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Thai Coconut Curry Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

7/30/2015

Confession, I am not a big fan of bell peppers. Because they look so pretty and are so vibrant in color, I was determined to stuff them with a filling so tasty that I would actually enjoy eating the pepper. I must say, I am quite impressed with the results of my efforts. Plus, I think the coconut curry quinoa is a nice variation from traditional southwestern inspired flavors you commonly see peppers stuffed with.

Thai Coconut Curry Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

For the quinoa:

½ c quinoa
1 cup coconut milk

For the filling:

4 bell peppers, washed and cored
2 Tablespoons coconut oil
1 shallot, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced
About ½ Tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1 cup coconut milk
1 Tablespoon red curry paste
½ Tablespoon saracha (adjust to taste)
1 Tablespoon lime juice
1 cup peas and carrots
½ cup fresh green beans, broken into small pieces and blanched
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

After rinsing quinoa, prepare according to package instructions, using the coconut milk in place of water. Set aside once cooked.
In a large skillet, melt coconut oil over medium heat. Saute shallot for three minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for about 2 minutes more.
Add coconut milk, curry paste and saracha. Mix well until well combined. Allow mixture to come to a boil.
Add peas and carrots and fresh green beans. Turn heat to medium low and cook for about 5 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add in the prepared quinoa and spinach. Mix well and allow spinach to wilt.
Remove mixture from heat and add the lime juice, stirring to evenly distribute.
Fill the peppers with the mixture and bake at 350 degrees covered for 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until peppers are soft.

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Homemade Shave Gel

7/24/2015

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Save money and keep the chemicals off of your skin and out of our water supply, by making your own shave gel! The aloe vera gel used in this recipe acts as a natural moisturizer and helps to hydrate the skin. I used grapeseed oil because it too is very moisturizing, full of vitamins and minerals, and is mildly astringent helping to tone and tighten skin. Grapefruit essential oil is used because it is not only full of antioxidants, but it is also great for supporting the lymphatic system. For the castile soap, I use Dr. Bronner's. This stuff can be used for most anything and is certified organic. Once you have the supplies, making your own shave gel will take little time and effort.

Homemade Shave Gel

1/2 Aloe Vera Gel (I used Lily of the Valley)
1/4 cup castile soap
3 Tablespoons grapeseed oil
about 10 drops grapefruit essential oil
1 pump bottle

Mix aloe, castile soap, and grapeseed oil together in a small bowl. Add the grapefruit essential oil and stir to combine. Pour into pump bottle and you are ready to go!

Tip: Give a quick shake before each use.

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Peanut Dressing

7/23/2015

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My peanut dressing tastes delicious over a crisp chopped salad, as a dip for carrot sticks, with veggie summer rolls dunked in it, or simply off of the spoon. I love this stuff! I've made it vegan and gluten-free so most anyone can enjoy it. If you have a nut allergy, try substituting the peanut butter for either almond butter or sunflower seed butter. The taste will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Peanut Dressing

¼ cup peanut butter
2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 Tablespoons lime juice
3 Tablespoons olive oil
1 Tablespoon tamari
2 Tablespoon maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, peeled
1 Tablespoon of fresh ginger, minced
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro

Place all ingredient aside from the cilantro in a food processor or high speed blender. Blend until well combined. Add cilantro and blend just long enough to have cilantro finely chopped, but not fully broken down. Taste and add additional salt, lime juice or pepper flakes as needed.

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Key Lime Pie Smoothie

7/20/2015

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I am a believer that life is too short to deprive yourself from the things you love. As a true dessert lover, I am always looking for ways to make a healthy spin on the desserts I most enjoy. My key lime pie smoothie is a great example and does not disappoint. You would never know it is secretly good for you.

Key Lime Pie Smoothie

1-2 limes, peeled and remove as many seeds as possible
1/4-1/2 avocado, depending on size of avocado
1 banana
2 Tablespoons of coconut butter (Coconut Manna is my favorite)
2 large handfuls of spinach
1 cup coconut milk
a few ice cubes
Optional: If you feel you need more sweetnes, add 1-3 dates

Add all items listed above to a high speed blender and blend until smooth.

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Watermelon Lime Aguas Frescas

7/17/2015

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It has been a couple of years since I've traveled to Central America and I am really missing it. I love the people, the culture, beautiful landscapes, and the FOOD! With the summer heat and humidity being in full force here in Atlanta, I decided to create one of my favorite Central American treats, aguas frescas. I used a combination of watermelon and lime, because nothing tastes more like summer than watermelon. Plus, watermelon is not only 92% water, but it also contains an abundance of electrolytes that will help keep you hydrated and prevent fluid imbalance. The lime is helpful for keeping your body cool. Another perk of making this beverage at home is controlling the amount of sugar used. My watermelon was so sweet I actually didn't need to add any sweetener at all. Sip on this and keep your cool all summer long!

Watermelon Lime Aguas Frescas

1 small seedless watermelon, cubed
Juice of one lime
3 cups of water
Ice
Optional sweetener such as coconut sugar or liquid stevia

Place watermelon and lime juice in a blender and blend until watermelon is broken down.
Add water and blend until well combined.
Pour mixture through a strainer to remove any remaining chunks of fruit, being sure to have a collection bowl under strainer to catch the liquid.
Return liquid to the blender and add ice. Blend until smooth.
Pour in glasses and enjoy!

*Note: I did not use any sweetener because my watermelon was already so sweet. If you feel you need to add sweetness, start with a little at a time. The beauty of making this at home is you can keep it healthy and allow the natural sugars of the fruit to add the flavor.

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Coconut Curry Veggie Soup

7/9/2015

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I love soup regardless of the season and coconut curry Thai soup is one of my favorite. For this recipe I have loaded it with green veggies for extra nutritional goodness. The soup is light and satisfying, and way healthier than what you would get if you ordered Thai take-out. Plus, it's easy to make and tastes delicious!

Coconut Curry Veggie Soup

1 cup uncooked basmati rice
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
1 bunch collard greens, stems removed & greens chopped
1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets
3/4 cup green peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
3 tablespoon red curry paste
2 cans unsweetened coconut milk
4 cups vegetable broth
Juice of 1 lime
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro + more for garnish
salt to taste and crushed red pepper for spice (optional)

Prepare rice according to package directions and set aside
In a large stock pot, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and red bell pepper and cook until onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger cook for about 1 minute more.
Add vegetable broth and coconut milk. Stir in curry paste one tablespoon at a time, until well combined.
Bring soup to a boil. Add broccoli, peas, and collard greens and reduce heat to a simmer. Allow soup to simmer until veggies are soft but not over-cooked, 8-10 minutes.
When veggies are ready, remove soup for heat. Add in salt and crushed red pepper to taste, rice, lime juice, and cilantro.
Serve immediately.

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Yoga Mat Spray

7/3/2015

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Begin each yoga practice with a nice fresh mat by making your own yoga mat cleaner. Not only does this allow you to know exactly what is in the cleaner, but it also will save you money. I used lavender and rosemary essential oils because I love the scent of these two together, and they each have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. There are many other oils which contain the same germ fighting properties, so feel free to experiment with your favorite scent combination. Mix the oils with witch hazel and distilled water, and give your mat a cleansing aromatherapy treatment!

Yoga Mat Spray

3/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup witch hazel
12 drops of lavender essential oil ( I use Young Living oils)
8 drops of rosemary

Place all ingredients into a spray bottle, shake well and use to clean your mat!

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Thai Coconut Curry Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Homemade Shave Gel

Peanut Dressing

Key Lime Pie Smoothie

Watermelon Lime Aguas Frescas

Coconut Curry Veggie Soup

Yoga Mat Spray

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