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Monday, July 25, 2016

Beet & Ginger Slushie (a natural energy booster + replenisher)



Stay up-beet this summer, my sweet readers! Rehydrate with this coconut water-based smoothie. Ginger adds extra pizazz while boosting energy. Coconut water replenishes electrolytes but the star of the show is the beets...

Beets and their greens are a bounty of vitamins and minerals, including folate, Vitamin C, potassium and manganese. Beets are a wonderful tonic for the liver. They are also a great source of energy due to their higher natural sugar content (beet sugar is slowly released into your system so no sugar-highs here). There are so many benefits to eating beets! And don't throw out their greens! Beet greens are a great source of calcium and have more iron than spinach. Throw beet greens in soups or smoothies for extra nutrients. 

Waste not and your waist will thank you!

Also, the kids seem to enjoy this one. Evidence of my toddler sipping on some below (while I was still photographing - love these eager kids!):


 
Beet & Ginger Slushie (makes 1-2 servings)
1 steamed beet, peeled & cooled
1 raw beet green
1 cup coconut water
Handful ice
1-2 small pieces of ginger, squeezed through garlic mincer or chunk of crystallized  ginger *optional
Spoonful of honey or a couple drops stevia *optional

*My kids prefer either with crystallized ginger or completely without.

Blend in blender and enjoy!

Fun fact: Did you know the ox-eye daisies I used in my pictures are edible? Their leaves taste like arugula! I hope to do a post later this summer about a few edible weeds. For now, read about it in Wild Edibles and as always, be wise foragers.
 

Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Red, White & Blue Fireworks Popsicles

A cold, icy popsicle is a great remedy to beat the heat. We enjoyed these pretty pops on the 4th of July!
 
This recipe is vegan and relatively low on sugar. The fresh vanilla bean seeds add so much sweet flavor, sugar isn't needed. A few dates or a couple spoonfuls maple syrup will suffice.
 
I hope you had a lovely 4th of July! God bless America! And all those who fight for our freedom!
 
 

Red, White & Blue Fireworks Popsicles
1 can coconut milk
4 dates
Seeds from 1/2 vanilla bean
 
Blueberries
Raspberries
 
Blend first three ingredients in a blender. Drop small handfuls of raspberries and blueberries in a popsicle mold then fill with milk mixture. Freeze at least four hours! Enjoy, sweet readers!