Importance of Healthy Breakfast

There is an old saying that breakfast is most important meal of the day. We are all aware of that fact but still due to our schedules, busy school mornings, diets, drive true habits, we sometimes forget how amazing, homemade breakfast is. It takes less then 10 minutes to prep, make and serve healthy and nutritious breakfast to your family members. Ingredients are a part of a-ha moment and will provide you with yummy taste and warm feeling when you are done with the last tiny crumb on your plate. This is a sample plate that my husband and myself made for our family on Monday morning, on the school day.

Breakfast plate is a twist on the regular breakfast sandwich, with single slice of healthy choice of toasted bread, topped with fresh egg and sautéed green onions and served with side of organic hass avocado slices and low fat cottage cheese.

Ingredients:

Bread: Sprouted wheat berry

Fresh organic egg

Avocado

Green onion

Organic cottage cheese

Salsa/optional, on your taste buds request

Benefits:

Sprouted grain breads

This type of bread includes a variety of whole grains and legumes. For example, Ezekiel 4:9® Sprouted Whole Grain Bread is made from sprouted wheat, barley, lentils, soybeans and spelt .This bread offers you a broader range of nutrients than bread made from whole wheat alone. Furthermore, combining grains with legumes makes the protein in sprouted grain bread complete, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids. It’s also easier for your body to use.

Egg coop fact

USDA-Certified Organic Eggs

The USDA’s Organic standards mean more than just a rubber stamp on the supplemental food that we provide the hens – it’s a complete system that applies across the whole farm. Organic eggs are free from GMO ingredients, hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. Eggs are delicious!

Avocados

Avocados offer abundance of fiber, potassium, more them medium banana and vitamins B6 and C. They’re also rich in folate, which can boost your mood! One cup of avocado provides 21 grams of fat. Your body uses these fats to build cell membranes and the covering of nerves and strength of muscle movement. Fresh avocados are powerhouse fruit. Healthy and nutritional choice which will provide hard working body and the brain with needed energy.

Cottage cheese

It’s a solid source of some nutrients that most of us fall short on-calcium and potassium-and other nutrients that we’re all wanting more of (protein and, depending on the brand, probiotics).

Result:

What creates five components in this breakfast sandwich?

Finger licking good breakfast, that will put joy into your day and energy into your step. Remember, it is worth spending extra time in your kitchen in the morning, your belly will thank you and the smiles on your kids faces will make you shine.

Let’s get that breakfast started….

Enjoy!

Gnocchi with Homemade Pesto – Gruyere & Swiss Cheese and Soy Nuts

Recently I start buying living basil in the grocery store. It is much easier way of having fresh basil available and not to worry that will go bad quickly in the fridge or outside in the pot. It grows perfectly on the balcony, half shade in a bigger jar filled with water. Basil can last up to few months. Fresh Basil is one of my favorite herbs. It has amazing aroma and it is excellent source of vitamins and minerals: vitamin k, manganese, copper, vitamin a, vitamin c, calcium, folate, iron, omega-3 fats and magnesium. Basil has also anti inflammatory properties.

Since bunch was almost completely used I made fresh pesto sauce with soy nuts and grated Gruyere and Swiss Cheese. Taste was fantastic, creamy and simply wonderful! In my pantry I had package of regular potato gnocchi and leftover of sweet potato variety in freezer. Combination was a success, yummy!

Ingredients

1 cup  fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup soy nuts
1/2 cup Gruyere and Swiss cheese
1 garlic clove
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
1/4  extra-virgin olive oil

Gnocchi packed, potato or sweet potato, fresh/packed or frozen

Equipment

Blender or food processor, cooking pot

Blend half the basil with the nuts, cheese, and garlic. Place 1/2 of the basil in a food processor fitted with the blade attachment or blender. Add the nuts, cheese, garlic, pepper and salt and process or blend until the ingredients are finely chopped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and add the remaining basil. Process or blend until a paste has formed.

Stream in the olive oil. With the motor running, stream in the olive oil. Less olive oil will make a paste good for spreading on sandwiches and pizzas; more will make a sauce better for pastas.

Taste and adjust. Taste the pesto if you need to add more salt or pepper to taste.

Using and storing pesto. Pesto will darken and brown very quickly, but will still be tasty and fresh for several days. For best appearance, use it right away.

Using medium heavy bottom pot, boil the water with pinch of salt. Add gnocchi and cook until it floats to the top (about 1 minute). Do not over-crowd the pot with gnocchi and do not overcook.

Place 1/2 of cooked gnocchi in saute pan with prepared pesto. Stir together and cook until warm, about 1 minute.

Serve and enjoy!

Tip: Great lunch idea for quick and healthy meal during busy week days.

Green Tea Matcha Rice Pudding Pots

I am big fan of matcha, love the flavor and the texture either in frothy tea, smoothies, pastry or hot lattes, everything taste delicious!

Matcha is a type of powdered green tea. The green tea leaves are shaded from the sun for the last few weeks of their growth, increasing the chlorophyll content and creating a gorgeous green color. Then, the leaves are carefully ground with stone grinding wheels to produce a fine powder.

Matcha is amazing because it is packed with antioxidants. Some of the  benefits are:

• Boosts metabolism and burns calories
• Detoxifies effectively and naturally
• Calms the mind and relaxes the body
• Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
• Enhances mood and aids in concentration
• Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
• Prevents disease
• Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar

Today, I made rice pudding but instead of traditional ingredients like butter, vanilla or cinnamon I used coconut cream(light), extra virgin coconut oil and matcha powder.

This is Matcha Rice Pudding with Coconut, perfect balance of flavors!

I chose Arborio rice for my pudding because it gives me that smooth and creamy texture. You can use your favorite type of rice or any other available in your pantry.

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 4 cups of water
• 2 tsp matcha green tea powder
• 3 cups unsweetened organic soy milk
• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 2 tbs light coconut cream(optional)

Note: This recipe doesn’t contain any additional sugar.

Measure and rinse the rice. Using heavy bottom saucepan bring water to boil, add rice, pinch of sea salt and cook for approximately 20 min.

When water is almost evaporated but rice still uncooked,

add soy milk, coconut oil, coconut cream and continue to simmer.

Tip: It’s very important to scrape the bottom of the pot frequently so the rice doesn’t stick and harden.

When pudding is done add matcha powder and combine.

Let it cool for a few minutes.

Divide the rice pudding in the pots.

Personally, I love this pudding hot or warm but it tastes great when is cool too.

Aroma of this pudding is irresistible and texture, very creamy and super smooth.

Enjoy!

 

 

 

Gluten Free Egg Cups with Turnip Greens and Cottage Cheese

Today I’m exploring another healthy greens, turnips!

Turnips are super greens. They are packed with vitamin: A, C, K, Folate, Ca, Copper, Manganese, Lutein and Beta-Carotene.

Turnips are also leader in non acidic or alkaline foods, which is another reason to add this amazing greens to healthy nutritional diet.

Turnip greens contain about 4 times more calcium than a much less bitter-tasting cruciferous vegetables like cabbage or mustard greens. For total glucosinolate content, turnip greens outscore cabbage, kale, cauliflower and broccoli among the most commonly eaten cruciferous vegetables. That fantastic glucosinolate content brings with it some equally fantastic health benefits. The glucosinolates in turnip greens are phytonutrients that can be converted into isothiocyanates (ITCs) with cancer-preventing properties.

You can buy turnip greens bunch on the farmers market or already packed-precut in supermarkets, whatever is more convenient for you.

This recipe doesn’t contain any flour, it is gluten free.

Pre boiled and baked turnip greens have very nice peppery aroma. They are not bitter and they perfectly pair with eggs and cheese.

Makes 6 medium egg cups

Ingredients:

1/2 lb fresh turnip greens, chopped
4 organic eggs
1 medium cup low fat cottage cheese

A little olive oil, salt and pepper to taste

Preheat the oven to 375F .

In a heavy pot bring water to boil. Add the turnip greens in the pot.

Cook the turnip just until wilted, about 4-5 minutes.

Use colander or spatula to pack in the greens. Drain the excess water really well, ( is important step). Let it cool for a few minutes.

In a mixer bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy. Add the turnip greens and cheese to the eggs. Stir to combine. Season to taste.

Add a few drops of olive oil to each cup.

Divide mixture evenly among the 6 medium muffin cups.

Bake for about 27-29 minutes or until it’s well set and a tester/toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

This recipe is delicious breakfast idea or mid day craving snack, packed with protein and healthy dark leaf greens.

Enjoy!

 

Gluten Free Petit Quiches with Butternut Squash and Scallions

Since I enjoy creating petit dishes and pastries, I decided to make bite size quiches with flavorful savory filling.

Still light and crisp, this recipe is ideal for Holidays, parties or a nice Sunday lunch.

For the filling I chose seasonal butternut squash, green scallions and for added aroma, freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Simple but delicious!!!

Makes 12 mini quiches

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1 Cup Bob’s Red Mill Gluten free pie crust

1/2 stick of butter

Ice water

For the filling:

1/2 pound fresh squash, cut in cubes

1 bunch of scallion, cut

1 table spoon Parmesan cheese, grated

Olive oil

Salt, pepper, to taste

Directions:

Using hand stand mixer, beat the butter, until smooth. Slowly add flour mix and cold water.

Mix on low till ball of dough is formed.

Let it chill in refrigerator for 30 min.

Shape dough into balls, size of walnuts, press onto the bottom and up the sides of greased miniature muffin cups.

Preheat oven to 375F.

Using medium size pot, bring water to boil. Add prepared squash and boil for 20 minutes.

Drain.

Prepare, wash and cut scallions and grate parmesan cheese.

In the meantime, using large skillet, add olive oil and scallions, saute  over medium heat until nicely caramelized.

When oven temperature is ready bake dough cups for 10-12 min.

Using food processor mix squash, scallions, salt, pepper and cheese.

Blend for a minute.

When ready, stuff cups with the filling. If you like cheese as I do, sprinkle extra parmesan on top of the filling, it adds lovely cheese crunch.

Bake at 375° for 25-30 minutes or until nicely browned.

Serve warm.

This recipe is great addition to grilled chicken, turkey or any other protein that you prefer.

Nutritionally balanced, flavorful and eye catching this recipe is a perfect for upcoming Holidays.

Enjoy!!!

Paleo Almond Flour Snack Sticks with Blood Orange and Coconut

I was inspired by Nuts.com and the “April Showers Bring May Flours” project that Nuts.com is putting together for the month of May. For this project, Nuts.com is focused on getting the community inspired to include almond flour in their diets.

I created Paleo Almond Flour Snack Sticks with Blood Orange and Coconut recipe for this post and would like to share why using almond flour is great as well as whip up in almond flour recipe.

Almond flour is an alternative to wheat flour for baking and cooking, and great addition to gluten free baking. The only ingredients in almond flour are ground, whole almonds. This flour is gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, high in fiber and a high source of protein. Almond flour is also rich in vitamins and minerals like: iron, riboflavin, magnesium, potassium, calcium and vitamin E. Almonds provide the most calcium compared to other nuts and are beneficial for heart health, lowering cholesterol and keeping weight under control.

Here we go!

My Paleo baked snack size sticks recipe has no added sugar with wonderful aroma of almonds, zest of juicy blood orange and fragrant coconut flakes still Paleo, still gluten free.

Paleo Snack  Almond Flour Sticks with Blood Orange and Coconut

Makes 12 sticks, snack size

You will need:

– 2 cups almonds, grind

– 2 tablespoons coconut flour

– 2 tea spoons chia seeds

– 2 eggs

– 1 tablespoon organic virgin coconut oil

– 1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar

– 1 blood orange, zest and juice

– 1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Line the pan with parchment paper.

Place almonds in the food processor and grind till fine flour is formed.

Using hand stand mixer whip coconut oil and eggs till frothy.

Add almond flour, coconut flour, chia seeds, zest and juice from the orange.

Mix on low till batter is formed. Add coconut flakes.

Using hands, make and form bite size fingers.

Place them on prepared baking pan.

Make few marks with sharp knife on top of every stick.

Bake for 11 minutes.

Tip: To add top crunch texture you can place sticks under the broiler for a minute.

Let it cool and enjoy!!!

Delicious, bite size sticks, perfect on the go as a mid day snack or a treat.

For the best results, leftovers can be stored in the freezer. That way you are always stocked with delicious healthy snacks, ready to go.

Special thanks to Nuts.com!

Cocoa Dusted Short Bread Morsels Cookies, Gluten Free, Low Sugar

Few days ago while browsing through the supermarket baking isle, I discovered new baking product from Toll House by Nestle.

DelightFulls Baking Milk Chocolate Morsels with Peanut Butter Filling . Another idea for for my fresh batch of cookies……

Morsels have reasonable 8 grams of sugar per 1 table spoon. To make this cookies even better recipe calls for just one table spoon of brown sugar.

Let’s get it a whirl, Happy Baking!!

Just several ingredient, how nice is that:-))

Makes 12 cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 stick of sweet cream butter

1 organic egg

1/2 cup  brown rice flour

1 cup gluten free flour

1 tea spoon brown sugar

1/2 cup Milk Chocolate morsels with peanut butter filling

1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/4 cup almond milk

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a stand up mixer bowl add cold butter, sugar, egg.

Mix just for a few spins, then add all the flours and chocolate filled morsels. Texture should be like a dough.

With hands roll the dough and form patties.

Pop cookies in the oven for 11 minutes.

Let them cool and sprinkle them with cocoa.

Delicious!  Melting filled morsels in every bite, what a great gluten free cookies!!

Enjoy!!

Paleo Bread

Today I decided to try out and make Paleo bread. This gluten free recipe is slightly different because it is also sugar and salt free.

You will need:

– 2 cups almonds, grind

– 2 tablespoons coconut flour

– ¼ cup golden flex meal

– ½ teaspoon baking powder, gluten free

– 5 eggs

– 1 tablespoon organic virgin coconut oil

– 1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar

– 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Place almonds and cinnamon in the food processor and grind till fine.

Using hand stand mixer whip eggs till frothy.

Add coconut oil.

Then add grind almonds, coconut flour, flax and baking powder.

Mix on low till batter is formed.

Transfer batter to greased loaf pan.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Tip: To add top crunch texture you can place the bread under the broiler for a minute.

Let it cool, serve and enjoy!!!

Have to add, Paleo bread is so easy to make and turned out delicious.

Perfect slice of bread for breakfast or mid day delight:-))

Juicing for Healthy Hair Growth

Everything for the healthy looking locks!!

I start juicing recently, got very nice juicer, not to big but powerful and have to say that I am very pleased with this machine.

Breville Juice Fountain Compact has compact design packed with power. Collects pulp within the foot print of the unit to conserve counter space. Great price also, medium price range.

The reason why I love juicing is because varieties are endless. You can make sweet fruit juice for immunity w/boost of vitamin c, you can make green power energy veggie juice, speciality juices to target special concerns or to enhance your body with antioxidants.

Since hair goes through the life stages (Anagen, Catagen, Talogen, return to Anagen) extra care, good nutrition,vitamins and minerals are absolutely necessary. Today I will share recipe for the healthy hair growth. Necessary vitamins for healthy hair growth are: B complex vitamins, Vitamin A, Folic Acid, Vitamin E, Biotin

Beets: folate, manganese, potassium, copper, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, iron, vitamin B6

Carrots: vitamin A, potassium, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin B6, Manganese, vitamin B1, vitamin B3

Mango: vitamin C, folate, vitamin A, vitamin E, B6,  Copper, Omega 3-6

Cantaloupe: iron, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, potassium, B3, B6, B1, copper, fiber, vitamin K, magnesium

Healthy hair growth boost recipe:

2 beets

2 carrots

1 ripe mango

Half small cantaloupe

Wash fruits and veggies thoroughly before juicing.

Juice, chill, serve and enjoy!!

The 700 watt motor spins the filter basket at 14,000 RPM to extract 8 oz (250 ml) of juice in a mere 5 seconds.
Cleanse easily, comes with cleaning brush for the stainless steel micro mesh basket.
Many more healthy juice recipes for the whole family coming soon….
Handy and useful kitchen gadget, love it!

Gluten Free Cinnamon Vanilla Sugar, Chocolate Chunk Holiday Cookies

Happy Holidays!!

Here is a jolly, lovely, sweet and super tasty cookie recipe for celebrations and yes, gluten free, from your kitchen.

Great for any crowd, kids and adults, super gooey inside with amazing flavor of cookie dough and hint of chocolate.

Done in less then 30 minutes, these cookies are perfect for welcoming Santa, guests or just relaxing and munching on the sofa.

Perfect with glass of milk or nice cup of tea.

Enjoy!!

Makes 12 cookies

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
1 egg
1 1/2 cup brown rice flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup tapioca starch
1/4 cup chocolate chunks, semi sweet
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 teaspoon organic vanilla sugar
1/4 cup powdered sugar, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a stand up mixer bowl add cold butter, sugar, egg, vanilla sugar and cinnamon.

Mix just for a few spins, then add brown rice and tapioca flours. Do not over mix.

Texture should be like a dough. With hands roll the dough and form balls.

For holiday decorations stamp cookies with cookie cutters.

Add chocolate chunk in a center of every stamped cookie.

 

Pop cookies in the oven for 14 minutes.

Tip: For adding artisan look and crunch, pop cookies under the broiler for a 40-50 seconds.

Delicious, wonderful aroma and texture.

 

Let them cool and if you like you can sprinkle them with powdered sugar.

Happy Holidays!!