Apricot Bars

Pic to come of fabulous raw Apricot Bars!  Wow- check out this delicate sweet succulent dessert...
1C Dried Apricot (pureed in food processor)
1 C Raw Cashews
1 1/2 T Extra Virgin Coconut oil
pinch salt
Vanilla

Puree all of the ingredients in the food processor, press down in a oiled or lined pie pan.  Refrigerate if you don't eat them all at once:)  This is the best dessert I have made in a long time!

Apple Cider Vinegar

So I have always loved the taste of ACV as an additional flavoring to greens, cabbage, salad dressings, etc. I have used ACV for several home remedies as well.  ACV is an excellent cure for dandruff, it balances high cholestorl, reduces sinus infections and sore throats, fights allergies, strengthnens the immune system,improves digestion, cures constipation,increases metabolism, alleviates the symptoms of gout and arthritis, cures hangovers, prevents bladder stones, cures urinary tract infections, and so muchmore. I have recently read hundreds of testimonies that ACV cures PMS. WHAT!?!? Yeahhhh!!

Make sure you get the raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar!  Braggs brand is great! 

Soaking beans

Why soak beans? Canned beans are loaded with salt and have less nutritional content than beans you soak yourself, Canned beans are also more expensive and you are left with the can. Cut out the waste, save some money, and make the healthier choice to soak your own beans, its easier than you might think:) Buy your beans in the bulk foods section wherever you shop. Rinse the beans in water, then soak in water for about 8 hours. Soaking the beans releases the gases that cause flatulance, as well as activates the beans to sprout. After soaking the beans you can cook them or sprout them. The ones pictured here will be cooked and added to vegan chili. I hope you consider giving up the canned beans for your health and the planets health.

Tabouli:)

This is last nights dinner. Tabouli is my favorite!!!! I am listing the recipe here:)
1 bunch of chopped parsley (I used flat leaf italian style for this recipe)
Freshly chopped tomatoes
Bulghar wheat (soaked in warm water) This is optional, a great substitute is corn which I used in this recipe
Corn Cut off the cob (you want fresh corn to add the juicy crunch
Chopped garlic
Chopped green onion
Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
Ground Pepper
pinch of cayenne
splash of Braggs (or sea salt)

Additional fresh herbs such as basil, mint, chives, oregano also compliment this refreshing delicious salad. This is easy to make and everyone loves it! This is good eaten on its own or with hummus and wraps or however you like. I had some this morning with scrambled teggs (tofu). Enjoy!

Urban Gardening

TWO WORDS... Urban Gardening......Okay you know I can't stop there. Sprouts are instant gratification of Gods Goodness  Sprouts grow in jars in just a few days and there are many different ones to suit your taste preference and power your house with essentials.

I have alfalfa  and red clover sprouts pictured here:)  

Beans for the week ahead....

CHECK! Last night I soaked two different types of beans for meals this week. Lima Beans and Black Beans (Soaked separatley for two different meals).

I soaked the dry bean rather than buying the cans- its less expensive, its easy, its less waste, and its less salt. You just soak the dry beans in water overnight, rinse the next day, then simmer over low heat for a few hours (without salt, salt dries out the beans).

After the beans simmered for a little while, I added shallots, garlic, onions carrots, and peppers to both. I added sliced potatoes to the lima beans which made the soup much thicker.

The lima bean soup is seasoned with fresh herbs of thyme, sage, and rosemary, and freshly chopped ginger root.

The black beans are seasoned with fresh cayenne pepper, onions, fresh oregano and fresh thyme. When the black beans are finished I will serve them with brown rice, fresh cilantro and fresh tomato salsa.

Gametime snacks!

Featuring my new favorite Summer Rolls with an asian inspired sauce. 1/2 and 1/2 Hummus and pesto, zucchini slices, seaweed sheets, basil, sprouts and pesto. Dip and wrap to your hearts content :)  This platter offers a little something for everyone!