Showing posts with label Raleigh Wellness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Raleigh Wellness. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Skillet Apples in Coconut Oil

For a tasty and nutritious Dessert like treat try these. Your taste buds will thank you and you'll get the benefit of healthy fats and fruit with a sweet twist!

Serves 2:
  • 2 medium size apples. I prefer fuji or pink lady but most people use granny smith. Go with your favorite
  • 2 T coconut oil
  • pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, or cinnamon to taste (whatever you prefer. I like one of the combination spices)
Cut apples in about 1/4 inch thin slices
Heat coconut oil in a skillet at medium/ Medium-high heat
Add apples to skillet and brown on one side
Flip over and season with spice of choice while browning on the other side.
Don't allow these to sit in the skillet as they will become mushy. Once done place them directly on a papertowel to remove some of the moisture from the coconut oil then set on a plate to cool slightly. Top with a pinch of spice and consume while still warm.
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Friday, April 23, 2010

Gluten Free Bread Machine Recipes

Crusty French Baguette
Makes Two 12-inch loaves, 12 slices each

You’ll be amazed by this one — a crusty loaf with a typical French bread texture.

 Baguette pan or baking sheet, lightly greased, then lined with parchment paper and sprinkled with cornmeal
  • 2 cups brown rice flour    500 mL
  • 2⁄3 cup potato starch    150 mL
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar    10 mL
  • 2 teaspoons xanthan gum    10 mL
  • 2 teaspoons bread machine or instant yeast    10 mL
  • 1 1⁄2 teaspoons salt    7 mL
  • 1 1⁄2 cups water     375 mL
  • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar    10 mL
  • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten
1. In a large bowl or plastic bag, combine brown rice flour, potato starch, sugar, xanthan gum, yeast and salt; mix well
and set aside.

2. Pour water and vinegar into the bread machine baking pan. Add egg whites.

3. Select the Dough Cycle. As the bread machine is mixing, gradually add the dry ingredients, scraping bottom and
sides of pan with a rubber spatula. Try to incorporate all the dry ingredients within 1 to 2 minutes. Stop bread
machine as soon as the kneading portion of the cycle is complete. Do not let bread machine finish the cycle.

4. Divide dough in half and form each half into the shape of a French loaf. Place parallel to each other in prepared
pan, at least 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Using the edge of a moistened rubber spatula or a sharp knife, draw 3 or 4 diagonal lines, 1⁄4 inch (0.5 cm) deep, across the top of each loaf. Let rise, uncovered, in a warm, draft-free place for 60 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

5. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until internal temperature of loaf registers 200°F (100°C) on an instant-read thermometer. Remove from the pan immediately and let cool completely on a rack.

Tips
Store this bread loosely covered in a paper bag to maintain the crisp crust. Use an electric or serrated knife to thickly slice these loaves on the diagonal.

Ancient Grains Bread
Makes 15 Slices

Here’s a quartet of healthy grains — sorghum, amaranth, cornmeal and quinoa — combined in a soft-textured,
nutritious loaf that’s perfect for sandwiches.

  • 1 cup sorghum flour    250 mL
  • 3⁄4 cup amaranth flour    175 mL
  • 3⁄4 cup cornmeal    175 mL
  • 1⁄4 cup quinoa flour    60 mL
  • 1⁄2 cup tapioca starch    125 mL
  • 1⁄3 cup packed brown sugar    75 mL
  • 1 tbsp xanthan gum    15 mL
  • 3⁄4 tsp bread machine or instant yeast    4 mL
  • 1 1⁄2 tsp salt    7 mL
  • 1 1⁄4 cups water    300 mL
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil    30 mL
  • 1 tsp cider vinegar    5 mL
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 egg whites, lightly beaten

1. In a large bowl or plastic bag, combine sorghum flour, amaranth flour, cornmeal, quinoa flour, tapioca starch,
brown sugar, xanthan gum, yeast and salt; mix well and set aside.

2. Pour water, oil and vinegar into the bread machine baking pan. Add eggs and egg whites.

3. Select the Dough Cycle. As the bread machine is mixing, gradually add the dry ingredients, scraping bottom and
sides of pan with a rubber spatula. Try to incorporate all the dry ingredients within 1 to 2 minutes. When the mixing and kneading are complete, remove the kneading blade, leaving the bread pan in the bread machine. Quickly smooth the top of the loaf. Allow the cycle to finish. Turn off the bread machine.

4. Select the Bake Cycle. Set time to 60 minutes and temperature to 350°F (180(C). Allow the cycle to finish. Do not turn machine off before taking the internal temperature of the loaf with an instant-read thermometer. It should be 200°F (100°C). If it’s between 180°F (85°C) and 200°F (100°C), leave machine on the Keep Warm Cycle until baked. If it’s below 180°F (85°C), turn on the Bake Cycle and check the internal temperature every 10 minutes. (Some bread machines are automatically set for 60 minutes; others need to be set by 10-minute intervals.)

5. Once the loaf has reached 200°F (100°C), remove it from the pan immediately and let cool completely on a rack.
To make this recipe egg-free: Omit eggs and egg whites from the recipe. Add 4 tsp (20 mL) powdered egg replacer
with the dry ingredients. Increase yeast to 2 tsp (10 mL). Increase water by 1⁄4 cup (60 mL). This flavorful egg-free
loaf is shorter than some.

Tips
You can use 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) liquid whole eggs and 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) liquid egg whites, if you prefer.

Gluten-Free Cycle
If your bread machine has a Gluten-Free Cycle, you will need to make these adjustments:

1. Warm the water to between 110°F and 115°F (43°C and 46°C).
2. Warm the eggs and egg whites
3. Follow the recipe instructions, but select the Gluten‑Free Cycle rather than the Dough Cycle and Bake Cycle.
4. At the end of the Gluten-Free Cycle, take the temperature of the loaf using an instant-read thermometer. It is baked at 200°F (100°C). If it’s between 180°F (85°C) and 200°F (100°C), leave machine on the Keep Warm Cycle until baked.
If it’s below 180°F (85°C), turn on the Bake Cycle and check the internal temperature every 10 minutes. (Some bread machines are automatically set for 60 minutes; others need to be set by 10-minute intervals.)


These recipes may be reproduced with the following credit:
Recipes from 125 BEST GLUTEN-FREE BREAD MACHINE RECIPES
 by Donna Washburn and Heather Butt
(Robert Rose; April  2010 Softcover/$24.95)

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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Enlightened Cooking: Homemade Lara-Type Bars (energy bars part 3)

Enlightened Cooking: Homemade Lara-Type Bars (energy bars part 3)

Love these raw food treats. Great condensed fats, proteins, and sweetness all in one portable snack!
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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Pink Ribbon Smoothie for October (Breast cancer awareness month)

Click on the image above for the recipe!

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Soy Sauce Alternative

For those who need a replacement due to a soy allergy.

2 Tbs beef stock
1 Tbs red wine vinegar
1 tsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp molasses
1 tsp sesame oil
1/8 tsp garlic powder
black pepper to taste
1/4 cup boiling filtered spring water

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and boil until it is reduced by about half.
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Monday, September 21, 2009

The Taste of Autumn: Great Recipes from my favorite blogs

I just can't help myself...Fall is right around the bend and all I can think about is warm comfort foods, puddings, chilis, muffins, quick breads, and of course...pumpkin! Try some of these great recipes out from some of my favorite food bloggers:

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Monday, September 7, 2009

Cooking Traditional Foods: Why you should, and How you can!


It's hard to know these days just which dietary guidelines we should follow to obtain optimal health. The experts all seem to vary, and we all know just how many fad diets are out there. The truth is, however, that nutrition is not an ever changing concept. The roots of healthy eating will never change. In fact, traditional foods are really the most wholesome way to eat. We just have to learn what that means again.

Simply put, Traditional Foods are foods consumed in the way our ancestors ate them. The basis of Traditional Foods is that the food you consume be as nutrient dense and nourishing as possible. Traditional Foods (TF) goes beyond just avoiding packaged and processed foods. It is about choosing the best food options available for your budget & location and consuming it in a way that allows your body to extract the maximum nutrition from that item.

Local foods+ organic foods+ in season foods (-microwaves) = responsible eating for you and your family!

Here is a link to the "Cooking Traditional Foods" website...home of the American Menu Mailer...that describes traditional diets and cooking in layman's terms.

http://www.cookingtf.com/whatistf.html

(to the right is some homemade chicken bone broth I have cooking on the stove)

For more help check out this amazing link on how to convert your favorite recipes to the traditional style of cooking!

http://www.cookingtf.com/convert.html

(Rosemary Apple Chicken with garden salad, snow peas, and homemade mashed potatoes. Tonight's delicious dinner. Just an example)

I suggest that anyone committing themselves to a healthier lifestyle give traditional nutrition a try. It truly is the most nourishing way to eat.

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Sunday, September 6, 2009

Sloppy Joes (GFCF)


For More Delicious American Menu Mailer Recipes go to www.cookingtf.com

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Peanut Butter Squash Brownies

For more excellent Menu Mailer Recipes go to www.cookingtf.com


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One Skillet Lentils


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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Eatin' In Season: Early Fall Months

Apples
Bell Peppers
Figs
Nectarines
Pears
Tomato
Avocado, Haas
Berries
Garlic
Okra
Plums
Zucchini
Basil
Corn
Grapes
Onion
Potato
Beans-shell
Cucumber
Oranges
Summer
Squash
Beans-Snap/green
Eggplant
Melon
Peaches
Tomatillo

Do with these what you will...I'm sure your skillet's will be sizzlin'!

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Monday, June 22, 2009

Eatin' in Season: June

The following are in season for the month of June so snatch them up at your local farmer's market for your culinary delight!
  • Apricots
  • Cherries
  • Green Onions
  • Okra
  • Summer Squash
  • Basil
  • Corn
  • Limes
  • Peaches
  • Sweet Onions
  • Beets
  • Cucumbers
  • Melons
  • Peas
  • Tomatoes
  • Berries
  • Grapes
  • Mission Figs
  • Red Onions
  • Zucchini
  • Carrot
  • Green Beans
  • Nectarines
  • Salad Greens
Happy Tasting!
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Thursday, April 23, 2009

Mahogany Rice Pudding

Mahogany black rice may initially look black; it’s really dark purple and will color its cooking liquid with a beautiful lilac tint. Enjoy this rice pudding hot, cold or at room temperature with equally delicious results.

2 1/2 cups water
1 1/4 cups uncooked Mahogany rice
1 (14-ounce) can regular or light coconut milk
1/4 cup wildflower honey
1 cup chopped strawberries

3/4 cup blueberries

3/4 cup peeled and chopped kiwi

¼ cup of toasted coconut

Place water and rice into a medium pot, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until all of the water is absorbed, about 45 minutes. Uncover and stir in coconut milk and honey. Bring back to a simmer and cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes more.

Place pudding in a clear glass bowl to “show off” how beautiful this colorful dessert is! Top with chopped fruit & coconut just before serving.

Recipe from “Simple Substitutions for Healthy Eating” by Cindy Karas


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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Heavenly Coconut Cupcakes


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Gluten Free Banana Cranberry Muffins


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Monday, February 16, 2009

Spanish Rice

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 ½ cups of short grain brown rice
  • 1 medium onion, minced
  • 4 cloves of garlic, sliced paper thin
  • Salt and pepper
  • ¼ cup of cilantro, chopped
  • 1 small can of organic tomato sauce
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock
  • ½ cup of water


Drizzle oil in large pot and brown chicken on all sides. Remove and set aside.

Sauté onions in pot for about 3 minutes and then add garlic, paprika, salt, pepper and rice. Stir often until garlic and onions are translucent. (You may need to add a bit more oil). Add chicken back to pan with tomato sauce and ½ cup of water and give it a good stir.

In a separate pot add stock and bring to a boil and then add to chicken mixture. Turn heat to low and simmer for about 50 minutes or until rice is done.

Place in shallow serving bowl & sprinkle cilantro on top for garnish.


Recipe by Cindy Karas
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Monday, February 9, 2009

Another GREEN detox smoothie!

  • 2 pears, peeled, cored and chunked
  • 2 kiwi, peeled
  • 1 large handfull frozen berries
  • 4 leaves dinosaur kale, stems removed
  • 1/2 small bunch parsley
  • 1/2 head romaine, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 Scoops of SP Complete
  • 1 Scoop of SP Whey Pro (optional)
Place all in blender and blend until smooth. Add more water (or coconut water for more flavor) to thin to desired thickness. This one comes out a dark purple when mixed berries are used.
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Thursday, February 5, 2009

Drunkin' Chicken Stew

  • 2 lbs of organic boneless, skinless breast of chicken cut into 1“ chunks
  • ½ cup of Gluten Free all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoons sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ¼ cup of organic canola oil
  • 1 large sweet Vidalia onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 bottle of Guiness Extra Stout
  • 6 cloves of garlic
  • 14.5 oz of Free range organic chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro, freshly chopped
  • 2 fresh bay leaves
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 2 sprigs of thyme or ½ teaspoon of dried
  • 1 Lb. of small red potatoes cut in quarters or halves depending on size
  • 3 carrots cut into 1” chunks
  • 2 cups of fresh green beans cut in half
  • 1 cup of frozen peas


Combine flour, salt & pepper in a shallow dish. Dredge chicken in flour mixture and coat well. Reserve the remaining flour for later.

Heat oil in skillet over medium high heat and add the chicken in batches not to overcrowd. Cook turning to brown on all sides for about 10 minutes per batch. Transfer to a slow cooker.

Add the onions, garlic and herbs to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes (you may need to add a bit of additional oil). Add the Guinness; boil for 1 minute scraping up all the brown bits. Add to the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the broth to the cooker and cover.

Cook on low for about 2 ½ hours.

Sprinkle the reserved flour in ¼ cup of water, mix well and add to crock pot stirring in to blend. Add veggies and cook on high for about an hour or until tender.

Test for any additional seasonings.


Recipe from “Gourmet Sensations, Healthy Food Alternatives” by Cindy Karas
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Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Dairy Free... Creamy Dreamy Sweet Potato Pie

  • 1 (8-ounce) package Tofutti mock cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (you can also substitute pumpkin or squash)
  • 1 cup Turbinado sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg plus 2 egg yolks, slightly beaten
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger, optional
  • 1 piece pre-made pie dough

Place 1 piece of homemade pie dough down into a (9-inch) pie pan and press down along the bottom and all sides. Pinch and crimp the edges together to make a pretty pattern. Put the pie shell back into the freezer for 1 hour to firm up. Fit a piece of aluminum foil to cover the inside of the shell completely. Fill the shell up to the edges with pie weights or dried beans (about 2 pounds) and place it in the oven. Bake for 10 minutes, remove the foil and pie weights and bake for another 10 minutes or until the crust is dried out and beginning to color.

In a large mixing bowl, beat the Tofutti mock cream cheese until smooth. Add the sweet potatoes and beat well. Add the sugar and salt, and beat again to combine. Add the eggs mixed with the yolks, coconut milk and oil, and beat into the mixture. Finally, add the vanilla, cinnamon, and ginger and beat until incorporated.

Pour the filling into the warm prepared pie crust and bake for 50 minutes, or until the center is set. Place the pie on a wire rack and cool to room temperature and then refrigerate. Serve cold!

From “Gourmet Sensations, Healthy Food Alternatives” by Cindy Karas
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Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Fantastic dairy substitutes


from Beverly Bennett's new book

Vegan Chef Beverly Lynn Bennett's new book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Vegan Cooking is packed with delicious vegan recipes. Beverly's recipes are very likely to become standards in your kitchen, especially if you have food allergy restrictions.

Here are two dairy alternatives that are sure to please. For more I recommend investing in this book. Despite it's lack of visual appeal it is definitely worth it to your taste buds!

Raw Parmesan Cheese

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

You can easily and quickly whip up this cheesy, slightly nutty-tasting Parmesan-style seasoning with the help of a food processor.

  • 3/4 cup whole raw almonds
  • 3 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
  • 3/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes (see Note)
  • Pinch sea salt

Place almonds and sesame seeds in a food processor fitted with an S blade and process for 1 or 2 minutes or until finely ground. Scrape down the sides of the container with a rubber spatula.

Add nutritional yeast flakes and salt, and process for 1 more minute.

Use as a condiment to add flavor to salad dressings, sauces, vegetables, pasta, and other dishes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Variation: You can substitute other varieties of nuts, such as walnuts, cashews, or pine nuts.

Note from Beverly: Nutritional yeast is an inactive yeast, which differs greatly from the types of yeast used for brewing and baking, and has a surprisingly nutty, cheeselike flavor. It contains a wide assortment of minerals and B vitamins and can be a reliable source of B 12 for vegans. Look for in prepackaged and in bulk in grocery and natural foods stores.

Raw Cheddar Cheese Spread

Yield: 1 1/2 cups

This mock cheddar cheese spread is made with raw cashews and sun-dried tomatoes and requires no cooking.

  • 1 1/2 cups plus 1/3 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups raw cashews
  • 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoons raw tahini
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Bragg Liquid Aminos
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Combine 1 1/2 cups water, cashews, and sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl and set aside to soak for 2 hours. Drain off soaking water and discard.

Transfer cashews mixture to a food processor fitted with an S blade. Add remaining 1/3 cup water, tahini, lemon juice, liquid aminos, garlic powder, and paprika. Process for 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the container with a rubber spatula and process for 1 or 2 more minutes or until completely smooth. Transfer mixture to a small bowl.

Serve as a spread for raw veggies, fruit, crackers, slices of bread, or for sandwiches. Store spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Variation: Turn this spread into a mock cheddar cheese sauce by blending it with an additional 1/4 cup water or more, and use it as a sauce of dip for raw or cooked vegetables. For extra flavor, add 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes.


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