Books for any & every Valentine

I love making and giving gifts but some of the best gifts are books. There is nothing that compares to the gift of the written word, strung together on a page to form another universe, another story. It is books that connect us and teach us of passion, friendship, laughter, survival, and love. And that's what Valentine's Day is about, right? Love.

Here are fifteen books for any & every Valentine. Or for yourself. :D

All the books are linked directly to Amazon (and you can help support Sweet Roots by buying one of these books through the links below). Please review before buying. Come back to let me know if you find anything you enjoy or love! I'd love to hear your reviews.

For the nerd or nerdette
Tuf Voyaging by George R. R. Martin The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galazy meets Game of Thrones...


For the romantic
The Language of Flowers: A Novel by Vanessa Diffenbaugh A story about a woman who passed her childhood through foster care systems and learns to help others heal through the meaning of flowers. (Also great for a gardening friend)
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett An inspiring story with beautiful imagery - where a political birthday party turns into chaos as terrorists break in and take the whole party hostage... But slowly unlikely bonds are made and from chaos comes love, friendship and danger. *Personal Favorite*

For those who think deep and laugh hard
When A Camel Breaks Your Heart (Kindle Single) by Kodi Scheer - A Western woman wakes up to find her first generation American-Muslim fiance turns into a camel. Two Hearts. One Love. Two Countries. One War.
Where'd You Go, Bernadette: A Novel by Maria Semple - A mixed media story of a mother and daughter relationship in an absurd world.

For the History Lover
May the Road Rise Up to Meet You by Peter Troy An Epic American drama of four people and two love stories not far apart.

For the child in your life
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate A very extraordinary story of a gorilla and the baby elephant that he befriends.

For the young adult
On Fallen Wings by Jamie McHenry *A Personal Favorite* Will Rhiannon have to choose between the faerie life she cherishes and the fiance she loves? (Currently free on Amazon - price can change at any time). And the sequel From Rising Flames.
Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi Two worlds meet as the sheltered Aria must survive in the harsh outside with savage Perry. (Those who enjoyed The Hunger Games seem to enjoy this book).

For the Fantasy Lover
The Woodcutter by Kate Danley A whole new story of the fairytale realm. Rethana's Surrender (Legends of the Light-Walkers, #1) ) and it's sequel Rethana's Trial (Legends of the Light-Walkers, #2) by Courtney Cantrell. Torn between two men and struggling to understand her power, Rethana fights to save her sister. *Personal Favorite*

For the Movie Buff
The Silver Linings Playbook: A Novel by Matthew Quick If you can't get to the movies, you can read this endearing story.

and other novels that are soon to be major motion pictures...
Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion A different kind of zombie story.

City of Bones (Mortal Instruments) by Cassandra Clare (YA Fantasy)

Or one that's already out on film:
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky or the film is available on DVD

Week of Love: Roasted Asparagus and Red Potato Soup

As I was rifling through my old blog, I came upon this old number and knew I had to re-post it! This was from my origianl week of love recipes - all of which I named in French names (not that I'm a romantic or anything). I still make this delicious soup and my husband still requests it!

I thought about re-doing the photography but I actually enjoy the old photos (I just removed the old watermark). This soup has a soft little spot in my heart as it was one of my first recipes (that we both enjoyed and was entirely my own). And as you read, remember this was two years ago! Oh, how time flies!
 

The soup du jour is Soup du Sex (Witty Husband came up with that one) also known as Potato Asparagus Soup.

According to Whole Living: Body+Soul in balance, Asparagus "may aid in the production of histamine, which is necessary for acheiving orgasm - making asparagus's legendary aphrodisiac powers not quite so far-fetched." That's right, ladies and gents, that green, skinny vegetable is one of God's gifts to mankind.

For our anniversary back in May, my husband and I went to a delicious little place on 4th Street called Angelo's Ristorante. For a starter, they were serving potato asparagus soup which was to die for! It was my husband and I's favorite part of the meal. Today, I sought to replicate that delectable number and now you can too!

Roasted Asparagus and Red Potato Soup
Ingredients:1 lb of asparagus, washed thoroughly and snapped at tough parts
6 small red potatoes, cut up into 1/2 inch pieces.
1/2 onion, diced
4 large cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup coconut milk (I use So Delicious unsweetened)
salt and pepper and olive oil


1. Cook garlic and onion in a skillet until onions are almost clear.
2. Meanwhile preheat oven to 390 (or 400 degrees F if pan is lighter colored), spray pan with a little oil, and bake asparagus for ten minutes, turning halfway through.
3. Add potatoes and chicken broth to stockpot. Add onions and garlic. Boil until potatoes are tender. At this point, I used my immersion blender to blend it up a little.
4. Cut up asparagus into 1 inch pieces. Add to stockpot with coconut milk. Simmer for ten minutes. At this point, you have the option to completely blend the soup with the coconut milk if you like a more smooth texture. I chose not to last night but today when I reheated it for lunch, I did blend it for 30 seconds on low and preferred that texture (which is what you see below).
5. Serve with love.

I hope you enjoyed this older recipe!

Week of Love: Peanut Butter and Jelly Ice Cream Sandwiches

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Another kid-friendly recipe for a delicious Valentines Treat!

The ice cream is quick (no pre-cooking required) and contains only two ingredients. The cookies contain only six ingredients and there is a paleo version below if necessary. You probably have all of these ingredients in your pantry!

If you don't have an ice cream machine, you can make your own banana ice cream in you blender. And use that instead!

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Peanut Butter Cookies
1 cup peanut butter (I used lightly salted Adams Crunchy Peanut Butter - no sugar added)
2 T flaxseeds
1/2 cup heaping oats (GF certified if sensitive)*
1/4 cup nondairy milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Grind flaxseeds in coffee grinder. Add to nondairy milk and vanilla extract. Let sit five minutes.
3. Stir in remaining ingredients.
4. Drop by heaping tablespoonfuls on a baking sheet or stoneware pan. Use a fork to squish the cookies down a little.
5. Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from pan and let cool.

*For a paleo version, use shredded coconut instead of oats. And use coconut sugar instead of cane sugar.

If there is not time to make the ice cream below (although it's fairly quick if you have an ice cream machine maker), use a coconut milk strawberry ice cream or chocolate instead (So Delicious and Luna &Larry make great flavors). Or make your own banana ice cream in you blender.

Quick Jelly/Jam Ice Cream
2 cups nondairy milk (use a can of coconut milk for 1.5 cups of the milk for creamier, more ice cream like texture)
1 cup jam or jelly of choice (I used a multi-berry a family member made)

1. Add ingredients to an ice cream machine and use according to instructions.

When cookies have cooled, assemble the sandwiches and enjoy!

Week of Love: Chocolate Fig Pudding

Oh my figgy darling!

The fig was well-known in ancient times as an aphrodisiac and was thought to encourage fertility. And no wonder... when broken, the soft, plump skin erupts into a million edible little seeds.Their rich colors offer a sweet taste and an enticing texture.

Figs are a good source of Vitamins A, B6, K, and E and are rich in calcium, iron, manganese, and potassium. These plump fruits are also a good source of fiber.

Fiber isn't a word usually associated with Sexy but if we are being blunt, neither is bloated. Fiber can improve performance (in more arenas than you think *wink wink*) and help relieve bloating.

Before we get to the recipe, don't forget to enter the Massage Lotion Bar Giveaway!

Chocolate Fig Pudding
1/2 banana (I used frozen)
3 Tb cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup non-dairy milk of choice
1 tsp vanilla extract or beans from 1/3 vanilla bean
Pinch of Salt
16 dried figs

1. Cut off fig stems if needed. Soak figs in milk (in fridge if you want cold pudding) for one hour or up to overnight.
2. Blend all ingredients in a high speed blender. Serve, refridgerate (or freeze in popsicle mold).
3. Enjoy!

Week of Love: 2 Ingredient Lotion Bars + Giveaway

These two ingredient massage bars are one of the easiest and best gifts a gal or guy can get for Valentine's Day (love massage optional).

The cacao butter lends a rich, white chocolate smell mixed with the sweeter coconut oil. No fragrance is needed although feel free to add whatever essential oils strike your fancy. Try mint for a refreshing bar or orange for rejuvenating. Ylang ylang, jasmine, and rose geranium are all well-known aphrodisiacs.

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These bars are an average ratio of 2 parts cacao (more commonly known as cocoa) butter to 1 part coconut oil. They may seem pretty solid but these little bars warm quickly to our bodies. Feel free to substitute shea butter for cocoa if it's not available.

I used a small heart mold from Target to make mine mini (great for my two year old's hands who loves one after her bubble bath). There are several heart molds on amazon. Or you can line a loaf tin with parchment paper and after they are solid, cut them with a wire (like you would soap) into bar slices).

I buy all of my cocoa butter and essential oils from:
.

You can choose to weigh instead of measure as this is more accurate (I totally eyeballed it).

1 cup coconut oil
2.5 cups cocoa butter wafers

Directions:
Melt in double boiler until completely melted. Stir. Add 30-60 drops essential oil if desired. Pour into molds (or parchment lined loaf tin). Refridgerate until solid (at least four house) or freeze 20-30 minutes.

To gift, place in cellophane bag, empty tins, or in a mini paper box.

I'm giving two sets of three of these little bars away to two lucky winners! Comment below with one of your Valentines Day plans or favorite memory before midnight Tuesday the 12th to enter!

Week of Love: Cinnamon Butternut Hearts

On the second day of Week of Love... my true love gave to me - one cinnamony butternut heart.

These Hearts, tender on the inside with crispy cinnamon goodness on the outside, make a great dessert or addition to breakfast.

Our two year old is learning her shapes; hearts and stars happen to be her favorite so I thought she would love this. Of course, she did! She even helped cut the stars with the cookie cutters as seen below.

This can be enjoyed two ways - savory or sweet. But today, I'm posting on the sweet version. For a savory version, roll in almond flour and italian herbs, and serve with marinara. Or you can opt to roll in curry and serve with hummus.

If you don't have butternut squash, try using potatoes, celeriac root (for the savory option), or even sweet potatoes.

When cutting the hearts, there will be remaining leftovers. Steam and use in baking or toss them in soup.

Cinnamon Butternut Hearts
1 Butternut Squash (with bottom bulbish area with seeds cut off)
1 TB cinnamon powder
3 TB evaporated cane juice*
3 TB melted coconut oil

*You may use a little more honey instead but skip the coconut oil.

1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Slice squash into 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick rounds. Put on plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes (this will help the shape-cutting go much easier).
3. Using cookie cutters (and paring knife to help), cut out hearts from butternut rounds. Let kids use the cookie cutters to create shapes then the adult can finish cutting with a paring knife if need be. Remember to keep knives away from little curious hands!
4. Toss in coconut oil, then cane juice and cinnamon powder.
5. Bake for 35 minutes or until tender.

Serve with vanilla soy yogurt to dip (or yogurt of your choice).

Week of Love: Heat it up with Mango Chili Smoothies

Introducing Sweet Root's Week of Love! Sweet, sweet love!
7 Days of Valentines-inspired recipes (and one craft thrown in there) for you my Sweetlings! Recipes will include figs, chili (today), asparagus, chocolate (of course) and so much more! And we'll even have a recipe for the kids out there!

How does one heat it up with a cold drink? It's a trick raw foodists use - add spices!

And whats a wonderful warming spice that also happens to be an aphrodisiac? Chili with its ability to raise the heart rate and get the blood flowing.

This smoothie can be made with any sort of fruit - raspberries, peaches, and even bananas would be delicious. Frozen fruit can also be substituted for fresh. This would also make a tantalizing ice cream; used canned coconut milk and prepare according to your ice cream machine (I own this cuisinart one) or pour in popsicle molds for an easier alternative.

The smoothie really depends on the ripeness and flavor of the mango. If you end up with a very flat tasting mango, odds are your smoothie will taste flat as well.

Mango Chili Smoothie
1/4-1/2 tsp chili powder (or more for spicier)
1 1/2 Mango (can use frozen if you like)
Squeeze of Lime (or Lemon)
1 1/2 cups coconut milk (or milk of choice)

Add all ingredients to blender (with handful of ice - optional). Process til smooth.

This serves two.

Stay tuned for more sweet, sweet-loving recipes the rest of the week!