tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64275448985695491762024-03-05T02:12:07.839-08:00Conscious Choices Cafe. Think 1st. Eat 2nd.By making Conscious Choices in our daily lives of what we eat, drink and do, we have the opportunity to feed our body and soul in more ways than we shall ever know. Or, more simply put, by avoiding that which makes you weak will keep you strong, ... nothing else is really required. Here you will find many healthy recipes for you to peruse and ideas to keep you fit. I am grateful for the opportunity to share this information with you, in health and love....ReneeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-73231534079208632472009-11-27T14:47:00.000-08:002009-11-27T14:48:27.374-08:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C0_a2WfUgM3Rc9CyHfRgzxixBmnp6JbbB4oj7-Iqbm5-mhoGOQ84Znf6RPm2zBCm5YrpmO_cxcBPq5TXrSf_BOICv_gdyHDr4g7al-4lP8ZiNAb-nF6DU9IUeIxZzziXklp25HJ3u0Q/s1600/Happy+Thanksgiving.gif"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 253px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408918995463745794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4C0_a2WfUgM3Rc9CyHfRgzxixBmnp6JbbB4oj7-Iqbm5-mhoGOQ84Znf6RPm2zBCm5YrpmO_cxcBPq5TXrSf_BOICv_gdyHDr4g7al-4lP8ZiNAb-nF6DU9IUeIxZzziXklp25HJ3u0Q/s320/Happy+Thanksgiving.gif" /></a><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-31217068459705409152009-11-26T08:08:00.000-08:002009-11-26T08:18:43.050-08:00What Truly Matters MostToday, millions of people are celebrating one of my favorite holidays, Thanksgiving. (Easter is number one.) My husband, Dean, usually cooks up the best meal for Thanksgiving. We order a turkey from <a href="http://www.dartagnan.com/51349/Turkey--Goose.html">D'artagnan </a>and I take the "day off" to reflect on much I am grateful for.<br /><br />Thanksgiving is a perfect time to reflect on past, present and anticipated future appreciations of what truly matters most in life, especially with family and friends.<br /><br />If you find yourself worried about the economy and how it may be affecting your health, think of it as a motivating factor to become more independent financially and take better care of yourself. You'll be glad you did.<br /><br />Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!<br /><br />Cheers!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-32764025442384130692009-11-07T12:29:00.000-08:002009-11-07T12:37:54.093-08:00How much can you take?A new way of eating is not a "diet" it is a new way of life. You can go on the way you have been and feel the way you have been, or embrace a new concept in daily habits and feel a whole lot better! This is an excerpt from <a href="http://www.world-mysteries.com/sci_15.htm">World Mysteries.com</a> and thought it was highly valuable in sharing.<br /><br />Dr. Richard Schulze on Healing and Responsibility:<br /><br />HOW MUCH CAN YOU TAKE?<br /><br />Many people spend 30 or 40 years killing themselves with cigarettes, beer, wine or whiskey, coffee, black tea or soft drinks, high fat, sugar and low-fiber diets, junk food, no exercise, negative television and a bad attitude. These same people then worry if a herb may hurt them, if they are getting enough protein on a vegetarian diet or if they can physically take a health routine.<br /><br />Get real!<br /><br />You're lucky to be alive after what you have done. I have always found that a person's breaking point is about a million times past where they think it is. Most people who are taken hostage, starved and given forced labor end up healthier. Maybe you should consider getting kidnapped by a hostile government.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.world-mysteries.com/sci_15.htm"></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-74544075797091407982009-11-06T20:34:00.000-08:002009-11-06T20:40:13.946-08:00Apple Butternut Squash SoupThis soup recipe was found on the <a href="http://vitamix.ahoy.com/recipe/recipe.cgi/0/122/">Vita-Mix </a>website. A great tasting fall soup recipe to share. If you don't already own a Vita-Mix, I highly recommend it. Call 800-848-2649. You will get free standard shipping by using code: 06-004632<br /><br />Yield: 5 cups (1.2 l)<br />Speed: Variable to High Time: 5-6 minutes<br /><br />Ingredients<br />3 cups (420 g) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed<br />1 tablespoon olive oil<br />1/4 small onion<br />1/2 garlic clove, peeled<br />10.5 ounces (315 ml) low sodium vegetable, chicken, or beef broth<br />1/4 cup (30 g) whole wheat flour<br />1/4 teaspoon thyme<br />1/8 teaspoon salt<br />1 large apple, quartered<br /><br />1. Steam squash in a steamer or microwave. Saute onion and garlic in oil until onion is clear and tender. Set aside. 2. Place chicken broth, flour, thyme, salt and into the Vitamix container and secure the lid. 3. Select Variable 1. 4. Turn machine on and quickly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. 5. Blend for 5-6 minutes or until mixture starts to thicken. 6. Reduce speed to Variable 5 and remove the lid plug. 7. Carefully add squash, onion mixture and apple to the Vitamix container and replace the lid plug. 8. Increase speed to Variable 10, then to High. 9. Blend for an additional 30 seconds. Serve immediately.<br /><br />Note: Serve with sour cream or yogurt.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-56402397706377522852009-10-29T14:31:00.000-07:002009-10-29T14:58:07.492-07:00Amrit Kalash, MAK-4 & MAK-5I’ve been doing a lot of research recently on anti-oxidant’s and everyone seems to have their own idea of what’s best and why.<br /><br />It’s certainly easy to get information overload when compiling research these days, since there is so much available information out there. Nevertheless, that is what I do and pass on the information to you to save time, trouble and money discovering just what is the “deal” on certain things.<br /><br />Regarding anti-oxidants, it seems like it’s the new “buzz” word. Every MLM I’ve come across, especially most recently , has shiny glossy photos in their catalogues of healthy food telling you they’ve got it all in that one little bottle you drink daily!...and that their high ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) value, etc. is higher than the other one.<br /><br />I think they’re all good, some are better than others. But what I’ve found to be the best is something called Amrit Kalash. Even Deepak Chopra talks about Amrit Kalash and endorses it, but that’s not why I say try it. I have seen the <a href="http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/7/19">research</a> on this product and it is truly amazing and well worth having in your cupboard and taken faithfully daily.<br /><br />Amrit’s gifts are many: Enhance longevity, boost memory, sharpen intellect, lend a glow and aura to the skin, improve the quality of the voice, make speech more effective, increase the stamina of the senses, keep the body and mind youthful.<br /><br />I’ve read about its anti-platelet aggregating capabilities (good for anyone over 40) and there’s a whole section dedicated to it in the <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=ui7_QwhAGP8C&pg=RA1-PA16-IA2&lpg=RA1-PA16-IA2&dq=amrit+kalash+warrior+goddess&source=bl&ots=nFNry82W0D&sig=3R9sDKselQAHx8LFVs1tNYHkjHs&hl=en&ei=_ArqSsW-HI3gsQO40uHjCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CA4Q6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=amrit%20kalash%20warrior%20goddess&f=false">Waking the Warrior Goddess</a> book about fending off breast cancer.<br /><br />I’ve never been an “auto-ship” type of gal, but this product is worth an “auto-ship” and the manufacturers have made it affordable as well. (less than $3.00/day)<br /><br />Boost your immunity, look younger and healthier with this two-part synergistac Ayurvedic 5000 year old formula by calling (800) 255-8332 and ask for the Club Combo 2: Ambroisa Tablets and Nectar (paste or tablets) . Be sure to let them know your discount code: HP-195<br /><br />I’m sure there are other anti-oxidents that may be “similar”, but none that have produced the proven health benefits that Amrit Kalash have.<br /><br />Enjoy!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-41335271039739222752009-10-27T08:49:00.000-07:002009-10-27T08:51:00.388-07:00Very Important Message"The New 'Twilight Zone' --Obama Declares Swine Flu Emergency"<br /><br />Please go to: <a href="http://www.swineflu.mercola.com/">www.swineflu.mercola.com</a><br /><br />to learn more.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-45059139645656324492009-10-18T10:44:00.000-07:002009-10-18T10:48:29.358-07:00Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels with Cinnamon WaterOne way to help reduce choloesterol and stabilize blood-sugar levels is to crunch a whole cinnamon stick with a rolling pin. Then add the broken chips to 1 quart of water and simmer for 10 minutes. Strain and serve warm or at room temperature.<br /><br />Drink throughout the day. Especially tasty and useful for those that don't like the taste of "straight" water.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-73377295739077805962009-10-18T10:21:00.000-07:002009-10-18T10:37:31.241-07:00Thrifty way to detox...with JEERA WaterThere are many detox's on the market. I've tried most of them, like many other people. Humaworm.com is one of my favorite.<br /><br />I recently came across a detox /digestion aid (resource: <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/">Yoga Journal, Nov. 2009 issue</a>) you can make easily in the kitchen yourself that helps flush the toxins from the body and is very economical.<br /><br />JEERA Water<br /><br />Set a stainless steel pot on a burner and turn on the heat. Scatter 1/2 teaspooon whole CUMIN seeds into the dry pot. They will release their woody, fiery smell. When their color darkens slightly (about 10 seconds) . Add 1 quart of water adn bring to a boil; boil 3 minuts. Strain and serve warm or at room temperature.<br /><br />JEERA in Hindi, stimulates the digestion and cumin naturally flushes toxins from the body.<br /><br />You can drink herbal infusions just as you would regular water: Carry a bottle with you and sip all day.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-78910717183461142272009-10-17T14:47:00.000-07:002009-10-17T16:52:09.857-07:00About Diabetic NeuropathyThe main reason that many diabetics are susceptible to sensory neuropathy is that their peripheral nerves are swollen. Sugar such as glucose enters into the nerve to give it energy. Glucose is then converted to another sugar called "sorbitol". Sorbitol's chemical nature makes it attract water, causing water to be drawn into the nerve, causing diabetic nerves to swell and become pinched or compressed against the adjacent tendons. This compression of the nerve will cause tingling and numbness, similar to the feeling you get after crossing your legs for long periods and then attempting to straighten them out.<br /><br />This Neuropathy Prevention and/or Curing Protocol is for people who are ready to take the full responsibility for their own health.<br /><br />"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."Chinese Proverb.<br /><br />The protocol incorporates lifestyle change, and implements healthy diet, body cleansing, exercises and different traditional and natural therapies.<br /><br />Remember: There is always something that can be done!<br /><br />The first thing to do is to change your mood. If you are depressed, if you are unhappy, you can not be healthy. Advice: start with the Laughing Cure!<br /><br />Laughing provides us with the natural inner massage, and through change of mood it can account for up to 30% of cure!<br /><br />Find anything that makes you laugh and laugh as much as you can, as often as you can.<br /><br />Here's a headstart: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4QaUOAVheo">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4QaUOAVheo</a><br /><br />The Laughing Yogi! Laugh along and I bet you already feel better.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-74339081902363403842009-10-15T10:52:00.000-07:002009-11-07T09:31:30.978-08:00Vata Churna - Calming Spice MixSuggested Uses<br />1. Vata digestion problems (constipation, irregular appetitie, flatulence, pain, distention, gurgling)<br />2. Anxiety relief<br />3. Stress relief<br /><br />Benefits<br />Enlivens the six Ayurvedic tastes considered essential for balance<br /><br />To order your own private stash. Call toll free 800-255-8332and receive 10% off when you give code #HP 0309.<br /><br />Instructions<br />Sauted in ghee (clarified butter) and add mixture to yoru cooked dishes.<br />Add to soups, stews and sauces as they cook<br />Keep on the table and add to prepared dishes at every meal.<br />Sprinkle over prepared vegetables or rice at the table.<br />Mix in oil as a salad dressing.<br />Sprinkle on popcorn for a gourmet treat.<br /><br />Comments<br />Especially useful in cold dry weather, and for people with a Vata constitution or a Vata imbalance.<br /><br />Ingredients<br />Cumin, Ginger, Fenugreek, Turmeric, Turbinado Sugar, Salt and Asafoetida in a rice flour base.<br /><br />To order your own private stash. Call toll free 800-255-8332and receive 10% off when you give code #HP195-0309.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-38886242894730672652009-10-15T10:31:00.001-07:002009-10-15T10:51:35.028-07:00Do you need to balance your Vata?My what? See below for signs of Vata imbalance:<br /><br />- irregular digestion; sometimes strong and sometimes weak<br />- sleep is light or is easily interrupted or disturbed<br />- tendency for dry skin<br />- easily fatigued<br />- tendency to be constipated or have intestinal gas<br />- feeling anxious and/or worry too much<br />- underweight and/or have difficulty gaining weight?<br />- cold intolerance<br /><br />What to do about it? Keep a calming, regular routine.<br /><br />Here are some tips:<br />- go to bed early. (before 10pm)<br />- eat meals at the same time every day<br />- have regular elimination<br />- keep warm in cold weather<br />- drink plenty of warm liquids<br />- avoid stimulants (caffeine)<br />- favor sweet, sour and salty foods (Sweet: Sugar, milk, butter, rice, breads, pasta)(Sour: Yogurt, lemon, cheese)(Salty: Salt)<br /><br />Vegetables to consider: Beets, carrots, asparagus and sweet potatoes. (cooked)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-47284820133067855982009-10-07T11:50:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:54:13.767-07:00Dal with spicesSaute 1 chopped onion with 4 cloves minced garlic, till brown. Set aside.<br /><br />Cook 1 cup dal with 3 cups water. Bring to a boil. Add 3/4 tsp. Tumeric, 3/4 tsp. Garam Masala and 3/4 tsp. Vata Churna. Cook over med. heat for 15 minutes. Add Garlic and clove mixture. Cook another 5 minutes. Take 2/3 of mixture and puree in blender at high speed. Add back to dal in pan and cook another 10-15 minutes until dal is soft and cooked through.<br /><br />Note: you can make cous cous and add it to the cooked Dal mixture, for a very pleasing taste.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-40085941940359882992009-10-07T11:47:00.000-07:002009-10-15T10:30:52.289-07:00Chili paste sauceGreat on wraps and salads!<br /><br />1/4 tsp fresh lime juice<br />3 Tbs. Creamy Almond Butter (NOT PEANUT BUTTER!)<br />3 Tbs. Tamari<br />3 Tbs. Honey<br />2 tbs. Chili paste<br />4 cloves garlic minced<br /><br />Directions:<br />Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until desired consistency is achieved. Makes 1/2 cup.<br /><br />If it gets too thick after the 2nd or 3rd day, just mix in a little lime and water to thin it to your desired consistency. The flavor should still be great!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-73446231875662611922009-10-07T11:39:00.001-07:002009-10-07T11:47:34.562-07:00Heartsmart Dressing(adapted from Live Food, Live Bodies)<br /><br />1/3 cup Flax Oil<br />1/2 cup Olive Oil<br />1/4 cup rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar<br />1 tbs honey<br />1 tbs fresh minced basil<br />1 tbs fresh minced tarragon<br />1 tbs fresh minced oregano<br />4 cloves garlic (I omit)<br />1 1/2 tsp Spike or Cajun seasoning<br />Dash black pepper<br /><br />Directions: Blend in blender until liquified.<br /><br />Note: You can substitute fresh parsley and cilantro in place of tarragon and basilUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-41455435622298027772009-10-07T11:16:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:17:51.359-07:00A Bite of Bitter?By adding a bitter taste to your sald you awaken all the senses:<br /><br />Fresh Basil, Fresh Cilantro, Fresh Dill, Fresh Mint leaves, Leeks (sliced thinly), Onions (white, yellow or red), Green oinions, Garlic, Organic Olives (pitted), Radish, Shallots, Fresh Chives, CapersUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-72076263040008365432009-10-07T11:13:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:15:57.520-07:00Looking for a "chew" to your salad?Sometimes something chewy is good such as:<br /><br />Short Grain Brown Basmati Rice, Cous Cous, Millet, Ancient Quinoa, Wild Rice or Pearl Barley, ,Lentils (Dal), Beans (Black or Navy), Potatoes (Red, white or yellow), Garbanzo Beans, Black Eyed Peas, Mung Beans (cooked)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-30760048300479060922009-10-07T11:11:00.001-07:002009-10-07T11:13:17.365-07:00Add that crunch to your salad!Some people, like myself, like their salad a little crunchy. You can achieve this by adding one of the following to your salad.<br /><br />Slivered almonds, Chopped Nuts (Filberts, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts), Seeds (Pumpkin or Sunflower), Chopped or slivered nori sheetsUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-67083327910964940832009-10-07T11:08:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:10:35.975-07:00Salad SweetsWhen making a complete salad you may want to add one of the following:<br /><br />Avocados, Raisins, Shaved coconut, Dates, blueberries, Pomegranantes, Currants, Dried Cranberries, figs or apricots, Apples (any variety), Pears, StrawberriesUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-74869064648109586022009-10-07T11:06:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:08:26.949-07:00Superfoods to add to your SaladThe list below are great additions to make your salad a "super-hero"!<br /><br />Parsley, Sprouts (Alfalafa, Mung Bean, Adzuki, Lentil, Broccoli, Bean or sunflower)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-29323489384070012242009-10-07T11:01:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:06:29.031-07:00Best Veggies for SaladsListed below are good ideas for sprucing up the salad. Pick two or 3 that complement your greens and tastebuds.<br /><br />Asparagus (steamed and sliced), Bell Peppers (Yellow, Red or Orange), Cabbages, sliced thinly (Red or Green), Green Beans (steamed and sliced), Jicama (julienned), Beets (julienned), Fresh peas, Brussel Sprouts (sliced very thin), Cauliflower (small flowerettes), Broccoli (small flowerettes) Carrots (julienned), Napa Cabbage (sliced thinly), celery (chopped or diced), Cucumber (sliced in cubes) Fennel (sliced thinly), Zucchini, Turnips, Tomatoes (plum, cherry, vine-ripe, or roma)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-63846381575474202552009-10-07T10:58:00.000-07:002009-10-07T11:01:02.376-07:00Which Salad Greens are best?There are many types of salad greens. Personal preference is usually the rule of thumb. Here is a list of the most common greens available. You can mix two or three types with excellent results.<br /><br />Romaine, Red or Green Leaf, Field greens (Baby or Regular), Cabbage (Red or Green), Butter Lettuce, Endive, Escarole, Arugula, Sprinach (Baby or Regular)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-21013347758671650002009-10-07T10:41:00.001-07:002009-10-07T10:51:19.044-07:00What's in your Cupboard?Is your cupboard filled with canned, packaged, and processed foods? Cereals loaded with artificial colors, sugars, and additives? Hydrogenated oil-laden snack foods? Crisco oil? Wealth truely does not equal intelligence in this situation! I'll try to be gentle here.<br /><br />This is what makes a difference.<br /><br />A counter top displaying a juicer, high power blender, food processor, dehydrator, electric tea pot and a multi-grain rice cooker.<br /><br />A refrigerator full of carrots, greens and veggies ready for juicing and/or salads. Soaked nuts ready to be made into milk.<br /><br />Do your fruit bins hold only apples?<br /><br />What's in your pantry? onions and potatoes (in separate bins?) Herbal teas from around the world?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-16720120699764339902009-10-06T13:31:00.000-07:002009-10-06T13:33:45.253-07:00Walnut Chai Drink2½ ounce walnuts (a little less than a cup, depending on quantity of whole walnuts, soaked 1-2 hours, dried thoroughly<br />4 ounce coconut water (up to 5 ounces, depending on thickness preference)<br />1 tablespoon cacao powder, more to taste<br />a little more than 1/2 t agave, more to taste<br />¼ of a <a title="vanilla bean" href="http://www.rawguru.com/store/raw-food/raw_organic_sun_cured_vanilla_bean.html">vanilla bean</a><br />¼ teaspoon cinnamon<br />1/4 t + 1/8 t cardamom seeds (or 1/4 t ground)<br />1/8 teaspoon garam masala<br />1/8 teaspoon ground ginger<br />pinch <a title="himalayan crystal salt" href="http://www.rawguru.com/store/raw-food/himalayan_crystal_salt_shaker.html">himalayan crystal salt</a><br /><br />Methods/steps<br />1) Add all ingredients to a blender, and start out the blender on low.<br />2) Use your spatula to scrape down the mixture, and then blend on high. You might also need to use the pulse mode for about 20 seconds in order to adequately grind up the <a title="vanilla bean" href="http://www.rawguru.com/store/raw-food/raw_organic_sun_cured_vanilla_bean.html">vanilla bean</a>.<br />3) Pour into a small mug or glass, and enjoy right away! This yogurt is best when it’s still slightly chilled.<br /><br />Notes: This yogurt is assertively spiced, so spice it down if you like. You can substitute a combination of water and agave for the coconut water, but in my experience, the coconut water really elevates the recipe to another level!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-47912782451553128892009-10-06T13:26:00.000-07:002009-10-06T13:27:13.404-07:00Sardine Cilantro SpreadGreat to ward off osteoporosis.<br /><br />This full-flavored spread is great on a sandwich, as a spread for crackers or on celery, or substituted for tuna for a sardine salad. The whole portion provides a whopping 78 percent of your daily calcium needs.<br /><br />1 can (about 4 3/8 ounces) sardines, with skin and bones, preferably water-packed<br />2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oi<br />l1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice<br />1 teaspoon Dijon-style mustard<br />1 minced scallion<br />1/4teaspoon sea salt<br />1/4cup chopped fresh cilantrofreshly ground black pepper<br /><br />Drain the water from the sardines. Place sardines in a small bowl and break up with a fork. Add and mix in remaining ingredients.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427544898569549176.post-44058585608470998842009-10-06T13:23:00.000-07:002009-10-06T13:25:00.535-07:00Spicy Orange Quinoa1 c quinoa (will yield roughly 2 c cooked)<br />1 c water2 medium carrots, diced<br />1/4 small, sweet white onion, diced<br />Juice & zest of 1 orange<br />1/8 t cinnamon<br />1/8 t cumin<br />1/8 t curry powder<br />1/4 t balsamic vinegar<br />1/2 t honey<br />Dash of salt<br />1 T olive oil<br />1/4 c raisins<br />Small handful of cilantro, finely chopped<br /><br />Combine cinnamon, curry powder, cumin, balsamic vinegar, honey, and a small dash of salt in a bowl and whisk together until well combined. Add the diced carrots and stir until well-coated. Allow to sit for a few minutes so that the carrots absorb the flavors of the spices.R<br /><br />Rinse the quinoa very well and cook in 1 c water and about 1/2 c freshly squeezed orange juice (if you have any remaining juice, set aside for later) along with a 1" piece of orange peel.<br /><br />While the quinoa is cooking, chop the onion & cilantro and set aside. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When oil is thoroughly heated, add the spiced carrots and cook quickly until carrots just become tender. They should still have plenty of crunchy texture and not be mushy at all.<br /><br />When quinoa is finished cooking, drain any excess liquid (if any) and remove the orange peel. Add the rest of the orange zest and spiced carrots with their juices. Next, add the diced onion, raisins, and finely chopped cilantro.<br /><br />Mix together until everything is uniformly combined. Check for seasonings and adjust accordingly. If quinoa seems a bit dry, add any remaining juice.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0