The green smoothie is probably one of the greatest food inventions since bread. It’s a wonderful way to incorporate whole plant greens and fruits in one delicious and refreshing drink. Green smoothies can boost your energy levels, keep you satiated for hours, are easy to digest, and contain numerous vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals which are vital for your overall well-being. I can’t say enough good things about these wonderful drinks and how my life changed once I was introduced to them. If you haven’t tried a green smoothie yet, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how delicious they are and how great they can make you feel. The most compelling reason […]
Mexican Chili Chowder with “Smoked” Black Lentil Relish
There are times when being a cook (and uncook) is very unpredictable. I might find myself in the kitchen with the intention of making one recipe just to end up with another dish entirely. Sometimes there isn’t even a real explanation except that I didn’t pay attention and maybe added too much of this or that, or didn’t follow my own directions. And like a pendulum, my emotions can swing from downright panic and disappointment to elation about my new discovery Cultured Pistachio Hummus. It’s a lot like life. The unexpected is always on the horizon and sometimes it really can be amazing. This dilly of a soup was a […]
Spice and Hearth Chocolate Elixir Pudding
This dessert always makes me feel like I’m at a ski lodge relaxing in a so-comfortable-I-can’t-get-out-of-it oversized chair soaking up the warmth of a blazing hearth fire. I’m wrapped in a warm blanket; all snuggled in and watching the snow lovers outside through ceiling high windows. This is actually a little more than a feeling; it’s the usual scenario when someone has coerced me into going skiing. I love snow. It’s a vision to behold; beautiful in paintings and photographs and definitely from inside a nice and cozy ski lodge. And it makes great ambience for tonic beverages like Pistachio Honey Superfood Tonic and this dessert. I just don’t like being right in […]
Black Quinoa with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Tomato Mint Chutney
I am always up for trying new things but somehow missed out on black quinoa until just recently. It was an unusually hectic end of the week and I was scurrying through the pantry looking for a quick last minute dinner. I was drawn to a bag full of black sesame seeds (or so I thought). I pulled out the bag and realized it was black quinoa. I recognized the shape and knew it couldn’t be anything else. How had I forgotten about these intimidating little grains in my pantry? I need to try them. Now. I was feeling very capricious. Maybe things have gotten too complacent. Or maybe it […]
Sweet Cashew Milk & Cream
Nut milks are great for anyone trying to reduce or eliminate dairy products from their diet. You can find packaged nut milk in almost every grocery store these days and homemade takes just a few easy steps. I would say nut milks have definitely arrived. While store bought nut milk can be convenient and are certainly a bold step away from dairy, there’s simply nothing like fresh homemade nut milk. It’s healthier and better tasting, and you don’t end up with all sorts of unwanted fillers and flavoring; just pure nutty goodness. I’ve tried just about every nut for nut milk and they’ve all gotten a giant hug from me. Almond […]