Saturday, December 28, 2013

Grain Free Ginger Cookies

My daughter-in-law, Rachael Breneman made these and wow!  They were delicious - and healthy!
 
Recipe by Detoxinista at http://detoxinsta.com/2012/10/grain-free-ginger-cookies/
Prep time: 40 min.   Cook time: 10 min.   Total time: 50 min.

These cookies are made with protein-rich almond flour and blackstrap molasses.  They are loaded with iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, and potassium.  They are sweetened naturally with pure maple syrup, rather than sugar, and they are free of eggs and dairy for those who have food sensitivities to those foods.  These are soft and chewy cookies, but if you like them more crispy, press them into flatter shapes with the bottom of a glass before baking, and increase the baking time.

1 1/2 cups almond flour
2 Tbsp. coconut oil, softened
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. blackstrap molasses
2 tsp. ground ginger
1/8 tsp. sea salt
1/4 tsp. baking soda

1.  Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl, and mix until a thick batter is formed.  Chill batter for 30 minutes in the fridge.  This will make the batter nice and firm before scooping.


2.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and drop the batter by rounded tablespoons onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  A small scoops works real well and is a time saver.  Use the bottom of a glass to press down slightly on the top of each cookie (the thinner the more crisp, but if you want a soft and chewy cookie, a thickness of 1/4" would be about right.

3.  Bake dough 8-10 minutes until firm around the edges, but still soft in the center.


4.  Allow to cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.  Yum!!!

Friday, December 27, 2013

Immunity Pops

by Rama Pfeiffer, Founder of Freshly Grown
Used by permission

It’s December right now, but I’ve officially decided popsicles are great all year round. Who doesn’t love popsicles, right? These particular popsicles are great for boosting immunity or for when you or your kiddos are already under the weather. They are packed full of hydrating and immunity boosting ingredients, plus they taste awesome. Win!

Immunity Pops

Ingredients
10 oz. coconut water
2 large oranges, juiced (should make about 5 oz.)
1 1/2 c. tart cherries (mine were frozen)
1/4th c. raw cranberries (optional, I happened to get these in my weekly box)
2 Tbs. crystalized ginger, chopped or 1 tsp. raw ginger, minced
2 Tbs. Elderberry syrup
2 Tbs. probiotics, powder form
1-1 1/2 Tbs. manuka honey or raw honey

Juice your oranges, they should make about 5 oz., then combine your orange juice with the 10 oz. of coconut water so the total liquid equals 15 oz.  Add your liquid to a pitcher so it’s easy to pour. In a blender or food processor add the rest of the ingredients, pour some juice in so it has something to mix with and pulse or blend. Once ingredients are fully blended, you can add everything back into the pitcher. Pour your yummy immunity mixture into your Tovolo popsicle molds leaving a bit of room at the top. Freeze and enjoy. If you have any liquid left, it tastes like a nutrient-packed punch, so don’t hesitate to drink up! Cheers to immunity!

Breakfast Immunity Pops!

Coconut water = Hydration + Electrolytes
Raw Orange Juice = Vit. C
Tart Cherries + Cranberries = Antioxidants
Ginger = Antiviral, antibacterial, soothes stomach, combats inflammation
Elderberry Syrup = Antiviral, antibacterial, fights cold and flu
Probiotics = Beneficial gut bacteria that boosts our immune system and fights infection
Manuka Honey = Antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal (in a different medicinal class than raw honey if you want to really kick an illness’ butt and boost immunity, BUT, raw honey will work if you don’t have manuka on hand. I highly recommend investing in manuka honey for your holistic medicine cabinet. Treats a multitude of ailments. Read more here.)

 For the popsicle molds, I use these. They’re great.
Immunity Pops! | Freshly Grown