Summer is in full swing and so are the local farmers markets. With so many people starting their own gardens this year and supporting local, we are enjoying a delicious bounty of local fresh produce. Each week I’ve been sharing (through Facebook) the goodies I’ve been growing and buying and the different ways to prep them.
Today for Farmers Market Friday, I am spotlighting two of my farm fresh favorites- beets and peaches. Not only are they delicious and display a gorgeous array of color, they pack many health benefits too.
Beets are a powerhouse of health and provide tons of nutritional value. They help keep blood pressure in check, help to reduce inflammation, provide digestive support and they help to support brain health. Beets also help support the liver, which is a vital part of our natural detoxification process. Something we need for better health and immune support. They’ve also been linked to weight loss and improved athletic performance.
Peaches are a juicy and tasty summer fruit that is packed with antioxidants and nutrients. It’s been shown to improve heart health, aid digestion, reduce allergies and protect skin. Something we especially need to be mindful of when we are outside during the summer months. They are also hydrating. Which we definitely need during the hot summertime.
This recipe is so flexible and you can play around with a variety of toppings such as dressings, cheeses, nuts and berries.
Summer Peachy Beet Salad
Ingredients:
2 Peaches, sliced into bite size pieces http://www.willowspringsproduce.com
Arugula or Mixed Greens of Choice
2 Beets, cut into bite size squares http://www.willowspringsproduce.com
Goat Cheese (regular or cranberry and tarragon)
Sliced nuts (almonds, walnuts and pine nuts are a great option)
Toss beets in 1-2 Tbsp avocado oil or oil of choice.
Roast in a cast iron or oven safe pan for 30 minutes. Stirring throughout the cooking process.
Beets will have a golden color and be done when a fork or knife can be pinched through them.
To Prepare the Salad:
1. In a bowl or serving platter, place greens as a base.
2. Mix the microgreens (if using) with the salad greens.
3. Top the greens with beets, peaches and then goat cheese.
5. Sprinkle nuts, if using and serve with dressing.
In a mason jar with lid or mixing bowl, mix oil with a gradual drip of balsamic to taste. Depending on the desired sweetness. Add the honey for desired texture and taste. If using, finish with salt and pepper. Shake or stir to combine ingredients before serving with the salad.
Mediterranean meals have been one of my favorites but even more so after my trip last year to Greece. I love the combination of fresh ingredients, nourishing foods, incredible flavors and the joy each dish brings.
When I was in Greece, I loved the combination of oils, seasonings and herbs that accompanied and boosted each meal with flavor. Gone are the days of me eating plain grilled chicken and boring steamed broccoli. Now my nourishing meals are loaded with fresh, local ingredients, a variety of accompanying flavors and heavenly smells.
This is a super simple dish and one that will leave your home smelling incredible throughout the day.
I personally love the combination of these ingredients but I welcome you to get creative and add some of your own. There are a variety of veggie options that you can add to this dish too.
Looking to make a full meal? I often serve this dish with roasted vegetables like root veggies or greens like green beans and a salad. It’s delicious with rosemary roasted potatoes too! Again, get creative and find what warms your taste buds and home.
Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken
Ingredients:
6-8 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
½ cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
½ cup artichokes (canned or cooked), chopped
½ cup mushrooms, chopped
½ cup pitted kalamata olives
½ cup chicken broth
3 cups packed spinach, chopped
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or oil of choice)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon Mediterranean or Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste or preference
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
Optional: Goat or Feta cheese for topping
Directions:
In your crockpot, layer chicken on the bottom of the lightly oiled pot. Season chicken with salt, pepper, herb seasoning and crushed red pepper. Top with garlic (can be raw or sautéed) and onion. Next layer the sundried tomatoes, artichokes and mushrooms. Scatter olives around the pot (top and sides). Drizzle the broth around the sides as well.
Cook your chicken mixture on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
Once fully cooked through, remove the chicken and set aside.
In the pot, cook spinach for a few minutes or until wilted.
When serving, plate your chicken and top it with the spinach, tomato, artichoke and olive mixture from the pot. Sprinkle fresh basil and goat cheese (if desired).
As we begin to transition into spring and release things that are weighing us down while making space for new, it’s a great time to begin incorporating healthier habits and routines. One of these may be a healthy beauty routine. As I reflect on my teen years and my 20’s and 30’s, I think about all of the creams, ointments, serums and expensive masks that I thought would do the trick.
For starters, I had no idea how much nutrition, lifestyle, rest and hydration played a part in skin, complexion and more. Not to mention the large amounts of toxins and chemicals I probably exposed my skin and body to.
When it comes to your skin, beauty and health, natural products are one of the best healers available to you. Be mindful of the term natural though. Especially when purchasing products (food, cleaning products, personal care and cosmetics, etc). When I say natural, I mean from the true source.
Natural products can boost your immunity, increase your energy levels and even protect against the visible signs of aging. In fact, most natural products are far more effective at giving you more beautiful, younger looking skin than any over the counter treatment. Especially when paired with rest, hydration, personal care and a clean nutrition plan that supports your own beautiful body.
Below I’ll be sharing six of my favorite natural anti-aging solutions.
Avocado
Avocado is a powerful natural healer for your skin when applied topically. The healthy fats in avocado nourish and moisturize your skin while the vitamin E repairs any skin damage and reduces the visible signs of aging.
To start enjoying the anti-aging benefits of avocado, simply mash up a small, ripe avocado and apply it to your face. Leave it on your face for at least 15 minutes before removing, so that it fully nourishes your skin and gives you the maximum anti-aging benefit.
Banana
Bananas are packed full of vitamin C which helps to keep your skin elastic and free from wrinkles. They’re also rich in manganese – a mineral that’s been proven to protect against skin damage and rashes.
You can use bananas topically to give your skin a more youthful appearance in the exact same way as avocados. Just take a small, ripe banana, mash it up with a fork and spread it on your face. Keep the mashed banana on your face for a minimum of 15 minutes, so that all the nutrients and moisture can absorb into your skin.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the most effective natural moisturizers you can find. It’s also filled with antioxidants which protect your skin from harmful free radicals and it’s been shown to fight inflammation. In addition, coconut oil contains active components which repair damaged skin and help you look younger.
To start getting more youthful looking skin with coconut oil, simply rub a small amount onto your face and neck. Your skin will instantly feel smoother and more hydrated after using the coconut oil and over time you’ll find that fine lines, wrinkles and blemishes fade away. If you’re a fan of oils, I like to combine essential oils such as lavender, frankincense, rose, yang yang and citrus blends. Everyone responds to oils differently, so it’s important to test a small area and use the coconut (or other carrier oil) as a blend.
Coconut oil is also great for adding moisture to your feet, hair and nails. It’s great to apply to the bottom of your feet and heels after a warm relaxing or detox bath. Detox Baths: Boost Your Immune System with Detox Baths
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil is another potent natural moisturizer. I discovered this even more so while on a trip to Greece last year. The secret to extra virgin olive oil’s anti-aging prowess lies in its high vitamin E content. This vitamin is a powerful antioxidant that protects your skin against the visible signs of aging and keep it looking youthful.
To use extra virgin olive oil as an anti-aging solution, simply rub a small amount into your skin. For the best results, use extra virgin olive oil just before bed, so that it can deeply moisturize your skin overnight.
Honey
I love honey for so many reasons! Especially raw local honey. It’s a great deep cleanser for your skin. It’s loaded with anti-bacterial ingredients which remove bacteria and dead skin cells and allow fresh, younger looking skin cells to grow.
Unlike the other solutions on this list, honey is best used as a simple anti-aging face-mask. Grab a tablespoon of honey, smear it over your face and leave it for at least 20 minutes. Then rinse off the honey and wash your face for instantly fresher skin.
pumpkin
Pumpkin offers many benefits when consumed internally or used topically. It’s packed with antioxidant vitamins to boost softer and smoother skin and it has been shown to boost collagen production. Something many of us desire as we age.
Pumpkin can be used topically on the face and neck or combined with other ingredients, such as honey. A little goes a long way, so a tablespoon or two will do.
Try this amazing Age Defying Smoothie Bowl Recipe for ageless beauty:
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1/2 cup almond milk (or dairy free milk of choice)
1/2 fresh banana cut into coins
fresh raspberries
fresh cranberries
1 tablespoon shell-less pumpkin seeds
1 tablespoon coconut flakes
1 teaspoon chia seeds
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
Take your banana, frozen cherries, and almond milk and blend it into liquid mixture. This is going to be the base of your smoothie bowl. You can place your banana slices to the side or simply drop them into the bowl. Put your fresh fruit into the bowl, then sprinkle the seeds and coconut flakes all over the entire bowl, and you will have a beautifully colored smoothie bowl that will keep your skin looking youthful and healthy!
Do you have some anti-aging tips of your own? I would love to hear! I welcome you to comment below.
This is such a sweet day and one to be shared with those we appreciate and love. Though we should spread and share love (for ourself and others) everyday, this is a great day to reflect and appreciate those in our lives.
When It comes to sharing and spreading love, one of the things that I enjoy most is sharing moments and gifts from the kitchen. I love cooking with my honey, making gifts from the heart and sharing food that nourished the body and soul.
If you’re still looking for a gift idea, want to plan a fun activity with the kiddos or you’re looking for a tasty treat to cook up this weekend, these strawberries are a great idea. Not only are they delicious and healthy, but they are super simple to make. I love to keep it simple in the kitchen.
I welcome you to try them for yourself and add any variations that you enjoy. There are a variety of topping options. Have fun with it and spread the love of sweet treats! ❤️
Line a platter or dish of choice with parchment paper.
Rinse and pat dry the strawberries. Make sure they are thoroughly dried.
In a small pan, over low-medium heat, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil.
While cooking, continue stirring the chocolate combination until completely melted.
Dip dried strawberries into warm chocolate and place them on the prepared sheet. If you choose to add toppings, do so while the chocolate is still warm. Keep stirring while dipping until you’ve covered all of your strawberries.
Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Once chilled, remove the strawberries from the parchment paper and serve on a platter of choice. Enjoy!
It’s the month of Love and Valentine’s Day is coming in hot. It’s nice to dress up and go out on the town, but cooking side by side in the kitchen with your honey is a great way to create togetherness and provide nourishment in many areas of life and relationships.
When Frederick Lifestyle Magazine asked me to create the menu for Valentine’s Day, I was overjoyed for the opportunity and put on my creative hat when it came to cooking up recipes. Beets are a huge staple in my kitchen and something we enjoy often. These gorgeous vegetables are not only delicious but they pack many health benefits too.
Beets get their gorgeous color from phytonutrients called betalains. These vegetables provide antioxidants that help fight against inflammation and illness. Beets also provide a range of vitamins such as Vitamins B2, A, C and K. They have been shown to increase energy, support the liver, reduce the risk for heart disease, boost digestive support and support brain health.
Speaking of the month of Love, beets are good for your libido and support sex hormone production.
If you’re thinking about cooking up a delicious meal this Valentine’s Day, this is a great recipe for you to try. I used two different beets in this recipe but there are a variety for you to choose from. I love golden beets because of their sweetness but the red beets are just as delicious.
Note: I sliced a red beet to medium thickness for the heart decoration. I used a heart shaped cookie cutter to cut red beets and roasted them the same as below. They are thinner, so they may cook in less time.
To prepare the beets:
Preheat over to 425 degrees
Toss beets in 1 to 2 Tbsp avocado oil. Roast beets in a cast iron or oven safe pan for 30 minutes, stirring throughout the cooking process. Beets will have a golden color and are done when a fork is able to easily pierce through.
to prepare the salad:
In a bowl or platter, place greens while stirring in the Microgreens. Top the salad mixture with your cooked beets and sprinkle with goat cheese. Top with desired nuts and serve with balsamic, homemade or dressing of your choice.
Mix olive oil with a gradual drip of balsamic to taste (depending on the desired sweetness). Add the honey for desired texture and taste. Finish with salt and pepper. Mix well and serve with the heart-beet salad.
