RAW pumpkin spice pudding

this stuff turned out way yummier than I was imagining. I felt like sweet potatoes, but didn't have time to cook them. so I blended them up raw with a few other ingredients and made a tasty treat I think you all will enjoy!

-serves 2 hungry humans-

ingredients:
2 c chopped organic sweet potatoes
2 full droppers liquid vanilla stevia
1/4 c raw activated walnut butter (raw tahini would also be tasty!)
2 T coconut butter
2/3 c your favorite unsweetened nut mylk
2-3 t pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, etc)
pinch of pink salt

-blend everything until buttah smooth & chill in fridge / freezer until cold (you could also serve warmed!). top with sprouted pumpkin seeds, granola, cacao, bee pollen, etc... eat that love!

miso ginger & honey baked sweet potatoes

drooling cause these were so good and I'm starving right now!

sweet potatoes are one of the yummiest, healthiest and easiest foods to make, and so satisfying! starchy carbs from veggies shouldn't get a bad rep, they are necessary components of a whole, healthy diet.

this time through i made this recipe with white sweet potatoes, but you can use whichever variety you'd like!

ingredients:

1 T organic miso paste
3 T raw honey
1/4 c melted coconut oil
juice from 1 lemon
1 t organic ginger powder

3-4 large sweet potatoes, sliced into halves or fourths

-preheat oven to 400F.

-in a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together until mixed well. place sweet potato halves on to a parchment/tinfoil lined baking sheet and drizzle 3/4 of the mixture to evenly coat. cover with another piece of tinfoil so the potatoes steam and place in oven for 40-60 minutes, depending on how thick your potatoes are and how soft you want them to be. i like to remove the tinfoil for the last 10 minutes so they get a little crispy on top!

-once they are soft, remove from oven & cool for 10 minutes. top with fresh sprouts & sesame seeds. drizzle with remaining mixture and eat while warm!

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmMmmmmm for reals.

HOMEMADE DEODORANT. make your armpits happy!

why homemade?

like so many other cosmetics, several of the ingredients used in most deodorants and antiperspirants are not so good for you. like these:

Aluminum – this is the primary ingredient in most stuff you’ll buy at the store. it’s a metal which has been linked to breast cancer in women and increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. no thanks.
Parabens – this synthetic preservative is found in so many personal care products. the largest concern is that these chemicals will disrupt our delicate hormonal balance. paraben exposure has also been linked to birth defects and organ toxicity.
Propylene glycol – this is a petroleum based material. in large quantities, studies have shown that this stuff can cause damage to the central nervous system, liver, and heart.
Phthalates – another class of chemicals that have been linked to a variety of health issues including birth defects.
Triclsoan – this chemical is actually classified as a pesticide by the FDA and a probable carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

do you really want to put this stuff on your body? i didn’t think so.

so, make your own! really, it's easy-and cheap!

1/2 c coconut oil
1/2 c baking soda
40-60 drops organic essential oils of choice (I am enjoying frankincense and eucalyptus right now! also sage, lemon, lavender, bergamot & cypress are nice!)

-add all ingredients to a bowl and mix well. transfer to a container- I like to keep it in a glass jar. store in a cool place so coconut oil doesn't melt completely.

-for use, rub a small amount between finger tips and apply under arms once or twice daily.

note: after adopting a healthy diet & lifestyle, i don't find the need for deodorant as often because my body doesn't produce bacteria and odors caused by the junk most of us feed ourselves with daily. also, a clean and well-working digestive system will help tremendously! the better your poops-the less BO! ha yum! but really....ps. keep in mind that this is NOT an antiperspirant-but that’s a good thing. you need to sweat. it’s one of the ways your body naturally detoxes. antiperspirant just clogs your pores to keep the sweat from coming out… but your body will keep trying to detox. that’s why antiperspirant leaves those “pit stains” on your favorite shirt. it’s like your armpit threw up the chemical junk. gross. i sweat a hell of a lot during exercise-especially here in california, but, when i am eating well and have a healthy bowl, i never stink!! all the more reason to nourish your body (:

for those of you who asked to see it, this is the 2016 calendar i have been working on titled "plants make people happy" (: 

quick grainless berry-fig cobbler // perfect raw vegan vanilla bean ice cream

a perfect end of summer dessert (or breakfast!), anyone can make & everyone will love.

for the cobbler:

filling:
3 c mixed berries
1 c chopped fresh figs (i froze a bunch from this last season! dried figs can also work here)
juice & zest of 1 large lemon
1/4 c coconut palm sugar (optional)

-preheat oven to 375F.
-mix all ingredients well in a large bowl and spread into a 9"x13" coconut oil greased glass baking dish.

topping:
1 c sprouted almond meal
1/3 c ground flax
1/4 c hemp seeds
1/4 c raw honey or coconut nectar
3 T coconut oil, melted
1 t cinnamon
1/4 t each nutmeg & sea salt

-whisk well in a large bowl and spread evenly over berries. bake for 35-45 minutes until golden brown on top & bubbly on sides. cool, serve with this to die for healthy ice cream... or coconut whip cream or yogurt for breakfast-mmm yummy!

the creamiest raw vegan coconut-vanilla bean ice cream (!!)

1 c raw cashews, soaked overnight

meat from 1 young thai coconut (optional to use 1 can organic full-fat coconut milk in its place)

¼-1/2 c coconut water from a young thai coconut to blend

½ c raw honey (pure maple syrup or agave also work here)

¼ t vanilla bean powder or seeds from ½ vanilla bean

1 T vanilla extract (optional if you like extra vanilla)

¼ t sea salt

3 T coconut oil

-add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high until very smooth.

-transfer to an ice cream maker and process for 20-25 minutes until frozen. (alternatively you can just place in a container and set in freezer, stirring every 30 minutes until firm.)

-top with goji berries, fresh raspberries, cacao paste, hot fudge, coco whip or bee pollen.

-optional: 1 t coconut extract for extra flavor! Or, add in cacao chips in the last minute of churning for chocolate chip ice cream. Could add in coconut chunks, ½ T spirulina + 8 drops peppermint essential oil & cacao chips for mint chocolate chip, vegan caramel swirls, lavender, dried fruit, cinnamon, ginger, orange, pistachio etc… get creative! You can also add fresh fruit to the blender for a fruity ice cream or cacao powder for chocolate ice cream.

sweet potato, spinach & rosemary frittata

a tasty favorite that we continue to make monthly (at least) for the cute family of 9 that we cook for. we often have breakfast for dinner, because breakfast any time is usually a good idea. 

this frittata is fail proof! feel free to add whatever you'd like to it-personally i think the goats feta at the end makes it! mmmm cheese. 

ingredients:
1 c chopped red onion
1 medium sweet potato, sliced thinly
1 T ghee
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 T fresh rosemary
5 c baby spinach
8 organic eggs
2 T full fat coconut mylk
1/4 t each s + p

optional: sliced avocado + crumbled goats/sheeps feta cheese
-in a medium sized cast iron skillet, sauté onion & sweet potato in ghee until sweet potato is soft (may need to add a little water to the pan, cover & steam a few minutes). preheat oven broiler on low, add garlic & rosemary to the skillet & saute a few more minutes. add spinach, cover with a lid and cook until wilted.

-in a bowl, whisk eggs, coconut milk & s + p well. add to skillet and cook until edges are just starting to look done. add sliced avocado & crumbled goats feta on top, sprinkle with s + p & set under broiler until egg is firm & starting to puff. remove, cool, slice, & serve up with my easy homemade ketchup!

my daily smoothie routine as of late

i get asked a lot about my favorite supplements & smoothie add-ins. so for those interested in some great super duper foods, here you go!

i am big on smoothies-especially in the warmer months (which, since I've moved to california is all the time!) so my body has been asking for smoothies like crazy lately. i am not a fan of those high in sugar-even if it is just from fruit. i like to make my own smoothies so i can keep the nutrients high and the sugars low. i don't use every single one of these ingredients every single day, but most of them will be added to my daily smoothie(s) at some point. i will give you small descriptions and benefits of my favorites, but find what speaks to you and do some research!

FIRST and foremost- i add a biiig handful (or two) of fresh, dark leafy greens to the blender (i try to switch it up, usually spinach, kale, beet greens, chard, etc...)

then, i add my liquid, which i also like to switch up. i like to add 1/4 c pure aloe vera juice (brightens the skin, aids in digestion, etc..), i'll also add a homemade nut mylk here & there, maybe some beet kvass, kombucha, green tea, MCT oil, or just plain purified water!

PROTEIN. this is important. i am really digging David Wolfe's longevity superfood protein powders, or Dr. Axe's unflavored collagen protein powder at the moment. i usually switch off between the two regularly. 

for flavor, i enjoy adding 1/2 c or so of frozen (or fresh) wild organic blueberries, or mixed berries. sometimes i'll add 1/2 a banana, or switch it up and add fresh peaches, figs-anything that's in season-but try to keep it to a minimum. i do looove to add 1/4-1/2 ripe avocado-it makes the texture amazing! plus, good fats kids. 

green powders: i discovered that Green Smoothie Girls chocolate greens powder can make even the most disgusting shake taste amazing, and it has some pretty great added nutrients inside. i also like to add her tri-omega powder here & there. i usually add a dropper full of marine phytoplankton (i'll let you do the research on that one-so much goodness!). another favorite greens powder of mine is vitamineral greens from Healthforce Nutritionals, also their macaforce powder is pretty great-for those that know all the magical properties of maca! one of my favorite superfoods. always the option to add organic coffee, matcha or green tea powders for some ENERGY.

SHROOMS! you all know i love 'shrooms. if you don't know why, check out this post. i always always add a mushroom powder or extract to my smoothies. cordyceps (awesome for energy, recovery, and endurance), reishi (immunity & longevity), turkey tail, chaga, there are so many goods! check out David Wolfe's mushroom products here-he carries some good combinations & varieties. oh, and if you really want some good love for your skin, gut, and overall beauty and health, check out Moon Juice Shop products-they make some awesome stuff that i add frequently to my drinks. when i can afford it, that is...ha!

for a happy belly i add some good fibers, sometimes a probiotic or two, i really love Apex Energetics repairvite powder & add it daily. i'll also throw in psyllium, chia or flax for some great fiber love.

FATS. eat. your. fats. i love adding great energizing fats to my smoothies! they always come in different forms and i like to switch it up. my absolute favorite is raw organic coconut BUTTER; it tastes like heaven and is great for you. i'll sometimes throw in some activated almond or tahini butter, raw hemp seeds (a must), or cacao paste (which i usually add a few chunks to the top to crunch on-yum!). 

for toppers, like i said, raw cacao usually, cause...chocolate. i almost always add a tablespoon or so of local bee pollen cause it's great for me and i loooooove the taste. then i'll add about a dropper full of vitamin D3. i like this brand-make sure you slurp it up on the top! sometimes i will add a sprinkle of activated buckwheat or hemp seed to the top also-for good measure. 

whew!  i know that sounds like a lot of info- but just try one new product that speaks to your body and see how you feel! just because i am thriving on these products right now, doesn't mean i will forever and doesn't at all mean everyone else will, but once you have a good variety of super duper magic to make an awesome morning green smoothie of love, it really is easy & fast to throw together! 

a green smoothie a day really just may keep the doctor away-actually, i don't remember the last time i went to the doctor for sick reasons! your body is strong and your food is its fuel-feed yourself well and your body will know what to do!

have a happy, vibrant day!

grain-free coconut flour "quick bread" + a clean chicken salad recipe + GOLDEN coconutter

this bread though...the texture is awesome. coconut flour can be tricky if not used correctly-but this bread is delicious and the perfect consistency! moist, not crumbly, not too dense, loaded with nutrients...the simple recipe is a bonus. to anyone who can't/don't do grains or gluten, i suggest giving this guy a try!

bread:
3 organic cage free eggs
1/4 c coconut milk
1/4 c coconut flour
1/4 c raw sunflower meal
1/2 t baking powder
pinch of high quality sea salt
3 T whole raw sunflower seeds
1 scoop kal stevia (optional)

-preheat oven to 350F.

-whisk together eggs and milk in a small bowl. in a separate bowl, whisk the flour, meal, baking powder, optional stevia, whole sunflower seeds & salt until combined. add in egg & milk mixture slowly while whisking. pour into a coconut oil greased mini bread loaf pan and sprinkle with more sunflower seeds/poppy seeds etc...bake for 35-40 minutes until browned on top. 

-cool, slice & enjoy with your favorite toast toppings, or make a yummy chicken salad sandwich with this easy go-to recipe that kids love! 

the taste is identical to the crap you used to buy pre-made at the store. it's wayyyy better for you than that stuff and really honestly takes 2 minutes to whip up if you already have the chicken ready in your fridge. yum!

clean chicken salad:
4 c cooked & shredded organic free range chicken breasts
3 c diced celery
1 c halved grapes
juice from 2 lemons
1 c clean mayo or veganaise
1/4 c chopped raw walnuts
high quality s + p to taste

-mix all ingredients in a large bowl until combined well. 

-we served the kids on organic buttery croissants (a request). as for myself, i enjoyed it on the coconut flour bread!

oh, one last thing. i posted this recipe on my instagram but i better let you know too because my favorite new thing is GOLDEN coconut butter. like golden mylk, but way way better (because you can eat it by the spoonful?)
here's what i do:

i pack my blendtec twister jar with coconut flakes until full, add 1 T (more or less) turmeric powder & blend until smooth, creamy, buttery liquid. then eat by the spoonful or spread and top with tasty raw cacao paste....yum. 

eat real people. don't be extreme. give thanks for your food. chew each bite as many times as you can! belly will thank you. 

spiced vanilla bean pear-berry porridge

mmm your house will smell all cinnamon-y and fall-y and warm! with a perfect balance of carbs, protein & fat, this porridge is the perfect breakfast (or dinner) to load you with energy and get you going. it can be thrown together in a short 5 minutes:

serves 1

ingredients:
1 small organic local ripe pear, cored & cubed
5 sliced organic strawberries
1/2 c homemade nut mylk of choice
3 T sprouted oats or buckwheat
1 T dried cranberries (apple sweetened)
1 T collagen protein (optional)
2 t chia seeds
1-2 t cinnamon
1/2 t vanilla bean powder
pinch of pink salt, cloves and nutmeg

-add everything to a small sauce pan and stir over medium heat until warm & creamy. top with yogurt, berries, bananas, cacao paste, whatever your body loves & eat!

honey chipotle chicken salad // cilantro-coconut-lime rice // juicy mango

a favorite around here! hefty meal-salad that even the little ones will love.

it's a simple weeknight dinner option you can throw together quickly. just remember to make up the chicken marinade the night before + soak your rice and you'll have dinner ready in minutes.

chicken marinade:
2 lbs free range, organic chicken breasts
1/2 c evoo
1/2 c organic chipotle sauce
6 T local honey
1/4 c Dijon mustard
1/4 c chopped fresh cilantro
8 minced garlic cloves
1/2 t sea salt
1/2 t pepper

-whisk all ingredients together & add chicken. seal container with a lid and give it a good shake to evenly distribute all that goodness. let marinate in the fridge overnight. ++also the night before: soak 1 c rice of choice in a bowl of water.

-the next day, drain & rinse rice and place in a pot with 2 c water. bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer & cover with a lid for 15 or so minutes until all the water has absorbed & rice is nice and fluffy. then, stir in 2 T coconut oil, juice and zest of 3 limes, handful of chopped cilantro & s + p to taste.

-for the chicken, in a large skillet evenly place chicken breasts & pour over all the marinade. cover and cook on high for about 12 minutes, turning chicken half way through. once chicken is no longer pink inside & slightly browned on the outside, remove from heat & slice thinly. save leftover marinade in the pan for a drizzle*

-salad assembly-

to each plate, add:
chopped romaine lettuce
halved grape tomatoes
died red onion
cubed avocado
rice
chicken
fresh cut mango or pineapple
drizzle of marinade &/or lime juice & honey
fresh cilantro

dig in!