Holiday Recipes

Roasted Sweet Potato Hash

  • Three sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into I inch cubes
  • 8 oz baby portabella mushrooms, wiped clean and quartered
  • 1 large red onion, peeled, halved and each half cut into quarters lengthwise and then cut crosswise in thirds, making chunks
  • 1 bunch kale or Swiss chard, washed, leaves removed and torn into pieces
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoon Braggs or Coconut Aminos
  • 2 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 Tsp smoked sea salt (optional)

Prepare vegetables. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place potatoes in a mixing bowl, sprinkle with a little oil and toss to coat. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and put potatoes into a single layer on pan. In the same bowl mix the onion and mushrooms. Sprinkle with a little oil to lightly coat and place on another lined sheet pan, spread out the vegetables into an even layer. Place pans in the oven and cook for 15 minutes, check onions and mushroom and remove if tender. Continue cooking sweet potatoes for another 10-15 minutes. Remove potatoes from oven when lightly browned and cooked through. In the mixing bowl massage the kale leaves with a little oil to coat. lay on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, until crispy, but not charred. Remove and add all vegetables into a mixing bowl. Toss with the smoked sea salt or a good mineral salt (pink or grey). Whisk the oil, aminos and syrup together until slightly thickened and pour over vegetables. Serve and enjoy. This is actually good cold as well as warm right from the oven.

Thanksgiving Salad

  • 1 pound Brussel sprouts
  • 1 bunch lacinato kale
  • 1 delicate squash
  • 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup apple juice or water
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon
  • 1/4 cup cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt or Himalayan salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Wash and dry the squash. Cut lengthwise in half, clean out seeds and cut crosswise into 1/2 inch moons (the squash skin is edible). Toss with a little olive oil and then lay on a parchment lined sheet pan. Pour cranberries onto the sheet pan and spread out around the squash. Place in oven and roast for 20 minutes, check for doneness, cook a few minutes longer if needed.

Prepare the vinaigrette: combine the maple syrup, juice, vinegar, Dijon and salt in a small bowl and whisk to mix well.

Thinly slice the Brussel sprouts and kale, combine in a mixing bowl with 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and toss well or massage to coat the greens. When squash and berries are done cooking, toss squash, cranberries and walnuts with the shredded greens and top with more vinaigrette.

Pumpkin Mousse

  • 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree (cooked or raw)
  • 1/2 cup date paste (dates packed and blended smooth with a little water)
  • 1/2 cup nut or oat milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup powdered coconut sugar (grind your own into a fine powder) or 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons of pumpkin spice (1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ginger, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, 1/8 tsp clove)
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

In a blender, combine the date paste, nut milk, vanilla and sweetener. Blend until smooth and completely combined. Add in the pumpkin puree and spices, blend again. Scrape down container sides and add the coconut oil. Blend until oil is incorporated and mixture is smooth, about 35 seconds. Pour into serving dishes or into a prepared crust or tart shell and chill for 4 hours.  Enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

 

cacao

Make Your Own Plant Milk & Coffee Bar

I enjoy checking out plant-based cafes while I’m traveling internationally, on a road trip or even just surfing online.  Recently I found a cold-pressed juice bar offering different plant-based milks and I took it as a challenge to make my own variety to have on hand while my daughter was home for a month.

I wanted to have milk available for her daily green smoothies, but rather than sticking with plain nut/seed milks, we decided to make a  variety of flavors which turned out to be delicious. Coffee is a favorite, so incorporating coffee flavors into the milk variety was a no-brainer.  We tried these flavor combinations: Plain Almond, Vanilla Almond-Cashew-Hemp, Matcha latte,  Coffee Latte, Mocha, and Cacao milk. All Yummy!  My next batch will incorporate some herbs and roots, like ginger, turmeric, cardamom, pepper, lavender and more. It really can be an endless flavor adventure. So why not give it a try.

Combining nuts, seeds and even soaked grains, will also yield different tasting milks with different nutrient profiles. Here’s an oat milk recipe. Remember, variety is good, it allows your taste buds to develop and mature, but it also provides the body with a variety of nutrients, all important for building new and healthy cells.

Making milk is an easy process. By making a large batch, dividing and mixing in desired flavors,  you can have a variety on hand for the week.

I’ll walk you through what we did…

  • Soak 2 cups of almonds in pure water overnight.
  • In the morning, drain, rinse and add 1/2 of the nuts to a blender along with 4 cups of water and two pitted dates.  Blend on high for one minute.
  • Use a sieve or nut milk bag to filter the milk into a large jar, but keep the pulp.  Repeat with the remaining nuts, making two batches. (The reserved nut pulp can be saved and used in baking or blending with dates and spices to make raw cookies.)
  • Once your plain milk is made, decide how much you want to keep plain and use for the next couple days. It can be used in sauces, soups and smoothies.
  • We wanted to make  three cups of the milk into 1 cup of creamer and 4 cups of coffee latte. So we put 3 cups of plain milk back into blender, added 1/2 cup of cashews, 2 tablespoons of hemp seed and 1 teaspoon of vanilla and blended for a minute until smooth cream resulted. We poured off one cup into a jar to use as a creamer when desired. Poured the rest of the vanilla milk into a large jar and then added 2 cups of strong coffee into that same jar to make coffee latte.
  • With the remaining  plain almond milk, we divided that into three containers and added Matcha tea powder to one and blended that for a Matcha Latte. To another jar, we added an equal amount of coffee and a tablespoon of raw cacao powder and blended it to make a Mocha Latte.  To the final jar, 1-2 tablespoons of cacao powder and one more date blended to make a chocolate milk. All the milks can be enjoyed cold or warmed gently.
  • Be creative and add some spices and herbs but most of all, don’t feel deprived because you can create so much delicious goodness with nut and seed milks.
  • I really like green milk! Blend the plain milk with greens powder or fresh mixture of greens and ginger or turmeric. This is a great alternative and easy way to get a few extra greens in your day.
  • Other posts for different kinds of milk include this turmeric post and berry oat milk.

 

Class Reruns

I’ve been teaching classes for about five years. So I’ve decided to go through all of my past classes and offer them as reruns. I know there will be information for everyone, and I’ll be able to add new things I’ve learned since teaching them the first or third time. I would like some feedback as to the interests that are out there for classes, so If you see some in the following list that you are especially interested in attending, please let me know by commenting below or emailing me. I will see where the greatest interests are and put together a schedule.  I will only offer some of the classes this year, with a preregistration deadline.  I know everyone is busy, just like I am, and we have to pick and choose what we spend our time on and when to take time away from family.  If healthy eating is important to you and something you need help learning or being inspired to do, these classes are a great way to accomplish that goal while learning and having some fun and uplifting conversation with others. It can be considered “ME” time that will ultimately benefit you and your loved ones.  We have a good time coming together and sharing information and food.

Please take a look at the list of classes below and if one (or two or three) peaks your interest please comment in the box below. I really appreciate it. Thank you.

Food as Medicine or Poison

Foods that Feed Your Thyroid

Break Up with Sugar

Foods to Calm Inflammation

Inflammation is at the root of many discomforts and diseases we experience. This class will look at some of the dietary causes of inflammation and give you alternatives to incorporate into your diet that will help reduce the inflammatory response.  We will cover gluten free, dairy free, low carbohydrate and alkalizing foods that can help bring relief.  This is primarily an educational class with a lot of printed info with some food samples and recipes that are anti-inflammatory.

Plant-based World Tour – Cuisinr from Spain, Africa, Greece and India

Easy Raw for Everyday

This class will delve into the importance of raw, uncooked foods for those interested in incorporating foods that are alive with nutrition and life giving energy.  Chef Kim will demonstrate how to make easy and delicious raw dishes for each meal of the day.  You will sample the food as a “Living Lunch”

All American Favorites with a Twist:          

Chef Kim will demo the recipes while you enjoy tasting them.  The menu includes: No-Meat Burgers, Good4U Onion rings, Wholesome Ketchup, Mustard and Mayo, Wonderful Waldorf Salad, and Rawsome Apple crisp!

 Dehydrating 101  and 201    

101-Come find out how dehydrating can prolong the life of your foods, cut down on waste, and provide delicious snack and travel foods

201- This class will expand upon the Dehydrating 101 class as Chef Kim shares more advanced recipes and techniques for dehydrating and preserving foods. We will cover how to make granola, crackers, wraps, cookies, and more

Raw Italian Cuisine 1 and 2

Raw foods the delicious way…full of Italian flavor!  Menu 1: Living Lasagna, Italian Kale salad, Garden Pizza, and OMG bars

Menu 2: Pesto Rawvioli,  Caesar Salad, and Sweet Cannoli. Come hungry, as we will share a buffet lunch

 Nut Milks and the Multipurpose Nut-Milk Bag:

Come see the many ways you can use a nut-milk bag while you learn how to make your own dairy free ‘milks’ and nut milk recipes.  You will taste almond milk, cashew hemp milk, oat milk and rice milk and recipes using each milk.

 Gluten-Free and Easy (Not a raw Class)                                               

This class will touch on how gluten affects the body and some easy ways of eating gluten free.  From lunchbox foods to desserts, this class will give you ideas and recipes for avoiding gluten and choosing healthful alternatives.

Raw Asian Fusion:

You will enjoy demos and tasting of  Coconut Soup, Vegetable Pad Thai, Nori rolls and Cardamom Fruit Tarts.

Dairy-Free and Delicious                                       

Join in this class for ideas and recipes that are great tasting without dairy.  Chef Kim will demo how to make dairy free alternatives to cheese spreads, cream sauces, ice cream and more. There will be samples.

 Super Nutritious & Delicious Greens: 

Come find out the importance of including greens in your diet.  Come taste some amazingly delicious green recipes. We will cover the use of kale, chard, spinach, romaine, bok choy, collards, beet greens, cabbage, and green herbs.

Dips and Treats 

Do you need some healthy recipes for appetizers or starters for when family and friends gather together?  In this class you will learn recipes and techniques for making creamy dips, tapenade, pesto, and hummus along with crackers, breadsticks and veggies that can be used in a variety of ways to make appealing and delicious starters for any gathering or as a yummy snack for yourself.  Samples will be served.

Divine Desserts 

Come enjoy raw desserts that are sure to please.   You will learn through recipe demos, taste all the desserts and take the recipes home to wow your family and friends.

Health Promoting Raw Snacks

We all need a snack every now and then, and this class will give you an arsenal of recipes for snacks that will increase your energy and curb your appetite without caffeine and refined sugar.  Great snacks for kids too.   You’ll be sure to leave energized and empowered to make your own healthful superfood snacks.

Raw Mexican Cuisine

If you enjoy Mexican food but would like an alternative to the meat and cheese found in most Mexican recipes, come enjoy a Raw Mexican class where you will watch the recipe demonstrations and then feast on a delicious three-course meal, including: soup, piled high tacos and a dessert.

Breakfast and Brunch–  Healthy breakfast choices: Juices, smoothies, easy granola with almond milk, raw oatmeal, crepes and raw cinnamon rolls. Get your morning kick start without the sugar and caffeine found in most morning choices.

Organic on a Budget – It is Possible and Important! 

What do the labels mean – “Natural vs. Organic”. GMO foods to watch out for. How eating organic is possible even when you are pinching pennies.  Come gain some tools on how to budget and eat organic for your health

Raw Energy Soups, Mineral Boosting Greens and Dressings 

Chef Kim will teach you the template to follow to make your own healthy and tasty soups, full of life energy. Then you will learn the benefits of incorporating leafy greens and sprouts into your daily menu and how to make delicious salads and dressings.

Kraut Power – Feed your Gut and Boost your Brain

The importance of the gut flora is often overlooked in how it affects every facet of our health. This class will inform and teach you how to make your own highly effective and potent living probiotic food to enhance your overall health. You will prepare your own pint of kraut to take home, ferment and enjoy!  You will taste a variety of fermented foods.

Raw Nut Cheez & Sprouted Breads (and Organic Wine)

Come learn the art of raw cheez and bread making, without the dairy and gluten.  You will taste how fermenting changes the flavor of the cheez and how adding herbs and spices can bring a new dimension to your palate. Smooth cheez spreads and firm cheez forms will be covered. Raw breads are healthy and fun to learn how to make, but do require a dehydrator. You will taste a variety of breads and cheez, accompanied by a glass of organic wine (optional).

Get Cultured!

Come learn the importance of adding cultured foods to your diet and how they can improve your health. You will learn how to culture your own coconut yogurt, kefir, raw nut cheese, and veggie kraut. We will cover different options for ‘starters’ and part of the class will be hands on as you make your own Kraut to take home with you.

Come Clean- Cleanse Workshop

Come find out what Cleansing and Detoxing is all about and how implementing this practice can bring your body greater health. Your questions about different cleanse techniques will be answered along with the reasons for cleansing and how to formulate your own cleanse the smart way.  There are different reasons for using different detox approaches, and there are certain things to consider and be aware of when doing a Cleanse.  If you want to learn how to help your body release unwanted, toxins and weight that are causing ill health, join in for this information packed night.

Healthy Food on the Go- Go 

 

This class will show you how to stay healthy on the go.  Whether you are on the sidelines, picnicking, camping, jetting off somewhere or just need ideas for a bagged lunch, this class will help with ideas and give you some recipes to get you started.

What do I know?

What I understand about food is this:

  • You will enjoy food first with your eyes, so make your food beautiful.
  • The more nutrient dense your food is, the less volume you will consume.
  • Relax and enjoy the flavors of your food for best assimilation
  • More nutrition is found in raw unprocessed food.
  • 100% raw diet is not necessary to get the benefits raw foods offer.
  • Food feeds the whole individual, not just filling the stomach.
  • Food and your amazing body can work together to heal the dis-ease you may be experiencing.
  • There is not one diet that is right for everyone – you are an individual and your food choices should be the best for YOU.
  • There are healthy food guidelines that everyone should consider.

I’ll touch on these topics as different posts. But take a bit of time to consider the ideas and think about each bite you take.  Remembering that what matters most is what you do “all the time” or by habit, not what you do every once in a while. If you splurge every once in a while, be thankful, enjoy it and then go back to regularly eating whole unprocessed foods.

If you need to change your habit of regularly eating refined, boxed and processed foods, then begin by incorporating one whole food (fruit or vegetable) at each meal.  Smoothies for breakfast are a great way to start. See RECIPE.