Whole Foods- Chicken Spaghetti Sauce
Yummy ground chicken spaghetti sauce sweetened with sweet potato. It's delicious and I'm not kidding:)
Authentic Guacamole
Whole Foods- Guacamole
Avocados are thought to be"fattening" but what you are not told is that avocados contain necessary good fat to keep our bodies healthy. We need good fat for many daily functions; Our brains need good fat to think clearly and if we did not include good fat in our daily diet, our hormones would not function properly.
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Whole Foods- Black Bean and Corn SaladBlack beans are loaded with a great amount of protein, fiber and iron. Did you know that cilantro helps detoxify heavy metals from your body? Yup, it does, so eat up!
Fresh Tomato Salsa "Pico De Gallo"
Whole Foods- Pico de Gallo
This authentic and traditional Mexican Pico De Gallo salsa is a must in our house. It is one of the simplest ways to introduce whole foods to your every day diet and it's a great way to practice your knife skills.
Roasted Vegetables
Whole Foods- Roasted Vegetables
I love the aromas that come from vegetables roasting in the oven. These vegetables are great for my homemade pizza recipe, your favorite grill cheese or Sunday morning omelet!
Homemade Pizza
Whole Foods- Homemade Pizza
Homemade Pizzas are such an easy dinner when you are stretched for time. Everyone asks me what frozen food essentials I have in my freezer and these pizzas are one of them. You can increase nutrient density by adding as many vegetables as you want and instead of using tomato sauce you can always try basil pesto or sundered tomato tapenade as your sauce.
Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
This sun dried tomato pesto is brilliantly versatile adn I am all abuot quick and efficient flavour boosters.
It is another amazingly flavourful spread that you can use for so many things; homemade pizzas, salad dressings, sandwiches, soups and so much more. This pesto/spread can be frozen for future use. Use it for your next dinner party as an appetizer with fresh buffalo mozzarella and basil leaves!
Basil and Pine Nut Pesto
Whole Foods- Basil Pesto
Homemade basil pesto is so versatile. You can add some to your next delicious panini, top your fish or chicken with it.
You can have it be your base for your own homemade pizzas or even have it as a snack with warm goat cheese and fresh baguette. Oh yaaaaa! You can make a big batch and freeze it into small containers.
Spicy Kale Chips
Whole Foods- Kale ChipsSpicy Kale chips are a great snack. Cooked at a low heat and tossed with garlic, cayenne and organic virgin coconut oil.
Need I say more :)
They actually taste amazing and they retain more nutrients than other kale chip recipes due to the low heat cooking.
It's All In The Technique!
Braise
Braising food comes from the heart and having patience. It is the only way you are going to produce that rich and delicious flavour.
Braising is a combination of both dry heat and moist heat. That is why a cast iron Staubb "Cocotte" pot is best for this method of cooking. The trick to a great braised dish starts with searing your meat till it forms a nice brown crust on each side.
Season your meat with salt and pepper. Do not crowd your pan too much while searing the meat, this creates too much moisture and your meat will start to release too much liquid and will not brown. Then add your liquid, which is usually a wonderful stock with red wine and port. Follow your recipe accordingly and you should be on your way to a delicious hearty meal! For more great tips on braising, I recommend joining Rouxbe, an on line culinary school with amazing, simple instructional cooking techniques.
Staub Pots, for life!
Staub Pots
I bought these at costco about 5 years ago and they will last me forever. Good Deal!
Mexican Style Black Beans
Whole Foods- Mexican Black BeansThis mexican staple is delicioso. The authentic recipe is usually prepared with pork fat and pieces of pork meat. I like to use much less fat in my version and it still tastes amazing. These beans freeze super well and will last in your fridge for 1 week. We love to eat them with tacos, quesadillas and eggs in the morning. They have tones of fiber and minerals for your body, so eat your beans!
Vegans, just use coconut oil instead of butter and you've got yourself a delicious Mexican style black bean recipe!
Calories? What Are they Anyway?
Ever wonder what a calorie actually does for your body? They are not all that bad, actually we need them to survive. The important thing is understanding which ones to choose. You always have a choice:) Click the picture of the yummy avocado to keep reading!
Thrifty, End Of Summer Ideas.
Tips on how to freeze those delicious summer berries for the winter. Freeze your own spinach into portion sized cubes 2 cubes = 1 portion!
Learn what to do with those huge zucchini you have in your fridge.
AWARENESS
Canadians For The Ethical Treatment Of Food Animals.
I would like everyone that reads my site to be aware of this wonderful organization. If you do not live in Canada please take the time to find one similar in your country.
Awareness makes us less ignorant.
It may sometimes lead us down a harder road at first because we can no longer look the other way but if you prioritize and make the effort, in the end, it can give you a purpose and strength you didn't think you had. Being aware of what is really going on in the world can empower all of us to make better, conscious choices. Raising awareness to the ethical treatment of factory farmed animals is just one of my many passions. I believe the more you know, the more passion and drive you will have to truly make a positive difference.
Next time you pick up a piece of meat at the grocery store ask yourself,
Do I know where this meat or dairy product came from?
Was this animal treated humanely?
Do I know what is actually in this meat or dairy?
If you do not know the honest answers to these questions and if the answers to these questions mean something to you, then please, take the time to find and support a farmer who really cares about their animals, shares the land with the animals and takes care of our ecosystem.