http://www.slowfoodusa.org/index.php/programs/ark_product_detail/sebastopol_gravenstein_apple/

Gravensteins are famous here in my hometown.  I remember as a child, everywhere I looked and played, there were apple orchards all over Sonoma County.

I could smell the cannery all the way out to my home each season as applesauce was being made.  It was both a comforting and familiar smell.  Sometimes pretty stinky too as Sonoma County folks I’m sure can attest to!

In fact, one year I remember an old childhood friend of mine, Nick Terrel and I after school one day snuck into a neighbors Gravenstein apple orchard, took a ton of apples, placed them across the road like a barricade and would hide in the bushes and watch t he cars drive by, try to slam on the breaks and not run over the apples.

We LOVED this game, and had great fun doing it every day until the neighbors caught us and called our parents.  That put an immediate end to our apple adventures!

Now, as a certified holistic nutritionist and natural chef, my passion is to show women, like you, that what you choose to put into your body directly impacts your energy, mood, immune and digestive health.

And most importantly, illness of any kind is a direct result of not honoring your body’s warning signals.  So pay attention and take empowered action when your body is asking for help.  Support your digestive health.  Superior health begins in the gut.

And one ingredient that is really good at supporting superior digestive health is APPLES.

POWERFUL HEALTH BENEFITS OF APPLES

• Contain soluble fiber- pectin, a fiber that keeps the bowels functioning properly and lowers cholesterol.

• Protects against environmental pollutants. Pectin grabs heavy metal toxins like lead and mercury, and flushes them out of the body.

• Contain malic and tartaric acids, which aid digestion and are especially helpful in dealing with rich, fatty foods.

• Apples are also very high in calcium, and contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C helps to boost the body’s own immune defenses.

• Apples heal intestinal infections, inflammation of the colon, diarrhea, arthritis, herpes, and viruses.

So, EAT UP and enjoy your local supply of apples with this nourishing and healing recipe:  Kids LOVE this, by the way.

Nourishing and Comforting Chunky Ginger-Apple Compote:

• 1/2 cup spring water http://www.findaspring.com/
• 1/3 cup unsulfured raisins
• 2 inch ginger piece, peeled and thinly sliced or chopped
• 1 ½  teaspoons cinnamon
• 8 medium Gravenstein apples, about 3 1/2 pounds
• 1 Tablespoon kudzu root, dissolved in 3 Tbsp cold water (optional) http://health.learninginfo.org/herbs/kudzu-root.htm
• 1/8 teaspoon pure stevia powder

Add water to barely cover bottom of 3-4 quart crock pot, set on low setting.

Add raisins, ginger, and spices.

Wash and core apples.  Halve, cut into ½  inch thick wedges, and add to pot.

Let apples stew in crock pot 4-6 hours until soft.

Uncover and stir gently.  If watery, remove some of the liquid, mix liquid with kudzu to thicken and pour back into crockpot, mixing gently.

Simmer and stir to thicken.  To sweeten further, add tiny pinch stevia powder.

Serve warm or close to room temperature.

I serve this over warm quinoa cerea (ancient harvest)l, chia seed pudding, or in my famous gluten free- dairy free chickpea crepes.

Today’s highlighted Digestive Health recipe  Vegan Lentil Zucchini Enchiladas is my vegan adaptation of Rancho La Puerta’s delicious enchilada recipe.

I had two goals in creating this recipe: take advantage of the summer bounty of fresh zucchini and experiment with a new vegan cheese I have been introduced to called Daiya Cheese.

Daiya Cheese is available at most natural food stores throughout the United States.

Daiya cheese is a vegan cheese substitute made primarily with coconut flour and pea protein, It is a great alternative for people with dairy sensitivities who want something meltable and yummy.  If you have issues with yeast, this is not the cheese substitute for you. http://www.daiyafoods.com/

This recipe is even better if you take the time to make your own homemade NON-GMO corn tortillas (recipe located on the back of Bob’s Red Mill Masa Harina Corn Flour Bag).  If you are too lazy or strapped for time, organic corn tortillas work fine.

Health Benefits of My Vegan Lentil Enchiladas with Daiya Cheese

• Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Appropriate for those with Food Sensitivities
• Lentils keep you pooping regularly with ease- hooray!
• Lentils keep you energized and your mood stable
• Garlic is great for  enhancing immunity, combating bacteria and nasty instestinal critters
• Makes a fantastic potluck or freezable dish- just double the recipe-

Vegan Lentil Zucchini Enchiladas with Daiya Cheese.

Serves 6

• 1  1/3 cups vegetable stock
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1/3 cup chopped onion
• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon dried chili flakes
• 1/2 cup lentil
• 1 pounds fresh zucchini, shredded in food processor
• 1 pound spinach, chopped
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 Tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 Tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 6 whole corn tortilla, can make homemade corn tortillas with masa flour
• 2 cups ancho chili sauce
• 1 ½  cups Daiya Vegan Cheese Substitute (they have monterey or cheddar)

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Salt the shredded zucchini, let it rest and drain in a colander for 15 minutes while prepping other ingredients and then squeeze all excess water out zucchini.
3. In medium pot combine stock, bay leaf, onion, garlic, and chili flakes.
4. Bring to boil; stir in lentils.  Cook, covered over low heat 20-25 minutes or until lentils are just tender.DO NOT OVERCOOK.  Remove bay leaf.  Drain any liquid from lentils
5. In large pan combine zucchini, onion, bay leaf and garlic.  Saute on medium high heat until onions are very soft, about 3 minutes and zucchini starts to brown a bit.  Remove bay leaf, add in spinach and sauté until spinach is slightly wilted.  Transfer mix to large bowl; stir in oregano, basil, cilantro and lentils.  Season with pepper
6. On large baking sheet arrange tortillas in 1 layer; cover with damp kitchen towel and bake until tortillas are warm, not crisp, about 4-5 minutes.  Spread about 3 Tbsp Ancho Chili Sauce on each tortilla.  Spoon about 3/4 cup filling in its center; wrap up like a crepe.
7. Lightly brush baking sheet with oil.  Set enchilada on sheet; spoon the rest of the Ancho Chili Sauce over them, then sprinkle with Daiya Cheese.  Bake 15 minutes or until heated through and cheese melts.  Serve hot with additional Ancho Chili Sauce

If you found this information useful, I give GREAT value in my digestive relief support package, ($197 value free).  In your support package, you will receive my special report:

3 Simple Steps to Eliminate Digestive Problems NOW

This report will help you…

• Uncover hidden food sensitivities that could be causing your gas, bloating, fatigue, and other digestive problems

• Learn my 2 powerful secrets to get rid of harmful toxins in your body

• Discover the #1 ingredient that prevents constipation, reduces anxiety, eases body pain, and slows brain aging.

• Find safe & natural health solutions (so you can prevent a lifetime dependence on prescription medications)

• Discover my magic secret to balance your moods, create bliss in your belly, and spice up your sex life.

• PLUS MUCH MORE

Your first step is to sign up for your digestive relief support package, a $197 value yours FREE.

NOTE:  Digestive Relief Support Package will be available July 31st.  Please check back in next week to register.

To Your Digestive Harmony

Jesseca Logan, BA CNC

As usual, I walked away from my session feeling vibrant, clear headed, and lighter than air.

I became introduced to the benefits of colon cleansing at my first vitality fasting retreat 6 years ago.  Since then, colonics have become a very regular and enjoyable part of my personal digestive health program, as well as that of my private consulting clients.

A colonic is a safe effective method of removing waste from the large intestines without the use of drugs.

Top 5 benefits of colon hydrotherapy

• Relieves gas and spasms in the bowel
• Assists in healing of digestive problems
• Alleviates body pain
• Eliminates toxins from the colon
• Relieves stress on the liver

My holistic medical doctor, Elson Hass, MD, director of Preventative Medical Center in Marin says this about colon hydrotherapy…

“When you begin to improve your diet with more natural and chemical-free foods, and begin to eliminate toxins by cleansing and colonics, you will become younger, stronger, and more beautiful.”

If you found this information useful, I give GREAT value in my digestive relief support package, ($197 value free).  In your support package, you will receive my special report:

3 Simple Steps to Eliminate Digestive Problems NOW!

This report will help you…

• Uncover hidden food sensitivities that could be causing your gas, bloating, fatigue, and other digestive problems

• Learn my 2 powerful secrets to get rid of harmful toxins in your body

• Discover the #1 ingredient that prevents constipation, reduces anxiety, eases body pain, and slows brain aging.

• Find safe & natural health solutions (so you can stop depending on a lifetime of prescription medications)

• Discover my magic secret to balance your moods, create bliss in your belly, and spice up your sex life.

• PLUS MUCH MORE

Your first step is to sign up for your digestive relief support package, a $197 value yours FREE.

I am about to share a confession with you!  Would that be okay?  As a clinical  nutritionist, I am alwaysassaulted with solicitations for different supplements and programs that promise to deliver miracles in a bottle.  Some work and some don’t.  I also had a MAJOR aversion to the avenue of direct marketing or what many people call an MLM.

Now, I know there are others (nutritionists and people) out there alike who have felt the same way.  You may even be nodding your head now in agreement with me?!

Well, let me share with you an extraordinary experience I had that began just a little over 1 year ago today.  This experience not only saved my life, but has completely transformed my perception around just about everything, including direct marketing.

I have learned that miracles can come in packages that we never expected them to come in… IF we are listening closely and with an open heart.

My heart busted wide open on May 1, 2009.  On this day, I started on the Orenda Products with no expectations, just hopes for better health.  I started on all the products the company has (except for the mens and dog’s multi).

I was 31 years old and living in a 90 year old body.  I needed help.

I had tried literally everything up to this point, every supplement, every program, and I have to say, the Orenda products blew this total skeptic’s doors off…Here’s what happened:

• I have always been a great sleeper, but my sleep became deep and restorative.  I started dreaming vividly again.

• My energy improved dramatically- on the 17^th day of being on these products, I shaved 13 minutes off my usual 6 mile jog.

• My anxiety and obsessive thoughts around my health completely disappeared- the internal chatter in my head just stopped.

• My memory improved dramatically- I stopped putting my car keys and cell phone in the refrigerator.

• I was in such chronic physical body pain, I couldn’t function.  This completely disappeared within two weeks.

• I feel like I had a digestive system transplant.  7 years of chronic digestive problems disappeared within the month.

• My hair grew back

• I got breasts

• I put on 7 pounds of solid muscle.

I cannot believe that I look this HOT after years of feeling like a dead person walking.

I have to say, I was a total skeptic, but after I put my clients, friends, family, and my pets on these products, I could not deny what I was seeing.  They were having amazing results!

I am in the business of helping people and I realize now that the avenue of direct marketing is the only way these products can reach the masses, because we all know the best form of advertising isword of mouth.

I believe wholeheartedly everyone should know about Orenda, whether they look at it as a business opportunity or just take these products to bring their bodies and lives back to balance.

So, that  is how this skeptic’s heart opened to magic and miracles coming in unexpected packages and through unexpected means of distribution.

If you too want to regain your health the way that I did, do not let the “distribution” method  of having access to these products stop you.

I encourage you to open your heart and say yes to your health.  Don’t let your head run the show.

Stay tuned in the next few days for my OKI super-food juice experiment I have been doing the past 2 weeks.  My results will literally rock your world- it did for me!  Especially if you are an athlete.

As I was in whole foods market yesterday picking up some key ingredients for my favorite dressing- Magic Miso Dressing, discovered in Elson Haas’ Book Staying Healthy With Nutrition I came across a “condiment” that is new to me……Coconut Vinegar.

So, the always curious certified natural chef in me, who loves all things pure and coconut based, purchased this product and brought it home.

Very curious about the company Coconut Secret, and this product, Coconut Vinegar, I went online and did a little research at www.coconutsecret.com.

I was quite impressed- here’s the lowdown on coconut vinegar:

• Raw, Unheated
• Gluten Free, Dairy Free and Vegan
• Low Glycemic
• Coconut Vinegar is made from sap of coconut trees grown in rich volcanic soil- this creates a vinegar rich with minerals, particularly POTASSIUM, CALCIUM, and MAGNESIUM
• When the tree is tapped, it produces a very “nutrient rich” sap that comes from the coconut blossoms.
• This sap is low-glycemic (GI of only 35) is diabetic friendly, and has an abundant array of 17 amino acids, minerals, vitamin C, broad spectrum b-vitamins, and a nearly neutral pH.
• Coconut vinegar has an alkalinizing effect on the body, much like apple cider vinegar.

To Use:

Try replacing coconut vinegar with any recipe that calls for balsamic, apple cider, brown rice, etc and see.

I am going to try it with one of my favorite recipes

Coconut Curry Miso Dressing

• ½ cup coconut vinegar
• ½  cup sunflower seed oil
• ½ cup barleans highest lignan flaxseed oil
• ¼ cup Unpasteurized chickpea Miso
• 1 ½ Tbsp curry powder
• 1 ½ tsp fresh grated ginger
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 Tbsp coconut nectar or raw honey.
• ¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp filtered water

Place all ingredients in a high powered blender or vitamix and blend until smooth and creamy.  Place in a dark, wide mouth jar and store in refrigerator, covered for up to 7 days.

This dressing is incredible over leafy greens, drizzled on quinoa, tossed with steamed broccoli, cauliflower, and green beans.

It is also fabulous used as a satay dip for chicken skewers or shrimp if you eat animal flesh.

Major Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

• This little seed for centuries has been used as a staple food by the Indians of the southwest and Mexico.
• Known as the “running” food for its use as a high energy endurance food.
• When combined with water, chias create a gummy gel like reaction.  This gel like formulation in the stomach creates a physical barrier between carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down, so it slows the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar- excellent for people with unstable blood sugars, like hypoglycemia.
  • Slowing the conversion of carbohydrates into sugar means sustained energy.
• Chias are hydrophilic- they can absorb more than 12 times their weight in water- thus promoting hydration.  With chia seeds, you retain moisture and regulate more efficiently the bodies absorption of nutrients and body fluids.  Electrolyte balance is maintained because of this.
• Chia seeds are a muscle and tissue builder- critical for those with compromised digestive systems- they help to heal the gut.
• Chias are very high in absorbable protein- they have 2 ½ times the protein content as grains.
• Chias have a rich omega-3 fatty acid profile- these are our anti-inflammatory fats critical to brain function to stabilize our moods, promote concentration and enhance memory, critical for tissue repair, healthy skin, hair, and nails.
• Chia seeds are rich in calcium, and the mineral boron, very important for promoting bone health.
• Chia seeds are a dieter’s dream- because a little bit sustains energy and satiates appetite for long periods of time.

PumpkinSeed Chocolate Chia Breakfast Pudding

Serves 1

1 ½ cup pumpkinseed milk- could substitute store bought nut milk- NO SOY!!!

3 Tbsp navitas naturals whole chia seeds

½ cup fresh mango, blueberries, or raspberries

1 Tbsp dried cherries- optional (only if you don’t have any yeast related issues)

½ tsp Vietnamese cinnamon

½ tsp health force nutritionals vita mineral greens

½ tsp health force nutritionals Spirulina powder (optional for added protein)

1 tsp raw chocolate powder

Dash of pure stevia powder to sweeten

1. Add nut milk and chia seeds together in a bowl and soak for 30 minutes or soak overnight for better texture.  Keep in refrigerator
2. Take a fork and thoroughly mix the chia seeds and nut milk together until you have a creamy, gel like texture that looks like tapioca.  If it is too thick, add more nut mylk.
3. Add in all other ingredients and eat slowly and chew thoroughly
4. Be sure to share with me your own variations- I’d love to hear them

After a day of recipe testing and writing for some delicious desserts designed for an e-book I am working on, I was craving something clean and light and nourishing.

I really wanted to make that smoky black bean dip- but didn’t have the ingredients on hand.  So, I created a spin off of that recipe- and here it is.

I have to admit- it is pretty darn delicious.  I tossed this dip with some fresh baby spinach and sliced jicama.  I was really craving croutons- bummer because I do not eat gluten grain.  Gluten is a protein found specifically in wheat.  It is also commonly found in most processed foods.  Many people are intolerant to gluten- yet don’t even realize it because they don’t make the connection that their digestive problems are associated with gluten consumption.   Symptoms of gluten intolerance can include:

• gas,
• bloating
• constipation
• diarrhea
• spasming and cramping
• fatigue
• depression
• irritability
• psoriasis

Celiac sprue disease is a disease that is rising dramatically.  Celiac disease is a severe intolerance to gluten- which results in the damage of villi that line your intestines.

Studies have shown without question that people who suffer from digestive disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Celiac, and many of the inflammatory bowel diseases- these symptoms improve DRAMATICALLY by removing gluten grains- and most all grain from the diet.  This is called the Specific Carbohydrate Diet or The Paleo Diet.

So- back to craving croutons- To satisfy my crouton craving, I took a box of Namaste Gluten-Free Pizza Crust, followed the directions on the box, and made pizza crust.  I then cut the crust into croutons and added them to my spinach salad with jicama and creamy, dream pinto bean dip.

Recipe for Pinto Bean Dip

1 14 oz can organic pinto beans, drained.

1 tsp cumin

½ tsp coriander seed

1 tsp Wright’s liquid smoke

2 Tbsp Barlean’s highest lignan flaxseed oil

½ tsp Celtic sea salt

2 Tbsp red star nutritional yeast

2 cloves garlic

½ cup fresh salsa

1. Grind cumin and coriander in spice grinder or use mortar and pestle.

1. Take all ingredients EXCEPT salsa, place in food processor and process for about 10-15 seconds until you reach desired consistency.

1. Add salsa to food processor and pulse until chunky, but mixed in.

Use as a dip, spread, or toss with salad greens like I did for a protein rich meal.

The recipe for the orange cake is SUPER EASY.

Follow the basic pound cake recipe and directions from my recent post  for Metabolism Boosting Coconut Flour Muffins.

To the batter add the following:

1 Tbsp organic orange zest

1-2 Tbsp grand marnier.

Instead of putting batter in a mini muffin tin- use an 11-17 inch rectangular cake pan- well greased.

Pour batter in.

Cook according to directions on metabolism boosting coconut flour mini muffins.

Remove pan from oven- let sit for about 10 minutes until cool.

Poke holes all over the cake and drizzle juice squeezed from orange over the top of the cake.

Cut cake into small bite size pieces- makes about 24-36 little cake “bites”

STAY TUNED FOR RECIPE OF RAW CHOCOLATE FROSTING COMING SOON.

Last week I was at the farmer’s market in Santa Rosa, California.  I bought some awesome eggs from Hector of Hector’s Honey.  His eggs are divine.  He also makes incredible raw, unprocessed honey- by the way.

I also ran into some new friends, who make this incredible smoked olive oil.  The company is The Smoked Olive Oil Inc, produced by a lovely husband and wife team.  This smoked olive oil is so incredible; there is actually a patent pending.

This olive oil is naturally wood smoked and my favorite flavor that I tried was the “Napa” flavor, which I promptly bought. Chef Paul Schroeder of Monti’s Rotisserie and Bar, Food Network Star Tyler Florence, and Famous Santa Rosa Chef John Ash are now using and endorsing this oil in their restaurants, it is that good!!!

Back to my story…tonight, I had on hand as ingredients for my supper, hector’s eggs and my treasured purchase of “Napa” style smoked olive oil.  And I was CRAVING deviled eggs.

And because I never buy store bought mayonnaise…(most are laden with preservatives and chemicals and the organic ones are made mostly with canola oil, which is NOT a healthy oil, contrary to popular belief)… I always make my own.

So, I thought- let’s make a VEGAN mayonnaise with this awesome smoked olive oil for my “deviled eggs.”

I had never made vegan mayonnaise before, but I gave it my best shot, and I came up with this variation, which uses some of my favorite ingredients:

• Barlean’s Highest Lignan Flaxseed oil- metabolism boosting, skin glowing, mood and memory enhancing source of nourishing omega 3 fats.

• Raw, Sunflower Seeds- rich in vitamin E for antioxidant support, and rich in  minerals like calcium, magnesium, and selenium, critical for detoxification.

• Red Star Brand Nutritional Yeast- rich in B-vitamins, supports our bodies to manage stress

• Organic, meyer lemons-alkalinizing, detoxifying, tonifying

Vegan Sunflower-Flax Mayonnaise

Makes 1 cup

This mayonnaise has a rich, thick, creamy texture.

It will last 10-12 days in the refrigerator

Ingredients:

¼ cup raw sunflower seeds, soaked over night in pure, filtered water and then drained.

¼ pure, filtered water

1 tsp nutritional yeast

1 whole garlic, peeled and smashed

¼ tsp Himalayan sea salt

1/3 cup barleans highest lignan flaxseed oil

¼ cup cold pressed olive oil

2 ½ Tbsp lemon juice

¼ tsp Bragg’s raw apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender, like a Vita Mix.
2. Blend on high speed until thick and creamy.

Ideas for using:

-Use anywhere you would use mayonnaise.

-Toss it with fresh veggies.

-Use as a dipping sauce for grilled vegetables.

-Thin and use as a salad dressing for leafy greens.

-Doubles as an Alfredo like sauce for gluten free pasta noodles.

-Use as a “gravy” over roasted chicken.

-I personally love using it mashed with hard boiled eggs for an egg

salad mixture.

-Mix in a little paprika for your own nutritious take on deviled eggs.

I encourage you to try this variation- and give me your thoughts and share with me how you used it.  I’d love to know.

To apply for a Free 30-minute Digestive Tune-Up Strategy Session, feel free to go to the page on this blog titled:

Apply for Free Strategy Session and follow the prompts.

Cheers

Miss Nourish

They are ridiculously simple to make and they are packed with unbelievable nutrition.

Coconut flour:

• Is high in protein
• An excellent source of fiber (helps to stimulate healthy bowel activity)
• Provides natural anti-bacterial properties- keeps out gut bacteria in balance
• Helps curb cravings for sweets and unhealthy carbohydrates-it’s a great on the go snack.
• Good source of healthy fats that stimulate metabolism (think fat burning machine)

Kids love these mini muffins and you, MOM, can feel really good about how healthy they are.

These are muffins sure to win points with your family.

An ADDED BENEFIT- these mini muffins taste almost like cupcakes- so feel free to say to your kids “hey, I made you cupcakes today.”  They’ll be much more excited and you can feel confident that they are getting a delicious, nutrition snack disguised as a treat.

Basic Recipe:

Vanilla Pound Cake Coconut Flour Mini Muffins

Ingredients:

½ cup coconut flour (www.tropicaltraditions.com)

½ tsp Celtic sea salt- I like using flavored sea salts, like vanilla or lavender.

½ tsp baking soda

6 farm fresh eggs     (see notation below)

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup grade b pure maple syrup +

1 Tbsp grade b pure maple syrup

½ cup olive oil

1 tsp pure vanilla powder   (or substitute 1 Tbsp alcohol free vanilla extract)

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Coat a 24 mini muffin cup sheet pan with aloha nu- non stick cooking spray- then dust with coconut flour.
3. Put all ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Let batter rest for 5 minutes, then process again for 10 seconds.
5. Spoon 1 full Tbsp of batter into each greased mini muffin cup.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes.

**Batter may look thick- this is okay- resist the urge to thin it out with water.

**It is critical to use farm fresh eggs here- not store bought eggs.  The taste and texture is light and fluffy and rich- store bought eggs just don’t create the same thing.

**I love using olive oil because it creates that pound-cake flavor, but feel free to experiment with a neutral like like grapeseed or a richer oil like coconut oil.