Category: Food & Farms

  • Introducing: Hudson Valley Fisheries

    Introducing: Hudson Valley Fisheries

    Healthy. Local. Sustainable.

    Hudson Valley Fisheries was inspired by their commitment to environmental stewardship. Their goal is to protect wild populations and the environment through a state-of-the-art land-based biosecure Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS).

    As an aquaculture teaching facility, they are educating future fish farmers in best practices, collaborating with the Culinary Institute of America and numerous colleges and universities in the Hudson Valley region. Every aspect of their business model is designed to keep their carbon footprint small, including their central location, to offer impeccably fresh, local fish via delivery trucks, thus eliminating the environmental costs of trans-Atlantic and international seafood transportation.

    Fed a responsibly-sourced, GMO-free and balanced diet of natural antioxidants, proteins and lipids, New York Steelhead are completely traceable from egg to place.

    Flavor Profile

    • Clean flavor, subtle and herbaceous

    • Pairs well with many flavors and ingredients

    • Rich in omega 3 and fatty acids

    Texture Profile

    • Smooth and velvety

    • Meaty, lean with nice fat content

    • Medium moist flake that holds together with cooking

    • Pan roasting and grilling yield a wonderfully crisp skin

    What makes Hudson Valley Fisheries healthy?

    Unlike open-sea fish farms that regularly use harsh chemicals to control pathogens, parasites and sea lice, our land-based farm uses RAS technology which provides optimal conditions for our fish to grow without the need for antibiotics, vaccines or growth hormones. Our land-based facility offers round the clock dedicated animal care and the strictest biosecurity which guarantees our fish never disrupt native ecosystems or wild seafood populations.

    What makes Hudson Valley Fisheries sustainable?

    It all starts with RAS. Our bio-secure facility uses a Recirculating Aquaculture System which provides optimal conditions for our fish to grow without the use of antibiotics, vaccines, or hormones. Fish waste is recycled into nutrient-rich plant food and kept out of our rivers and oceans. With a land-based facility, our fish never disrupt native ecosystems or wild populations.

    Looking for a way to prepare your New York Steelhead?

    Check out this delicious recipe below!


    Crispy Steelhead Trout Tenders

    with Herbed Yogurt Dipping Sauce

    Ingredients:

    New York Steelhead fillets
    (6 oz. New York Steelhead, filet), skinned and cut into 5 x 2 inch pieces

    2 eggs

    1 teaspoon dijon mustard

    1 cup panko breadcrumbs

    1 teaspoon lemon zest

    1/8 teaspoon salt

    1/8 teaspoon pepper

    1 lemon, squeezed

    For Sauce:

    1/2 cup whole greek yogurt

    1/4 teaspoon onion powder

    1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

    1/2 teaspoon chopped chives

    1/4 teaspoon chopped parsley

    1/8 teaspoon salt

    1/8 teaspoon pepper

    Method

    Fish Directions:
    Combine breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and lemon zest, in a plate. In a separate plate, combine eggs and mustard. Dip each tender in the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Set coated tenders aside on a plate. Spray tenders with olive oil cooking spray and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes at 375F flipping once.


    Sauce Directions:
    Mix well and allow to sit in the fridge for 1 hour for a stronger ranch flavor. Enjoy with tenders!

    References:

    https://www.hudsonvalleyfisheries.com/

    https://www.hudsonvalleyfisheries.com/blogs/steelheadcooking/crispy-steelhead-tenders-with-herbed-yogurt-dipping-sauce

    https://www.instagram.com/hudsonvalleyfisheries/

  • Plant-Based Meal Prep with Christine Waltermyer

    Plant-Based Meal Prep with Christine Waltermyer

    Plant-Based Meal Prep – What to Eat in A Day

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”

    BREAKFAST

    Creamy Brown Rice Cereal with Apple Pear Compote

    Serves 1

    Ingredients

    1 cup cooked brown rice

    1 cup water

    1 pear, cored and chopped

    1 apple, cored and chopped

    Small handful of walnuts

    Cinnamon

    1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, plus extra for drizzling


    Method

    1. Chop up the fruit and place in a small pot with a pinch of sea salt. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of the maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower to simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. 

    2. Place the brown rice and water in a small pot. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce the heat to simmer on low for 20 minutes or so, tilting the lid to avoid cookovers.

    3. Chop the walnuts. Using a potato masher, you can partly mash the rice at this point.

    4. Place the cooked brown rice cereal in a bowl. Top with desired amount of apple pear compote and walnuts, adding extra maple syrup if you wish.


    LUNCH

    Vegetarian Sushi

    Serves 1-2

    Ingredients

    1 cup cooked brown rice

    1 sheet sushi nori

    1 package Pumfu or firm tofu, cut into long strips

    1-2 tablespoons almond butter (or peanut butter) – I used the sprouted kind

    2 tablespoons raw sauerkraut, drained and pressed to remove liquid

    3-4 long thin carrot strips

    2 cups kale leaves, chopped up

    Coconut aminos or soy sauce 

    Equipment: bamboo sushi mat


    Method

    1. Steam the carrot strips and kale in a steamer basket over boiling water, covered, for 5 minutes or until the carrots and kale are tender but still brightly colored. 

    2. Place the pumfu or tofu strips in a frypan with a ¼ cup water and 1 tablespoon of coconut aminos or soy sauce. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat to simmer on medium low for about 15 minutes, or until the water has cooked off. Transfer the pumpfu or tofu to a plate to cool.

    3. Place the nori on a sushi mat. Cover most of the lower portion of the nori sheet with rice, leaving about an inch on top that is uncovered. Add a horizontal line of the almond butter, then add the carrots, pumfu and kale. Using your thumbs, lift the sushi mat up and over the fillings. Tuck the nori and rice over them and roll forward, pulling out the mat. Tightly tuck the roll, then roll all the way forward and tuck again. Using a sawing motion, carefully slice the sushi roll in half, and then into about 8 pieces. Serve with coconut aminos or soy sauce.


    DINNER

    Mexican Buddha Bowl

    Serves 1-2

    Ingredients

    2 – 4 tortillas of your choice (I love the Siete brand almond flour tortillas)

    1 13-oz.  jar or can kidney beans, black beans or pinto beans (Jovial brand is great)

    1 medium red onion, diced

    3 cloves garlic, minced

    cumin

    Cilantro

    ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar

    2 carrots, peeled and diced

    Olive oil

    Japanese yams

    Avocados

    1 to 2 limes

    Shredded lettuce

    1 cup cooked quinoa

    Dressing:

    3 tablespoons olive oil

    1 – 2 tablespoons lime juice

    ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    1-2 teaspoons chopped cilantro

    Optional: 1 – 2 teaspoons maple syrup


    Method

    1. In a small pot, cover the carrots with water. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat to simmer on medium until soft. Drain and set aside. 

    2. Place the sweet potatoes in a small pot and cover with water. Boil for about 20 minutes, or until soft. When finished 

    3. Place about ⅓ cup of the diced onion in a bowl to save for later to cook with the beans. Place the remaining diced onion in a bowl and add ¼ teaspoon of the sea salt and ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes.

    4. To cook the beans: Heat a small pan over medium heat. Add 1 or 2 teaspoons of the olive oil. Add the ⅓ cup diced onion, 2 cloves minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Cook and stir for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the onion has softened. 

    5. Meanwhile, make the carrot salsa: Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lime juice to the cooked carrots. Add 2-3 tablespoons chopped cilantro and 1-2 teaspoons of the marinated red onion. Stir to combine.

    6. To the cooking onion and garlic add the beans, cumin and sea salt to taste. Feel free to add cayenne, chopped jalapeno etc. if you like it hot. Cook for 5 to 10 minutes.

    7. Make the guacamole: Chop up a few more tablespoons of cilantro and place in a bowl. Remove the pits from 2 avocados. Score the avocado flesh into little squares and scoop out the contents into the bowl. Add 1 clove minced garlic, juice of one lime and ½ teaspoon of sea salt, or to taste. Stir together, partly mashing the avocado to make it a little creamy.

    8. Check on the sweet potatoes and beans. Cook longer if needed.

    9. Briefly warm the tortillas on a warm cast iron skillet, a few minutes on each side over medium heat. Keep the tortillas warm under a towel.

    10. When the sweet potatoes have finished cooking, peel them and slice them.

    11. In a large shallow bowl, arrange equal portions of the beans, quinoa, sweet potatoes, guacamole, lettuce, and carrot salsa. Drizzle evenly with the dressing and serve.


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Introducing Sunscoop – From the Earth, But Out of This World.

    Introducing Sunscoop – From the Earth, But Out of This World.

    “We are powered by the sun to make the most delicious plant-based ice cream from organic coconut cream, superfoods, and no refined sugar.”

    They’re taking over the freezer aisle with a plant-based ice cream that is absolutely delicious, allergen-friendly, and makes you feel good. Their flavors are reimagined classics with a superfood twist. They’ve sourced the highest quality ingredients and let their tastes and nutrients shine.

    From the Founder Carli Blum

    Eat, Pray, Sneeze. Story of my life. Being born with food allergies is not easy. I love food, I celebrate with food, and I am endlessly inspired by it. Food for me is both my hardest challenge and biggest blessing. Being allergic to dairy, gluten, nuts, soy, eggs, and sensitive to refined sugar, I’ve struggled with inflammation and fatigue my whole life.

    In the journey of discovering what foods triggered me I also found the foods that healed. Being a lover of ice cream, I was never able to find a brand that was allergen-friendly and tasted good. One day I asked myself, why can’t dairy-free ice cream taste insanely delicious, have clean ingredients, and make your body feel good? From that point on I knew I wanted to bring Sunscoop to the world. 

    I hope you and your body feel the love and intention in every bite. Most importantly I hope you can truly enjoy the indulgence and feel great afterwards.  


    Love & Light,
    Carli

    They Are Proudly

    ☑️ Dairy-Free

    ☑️ Plant-Based

    ☑️ Vegan

    ☑️ Refined Sugar-Free

    ☑️ Gluten-Free

    ☑️ Nut-Free

    ☑️ Soy-Free

    ☑️ Allergen Friendly

    Pure Sun in A Mug Cake

    Gluten-Free & Vegan ~ Serves 1

    This is the perfect recipe for when you don’t feel like making a whole cake, cleaning a mound of dishes, or worrying about eating an entire batch of sweets. Not only is it OUT OF THIS WORLD but it’s packed with superfoods!

    Ingredients

    1/4 cup gluten free flour

    2 tablespoons coconut sugar

    1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

    1/4 teaspoon baking soda

    1 tablespoon plant-based milk

    1 tablespoon melted coconut oil

    1 scoop of your favorite Sunscoop flavor!

    Method

    1. Whisk all ingredients in a small bowl

    2. Coat a mug with a thin layer of coconut oil.

    3. Pour batter into mug.

    4. Microwave for 2 minutes.

    5. Add scoop of Sunscoop.

    6. Enjoy!

    References:

    https://sunscoop.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CHOCYHmJ9BO/?hl=en

  • Introducing MUSH – The New Way to Eat Breakfast in 2021

    Introducing MUSH – The New Way to Eat Breakfast in 2021

    Cold. Creamy. Like Pudding.

    Just what you were looking for – an easy, healthy breakfast that’s perfect on-the-go. They make healthy food convenient and delicious so that you can incorporate more of it into your life. Because after all, you are what you eat.

    Why Overnight Oats?

    All grains including oats contain phytic acid, which binds to nutrients and makes them harder to absorb. Soaking oats breaks down the acid and helps increase the absorption of nutrients, like zinc and iron.

    Soaking the oats also facilitates the break down of the natural starches, a type of complex carbohydrate, found in oats. This helps to improve digestion, aid in weight loss, and increase feelings of fullness.

    Better absorption. Better digestion. BETTER YOU.

    “Mushy. In all the right ways.”

    Made with simple, whole food ingredients, each Mush Overnight Oats product contains 8 or less real ingredients. Available in these amazing flavors year-round: Apple Pie, Coffee + Coconut Cream, Dark Chocolate, Strawberry, Vanilla Bean, & Wild Blueberry. If you love these, keep your eye out for their fun seasonal flavors available for limited times!

    Did we mention how healthy their overnight oats actually are?

    No heat pasteurization. No preservatives. No fillers. No artificial flavors or colors. Gluten free. Dairy free. Non-GMO. Protein rich. High in fiber. Plant-based.

    Save $1 on 5oz. MUSH Overnight Oats during the month of January – try them all!

    Overnight Oats Smoothie

    Vegan ~ Serves 1

    Making healthy on-the-go breakfast smoothies is now even easier! Mix up your morning smoothie everyday of the week without the worry of buying so many ingredients.

    Ingredients

    1 5oz Mush tub – any flavor you like!

    1/2 cup of plant-based milk – almond milk, oat milk, hemp milk, etc.

    A handful of fresh fruit – will vary depending on the flavor of Mush you’d like to pair with

    Optional Toppings: fresh fruit, honey, maple syrup, chia seeds, etc. – the possibilities are endless!

    Method

    Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until you’ve reached your favorite smoothie consistency. Pour into glass, add toppings if you prefer and enjoy!

    References:

    https://eatmush.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CGu-Qw1D6Hg/

  • Celebrate National Soup Month with Christine Waltmyer

    Celebrate National Soup Month with Christine Waltmyer

    Celebrate National Soup Month

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”

    Vegetable Soup

    Serves 8-10

    Ingredients

    1 tablespoon olive oil

    ½ onion, chopped

    2 cloves minced garlic

    3 carrots, sliced

    3 – 4 ribs celery, sliced

    1 cup chopped potatoes (I used baby heirloom potatoes but you could use red-skinned potatoes)

    1 medium red beet, peeled and diced

    8 cups vegetable broth

    13 ounces cooked kidney beans

    ¼ cup wild rice, soaked in water to cover for several hours, then drained

    2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme 

    1 cup chopped green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

    4 scallions, chopped

    1 cup baby bok choy, chopped

    1 small zucchini, chopped

    1 small bunch parsley, stems removed and chopped

    1 cup corn kernels

    1 teaspoon sea salt, or more to taste

    Optional: Black pepper


    Method

    1. In an Instant Pot, pressure cooker or large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic. Cook and stir for five minutes. Add the carrots, celery, beets and potatoes. Add 4 cups of the vegetable broth, along with the kidney beans, drained wild rice and thyme.

    2. Place the lid on your cooking pot of choice. 

    3. If using an Instant Pot or pressure cooker, bring up to full pressure. Once full pressure is achieved, reduce heat to cook for 10 minutes. Then turn off or remove from heat to allow pressure to drop naturally.

    4. If using a regular soup pot, bring to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat to cook on low, covered, for 30 minutes.

    5. Add the green beans, scallions, baby bok choy, zucchini, parsley, corn kernels, sea salt and enough vegetable broth to cover everything. If your Instant Pot or pressure cooker is too full you can cook in two batches.

    6. For Instant Pot or pressure cooker bring back up to full pressure. Reduce heat to cook on low for 5 more minutes.

    7. If using a regular soup pot, bring back to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat to cook on low for 10 to 15 more minutes.

    8. Season with black pepper if desired, and additional sea salt to taste. I like to serve with a drizzle of olive oil as well. If a tart taste is desired you can add a splash of apple cider vinegar as well.

    9. Store leftover soup in a covered glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze leftovers for up to a month.


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Meet Hemp’s Biggest Fan: Manitoba Harvest!

    Meet Hemp’s Biggest Fan: Manitoba Harvest!

    Manitoba Harvest’s mission to transform consumer health starts simply and sustainably: with hemp. Since 1998, they’ve grown their portfolio of hemp products with a dedication to quality, sustainability, and consumer wellness that has positioned the company as the global leader in hemp foods.

    They’re Hemp’s Biggest Fan

    Their passion for hemp foods is rooted in their founder Mike Fata’s personal transformation. He used to weigh over 300 pounds and was sick and tired of being sick and tired. When he decided it was time for a change, he overhauled his diet, focusing on protein, healthy fats, and fiber – all nutrients found in hemp foods!

    Since hemp foods played such an essential role in Mike’s health transformation, he wanted everyone to be able to try them.

    Shop Hemp

    We’ve have them in all shapes, sizes, and flavors: Hemp Yeah! granola, Hemp Yeah! milk*, Hemp Yeah! snack bars, hemp hearts, Hemp Yeah! protein, hemp seed oil and capsules!

    *not pictured

    There are so many ways to add their products in your everyday meals! We’ve added their Organic Hemp Hearts in our October Smoothie of the Month – Caramel Craze! It’s everything we would imagine fall to be with bananas, dry oats, local apple butter, almonds, seasonal spices, apple juice, almondmilk, & a vegan caramel drizzle!

    Check out a few of these creative recipes that you can use Manitoba Harvest’s Hemp Hearts at home!

    Hemp Crusted Tofu

    from Dixya at Food, Pleasure, and Health

    Ingredients

    -1-16 oz. firm, tofu block

    -1 tablespoon sesame oil (or use olive, canola oil)

    -1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten free option)

    -2 tablespoons almond flour

    -3 tablespoons hemp hearts

    Method

    1. Drain water from tofu and gently squeeze as much water as possible using your palms.

    2. Place tofu on a plate and place another plate over it. Then place a heavy object (i.e. a book, canned goods, or a skillet) to help squeeze additional water for 30 minutes or so. Drain water in between that accumulates on plate.

    3. Cut tofu into cubes and use a paper towel to absorb additional moisture and pat dry. You may have to repeat process a couple of times.

    4. Preheat oven to 400° F.

    5. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon mat.

    6. In a medium bowl, combine tofu with sesame oil, soy sauce, and combine well.

    7. Mix in almond flour and hemp seeds until tofu is evenly coated.

    8. Arrange tofu in an even layer on a baking sheet.

    9. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Toss it half way and continue baking until it looks golden brown.

    10. Enjoy by itself or mix with your favorite salad!


    Creamy Chai Hemp Latte

    from Half Baked Harvest

    Ingredients

    -1 cup water

    -1-2 chai tea bags

    -1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    -1/8 teaspoon ground ginger

    -1/2 teaspoon vanilla

    -1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

    -2 tablespoons raw hemp seeds

    -1 rounded tablespoon roasted cashews

    Method

    1. Bring water to a boil over high heat. Add the tea bags, cover and steep for 10 minutes.

    2. In a high power blender, combine the cinnamon, ginger, vanilla, honey, hemp seeds, cashews, and steeped tea. Blen on medium for 2 minutes, then blend on high for about 1 minute – or until the drink is smooth and frothy. Pour into a mug. If desired, top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and hemp seeds. Enjoy!


    Chocolate Superfood Energy Balls

    from Deryn Macey at Running on Real Food

    Ingredients

    -1 cup packed, pitted dates

    -1 1/2 cups raw walnuts

    -2 tablespoons chia seeds

    -2 tablespoons hemp seeds

    -1 tablespoon ground flax seeds

    -2 tablespoons hemp protein powder

    -2 tablespoons cacao powder

    -2 tablespoons cinnamon

    -1/2 teaspoon unrefinded sea salt

    -2 tablespoons water

    Method

    1. Blend walnuts for a minute or so until they’re broken down.

    2. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend until a dough forms.

    3. Roll into approximately 16 balls and let them set in the freezer for a couple hours. These can be stored in the fridge for at least a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    4. Enjoy!

    NOTE: You can roll them in a mixture of coconut sugar and cinnamon for an extra treat, or you can roll them in hemp seeds, chia seeds, coconut or cacao powder for an extra treat!

    References:

    https://manitobaharvest.com/

    https://www.foodpleasureandhealth.com/blog/2016/07/hemp-crusted-tofu.html

    https://runningonrealfood.com/chocolate-superfood-energy-balls/

    https://www.halfbakedharvest.com/chai-cashew-and-hemp-latte/

  • Snacking Made Simple with MadeGood!

    Snacking Made Simple with MadeGood!

    We can #TrustInSomethingGood with all of MadeGood’s products! MadeGood snacks are baked with good intentions with organic ingredients, whole grains, and veggies.

    Their snacks check all of the boxes:

    – Have 6 hidden veggies in every snack

    – Free from the most common allergens

    – Certified organic, vegan, and gluten free

    – Non-GMO Project certified

    – Safe for schools

    – Super delicious

    No wonder why their snacks are loved by kids and grown-ups!

    Stock up on MadeGood Crispy Squares and Granola Minis before their 2 for $7 sale ends on September 30th, 2020!

    Check out these simple recipes you can make at home with MadeGood snacks!

    All ingredients can be found in all Basil Bandwagon Natural Market locations.


    Morning Breakfast Parfait

    Whether you or your kids are going to school virtually or in person, this recipe is the perfect start to your day! The best part – it can be customized to fit everyone’s needs and likings.

    Watching your serving sizes? Pro tip – stock up on your favorite yogurt or yogurt alternative cups and use one per parfait. Now you can mix and match all of your favorite flavors!

    Ingredients for 1 Serving

    -1 MadeGood Granola Minis packet

    -Your favorite fresh fruit

    -1 cup of your favorite yogurt

    Method

    1. Alternate layers of fruit and granola with yogurt until your glass is full. Serve parfaits immediately.

    2. Enjoy!


    Granola Stuffed Baked Apples

    Looking for a warm and cozy fall dessert? We found the perfect one – Granola Stuffed Baked Apples!

    For a quick step-by-step video, visit:

    https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEWnpcmFVmv/

    Ingredients for 4 Servings

    -2 MadeGood Apple Cinnamon Granola Minis packets

    -2/3 cup gluten free rolled oats

    -1 tablespoon maple syrup

    -1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

    -1/4 cup dairy-free milk (I used oat milk)

    -4 Honeycrisp Apples

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 375° F.

    2. Remove the MadeGood granola minis and crumble them into a medium bowl.

    3. In the same medium bowl, combine crumble granola minis, oats, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and milk. Stir until fully mixed and set aside.

    4. Remove stem and core from the apples. Using a small spoon, remove a little more of the core in order to have enough room to fill apples.

    5. Generously fill the cored apples with the granola mixture.

    6. Place granola filled apples in an 8×8 baking pan and add 1 cup water into pan.

    7. Bake apples for 30 minutes or until apples are tender.

    8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Serve with caramel drizzle, a scoop of your favorite ice cream, or just with a utensil.

    9. Enjoy!

    References: Baked Apple Recipe found on MadeGood’s Instagram

  • Simple School-Night Fried Rice

    Simple School-Night Fried Rice

    Simple School-Night Fried Rice

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”


    Simple School-Night Fried Rice

    Serves 4

    Ingredients

    2 teaspoons sesame oil

    ½ onion, chopped

    1 large carrot, diced

    8 oz mushrooms, sliced

    2 ½ cups cooked rice (I used red rice)

    1 tablespoon Coconut Aminos

    ½ cup peas

    1 baby bok choy, chopped


    Method

    1. Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame oil and onion. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add the carrots and mushrooms. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add the rice and the coconut aminos.  Stir and cook for 5 more minutes. You can cover the pot if you want, to help the vegetables to soften. Last, add the bok choy, and cook for one more minute.

    2. Season with extra Coconut Aminos, if desired.

    3. Enjoy!

    Note: Chopped garlic and ginger can also be added to this dish when cooking the onions.


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • How to Cook Corn on the Cob 3 Ways

    How to Cook Corn on the Cob 3 Ways

    Corn on the Cob 3 Ways

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”


    Ingredients

    Serves 4

    4 ears of fresh corn on the cob

    Optional: Vegan butter, olive oil or butter of your choice, Sea salt


    Boiled Corn on the Cob Method:

    1. Remove the husks from the corn. Use your fingers or a brush to remove the fine strands of corn silk.

    2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, covered, over high heat. Salt the water if you want. Add the corn. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Use tongs to carefully remove from the water. Serve as is or with optional vegan butter, olive oil or butter of your choice. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt if you want.

    3. Enjoy!


    Steamed Corn Method:

    1. Remove the husks from the corn. Use your fingers or a brush to remove the fine strands of corn silk.

    2. Add about ½ inch of water on the bottom of a medium size pot. Place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil over medium high heat. Add the corn to the pot, on top of the steamer basket. Cover the pot and cook for 4-6 minutes. Serve as is or with optional vegan butter, olive oil or butter of your choice. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt if you want.

    3. Enjoy!


    Pressure Cooked or Instant Pot Corn Method:

    1. Remove the husks from the corn. Use your fingers or a brush to remove the fine strands of corn silk.

    2. Place ½-inch of water on the bottom of a pressure cooker or an Instant Pot. You can place a trivet on top if you want.

    3. Place the corn in the pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Cover with lid and seal it. Bring up to pressure over medium high heat. Once the pressure is high you can reduce the heat but keep it high enough to maintain pressure for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat. Transfer the pressure cooker from the heat to a trivet to cool and let the pressure reduce naturally.

    4. Once the pressure has fully released, carefully remove the lid and serve. Serve as is or with optional vegan butter, olive oil or butter of your choice. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt if you want.

    5. Enjoy!


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!

  • Vegan Peach Coffee Cake

    Vegan Peach Coffee Cake

    Vegan Peach Coffee Cake

    with Christine Waltermyer

    Christine Waltermyer is a local Wellness Chef, private chef to celebrities, published cookbook author and founder of the Natural Kitchen Cooking School, which offers an online Plant-Based Cooking Program. She also loves shopping at Basil Bandwagon! Visit naturalkitchenschool.com to get your FREE copy of her cookbook, “7 Days of Deliciousness.”


    Vegan Peach Coffee Cake

    Makes 9 squares

    Ingredients

    Cake:

    1 ¼ cup einkorn flour (or unbleached white flour or gluten free all purpose flour)

    ½ cup maple sugar

    1 teaspoon cinnamon

    1 teaspoon baking powder

    ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    Pinch of nutmeg

    1 cup almond milk

    1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

    ⅓ cup refined coconut oil

    1 teaspoon vanilla

    1 cup diced peaches

    Topping:

    ¾ cup einkorn flour (or unbleached white flour or gluten free all purpose flour)

    ⅓ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

    ⅓ cup packed brown sugar

    ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    1 teaspoon cinnamon

    Pinch nutmeg

    ¼ cup refined coconut oil

    Powdered sugar


    Method

    1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly brush or spray an 8 x 8-inch baking dish with refined coconut oil.

    2. To make the cake: In a large bowl, mix together the 1 ¼ cup of the einkorn flour, maple sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, sea salt, and nutmeg. In a small pot, place the almond milk and apple cider vinegar. Stir and let sit for a few minutes. Add the coconut oil and warm the mixture on low heat until the oil melts. Whisk to blend. Pour the almond milk mixture into the einkorn flour mixture. Whisk to combine. Stir in the vanilla. Fold in the peaches.

    3. To make the crumb topping: In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the ¾ cup of the einkorn flour, walnuts, brown sugar, sea salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  Add the melted coconut oil and mix until well combined and a nice crumbly texture. Use your hands if needed. Set aside.

    4. Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

    5. Gently sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the cake batter.  Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the center of the cake springs back to the touch.  Let the cake cool, then dust with the powdered sugar by sifting it through a sieve over the cake. Cut into squares.

    6. Enjoy!


    Thank you to Christine Waltermyer and the Natural Kitchen Cooking School for working with us to help promote healthy, nutritious meals and products that are affordable, full of nutrients, and simple to make at home!