Tag: love

  • 3 heart-healthy dishes

    3 heart-healthy dishes

    3 heart-healthy dishes

    Meals you’ll love for the month of love

    This assortment of healthy and beautiful dishes covers diverse dietary preferences so that no one is left out—a true display of love. The passion behind these recipes will surely leave you falling head over heels!

    Smoked Salmon Carpaccio

    This beautiful starter speaks to one’s heart. With a solid dose of salmon and a stunning array of little vegetables, it’s a delicious dish for Valentine’s Day.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Silky pea puree
    • 2 cups frozen peas thawed
    • ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable stock
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
    • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground pepper
    Smoked salmon carpaccio
    • ¼ pound thick asparagus spears about 6
    • 2 small green zucchinis or cucumbers
    • 1 8 ounce package cold-smoked sliced salmon
    • ½ cup frozen peas thawed, for garnish
    • 1 tablespoon capers drained and rinsed, for garnish
    • Fresh dill, lemon zest, and pea tendrils for garnish

    Method
     

    1. In high-speed blender, add pea puree ingredients. Pulse mixture until blended, scraping down sides of blender with a spatula. Continue to blend until a smooth puree is formed. It needs to be thick enough to hold its shape when dolloped or smeared onto serving plates. To ensure silky-smooth finish, press pea puree through a sieve into a bowl. Add more seasonings, to taste, if you wish.
    2. Trim stems of asparagus spears. Using vegetable peeler, shave spears into long strips. Set aside. Shave unpeeled zucchini or cucumbers into long strips.
    3. Artfully arrange 2 or 3 pieces of smoked salmon shaped into rosettes onto each of 8 individual salad serving plates. Intersperse with shavings of asparagus and curls of zucchini or cucumber. Stud plates with a few peas and some capers. Dollop with pea puree and garnish with dill and pea tendrils.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 98 calories; 9 g protein; 3 g fat (1 g sat. fat); 10 g total carbohydrates (4 g sugar, 4 g fiber); 658 mg sodium

    Middle Eastern Kebabs with Couscous and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

    A bit of West meets East with buffalo and coconut flavors married with red peppers in this dish. Served over couscous, it’s a world of deliciousness in a single healthy dish.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 4
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    Kebabs
    • ¼ cup coconut sauce, coconut aminos, or low-sodium tamari sauce
    • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
    • 3 tablespoons olive oil
    • 1 garlic clove peeled, smashed, and minced
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
    • 1 pound sirloin tip water buffalo, bison, or beef cut into 1 inch cubes
    • 1 red onion cut into 1 inch cubes
    • 1 yellow bell pepper seeded and cut into 1 inch pieces
    Pearl couscous
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 cup Israeli (also known as pearl) couscous
    • 1 ½ cups low-sodium vegetable stock
    • ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
    Roasted red pepper coconut cream sauce
    • 1 12 ounce jar roasted red bell peppers drained
    • ½ cup coconut cream
    • ¼ cup low-sodium vegetable stock
    • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
    • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
    • 1 garlic clove peeled, smashed, and minced
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • ⅛ teaspoon salt
    • Generous pinches of ground black pepper, allspice, and nutmeg
    • Toasted coconut flakes for garnish (optional)
    • Baby nasturtium for garnish (optional)

    Method
     

    1.  In bowl, combine coconut sauce, aminos, or tamari, with vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, and cayenne. Whisk together to blend. Add cubes of meat and stir in until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Stir occasionally. The longer it marinates, the more tender the meat becomes.
    2. In medium saucepan, heat oil. Add couscous and stir with wooden spoon over medium heat until it becomes toasty and golden, about 2 minutes. Slowly add vegetable stock to prevent it from sputtering. Turn heat to low. Cover and cook for about 12 to 14 minutes or until couscous is tender and stock is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
    3. To blender, add roasted pepper, coconut cream, vegetable stock, tomato paste, maple syrup, garlic, and seasonings. Whirl until smooth. Transfer to small saucepan and cook over medium heat until bubbly, about 5 minutes. Cover, set aside, and keep warm.
    4. Drain marinade from meat and discard. Bring meat to room temperature before grilling, about 45 minutes. If using bamboo or wooden skewers, soak in water for at least 45 minutes before using. Grease barbecue grill and preheat to 400°F.
    5. Thread drained cubed meat, onion, and yellow pepper among 4 metal or soaked bamboo skewers. Place skewers on grill. Grill covered, for 5 to 7 minutes for medium rare, or 145°F when tested with a meat thermometer. Turn skewers once. Grill a minute or 2 longer for medium 160°F doneness. Remove and cover loosely with a tent of parchment for kebabs to rest for a few minutes.
    6. To serve, add couscous onto plate. Straddle kebabs overtop and spoon warm roasted red pepper sauce overtop. Garnish with toasted flaked coconut and baby nasturtiums, if you wish.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 576 calories; 43 g protein; 23 g fat (10 g sat. fat); 51 g total carbohydrates (8 g sugar, 6 g fiber); 361 mg sodium

    Mousse au Chocolat

    Mousse—a perfect ending to a delicious meal, yet so much more. Our mousse can stand alone as a decadent treat served anytime of day. It’s made from the creamiest soy in combination with dark chocolate and espresso for an added kick.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method Notes

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 10.5 oz package soft plain tofu brought to room temperature
    • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
    • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
    • 1 teaspoon espresso instant coffee powder
    • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 5.5 oz dark chocolate bar, 70% cocoa
    • Flaked salt optional
    • Sweetened plain yogurt, shaved dark chocolate, raspberries for garnish (optional)

    Method
     

    1. Drain tofu and place in high-speed blender or food processor. Add maple syrup, chia seeds, coffee powder, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth. While mixture rests, melt chocolate in saucepan over medium-low heat or in microwave, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Cool slightly.
    2. In blender with creamy tofu, turn motor to low and gradually drizzle in melted chocolate until fully blended and creamy. Spoon or pipe into 6 – 4 oz ramekins. Top each with a pinch of flaked salt if you wish. Place ramekins on tray, cover securely, and slide into refrigerator to chill.
    3. When ready to serve, drop a dollop of sweetened plain yogurt on top with shavings of grated chocolate and a couple of raspberries for garnish, if you wish.

    Notes

    Each serving contains: 158 calories; 6 g protein; 8 g fat (4 g sat. fat); 18 g total carbohydrates (15 g sugar, 2 g fiber); 20 mg sodium

    By Irene McGuinness

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Fall in love with health – together

    Fall in love with health – together

    Fall in love with health – together

    Motivate others to take care of their hearts

    Research shows that couples share similar health habits and routines. The same is true for our wider social circle—we even share similar cardiovascular disease risks to those we spend a lot of time with. This Valentine’s Day, fall in love with your heart health and find ways to motivate your friends and loved ones to do the same.

    Be the heart-healthy change you want to see in the world

    If you want to motivate those around you to be healthy, you need to show instead of tell. That’s according to Kathryn Werner, a psychiatry physician’s assistant with a degree in health promotion.

    Make food a family affair

    When we get our friends or family engaged in their own healthy decisions, researchers say the beneficial results are longer lasting than if we tell them what to do, or if we simply do it for them. Plus, it’s a great way to be a healthy role model and can help you grow closer together in your relationships.

    “Suggest to each other healthier food options or restaurants,” suggests registered dietitian and nutritionist Katie Tomaschko. “Grocery shopping and planning meals together is also a great way to encourage each other to make heart-healthy food decisions.”

    Sweat together

    Exercise is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your general wellness and longevity.  Studies have found that exercise is an incredibly social activity. People who exercise with friends—or even with strangers in a group boot camp or class—push themselves harder and stick with their exercise routine longer.

    Try these tricks to build motivation for yourself and your loved ones.

    Get competitive and be accountable

    “You can motivate each other by participating in friendly movement or step competitions on an app or through your smartwatch,” suggests Tomaschko. Choose a heart-healthy reward for the winner, such as getting a massage or splurging on premium workout gear.

    Make it part of your routine

    Turn movement into a ritual, such as going for a walk together each night after dinner. “Physical activity releases feel-good and stress-releasing neurotransmitters,” says Werner.

    Think outside the gym

    “Take advantage of the upcoming mild spring weather and plan for hikes or walks,” says Tomaschko. “Even taking the dog on a walk counts!”

    Keep the wellness journey lighthearted

    Whatever health goals you have for your friends and family, stay positive. “We often think of eliminating unhealthy behaviors, but one of the best ways to move toward health is to focus on increasing healthy behaviors,” notes Werner.

    Supplements your heart will love

    Always check with your health care practitioner to ensure that a supplement is right for you. Here are some supplements with potential heart and exercise benefits:

    • coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
    • omega-3s
    • curcumin
    • whey protein powder

    By Joshua Duvauchelle

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Triple Layer Carob Cake with Christine Waltermyer

    Triple Layer Carob Cake with Christine Waltermyer

    Triple Layer Carob 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.”

    Triple Layer Carob Cake

    Makes One 2-Layer Cake

    This paleo cake is refined sugar-free, grain-free and decadent!

    Ingredients

    Frosting:

    ¼ cup maple syrup (+ a little extra if needed after it chills, to achieve the right consistency)

    ½ cup carob powder

    ½ cup refined coconut oil

    ½ cup almond butter (I used sprouted almond butter)

    Cake (Dry Ingredients):

    2 cup Bob’s Red Mill Paleo Flour

    ½ cup carob powder

    1 teaspoon baking soda

    ¼ teaspoon sea salt

    ½ teaspoon cinnamon

    Cake (Wet Ingredients):

    4 pastured eggs

    ½ cup avocado oil

    1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    ½ cup pure maple syrup

    For Presentation: Optional raspberry sauce (recipe below), fresh mint, flaked sea salt

    Method

    To make the frosting:

    In a bowl, mix together all of the ingredients and stir well until smooth. Refrigerate while you make the cake. You may need to a little more maple syrup later after chilling the frosting, to achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. If you want extra frosting for decorating, you can double this recipe.

    To make the cake:

    1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly grease two 8-inch cake pans with avocado oil. You can place a circle of parchment paper on the bottom of each one if you like, to make releasing the cakes a little easier.

    2. In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together the wet ingredients. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and stir well to combine. Evenly divide the batter between two cake pans. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or just until set on top.

    3. Remove the frosting from the refrigerator to come to room temperature. 

    4. Remove the cakes from the oven and set aside to cool. When cool to the touch you can invert the cakes, releasing them from the pans, onto plates lined with parchment paper. Flip one cake onto a cake plate. 

    5. Stir the frosting to help it soften. If needed, add a little more maple syrup to achieve the right spreadable consistency.

    6. Cover the top of the cake with frosting. Place the other layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the frosting. Clean any crumbs from the plate.

    7. To serve, when plating each slice drizzle with optional raspberry sauce, sprinkle with flaked sea salt and place a mint sprig on the side.

    Optional Raspberry Sauce Recipe

    Ingredients:

    1 10-ounce bag frozen raspberries

    2 to 3 tablespoons maple syrup

    Equipment: plastic squirt bottle with nozzle

    Method:

    Place the raspberries and maple syrup in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until almost boiling. Cover and cook on medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Place in a blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh strainer. Using a funnel, pour into the squirt bottle. Use to make a zigzag design on each piece of cake when served.

    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!

  • 20 of Our Favorite Self-Love Products

    20 of Our Favorite Self-Love Products

    For us at Basil Bandwagon, Valentine’s Day is the celebration of love and human connection. In that spirit, it’s super important to take some time to give yourself a little extra love and care. While this is important every day of the year, we say that Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to grant yourself permission for the extra pampering you deserve! So, we put together a list of 20 of our favorite “self-love” products for you to come check out (many of them made with love by local artisans!):

     

    Mishti Chocolate: delight your taste buds with this delicious local chocolate

    Matr Boomie Earrings: treat yourself to a fresh new look with a pair of these

    Pranarom Lavender Aromatic Hydrosol: soothe your senses with this versatile mist fit for a queen

    Luv Superfood Bites: indulge sensibly with this locally-made delectable morsel

    Zum Goat’s Milk Bar Soap: transform your bathing routine into a scent-sible aromatherapy session

    Mineral Fusion Nail Polish: pamper your nails to pretty-up your look without the harsh chemicals

    Redmond Earth Powder: give your smile a makeover with this miracle powder

    John Masters Organics Essential Trial Set for Hair & Body: visit the organic salon in the comfort of your own home with this exclusive bundle

    Mineral Fusion 3-in-1 Color Stick: get ready to get glowing with this easy-to-use addition to your natural makeup collection

    Veriditas by Pranarom Rose Regenerating Facial Oil: nourish your skin naturally with this anti-aging miracle oil

    Degage Gardens’ Lavender Sachet: refresh your pillow, closet, or your sock drawer with this handmade aromatherapeutic sachet

    Just the Goods’ Vegan Herbal Spa Warm: take a time out to rejuvenate your whole body in this herbal bath soak that’s truly spa-worthy

    Taza Cinnamon Chocolate Mexicano: wake up your mouth and your mood with this decadent dessert with a cinnamon-y twist

    Cocokind Organic Chlorophyll Detox Mask: purify and brighten your complexion with this simple natural remedy for fatigued and flaky winter skin

    Sunbeam Candles’ Rose Geranium, Ylang Ylang & Patchouli: breathe in the clean aromas of this sensual combination of oils in candle form

    Andes Gifts’ Glittens: wrap your hands in cutest, warmest, most functional accessories ever

    Hydro Flask 12 oz.: clean up your to-go beverage routine with a sustainable and sleek new beverage flask in ruby red

    Andalou Naturals Polished to Perfection Konjac Facial Sponge Duo: polish away impurities to reveal your most youthful, glowing skin with this reusable duo

    Andalou Instant Lift & Firm Hydro Serum Facial Mask: hydrate your thirsty skin with this age-defying hero

    Acure Brilliantly Brightening Facial Scrub: step up your skincare game with this gentle scrub that’s a favorite among thousands of skincare junkies

     

  • Make Love GROW

    Make Love GROW

    Make Love Grow: in your HEART, in your HOME, in your community, in the WORLD. 

     

    This starts with YOU:

     

    This means taking care of yourself so that you can take care of others.

    Self Care Products

    Take time for yourself so you can care for others. Replenish yourself with nourishing bath products and supplements that bring balance and rest.

     

    Make Love Grow in YOUR HOME:

     

    Take care of the ones you love, even four-legged beings! The love you show them makes them grow.

    Animals are family to us- just like they are to you! Feed them the best. We carry only the cleanest, high quality food we can find.

     

    Make Love Grow in YOUR COMMUNITY:

     

    Spend your Money Locally, and Volunteer your time.

    • For every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays IN the community. Spending $100 at a local chain only brings $43 back.

    • If everyone spent an extra $10 at a locally-owned business rather than a national chain, over 9.3 BILLION dollars would be directly returned into our economy.

    For more info on why spending locally is important, check out these links below:

     

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com

     

    http://grasshopper.com/resources/articles/small-business-saturday-statistics/

     

    Contribute your time!

    There are opportunities to give back EVERYWHERE. Find out where you can lend a hand in our county by visiting our county website:

    Hunterdon County, New Jersey Volunteer Opportunities.

     

    Make Love Grow in THE WORLD:

     

     Love grows in the WORLD when you choose to let it!