Showing posts with label Dairy-Free. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dairy-Free. Show all posts

Friday, 1 August 2014

Summer Pavlova with Homemade Lemon Curd + Strawberries {Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free}


Pavlova's are a must-have summer treat!  They look gorgeous + taste unbelievable too! 

If you've never had one of these delicate beauties, you are in for a real treat.  Pavlova's are a big delicious meringue ... crisp on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside.  

This is a show-stopper dessert, but the great part is that it's very simple + easy to make.  This is not a recipe that requires lots of baking skill or even a lot of hard prep time.


Pavlova's are one of my absolute favorite desserts.  Enjoy!


Summer Pavlova with Homemade Lemon Curd + Strawberries

Fresh sweet berries + tangy lemon curd top this beautiful Summer Pavlova.  

{Affiliate links included help support this blog.}

Equipment: Food Processor, Large Baking Sheet, Unbleached Parchment PaperStanding Electric Mixer w/ Large Mixing Bowl or Electric Mixer w/ Large Mixing Bowl


INGREDIENTS

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the superfine sugar, place sugar into a food processor fitted with the steel "S" shaped blade and pulse until sugar becomes superfine, about 2 minutes.  [IMPORTANT NOTE: You will need more than 1 cup of sugar since the sugar reduces in volume during this process.  I place 2 cups of sugar into the food processor and store leftover superfine sugar in my pantry.  I use this organic sugar.

2. Preheat oven to 250 degrees F.  Use an 8-inch bowl or pan to trace two circles with a pencil on unbleached parchment paper.  Place the parchment paper, pencil side down, on a baking sheet.

3. Fit standing mixer with the whisk attachment.  Add egg whites to the mixing bowl.  Whisk the egg whites on medium-high for about 1 minute, until egg whites form firm peaks.  With the mixer still on medium-high, add the apple cider vinegar and cornstarch, beat for about 1 minute.  With the mixer on high, slowly add the sugar, beat for about 2 minutes, until shiny, stiff peaks form.  Turn mixer down to low and add vanilla at the end, just mix until incorporated.       



4. Divide the meringue mixture evenly between the two circles traced on the parchment paper.  Shape each mound of meringue into a circle, making the inside slightly indented, creating edges around the outside of the circle.  [Note: This does not need to be perfect, it is meant to be rustic.

5. Bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes ... or until the meringue is glossy and has a crisp outer shell when touched gently [Note: Meringues are VERY delicate, if you touch it too hard, it will break.  If that happens, it's okay, just cover that area with lemon curd or fruit, no harm done.].  Meringue should be crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.  When the meringue is done cooking, turn off the oven and leave the meringue in the oven.  Allow to cool in the oven at least 2 hours before removing ... you can leave the meringue in the oven overnight to cool, or place it on a cooling rack after cooling in the oven for 2 hours.  

6. Meringue is ready to serve and be assembled with toppings once fully cooled, after at least 2 hours. 

7. TO SERVE: Gently spread a layer of homemade lemon curd over the center of both of the meringues.  At this point you can either stack one meringue on top of the other or leave them separate ... this is what I do since Little Love prefers hers without any lemon curd or berries.  Gently add sliced strawberries on top of the lemon curd {if you are stacking the meringues, add berries to the top layer only}.  Serve immediately.

Yield: Makes 2 meringue discs.  

Note: Pavlova's are very delicate.  Make sure not to add any toppings until you are ready to serve.  They do break easily, if that happens, just cover that area with lemon curd or fruit, they are meant to look rustic.  

Amazon links are affiliate links, prices are the same for you.  Should you decide to purchase through my blog, thank you in advance and much gratitude for supporting Recipes to Nourish.

This post is shared at Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop, + Pennywise Platter Thursday @ The Nourishing Gourmet. 

Monday, 14 July 2014

Pineapple Agua Fresca {Honey Sweetened + Coconut Water}


During the hot summer months, my family loves to drink Agua Frescas.  These fresh waters are light + refreshing ... a perfect thirst quencher on a hot day.  Whip up a few batches and serve it at potlucks, barbecues, picnics or simply for your family to enjoy at the end of the day. 




I'm so excited to be sharing this mouth-watering recipe over at Scratch Mommy

This delicious Pineapple Agua Fresca is full of flavor + so refreshing, you're going to want to make it all the time!




Photo Bomb by TINY LOVE ... she couldn't wait to get her hands on that pineapple. 

If you haven't visited Scratch Mommy yet, make sure to check out some of my favorite DIY posts ... DIY Sunscreen - Easy to Make (and why YOU need this recipe)!, Bye, Bye Bigs (especially mosquitoes) Effective DIY Bug Spray! + her No Fuss Breadsticks grain-free recipe.  She has an amazing Skincare Shop too!  She makes + sells awesome, organic, non-GMO body products like sunscreen, lip balm, deodorant, bug be gone spray, foundation, body butter, body lotion + more. 



This post is shared at Fat Tuesday @ Real Food Forager, Gluten-Free & DIY Tuesday @ Allergy Free Alaska, + Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop. 

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream {Dairy Free + Vegan}


Summer is here in Northern California and it is HOT ... 100+ degrees, no thank you!

When it's this hot I don't want to cook much, in fact all I want is cooling drinks like slushy, blended watermelon lemonade + lots of homemade ice cream.  Yes, I eat it all day long, I have no shame in that, especially when it's made with REAL, nourishing ingredients. 



Because my whole family loves ice cream, I decided to come up with something refreshing + slightly sweet.  My husband and I were talking about lemonade and I thought how perfect that would be paired with strawberries in ice cream form!  I also wanted this recipe to be super special because it was the first ice cream that Tiny Love would get to eat.  This recipe is extra special because I knew it would be nourishing for our baby + it's just so yummy. 


Tiny Love enjoying every bite ... can you tell she liked it?

I'm super excited to be sharing this refreshing ice cream recipe over at Delicious Obsessions today! 



This Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream is so delicious + refreshing!  Rich coconut milk paired with sweet strawberries + tangy, vibrant lemon juice ...  you're going to want to make it all the time ... for a treat, a snack, or for breakfast ... it's that good!  






IF YOU LOVE ICE CREAM AS MUCH AS I DO, CHECK OUT SOME OF MY OTHER HOMEMADE ICE CREAM RECIPES:
This post is shared at Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop. 

Monday, 10 February 2014

Homemade Chocolate Caramels {Vegan Option}


February is National Chocolate Lovers Month!  With Valentine's Day coming up, why not indulge and enjoy some delicious chocolate?  

These Homemade Chocolate Caramels are sweet, delectable and oh so good!  They remind me of the See's candy that I grew up eating.  

The best part is they're so easy to make and only have 3 ingredients.  Make up a batch in time for Valentine's Day {or any day} and share some with those you love.



Homemade Chocolate Caramels

Equipment: Small Saucepan or Saute Pan, Food Processor, Unbleached Parchment Paper, Baking Tray, Double Boiler or Medium Size Sauce Pan and Medium Size Heat Proof Glass Bowl

{Affiliate Links included help support this blog}

Note: Advance Preparation Required
  • 12 Medjool dates
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil {buy my 2 favorite ghee brands here and here}

1. Melt 1 tablespoon ghee or coconut oil in small saute pan over medium heat.  

2. Prep date pieces - break them in half with fingers and remove the pit.  Add to the saute pan and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Heating the dates is important, the heat softens them and the ghee or coconut oil brings out their natural caramel flavor.

3. Pour cooked dates into food processor fitted with the "S" blade.  Pulse until dates turn into a paste, about 30 seconds.

4. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.  Grease fingers with coconut oil {water can be used on fingers too if you do not have extra coconut oil}.  Using about a teaspoon or more, roll date paste into tiny caramel centers - I make them into balls/circles, then form a flat bottom and then make a flat top, which I make a little smaller than the bottom.  This should make about 12-14 caramel centers.  Place caramel centers into the freezer to set for at least 1 hour or overnight.

5. Make a double boiler by setting a heat proof glass bowl over a medium sauce pan that has been filled with about an inch of tap water.  The water should not be touching the glass bowl.  Heat over medium heat.  Add chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil to glass bowl.  Stir until melted.  

6. Remove frozen caramel centers from the freezer.  Working quickly, drop one caramel center into the melted chocolate - using a fork or spoon, fully coat the caramel with chocolate and set back onto baking sheet.  Repeat until all caramels are covered in chocolate.  {For an extra touch, once caramels are covered in chocolate, use a fork dipped in chocolate and quickly move the fork back and forth in the air above the chocolates to make chocolate drizzles.  If you find it's not working, place the chocolates in the freezer for one minute to set, then remove and try again.}  Place chocolates in the freezer and freeze for about 1 hour or more. 



7. Serve chocolates frozen, right from the freezer.  Make sure to freeze them at least 1 hour before eating for the full caramel texture.    




Enjoy and share some with someone you love!

Yield: Makes 12-14 chocolates

Vegan Option: Use coconut oil instead of ghee.


Looking for more CHOCOLATE recipes?  Check out some of my favorites:


... and a few recipes that I have made and loved:

Raw Freezer Fudge from my friend Amber @ The Tasty Alternative 
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles from Common Sense Homesteading
Double Chocolate Cookies with Chocolate Chunks from Gourmande in the Kitchen 
Fudgy Brownies from Real Food Girl Unmodified 

Amazon links are affiliate links, prices are the same for you.  Should you decide to purchase through my blog, thank you in advance and much gratitude for supporting Recipes to Nourish.

This post is part of Real Food Wednesday @ Kelly the Kitchen Kop. 

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

Guest Post: Pumpkin Chai Smoothie {gluten-free + vegan} by Tasty Yummies


 

I am super excited to have Beth from Tasty Yummies guest posting for The Seasonal REAL Food Blog Series.  I am a huge fan of Beth's blog and have been following it for a long time now.  Her photos are simply beautiful and her gluten-free, fresh, unprocessed recipes won't disappoint (many are vegan too).  

Please make sure to visit Tasty Yummies and check out Beth's wonderful blog.  And while you're there, make sure to check out some of my favorite recipes: Grain-Free Mini Pumpkin Pie Tarts (Vegan), No Bake Vegan "Cheesecake", Cocoa Dusted Macadamia Nuts,  and Grilled Sweet Potato & Wilted Kale Salad.     


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Hi there, I am Beth from Tasty Yummies. I am a yoga-obsessed graphic designer, illustrator and printmaker living in Southern California and I have been blogging and sharing my recipes on Tasty Yummies for nearly four years. All of the recipes I share on my website are gluten-free, clean and seasonal, many are dairy-free and vegan. I consider myself to be a “conscientious omnivore”, though I eat a lot of naturally vegan foods. 

I am so excited to be here sharing a fun fall recipe here on Recipes to Nourish. I had to go with a pumpkin recipe, because it is one of my most favorite things about this time of year. 

This pumpkin chai smoothie is simple to make and it's the perfect way to enjoy one of fall's best flavors any time you'd like. Besides being so delicious, pumpkin is loaded with a variety of health benefits, too. Chock full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants here are just some of the benefits of that orange goodness!

- Great for digestion! Just 1 cup of pumpkin provides you with 7.1 grams of dietary fiber. Plus 10% of your daily requirement for potassium. 

- Promotes a strong and healthy immune system with various vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. 1 cup of pumpkin supplies 3.4 grams of iron, plus more than your daily serving of vitamin A from antioxidant carotenoids, particularly alpha and beta-carotenes. It’s a good source of vitamins C, K, and E, and lots of minerals, including magnesium.

- Low in calories and fat. One cup contains less than 50 calories, less than one gram of fat and around 3 grams of protein. Plus only 8 grams of carbohydrates.

And don't forget to scoop out and save the seeds and toast 'em up. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein and fiber, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, copper, and manganese and a number of other health benefits themselves

What's your favorite way to eat pumpkin?


Pumpkin Chai Smoothie - Gluten-free & Vegan

{Affiliate links included help support this blog.} 
  • 1/2 cup organic pumpkin puree (fresh or canned)
  • 1 frozen organic banana
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or milk of your choice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (or other sweetener of your choice, you can also add a one or two medjool dates)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon* 
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg*
  • 1/8 teaspoon ginger*
  • dash each of black pepper, ground cloves and ground cardamom*

Add all of the ingredients to your blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately.

{serves 1} 

{*Recipes to Nourish Note: I purchase all of my spices here.}





If you haven't already, make sure to connect with Beth from Tasty Yummies on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest.  








Amazon and Mountain Rose Herbs links are affiliate links, prices are the same for you.  Should you decide to purchase through my blog, thank you in advance and much gratitude for supporting Recipes to Nourish.

Thursday, 19 September 2013

Guest Post: Pulled Pineapple Chicken w/ Cauliflower Tortillas by The Tasty Alternative



I am so thrilled to have Amber from The Tasty Alternative guest posting for The Seasonal REAL Food Blog Series.  Amber's passionate about holistic health, green living and has a wonderful blog filled with delicious, allergy friendly recipes (dairy free, gluten free, cane sugar free, peanut free and SCD friendly).  She's also one of the kindest blogger friends that I have "met" ... she's so compassionate for people and our earth, and that shines through in her work. 

Please make sure to visit The Tasty Alternative to check out Amber's fabulous blog.  And while you're there, make sure to check out some of my favorite recipes: Raw Peppermint PattiesRefreshing Tropical Coconut Ice Cream, Raw Cherry "Cheese" CakeLemon Garlic Gravy, Coconut Mango Spinach Smoothie, and Homemade Jojoba Shea Butter Lotion (for dry skin + eczema).


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Hello.  It's such an honor to be be guest posting today on Emily's wonderful blog.  I specifically remember when I found Recipes to Nourish.  I came upon Emily's post: Holistic Tips to Keep Your Family Healthy.  The post was so informative and well written, not to mention so inline with my holistic healing philosophy.  I was hooked.  I've since enjoyed her many nourishing and healthy recipes and other informative posts.  So thank you, Emily, for having me and sharing me with your readers today.


Today I am sharing one of my favorite dinners.  This is perfect for those of you out there following a whole food, grain free, dairy free lifestyle.  I don't know about you, but I am always on the hunt for dinner ideas.  My slow cooker is one of my most utilized kitchen appliances.  Being able to prepare something at breakfast or lunchtime that will be ready at 6:00 for dinner is beyond convenient.  And I have to share, my slow cooker really came in handy last week when I was battling a nasty sinus infection and strep throat - I made the most delicious kale chicken soup in my slow cooker that was the most perfect healing meal.  

My pineapple chicken recipe puts a fun, sweet twist on our taquieria night.  And instead of corn tortillas, I turned to my friend, Lauren, for her grain free cauliflower wraps.  I doubled the recipe and have a few slight differences in preparation, make them smaller, and use them as tortillas.  So join me today as I share a dinner recipe that is sure to please...any night of the week.


Pulled Pineapple Chicken w/ Cauliflower Tortillas 

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can drained pineapple (or fresh if it's in season)
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 cup chopped sweet red or yellow sweet peppers

     Spices
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic granules 
  • 1 teaspoon onion granules 
  • 2 teaspoons Mexican seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 tablespoon coconut sugar


    How To:



    1.  Add the chicken to the slow cooker, then add in the onions, pineapple, and peppers.
      
    2.  In a small bowl mix together all the spices and then add to the slow cooker.

    3.  Mix everything together and make sure the onion/pineapple/pepper mixture is both under and on top of the chicken.

    4.  Set slow cooker for 6 hours.

    5.  When finished, use two forks to pull apart the chicken.  Make sure you incorporate all the liquid in the slow cooker with the chicken.  This keeps the chicken nice and moist.
      
    6.  Serve your burritos/tacos with dairy free sour cream or cilantro lime sauce, black beans, fresh avocado, lettuce, tomatoes/salsa, grilled veggies, or fresh cilantro. 
      

    Here are some of my other favorite taquieria inspired recipes:





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    If you haven't already, go connect with Amber on Facebook.