Category: Guest Post

  • Avoid seasonal stress-based eating

    Avoid seasonal stress-based eating

    Avoid seasonal stress-based eating

    Tips from a pro

    Everyone knows the holidays can be stressful. But it’s not just the effort to stay on budget or the dinnertime antics of your oddball uncle that make this time of year challenging. Healthy eating can take a nosedive at this time of year, too. End your year on a high with proactive measures to avoid getting caught in the food trap.

    Plan ahead

    Joan Ifland, PhD is the chief executive officer of Food Addiction Training, LLC, and is a leading innovator in the field of recovery from food addiction. She shares some insights about how to prepare for the holidays and its associated overindulging.

    At this time of year, the holiday gathering, with its lavish edible spread, is often the culprit. Simply saying you won’t indulge may not be enough to spare you from getting sucked into that vortex of stress and indulging, Ifland warns.

    “You get [to a party] and after an hour or two, you’re eating [unhealthy foods],” she says. “It’s because cravings and loss of control build up over time.”

    Instead, take your own snacks—think crudités, healthy proteins, or other foods that are as close to their natural, unprocessed shape and form as possible—and keep it near you. If that’s not possible, avoid standing in a place with a clear view of the hors d’oeuvres table.

    Drink water

    Be sure to get a glass of water as soon as you arrive, and hang onto it. It keeps one hand busy, and reduces the chance of someone passing you a cocktail chock full of simple syrup and alcohol.

    Be easy on yourself

    Whatever happens, go easy on yourself, Ifland advises. Changing our behaviors to break the processed food addiction cycle can take years.

    “There are so many foods that have been deliberately processed to make them addictive. It can take a couple of years to get off all of them. When people know it’s a long, slow process, they give themselves permission to celebrate their wins.”

    What about alcohol?

    Getting into the holiday spirit, for many, often means getting into the spirits. But pouring yourself a tall cold one to make things merrier might actually make the season far less bright.

    Binge drinking increases around the holidays, which is often related to social or financial stress that comes with celebrating at this time of year. Stress and alcohol can create a toxic cocktail for our brains, no matter how much we might think we’re being released from our inhibitions when we imbibe.

    “Alcohol [can be] highly addictive,” says Ifland. And it can have potentially serious consequences that include impairing cognitive skills and our self-control. While that might feel fun in the moment, any feelings of comfort and joy experienced while tippling are fleeting, Ifland warned. If you are concerned about your relationship with alcohol, chat with your doctor.

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Elegant and plant-based

    Elegant and plant-based

    Elegant and plant-based

    Celebrate the season with this holiday meal

    This wow-worthy, plant-based holiday meal won’t disappointwhether you nix the meat entirely or incorporate some of these recipes into your celebratory meal. This gluten-free, vegan menu has “festive” written all over it.

    Stuffing with Thyme, Rosemary, and Dried Cranberries

    In this plant-based stuffing, fresh herbs and dried fruit replace the depth of flavor usually infused by chicken juices, so use fresh thyme and rosemary if possible to maximize the flavor return.
    Servings: 3

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 fresh thyme sprigs or ½ teaspoon dried
    • 1 fresh rosemary sprig or ½ teaspoon dried
    • 1 loaf gluten-free bread cubed, about 6 to 8 cups cubes
    • 1 cup chopped green onions
    • 3 tablespoons chopped dried cranberries
    • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
    2. De-stem thyme and rosemary sprigs and coarsely chop. In large bowl, combine herbs with bread cubes, green onions, and dried cranberries. Add 1 ½ cups broth and toss to coat. Bread should be moistened and slightly softened. Add remaining broth if needed (some gluten-free breads are denser than others).
    3. Taste and add salt if desired. Grease or line 8 x 11 in baking or casserole dish with parchment paper. Transfer stuffing to dish and bake for 50 to 55 minutes.
    4. Enjoy!

    Green Beans with Dukkah

    Subbing Middle Eastern dukkah for classic toasted almonds with your green beans is like taking your first international trip (or the first in a long time …) and (re)discovering that there’s a world of flavor out there.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup hazelnuts
    • ½ teaspoon whole fennel seeds
    • 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
    • 1 teaspoon whole black or green peppercorns
    • 1 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
    • 2 teaspoons white or black sesame seeds
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
    • 2 pounds green beans trimmed
    • 1 teaspoon hazelnut oil optional

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In nongreased baking dish, roast hazelnuts for 20 minutes.
    2. Heat medium skillet over medium-high. When hot, toast fennel seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, and coriander seeds for 45 seconds, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Seeds should start to pop. Transfer to spice grinder, mortar and pestle, or directly to food processor or blender. In same skillet, toast sesame seeds, stirring every 10 seconds or so, until aromatic and, if using white sesame seeds, golden. Transfer immediately to medium bowl.
    3. Grind, or pulse all seeds except sesame seeds several times in blender or food processor, until lightly crushed and aromatic. Transfer to medium bowl with sesame seeds. Rub hazelnuts between kitchen towels to remove some of skins if needed, then coarsely chop in food processor (not in blender), or by hand. Add to bowl with crushed seeds. Stir in salt and optional cayenne.
    4. Steam green beans for 5 to 7 minutes, until tender-crisp. Serve topped with dukkah and a drizzle of hazelnut oil, if desired.
    5. Enjoy!

    Oyster Mushrooms with Garlic and Thyme on Caramelized Parsnip Puree

    This dish is a plant-based showstopper, with tender mushrooms in a sweet-and-sour glaze soaking into ultra-thick roasted parsnip puree.
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    Caramelized Parsnip Puree
    • 8 cups water
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 pounds parsnips peeled and chopped into 2 inch pieces
    • 2 garlic cloves peeled
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon cane sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    Mushrooms
    • ¾ cup balsamic vinegar or 6 tablespoons aged balsamic or balsamic glaze
    • 1 teaspoon olive oil
    • 14 ounces oyster mushrooms cleaned and, if necessary, trimmed so they grill flat
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    • ¼ cup finely chopped green onion
    • 2 thyme sprigs stripped from stem, or ½ teaspoon dried
    • 2 tablespoons toasted pistachios roughly chopped
    • ½ cup finely chopped chives, parsley, or green onion to garnish

    Method
     

    1. For parsnip puree, preheat oven to 400°F.
    2. In medium saucepan, bring water, baking soda, and parsnips to boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes. Drain parsnips, but don’t rinse. Set aside until cool enough to handle, about 3 minutes.
    3. In large bowl, combine parsnips with remaining ingredients for puree. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes. Turn and roast for 10 minutes more, or until tender and caramelized. Transfer to large bowl and mash with potato masher or immersion blender, or transfer to food processor and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings.
    4. For oyster mushrooms, in medium saucepan, boil balsamic vinegar until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. If using aged balsamic vinegar or glaze, skip this step.
    5. In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high. When hot, add mushrooms, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute. Flip mushrooms and add balsamic reduction, green onions, and thyme and stir to coat mushrooms. Lower heat to medium-low; cover and cook for 5 minutes, or until mushrooms are tender, adding 1 Tbsp water to prevent sticking, if necessary. Taste and adjust seasoning.
    6. To serve, spread parsnip puree on bottom of large platter. Place mushrooms on top. Top with toasted pistachios and garnish with chopped chives, parsley, or green onion.
    7. Enjoy!

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • How to reconnect with nature

    How to reconnect with nature

    How to reconnect with nature

    Discover the joy of the season

    Seasonal living offers a way to rekindle our relationships with nature. In the process, we can uncover the joy and beauty in the natural world hidden in plain sight all around us.

    What is seasonal living?

    Humans used to live in a way that was innately more in touch with the seasons; indeed, many people around the world still do. Living in a way that is consciously connected to the seasons can be an intentional lifestyle choice through mindful daily practices.

    Benefits of seasonal living may include

    • improved mood and reduced stress due to spending time in nature
    • increased feelings of interconnectedness with the natural world and our place in it
    • the chance to slow down, reflect, and live in a more mindful, intentional way

    Seasonal living, every day

    There are myriad ways to live seasonally, and as always, it’s important to do what works for you. Here are a few ideas to help inspire you.

    Your kitchen

    Choosing local and seasonal food is one way in which we can eat in a more eco-friendly way, support our communities, and foster relationships with local farmers and food businesses.

    Simply start incorporating more locally grown in-season foods when possible, whether it’s from your own little garden or a store. Ask questions and chat with vendors at your local farmers’ market or the produce experts at your local health food store to learn more about the foods and how to cook them, as well as how they’re grown or produced.

    You can also incorporate mindfulness and gratitude practices into your mealtimes. Sunshine, water, and soil nourish the plants that, in turn, nourish us. Before eating, reflect on your food, its journey to your dinner plate, and the resources involved.

    Your decor

    Bring the outdoors in by incorporating some of the following suggestions.

    • houseplants
    • local, seasonal flowers
    • natural materials, such as acorns, chestnuts, pinecones, feathers, or driftwood
    • opening the windows for fresh air
    • making a seasonal garland with leaves or flowers

    Your daily routine

    Ask yourself: how can I fit in more time in nature? Maybe wander into your yard or outdoor space in the morning to feel the dew on your toes and listen to the birds, or in the evening to smell the cool air and see the moon. Notice how these experiences change through the year. You may also wish to practice yoga or meditate outside on a regular basis.

    Your celebrations

    Celebrating the changing of seasons can be a joyful and meaningful addition to any holidays you currently celebrate. Many people observe such dates as the autumnal equinox, the winter solstice, the spring equinox, and the summer solstice with nature-based celebrations. Celebrations can be communal (such as hosting a family dinner party or taking part in a community event) or individual (such as a walk in the woods or some quiet meditation or journaling).

    Article Provided by Alive Magazine

  • Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog


    While you may be missing the ease of a carton of store-bought nog, once you see how easy it is to make it yourself, you may never go back. Making your own means you can customize it to your tastes, preferences, and dietary restrictions! This coconut cashew nog is dairy-free and egg-free, which makes it an excellent option for the vegans in your life. The hardest part of this recipe is waiting for the cashews to soften with an eight-hour soak. In other words, with a little planning, it’s a snap. Cheers!

    Coconut Cashew Eggnog

    Looking for a vegan alternative to the holiday classic beverage? This coconut cashew nog has all the flavor for your festive drinks without dairy or eggs!
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 ⅓ cups untoasted cashews soaked overnight
    • 1 quart coconut milk from a carton
    • cup cane sugar
    • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • Freshly grated nutmeg optional

    Method
     

    1. Place all ingredients in a blender and run until mixture is very smooth and frothy.
    2. Place eggnog in a serving pitcher and chill for an hour before serving.
    3. Pour into serving glasses and grate nutmeg on top.
    4. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Banana Peel Curry

    Banana Peel Curry

    Banana Peel Curry


    Looking to reduce your food waste? Save those banana peels! With a quick soak in hot water, peels are transformed to a soft blank canvas. Shredding the peels like you would pull chicken or jackfruit gives you a neutral plant-powered addition to this coconut curry. Add some aromatic seasonings, this curry will transform how you view banana peels! Served over rice, don’t skimp on the lime juice. The acidity livens up the dish and makes it simply craveable.  

    Banana Peel Curry

    Looking to reduce your food waste? Save those banana peels! With a quick soak and some aromatic seasonings, this curry will transform how you view banana peels! 🍌
    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 banana peels from ripe bananas ends removed
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
    • 1 small yellow onion chopped
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 2 large garlic cloves minced
    • 2 inch fresh ginger peeled and minced
    • 1 tablespoon curry powder
    • 2 cups cauliflower florets bite-size
    • 1 cup stock or water
    • 1 13.3 ounce can coconut milk
    • ¾ teaspoons sea salt
    • 2 tablespoons cane sugar
    • 2 tablespoons lime juice

    Method
     

    1. Place banana peels in a large bowl of hot water, cover, and let sit for an hour to soften.
    2. Drain water. Using a fork, shred peels lengthwise with skin side down, then mince.
    3. In a large stockpot, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cinnamon stick and sauté until translucent. Add garlic, ginger, and curry powder. Sauté for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
    4. Add cauliflower, prepared banana peel, and stock. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook until cauliflower is tender about three to five minutes. 
    5. Stir coconut milk, salt, sugar, and lime juice and heat through. Adjust seasonings to taste and serve with basmati rice.
    6. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Sweet Onion Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

    Sweet Onion Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

    Sweet Onion Pull-Apart Cheese Bread


    This sweet onion pull-apart cheese bread is the ultimate semi-homemade party snack. Sweet and savory, cheesy and crispy, you’ll have everyone coming back for more. It’s less of a recipe to cook as it is instructions to combine. If you can slice bread and open a jar, you’ll have no trouble creating this delectable, celebratory loaf! 

    Sweet Onion Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

    This sweet onion pull-apart cheese bread is the ultimate semi-homemade party snack. Sweet and savory, cheesy and crispy, you’ll have everyone coming back for more.
    Servings: 6

    Ingredients
      

    • 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 8 ounces shredded Jarlsberg cheese
    • 1 cup caramelized onion or prepared caramelized onion jam
    • 1 sourdough boule
    • 3 tablespoons salted butter softened
    • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Combine cheeses and caramelized onion in a bowl and set aside.
    2. Slice bread into one-inch-thick slices leaving the base of slices attached at the bottom of the boule. Rotate boule 90º and repeat slicing to form a grid pattern. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    3. Brush the inside slices with melted butter.
    4. Stuff the cheese mixture into sliced boule and sprinkle with thyme leaves.
    5. Bake boule for 20-25 minutes or until cheese has melted.
    6. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Chili Nachos

    Chili Nachos

    Chili Nachos


    Got a late night craving? These chili nachos are ready in minutes! Plus, they’re endlessly customizable. Add sour cream, jalapeños, diced onion, or a squeeze of lime to take these to the next level.

    Chili Nachos

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 4-ounce corn tortilla chips
    • 1 Amy's Organic Medium Chili heated
    • 2 – 3 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Jack, or Mexican cheese blend)
    • 1 small can sliced black olives drained
    • 1 small avocado diced
    • Amy's Medium Salsa

    Method
     

    1. On a microwave-safe plate, spread the tortilla chips in an even layer with just a little overlap.
    2. Sprinkle 1 cup of cheese evenly over the chips.
    3. Heat on high in the microwave for 1 minute or until cheese is melted.
    4. Add another layer of tortilla chips, sprinkle with remaining cheese and heat for another 1-1½ minutes until cheese is melted.
    5. Top nachos with Amy’s Medium Chili, Amy’s Medium Salsa, sliced black olives and diced avocado.
    6. Serve immediately and enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

    Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

    Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle


    This comforting creamy mushroom pappardelle recipe is filling and flavorful yet not too heavy or too rich. Our Egg Pappardelle noodles are wide and strong enough to carry lots of sauce with each bite, making it a hearty meal for wintertime but also just light enough to enjoy in the spring!

    Creamy Mushroom Pappardelle

    Servings: 2

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 1 shallot minced
    • 1 garlic clove minced
    • 8 ounces mushrooms
    • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley minced
    • Salt to taste
    • Pinch dried thyme
    • ¾ cup heavy cream
    • 1 ½ teaspoons corn starch
    • 1 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
    • 8.8 ounces Bionaturae pappardelle

    Method
     

    1. In a large skillet, sauté butter, shallot, and garlic on medium-low heat for 2 minutes.
    2. Chop the mushrooms in a food processor, then add them to the skillet with parsley and thyme, and salt to taste. Cook on low heat uncovered for 7 minutes.
    3. Whisk cream and corn starch together, add to the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes; add cheese and cook for 1 minute.
    4. Cook bionaturae pappardelle according to instructions, then toss in the skillet and cook on medium-low for 30 seconds.
    5. Serve with more grated cheese.
    6. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Vanilla Sandwich Cookies with Christine Waltermyer

    Vanilla Sandwich Cookies with Christine Waltermyer

    Vanilla Sandwich Cookies

    Thanks to Christine Waltermyer & The Natural Kitchen Cooking School!

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned 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 subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    Do you know what sweet treat you’re making for your holiday cookie exchange? Thanks to Christine Waltermyer and The Natural Kitchen Cooking School, now you do – and everyone will love it! These Vanilla Sandwich Cookies not only taste great, but you can decorate them in your favorite sprinkles – especially Supernatural Kitchen’s Into The Woods festive, artificial dye-free sprinkles!

    Vanilla Sandwich Cookies

    Servings: 40 cookies

    Ingredients
      

    Vanilla Wafer Cookies
    • cup butter room temperature
    • cup granulated sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
    • 1 egg
    • 1 ¾ cup all purpose flour
    • ½ cup cornstarch
    • teaspoon sea salt
    Vanilla Cream Filling
    • ½ cup butter room temperature
    • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Optional
    • Sprinkles of your choice

    Method
     

    Make the Vanilla Wafer Cookies
    1. In a large mixing bowl, place the softened butter and sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar for a few minutes until fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
    2. Add the vanilla extract, lemon juice and egg. Mix well.
    3. Add the all purpose flour, cornstarch and sea salt. Continue mixing until a smooth dough forms.
    4. Form the dough into a flat disc. You may need to add a little extra flour to get the right consistency. Wrap it in parchment paper or plastic wrap. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
    5. Preheat the over to 350°F. Line several baking sheets with parchment paper.
    6. Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Unwrap it and place it between two fresh sheets of parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to carefully roll out the dough until it's just under ¼ inch think.
    7. Use a 2-inch round fluted edge cookie cutter to cut out cookies. If the dough gets too soft to work with, place it in the refrigerator to chill. Transfer the cookies to the prepared baking sheets.
    8. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges of the cookies have set.
    9. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Repeat with the remaining dough.
    Make the Vanilla Cream Filling
    1. In a mixing bowl, place the softened butter and powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer to whip until fluffy. This will take about 10 minutes. Add the vanilla extract and lemon juice and mix again briefly to incorporate. If the filling seems too soft, you can add a little more powdered sugar.
    2. Transfer the vanilla cream filling to a piping bag fitted with a large star or round piping tip.
    Assemble the Sandwich Cookies
    1. Add about 1 teaspoon of filling to the center of half of the cookies. Top the filled cookies with another vanilla wafer cookie. Use your fingertips to gently press the cookies together until the filling has spread to the edges.
    2. If using optional sprinkles, roll the edges of the cookies and the sprinkles until it covers all of the vanilla cream filling.
    3. Enjoy!

    Notes

    STORING THE COOKIES: Store the cookies in a covered container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 4 days and up to 1 week stored in the refrigerator.
    Unbaked cookie dough will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    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!

  • Beef Stew with Christine Waltermyer

    Beef Stew with Christine Waltermyer

    Beef Stew

    Thanks to Christine Waltermyer & The Natural Kitchen Cooking School!

    Christine Waltermyer is a local and renowned 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 subscribe to her email newsletter for new recipes, tips, and FREE access to the Power of Veggies mini-course!


    The holidays are full of family, friends, and busy schedules – which means you’re probably constantly on-the-go. But thanks to Christine Waltermyer and The Natural Kitchen Cooking School, we have a hearty, Beef Stew recipe that you can pour and freeze into portions for quick and easy meals!

    Beef Stew (Using Steak)

    Servings: 4

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
    • A few pinches of white pepper
    • 1 pound beef stew meat or steak trimmed and cut into inch cubes
    • 1 – 2 tablespoons olive oil or beef tallow
    • 1 ½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 4 ½ cups beef broth
    • 1 tablespoon apple butter
    • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • 2 bay leaves
    • 1 medium onion peeled and chopped
    • 1 ½ cups winter squash peeled and cut into bite-size cubes
    • 2 medium turnips peeled and cubed
    • ½ of a small zucchini cut into chunks
    • 1 – 2 teaspoons sea salt

    Method
     

    1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour and white pepper. Add the beef cubes and toss to evenly coat them with the flour mixture. Heat the olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot like a Dutch oven. Add half of the beef, being careful not to overcrowd them. Brown the beef on all sides by cooking and turning them for 5 minutes. Repeat with remaining beef, adding a little more oil to the pan if needed.
    2. Transfer the beef to a bowl. To the pot, add the apple cider vinegar and ½ cup of the beef broth. Cook and stir over medium heat for a few minutes, using a wooden spatula to release any flavorful bits from the pot. Add the beef, remaining beef broth, apple butter, dried thyme, sugar and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium high heat. Skim off any foam that appears. Reduce the heat to low and cook, covered, for 1 ½ hours.
    3. Add the onion, squash and turnips. Cook, covered, for another 30 minutes. If the strew starts to look too dry, you can add a little more beef broth or water. Add the zucchini and cook for 10 more minutes. Season with sea salt and additional white pepper to taste. Serve hot.
    4. 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!