Planted By Grace

TURMERIC DANDELION MILK

March 12, 2017 No Comments

This healthy drink has some powerful key players in its nutritional line-up. Dandelion is well known as a diuretic assisting the liver to rid itself of toxins more easily. It is also believed to have a positive effect on the digestive system. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties and coconut milk among other things contains lauric acid which is easily absorbed by the body and used for energy. It makes a nice cosy drink with a slightly spicy flavour and sweetness can be adjusted to suit!

Recipes, Main Dishes

BLACK BEAN BURGERS

March 9, 2017 No Comments

Black beans are one of my new discoveries in the legume world. They have a mild flavour and a nice smooth texture making them very versatile. Black beans are a good source of fibre and protein as well as Vitamin A, calcium, iron, and magnesium. Their rich black colour is indicative that they are also rich in flavonoids.

Recipes, Sides & Accompaniments

CHICKPEA FLATBREAD

March 9, 2017 No Comments

Chickpea flour also known as Garbanzo or Besan flour is made from ground chickpeas. It is pale yellow in colour and a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is a gluten free flour and can be used to add a good boost of protein to a range of recipes This mixture can be thickened up and used a s a pizza base, used as a wrap for salads or eaten like a pancake with either a sweet or savoury topping.

Recipes, Main Dishes

COCONUT TURMERIC TOFU

March 9, 2017 No Comments

Tofu, the star of this recipe, is an excellent source of protein containing the 8 essential amino acids as well as being a very good source of calcium and iron. The spice turmeric, is also well known for its anti-inflammatory effects on the body. This is a simple dish with lots of flavour which can be teamed with rice and vegetables to make a complete meal.

Recipes, Main Dishes, Sides & Accompaniments

CAULIFLOWER RICE

March 9, 2017 No Comments

This recipe is very much like fried rice but uses cauliflower instead of rice. Cauliflower belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables which are known for their health promoting benefits. For this recipe, I used what vegetables I had in the fridge at the time but you could truly use whatever vegetables you liked and I’m sure it would turn out just fine. You could also add some tofu or cashews for some protein and make a meal-in-one or just serve it as an interesting accompaniment to a main dish.

Recipes, Breakfasts, Desserts

PUMPKIN PIE

March 9, 2017 No Comments

Pumpkin is such a versatile vegetable (technically a fruit), capable of being used in soups, main dishes, dips, smoothies and even desserts. You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy superfood products from exotic locations at the Health shop when you can pick up a pumpkin quite cheaply all year round at your local markets or grocery store. Pumpkins are high in fibre, low in calories and contain good amounts of potassium, magnesium, Vitamin C and E. However, pumpkins are particularly noted for their high levels of carotenoids (that’s the red, yellow and orange compounds found in many plant foods) that are thought to be protective against a range of diseases especially cancer and eye disease. And I haven’t mentioned the benefits of pumpkin seeds. That will have to wait for another recipe…..

Recipes, Desserts

RAW CAROB-CARAMEL SLICE

March 9, 2017 No Comments

This is quite a rich slice with three layers and therefore perhaps better suited to special occasions rather than everyday eating. Being raw, it is best stored in the freezer and taken out just prior to serving.

Recipes, Main Dishes

SWEET POTATO AND VEGETABLE PATTIES

March 7, 2017 No Comments

This recipe was adapted from the Revive Cookbook (Number 5). Revive’s two (largely vegan ) cafes are located in Auckland and their founder Jeremy Dixon has a passion to help people add energy and vitality to their lives by cooking and eating more natural plant based foods. Check out the Revive website https://www.revive.co.nz/

Home Remedies

HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE

March 7, 2017 No Comments

Have you ever read the list of ingredients on the side of a tube of standard commercial toothpaste? It reads like a chemical cocktail and when some of the ingredients have more than 10 letters and are unpronounceable common sense tells me that it’s not wise to be putting these substances into our mouths.

Recipes, Sides & Accompaniments

SPELT-SESAME CRACKERS

March 6, 2017 No Comments

These crackers are very versatile and can be made into any size or shape and used to accompany dips or topped with either sweet or savoury spreads. I always used wheat for these crackers but wheat is not the product it used to be. New modern cultivars have been introduced which are easier and quicker to grow but lacking in nutrients. I generally use Wholemeal spelt flour these days. Spelt is an ancient grain which although distantly related to wheat has a superior nutritional profile being higher in protein and minerals. It is lower in gluten than wheat but obviously still unsuitable for celiacs. I am still working on perfecting a gluten-free cracker as they don’t hold together quite as well as these do!