Tag: mothers day

  • Go glam for Mother’s Day

    Go glam for Mother’s Day

    Go glam for Mother’s Day

    A fresh, fab day of feel-good food for Mom

    These recipes are beautiful, delicious, and flexible, which means plant-based or vegetable-forward moms can be treated to a special occasion meal that will leave them feeling their best. Glam, doable, and oh-so-good recipes that will bring a smile to Mom’s face—this truly special lineup will be one to remember, share, and gush over, year after year.

    One-Bowl Cashew Milk Pancakes with the Fixins

    “Special” doesn’t mean challenging or a sink full of dishes—even kids can mix up this simple pancake batter and prep a toppings bar for mom to glow up her plate as she pleases.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Pancakes
    • 2 cups light spelt flour or 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
    • ¼ cup coconut sugar
    • 1 tsp baking soda
    • ½ tsp salt
    • 1 ½ cups unsweetened cashew milk plus more to thin
    • ¼ cup coconut oil or butter melted, plus more for pan
    • 2 large eggs or 2 flax eggs (see method)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    Glam toppings (optional, but recommended)
    • Maple syrup
    • Plain yogurt (nondairy or dairy)
    • Fresh fruit such as berries or sliced bananas
    • Natural nut butter
    • Coconut oil or butter
    • Grated dark chocolate bar

    Method
     

    1. Preheat oven to 200°F. Line large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Acquire and assemble toppings so they’re ready to go when pancakes are cooked.
    2. For pancakes, in large bowl, stir to combine flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Mix in milk, melted coconut oil or butter, eggs (or for plant-based, 2 Tbsp flaxseed mixed with 1/2 cup water), and vanilla, stirring until fully combined. If batter is too thick to stir, thin with additional milk, as needed. The batter should be similar in texture to a bowl of oatmeal (on the thick side but still spoonable).
    3. To cook, preheat nonstick griddle or large pan over medium heat. Brush with additional melted coconut oil. Add dollops of pancake batter into pan, nudging corners with your ladle to spread out a bit. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes and flip once bubbles appear all over the surface. Lower heat, as necessary, to avoid burning. Flip and cook on the other side for another 2 minutes, until puffed and cooked through. Transfer to prepared baking sheet and keep warm in oven. Repeat with remaining batter.
    4. Serve pancakes warm with toppings of choice.

    Heirloom Veggie Grain Bowls with Chicken and Seared Halloumi

    A fresh lunch inspired by the warmer weather, all components of this dish can be made ahead, even packed for Mom and her family to take on a Mother’s Day picnic. The bowl gets glam with the addition of microgreens (or sprouts), heirloom veggies, and meaty halloumi cheese.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 6
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Dressing
    • ½ cup olive oil plus more for brushing
    • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
    • 1 ½ tbsp maple syrup
    • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
    • 1 garlic clove peeled and grated
    • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
    Bowls
    • 9 oz packaged herb and garlic or plain halloumi (halloom)
    • 1 head red leaf lettuce washed, dried well and torn
    • 3 cups cooked sprouted quinoa, brown rice, or millet
    • 2 colorful heirloom tomatoes sliced
    • ½ English cucumber peeled and diced
    • 1 large purple or orange carrot peeled and sliced
    • ½ cup raw or cooked corn kernels or green peas
    • 2 cups cooked chicken cold and shredded
    • 1 cup microgreens or colorful sprouts

    Method
     

    1. For dressing, to sealable jar or bowl, add all ingredients and shake or whisk to combine. Mix again before using.
    2. For bowls, slice halloumi into 1/4 in slabs and brush with a bit of olive oil. Heat large nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat and sear halloumi in batches until golden brown on both sides, 1 to 2 minutes a side. Set aside.
    3. In large bowl, toss lettuce with enough dressing to coat, and then add to 6 shallow bowls (such as pasta bowls) or plates followed by a scoop of cooked quinoa. Arrange tomatoes, cucumbers, carrot, and corn or peas on top in any pattern, then top with chicken, seared halloumi, and dressing, to taste. Garnish with microgreens or sprouts and serve.

    Rainbow Fruit and Veggie Platters with Two Plant-Based Dips

    More fun than a side salad, it’s a spread of the good stuff in a burst of glam color, with two dipping sauces: one sweet for the fruit and one savory for the veggies. Don’t forget to use Mom’s favorite fruits and veggies! Below are some suggestions to get you started.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings: 10
    Ingredients Method

    Ingredients
      

    Sweet Vanilla, Cardamom, and Coffee Dip
    • 1 cup raw cashews soaked for 2 hours, drained
    • ¾ cup recently boiled water plus more to thin
    • 1 tbsp coconut oil
    • 6 soft Medjool dates pitted, soaked for 2 hours, drained
    • 2 tsp lemon juice
    • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract
    • ½ tsp instant coffee (optional)
    • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
    • ⅛ tsp salt
    Savory Vegan Artichoke Dip
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 garlic cloves peeled and minced
    • 14 oz can artichoke hearts drained well
    • ¾ cup raw cashews soaked for 2 hours, drained
    • ½ cup unsweetened nondairy milk (cashew, oat, or coconut milk)
    • 2 tbsp lemon juice
    • 1 tbsp miso paste
    • ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
    • Pinch of Aleppo-style pepper or red pepper flakes to serve
    Fruit Platter
    • 1 bunch of red or green seedless grapes halved if desired
    • 2 cups fresh blueberries
    • 2 cups fresh raspberries
    • 1 cup fresh blackberries
    • 1 melon such as cantaloupe peeled, seeded and cubed
    • 1 pineapple peeled, cored, and cubed
    Vegetable Platter
    • 5 stalks sliced
    • 2 large watermelon radishes sliced
    • 2 lbs rainbow carrots peeled and sliced
    • 1 English cucumber sliced
    • 1 head of broccoli or cauliflower cut into florets

    Method
     

    1. For sweet dip, to high-speed blender, add all Sweet Vanilla, Cardamom, and Coffee Dip ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy. Add additional water to thin until desired fruit dip consistency. Transfer to serving bowl, cover, and chill completely, about 4 hours or up to 4 days.
    2. For the savory dip, in saucepan, heat olive oil over medium, add garlic, and saute until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Immediately add drained artichoke hearts and saute for 3 minutes, until warmed through.
    3. To high-speed blender, add soaked and drained cashews, milk, lemon juice, and miso paste and blend until smooth. Add cooked artichoke mixture and parsley, and briefly pulse to chop but not blend completely. Transfer to serving bowl and chill for at least 2 hours or up to 4 days.
    4. For platters, arrange fruit and vegetables on separate platters or one extra-large platter in a pattern of your choice. Keep each fruit or vegetable in its own section (as opposed to mixing them all together) to create the rainbow appearance. Serve fruit with sweet dip and veggies with savory dip.

    By Allison Day

    Article Courtesy of Alive Magazine

  • Continuing Mother’s Day Traditions Thanks to Made Good

    Continuing Mother’s Day Traditions Thanks to Made Good

    We all wanted Mother’s Day to be different this year, but we didn’t think it would be this different- thanks to COVID-19.

    Thankfully, Basil Bandwagon and Made Good helped me keep my family’s traditions alive and well. Growing up, my mom would always make rice cereal treats. Creating them with different cereals, fun colors and shapes; you name it and she did it.

    Well a couple of months ago, I moved into my own home. It was a difficult adjustment to not annoy her with videos or pictures to show her from social media, hug her every chance I could get, or ask her “what’s for dinner?” Because let’s be honest, when you try to make food living on your own, it never tastes as good as if your parents made it. So to save myself the time (and my mom from tasting poorly made food), I was able to grab a box of Vanilla Crispy Squares from Made Good.

    My mom isn’t a huge fan of sugary foods or anything that tastes like butter, and with having a compromised immune system, I knew that having the individually wrapped squares inside was perfect for her (plus, I can hear about when my dad will eat one and blame my younger sister for leaving the wrapper around. As an older sibling, you have to take every chance to torture your younger siblings, especially when you’re not living at home).

    So not only was I able to give my mom something that I knew she’d enjoy, but we were able to keep our tradition going during these tough times (all while staying 6 feet apart). Added bonus- the selfie photo shoot with her because we never take pictures together since we both hate it. Thanks Mom!

    Check out some of Made Good products on sale this month!

    Feel up to the challenge to make your own cereal squares?

    Check out this recipe featuring Made Good granola:

    Ingredients:

    2 Tablespoons + 2 teaspoons butter

    2-2/3 cups mini marshmallows

    3-1/3 cups granola

    Method:

    1. Melt butter in large sauce pan over low heat. Add marshmallows and stir until melted and well-blended. Cook 2 minutes longer, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

    2. Add granola. Stir until well coated.

    3. Using buttered spatula or waxed paper, press mixture evenly and firmly into 13×9 inch pan. Cut into 2×2 inch squares or in different shapes when cool. Enjoy!

    Here are some more delicious recipes featuring Made Good products*:

    Banana Chia Oats Pudding

    Ingredients:

    2/3 cup old-fashioned oats

    1-1/3 cups unsweetened almond milk

    1 tablespoon chia seeds

    pure vanilla extract

    1 large banana, mashed

    2 tablespoons unsweetened creamy no-nut butter

    Method:

    1. In a jar combine old-fashioned oats, unsweetened almond milk, chia seeds, splash of pure vanilla extract, mashed banana, and unsweetened creamy no nut butter.
    2. Stir well. Refrigerate overnight.
    3. In the morning split into 2 bowls. Top with sliced banana, and Made Good granola (any flavor). Enjoy!

    Tropical Smoothie Bowl

    Ingredients:

    3/4 cup pineapple juice

    1 cup frozen mango

    1 cup blackberries

    1 banana

    1/4 cup shredded coconut (if you’re not allergic)

    Method:

    1. Combine pineapple juice, frozen mango, blackberries, banana & shredded coconut in a blender.

    2. Add into bowl. Top with granola, more coconut & fresh fruit. Enjoy!

    “Hey there, teddy bear!”

    My parents also thought it would be fun to join in on the ‘bear hunt’ for the neighborhood kids! Make sure you check out your neighbor’s windows and see if you can find some.

    If you have no idea what I mean about ‘bear hunt,’ check out this article from the NY Times:

    https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/03/style/teddy-bear-scavenger-hunt.html

    *Recipes found on Made Good Instagram account

  • Treat Your Mom Like A Queen This Mother’s Day

    Treat Your Mom Like A Queen This Mother’s Day

    Make sure you treat your mom with the best gifts in town! We know that your mom would love anything that you get her, but we all know that she would love anything (or everything) that we carry on our shelves here at Basil Bandwagon Natural Market. Plus, they’re healthy for her and our Mother Earth. Check out some awesome ideas below that your mom would love to get this mother’s day (or any day of the year)!

    Aromatherapy

    Want to help your mom unwind after driving her crazy all day? Plug in a new aromatherapy diffuser anywhere in your house and add a couple drops of some of the best organic essentials oils out there and VOILA! The relaxing fragrances will help your mom unwind. Always on-the-go? We also carry car diffusers!

    Luxurious Beauty Care

    Pamper your mom with luxurious organic beauty care like lotions, perfume, bath bombs or bath salts! Our beauty care comes in all shapes and sizes- perfect for this summer season!

    Candles

    If your mom loves flowers and candles, this gift is perfect for her! With Hyggelight Growing Candles, keep the label as they contain wildflower seeds! Plant it in the candle holder after you burn all the wax away and watch your wildflowers grow.

    Fair Trade Chocolate

    Does your mom have a sweet-tooth? Grab her some organic fair trade chocolates that are flying off our shelves daily! They come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors!

    Fair Trade Jewelry

    What woman says no to jewelry? None! Matr Boomie creates beautiful fair trade jewelry like earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in so many different styles and colors.

    On-the-Go Relaxation

    If your mom is always on-the-go, buy her a bright colored Hydroflask or an EcoVessel with a tea strainer linked inside. They’ll pair just right with her organic coffee or tea from Four Sigmatic!

    Regardless of how you spoil your mom this mother’s day, let us know! Leave us a note, email us, or tell us in person! #basilbandwagoncares

  • What Mom Deserves This Mother’s Day

    What Mom Deserves This Mother’s Day

    Mother’s Day is the time to honor someone who devoted themselves to making sure you were warm, safe and happy. Take the time to give back to this special person this May 13th. Say “thank you” and “I love you” with perfectly curated products made with ethics, care, and love.

    Here are some ideas of gift bundles to get you inspired. Need help finding these or making alternative additions? Come talk to one of our friendly team members 🙂

    1.) CHOCOLATE: how could you go wrong with chocolate? We have local, organic, vegan, sugar free, and fair trade options to fit mom’s needs.

     

    2.) COSMETICS: Safe scents and clean makeup are luxurious and a real treat.

    3.) CANDLES: The freshest scents that burn clean and lighten the air are all we carry.

    mother's day candles

    4.) LUXURY BODY PRODUCTS: Pamper mom with luxury body products that will freshen her look and make her feel extra special.

    5.) WASTE FREE CONTAINERS: If mom likes to cook or she eats on-the-go alot, these make great gifts.


    6.) BOOKS: Inspire mom to achieve her best sense of wellness with a good new read.


    7.) Wellness: Treat Mom to Supplements that will make her feel and look her best!

  • Meet May’s Featured Drink: Sunshine Smoothie

    Spring is in full swing and summer is on the horizon. Everyone is looking forward to warm evenings and days full of fun. What better way to celebrate this glorious anticipation than with something sunny and sweet?

    Meet our Sunshine Smoothie:

     

    We blended frosty chunks of mango with cool coconut milk, added tangy orange juice and a few creamy bananas to round it out. A scoop of turmeric adds not only a boost of inflammatory goodness, but it gives this smoothie its bright orange hue!

    Try one today!