PUMPKIN HUMMUS

Now that you have had your fill of pumpkin pie (hopefully!) enjoy this nutritious vegetable loaded with Vitamin A and beta-carotenes as a tasty spread.  This hummus doesn't use chickpeas, so it has a light, fluffy texture.  Enjoy!
1/4 cup sesame seeds 
1 Tablespoon water
1 15 oz can organic pumpkin 
1 garlic clove
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Roast sesame seeds at 350 degrees for 5 minutes
Combine ingredients in Vitamix or food processor until smooth and creamy

BROWN RICE COUSCOUS W FRESH CRANBERRIES & WALNUTS

This nutritious side dish can be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner and lunch the next day with the addition of some protein.  The couscous is gluten free, organic, vegan, non GMO and cooks in 15 minutes!   It is incredibly versatile--I also prepare it with carrots, chia seeds, and fresh chopped mint and couscous could easily be a breakfast "cereal" with some apple almond milk and cinnamon.  Enjoy!


A tip from Dr. Andrew Weil: the combination of black pepper and turmeric has a positive systemic anti-inflammatory effect!










2 cups low sodium vegetable stock
1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
1 cup couscous
1/2  tsp turmeric
1/2  tsp freshly ground black pepper 
1/2  tsp cinnamon
1/2  tsp nutmeg
1/4  cup walnut pieces


1) In a medium saucepan bring stock and cranberries to a boil (cranberries will begin to "pop")
2) add couscous and spices
3) cover, lower heat, and cook for 13 min (less time for a firmer couscous)
4) remove from heat and let stand for 5 min with lid on
6) fluff with a fork, add walnuts and serve
Makes 4-5 servings

MY HEALTHFUL THANKSGIVING RECIPES-LET'S START WITH DESSERT!

  

In honor of the holiday that officially begins the "season of over indulgence", I will be posting some healthful recipes this week.

With gratitude for all of your support and my best wishes for a happy, healthful holiday season-I give you: 

Vegan Chocolate Truffles!

(adapted from Vitamix Whole Food Recipes)

1 cup raw almonds (organic are best)

3/4 cup large dates (pits removed)

1/3-1/2 cup almond milk (unsweetened)

4 tablespoons raw organic cacao powder

2 tablespoons agave nectar

1/4 cup cream of wheat cereal (Red box 2 1/2 min cook time)

1) place almonds, dates and 1/3 cup milk into Vitamix container and secure lid

2) select Variable 1

3) Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High

4) Blend for 1 minute, using the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.  

    Consistency should be thick like dough.  If too thick, adjust by adding more milk. 

5) Place mixture into a large bowl, add cacao, agave, and cream of wheat. 

    Stir ingredients in by hand with a spatula                  

6) form into 1-inch balls and freeze

7) garnish w fresh mint or roll balls into additional cacao or coconut

I'm sure you can try this recipe using a food processor as well.  

These are a satisfying finish to any meal, without the accompanying sugar rush!

THE HEALING POWER OF LEMONS - Part 2

Calm & alert: Research has show that lemon balm has a calming effect and that inhaling lemon oil helps to increase concentration and alertness.
Pain relief: massage the affected area with several drops of lemon oil mixed with 1 tablespoon jojoba oil.
Cold & Flu relief: Defense cells need Vitamin C-drink freshly squeezed juice of 1 lemon in a glass of lukewarm water every 2 hours at the first indication. 
Ease Eczema: a lemon wrap may offer relief. Add 8 drops of lemon essential oil to 1 cup lukewarm water and 1 tablespoon of liquid honey. Soak a linen cloth in the liquid, squeeze out excess, and place cloth on affected area for 15 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day.
Lower cholesterol: pectin power in lemons along with its other metabolism and circulation-boosting nutrients can help lower cholesterol.
Banish insomnia: lemon balm combined with other calming herbs (such as valerian, hops and chamomile) helps reduce anxiety and promote sleep.