Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Zippy Meal

Since I was mentioning grains...Here is an all-time classic easy with any grain of your choice meal. Thank you my Brother, Enjoy!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Grains Grains Grains


In our home I like to use several different grains because they all have different nutrients and benefits we need. For example Quinoa is a very good low glycemic carbohydrate source, and rich with manganese, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, phosphorus, vitamin E, and several B vitamins.is a seed and is a better protein source while Wild rice is high in dietary fiber, protein, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorous. Wild rice is an incomplete protein and should be used with complimentary foods to ensure that you have complete protein in your diet.


Grains we have on hand are:

-Org Spelt(We grind this up to make seed pancakes..I have goals to make bread someday:)
-Org Wild Rice or (purple rice complete protein:)
-Org Millet(seed/most alkalizing grain)
-Org Quinoa
-Org Brown Rice
-Org Amaranth and or Teff(makes good warm cereal/also high in protein)
-Org Raw Buckwheat groats(yes its gluten free)

We serve grains along side warm veggies or soup, beans, lentils or salad...You don't want to serve grain with fruit or starch if you can avoid it...however a warm bowl of creme of Buckwheat cereal with mixed berries, nuts and a little palm coconut sugar is so good once in a while:)

As for preparation....if I can properly plan ahead I like to rinse my grain, soak overnight, rinse and sprout for 2 days(rinse morn and night). Doing this ensures better enzymatic breakdown and assimilation and nutrient value of the grain. However each grain does have a recommended soaking time...here are quick tips on a few of our favs...

Buckwheat: Soak 20 min. Drain and rinse 2X daily for 24hours warm and serve.
Quinoa and Millet: Rinse several times thoroughly to remove saphonins(gunk in the water:). Soak for 12 hours(overnight:). You can then warm gently on low heat the next day or rinse and sprout for 24hours for a more sprouted grain.
Org Rice: I like to rinse the grain a few times and soak overnight with a bit of lime to start the breakdown process then just gently warm cook it the next day.

There are so many different ways to use grains, be creative. Enjoy!

Monday, December 12, 2011

Make your own Lara Bars



Lara bars and other healthy snack bars can be pricey. I think Lara Bars are over a dollar a bar. So if you want to make your own here is an option:

Ash Bars:)

1 C alk soaked org dates
1/2 Cup org nuts(almonds,pecans,walnuts, brazilsyou choose:)
1/2 C org unsweetn coconut flakes
1/4 C chia seed
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice (optional)
1/4 C org unsweetn cocoa nibs (optional)
-dash of cinnamon nutmeg or other fav spices

-Pulse chop nuts in Vitamix or Blendtec, not too fine, you want chunks. Set aside in bowl
-Blend dates with lime juice,and spices
-Combine all ingredients into bowl and mix until you can form balls or bars.

I like to press it into a glass pan about a 1/2 inch thick and then you can cut into bars. Enjoy!