Column

This past September, my column was entitled Choose Life. At the time, I assumed I would receive the standard portion of negative feedback from readers—after all, I had crossed the “PC” line in that piece (as I often do) by mentioning God and quoting scripture. To my surprise, my estimations were way off, as I received a good number of positive comments and not a single negative one.

And so, with that approving re-enforcement (my sincere “thank you” to all who responded) I shall venture a little farther down a parallel road…

With Christmas just a few days away and the end of 2014 fast approaching, it is inevitable for me, as it is for many, that my mind begins a process of reflection. I think of the year passing; of events and people and relationships.

My thoughts include the discouraging and negative experiences too, but not in a negative way. Indeed, I become excited about the blessing that each new year presents, as we are once again afforded another opportunity to “get it right.” The advent of 2015 brings nothing but possibilities, as it is (always) up to us, and the mistakes, wrongs and destructiveness of the past year are all just that—past.

I am always mindful of the fact that so much of our strife is born of fear; the seed of negativity and destructive behavior—the seed of evil itself. But fear cannot exist in the presence of its opposite—love.

And so, this holiday season, my wish for you—for us all—is that we have the wisdom to choose life… and love. That we reject fear and look for the good in each other; that we seek to understand; that we rejoice in our potential and seize the opportunity and blessing that lies ahead.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Phil 4:8-9 (KJV)

Bill E. Clarkson’s first full length novel, Shabaikai, is a riveting page turner. Shabaikai gets its title from the river, Shabaikai, that runs along the Bohemian Grove. It is at the historical Bohemian Men’s Club that the story all ties together. Just as the river has unexpected twists and turns, so does Clarkson’s novel.

The story begins in the teen years of two very different people; Guido, an Italian immigrant, and Jesse, a well off young man born into a wealthy Californian family. Shabaikai takes readers on a journey through both of the young men’s lives. Clarkson masterfully leads readers through the men’s stories with alternating chapters. This is effective because readers see the contrasts and similarities between the two men’s experiences more clearly.

While Jesse and Guido never meet, their children do and quickly build a family of their own together. Anna, Jesse’s daughter, and Joseph, Guido’s son, make a happy and successful home until tragedy strikes. As a result of this horrible tragedy, Jesse takes his grandchild, Joseph and Anna’s son. He raises his grandson and feeds him nothing but lies while Joseph tries to get his family back on their feet. Joseph later finds out about all the lies his son has been taught but isn’t allowed to be reunited with him. Joseph’s life takes even more unexpected turns as he reunites with Guido.

Shabaikai is a historical drama that will keep you enthralled until the very last page. Clarkson gives readers a glimpse of what early 20th century America was like including the violence and organized crime that came with prohibition. Clarkson does a great job representing each social class and how they were affected by prohibition, the creation of the auto industry, and crime.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and learning about the history of Northern California along the way. I found this book to be quite inspirational as characters work their way up the social ladder. Shabaikai is also an intense drama that kept me interested and wanting more. Not only do I suggest reading Clarkson’s novel, Shabaikai, I also suggest putting time aside to read it because you won’t be able to put it down.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve — the nerve in the wrist that supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in the hand and fingers. The median nerve provides feeling and movement to the “thumb side” of the hand (the palm, thumb, index finger, middle finger, and thumb side of the ring finger). The area in your wrist where the nerve enters the hand is called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel is normally narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness. This is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Causes and risk factors
Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist. Typing on a computer keyboard and using a mouse are the most common causes of carpal tunnel. Other causes include:
• Driving
• Assembly line work
• Painting
• Writing
• Use of tools (especially hand tools or tools that vibrate)
• Sports such as racquetball or handball
• Playing some musical instruments

A number of medical conditions are associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, including:
• Chronic Inflammatory Conditions
• Bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist
• Diabetes
• Alcoholism
• Hypothyroidism
• Menopause, PMS and Pregnancy
• Infections
• Obesity

Symptoms
• Numbness or tingling in the thumb and next two or three fingers of hands
• Numbness or tingling in the palm of the hand
• Pain extending from the elbow
• Pain in wrist or hand in one or both hands
• Problems with fine finger movements (coordination) in one or both hands
• Wasting away of the muscle under the thumb (in advanced or long-term cases)
• Weak grip or difficulty carrying bags or opening a jar (a common complaint)
• Weakness in one or both hands

Class IV Laser Therapy for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Up until recently the most common treatment for Carpal Tunnel has been the use of anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, wrist splinting, and surgery. These treatments do not treat the cause, only the symptoms and are not always effective long-term.
Now, however, we have a powerful, effective, non-invasive solution to reverse the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome. Ending the symptoms caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome requires stopping the cycle of inflammation at its source. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 a Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the tissue. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. Therefore, laser therapy creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function and strength are restored and pain is relieved.

Relief is Possible!
At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating carpal tunnel, plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even if it’s long-term residual pain. Ar¬thritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

Q. We have a huge problem with the leaves from a Redwood tree in our garden. We cleared away most of the debris. Would the acidity of the remaining debris prevent anything else we plant from thriving? We’re thinking about installing turf next spring.

A. The debris from the Redwood trees shouldn’t inhibit plants so I wouldn’t be concerned about the acidity. Acid soil from conifers such as junipers, pines, cedars, and redwood is a long standing gardening myth. There may be a concern if you’re using well water or water from the Delta but not from EBMUD and the concern would not be acid soil but alkaline soil. You can always check on the conditions with a simple pH kit. You should take three of four tests and then average the results from dry soil. To avoid contaminating the samples, you should use a plastic, not metal, trowel and the soil should be semi-dry. One other point takes the sample from one to two inches below the soil surface and from different areas. With wet soil you should scoop some out and let it dry out in the garage before running the tests.

My biggest concern about growing under Redwood trees is the amount of light the plants or turf will receive. Redwoods are large, fast-growing trees with a dense canopy. Whatever their size is today, they will be even larger tomorrow. In a short period of time, they will be huge. The larger the canopy, the shadier the conditions under the tree. While we see grass growing under Redwoods in lots of situations, it may not be appropriate in your location. Grass, even the shady blends, require a minimum of four hours of filtered to direct sunlight, April through October. As the light intensity is reduced, grass thins out. Another concern will be the surface roots, as Redwoods are shallow rooted but like lots of moisture. Your irrigation system should separate the areas under the tree from the rest of the landscape. As the area becomes shadier, it will require less water than the sunnier areas. You’re the best judge of your location but growing under Redwoods can be challenging.

Q. I want to transplant my blooming Christmas Cactus into another pot, but I’m scared to touch it. Can I move a blooming plant to another pot without shocking it?

A. It’s okay to transplant a Christmas Cactus and most other plants while they are in bloom. Actually, this is when an evergreen plant is technically dormant, as it’s not actively growing. There is no reason why you have to wait until it finishes flowering. I’d transplant it carefully as not to damage the flowers.

Christmas Cactus is also known as the Zygocactus or crab cactus because of their segmented leaves. They, along with Cyclamen, are a great red and white alternative to poinsettia during the holiday season. Zygocactus and Cyclamen are not sensitive to warm rooms, as is a Poinsettia, so the foliage doesn’t discolor quickly and they have a long blooming period.

Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523 and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero

When one completes medical school, upon graduation he or she should never feel they have all the knowledge they need, but just enough to be able to learn. Science has not touched the incredibly vast amount of information we have yet to learn.

In my research in Physiology I find it impossible to keep up with the new findings that will, someday, make many present medical practices obsolete. I have just begun working with a group involved in the study of the effects of electromagnetic fields on cellular and neurological communication. Not only could this work help explain the mystery of acupuncture, but may possibly open up entirely new fields of medicine and a greater understanding of many mysteries, such as autoimmune diseases and mental disorders.

In November’s Alive article the importance of cellular communication was suggested as part of a healthy immune system. Three physiologists received the Nobel Prize, just last year, for their discoveries in cellular communication. The work I mentioned on electromagnetic effects on cellular communication dovetails right in.

One more example of these new findings is that there are more functions of the Thyroid Gland than we knew. It also is a large contributor to the immune system. I am not trying to confuse you with too much information. I am just trying to demonstrate that the era of giving a blood test followed by a prescription to mask the condition will someday disappear. We are learning to identify some of the underlying factors which cause symptoms that “modern medicine” has been calling diseases only treatable by drugs such as: Crohn’s disease, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, and many more.

The best acupuncturists can feel your radial pulse and diagnose malfunctioning organs and diseases. Is this due to their incredible sensitivity to electromagnetic fields? No one has been able to explain it yet.

There are trillions of cellular activities going on at any one time in your body; far more complex than any industry, and we all understand the effects poor communication can have on any industry, easily resulting in its death. If our cells aren’t supplied with the nutrients they need or are subjected to toxins or invaders, their ability to function at all, including communicate, can be severely jeopardized. Some drugs have actually been found to interfere with cellular communication, which explains some of the serious side effects.

Now that you have some knowledge of how complex the process of keeping you well is, maybe you’ll have more reason to discipline your eating habits and lifestyle. Complex carbohydrates help cellular communication, while simple carbohydrates interfere, actually creating increased inflammatory responses requiring the need for even better communication. In my TMJ practice, to the extent that the patient is proactive in changing their lifestyle and dietary habits that created the problem, the results are remarkable. I recently dismissed a lady in her fifties that exclaimed she had not felt so good since her twenties. She was emphatic in stating she would never go back to her old ways. By the way, these patients will never have to worry about their weight.

If you belong to an organization that would enjoy learning about these remarkable practices, please feel free to contact me at info@aodtc.com or 925 837-8048.

Have a beautiful and healthy Holliday Season.

Last month I discussed some of the theories of memory and why we need to be free from the chains of inflammation and stress to have a healthy functioning brain. Now we’ll talk about how we can improve and optimize our memory.

First of all, the brain is so complex that known facts like “there are 800 miles of wires in one half inch of brain tissue” are hard to comprehend. Yet these wires and connections are not sufficient to remember everything and so your brain prioritizes certain memories and downgrades others. Placing importance, especially emotional importance, on a thought is the best way to make sure that a memory becomes long lasting. This is the reason “bad” or “wonderful” memories last much longer than “ordinary” ones.

Even if you can concentrate and “connect” to an item, life events can get in the way of memory. Stress, for instance, can disturb the formation of memories and chronic stress is even more detrimental to memory formation.

STRESS AFFECTS MEMORY– Here’s how it works.

When stress increases, whether from pain, personal problems or lack of sleep, cortisol from the adrenal gland increases. Increased cortisol then lowers the metabolic rate (BMR) and decreases the available energy that the brain needs to form memories. The decreased BMR then leads to increased belly fat, brain fog, pre-diabetes and further brain degeneration, which, in turn, leads to more stress and inflammation.

What To Do: If you are noticing memory challenges, you should take a serious look at making some immediate lifestyle changes to limit cell damage because memory loss is the first sign of brain degeneration. But don’t fret yet—the good news is that the brain is very resistant and can add neurons and connections (neuroplasticity) that increase your memory and other brain functions.

1) Control blood sugar surges: When blood sugar raises so does insulin, which is inflammatory, so limiting carbohydrates (sugar) can decrease inflammation, a major memory drag. Intermittent fasting can also help by teaching your body to burn fat instead of sugar.

2) Sleep: Lack of proper sleep can lead to increased toxins which causes actual brain shrinkage. On a positive note, proper sleep (slow wave and REM) actually helps consolidate long-term memory.

3) Exercise: Exercise produces a protein called BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) that protects and repairs the memory neurons and acts like a reset switch. That’s one reason you feel at ease and “clearer” after working out. At the same time, endorphins lower your cortisol levels, enhancing memory. In fact, it’s been shown that people who exercise have less overall brain shrinkage over time.

4) Caffeine: A cup of Joe enhances long-term memory by improving memory consolidation. One cup of coffee works well, but not three cups (300mg). The side effects of high amounts of coffee, namely increased cortisol, will then impair memory.

5) Thyroid function: Even though the thyroid has more of a general function to activate the brain, memory problems are a hallmark of low thyroid function. This can be best regulated by diet andtargeted nutritional supplementation.

6) Cortisol From the Adrenal Gland: Cortisol, the hormone released in response to stress, makes your brain lose brain-connections and therefore memory. This can be regulated by diet and supplementation such as fish oil and phosphatidyl serine.

7) B6, Folate and B12: Studies show that decreased levels of these nutrients are related to brain shrinkage in the areas that are responsible for memory. Unfortunately, as you age, B12 levels usually decrease, requiring supplementation.

8) Vitamin D: Researchers have found Vitamin D receptors that increase nerve growth in the memory areas of the brain. Optimal levels of Vitamin D help ensure this growth.

Let us help you improve your memory and your overall brain function by providing you with a treatment program based on blood/hormone tests that provide a clear path to and effective solution. An added benefit is that this approach improves concentration, mood, energy levels, libido, and overall health–all at the same time.

Dr. Don Davis, D.C., DACNB is a BOARD CERTIFIED CHIROPRACTIC NEUROLOGIST in Walnut Creek. He has been serving individuals with memory problems for 30 years. For information about how you can get a free consultation with Dr. Davis, call (925) 279-4324 (HEAL). Visit us at WalnutCreekThyroidInstitute.com

When we think of happy hour, the first thing that comes to mind is typically cocktails, wine, and beer specials, right? Well, Healing Hands wants to offer a different kind of happy hour – still fun and inexpensive, just a bit more relaxing and a whole lot more rejuvenating.

We’re going to be offering specials on three days of every week – Treat Yourself Tuesdays, Wellness Wednesdays, and Happy Hour Thursdays. This gives clients—new and faithful—an opportunity to get mind-blowing treatments at deeply-discounted prices. So, while you’re sitting and thinking of what bar to hit for your next happy hour excursion, think of us first. We’ll get you looking and feeling fabulous for a good time with friends and drinks galore!

Let’s start with the menu shall we? Healing Hands will be offering up three $50 treatment options. First, we’ve got a $50 facial and lip treatment. This will include a 50 minute facial and rejuvenating lip treatment to leave your lips and skin soft and fresh for a night out (or in, whatever you’re into). Then we’ve got a $50 therapeutic massage that will have you drooling for more, but not in a sloppy, “I probably shouldn’t have ordered that third glass of wine” kind of way. The third option is our Ion foot bath with paraffin hand dip, to give your tootsies a break with some time to soak and the paraffin will leave your hands feeling super soft.

Wellness Wednesdays is focused on getting your body back on track in no time. We’re offering a 20 minute chair massage for $25, something to have you in and out and feeling fantastic. If you’ve got some extra time, we’ve got a 45 minute Reiki energy massage with Diane, our Reiki master, for $50 – not sure what Reiki is? Give us a call, we’ll be happy to explain what it is and why you need it. And just in case you missed your chance on Tuesday, we’ve got the foot bath and hand dip available on Wednesday, too.

Now, let’s get to happy hour. From 12pm to 4pm every Thursday we are offering up fantastic treatments at ridiculous prices. You’ll leave here feeling like a million bucks without actually having to drop that kind of money; it’s just $50 per treatment. Choose from a “champagne & caviar facial,” which includes a microderm-abrasion treatment. What about a “mango-rita,” or “pina colada” scrub to get your skin soft, smooth and ready for anything? Maybe you’d prefer a “quick shot” massage – this includes a head, neck and shoulder massage with hand paraffin dip. Seriously, these treatments will have you craving your next fix!

Only at Healing Hands can we get you looking and feeling your best without doing the worst kind of damage to your bank account. We make it a point to offer lush treatments to our clients without leaving room for spider webs to collect in your wallet. Because we know how important it is to treat yourself, even if it’s only every once in a while, be sure to give us a call to discuss our specials or any other treatments we offer so we can get you happy!

Dear SSHS,
My best friend is getting married soon and has asked me to be her maid of honor. The problem is I really don’t like the guy she’s marrying; I think he treats her poorly. Is there anything I can do at this late date to help her realize she’s making the mistake of a lifetime? ~Not Sold in Sunol

She Said: Well, you could refuse to be her MOH on the grounds you can’t support the marriage, but I can almost guarantee you’ll lose a friend, which is a pretty high price to pay for being right. Frankly, you should have expressed your concerns within the first few months of their courtship, because it’s too late now…unless she asks. If she does, be tactfully honest but let her know if she decides to go through with it, she has your undying support. That’s the role of the BFF and the MOH.

He Said: Like Robin said, you had your chance early on in the relationship and it sounds like you blew it. If this guy really does treat her poorly, then she’s going to need your support even more now. Voicing your displeasure with the hubby-to-be at this point will only drive a wedge between the two of you. I say go through with it, and make sure you step up your game even more as her BFF by continuing to support her when she does hit those rough patches in her marriage.
Dear HSSS,
The guy I’m dating is a “neat freak”. He insists on everything being a certain way in his house, and I’m just way more laid back than he is; otherwise we have great chemistry. I’m afraid if I tell him this is a deal breaker, he’ll flip out. What do you think I should do? ~Kinda Sloppy in Pleasanton

He Said: You’re definitely in the minority of women on this one. And finding any type of chemistry, let alone great chemistry, is tough to come by. If everything else is great between you two, then I say get over it and focus on his better qualities. But if it really could be a deal breaker, then now is the time for a conversation about it. Bring it to his attention that his “neat freak” habits bother you, and if you both can’t compromise and meet in the middle, then you probably have bigger problems, and it’s time to move on.

She Said: May I have his phone number? Just kidding, but neat is a turn-on to some of us. As I see it, you get five non-negotiables in a relationship. They may include honesty, loyalty, compassion, communication, good social skills, intelligence, etc. Are you willing to use up one of your tickets on his being too neat? Now, if he’s controlling, that’s something else, and that could be a deal-breaker, but create your top five, and if he possesses those, try and overlook his persnickety-ness.

Robin Fahr is a public relations specialist and co-host with Shawn Shizzo on Conversations and He Said/She Said seen daily on Tri-Valley TV, Channel 30. Send your questions to www.AskHeSaidSheSaid.com.

December: the month when most of us celebrate our faith. Our focus can sometimes be snatched, grabbed, and/or stolen, quite frankly, because we are bombarded with commercials and sales. We’ve already been through Black Friday, Cyber Monday, whatever they called their Thanksgiving sales. We have seen the fads, new toys; the “gotta haves,” and the pushing in line to get the “gotta haves.”

One thing that never should be changed through all of this brouhaha is our spirit of renewal; of faith, goodness, and most important—family.

When we look back on this past year, we’ve seen a lot of stuff. Good stuff… but also a lot of bad stuff and strange stuff.

We’ve seen new technology; new phones, new tablets, new games. We’ve seen more hatred—from beheadings and shootings, to international saber rattling. We’ve seen politicians who seem more interested in fighting than running a government. We’ve seen computer hacking and social media hating and haters.

The strangest fad may have been just last month, with the huge craze of women wanting to augment their bodies to be just like J Lo or the Kardashians. What total nonsense.

Most all of us have become busier. We have more deadlines to meet. Our kids have more deadlines to meet. We hurry, we rush, we don’t take as much time out to do the things we think are very, very important.

So in this month, this month of December, with all of its multicultural, multi-spiritual holidays, let’s really take the time to throw out all the “noise and clutter” of the year and celebrate our spirits. And let’s make sure we know what the core is of everything we are individually. And let’s remember family!

From mine to yours: All the best.

It makes perfect Sense.

‘Tis the Season of Lists. Greeting card lists. Gift lists.Grocery lists. To-do lists. Lists to remind me to consolidate earlier lists. It seems I’ve barely perfected the pumpkin arrangement in my entryway and suddenly it’s time to get serious about the Holidays. Yes, the ones that begin with a capital H.

Amidst all the madness, I find it comforting to take refuge at the farmers’ market—where I’ll never hear the beep of an electronic scanning machine or the tedious repetition of recorded Christmas carols. This low-tech approach to shopping in the fresh air delivers just about everything I need for entertaining, as well as plenty of creative ideas for gifts of good taste.

Instead of slapping a bow on yet another bottle of wine this year, how about offering the golden luxury of California extra virgin olive oil to your favorite home chef? There are crisp apples, voluptuous pears, and fragrant oranges and tangerines just waiting to be tucked inside a wicker gift basket. The early risers on your list will delight in a gift of artfully preserved jams and locally-produced honey for their morning indulgence.The floral selection at the farmers’ market is also more spectacular than ever this month, with fresh-cut flowers intermingled with top-quality plants and evergreens at bargain prices. Bakers and snackers alike will appreciate this year’s harvest of crunchy California walnuts and almonds, and a sweet spectrum of moist dried California fruits.

While perusing the aisles at the farmers’ market, take time to consider the thoughtfulness of a homemade gift-from-the-kitchen. Even if you didn’t spend your summer putting up pickles and preserves, there’s still time for some quick-fixes. Spicy-sweet nuts, packed in a cellophane bag and secured with a festive bow, make a welcome gift and a satisfying nibble to enjoy throughout the season. (They also fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas while baking.)

Candied citrus peel—made from something you would normally toss in the compost pile—is far superior to anything store-bought. And another way to show you care. If you can resist snacking throughout the day, serve the candied peel with coffee at the end of a meal; chop finely and stir into muffin or cake batter, or into scone or sweet-bread dough; dip in dark chocolate; or use as an edible garnish for desserts or cookie platters. For variation, use tangelo, pink grapefruit, Meyer lemon, or other thick-skinned citrus instead of orange. (Thin citrus skins, like those from limes,can turn leathery when candied.) For best results, don’t make these on a rainy or humid day. A certain amount of dryness in the air helps set the sugar-coating.

Sugar & Spice Walnuts

2 large egg whites, at room temperature
2 tablespoons water
1 pound California walnut halves (about 4 cups), or a combination of your favorite nuts
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

1. Preheat the oven to 225 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat, or grease lightly. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and water until foamy. Add the walnuts, stirring to coat well. Transfer the mixture to a colander in the sink and let drain for 2 to 3 minutes. Wipe the mixing bowl dry with paper towels.

2. In the same bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger, allspice, cayenne, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir to blend. Add the walnuts and toss to coat well.

3. Spread the nuts in a single layer (without touching) on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until the sugar mixture has caramelized to make a crunchy, candy-like coating, about 2 hours. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. Makes about 4 cups.

Candied Orange Peel

4 large navel oranges (about 3 pounds), rinsed well
2 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1. Using a sharp knife, cut off both the ends of the oranges. Cut the orange lengthwise into quarters, then—following the curve of the fruit— cut away the orange zest along with a very thin layer of the white pith. (Leave most of the white pith attached to the fruit.) Slice the peels lengthwise into strips about 1/4-inch thick. Reserve the fruit for another use.

2. Put the orange strips in a heavy 3-quartsaucepanand add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 5 minutes.

3. Drain the strips in a colander. Return to the saucepan and cover with fresh water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook again for 5 minutes. Repeat the process once more, making a total of cooking 3 times. (This will remove any bitterness from the skins.)

4. In the same saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of the sugar with 1 cup of water. Stir to blend, then bring to a boil over high heat. Add the orange strips and reduce the heat to low. Let the orange strips cook very gently, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure they cook evenly,for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the strips begin to turn translucent.

5. Carefully drain the strips, reserving the syrup for another use (like brushing over a cake or adding to cocktails.) Set a rack over a parchment- or foil-lined baking sheet.

6. Put the remaining 1 cup of sugar into a bowl. Working in batches, roll the peels in the sugar to coat; shake in a sieve to remove any excess sugar;and spread on the rack so they are not touching. Let dry until no longer sticky, 5 to 6 hours. Store between layers of waxed paper in an airtight container at cool room temperature for up to 1 month. Makes about 3 cups.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad and Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.com. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well