January Special!

Want to lose weight in 2016? Improve your energy? Exercise more? Or simply eat more greens?

I am here to help you reach your goals AND I am offering 50% my Breakthrough Consultations in January!

Let's get in touch!

Clean Up Your Beauty Routine

Here are 5 very easy natural beauty swaps that you can make today. 

I consider these to be the most important swaps to start with because of the surface area that these products cover on the body and the frequency of use!

1.  Body Wash: Commercial body wash often contain parabens and fragrances that are known allergens and endocrine disruptors.

• I LOVE Dr. Bronner’s all-purpose pure castile soap.

2.  Body Lotion: Watch out for parabens, fragrances, dyes  in the ingredients.

• NOW Solution's Apricot OIl
• NOW Solution's Sesame oil
• Beautycounter’s Citrus Mimosa Body Lotion

3.  Deodorant:  Contain aluminum, triclosan and other harmful ingredients.I finally found 2 natural deodorants that work for me.

• PiperWai
• Schmidt’s

4.  Toothpaste:  Make sure your toothpaste does not contain Triclosan.  I also choose to go with a fluoride free toothpaste.  All of these products can be purchased at Amazon. 

• Redmond Earthpaste
• Jason’s
• Tom’s Toothpaste

5  Sunscreen:  Watch out for the ingredient oxybenzone.

• All Over Sunscreen by Beautycounter

 

Here are my Beautycounter skincare recommendations by skin type

I have been a Beautycounter consultant for some time now and it is a brand that I love and trust. I really appreciate the fact that the company not only offers safe and high performing products, but is also working hard to educate consumers and pass legislature that will better regulate the beauty industry.

So how do you know which of these safer, highly effective products are right for you?   Here are my recommendations, including my own skincare routine:

Dry Skin

I live in a VERY dry climate so this is my personal skincare regimen.

• Cleansing Balm (This is an oil-based face wash and a fantastic skin cream that can be left on overnight or used under your makeup in the morning. Hands down, this is the best product for dry skin)
• Nourishing Cream Exfoliator (gentle but super effective exfoliator remove dry skin)
• Rejuvenating Night Cream (lightweight, but moisturizing)
• Plumping Face Oil #2– Jasmine, is recommended for dry and mature skin

Acne-Prone/Oily

Oily skin is often a symptom of chronically dry skin. As mom to a teenager,  I can attest to this winning combo:

•  Charcoal Cleansing Bar and Nourishing Cream Cleanser, rotate throughout the week
•  Balancing Charcoal Mask
•  Balancing Face Oil #3 which pairs nicely with the charcoal products (which are naturally drying). Face oils work wonders on acne-prone skin, trust me on this one!
•  Rose Water Mist  (non-drying)

Mature Skin

The Countertime Rejuvenating line is best for mature skin, actively working to reduce dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. I particularly enjoy the Rejuvenating Night Cream, Eye Cream and Cleansing Balm.  I would also recommend the Plumping Face Oil # 2 with Jasmine for mature skin

Sensitive Skin

The Nourishing Face Collection is best for those with sensitive skin. The Nourishing Day Cream, Night Cream and Eye Cream are all formulated without any fragrance and the Cream Cleanser is particularly gentle. For sensitive skin, I would also recommend the Brightening Face OIl # 1

Face Oils to use for your skin type

Use A face oil morning and night as you moisturizer, or add a few drops to your cream moisturizer.

•     Brightening Face Oil #1 – Calendula, is recommended for sensitive skin
•     Plumping Face Oil #2 – Jasmine, is recommended for dry and mature skin
•     Balancing Face Oil #3 – Ylang-Ylang and Chamomile, is recommended for active/oily skin

You can check the safety of the products that you use on a daily basis on the Environmental Working Group ( EWG)  Skin Deep Database to see how they rate for things like hormone disruption and toxicity.  (low numbers are best)

Veggie Lasagna

My family is flying in today for the holidays and I am making vegetarian lasagna for dinner tonight!  Skiing all day, and coming home to this delicious meal is a family tradition!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 quarts spaghetti sauce (Your favorite pre-made sauce or home made)

• 2 carrots grated

• 1⁄2 teaspoon oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• no boil lasagna noodles

• 1 (16 ounce) container ricotta cheese (full fat)

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped in a food processor

• 2 eggs

• 1 1⁄2 cups thinly sliced zucchini

• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

• 3 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

• 1⁄2 cup grated parmesan cheese Directions

  1. Mix carrots, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and spaghetti sauce together.

  2. Mix Ricotta, eggs and spinach together in separate bowl.

  3. Spread ½ cup spaghetti sauce in bottom of 9 x 13 inch baking dish.

  4. Layer lasagna noodles, ½ remaining sauce, ½ ricotta mixture, ½ sliced zucchini, ½ sliced mushrooms, ½ Mozzarella, and ½ Parmesan.

  5. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

  6. Bake in 350 degrees oven for about 45 minutes.

Cauliflower "Mashed Potatoes"

A wonderful alternative to the traditional holiday mashers that are loaded with butter and cream.   I guarantee everyone at your table will love it!  

Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes”

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower

• 2 large cloves garlic

• 2 cups low sodium chicken broth

• 2 teaspoons dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons freshly grated parmesan

• Fresh parsley

Directions

1. Cut off large stems of cauliflower and chop up the remaining pieces

2. Mash the garlic cloves.

3. Boil cauliflower and garlic in broth for 40 minutes (or until fork tender)

4. Reserve the broth.

5. Place cauliflower, mustard and olive oil in cuisinart and blend until completely mashed.

6. Add a little reserved broth to get the right consistency

7. Season with salt and pepper

8. Top with parmesan and parsley

Why I Love This:

Cauliflower is a great source of  Vitamins C, K, B6, B12, and Folate. It is a very good source of protein, dietary fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, phosphorus, and biotin!   Cauliflower also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.  The dijon adds a nice kick of flavor with very few calories, and the parmesan adds calcium.  Parsleyis rich in many vital vitamins, including Vitamin C, B 12, K and A.  Yum!

Indulge, Have Fun AND Stay Healthy This Holiday

The holidays are about enjoying family and food and the sweet fun magic of the season!

So ditch the stress, the weight gain, the yo-yo diets and the flu, and make some simple changes to your daily routine to give your body that extra BOOST it needs to work its natural magic by incorporating the following into your week, and say hello to one DELICIOUS holiday season:

1. Start off your day with detoxing lemon water – it awakens your organs, revs your metabolism, and alkalizes your body so that your body can start cleansing before you’ve even had your breakfast.
2. Kickstart your day with cleansing greens. Throw them into a green smoothie, enjoy them with an omelette, or sprinkle some spirulina in your yogurt and granola! Greens contain phytonutrients that help to escort toxins out of your body, and they’re filled with age-defying antioxidants. Aim for 4-8 cups a day!
3. Take probiotics! Increasing the flora in your gut will help to keep your entire system in balance so you can fight illness and digest more efficiently. Also incorporate more fermented foods (kimchi, kombucha, tempeh, etc.) into your diet to help your mighty microbiome thrive!
4. Drink  my immunity tea and 70-80 ounces of H20 between meals to stay hydrated and keep the toxins moving out of your system. When you’re not drinking water/tea, hydrate internally with high water content foods.  Add some organic fruit to your water glass for some much needed electrolytes.
5. Avoid snacking! Digestion is extremely taxing for your body. And when you are constantly feeding it snacks, your body is constantly working - and working hard - to digest everything thoroughly. When you eat 3 balanced meals per day, with no snacks in between, you give your digestion a break and allow your body to focus its energy elsewhere. This is when it is able to restore its functions, heal properly, and get you those results you dream of.
6. Be sure that you’re eating enough fiber.  Fiber is what keeps you full, and keeps your digestive system functioning optimally. It binds to toxins in your digestive tract to help move them out and also feeds that gut flora! Whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, and beans!
7. Speaking of superfoods….indulge in superfoods! (I can help you with that!) Each amazing superfood has unique healing qualities and works to help your body absorb all the good stuff, so it can kick out all the bad. With a balanced, superfood diet, each bite is healing your system and optimizing your health.
8. Sweat it out! Get moving in any way that inspires you - whether it’s running, dancing, or sweaty bikram yoga, get those sweat glands going! Your pores are the body’s detoxing pathways. When you break a sweat, you are actively expelling toxins from every inch of your body.
9. Treat yourself to a relaxing, healing deep tissue massage.  This will help to release toxins that were trapped in muscular tissue.
10. Get that beauty sleep!!! This one is key. As you rest, your body repairs itself, and without this vital sleep your body is unable to function at its full potential (eg your immune system is compromised). So do yourself a favor…stay in one Saturday night. Sleep in on Sunday morning. Give your body a chance to heal.
11. RELAX. Practice stress management. When you’re under stress your hormones fall out of balance which leads to weight gain, anxiety, lack of energy and even illness. A stressed body holds on to toxins, so it’s important to keep your stress levels in check. This might mean taking a few moments in the morning to meditate, taking a walk, or just making time to do something you enjoy.

Tips For Kicking Anxiety To The Curb!

Here are my best tips for kicking stress and anxiety to the curb this holiday and every day!

1.   Be Present

The simple act of being present can immediately dissolve worry and anxiety.  Easier said than done.

I recently learned a technique for staying in the present moment from meditation teacher and expert Tara Brach. When you find yourself feeling anxious or you notice that your mind is racing and distracted, place your hand over your heart and quietly say to yourself, “Please, be here now.” You can do this practice as many times throughout the day as you like.   Try it the next time you feel distracted and unfocused.

2.  Meditate.

If your goal is to move through your day with ease, grace and contentment meditation will get you there.

Try a guided meditation, or just spend time focusing on your breath.  Start with 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes at night, and then increase your time if it feels right.

Try this simple exercise to get you started:

Find a comfortable sitting position, keeping your spine tall and supported.  Close your eyes, relax your shoulders and breathe deeply into your belly.  Feel your belly rise and fall with each breath.

Breathe in for 5 counts. Hold your breath for 2 counts. Breathe out for 5 counts. Repeat

3.  Move your body

Exercise releases endorphins, which help to increase happiness and reduce cortisol.   As soon as you start to feel anxiety come on, go for a walk in nature, do yoga, or take a dance class …  any activity that you enjoy and gets your body moving will help!

Exercise has an immediate effect on anxiety. Even better, REGULAR exercise will decrease the amount of anxiety you feel overall, so make sure you stick with it!  Try to move your body every day for an hour. Or aim for 10,000 steps a day by using a fitness tracker, like Fitbit.

4.  Eat Healthy Fats!

You may notice that every time you’re stressed you crave sugar and junk food.  Cravings are your brain's way of tricking you into thinking that you’ll feel better after eating these foods. We all know how we feel after that pint of ice cream though…not so good.

Instead, take a handful of raw almonds.  Eat a banana with peanut butter. Try an avocado on toast.   Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce surges of the harmful stress hormone cortisol and boost levels of serotonin, which stimulate a feeling of calmness and happiness.  By the way.....Dark chocolate has the same effect.

Sweet Potato Latkes

Why I love these.......

Sweet potatoes are a nutritionally-sweet deal! These tasty potatoes are higher in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin C than white potatoes, and they’re a great source of healthy carbohydrates.  Adding cinnamon and nutmeg makes these latkes super tasty, and provides an antioxidant boost!

Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1-2 scallions, white and light-green parts only, thinly sliced

• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten

• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

• 1 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 3 large), peeled and grated on the large holes of a grater or food processor

• 1 1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (about 3 medium), peeled and grated.

• Peanut oil, for frying

• Sour cream and applesauce, for serving

Directions

1. In a large bowl combine scallions and eggs. Add flour, salt, ginger, cardamom, and pepper, and stir. Add potatoes, and toss until combined and evenly coated.

2. Fill a large skillet with about 1/2 inch oil. Place over medium heat until oil is almost smoking. (To test, drop a small bit of batter into the skillet; it should sizzle upon contact.)

3. Working in batches, spoon about 2 tablespoons batter into oil for each latke. Lightly tamp down to flatten. Cook, turning once, until golden on each side, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a slotted spatula, transfer to a paper-towel-lined wire rack to drain. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve with sour cream and applesauce.

Recipe inspiration from Martha Stewart.

Naturally Perfect Skin!

Hi Friends! I have found the most effective and natural way to cleanse and moisturize my skin!

I have to admit, I was skeptical before I first tried putting an oil directly on my face.  I wasn’t sure it would work well for me. I have had problems with rosacea in the past and I was afraid that a face oil would cause breakouts........I was wrong!  My skin has never looked more soft, radiant and "glowy"

These products are a staple for me because they contain a unique combination of wonderful  "nourishing botanicals" and it’s from a brand I know, trust and love.   Beautycounter is a company that is dedicated to bringing safe and high performing products to the beauty industry.

Here are my favorite skin care products!   I know they will give your cleansing and moisturizing routine a beautiful boost.

Lustro Face Oil 2

The simplest way to moisturize skin and boost radiance, this silky formula contains a luxurious blend of pure plant oils. Unlike synthetic oils, which can sit on skin, our Lustro Face Oil is easily absorbed for the ultimate in hydration. Lustro Face Oil 2 contains jasmine oil, an ingredient that adds a subtly sweet floral scent and helps improve skin's elasticity, making this formula a great option for anyone with dry or mature skin.

Nourishing Cleansing Balm

This best-selling balm melts into your skin to hydrate while it cleanses, removing makeup and other impurities but never stripping away moisture. With vitamin C to brighten skin and raspberry and cranberry seed oils to hydrate, the formula can also be used as an intensely nourishing face mask.

Gentle Exfoliator Polishing Cream

This gentle yet super-effective exfoliating cleanser sweeps away impurities to uncover fresh, radiant skin. Non-abrasive jojoba beads help slough off dry skin, while organic coconut oil and aloe soothe and hydrate.

To see the entire Beautycounter collection, click here:    BEAUTY

Thanksgiving Recipe

 

Happiest Thanksgiving, Friends!

This beautiful thanksgiving dessert won't leave you and your loved ones feeling overly full and bloated!   No gluten and low in sugar...........Just all kinds of warm yumminess!

FOR THE FILLING:

• 3 large apples

• 1 cup organic frozen cherries

• squeeze of lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

FOR THE CRUMBLE:

• 1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

• 1/4 chopped pistachios

• pinch of salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Grease baking dish with coconut oil.

In a mixing bowl, toss in chopped apples, cherries, squeeze of fresh lemon, coconut sugar, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Mix until all ingredients are totally combined. Pour into baking dish and set aside.

In a separate bowl, combine all crumble ingredients (oats, coconut sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, honey, coconut oil, pistachios, salt). Sprinkle topping over apple filling until the top is totally covered.

Bake pie in oven until the apples + cherries are bubbling and the top of crumble is a golden brown (about 45 minutes). Let pie sit for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Pair with any ice cream or whipped cream of your choice!

Healthy Thanksgiving Indulgence!

Hello Friends! The Thanksgiving Countdown starts today!

I’m all about indulging…......but I also want to enjoy the food, wine and sweet treats AND feel great afterwards.

Already this week I have spent WAY too much time searching the internet for healthy Thanksgiving recipes.  I figured there might be some other folks out there, like me, who need some healthy recipe inspiration for this year’s Turkey Feast, so I put together this yummy list of recipes.  Enjoy!!!!

Holiday Salad

This sweet and crunchy salad is loaded with nutrients. Walnuts are a great source of vitamin E, an important antioxidant that keeps our cells strong and healthy. They are also packed with protein and linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that helps keep your brain sharp.  The olive oil is good for you too – the healthy fat helps your body absorb vitamins A and K found in the greens!  And I know you know how healthy those green leafy veggies are............So fill up your plate with this healthy green goodness.

 Get the recipe!

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Cranberry Chutney

Cranberries are full of antioxidants and their recognizable nutty taste are a must at any Thanksgiving table!  The health benefits of consuming cranberries include lowered risk of urinary tract infections, prevention of certain types of cancer, improved immune function, decreased blood pressure and more.  Luckily, making a delicious, homemade cranberry chutney is so easy, and you can make it up to a week in advance.   It is a much healthier alternative to the traditional can of cranberry sauce.

 Get the recipe!

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Caramelized Brussels Sprouts

These are not the yucky brussels sprouts you spit into your napkin as a child!  (That's is what I did!)  Brussels sprouts contain many vital nutrients and when done right, they often convert brussels sprouts haters into lovers.

Brussels sprouts help regulate digestive function due to all that fiber and they are a very rich source of vitamin C.  (50% more vitamin C than an orange!)

Get the recipe!

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Molasses Roasted Turkey Breast

Here comes your healthy dose of holiday protein.  Just one 3.5 ounce serving contains 30 grams of protein.  It’s also a good source of B vitamins and iron to keep you energetic and strong.

The spices and molasses are key to this dish, not just for flavor but for a healthy dose of antioxidants.

Get the recipe! 

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Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are one of my favorite winter foods. These tasty tubers are high in fiber, beta-carotene, and vitamin.  They are also packed vitamin A.

Did you know that Vitamin A plays a big role in producing healthy and radiant skin?

Get the recipe! 

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Carrot Ginger Soup

I

I love soup. I believe that soups are the one of the ultimate healing foods. Not only are the cozy and comforting, but they're also really nurturing for your gut. And just in time for cold and flu season - this Carrot Ginger Soup is full of immunity superpowers like vitamin-rich carrots, soothing ginger, healing garlic, and anti-inflammatory turmeric. What’s not to love?

A bowl of this soup pairs perfectly with a nice green salad, or avocado toast. Perfect on a chilly fall evening!

I don’t peel my carrots.  Wash them well, and buy organic when you can so you don’t have to worry about pesticides.

INGREDIENTS (Serves 4):

1 yellow onion
8-10 medium sized carrots
1.5 inch knob of fresh ginger
1 garlic clove
1 apple
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon turmeric powder
salt + pepper

TOPPINGS:

toasted sesame seeds
microgreens
toasted sesame oil
coconut milk

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Chop onion, garlic, apple and ginger and peel carrots. Place whole carrots on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss and roast in oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are fork tender.

While carrots are roasting, saute the onion in a soup pot with olive oil, salt and pepper until they become translucent. Add garlic, apple, ginger and turmeric and keep sautéing, adding in a splash of vegetable broth or olive oil if anything starts to stick to bottom of pan.

When carrots are finished roasting, chop into big pieces. Add them into pot with other vegetables as well as the rest of the broth. Simmer over low heat until broth comes to a boil, then turn off heat.

Using a hand blender or regular blender, blend until soup is smooth or to your desired consistency. If soup is too thick, add in a little more broth.

Divide soup into bowls and top with toasted sesame seeds, a drizzle of toasted sesame oil, micro-greens and a splash of coconut milk (if you like it creamy). Enjoy!

Black Bean and Quinoa Salad

I hope you all love this salad as much as I do.  It is the perfect dish to serve as a light, vegan entree, as a side for chicken or fish or to keep in the frig and add to a green salad for lunch.

Everything in this dish is extremely good for you so enjoy every bite...Your body will thank you!   Quinoa has the texture of a grain but is actually a seed, and it is high in protein, fiber, magnesium, calcium and iron.

Black Bean & Quinoa Salad Recipe

Serves 4-8

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa (1 cup dry quinoa yields about 2 cups cooked)

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 clove garlic, pressed, grated or finely chopped

• Juice of one lime (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

• 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained well

• 2 or more ears of corn, corn kernels removed (frozen works well here to)

• 1 red bell pepper, quarter inch chopped (about 1 cup)

• 2-3 green onions, root removed, white and part of the greens chopped (I don't love raw onions so I sometimes omit or go light)

• 1 handful of cilantro, rough chopped (about 1/3 cup)

Recipe:

Prepare quinoa and cool in the frig.

Whisk the olive oil, cumin, garlic, lime, salt and cayenne (if using) together in the bottom of a large bowl to let the flavors marry while you chop the veggies.

Rinse and drain the black beans, then chop the veggies; the key is to make the peppers and onions about the same size as the beans.

Add the cooked quinoa, beans and veggies to the bowl and gently fold it all together with the dressing.   This dish is best served cold or room temperature.

Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan 

Hello Friends!  I have to admit my family is NOT CRAZY about eggplant.

But I totally won them over with this classic northern Italian recipe!  By layering the eggplant with parmesan and a simple tomato sauce, you  get an ABSOLUTELY SCRUMPTIOUS  vegetable dish.   This recipe can be served as an entree, over pasta or as a side dish for meat or fish.

There are lots of health benefits to eating eggplant too!

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 medium-large eggplants, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch slices. Peeled

• Olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano

• 8-ounce can no-salt plum tomatoes or crushed tomatoes

• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

• ½ cup (packed) fresh basil leaves

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, or as needed

• ⅓ cup fine dry bread crumbs (I didn’t use)

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves.

PREPARATION:

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Brush both sides of eggplant slices with oil, and place in a single layer on two or more baking sheets. Bake until undersides are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes, then turn and bake until other sides are lightly browned. Set aside. Reduce oven temperature to 375 degrees.

2. In a large saucepan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and add onion. Sauté until soft, about 10 minutes. Add garlic and dried oregano and sauté another 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and their juices, breaking up whole tomatoes with your hands. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.

3. Add vinegar, basil and salt and pepper to taste. Into a 9-by-9-inch, 10-by-5-inch or 10-by-6-inch baking pan, spoon a small amount of tomato sauce, then add a thin scattering of parmigiano, then a single layer of eggplant. Repeat until all ingredients are used, ending with a little sauce and a sprinkling of parmigiano. In a small bowl, combine bread crumbs and oregano, if using, with just enough olive oil to moisten. Sprinkle on top. If desired, recipe can be made to this point and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before baking.

4. Bake until eggplant mixture is bubbly and center is hot, 30 to 45 minutes depending on size of pan and thickness of layers. Remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Recipe can also be reheated.

GF Spiced Pear Muffins

Good morning Friends!   I got up at 6 am to bake these delightful Gluten Free Spiced Pear and Brown Butter Muffins for a very special client.

I found this recipe in a beautiful cookbook called Small Plates and Sweet Treats by Aran Goyoaga.

I am not a very accomplished baker and I made a HUGE mess in my kitchen this morning, but the result is an impossibly moist muffin but still perfectly light.  These are some of the best muffins I’ve ever tried, gluten-free or not.

And by the way, despite the mess, these were very easy to make!

Spiced Pear and Brown Butter Muffins

• 1 1/4 stick (10 Tbsp) unsalted butter

• 1 cup superfine rice flour

• 1/2 cup almond flour

• 2 Tbsp tapioca starch- in a pinch, tapioca flour can be substituted for tapioca starch or corn starch

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

• 1/8 tsp nutmeg

• 1/8 tsp cardamom

• 2 eggs, at room temperature

• 1/3 c maple syrup

• 1/3 c light brown sugar; packed

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 2 medium Bartlett pears, shredded

• 2 Tbsp. chopped pistachios, garnish (The Best Part)

Preheat the oven to 350*

In a small saucepan, cook butter over medium heat until it starts to bubble and the milk solids start to turn brown on the bottom of the pan (approx. 5 minutes). Remove from heat and transfer to a clean bowl to cool.  

In a large bowl, whisk together rice flour, almond flour, tapioca starch, baking powder, salt and spices.

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, syrup, sugar, vanilla and brown butter.  Add wet to dry ingredients and mix until well combine. Fold pear into batter.

Fill muffin cups 3/4 of the way.  Sprinkle with pistachios.

Bake 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick is clean.  Allow to cool in pan for 2 minutes, before transferring to a cooling rack.

Makes 12 muffins

My Favorite Summer Smoothie

Watermelon Cucumber Smoothie

• 1 cup Greek Yogurt, plain
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup watermelon
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 5 cubes of ice
• 1 teaspoon fresh mint leaves

DIRECTIONS

1. Place ingredients in blender and blend until desired thickness

Lisa's Tips For Using Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is full of many nutrients and wonderful health benefits.  It’s a rich source of lauric acid, the medium-chain fatty acid (the good fat people!).  It can boost your immune system, improve your skin, and help you body burn fat.

When buying coconut oil be sure it’s raw (unrefined), virgin and organic. There are many culinary and beauty uses for coconut oil, so keep two separate jars......I keep one in my bathroom for skin care and one in the kitchen for cooking.

If you haven’t already started using coconut oil, there are many ways that you can get this nutrient packed powerhouse into your diet and beauty routine.

1. Cooking: Coconut oil is a stable oil that doesn’t break down easily at high temperatures like other oils do. It doesn’t go rancid easily and has amazing nutritional properties.
2. Skin Lotion: Coconut oil is absolutely my favorite body lotion.  It makes skin incredibly silky, healthy and radiant.  Leave a jar in the shower and put it on right before you towel off.  If you want to get really creative, add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil for scent.
3. Add to your Smoothies: It’s sweet and nutty taste makes coconut oil a great addition to smoothies. It creates a wonderfully creamy texture and makes smoothies rich and smooth.  It also adds a bounty of nutrients and a big dose of healthy fats.
4. Bake With It:  These Chocolate Quinoa Krispy Treats are a favorite at my house, and I feel good knowing my family is getting immune and brain boosting lauric acid!
5. Eye Make Up Remover: This trick changed my life!  Coconut oil is an excellent eye-make up remover that has been reported to help remove wrinkles and restore elasticity to the skin.
6. Hair Conditioner: It also helps strengthen hair and add shine.
7. For Shaving: It moisturizes legs and leaves the skin silky soft!
8. In Coffee or Tea: As strange as this might sounds, melting a teaspoon of coconut oil in a hot beverage is an easy way to get extra coconut in for the health benefits. I usually add a little to some green tea or coffee in the morning.  It is surprisingly good!

The Best Energizing Lunch Bowl

This might be the easiest and best lunch ever, it’s so good!

The sweet potato has delicious hints of cinnamon, which is a delightful compliment to the chili chickpeas, peppery arugula, and cucumber. It’s the perfect meal to take to work with you as you can bake the sweet potato and chickpeas the night before so all you need to do in the morning is toss everything together.

Thanks for the recipe Deliciously Ella!

Serves 1

• 1 small sweet potato
• a handful of rocket (arugula)
• sprinkle of pumpkin seeds
• 1/2 a can of chickpeas
• ½ teaspoon coconut oil
• 1/2 of a large cucumber
• 1/2 teaspoon of chili flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon

For the dressing (This is my standard, everyday salad dressing)

• squeeze of fresh lemon
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• salt

I baked the sweet potato whole last night.  Cut into pieces and sprinkle with salt and cinnamon.

On the stove top, pan fry the chickpeas in coconut oil. Sprinkle with salt and chili flakes

Arrange the arugula and greens, chopped cucumber and pumpkin seeds and stir the dressing together.

If you’re taking this to work, then let the sweet potatoes and chickpeas cool down before mixing it all together and storing it in an airtight container.

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Avocado Sweet Potato Bites

 

Hello Friends!  I got this simple recipe from my great friend Peggy, who is a terrific hostess and an AMAZING chef.  These delicious treats are the perfect vegetarian side dish or can be served as a light dinner or lunch entree. This dish combines two of my absolute favorite things....Avocados and Sweet Potatoes!

Avocados are a wonderful source of energy and health enhancing nutrients.  They are rich in healthy fats which keep the heart healthy, promote the growth of lean muscle, helps balance hormones, fight inflammation, and give the skin a healthy radiant glow.  (I am obsessed with HEALTHY FATS!)  They’re also filled with potassium and magnesium, which are essential for muscle recovery after excercise.

Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene which is a powerful anti-inflammatory too. Although sweet potatoes are "sweet", they contain slow release, healthy carbohydrates which release slowly into the blood stream, giving you a steady stream of energy.

Recipe Inspiration:  Naturally Sassy

• 4 medium Sweet Potatoes
• 2 large avocado
• a handful of cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons of sweet corn
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice 1 lime
• 1/2 tsp of tamari

Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.   Bake the potato for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Meanwhile to make the guacamole put the flesh of the avocado and the lime juice and tamari in a bowl and mash well with a fork until nice smooth (with a few chunky bits!). Quarter the cherry tomatoes and add into the mixture with the sweet corn.

Once the sweet potato is cooked slice it open and fill with the guacamole. Top with fresh cilantro.  Add a pinch of salt and pepper and enjoy!