Natural Yeast Belgian Waffles

Hmm...have you ever had sourdough waffles?  I think these are even better! The Natural Yeast start that I use is mild, so you get the soft and moist texture without the bitter flavor.  These are so delicious you won't be able to stop with just one...or two...or...(you get the idea).

Natural Yeast Belgian Waffles

4 eggs

3 T. olive oil

½ c. dry milk 

1 t. salt

2 c. water

2 c. whole wheat flour

2 c. natural yeast start

 

Combine all ingredients.  Heat waffle iron.  Grease waffle iron with olive oil or coconut oil.  Pour half a cup of batter into waffle iron.  Wait two minutes and remove waffle to cooling rack.  Repeat.  Yield:  15 Belgian Waffles  

We like to top our waffles with natural applesauce, honey or this no-sugar jam. 

Note:  I don't normally advocate dairy.  Using our dry milk in this recipe has been a great way to rotate our food storage, and we have found (when I substituted almond milk) that the texture was compromised (and would even stick to the iron!)  If you find a substitute, let me know!

Note II:  If you don't have a full 2 cups of natural yeast start, you can substitute equal parts wheat flour and water for the remaining portion (to equal the 2 cups of start needed).  If you use less than 1 c. of start, add 2 tsp. of baking powder to the recipe. 

Note III:  I use  hard red winter wheat for a nuttier flavor (and to use my red wheat!), but you can also use hard white wheat if you prefer a lighter flavor and texture.

Easy Green Smoothie

So you've heard all the hype about Green Smoothies.  You even 'like' green smoothies, and want to have them often, but what about when you're traveling?  Or in a rush?  Or you've run out of one of two of the ingredients?  If you want something healthy, satisfying, and delicious, this is my go-to green smoothie in pinch (and a lot of times when I'm not).  It's the easiest way to start my day, and I so I do just that...more often than not. (Bonus:  All of the ingredients can be stored in your food storage too!)

Easy Green Smoothie

Love 'N Peas (pea protein)
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/love-and-peas-675-g/sku-3082.aspx

Natures Harvest
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/natures-harvest-465-g-15-servings/sku-3090.aspx

Ultimate Green Zone
http://www.naturessunshine.com/us/product/greenzone-ultimate-powder-368-g/sku-1103.aspx

Diatomaceous Earth (optional--thickens the shake and it kills parasites)
https://www.earthworkshealth.com/detail.php?id=3&prod=DE-10LB-BAG
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RECIPE:
1 scoop of each and 8 oz of water, 
shake well (in container with tight fitting lid)

When you order from Nature Sunshine, you can sign in and make your own log-in.  It will invite you to become a free member and ask you for my account number which is (2347856).  Now you'll receive member pricing.

Power Breakfast

Now, this is a breakfast for champions!

We call it coconut oats and it's a favorite at our house ; )

Coconut Oats

2 1/2 c. steel cut oats
1 can coconut milk
1/2 c. raisins
1/2 c. craisins
2 t. cinnamon
1/4 c. honey
dash of salt

Toppings
1 granny apple diced
1/2 c. chopped almonds

Note:  I soak my almonds overnight in the refrigerator, and drain the liquid in the morning.  This process makes the nuts easier on your digestion which prevents bloating (and in my opinion, makes them even more tasty).   When soaking, use a mason jar, filling it half full with almonds.  Then add purified water to the top.  After draining, nuts will last 3-5 days in the refrigerator.

Baked Oatmeal

Christmas Breakfast all year long?  Yup, it's that good.  This is our traditional Christmas Breakfast and one that we have often throughout the year because it is just that yummy, and of course its good for you too.  Enjoy one of our favorite treats for breakfast, a snack, or dessert.  I like it any time.

Baked Oatmeal

2 1/2 c. steel cut oats
1 can coconut milk
1/2 c. coconut oil
4 eggs
1/2 c. honey
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
2 t. vanilla
2 c. chopped apples
1 c. raisins
1 c. craisins
2 c. chopped almonds

Mix oats and coconut oil in a bowl, cover bowl and set on counter overnight (8-12 hours).  In the morning, beat coconut oil, honey, and eggs until glossy.  Add baking powder, salt, cinnamon and vanilla and beat.  Stir in oats, raisins, craisins, and chopped apples. Pour into 9x13 inch baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.

Notes:

*I like to soak my almonds overnight in the refrigerator in purified water.  Drain in the morning and chop. 
*You can substitute regular old-fashioned rolled oats instead of steel cut.  Decrease baking time to 30-40 minutes.

Lean & Green

 

How many different ways are there to make a lean and green meal (protein and vegetables)?  As many as you have imagination for!  As one who thrives on consistency and repetition, I was pleasantly surprised that each of these dishes had it's own flare despite the fact that they are made from essentially the same few ingredients.  Take a look.  

This simple salad...

...became an easy lean & green with the addition of some lentil sprouts to add some protein.

Celery dipped in almond butter.

Aren't the colors beautiful???  A few soaked almonds or nuts and this meal is complete.

Black bean quinoa, steamed zucchini and crooked neck with some raw carrots.  

Raw veggies and hummus to dip.

 
Mixed sprouts and lightly steamed broccoli.

Sprouted lentils, steamed vegetables, olives, and grape tomatoes.

Black beans, tomato, avocado, lettuce, hummus, blue corn tortilla chips, carrot and celery strips.

Chicken, lightly steamed green beans, olives, and alfalfa sprouts.

Akmak whole wheat crackers. Celery, jicama, and carrot strips.  Hummus and soaked almonds.

Steamed green beans, sprouted lentils, tomatoes, and olives.

Bed of lettuce, white cabbage, canned chicken, tomatoes, avocado, and soaked almonds.  

Fried kale, tomatoes, olives, sprouted lentils, and chick peas.

Bed of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, cubed jicama, steamed asparagus and baked chicken breast. 

Steamed green beans, grape tomatoes, and sprouted legumes.

Bed of lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cubed jicama, steamed green beans, and baked salmon.

Bed of lettuce, purple cabbage, mung bean sprouts, cucumber, and tomato.

Steamed green beans, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, olives, sprouted lentils, and adzuki beans.

Steamed zucchini, yellow quash, red peppers, olives, and sprouted legume mix.

Raw sweet potato chips, green pepper, soaked almonds, and hummus dip.

Bed of spinach and lettuce, cilantro, purple cabbage, tomato, cucumber, and sprouted legume mix.

Bed of lettuce and spinach, cilantro, cucumber tomato, soaked almonds, and sprouted legume mix.

Crooked neck squash, yams, olives, spouted legume mix and alfalfa sprouts.

Fried zucchini, tomatoes, olives, and alfalfa sprouts.

Luau Salad.  

Bed of lettuce, black beans, avocado, tomato, red pepper, and cucumber.

Quinoa, black beans, avocado, and tomato.

Steamed zucchini, broccoli, red pepper, boiled egg, and soaked almonds.

Raw broccoli, celery, and cucumber with hummus dip.

Steamed broccoli and sprouted lentils.

Steamed zucchini, yellow squash, green beans, tomato, olives, and sprouted legume mix.

Bed of lettuce, black beans, chick peas, tomato, avocado, and craisins.

Sprouts...It's what's for Breakfast

Have you ever thought of ...starting your day with greens?  What a novel idea!  There is no rule that says that you can't have vegetables for breakfast you know.  I really enjoy this combination...check it out!

Sprouted Lentils

Black Olives

Steamed Zuchini

Crooked Neck Squash 

& Green Beans

If you'd like a little more protein, try topping the whole thing with some Garbonzo Beans seasoned with garlic, onion, cumin, and salt.  Yum!

breakfast

It all begins with the first meal of the day. I have found that when I start the day in a healthy way, I have more energy, less cravings, increased stamina, and personal willpower to make better food choices throughout the day. The benefits are huge!

My personal belief is that our 'outside' is often a reflection of our 'inside'. The realization of that statement takes a great deal of self-honesty. We are not a victim unless we choose to be. Our spirit suffers when we don't feed our body the fuel it needs. That's the crux of it. I had to accept that I was not 'depriving' my body of sweets and other comfort foods. When I stopped using what I ate as an emotional filler, I came to regard food as my bodies' means of building and creating the outward temple that houses my inner spirit..what a thought! Truly, that's when I began to experience success. Knowing what those foods were really doing to me on the inside, I simply did not have any desire to ingest them.

I highly recommend choosing foods that are alive--not dead! What are you fueling your body with?




VEGGIE SMOOTHIE

*4 scoops Total Greens Protein Powder
1-3 drops stevia (natural sweetener)
1 1/2 TBSP flax seed (ground)
8 frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana
4 ice cubes
1/2 beet
1/2 avacado
7 sprigs cilantro
***20-30 fresh spinach leaves

Makes 48 oz. or 6 cups

*Total Greens by Nutri-West is a fabulous product that contains Broccoli and Cauliflower Sprouts, Wheat Grasses, and all of the other amazing ingredients that it would take you all day to prepare and eat otherwise. This stuff makes it easy. Be sure to refrigerate the canister after opening (the food is alive!). If you'd like to try it, you can order your own online by clicking on the web-site listed on my sidebar. I like knowing that whatever happens the rest of the day, my family started with a power-packed boost. The best part...my kids love it!


***Try substituting kale, beet greens, or collards for the equivalent of spinach. Experiment and use a variety of different "greens" to create your breakfast smoothie. (It's like baking bread...it is not an exact science because no two batches are ever exactly the same). Have fun and discover what you like best!