Organic Key Lime Pie

This pie is not only delicious but also good for you. It is made of all natural, wholesome ingredients and is unlike any Key Lime Pie you have ever had. Most Key Lime Pies contain sweetened condensed milk which is one of the worst substances you can ever put in your body. 

This pie is actually made with avocados!  Avocados are rich in Vitamin E and provide you with plenty of good satiating fat. This pie also contains lots of lime juice. Lime juice is very cleansing to the liver. Coconut milk is also one of the ingredients and it serves to help strengthen your immune system and protect you from foreign invaders. 

The crust is made of nuts which are another source of good fat as well as adding a very nutty, delightful texture. And dates are added to help sweeten this pie crust naturally. You will need a blender, food processor and a spring form pan to make this. This pie would be a great summertime treat for your family. 

INGREDIENTS

Pie Crust
6 pitted dates
1 cup macadamia or cashew nuts
1 cup pecans
½ teaspoon vanilla
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt

Filling
1 1/2 cups lime juice
1 cup raw honey
½ cup organic coconut milk
2 cups avocado (about 2 avocados)
1 tablespoon vanilla
Pinch of sea salt
1 cup coconut oil (helps to hold the pie together)

Whip Cream
2 cups organic heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon raw honey

Directions

1. Place dates in the food processor and process until they become a paste.
2. Add nuts, vanilla, cinnamon and salt and process until crumbly.
3. Pat this mixture down in the spring form pan and up the sides creating a thick crust.
4. Blend filling ingredients in blender until smooth. Pour into pie crust. Place in freezer and freeze for 1 hour.
5. Meanwhile, whip cream until it forms soft peaks. Spread whipped cream onto pie and place back in freezer 2 hours more. Freeze for 3 hours total or longer.
6. When you are ready to serve, remove from freezer and let sit 1 hour before serving to soften. Slice and serve. 
7. Garnish with lime slices, raspberries and mint leaves.

Enjoy!

Laurel ♥

Delicious Dark Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Nothing tastes like gooey dark chocolate chunk cookies right from the oven. Learn how to make fresh chocolate chunk cookies at home with my recipe.  

Ingredients:

1 3/4 cups unbleached organic all purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
14 tbsp organic unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)
1/2 cup organic cane sugar
3/4 cup organic packed dark brown sugar
1 tsp sea salt
2 tsp organic vanilla extract
1 large free-range egg
1 large free-range egg yolk
1 1/4 cup organic dark chocolate chunks
3/4 cup organic chopped walnuts


Directions:

1. Position oven rack in middle and preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Butter cookie sheets

3. Whisk flour and baking soda together in a medium bowl, set aside

4. Heat 10 tbsp of butter in a (non cast iron) skillet over medium-high heat until melted, 2 minutes

5. Continue cooking and stirring constantly until butter is dark brown, 1-3 minutes

6. Remove from heat and pour into a heat proof bowl. Melt remaining 4 tbsp into hot butter.

7. Add both sugars, salt and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk together.

8. Add egg and yolk and whisk until smooth, about 30 seconds

9. Let mixture stand for 3 minutes and then whisk for another 30 seconds.

10. Repeat process of resting and whisking until mixture is thick and shiny

11. Using a rubber spatula, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute

12. Add chocolate chips and nuts and mix until just combined

13. Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tbsp

14. Arrange 2 inches apart on the cookie sheets.

15. Bake for 12 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through

16. Cool and serve

These cookies are amazing! The extra step of browning the butter makes a huge difference.


Please send me your comments and suggestions!

Enjoy!
Laurel ♥

How to Make Turmeric Paste or Golden Paste

Turmeric paste is also popularly known as "GOLDEN PASTE". This is an update from a previous post. Adding black pepper and an organic oil improves the quality and potency of Turmeric for optimum health benefits.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup organic turmeric powder
2 cups spring water
1/2 cup water extra, if needed
1 1/2 teaspoons organic ground black pepper
1/3 cup organic cold pressed Olive or Coconut oil

Directions:
Place turmeric and water in pan, stirring over gentle heat until you have a thick paste. This should take about 7 – 10 minutes and you may need to add additional water along the way.

Golden Paste recipe
Add the pepper and oil at the end of cooking. Stir vigorously to incorporate the oil and allow to cool. Store in sterilized glass jar and refrigerate. (To sterilize jar – place clean glass jar, without lid, on cold oven shelf, turn oven on to medium and heat for 10 minutes. Turn off and pop lid in, leave with jar to cool.)

Should keep for up to four weeks, refrigerated – best used within two.

If your mix is looking too watery, add a little more turmeric and continue cooking a few more minutes. Don't worry too much that it does not look 'perfect' – as long as it is cooked and has the oil and pepper, it will work. If the oil marbles in the jar, it just means it was not stirred enough at the end or the mix is a bit watery, but it will not affect the performance.

Add to any foods: cereal, smoothies, yogurt etc.


*See my next post for all the health benefits of Turmeric!


Thanks for reading,
Laurel ♥

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY XLIX - Game Day Healthy Recipes

The Super Bowl is one of the biggest calorie fests of the year for many Americans. The average football fan eats about a day's worth of calories during the game, and that Americans pack away 11 million pounds of chips on Super Bowl Sunday. Try these delicious and healthy game day recipes:

Spinach-Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:
1 8-oz package of organic full fat cultured cream cheese (try Organic Valley), softened
2 cups organic full fat plain greek yogurt
1 14-oz can of organic artichokes (in water), rinse and roughly chop these babies
1 10-oz package of organic frozen spinach, thawed and rinsed with as much liquid removed as possible
1 cup organic baby spinach, roughly chopped
5 garlic cloves, smashed and minced
1/2 cup organic mozzarella
1/4 cup organic parmesan cheese
Sea salt, black pepper to taste
Raw veggies for serving

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
In a medium sized oven safe dish combine all ingredients except parmesan. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper.
Top with parmesan and bake for 30 minutes or until dip is bubbly and golden.
Enjoy with your favorite raw veggies or organic chips.

Homemade Onion Dip

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons organic olive oil

1 1/2 cups organic diced onions

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1 1/2 cups organic sour cream

3/4 cup greek yogurt

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

In a saute pan over medium heat add oil, heat and add onions and salt. Cook the onions until they are caramelized, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Mix the rest of the ingredients, and then add the cooled onions. Refrigerate and stir again before serving.

Organic Guacamole Recipe

Ingredients:

2 avocados halved, pitted, and removed from peel

1/2 tsp sea salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 cup fresh organic tomatoes, diced up

1/2 of a lime, juice squeezed out, about 1 tbsp

2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tbsp red onion (optional)

Directions:

Combine all ingredients and mash with fork.

Serve immediately.

Baked 7 Layer Mexican Dish 

Here is a perfect one-dish meal that's easy to make and one of my favorites!

Layers:

1.  Refried beans

2.  Cooked chicken or ground beef

3.  Avocado mixture

4.  Sour cream or plain yogurt

5.  Tomatoes

6.  Black olives

7.  Cheese (I like to use colby-jack)

Ingredients:

1 16oz can organic refried beans

1 lb. grass-fed ground beef 

1/2 pkg. organic taco seasoning mix 

2  avocados  ( add 1 T. lemon juice, 1/4 tsp. sea salt, and 1/8 tsp. ground pepper), and mix in blender until smooth.

1 cup organic sour cream

1/2 large organic tomato, cubed

1/2 can black olives, drained and rinsed well

2 cups shredded organic colby-jack cheese

Directions:

Cook the ground beef with taco seasoning ahead of time and set aside.  Blend your avocado mixture and also set aside.  Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  

Use a 7 x 11 inch baking pan and begin layering the pan with the refried beans for the bottom, then add the ground beef on top of the beans.  Spread avocado mix next, and add the sour cream layer.  Add the tomatoes and black olives.  For the last layer, sprinkle the grated cheese over the top.

Bake at 325 degrees for 10-15 minutes.  Serve with warm whole wheat tortilla chips.

Enjoy the game and good luck to your team!

Laurel ♥

How to Make Chai Tea for Improved Health

How to Make Chai Tea to Reduce Inflammation, Strengthen Immunity, and Improve Digestion

3 cups spring water

1 cinnamon stick

2 tablespoons grated, fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon each whole clove

8 cardamom pods

1 cup organic full-fat coconut milk

Sweeten to taste with raw honey

Directions

Simmer spices in water for 10 minutes. Add coconut milk and sweetener. Strain before serving.



Main Ingredients and Health Benefits

Cardamom is said to benefit the lungs, kidneys, and heart. It is also a mood elevator.

Cloves have antiseptic properties that boost the immune system and help the body to fight infection. Cloves are incredibly beneficial to the intestinal tract

Cinnamon is also thought to help lower blood sugar and cholesterol and may help fight colon cancer.

Ginger helps to reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system and improve digestion, prevent cancer by encouraging apoptosis and inhibiting cancer cell proliferation, ease asthma and support cardiovascular health.



Thanks for reading,
Laurel ♥

4 Oatmeal Recipes To Spice Up Boring Oatmeal

January is National Oatmeal Month, which makes it the perfect time to celebrate one of the best breakfast foods ever: oatmeal. There are a lot of amazing things about oatmeal: it’s a comfort food that isn't bad for you, it will warm you up on the coldest of mornings, it tastes delicious, and it fills you up. But the most wonderful thing about oatmeal is how versatile it is. You can add almost anything to a bowl of oatmeal and turn it into an impressive breakfast. You can choose to keep it super healthy, sort of healthy, or just go full-on dessert mode.

Oatmeal might sound boring to some people, but when you turn it into a dish that is more like dessert than breakfast, it instantly becomes amazing. There are so many ways to turn this heart-healthy dish into something resembling your favorite pie. These 4 recipes are all easy to make and will satisfy your sweet tooth without making you completely ruin your diet. Always buy organic oatmeal!

Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal
Can you even call this oatmeal? It’s pretty much pumpkin pie. Just as creamy, just as sweet, and just as delicious.

Ingredients:
1 cup old fashioned oats, not quick cook
1 Tbs whole flax seeds, optional
2 1/2 Tbs organic brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp allspice
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp lemon zest, optional
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp vanilla
2 tsp butter, softened
3/4 cup organic pumpkin puree
3/4 cup organic whole milk
Topping:
1/4 cup pecans, chopped
2 tsp organic butter, softened
1 Tbs  organic brown sugar

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease 4 individual sized ramekins. Set aside.
Combine the oats through salt in a medium sized bowl. Stir well. In a separate bowl, combine the vanilla, butter, pumpkin, and milk. Whisk thoroughly. Pour the pumpkin mixture into the oats. Stir until combined.
Divide mixture evenly between 4 individual sized ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet (this makes it easier to move in and out of the oven.). Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the topping: chopped pecans, butter, and brown sugar. After the oatmeal has baked for 10 minutes, remove and divide topping mixture evenly between the ramekins. Bake and additional 7 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with a splash of milk and raisins, if desired.


Strawberry Banana Cream Baked Oatmeal Squares
The best thing about these delectable little squares is that once they cool, they’re great for breakfast on the go. Because why should you be denied dessert in the morning?

Ingredients:
2 cups old fashioned organic oats
1/3 cup loosely packed organic brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 large organic egg
1 cup organic whole milk
1/4 cup organic half and half
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 tablespoons organic unsalted butter, melted
1 medium ripe banana, mashed
3/4 cup organic chopped strawberries (about 4 large berries)

Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter the dish - use a 10×7 dish, but an 8×8, 9×9, round cake pan or another size close to that will work too.

In a large bowl, combine oats, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon, mixing until combine. Measure out the cup of milk, then whisk in egg and vanilla extract. Add half and half to the milk mixture, then stir it into the dry oats. Mix in mashed banana and melted butter, then chopped strawberries, then scoop the batter into the baking dish. Bake for 30-33 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the top is set. Remove and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Top with strawberries, bananas and milk or half and half infused with vanilla extract.


Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Toasted Pecans and Caramelized Banana 

Caramelized bananas might actually be the best thing ever. They add sweetness and a wonderful flavor to anything they’re in. Plus, overnight oatmeal is amazing. You have breakfast waiting for you when you wake up!

Ingredients:
1/2 cup organic steel cut oats
2 1/2 cups spring water
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1 Tbsp raw honey
2 Tbsp dark brown organic sugar
2 Tbsp pecans, toasted, roughly chopped
1 banana, ripe, sliced

Directions:
1.  Bring 2 1/2 cups water to a boil.  Remove from heat.  Add 1/2 cup steel cut oats and cover.  Let sit overnight.

2.  In the morning, uncover pot.  The mixture should be creamy and slightly thickened.  Add salt, honey, and brown sugar.  Stir and bring to a boil.  Let boil for about 30 seconds then reduce heat and let simmer uncovered for 5-8 minutes stirring occasionally.

3.  While oatmeal is heating, heat up a sauté pan.  Sprinkle a little sugar.  Wait for the sugar to get warm then place banana slices on top.  Let sugar caramelize.  Sprinkle sugar on top banana slices then flip.  Allow other side to caramelize.  Transfer caramelized bananas to small bowl.

4.  Once oatmeal is to your desired consistency, ladle into serving bowls.  Adjust sweetness adding more honey to taste.  Sprinkle toasted pecans and caramelized bananas on top.  Enjoy your healthy and satisfying breakfast.

Carrot Cake Oatmeal
Think of it as carrot cake, because that’s basically what it is. And it’s totally acceptable to eat before 11 a.m.

Ingredients:
1 cup organic oats
2 cups spring water
2 shredded organic carrots
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger
2 tsp ground flax
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp organic maple syrup
1/2 tbsp extra for topping
3/4 cup  organic greek yogurt, for topping

Directions:
To start, grind flax and cinnamon together.  Shred carrots, and bring water to a boil.  After the water has started boiling, add carrots, oats, add the ground flax cinnamon mixture and ginger.  Reduce heat to medium, cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Remove the oatmeal from the heat, stir in maple syrup and vanilla.  Cover, and let sit for 3 minutes.  Spoon oatmeal between two bowls.  Mix in extra maple syrup with greek yogurt, and spoon on top of the oatmeal.  If you want a little extra sweetness, pour a little more maple syrup on top after it's in the bowl.


Thanks for reading,
Laurel ♥

Cinnamon Pecan Pancakes

Cinnamon and pecans add a light crunch to these fluffy pancakes. Because they're easy to prepare and have a nice cinnamon flavor, they make a hearty breakfast, perfect for a cold winter morning.

Ingredients:

1 cup organic whole wheat flour
1 tsp coconut palm sugar
1 tsp ceylon cinnamon
2 tsp baking powder
1 cup organic milk
1 T organic olive oil
1 tsp organic vanilla extract
2 T  organic butter
½ cup organic pecan pieces, toasted

Directions:

Mix the flour, sugar, cinnamon, and baking powder in a large bowl. Add the milk, oil, vanilla, and mix until incorporated. The batter will be a little lumpy. Set aside to rest for a few minutes.

Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted, pour it into the bowl with the batter and mix.

Using a ladle or a measuring scoop, pour about ¼ cup of batter onto the pan for each pancake. Sprinkle a handful of pecan pieces over each pancake. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and flip with a spatula. Cook until golden brown and serve warm with 100% maple syrup.




Laurel ♥

Old Fashioned Homemade Chicken Pot Pie

When I was a kid, my mom occasionally served my sister and I frozen Swanson Chicken Pot Pies.  My mom usually cooked from scratch except for days when she worked or on a Saturday night out with my father.  I never really liked the cardboard taste of these chicken pot pies or any other frozen entrees that I had as a child.

Today I make homemade chicken pot pie with all organic ingredients and it's the perfect comfort food for fall or winter.

There is nothing more satisfying or comforting than warm pot pie fresh out of the oven with its buttery crust, creamy chicken, and vegetable filling!  Serve with a small salad or fruit.


Ingredients:

6 tablespoons butter
1 small organic onion, minced
2 cloves of organic garlic, minced
2 organic celery stalks, chopped
2 organic carrots, sliced
3 tablespoons organic dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons organic dried oregano
2 cups chicken stock
2 organic red baby potatoes, cubed
1 cup organic peas
1 1/2 cups chicken, cut into chunks or diced
3/4 cup heavy cream
5 tablespoons organic flour
salt & pepper, to taste
1 organic frozen pie crust, defrosted

Directions:

1. In a 3-quart sauce pan over medium heat, melt two tablespoons butter and then add in the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, parsley and oregano. Cook until the vegetables are soft and the onions are slightly translucent.

2. Once the vegetables are soft, add in the 2 cups of chicken stock and cubed potatoes. Allow to cook over medium heat until the stock is bubbling and the potatoes are tender, but not soft. Remove from heat and add in the peas last.

3. While the stock and potatoes are cooking, in a small sauce pan over medium heat melt the remaining four tablespoons of butter, add in the chicken, and 5 tablespoons of flour. Coat the chicken pieces with the flour and butter and allow to cook for one minute. Then add in the cream, mixing until it starts to thicken, remove from heat.

4. Add the chicken/flour mixture to the stock and vegetables, stirring until well-combined and the stock starts to thicken.

5. Using a large glass baking dish, ladle in the chicken pot pie filling. Place the pie crust over the pie filling, and cut slits into the top to allow steam to escape.

6. Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes, and then lower the temperature to 350 degrees and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.


 Enjoy!


Intuitively Yours,
Laurel ♥

Healthy Red Wine Beef Stew

This hearty grass-fed beef vegetable stew recipe is wonderful on a cold day. The richness of the beef broth is enhanced with the red wine, garlic, and herbs. The broth is delicious and you can add whatever vegetables you would like. For this recipe I chose carrots, onions, celery, and potatoes, but you can tailor it to fit whatever tastes you prefer. It reheats nicely, and great to have a hearty, home-cooked meal at the end of a busy day with minimal effort!  This is the second meat recipe I've posted and although I don't personally eat red meat like many of my readers, you can substitute chicken for the beef.


Ingredients:

2 pounds grass-fed stew meat
2 quarts beef stock
1 large sweet onion
5 large carrots
5-7 stalks celery
8-15 cloves of garlic
1 pound of potatoes
1 cup red wine
1-2 tbsp. organic tomato paste
6 bay leaves
3 sprigs fresh lemon thyme or 1/2 tbsp. dried thyme
1 sprig fresh rosemary or 1 tsp. dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. paprika
sea salt and black pepper to taste
olive oil


Directions:

1.Cut your stew meat into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Chop your onions, celery, carrots, and potatoes into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
3. Mince your garlic.
4. In a heavy stock pot , heat 3 tbsp. olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Add your garlic and meat and cook until the meat is browned, careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Add your veggies and stir until the veggies are mixed in well with the meat.
7. Add the red wine and cook for 5-8 minutes to allow the alcohol to cook off.
8. Add the tomato paste and spices. Stir to combine.
9. Add your beef stock.
10. Cover and bring to a simmer, and then lower the heat. Let simmer for 1 hour and then taste for salt and seasoning. Adjust the seasoning to suit your tastes. If you want a thicker stew, you can add a little corn starch or arrow root in at this time.
11. The stew can be eaten at this point (provided the veggies are done) but it tastes best if it can simmer on super low heat for 3-4 hours before serving.

This recipe freezes nicely and makes great lunches and dinners when you’re in a hurry!



Intuitively Yours,
Laurel  ♥

Health Benefits of Olives - A Natural Aphrodisiac!

Olives are one of the oldest and healthiest foods known to man.  They were grown widely, traded and eaten in the ancient Mediterranean, and stone mortars and presses used for olive oil extraction date as far back as 5000 BC!  The wood from the trees were used for fuel and construction, and the olive fruit and oil remain one of the oldest medicines known to man (it is, indeed, a fruit). All olives actually start off green. They are picked in different stages and gradually turn from green to black as they ripen. Olives are one of the only fruits that can not be eaten right off the tree. Unripe olives are packed with bitterness; they are cured in water or salt to make them edible. Olives are also a natural aphrodisiac - who knew?!


Health Benefits:

Oleic Acid 
Oleic Acid comprises 75% of the fat in olives.  It is a monounsaturated fat that helps to lower blood cholesterol levels, promote the development of bones and marrow, maintain balance in the metabolism and prevent oxidization.  This is a great fat to introduce into your diet and is liquid at room temperature.

Copper
1 cup of black olives provides 38% of your daily value of copper.  Copper is central to building strong tissue, maintaining blood volume, and producing energy in your cells.  It is required to manufacture collagen, a major structural protein in the body, and functions as a cofactor in the formation of the anti-oxidizing enzyme "superoxide dismutase."

Iron
That same cup of black olives will provide you with 1/4 of your daily iron requirement (Olives are the most iron-rich fruit in the world).  Iron is contained in hemoglobin, which exists within the red blood cells in your body.  It is extremely important in the transportation of oxygen throughout the body.  It is also magnetic.  If you've ever wondered how the magnetic field produced by your body directly relates to your biological health, think about that iron moving around.

Weight Loss
When replacing saturated fats, olive oil has shown to reduce insulin insensitivity and help break down fat inside of fat cells.  The aroma extracts in olive oil have also been known to leave people feeling more full.

Improve Memory 
Olives contain polyphenols, a natural chemicals that reduce oxidative stress in the brain. EATING a daily serving of olives improves memory by 25% according to research from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

Cancer Prevention
In addition to the abundance of anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory acids, olives contain squalene and terpenoid, two compounds that work to neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals on the body’s cells.

Heart Health
Olive oil contains biophenols, which reduce blood pressure and suppress the synthesis of LDLs (Low-density lipoproteins).  LDLs are known as "bad cholesterol" and the biophenols help prevent them from hardening the arterial walls (which could, otherwise, lead to atherosclerosis).

Pain Reduction
A compound within olives, called oleocanthal, has notable anti-inflammatory properties resembling those of ibuprofen.  Though structurally dissimilar to ibuprofen, they both inhibit an enzyme called cyclooxygenase and help prevent inflammation.

Prevention Of Stomach Ulcers
Helicobacter pylori is a stomach ulcer inducing bacteria found in gastric acid and has developed some resistance to antibiotics throughout the world.  In-vitro studies have shown that some phenols from olive oil can destroy 8 strains of H. pylori and may be a legitimate chemopreventive agent for peptic ulcers or gastric cancer.

Healing Properties
Because it plays an important role in maintaining healthy immune system, especially during oxidative stress and chronic viral diseases,

Reduce Wrinkles
Eating olives improves the appearance of wrinkles by 20% since they contain oleic acid, which keeps skin soft and healthy. In addition, olives contain vitamin E, an excellent antioxidant for skin health.

Vitamin E, Vitamin A, And Fiber
The nutrient rich olive is full of hugely beneficial vitamins that help improve vision, digestion, skin and hair health and the list goes on.

They Taste Great!
Olives taste awesome.  Yes, this is an opinion.  Cured olives go great on anything from pizza, to martinis, to salads and sandwiches, to breads.  Their mild, yet pungent deliciousness permeates cultures and restaurants around the world.

Last but definitely NOT Least:  

Both the green and black olives are natural aphrodisiacs. Use them to spice up your palate and your plate for a taste of succulent seduction with your mate.

When it comes to being an aphrodisiac, the green olive is believed to make men more virile.  While black olives are known for increasing a woman’s sex drive.

Being healthy is crucial to having a good sex life!

Mix up this green and black olive tapenade to serve up next time you and your boo have a romantic dinner at home. Having both olives in the dish should get your both in the mood for a round or two of making delicious love making.

Green and Black Olive Tapenade

1 1/2 cups pitted green olives
1 1/2 cups pitted black olives
2 teaspoons fresh orange zest
2 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
2 cloves garlic, crushed with a garlic press or finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Mixing it up:

In a food processor, finely chop all olives; transfer to a medium bowl. Stir in orange and lemon zest.
Using flat side of a large knife, mash anchovies with garlic to form a paste. Add parsley, oil, and pepper to olives; stir until blended. Spread on spread on bread slices or crackers and feed to your lover.




Treat yourself to one of the greatest foods in the world often, and share the knowledge of their health benefits, as well as their flavors, with your family, friends, and your lover.  


Intuitively Yours, 
Laurel  XOXO

Blueberry-Mandarin Orange Salad with Chopped Pecans

Blueberry-Mandarin Orange Salad with Pecans

Ingredients:
1 whole Egg White
2 Tablespoons raw honey
 ½ cups Pecans, Chopped
2 cups Blueberries, Divided
⅛ cups Olive Oil
⅛ cups Balsamic Vinegar
1 teaspoon raw honey
2 Tablespoons Orange Juice
6 ounces Spinach
2 Mandarin Oranges, peeled and sectioned
1/4 cup feta cheese crumbles

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a foil lined baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside. Mix egg white and the first amount of raw honey in a medium sized bowl. Add pecans and stir till coated. Spread pecans onto prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, stirring as needed. Remove pecans from oven and break into smaller pieces.

Blueberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Combine 1/2 cup of the blueberries, olive oil, vinegar, the second amount of raw honey, and the orange juice in a blender. Puree until smooth.

In a large bowl, toss spinach, remaining blueberries, and oranges together. Top with pecans and feta cheese crumbles. Serve with the blueberry vinaigrette.


Intuitively Yours,
Laurel  xxxx

Homemade Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries

My recipe for homemade oven-baked sweet potato fries is a healthy alternative to eating those greasy fast-food french fries.  They are crisp and delicious, and so easy to make at home for your family.

Ingredients:
 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper    
 1 tablespoon organic olive oil
 2 large organic sweet potatoes  (about 1 1/2 pounds)

Directions:
Prepare the sweet potatoes: In a small bowl, combine cumin, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Peel potatoes, cut each in half lengthwise, and cut each half into 6 wedges. In a large bowl, combine the cut potatoes, oil, and spice mixture. Toss until potatoes are evenly coated.

Bake the fries: On a baking sheet, arrange potatoes in a single layer and place on the middle shelf of the oven. Bake until edges are crisp and potatoes are cooked through -- about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.


Please leave your comments and suggestions!

Intuitively yours,
Laurel ♥

Organic Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownies

Even if you eat healthy organic foods, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy a sweet chocolate treat once in a while.  For my recipe, I use Green and Black's 72% cacao dark chocolate.

Studies show that dark chocolate is good for your heart and your brain plus it's high in vitamins, minerals and full of antioxidants.

My recipe contains all healthy organic ingredients and they are so rich you won't need any frosting!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup pure butter
2 squares (2 ounces) unsweetened organic dark chocolate
3/4 cups organic raw honey
2 organic eggs
1 tsp organic vanilla extract
3/4 cups organic rice flour or organic all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Easy Prep:

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.  Grease 8 x 8 x 2 inch baking pan with a drizzle of olive oil. Melt butter and chocolate in saucepan and remove from heat.  Pour mixture into a bowl and stir in the honey.  Add eggs and vanilla; beat slightly just until blended.  Stir in flour and nuts. Spread batter in pan.  Bake for 25-30 minutes.  Cool and cut into bars.  Makes 16.


I've always loved chocolate as most of you do as well.  Don't deprive yourself  of this decadent pleasure - make sure you choose to eat dark chocolate for the health benefits it provides.  



Chocoholics Anonymous Anyone?   

Organic Pina Colada Smoothie

Spring has finally arrived!  

Enjoy the day with a refreshing glass of an Organic Pina Colada Smoothie.  It's full of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and natural sugars for energy.  Take it outside and sip it while absorbing the sunshine -

Ingredients:

1 cup organic pineapple chunks
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 organic banana
2 tsp. raw or homegrown honey
1 tsp. organic vanilla extract
1/4 cup crushed ice


In a blender, combine all ingredients and puree until smooth.  Garnish with pineapple wedges.  Makes 2 servings.

Walnut Crusted Baked Chicken with Pineapple Juice

I created this recipe last night because I was looking for a different way to bake chicken with healthy ingredients.  I have to say it was delicious!  I combined it with Organic Basmati White Rice (recipe included here) and an organic small vegetable salad to make a scrumptious dinner. Because I try to eat healthier organic foods, I needed an alternative to coating the chicken with GMO Corn Flake crumbs which is how I used to make chicken.



INGREDIENTS:

2-4 boneless skinless chicken breast, thighs  ( 6-8 legs or wings)
2 cups of finely chopped organic walnuts
1 large organic egg
1/4 stick of butter (melted)
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3  cup fresh organic pineapple juice
salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Add the 2 cups of organic whole walnuts into your blender or food processor.  Add salt and pepper to the mix and pulse until finely chopped.  NOT too much or you will end up with walnut butter.

In a bowl beat eggs and add 1/4 tsp lemon juice.  Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture and roll in the walnut crumbs (or pat it on if they don't stick).

Put the chicken into a lined aluminum foil pan.  Add the pineapple juice to the melted butter and drizzle carefully over the chicken.

Put into the pre-heated oven at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.


 
Organic Basmati White Rice  (from India)


Ingredients:

1 cup of Basmati white rice (rinsed and drained)
2 cups of spring water
1/2 tsp sea salt
1 pat of butter

Basic Easy Recipe:

Bring water and sea salt to a boil and stir in the rice.  Place a tight lid on the pan and turn the heat down to low.  DO NOT open the lid to let steam escape while cooking.  Cook for 15-20 minutes until water is absorbed. Turn burner off and let stand for 3 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving and add a pat of butter if desired.


ENJOY!

Laurel ♥

Homemade Natural Honey Peanut Butter

Conventional processed peanut butter contains low grade vegetable oils, high-fructose corn syrup and many harmful preservatives.  That is why I created my own organic homemade peanut butter to share with all of you peanut butter lovers.  

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups raw peanuts ( for roasted peanuts, no oil is needed) 

1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil or (olive oil)

1 1/2 tsp natural or raw honey 

1/4 tsp sea salt 
OPTION: almonds or cashews 
Note:  Roasted and Spanish peanuts make the peanut butter darker in color*


DIRECTIONS:

1) Process raw or roasted peanuts in a food processor or blender.  Grind until nuts are finely chopped.

2) Scrape the bottom of the bowl to blend all the peanuts.

3) Drizzle in the peanut oil to the peanut crumbs.

4) Add honey, salt and blend (more or less depending on individual taste).

*For a chunkier blend, add 1/2 cup of well chopped nuts at the end. 


All natural peanut butter should be stored in the refrigerator as it does not have any preservatives to prevent spoilage.  It will keep for up to 2 months.  



I'm a health "NUT" and this homemade recipe is a healthier option for you and your family!

All Natural Chicken Breast Fillets with Organic vegetables

Laurel's Homemade Simple Recipe for Chicken Breast Fillets w/Vegetables

My Chicken Breast Fillet Recipe is poached in the oven for a shorter cooking time, making it a complete meal with healthy organic vegetables.

I use all Natural Chicken Breast Fillets (boneless, skinless) with no antibiotics, vegetable & grain fed, no added hormones, gluten free chicken.

Ingredients:  Makes 1-2 servings 

1-2 chicken breast fillets ( washed)

MIX these in a bowl for marinade:

1/4 cup organic extra-virgin olive oil

1/3 cup organic balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup organic red vine vinegar or ( red wine)

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1 tbs.  chopped organic garlic or shallots

Organic Vegetables: Add your favorite combination

Mushrooms  (crimini, white button or shiitake)
Broccoli 
Onions
Asparagus


Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees*

Take a sheet of heavy aluminum foil longer than the 7x11 cooking dish and lift all sides of aluminum foil up to hold in the chicken and vegetables and place in the baking dish.  Place chicken in the foiled pan and add the marinade.  Prick chicken fillets with a fork to absorb the marinade.  Add all cut-up vegetables around the chicken.  Crimp the aluminum foil tightly to form a seal to hold in the chicken, marinade and vegetables.

Bake for 25 minutes*

Makes a delicious healthy dinner for two!  

Organic Oat Bran Cereal

Many people choose to eat processed cereal out of a box.  The truth is that all of those cereals , including some GMO oatmeal cereals are unhealthy for you.  Never eat processed foods!   I read once that 'Eating the cardboard box is healthier than eating processed breakfast cereal'.

This is my homemade recipe for Organic oat bran cereal, even if you dislike oatmeal, oat bran is creamier and has wonderful health benefits.

Ingredients:  (one serving)

1 1/4 cup spring water
1/2 cup organic oat bran
1/2 tsp. ceylon cinnamon ( cassia cinnamon like McCormicks is toxic)
 pinch of sea salt
1 tsp. homegrown honey, or raw honey


Bring water and salt to a boil.  Stir in all ingredients and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low.
Stir in additional ingredients once you reduce the heat:   

1/4 cup organic blueberries
1/4 cup organic goji berries ( a superfood)
 OR
1/2 organic banana (sliced)
1/4 cup chopped organic walnuts or almonds
1/4 cup organic raisins

or:  Your favorite combination!

Cook for approx. 2 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed.  Turn off the heat and cover.  Let stand about 1 minute.

Spoon cereal into a bowl and for an added treat...pour a small amount of organic Coconut Milk (French Vanilla) over the cereal to cool.

Enjoy!

Pomegranate Fruit Smoothie Delight

            My homemade Pomegranate Fruit Smoothie Delight   

3/4 cup Pomegranate arils
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1/2 banana
1/2 Mandarin orange (peeled)

* 1/2 cup coconut milk (French Vanilla)  optional

Add all the ingredients in a blender, juicer, or NutriBullet Extractor*.   Add spring water to make 8 oz.

This smoothie is delicious and healthy!  I add the 1/2 cup coconut milk (French Vanilla) as an added flavor because coconut milk is very nutritious and tasty.  You can substitute this with almond milk if preferred.

Pomegranate Smoothie 

My homemade "Organic" Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing Recipe

My easy homemade salad dressing is healthy, delicious, and more economical than NEWMAN'S OWN  Extra Virgin Olive Oil Balsamic Vinaigrette.  This dressing has canola oil, soybean oil, and vegetable oil in the ingredients, which are known to be unhealthy.  It also contains sulfites and xanthan gum for thickening, (which in small amounts won't harm you), but you don't need thickeners for my dressing.


 Organic Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad Dressing

1/4 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp.  Organic chopped garlic  ( or you can use chopped shallots)
1/3 cup Organic balsamic vinegar
3 tsp honey (either homegrown or raw honey)
3/4 cups Organic extra virgin olive oil

In medium bowl , mix the first 4 ingredients together, and whisk in the olive oil.

Pour dressing mixture into a clean salad dressing bottle by using a funnel.  Shake closed bottle WELL.  I used the type of salad dressing bottle that has a stopper under the cap...which is easily removable so you can use this bottle again.  Use approx. an 8 oz bottle, or larger depending on if you want to double the recipe.

Pour dressing over salad and toss lightly to coat.

No refrigeration is necessary.  Store in your kitchen cupboard.


ENJOY!