Sweet Potato Fennel Soup

With 3 ingredients, this blended soup is comforting to the soul and easy in the kitchen. Fennel adds a lovely herb flavor to these beta-carotene rich potatoes.

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Initially, I wanted to make a soup that would be nourishing for new moms. My sister and a few friends have had new babies this Fall. It must be the season! And I wanted something that would be delicious and comforting to these ladies and their bundles of breastfed blessings.

Fennel (as mentioned here) is really great for digestion. As an added benefit for new mommies intent on breastfeeding, it can also help calm fussy babies (as carried in the breastmilk). Cinnamon, heavy spices and dairy can be extra-aggravating for breastfed infants but thankfully herbs like fennel can be soothing.

Having a surplus of sweet potatoes in my pantry and fennel on the brain (from another recipe I hope to post soon), I knew these flavors were destined for one great soup and was I ever right! I brought this soup with a lentil salad to my sisters and the next day she called for the recipe.

It also travels well. When using the bouillon cubes, I use three cups of water when blending and store in large mason jars. When reheating, add another cup of water to the jar and swirl around to get the extra soup clinging to the sides.

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Sweet Potato Fennel Soup
4 sweet potatoes (which I think are technically yams if they are bright orange in color)
1/2 tsp fennel seeds, whole *
2 cubes Rapunzel vegetable bouillon with herbs** + 4 cups boiling water
      or 4 cups vegetable broth

1. Roast sweet potatoes in preheated 450 degree oven for 45-60 minutes or until completely tender.
2. Scoop the sweet potato out of the flesh and add to high speed blender with fennel seeds and broth. Blend and serve!

Enjoy!

*This soup may also be made with fennel bulb for a richer fennel flavor. Roast the fennel bulb with the sweet potatoes and add 1/4 tsp fennel seeds instead of the 1/2 tsp.

**I've bought Rapunzel vegetable bouillon from Azure Standard and Vitacost (here's a $10 credit for your first purchase). I buy my fennel seeds from Mountain Rose Herbs.

I'm finishing up shopping and DIYing for Christmas. We just do stockings at our house and it's been fun to find healthy stocking stuffers. If you're looking for some more stocking stuffers consider checking out your local health food store or shopping online at amazon. Some fun and healthy ideas are Arnica Gel(which is only $4.67 when coupon is clipped below price listed - almost half the price of your local drug store), Cranberry Tablets, Astragalus Root Capsules (thankfully this comes in a pack of four so can fill many stockings), Rescue Remedy, Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil(comes in pack of 2), and soy candles.

Candied Yams Herbified with Sage, Marshmallow Root Chia Fluff and Toasted Pecans

Fall has definitely been in the air this last week. The slight briskness in the evening and the way the air feels so crisp makes me earn for a hot cup of tea and some hearty dishes like this one...

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Candied Yams Herbified with Sage, Marshmallow Root Chia Fluff and Toasted Pecans

 

Today's post marks day five in the marshmallow root recipe mania sponsored by the amazing Mountain Rose Herbs. Thank you MRH for donating the Marshmallow Root for our giveaway!

You can can win an 8 oz package of Marshmallow Root powder right to your front door! Just like us on facebook, and/or suscribe to the feed and comment below or on this original Marshmallows post before Monday 12 pm (PST), September 3rd. Also feel free to check out Mountain Rose Herbs who sponsored the giveaway. Thank you Mountain Rose Herbs!

And if you've missed our previous posts, here is a little information about Mountain Rose Herbs:

Since 1987, Mountain Rose Herbs has been known for its uncompromising commitment to organic agriculture, sustainable business practices, and a steadfast focus on the pure aesthetics and freshness of botanical products. Their wide range of certified organic product offerings includes bulk herbs and spices, aromatherapy and essential oils, tea and tea supplies, and natural health and body care. Every aspect of product creation is carried out in accordance with strict quality control and organic handling procedures by employees who care. From fragrant and beyond-fresh organic herbs and spices, to soothing essential oils and delicious herbal teas, the quality and integrity of Mountain Rose Herbs is unparalleled - with smiles guaranteed. To learn more about Mountain Rose Herbs please visit www.mountainroseherbs.com.

 

This is a healthier version of the American Candied Yams. It's a perfect vegan and allergen free addition (use sunflower seeds instead of pecans for nut-avoiders) to your Thanksgiving table. It's sort of like a gratin with it's caramelized red onions on the bottom then yams on top. You can also choose to dice the vegetables then mash afterwards if you prefer a mash.

The marshmallow root chia fluff can be made the night before. Make it before putting the yams in the oven so it can thicken if you choose to make it the day it will be consumed.

Candied Yams Herbified with Sage, Marshmallow Root Chia Fluff, and Toasted Pecans

Marshmallow Chia Fluff
1 can light coconut milk
1/4 T chia seeds
2 T marshmallow root powder
1/4 c maple syrup

1. Grind chia seeds in spice or coffee grinder.
2. Whisk in coconut milk, marshmallow root powder, and maple syrup. Refridgerate.

Candied Yams
3 Yams
1 Red Onion
Sprig of Sage
1/2 Pecans
Olive Oil

1.Slice vegetables about 1/4" thick.
2. In a ovenproof dish (I use a cast iron 8x8), pour a little olive oil in the bottom then layer the red onion slices then the yam slices on top. Sprinkle with sage leaves.
3. Cover and cook in 400 degree oven for 30 minutes then remove cover and cook for another 10 minutes or until softened and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile toast the pecans in a small saute pan on the stovetop using medium heat. These toast quickly so keep an eye on them!
5. Lather the chia fluff on the yams and top with pecans. Serve and Enjoy!

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