Lately, and Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream

IMG_3417Hello my delectable! How’s your summer going? Mine is, well, going! It’s crazy how quickly it’s passing. I feel like I just pulled out my sandals! Just wanted to pop in and share what I’m loving lately, what I’m doing lately, and what I think you’ll love too! There’s too much to even list, but this is a start. Look for more “lately” posts for weird and random current obsessions from now on. And read till the end to find out how to use up all the zucchini that’s kicking around right now!

1. Beautycounter! I love it. I sell it (I think I told you). I wear it. It’s much much safer than conventional beauty and it offers options for just about everything. I love, love, love the new makeup, and the cleansing balm is my favorite thing of all time. Also, the overnight peel. Amaze. Really. Put this on at night, look better in the morning. I think I’m personally a skincare minimalist, and I am a little more detailed with makeup, but whichever way you lean, beautycounter has something you’ll love. Let me introduce you two! Contact me to find your new favorites. Or explore the lineup here. #switchtosafer

2. I’ve been attending the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, to put a more formal spin on my coaching. I started in May with the accelerated 6 month program, and it’s re-inspiring me with health and coaching in a lot of ways. But also reinforcing what I know for sure. Nice to know I know what I know. Wait, what? You get it. In any case I’ll be sharing some thoughts inspired by the learning. And I’m offering free intro coaching sessions as part of my requirement for school. Interested? Contact me to set up a call. As a thank you I will follow up with some free tips to start you on the way towards your goals.

3. I’ve been teaching more. I seem to talk and sing a lot in these classes, and I tell you what it’s kind of a nice change. I love that I get to share my love of the practice with a tiny bit more theory than I do just cranking people into a bind. Though hey that’s great too. Check me out at Euphoria Yoga in Woodstock 11:30 am Thursday the 16th and Thursdays thereafter. And stay tuned for updates! I hope to host a few pop ups, include some recipes and treats, and generally step it up. What are YOU craving in a yoga class or gathering this late summer and early fall?

4. It’s zucchini season! Yup it’s full force right now. Did you know August 8 was National Sneak Some Zucchini on Your Neighbor’s Porch Day? It is. It’s a thing. They even give you instructions. You sneak over there quietly, leave your zucchini and run away.

But there are lots of great ways to use it up, even if you’re sick of it. This latest one is a go-to of mine, but I don’t know if I’ve ever published it. Sometimes I don’t even sauté the noodles, I’m that lazy, and they’re good raw too. But it’s only a 5 minute stove top affair if you want them cooked. The dish is shown here with some raw mushroom falafels I pulled out of an old recipe book, but it doesn’t really need anything fancy. My favorite toppings are ripe summer cherry tomatoes and raw pine nuts with an extra swirl of olive oil and a sprinkle of basil. But you could put any protein you like on top too.

And with that, here’s how you can use up the zucchini I leave on your porch…

Have a delectable week. And don’t forget to contact me for your free health history.

Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream
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A zoodle recipe so decadent you won't miss the wheat or dairy, so easy you won't mind cooking dinner.
Servings Prep Time
4 10 minutes
Cook Time
5minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 10 minutes
Cook Time
5minutes
Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Cream
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A zoodle recipe so decadent you won't miss the wheat or dairy, so easy you won't mind cooking dinner.
Servings Prep Time
4 10 minutes
Cook Time
5minutes
Servings Prep Time
4 10 minutes
Cook Time
5minutes
Ingredients
  • 4 zucchinimedium sized, or 2 larger zucchini
  • 2 Tbsp. Avocado Oilor other neutral, heat resistant oil
  • 2-4 cloves garlicminced
Cream Sauce
Servings:
Units:
Instructions
Cream Sauce
  1. Slice the avocados in half and scoop out the flesh adding it to the bowl of your food processor. I like the small bowl, since it gives the blades more contact with the small amount of avocado for easier blending.
  2. Add remaining ingredients to the food processor and process until smooth and creamy. You may have to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times.
  3. Taste, and add seasoning and more oil to taste, and then blend again until completely smooth.
Noodles
  1. To make the noodles, cut the ends off your zucchini and make noodles according to your spiralizer's instructions.
  2. In a heavy bottomed skillet, heat the oil over medium high heat, add the garlic and stir to cook, about 3 minutes. Don't let it burn! If it seems to be sizzling, turn down the heat to medium.
  3. Add the zucchini noodles to the pan and sauté until just soft. Don't cook too long or they will shrink a lot and release too much water.
To Serve
  1. Divide the noodles among four plates. Place a large dollop of cream sauce on each and toss to coat well. Top with desired "fixins" and enjoy!
  2. Notes: 1. Never, ever, ever add salt to the zucchini noodles until ready to serve. They will release water like crazy and the whole thing will be a soggy mess. 2. You might have extra cream sauce left over. It's great as a dip too! A squeeze of lemon on top, or a floater of olive oil, can help keep it from browning. Refrigerate until ready to use...if it even lasts past dinner. 3. Nutritional yeast is also a great topper. Replaces parmesan well as a topping.
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Euphoric Chocolate Delights (or something like that)

IMG_3600I’ve been meaning to post this recipe for a while. It’s divine, it really is. But I’ve been agonizing over the name, so if you come with a better one, one that’s not wildly suggestive (ahem!) go ahead and lay it on me. Best name gets free tips or digital cookbook.

In the meantime we’ll call them Euphoric Chocolate Delights.

Anyway, I stole the recipe from my brother (yup, that’s a first) but perfected the process in a Laura Life Delectable kind of way, as we know I do.  I simplified a bunch, as I like them pretty plain flavor wise. I don’t like too many other spices, herbs or flavorings in my chocolate. I’m a purist.

Though next week I’m thinking of how to stuff or coat them with peanut butter. I mean, what could be bad?

Back to now. These little chocolate energy balls are so awesome they really are euphoric. It could be because I craft them with a little witchery, or it could just be that chocolate + sea salt + dates = divinity. But any way you slice it you’re going to want to make them. I served them after teaching yoga at Euphoria in Woodstock the other day and I think everyone got a chocolate high! Guess that fits the setting!

If you’ve got a high speed blender that’s my first choice for grinding the nuts and chocolate, but you can also use a food processor. And you’ll want to freeze them solid to really solidify the coating, then put them in the fridge for a little while before serving, or on the counter for 10 minutes, provided it’s not the dog days of summer.

I highly recommend combining them with yoga for your most Euphoric experience.

Euphoric Chocolate Delights (or something like that)
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Servings Prep Time
About 16 15minutes
Passive Time
15 minutes - 1 hourfor chilling
Servings Prep Time
About 16 15minutes
Passive Time
15 minutes - 1 hourfor chilling
Euphoric Chocolate Delights (or something like that)
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Servings Prep Time
About 16 15minutes
Passive Time
15 minutes - 1 hourfor chilling
Servings Prep Time
About 16 15minutes
Passive Time
15 minutes - 1 hourfor chilling
Ingredients
For the balls:
For the coating:
Servings:
Units:
Instructions
  1. To make the balls, grind the cashews, chocolate, chia seeds and salt in a high speed blender or food processor just till powdery and crumbly, not so much that it becomes a paste. Transfer to a bowl.
  2. Blend the dates, coconut oil, vanilla extract and honey in a high speed blender or food processor (I like to use the smaller bowl) until it makes a smooth paste. It's easier if the coconut is melted, but I'm usually too lazy. Add the paste to the mixing bowl with the chocolate and cashews.
  3. Add goji berries to the bowl and mix well.
  4. Scoop up heaping tablespoons of dough and roll between hands to form balls. Place on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet and freeze to set.
For the coating:
  1. Melt chocolate, cacao butter and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat stirring constantly, or in a double boiler if you have one.
  2. Stir the mixture well until it makes a smooth sauce. Let cool about 5 minutes.
  3. Dip the frozen chocolate balls into the sauce and place on parchment paper at least one inch apart. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired (so yummy!)
  4. Return the cookie sheet to the freezer and freeze to set. To serve, you can either eat them frozen, refrigerated, or allow to come to room temp for 5-10 minutes before serving (just not in the dog days of summer...they'll melt)
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Perfect Quinoa Porridge

IMG_1880“Brrrrr…I need a sweater!” That’s my favorite thing to say in the summer. Yes, summer. Because while I love the long days and bright sun and outdoor time, I am not the biggest fan of high temps and humidity. Those clear, cool, sunny days that happen unexpectedly before fall? Precious!

Around the middle of August we had a few of these days and I thought, “hey, is this my birthday present?” But on the flip side, I suddenly didn’t’ know what to eat. A smoothie just seemed stupid, I mean, I don’t want to need hot tea and a heating pad after breakfast every day, do I? And sometimes I just don’t want eggs. Plus, oatmeal doesn’t stick with me. I get overly full and then suddenly empty. READ MORE >

My Favorite Matcha Frosty

I love my hot matcha lattes, so so much. Even in this steamy August weather. There is no day too hot for my latte. But there are those times when I want a little boost after practice, and a cool creamy treat seems like just the thing. This simple soft serve (aka smoothie you eat with a spoon) hits the spot without sending me on a coffee bender and subsequent crash. And it makes the dog days of summer just a little more bearable. All hail matcha and frozen bananas!

Notes:

I used a protein powder I happened to have around, but I don’t have a favorite. Protein powders are so personal. Just choose one you like, sub for straight hemp powder (which is gritty, but very simple with no artificial flavors or stevia) or even sub for a couple of tablespoons of nut butter.

If you prefer a creamy treat that’s not quite as frosty (Ayurveda types I’m looking at you) take out the ice and add avocado to taste. In fact, you can add avocado even if you do use ice, for a thicker texture.

If you prefer a sweeter treat, one juicy medjool date will do the trick, or a teaspoon or two of honey or maple syrup.

Happy blending!

matcha frosty 2

Favorite Matcha Frosty
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A sweet, creamy, frozen treat for a buzz without the crash.
Servings Prep Time
1 3minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 3minutes
Favorite Matcha Frosty
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A sweet, creamy, frozen treat for a buzz without the crash.
Servings Prep Time
1 3minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 3minutes
Ingredients
Servings:
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Instructions
  1. Blend well, top with crunchy things as desired and serve!
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World’s Easiest Matcha Latte

matcha shotIf you’ve been anywhere near instagram lately, or have read the menus at your local coffee and tea shops, you may have noticed a craze for a bright green tea called Matcha. It is everywhere suddenly! Even my favorite little local coffee shop is offering a matcha latte. And, it’s a pretty healthy craze. Matcha is loaded with antioxidants, even more than ‘regular’ brewed green tea, due to the fact that you drink the whole ground leaf rather than just brewing the leaves and tossing them.

And it has a whole host of other benefits. This is pretty good roundup of matcha’s powers. And this is a great description of how it gives you calm focus. Love that!

I love matcha as a supplement to my daily routine, but every now and then I’ll go a little further and trade in my beloved coffee for a matcha only month. When I recently did that and started posting pictures of my yummy drinks, I got a lot of comments from people who want to love it, but just don’t.

Well, in all honesty, you don’t have to drink it! Coffee has antioxidants too…and hey, I drink coffee most of the time. If you can handle the super charged feeling of drinking coffee, and it’s your love, go for it. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables have antioxidants too. Red wine… No one superfood can ‘fix’ your health. But, if you really want to drink matcha and are unsure what to do with it, I have a few tips and a recipe that may make you a believer.

Tip #1:

If you’re new to matcha and it’s too grassy/bitter/pungent for you, try ceremonial grade. People will try to sell you on the culinary variety if you’re making a latte out of it, but I find culinary matchas rather bitter, and often muddy tasting (and kind of a muddy green color too, as opposed to bright green like fresh spring peas). I like the smoothness and sweet quality of the higher grade. There are many ceremonial matchas that are affordable. Just do some experimenting until you find what you like. Here’s a link to the best matcha guide of all time, you’re sure to find something here.

Tip #2:

Make a latte. Yes, it is more traditional to drink it straight up, but tradition isn’t everything. It will be just as good for you in a creamy treat-like latte that you actually want to drink. Though there is some evidence to suggest that pairing matcha with dairy products negates the antioxidant effect, so go for nut milks or coconut milk.

Tip #3:

Make it into dessert. Got a favorite vegan vanilla ice cream/smoothie/chia pudding/raw tart recipe? Add a little matcha and turn up the flavor and health benefits.

And finally, here is my favorite matcha latte recipe. To enjoy it hot, use hot water. To enjoy it cold, use cold water and pour it over ice. Like it creamier? Add more coconut oil or cashews. Like it stronger? Add more matcha. Like it sweeter? Add more honey. Or less if you go for that slightly bitter quality.You can’t ruin it. And it’s much faster than brewing coffee.

World's Easiest Matcha Latte
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Servings Prep Time
1 2minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 2minutes
World's Easiest Matcha Latte
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Servings Prep Time
1 2minutes
Servings Prep Time
1 2minutes
Ingredients
Servings:
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Instructions
  1. Blend well, preferably in a high speed blender, until frothy and creamy.
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PB&J Chia Parfaits

chia parfaits 6Hi folks and happy moon day, otherwise known as a day ashtangis may sleep till (gasp!) 6 or 7!

On mornings like this, moon days and Saturdays, I sometimes find myself weirdly relaxed, or alternately at loose ends (like, what in the world am I still doing in my pajamas at 7 am?!) or crazy hungry. It’s like my belly knows we don’t have to power up for a practice first and demands feeding, pronto like.

On one of these mornings I found myself dreaming of peanut butter. Not almond butter or sunflower butter or calcium rich tahini, but peanut butter. And I wondered why you never see a peanut butter chia pudding. I mean, really, have you seen one? It’s always goji or strawberry or chocolate spirulina or some crazy thing. My go-to has always been simple vanilla with cardamom and/or cinnamon. But this week I wanted something slightly more decadent. And while I was at it, I thought, if PB, then why not PB and J?

Yes, I went there. And I’m so glad I did. I think It’s going to inspire a long list of chia parfaits. Actually, vanilla layered with the berry might be even better (how about vanilla layered with blueberry? Or cherry? OMG). I think Chocolate layered with the peanut butter would be awesome. And how about coffee? Like your morning brew and breakfast all in one go. Oh man, I’m getting hungry right now.

To be clear, I didn’t use real jam. I wanted these to be somewhat healthy. I merely made strawberry flavored milk to create my chia pudding, which, in combination with the peanut butter, give the PB & J effect. But you could use some jam as a topping or layer if you like.

And, just as a reminder, chia seeds are amazing health promoters. Their mucilaginous properties make them great for gut healing, while the high fiber content keeps you full. With protein, calcium and omega 3s, they’re teeny tiny little health powerhouses. And adding nuts and seeds, plus fruits and other super foods makes this a pudding fit for a super hero.

chia parfaits 7I made a big batch of these parfaits one Saturday morning and enjoyed them for a few days, with friends. So they’ll last. Make some on a day off then take them to go for those faster paced days. I know you might buy those chia pods or the like when you’re on the go. But chia pudding is simple to make. I know you can do it. And, those tiny little pods are not nearly enough to satisfy my breakfast hunger. Admit it, you eat two as well…

Anyway, I loved these for their beauty and their decadent flavor. One day I even ate mine drizzled with extra homemade nut milk. This is what my grandfather always did with his tapioca pudding and it’s perfectly indulgent.

You can, of course, eat just one flavor at a time. But I ask you, why????

chia parfaits 5

PB&J Chia Parfaits
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Sometimes you want the comfort of PB&J. This is the childhood flavor, all grown up.
Servings Prep Time
4 15Minutes
Passive Time
1Hour (or overnight)
Servings Prep Time
4 15Minutes
Passive Time
1Hour (or overnight)
PB&J Chia Parfaits
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Sometimes you want the comfort of PB&J. This is the childhood flavor, all grown up.
Servings Prep Time
4 15Minutes
Passive Time
1Hour (or overnight)
Servings Prep Time
4 15Minutes
Passive Time
1Hour (or overnight)
Ingredients
Peanut Butter Pudding
Strawberry Pudding
Servings:
Units:
Instructions
Make the Puddings
  1. Add nut milk, peanut butter, vanilla and dates to your blender jar and blend well.
  2. Pour the peanut butter 'milk' into a large jar, add chia seeds, cover and shake well (about 30 seconds).
  3. Let sit for a few minutes, then shake again.
  4. Store in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight to allow the chia seeds to expand and the pudding to thicken.
  5. Add nut milk, strawberries, dates and vanilla to blender jar and blend well.
  6. Pour the strawberry 'milk' into a large jar, add chia seeds, cover and shake well (about 30 seconds).
  7. Let sit for a few minutes, then shake again.
  8. Store in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight to allow the chia seeds to expand and the pudding to thicken.
To Assemble the Parfaits
  1. Spoon a layer of peanut butter pudding into each of four jars, glasses or goblets.
  2. Layer banana and strawberry slices on top of peanut butter pudding.
  3. Spoon a layer of strawberry pudding over strawberry and banana slices.
  4. Repeat until remaining pudding and fruit is used up. Top as desired with granola, buckwheat crispies (soaked, dehydrated buckwheat), nuts and seeds, cacao nibs or whatever strikes your fancy. Some extra peanut butter thinned with a little liquid coconut oil makes a fantastic drizzle.
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Cacao Chia Cherry Bread

date cacao bread 2I come to you with just a recipe today. No deep thoughts. Well, maybe only deep, dark chocolate ones.

Let me back up. When your teacher asks you to do something, you do it, right? Fortunately, I like what was asked of me recently. I was asked to make breakfast treats for the hungry yogis at AYNY, a pretty fun and rewarding task. I mostly try to make the treats healthy. Indulgently healthy perhaps, but still healthy. Drool-worthy, but still healthy. Rich and satisfying, but…you get the idea.

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