Sweet Pea and Mint Soup
January 16th, 2011
Sweet Pea, Ginger and Mint Soup
As I mentioned in my last post, I am taking a mini-cleanse weekend. Hopefully a jump start to reconnecting with my love for vegetables, and savory breakfast soups. Saturday was day 1 and it went really well. Yes, I did have cravings, but I did not give in. I reassured myself that I will be able to have a treat here and there soon, but I am gifting myself right now with an opportunity, and I want to take full advantage of it.
I have gifted myself with times of cleanse in the past and I find there are some important factors for me that help the cleanse feel successful. The most important is to be prepared. I find that if I have recipes planned, food purchased, and meals made before I get hungry, everything works out really well. I also find that it is really important for me to fully participate in the creativity of the meal. Making the food myself, putting my energy and love into what I will be consuming is key. Eye-candy helps too. If it looks sexy, it often tastes better!
This soup is a stand-by every time that I cleanse. It is super easy to make, has a great combination of flavors and hits the spot in the morning when I want something to warm my belly. I think of it as cleanse comfort food. Of course every cleanse is different, so this may not fit into everyone’s cleanse requirements, but it is really good even outside of a cleanse…so be sure to try it out and let me know what you think.
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Tags: ginger, mint, peas, shallot
Posted in dairy free, egg-free, entree, gluten-free, soup/stew, vegan, vegetable side, vegetarian, wheat-free 2 Comments »
Greensicle Smoothie
January 14th, 2011
Orange-Greensicle Smoothie
Fresh fruit and veggies are feeling good right now. Like many, after the holidays (the cold weather and the dark skies) I am ready for a cleanse. Somehow in the last few months, chocolate, baked goods, and salty snacks have become a much more frequent ingredient in my daily consumption than I would prefer. And my body is definitely expressing its concern.
I am motivated to make a change, and inspired by fellow bloggers on the detox bandwagon, I have been experimenting with smoothies. Ever since I saw this great recipe on Joy the Baker I have been playing with my own combinations of greens with fruit and juice, greens with fruit and almond milk, etc. Yesterday I created the Orange-Greensicle Smoothie, which basically tastes like an orange creamsicle without the cream. It is delicious!
So, as I embark on a weekend cleanse, I share this recipe with you for a quick smoothie treat. I promise it will not disappoint!
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Tags: banana, orange juice, strawberry, swiss chard
Posted in beverages, breakfast, dairy free, dessert, fruit, gluten-free, raw, snacks, vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free 6 Comments »
2nd Anniversary and Chocolate Coins
January 12th, 2011
Chocolate Coin Celebration
Today is officially the second anniversary of my blog, and a celebration of another year of big changes. Welcome to my “new home” at Nourish the Budding Lotus. Many changes came about in 2010, and as a way to step forward with those changes, I have decided to move my blog and integrate it with my new career in therapeutic bodywork and energywork.
As some of you already know, I completed a massage certification at New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in 2010 and am now venturing into my new career as a bodyworker in addition to maintaining my design business. I am very excited to see how this new direction will incorporate and enrich my life and look forward to sharing it all here on this blog.
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Tags: cardamom, chocolate, cinnamon, coconut, figs, sunflower seeds
Posted in dessert, egg-free, gluten-free, indulgent, Life, vegetarian, wheat-free 7 Comments »
Cocoa Chocolate Chip Cookies
December 15th, 2010
Cocoa Chocolate Chip Cookies
The holidays are coming, work is slow, it is cold and dark…and I am craving chocolate. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have been enjoying Pamela’s Dark Chocolate, Chocolate Chunk Cookies, but I truly prefer to bake for myself. Since I didn’t have my own cocoa cookie recipe yet, I decided to do some research.
I was looking for a great gluten-free chocolate cookie with simple ingredients and knowing that I have enjoyed Elana’s Pantry cookie recipes before, I thought I would check her site out first. I have adapted her Double Chocolate Mocha Cookies by substituting in some of my preferred ingredients and ensuring that the cookies still come out with a nice balance of moist and crunch. Continue reading “Cocoa Chocolate Chip Cookies”
Tags: agave, almond flour, almond milk, chocolate chips, cocoa powder, coconut oil
Posted in alternative grain, cookies, dairy free, dessert, egg-free, gluten-free, indulgent, vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free 4 Comments »
Pumpkin Tangerine Spice Cake
December 8th, 2010
Tangerine Pumpkin Cake
Squash, spices, citrus… This cake warms my belly and my soul every time I taste it. I have been playing with the recipe ever since Thanksgiving and I think I have found the perfect combination of ingredients.
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Tags: agave, almond milk, amaranth flour, butternut squash, cinnamon, coconut oil, eggs, nutmeg, oat flour, tangerine
Posted in alternative grain, breakfast, dairy free, dessert, gluten-free, indulgent, snacks, vegetarian, wheat-free 4 Comments »
Vegan Coleslaw
December 6th, 2010
Vegan Coleslaw
The bustling Santa Fe Farmer’s Market has thinned out in the past few weeks. Some vendors are no longer there, and almost all of them have moved inside to stay warm during the early morning hours of the market. Once you arrive inside though, you realize that these farmers still have a great deal of delicious seasonal ingredients available and I become grateful that Santa Fe has a market that continues year round.
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Tags: apple cider vinegar, beet, cabbage, carrot
Posted in dairy free, egg-free, gluten-free, salad, snacks, vegan, vegetable side, vegetarian, wheat-free 3 Comments »
La Fierucola
December 1st, 2010
La Fierucola in SS Annunziata
The Fierucola dates back to “times unmemorable” as is described on their official website. It is originally connected to a tradition of the farmers who lived in the countryside and would come into the city on the evening of September 7th to celebrate the birth of the Virgin Mary. They would pilgrimage to the church of SS Annunziata spend the evening in the church, cloisters, and square singing, praying, playing music and dancing. The next day in addition to the religious celebration, the farmers would set up tables and sell their homemade creations, breads, gathered mushrooms etc. This was just the beginning of a tradition that eventually would become the Fierucola markets of Florence today.
La Fierucola and La Fierucolina occur once per month (respectively) in the city of Florence. These markets are like a festival for organic foods, baked goods, fair trade products and artisanal creations. Visiting this market was always one of the highlights of the month for me when I lived in Florence, and every time I return, visiting La Fierucola is a top priority. Continue reading “La Fierucola”
Tuscan Olive Oil – Olio Nuovo
November 29th, 2010
San Leo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
I freely admit it… I am addicted to olive oil. I have always enjoyed it, and while others have their addiction to butter (which I am sorry to say I don’t understand) my love affair is with olive oil. After living in Italy for 5 years, who could blame me? Some people love the Bistecca alla Fiorentina, some are crazy about gelato, but personally… olive oil. Period.
Samples of Olio Nuovo in Florence
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Tags: olive oil
Posted in dairy free, egg-free, gluten-free, indulgent, Life, travel, vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free 9 Comments »
Brac: Eating Vegetarian in Florence
November 17th, 2010
photo courtesy of Brac Libreria
“Vegetarian? How can you be a vegetarian living in Italy?” I stopped counting the number of times that someone asked me this question during the 5 years that I was living in Florence, Italy, but lets just say it was often… People were shocked, and some were not very supportive…but I survived 
Quite well actually.
It might have been just a little easier in Florence than some other cities in Italy because I found that there are tons of “contorni” (side dishes) that are delicious and vegetarian. Sure, I confused a few waiters when all I would order was a selection of contorni but I also mastered the ability to let their judgment roll off my shoulders and enjoy my meal…
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Posted in restaurants 2 Comments »
Strawberry Mango Muffins
November 16th, 2010
Strawberry Mango Muffin
Sometimes I need to prioritize. Life can get pretty busy, and although it would be ideal to be able to do everything…I can’t always keep up with those aspirations. I love to cook for myself, partly because I love to cook, but additionally because it is important for me to eat well. I feel good when I eat well, and therefore when it comes down to it, if I am tired and don’t have the energy to cook everything from scratch… I still choose to eat well, and am glad that there are options out there that make my choices easy.
After returning from my 3 weeks of travels in Europe I have to say that the gluten-free revolution in the States is decades ahead of the European one. I am sorry for the Europeans because it is tough to be gluten-free over there. I have to say that I felt at least fortunate enough that a little wheat does not kill me…because it is already a challenge to be a vegetarian over there, but throw in gluten-free and there are slim pickings! While I can indulge in a glutinous baked good once in a while, 3 weeks of it is pretty tough on my system.
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Tags: mango, strawberry
Posted in alternative grain, breakfast, dessert, gluten-free, Life, snacks, vegetarian, wheat-free 3 Comments »
