Simple Ways You Can Trim Your Food Waste While Trimming Your Waistline
One of the TOP reasons I hear from a lot of people for not eating healthy is that they can’t afford it. What many people don’t understand is that it costs MORE to eat pre-packaged, convenience foods than it does to eat whole foods. The problem is that because of our over-scheduled, busy lifestyles, time gets away from us leaving very little time for actual food preparation, leaving a lot of good food to waste away in the produce bins of the refrigerator.
If you have the desire to eat more healthfully, yet you find that you’re throwing food (and money) out in the trash faster than you can cook, I have a few tips for you. This is the perfect time of the year to start anew not only with making changes in your diet, but also in your bank account. Let’s face it: If your bank account is lean, you’re less likely to eat your greens! And the best way to get more “bang for your buck” in your grocery budget is to reduce your food waste.
Before I give you some of my simplest tips for trimming your food waste, let me get a little technical with you by sharing a startling statistic. In the U.S, food waste is estimated at approximately 40% (or more). A lot of that food loss occurs before it gets to your home, but a significant amount does occur once it arrives in your household. One study found that families discard 14% of their food, which translated into 470 lbs. and an annual cost of $600 per year. What could you do with an extra $600?
When you find that life is getting in the way of you taking better care of your nutritional health, take a moment to assess the damage and create a plan for change. Below are several ways that you can create a plan to respect food, money, and your waistline:
- Plan meals ahead for the week. Spend 10-20 minutes on Sunday to determine what you’ll eat for the week ahead. Be sure to assess what’s already in the fridge and pantry so you can use what you already have on hand to create meals. And use the internet to your advantage to find healthy, new recipes so you’re not getting bored with your old-time favorites.
- Shop like a European. Have you ever been overseas and noticed how many outdoor markets there are on major streets? That’s because Europeans visit the market every few days and purchase small quantities of fresh food at a time. This ensures that what they buy will be used and not gone to waste.
- Don’t worry about aesthetics. If you’d like to incorporate more fruits and veggies into your diet, but you’re not sure where to start, smoothies, soups, and casseroles are a great starting place. When fruits are going into smoothies, and veggies are going into soups & casseroles, it’s not necessary that they be cosmetically perfect. Therefore, you can buy off the “quick sale” produce rack for certain items to save money, and eat healthy at the same time!
- Bulk it up, the smart way. Buying everything in bulk can break your bank, for sure. But making sure that you’re buying only the amount you need from bulk BINS makes more sense than storing excessive boxes of pasta, rice, flour, etc. Shop smart and buy only what you need in bulk. This also keeps your portion sizes in check, too!
- Eat smart when eating out. Many restaurants will allow you to order a half-order of certain meals. Not only is this smart for your waistline, it’s a good way to save a few bucks, especially if you’re more likely to take home leftovers and toss them in the trash after having them sit in the fridge for more than 3 days.
Remember, it’s more of a challenge to eat healthy if you’re throwing food dollars in the trash. Use the tips above to begin saving a few food dollars as you incorporate more whole foods into your diet and shrink your waistline by doing so. Your body, and your bank account, will thank you for it!
Your assignment: Set aside 15-20 minutes this Sunday to plan your meals ahead for the week. Be sure to take stock of what you already have to create meals from, and use the internet to search for healthy, 30-minute (or less) meals!
Many thanks to all of you who participated in last month’s survey. Your feedback has been invaluable. Hands down, most people are more interested in making a Compassionate Transformation with a life detox, and the second class of 2012 for this program begins in 2 short weeks! Learn more about this amazing program that will surely transform your life, in more ways than one!
Trying to Kick the Java Bean? Give Raw Cacao a Try!
Did you know that raw cacao is chocolate in it’s raw, unprocessed state? The cacao bean is rich in magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper, and potassium. But it’s most popular benefit is it’s high level of antioxidants and natural source of caffeine. As a matter of fact, cacao beans have more antioxidant flavinoids than blueberries, red wine, and green tea! Wow! What isn’t there to love about that?
I often recommend cacao to those who are trying to wean themselves from the coffee bean. Although you do receive a few antioxidant benefits from drinking coffee, the overall nutritional benefits of cacao are non-comparable. The coffee bean is not a great source of magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, copper or potassium. And unfiltered coffee has the potential to raise cholesterol levels due to components called diterpenes, and can temporarily raise blood pressure, which is certainly not a health benefit.
You can purchase cacao as “nibs” or in it’s powder form. I will admit that it can be a little pricey ($10/8oz bag), but a little bit goes a LONG way, so the bag should last you a good while. The flavor is rich, buttery, and slightly bitter because raw cacao is unsweetened, unlike chocolate.
So, I encourage you to give cacao a try, especially if you’re trying to kick the java bean. There’s so many nutritional benefits that outweigh coffee. I guarantee that you’ll get the same caffeine “kick” with an additional energy boost from the good nutrition added, as well!
Keep in mind, although there are many “Superfoods” out there, there isn’t just one particular food that will give you everything you need nutritionally. But the more you focus on those which are unprocessed, preferably uncooked (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, sprouts, etc), I guarantee that you will receive the most nutritional benefit overall. And when you eat like this, the sky is the limit in the variety of meals you can create for yourself! Cacao is a great start!
Hot Cacao
1 tablespoon Raw Cacao Powder
1/4 teaspoon DoMatcha Green Tea Powder
1 to 1 1/2 cup Almond Milk
1 teaspoon raw honey
dash of cayenne pepper
In a blender mix all ingredients until well combined. Adjust the Matcha Green Tea Powder as needed to keep yourself caffeinated. For most ¼ teaspoon combined with raw cacao is plenty. This beverage will give you the pick me up of coffee without taxing your system. Once you no longer physically crave the caffeine you can cut the green tea powder.
What’s That Life Detox All About?
Here are the 7 Steps we’ll go over in the 7-Day Life Detox Program:
- Putting yourself at the TOP of your “To Do” list
- Straightening out your priorities (saying “Yes” when it’s a definite “Yes”)
- Getting clear on what’s draining your energy on a daily basis, and ELIMINATING those drains
- Getting clear on what’s fueling your body, and making PREMIUM fuel a priority
- Surrounding yourself with a nurturing and supportive community of people
- Invesing in your financial health so you can make healthier food/lifestyle choices
- Honoring your spiritual well being so you can truly live a life that is healthy & whole
Ready to register for the program? Click on the “7-Day Life Detox” Image to the right!
Hope to see YOU in a couple of weeks!
Foodie Friday: Tortellini with Watercress, White Beans and Pine Nuts
ngredient list
Serves 6
- 2 9-oz. pkg. fresh cheese tortellini
- 2 Tbs. finely chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes plus 3 Tbs. of the oil
- 4 shallots, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper, or more to taste
- 4 bunches watercress, well rinsed and tough stems removed
- 1 cup vegetable broth or pasta water, or more as needed
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 15.5-oz. cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- Grated regular or soy Parmesan cheese, as desired
DIRECTIONS
1. Cook tortellini in large pot of lightly salted boiling water, stirring occasionally, according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, if using instead of broth. Toss pasta with 1 Tbs. sun-dried tomato oil, and set aside.
2. Heat remaining oil in same pot over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in crushed red pepper.
3. Add watercress to pot with broth, sun-dried tomatoes, salt and pepper. Cook until watercress is limp but still bright green, about 2 minutes. Stir in beans, and heat through for 1 minute. Add reserved pasta, and toss gently to combine. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and cheese, and serve. Pass additional Parmesan at the table.
Nutritional Information
Per SERVING:
| Calories | 430 |
| Protein | 19g |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Carbs | 57g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 520mg |
| Fiber | 12g |
| Sugar | 2g |
The Missing Link in Becoming Healthy & Whole
The 7-Day Life Detox Program is by far the MOST important thing you’ll need to lose weight for good and heal your relationship with food.
Foodie Friday: Grilled Vegetable Wrap
ingredient list
Makes 2 wraps
- 12 thin asparagus spears, trimmed
- 1 small red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch strips (1 cup)
- 1 small yellow summer squash or zucchini, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds (1 cup)
- 1 Tbs. olive oil
- 1/2 cup white beans
- 1 small clove garlic, minced (1/2 tsp.)
- 1/2 tsp. red chile sauce, such as sriracha
- 2 8-inch whole-grain tortillas
- 6 small whole basil leaves
- 8 thin slices red onion
- 1 cup baby arugula leaves
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat grill or broiler. Toss together asparagus, bell pepper, squash, and oil on large baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Grill or broil vegetables 4 to 6 minutes per side, turning once.
2. Mash together beans, garlic, and chile sauce in small bowl until smooth.
3. Spread half of bean mixture over each tortilla. Top each with 3 basil leaves, 1/2 cup roasted vegetables, 4 onion slices, and 1/2 cup arugula. Fold bottom third of tortillas over vegetables, and roll up tightly, tucking in sides as you go. Cut wraps in half on diagonal. Serve immediately, or wrap each half in foil or wax paper, and chill until ready to eat.
Nutritional Information
Per wrap:
| Calories | 228 |
| Protein | 11g |
| Total Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Carbs | 51g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 419mg |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sugar | 3g |
Foodie Friday: Tabbouleh with Mint and Pistachios
Serves 6
- 1/4 cup fine bulgur
- 3 Tbs. lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. honey
- 1 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1 cup finely chopped curly parsley
- 1 small cucumber, finely chopped (1 cup)
- 1 medium tomato, finely chopped (1/3 cup)
- 4 green onions, finely chopped (1/3 cup)
- 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh mint
- 3 Tbs. olive oil
Foodie Friday: Creamy Cashew Macaroni
Serves 8
Ingredients
2 cups raw cashews
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the baking dish
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon white miso
1 clove garlic
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound whole-grain elbow or fusilli pasta
1 can (14.5 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes, drained
Method
Soak cashews with enough water to cover for at least 4 hours. Drain.
Place cashews in bowl of food processor with oil, lemon juice, nutritional yeast, miso, garlic, salt, paprika and pepper. Pulse until cashews are finely chopped. With motor running, add 3/4 cup water and process until smooth.
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F and lightly oil a 9- x 13-inch shallow baking dish. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot. Add cashew mixture and tomatoes and stir to combine. Transfer to baking dish and bake 30 minutes or until heated through and golden on top.
Source: wholefoods.com
5 Easy Ways to Jumpstart Your Weight Loss Goals
This year, it’s time to get serious about your health and not only make resolutions, but to get permanent results. In order to achieve permanent results, it’s important to not only take action on a goal, but it’s equally important to get a full understanding about the body and how it works. When you have this understanding and respect for the human body, you’re more likely to succeed.
For many of you who know me, you know that I’m a very spiritual person who not only believes the Word of God, but lives it, as well. My spiritual journey is what has helped me get closer to understanding and respecting my body, and loving it for all it does for me every day. We are all uniquely and wonderfully made to function at our best on a daily basis. Read that again. If we’re not functioning at our best, it’s because of our own doing. Thankfully, because of grace, mercy and the will to choose, we have the ability to reverse certain conditions in our body for the better, and one of them is acid-base balance.
Acid-Base Balance is the body’s balance between acidity and alkalinity. Simply put, it is the regulator of homeostasis (balance) in the body’s blood chemistry. When there’s an imbalance, there’s a potential for disease and disorder in the body. Our bodies may appear on the outside to be very simple: we have eyes to see, ears to hear, hands to touch, legs & feet to walk. But on the inside, everything is very intricate in the way the body functions. I won’t get too detailed here, but just know that any imbalance in your body chemistry can be a cause for disease.
There are foods that are more alkaline (good) and there are those that are more acidic (bad). The most alkalizing foods are green vegetables, but you will find some fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, legumes and oils are also alkaline. Acidic foods are: All meat, fish, seafood, dairy, eggs, most grains, some nuts, canned, processed and microwaved foods; condiments such as vinegar, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, soy sauce, white sugar and artificial sweeteners; as well as alcohol, coffee, black tea and a few others.
So, how does all of this affect your weight? Our bodies will go through a spectacular range of processes to keep the blood at a pH of 7.4 (balance), which is slightly alkaline. When we eat an acidic diet, such as the Standard American Diet (S.A.D. – an appropriate acronym), our bodies have an arsenal of actions to counterbalance the excess acids that would otherwise kill us by damaging our vital organs and tissue. One of those actions is to retain fat to use as handy, safe storage pockets to store excess acid! WOW! Isn’t this amazing! Even when we’re not doing our best by eating the right things, our bodies still do right by us by protecting us from harm.
But, at some point, we must take responsibility and do better. Because although the body does some miraculous things to keep us from harm, they can have a downside, as well. Holding onto fat in order to use it for acid storage isn’t quite that beneficial in the long run. I am thrilled that my body is innately smart enough to save my heart from dangerous acids by storing them in extra pounds on my backside. At the same time, I won’t be as excited about that tropical vacation when I have a fat rear end. How about you? These coping strategies extend our lives, but if these strategies go on unchecked, they create a whole host of other problems that I’m sure I don’t have to mention here.
Here are 5 simple things you can do right away to create a more alkaline balance in your body to promote weight loss:
- Reduce or omit dairy from your diet. As much as the Dairy Council promotes “Got Milk?”, I continue to say “Got Nut Milk?”. It’s easier today, than ever before, to incorporate healthy almond milk into your diet. Allergic to nuts? Give soy milk a try. Fact: the casein in dairy is a well-known cancer-causing agent. The less dairy you consume, the better.
- Cut back on, or eliminate, meat from your diet. If you’re a meat-lover, don’t fret. You can reach your weight loss goals and still eat meat by sticking to a portion that is no bigger than a deck of cards, lean and not charred on the grill. The ultimate goal here is to reduce your consumption of meat, and not just red meat.
- Get off the bean. No matter how many times you’ve heard that coffee is good for you, I’m here to say that it’s not. Yes, the coffee bean is high in antioxidants. But it’s also very acidic, especially when you add the cream (dairy) and sugar. Do yourself a favor and wean yourself from the bean.
- Drink your veggies. This is my ultimate favorite! Fresh juice is fantastic and good for the body and soul. You can also drink your veggies in the form of smoothies. Adding fruit helps to ease into this transition.
- Eat more salads. Get your leafy greens on by eating more salads. Explore different leafy greens outside of your norm: Arugula, watercress, bib lettuce, butter lettuce, mache, mesclun, chard, just to name a few. There are many varieties of leafy greens to explore and they each have different nutritional benefits.
Remember, knowledge and wisdom is the key to life. Here’s one of my favorite scriptures to prove it: “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” (Proverbs 24:3). Your “house: is your body. You live in it day in, and day out. By understanding how it works for YOUR good, it is established, as the scripture promises above.
Your Compassionate Transformation™ Assignment:
Choose one of the 5 steps above and start to alkalize your body. Practice each step fully for 2 weeks each. In as little as 10 weeks, you’ll feel and look better, for sure!
There’s only 9 days left until the start of the Life Detox Program™. So, if you feel like you’re in a constant physical & emotional battle with food, and you’re tired of struggling with the stress of being overworked, overwhelmed and overweight, the 7-Day Life Detox Program is just what you need.
Learn how you can begin to rid yourself of unhealthy people, places, and things (including unhealthy food) so you can get back to living the healthy and whole life that you deserve! Take advantage of the limited-time special pricing before it increases in at midnight tonight!
10 Ways to Live a Life that is Healthy & WHOLE
Creating a life that is HEALTHY & WHOLE isn’t soley reliant on eating the right foods and getting enough exercise each day. Restoration and renewing of your mind and spirit are just as important, if not more.
It is vital that you take the time to nourish & nurture your mind and spirit on a DAILY basis. Why? Because without a clear and focused mind, your physical body cannot function at its best. Just like a snake sheds his own skin periodically for growth & renewal, we also have to shed old mental layers for the renewing of our minds in order to become healthy & whole, as well.
“…be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)
On your pathway to becoming a whole, healthier YOU, here are 10 simple ways to nurture and renew your mind and spirit. Once you begin to incorporate a few of these practices on a regular basis, you’ll find that your body will follow!
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Take a warm bath. When was the last time you took a nice, long, relaxing bath? Schedule a bath on one of your least busiest days each week, and stick to that schedule. Use your favorite bath oil & scents to bring in the essence of aromatherapy, too!
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Turn off your cellphone. During the day while you are working, turn the ringer off on your cellphone and keep it in your purse. You will be surprised at how much more productive you’ll be when your not distracted by your phone, especially if you’re in the habit of checking for emails and social media updates!
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Start a new hobby. Ever wanted to learn to cook, sew, knit, or paint? Remember, your life isn’t all about work 100% of the time. Pick up a new hobby that will nurture your soul.
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Start journaling. Putting your thoughts on paper is very therapeutic, and it doesn’t cost you a dime. Take the time to write it out each week. It’s fun to come back to the journal entries months, or even years later, to see how far you’ve come.
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Remove physical clutter. When you have excessive physical clutter around, it weighs you down mentally. You’ll be surprised how much lighter you feel when you rid your physical space of unnecessary junk.
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Keep a vase on fresh flowers in your home & on your desk. You would be surprised at how this refreshs your mental state of mind. If you spend long hours at your desk, this is a beautiful way to bring nature indoors.
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Meditate. Okay, this may sound a bit “whoo-whoo” for some, but I’m not talking about meditation in the form of “Ohm.” Simply take some time to sit in complete quiet. Be still. Clear your mind. Listen to the Divine.
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Get a massage. Treat yourself to a full-body, pampering massage to release the tension from your muscles. After a long week, you deserve it!
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Turn on the music and DANCE. As we get older, we sometimes lose our inner playchild as we get lost in the daily grind of work. Wake up that inner child and turn on your favorite music, and DANCE!
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Write yourself a love letter. This may sound “cheesy” but it’s vitally important. Take some time to write yourself a love letter, as if you’re in 3rd person. Pull it out and read it when you start t get down on yourself.
Do you have any tips to share? Make sure you post them below in the comments. I LOVE hearing from you!
Foodie Friday: Portobello “Philly Cheese Steak” Sandwich
4 sandwiches
INGREDIENTS
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems and gills removed (see Tip), sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh oregano, or 2 teaspoons dried
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 3 ounces thinly sliced reduced-fat provolone cheese
- 4 whole-wheat buns, split and toasted
PREPARATION
- Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until soft and beginning to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Add mushrooms, bell pepper, oregano and pepper and cook, stirring often, until the vegetables are wilted and soft, about 7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low; sprinkle the vegetables with flour and stir to coat. Stir in broth and soy sauce; bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat, lay cheese slices on top of the vegetables, cover and let stand until melted, 1 to 2 minutes.
- Divide the mixture into 4 portions with a spatula, leaving the melted cheese layer on top. Scoop a portion onto each toasted bun and serve immediately.
Your “No Excuses” Lunch
Greek Lentil Salad
Ingredient List
Serves 4
- 1 cup French green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 small onion
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 large shallot, finely chopped (1/4 cup)
- 2 Tbs. lemon juice
- 1 small cucumber, diced (1 cup)
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced (1 cup)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1 Tbs. olive oil
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
Directions
1. Place lentils, onion, bay leaves, and 6 cups water in large saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook 25 to 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender. Drain, remove onion and bay leaves, and cool.
2. Stir together shallot and lemon juice in large bowl. Add lentils, cucumber, tomatoes, mint, and oil; stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper, if desired. Chill 1 hour, or overnight. Serve topped with feta.
Nutritional Information
Per 1-cup serving: Calories: 228, Protein: 12g, Total fat: 7g, Saturated fat: 2g, Carbs: 33g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 116mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugars: 4g
Source: VegetarianTimes.com
My 10 Goals for A Healthy & Whole New Year
Although I’m a nutritionist, I’m BY NO MEANS PERFECT. I face many of the same challenges that you face on a daily basis when it comes to eating and living a healthy lifestyle.
I’ve learned though my own experiences that most challenges come when I don’t plan ahead. And I’m not only referring to planning meals. Planning ahead should be a habit in all areas of your life if you want to be successful. That’s one MAJOR thing that I learned in 2011. You can’t just sit back and wait for certain things to happen; you have to put forth the effort to make it happen. That’s where many of us fall short. We want something for nothing.
So, in the spirit of planning ahead, I’m taking my own advice and doing just that. Here’s my list of the 10 things that I intend to achieve in 2012:
- Eating Healtier: Yep, you read it right. I have a few things to work on in the area of healthy eating. Don’t we all? I’ll say that I’m usually pretty good, but I have a HUGE sweet tooth that I need to tame, and I intend to do that in 2012.
- Lose Weight: Again, I’m not perfect. I have a few pounds to lose and I intend to do that, and KEEP THEM AT BAY, this year and beyond.
- Exercise More: I intend to find something that I really enjoy doing and sticking with it. I really don’t like the word “exercise” because, for me, it carries the connotation of “drudgery”. Body movement in the form of yoga, along with outdoor running and trampoline rebounding light my fire when I think of it, so I’m starting with those things first.
- Get Organized: This is something that I REALLY need to work on. Let’s just say that I’m the woman who often can’t find her keys or her cellphone when it’s time to leave the house in the morning.
- Travel More: I can’t remember the last time I took a REAL vacation. A couple of places that I intend on visiting are Costa Rica and Paris this year.
- Continue to Develop My Relationship with the Divine: 2011 was a year of MASSIVE growth in this area, so much so that I thirst for more.
- Spend More Quality Time with My Husband: If he’s reading this, he’ll be glad to know that this is a part of my intended goals for the new year. Raising 3 boys takes a lot of our time, but this year I intend to plan weekend getaways and “staycations” that will help keep the fire burning in our marriage.
- Spend More Quality Time with My Children: I started this in 2011 by spending individual quality time with each of my boys on a certain night of the week. Somewhat like a date night. They seem to really like that!
- Connect with YOU More: I intend to blog more often, including more videos too. I also plan to get out into the community more by providing workshops, conducting speaking engagements, and more!
- Be the Ultimate Role Model of Health & Wholeness for the Busy Working Woman: It’s not easy, especially with all of the unhealthy living options out there, but I promise you that it can be done. And at times it can be fun, once you get the hang of it. I’m going to show you how this year, so stay tuned!
- What NEW opportunities would you like to pursue in 2012?
- What exciting changes are you ready, and willing, to make?
- What one, helpful habit are you willing to employ to help you achieve your goals?
Foodie Friday: Roasted Red Pepper Crostini with Balsamic Reduction
Serves 6
- 3 large red bell peppers
- 3 Tbs. pine nuts
- 1 red jalapeño chile
- 3 tsp. olive oil, divided
- 1½ Tbs. chopped fresh parsley
- 1½ Tbs. chopped fresh mint
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.), plus 1 whole garlic clove, peeled, divided
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbs. agave syrup
- 6 ⅓-inch-thick slices ciabatta bread, toasted
DIRECTIONS
1. Toast pine nuts in skillet over medium heat 3 to 4 minutes, or until browned, shaking pan constantly. Set aside.2. Preheat broiler, and place oven rack in highest position. Coat bell peppers and jalapeño with 1 tsp. oil. Place on baking sheet, and broil 15 minutes, or until blistered and partially blackened on all sides, turning often. Transfer to bowl, cover, and cool. Peel and seed. Slice bell peppers into thin strips, finely chop jalapeño, and transfer to bowl. Add pine nuts, parsley, mint, minced garlic, and remaining 2 tsp. oil; toss to combine. Season with black pepper.
3. Meanwhile, bring vinegar and agave syrup to a simmer in small saucepan over medium heat. Cook 10 minutes, or until mixture reduces to about 3 Tbs. and coats bottom of pan when pan is tilted, stirring occasionally. Stir 1 Tbs. balsamic syrup into roasted pepper mixture. Marinate roasted pepper mixture 30 minutes, or chill overnight. Top bread slices with roasted pepper mixture, and drizzle with remaining balsamic reduction.
Source: vegetariantimes.com
Foodie Friday: Chocolate Pretzel & Cherry Popcorn Balls
12 (2-inch) balls
INGREDIENTS
- 6 heaping cups popped corn
- 1/4 cup agave nectar (see Note) or honey
- 1/4 cup creamy natural peanut butter or almond butter, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dark chocolate-covered pretzels
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped dried cherries
PREPARATION
- Line a baking sheet with parchment or wax paper. Prepare a medium bowl of ice water. Put popcorn in a large bowl.
- Combine agave (or honey) and peanut butter (or almond butter) in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring gently but constantly. As soon as the mixture starts to lightly bubble, cook, stirring constantly, for 15 seconds more.
- Immediately pour the mixture evenly over the popcorn; gently mix with a wooden spoon or spatula until well coated. Gently stir in dark chocolate-covered pretzels and finely chopped dried cherries.
- Dip both hands in the ice water. Working quickly, press small handfuls (heaping 1/4 cup each) of the popcorn mixture firmly into 2-inch balls. (Make sure each ball gets a little bit of the pretzels and dried cherries.) Place the balls on the prepared baking sheet. If they seem too fragile, rinse hands with cold water and press and squeeze each ball again to help keep it together.
- Let cool completely before storing. To store, individually wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.
