Delicious Spiced Nuts and Seeds

This is a delicious and healthy snack recipe that my neighbor gave to me this morning along with a bag of scrumptious nuts and seeds!

This recipe is variable and can be as simple as you'd like it to be by using only one nut or seed in the recipe.  Use any single or combination of nuts and seeds (total of 2 cups) that you have on hand for a crunchy and delicious snack that satisfies.

1/2 cup whole almonds      
1/2 cup walnuts                   
1/4 cup sunflower seeds    
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds      
1/4 cup pecans, chopped   
1/4 cup pistachios
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp. olive oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Put all the ingredients into a gallon-size Ziplock bag and shake to thoroughly coat the seeds and nuts with the oil and spices.

Spread the mixture evenly on a parchment-lined baking pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the nuts and seeds are lightly toasted.  Cool completely before serving.

Sweet Basil Paste

Recipe by Nancy Marseau
Used by permission

8 cups sweet basil leaves
Zest of 1 large lemon
1/3 cup olive oil

Put in food processor and purée.

Fill a quart freezer bag with the purée.
Flattening as thin as possible. Push out any trapped air. Freeze.

When making any soups, pastas, marinades, vinaigrettes, or other savory dishes, break off as much of the paste as you need. Set into a bowl and allow it to defrost. Add to your recipes with any other ingredients you choose.
The fresh basil flavor will come through and will stay that pretty deep green color too!

You can also make pesto from the paste!

Peanut Butter Ice Cream

This Amazingly Tastes like Chocolate-Peanut Butter Ice Cream!
Original recipe by Lois Breneman

1 avocado
9-12 frozen dark cherries
3 Tbsp. natural peanut butter, approximately (or almond butter)
1/2 to 3/4 cup almond milk, unsweetened (Add just enough to mix well)
Stevia to sweeten

Put all ingredients into a Magic Bullet or blender and blend until mixed.
Dish into one or two fancy dishes and sprinkle with organic cacao nibs (optional) for a delicious and healthy dessert or even a meal.  Every ingredient is good for you!

If someone doesn't like avocados, if you don't tell them that is one of the ingredients, they will not be able to detect it.  It tastes like chocolate-peanut butter ice cream.  The frozen cherries thicken it to the consistency of ice cream.

Stevia and organic cacao nibs can be ordered from Vitacost, and under normal circumstances, my order comes in just one or two days.