Spiced Turmeric Latte

This spicy sweet drink is perfect for cool mornings, or any time you need an anti-inflammatory boost! This recipe was inspired by one of my favorite health professionals, Dr. Frank Lipman. 

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened nut or seed milk
½ cup hot water
1 tsp. ground turmeric
1 tbs. sesame seeds (or 1 teaspoon tahini)
1 tsp. raw local honey (or a few drops of stevia, or  black strap molasses if you’re looking for extra iron and like the taste)
A sprinkle of black pepper (or 1 drop doTERRA black pepper oil)
1 drop doTERRA cinnamon essential oil (or 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon)
Sprinkle of cinnamon

Method:

Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender until smooth.

Place liquid in a small pot and warm over low heat until hot but not boiling.

Pour the liquid into a mug or heat-safe jar and sprinkle with cinnamon to taste. Sip and enjoy!

Zucchini Fritters

Got zucchini and then some? This special little dish is perfect way to use up that extra squash on a lazy Saturday morning.

This recipe was inspired by Slim Palate.

Ingredients:

2 medium zucchini
2 green onions thinly sliced
¼ cup almond flour
¼ cup fresh grated parmigiana reggiano (packed firmly)
2 eggs
Salt and pepper to taste (freshly ground, please)
1 drop doTERRA lemon essential oil
Ghee for frying

For topping:
Applesauce, Greek Yogurt, chives, or some combo thereof!

Method:

Grate zucchini with a medium sized grater into a bowl.

Place shredded zucchini in a clean dishtowel and squeeze to get as much liquid out of it as possible.

Place back in bowl with beaten eggs, thinly sliced green onions, almond flour, parmigiana reggiano, essential oil, and fresh ground salt and pepper and mix thoroughly.

Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee over medium heat and wait for that pan to get hot (but not to the smoking point).

Add spoonfuls of mixture to the hot pan and fry until golden brown on each side (2-3 minutes-ish per side).

Place fritters on platter lined with paper towels to soak up extra ghee, then serve each with Greek yogurt, applesauce, and extra green onions on the side.

Benefits:

Organic Eggs: (Preferably pasture-fed) Eggs are a good source of low-cost high-quality protein. They provide over 6 grams of protein (13% of the daily value for protein) each, and are a good source of choline, a key component of many fat-containing structures in cell membranes, which is particularly important for brain function and health. Eggs are also a rich source of tryptophan and selenium. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a thicker, creamier version of “regular” yogurt that boasts high protein, healthy bacteria which support healthy gut flora, and is a good source of calcium. It’s a versatile addition to your diet and can replace higher fat dairy products. See here for more about the nutritional info and health benefits of yogurt.

Lemon Essential Oil: Lemon oil has many properties including 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.

Zucchini: Excellent source of manganese and vitamin C, and is a good source of vitamin A. Summer squash also retains its nutrients when eaten raw, lightly steamed, and/or frozen. And make sure to eat the seeds! Summer squash seeds contain omega 3 fatty acids which are helpful in the prevention of inflammation. The seeds are also thought to contain anti-microbial properties and are still used in some parts of the world to treat intestinal parasites. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Metabolism Booster Tea

Melt away the sludge in your gut with this spicy, sweet, tart brew!

This recipe was inspired by Joyful Belly Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, yoga’s sister science which works with Nature to balance our bodily systems, lemon, honey, vinegar, and cayenne combine to create fat busting, digestion and metabolism boosting elixir.

Vinegar and lemon encourage bile from the liver and gall bladder into the gut. Bile helps the body to digest high-fat foods, which would otherwise linger in the digestive system making us feel akin to beached whales.

After spells of eating super rich and fatty foods (like the holidays, for example), it’s great to give your belly a rest and break up any sludge in your digestive system. This combination of vinegar, lemon juice, honey, chili powder, doTERRA grapefruit oil, and water combines to help kick start your metabolism while cleansing your blood and lymphatic system.

Drink this special brew upon waking, a half an hour before meals, or sip slowly after meals. Enjoy it up to a few times a day between meals until you feel your pipes are sufficiently cleansed. Happy digesting!

Ingredients:

1/8 Teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Pinch cayenne pepper

Juice of half a lemon

1 drop doTERRA grapefruit essential oil

1 Cup purified water

Method:

Heat the water until hot but not boiling.

Put the remaining ingredients into a mug and mix them together.

Add the hot water and stir until well-combined. Sip and enjoy the new sense of freedom in your digestive system. 🙂

Benefits:

Chile: Ah, the beloved chile. A sacred plant where I come from (New Mexico), this pungent pepper has a myriad of health benefits. The phytonutrients found in chile can fight inflammation, clear congestion, boost your metabolism and immunity, while balancing your blood sugar. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Grapefruit Essential Oil: This citrus oil boosts digestion and helps to clear the lymphatic system, while flushing the body of excess fluids. It is also beneficial for treating aging or loose skin. It is mood balancing and uplifting to the mind, and may help to relieve anxiety. See here to learn more about doTERRA essential oils.

Honey: Often called “Nature’s sweetener,” local, raw, honey is a great way to add sweetness to your life. Raw honey is packed with vitamins and minerals and offers anti-bacterial and and anti-viral properties. But according to the Ayurvedic tradition, don’t cook honey. Adding significant heat to honey both strips it of its vitamins, minerals, and enzymes while creating cellular toxicity. So add it to your cool dishes, or to warmer dishes AFTER they have finished cooking. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

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.

*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.

Chilled Pea Soup

When it’s hotter than Hades outside, cool off from the inside out with some chilled pea soup.

This recipe was inspired in part by www.chow.com.

I love summer cooking. Usually it involves slathering lots of fresh veggies with olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and tossing them on the grill. But we had some peas to use up, and they don’t grill particularly well. Thus, this pea soup recipe. I just took the same ingredients, sauteéd and pureéd them, and voilá: a nice, cooling and delicious dinner. Lots of ways to dress up this soup. You can add other herbs to taste, or just leave it simple. Sometimes, in cooking and in life, simplicity is the best course of action. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
3 cups shelled fresh peas, or frozen and thawed
2 tablespoons of freshly chopped leek, onion, or shallot
Drizzle of olive oil
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
freshly ground black pepper to taste
juice of 1/2 lemon, plus more as needed
1 drop doTERRA lemon essential oil
* 1/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves (optional)
*crème fraîche, for serving (optional)
*fresh arugula blossoms for serving (optional)

Method:

Drizzle olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the leek/onion/shallot, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and a pinch of pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. (About 3 minutes.)

Add the broth, remaining salt, and bring to a boil. Add the peas and bring to a boil again. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer until the peas are tender. (About 5 minutes.)

Remove the pan from the heat. If you want a minty flavor, add the mint leaves, and stir to combine. If you have time, allow the mixture to sit uncovered until the flavors meld. (About 10 minutes.)

Using a blender, purée the soup in batches until smooth.

Transfer the soup back to the saucepan to a clean saucepan and stir in the lemon juice and essential oil.

Taste and season with more salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.

Top each serving with a dollop of crème fraîche or a few arugula blossoms. (They have a faint aroma of chocolate!)

*This soup can also be served warm if you don’t have time to chill it.

Benefits:

Lemon Juice: 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, and promote a sense of well-being. See here to learn more about doTerra essential oils.

Onion:  Like garlic, onions are 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. They are a very good source of vitamins B6 and C, fiber, and manganese. They help protect our blood, bone, and connective tissue. See here for other health benefits and nutritional info. Please note: due to its rajastic nature, garlic and onions are NOT part of the traditional Saatvic diet.

Peas: Green peas are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, large amounts of manganese, and are high in dietary fiber. They’re high in protein and are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients. Yum! See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

*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 dish. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTerra Essential Oils.

Chocolate Dipped Strawbellies

Nothing says romance like chocolate-dipped strawberries (except for maybe a sip-o-champagne to go with it…hint hint).

Guess who’s on a chocolatey fruit rampage…Me! I’m almost a little sorry that I found out that melting chocolate is so easy and delicious. Almost. That being said, this is truly one of the fastest and most rewarding desserts, that requires minimal effort, that I know of.

Ingredients:

1 container of fresh, organic strawberries (I MEAN IT! ORGANIC OR DON’T DO IT…Strawberries are high atop the list of the pesticide-laden “Dirty Dozen” fruits and veggies list)
1 bar organic, fair trade, dark chocolate, broken into pieces (at least 70% cacao)
*Optional: 1 drop doTerra lavender, tangerine, or wild orange essential oil to kick it up a notch

Method:

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Rinse and dry the berries.
Melt the chocolate in a small saucepan over a VERY low heat.
Turn off the heat when the chocolate is perfectly melted.
*Optional: add the drop or two of essential oil.
Hold the berry by its stem and gently roll in the chocolate until it is evenly coated.
Place the berry on the parchment.
Repeat with the rest of the berries.
Place the berry tray in the fridge for at least 10-20 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
Serve and enjoy!

*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 dish. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTerra Essential Oils.

Benefits:

Strawberries: These precious berries are packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients which help boost our immune function and decrease unwanted inflammation in the body. They are also great for regulating blood sugar and are off the charts with Vitamin C content, but also abound with dietary fiber, folate, and manganese. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Cacao: Organic cacao is a legit superfood. It abounds with Vitamin A, C, and E, and a plethora of B vitamins, as well as, magnesium, copper, calcium, manganese, zinc, sulphur, iron, chromium, phosphorus, and Omega 6 fatty acids. It is also high in protein and fiber. Move over spinach! See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Lavender Essential Oil: Known as the “mother of all oils” for its sedative, mood modulating, analgesic (reduces pain), anxiolytic (reduces anxiety), and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is also great for digestion, and has a calming and soothing effect. See here to learn more about doTerra essential oils.

Tangerine Essential Oil: DoTerra’s Tangerine Essential oil is an extremely powerful blood purifying agent, digestive aid, anti-septic, and relaxant. It can help improve blood circulation, and reduces internal inflammation. The neurological benefits abound as well. See here to learn more about doTerra essential oils.

Wild Orange Essential Oil: Wild orange essential oils is anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and carminative (expels gas from the alimentary canal, relieving colic and spasmodic pain of bowels). It is also a digestive aid, a gentle sedative, and is hugely mood uplifting. See here to learn more about doTerra essential oils.

Dark Chocolate Fruit and Nut Medallions

Yum. That is all.

So we had dinner with some friends the other evening and I was pressed for time to make an impressive dessert. So I whipped together my three favorite ingredients (fruit, nuts, and chocolate), added a drop of doTerra wild orange essential oil and a yummy time was had by all. This confection is sweet, salty, and aromatic. The nuts are balanced by the fresh fruit, and would work with just about any fruit/nut combo in any season (autumn: cranberry pecan, summer: orange macadamia…imagine the possibilities!). I look forward to hearing about the creative spin you put on this dessert. Bon appétit!

Ingredients:

1 bar organic, fair trade, dark chocolate (say 70% cocoa or higher), broken into small pieces
1 cup organic blueberries (or the berry/fruit of your choice)
1 cup marcona almonds (or the nut of your choice)
1 drop doTerra wild orange essential oil

*Optional: shredded coconut, fine sea salt, goji berries, a sprinkle of orange zest…anything you think would go well with chocolate.

Method:

Line a 6-cup cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
Melt the dark chocolate over a VERY low heat.
When the chocolate is thoroughly melted, turn off the flame and pour in the drop(s) of essential oil. Stir until evenly blended.
Using a spoon, drop roughly 1 tsp. of chocolate into each cupcake liner and spread evenly across the bottom.
Sprinkle with a few berries and nuts and whatever other toppings you like.
Drizzle the whole confection with another spatter of chocolate.
*NOTE: If the chocolate is hardening too fast, just re-melt over a LOW flame.
Place in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to set.
Clean the pan and the spoon with your tongue and hide the evidence in the sudsy dishwater.

Serve and enjoy!

*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 dish. Otherwise, just know that you will have a VERY strong-tasting snack!

Click here to learn more about doTerra Essential Oils.

Benefits:

Almonds: Almonds are a Supernut. High in monounsaturated fats (associated with reduced risk of heart disease), almonds contain high amounts of vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium. They are also high in protein, which makes them an ideal snack. See here for more health benefits and nutritional information. Many suggest that soaking nuts (and grains, legumes, and seeds) before consuming them enhances their nutritional quality.

Blueberries: These berries should get their own cape. They are a superfood, packed with antioxidants that can help prevent cancer, meanwhile protecting your nervous system and brain health. They’re rich with manganese, and Vitamins K and C, and are also a good source of dietary fiber. See here for more health benefits and nutritional info.

Cacao: Organic cacao is a legit superfood. It abounds with Vitamin A, C, and E, and a plethora of B vitamins, as well as, magnesium, copper, calcium, manganese, zinc, sulphur, iron, chromium, phosphorus, and Omega 6 fatty acids. It is also high in protein and fiber. Move over spinach! See here for more health benefits and nutritional information.

Wild Orange Essential Oil: Wild orange essential oils is anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, and carminative (expels gas from the alimentary canal, relieving colic and spasmodic pain of bowels). It is also a digestive aid, a gentle sedative, and is hugely mood uplifting. See here to learn more about doTerra essential oils.