Whole Food Carrot Cake

The first carrot fronds are popping out of our rich garden soil. The long summer days are hot and we give the beets and carrots some extra water to encourage their growth.

As the first tiny carrots come into the summer harvest, I give thanks with this delicious, wholesome and protein-rich carrot cake.

Try it for yourself! It happens to be vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and sweetened only with dates.

Grain-Free Carrot Cake

You will need:

• 1/2 cup walnuts

• 1/2 cup almonds

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup dates, pitted

• 1/4 cup coconut flour

• 1/2 teaspoon each: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg

• A pinch of salt

• 1 1/2 cups carrots, grated

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a cake pan with olive or sunflower oil.

Place all ingredients EXCEPT carrots in a food processor. Blend well. Fold in carrots.

Smooth into cake pan and bake for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, make coconut frosting to go on top.

Coconut Butter Frosting

You will need:

• 1/2 cup coconut butter

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Place all ingredients in a small pot. Heat gently, whisking and stirring to blend.

Spread a light layer of frosting onto baked carrot cake.

With gratitude to My Whole Food Romance for this inspiration.

Cool, Green Summer

We find balance in summer weather by eating foods that are bitter (cooling, moist), such as: unsweetened cocoa, olives, dandelion, kale, celery, and amaranth leaves. It is also important to take time to rest, sit in the shade, breathe deeply, and absorb the green color that surrounds us.

These are the healing properties of summer herbs:

Basil – anti-bacterial, digestive, and aromatic, this member of the mint family stimulates growth of white blood cells and protects against unwanted bacterial growth.

Cilantro – the leaf of the coriander plant stimulates the secretion of insulin and helps lower levels of total and LDL (the "bad" cholesterol), while actually increasing levels of HDL (the "good" cholesterol). Cilantro’s volatile oils have antimicrobial properties.

Parsley – purifying, anti-dandruff, digestive, and tonic, parsley is also rich in Vitamin C to decrease inflammation, beta carotene to help prevent infection and strengthen immunity, and folic acid (B vitamin) to support cardiovascular health.

VELVETY GREEN SOUP

You will need:

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 2 shallots, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and sliced

• 2 large zucchini, sliced

• 1 bunch chard, chopped

• 1 pound fresh or frozen peas

• 3 cups water and 1 vegetable bouillon cube

• 1 teaspoon each: salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 bunch fresh basil

In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over low heat. Add the shallots and onions.

Cook, covered, until they are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.

Add zucchini and sauté for 5 more minutes. Add the chard and peas. Add the water and stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Add the basil. Remove from heat and purée with an immersion blender.

Chop the rosemary and use as garnish. Serve with cooked quinoa. This soup is excellent chilled, too!

HERBED PESTO

You will need:

• 2 cups fresh basil

• ½ cup fresh cilantro

• ½ cup fresh parsley¼ cup pumpkin OR sunflower seeds1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Place basil, seeds, lemon juice, and olive oil in a food processor.

Make a coarse pesto and set aside.

My Favorite Spring Treats

Spring is a time to lighten up, eat fewer refined foods, and move towards the whole, local ingredients that support the health of local farms, the bioregion, and your body.

May this practice of eating simple, seasonal, flavorful food help you connect with nature and welcome each day as an opportunity for rejuvenation and new discovery.

May day is honored in Northern traditional cultures as Beltaine, a celebration of passion, creativity, fertility and the resplendent sun, which shines warmer each day and lingers longer each evening. Spark your passion and creative impulse by getting in the kitchen and making these wholesome treats! They also happen to be vegan and gluten-free.

Sweet Potato Bars

For the crust:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• a pinch of salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ cup almonds

• 1/4 cup brown rice flour

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the topping:

• 1 pound orange fleshed sweet potatoes

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon each: cinnamon, ground ginger, nutmeg and allspice

• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal

• 1/4 cup almond milk (or any milk you prefer)

Chop and boil the sweet potatoes. Keep the skin on for maximum nutritional benefit. Drain them and allow them to cool.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Lightly oil an 8-inch square-baking pan with olive oil. Place all topping ingredients in a food processor bowl and pulse until mixture reaches a coarse meal that's evenly moist.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press it evenly and firmly into the bottom. Bake the crust for 15 minutes or until set. Remove from oven.

Place all the topping ingredients in the food processor and blend until smooth. There's no need to wash the processor between the crust and the topping.

Pour the mixture onto the crust and smooth the top evenly with a spatula. Bake about 25 minutes. Allow to cool, then chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Enjoy!

Sweet potatoes: high in omega 3 essential fatty acids to tonify the internal organs and strengthen immunity; rich in carotenoids and omega-3s, whose anti-oxidant content offers anti-inflammatory support; high in vitamin C to boost immunity; rich in B vitamins to reduce stress.

Almond Chocolate Chip Bites

You will need:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal

• 2 tablespoons coconut flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• a pinch of salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 cup organic unsalted almond butter*

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips

• ¼ cup cocoa nibs

*You can substitute cashew or peanut butter.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly oil a baking sheet with olive oil.

Place all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. 

Using a soup spoon, evenly space scoops of the mixture on the baking sheet. Press down with a spatula or back of the spoon to slightly flatten. 

Bake for about 15 minutes.

Cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring and eating!

Almonds: high in monounsaturated fat, which promotes heart health, helps reduce LDL cholesterol, and aids in carbohydrate metabolism, thus contributing to weight loss; high in flavoproteins to balance blood sugar and improve energy levels; rich in vitamin E to promote cognitive abilities and protect the brain.

Thanks to Rebecca Katz for this inspiration!

A Week in Vegetables

As we pass the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox, I am thinking about the fertile seeds that we will plant in dark soil this spring. These seeds will bring delicious food to our table and fill our root cellar with bounty for the winter to come.

I realize that time is not linear, but cyclical. The cycle of seasons finds plants on another ring of the spiral each year as they sprout new branches, stalks, and shoots. We can also grow into each new cycle by appreciating how far we have come since this time last year and renewing our body, mind, and spirit with simple food. 

As the outside world slowly wakes up to welcome another growing season, so can we rejuvenate our bodies by including more plant foods into our diet.

Here is the shopping list for a week of healthy, plant-based lunches.

You can gain the complete guide, including recipes, by clicking here.

Simple Vegetable Recipes 

to keep you nourished all week long

Shopping List

• 8 small sweet potatoes (or 5 to 6 medium/large)

• 1 head of cauliflower

• 1 head of broccoli

• 2 bunches Swiss chard

• Baby spinach

• 2 bunches kale

• Mushrooms

• 1 can white beans

• 1 can chickpeas

• 2 red onions

• 1 large leek

• Parsley or cilantro (optional)

• Grocery

• Olive Oil

• Eggs

• Ghee or grass-fed butter

• Tamari or soy sauce

• Cumin

• Coriander

• Paprika

• Apple cider vinegar

• Salt and pepper

While making breakfast, follow these instructions for assembling a lunch quickly. It will take about 30 minutes per morning.

Coconut Milk Brownies

Last night, I attended a pot luck and, as usual, decided to create an experimental dessert without following a recipe. I love the mystery and delight that arise through this creative process.

I knew that some of the potluck attendees are gluten-free and dairy-free. Others prefer not to eat any refined beet / cane sugar. I wanted to keep the ingredients list simple, so I created this recipe.

The more you cook without recipes, the more you will understand which ingredients combine best. Keep experimenting! Try these brownies and let me know what you think. The beauty is that they only contain 5 ingredients, most of which you may already have in your pantry.

Coconut Milk Brownies

You will need:

• 1 can organic coconut milk, full fat

• 3/4 cup cocoa powder

• 1 1/4 cups brown rice flour

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup maple syrup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Blend all ingredients with an immersion or upright blender.

Oil a glass baking dish or pie plate with coconut or sunflower oil.

Pour batter into it and bake for 35 minutes.

Cool, slice, and enjoy!

Recharge and Simplify

As the first frosts decorate Vermont's gorgeous foliage with silvery lace, I am preparing for the colder months to come. This is the time to simplify your diet, walk in nature, and make sure that you are restoring the body's electrolyte balance.

As the weather gets colder, the air becomes more dry. This simple drink, a Gatorade replacement, helps keep me hydrated and boosts immunity, too.

Home-made Electrolyte Drink

You will need:

• 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice

• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 cups water

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 2 tablespoons raw honey

Mix everything together in the blender and store in the fridge for up to a week. Drink one to two glasses daily and enjoy after a workout. If you are pregnant, this is a great drink for labor. 

Why it works: salt rehydrates, honey nourishes and boosts immunity, and lemon and lime juice cleanse and open the tissues to absorb water.

Support Your Cleanse

A cleanse depends on your condition and constitution. Learn more here about tailoring your cleanse to your needs and dietary goals. 

Whether you eliminate caffeine, sugar, alcohol and gluten for two weeks or engage in an even simpler diet, it's important to support the nourishment process with lifestyle changes. If you are cleansing and simplifying your diet, create a soothing environment for yourself. 

Try to take time off of work at least 2 afternoons per week. Rest, practice mindfulness, drink a cup of tea, or write in a journal.

Go for a walk. Spending time in nature helps our body, mind, and spirit to release stress and appreciate the joy of life.

Surround yourself with peaceful, nourishing people and settings. We are extra sensitive while cleansing. Try to keep your evening activities to a minimum. You will sleep much better.

Minimize stress. Here are five ways to de-stress in daily life.

Cooling Desserts for Lingering Evenings

June is here. Firefly season in Vermont. Lupines blooming blue next to ox-eye daisies.

The angelica, black cohosh and feverfew plants tower over the garden, delighted to be its protectors.

Last fall's potatoes are sprouting: it's time to plant them.

The soil is warm enough for winter squash seeds to sprout and peas are almost a foot tall.

At our homestead on Sparrow Farm Road, this is the time we await with delight. 

Whatever summer looks like for you, soak in it.

Sit with the evening and let yourself become absorbed in the pink light as it slowly gives way stars.

Find local raspberries ans strawberries to make an amazing topping for this vegan cheesecake.

Hawai'i Inspiration: Vegan Cheesecake

Recipe by Ani Phyo - courtesy of Alessandra Jann-Jordan

For the crust:

• 1 1/2 cups macadamia nuts (or almonds)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 cup pitted dates

• 1/4 shredded coconut

Chop nuts and dates into small pieces.

Sprinkle with salt and cinnamon. Mix well.

'Flour' bottom of 9 inch spring form pan with shredded coconut. 

Press crust evenly on bottom.

For the filling:

• 3 cups cashews

• 3/4 cup lemon juice

• 1/2 cup honey (or pitted dates)

• 3/4 cup coconut oil

• 1 vanilla bean (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

• Water as needed

Place all ingredients in a food processor and blend into a smooth cream.

Add water as needed to make a smooth, thick batter - like pancake batter.

Smooth into pan and place into freezer until firm - about 12 hours. 

Before serving, defrost on a plate 1/2 hour.

Top with fresh, chopped raspberries and strawberries.

Enjoy!

Spring Smoothies Make Terrific Breakfasts

Life is full. As the days grow longer and we start to be more active, it's as important as ever to start our days with a protein-packed breakfast. Try these smoothies to ease digestion, strengthen the body, mind, and spirit for the day ahead, and embrace spring.

These smoothies are also an ideal way to refuel after a workout, hike, or bike ride. For those of use who need extra protein to support healthy pregnancy or maintain long-term energy during physical activity, add organic hemp seed powder.

Each of these smoothies provides beneficial pro-biotic bacteria with ingredients such as kombucha. They also contain pre-biotic ingredients, such as papaya and flaxseed meal, to nourish that good gut bacteria.

Food is medicine. Learn to use it wisely. Breathe into the present moment and appreciate life for a moment before you sip your healing beverage. 

Digest-Ease Smoothie

Blueberries are high in antioxidants, spinach is rich in fiber and minerals, almond butter provides protein and is pre-biotic, kombucha is pro-biotic, and spirulina micro-algae help to cleanse the lymphatic system. Here's to your health!

You will need:

• 2 cups blueberries - fresh or frozen

• 2 cups spinach

• 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal

• 2 tablespoons almond butter

• 1 teaspoon each: cinnamon and cardamom

• 1 teaspoon spirulina powder

• 1 cup kombucha

Blend all of the ingredients together in a blender.

Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy!

Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie

Turmeric stops the body's inflammatory response, ginger warms the digestive system, papaya provides potent digestive enzymes, walnuts are rich in ellagic acid to nourish the brain, and flax seed is pre-biotic.

You will need:

• 2 cups unsweetened almond milk

• ¼ cup dried, unsweetened papaya, soaked in boiling water for 5 minutes

• ¼ cups walnuts

• ½ inch fresh ginger root

• ½ inch fresh turmeric root

• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ cup flaxseed meal

Boil a bit of water and soak the papaya in a bowl.

Chop ginger and turmeric.

Drain papaya water.

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend well.

Pour into 2 glasses and enjoy!

Do you have a smoothie recipe to share? #showusyoursmoothie

Wonderful One Pot Meals For Spring

Give yourself time to rest and rejuvenate.

Make a simple meal that can be re-heated in the oven and served at dinnertime with enough leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

During the time you would spend cooking in the evening, try doing one of these things.

Go for a walk. Sit in the sun. Talk with a loved one. Hold someone's hand. Breathe deeply, in and out, offering gratitude for another day on the planet.

Quinoa Casserole with Spiced Roots

You will need:

• 4 Tablespoons olive oil

• 2 Tablespoons lime or lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon each: thyme and oregano

• 3 red potatoes, chopped into cubes

• 4 carrots, chopped into ½ inch rounds

• 2 sweet potatoes, chopped into ½ inch rounds

• 1 beet, chopped into cubes

• 1 bunch kale, spinach, or chard, chopped

• Sea salt to taste

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ½ cup walnuts

Heat oil in a large skillet. Add the spices, stir and sauté on low heat for 2 minutes.

Add chopped roots. Raise heat to high for 2 minutes.

Add lime or lemon juice, cover and reduce heat to low. Add spices. Simmer for 10 minutes.

Chop greens. Add to skillet. Add water if anything is sticking to the bottom.

Meanwhile, cook 1 cup quinoa in 2 cups water.

Add nuts towards the end of cooking.

Grease a casserole dish with vegetable oil.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

When roots are soft, place in the contents of the skillet bottom of the casserole dish.

Once quinoa and nuts are cooked, spread it on top of the vegetables.

Bake for 20 minutes.

Enjoy! Serve with sesame lemon sauce if you like.

Sesame Lemon Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

• 2 Tablespoons tahini

• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice

• ½ cup water

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil

• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon tamari

Use as a salad dressing or garnish for casseroles.

Millet Leek Casserole with Tempeh

Start with the millet.

Soak 1 cup millet for 2 hours or so. Strain and rinse millet.

You can also cook without soaking. This process removes phytic acid, making millet more digestible.

Pour into a cooking pot with 3 cups water.

Bring to a boil; then reduce to simmer.

Simmer until millet begins to thicken (about 20 minutes). Stir occasionally, as though cooking oatmeal.

Add:

• 3 Tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 carrots, grated

• ½ teaspoon each: thyme and nutmeg

Cook on low heat and stir occasionally until millet thickens.

Meanwhile, chop 2 leeks.

Place in a deep skillet with 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Sauté for 5 minutes.

Chop 1 8-ounce package of tempeh into cubes.

Place tempeh in a bowl and add:

• 1 teaspoon tamari

• 1 teaspoon tahini

• 1 teaspoon brown mustard

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon coriander

Mix well.

Pour contents of bowl into the skillet with leeks.

Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, until tempeh is browning slightly.

Meanwhile, chop kale – about 2 packed cups.

Add kale and ½ cup water to the skillet.

Cover and cook on medium low heat for 5 more minutes.

Set aside.

Grease a glass baking dish (9x9) with olive or sunflower oil.

Pour one third of the millet into the baking dish and flatten it evenly.

Cover with half of the vegetable mixture.

Add another layer of millet, followed by vegetables.

Finish with millet.

Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until the top is turning golden.

Buckwheat Cauliflower Casserole

Place 1 cup dry kasha (buckwheat groats) and 2 ½ cups water in a stock pot.

Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes until kasha begins to thicken.

Add ½ teaspoon each: salt, coriander, nutmeg

Stir vigorously until grain reaches porridge-like consistency. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Chop 1 large head cauliflower into florets.Chop 3 large carrots into crescents.

Oil a rectangular baking dish.

Add carrots and cauliflower to the baking dish.

Season with ½ teaspoon each: salt, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon.

Toss well to coat.

Roast for 30 minutes.

Remove from oven and reduce heat to 350 degrees.

Mix as many peas as you like with the cauliflower and carrots. Remove from baking dish and set aside in a bowl temporarily.

Cover the bottom of the baking dish with a thin layer of cooked kasha.

Cover kasha with the vegetables.

Cover vegetables with the rest of the cooked kasha.

Bake for 15 minutes, cool and enjoy!

Healthy Eating Inspiration from India

When I was traveling through Northern India, I spent as much time as possible absorbing the aromas, textures, flavors, and cooking techniques of roadside vendors and food kiosks.

It is amazing to get to watch food prepared in a way that's so connected to cultural creativity.

Try these recipes and food meditation, inspired by the healing culinary gifts of India.

Aloo Saag – Potatoes and Spinach

You will need:

• 2 tablespoons sunflower oil or ghee (clarified butter)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger

• 2 large potatoes, cut into chunks

• ½ tsp each: salt, cumin, turmeric, and garam masala

• 1 tablespoon mustard

• 2 cups spinach leaves

Heat the oil in a large pan.

Add the onion, garlic and ginger, and fry for about 3 minutes.

Stir in the potatoes and spices.

Continue cooking and stirring for 5 minutes more.

Add a splash of water, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes.

Check the potatoes are ready by spearing with the point of a knife, and if they are, add the spinach and let it wilt into the pan.

Take off the heat and serve with grilled chicken and rice.

Ghee

Ghee, or clarified butter, is unsalted butter that has been separated from its water and milk proteins. When heated, butter will separate into three layers: the casein, a frothy layer on top; the clarified butterfat--the ghee--in the middle; and the milk solids, and proteins in the bottom.

Heat 1 lb. of unsalted butter in a stainless steel stock pot. When it starts bubbling, reduce heat to low.

Fetch a small bowl and spoon.

Stay with the butter, skimming the foamy white casein that rises to the surface with the spoon.  Repeat the skimming process for about 15 minutes, or until the ghee has stopped making any bubbling sounds.

Remove from heat immediately. Strain through a fine mesh tea strainer or cheesecloth into a glass mason jar. This process removes leftover milk solids. Ghee can be used to cook for people who are lactose intolerant.

Allow it to cool completely before closing.

Ghee stores at room temperature for 2-3 weeks.

Fresh, Fruity, & Fabulous

Smoothies are not just for breakfast! Enjoy them as snacks when the afternoon blues hit or serve them in a little cup as dessert when visitors come to dinner.

With the coming new moon and spring equinox on March 20th, these recipes will uplift you and inspire you to sow seeds of intention for the season to come.

Each one of these recipes features coconut, which helps to tone and nourish your hormonal and digestive systems and bring the balance that's synonymous with this time of year.

Coconut

Saturated fat, solid at room temperature, coconut is a plant-based alternative to saturated animal fats. It stimulates brain function and promotes intestinal motility. Its anti-bacterial action makes it an important fat to choose during times of illness or infection and is specifically indicated for combating intestinal parasites. This food is considered sacred by people from the Indonesian Archipelago to the Indian Sub-Continent because of its potent healing properties. 

Coconut Cream Pie

You will need:

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 cup water

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 banana

• ½ orange

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Blend until smooth.

Decadent Chocolate Cherry

You will need:

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 cup water

• ¾ cup of frozen cherries

• 1 tablespoon cacao powder

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Blend until smooth.

Soothing Delight

You will need:

• 1 cup coconut milk

• 1 cup water

• 1 ripe avocado, peeled and de-seeded

• 2 dates, fresh or dried, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Blend until smooth.

Wholesome Bread

This wholesome bread is protein-rich, gluten-free, and delicious!

Try making it this weekend.

You will need:

• Baking paper

• Food processor or high powered blender

• 1 cup whole raw buckwheat groats

• 1/2 cup flaxseeds

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• 1/2 cup coconut flour

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder

Optional:

Add 1 teaspoon each: coriander, cumin, caraway & fenugreek seeds

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Place raw buckwheat groats, flaxseed, and sunflower seeds into a food processor and mix on high until the mix resembles flour.

When the flour mix is done, add all the remaining ingredients and mix on high until it resembles dough.

Line a loaf pan with baking / waxed paper and grease the paper with some extra coconut oil.

Place bread in the oven and cook for 35 minutes (until the bread is firm ton top and springs back when gently pressed).

Remove from the oven and cool for 30 minutes in the tin.

Allow to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for a week.

Healing Bowl of Delight

To celebrate the arrival of darker evenings, I am cooking with more root vegetables, warming spices, and foods to balance mental health.

Try this recipe to delight your senses and soothe your soul. It's a great way to cleanse after a day of rich, Thanksgiving-style eating.

BOUNTIFUL BOWL OF DELIGHT

This healing meal is comprised of three parts: pickled cabbage slaw, ginger tahini sauce, and vegetable legume pilaf.

PICKLED CABBAGE SLAW

You will need:

• Half a head of red or green cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup water

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon each: cumin, coriander, fenugreek and cinnamon

GARLIC, GINGER + TAHINI SAUCE

You will need:

• ¼ cup tahini

• ¼ cup water

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon salt or tamari

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• ½ teaspoon freshly chopped ginger root

• ½ teaspoon freshly chopped garlic

VEGETABLE + LEGUME PILAF

You will need:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed

• Olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 bunch (2 packed cups) of kale, chard, collards or spinach, roughly chopped

• 2 cups cooked brown rice, millet, kasha, or quinoa – cooked with wakame seaweed

• 2 cups cooked beans (I like adzuki or kidney beans)*

• 1 teaspoon dry rosemary leaf powder

• 1/2 avocado, sliced

Make the pickled cabbage a day in advance. Place the red or green cabbage in a large jar or airtight container. In a large measuring cup, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, honey and salt. Pour the liquid over the red cabbage and press the cabbage down so that it is fully covered. Cover the jar/container and place in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

To prepare the tahini sauce, combine all ingredients in a cup or small bowl and whisk well. Chill until ready to use.

Cook grains in twice as much water. Add seaweed halfway through cooking. Salt grains with about 1 teaspoon of salt per 2 cups of dry grains.

*If you are using dry beans, soak overnight and cook in three times as much water with more seaweed. Skim off any foam that rises to the top and discard it. Once beans are soft, rinse them well. Season them with rosemary, salt, and olive oil. Set them aside.

To cook the sweet potato, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Grease a baking sheet with olive oil. Spread the sweet potatoes out on the sheet. Drizzle a little more olive oil on top and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss with a spatula until fully coated. Roast in the oven for 35 minutes, tossing them with a spatula after 15 minutes.

For the greens, fill a large shallow sauce pan or medium pot with about 1 to 2 inches of water. Place a steamer basket in the pot and fill the basket with the chopped greens. Cover the pot and turn the heat up to high. Once the water begins to boil, or after about 4 to 5 minutes, remove the kale from the basket and set aside.

In 2 bowls, divide the cooked grains, legumes, and sweet potato. Add a generous serving of greens. Top with slices of avocado and pickled cabbage. Drizzle the sauce over the top and enjoy!

Chocolate Pie

This wonderfully delicious pie is raw, gluten-free, and rich in protein and natural sweetness from dates and maple syrup.

It's a great alternative to Halloween candy, too.

You can watch this video to learn how to make it with me.

CHOCOLATE PIE

For the crust:

• 6 dates, pitted, soaked briefly in hot water, and drained

• 1 cup almonds

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds

• A pinch of salt

• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom

Blend these all in the food processor.

Grease a pie dish with sunflower oil or coconut oil.

Flatten crust into the bottom and sides of the dish.

For the filling:

• 1 cup cashews, blended in food processor

• 1 cup cocoa powder

• 1/4 cup boiling water

• 1 spoonful coconut butter

• 1/3 cup shredded coconut

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds as a topping

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.

Spread filling over crust and sprinkle chopped almonds over the top.

Chill for at least half an hour and enjoy!

If you prefer a hot pie, you can bake it at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Immune Soup

A food’s energetic quality is inherent to it. Cooking can modify it, but only to a certain extent.  A cooling food like fruit, even when cooked, is still relatively cooling. Ginger or cinnamon can be added to an apple to increase its warming quality, but the fruit’s original cooling effect remains.  As we prepare for winter, we can eat warm and warming foods to prevent illness and strengthen ourselves for the colder months to come.

Foods rich in protein and fat have more calories and thus are more warming. Vegetables that grow more slowly are also more warming. For example, cabbage is more warming than lettuce and root vegetables are warmer than peppers or tomatoes.

The fire element is related to heat in the body. Metabolism and circulation depend upon this stimulating quality to transform food and body chemicals into functional substances and circulate them throughout the system. Foods that are hot, both in temperature and spice level, increase metabolism and circulation.

To support healthy immunity, we must first promote healthy digestion.

To do so during the fall and winter, eat plenty of whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds and slow-growing vegetables for protein and vital energy. Increase fats from nuts and seeds, coconut oil, grass-fed butter, olive and/ or sunflower oil.

Steam, bake or roast vegetables (use coconut or sunflower oil for roasting) and garnish with oil and garlic. This practice helps the body assimilate of fat soluble vitamins like A and D, which are also found in whole milk, dairy, and eggs.

Enjoy hearty meat and or bean-based stews, root dishes, and spices, whole grain porridges as winter comfort foods that are both heating and healing. 

IMMUNE SOUP

Start heating a pot of cold water on the stovetop.

Add:

• 3 chicken legs, stew beef with bones, lamb shanks – leave meat out if you prefer

• A handful of astragalus root and/or codonopsis root

• A handful of fresh or dried shitake or maitake mushrooms

• 2 inches of rinsed kombu seaweed

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 carrots, chopped into quarters

• 2 stalks celery, chopped in half

• 1 onion, whole with peel removed

• 1 head garlic, whole with peel removed

Cover the pot and bring to boil, lower the heat and simmer for 1 to 2 hours, until any meat falls off the bones.

Remove bones, herbs, any dried mushrooms and roots from the soup.

Now, you can add other vegetables and herbs, such as:

Aromatic vegetables like parsnips, turnips, mustard greens and leeks – these reduce congestion

Orange vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and winter squash – these are rich in carotenoids, which support immunity and respiratory health.

Spices such as thyme, black pepper and oregano – these are anti-microbial and reduce risk of contracting a viral or bacterial infection

Simmer the soup until everything is tender, then add more fresh garlic and ginger if you like. Taste for salt.

Serve with a drizzle of your favorite oil and a whole grain.

Pear, Brussels Sprout, and Fig Salad

September is here, the full moon is just past, and everything in the garden is finding its peak ripeness.

Start reveling in the culinary delicacies of fall.

PEAR, BEET + FIG SALAD

You will need:

• 2 pears, chopped

• 2 cups Brussels sproouts

• 6 fresh figs (or 3 dried figs), cut into small pieces

• 1/4 cup organic hazelnuts or almonds, chopped

• 2 tablespoons of your best olive oil

• 1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse Brussels sprouts, chop in half, and toss with salt and olive oil. Arrange on a cookie sheet so that they are not touching. Roast for 20 minutes.

Place in a large serving bowl.

Chop pears and figs.

Add them to the sprouts and mix gently.

Add figs and nuts, toss with olive, vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper, and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

Gut Healing Salad

As September makes itself known and we prepare for the wonderful and melancholy decay of autumn, we can make double batches of bright, fresh, colorful dishes and set some aside for the colder months.

Do this with any dish by freezing half of it.

I just did so with quinoa cakes.

Alternately, you can also prepare a vegetable-rich shredded salad and lacto-ferment half of it by placing it in a mason jar and covering it with saltwater brine.

LACTO-FERMENTED SALAD

You will need:

• 1 bunch of scallions, chopped

• 2 cups Napa or Savoy cabbage, shredded

• 2 carrots, shredded

• 1 inch daikon radish, shredded

• 3 large stalks celery, thinly sliced

Double these quantities and set half aside for fermenting.

I like to use the shredding blades on my food processor to make quick shredded vegetables.

Then, toss with the dressing below and serve over cooked quinoa as a hearty lunch.

For the dressing:

• 3 teaspoons sunflower or olive oil

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1 teaspoon tamari or soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons tahini

• one generous handful cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (I like walnuts or almonds)

To ferment the vegetables above, just stuff them into a quart-sized mason jar.

Fill another mason jar with 1/4 cup water and 2 tablespoons salt.

Pour over vegetables and mash down with a wooden spoon continuously until the veggies generate enough juice to cover themselves.

You can step away from pounding and tend to other tasks in the kitchen, too.

Cover with a cloth and press down once a day for a week.

Then, refrigerate and save for up to 2 months.

Stone Fruit Tart

Late summer: harvest time, abundance, peaches, plums, berries, and the first apples.

Maple trees tinge red-gold and mornings are crisp and dew-dropped. 

Now is the time to enjoy this abundance.

Feed your body. Feed your soul.

STONE FRUIT TART

You will need:

• 1 lemon

• 1 1/2 cups millet flour (gluten-free) or spelt flour (wheat-free)

• 1 teaspoons baking powder

• a pinch of sea salt

• 1/2 cup coconut oil OR unsalted butter at room temperature

• 1/3 cup maple syrup

• 2 large eggs OR 4 tablespoons flaxseed meal dissolved in just as much hot water

• 5 plums, 6 apricots, OR 4 peaches, pitted and cut in half or into wedges

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon each: cardamom, cloves, nutmeg

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Grease a 9 inch cake pan.

In a large mixing bowl, zest the lemon and squeeze out the juice. 

Add the flour, baking powder, and salt. 

Add the oil or butter in pieces and smash into the flour mixture with a fork so that the fat is well coated with flour.

Add the maple syrup and eggs / flaxseed, mix well, and spread into the pan.

Arrange the fruit halves / wedges in concentric circles on top of the batter, lightly pressing them in. 

In a small bowl, combine the spices and 2 tablespoons maple syrup. 

Pour the mixture over the fruit and bake about 1 hour. 

Serve warm.

First Harvest Time

Lammas, "Loaf Mass" - also known as Lughdnasah by Gaelic people - is the first harvest time, when agrarian people of the Northern hemisphere prepare fermented foods and enjoy the gifts of wheat, corn, beans, and summer squash.

Try these recipes to include first harvest foods in your meals.

CRANBERRY BEAN AND CORN SALAD

You will need:

• 1 pound cranberry beans

• ¼ cup olive oil

• 3 shallots, chopped

• 2 ears fresh corn, shucked

• 1 teaspoons thyme, de-stemmed

• 2 teaspoons rosemary, de-stemmed

• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon each: salt and freshly ground black pepper

Soak beans in cold water overnight or for 8 hours.

Then, bring beans and 8 cups water to a boil.

Reduce heat to medium and cook until beans are tender - about 35 minutes.

Drain and transfer to a bowl; set aside.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shallots until soft, about 5 minutes.

Remove corn from ears and add to skillet.

Add thyme and rosemary. Cook for 5 minutes more.

Let cool slightly; transfer to bowl with beans.

Toss with vinegar, salt, and pepper. Enjoy!

CORN CAKES WITH FRESH HERB SPREAD

For the spread:

• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves

• 1 cup packed fresh parsley leaves

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1/3 cup cashews

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

Blend these together in a food processor. Set aside.

For the corn cakes:

• 1/2 cup organic, non-GM cornmeal

• 1/2 cup flour (wheat, spelt, or millet)

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

• 1 cup milk (almond, rice, or cow)

• 2 eggs OR 4 tablespoons flaxseed meal dissolved in just as much hot water

• 3/4 cup fresh sweet corn kernels - about 1 large cob

• olive or sunflower oil for cooking

Whisk together cornmeal, flour, powder salt and paprika in a large bowl.

Make a well in the center, add butter, milk, eggs/flaxseed, and corn.

Whisk wet ingredients together briefly then incorpoate with dry ingredients.

Heat some olive or sunflower oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet (about 1/4 cup per corn cake).

Cook until cakes are golden brown and cooked through, about 3 minutes per side.

Serve warm with a garnish of herb spread.

Salad Dinner

Summer is the time to enjoy creative combinations of fruits and vegetables with tangy dressings.

Try these for your next dinner party, picnic, or potluck.

PEACHY GREEN BEAN SALAD

You will need:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon each: salt and freshly ground black pepper1 pound ripe peaches, sliced

• 1 handful lemon balm,  finely chopped

• 2 pounds green beans, ends snipped

• 1/2 cup almonds, chopped

Whisk oil vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

Slice, pit and add peaches. Mix well and set aside.

Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil.

Add beans and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. 

Add to peach mixture. Toss to combine.

Add almonds, toss one more time, and serve!

GET CREATIVE: Enjoy with white bean, garlic and parsley salad.

TOMATO SWEET POTATO SALAD

You will need:

• 3 large sweet potatoes, chopped into cubes

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon each: coriander and salt

• 1 inch fresh ginger root, minced

• 2 handfuls cilantro, chopped

• ¼ cup fresh lime juice

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 3 small tomatoes, chopped

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet with oil, coriander and salt.

Bake for 45 minutes.

Whisk ginger, cilantro, lime and honey in a large bowl. 

Add potatoes and tomatoes.

Toss to combine and serve warm.

GET CREATIVE: Sprinkle goat cheese over the top. Roll the salad into wraps and slice length-wise into bite-sized pieces.

LENTIL BEET SALAD

You will need:

• 1 pound red and /or golden beets, chopped

• 4 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 2 cups indigo or green lentils, soaked for 3 or 4 hours

• 2 tablespoons brown mustard

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 red apple, chopped into cubes

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place beets on a baking sheet with oil and salt.

Roast for 1 hour or until fork-tender.

Bring soaked lentils and 4 cups of water to a boil.

Reduce heat to simmer and cook, covered, about 45 minutes. 

Drain, discarding liquid, and rinse through a fine-mesh colander.

Place in a large bowl and toss with mustard, oil, vinegar, apple, honey and garlic.

Add beets, toss once more, and enjoy!

GET CREATIVE: puree the whole salad and shape it into burgers. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes on each side and enjoy with green salad and toasted sourdough bread drizzled with olive oil.