Food – Page 2 – StyleNectar

Bread Pudding Stuffed Pumpkin with Creme Caramel Drizzle

Happy Holidays Friends 🙂 Bread Pudding Stuffed Pumpkin with Creme Caramel Drizzle is a deliciously sweet treat to serve up to your family and friends during this beautiful season of gratitude. Who doesn't love a moist, rich, fruit studded bread pudding… cooked up and presented in a pumpkin no less!

Bread Pudding Stuffed Pumpkin with Creme Caramel Drizzle takes a comfort food classic to new heights in presentation and flavor with its over-the-top-unbelievable Creme Caramel Drizzle – people, we're talking uncharted territories – this raw vegan caramel is so seriously amaze!

As always, in true StyleNectar form, we're keeping all the indulgence and none of the guilt. I've replaced cream with rich, full-fat, medium-chain saturated fatty acid boasting coconut milk, butter for creamy, immune & beauty-boosting coconut oil, and delicious low-glycemic, nutrient rich coconut nectar for sugar… along with a gorgeous gluten-free crusty farmer's market loaf tossed with loads of moist raisins, plump apple-juice sweetened dried cranberries, sprouted pecans, ginger, cardamom and ceylon cinammon (I don't use cassia cinnamon as it's toxic & tastes no where near as delish as ceylon).

It's as easy as tossing everything together, stuffing the pumpkin and next thing you know the house smells diiiii-vine 🙂 Prepare one larger pumpkin or several individual pumpkins… the choice is yours. Regardless, how you do it, it's a show stopper and a sweet treat everyone will love and remember 🙂

This is my submission to Tinned Tomatoes & Lisa's Kitchen No Croutons Required & Bookmarked Recipes Challenges and to Ren Behan's Simple & In Season!

Recipe: Bread Pudding Stuffed Pumpkin w Creme Caramel Drizzle

(Serves 4-6)

Ingredients

2 1/2 lb sugar pumpkin, a nice lid cut out of the top & set aside, seeds & stringy flesh removed
1 cup, 1" cubed gluten free crusty bread
1/2 cup pecans roughly chopped (as in halved)
1/4 cup jumbo thompson raisins
1/4 cup apple juice sweetened dried cranberries
1/2 cup large flaked coconut (optional)
3 tsp EnerG egg replacement mixed w 1/4 cup warm water (the equivalent of 2 pastured eggs)
2 Tbsp coconut oil melted
1/4 – 1/3 cup coconut nectar or coconut crystals
1 tsp ceylon cinnamon
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp ginger
sea salt to season interior of pumpkin, and to season mixture to taste
1/2-3/4 cup coconut milk

Creme Caramel Drizzle

1 cup raw cashews soaked 6 hours & drained
1/2 cup raw coconut nectar
1/2 cup full fat coconut milk
Sea Salt to taste
1/2 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/2 tsp vanilla powder

Method

Pre-heat oven to 350F. Spread coconut oil around the bottom and sides of a deep dish suitable to house your pumpkin.
Place 3 or 4 bread cubes around the interior bottom of the pumpkin to soak up juices.
In a large bowl toss together the rest of the bread pudding ingredients, reserving 1/2 the coconut milk, until everything is well moistened and incorporated.
Layer the bread pudding mixture into the pumpkin being careful to distribute the nuts and dried fruit througout so it doesn't all end up at the bottom. As you layer, drizzle the rest of the coconut milk, again helping to distribute it amongst the layers. Pack it firmly, and, since all pumpkins are shaped differently, if you have leftover bread pudding mixture, simply bake it up alongside in a couple of coconut oiled baking ramekins or tiny bundt tins.
Place the pumpkin "lid" back on the pumpkin and bake for an hour 1/2 to 2 hours (checking on it after an hour 1/2) until juices are bubbling out and the skin is easily pierced with a knife. The bread pudding will rise up out of the top of the pumpkin in a most satisfactory fashion!
Meantime, make your creme caramel by simply whizzing up the ingredients in your vitamix until smooth and creamy. Pour into a dish and place in the fridge where it will thicken further.
When Bread Pudding is finished allow to cool enough to safely handle, then serve warm, either by the slice or by scooping it into small dishes, being sure to include the yummy pumpkin insides with each serving. Drizzle generously with Creme Caramel and drift off into bread pudding bliss!

Will you make yours in multiple pumpkins or one larger pumpkin like I did? What are your Holiday plans?

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All Love,

Juliane

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Food, Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty

Spicy Tom Yum Coconut Noodles

Who’s ready for an insanely delicious comfort food recipe that tingles the tastebuds, warms the insides and satisfies our cravings for a rich bowl of creamy pasta without all the calories and carbs?

Enter this raw vegan (yes, it’s deliciously warm) version of one of StyleNectar’s most popular dishes ever, Tom Yum Soup. I’ve been wanting to share this raw vegan twist on this hit recipe for such a long time and after testing it over and over to be sure it was perfect, it’s finally here!

Spicy Tom Yum Coconut Noodles prove once again that amazing, complex flavor, full-bodied hearty pasta decadence and our highest potential health, happiness and beauty are not mutually exclusive! As I always say, it’s easy to prepare delicious food that tastes amazing- however, that’s not enough for me. If it doesn’t make US look and feel as amazing as it tastes, it doesn’t make the StyleNectar cut.

This is my submission to Tinned Tomatoes & Lisa’s Kitchen No Croutons Required & Bookmarked Recipes Challenge, Fuss Free Flavours, & Ren Behan‘s + Feedingboys‘ Simple & in Season.

In this luxurious upgrade to the original non-vegetarian recipe, I was able to increase the coconut milk as the recipe no longer relied on animal product, thus taking the creamy rich factor off the charts! Next, I increased the shiitakes for double the fabulous meaty texture. And the piece de resistance, to soak up all that spicy Tom Yum decandence, oodles of perfectly al dente kelp noodles! Fresh garlic, ginger, chilis and lime and few tweaks to replace the chicken stock and fish sauce to season everything up perfectly, and a star was born! Hey, don’t take my word for it, just ask Jim who is in heaven right now gnoshing this down 🙂

If you haven’t tried Kelp Noodles this is definitely your lucky day. These mineral rich babies, miraculously, have almost zero calories and when prepared properly, taste & feel exactly like pasta. They soak up the flavors of any dish they’re paired with for that luxurious high-carb affect and NONE of the downside! Coconut milk and shiitakes are both immune boosting powerhouses and the addition of anti-inflammatory ginger, cleansing cilantro and circulation-enhancing chilis take this bowl of deliciousness into true superfood heaven.

Another high-vibe, living foods recipe packed with energy, antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and everything we need to stay healthy. Filled with life force, love and the simplicity I’m learning is the foundation to everything exquisite.

Enjoy 🙂

Recipe for Spicy Tom Yum Coconut Noodles (Serves 2-3)

Ingredients

2 cups “no-chicken” or vegetable stock
1 stalk fresh lemongrass thinly sliced into rounds
1 inch piece fresh ginger root thinly sliced
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 tsp thinly sliced medium-heat red chili pepper + extra for garnish (seed & devein for less heat)
12 oz kelp noodles, rinsed and drained
1 or 2 strips wakame seaweed chopped into 2 inch pieces
2 cups thinly sliced shitake mushrooms
2 cups raw coconut milk** (or feel free to sub 1 can FULL FAT coconut milk in a pinch)
1 Tbsp raw miso paste
1 Tbsp raw honey
1 tsp coconut aminos or tamari
1 1/2 – 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice or to taste + small lime wedges for garnish (remember, don’t add lime before bringing to a simmer or it goes sour!)
4 Tbsp freshly chopped cilantro, 1/2 reserved for garnish

Method

In a large pot combine the first 6 ingredients (veg stock through wakame)and bring to a light steam or baby bottle temperature to keep raw. Turn off heat, cover with a tight lid and let steep for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Alternatively, if you don’t care about it being raw, bring to a simmer, then simmer for 5 minutes.
Add shitakes and coconut milk and bring back to a light steam/baby bottle temperature.
Whisk in remaining ingredients, garnish with extra cilantro, a few slices of red chili & lime wedges and relish in comfort food bliss!

** Raw Coconut Milk: I blend 2 cups raw, thai baby coconut meat with 1/2-3/4 cup (adjust depending on thickness you want) raw thai baby coconut water (Whole Foods sells both raw coconut meat & raw coconut water frozen or crack open your own), 1 Tbsp raw coconut butter & an optional 1 tbsp Tocotrienols (aka my fav non GMO sunflower lecithen) to help emulsify & voila, instant raw coconut milk. Store extra in ice-cube trays in freezer for smoothies.

Enjoy 🙂

Are you a winter or a summer person? Or, perhaps do you love each season for it’s contrasting individuality?

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All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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Food, Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty

Eat the Rainbow Smoothie!

Nobody loves a creamy, delicious smoothie better than I do. So when Williams-Sonoma invited me to help kick off their upcoming "Smoothie Week" with a couple of my favorite "Not Your Everyday Smoothies", I was super excited!

Last week I shared the delectable Chocolate Covered Matcha Smoothie. This week, I thought I'd jazz things up with a wonderfully colorful concoction we can all wiz up in our with whatever favorite fruits & greens we happen to have on hand.

Fresh smoothies are simple to make and incredible for our body, mind and spirit. I make them daily because they're absolutely delicious, alive and radiant… and they make me feel the same way! We all know how important it is to eat the rainbow daily and this delicious Eat the Rainbow Smoothie is a lip-smackingly yummy way to do just that.

So grab your favorite juicy berries, sweet bananas and bright colorful mangos & pineapples galore! (Feel free to choose frozen fruits. They're frozen at the peak of ripeness and, ironically, are often more nutritionally rich than fresh produce which is picked prior to fully ripening, followed by weeks of transport, store display, and time in our homes before ever being eaten) Add a handful of powerful, chlorophyll and mineral rich greens to tuck inside all that flavorful goodness… and you're ready to get blending. Simply layer it up in whatever manner you'd like. Optionally, top it with your favorite berries or superfood treats such as dried mulberries an goji's as I've done here… or keep it simple and leave it as is. Voila, you've got a perfectly luscious fireside treat for bundling up with in your favorite chair, all yours to devour 🙂

Recipe for Eat the Rainbow Smoothie (Serves 2)

Ingredients

4-6 frozen super ripe bananas
1 cup frozen or fresh berries (pick your fav!)
1 cup frozen or fresh mango or pineapple (or whatever you have on hand)
2 handfuls of greens such as spinach, romain, chard, parsley
1/2 a fresh lemon (optional)
dates, raw honey, stevia or your fav sweetener to taste
optional: additional fresh berries &/or superfood toppings such as mulberries and goji berries

Method

Blend the bananas and sweetener to taste in your Vitamix or other high speed blender til smooth and creamy.
Dump 1/3 the mixture into the bottom of your 2 favorite smoothie containers. Dump the other 2/3 into a bowl & set aside.
Add greens & optional lemon to the Vitamix along with 1/3 of the leftover blended bananas. Blend til creamy, taste to adjust sweetness as desired, and divide amongst your 2 smoothie containers.
Add berries to blender and 1/2 the remaining blended bananas. Blend and dump atop the first two layers in your containers.
Add your mango or pineapple and last portion of blended banana to the Vitamix. Blend and add to your smoothies.
Top with your favorite fresh berries &/or superfoods such as mulberries & goji. Or just leave it plain which is super yummy too!

Enjoy 🙂

You may also enjoy these fabulous smoothies:

Cleansing Quadruple Berry Acai Smoothie
Daily Detox Green Smoothie
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Shake
Chocolate Chip Mint Shak e
Epic Baby Thai Coconut Smoothie
Blueberry Coconut Shake
Delicious Green Smoothie
The Happy Shake

Do you have a favorite “Not Your Average Smoothie” ?

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All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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Food, Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty

Chocolate Covered Matcha Smoothie

I was absolutely thrilled when Williams-Sonoma invited me to help kick off “Smoothie Week” with my favorite “Not Your Average Smoothie”. It was a match made in heaven: an over-the-top, mega delicious, rocket-fuel smoothie and my family’s favorite gourmet cookware specialty retailer – all coming together in one fabulous post! So without further ado, I present the delectable…

Chocolate Covered Matcha Smoothie!

When I want to get my day started off fueled with maximum deliciousness and powerful energy (which is every day!) you’ll find me whipping up some tantalizing variation on this baby in my Vitamix. We’re talking layers of the most decadent, smooth, creamy chocolate and matcha infused nice-cream… so sweet, so divine AND brimming with the Wild superfood power of Wild Edible “Weeds”, Peruvian Maca Root, Essential Oil of Peppermint and Matcha Green Tea!

Yes, that’s right. Here, shining in one of the most delicious concoctions ever, are some of the most powerful sources of nutrition on the planet, beautiful ingredients, which, when tucked into a smoothie like this Chocolate Covered Matcha, can make us look and feel as beautiful and powerful as they are!

Lets start with the Wild Edible “Weeds”. Here, I’ve used a handful of baby Dandelion Greens, Stinging Nettles & Chickweed straight from my wild edibles garden, still thriving the near freezing temps of November (a testament to how powerful they are). People, Wild Edible Weeds are the new Kale. They’re used routinely in cooking in Europe and around the world, and they’re slowly but surely making their way into the mainstream here in North America. You’ve probably noticed dandelion greens for sale at your local Whole Foods. Or, if you’re a gourmet foodie, perhaps you’ve eaten at Trump Tower’s 2 Michelin Star “Sixteen” where diners rave over the dishes incorporating chickweed, stinging nettles and salsify (belonging to the dandelion family).

Garden basket of baby dandelions, stinging nettles, wheat grass & nasturtium blooms.

Wild Edibles are the wild greens growing right in our own backyards! They’re so powerful they’re able to thrive despite the most adverse conditions, growing out of stone walls, between sidewalk cracks and in near freezing or low moisture conditions. They have incredibly long root structures, enabling them to pull incredible, intense nutrition from far below the depleted surface soil. All that magnificent power and nutrition goes straight into our bodies when we blend them up into a smoothie!

To make things even more fantastic, by blending these raw, living greens in a high speed blender such as the Vitamix Professional or Vitamix Personal Blender, we’re cracking the cell walls, unlocking far greater nutrition for our bodies than simple mastication or chewing a huge salad can yield. Therefore, we get way more nutritional bang out of our greens for a smaller amount used. This means we’re able to keep our smoothies super tasty because we don’t have to overload them with so many greens that they cease to be palatable. Additionally, compared to cooking, blending preserves essential vitamins, enzymes and nutrients. Therefore, making delicious green smoothies, with even the most bitter tasting greens, is quite easy as only a handful will provide a HUGE level of nutrition due to the “pre-digestion” that occurs in the blender 🙂

Check out all these other great blenders too!

As if all that wild power weren’t enough, I’ve tossed in these amazing superfoods as well:

Peruvian Maca Root – Maca root has been used by indigenous Andean societies as a source of healing and nourishment for thousands of years. Studies have identified alkaloids present in maca which are known to nourish the endocrine system. Maca root has been used as a stress-fighting adaptogen to increase stamina, boost libido and combat fatigue. It’s a nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, plant sterols and many essential minerals, fatty and amino acids.

Essential Oil of Peppermint (highest grade edible only) – “One of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion, it may also restore digestive efficiency.* Jean Valnet MD studied peppermint’s supportive effect on the liver and respiratory systems. Other scientists have also researched peppermint’s role in improving taste and smell when inhaled. Dr. William N. Dember of the University of Cincinnati studied peppermint’s ability to improve concentration and mental sharpness. Alan Hirsch MD studied peppermint’s ability to directly affect the brain’s satiety center, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals. This powerful essential oil is often diluted before topical application. Peppermint may also be used to enhance the flavor of food and water. Peppermint has an approximate ORAC of 373,455.” (1)

Matcha Green Tea – Matcha Green Tea contains 10-15 times the overall nutrients and 100 times more antioxidants compared to traditional green, white, black, rooibos, and yerba mate teas. It has high concentrations of the amino acid, L-theanine which helps to improve cognition and mood while reducing physical and mental stress. Matcha assists to alkalize and detoxify via the powerful and renowned catechin EGCG and chlorophyll which help to alkalize and detoxify the blood. It contains potent antioxidants which help to strengthen the immune system by protecting against free radicals.

1) http://us.ylscents.com/ylo/shop/EssentialOilSingles/PeppermintEssentialOil

To say this Chocolate Covered Matcha Smoothie is incredible seems an understatement after all that! However, there is actually more great news…

It’s also a snap to make 🙂

Please enjoy!

Recipe for Chocolate Covered Matcha Smoothie (Serves 2)

Ingredients

4-6 super ripe organic frozen bananas
1 handful organic wild edible greens (such as dandelion, stinging nettles, plaintain or chickweed)
1 Tbsp matcha green tea powder
1-2 drops organic peppermint essential oil (edible, food grade)
1/2 tsp vanilla powder
1-2 Tbsp cacao or carob
1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon
1/2 tsp maca powder
stevia to taste (or substitute dates or raw honey)

*Optional: 1 Tbsp coconut nectar, melted, whisked w/ 1/2 Tbsp cacao & a pinch of ceylon cinnamon to create dark chocolate crackly topping.

Method

Toss 2 or 3 of the frozen nanas, 1/2 handful of wild edible greens, matcha powder, 1-2 drops peppermint essential oil & 1/2 tsp vanilla powder into your Vitamix. Blend til irressitably smooth and creamy, using the tamper to assist. Dump into your fav smoothie jar or bowl.
Toss the other 2 or 3 frozen nanas into your blender along with the second 1/2 handful of wild edible greens, 1-2 Tbsp cacao (or carob depending on your preference), 1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon, 1/2 tsp maca, and stevia to taste. Blend til delectably smooth and creamy. Layer atop the matcha nice-cream.
Optional: Drizzle all this yumminess with dark chocolate to make a divine crackly topping.
Get ready to have THE BEST, most MAGICAL DAY EVER!!!

You may also enjoy these fabulous smoothies:

What’s your favorite ingredient to put in your “Not Your Average Smoothie” ?

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All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

Comment, Like, Subscribe & Share!

Food, Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty, Style

ultimate rustic caramel apples w chocolate ganache

+ a simple no-fuss way to serve them at parties!

raw vegan caramel apples

Oh. my. goodness. These Rustic Raw Vegan Caramel Apples might be my favorite thing I’ve ever eaten to date… WOW! Like you’ve got to make these asap. So simple. So incredibly delicious. MMMMMMmmmmmmm.

Let’s just say I’ve ALWAYS had a thing for caramel… and this raw vegan version is way yummier! Smear it all over a crisp apple, roll it in your favorite toppings and then drizzle chocolate ganache all over – the ULTIMATE!

Forget that these are healthy, they taste BETTER than anything you’ve ever had. Forget that they’re filled with amazing nutrition and life force that is going to make you feel and look phenomenal, cause the pure utter enjoyment in every bite is enough on its own. Crisp, juicy apple wrapped in thick, gooey caramel, with a light crunch of chopped walnuts and dark, dark chocolate ganache. Again, I’ve gotta call this treat food fit for the Gods.

And a treat…

Perfect for Autumn, for kiddos, and wonderful for entertaining too! These Rustic Caramel Apples slice right up with ease for display on your favorite platter. Trust, they won’t last long!

mind-blowing raw vegan caramel apples w chocolate ganache

I almost skipped over how unbelievable these Ultimate Rustic Caramel Apples are for our bodies, minds and spirit… because they’re so darn delicious I don’t want anyone to be turned off thinking, if they’re so healthy how can they taste so great? However, here’s the thing…

Amazing flavor, ultimate health, pure joy and our highest potential beauty & vitality need not be mutually exclusive!

These Caramel Apples are enzymatically alive, containing all the power of life force, and they also happen to be incredible immune boosters thanks to the raw coconut nectar and oil. Coconut nectar is low glycemic (with a GI of 35), gluten free, dairy free, non- GMO, vegan, contains 17 amino acids, minerals, B-vitamins, vitamin C and has a nearly neutral pH. Unprocessed coconut products such as the coconut nectar and oil used in this recipe are brimming with health and immune boosting power including :(1) (2)

Heart Health: the healthy short chain and medium chain fatty acids along with large amount of lauric acid protect against heart disease.
Reduction of Sweet Cravings: insulin secretion & utilization of blood glucose is improved while the healthy fat in coconut slows down any rise in blood sugar helping to reduce hypoglycemic cravings.
Improved Digestion: Absorption of nutrients including vitamins, minerals and amino acids is supported while many symptoms and inflammatory conditions associated with digestive and bowel disorders are improved.
Quick Energy Boost: Coconut is utilized by the body to actually produce energy rather than to store it as body fat.
Promotes Healthy Thyroid Function: and helps to relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue.
Immune Booster: coconut is Hypoallergenic and contains Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal & Anti-parasitic healing properties.

1) http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org

2) http://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/a-new-look-at-coconut-oil/

Please enjoy these beautiful and delicious, high vibration Rustic Raw Vegan Caramel Apples with the freshest most amazing flavor that also feeds our highest potential health, beauty and vitality!

RECIPE for RAW VEGAN RUSTIC CARAMEL APPLES w CHOCOLATE GANACHE (Makes 4-6 apples)

INGREDIENTS

4-6 clean, medium sized apples, stems removed
4-6 clean sticks from your yard (or use popsicle sticks) for handles
3/4 of a cup finely chopped walnuts (preferably sprouted & dehydrated- plus they taste SO much better this way!), coconut or your fav other toppings

Raw Vegan Caramel

1/2 cup liquified extra virgin coconut oil (to liquify: set a glass bowl over a small pot of boiling water, add coconut oil & stir til melted) Alternatively, you may sub equivalent dates or date paste which does make for easier adherance onto apple – I just love the taste of the coconut oil- tho both are super yum!
1/2 cup raw nut butter (such as almond, cashew, sunflower or pepita butter)
1/2 cup raw, organic coconut nectar
4 pitted dates
1/4 tsp vanilla powder
1/4 tsp himalayan salt

Raw Vegan Chocolate Ganache

1/2 cup extra virgin coconut oil liquified
1/2 cup cacao or carob
1/2 cup nut butter
1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon
1/4 tsp himalayn salt
a few drops of stevia to taste

METHOD

To insert the apple “handles” with ease, first make a slit about 1/3 the way down in the top middle of each apple with a sharp knife, then insert the sticks. Find a small platter and place a sheet of parchment or wax paper on it. You will be placing your apples on this during preparatin to catch excess caramel and chocolate. Place apples in the freezer for 10 minutes as this makes it easy for the caramel to adhere.
Blend together the caramel ingredients til smooth & creamy. Set in freezer to cool for 5 minutes while preparing chocolate ganache.
Whisk together the chocolate ganache ingredients until smooth and creamy. The mixture should not be overly runny, so adjust the amount of nut butter as necessary, slightly thicker is best for easy application. Set aside on the counter at room temp.
Remove apples from freezer and place on your platter. If any of them are unstable, slice a small piece off the bottom to stabalize. Remove caramel from freezer as well & give it a stir to loosen it up a bit.
With a small metal spatula apply the caramel to each apple, placing each apple on your platter as complete. Put the platter of caramel slathered apples back into the freezer for 5 minutes to set a bit. Don’t worry if some of the caramel slides down. Just pat it back up with your finger tips. We’ll be covering these babies up with your choice of toppings in a minute and they’re RUSTIC!
Remove apples from freezer once again & take this opportunity to patch any spots where you may want to add a bit more caramel. Roll in your choice of finely chopped nuts, coconut etc. Pop back in the freezer for 10 minutes.
Remove the apples from the freezer. Whisk your chocolate ganache to be sure it’s well incorporated, and then drizzle it about your apples. (If you happen to have a squeeze top bottle use it for even simpler ganache application. Alternatively, place the ganache into a freezer bag, snip the TINIEST of little snips off the corner and then squeeze out the ganache using the freezer bag like a pastry bag.) Once complete, pop apples back in freezer for 5 minutes to set. Then move to fridge for permanent storage.
For entertaining, slice the apples as shown and arrange on your favorite platter.

**Leftover caramel? Use it as a dipping sauce or smoothie topper! Leftover ganache? Pour into little molds (or onto a wax paper lined surface) & pop into the freezer for instant raw chocolates 🙂

Do you have any holiday classics you’d like to have me upgrade to a vegan or raw version? Let me know in the comments!

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All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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Food, Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty, Philosophy/Meditation/Spirituality, Style

Spiced Ayurvedic Sleepytime Mylk

Mmmm… Warming Spiced Ayurvedic Sleepytime Mylk is yumminess so soothing, delicious and comforting before bed I find myself turning in earlier just cause I can't wait to make it! This mug of exotic spiced mylk sweetened with a touch of raw honey tingles the tastebuds and warms the insides. Minutes later, tucked into soft jammies and lavender spritzed covers, I'm falling into a deep slumber of fantastical adventures… dreams so beautiful I don't wake up until dawn. Ok, the falling asleep quickly part is definitely thanks to my Warming Spiced Ayurvedic Sleepytime Mylk, excellent for inducing sound, restful sleep. The continuation of a night filled with brilliant dreams leads me to a subject of an upcoming post, however, I'll give you a sneak peek…

Yet another Ayurvedic technique to promote restful sleep is rubbing a little warm sesame oil (cold pressed) on the soles of the feet (which contain reflexology points connecting all over the body). I add a few drops of pure **Frankincense Essential Oil to enhance this and I'm experiencing the affect of ultimate relaxation and beautiful dreams. I adore a night of deep sleep filled with intense dreaming, magical adventure that can't be bothered by waking up in the middle… designed by the universe just for us, stimulating our creative brain until it's perfectly time to open our eyes, look out the window, in a purely refreshed state of excitement for the daytime portion of our lives! Beautifully restful those dreamy nights where anything and everything is possible, preparing our subconscious for the grounded adventure of sunlit days. That's what sesame oil and frankincense do for me – it's no wonder the three wise men brought baby Jesus Frankincense, Myrrh and Gold. I'll share in an upcoming post, which essential oils (EO's) I use in addition to the amazing power they have. Not all EO's are created equally for there is a highly refined art to how they're grown, distilled and combined. Therefore, it's important to properly source them. However, I've already delved much farther into this subject than intended, so stay tuned for more exciting details soon!

**Frankincense oil is an ancient oil which has been used for over 5000 years for restoration of the immune system, enhancing skin care, and harnessing spiritual connection to help us release parts of our ego which hold us back from connecting with our soul, as well as releasing feelings of unworthiness and insecurity. Often used in meditation, it's useful for visualizing, improving spiritual connection, centering, and providing comforting properties that help focus the mind and overcome stress and despair. The uses and benefits of Frankincense date long before the time of Christ to the Egyptians and Sumerians. Today, scientific research has shown Frankincense contains 8% sesquiterpenes which stimulate the part of the brain that controls emotions, and 78% monoterpenes which are known to be calming and restorative.

What I will say – on a seemingly different subject and yet not since everything in life is so inextricably intertwined – is that awakening (pun intended) is pure joy! All the tidbits I share on StyleNectar are simple ways to Live Beautifully, to help us experience the profound joy that is our birthright. People, do not give up. Even if you feel hopeless, do not give up. Trust me I've been there. We all have. However, our problems are indeed opportunities in disguise. They inspire us to look beyond the limitations of conditioned mind – beyond simply meeting ego's needs – as it dawns on us that ego's needs can NEVER be met. It will never be enough. Ego's appetite is insatiable and its promises empty. The good news, however, is our freedom, our bliss, lies not in some external person, achievement or thing. Freedom is in our own hands – we're at the mercy of no one, no thing! It's designed that way – and in fact it's our life purpose to realize. Some might call it learning to love ourselves. I would say it's realizing we are love. Meditation weans us from our addiction to distraction, disatisfaction, drama, and living in stories of past and future. Finding freedom is SO much more fun than the futility of attempting to appease ego. It's why many people who so called "have it all" are still not satisfied, blind to the simple, beautiful fact that we had it all from the very beginning. We always have. Always will. The heart. Love. Through meditation we experience this disrobing of the layers of disatisfaction, to bathe in love, be one with who we are. Experiencing our true nature. Our highest potential. When we bring true nature to our human experience we open our eyes to everything that has been within and around us all along. The magic of life force, of being alive. We see that it's about the process, each moment. Forget the results, they're just another addiction to tear us away from the moment. When we leave the moment we disconnect from the source and dive headfirst into suffering. Meditation and living in tune with nature reinforce our oneness with the source, opening ourselves up to a magical way of living not possible, or encouraged – by the conditioned world.

Ayurvedic Spiced Sleepytime Mylk w Turmeric, Cardamom & Ginger

The science of Ayurveda, based on the ancient healing traditions of India, supports living in sync with nature, adjusting our way of living to balance the affect changes in our environment have on our doshas (doshas being the three mind-body types: vata, pitta & kapha). These changes in the rhythms and forces of nature such as the shift from morning to night and the inevitable seasons have a profound impact on us. According to Ayurveda, a key to good health, peaceful mind and higher level functioning is to live in harmony with these patterns of nature. This means continually balancing our inner ecology and our doshas to adjust to our ever changing environment.

Fall provokes the qualities of the vata dosha, characterized by such physical attributes as dryness, cold, subtlety, mobility, lightness, clarity, instability & astringency. Thus, Ayurvedic guidelines for autumn revolve around pacifying vata and grounding by keeping warm, calm, maintaining a regular routine, eating warming foods & spices and avoiding extreme cold, cold foods and too many raw foods. While there are many incredible reasons to include loads of raw foods into our diets, I'm not dogmatic about a 100% raw food philosophy. Currently, I'm experimenting with a 70% raw food, 30% cooked food breakdown. That said, don't forget, just because food is raw, doesn't mean it has to be cold – soups, entrees etc. can all be warm, yummy and comforting and stay raw. I'll be bringing more of these warming dishes to you this season.

Autumnal shifts in my diet are accompanied by going to bed a bit earlier, the addition of cozy blankets, sweaters, scarves and slippers; you won't catch me without a mug of something warm such as green tea or this Ayurvedic Spiced Mylk. I find myself wearing my hair down in its natural waves around my neck and ears like an extra scarf to keep me warm. Dinnertime brings warming stews spiced with seeds of cumin, mustard & coriander, or spicy thai noodles w/ shiitakes and coconut cream sauce (yes coming soon!)… It's a gorgeous, cold, light, blustery and dry time of the year. Leaves sparkling and rustling in the autumnal gusts. Even my kitty changes her routine, heading back to nap in her pillow-lined basket in the kitchen.

Sleepytime Ayurvedic Warming Spiced Mylk with Turmeric, Ginger & Cardamom

With these adaptations to the change in seasons I've been inspired to incorporate additional Ayurvedic structure to my days. I experience an incredible amount of life force on a 100% raw foods diet combined with my dedicated meditation practice. It's probably something one has to experience to be able to relate to… spiritual breakthroughs of a whole new level, such oneness with nature it's frequency pulses through my veins. However, from an Ayurvedic perspective, though we do live in heated homes, a 100% raw food diet might not be best in winter. While I did remain close to 100% raw last winter, as I was brand new to it and unwilling to let go of the high frequency living a raw food diet was providing, old school Ayurvedic science would feel this could provoke too much vata. On the other hand there are "living" Ayurvedas who would completely endorse 100% raw year round for the level of prana it provides. Which side to take? As Ghandi said, "My life is experiments in truth". So this year I'm experimenting, taking the middle way by incorporating more grounding cooked food into my routine. I find life is constant change, refinement, which forces us to stay awake, keep our eyes open. Far better than falling asleep on auto-pilot thinking we've figured it all out. So here's a peek at the rest of the Ayurvedic inspired daily routine I'm transitioning into:

Ayurveda would recommend waking up early, around 5 am to experience the calm stillness of the morning this time of year. I'm working on that, finding 6:00 am is my current goal 🙂 A bit of yoga is advised upon waking, which I find quite wonderful, only 10-20 minutes or so, focusing on the following asanas especially soothing of vata: Cat and Cow, Spinal Twist, Cobra, Vajrasana, Forward & Backward Bend, and Lotus. Shoulder Stand and Headstand are good in moderation. Additionally, Sun Salutations in sets of 12 at minumum for good exercise or a maximum to the number of one's age -tho work up gradually if you try that! I follow yoga with bathing & oil pulling, breakfast & meditation. If I've gotten up early enough I'll take an early walk in nature, otherwise, I'll soak up the sunshine on a lunchtime walk. After a day's work, supported by my essential oils (again more on these soon!) I have dinner (sometimes raw, sometimes cooked, always warm) relax, and aim to go to bed within an hour after sunset – yes that early! It's fantastic. Just before bed it's a short second meditation then my delicious Warming Spiced Sleepytime Mylk. As mentioned, it completely helps me sleep through the night – and even if it didn't I'd still drink it cause it's SO darn comforting, yummy and freakin delicious people! Yes, it does have turmeric in it- which is of course unbelievable for us on so many levels, and it tastes phenomenal. If you think you wouldn't like it with turmeric, try it, I think you'll be surprised 🙂

Lastly, after having my sleepytime mylk… I wash up for bed and rub the soles of my feet with the aforementioned sesame oil and frankincense to cleanse my body, sleep like a baby, and dream like I'm in a whole new world. As I said, more on the essential oils coming soon…

**Turmeric has a vast variety of uses. In general it's a good anti-inflammatory. In traditional medicine, it's used to treat liver disorders, parasitic infections, ulcers, skin problems, bruises, joint pain and inflammation, sprains & strains, cold & flu symptoms and as a general digestive aid. Scientific research shows that turmeric aids in breaking down liver toxins, strengthening gallbladder function, aiding lipid (aka fat) metabolization, and preventing blood clotting. Recent studies show turmeric may help prevent lung, breast colon, and other forms of cancer.

PS. I can't possibly discuss Indian science without mentioning one of my top (as in top 3) favorite books, the Baghatvad Gita (translation by Eknath Eswaran). Life changing. Just like us. Just like nature.

Recipe for Warming Spiced Ayurvedic Sleepytime Mylk

Ingredients

1 cup of almond, coconut or your fav non-dairy mylk
pinch of cardamom
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of black pepper
pinch of ginger
pinch of turmeric
raw honey

Method

Pour your favorite mylk into a small pot.
Add spices to taste and whisk to combine. Start with less and experiment with more later. I actually use 1/2 tsp of each spice which makes my mylk bright yellow and I LOVE it! However, a pinch is all you need.
Bring mylk to baby bottle temperature to keep it raw. If you don't care about it staying raw, bring it to a light steam.
Add a raw honey to taste & give mylk another whisking.
Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy heavenly sleepytime yummminess! Sweet Dreams 🙂

Do you meditate or have you ever considered meditating? How are you transitioning into the cooler weather?

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All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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Food, Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty, Style

Raw Vegan Carrot Cake w Lemon Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting

An amazing slice of Raw Vegan Carrot Cake w Lemon Cashew "Cream Cheese" Frosting

This insanely delicious and beautiful raw vegan Carrot Cake with Lemony Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting is hands down The BEST cake I've ever had… ever, ever, ever! Layers of incredibly fresh, moist, gorgeous cake tucked between the dreamiest, luscious, lemon cashew cream cheese frosting. Sweet decadence that tastes like food fit for the Gods. The stuff dreams and Birthday's are made of…

Raw Carrot Cake w Lemony Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting topped with zest, pistachios, flaked coconut & edible rose petals

Proving once again, we literally can have our (carrot) cake and eat it too… no sacrifices to our tastebuds, health or beauty here! Nope! We get to enjoy outrageous flavor, high vibrational health and beauty boosting rawsomeness galore.

Yes, we can have it all!

Please enjoy this little slice of heaven. I made a smaller 6 inch cake with a glass dish I had in the cupboard. I simply lined it with saran wrap, let the cake set, then lifted it out with it's saran handles. Alternatively, one could use a 6 inch removable bottom cake pan or free form the layers by hand. If you want to make a larger cake just double the recipe. I topped my carrot cake with a sprinkling of large flaked dried coconut, chopped lime green pistachios, the candied zest* of a lemon and an orange, and lastly, some edible dried rose petals from the very last rose of the season in our garden.

This is my submission to Tinned Tomatoes & Fuss Free Flavours Bookmarked Recipes Challenge and to Ren Behan's & Feedingboys' Simple and in Season.

Raw and loaded with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, this Carrot Cake with Lemon Chream Cheese Frosting is full of life!

Enjoy!

Recipe for Raw Vegan Carrot Cake with Lemon Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting

Serves 4 or 6 smaller pieces. This is a nutritionally dense recipe & a small piece is very satisfying)

Ingredients

Lemon Cashew "Cream Cheese" Frosting

NOTE: Below is a double frosting recipe since it would be a crime to run out of frosting mid-cake prep… + I love the extra in breakfast parfaits, as smoothie topping & as a divine mousse. However, feel free to cut this recipe in half if you wish.

2 cups cashews (soaked overnight, well rinsed & drained to remove enzyme inhibitors)
1/2 lemon peeled, seeded
1/2 tsp vanilla powder
2 Tbsp coconut nectar or to taste (or sub stevia)
pinch of celtic salt
coconut water as needed (or sub water)

Carrot Cake

4 or 5 large carrots peeled & chunked (I used 4 this time cause I forgot the 5th in the strainer basket)
1/2 lemon peeled & seeded
2 cups pitted dates
1/2 cup dried apricots (or substitute another 1/2 cup pitted dates)
1 pinky fresh ginger
2 Tbsp coconut nectar (or sub raw honey or maple syrup)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp vanilla powder
pinch of celtic salt
Optional Cake Toppings: Sprouted nuts like pecans, walnuts, pistachios, dried fruit, candied citrus zest*, flaked raw coconut… its up to your imagination!

Method

**NOTE: You can (& should) make this cake a day or two in advance as the flavors meld & become even more fantastic with each additional day.

Blend all the frosting ingredients together in a high speed blender such as a Vitamix to create a thick, smooth "cream cheese" frosting, adding only as much liquid as necessary. Pop it in the fridge while making the cake.
Add all the Carrot Cake ingredients into a large food processor and pulse til fully incorporated and sticking together.
Press half the mixture into a 6" wide by 3" deep dish (ideally, use a removable bottom cake pan, I happened to have a 6" x 3" glass dish which I lined with saran).
Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting over the first cake layer and pop the whole thing into the freezer to set for an hour.
Add the second half of cake mixture pressing gently on top. Place cake back in freezer for an hour or overnight.
Remove the cake from the pan or dish and place on top of your cake plate (if using my saran method, simply lift out using the saran handles)
Frost the entire cake and decorate with your choice of toppings.

Do you have a favorite "traditional" recipe you'd like upgraded into a beautiful Vegan or Raw version? Share it below for a chance to have me recreate it for you!

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All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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Banana Nut Branola w Apricot & Goji

(Brittle/Granola)

Banana Nut Branola (Brittle/Granola) with Goji, Dried Apricots & Buckwheat

As I sit here in my ever-rotating office (currently sprawled across the kitchen table) I am thoroughly enjoying this fabulously delicious Banana Nut Branola alongside my Kusmi BB Detox Green Tea. This raw vegan snack is crispy, sweet and totally decked out with the gorgeous superfood power of Goji's, Dried Apricots, Sprouted Almonds, Pecans & Buckwheat… plus a bit of Golden Flax to make skin glow and tresses shine! I call it Branola, aka Brittle + Granola, cause you can either break it into granola or leave it in rustic shaped brittle for no fuss early morning (or any time of day snacking) retrieval 🙂

Banana Nut Branola is perfect for that go-to snack that curbs appetite and provides amazing nutrition. There's something about it that is superbly satisfying (well, take a look at the amazing bennies below to explain that part). Knowing I've got a big jar of this crispy superfood bark on hand makes me incredibly happy – like having a snack security blanket. The days are cooler and I just find myself wanting the crunch and substance this raw food yumminess provides. Sprouted buckwheat is incredibly nutritious and yet suprisingly light. The banana-date caramel infused with golden flax serves as the perfect crunchy foundation. It takes 15 minutes to throw it together then simply letting the dehydrator (or oven) do all the rest.

Pssst! Have you checked out the StyleNectar Shop?! Be sure to stop by often for frequently updated equipment & ingredients used in my recipes in addition to favorite lifestyle items I love. I've done all the research so you don’t have to!

Benefits as always, these are just a few of them!

Goji – Goji berries are one of the most nutrient-rich foods on earth and have been used in Asian herbal medicine for over 5,000 years. They're a vegetarian form of protein, packed with essential amino acid, rich in vitamin A (beta-carotene) and over 20 trace minerals and vitamins.
Sprouted Buckwheat Groats - Sprouting nuts & seeds (buckwheat is actually a fruit seed of the broadleaf plant related to rhubarb, not a grain) releases enzymes which make them healthier and easier to digest. Sprouted seeds are among the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet. Buckwheat groats are a gluten free whole "grain" packed with nutrients, especially protein. While it is not a true grain, it is used like one & surpasses rice, wheat & corn on almost every measure of healthfulness (including the fact that rice, wheat, and corn are high on the glycemic scale, thus causing a quick spike in blood sugar levels, a proven cause of systemic inflammation). Buckwheat, on the other hand, ranks low on the glycemic scale. Buckwheat has more protein than wheat, corn, millet or rice and is high in essential amino acids lysine & arginine, of which primary cereal crops are deficient.
Banana – Bananas help prevent kidney cancer, protect the eyes against macular degeneration and build strong bones by increasing calcium absorption. They also help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin, the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.
Dates - First and foremost, dates are easily digested, allowing your body to make full use of their abundant minerals, vitamins, and health-benefiting phytonutrients. The fiber in dates helps move waste smoothly through the colon to prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol absorption by binding with substances containing cancer-causing chemicals. Dates' potassium, an electrolyte, helps control heart rate and blood pressure. B vitamins in dates like carotenes lutein and zeaxanthin, absorb into the retina to maintain optimal light-filtering functions and protect against macular degeneration. Dates also contain Vitamin A (which protects the eyes, maintains healthy skin and mucus membranes, and even protects the lungs and mouth from developing cancer) and Vitamin K (a blood coagulant which also helps metabolize your bones).
Raw Honey – Centuries of documentation describe honey's frequent use in soothing coughs, sore throats, burns, wounds and rashes and as a digestive aid, allergy treatment and a natural source of energy.
Dried Apricots – Dried apricots are often eaten prior to a meal to stimulate digestion because of the alkali that neutralizes acids. Dried apricots assist the digestive tract by acting as a mild laxative to flush out unwanted wastes due to the pectin and cellulose they contain. The cellulose acts as an insoluble fiber while pectin maintains water levels in the body during constipation. Dried apricots provide a very good source of potassium, a mineral & electrolyte useful to regulate proper fluid balance which helps in proper muscle function and heartbeat regulation. Dried apricots contain nutrients like Vitamin A which is required for good vision as it's a powerful antioxidant that helps to remove free radicals and maintain the health of cells and tissues. Free radical damage can cause injury to the human eye lenses which can lead to cataracts or damage the eyes, thus dried apricot intake reduces the risk of developing cataracts. Dried apricots can assist in treatment of anaemia due to minerals like iron and copper which produce haemoglobin. Dried apricots contain three times the potassium of bananas which helps reduce blood pressure due to potassium's ability to counter the water-retaining properties of sodium, keeping blood volume lower and thereby, protecting against heart disease.
Sprouted Almonds – Sprouted almonds are easier to digest than regular nuts because the soaking process releases their enzyme inhibitors enabling our body’s own enzymes to more effectively absorb all the nutrients they provide. A single ounce delivers 7 grams of protein and 4 grams of dietary fiber. Among commonly eaten nuts, almonds are the leading source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat which has been proven to lower LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and reduce risk for heart disease. Sprouted almonds can help regulate blood sugar levels, making them a great option for diabetics. Almonds are also abundant in antioxidants, protective compounds that fight free radicals and reduce risk for heart disease and stroke. They're also loaded with minerals like calcium and iron.
Sprouted Pecans – Pecans are in the top 15 foods known for their antioxidant activity, according to the USDA. One of those antioxidants is vitamin E, which scientists claim may assist neurological and cell protection. The vitamin E may also play a role in coronary heart disease prevention as it keeps blood lipids from oxidizing in the body, a process similar to rusting. Additionally, pecans contain a mega 245% RDA of manganese per serving, which is very good for the heart, 65% of the daily value for copper, critical for cellular energy production, 33% each in magnesium (for optimal immune & nerve function, heart rhythm, muscle & bone strength) and zinc (for health immune function, protein & DNA synthesis, wound healing & cell division). As if this weren't enough, pecans provide 48% RDA of thiamin (which assists cells convert carbs into energy while helping heart, muscle & nervous system function), 42% RDA in fiber, and 20% RDA of protein in a single serving. Of course the fact that these are sprouted means you'll actually absorb all of this goodness 🙂

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Delicious, beautiful raw food power that tastes amazing and makes us look and feel the same way! Just the way we like it 🙂

Recipe for Banana Nut Branola (Brittle + Granola)

Ingredients

3 1/2 cups sprouted buckwheat groats (to sprout: soak groats overnight w 1/2 t celtic salt, rinse well, then sprout in a towel covered colander placed in a bowl til 1/4 inch tails develop for 2 days, rinsing well 2 x day)
1/2 cup sprouted pecans coarsely chopped into halves & thirds (to sprout: soak overnight w 1/2 t celtic salt, rinse well, then sprout for a day in a towel covered colander placed in a bowl, rinsing 2 x day. No tails will develop. Dehydrate for 12 – 24 hours til completely dry then store in freezer. For this recipe you can add the pecans & almonds to the mixture in their softened state as they will dry during the dehydration of the Branola)
1/4 cup sprouted almonds coarsely chopped (to sprout: see pecans above)
1/4 cup apricots coarsely chopped
1/4 cup goji berries
3 bananas
8 dates
2 T raw honey
1/4 cup golden flax
1 T cinnamon
1 t vanilla powder
celtic or himalayan salt to taste

Method

Add the sprouted buckwheat groats, pecans, almonds, apricots and goji to a large bowl.
Blend the bananas, dates, raw honey, golden flax, cinnamon, vanilla and celtic salt in a high speed blender til smooth and creamy.
Add blended mixture to large bowl and fold the ingredients together til nicely combined.
Spread the mixture into a thin sheet across two dehydrator trays and dehydrate** for 1 hour on 135F, then turn down to 115F for another 8-12 hours, flipping over midway, until completely crispy and dry. Dehydration times will vary dramatically depending on season, climate, altitude etc., so check on your Branola often and gage time accordingly and to your desired crisp level.
Break into rustic brittle sized shapes for easy grab-n-go or crumble into smaller granola sized pieces. I store mine in a big glass mason jar in the fridge where it only lasts for 2 or 3 days cause we eat it all. Or put in the freezer where it may last longer since it's out of sight- lol- it will obvi stay fresh in the freezer for a longer time if you don't eat it 🙂
Store in a glass container in the fridge or freezer.

**If you don't yet have a dehyrator, spread the mixture on two silpat or parchment covered baking sheets with oven on lowest temperature & oven door propped open an inch, flipping over midway, til thoroughly dry and crispy. Check on the Branola often as the oven will still likely be much hotter than 135F & 115F and, therefore, the process may be much faster. Additionally, the product may not be truly raw as it would be using a deyhdrator.

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite "traditional" recipe you'd like upgraded into a beautiful Vegan or Raw version? Share it below for a chance to have me recreate it for you!

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube to stay current on all things SN!

All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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Food, Health, Nutrition & Wellness, Nutrition & Beauty, Style

Cauliflower Popcorn

Cauliflower Popcorn is loaded with all the flavor of your favorite snack chips and pop-ems with none of the downside!

Cauliflower Popcorn is so addictive I challenge you to make it so far as to get yours into the dehydrator (or oven) for step 2… without eating it all first!

This flavorful, smoky, cheesy, salty-sweet indulgence tastes phenomenal tossed up fresh… however, an hour or two in the dehydrator (or oven- see below) renders it crispy and warm with its tantalizing aromas wafting throughout the kitchen so do try to hold out! This raw food yumminess is brimming with powerful life-force, enzymes, phytonutrients and vitamins galore. It's a snack that makes us feel as phenomenal as it tastes! Whenever I eat Raw Snacks I feel satiated, energized and just plain fantastic. Cauliflower Popcorn is no exception! Loaded with all the flavor of our favorite snack chips and tidbits without any of the downside… except perhaps that I couldn't hoard it all to myself once Jim had a taste. He couldn't get enough and rates it…

"Outstanding!"

The Benefits (and this is just a few mind you!)

Fights Cancer - Cauliflower contains sulforaphane, a sufur compound proven to kill cancer stem cells thus slowing tumor growth, and to inhibit the growth of cultured breast cancer cells leading to cell death. Moreover, research shows, cauliflower with curcumin (the active compound in the turmeric in this recipe) may help prevent & treat prostrate cancer. Additionally, the Indoles and isothiocyanates in cauliflower have been shown to potentially inhibit cancer development of the bladder, breast, colon, liver, lung and stomach according to the National Cancer Institute.

Boosts Heart Health – The sulforaphane in cauliflower has been shown to significantly improve blood pressure and kidney function. These benefits are related to improved DNA methylation, a process crucial for normal cellular function and gene expression especially in the easily damaged inner lining of the arteries.

Supports Detoxification - Cauliflower supports Phase 1 detoxification via certain antioxidants and Phase 2 detoxification via it's sulfur-containing nutrients while the glucosinolates in cauliflower activate detoxification enzymes in the liver.

Anti-Inflammatory - Excessive inflammatory response when no threat is present can lead to inflammation-related damage in the body linked to many diseases including cancer depending on the organs impacted. Cauliflower's wealth of anti-inflammatory nutrients keep inflammation in check.

Rejuvenates Skin Hair & Nails - As you know by now, consuming a variety of veggies & fruits is important in order to receive all their valuable vitamins and minerals. Cauliflower specifically, contains Vitamins A, E, C & K as well as B vitamins, folate, sodium, potassium, calcium, manganese, zinc, fats, niacin, copper and iron. The biotin in cauliflower has been found to control dandruf and thicken nails. The plethora of antioxidants such as vitamin C in cauliflower destroy free radicals that accelerate the signs of aging. Additionally, the Vitamin C is required for growth & repair of tissues in all parts of the body including the formation of collagen in addition to making skin, scar tissue, tendons, ligaments and blood vessels.

Boosts Digestion - That good old aforementioned sulforaphane has been shown to protect the lining of the stomach by preventing bacterial overgrowth of Helicobacter pylori. Additionally, cauliflower provides an great source of dietary fiber which is also crucial for digestive health.

Antioxidants & Phytonutrients Galore – Cauliflower is packed with tons of Vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants like quercetin and cinnamic acid which provide cells adequate defense against attack from reqctive oxygen species or ROS. A proper supply of antioxidants helps banish free radicals enabling the body to resist aging caused by everyday pollutants, stress and more.

Boosts Brain Health - Cauliflowers abundant supply of choline is a B vitamin crucial in brain development. Choline intake during pregnancy "super-charges" the brain activity of animals in utero indicating it may boost cognitive function, prevent age-related memory decline, and improve memory & learning.

Overall Raw Foods Power – Nutrient dense, whole, plant-based foods that haven't been heated above 118 F retain their full nutritional value preserving all their naturally occuring living enzymes. Additionally, raw foods are still filled with vital life energy – the magic of life force, also known as chi or prana. I personally integrate a large portion of raw foods into my diet, finding at the moment as the weather is cooling, a proportion of 80% raw to 20% cooked is working best for me. In the heat of summer, I find myself eating close to 100% raw foods – though someday this too may change – and of course you'll be the first to know 🙂 Not only are we each unique with personalized needs, what works for us now may not be what works best for us a year or 5 or 10 years down the line. We always want to pay attention to the signals our bodies are providing in response to the changing seasons, our environment, habits, history, genetic predisposition etc.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

This is my submission to the lovely Jacqueline at No Croutons Required and Lisa of FoodandSpice.

I've been wanting to make a raw food version of this snack favorite which is, more typically, roasted in the oven. As you can tell, the results are beyond amazing! Please enjoy this fantastic treat and leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Recipe for Cauliflower Popcorn

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower separated into 2 x larger than popcorn pieces (they'll shrink in the dehydrator)
1/2 cup nutritional yeast (I like KAL brand)
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp smoked paprika (if you're a raw purist skip, tho it adds fabulous flavor)
1 tsp powdered stevia or xylitol
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
sea salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste
2 Tbsp extra virgin coconut oil melted (or sub EVOO or use a combo of the two)

Method

Shake everything up in a large ziplock bag until all the pieces are thoroughly coated.
Spread out on a couple of teflex sheet covered dehydrator trays and dehydrate* at 135F for 1 hour (don't worry, the food is throwing off heat at this point & the internal temp remains under 115) and turn down to 115F for another hour or two until the mixture has dried and the popcorn is slightly crispy.

*Alternatively, if you don't yet have a dehydrator, spread mixture on a silpat or parchment covered baking sheet, place in oven on lowest setting with door propped open an inch or two. Check on the popcorn often as the oven will still likely be much hotter than 135F & 115F and, therefore, the process will be much faster.

Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite "traditional" recipe you'd like upgraded into a beautiful Vegan or Raw Vegan version? Share it below for a chance to have me recreate it for you!

Be sure to follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter & YouTube to stay current on all things SN!

All Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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How to make Spicy Kimchi (& Sauerkraut) for Powerful Probiotic Health

A delicious jar of flavanoid and probiotic rich Kimchi!

I've been super excited to share my method for Sauerkraut, and even better in my humble opinion, KIMCHI, for quite some time… the day has finally arrived!

Personally, I consider Kimchi to be Sauerkraut's amped-up cousin. My methods for making the two are exactly the same with kimchi simply requiring a few additional veggies & spices to provide its gorgeous color and kick of hot, spicy flavor. In fact, I was fascinated to learn both Sauerkraut and Kimchi are Asian in origin. Although sauerkraut, German for "sour cabbage", is thought of as a German invention, Chinese laborers building the Great Wall over 2,000 years ago ate it regularly and it was likely brought to Europe 1000 years later by Gengis Kahn.

Kimchi – and Sauerkraut too – is low in calories, helps boost metabolism, and contains immune and digestion boosting probiotics of the order of 1000 times that of yogurt! And, the longer it ferments, the greater the health benefits become. In previous articles I've discussed the important benefits of excellent Digestion, Proper Food Combining, and a Detoxification lifestyle so we're aware of the amazing affect probiotics have on our skin, digestion and health overall. In fact, by incorporating probiotic rich foods on a daily basis such as apple cider vinegar, kimchi and sauerkraut, it's actually possible to reverse poor gut health (aka leaky gut) due to unhealthy diet, illness, or antibiotic use. While there isn't any strict amount of the foods to take daily, the more we eat, the quicker the gut will mend, as these are all boasting prebiotics, probiotics and other compounds that encourage healthy immune and gastrointestinal systems. Let's look a bit closer at why, via the benefits of Kimchi (most of which are shared by sauerkraut as well).

Kimchi is a storehouse of vitamins including A, B1, B2 and C as well as being rich in essential amino acids and minerals such as iron, calcium, selenium. It boasts an impressive array of powerful antioxidants and provides the aforementioned benefit of probiotics in the form of lactobacillus bacteria. Kimchi contains numerous healthful components including capsaicin, chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids and isothiocyanates.
Kimchi is an excellent food to promote digestion. Its probiotics, produced during the fermentation of Kimchi, not only enhance the flavor but create the healthy bacteria, Lactobacillus, which is required by the body to maintain a healthy state of intestinal flora. The organic acid, lactobacilli, and lactic acid produced during fermentation suppress harmful bacteria and stimulate beneficial bacteria, prevent constipation, clean intestines and prevent colon cancer.
Even prior to fermentation, the cabbage base in Kimchi is well known for its detoxification qualities and ability to aid the body in getting rid of wastes and toxins. It helps in cleaning up the intestines, stimulating better assimilation of nutrients in the body.
Cancer: Cabbage contains healthful flavanoids which are known to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Additionally glucosinolates found in cabbage break down to form isothiocyanates which are well known for their effectiveness against cancer growth. Capsaicin, contained in the red chili pepper of Kimchi, helps reduce the chance of developing lung cancer. Allicin, a chemical contained in garlic, assists to reduce the chance of developing stomach, thyroid and liver cancer. Indole-3-Carbinol contained in cabbage helps reduce the chance of developing stomach cancer.
Garlic and hot red chili pepper in Kimchi kill bacteria that cause gastritis, such as Helicobacter Pylori.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

While I do personally eat Kimchi or Sauerkraut almost daily, it's wise to start off with a small amount as any fermented food is highly detoxifying and a "die-off affect" can contribute even further to the toxic burden released. We never want to overwhelm our immune systems by detoxifying too fast, so it's important to implement changes and additions/subtractions to our lifestyle gradually and listen to our body along the way. That said, adding just a small amount of this exotic condiment can simply transform the flavor of anything from salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, rice, to a minestrone soup or a bowl of lentils… endlessly yummy applications!

Recipes for Sauerkraut and Kim-chi adapted from Turtle Lake Refuge

Recipe for Sauerkraut (makes 1/2 gallon)
Ingredients

2 green cabbages
2 T sea salt

Method

Grind the cabbage (red or green) in a food processor or chop it fine with a knife by hand.
Once the cabbage is ground, add the salt and mix it all together well.
Use a wooden dowel (I use the end of a French handle-free rolling pin) to pound the cabbage and salt which brings out the juices.
Once the juices are flowing, pack tightly using a wooden dowel or clean fist to pack tightly into a 1/2 gallon jar all the way to the top.
When the kraut is close to filling the jar, the juices should be covering the top of the kraut. It is key that the kraut is under the cabbage juices because culturing sauerkraut is due to an anaerobic (without oxygen) reaction rather than an aerobic (with oxygen) reaction.
Place the lid on the jar not too tightly so that as it cultures, the excess juices can escape (otherwise your jar might explode). Place the jar in a pan that can catch the overflow juices.
Cover the jar with a towel to keep it dark and let sit at room temperature for one week.
After a week has past, there may be a bit of discoloration on the top of the kraut if all the juices overflowed out. If so, just scrape off the top and keep the lower layers.**
Now you can refrigerate the jar or repack the kraut into smaller jars to store. We store our sauerkraut in the fridge, but it keeps in this form for months and months.

Recipe for Spicy Kimchi

Ingredients

1 green cabbage
1 chinese cabbage
2 large bunches of radishes
4 carrots
1/2 thumb size hunk ginger
4 scallions
2 cloves garlic
1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp sea salt

Method

Chop all the veggies according to your preference – I like to chop the cabbage & scallions coarsly for the Kimchi – mix in the spices & salt and follow the method above.

** If you're a newbie looking for a more "fool-proof" method I recommend the Perfect Pickler which has a little vacuum seal on the top to seal out air & induce a naturally pro-biotic world. It self-pressurizes to lock out airborne microbes. I have one and I found it worked great.

Have you ever made (or considered making) your own sauerkraut?

What's your favorite recipe variation?

Much Love,

Juliane

Thank you for visiting 🙂

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I am not a healthcare practitioner or provider. To the extent that any information is provided through this website, it is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute or substitute for medical advice or counseling, the practice of medicine including but not limited to psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, the creation of a physician-patient or clinical relationship, or an endorsement, a recommendation or a sponsorship of any third party, product or service by me. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements available on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.