Chocolate Bark with Pumpkin Seeds and Sea Salt

If you want to have something a little sweet and a little savory, this is the perfect snack or dessert! The combination of the sweetness of the chocolate, the savoriness of the pumpkin seeds, and the sea salt is just plain divine. And hey - it has pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate, so it's health food, right? At least that's what I tell myself.

Ingredients:

• 2 10 oz. bags vegan chocolate chips
• about 1 t sea salt + more for topping
• 2 C raw pumpkin seeds

Preparation:

1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave.
2. Mix in salt and pumpkin seeds.
3. Pour onto a cookie sheet lined with freezer or wax paper. Spread in a thin layer.
4. Sprinkle the top with sea salt and put in the fridge or freezer to chill.
5. Break into pieces once it has hardened - you choose the size!
6. Enjoy! Store in a freezer-safe container in the fridge or freezer to keep fresh.

Vegetable and Three Bean Salad

This recipe was inspired by some vegetable salsa my friend Jennifer brought me - it was AMAZING! I made a few modifications - not as much oil and sugar/sugar substitute, different beans and peppers, and walnut oil instead of canola oil. You can adjust the oil and sweetness to suit your tastes. Just a reminder: I used mostly organic ingredients. Use organic when possible!

Ingredients:

Salad:

• 1 can Northern white beans
• 1 can chickpeas
• 1 can red kidney beans
• 2 C frozen corn
• 1 roasted red bell pepper (from a jar), chopped
• 1 large sweet onion, diced
• 3-4 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 2 small jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 1 Anaheim pepper, chopped
• To add before serving (optional):
• 1 heirloom tomato, chopped
• 1 large handful of cilantro, chopped

Dressing:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/3 cup agave nectar
• 1/4 cup walnut oil
• 1 T water
• 1 t salt
• 1/2 t black pepper

Preparation:

1. Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Mix dressing ingredients in a separate bowl, and whisk to combine.
3. Pour dressing over salad and allow it to marinate in the fridge for at least a couple of hours before serving.
4. Stir in chopped tomato and cilantro before serving, if desired.
5. Enjoy!

Five Ways to Use Basil Essential Oil

Did you know that the essential oils of common kitchen herbs are 50-70 percent more concentrated than the raw herbs? I recently received a bottle of basil essential oil in my monthly order, and it is AMAZING! Most of us have used basil, an aromatic annual herb of the mint family, in our cooking, but the oil from this plant can be used for more than just a great red sauce. Read on for five ways to use this remarkable essential oil.

1. Diffuse it. Basil essential oil is believed to promote mental alertness and lessen anxious feelings. Diffuse for a feeling of relief at the end of your work day, or diffuse to sharpen focus while studying or reading. You can blend it with lime, bergamot and/or peppermint essential oil and diffuse for an invigorating aroma.
2. Apply to fatigued muscles or joints. Basil provides restorative benefits to both the mind and body due to its high linalool content, making it an ideal application for sore muscles and joints. If you have sensitive skin, be sure and dilute it with a carrier oil. My favorites are fractionated coconut oil and jojoba oil.
3. Enhance its restorative benefits by applying to the temples and the back of the neck to reduce tension. Again, dilute for any skin sensitivity.
4. Ladies, try taking a drop internally to provide soothing support during your menstrual cycle.* Please note that not all oils are created equal - use caution! Make sure you are using a certified pure therapeutic grade oil if you are going to use it internally. I only use one brand, and you are welcome to contact me if you'd like to know what brand I use and why.
5. Of course, use it in cooking! Add it to your favorite Italian dishes for a refreshing taste. Keep in mind how concentrated it is, though - a little goes a long way!

If you have any questions or want to learn more about using essential oils in your daily life, please contact me.

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or medical condition.

Spinach and Mushroom Salad with Pearled Couscous

Lately, I've gotten in to salads that combine raw and cooked elements. I got hooked on a salad in Chico, CA that had marinated tofu, brown rice, and quinoa on top of organic greens. SO tasty. This salad may sound a little odd, but it works. Beautifully.

Ingredients:

• 1 box pearled couscous, cooked according to package directions
• 1 package organic baby spinach
• 2 portobello mushroom caps
• 4-6 cremini mushrooms
• 1-2 T olive oil
• 1 t fig balsamic vinegar
• pinch of dried basil
• 1/2 white onion
• 1/2 red pepper
• slivered almonds, toasted
• lemon tahini dressing*
• salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Saute the mushrooms in olive oil until tender and darkened. (It will look like you have a ton of mushrooms at first, but don't worry - they will cook down!)
2. Add fig balsamic vinegar, basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
3. In a separate pan, saute red peppers and onions in a bit of olive oil.
4. Cook the pearled couscous according to package directions, and toast the almonds in a dry pan.
5. To assemble, put baby spinach in the bottom of your bowls. Top with mushrooms, red peppers, and onions.
6. Sprinkle with toasted almonds, drizzle with lemon tahini dressing, and top with pearled couscous.
7. Enjoy!

Notes:

*For the lemon tahini dressing, I don't really use a recipe. The ingredients are water, tahini, lemon juice, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, and garlic or garlic powder. I usually mix everything but the water together first, taste test it, adjust, and then add water to thin to desired consistency. Note that if you use raw garlic, use it sparingly - it's much stronger than powdered or granulated garlic!

Ten Ways to Use Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil is sometimes referred to as "liquid sunshine" - for a good reason! It is one of the most versatile essential oils, it is quite inexpensive, and it is an aromatic powerhouse. It has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and mood enhancing properties. Read on for 10 every day uses of lemon essential oil.

1. Cooking. Add a drop of lemon oil to add flavor to baked goods.
2. In your water. At home and especially when dining out - never mind adding a slice of lemon that may be teeming with pesticides. Carry your lemon oil with you!
3. Lemonade. No fresh lemons, no problem. Mix 2 drops of lemon oil, 2 tablespoons of agave nectar, and 2 cups of water.
4. Air freshener. Put several drops in a squirt bottle with water to use to freshen any room.
5. Spot cleaner. Use 1-2 drops to remove gum, grease, or oil from surfaces.
6. Countertops. Add 2-3 drops to water and spray counters to sterilize.
7. Dish cloths and sponges. Soak your dish cloths and sponges overnight in a bowl of lemon-infused water to disinfect.
8. Public bathrooms. Rub 1-2 drops on your hands after using a public restroom.
9. Varicose veins. Rub several drops on varicose veins to improve circulation and decrease pressure on the veins.
10. Mental clarity and mood. Diffuse in your work or study space to promote a positive mood and enhance cognitive ability.

These are just a few of the many uses for lemon essential oil. To learn more about certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils, please contact me!

Creamy Avocado Citrus Dressing

This is a lovely, thick, flavorful dressing that doesn't use much oil. The avocado thickens it while the citrus juices, cilantro, and jalapeno add plenty of flavor. This recipe was inspired by a recipe in the Raw Food, Real World book - with a few minor adjustments!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium avocado
• 1 C fresh orange juice
• 1/3 C fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup white or yellow onion
• 1/2 of a small jalapeno pepper, seeds removed
• 1 generous handful of cilantro
• 1/4 C extra virgin olive oil
• salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Put all ingredients except the olive oil in a high speed blender or food processor.
2. Blend until thoroughly combined.
3. With the machine still running, stream in the olive oil so that the mixture will emulsify.
4. Enjoy!

Pasta with Tomatoes and Squash

This is a wonderful way to use those beautiful, fresh summer tomatoes and squash. I'm a big fan of cherry and grape tomatoes, they are so naturally sweet! This is so simple, it's more a process than a recipe! And everything is better with garlic, isn't it? 

Ingredients:

• 1 box whole wheat rotini or pasta of choice*
• 2 T extra virgin olive oil
• 10 -12 cloves garlic
• 1 yellow squash
• 1 1/2 - 2 C grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 - 1 t Italian seasoning

Preparation:

1. Rough chop the garlic and saute it in extra virgin olive oil over low-medium heat.
2. After a couple of minutes, add the squash (sliced or diced) and the whole cherry or grape tomatoes. (I used red and yellow tomatoes.)
3. Stir to coat everything with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and cover.
5. In the meantime, put your pasta on.
6. While the pasta is cooking, stir the veggies every few minutes, and cook until the tomatoes begin to burst.
7. Remove them from the heat and cover them.
8. Finish cooking the pasta.
9. Pour tomato mixture over pasta, add salt and pepper to taste, add nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan if you'd like.
10. Enjoy!

Notes:

*I did not use the whole box of rotini for this recipe. This amount of tomato/squash/garlic mixture will serve two people, or one REALLY hungry person! I always cook a whole box of pasta at a time and save the leftovers for pasta salad or other dishes.

Five Ways to Enjoy Avocado

Avocados are one of nature's super fruits - super tasty and super versatile! They are nutrient dense, full of vitamins and anti-oxidants including vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin B6, folate, magnesium, lutein, potassium, and beta-carotene. They contain good fats and are naturally sodium and cholesterol free. Avocados can act as a “nutrient booster” by helping increase the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients like vitamins A, D, K, and E. PLUS they are delish!

Check out these five ways to enjoy more avocados as part of a healthy plant-based diet.

1. Avocado toast! Spread ripe avocado on your choice of toast as you would vegan buttery spread or vegan cream cheese. Top with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and sea salt, and you have a tasty, hearty, healthful breakfast or snack.
2. Make a Quick and Easy Guacamole.
3. Enjoy a Deconstructed Guacamole and Tomato Sandwich. 
4. Make an Avocado Pesto Pasta.
5. Avocado fries are creamy, crunchy, and divine. Here's an easy recipe from PETA that uses pantry staples and a little plant-based milk - easy peasy!

You can also make an awesome chocolate pudding using avocados as the base. The possibilities with avocados are endless! Do you have a favorite way to use avocado?

Buffalo Cauliflower

Buffalo sauce is one of my favorite sauces of all time - and it's so EASY to make a vegan version! It's one of my signature recipes - definitely my most requested recipe of all time. What to put it on, you ask? Instead of animal "stuff" or even tofu, give these cauliflower "wings" a try. Warning: they are totally addictive!

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, broken into florets
• 1 C almond milk
• 1 C corn meal
• 1 t garlic powder
• 1/2 t salt
• 1/2 t black pepper
• 1/2 C (or more!) Vegan Buffalo Sauce
• Vegan Ranch Dressing for dipping

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Combine the almond milk, corn meal, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Whisk corn meal mixture until all clumps are gone.
5. Coat the cauliflower pieces with the cornmeal mixture and place on baking sheet.
6. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and place pieces into a large mixing bowl with Vegan Buffalo Sauce.
8. Toss gently until each piece is well covered.
9. Serve with store-bought or home-made Vegan Ranch Dressing.
10. Enjoy!

Ten Ways to Use Lavender Essential Oil

As my essential oils mentor said, lavender is the "Swiss army knife" of essential oils. If you're interested in implementing essential oils in your daily health and wellness routine, lavender is a good place to start. Read on for 10 of the many uses of lavender essential oil!

1. Burns: apply 2-3 drops to soothe the pain of a minor burn.
2. Calm: diffuse or rub a couple of drops in your hands and inhale to calm the mind.
3. Sleep aid: same method in as # 2, or rub oil on your hands and transfer to pillow!
4. Cuts/scrapes: apply directly to the injury to stop bleeding and clean the wound.
5. Bee stings/insect bites: put a drop on a bite or sting to reduce swelling and stop irritation.
6. Chapped lips or skin: rub oil on for relief.
7. Scent your laundry: put a few drops on a dryer sheet to scent your clothes.
8. Eczema/dermatitis: mix with a carrier oil and use topically for eczema or dermatitis.
9. Scar tissue: to reduce or minimize scar tissue, rub on the affected area.
10. Bikini line: apply to skin post-shave, neat. Keeps irritation to a minimum - I promise!

To learn more about certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils, please contact me!