Slamming Smoothie Contest - IT'S TIME TO VOTE!

It's been quite a week! I want to say another HUGE THANK YOU to all of the contest participants! I love the variety of the smoothies we've seen this week.  There is something for everyone in this mix! The unique nature of each recipe was also impressive. Hmmmmm....... I wonder if you can tell a lot about a person by the type of smoothies they create. My guess is YES! :)

Here is a recap (click on the name of each smoothie for the recipe):

Jackpot by Kenya Carl

Incredible Hulk 2 by Rona Daniel

Chocolate Breeze by Marrea Thomas

Green Delight by Danike Etufugh

Cherry Berry Heaven by Chansi Coleman

The taste test will be TOUGH all of the smoothies look and sound AMAZING!!

Stay tuned for the recipe and photo winners!

Peace and Love!

Slamming Smoothie Contest - Green Delight

 

Hi Folks! We're on to round number 4 in The Slamming Smoothie Contest! Our next contender is Danike Etufugh and her smoothie is called Green Delight. 

 

Green Delight Smoothie:

Spinach (frozen) 

Green d'anjou pear

Pineapple (frozen) 

Watermelon (chilled

1 tsp super food blend powder (hemp, cacao and maca)

 Almond milk

Chia seeds

 

This smoothie contains the following allergen: tree nuts (almond)

 

Green Delight by Danike Etufugh

Superfood blend - ingredient in the Green Delight smoothie

 

Thanks again Danike! This is a power packed smoothie with vibrant color! I love pineapple and watermelon together.  Add in some greens and maca root and you're truly in for a delightful treat!

 

Stay tuned for more!

 

Peace and love!

Slamming Smoothie Contest - Chocolate Breeze

Hey Folks! Here is the third submission by Marrea Thomas called Chocolate Breeze! Ooo weee I can't wait to dig into this one! Note, I'll be using a separate blender to make these as they are not Caleb friendly.

Chocolate Breeze Smoothie:

1/2 avocado

1/2 cup frozen peaches

1/2 cup frozen blueberries

1 tbs chia seeds

1 tbs Chocolate Coconut Peanut Butter

Chocolate Almond Milk

 

 This smoothie contains the following allergens: peanuts, tree nuts (almond, coconut)

Chocolate Breeze ingredients by Marrea Thomas

Thanks Marrea for bringing more chocolate into our lives! The fruit and chocolate combination is quite interesting and that coconut peanut butter is definitely on my list!!!

Stay tuned for more!

Peace and love!

The Juice Journey: Mint the Undercover Aphrodisiac

Mint is a common herb.  You find mint flavored toothpaste, candy, floss, gum, tea, and mouth wash in almost every home across the globe.  But there is more to this herb than just being a breath freshener.

 

 

I started using mint in my fresh juices because I liked the flavor it added to my nutritious nectars of love. In my quest to understand and learn more about my nectar ingredients this is what I found out about mint:

1.       There are over 50 species of mint

2.       Menthol (an alcohol) is an active component which contributes to the essence or aroma of mint

3.       In high does mint can act as an aphrodisiac (not sure how high is high...to proceed with caution)

4.       It can eliminate intestinal gas

5.       Can behave as an antiseptic

6.       Can be used in  steam treatment for unclogging nasal passageways

7.       Mint can invigorate your body

8.       Can relieve headaches, migraines and alleviate rheumatic and muscular aches.

Here is a great recipe (one of my favorites – Family approved) using this mighty herb:

Orange Mint Juice:

 8 oranges

1/3 bunch of kale

2 inches of ginger

2 cucumbers

½ cup of pineapple

10 - 12 sprigs of mint

The preparation was a bit different from other juices I’ve made.  In order to get more of a minty punch I juice all the other ingredients and blended the mint in afterwards (see below). 

Juiced ingredients: oranges, pineapple, kale, ginger, cucumbers

 

Adding mint to the blender with juice

 

Mint and juice in blender

 

Orange Mint Juice (YUM - MY!!!)

OOOO WEEE! This was some great juice! One of my favorites!  Try it and tell me what you think!

Peace and love!

The Juice Journey: Kale Pear Juice

Hi Folks! Do you like kale? What about pears?  Well if you do, this juice is right up your alley! 

 

Here’s the recipe: Lacinto Kale (1/2 bunch) Celery ribs (6) Oranges (6) Pears (3).  Simple!

kale, celery, oranges and pears

oranges and pears

kale and celery....and a pear

kale, celery pear and an orange

 

This recipe made about 4 cups of juice.

I was surprised at how much of the pears I could taste.  I honestly thought the flavors of the kale and celery would overcome the delicate pear juice…..but boy was I wrong.  This was a perfectly blended juice that stimulated my taste buds and filled me up until lunch time.

Pears are becoming my favorite fruit to juice and as I learn more about this delicate fruit, I want even more! Here are some cool facts about pears.

1.       Pears do not contain sodium but do contain substantial amount of potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.

2.       Other minerals pears contain include:  magnesium, iron, copper and manganese.

3.       Good source of fiber which can behave as a laxative.

4.       Pears can alkalize the blood, which is good for those who eat a lot of meat.  Meat is acidic and your body loves to be in the neutral zone. It operates best while in “neutral” Alkalizing foods provide balance.

5.       Pears are not as acidic as apples (less organic acid), but high in tannins which provide anti-inflammatory action.  This makes pears a good alternative to apples for those who can’t handle the acidity.

Kale Pear Juice

 Are you a pear fan??

Peace and love!

The Juice Journey: Summer Hydration Juice

Hi folks!  I’m back with another amazing juice recipe.  My juicer has slowed down just a wee bit, as I have been trying to rest up after weeks of all night eczema parties (I’ll fill you in later).  I came up with this recipe last week and it was delicious!  It’s great for the summer time, and can even be made into an icee! 

I’m calling it: Summer Hydration Juice.  I used three ingredients – watermelon, cucumber and pineapple.

 

Juice ingredients: watermelon, cucumber, and pineapple

 

Watermelon and cucumber contain more than 96% water.  Both aslo contain tons of minerals and vitamins that feed your cells and keep you hydrated.  Of course, nothing can replace pure water, but I guarantee your body will feel more refreshed after drinking this juice over the chemical laden energy/hydration beverages. 

Melons in general have an excellent cleansing effect.  They alkalize the body and will hydrate you after a long run or day in the sun better than a sports drink.  My mother always raves about how much energy she received from eating watermelon after a long day working on their farm (in the Dirty South). 

Here are some other facts about watermelon:

1.  It can remove toxins from the blood.

2.  It should be eaten between meals - not right after because the water content can affect digestion.

3.  It can be tolerated well by diabetics due to its low sugar content (but it tastes so sweet!).

4.  It can help fight urinary conditions such as kidney stones.

5.  Eating watermelon is a good way to lose weight.  It fills you up and satisfies cravings for sweets.

 
Here are some key facts about the cucumber:

1. Relieves Joint pain (due to the silica content which helps strengthen connective tissue)

2. Reduces baggy eyes

3. Relives arthritic pain (due to its vitamin and mineral content)

4. Stimulates hair growth (due to the sulphur and silica content)

5. Keeps you cool (due to the high water content)

And last but not least the succulent pineapple! Here’s why it has become a staple in my home:  

1 - Prevalent vitamins are C, B1, B6 and folates

2 - Weight loss aide – if you consumer it before eating it will help to reduce your appetite

3 - Can fight sterility due to its high manganese content that helps form reproductive cells (in males and females)

4 – Contains bromelin (an enzyme that loves protein).


Here is the recipe:


 
You can go wrong with this juice!!! Juice up!!!

 

What is your  favorite way to stay hydrated in the summer time?

 

 

Two Week Juice Challenge!

Hi Folks!! I've embarked upon yet another challenge! Juicing for two weeks straight!  This is not a juice fast. I repeat: this is not a juice fast.  I will be eating solid food.  But I'll be replacing one meal a day with juice.

I invited others to join the challenge and so far there are about 15 of us! I've realized the importance of juicing and I want to incorporate it into my life...............PERMANENTLY............! There are too many benefits that I don't want to miss out on.

I have friends and family that need some juice in their lives too...so we are juicing it up!! The participants that do not have juicers are making smoothies instead.  Remember folks juicing is a good way to get essential vitamins and minerals into your body. Juicing gives your digestive system a break and can boost your immune system!

Here is what I've been drinking this week (It's quite the rainbow!):

Cucumber Ginger - Cucumber (2), romaine lettuce (1/2 head), green grapes (1 cup), green apples (3), oranges (3), ginger (2 inches), lemon (1/2 with peel)

V7 - Celery (5 ribs), kale (1/2 bunch), carrots (5), tomatoes (4), red bell pepper (1), lemon (1 with peel), ginger (2 inches) -Next time I'll add 5 more carrots to this juice. 

Watermelon Cilantro - watermelon (3 cups), romaine lettuce (1/3 bunch), cilantro (1 bunch), red grapes (2 cups), blackberries (1/2 cup) - This juice was DIVINE!!!!!!! LOVED IT SO MUCH I DIDN'T WANT TO SHARE!

 
Try the recipes out and tell me what you think!!!

Happy juicing!

Peace and love!

The Juice Journey: Carrot Celery Ginger Juice

Here is another juice I created that your body will thank you for.  Carrot celery ginger juice!

You receive a healthy dose of Pro vitamin A by consuming carrots but what I didn't know is that they are  also good for your skin.  Celery, along with it's distinctive flavor profile can help treat psoriasis and alkalizes your body! Celery is also good for lowering cholesterol levels.   You can't go wrong with this juice!

Here's how it's made:

Step 1 - gather, wash and peel all ingredients

Carrots (orange and yellow), celery, lime and ginger

 Step 2 - Juice all ingredients then strain (not pictured)

 

 Step 3 - ENJOY!

 

Try it and tell me what you think!! :)

Peace and love!

The Juice Journey: Fantastic Fruit Punch!

I'm on a fresh fruit juice kick and I made some A-MA-ZING fruit punch yesterday.  It's fantastic, yummy, and nice to look at. The idea for this juice popped into my head because I had strawberries and grapes that needed to be eaten.  Caleb is VERY finicky these days about what fruit he eats.  He used to eat everything.  Now, he asks for things, I buy it and then he does not eat it....go figure.  Thus the fruit punch! Caleb actually helped make this juice...and I will add that he was eating on the job!  So there were a few strawberries that didn't make it into the juicer.  Ahhhh...I digress! Check out how I --excuse me -- I mean WE made this fantastic juice!

Fantastic Fruit Punch Recipe:
1 ripe pineapple
5 oranges
1 cup of fresh strawberries
2 cups of fresh cranberries
2 cups of fresh grapes
1.5 inches of fresh ginger root

Here's how WE made it:

Step 1 - gather all ingredients (and a chair for Caleb to stand on), wash, peel and chop in preparation for the juicer.

Oranges, pineapple, red grapes, strawberries, cranberries, ginger root

Step 2 - Juice all ingredients (remember to alternate hard and soft ingredients).  Pictures were hard to take with a 2 year old close to a wired, running appliance.  It was fun but please take care to monitor EVERY move your child makes while helping to prepare any food item.

 

 Step 3 -  Separate the pulp in the finished juice by using a standard strainer.

 

 Check out the pulp that was left over!

 

The pulp was so tasty (yes I tasted it!) I saved it for smoothie making.  I usually don't save the vegetable juice pulp, but fruit juice pulp is still so sweet.  I hate to throw it away.

 

Step 4 - ENJOY! :) Note: this recipe yielded 3 cups of juice.  It was very sweet, so I could have stretched it out with water. 

 

 

 

 Step 5 - clean up.  The worst part of making juice is the clean up process.

 

 

This is a great juice for the entire family.  It's also good to drink throughout the day.  It's an awesome alternative to the powdered, sugary fruit punch you will find in a can or tin in the grocery stores.  Yes, it takes more work....but it's so much better for you.  Remember you can use any combination of fruit you want.

 

 

Drink up!!

 

 

Peace and love!

Orange Pineapple Ginger (OPG) Juice

My juicer is still whirring away folks!  Not only is this juice DELICIOUS it's super healthy and will fuel many systems in your body all at once. With only three simple, common ingredients this juice will keep you alert, glowing and free of belly aches! Initally, I thought oranges were just good for the vitamin C boost and the main benefit of eating pineapple was the enzyme bromelin that breaks down proteins....but boy was I WRONG! Check out characteristics I didn't know about these juice ingredeints. 

Oranges** -
1 - Contain high amounts of provitamin A,  vitamin B1 and B2
2 - Contain 170 known phytochemicals
3 - Can help prevent retina degeneration due to the carotenoid content

**IT'S BETTER TO EAT A WHOLE ORANGE INSTEAD OF POPPING A VITAMIN C PILL.  I put that in caps, becasuse when we consume whole food we get so many other benefits than when we take isolated, synthetic supplements.  The whole food nourishes the whole body.  A supplement will only effect ONE part of your system in an incomplete way.

Pineapple -  
1 - Prevalent vitamins are C, B1, B6 and folates
2 - Weight loss aide - consume before eating to help reduce appetite
3 - Can fight sterility due to it's high manganese content that helps form reproductive cells (in males and females)

Ginger -
1 - Good for easing symptoms of diarrhea
2 - Can reduce inflammation
3 - Can relieve gas pains

OPG Juice Recipe:
1 ripe, fresh pineapple
4 - 7 oranges
2 inches of fresh ginger root (or less if you don't like it so spicy)

Here is how I made the OPG juice:

Step 1 - Gather all ingredients

 

Step 2 - Remove the skins and chop everything up in preparation for the juicer

 

Step 3 - Juice all ingredients (I'm using a centrifugal juicer).  Try to alternate between soft and hard ingredients.

 

Step 4 - Strain the finished juice with standard strainer (not pictured...I forgot to take a picture!)

Step 5 - ENJOY!

This juice is also great for the cold season.  I think by far, this is my favorite juice. Drink up and drink often! 

Peace and love!

The Juice Journey: Carrot Beet Cauliflower

Hi Folks - My juicer is still whirring away as we really get into the cold season.  Here is a simple juice recipe I made using my CSA veggies!

I have grown to love the oddly shaped Romanesque cauliflower for its nutrient dense ways. It's packed full of calcium and fiber (and good for replacing calcium from dairy milk).  The most palatable way I've found to consume beets is by juicing them.  I love what they do for my body.... I just don't like chewing them!

Try it and enjoy!!

Peace and blessings!

Saving Money....Saving the Earth - Community Supported Agriculture

Hi Folks! 

I've been silent for a few weeks.  No the liver detox did not wipe me out (Liver Onions and Divas), but a two week cold virus did. Plus Caleb got the bug and I've been in quarantine -- I mean cooped up in the house for 5 days straight!! Can you say stir crazy!

Well this post is all about sharing the Community Supported Agriculture love - aka CSA.

I joined one this fall and I am SO excited!!!!!!!!!!!  First of all I will be saving approximately $500 over the next 7 weeks on my grocery bill.  Second of all it's good to give back and keep small farmers alive.  Did I say that everything is ORGANIC and FRESH????

So here is the bounty from the first week:

Pumpkin, garlic, beets, tomatoes, sweet potatoes (white and orange), leek, spinach, chard, turnips, green leaf lettuce, cabbage (unknown variety), radish

I've been charged with making great dishes with all of these wonderful veggies...but I've never prepared turnips, radishes or leeks....so I'm going to need some help.

Here are some meals I started with: 

Yellow split pea soup with garlic and spinach

Vegetable soup with awesome Asian inspired broth and thin rice noodles.  Broth contained: vegetable stock, miso, soy sauce, honey, red pepper, coconut oil, lime, ginger, garlic) CSA veggies used: unknown cabbage, spinach.  Other veggies used: carrots, green onions

 Other items I made this week (not pictured) were:

• green juice with (kale, chard, dandelion greens, green apples, ginger and lime)
• salad with unknown cabbage, chard, kale, green apples, carrots, sprouts, dill, green onion (dressing: garlic, olive oil, salt, lime, honey)
• pasta using  the CSA tomatoes and garlic

I'm just hoping we won't let any of this good food go to waste.  Neighbors beware! We're gonna come a knocking if the bounty begins to overflow! :)

Any good turnip, radish and leek recipes out there???

Peace and blessings!