After almost two years of medical education, my cooking and eating has become increasingly informed by nuances of pathophysiology, nutrition research and herbalism. I'm not a master of the wonderful information that's been hurled my direction, but thankfully some of it makes its way into the food. I try to spare you the details, because I understand that not everyone is as into physiology and nutrition as I am, but if you are, holler at me and I'll have a jolly time converting dry medical lingo into something that actually makes sense.

This past couple weeks have been all about sugar, blood sugar and type II diabetes for me. A silent in-class vow to myself to keep the sugar spikes less spikey (and hopefully spare my pancreas some trouble and decrease my risk for diabetes) prompted this week's treat: low glycemic fruit salad! After all, ambrosia--food of the gods in ancient Greek mythology--was thought to impart immortality. Kinda fitting, I'd say.

With the assistance of this chart, a list of blood sugar-regulating herbs that I've been slowly assembling, and some lessons from our nutrition course this term, I've devised a little ambrosia that is easy on the ol' pancreatic beta cells. The fruit was chosen for its low glycemic load, and the toppings for their ability to help the body manage the sugars in the fruit.* The end result is pretty close to how I imagine Greek gods would have it: pure delicious food for the soul.

I also especially wanted to highlight fresh strawberries and blueberries because they are just about to hit the farmers markets here in Portland and I wanted you to have an excuse to buy them right away. Maybe bring this little number to a barbeque or picnic?

Refreshed Ambrosia Fruit Salad (GF)

Finely chop the apple, pear and strawberries and add them to a mixing bowl with the blueberries. In a smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the yogurt, almond butter and coconut. Top the fruit with the dressing and fold the pile of deliciousness together gently until incorporated. Scoop the salad into your prettiest, travel-hardy serving dish and top with a little mound of freshly ground cinnamon, a few sprinkles of hibiscus flowers and a handful of almonds (soaked and dehydrated are so great).

* Hibiscus is an exception. It has its own special powers, but they are not directly related to blood sugar management.

I've got a totally kick-ass breakfast to share with you. The kind of breakfast that you go to bed looking forward to, that despite the wholeness you feel after eating it, still leaves you alert and agile. Its so delicious, and yet, it came about because of a prescription from my doctor--a perfect example of how medicine inspires deliciousness. This breakfast is decadent, easy, and accidentally gluten free.

The nerd in me especially loves how each ingredient is an important player as a medicine.

Yogurt-- whole milk provides the volume and calories to chase away the hunger until lunchtime, and the live bacteria help support healthy gut flora. Also, of course, 60-year-old-Lorraine and her awesome bone density will thank the 30-year-old Lorraine of today for enjoying every calcium-laiden bite.

Pumpkin seeds, ground flax seeds, lemon flavored fish oil-- these three are a trio that my naturopathic doctor has instructed me to eat daily for two weeks of each month, followed by two weeks of a trio of sunflower seeds, sesame seeds and evening primrose oil. This is called "seed cycling" in the world of natural medicine, a protocol that capitalizes on the mimicry of human hormones that the natural oils in the seeds perform. The seeds are taken to help support normal female hormone cycling. I think of it like a swing: I'm on the swing and this fortnight's combination gently push me along in the right direction until it's time to switch and the other trio steps in to do its gentle work. By the way, the fish oil boasts loads of omega-3 fatty acids, which are deficient in most American diets, and the natural lemon flavor in the fish oil seriously takes this breakfast to the next level.

Probiotic Powder-- again, supporting healthy gut flora balance, which is essential for absorption of everything from macronutrients to vitamins, minerals and as-of-yet unknown required nutrients. This was also prescribed my my doctor, and it's not a weird addition at all, just mildly sweet and forgettable.

Jam, pumpkin butter, or fresh fruit-- of course, fresh fruit is the healthiest option, but when it's not around, I take this opportunity to enjoy gifted preserves from my mom. If I'm going to eat something sugary on my breakfast (and I am, dammit) I'm psyched when it tastes like summer and is in one of the many forms of my mother's love.

Cinnamon-- oh, cinnamon, freshly ground, you invade my dreams with your spicy sweetness. Let's keep dreaming through breakfast.

Almonds and walnuts-- Yes, of course, nuts are protein-packed and totally awesome, but these ones are extra special. My sister--ever fastidious about clean, whole foods--clued me into Mommypotamus' via Nourishing Traditions' method of soaking and dehydrating nuts, which leaves them way more awesome than your usual raw nuts. With most of the bitter undertones rinsed away, the delicate sweetness of the meat and subtle flavors of the oils are liberated, with an outrageously enjoyable crunch kicking off the whole party. The particular crunch is novel to me, so it's taken a few weeks to put it into words, but here it is, folks: it is a crunch that mimics the sound and feel of stepping on freshly fallen snow. What? Sign me up, every day.

Hey friends! I know it's been a while, but I'm back! And at my new digs here at SweetAllium as you've discovered.

I've been up to lots, and I'm so excited to be blogging again. It's appropriate that my first post is about an herbal medicine that helps people with their voice: herbal throat lozenges! My sweetheart and I put these together--one of the herbs, Calamus Root, is one of our mutual favorites. We punched holes in them to create an air hole in case anyone should accidentally get them stuck in their throat.

Some of my family members found these tasty suckers in their stockings this past Christmas. They may look a little rough but they are very soothing and slightly sweet.