Tag: dinner

  • Christine Waltermyer’s Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing

    Christine Waltermyer’s Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing

    Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing

    thanks to Christine Waltermyer!

    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!

    What comes to mind when you think about the first day of spring? For us, it’s bright, fresh, fruits and vegetables to help energize us through the day. Thanks to Christine Waltermyer, we can combine all of that into a delicious & nutritious power bowl that’s perfect for lunch or dinner! Check out the recipe below…

    Print Pin

    Quinoa Power Bowl with Orange Tahini Dressing

    Course Main Course
    Keyword dressing, power bowl, quinoa, vegan

    Equipment

    • Baking pan
    • Small saucepan
    • Large skillet
    • Medium bowl

    Ingredients

    • 1 large sweet potato or yam peeled and diced (½-inch dices)
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or vinegar or vegetable broth)
    • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 cup quinoa (I used the pre-rinsed kind)
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • ½ red onion thinly sliced
    • 16 ounces sliced button mushrooms
    • 1 medium zucchini cut into half moons
    • ½ cup corn kernels
    • 2-4 tablespoons sesame tahini
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • The juice of one orange
    • 1 avocado pitted and diced
    • 13 ounces cooked kidney beans (I used the Jovial brand)
    • Fresh parsley chopped, as a garnish (optional)

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
    • Place the peeled and chopped sweet potato in a baking pan. Lightly drizzle it with 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste. Sprinkle with onion powder and garlic powder. Mix the seasoning into the sweet potato with your hands. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until fork-tender.
    • Meanwhile prepare the quinoa. In a small saucepan, place the quinoa. Add 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add an optional pinch of sea salt. Reduce the heat to simmer on low, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes.
    • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of the avocado oil. Add the onion and cook and stir for a minute or two. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for a minute, then cover with a tight-fitting lid to help release the moisture from the mushrooms. Cook for several minutes over medium heat. If it seems to be dry on the bottom you can add a teaspoon or so of water.
    • Add the garlic, corn and zucchini to the mushrooms. Cook and stir briefly, then season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook for a few more minutes. Uncover and stir.
    • Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the tahini, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar and fresh orange juice. Whisk together and add more tahini if a thicker consistency is desired.
    • Place the avocado in a small bowl. If not serving the bowls right away you can toss it with a little lemon juice, lime juice or vinegar to prevent browning.
    • Now arrange the bowls. In two serving bowls, place a scoop of the cooked quinoa (there will be leftovers or enough for a third or fourth bowl), a portion of kidney beans, some sweet potato and the sautéed mushrooms, zucchini and corn. Add some avocado as well.
      Bonus! If you want to add a teaspoon of raw sauerkraut or another raw pickle that adds a nice touch.
    • Wipe the edges of the bowls if needed. Top with a drizzle of the tahini dressing over all of the ingredients. Sprinkle with optional chopped parsley.

    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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • Comfort Food Classics

    Comfort Food Classics

    Comfort Food Classics

    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 Cinnamon Rolls

    Makes 6 to 8

    Ingredients

    1 cup almond milk + 1 tablespoon almond milk reserved for glaze (I used the Three Trees brand)

    1/4 cup vegan butter + 1/3 cup vegan butter reserved for filling (I used Miyoko’s brand) 

    2 Tablespoons organic raw sugar

    1/2 packet Red Star active dry yeast

    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    2 ¼ cups unbleached flour

    1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon

    1/2 cup powdered sugar

    1/3 cup brown sugar

    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    You will need: An 8-inch round cake pan, lightly oiled with rice bran oil (I used a stainless steel one)

    Method

    1. In a small saucepan, warm the almond milk, 1/4 cup butter and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the butter has melted. The mixture should be warm like bath water, not too hot, around 100 degrees F. Stir with a wooden spoon and add the active dry yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes until foamy.

    2. In a mixing bowl, place the powdered sugar, vanilla, and one tablespoon of almond milk. Stir together until you reach a glazed consistency.

    3. In a large mixing bowl, place the flour and sea salt. Add the yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly until combined. Cover the bowl with a damp towel or plastic wrap. Set aside in a warm place or at room temperature for 1 hour.

    4. Add the remaining 1/4 cup of flour to your dough and mix until well combined. On a floured board, form the dough into a big rectangle.

    5. Melt the remaining 1/3 cup vegan butter. Evenly brush the rectangle of dough with the melted butter. Sprinkle the brown sugar in an even layer over the dough. Sprinkle evenly with cinnamon.

    6. Roll the coated dough into a log and cut into 7 or 8 slices. Place one cinnamon roll in the center of the cake pan. Add the other slices around it. Cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap and let rise for another 30 minutes.

    7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Remove the rolls from the oven and drizzle with the glaze. Serve warm and enjoy!

    Homemade Pizza

    Makes 2 pizzas

    Ingredients

    1 1/4 cup warm water 

    2 Tablespoons raw sugar

    1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast

    1 teaspoon sea salt

    2 Tablespoons rice bran oil

    3 cups unbleached all purpose flour (plus extra for rolling out the pizza dough)

    1 jar pitted black olives

    1 can of pizza sauce (or homemade carrot sauce)

    Fresh basil leaves

    Shredded vegan Mozzarella

    Method

    1. In a small glass measuring cup, combine the warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface of the water. Let sit for a few minutes (up to 10  minutes) until foamy and activated. If you want to gently stir it, use a wooden spoon.

    2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. 

    3. In a food processor, add the yeast-sugar water mixture, rice bran oil and flour. Process until all ingredients are combined. The dough will be sticky. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit at room temperature (in a warm place) for 1 hour.

    4. Once the dough has doubled in size, place it on a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle with some flour and work the flour into the dough with your hands. Add just enough extra flour to achieve a smooth dough.  

    5. Cut the dough in half. Set one dough ball aside and place the other on a piece of parchment paper. Roll the dough flat, stretching gently as needed. Flatten into a circle. Keep the edges a little thicker.

    6. Preheat the oven to 465 degrees F. Place a stainless baking sheet or pizza pan on the bottom shelf of the oven to warm it for a few minutes. Remove from the oven and quickly place the parchment paper with pizza dough on top of the warmed baking sheet.

    7. Top the dough with an even thin layer of pizza sauce, shredded mozzarella cheese and black olives. You can add whatever toppings you like. Bake for about 12 minutes, or until desired doneness.

    8. Serve topped with some chopped fresh basil leaves. 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!

  • Plant-Based Taco Tuesday with Christine Waltermyer!

    Plant-Based Taco Tuesday with Christine Waltermyer!

    Plant-Based Taco Tuesday

    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.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1Itki8wDu8

    Jackfruit Tacos

    Serves 4

    Ingredients

    1/2 red onion

    1 avocado

    1 package Siete brand Almond Flour Grain-free Tortillas

    Olive oil

    1 package Jackfruit Company Pulled Pork (vegan & gluten free)

    Juice of 1/2 lime 

    2 Tablespoons maple syrup

    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 

    2 teaspoons of your favorite mayonnaise

    1/4 cup cilantro or parsley, chopped

    3 cups green cabbage, shredded

    Method

    1. In a small bowl place a couple tablespoons of the onion. Add 1 tablespoon of the lime juice and a pinch of salt. Rub with your fingers and set aside.

    2. Make the cabbage slaw: In a medium size bowl, place the shredded green cabbage, mustard, maple syrup, remaining lime juice and mayo. Mix together and set aside.

    3. In a heated skillet, over medium heat, add a teaspoon or two of the olive oil and the remaining onion. Cook and stir for 5 minutes. 

    4. Add the Jackfruit pulled pork. Cook and stir until fully heated and a little browned.

    5. Heat the tortillas: Warm a cast iron skillet over low heat. Once the skillet is hot you can add a tortilla, flipping frequently to prevent burning. Note: Almond flour tortillas burn more easily than traditional tortillas.  Once the tortilla has been warmed evenly on both sides, place it on a plate and cover with a towel. Continue until you have warmed all of the tortillas.

    6. Assemble the tacos: Place a tortilla on a plate. Add some of the Jackfruit pulled pork, a little cabbage slaw, a few slices of avocado, a pinch of marinated red onions and cilantro or parsley. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Serve topped with lime wedges. 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!

  • Celebrate National Veggie Burger Day with Homemade Veggie Burgers from Christine Waltermyer!

    Celebrate National Veggie Burger Day with Homemade Veggie Burgers from Christine Waltermyer!

    Celebrate National Veggie Burger Day

    with

    Homemade Veggie Burgers

    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.”

    Veggie Burgers

    Makes 4 burgers

    Ingredients

    2 teaspoons olive oil

    1 red onion, chopped

    1 cup mushrooms, sliced

    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    1 cup cooked kidney beans

    1/2 cup carrots, diced and boiled

    2 Tablespoons oat bran

    1/3 cup gluten free oat flour

    1/3 cup ground flax seed meal

    2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

    1 teaspoon water

    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    1 teaspoon dried basil

    Black pepper

    Optional: Smoked paprika to taste

    Method

    1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, onion and a pinch of the sea salt to soften the onion. Cook for a few minutes, then add the mushroom. Cook 5 to 10 minutes, until nice and tender.

    2. In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, carrots, oat bran, oat flour, flax seed meal, parsley, water, and seasonings. Partly mash the ingredients together.

    3. Prepare a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Form the mixture into four burger patties. Place them on your baking sheet. 

    4. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes, then turn the burgers and bake for another 15 minutes.

    5. Serve on hamburger buns or lettuce leaves, topped with your favorite condiments. 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!

  • RECAP: New Product Thursday 2/27/2020

    RECAP: New Product Thursday 2/27/2020

    Check out our NEW products this week!

    Bluebonnet: Intimate Essentials Line (Maca, For Him, For Her, LJ100) & Apple Cider Vinegar Capsules
    Gabriella’s Kitchen Hemp Bowls: Fabulous Farro & Tuscan Style Veg, Chunky Chickpea & Squash, and Loaded Lentil & Mushroom
    Basil Bandwagon Natural Market: Elderberry Syrup (larger size), Melatonin 10mg, & Berberine
    Everyone Products: Hand Soap, Foaming Hand Soap, Kids Foaming Wash, and Essential Oil Roll-Ons (Uplift, Revive, Focus, Relax, Calm, & Sleep)
    Mestemacher Protein Bread: Almond, Carrot, & Walnut
    Rhythm Cauliflower Bites: Buffalo Ranch, Sea Salt, & White Cheddar
    Valley Shepherd Creamery: Black Truffle Goat Cheese, Sheep Yogurt (Strawberry, Vanilla, & Plain), & Vat Cultured Butter
    Whole Life Pet: Pure Chicken Breast Cat Treats
    Wholesun Wellness: Lions Mane, Real Energy, Deep Immune Health, Deep Digestive Health, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, Chaga, Shiitake, & Maitake
  • Heart-Healthy Curried Pumfu Stir-Fry with Christine Waltermyer

    Heart-Healthy Curried Pumfu Stir-Fry with Christine Waltermyer

    Heart-Healthy Curried Pumfu Stir-Fry

    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.”

    Serves 4

    Ingredients

    1 tablespoon olive oil

    1 medium onion, chopped

    3 cloves garlic minced

    ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste

    2 cups sliced mushrooms

    1 teaspoon curry powder, or to taste

    ½ teaspoon turmeric

    3 heirloom carrots, peeled and sliced

    1 container CocoJune Organic cultured coconut yogurt

    1 8-oz. pack Pumfu pumpkin seed tofu, cubed

    ¼ small head green cabbage, chopped

    2-3 cups broccoli spears

    Method

    1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. A pinch of the salt helps the onions to soften.

    2. Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onions have softened. Add the sliced mushrooms, curry powder, remaining sea salt and turmeric.

    3. Cook and stir for a few minutes, then cover for a few more minutes.

    4. Uncover and add carrots and the coconut yogurt. Stir and cover, cooking for another minute.

    5. Add the cabbage, Pumfu and broccoli. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender but still bright green. Serve hot, over cooked quinoa or rice. 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!

  • Winter Crunch Salad with Christine Waltermyer

    Winter Crunch Salad with Christine Waltermyer

    Winter Crunch Salad

    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.”

    Serves 4-6

    A colorful, heart-healthy salad that highlights seasonal vegetables.

    Ingredients

    Salad:

    ½ head radicchio, chopped

    ½ cup chopped fennel bulb

    1 mandarin orange, sliced

    2 tablespoons sliced almonds

    2 heads Belgian endive, cored and sliced

    3 heirloom rainbow carrots, peeled and diced

    5 cups chopped romaine lettuce

    Dressing:

    ½ cup olive oil

    ⅓ champagne vinegar

    1 tablespoon maple sugar

    ½ teaspoon sea salt

    1 teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

    Juice of one small orange 

    Method

    1. Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl.

    2. In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients. Whisk well to blend.

    3. Just before serving the salad, pour desired amount of dressing over the salad and toss to combine. 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!

  • Winter Holiday Heroes with Christine Waltermyer

    Winter Holiday Heroes with Christine Waltermyer

    WINTER HOLIDAY HEROES

    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.”

    MENU

    Immunity Soup

    Keto Refrigerator Fudge

    Pomegranate Sweet Potato Bruschetta

    Loaded Sweet Potatoes

    Immunity Soup

    Serves 2-3

    Ingredients

    2 tablespoons olive oil

    1 onion, diced (1 1/2 cups)

    Sea salt

    1 teaspoon fresh ginger root, peeled and minced

    2-3 cloves garlic, minced

    3/4 cup fresh maitake mushrooms, chopped

    2 stalks celery, chopped

    2 small carrots, chopped

    1-inch piece kombu, soaked in cold water to cover for 10 minutes

    4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)

    2 bay leaves

    4 cups vegetable broth* (recipe below: astragalus, kombu, veg scraps)

    A pinch ground turmeric

    2 cups chopped kale

    1 13-oz. jar Jovial brand chickpeas, drained

    2-3 tablespoons light colored miso (such as South River Chickpea miso)

    Lotus Foods brown rice ramen noodles (2 cakes), cooked

    Method

    *If making vegetable broth from scratch, use the recipe below.

    1. Heat a soup pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Add the onion and a pinch of sea salt. Cook and stir for 5 minutes.

    2. Add the ginger and garlic. Cook and stir for another minute or two. Add the maitake mushrooms. Cook a few more minutes. Add the celery and carrot, and cook and stir for a few minutes.

    3. Add the kombu (whole or chopped), thyme, bay leaves, and the vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer on low, covered, for about 20 minutes. Add the turmeric, chopped kale, and chickpeas. Cook a few more minutes.

    4. Remove the bay leaves, thyme sprigs and kombu (if a whole piece). Place the miso in a small bowl and add a few tablespoons of water. Stir until diluted. Add this to the soup and stir. Add the cooked ramen noodles just before serving. Enjoy!

    *Immune-Boosting Vegetable Broth Recipe*

    1. In a large soup pot, place 4 cups leftover vegetable scraps (ends of carrots, ends of celery, cabbage hearts, kale stems, parsley stems, etc.) OR 2 whole carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 handful parsley and 1 onion.

    2. Add 1-2 teaspoons dried astragalus root, 2 bay leaves and a 2-inch piece of kombu sea vegetable.

    3. Add 4 cups of water.

    4. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to cook on low for 1 hour. Strain and use.

    Keto Refrigerator Fudge

    Serves 8

    Ingredients

    1/2 cup carob powder OR cocoa powder OR cacao powder

    1/2 teaspoon Sweetleaf Sweet Drops liquid stevia – Vanilla Creme Flavor

    1/2 cup virgin coconut oil, softened

    1/2 cup sprouted almond butter

    1/8 teaspoon sea salt

    Topping:

    2 tablespoons coconut oil, softened

    2 tablespoons almond butter

    Flaked sea salt (optional)

    Method

    1. Using a whisk, fork or electric hand mixer, combine the carob powder, liquid stevia, 1/2 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup almond butter, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt. Mix until smooth.

    2. Spread the mixture evenly into a parchment paper-lined 8×4-inch loaf pan. In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons coconut oil with 2 tablespoons almond butter. You can add a drop or two of stevia sweetener if you life. Mix well, then drizzle onto the top of your fudge. Use a toothpick to swirl it around and make a marbled surface.

    3. Chill for 1 to 2 hours. Top with some flaked sea salt. Slice, serve and enjoy!

    Pomegranate Sweet Potato Bruschetta

    Serves 8

    Ingredients

    1 16oz bag Caulipower Frozen Sweet PotaTOASTS (frozen Sweet Potato slices)

    Sunflower seed “cheese” spread:

    1/2 cup sunflower seeds

    1/4 cup water

    1/4 cup chopped scallions

    1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

    1/2 teaspoon onion powder

    1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    1 tablespoon lemon juice

    1 tablespoon miso

    Garnish:

    D’Vash sweet potato nectar

    The seeds of 1 pomegranate

    1/2 cup chopped walnuts

    Fresh sprigs of thyme or rosemary

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the sweet potaTOASTS in an even layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes. For more well done slices, brush with a little olive oil and bake 5 minutes longer.

    2. Meanwhile, make the sunflower seed “cheese” spread. Place the sunflower seeds, water, scallions, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, lemon juice and miso in a food processor. Process until a spreadable consistency, stopping to scrape down the sides a few times. The consistency does not need to be perfectly smooth.

    3. Remove the baked sweet potaTOASTS from the oven and let them cool to room temperature. Spread each one with a rounded tablespoon of the sunflower seed “cheese” spread. Top with some walnuts, pomegranate seeds, thyme sprigs and a drizzle of sweet potato nectar. Enjoy!

    Loaded Sweet Potatoes

    Serves 4

    Ingredients

    2 sweet potatoes or yams

    Olive oil

    One onion, diced

    8 ounces mushrooms, sliced

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    Sea salt and pepper

    White wine

    1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

    4 cups chopped kale

    2 teaspoons maple syrup

    1 teaspoon prepared mustard

    1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

    Squeeze of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar

    Sauce:

    1/4 cup sesame tahini

    2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

    1 tablespoon maple syrup

    A few pinches sea salt

    3-5 tablespoons water

    Garnish:

    Fresh chives, chopped

    Method

    1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork a few times. Place whole sweet potatoes or yams in a covered casserole or you can wrap the sweet potatoes individually with foil and place them on a baking sheet instead of a covered casserole. Place them in the oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork. When finished remove from oven, keep covered and set aside.

    2. Meanwhile, prepare sautéed vegetable topping. In a skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and a pinch of salt, cook and stir for five minutes.

    3. Add the mushrooms, garlic and thyme. If the onions are sticking to the pan, add a small splash of white wine. Cover and cook for five more minutes or until the mushrooms have softened. Add the kale and another splash of white wine. Cover and cook for five more minutes. Add remaining seasonings: maple syrup, mustard, lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and cook and stir for a few more minutes. Cook until the liquid has mostly evaporated.

    4. To make the sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk well together. The consistency should be something like ketchup.

    5. Slice the cooked sweet potatoes or yams in half lengthwise and evenly distribute the sautéed vegetables on top of each one. Drizzle with a couple tablespoons of the sauce and serve topped with chives. Enjoy!

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