Category Archives for "Recipes"

Red Lentil Coconut Curry

Curry is one of my favorite fall dishes because it’s warming and comforting. Red lentils add fiber and creamy goodness to this stew, making it high in protein and full of satisfying nutrients.  Topping it off with coconut milk adds good, healthy fats that will nourish your system for the upcoming cold months. If you can’t find Japanese yams, use good old garnets instead. I also love to mix up the veggies and use what is in season.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 3 carrots, cut into 1/4″ rounds
  • 1/2 head cauliflower, cut into small florets
  • 1 Japanese yam, peeled and cubed into 1/4″ pieces
  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 4 cups veggie broth
  • 1 can coconut milk
  • 1 cup chopped kale
  • handful chopped cilantro
  • sea salt & black pepper to taste

In a large stock pot over medium heat, saute the onion and garlic in coconut oil until soft. Add the curry powder and cumin and stir to combine to release the flavors of the spices. Add carrots, cauliflower and yam and stir to incorporate the curry onto the vegetables. Add lentils and veggie broth. Turn heat to high and bring to a boil. Once boiling lower heat to a simmer, cover and let simmer for about 30 minutes or until veggies are soft and lentils are mushy. Remove from heat and add coconut milk, kale and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.

Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Fall is my favorite time of year, and I love when Pumpkins come back in season. I usually buy about 5 or 6 sugar pie pumpkins and roast them up to store in the freezer for the whole season. Then I can make pies, smoothies, ice creams, and other yummy desserts. This smoothie is delicious and packed with protein, depression fighting nutrients and tons of flavor. Enjoy it for breakfast or an afternoon snack. It’s so decadently divine.

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 oz almond or coconut milk (unsweetened)
  • 1/4 c. pureed pumpkin
  • 1 TBS almond butter (or any nut butter of choice)
  • 1 large frozen banana
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/8 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 scoop vegan vanilla protein powder (I love Truvani)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp maca powder (optional, for an extra boost)
  • Optional ice if you want a thicker shake
  • Optional Raw Cacao Nibs

Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until creamy smooth. Top with raw cacao nibs.

Banana Chia Pancakes; Gluten Free & Vegan

Chia seeds are loaded with Omega-3’s, fiber and protein. They’re an awesome source of brain food and are super high in nutrients.

These delectable pancakes are perfect for a Sunday morning with the kids and they’re healthy too! Top with my rich and delicious coconut creme sauce and you will be in pancake heaven!

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Baking Mix
  • 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 2 tablespoons grade b maple syrup
  • ½ cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Coconut oil for cooking pancakes

Place the flour, chia seeds, baking soda, and baking powder into a bowl and stir together. In a separate bowl, mash the peeled bananas into a paste. Add the mashed banana, agave, and coconut milk into a bowl with the flour mixture and stir well to combine the batter. Heat a dollop of coconut oil on a non-stick skillet or griddle and pour the batter on by ¼ cups. Let the pancakes cook until bubbly and edges are somewhat dry, and then flip over and brown on the other side.

 

CREME SAUCE

  • 1/4 cup cashews
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (from a can)
  • 3 medjool dates, pitted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch sea salt

Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and blend until creamy smooth

September 12, 2013

Chocolate-y Rice Krispie Thingys

Everyone loves Rice Krispie Treats, but they aren’t always the healthiest, and they are loaded with high fructose corn syrup. This version is healthy, and is loaded with good fats, protein and deliciousness. Your kids will love them more than the real thing!  They are so good with a tall glass of almond milk or your favorite nut milk!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 2/3 cup raw sunflower seeds
  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 tsp pink Himalayan or Celtic sea salt
  • 2 cups of organic brown rice crisp cereal
  • ¼ cup cashew butter
  • 3/4 cup organic brown rice syrup
  • 1 Tbsp coconut oil
  • 1 tsp organic vanilla extract
  • 1 bag of vegan chocolate chips

Using a food processor with the S-blade, process almonds, sunflower seeds, sea salt and oats until pulverized but still chunky. Pour into a large bowl along with one cup of the chocolate chips and the brown rice crisp cereal. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine cashew butter, rice syrup, coconut oil & vanilla extract together stirring constantly until cashew butter is melted and combined with rice syrup. Pour cashew butter mixture over dry ingredients and stir well to coat evenly. Pour into a greased 9×11 glass casserole dish. Using a double boiler, melt remaining chocolate chips and stir until smooth. Spread melted chocolate over rice mixture evenly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set. Once set, cut into squares and serve! Keep refrigerated in a tightly covered container.

Black Forest Chia Pudding

There is nothing like fresh, sweet cherries combined with chocolate. Oh my! This delectable creamy pudding is high in healthy fats, fiber and nutrients.

If you can’t get fresh cherries in your area, you can use frozen. I find that using this little tool is super helpful in pitting those fresh cherries.

Serve this delish dessert at a dinner party, and woo your guests. They’ll never guess it’s healthy OR vegan!

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1-1/2 cups cashews, soaked for 1 hour
  • ½ to 1 cup coconut water
  • 1/3 cup raw cacao powder
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 dates, pitted
  • ¼ cup maple syrup
  • ¼ cup chia seeds
  • ½ cup pitted cherries, roughly chopped

Place all ingredients except chia seeds and cherries in a high-powered blender. If mixture is too thick, add coconut water until desired consistency. Blend until smooth. Pour into a medium sized bowl. Add chia seeds and cherries to the pudding mixture and stir until all combined. Refrigerate for 20 – 30 minutes to thicken. Serve chilled.

Peanut Butter Maca Oat Balls

Crunchy, gooey peanut butter blended with dates, almonds and high fiber oats, make these oat balls a perfect after workout snack. They are even great to take on a long bike ride or any other endurance workout you may be doing, to keep your energy up. The maca will give you a boost of energy that is sustainable.

Your kids will love them too for an awesome afternoon snack. Get your hands in the mixture, and infuse a lot of good ole’ lovin in there.

 

INGREDIENTS

  • ¾ cup peanut butter (I like chunky)
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • ½ cup almonds or cashews
  • 1/4 cup maca
  • ¼ cup shredded coconut (unsweetened)
  • ¼ cup ground flax seed
  • 5 dates, pitted
  • ¼ cup maple syrup or brown rice syrup

 

 

Kale + Cherry Salad with Caramelized Onions

High nutrient kale, paired with sweet, antioxidant rich cherries, makes this sassy salad a nutrient packed, party in your mouth. I like to use red onions for caramelizing because they are sweeter when cooked down, but feel free to use yellow, white, vidalia or even shallots if you prefer.

The dark cherry juice used for the dressing has been known to help insomnia, as well as support the cleansing of the blood. This salad is an all around healthy feast for the body!

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4 – as a side salad)

  • 1 head curly Kale, stems stripped, broken into small pieces and massaged with a drizzle of olive oil
  • 1 large red onion, thinly sliced into ¼” round
  • 2 teaspoons olive or coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup walnuts

CHERRY BALSAMIC DRESSING

  • 1/3 cup black cherry juice (unsweetened)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

 

Quinoa Snap Pea Salad with Peaches + Mint

Quinoa paired with fresh, sweet snap peas and peaches gives this salad tons of texture and delectable flavor.

Feel free to use nectarine or apricots if you do not like peaches. You can also substitute the apricot nectar for peach nectar in the dressing.

 

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • ½ cup roughly chopped snap peas
  • 1 ripe peach, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained & rinsed
  • 1 scallion, thinly sliced
  • ½ red or orange bell pepper, de-seeded + diced
  • 3 tablespoons freshly chopped mint

Place all ingredients into a large bowl and toss with Apricot Vinaigrette. Serve room temperature or chilled.

 

APRICOT VINAIGRETTE

  • ¼ cup apricot nectar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons grade B maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Blend all ingredients together until smooth.

Tropical Kale Salad w/Blueberry Balsamic Dressing

Another delicious way to use one of the highest nutrient dense foods available to us, Kale!

This kale salad will have you hooked with it’s tropical fruity delight. Use fresh, organic berries to comply with the Dirty Dozen rule (berries are one of the highest sprayed pesticide crops.)

Take it to a potluck or picnic and it’s sure to please even the pickiest of palates!

 

INGREDIENTS

  • Serves 4 (as a side salad)
  • 1 head curly Kale, stems stripped, broken into small pieces and massaged with
  • drizzle of olive oil
  • 1/2 pint fresh organic strawberries, de-hulled and cut into quarters
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ c. finely diced red onion
  • ¼ c. shredded coconut
  • ¼ c. pinenuts, lightly toasted
  • ¼ c. golden raisins (or regular)

Place all ingredients together in a large bowl. Toss with dressing.

 

BLUEBERRY BALSAMIC DRESSING

  • ½ cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
  • ¼ c. balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Grade B Maple Syrup or any other low glycemic sweetener
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Blend dressing ingredients together in a blender until smooth.

“It’s Peachy Green” Smoothie

My Peachy Green smoothie is peachy keen alright. It’s light and tropicalicious. It will transport you right to the islands. Adding spinach or kale gives it even more of a powerful, nutritious punch.

INGREDIENTS

  • 10 oz unsweetened nut milk of choice
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen peaches
  • 1/4 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tablespoon raw almond butter
  • 2 large handfuls raw spinach or kale

Place all ingredients into a high-powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy.