Tag: fresh

  • Slow down!

    Slow down!

    Slow down!

    It’s time for reflection and a fresh start

    Springtime is the perfect opportunity to start fresh by consciously pausing to rest, reflect, and recalibrate. Create space for quiet time and make the most of it. Here’s how.

    Back to basics

    Take several deep conscious breaths and reflect on your

    • energy level
    • physical health
    • emotional state
    • financial condition
    • relationship health

    Notice where you may be out of balance, depleted, or too full. This gives you a quick baseline, a reference point to guide you forward.

    Shouldn’t I be doing something?

    When we’ve been doing a lot, it can seem like there’s something off if we don’t continue to keep busy. However there’s so much to be learned when we shift focus from doing to being.

    Judy Cashmore is a movement and embodiment teacher. She sees numerous benefits to embracing the quiet of being:

    • deep restoration of our nervous system
    • sparking of creative impulses and problem-solving approaches
    • clearer perspective on ourselves and on our lives
    • space to process and release any stuck or repetitive thoughts and feelings
    • connection with the natural world by allowing ourselves our own “season” of quiet

    We’re all wired differently!

    The 20th-century analyst Carl Jung posited that people either recharge themselves in solitude (introverts) or socially (extroverts). The contrasting styles are on a continuum where each person has differing proportions of each style. Thus, we may have different levels of comfort with social stimulation and also different ways of centring and recharging.

    If you’re more introverted and yearning for downtime, yet still have family, work, or social obligations, try intentionally integrating boundaries and breathers. If, on the other hand, you’re more extroverted and yearning for social activity to continue, try reaching out to others and do something together.

    Reframing alone time

    Notice what story you tell yourself about alone time—because that story will inevitably influence your perspective. If you think there’s something wrong because you are alone right now, try reframing to encompass the notion of space for something new.

    If you’ve been spending a great deal of time alone and telling yourself it’s good because it’s solitude, consider if you’re avoiding or missing something else. You might reframe your experience as a period of isolation from which you can shift.

    Recognize that your beliefs affect your perceptions and thoughts—so if you want a different experience, change up your assumptions!

    Find the gold

    This season will transition into the next. Before it does, you have some space to give yourself a shake and begin anew. Take your time, and maybe appreciate yourself in the process. There is really no one like you!

    By Carole Ames

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Cook with mint

    Cook with mint

    Cook with mint

    Fast and fresh summertime recipes

    Let’s bring the refreshing flavor of mint into the kitchen this summer. With its distinctive flavor profile and heady aroma, mint is the perfect herb to incorporate into a variety of fresh, summery dishes. Read on for inspiration and then run, don’t walk, to grab your nearest bunch of mint and whip up some delicious fresh mint dishes today.

    Mint Chip Smoothie Breakfast Bowl

    Who wouldn’t want to eat ice cream for breakfast? This cool and creamy concoction only feels like an indulgence. Packed with fiber from bananas, spinach, mint, and oats, this breakfast is sure to keep you feeling full and satisfied until lunchtime.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 2
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup plain yogurt
    • ¼ cup rolled oats
    • ⅔ cup packed fresh spinach leaves
    • ⅔ cup packed fresh mint leaves plus extra for garnish
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 medium frozen bananas chopped into 1 inch pieces
    • 1 ½ tablespoons raw cacao nibs plus extra for garnish
    • ½ cup fresh raspberries for garnish

    Method
     

    1. In blender, combine yogurt, oats, spinach, mint, and vanilla until smooth. Add frozen bananas and blend, scraping down sides of blender as needed, until thick and creamy. With blender turned off, fold cacao nibs into smoothie mixture.
    2. Divide smoothie into 2 serving bowls. Garnish each bowl with some extra cacao nibs, fresh raspberries, and a few mint leaves. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 307 calories; 8 g protein; 6 g total fat (3 g sat. fat); 58 g total carbohydrates (28 g sugars, 10 g fiber); 55 mg sodium

    Minted Watermelon and Rice Noodle Salad

    This vibrant summer salad works equally great as a side dish or light lunch. It also travels well. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for a few days.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 5
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 2 tablespoons fish sauce
    • 1 tablespoon liquid honey
    • 1 tablespoon water
    • 1 teaspoon sambal oelek or 1 finely chopped bird's eye chili
    • 1 tablespoon + ⅓ cup loosely packed mint leaves divided
    • 1 cup snow peas ends trimmed
    • 1 cup bean sprouts
    • 5 ½ oz rice vermicelli noodles
    • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
    • 14 oz watermelon cut into bite-sized pieces
    • ¼ cup loosely packed Thai basil leaves or regular basil leaves
    • 2 green onions thinly sliced
    • 2 tablespoons roughly chopped toasted peanuts (optional)
    • 1 lime cut into wedges for serving

    Method
     

    1. In small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, fish sauce, honey, water, and sambal oelek or chopped chili until well combined. Finely chop 1 Tbsp mint leaves and stir into dressing. Set aside while preparing salad, or transfer to airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
    2. Bring large saucepan of water to boil over high heat. While water is coming to a boil, prepare ice bath by placing a couple of handfuls of ice into large bowl and covering with cold water. Set aside.
    3. Blanch snow peas in boiling water for 10 seconds. Using slotted spoon, transfer to ice bath for 1 minute before placing on clean kitchen towel to drain. Repeat blanching and ice water bath treatment with bean sprouts, taking care to blanch bean sprouts in boiling water for only 5 seconds. Place bean sprouts to drain on clean kitchen towel alongside snow peas.
    4. Cook rice noodles according to package instructions and place in large bowl. Add about half the reserved dressing and toss to combine.
    5. Cut snow peas into bite-sized pieces and add to bowl with noodles along with bean sprouts, cherry tomato halves, watermelon pieces, torn basil leaves, green onion, and remaining 1/3 cup torn mint leaves. Drizzle with remaining dressing before gently tossing all together. Pile onto serving plates and garnish with a sprinkling of chopped peanuts, if using, and lime wedges.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 215 calories; 6 g protein; 2 g total fat (0 g sat. fat); 45 g total carbohydrates (11 g sugars, 4 g fiber); 590 mg sodium

    Sweet Mint Pesto with Grilled Peaches

    For this recipe, sun-kissed peaches are used; however, other fruits such as pineapple, mango, nectarine, or plums would work equally well. Paired with a refreshing minty pesto sauce, this speedy dessert is sure to be a hit at your next BBQ.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 2 cups packed fresh mint leaves
    • 4 tablespoons grapeseed oil divided
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • ¼ cup raw pine nuts, raw cashews, or raw sunflower seeds
    • 2 tablespoons honey
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt
    • 4 ripe peaches
    • Your favorite vanilla ice cream to serve, if desired

    Method
     

    1. Preheat barbecue grill to medium-high.
    2. While barbecue preheats, make mint pesto sauce. In blender, place mint, 3 Tbsp grapeseed oil, olive oil, pine nuts, honey, vanilla, and salt. Blend, scraping down sides of blender jug as needed with rubber spatula, until pesto is mostly smooth, about 30 seconds. If pesto is too thick, thin with water, adding 1 Tbsp at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
    3. Cut peaches or your chosen fruit in half and discard pits. Rub cut side of fruit with some of the remaining 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil. Place fruit cut-side down on preheated grill and cook, moving as needed so fruit does not burn, until warm and grill marked, about 2 minutes.
    4. To serve, divide grilled fruit among serving bowls and top with some mint pesto. While delicious just as is, topping with a scoop of ice cream is highly recommended, as it gives the final dish more depth and richness.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 271 calories; 4 g protein; 19 g total fat (2 g sat. fat); 26 g total carbohydrates (21 g sugars, 5 g fiber); 70 mg sodium

    By Lawren Moneta

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Mango Relish Dogs

    Mango Relish Dogs

    Mango Relish Dogs

    The combination of sweet and savory flavors from the mango chutney paired with the smoky and satisfying taste of plant-based hot dogs creates a truly delicious and satisfying experience.

    Give a new flavor profile to the folks sitting around your table—whether they be picky kids or adventurous eaters, experienced in plant-based or just experimenting with alternatives. There are many reasons to enjoy plant-based mango chutney hot dogs.

    Looking for another way to spice things up? Customize your mayo with a touch of sriracha and black pepper or lime zest and chopped cilantro.

    Whether it’s for the unique flavor, nutritional benefits, or ethical considerations, these hot dogs are a delicious and satisfying choice for any occasion. Plus, you can have a meal ready to go in less than 20 minutes! You can have more time to enjoy time outside after warming up the grill.

    Mango Relish Dogs

    These are perfect for those who love a little bit of sweetness and tanginess in their hot dogs. Plus, it's vegan and plant-based!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Mango Pickle Relish
    • 1 Cup sweet pickle relish
    • 1/2 Cup mango chutney
    • 1 Teaspoon rice vinegar
    • 1 Teaspoon dry mustard powder
    • 1 Teaspoon chili flakes
    • 1/2 Teaspoon curry powder
    Hot Dogs
    • 6 plant-based classic smoked hot dogs
    • 6 hot dog buns
    • 1/2 small red onion julienned
    • 1/2 Cup plant-based mayo

    Method
     

    1. Combine all relish ingredients in a bowl and adjust seasoning to taste.
    2. Butterfly hot dogs and sear each side in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden crisp, approximately three minutes per side. Alternatively, grill hot dogs.
    3. To assemble, place hot dogs in buns then fill with relish. Drizzle on mayo and garnish with red onion.

    Recipe Courtesy of INFRA

  • Asparagus Pappardelle

    Asparagus Pappardelle

    Asparagus Pappardelle

    Spring is in the air! With this asparagus pappardelle, you can have spring in your bowl, too! Whether you like pencil thin asparagus or heartier thicker stalks, asparagus is the quintessential spring vegetable. It’s the harbinger of the season. Combined with other tender green produce, dill and peas, and a light cream sauce, you know you can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes. The asiago cheese and shallots build a lot of flavor without overpowering the freshness of the veggies. We’ll be making this recipe all spring long as we wait to see what else our local farmers have to offer.

    Asparagus Pappardelle

    Spring is in the air! With this asparagus pappardelle, you can have spring in your bowl, too! Plus you can have dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 tablespoons olive oil
    • ⅓ cup shallots minced
    • 3 Large garlic cloves minced
    • 1 pound pappardelle pasta
    • 1 pound fresh asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces (discard woody parts)
    • ½ cup frozen peas
    • 1¼ cups heavy cream
    • 1½ cups asiago cheese shredded
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
    • ½ ounce fresh dill stemmed

    Method
     

    1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
    2. Heat oil in a large saucepan and add shallots. Cook shallots until translucent then add garlic and cook for a minute. Add cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted. Reduce heat to low.
    3. Cook pasta as directed on package. Add asparagus and peas one minute before pasta is done. Strain and add to sauce. 
    4. Toss pasta to coat and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with dill and serve promptly.
    5. Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Melon Salad with Citrus Dressing

    Melon Salad with Citrus Dressing

    Melon Salad with Citrus Dressing

    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!

    Summer is time for fresh, colorful salads – and melons! Thanks to Christine Waltermyer and The Natural Kitchen Cooking School, you can learn how to cut a melon (whether it’s a honeydew, cantaloupe or watermelon!) and use it to make a bright, refreshing salad with citrus dressing. Scroll down for the recipe!

    Print Pin

    Melon Salad with Citrus Dressing

    Colorful balls of various melons take on a delicious flavor when combined with fresh lime juice.
    Course dinner, entree, Lunch, Salad
    Keyword citrus, dinner, entree, lunch, melon, salad
    Servings 4

    Ingredients

    • 1 honeydew melon
    • 1 cantaloupe
    • 1 small watermelon

    Citrus Dressing

    • Juice of 1 lemon
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • Pinch sea salt
    • ¼ cup raw honey or maple syrup
    • 1-2 tablespoons chopped mint

    Instructions

    • Use a melon ball scoop to create little balls from each of the melons. Place them in a large bowl.
    • Make the citrus dressing: In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lime juice, sea salt, honey and mint. Whisk together. Pour over the melon balls and gently toss until evenly coated. You can serve right away or chill before serving. If you refrigerate it, stir the salad again just before serving.
    • 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!

  • Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes with Yogurt Cream

    Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes with Yogurt Cream

    Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes with Yogurt Cream

    Berries and cream come together in this classic dessert with a twist! Using plain yogurt in the shortcakes and whipped topping add a probiotic boost and a tangy zip. Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes with Yogurt Cream are the perfect way to end a meal with family and friends.

    Print Pin

    Fresh Strawberry Shortcakes with Yogurt Cream

    Servings 8

    Ingredients

    Shortcakes

    • 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ cup whole milk plain yogurt
    • ½ cup cream
    • 1 egg
    • 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
    • 2 tablespoons cream for brushing on top
    • 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar for topping

    Macerated Strawberries

    • 2 pints strawberries hulled and quartered
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • Small pinch of salt

    Soft Whipped Yogurt Cream

    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    • ¼ cup whole milk plain yogurt

    Instructions

    • To make the macerated strawberries combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt in a medium size bowl. Mix well to combine. Cover and let sit at room temperature or in the fridge for at least an hour.
    • Preheat the oven to 425°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk to combine. In a large measuring cup combine the cream, yogurt, and egg, whisk well. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the egg and cream mixture. Use a wooden spoon to mix well, until the dough just comes together, and no dry patches of flour remain – do not overmix.
    • Pour the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Lightly dust the top of the dough with flour as well as your hand, and press the dough out into a rectangle about 8 x 10". Fold the dough in thirds like a letter, then press back out into a rectangle. fold in thirds again, the press back out into a rectangle. Use a bench scraper to cut the dough into either six large shortcakes or eight smaller shortcakes.
    • Place the shortcakes on the prepared baking sheet. Use a pastry brush to brush the tops of the shortcakes with cream, and generously sprinkle turbinado sugar on top. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Set aside to cool. 
    • To make the whipped yogurt cream, add the cream and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer. Whip on medium speed until soft peaks form. Add the yogurt, and gently fold in.
    • Assemble the shortcakes right before serving. Split the shortcakes in half. Spoon strawberries on the bottom half and add yogurt whipped cream. Place the other half of the shortcake on top.
    • Enjoy!

    Recipe Provided by INFRA

  • Healthy Mango Smoothie + How-To Cut A Mango!

    Healthy Mango Smoothie + How-To Cut A Mango!

    Healthy Mango Smoothie + How-To Cut A Mango!

    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!

    If you LOVE mangoes then this recipe is just what you’re looking for. Thanks to Christine Waltermyer and The Natural Kitchen Cooking School, we’re learning how to cut a mango and use them to make a refreshing smoothie that you and your kids will love! Bonus – if you have leftover smoothie, you can turn them into frozen popsicles. Whether you like mangoes fresh or frozen, you’ll always know your snack is nutritious, delicious and will bring you an instant energy boost!

    Print Pin

    Healthy Mango Smoothie

    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Keyword breakfast, dessert, Kids, smoothie, snack
    Servings 2

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup frozen banana slices
    • 1 cup fresh diced mango
    • 1 cup frozen mango chunks
    • ½ cup your favorite plain yogurt
    • Pinch of salt
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients in a high-powered blender and puree until smooth. Enjoy served in a tall glass with a straw!

    Notes

    Leftover smoothie makes great popsicles! Just pour into popsicle molds and freeze.

    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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • Easy Homemade Face Mask for Glowing Skin

    Easy Homemade Face Mask for Glowing Skin

    Easy Homemade Face Mask for Glowing Skin

    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.”

    Mango Avocado Face Mask

    Makes enough for 4 applications

    Ingredients

    2 teaspoons fresh aloe vera pulp or store-bought aloe vera gel intended for topical use

    2 teaspoons unrefined coconut oil

    1 tablespoon fresh avocado

    1 tablespoon fresh mango

    Optional: 2 drops Roman Chamomile Essential Oil (I used Wyndmere brand)

    Method

    1. Place all ingredients in a small bowl and mash everything together into as smooth consistency as possible. Apply 1 tablespoon all over your face and leave for 15 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

    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!