb and gently mix to combine. Spoon the mixture into your prepared tin. Bake for 30 minutes, cover with foil and bake for a further 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly in the tin prior to flipping onto a cooling rack. Allow to cool completely prior to cutting. Enjoy.