‘Tis the season for sniffles, sneezes and sore throats! We can’t do much about the toxins, bacteria and viruses that we’re exposed to– but we can strengthen and support our immune systems which will help prevent these invaders from doing harm in the first place. Here are 20 ways to boost your immune system naturally to help keep you healthy and feeling good year-round! 1. Garlic. One of nature’s most powerful immune boosters! Garlic is a natural antimicrobial and unlike most antibiotics,…
These cupcakes adapted from The Green Kitchen are filled with wonderful warm spices that fill the kitchen as they bake in the oven. They are very light and airy, not too sweet and can be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. Gather Cupcakes 1/2 cup unsalted butter (or Earth Balance) 4 tablespoons maple syrup 1 teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1/2 vanilla bean or 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups ground almonds (or almond meal) 1/2 cup gluten-free flour (i.e. coconut,…
Simple, healthy, delicious side dish from Susan Voisin’s FatFree Vegan Kitchen blog. Gather 1 large head cauliflower (you will use only half) Sea salt and pepper 2/3 cup hummus Fresh rosemary Method Preheat oven to 400°F. Wash the cauliflower and trim off all the leaves and the bottom of the stem. Place it stem-down on your cutting board. Cut it in half straight down through the middle. Take each half and make another parallel cut so that you have four…
Simple, healthy, whole food is anything but ordinary in Vegetarian Everyday by David Frenkiel and Luise Vindahl. The creators of the Green Kitchen Stories blog are known for their creative flavor combinations, gorgeous styling, and colorful photography. This is one of our family’s favorite recipes from the vibrant cookbook. The cakes can be served warm or enjoyed cold the next day. Gather 1 cup quinoa 1 2/3 cup cauliflower florets, from one medium head of cauliflower 6-8 ramps (or wild leeks), cleaned and coarsely chopped*…
Bring together the flavors of the season with this comforting cake adapted from Roost blog. Slightly spiced, naturally sweetened and entirely free of grain, gluten and dairy, this earthy cake is delicious and leaves you feeling good. If you prefer a layered cake, simply double the recipe. For a smaller morsel, this recipe would make a fine batch of muffins. Gather 3 cups almond flour 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground clove…
There’s nothing like curling up by a toasty fire and sipping a hot cup of cider on a chilly night. This healing cider not only warms the body and soul, but contains the Brazilian superfood, camu camu. The buzz about this potent berry has spread around the world, earning it the nickname “nature’s vitamin pill” due to its antioxidant and anti-viral properties. The camu berry is one of the world’s most abundant sources of vitamin C—as much as 60 times more…
This is one beautifully decadent “cheesecake” to be made for truly special occasions. Loaded with antioxidants and superfood goodness, this naturally sweetened dessert is deeply indulgent without any of the guilt! Gather 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in water for 2 hours to soften, then drained 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tablespoons agave nectar (I use maple syrup) 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted 1/2 cup açaí powder 1 tablespoon lucuma powder 2/3 cup mashed bananas 1 tablespoon tahini…
Kitchari is a traditional one-pot Ayurvedic dish that’s known to gently detoxify and balance the body. Abundant in protein, chock full of health benefits, easy to digest, inexpensive and easy to make, this has become a staple dish in our home. Calming, warming and soothing, it’s wonderful when recuperating from an illness or any great physical or emotional stress, such as childbirth, surgery, or extensive travel. There are different variations for this recipe, but this is the one I typically make for our…
These gluten-free cookies are fabulously nutty and have a toasty, espresso-like flavor. Just another wholesome yet delicious recipe from The Sprouted Kitchen that will please even the most discerning ‘lil cookie lover. Enjoy with a cold glass of your favorite kind of milk! Gather 1 1/4 cups almond meal 1/4 cup cacao nibs (omit for lil babes) 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/3 cup muscovado sugar 1 egg* 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla…
In Superfood Kitchen by Julie Morris, beautiful dishes are entirely composed of plant-based, nutrient-dense, and whole foods that energize, nourish, and taste delicious. Delightfully written and gorgeously illustrated, this book is coffee-table worthy and the information presented about superfoods is invaluable for anyone who wants to nourish their bodies for optimal health and vitality. Our family has quite a few favorites in this book, with Pomegranate-Glazed Portobello Steaks Over Lemony Spinach ranking very high. “The pomegranate’s complex sweet-acidic dichotomy complements the earthy meatiness of…