Now that we are having another heatwave...I know, nothing new for Los Angeles; I was craving something more than lemonade.
Here are some fantastic ideas to drink your fruit and cool down.
All the recipes serve 2
It is a good idea to have all ingredients ice cold
Zappy Melonberry
2 cups chopped ripe melon
1 cup berries (any berry..if using strawberries, hull and chop)
2 cups crushed ice
1 cup fruit juice or milk (nut milk is fine)
Blend and serve garnished with fruit
Maui Mule (has a kick to it!)
1 inch of peeled ginger
2 cups pineapple (may be canned unsweetened)
1tsp honey (optional)
1 cup fruit juice or milk
1 cup crushed ice
Grate the ginger and add the pulp and juice to a blender.
Add the fruit and juice and blend well
Blend in the crushed ice and honey, and serve.
* For a creamier drink add 1/2 cup raw cashews..blend these first with the juice then proceed for recipe.
* another version is to add 1 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves finely minced and then blend in..
Almond-Apricot Wizard
Great easy breakfast/meal replacement using dried apricots (high in potassium)
1 cup chopped dried apricots
1 cup almond milk
1/2 cup chopped almonds
Soak overnight
2 cups chilled almond milk
2 tsp honey (optional)
2 tsp raw wheatgerm
1 cup crushed ice
Place the soaked apricots and any milk left into a blender
then add the remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
Pineapple, Lemon and Thyme Cooler..perfect for a summer afternoon
1 cup crushed ice
3 cups pineapple juice or canned unsweetened pineapple chunks in juice
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (1/2 tsp dried ground thyme)
juice of one lemon
Blend very well then garnish with sliced lemon
Avocado-Banana Split
2 bananas sliced
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
1 tsp honey
2 cups ice cold milk
1 cup crushed ice
few drops vanilla/almond extract (optional)
Blend the fruit with half the milk, then add the rest, extract and the crushed ice.
Serve in cold glasses
Stay hydrated and enjoy the summer heatwaves.
THESE ARE FANTASTIC AND EASY RECIPES...BUYING ORGANIC INGREDIENTS AND MAKING THESE AT HOME CAN SAVE YOU SERIOUS MONEY.
Basic Nut Milk...makes 2 cups, keep refrigerated and use within 4 days of making
1/2 cup RAW almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, or peanuts
2 cups chilled filtered water or fruit juice
Place in a blender and blend very well, with 1/2 the liquid then add the rest
Pour into a muslin-lined colander/sieve and allow to drain.
Pull up the ends of the cloth to squeeze out all the milk..the drained pulp can be used in any baking recipe or even nutloaves/burgers.
This may separate on standing..just shake well before use.
Sesame and sunflower milk
1/3 cup hulled sesame seeds
1/3 cup hulled sunflower seeds
2 cups chilled water or juice
1 tsp honey or 1/2 tsp agave syrup
few drops vanilla extract
Proceed as for previous recipe adding honey and vanilla
Banana Cashew Milk
This is great for breakfast as a smoothie..makes 2
1/3 cup blanched cashews
1 cup chilled water
2 tsp honey or 1 tsp agave syrup
1 large banana sliced
1 cup crushed ice
1 cup apple juice
Blend the cashews with the water, until a smooth paste.
Add everything except the ice and blend well
Add the ice and blend for 30 seconds...serve at once
Basic roasted nut butter makes about 1 cup/8ozs
2 cups any dry roasted nuts ( almonds, peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, macadamia)
2-3 tbsp safflower or sunflower oil*
Grind the nuts to a fine meal in a strong blender/food processor.
While the machine is running add the oil gradually until a smooth paste forms
* add just enough oil to form a smooth paste
CREAMS used as whipped cream for desserts and soups
BASIC CREAM RECIPE
1 cup skinless almonds, cashews, hazelnuts or peanuts
1/2 cup water or fruit juice*
Grind the nuts to a meal using a blender or food processor then add the liquid , blend until smooth and creamy.
* in place of water or juice use nut milk
Sweet cashew cream
1 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup pure apple juice
1-2 tsp honey or half the amount of agave syrup
Proceed as for recipe above
Happy & healthier eating this summer from GOOD LIFE
I have to admit that these noodles have had me scratching my head as how to make them and not over cook them or have a sticky mess in a pan...here is the simplest way..pre-soak them then they behave in any recipe and are fantastic for anyone going gluten free as they are made with bean starch paste.
4 cups boiling water
8ozs cellophane noodles
in a large bowl, add the dried noodles and top with the boiling water,and allow to soak for 10-15 mins (depends on freshness of the noodles and humidity in the air.).
The make any recipe..Stir fries, curries, stews, soups or simple broth and noodles. and add the pre-soaked noodles for the last 3-5 mins of cooking the dish ( the dish must have cooking liquor/sauce for the noodles to cook)
I love these in a salad with crisp lettuce and roasted nuts
If cooking separately, the boil in water for 3-5 mins then drain and add to any dish, for salads rinse in cold water or stock then add to the prepared veggies and nuts and dress with a light salad dressing, even just seasoned rice vinegar & roasted sesame oil is tremendous.
These are some very simple ideas and recipes that can save you lots of money, or make FRESH ingredients ready in a snap.
For any of these recipes, after draining add any fresh chopped herbs and seeds.
DO NOT ADD ANY PRE-GROUIND SPICES
own made fat free cottage cheese
2 quarts skimmed milk
2tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp sea salt (optional)
Bring milk to boil and then add the lemon juice.
When curds begin to form, remove from heat.
Set aside for 10-15 mins.
Pour into a muslin lined strainer.
This will keep for 4-5 days in fridge.
Use the runoff whey as you would buttermilk ( pancakes, scones etc)
PANIR..THIS IS STRAINED AND COMPRESSED COTTAGE CHEESE
3 QUARTS WHOLE MILK
4 TBSP FRESH LEMON JUICE
Bring the milk to a boil and add the lemon juice, stir well then cover.
Wait 3 mins to check if curds are forming.
Remove from heat and allow to stand,covered for 10-15 mins.
Spoon the curds into a muslin lined strainer or colander.
Fold over the cloth and put a small plate over the top and top with with a 1 pound can of cooked beans.
Set aside and allow to drain and compress for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Turn the cheese out onto a plate and store in the cloth..keep in the fridge until using.
Yogurt cheese..this is slightly more drained Greek Style yogurt and also known as Lebne
2 quarts plain live yogurt
Pour into a muslin lined strainer and allow to drain overnight ( 8 hours)
Remove and store in air tight container in fridge.
this is a great lactose-free substitute for cream cheese in any recipe.
