Strawberry Banana Tacos with Tahini Sauce

So I did it again, I adapted another recipe to what I had on hand... the original recipe can be found at Vibrance Magazine online. Just scroll down the page until you see the article "6 Vibrant Recipes to Spring You Into Summer" by Christina Chadney. Her recipe called for using romaine lettuce and some fresh parsley, which I didn't have. Instead I just omitted the parsley and used small red leaf lettuce. Let me say this, these were incredible good, even my parents enjoyed them for lunch :) The tahini mixed with the sweet strawberries was a super delish taste sensation! For dinner BTW, I am having left over tahini sauce with blueberries and some HealthForce SuperFoods Vanilla Spice MacaForce! Yumm Yumm!!!

Strawberry Banana Tacos with Tahini Sauce (Serves 2)

1 head of red leaf lettuce

1/2 c sesame seeds or  already made raw tahini

2 sticks celery

1/2-3/4 c water

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Strawberries

Bananas

Cinnamon

Sesame seeds

(also would be sooo good with fresh blueberries!)

Directions:

Blend sesame seeds/tahini, celery, water and lemon juice and set aside. Next rinse lettuce and put each leaf on the plate like a taco shell.  Then, fill "shell" with chopped strawberries then pour on the tahini sauce, sprinkle with cinnamon, top with sliced bananas and sprinkle with sesame seeds... kind of a layering effect. Then eat them :)

Raw Strawberry Basil Smoothie!

 I made my own recipe up for this strawberry basil smoothie based on the recipe I found at Petit Gateau and what I had in the refrigerator. Okay... seriously this is a totally yum yum smoothie!!! The key ingredient here is the basil... the unusual smoothie ingredient really does work in this. Basil it turns out is pretty cool... I have learned now that flavonoids and volatile oils (a good thing) are found in basil.

From Worlds Healthiest Foods:

"Orientin andvicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil, and in studies on human white blood cells; these components of basil protect cell structures as well as chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage. In addition, basil has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. These "anti-bacterial" properties of basil are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils, which contain estragole, linalool, cineole,eugenol, sabinene, myrcene, and limonene. Lab studies show the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria, including : Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli O:157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica, andPseudomonas aeruginosa. Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. In a study published in the July 2003 issue of the Journal of Microbiology Methods, essential oil of basil was even found to inhibit strains of bacteria from the generaStaphylococcus, Enterococcus and Pseudomonas, all of which are not only widespread, but now pose serious treatment difficulties because they have developed a high level of resistance to treatment with antibiotic drugs.(September 8, 2003) Studies published in the February 2004 issue of Food Microbiology, have shown that washing produce in solution containing either basil or thyme essential oil at the very low concentration of just 1% resulted in dropping the number ofShigella, an infectious bacteria that triggers diarrhea and may cause significant intestinal damage, below the point at which it could be detected. While scientists use this research to try to develop natural food preservatives, it makes good sense to include basil and thyme in more of your recipes, particularly for foods that are not cooked such as salads. Adding fresh thyme and/or basil to your next vinaigrette will not only enhance the flavor of your fresh greens, but will help ensure that the fresh produce you consume is safe to eat. (March 25, 2004)."

Some other added benefits of basil include high amounts of antioxidants and extremely high levels of vitamin K, iron, calcium and vitamin A. Along with these are moderate levels of dietary fiber, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C and potassium.  So I say drink your beautiful green basil smoothies, they are delicious and excellent for your total overall health!

Strawberry Basil Smoothie

2 C Strawberries

1 C Basil Leaves

2  Bananas

1.5 C Fresh Spinach

2 T Chia Seeds

Juice of 1/2 Lemon

1 C Water

1/2 C Almond Milk

2T Flaxseed Oil

Ice

Raw Honey (to taste)

Blend and Enjoy!!!

Wean Yourself Off Processed Foods

                                  

I just found this article this morning, and the author makes a lot of sense. He has some very simple ideas about how to start eating real food while weaning yourself off of the processed junk that you can implement into your daily life. We need to re-learn what real food tastes like. I am sincerely starting to believe that we are becoming truly addicted to all the artificial flavors, colors, preservatives... chemicals for crying out loud and definitely the absurd amounts of sugar in EVERYTHING!!! If you read labels like I do, you will have noticed that you find these things in the most unexpected products... like bacon... seriously!!! The other day I was looking at a package of bacon and aside from the nitrates I expected to see there was also: sodium benzoate, red 40, high fructose corn syrup etc. etc. etc. That seems so wrong.

I myself have struggles with wretched cravings for things like hostess cupcakes! It's almost embarrassing. In fact I have said to myself recently that if I want a hostess cupcake, I will not allow myself to get it the easy way, I will have to make it myself. Now, when you add in a stipulation like that, it feels fair... you think great! I can have my sweet little treat... but guess what it works very well also at keeping you from having that sweet little treat because, do you know the work involved in this project??? Homemade hostess cupcakes are not the easiest recipe around! So you kind of put it on the back burner as a project and before you know it you forget about it :) However if you feel up to it, here is a link to a very delicious looking homemade hostess cupcake recipe.

 I wanted to share my experience using coconut oil with you all.  For many years I had been given birth control pills and something called spironolactone (it is actually a diuretic) to help with acne. This is pretty much what they give to women who have the Polycystic Ovarian  disorder. While it did clear up quite well, I was feeling some adverse side effects, I think from the pill. I had taken several different ones over the years to boot. I started reading some information about the pill and decided to just stop taking both prescriptions. When I did I almost immediately started to break out again. I tried many more natural remedies... but none seemed to do much. I felt that suffering from the acne was causing way way to much anxiety, so I once again got frustrated and wondered if I should get back onto my old prescriptions. I thought that would at least return me to the previous quality of life that I had known. So, I returned to the dermatologist and got the prescriptions. I did feel somewhat defeated however. Now, it had been almost a year since the last time I had taken these prescriptions. The first new dose I took of these medications gave me the worst allergic reaction and I ended up going to the ER. Apparently, my body decided these were no good for me anymore and now I can never take them again.  All of this led me with no choice but to continue seeking out a natural solution. Again, I tried many things that had no effect on my skin... that is until I started reading about coconut oil. For the past few months I have been diligently eating coconut oil as a supplement PLUS it is the ONLY thing I put on my face. I do not use any other lotions and I only wash my face with water. I do however use a small amount of some organic make-up. I also have extremely dry skin. The coconut oil has been a true life saver for me. I only use a extra virgin organic raw coconut oil. It has moisturized my skin while getting rid of a lot of the acne (it doesn't clog pores) and on top of that the small scars and discoloration from the acne is starting to fade. It is a slow process with coconut oil but if you can be patient with it I absolutely know it helps. Coconut oil has been found to get rid of skin cancers among other cancers, including helping with prostate and breast cancers. It is the lauric acid in it that is what is so extremely incredible. "Approximately 50% of the fatty acids in coconut fat are lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium chain fatty acid, which has the additional beneficial function of being formed into monolaurin in the human or animal body. Monolaurin is the antiviral, antibacterial, and antiprotozoal monoglyceride used by the human or animal to destroy lipid coated viruses such as HIV, herpes, cytomegalovirus, influenza, various pathogenic bacteria including listeria monocytogenes and heliobacter pylori, and protozoa such as giardia lamblia. Some studies have also shown some antimicrobial effects of the free lauric acid." (Dr. Mary Enig) This would be an excellent addition to your health routine. The recommended amount per day is 3.5 tablespoons.  You can either eat it right off the spoon (say a bit over 1 tablespoon per meal) or mix it all in some warmed orange juice. As for putting it on your skin, I typically put it on at night after I wash my face with water, I just rub a small amount in- you don't need to use that much. And then I wash my face with water again in the morning and apply a little more oil and then my make up. It does not leave me looking greasy whatsoever. I should mention I am also drinking more water, usually in the form of an herbal tea.  

"What Coconut Oil DOES NOT Do:

- Does not increase blood cholesterol level. 

- Does not promote platelet stickiness or blood clot fomation.

- Does not contribute to atherosclerosis or heart disease. 

- Does not contribute to weight problems.

What Coconut Oil DOES Do:  

- Reduces risk of atherosclerosis and related illnesses. 

- Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions. 

- Helps prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal (ie. yeast infections)

- Supports immune system function. 

- Helps control diabetes.

- Provides an immediate source of energy.

- Supports healthy metabolic function.

- Improves digestion and nutrient absorption.

- Supplies important nutrients necessary for good health.

- Supplies fewer calories than other fats.

- Promotes weight loss.

- Helps prevent osteoporosis.

- Has a mild delicate flavor.

- Is highly resistant to spoilage (long shelf life).

- Is heat resistant (the healthiest oil for cooking).

- Helps keep skin soft and smooth.

- Helps prevent premature aging and wrinkling of the skin.

- Helps protect against skin cancer and other blemishes. 

- Functions as a protective antioxidant."

http://www.coconut-connections.com/index.htm

New Mexico Raw Cowboy Chili

I have been experimenting with adding more raw foods to my diet over the past few months. When I recently returned from Montana and after eating a lot of junk on the trip... not really because it was what I wanted to eat, but because my choices were slim, I felt pretty bad. So since my return home, I have been doing more than ever to eat well and today I came up with this recipe, which I honestly have to say turned out dern good!

2 cups Walnuts (soaked for an hour before you make the chili and then rinsed)
1 small hand full raisins
1 packet chili or taco seasoning (preferably organic... I got mine at Albertsons)
1 yellow bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 box grape tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped celery
2-3 small tomatoes
2 tsp garlic powder
3 tsp cumin
1-2 dried red chili pods w/stem removed (found in mexican cooking isle of grocery store)
3 tablespoons flax seed oil
1/2 bunch chopped cilantro
(if desired, 1 finely chopped small onion)

Directions:
In food processor combine walnuts, chili pod(s), packet of taco seasoning, raisins, 1/2 yellow bell pepper and 1/2 green bell pepper and flax seed oil. Combine until it produces a finer chunky mixture then pour into soup pan. Next blend or process the 2-3 small tomatoes until they form a liquid and add to soup pan. Chop grape tomatoes, remaining bell peppers, (onion if desired), and 1/2 cilantro, and add to soup pan. Finally add in cumin and garlic powder and stir all ingredients together. Warm on stovetop constantly stirring and serve (do not actually cook). You may add the remaining cilantro on top of the chili. Enjoy!

Serves 2-4 Depending on whether you are also having another dish.

Homemade Vanilla Extract... it's sooo worth it!

 have been thinking lately about vanilla, vanilla extract to be exact. It is an ingredient that we add to so many wonderful homemade goodies... baked goods, drinks and even lotions among other things. But, it is soo not cheap. Which got me thinking "I am sure I could make my own!" This recipe will win you over... and as the saying goes "good things come to those who wait..." Granted it does take four to eight weeks to brew... but it's worth every drop! And, it's cheap!

Vanilla Extract 

2 Cups Vodka 

6 Vanilla Beans

Seal tight glass bottle/jar

• Using a sharp kitchen knife, cut a lengthwise slit down the middle of each vanilla bean
• Add vanilla beans to container and completely cover with plain vodka
• Put sealed jar to sit in a cupboard out of any light  
• Let sit for 4-8 weeks, the extract should be a nice dark color

Raw Indian Curry with Cauliflower "Rice"

                                

Last week I decided to try this recipe out on my parents and my husband... amazingly lol, they didn't just like it, they LOVED it! So before you knock it, you gotta try it!

Raw Indian Curry with Cauliflower "Rice"
1 head of Cauliflower
1 large Cucumber
1 box of Grape Tomatoes
1 finely chopped Green Bell Pepper
1.5 C Brazil Nuts soaking in 1.5 C Water
1/4 C Raisins
1/2 C Olive Oil
3 Large Collard Leaves
1.5 tsp. Curry Powder
1/2 tsp. Turmeric
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground Cloves
1/4 tsp. Cardamom
1/4 tsp. Coriander
1/2 tsp. Garlic powder
1/4 tsp. Paprika
Salt and Pepper to taste

For the Curry Sauce
Combine Brazil Nuts with the soaking water,  1/4 C of the Olive Oil,  Raisins, Curry powder. Turmeric, Coriander, Garlic powder, Paprika. Blend in blender until it becomes very creamy.

For The "Meat"
Chop grape tomatoes, green bell pepper and cucumber and collard leaves, toss together and the mix with Curry Sauce. Add Salt & Pepper to taste.

For the "Rice"
Chop Cauliflower and add remaining 1/4 C Olive Oil to food processor. Process with the "S" blade until the Cauliflower resembles rice, but do not let it get mushy. Next, put it in a separate bowl and add Cinnamon, Cloves and Cardamom.

To Top it off
You can use sprouts, cilantro, dill or whatever you like!


Let ingredients stand in refrigerator overnight for best results.  When serving layer "Rice" on bottom, then "Meat" on top of "Rice" and top it off with something green!