My sincerest apologies for taking so long to post
my first blog. Life has been very busy.
I thought I would start with a raw, delicious and
healthful recipe for kids lunches, as well as a simple salad for mum’s
‘lunchbox’ or as an addition to dinner.
RAW CACAO BALLS
1 cup almonds (Soaked overnight and rinsed, or raw)
2 tbsp Cacao powder (This powder is different to
cocoa powder as it’s not processed and therefore very high in magnesium)
5 fresh dates (the juicy plump ones), or 10 smaller
dried dates from a packet
1/4 cup coconut, desiccated
Blend all ingredients together in a blender or food
processor and add tablespoons of coconut oil to moisten the mixture to a
consistency perfect for rolling into balls (depending on whether the almonds
are soaked or not, I can use no coconut oil or 2-4 tablespoons).
Roll into balls & refrigerate or freeze.
Delicious!
Almonds are particularly healthy when soaked, as
well as providing both protein and calcium to our diet. Cacao powder is a
fantastic source of magnesium and fresh dates contain iron. These
delicious raw balls are perfect for all ages!
ROAST PUMPKIN, GREEN BEANS AND AVOCADO SALAD
1 small pumpkin, peeled and cut into 2cm cubes
1 tbsp ground cumin
2 tbsp olive oil
200g green beans (top and tailed)
100g baby spinach leaves
2 avocados cut into 2cm cubes
100g chopped macadamia nuts, toasted or flaked
almonds
Dressing:
1tbsp honey
2tbsp Tamari (wheat free soy sauce)*
¼ cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Preheat
the oven to 200degC. Line an oven tray with non stick baking paper. Place
pumpkin, cumin and olive oil on the tray and toss to coat.
• Roast
the pumpkin in a preheated oven for 20-25mins. Toss occasionally, or until
cooked through and coloured on the edges. Place in a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile,
bring a medium pan of water to the boil over high heat. Add beans and cook for
2-3 mins. Drain and refresh in cold or iced water. Add to serving bowl.
*Tamari is available from health food shops and
supermarkets in the health food section.
Avocados are super foods. They are fantastic
for women, in particular pregnant women, as they assist in balancing
hormones. Surprisingly, they actually take 9 months to grow from blossom
to ripened fruit. We have both good and bad cholesterol in our bodies -
avocados lower our bad cholesterol (LDL) and raise our good cholesterol (HDL)
which assists in the manufacture of our hormones. Avocados balance blood
sugar levels and regulate blood pressure due to their high concentration of
potassium (twice as much as bananas). Natural oils in avocados also help
to improve dry skin and brittle nails.
For my first post I thought I’d get the ball
rolling with some delicious and healthy recipes. I look forward to
sharing more healthy knowledge soon. If you haven’t read my article on
green smoothies in the latest edition of Cairns Parenting Companion, grab a
copy now! Everyone can benefit from delicious green smoothies!
Happy healthful eating!
Janelle.
