5-Taste Delicata Squash Rings

Sweet, tart, salty, spicy, and astringent! Allow all the flavors to tantalize your taste buds. This makes an excellent side dish.

Ingredients:

2 medium delicata squashes, scrubbed, cut into 1″-thick wedges or rings, seeded
7 tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 1/2 tsp. powdered cumin seed, divided
Sea salt, freshly ground pepper
2 tbs. fresh lime juice
1-2 drops doTERRA lemon essential oil
1-2 tbs. tahini (sesame seed paste)
1 little pinch powdered Chimayao chile powder or crushed red pepper flakes
1 tbs. fresh chopped mint (you could also use basil or another fresh herb of your choice, but mint is yummy!)

Method:

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Place squash on a rimmed baking sheet.

Toss the squash with 4 tbs. of olive oil and the cumin, then season the squash with salt and pepper. Toss until well-combined and roast for 25-30 minutes (time may vary depending on squash).

Meanwhile, whisk lime juice, essential oil, tahini, chile, and remaining olive oil in a small bowl to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Transfer squash to a platter. Gently toss the squash in the tahini mixture and sprinkle with the freshly chopped mint. Serve and enjoy!

Roasted Squash Bowls with Maple Spiced Yogurt

Roasted squash halves make the perfect bowl for your favorite sweet or savory treat!

Ingredients:

1/2 of a roasted sweet winter squash (I used acorn)
1/2-1 cup full fat organic Greek yogurt
1 tbs. maple syrup (or more to taste)
1 drop doTERRA cinnamon or cardamom essential oil
Handful of chopped pecans
Pinch of cinnamon for garnish

Method:

Mix all of the ingredients but for the squash and pecans together.
Place the spicy yogurt mixture in the squash half.
Sprinkle with pecans and cinnamon.
Enjoy!

 

 

Spicy Apple Smoothie

Don’t let the cool weather deter you from green smoothie-ing! Add a pinch of ginger and/or cayenne pepper to your smoothie to keep your digestion strong and taste buds happy!

Ingredients:

1 medium apple, cored
1 cup filtered water
1/2 cup coconut milk
3-6 tbs. Solay Sacred Strength Protein Powder (or your favorite protein powder, or 3-6 tbs. raw pepitas)
1 cup fresh spinach, blanched
1 drop doTERRA ginger essential oil (or 1/2 tsp. powdered ginger)
*optional: 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Method:

Place all of the ingredients in a high powered blender and blend to smithereens.

Serve and enjoy!

Paleo Apple Cinnamon Flapjacks

These are hearty pancakes, folks. Serve them with maple syrup for an extra sweet treat, otherwise they’re pretty darn delish with a simple pat of salted butter. Yummo!

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups almond flour
1/4 cup hemp hearts
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cinnamon (or 1 drop doTERRA cinnamon essential oil)
pinch of ginger root powder
pinch of sea salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup full fat coconut milk (or nut milk of your choice)
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbs. lemon juice
Zest of half a lemon
Grated apple, about 1 cup
*Optional 1/4-1/2 cup chopped pecans
Ghee or coconut oil to cook the pancakes

Method:

Combine the wet ingredients (except for the apple) and whisk until smooth.

Combine dry ingredients (except the pecans) and gently fold into the wet ingredients.

Add the apple and the pecans and gently fold them into the batter.

Warm ghee/coconut oil  in a large skillet over medium heat.

Pour a few tbs. pancake batter onto skillet (I usually aim for about 3 so they don’t stick together).

Pancakes will form little bubbles. When bubbles open (this can take up to a few minutes), flip pancakes over and cook the other side (for about 30 seconds-1 minute).

Plate your pancakes.

Repeat process with remaining batter, adding more oil to the skillet as needed.

Serve with more grated apple, ghee, grassfed butter, maple syrup, or any other delicious topping, and enjoy!

Grapefruit Cuke Pear Juice

When you’re feelin the itch for a green juice, but want a little bittersweet, reach for this delightful cleansing juice.

This is a very clean, slightly bittersweet, astringent juice. I use romaine lettuce and cucumber as a base for this, which helps to cut the bitter of the grapefruit. A hint of pear for sweetness, a splash of lime for tart, and a zing of ginger make this a very well-rounded palate pleaser. By adding a drop of doTERRA grapefruit oil, it will also help you curb cravings and cleanse your lymphatic system. Enjoy this uplifting and refreshing elixir!

Place these babies in your juicer. Super tasty!

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, peeled and quartered
4 romaine lettuce leaves, washed
1/2 pear (not too ripe, please!)
1 grapefruit, peeled
1/2 lime, peeled
1/2 inch fresh ginger, peeled
1 drop doTERRA grapefruit essential oil

Method:

Place all ingredients but essential oil in your juicer. Juice. Place in a glass jar (with a lid) add your essential oil. Shake it up to mix it all together. Sip to your heart’s content!

Or, place all ingredients in your high-powered juicer. Add 1 cup filtered water. Blend to smithereens. Strain over a glass. Enjoy!

Benefits:

Cucumber: Cucumbers contain three types of phytonutrients which provide with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. They are also very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and are a good source of Vitamin A, C, and K, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Grapefruit: This citrus fruit is packed with Vitamins C and A. The pink varieties are an excellent source of the phytonutrient, lycopene, which has been touted for its ability to battle cancer-causing free radicals. Grapefruits also contain phytonutrients called “limonoids” which help inhibit tumor formation and growth. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Lime: Limes are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Pear: This lovely-shaped fruit abounds with copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and other cancer fighting phytonutrients. They are also extremely high in fiber and are considered to be easily digestible, so cane be great for gut health. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Romaine Lettuce: Lettuce greens abound with vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, calcium, folate, fiber, and other phytonutrients. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly before eating. See here for more health benefits and safe handling instructions and nutritional information.

Digestion Fixer Elixir

Got gut woes? This green juice will fix you right up.

Anytime you have tummy trouble, this juice can help you get back on track. This delightful combo of ingredients help to promote healthy digestion, soothe inflammation, calm nausea, and get you back to feeling good. It’s a pretty mild juice with a touch of sweet from the pear and little kick of spice with doTERRA’s ginger essential oil (or a little hunk of fresh ginger). Happy belly to you!

A dab will do you on the ginger oil and the aloe juice! Both are powerful medicine.

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, peeled and quartered
4 celery sticks, de-stringed
1 pear, quartered and cored
1/2 lemon, de-rinded
1 splash fresh aloe juice (I like Lakewood Organic)
1 drop doTERRA ginger essential oil

Method:

Place all ingredients but aloe juice and essential oil in your juicer. Juice. Place in a glass jar (with a lid) add your aloe and essential oil. Shake it up to mix it all together. Sip to your heart’s content!

Or, place all ingredients in your high-powered juicer. Add 1 cup filtered water. Blend to smithereens. Strain over a glass. Enjoy!

Benefits:

Aloe Juice: The aloe vera plant abounds with vitamins, minerals, proteins, polysaccharides, enzymes, and amino acids. It is particularly helpful to aid with digestive ailments (constipation, gas, bloating), inflammation (internal and external). Research also shows that aloe vera juice can help deter cancer (particularly colon cancer), stroke and heart attack. See here for more health benefits.

Celery: Celery is jam-packed with vitamins K and C, beta-carotene, and manganese. But also contains phytonutrients that are shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits and protect the digestive tract. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Cucumber: Cucumbers contain three types of phytonutrients which provide with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. They are also very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and are a good source of Vitamin A, C, and K, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Ginger Essential Oil: Ginger is a powerful analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-nauseant, and stumulant. It provides tremendous benefits to the digestive system, and can also be used as an expectorant and decongestant. Ginger can also help provide relief from coughs and sore throats. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Lemon: Lemons are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Pear: This lovely-shaped fruit abounds with copper, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and other cancer fighting phytonutrients. They are also extremely high in fiber and are considered to be easily digestible, so cane be great for gut health. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTERRA because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTERRA Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per batch. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils.

Celly’s Celery Yum Juice

When in doubt, drink juice.

It’s here, it’s here! I had been in a period of mourning after giving away my juicer. You see, I thought my Vitamix blender would do the trick of making excellent juice. But alas, after months of adding filtered water and straining smoothy-ish concoctions, I realized that it just wasn’t the same as drinking the silky smooth goodness of a freshly “juiced” juice.

And so, after many months of waffling, and many many hours of research, I decided to purchase another juicer. The following is the recipe for its inaugural juice.

According to Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science, March is a good time to start gently cleansing the body. And while I DO NOT advocate intensive juice fasts (unless it is under very specific conditions), an occasional juice can be like a heaven sent sweeper of intestinal goo. Good things to favor in your juice, and other recipes, during the month of march are soothing diuretics such as celery. That’s the base for this juice.

Most juicers extract the fiber from the fruits and veggies, so keep blood sugar from spiking, it’s advisable to follow the 3:1 ratio. This means to juice three vegetables for every fruit. Feel free to add in any other fruits or veggies that sound good, but this combo is very tasty, and will help clear out your crud! Make sure to wash all your produce thoroughly. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

5 celery stalks, de-stringed
1 English cucumber, peeled and quartered
5-10 globe grapes
2 leaves collard greens
1 inch of fresh ginger, de-skinned
1/2 lemon, sans the rind
1 drop doTERRA lemon essential oil

Method:

Place all ingredients but essential oil in your juicer. Juice. Place in a glass jar (with a lid) add your essential oil. Shake it up to mix it all together. Sip to your heart’s content!

Or, place all ingredients in your high-powered juicer. Add 1 cup filtered water. Blend to smithereens. Strain over a glass. Enjoy!

Benefits:

Celery: Celery is jam-packed with vitamins K and C, beta-carotene, and manganese. But also contains phytonutrients that are shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits and protect the digestive tract. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Cucumber: Cucumbers contain three types of phytonutrients which provide with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. They are also very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and are a good source of Vitamin A, C, and K, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Grapes: Grapes are packed with vitamin C and manganese and contain a variety of antioxidant phytonutrients such as beta-carotene and resveratrol (think red wine!). These tasty little jewels are thought to help support the cardiovascular, respiratory, immune, and nervous systems. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Ginger: Ginger is very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress such as gas, bloating, motion sickness, and morning sickness. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Lemon: Lemons are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including anticancer, antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system cleansing, and promote a sense of well-being. It is also miraculous for removing grease, gum, oil, and unwanted marks and spots. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTERRA because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTERRA Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per batch. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils.

Roasted Cauliflower and Apple Bisque

Enjoy this warm soup during the winter months, or serve chilled in the summer!

January is a lovely time to give your digestion a rest from heavy foods. Pureed soups and bisques are the answer! They allow you to feel warm and nourished without feeling like a lead weight in your tummy. This is a nice recipe because it includes cauliflower, one of the shining stars of the cruciferous vegetable family. It’s a gentle detoxifier, is packed with antioxidants, and is anti-inflammatory. Sooooo, eat it. A lot.

Cheers to a happy belly and a happy body!

Ingredients:

1 Head cauliflower, chopped into florets
1-2 Apples, (I like honeycrisps or pink ladies) cored and sliced
1 Onion, de-skinned and chopped into eighths
2-ish cloves garlic, peeled
Salt and ground pepper to taste
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4-6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1-2 drops doTERRA ginger essential oil
Sprinkle of ground nutmeg to garnish
*Optional: truffle oil or sour cream (NOT BOTH!) to garnish

Method:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place cauliflower, apples, ginger, and garlic in roasting pan and toss with salt, pepper, and oil, and toss to coat.

Roast for 30-40 minutes, tossing the vegetables about half way through, until the cauliflower is lightly browned and the onion is tender.

Transfer the veggies to a blender and add the stock. Add the ginger oil. Blend until creamy.

Transfer contents of the blender to a soup pan (or stock pot) to gently reheat the puree.

Add a little salt and pepper to taste and serve with a touch of ground nutmeg.

Benefits:

Apples:  My, what balanced phytonutrients you have, oh beloved apple. Apples contain a wide array of polyphenols which help regulate our blood sugar. They’re also a great source of Vitamin C and other antioxidants, and fiber. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Cauliflower: Holy antioxidants! Need a gentle cleanse, this is your veggie. Cauliflower, a member of the cruciferous vegetable family, is full of cancer-fighting antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese, as well as phytonutrients such as beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, and quercetin (think cell detox and protection!). See here for more nutritional information and health benefits.

Garlic: Garlic has long been touted as a health promoting food. It is high in sulfur (and while that might make us a little, ahem, stinky, this may be an important part of a our otherwise sulfur-deficient diets. Garlic is also rich with manganese and is a very good source of vitamins B6 and C, as well as selenium. This “stinky rose” also protects our blood vessels from inflammatory and oxidative stress, but its other health benefits abound. See here for nutritional info. Please note: due to its rajastic nature, garlic and onions are NOT part of the traditional Saatvic diet.

Ginger Essential Oil: Ginger is a powerful analgesic, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-nauseant, and stumulant. It provides tremendous benefits to the digestive system, and can also be used as an expectorant and decongestant. Ginger can also help provide relief from coughs and sore throats. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

*NOTE: Not all essential oils are created equal. I only use doTERRA because their oils are Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, which is suitable for internal, external, and aromatherapeutic consumption.

*NOTE: All doTERRA Essential Oils are extremely potent. I’d recommend 1 drop per batch. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTERRA Essential Oils.

Coconut Turmeric Latte

Curl up with a mug of this spicy creamy goodness and stay well through the winter.

This recipe was inspired by my friend Julie and from Mark’s Daily Apple.

The first snow has fallen on this beautiful Sunday morning, and I am inspired to stay warm and well for the upcoming holidays. The spice turmeric, commonly used in India to aid in congestion, digestion, and skin issues, is one of the magic ingredients in this immunity building elixir.

Adjust the spices to your taste. Sip a cup to bolster your health. This recipe makes enough for one.

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut milk (or almond or full fat organic cow’s milk)

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1 drop doTERRA ginger essential oil ( or 1/2-inch wide round slice of ginger root, peeled and finely chopped)

Dash of cayenne pepper

Dash sea salt

1/2 – 1 teaspoon honey or other sweetener

*Optional additions: a dash of cinnamon, cardamom, or black pepper

Method:

Gently warm the milk on the stove.

Combine the remaining ingredients in a mug.

Drizzle a tablespoon of the warmed milk into the mug and whisk until the liquid is smooth with no lumps.

Add the rest of the milk and mix well. I like to use my frother or a small whisk and whisk until it gets frothy.

(If using ginger root you can leave the pieces in the tea, or strain them out before drinking.)

Sip and enjoy!

“The Sweeper” Green Juice

Overindulgence have you feelin a little sluggish? Clean your bod with this green juice.

I normally wouldn’t encourage drinking raw vegetable juice during the chilly autumnal and winter months. The science of Ayurveda says that’s a major no-no. BUT there’s nothing to cleanse the system quite like a green drink when your body is inundated with an influx of holiday food (yes, please, I’d like another glass of egg nog with my fruit cake). Try this elixir for breakfast the morning after a massive meal (or successive massive meals). Or better yet, see if you can not over stuff yourself in the first place!

Ingredients:

1 cup purified water
1/2 organic cucumber, peeled
2 celery stalks, de-stringed
1/2 lime, peel removed
1 handful fresh cilantro
1 drop doTERRA lemon, lime, or grapefruit essential oil
*OPTIONAL: If you need to sweeten this just to get it down your gullet, add 1/2 an apple

Method:

Place all ingredients in your high-powered blender and blend to smithereens.
Pour contents into a glass, garnish with a celery stick and enjoy!

Benefits:

Celery: Celery is jam-packed with vitamins K and C, beta-carotene, and manganese. But also contains phytonutrients that are shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits and protect the digestive tract. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Cilantro: Cilantro is a powerful cleansing agent which helps remove heavy metals and other toxins from the body. It’s also beneficial for the digestive tract due to its production of digestive enzymes, acids, and juices. Its essential oils stimulate peristalsis, relieve gas, and aid with digestion. Cilantro also has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, and helps to increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind), and reduces LDL cholesterol (the bad kind. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Cucumber: Cucumbers contain three types of phytonutrients which provide with valuable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer benefits. They are also very low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and are a good source of Vitamin A, C, and K, pantothenic acid, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Ginger: Ginger is very effective in alleviating symptoms of gastrointestinal distress such as gas, bloating, motion sickness, and morning sickness. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including anticancer, antidepressant, antifungal, antiviral, antiseptic, and antioxidant. It is refreshing and invigorating, had can be used to help lower blood pressure, improve memory, ease sore throats and anxiety, help dissolve cellulite, boost energy, calm digestive problems, cleanse the lymphatic system cleansing, and promote a sense of well-being. It is also miraculous for removing grease, gum, oil, and unwanted marks and spots. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Lime: Limes are vitamin C powerhouses. Great for immunity, vitamin C can also be helpful for preventing the development and progression of atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.