Beyond Meat Brats

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Are you familiar with Beyond Meat, the company creating a stir in the food industry? Their plant based hamburgers and sausage brats are showing up in grocery stores and restaurants.

With all the media attention, I felt curious about the claims that these products are amazing. Let me add that after three years of embracing a plant based lifestyle, I don’t crave meat at all. Greg, who has been plant based almost as long as I have, occasionally does. Or at least, a sizzling burger or brat on a commercial looks good to him.

We decided to taste test the Beyond Meat Brats, for a Try This Tuesday experience.

Beyond Meat Brats

The Beyond Meat Company

This company, founded in 2009 by Ethan Brown, began with the question, “Why do you need an animal to create meat?” Brown wondered if meat could be created directly from plants. It turns out, yes it can.

Their Mission Statement includes the belief that there is a better way to feed the planet, that’s beneficial to people, animals and the earth. Producing savory alternatives to animal based products solves the growing issues attributed to livestock production: human health, climate change, constraints on natural resources and animal welfare.

Beyond Meat uses the building blocks for meat…protein, fat, trace minerals and water…to create plant based substitutes without sacrificing taste or texture. Currently the company offers plant based hamburger patties, crumbles (resembles ground beef) and two varieties of sausage brats. Their products are available in grocery stores and health conscious stores such as Natural Grocers. Look for Beyond Meat products in the meat section.

Beyond Meat BratsGraphic from Beyond Meat website.

Beyond Meat Brats

I picked up the Beyond Meat Brats at my local Natural Grocers. I carefully read the label before purchasing.

Beyond Meat Brats contain 16 grams of protein, made from peas, fava beans and rice, per serving. Other ingredients include apple fiber, coconut and sunflower oils and fruit and vegetable juices. The casing around the brats is plant based as well. It’s made from algae. Don’t worry. You can’t taste it.

What they do NOT contain is impressive. There are no GMOs, soy, or gluten in these brats and also no hormones, antibiotics, nitrites or nitrates.

The brats come in the original flavor and a spicier Italian version.

The promise is that Beyond Meat Brats look, sizzle and satisfy, like a pork brat.

I was about to find out.

Beyond Meat Brats

Beyond Meat Brats with Green Peppers and Onions

Since I had green peppers, onions and garlic on hand, I created a simple dinner using those ingredients plus brown rice and the Beyond Meat Brats.

Brats with Green Peppers and Onions

  • 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves, mined
  • 1 package Beyond Meat regular brats, sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups brown rice, cooked

Saute pepper, onion and garlic in a water or a very small amount of coconut oil. I did this while the brown rice cooked in the pressure pot.

As onions turn translucent, about three minutes, add sliced brats. Continue to stir and cook over medium heat until brats are browned, about five more minutes.

Spoon over brown rice and serve. Makes 2 – 3 servings.

The brats did sizzle. They smelled just like pork or beef brats, as they cooked. And they browned up nicely, holding their shape and texture.

How would they taste?

Beyond Meat Brats

The Taste Test

My simple dinner looked and smelled wonderful. Would the taste hold up to the hype?

Yes. Yes it did.

The Beyond Meat Brats tasted wonderfully like regular brats, with just the right amount of seasoning. The texture was as good as the taste. Combined with the green peppers, onions and garlic, the brats delivered and dinner met all my expectations for flavor and texture.

Greg enjoyed this special treat very much.

And a special treat, savored occasionally, it will be.

Why?

I like the way I eat. And more importantly, I like the way I feel. The veggies and fruits, legumes and nuts, seeds and limited grains that I enjoy are very, VERY good for me, and I truly don’t miss meats, eggs, sugar and dairy products. I don’t ever intend to go back to my old way of eating and my old way of feeling.

Plus there’s another reason. The Beyond Meat Brats contain 43% less fat than their animal counterparts. However, they are still a bit high in fat for me to consume them on a regular basis.

I’m glad for the Beyond Meat Brats experience. The company is great, with a philosophy that I can agree with. Their future is bright, I believe. However, these healthier brats might make it onto the menu once a month or so. Like the occasional healthy dessert, these will be a special treat rather than a regular dinner item.

Have you tried Beyond Meat products yet? Let me know what you thought!

Beyond Meat Brats

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Vegan Hot Chocolate

This time of year, as Christmas approaches and the night air becomes cold, I miss hot chocolate. I grew up drinking my mother’s made from scratch hot cocoa. Many holiday traditions included the warming drink.

Later in life I’d tear open a packet of hot chocolate mix, add hot water and instantly have this favorite winter drink. Since adopting a plant based lifestyle I have not enjoyed hot chocolate. Typically, the commercial varieties are full of processed sugar and dried milk.

Thankfully, I successfully adapted a recipe to create a healthy hot chocolate that is dairy and sugar free.

 Vegan Hot Chocolate

Vegan Hot Chocolate Recipe

Ingredients

1 can coconut milk, full fat

1 cup non dairy milk (I used almond coconut)

4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

2 tablespoons maple syrup

Directions

In a small saucepan, whisk together canned coconut milk, non dairy milk, cocoa powder and maple syrup. Continue to stir over medium-low heat, until hot chocolate is heated through and well combined. Makes 2 servings.

Top with whipped coconut cream, tiny dark chocolate chips, sweetened with stevia, or peppermint leaves.

Vegan Hot Chocolate

Vegan Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate is Back!

Oh my, this hot chocolate is delicious. I savored it, sipping on the steaming liquid as I edited photos for tonight’s blogs.

The recipe is easy to adapt. One half a teaspoon of peppermint or pure vanilla extract could be added to change up the flavor. Leave off the whipped coconut topping if desired. Or, leaving it on, switch out the dark chocolate chips for unsweetened shredded coconut.

I’m so glad to have hot chocolate back in my life. This rich chocolate drink won’t be a nightly treat. However it’s good to know that if I am missing hot chocolate I now have a healthy option.

It will be perfect for Christmas Eve, with a Rustic Apple Galette!

Vegan Hot Chocolate

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Cold weather makes me crave warm comfort food. This easy to pull together Lentil Shepherd’s Pie has all the right ingredients to quality as comfort food. Plus this plant based version, adapted from a recipe by budgetbytes.com, is full of healthy goodness, making it guilt free!

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Ingredients:

1 cup cooked lentils

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 carrots, peeled and thinly sliced or chopped

3 celery stalks, thinly sliced or chopped

2 cups green peas, cooked

3/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon gluten free flour

1 cup vegetable broth

4 cups mashed potatoes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, until softened. Add carrots and celery and continue to sauté until veggies are cooked through. Add salt, thyme, paprika and pepper to vegetables, stirring and continuing to cook.

Sprinkle flour, stirring to coat veggies. Add vegetable broth and peas. Simmer over low heat until gravy thickens slightly. Add cooked lentils. Mix well.

Turn veggie mixture into 2 quart oven proof casserole container. Top with mashed potatoes. Bake for 15 minutes, or until mixture is hot and bubbly. Turn oven to broil, if desired, and brown potato topping slightly. Watch carefully so Potatoes don’t burn. Let cool five minutes and serve. Makes 4-6 servings.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie Tips

I prepared the lentils in the pressure pot, using 1 cup dried lentils and 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth. Cook for 6 minutes and allow pressure to release naturally. Or lentils can be prepared in a small saucepan on the stovetop.

While lentils cooked, and cut up potatoes bubbled on the stove, I sautéed the pie filling. As the mixture simmered, I drained the potatoes and mashed them with a small amount of unsweetened almond coconut milk. Vegetable broth can be used too. Create a design on the mashed potato topping by using the tines of a fork.

I broiled the potato topping for 6 – 7 minutes, to brown slightly, checking often to prevent burning.

Enjoy!

This plant based Lentil Shepherd’s Pie was delicious! The veggie mixture was perfect. However, other veggies such as mushrooms could be added as well, making this recipe very adaptable.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie goes into my weekly rotation, especially during the cold winter months! Let me know if you try this recipe.

Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

Tea bags are readily available to purchase. And packages of fresh or dried herbs and flowers are available as well. It’s easy and fun to create tea blends that soothe or heal a number of ailments.

Today’s Try This Tuesday post includes some of my favorite DIY tea blends.

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

What You Will Need

Enjoying freshly brewed tea at home requires a few simple items.

• a mesh tea ball or mesh basket and mug set, to hold loose tea

• glass containers to store loose herbs in

• teaspoons – I enjoy using wooden ones

• a teapot with a lid, to steep larger servings of tea

• an assortment of fun tea cups or mugs

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

Thyroid Healing Tea

by Anthony William

1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried fennel seeds

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Clear Skin Tea

1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon dried nettle

1 teaspoon dried licorice root

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

Immune Support Tea

1 teaspoon dried peppermint

1 teaspoon dried echinacea

1 teaspoon dried lemongrass

1 teaspoon dried licorice root

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Digestion Support Tea

1 teaspoon dried chamomile

1 teaspoon fennel seeds

1 teaspoon dried mint

1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

Liver Strengthening Tea

by Anthony William

1 teaspoon dried burdock root

1 teaspoon dried red clover

1 teaspoon dried dandelion

1 teaspoon dried nettle

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Sore Throat Tea

1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon dried licorice root

1 teaspoon dried rose hips

1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

Hot Flashes Tea

1 teaspoon dried hibiscus

1 teaspoon dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon dried nettle

1 teaspoon dried raspberry leaf

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Combine herbs in mesh ball or basket and place in very hot water. Steep for 15 minutes. Add honey if desired.

Colds, Allergies, Flu Tea

I make this one by the teapot and sip on it all day. I’ve warded off colds and general feelings of “coming down with something”, by drinking a pot of this tea.

In a large mesh tea ball, combine:

2 teaspoons dried nettle leaf

2 teaspoons dried peppermint

2 teaspoons dried elderflowers

2 teaspoons dried lemon balm

1 teaspoon fresh or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1-2 teaspoons raw honey (optional)

Add mesh ball full of herbs to large tea pot. Fill with boiling water, cover, and steep for 15-20 minutes. Add honey if desired. I place a tea cozy over the pot and keep the tea warm.

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

Create Your Own Tea Blends

Become familiar with the healing properties of different herbs and you can create your own custom tea blends. I recommend Anthony’s books, Life Changing Foods and Liver Rescue, for info about powerful herbs. Or Google “herbs for headaches” or whatever ailment is troubling you to find suggestions.

The mesh tea balls can be purchased at health food stores or kitchenware shops. They come in different sizes.

Dried herbs are available in health food stores and health conscious grocery stories, or online. Often they can be purchased by the ounce. Another great option is to begin growing them in containers or a small herb garden. The practice of gardening increases the health benefits!

If you have favorite tea blends, share in the comments. And watch the blog for more DIY blends.

DIY Tea Blends to Make for Different Ailments

Order Anthony’s books and a mug infuser set below.

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Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

I love it when I find an excellent plant based product that I can use…and share about. Since going plant based, I make most of my own sauces and salad dressings. They add extra flavor to veggies and salads, and I know what the ingredients are.

I’ve tried several different vegan mayos that are egg and sugar free. Recently I discovered a wonderful vegan mayo that meets ALL of my dietary restrictions AND brings all the flavor and versatility of a traditional mayonnaise.

Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

What is Fabanaise?

Sir Kensington’s vegan mayo is unique among others that I have tried. Like the other vegan mayo products, it is egg and sugar free. It’s also non-GMO and soy and gluten free.

What makes the Fabanaise different is that it’s made with aquafaba.

Aquawhat you say?

Aquafaba is the water that chickpeas have been cooked in. Due to its ability to mimic egg whites in cooking, aquafaba can be used as a replacement for them in some cases, including making meringues and marshmallows…or mayonnaise.

Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

How to Use Fabanaise

Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise taste like regular mayo, with none of the “bad stuff”. Including aquafaba doesn’t impart a chickpea or bean flavor at all. The mayo is light in taste and creamy in texture.

Use it as you would regular mayo.

Add a couple of spoonfuls to freshly chopped apples and celery and stir in a few walnuts for a wonderfully healthy Waldorf Salad. Or use as a base for homemade salad dressings and sauces.

Here are my two favorite quick sauces, using fabanaise:

Spicy Mayo

Combine 3 tablespoons of Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise with 1 teaspoon of sugar free sriracha sauce. Taste and adjust level of spiciness, as desired. Add more fabanaise for less spicy flavor or more sriracha for more snap.

I use this simple sauce on veggies, salads, for oven roasted potato wedges or black bean burgers wrapped in lettuce leaves. It’s good with everything!

Garlic Lemon Dill Aioli

For a non-spicy sauce, that’s just as versatile, combine 3 tablespoons of Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise with 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 1 – 2 garlic cloves, minced, and a teaspoon of fresh dill, finely chopped. Chill before serving.

This sauce is wonderful served with fresh or roasted veggies, a plain baked potato, in a nori wrap or as a dressing for salads.

When I’m feeling really wild, I use both sauces with the same meal!

Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

Where to Purchase Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

I buy this yummy mayo at my local Natural Grocers, in the refrigerator section. Check out their website Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise for availability in your area.

This company has other products as well. So far I’ve only tried the vegan fabanaise and used it as a base.

A delicious, healthy, good-for-me mayo product made out of chickpea water? I know, it sounds crazy! It’s amazing, I promise.

Sir Kensington’s Fabanaise

Thai Welcome Tea

During my visit to Oklahoma ten days ago, my niece Ashley gifted me with a package of organic dried flower petals. She explained that the flowers, when brewed, create a dark blue tea.

This afternoon, preparing for afternoon tea, I decided to open the package and try “blue tea”. As the water came to a boil, I did my research. The buds come from the Butterfly Pea Flower, and they are commonly used to create unique, and colorful, drinks including Thai Welcome Tea.

Thai Welcome Tea

Butterfly Pea Flowers

This flowering plant is native to tropical Thailand and Malaysia, but has been introduced to Africa, Australia and America. The butterfly pea is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows as a vine or creeper in damp, neutral soil. The most striking feature about this plant is the color of its flowers, which are a deep vibrant blue with light yellow markings.

In Southeast Asia, the flower is used as a natural food colouring. In Malaysia, it’s customary to add a few buds of this flower to a pot of white rice, which tints the rice a bluish color. In Thailand, a syrupy blue drink is made called nam dok anchan. It’s sometimes consumed with a drop of lime juice to increase acidity and turn the juice purple.

Butterfly pea flower tea is made from the flowers and can include dried lemongrass. The tea changes color depending on what else is added to the liquid. Lemon or lime juice turns the liquid purple. Adding honey and lemon juice to the tea, which can be served hot or iced, is called Welcome Tea in Thailand.

Thai Welcome Tea

Thai Welcome Tea

Thai Welcome Tea

Reading about the Welcome Tea, I was intrigued by the reported color change when lemon or lime juice is added, and decided to try it. This is Try This Tuesday, after all!

I poured boiling water over two teaspoons of dried butterfly pea flowers and covered the mug so it could steep. The water immediately began to turn blue. The longer the tea steeped, the darker the color became.

Thai Welcome Tea

From Blue to Purple

I removed the flowers from the tea after about 10 minutes. My butterfly pea flower tea was a rich cobalt blue. Before I added honey and lemon juice, I cautiously sipped the hot tea. I wasn’t sure what to expect, from a dark blue tea, however the flavor was light and subtly earthy, similar to a high quality green tea.

Now the fun part. I stirred in a tablespoon of raw organic honey to the tea, without any change in color. As soon as I squeezed half a freshly cut lemon into the dark liquid, the color shifted from deep blue to a rich purple with a pinkish cast. I smiled with delight.

Thai Welcome Tea Thai Welcome Tea

Welcoming an Afternoon Break

Thai Welcome Tea was fun to create, and provided a welcomed break in my afternoon. The tea can be chilled and served over ice, or used as a base for cocktails. I chose to sip on hot tea, and savor the blend of exotic flowers, sweet honey and the citrusy tang of lemon juice.

Butterfly pea flowers infuse the tea with potent antioxidants that help protect the skin against premature aging. Studies show that the tea fights against internal inflammation and can treat pain, reduce inflammation, treat common eye issues such as conjunctivitis, combat certain types of cancers, support brain health, and increase vitality.

Thank you Ashley, for these delightful flowers! I enjoyed my Welcome Tea, and welcome more opportunities to savor its goodness.

Thai Welcome Tea

Order dried butterfly pea flowers below.

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Exercise is a Celebration

Today’s Try This Tuesday is a bit different. Rather than share a recipe or a product to try, I felt inspired to share a few thoughts about exercise.

For many people, myself included, “exercise” is a bad word, carrying negative connotations. Just saying the word aloud can make me feel obligated or guilty or a mix of those two strong emotions.

Inspired by a quote I saw, on another blogger’s post about body image, my hope with this post is to shift energy and perceptions around this vital activity.

Exercise is a Celebration

Exercise vs Movement

I could not find the source for the words, however the quote is:

“Exercise is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment for what you ate.”

Reading it, my mind immediately substituted the word movement for exercise.

Movement is a celebration of what your body can do..,

I love that. I’m all about celebrations. Thinking of exercise, movement, in this way removes the sense of obligation. Rather than an activity I have to do, movement becomes a celebration of what my body can do, even if it does it imperfectly or differently from another.

When I was struggling with chronic sciatica, and walking with a limp and a cane, it became important to focus on what my body could accomplish rather than how it was failing me. Every little victory was cause for praising my body, especially my weak left leg.

As I healed on a plant based diet, my ability to move freely and without pain increased. Walking became easier, the cane no longer necessary, which resulted in true rejoicing.

What if I viewed all exercise, all kinds of movements, in this celebratory way?

Exercise is a Celebration

Exercise is a Celebration

Exercise is Not a Punishment

There’s no denying that moving the body is beneficial to health. Doctors recommend that children and teens gets 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise daily. Adults benefit from 2 1/2 to 5 hours weekly of moderate physical activity or 1 1/2 to 3 hours a week of vigorous exercise.

Shifting my perspective helps me to see that exercise is not a punishment for what I ate. I know that I can’t out exercise a bad diet. I can’t out essential oil a poor diet or outthink it or meditate it away. In my experience, a healthy whole food diet is the foundation of optimal health. Every other practice is built upon that solid foundation.

Movement, exercise, is important. It helps to regulate the systems of the body, improves heart health and sleep, calms the mind, Lowers stress and tones the muscles. It’s my thoughts about it that sabotages my willingness to engage in physical activity.

While some thrive on hard core work outs and rigorous training, and that’s absolutely wonderful if they enjoy it, I am inspired by the celebration of movement. I have fun when I’m trying new things, or dancing alone to my favorite tunes, or I make exercise a game. That’s what works for me.

What works for you? Do you love to dance, ride a bike, roller skate, or jump on a trampoline? Is walking or hiking trails what makes your heart beat faster, literally, or is swimming or horseback riding your passion?

For Try This Tuesday, try moving in new ways. Experiment. Shift. Get a little crazy. Or settle into yoga poses and hold them. Just move in ways that bring joy. And in the moving, celebrate the wondrous way that the body responds.

Exercise is a Celebration

Raw Date Granola

When I discovered a bag of dates in the refrigerator this morning, I knew just what to create for Try This Tuesday. During my 10 days of eating whole raw foods, I marked a recipe to try in Life Changing Foods by Anthony William.

Raw Date Granola is simple to make, and it is perfect to snack on or use as a topping on fruit bowls, banana ice cream or smoothies.

Raw Date Granola

Raw Date Granola

2 cups dates, pitted

1/4 cup unsweetened coconut

1/4 cup almonds

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

Process ingredients in a food processor until roughly chopped. Store granola in a container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Makes 2 – 4 servings.

Raw Date Granola

Sweet and Crunchy

This treat couldn’t be easier to make. In five minutes I had a batch of date granola. The combo of sweet chewy dates and crunchy almonds was perfect. The granola reminded me of the date balls I used to make during the holidays.

And dates are an amazing food for the digestive system. They also deliver vital glucose to the liver, and refuel the brain and muscles. Dates also keep the heart healthy, support the adrenal glands and they have anti-cancer properties.

Create a batch of raw date granola and enjoy the treat while sustaining a healthy body.

Raw Date Granola

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Rustic Apple Galette

This warm and homey dessert is perfect for fall weather. A galette is a French word for a flat, round cake or pastry, usually open faced with fruit piled in the middle. This rustic dish is a healthy version, created by Anthony William, meaning it can be enjoyed without guilt or the ill effects sugar or gluten would cause.

Rustic Apple Galette

Apple Galette Recipe

For the crust:

1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds

3.5 tablespoons water

1 1/2 cups almond flour + more for dusting

3/4 cup tapioca flour

1.5 tablespoons coconut sugar

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 cup coconut oil

1 – 3 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons almond milk (optional)

1 tablespoon maple syrup, to serve

For the filling:

3 red apples, cored and thinly sliced

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon cardamom

2 tablespoons coconut sugar

Directions:

Make a flax “egg” by mixing together flaxseeds and water. Set aside.

In a food processor or blender, combine the almond flour, tapioca flour, coconut sugar and sea salt. Process until combined. Add coconut oil and flax egg and  mix again, adding water bit by bit until the dough comes together. Not all of the water may be needed. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes. Mix apple slices, lemon juice, spices and coconut sugar together in a bowl.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet and lightly dust with almond flour. Roll the dough into a 1/4 inch thick circle and place apple filling in center, leaving 2 inches around the edge. Gently fold edges up, using the parchment paper to prevent tearing, creasing the edges of the dough as you go.

Brush dough with almond milk, if desired, and bake for 35 – 45 minutes, until browned. Let cool for 10 minutes before cutting. Drizzle with maple syrup, if desired. Makes 4 – 6 servings.

Rustic Apple Galette

Rustic Apple Galette

Rustic Apple Galette

Taste of Autumn

The galette came together and was in the oven quickly. As I washed dishes I enjoyed the fragrant aroma of cinnamon and cardamom and bubbling apples. This wholesome fruit is not only full of health boosting nutrition, apples have a grounding effect as well. We feel more connected to the earth and to ourselves when we eat apples.

I brewed a cup of herbal tea as I anticipated savoring the galette. I was not disappointed. What a delicious and satisfying afternoon treat. I did not drizzle maple syrup on my slice of galette. For me, it wasn’t necessary.

Rustic apple galette is already a favorite, and worthy of company or potluck dinners. I think my favorite way to enjoy this fall treat though is during an afternoon break with a hot cup of tea.

Rustic Apple Galette

Parsley Tabbouleh

Day 3 of the 7 Day Raw Food Cleanse and I am feeling great! Much of my afternoon was spent restocking my supply of fresh fruits and veggies, visiting various stores to get the best deals. And, I picked up the ingredients for a recipe, one from Life Changing Foods by Anthony William…Parsley Tabbouleh.

Parsley Tabbouleh

Parsley Tabbouleh

Ingredients:

1/4 cup almonds

4 cups parsley, tightly packed

1/8 cup mint leaves, loosely packed

2 cups tomatoes, cut into chunks

2 cups cucumbers, cut into chunks

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon olive oil

1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

Pulse almonds in food processor until roughly chopped. Set aside.

Pulse parsley in food processor until finely chopped. Set aside.

Combine remaining ingredients in food processor and pulse until chopped and well combined. Transfer mixture into a large bowl. Add parsley and almonds and stir together. Makes 2 – 4 servings.

Use flat leaf parsley, if available, for maximum health benefits.

Alkalizing Parsley

I’ve been craving alkalizing foods this week, as I enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. So I’ve added lots of green leafy veggies to my meals.

As it turns out, parsley is one of the best foods for alkalizing all of the systems of the body. Its mineral salts bind onto unproductive acids in the body and drive them out, making parsley helpful for preventing all types of cancers. It also keeps bacteria, parasites and fungus at bay.

It’s important for me to listen to my body and give it what it needs. Apparently, I required this aromatic herb this week. I’m happy to oblige, as I have wanted to try parsley tabbouleh. This salad is perfect as a side dish partnered with other healthy foods or enjoyed on its own.

I loved the flavorful tabbouleh, and intend to make it often…anytime my body lets me know I need alkalizing food!

Parsley Tabbouleh

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