Banana cakes

March 15, 2011 · Filed under dairy free, gluten free, quinoa, Recipe · Tagged , ,



Oh how I love over ripe bananas. There are so many great things you can do with them. Freeze them for smoothies or banana ice cream, banana bread, banana muffins, banana cookies, the list goes on…   The following is my latest and favorite recipe.

The kids devoured these and asked for more! They are gluten free, dairy free, and nut free if you choose.

Banana Cakes or we call it Banana Toppings Cakes

1 c quinoa flour  (you can make your own just grind in a coffee grinder/blender that can grind dry ingredients)
2/3 c brown rice flour (can make this too)
1/3 c tapioca starch (flour)
1 c organic unrefined sugar
1 t xanthan gum
1/2 T baking soda
2 t baking powder
3/4 t salt
2 eggs + 1 egg white
1 c mashed banana (approx 2 1/2 small bananas)
1/2 c oil (I used coconut, but can use olive, almond, safflower, sunflower, etc)
1/2 c rice, coconut, almond, soy or other milk (I used coconut)
Toppings: dried fruit (cherries, cranberries, blueberries, etc), cacao nibs or chocolate chips, walnuts, coconut chips

Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix on low speed of an electric mixer until blended. Mix on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. Fill cupcake pan with cupcake liners. Fill until 3/4 full. Sprinkle toppings over each. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 18 to 20 minutes.

Baking is always fun with the kids (if old enough). Mine are 4 and 6 and love to help. I have them mash the bananas and help measure the ingredients. I think they enjoy and appreciate it more when they do it.  Here were our toppings.

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Sprouted

January 25, 2011 · Filed under Recipe, sprout · Tagged ,

Sprouting is the practice of soaking, draining and then rinsing seeds, beans or grains at regular intervals until they germinate, or sprout. So, what’s the big deal (as my kids would say)? Sprouting beans and grains actually changes the nutrient contents. The protein quality increases, fiber increases, essential fatty acid increases, vitamin content increases and minerals chelate that increase their function and sprouts are easily digested. Need I say more?

Many raw foodists eat lots of sprouted beans and grains to get their protein and fiber. I tried doing about 70% raw a few years ago but lost too much weight but I wasn’t doing the sprouted foods. The only things I have sprouted myself is chickpeas and that was for a raw hummus recipe. Delicious but it takes a 8 hours of soaking and then 2 days of rinsing before they are sprouted and ready to use so not really something you can do on a whim. I have found two amazing products that I love right now. truRoots Organic Sprouted Green Lentils and thanks to my sister-in-law I have come to love the truRoots Organic Sprouted Mung Beans. I have only found these at Whole Foods. You could sprout your own lentils since they are pretty easy to find but I have not found mung beans but suppose you could find at an Indian or perhaps Asian market.

I have two delicious recipes for these items below.

Lentil Tacos
1 c truRoots Sprouted Lentils (could use regular lentils too)
1/2 – 3/4 c diced tomatoes
1 T olive oil
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t paprika
1/2 t chili powder
1/2 t crushed red pepper (optional)
1/2 t minced onion

1. Cook lentils according to directions.
2. In a medium-sized pot, combine the tomatoes, a drizzle of olive oil and spices. Cook over medium-high heat until tomatoes start to soften, about 5 minutes or so.
3. Add your drained lentils and cook for another 5 -10 minutes, until the lentils have really absorbed all the flavors. Add extra spices as necessary.
4. Assemble with whole grain tortillas, guacamole, salsa, etc.

Sprouted Mung Beans
1 c truRoots Organic Sprouted Mung Beans
3 c vegetable broth or chicken broth or water
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t cumin
1/2 t salt
2 T lime juice

1. Bring broth or water to boil in a pot and add mung beans. Cook 5-7 minutes. Turn off the heat, and cover with lid and let sit for 5 minutes.
Drain excess liquid, if needed.
2. Add seasonings and lime juice to taste. If used water may want more seasonings.

Enjoy! I haven’t tried with rice but I’m sure that would be delicious.

By the way, I hope everyone is having a great and healthy new year! I have lots to come so stay tuned….

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Farro, the “new” ancient grain

December 10, 2010 · Filed under farro, Recipe


Farro (pronounced FAHR-oh) is one of the oldest grains originally found in the Middle East but not grown primarily in Italy. Farro is an ancient grain that is now being rediscovered by chefs throughout Europe and North America. It is not wheat, but a plant and grain all its own. A farro grain looks like light brown rice and has a nutty taste that’s reminiscent of oats and barley. Lighter than other whole grains, farro, contains a starch similar to Arborio rice, which releases a creamy, binding liquid when cooked. It is rich in protein, fiber, magnesium and vitamins A, B, C and E, farro is easily digested and low in gluten, which makes it a good choice for those who are wheat-sensitive. It is grown in Italy.

A few months ago I was in Costco and noticed a huge bag of Farro and not knowing what it was I passed it up and got some more Quinoa. Finally, I decided to try it after my sister-in-law said I should. I was really delighted because it is almost creamy like risotto. I thought this recipe was great for fall/winter. Yum!


Farro and Butternut Squash
Serves 6-8 as side dish

2 c pearled farro, rinsed and drained
1 t salt
5 c water or stock (I used 2 c vegetable broth and 3 c water)
3 c butternut squash, cut into 1/2″ to 1″ diced
1 red onion cut into 1/8ths
1 T fresh thyme, minced
3 T olive oil
1 T balsamic vinegar
1 c walnuts, deeply toasted
3 t olive oil
1/4 c goat cheese, crumbled (goat feta)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. After rinsing the farro, combine with salt and water or stock in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally until the farro is tender 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain any water and set aside.

While the farro is cooking toss the squash, onion and thyme with the olive oil. balsamic vinegar and couple pinches of salt on a baking sheet. Arrange in a single layer and place in the oven for 20 minutes. Turn the squash and onions about every 5-7 minutes to brown on all sides. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes and then minced 1/2 of the red onions.

In a large bowl toss everything (except cheese) with the oil. Taste and season as necessary. Garnish with goat cheese.

Enjoy!

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Breathe…

December 3, 2010 · Filed under yoga

Well, I’ve been absent from this for a while. Really no great excuses other than not using my time wisely. November and December are busy months for us and not just because of the holidays but because of 3 birthdays in our family too. I keep trying to tell myself to not stress and relax but there is a little voices in my head that will not let me rest!

My saving grace right now is 1 hour of vinyasa yoga a week. The only time I can block out all the little voices in my head and meditate and focus on the breathing and poses. I just love it and the teacher really does either make or break it.

Anyways, I am here and I am going to try some new recipes this week. Will let you know how they go.

Remember takes some time out to try some yoga or meditate in this busy holiday season and reflect upon what all we have to be thankful for!

Inhale, exhale, BREATHE……..

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

November 5, 2010 · Filed under Recipe, vegan

I love the new foods fall brings.   Squash, pumpkins, cranberries, grapes, and pomegranates.  Yum. This only means new recipes!   I bought 2 organic pumpkins when they first came out at the stores and cooked them up and froze them.  I’ve had several batches of breads and this is the one we all voted the best recipe low sugar/fat and it is vegan too since I try to keep the eggs out of recipes since my daughter seems to be sensitive to them.  Unfortunately no pictures since our camera is dead but Dan is getting one for his birthday in a few week so yippee!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

1/4 c coconut oil (heat to liquid if needed) – or other cooking oil
1/3 c organic unsweetened applesauce
1/3 c organic maple syrup
1 c canned or fresh pureed pumpkin*
2 tbs blackstrap molasses
1/4 c coconut milk or other nondairy milk
2 tbs ground flax seed
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c all-purpose flour
1 c whole wheat pastry flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c chopped walnuts (optional)
¼ c cacao nibs or other vegan dark chocolate (optional)

Whisk together oil, applesauce, maple syrup, pumpkin, molasses, milk, flax, and vanilla in a bowl. In another bowl, sift together flours, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Add wet ingredients to the dry, mix gently until just combined then fold in the walnuts and chocolate. Pour into a lightly oiled loaf pan or 3 mini loaf pans and bake at 350° for 25-30 (for mini) 60-70 minutes (for large), or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.

*Cooking your pumpkin is simple I have done both microwave and oven. See instructions here. http://www.pickyourown.org/pumpkincooking.php

Enjoy!

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Halloween Enchiladas

October 24, 2010 · Filed under Recipe

Otherwise known as Black Bean & Sweet Potato Enchiladas. These are black and orange so perfect for the Halloween week. This delicious meal is high in protein, vitamin A, and iron.

 

 

2 t oil
1 small onion, diced
2 sweet potatoes, diced (about 2 1/2 c)
2 c or 1 (15-oz can) cooked black beans with a little cooking water
2 c chopped greens (kale, spinach, etc.)
½ bunch cilantro
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 can Enchilada sauce or salsa verde (I use Herdez salsa verde)
8 large whole grain flour tortillas or 10 to 12
corn tortillas
8 oz sour cream (optional)
2 avocados to top (optional)
4 oz Mexican cheese (optional)
*Note: If you use corn tortillas may want to use some oil or vegetable or chicken broth to soften the tortillas.

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Heat oil in large skillet. Add onion and sauté 5 to 10 minutes or until soft. Add sweet potatoes. Cover and cook about 10 minutes or until tender. Stir in beans and greens. Cover and heat about 5 minutes until greens are wilted. Add a little water if necessary to prevent scorching. Season with sea salt and pepper to taste.

Cover bottom of 9 x 13-inch baking dish with about 1/3 c of enchilada sauce. Place tortilla on flat surface (if you are using corn tortillas,
in a shallow pan heat oil or vegetable broth in dip one tortilla in for 2 seconds on each side). Scoop a line of filling across the width of tortilla about 2 inches from the bottom. Spoon sour cream across filling. Roll enchilada up and place in pan, seam side down. Repeat until all filling has been used. Cover enchiladas with remaining sauce. Cover pan with foil and bake 20 minutes. Serve with sliced avocados and cilantro.

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Rainbow Rice & Beans

October 14, 2010 · Filed under Recipe, vegan

So, I got some new cookbooks for my birthday and I finally got the chance to try a recipe out and it was easy and delicious so just had to share. The book was VeganYumYum (btw I had to use their fantastic picture since my did not come out). I only changed a few things… It called for Vegan Worcestershire Sauce which I did not have all the ingredients for and so I added some extra Tamari sauce and some garlic.

Here is my version of it…
Serves 4
1 c brown basmati rice, dry
1 can organic black beans, partially drained
1/4 organic chopped onion
1-2 organic garlic cloves, chopped
3-4 tbs tamari (wheat free) or soy sauce
1/2 cup organic frozen peas
1/2 cup organic frozen corn
2 medium organic carrots, shredded
1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp corriander
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or less if you are feeding to the kiddos)
1/2 tsp oregano
1 tbs extra virgin olive oil
avocado and cilantro, if desired to garnish

Start the rice with two cups of cold water, or whatever ratio you of water:rice works best for the type of rice you are using.

When the rice is almost complete, heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet. If using onion, add it and cook until golden brown and then add garlic and brown. Add spice mix and saute until spices begin to bubble up a little bit, being careful not to burn.

Add beans, tamari and simmer on low, covered, until rice is done. Add peas, carrots, and corn and for a few moments until defrosted. Add rice to pan, stirring well to mix in beans and veggies and coat with sauce. If you want to make it “richer”, stir in a knob of vegan butter at the end.

Garnish with avocado and cilantro, serve immediately.

I think it is so colorful and delicious, who doesn’t want to eat a rainbow?

I’m going to post some Fall recipes soon but I’m still working perfecting to make them tasty and healthy at the same time : )

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Obsessed with Healthy Eating

October 10, 2010 · Filed under eating disorder

Is it possible to be too obsessed with healthy eating? I read something the other day saying that a Dr. Steven Bratman coined the term “Orthorexia nervosa” in 1997. It is the informal name of an eating disorder which is an extreme obsession with what the health-conscious individual considers to be healthy eating. He says that this disorder can be as dangerous as anorexia. The orthorexic does not desire to become thin but wants to feel pure, healthy and natural.

People with orthorexia may feel virtuous about their “good” food choices, but vile and self-loathing if they should stray. They may spend hours and hours planning what to eat, and opt for nothing if the right food is not available. He says the pattern is typically seen in “well-educated, middle class, adults over 30”…who have rigid rules about which foods are pure and good. The pattern may start with food allergies and diets where foods are systematically eliminated until only a small number remain. It is also seen in bodybuilders during the competition season followed by an all out binge later on.

Do I have Orthorexia?
Consider the following questions. The more ‘yes’ responses, the more likely you are dealing with orthorexia:
• Are you spending more than three hours a day thinking about healthy food?
• Do you always skip foods you once enjoyed in order to only eat the “right” foods?
• Does your diet make it difficult for you to eat anywhere but at home, distancing you from friends and family?
• Do you look down on others who don’t eat your way?
• Does your self-esteem get a boost from eating healthy?
• When you eat the way you’re supposed to, do you feel in total control?
• Do you feel guilt or self-loathing when you stray from your diet?
• Is the virtue you feel about what you eat more important than the pleasure you receive from eating it?
• Has the quality of your life decreased as the quality of your diet increased?

If you answer “yes” to 2 or more questions you may need to think less about healthy eating!

Ok, so I may fall into this category. I do not think I have an illness or am obsessive about healthy eating but maybe I go a little far sometimes. I just want to be healthy and provide healthy eating choices for my family most of the time. I am trying to share the information I am learning in the process. Is that such a bad thing?

If I do get too obsessive or am revealing anything that is just too crazy please tell me to shut it!

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Happy Blending

September 29, 2010 · Filed under green smoothies, Recipe · Tagged

Happy Birthday to me!  I got a new BlendTec blender.  Those of you that do not know it is THE Rolls Royce of all blenders!  They are used in restaurants, coffee shops, smoothie shops and more.  I first was interested in blenders about 1 ½ or so ago when I started making green smoothies.  I had been making my green smoothies in the Magic Bullet or whatever blender I had around and they were fine but I had only dreamed of how smooth and creamy the ones were made in the BlendTec or Vitamix (the closest competition).  My dream finally came true – yeah!  A week or two before my birthday Whole Foods was demonstrating the VitaMix and CostCo was demonstrating the BlendTec.   Was that I sign to be my birthday gift or what?

I have had it about a week and have used it 30 times – how do I know?  Because it keeps track of it!  I’ve made my daily green smoothies, hummus, pesto and banana ice cream.  I have not done any juices, soups, nut butters or ground any grains yet.   I’m still trying to figure out the settings although they have 6 presets sometimes I like to play around with it and you kind of have to figure out how much water or liquid to add but so far I’m thrilled.

Here is one of our latest smoothie recipes:

1 banana
1 organic pear
1 handful organic frozen peaches
4 leafs of organic kale
4 oz water

Funny thing is everytime I run the blender Daniel runs out and says did what did you make mom?  Is it a smoothie?  He loves his smoothies and Sadie does most of the time and the great thing is you start the day off with your greens and you feel great. Try it and call it ‘Shrek Juice’ for the kids.

P.S. http://www.greensmoothiegirl.com uses BlendTec too!

P.P.S. Sorry it has been awhile.. I’ve been volunteering, working with Dan, being a soccer mom, dealing with allergy kids and dog, visiting families with new babies and trying to stay sane with a little exercise through in there!

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First Line of Defense

September 4, 2010 · Filed under sick

We got a great welcome to the first week of school…. Last week Daniel came down with a cold Friday afternoon – just in time for the weekend. Is that always how that happens? Fever, sneezing and runny nose. Now, that he is in a school that they actually take attendance and it counts I feel like I am in a rush to recover from it. There are so many things you can do when you have a sick child. Oh, the choices! Run to the doctor, self-medicate, acupuncture, bioenergetics, chiropractic adjustments, naturopathic doctors, herbalists or in worst case scenario go to the hospital emergency rooms.

These are the steps I follow…
1) Increase the vitamins, and try herbal or homeopathic medicine for symptoms.
2) Use the Neti Pot or NeilMed Sinus Rinse. We use them in the shower to clean the nosey out. I know it has kept all of us from sinus infections. It does take some practice with the kids but if you keep up with it during the season every day they will be doing it themselves.
3) Do a BioSET spit clearing (more on this later), which if you catch the symptoms early enough can stop an infection in its tracks.
4) Eat clean foods – veggies, fruits (except high sugar ones), whole grains and broth based soups.

If those do not improve symptoms within a day I usually choose to visit my BioSET practitioner or chiropractor first then if things linger or get drastically worse I end up at the pediatrician’s office. This past weekend we went to the chiropractor for an adjustment. He did verify that in fact his immune system was stimulated to fight the infection and did some light adjustments on him. He reminded me to cut out all sugar, dairy and meats. We do avoid dairy when the allergy/cold season is upon us and rarely have sweets.

We did make it back to school on Monday so either it was a short cold or maybe it was our quick reaction and my miraculous BioSET spit clearing or the chiropractor. Not sure but I’m just glad we are all better now!

Do you have a preventative plan for the cold and flu season? If you want to try alternatives it is best to do it at the early onset of symptoms. If you do not know of herbal/homeopathic remedies Whole Foods, Sprouts and New Flower all have highly trained employees that can recommend products for your symptoms or there are herbalists or MDs that practice homeopathy. I do love BioSET it has helped both myself and Daniel with detox and elimination of some of our allergies and we have just recently started visiting a chiropractor. If you do end up at the pediatrician and are prescribed antibiotics make sure to ask the doctor or pharmacist about supplementing with probiotics to replenish the good bacteria that are needed in your gut for digestion.

What do you do when your child is sick?

Remember Eat Healthy, exercise and make sure to take your vitamins and omega 3s! Hope everyone is staying healthy : )

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