GF - Diabetic Friendly - Grainless cookies

I have managed to live most of my life without help of the medical community. However, a little coral cut, too close to shore when a large wave came through while snorkeling did not heal. And I dutifully showed up at the doctors who ignored it till it got worse and for months now they have been talking about taking my toe or even foot off. Thanks guys. What does this have to do with cookies and diabetes? Just hold on. So we went from ignore to panic ... go to the emergency room right now. In the past 60 days I have seen an army of doctors, most of whom are convinced I am diabetic. And I would be happy to agree, I looked the symptoms up online and self diagnosed. WebMD agrees, what more can you want. Only problem is, I am not. I have had at least eight blood draws and I am not even pre-diabetic. However, as one of the brighter doctors I have seen said, "Stephen, you may not be diabetic, but you'd best live your life as if you  are." Which brings us to cookies. Who likes cookies? Everyone.

Lately I have been experimenting with Almond flour as at least a partial substitute for grain flour. It has worked so well, I have run out. But I have two bags of raw almonds I need to use up before they turn rancid. I also have some young unsweetened coconut, (not the shredded dry sweetened kind), these are big chunks with some moisture and no added sugar. What if I put equal amounts into a powerful blender? The result was a grainy mixture. Then I added a couple tablespoons of raw ginger root. This makes for trickier blending since the ginger adds moisture; try the pulse setting. While it is possible to blend into a smooth paste, I recommend against it, the chunkier stuff has a lot more character.

This almond, coconut, ginger grainy mash is the basis for cookies. Go ahead and taste, it it a base, but even with the ginger it is bland. At this point, I recommend you take the mash out of the blender and do any additional mixing by hand, if you over blend you will lose character. Obviously the temptation is to add sweetener, but we are trying to be diabetic friendly, so that is that absolute last step with the mash. And under no conditions are we going to add salt to the mix.

The next step is the most dangerous step. Adding egg white for liquid and as binder, (not to mention low fat protein). To be successful in baking you have to get two things right, oven temperature and moisture. Oven temperature is not critical for this dish, but moisture is. Play with the mash. Can you make it an adhesive ball? With the moist coconut and the fresh ginger, I was close, but I was not quite there. BE PATIENT. Add too much egg white and you have a troublesome dough. Add a bit, mix. Add a bit, mix. Try forming a ball. When you can form an adhesive ball you are there. Do not add any more moisture.

Spice. I am big on cinnamon for this sort of thing, especially since it is a sugar regulator. However, I wanted something bolder, I chose nutmeg which also is a healthy spice. That really helped, but we still are not there. I broke out the caramel extract to taste, (make a caramel sauce, blend it with vodka or grain alcohol and store in the fridge for up to 60 days, warm before trying to use), and that brought it over the top. And now we have added our sugar with the caramel, at least most of it.

We are still missing something? Back to the dry goods cabinet, hmmm, here are some blueberries and some dried cherries. That adds the rest of the sugar, but it has nutrition and fiber to balance. I rolled the blueberries inside in a ball. For the cherries I just put a dab of dough on the parchment paper on the baking pan and stuck the cherry on top.

I heated the oven to 350 and five minutes at temperature was plenty, your mileage may vary, but as soon as it dries out and is solid it is probably done. Here is a picture, for some reason my iPhone shot it in black and white, so it must be art.

Harbor Lights Tacoma

On Wednesdays we have a regular appointment in Tacoma at 11 AM. When it is done we poke around the city and have lunch. Yesterday we went to Harbor Lights 2761 Ruston Way. I love the seafood restaurants on Ruston Way and this has always been one of my favorite.

According to my bill, I had the Lunch Caesar and Cioppinno and Kathy had the SP Mussels Small and with taxes, the whole thing came to $35.48.

Well we did have those things and the Caesar was good, crisp lettuce, bold dressing. Kathy loved the broth the mussels are cooked in. And their Cioppinno is imaginative, yet not far from the classic. Great service, great waterfront view, what is not to like?

Well, we actually also each had a bowl of their Clam Nectar Chowder. For some reason it is not on my bill, I guess we will have to go there next Wednesday to straighten it out. Oh bother, as Pooh would say. This chowder was so good it got me to thinking about the chowder I had at Ivar's last week. There is some great chowder to be had in the Seattle area.

Maybe my mind is playing tricks on me, but when I think of Chowder, I tend to think of Boston. But I have the honor of being the Chair of SANS Boston 2016, August 1 - 6, so I have been thinking about Boston. Kathy spent her summers growing up, 40 minutes from Boston on the water and we have been there many times and had many a wonderful chowder. So now I am starting to wonder, who has the top three out of ten chowders per city, who has the top spot in each city and how would you know?

Ivar's Seafood Bar - Federal Way

Kathy and I were in Federal Way today and between appointments and wanted to grab lunch. There is no shortage of restaurants, but we chose Ivar's Seafood Bar, 2004 S. 320th St, Federal Way. We love the place.

I had the Bowl of Alaskan Smoked Salmon Chowder and Kathy had the Halibut. It was a great meal and the total cost with tax was 28.65. Kathy loved the seasoning and preparation of the Halibut. She said that was the best she had ever had, even better than the Meritage restaurant in Boston. We were there when we were running SANS Boston 2013. And that cost a lot more that Ivar's, but it was a great night, I recommend the place, one of the great restaurants in Boston. We are planning the SANS Boston 2016 event, August 1 - 7, we might be able to go to Meritage when we go to Boston again.

Hands on security engineer looking for a job in Atlanta

Jeff A. Mathis

Phone:  404-903-8027

E-Mail:  jeffmathis12@yahoo.com

 

           

Network Security Engineer

Accomplished and highly motivated IT Security Professional with over 14 years’ experience in IT and Sales related disciplines.  Together with a strong work ethic, passion for success, customer satisfaction, and a proven track record with superior consultative and technical skills. Technologically advanced IT Certifications include; Juniper Instructor Training – Start and Switch Boot Camp, Configure and Manage Cisco ASA and IPSs, PCI Remediation and Compliance, Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer, Palo Alto Networks Accredited Configuration Engineer, Juniper Certified Specialist – Security (SRX) and Enterprise Routing and Switching, Juniper  Firewall/VPN (Netscreen), Sourcefire Certified Security Engineer (SFSCE), Sourcefire Certified Incident Response Professional (SFCIRP), Sourcefire Certified Architect (SFCAR), Sourcefire Certified Security Engineer Advanced Malware Protection(SFCSE-AMP), and Cisco Certified Network Associate.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

IBM – Security Intelligence QRadar                                                                     2015-2015

L2 Technical Support Engineer

• Work directly with clients, including some of the World’s top network and security Infrastructures. To assist with advanced hardware, operating systems, tuning, scalability/performance, network integration issues and security analysis.
• Provide technical engineering support, as part of the Technical Support Center, in order to resolve customer issues by performing diagnostics, performance optimization, security incident analysis, solution/partner recommendations, and product knowledge transfer. 
• Perform Proof of Concept and Validation of solutions and complex issue reproduction while interfacing with engineering, product management, and quality assurance teams.
• Function as a key state-of-the-art QRadar Information Security software expert.

iGX Global Services – Project Based Work                                                                      2012-2015

Network Security Architect and Implementation Engineer

·      Project Manage Network Security Solutions Installations from Network Design, Implementation to Maintenance and Support.

·      Projects have included diverse Industries including Universities, Insurance, and Medical enterprises with solutions from our Networking and Security Partners. 

·      Juniper Instructor Training – Junos Start, Junos EX Switch Boot camp Facilitator.

·      Configure, Maintain, and troubleshoot Security Solutions and tune IDP/IPS’s Signatures.

Enteredge Technology                                                                                             2011- 2012

Network Security Engineer

·      Juniper Partner Support Engineer Security Operations Center (SOC). Configuration/Troubleshooting for Managed Security Services (Firewalls and VPNs),

·      Network Security Design with Juniper Security Appliances (SSL/VPN and Network Access Control (UAC)(BYOD)  JNCIS-SEC(SRX), JNCIA-Junos

·      JUNOS/SRX - Configure High Availability (Clustering, Chasseing, and Disaster Recovery), Install and configure VMware, Windows, Linux Servers, and Security Appliances.

·      Project Implementation Specialist/IT Network and Information Security

·      Cisco CCNA Facilitator for The Atlanta Cisco User’s Group

Intertek ETL Testing Services                                                                               2008-2011      

Strategic Account Manager/Sales Engineer

·      Specialized in selling IT/Telco Equipment Safety, EMC, NEBS and Performance testing.

·      Managed a $1 Million Dollar Module of 50 accounts including Cisco, Adtran and Digium.

·      Developed over 30 new accounts in First Year of Sales, which contributed to more than a 50% in yearly revenue. 

AT&T Business Services                                                                                              2004-2007

Strategic Account Manager

·      Sold all products from the AT&T portfolio including Managed Security, MPLS, Frame Relay, VPN, and VoIP.

·      Managed a $3 Million Dollar Module of Accounts: Single point of contact for all customer service issues pertaining to all accounts in module including sales, contracts, billing, implementation, and service.

Momentum Global Services (AT&T Partner)                                                            2002-2004

Cisco/MPLS VoIP Implementation Specialist

·      Designed Cisco Network, implemented and installed Data/VoIP (MPLS) network for the largest Dental Company in the US (230 offices).

·      Member of the team that pioneered VoIP utilizing MPLS with Cisco Equipment and AT&T.  Installed and Configured Cisco 1750 Routers at Remote Office Locations, Setup LAN/WAN/VoIP and trained Office Managers on the new benefits of the enhanced system and Cisco 7500 at HQ location.

AT&T Business Services                                                                                              2000-2002

Data Network Consultant (Sales Engineer)

·      Developed sales business plans to provide sales team with leads and strategic business development solutions for existing customers Designed and Conducted technical training and programs on VPN, Security Solutions, VoIP and Data Center Solutions for Sales Teams and Customers – assisted in differentiating AT&T from the competition to win more business.

·      Technically designed strategic solutions for leading companies in coordination with engineers, sales, and marketing team.

·      Led technical promotional programs designed to increase sales for special AT&T products – conducting training classes for over 50 sales executives monthly.

·      Expertise in Technical Sales Training including Cisco Sales Essentials Competitive analysis differentiating AT&T products within the market place.

·      Supported Sales Executives by providing technical presentations to CEO and CIO decision makers.

IT CERTIFICATIONS

·      Juniper Networks Instructor Training – Junos Start

·      Palo Alto Networks:  Certified Network Security Engineer

·      Palo Alto Networks: Accredited Configuration Engineer 5.0. 6.0

·      Palo Alto Networks Migration Tool 1.8, 2.3

·      Palo Alto Networks Panorama Management 6.0

·      Sourcefire Certified Incident Response Professional (SFCIRP) v4.4

·      IBM Blue Diamond Medical Information Security Certified Specialist

·      Juniper Networks Certified Specialist – Security (JNCIS-SEC)

·      Sourcefire Certified Security Engineer (SFCSE-AMP)

·      Juniper Networks Certified Specialist – Enterprise Routing and Switching

·      Juniper Networks Certified Associate Netscreen OS Firewall/VPN

·      Sourcefire Certified Security Engineer (SFCSE)

·      Junos Pulse UAC/SA SSL/VPN Gateway Hardware Installation

·      Juniper Networks Security – Technical Accreditation

·      Juniper Networks Policy and Access Control

·      Sourcefire Certified Architect (SFCAR)

·      Sourcefire Certified Sales Representative (SFCSR)

·      Juniper Networks Certified Associate JUNOS (JNCIA-JUNOS)

·      Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

·      Juniper Authorized Design Specialist – Branch

·      Juniper Authorized Design Specialist - Campus

·      Juniper Networks Sales Specialist Enterprise Routing, SA SSL/VPN, IDP/IDS

·      Palo Alto Networks:  Accredited Sales Expert

·      CompTIA Network+

·      Juniper Networks Ingenious Champion

EDUCATION

University of North Texas

Bachelor of Business Administration

University of Sheffield Hallam, Sheffield, England

Field of Study:  International Business

Synopsis of Projects:

Project manager and Network/Security Implementation Engineer for every aspect of the projects:

PCI Audit and Remediation for Largest POS manufacturer and Payment Gateway Company in the World to Prepare for the annual PCI Audit.  Manage chance and control procedure to configure and manage all Cisco ASA Firewalls including IPS modules, Juniper SRX Firewalls, Cisco Routers and Switches and Juniper EX-Switches.  Update and tune IPS signature databases, and investigate LogRhythm alerts to determine the type and scopes of attacks, potential breaches and remediation techniques to minimize risks and attack vectors.  Proactively ensured that all network devices were hardened to meet PCI compliance recommendations/standards. 

Analyze and create proposals and deliver presentations of potential threats and attack vectors to keep management up to date on potential Security Solutions to secure the organization in the most cost effective possibilities.

Medical Enterprise Network consisting of more than 6 hospitals and over 300 clinics for an Ivy League Medical School integrated with a large Medical Enterprise.

Migrated 2 Cisco 7600 FWSMs in High Availability to 2 Palo Alto Networks 5060s in High Availability between 2 geographically dispersed Datacenters.

Project Highlights:
4,700 Firewall Objects
2,200 Network Address Translation Security Rules
1,200 Security Policies

Ivy League University migration from Juniper SA-6500s to Mag-6611s

4,500 users with over 40,000 switch ports

Replaced Juniper Secure Access 6500s in HA with Juniper Mag 6611 with 2 SM-360s (SA) and 2 SM-161 (NAC) modules chassis in High Availability between 2 Datacenters.

Installed Juniper Network Security Manager (Juniper Network and Security Manager) for a University and another project for one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

Installed Juniper vGW(Virtual Gateway) (VM - Virtual Security) for one of the largest insurance companies in New England to facilitate with their Physical to Virtual transition of their systems.

Passion fruit ginger slaw

( Most of my posts are up on LinkedIn these days, but I will still put personal posts here)

1 heaping TSP fresh ginger grated, (do this first and the apple and cabbage will get any leftover ginger off the grater
Two gala apples grated, I peeled them first
1/2 cup grated red cabbage
Passion fruit concentrate to taste
Red pepper seeds to taste
Refrigerate an hour or so before serving

The result is a very vibrant, spicy, healthy slaw.
http://www.amazon.com/Passion-Fruit-Juice-Concentrate-Concentrado/dp/B008S5LRKQ/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1438464906&sr=8-6&keywords=passion+fruit+concentrate