Tropical Grapefruit Salad

Tropical Grapefruit Salad

This deceptively looking light salad is quite filling. You may serve it on butter lettuce leaves for an even more elegant presentation. Serves about 4.

• 1-1/4 c. grated Coconut

• 2 tsp. organic Tamari sauce

• 2 Tbs. organic Lime Juice

• 2 Tbs. Water

• 2 tsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 organic Garlic clove, halved

• 1 organic White Onion, finely chopped

• 1 large Ruby Grapefruits, peeled and segmented

• 1 c. organic Alfalfa Sprouts

Toast coconut in a dry skillet over low heat, stirring constantly, for about 3 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a bowl.

Add Tamari sauce, lime juice and water to the coconut and mix well.

Heat olive oil on medium in a sauté pan for 1 minute.  Add garlic and onion, and stir until softened. Remove and discard garlic.  Add onions to coconut mixture.

Arrange grapefruit segments among 4 plates.

grapefruit coconut salad

Sprinkle each with alfalfa sprouts and spoon the coconut mixture on top.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Tabbouleh - Authentic Recipe

Tabbouleh has become a popular offering in restaurants and grocery stores across the U.S.  Most of what is passed as Tabbouleh is someone's own version of the Lebanese classic.  It either has too much bulgur wheat or includes spices that are not in authentic Tabbouleh. Havng grown up in Lebanon, I wanted to share this easy to make, nutritious and delicious salad with you.  This recipe has just the right balance of flavors. It can be a side or a meal in itself.

Authentic Lebanese Tabbouleh

Serves 6-8

2 bunches organic Italian parsley, chopped fine 1 bunch organic mint, chopped fine 6 organic green onions, chopped 2 c. chopped ripe organic tomatoes 1/4 c. fine whole wheat Bulgur, soaked in 1/2 c. warm water * 1/3 c. lemon juice 1/4 c. virgin olive oil 1 tsp. Sea Salt or to taste

Soak the bulgur wheat for 10 minutes, until it is no longer crunchy.  If you're using a coarser bulgur grain, soak a little longer.

Mix vegetables in a large bowl. Squeeze the bulgur wheat by the handful and add to veggies. Do not mix in yet. Pour the lemon juice over the bulgur wheat in the bowl, then add the olive oil and salt, and mix well. That's it...!

If you want to eat this salad as the locals do, then have some fresh organic lettuce or cabbage leaves on hand.  Fill with Tabbouleh and enjoy.

Note: The dressing is usually added to the Tabbouleh veggies 20 minutes before serving. It will keep covered in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

* To make a gluten free version, substitute quinoa or bran flakes for the bulgur.

P.S. Sometimes I add finely chopped radish to the salad... don't tell my relatives! ♥

Veggie, Bean and Lentil Bowl

A fillling nutritious meal in a bowl.

Prep Ingredients

• 1 Tbs. Coconut oil or e.v. organic Olive Oil

• 3 medium cloves of Garlic, finely chopped

• 1 cup diced organic White Onion

• 1 Tbs. Ginger, finely chopped

• 2 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1-1/2 tsp. Cayenne

• 1 tsp. grnd Ceylon Cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp. Allspice

• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1 organic Broccoli, cut into pieces

• 1 c. organic Carrots, cut in 3/4" chunks

• 2 c. organic Zucchini, cut into bite-size pieces

• 6 - 7 organic Red Radishes, halved

• 6 - 7  organic Mushrooms, sliced (opt.)

• 15 oz. organic Tomato Sauce

• 1/2 - 1 c. hot Water

• 1/2 c. organic Red Lentils, rinsed

• 1 c. cooked Cannellini Beans (or Black beans)

• Chopped fresh cilantro

  Heat oil and 2 Tbs water in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.

  Add the onion, garlic and ginger. Cook for a few minutes until the onions is translucent. Add cayenne, cinnamon and allspice. Stir mixture for 3-4 minutes.

  Add vegetables, tomato sauce and 1/2 c. of water. Bring to a boil. Add lentils and beans, cover and simmer on low heat until lentils are cooked and vegetables are tender, about 25-30 minutes.

  If needed, add the rest of the hot water for stew-like consistency.  Serve in deep bowls garnished with cilantro and chili flakes.

Hoda's Lentil Salad

Lentils have been a staple, like rice, in the Middle East, for many centuries.  Eaten together, they offer a low-fat, nutritious source of complete protein, fiber, iron and other essential minerals.

Glycemic Values

The glycemic index gives us the impact of carbs on our blood sugar levels; the higher a rating, the more it spikes your blood sugar. On a scale where 100 is pure sugar (glucose), white rice has a GI of 64, while lentils are low on the index at 29.

This salad is full of fiber and flavor.

• 2 c. boiled organic Brown Lentils

• 3 organic Scallions, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped

• 1 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 1/2 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. Allspice

• 1/4 tsp. Cinnamon

• dash of Black pepper

• Splash of lemon juice (opt.)

Mix all together.  Let sit 15 minutes to blend flavors.  Stir and enjoy served in romaine lettuce leaf boats.

~ Sahtein (double health)! ♥

Hello Brussels. Why so Bitter?

The Case of the  Brussels Sprout

This is not the story of a boy from Brussels and how he wound up in Court....

This is the story of a Sprout accused of being bitter and unfriendly.  The first mention of this sprout is traced to the late 16th century. It is thought to be native to Belgium, specifically to a region near Brussels, after which it was named.

This Sprout is a member of the Brassica family and therefore related to Broccoli and Cabbage. Don't be fooled by its size however! Watch what you say because a Sprout grows up with a bunch of 20 to 40 other Sprouts, on the stem of a plant that grows as high as three feet tall!

These miniature-sized vegetables contain the largest content of anticancer phytochemical compounds such as glucosinolates. Like broccoli, the indole-3-carbinol has been found to reduce cancer growth especially for estrogen dependent cancers (e.g. uterine, breast, cervical).

brussel sprouts

In order to plead the case for this Sprout I lay before you the following:

Character Traits *

• Brussels sprouts can help us avoid chronic, excessive inflammation

• You'll find nearly 100 studies in PubMed (the health research database at the National Library of Medicine in Washington, D.C.) that are focused on Brussels sprouts, and over half of those studies involve the health benefits of this cruciferous vegetable in relationship to cancer

• They provide us with this cholesterol-lowering benefit whether they are raw or cooked. When the cholesterol-lowering ability of steamed Brussels sprouts was compared with the cholesterol-lowering ability of the prescription drug cholestyramine, Brussels sprouts bound 27% as many bile acids

• The fiber content of Brussels sprouts: 4 grams in every cup makes this cruciferous vegetable a natural choice for digestive system support.

• The detox support provided by Brussels sprouts is extensive. There is evidence from human studies that enzyme systems in our cells required for detoxification of cancer-causing substances can be activated by compounds found in Brussels sprouts.

* HealthDiaries.com: 11 Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts

It Takes Proper Cooking to Bring Out the Sprout's Goodness!

Perfectly cooked Brussels sprouts have a crisp, dense texture and a slightly sweet, bright, and "green" taste. Steaming the Sprouts increases their health benefit potency.

Steam them

Bring a scant 1/2 inch salted water to boil in a large frying pan or saute pan. Add Brussels sprouts, cover, and cook until sprouts are tender to the bite and water has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes (depending on how crisp you like them).

In a Steamer Basket:  Bring about an inch of water to a boil in the bottom of a pot into which your steamer basket or insert fits. Put cleaned Brussels sprouts in the steamer basket, set over the boiling water, cover, and steam until tender to the bite, about 5-7 minutes.

You can toss them with Olive or Coconut Oil, salt and pepper; garlic and lemon; or with Pasta Sauce!

Roast them

brussel-sprouts, roaste

• 1 1/2 lbs. organic Brussels sprouts, ends trimmed and yellow leaves discarded

• 2 Tbs. virgin Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground Black Pepper

• 1 tsp. Paprika

• 1/2 tsp. organic Garlic Powder or 2 cloves well mashed

• 4 Tbs. lemon juice

Rinse Sprouts trim off ends and place in a large bowl. Blend the spices together with the oil and lemon. Pour this over the sprouts and toss until well coated.

Place in oven proof dish or cookie sheet lined with parchment, and roast at 400ºF for 35 minutes or until lightly golden.

Braise them

Braising, or slow cooking in liquid on the stove, is a great way to elicit Brussels sprouts' natural, nutty flavor.

Lentil Mash and Kale Salad

• 4 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1-1/2 c. organic White Onion, chopped

• 1/4 c. organic California Basmati Rice

• 1-1/2 c. hot Green Tea (or boiled Water)

• 3 c. Sprouted Organic Lentils (or parboiled Regular Lentils)

• 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt (or to taste)

Cumin for garnish is optional.

Heat olive oil in a 1 quart pot over medium heat.  Add onions and sauté for 10 minutes stirring occasionally, until golden. Add tea or water and salt. Simmer on low for 5 minutes.

Add lentils and rice, cover and simmer for 20 minutes if using sprouted lentils (35 minutes if using regular lentils). Stir occasionally so bottom does not stick to pot.

You may need to add a little more water if it looks too dry.  The consistency should be like thick oatmeal. You may use the back of a large spoon to mash some of the lentils for a creamier texture.

Taste, and adjust salt. Sprinkle lightly with cumin if desired.

Accompany the lentils with my Kale salad.

Kale, Tomato and Parsley Salad

• 3 c. organic Kale, chopped

• 1 organic Tomato, diced

• 2 organic Green Onions, chopped

• 1 c. chopped organic Parsley

• 1/4 c. chopped organic Mint

• Juice of 2 Lemons

• 1/2 tsp. Cumin

• 3 Tbs. extra virgin Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

Mix it all together.

Hot Cross Buns - Any Day of the Week!

Ever wonder why we seem to feel that traditional Holiday Fare must be served solely on their respective observed Holiday? Wouldn't it be wonderful to both awaken the energy held in said Holidays and enjoy the foods served, during other times of the year?

The dark chocolate chunks made this a dessert. Of course you're welcome to use a few raisins instead.

ChiPPY Hot Cross Buns

Dry Ingredients:

• 3¼ cups gluten-free flour (about 1 lb.).
  For the best results use a GF flour blend; 1-1/4 c. Sorghum flour 1-1/8 c. Gluten Free Oat Flour (e.g. Bob's Red Mill) 1/4 c. Potato Starch, generous 1/2 c. Almond Flour/Meal

• 2 Tbs. Coconut Palm Sugar or Birch Xylitol

• 2 Tbs. Apple Pectin (opt)

• 2½ tsp. Yeast

• 2½ tsp. Psyllium Husk powder

• 1 tsp. Ceylon Cinnamon

• 1 tsp. Pink Sea Salt

• ¼ tsp. each: Ginger, Cardamom, Nutmeg

• 3/4 c. Dark Chocolate Chips or 1/2 c. Raisins

Wet Ingredients:

• 1½ c. Almond Milk

• 3 Range Free Eggs

• 4 Tbs. organic, grass-fed Ghee, melted

• 2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract

Next day:

• 1/4 teaspoon Instant Yeast ( or regular yeast mixed with 1 Tbs. warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes)

• 1 Tbs. Warm Water

Egg Wash:

• Mix 1 large Egg with 1 Tbs. Almond or Coconut Milk

Method

1. Combine all dry ingredients (except fruit or chocolate chips)

2. Combine wet ingredients and then add to the mixed dry ingredients. Fold in fruit or chocolate chips.

3. After mixing dough thoroughly, cover tightly with wax paper, then a clean dish towel and refrigerate in a bowl overnight.

4. The next day: Dissolve the 1/4 teaspoon of instant yeast in the water. Stir this into the dough.

5. Grease two 8"x8" square or two 9" round pans with coconut oil, and place 8-9 balls of the dough into each pan. Preheat oven to 350º F.

6. Smooth out the tops of the buns and brush with the egg wash.

7. With a sharp knife, slice a shallow cross (+) in the top of each roll. Let them rest in a warm room (or 100 degree oven) for about 10-12 minutes.

8. Place baking pan in the center of the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating once during baking, until the buns are golden brown and firm to the touch.

9. Allow buns to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely... if you can wait that long!

No icing necessary, but you must try them warm with a smear of coconut oil and sprinkle of cinnamon.

Quick Mini Veggie Wraps

Next time you shop buy two packages of Brown Rice Wrappers and Nori sheets to have on hand. You can improvise with the filling. Use organic, no-sugar-added Peanut Butter for the sauce base.

Mini Veggie Wraps with Peanut Sauce

Note: Add 1 tsp. Lime Juice for more zip.

• 4 sheets Brown Rice Wrappers

• 2 sheets sushi-grade Nori

• 1 1/2 c. organic Zucchini, shredded

• 1 c. organic Carrots, shredded

• 4 organic Scallions, cut into thin strips

• 3/4 c. fresh organic Cilantro, stems trimmed

• 1/2 c. organic Mushrooms, sliced thin

• 1/2 c. organic Red Cabbage, shredded

• 1/4 c. organic Yellow or Red Bel Pepper, thinly sliced

Spicy Peanut Sauce

• 1/4 c. organic, no-sugar-added Peanut Butter

• 3 Tbs. Coconut Aminos or Tamari Sauce

• 2 Tbs. Rice Vinegar

• 2 Tbs. organic ev Olive Oil

• 1 Tbs. raw, organic Honey (Maple syrup for vegan)

• 2 tsp. Sesame Oil

• 2 tsp. organic Garlic, minced

• 2 tsp. Ginger

• 1 tsp. crushed Red Pepper flakes (opt.)

• 2 tsp. Water or Lime juice

Mix all ingredients, whisking until smooth.  (You may add a few crushed peanuts if you so desire.)  Place in a bowl.

To make Nori, go through the same process, but do not dip in water.

 Place on a chopping board or kitchen counter covered with parchment paper.

Spread 2 tsp. of sauce along center, and place up to 3/4 cup of filling (1/6 of each veggie), in layers, on wrap. Fold ends in and roll firmly but carefully, so as not to tear sheet.

Cut into 1-1/2" slices with very sharp knife, and place on serving platter. Do this with remaining sheets or rice wraps. Serve with additional peanut sauce, or Tamari.

~ In Good Health! ♥

Black Bean Salad

Black Bean Salad

• 4 c. cooked organic Black Beans, drained

• 1/2 c. organic sweet Onion, chopped

• 1/2 c. organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1/4 c. organic Mint, chopped

• 1/2 organic Serrano Chili Pepper chopped (opt.)

• 2 medium organic Tomatoes, chopped

• 2 organic Green Onions, chopped

• 4 Tbs. organic Apple Cider Vinegar (Bragg's is best)

• 2 Tbs. Lemon Juice

• 2 Tbs. Flax Seed Oil

• 1 Tbs. Olive Oil

• 1 tsp. Sea Salt

• 1/2 tsp. Cumin or more to taste

• Black Pepper

Mix everything together in a large bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning to your taste.

~ Bon Apetit! ♥

Sprouted Lentils and Mung Beans

Low-fat proteins such as lentils are essential for growing, building, repairing and maimaintaining tissues in blood, skin, bone and muscle cells. Protein may be able to keep you full longer than carb or fatty foods, which is important if you’re watching your weight. And of course a diet high in fiber can help prevent colon and breast cancer.

I adapted this recipe to include both lentils and mung beans.

Sprouted Lentils and Mung Beans, Indian Style

• 2 c. sprouted organic brown Lentils

• 1/2 c. organic Mung Beans (soaked overnight)

• 2 tsp. extra virgin Olive Oil

• 3/4 c. organic Onion, chopped

• 1 green organic Chili Pepper (I use Serrano)

• A 1-inch piece of organic Ginger

• 1 Tbs. organic Cilantro, chopped

• 1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

• 1/2 tsp. dried Coriander powder

• 3/4 tsp. Cumin

• 1/4 tsp. Black Pepper

• Pink Sea Salt to taste

• 1 to 1-1/2 c. hot Water

Heat a medium stainless steel pot over medium heat for 1 minute.  Add oil and wait another 1 minute.

Add onion and chili pepper and saute for 2 minutes. Add ginger and cilantro, stirring for 1 minute.

Add beans and spices and 1 cup hot water, stir, cover and simmer over medium-low for 15 minutes.

Press one of the beans between your fingers to make sure they are done, and add the last 1/2 c. of hot water if dry. Adjust seasoning, and serve hot or at room temperature.

Dark Chocolate Black Bean Bars

• 3/4 c. cold-pressed Coconut Oil

• 5 oz. 85% organic Dark Chocolate, broken into pieces

• 2 c. cooked organic Black Beans, drained

• 3 Tbs. organic raw Cocoa Powder

• 3 Tbs. Coconut Flakes (more to taste)

• 1 c. organic Walnuts, roughly chopped

• 1 pinch of Pink Sea Salt

• 2 Free Range Eggs

• 3 Tbs. freshly ground Golden Flax Seeds

• 2/3 c. Birch Xylitol or 1 c. Chicory Root powder

Preheat the oven to 325°F and line an 11-inch square or 8 x 11 baking pan with parchment paper.

Melt the coconut oil on low heat in a medium size pan, add dark chocolate pieces. Stir around until the chocolate is completely melted.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars

Put beans, cacao powder, coconut flakes and 1/2 cup of the walnuts in a blender or a food processor. Blend for one minute or until well chopped, then add the chocolate mixture and blend for one more minute, scraping down sides once.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars6

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, add the flax seeds and xylitol and beat for one more minute.

Save 1 tablespoon of egg mixture in a separate cup and pour the rest into the chocolate and bean mixture and process just until incorporated.

Add remaining walnuts and dark chocolate and stir gently with a spatula to blend.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars7

Pour into the baking pan.

Drip the remaining egg mixture on top of the chocolate mixture and use a toothpick or a knife to create a marble effect.

Chocolate Black Bean Bars final

Bake for 25 - 30 minutes depending on size of pan. They might still feel a little soft in the middle when you test with a toothpick, but they will harden when they cool. These are decadently chocolaty!

You can spread a little no-sugar-added raspberry jam on top for variation.

~ Enjoy!  ♥

Roasted Vegetables with Tea Leaves

Roasted Rainbow Vegetables

8 Servings

Use Organic ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped Red Cabbage

• 1 cup coarsely chopped Onion

• 3 Zucchini, cut in half lengthwise and sliced 3/4" thick

• 3 Carrots, sliced 3/4" thick

• 1/2 large Eggplant, cut in chunks

• 2 cups Butternut Squash, cut in bite size chunks

• 2 Sweet Potatoes, cut in bite size chunks

• 7 -10 cloves Garlic, halved if large

• 2 Tbs. Green Tea leaves (reserved from making tea, or soaked)

• 2 Tbs. Olive Oil

• Pink Sea Salt

• Black Pepper

• 1 tsp. Caraway Seeds

• 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Pre-heat oven to 425ºF.

Combine veggies in a large bowl with tea leaves. Add Olive oil and toss to coat thoroughly.

Sprinkle with the spices. Toss again until evenly coated with the spices. Spoon into a large ceramic or glass baking dish that has been lightly sprayed with Coconut or Olive oil.

Roast for 30 minutes, then flip with spatula and continue to roast for another 10-15 minutes or until carrots are tender. Adjust seasoning, and serve hot.

Coconut Cilantro Chutney

One of my sweet 30-something nephews came over for lunch today.  We hadn't really visited for some time since he lives an hour away. We caught each other up on news over chicken tacos, chicken Thai curry, whole wheat couscous, kale salad and spinach flat bread (I like eclectic meals).

I realized that I didn't have a chutney to serve, since most are so full of sugar I rarely buy them.  I came across this recipe... It goes very well with fish too, and takes just minutes to whip up.

Coconut Cilantro Chutney Recipe

GreenCoriander chutney

• 3/4 c. shredded unsweetened Coconut

• 3/4 c. fresh organic Cilantro, coarsely chopped

• 1 small seeded organic Serrano chili,  quartered

• 1/2 c. light coconut milk (or green tea)

• Juice of 1/2 organic Lime

• dash of Sea Salt

Place all but Lime juice in blender, or food processor, and pulse until consistency is almost smooth.

Pour into a bowl and mix in lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning.

As a variation you may add 1 clove of garlic to veggies, or a 1/2 inch slice of ginger.

Makes about 1 cup of chutney.

~ āp kā khānā svādiṣṭa ho! ♥

Eggplant Caponata - King of Vegetables

In the Middle East, the Eggplant is referred to as the King of Vegetables due to its versatility and the large number recipes that feature this violet beauty.

Caponata is served cold as an appetizer.  Since it is versatile, I have heated it up and spooned it over hot millet or quinoa cooked in vegetable broth!

Recipe

Serves @ 10 as an appetizer

eggplant muchroom saute

• 2 lbs. organic Eggplant, peeled and diced

• 2 Tbs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• 1 c. organic White Onion, small diced

• ½ c. organic Bell Pepper, small diced

• 2 Tbs. Garlic, finely chopped

• 2 c. organic Tomatoes (peeled, seeded, and small diced)

• ¼ c. organic Basil, fresh chopped

• 2 Tbs. Sherry Vinegar

• 1 Tbs. organic Lemon, squeezed

• 1/8 tsp. Monk Fruit powder

• 1 small Green Chili, minced (opt.)

• ¼ c. Green Olives, chopped

• 2 tsp. Black Pepper, coarsely ground

• 1 Head of Green leaf Lettuce

Sauté diced eggplant in olive oil until lightly browned; removed from pan. In the same pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, tomatoes and garlic for 2 minutes (vegetables should still have some texture, and garlic should not brown). Mix everything else together in a large bowl with the cooked vegetables.

Refrigerate overnight.

Serve over a bed of lettuce and surround with toasted whole wheat pita bread triangles, or scoop onto whole wheat Tuscan bread.

capanota

~ Buon Apetito!

♥

Apples and Butternut Squash

Crock Pots are wonderful for easy, everything-in-one-pot meals. I love recipes that combine fruits and vegetables. 

Recipe

This recipe makes a lovely side dish to curries, grilled chicken or fish.

• 1 Tbs. organic grass-fed, Ghee

• 1/2 ts ground Ceylon Cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground Nutmeg

• 1 lb organic Butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 5 cups)

• 2 large tart organic Apples, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (4 cups)

• 1/2 organic White Onions, chopped

• 2 Tbs. pure Maple syrup

• 1 Tbs. Balsamic vinegar

Combine spices in a small bowl, and set aside.

Put squash in Crock-pot. Add apples and onion. Sprinkle with spices and add maple syrup.  Stir to combine well.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 - 7 hours, or until vegetables are tender.  Stir in butter and adjust seasoning just before serving.

~ En Guete! ♥

Kale and Bean Wraps

Filling

• 1 Tbs.organic extra virgin Olive Oil

• 1 organic White onion, sliced thin

• 5-6 cups mixed organic Greens (Kale, Chard, Spinach, Collards, Watercress…)

• 1 c. organic Carrots, shredded

• 1 c. cooked sprouted Lentils (cook in broth or green tea and spices to give it flavor)

• 1 c. Mung Beans, soaked overnight or till sprouted

• 1/4 c. Water or Vegetable broth

• 2 Tbs. organic Ginger, chopped

• 3 Tbs. organic Tamari Sauce (Gluten Free)

• 1 Tbs. Sweet Chili Sauce

• 1 tsp. Black Pepper

• 1 tsp. Cayenne Pepper

Pour olive oil into a large sauté pan over medium heat. Tilt pan to spread oil on bottom of pan. Add onions and saute for 2 minutes, then add greens and carrots.

Stir for 5 -6 minutes or until greens turn bright.

carrot onion kale saute

Add Mung beans, lentils and water. Stir to mix.  When it starts to simmer, turn heat to low, cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add ginger, and seasoning. Stir well, cover and simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until kale is tender. Add more water if necessary.

Taste and adjust seasoning.

Serve wrapped in wilted Chard leaf, whole grain Tortilla, or open face on WASA Rye crackers.  Bon Apetit.

Zucchini Fudge Brownies

No one will ever guess these brownies are healthy! They are gooey and delicious.

black bean brownies

Recipe

• 1 c. organic Black beans, drained

• 1 under-ripe Banana, cut into 5 pieces

• 1/4 c. organic GF Oat or Buckwheat Flour

• 1/4 cup organic Raw Cocoa powder

• 1/4 c. organic Zucchini, shredded

• 1-1/4 tsp. pure Vanilla Extract

• 1/2 - 3/4 tsp. Cinnamon

• 3/4 tsp. Baking Powder

• 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda

• 3 Tbs. Birch Xylitol or 1/4 tsp. Monk Fruit powder

• 3 Tbs. pure Maple Syrup (opt)

• 2 Tbs. brewed Green Tea or Water

• Toasted Pecans (opt.)

Preheat oven to 375º F. Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Place beans and banana in food processor and pulse until completely mashed.  Add the rest of the ingredients and process until combined, scraping often.

black bean brownies 4

Pour batter into pan, spreading it evenly, and push pecan pieces into batter.

black bean brownies raw

Place pan on middle rack of oven.

Bake for 22-27 minutes, or until edges curl away from paper. The brownies may seem a little gooey, but they harden as they cool. Place pan on a rack and wait 20 minutes before cutting into squares.

Fruity Salad

Grapes have high sugar content, so eat in moderation.  Also make sure you bananas are firm and a little on the green side, since they too are high in sugar when ripe.

Makes 4 servings

• 1/2 c. seedless organic Red Grapes

• 1 c. organic Strawberries, halved

• 1 red Fuji Apple, chopped

• 1 c. organic Soft Tofu, crumbled

• 2 Tbs. organic fresh Mint, chopped

• 3 Tbs. Vegenaise

• 1 tsp. Lemon Juice

• dash of Monk Fruit powder

In a bowl combine Vegenaise, lemon juice, and monk fruit; stir well and set aside.

In a large bowl combine fruit, and spoon into serving dishes. Mix Tofu with mint and divide among dishes. Serve with the dressing.