Category: Amanda Hochman

  • Fig and Pear Tart

    Fig and Pear Tart

    Today our recipe is for a pear and fig tart. With the crispness which has crept into the morning air I have been reminded of autumn in western New York.  Fall foliage colored in reds, orange and yellow.  The air scented with cider donuts, apples and spices including cinnamon and clove.  It used to be apples that heralded the change of the seasons, but here in southern Oregon, I suspect that it is figs and pears that mark this transition from the growing time to the harvest time.  

         The crust for the tart was sweet and crumbly, and may be my favorite part with the addition of cinnamon, cloves, a dash of nutmeg, or what ever flavors you and your family enjoys.  The crust for this tart is so good I have already made it twice in the past few weeks.  Though each were slightly different, initially being made with pears and topped with a plum- berry sauce.  Most recently with figs and no extra sauce or jam.  The pears were collected locally along with the figs used in this weeks version.  The crust was inspired by this one at My little sweet desire.
    When trying to  limit dietary allergens whether they be anaphylaxis, also referred to as type one hypersensitivity, or delayed type of type four hypersensitivity, it can be frustrating with the lack of choices or feeling that one has to settle for sub par tasting food in an attempts to feel well.  I apologize if nuts are your sensitivity, unfortunately this recipe is not a good choice you.  If you try it with a different flour and have a success, please let me know. It is always helpful to know if multiple flours produce a satisfactory end product.
    Ingredients:
    1/3 cup coconut sugar
    1/4 cup coconut oil
    1 cup almond flour
    1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    1/4 teaspoon ground clove
    2 tablespoons corn flour
    4 small firm pears
    5 small figs
    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Ferinheight.  Cream together coconut oil and sugar with a pie cutter or a fork.  When well combined add the remaining dry ingredients.   Press the crust into a greased 8 inch tart pan. The crust can be sticky so having a dish of water to hand to keep your fingers moist can be helpful. Place the pears and fig slices on top of the crust.  At this point they can be dusted again with ground cinnamon and clove. The pears and fig can easily be arranged in a more uniform orientation for a prettier picture.  Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top edge of the crust is a golden brown.  Let the tart cool on the stove top for 15  minutes before removing the tart base from the side ring and resting on a cooling rack for at least another 15 minutes.
    In Health,
    Dr Amanda Hochman
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  • Safety in this time of smoke and fire

     Here in Southern Oregon the air quality has been hazardous as a result of forest fires burning throughout Josephine and Douglas counties.  In total, nearly 40,000 acres have burned. Fortunately, the temperatures have cooled and the atmospheric conditions contributing to the poor air quality have actually been beneficial to fighting the fires.  The daily Oregon Department of Forestry Reports are available at their blog.  There is an associated blog Oregon Smoke Information, where individuals can find current air quality conditions.  With the current conditions being very unhealthy, many individuals should consider wearing a mask to lessen inhalation of particulate.  The Department of Forestry has recommended the N95 and NOISH respirators.

    Model 8210 N95 Mask3M N95 Respirator Surgical Masks 1860 - 5 photos
    Those individuals with facial hair may need to trim to ensure that the mask fits the face securely over the face, if it does not then maximal protection can not be achieved.  If you have never worn a respirator before, it can be difficult to breath through initially, but if you relax and breath slowly you will be less likely to hyperventilate.  This is most important for those with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, however even for healthy individuals, it may feel claustrophobic.

    It is recommended that individuals should limit time out of doors and stay in air conditioned locations.  Additionally, it is important for the air conditioner to recirculate the air rather than draw in air from the out side.

    In Health,
    Dr Amanda Hochman
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  • Finding self worth on the journey towards wellness


    In a world filled with unrealistic images of beauty. With the pressures of an ever changing professional world.  When there are deep unfulfilled desires, it can at times to feel the divine coursing through our lives.    One can exercise, eat a whole foods organic diet, take all of the  best quality supplements and herbs, and yet, still not feel  fulfilled.  There may be an underlying difficulty in realizing that you are worthy and deserve joy.  It is time to step back and see what wounds are being carried around that are trapping and limiting our potential.  There is no reason to continue engaging in self sabotage, to taste success only to cut yourself down at the knees when you finally start to experience the life that you have been working for.

    It is helpful now to take a few moments to reflect on what the original incident was that first planted the seed in your mind that you were not worth of success or good things.  I am not even going to speculate on what these incidents are for you.  Similar experiences affect all of us differently so a trivial matter for one may be devastating for another.  The important part is trying to find what the event was in your life.  When you have identified it.  If at first it does not make it self apparent, do not fear, the next step works regardless.  Close your eyes and envision a brilliant white light encircling you, as if you are inside a giant balloon or a raindrop.  Feel the light seeping into you and healing that hurt version of you identified earlier.  Or simply feel the healing energy finding the wounded version of yourself.

    This healing meditation can be practiced daily to help nourish the spirit as we eat well and move to support our bodies.

    In Health,
    Dr Amanda Hochman
    Naturopathic Physician at All Paths Naturopathy & Midwifery LLC
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