Ginger-Mint-Lemon Strawberry Salad Avocado

Fresh Ginger. I have been grating fresh raw ginger on my salads, in my miso soup and over top just about everything lately. (Ginger + lemon + roasted beets = YUM!) Raw ginger is warming and soothing. Stimulating yet settling. I love it. And fresh ginger pairs so nicely with sweet strawberries. This fruit salad and sunny day lunch/breakfast or brunch tartine is one to crave. Easy to make!..

wheat sourdough. luckily, I am someone who CAN handle a little gluten (gf folks, use gf bread)..

More hemp seeds please..

Ginger-Mint-Lemon Strawberry Salad Avocado
vegan, makes 4 1/4 cups

3 cups fresh organic strawberries, sliced
1 small avocado, diced
1 large or 2 small lemons, squeezed + pinch of fresh lemon zest
1/8 tsp fresh raw ginger, grated with a microplane
splash of grade B maple syrup (optional)
1 Tbsp fresh peppermint, finely chopped + a few leaves as garnish
2-3 Tbsp raw organic hemp seeds (optional)

for tartines: add your favorite toast to serve (optional: drizzle of your favorite oil like macadamia nut, pumpkinseed or EVOO)

(You could also do "deviled avocados" and stuff avocado halves with this fruit salad - hemp seeds on top!)

Directions:

1. Wash and slice berries, removing tops. Place in large mixing bowl.
2. Add diced avocado, lemon juice, ginger, mint and maple syrup.
3. Fold well. Let marinate at least a half hour for best flavor. I place in fridge to marinate and chill.
4. Serve!

Ideas:
* Add hummus to your toast before adding the berries and avocado salad on top.
* Try sprouted grain toast for extra nutty flavor.
* Add raw walnuts for an nuttier salad.

baby tomato...

RASPBERRY blend for a new day

 

This frosty red Raspberry Ritual Vitality Smoothie is one tall glass of pure refreshment. With fresh squeezed citrus, a touch of banana and plenty of antioxidant-infused, super food raspberries, this bright pink blend will have you feeling on top of the world. No matter how crazy your day.

Start your day with this blend or enjoy it as an afternoon pick-me-up. You will love the flavor and feel the glowing, wellness results with every sip. I know I sure did!...

What is in this RASPBERRY blend that is so good for you??..

* Raspberries. Raspberries are rich in vitamin C, manganese, potassium and fiber. They are part of the super food "berry" family and may even help reduce your risk of certain cancers. Fruits rich in vitamin C are important to your overall sense of wellness and vitality since vitamin C acts as a free radical fighting antioxidant. Vitamin C also helps reduce inflammation, supports your immune system and helps with iron absorption.

* Oranges. Oranges are also rich in vitamin C. One orange contains contains enough vitamin C to satisfy your daily needs. Oranges, when eaten whole, are also an excellent source of fiber. My smoothie used orange juice, but if you have a Vitamix, you could easily blend in a whole orange instead.

* Almond Milk. Non-dairy milks provide a nice dose of a variety of nutrients. Fortified non-dairy milks usually contain calcium, vitamin B12, vitamin D and more. Some non-dairy milks like soy milk provide a nice dose of protein. I used almond milk in my smoothie to keep it soy free - and because I like the smooth nutty flavor of almond paired with raspberry.

* Banana. OK, if you didn't hear enough about bananas in THIS post, let me sum things up. Bananas contain potassium, both insoluble and soluble fiber, manganese, vitamins B6 and C - and when added frozen, they help form a frosty-thick texture in smoothies.

* Optional Ingredients. I added in one scoop of avocado just to add in some monounsaturated (healthy) fats. Add in healthy fats to your smoothie may help slow the absorption of sugars and prevent and blood sugar spikes and crashes. Avocado is also a heart-healthy, skin-nurturing ingredient. Other great add-in ideas: chia seeds, flax oil, flax seeds, vegan yogurt, protein powder and maybe a dash or two of cayenne if you like a spicy accent.

Yup, smoothies in fall! All part of my Healthy Makeover Wellness Routine for fall 2012! I'm probably not going to squeeze in a workout today, nor have I done one all week to be honest, but at least I can squeeze in good nutrition! What are you doing today to make yourself feel a little more well??

Raspberry Ritual Vitality Smoothie
vegan, serves 1-2

1 cup raspberries, frozen/organic (another berry could substitute!)
1 1/2 bananas, frozen
1/4 cup almond milk (or sub any non-dairy milk)
3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1-2 Tbsp avocado (optional)

add-ins: pinch of fresh orange zest, dash of cayenne, chia seeds, flax oil... your call! (even a handful of spinach would be awesome)

Blend and serve - try a frosted glass!

Berry Smoothie with a little carrots and tomatoes for Hot Summer! It's tangy.

Please do not be put off by the carrots and tomatoes, you cannot taste it at all!
Wow, out of all the smoothies I made, this is probably one of my favourites. I was so shocked that this tasted so good with carrots and tomatoes, as I never imagined it would be so great and fruity! I totally recommend anyone to give it a go!
It will give you a kick!

Tangy Berrie Smoothie with a Kick
1/2 cup baby carrots
1/2 large orange (including the peel)
1/2 red delicious apple
3 cups frozen strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and red grapes
1/2 tomato
1 tablespoon chia seeds
5 blocks ice
1/2 cup water
Freeze a container of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and grapes in the freezer.
Chop the apple and orange in chunks. Be sure to leave the peel of the orange in, as that’s what gives it the awesome zesty kick! It’s also important that you wash the orange and apple with special vegetable wash to remove a lot of the pesticides.
Add all the ingredients except for the ice blocks and water into the blender (I use Vitamix).
Use a food tamper to press it down so that all parts can be blended. Lastly, add the ice and water, then blend again until everything is smooth.

Tangy Berrie Smoothie with a Kick

Serves: 2

 

Ingredients

• ½ cup baby carrots
• ½ large orange (including the peel)
• ½ red delicious apple
• 3 cups frozen strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and red grapes
• ½ tomato
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 5 blocks ice
• ½ cup water

Instructions

1. Freeze a container of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and grapes in the freezer.
2. Chop the apple and orange in chunks. Be sure to leave the peel of the orange in, as that’s what gives it the awesome zesty kick! It’s also important that you wash the orange and apple with special vegetable wash to remove a lot of the pesticides.
3. Add all the ingredients except for the ice blocks and water into the blender (I use Vitamix).
4. Use a food tamper to press it down so that all parts can be blended. Lastly, add the ice and water, then blend again until everything is smooth.

Green Smoothie Cool Drinks

 
Refreshing Green Smoothie
4 cups frozen mixed green grapes, pineapples, green apples and pears.
3 cups kale, baby spinach and lettuce leaves
1 cup cucumber and broccoli stems
1 cup cold water or ice blocks (if you want it very cold/icy)
Freeze four cups of mixed green grapes, pineapple pieces, green apples (chopped up) and pears overnight.

Wash the vegetables to remove any dirt or other unwanted substance. If you have a high powered blender like Vitamix, add all the ingredients in and push down with the food tamper, or add the frozen parts first and blend, then add the vegetables and water/ice.
Give the smoothie a great, huge blend until everything is completely smooth.

Green Smoothie Cool Drinks

Serves: 2

 

Ingredients

• 4 cups frozen mixed green grapes, pineapples, green apples and pears.
• 3 cups kale, baby spinach and lettuce leaves
• 1 cup cucumber and broccoli stems
• 1 cup cold water or ice blocks (if you want it very cold/icy)

Instructions

1. Freeze four cups of mixed green grapes, pineapple pieces, green apples (chopped up) and pears overnight.
2. Wash the vegetables to remove any dirt or other unwanted substance. If you have a high powered blender like Vitamix, add all the ingredients in and push down with the food tamper, or add the frozen parts first and blend, then add the vegetables and water/ice.
3. Give the smoothie a great, huge blend until everything is completely smooth.

Chilled Maple-Lime Citrus Salad

Chilled Maple-Lime Citrus Salad
vegan, serves 3-4

2 large navel oranges, rind sliced off, diced into large cubes
1 large pink grapefruit, rind sliced off, diced into large cubes
1-2 red plums, sliced
2-3 Tbsp goji berries
1 large lime, juiced + zest (+ reserve one slice for garnish)
2 tbsp grade B maple syrup
1 dash cayenne
tiny pinch of pink salt (optional)

optional to serve: candied almonds + cold-pressed raw pumpkinseed oil

Directions:

1. Prep all your fruit. Place in a large mixing bowl. If you have any leftover flesh or juicy skin, squeeze that juice into the bowl.
2. Add the goji berries, lime juice, plentiful lime zest and maple syrup to the fruit. Add the dash of cayenne and optional pinch of salt.
3. Fold gently.
4. Place fruit in the fridge to chill. When fully chilled and the flavors have marinated and the goji berries plumped, it is ready to serve.

Serving Suggestion: If serving on a plate, add a drizzle of your favorite cold-pressed oil. I used pumpkinseed oil and some homemade candied almonds. To make the almonds I add 2 tbsp sunflower oil to a skillet over high heat. And toast about 1/2 - 3/4 cup raw almonds for about 2-4 minutes. In the last minute I add 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup and a pinch of salt and spices. Toast for another minute or so and allow to cool before serving. Add a slice of lime and additional lime zest over top.

Lemonade Parfaits with fresh summer berries

Sink your spoon into this summertime treat: my Lemonade Parfait. Dairy-free and filled with lemonade and fresh berry flavor, accented by nutty crunchy toppings like crushed walnuts and nutty granola.

Lemonade by the Spoonful. This tall tower of lemonade bliss makes a beautiful dish to serve for breakfast, brunch, an afternoon pick-me-up or even a lively dessert. My silky lemonade pudding is rich and creamy with bright fresh lemon flavor in each bite. This protein-rich, fiber-rich and antioxidant-rich parfait is a pretty summer treat to feel good about enjoying! Easy recipe too!..

What to do with lovely summer berries? Parfait them!

Silky Surprise. This pudding is so easy to make because it is made using silken tofu. The tofu makes this pudding rich in plant-based protein.

Make to taste. This is a recipe that comes with a basic set of ingredients and can be modified quite generously to fit your tastes and what meal you are serving this parfait as. If you are serving it as a dessert, you can be a bit more generous with the sweetener and coconut oil. If this is for a healthy breakfast, go a bit lighter on those ingredients.

For the crunchy accents, aka crunchies, you can use a wide variety of favorites. I used crushed walnuts, a sprinkle of freshly ground flax seeds and some raw cacao granola I had in my pantry. But you can use any nut or seed you'd like - and any granola variety you have handy. Or make your own.

You could even add a few sweet spins on this parfait..

* Whip it. Add a dollop of fresh coconut whip in between the silky layers.
* Leftover Baked Goods. Crumble a homemade chocolate chip cookie in between the layers. Or a crumbled up muffin will also work.
* Creative Crunchies. Get creative and add what you crave to crunch! Granola, crushed vanilla cookies, chopped nuts or ground seeds, spirulina crunchies,toasted coconut, crushed pretzels or graham crackers.
* Fruit Galore. Add a wide variety of fruit slices to the parfait. Lemonade flavor pairs well with many ingredients. Try mango, kiwi, berries, banana, citrus, peaches, cherries, apples and more.
* Fruit Sauce. Add some fresh raspberry sauce topping.
* Make it PINK! Make a pink lemonade parfait simply by blending in 2-3 fresh raspberries or strawberries when you blend your pudding.

Or simply follow my recipe below. And let the summertime lemonade refreshment begin!



Lemonade Parfaits with fresh summer berries

Silky Lemonade Pudding
vegan, makes about 1 1/2 cups - pudding makes about 2-3 large parfaits

14 ounces silken tofu (organic)
2 small lemons or 1 large, squeezed + zest from 1 lemon
1/4-1/3 cup maple syrup (grade B) - (agave can be subbed in needed)
1-4 Tbsp organic virgin coconut oil (I used 2 Tbsp)
tiny pinch - 1/4 tsp salt (salt to taste, I used pink Himalayan salt)

optional:
a few drops natural lemon and/or vanilla extract to boost flavor
dash of cayenne (spicy accent)

My Parfait - as shown:
(for each parfait glass)
2 Tbsp crushed walnuts
2 Tbsp raw chocolate granola
1 tsp ground flax seed
1/2 banana, thinly sliced
3-5 strawberries, sliced
a few blueberries or blackberries
fresh lemon zest on top

Directions:

1. Drain your silken tofu and transfer to a bowl. Place in microwave for 10-15 seconds just to warm the tofu a bit. (You want all ingredients to be room temperature or warmer when blending so that the coconut oil stays silky.)
2. Juice and zest lemons, remove any seeds from juice.
3. Warm coconut oil so that it is in a liquid state.
4. Add the warmed tofu, a few spoonfuls of the liquid coconut oil, lemon and zest, optional extract, salt and 1/4 cup maple syrup to a food processor or high speed blender. I used my Vitamix. Blend starting on low and move to high until everything is silky smooth. Do a tiny taste test and add more sweetener and salt as desired. I added 1/3 cup total maple to my pudding but you may want a bit less or more depending on your tastes. If you want a richer, more mousse-like pudding, you should blend in a few more spoonfuls of melted coconut oil.
5. Transfer the pudding to a medium bowl - scraping the sides of the blender to get every last bit. Place bowl, covered, in the fridge.
6. Chill pudding for at least two hours before serving. Best if chilled overnight - for maximum firming of the pudding. Cold pudding will be thicker than warmer pudding due to the coconut oil.
7. Serve by assembling your parfait in layers. Alternate add berries and crunchy toppings to a tall parfait glass. Garnish with a few pretty berries and a lemon slice.