All in Blog

Red Lentil Stew

Red Lentil Stew

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Red Lentil Stew is the ultimate cozy comfort food that is incredible for your immune system- between the garlic, ginger, leek, and lemon, Red Lentil Stew has several health boosting vitamins and antimicrobial properties!  It also makes a great meal prep recipe, as it stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days.  Inspired by my favorite food blogger’s (Sarah Britton’s) Four Corners Soup, this Red Lentil Stew is something to look forward to after a long day’s work 😊

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 5-10 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 leek, sliced into half-moons and rinsed

Pinch of salt

5 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1 tablespoon cumin

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes

1 cup red lentils, rinsed

3 cups veggie broth

½ lemon, sliced into thin rounds

1 tablespoon maple syrup

4 cups spinach

To serve: slices of avocado or grated parmesan cheese and good olive oil

How (your directions):

Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.  Add coconut oil, sliced leek, and pinch of salt to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes.

Add minced garlic, ginger, cumin, and cayenne pepper, sautéing for 1 minute.

Add crushed tomatoes, lentils, veggie broth, and lemon slices to the leek mixture.  Bring to a boil, then cover, lower heat to low, and simmer for 30-40 minutes until lentils reach desired texture.

Add maple syrup and taste for seasoning.  With the heat turned off, stir spinach into stew until wilted.

Serve hot with either sliced avocado, or a grating of parmesan cheese and drizzle of good olive oil.

Why (the science):  Lentils are a plant-based protein powerhouse, with 20 grams of protein per 1 cup!  That’s equivalent to about 3 oz of chicken breast.

10-Minute Healthy Stir Fry | Vegan and GF |

10-Minute Healthy Stir Fry | Vegan and GF |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

If you’re short on time, this 10-Minute Healthy Stir Fry is the perfect thing to enjoy on a hectic weeknight.  Simply boil brown rice ramen noodles, slice up whatever veggies you have on hand, and whip up the delicious and incredibly easy Ginger Almond Stir Fry Sauce!  Plant-based and fiber-rich with a creamy sauce, my 10-Minute Healthy Stir Fry is a nutritious time-saver.

Serves: 2

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 squares brown rice ramen noodles

1/8 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon sesame oil

8 oz. package mushrooms, sliced thinly

6 oz. package snap peas

1 yellow pepper, sliced thinly

Ginger Almond Stir Fry Sauce:

1 tablespoon arrowroot starch or corn starch

1 tablespoon almond butter

1 tablespoon coconut aminos or soy sauce

1 teaspoon maple syrup

½ teaspoon ground ginger

¼ cup water

How (your directions):

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.  Once water is boiling, add salt and ramen squares.  Cook according to package instructions, about 4 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat sesame oil in a wok over high heat.  Add mushrooms, snap peas, and yellow pepper.  Cook on high for 3 minutes.

Once noodles are finished cooking, drain and rinse.  Set aside.

Add all sauce ingredients to a bowl and whisk with a fork.  Add sauce and noodle to vegetable mixture and stir to combine for 30-60 seconds.

Serve immediately!  Salt and pepper to taste.

Why (the science):  Mushrooms are high in antioxidants, specifically selenium and glutathione, which lower inflammation and reduce cell damage.

Sweet Potato Nests

Sweet Potato Nests

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Sweet Potato Nests are one of the easiest breakfasts, and you only need a few ingredients to bring this veggie-packed meal together!  Protein and fiber keep you feeling energized and satisfied.  These Sweet Potato Nests would make a great dinner if short on time.

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 7 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 small sweet potato

1 egg

1 teaspoon olive oil

Pinch of: salt, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes

2 handfuls of fresh spinach

How (your directions):

Fill a large pot halfway with water and bring to a boil.  Once water is boiling, add egg and set timer for 6.5-7 minutes.  Tip: Soft-boiled eggs last 2 days in the refrigerator, so make a few extra eggs and store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Prepare a large bowl filled with cold water and ice, then set aside.

Meanwhile, using a food processor, grate the small sweet potato.

Heat frying pan over medium-high heat with the teaspoon of olive oil.  Add grated sweet potato (about 2 cups) to the oil, along with a pinch of salt, garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes.

Stir grated sweet potato consistently for about 5 minutes.  Tip: If any grated sweet potato sticks to the pan, add a few tablespoons of water.

Once the egg has finished cooking, add immediately to ice water and allow to cool.  Peel the cooled egg.

To serve, add spinach to a plate and top with grated sweet potato.  Place peel egg in the center of the sweet potato “nest.”  Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Most of a potato’s fiber is found in the skin!  Keep the skin on the sweet potato when grating to keep you fuller, longer.

Energy Boosting Smoothie (Banana-Free and Avocado-Free)

Energy Boosting Smoothie (Banana-Free and Avocado-Free)

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This Energy Boosting Smoothie is the perfect start to a busy day, providing you with steady, even energy without the crash!  The Swiss chard and spinach are packed with iron to deliver oxygen throughout your body, and the matcha contains ECGC, an anticancer nutrient.  This Energy Boosting Smoothie is also banana and avocado free, making it a fresh way to drink your greens.  Dates provide sweetness, but are low glycemic, meaning they won’t give you a sugar high.  Cheers!

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 cups cold water

5 Swiss Chard leaves

1 handful spinach

1 teaspoon fresh ginger

½ teaspoon matcha

2 dates, pits removed

2 handfuls ice

How (your directions):

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend on high for 45-60 seconds.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Dates are loaded with potassium, an important electrolyte for regulating blood pressure.

Zucchini Tea Sandwiches

Zucchini Tea Sandwiches

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

I love tea sandwiches- small, bite-size, dainty and perfect for tea…As a play on an old favorite (cucumber tea sandwiches), I love the idea of creating full size Zucchini Tea Sandwiches! It couldn’t be easier or quicker to cut zucchini into thin ribbons, layer them on toasty bread with cream cheese, and drizzle them with really good olive oil.  These are great for a very quick lunch, but would be beautiful to serve to a crowd on a wooden cutting board 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 pieces whole wheat oat bread (or your favorite bread)

2 tablespoons cream cheese

1 small zucchini

Salt and pepper to taste

Olive oil, to serve

How (your directions):

Toast bread to desired doneness.  Meanwhile, using a vegetable peeler, slice zucchini into long, thin ribbons.

Once bread is toasted, spread one tablespoon of cream cheese (regular or vegan) onto each slice.

Layer the zucchini ribbons lengthwise across each slice.  Trim off crust (and eat!), then serve Zucchini Tea Sandwiches on a wooden cutting board.

Season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Enjoy!

Why (the science):  Zucchini is rich in flavonoids, which means it can help slow down aging processes by neutralizing the damaging effects of free radicals.

 

 

Hemp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad (For One!)

Hemp, Avocado, and Tomato Salad (For One!)

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This salad is so yummy and refreshing, and full of heart healthy fats to keep you full!  And it only takes 5 minutes and 7 easily accessible ingredients to quickly slice, assemble, and drizzle 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

2 cups butter lettuce and radicchio (I use a prewashed mix from Trader Joe’s)

10 cherry tomatoes

½ small ripe avocado

1 tablespoon hemp seeds

1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar (the older, the sweeter)

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil

Pinch of Crazy Jane’s Mixed Up Salt (or any seasoned salt- this one is a blend of garlic, onion, salt, and spices)

How (your directions):

Onto a large plate, place the 2 cups of butter lettuce and radicchio blend.

Slice cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise, then distribute evenly on top of the lettuce.

Slice a small, ripe avocado in half.  Using the half without the pit (save the half with the pit, covered, in the fridge for another time), remove the skin.  Place halved avocado cut-side down onto cutting board, then slice thinly.  Fan the avocado slices and place in the center of the salad.

Sprinkle hemps seeds over the salad, then drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  Season to taste with a pinch of salt or seasoned salt.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Hemp seeds are a rich source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.  You can sprinkle hemp seeds on savory dishes (from salads to pastas to soups) and sweet dishes (top a smoothie or bowl of oatmeal for added crunch).

 

 

Sweet and Spicy Carrot Ginger Soup

Sweet and Spicy Carrot Ginger Soup

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This luxuriously smooth Sweet and Spicy Carrot Ginger Soup is everything I want in a soup- incredible depth of flavor, bursting with nutrition, comforting.  I once had a soup at a restaurant like this, and fell in love with the sweetness of the soup that was also somewhat savory.  I hadn’t been able to recreate that balance of sweet and savory…until NOW!  This recipe is easy, quick, and can be made in advance.  Great meal prep option that lasts 3 days in the fridge 😊

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 5 minutes (30 minutes soaking cashews)

Cooking time: 20 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ red onion, chopped roughly

1 lb. carrots, chopped roughly

1 Gala apple, chopped roughly

½ granny smith apple, chopped roughly

Pinch of salt

1 garlic clove, minced

1 thumb size knob ginger, peeled and sliced

¼ teaspoon cinnamon

Dash of cayenne pepper

4 cups vegetable broth

To serve: Greek style almond yogurt, maple syrup, granola

How (your directions):

In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, heat olive oil.  Add red onion, carrots, Gala and Granny Smith apples, and a pinch of salt.  Saute for 3-4 minutes.

Add garlic, ginger, cinnamon, and a dash of cayenne pepper.  Sauté for 1-2 minutes.

Add vegetable broth and bring to a boil.  Cover, lower heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the carrots are fork tender.

Transfer mixture to a high-speed blender, and blend until smooth (start blender on low speed and gradually increase speed to medium-high.  Always hold the lid of the blender secure and be careful of steam).

Enjoy hot!

Serve with a swirl or dollop of almond yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a spoonful of granola.

Why (the science):  Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory

 

Caprese Breakfast Porridge

Caprese Breakfast Porridge

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Serves: 1

Prep time: 2 minutes (30 minutes soaking cashews)

Cooking time: 2 minutes

What (your ingredients):

3 tablespoons malt-o-meal

Pinch each of salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup water

8 cherry tomatoes

½ small avocado or ¼ large avocado, diced

4-6 basil leaves

How (your directions):

Add malt-o-meal, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, mozzarella cheese, and water into bowl. 

Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

Add cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and basil leaves.

Enjoy hot!

Why (the science):  Tomatoes are 95% water and are contain potassium, an electrolyte which helps lower blood pressure.

 

 

Raw Vegan Pad Thai

Raw Vegan Pad Thai

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This might be one of my absolute favorite ways to eat vegetables!  The Miso Pad Thai sauce alone is worth making- drizzle over greens or roasted vegetables- yum! Perfect for hot weather, this Raw Vegan Pad Thai will satisfy you for lunch or dinner while making you feel light and energized. 

Serves: 2

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

Miso Pad Thai Sauce:

1 tsp ginger

1 tsp coconut aminos or soy sauce

1 tsp miso paste

¼ cup almond butter

3 medjool dates

Juice of ½ lemon

1 clove garlic

¼ cup warm water

Pad Thai:

2 large carrots

1 red bell pepper

2 medium zucchini, julienned

2 small English cucumbers, julienned

1 spring onion, sliced thinly

Toppings: sesame seeds, alfalfa sprouts, pinch of salt

How (your directions):

For the Miso Pad Thai Sauce, add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.  Blend on high for 1 minute until smooth.  Set aside while you prepare the Pad Thai ingredients.

Grate 2 large carrots and add to a large bowl.  Thinly slice 1 red bell pepper and add to the carrots. 

Using a vegetable peeler, julienne 2 zucchini.  When it becomes difficult to julienne the zucchini, dice the remaining zucchini into small pieces.   Add zucchini to the bowl.  

Repeat the julienne process with 2 English cucumbers.  Add cucumbers to the bowl.

Thinly slice 1 spring onion and add to the bowl. 

Pour the Miso Pad Thai Sauce over the prepared vegetables.  Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated in the sauce.

Serve immediately by diving the Pad Thai salad onto two plates.  Top with sesame seeds, alfalfa sprouts, and a pinch of salt. 

Tip: if preparing the Raw Vegan Pad Thai in advance, do not add the dressing, as the salt will pull out the water from the vegetables and make the salad soupy and watery.  Dress salad with the Miso Pad Thai Sauce when ready to serve.

Enjoy!

Why (the science):  Every vegetable has a different combination of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, so you’ll benefit from the array of colors in this salad!

Cheesy Mexican Squash Casserole

Cheesy Mexican Squash Casserole

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Perfect for summer entertaining, Cheesy Mexican Squash Casserole serves 4-6 as a main course, or 8 as a side dish.  You can make this casserole in advance, then bake in oven right before serving.  The Cheesy Vegan Sauce is scrumptious, and your non-vegetarian friends will never know that there’s no cheese 😉

Serves: 6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

What (your ingredients):

Vegan Cheese Sauce:

1 yellow onion, quartered

10 mini sweet peppers

¼ cup raw cashews

½ cup nutritional yeast

¼ cup water

½ teaspoon salt

Squash Casserole:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 shallot, sliced thinly

3 cloves garlic, sliced thinly

Pinch of salt

½ teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon chili powder

1 large yellow squash, sliced into half-moons

2 cups sweet corn

1 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 15-oz. can pinto beans, drained and rinsed

2 cups cooked brown rice

Parsley or cilantro for serving

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350°F. 

Make Vegan Cheesy Sauce by adding all ingredients to a high-speed blender.  Blend on high for 60 seconds until smooth.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add shallots and sauté for 1-2 minutes.  add garlic and a pinch of salt, sautéing for 30 seconds.

Add cumin and chili powder to the oil. Hint: This allows the spices to “bloom” and become fragrant.

Add sliced squash and sauté for 5 minutes.  add corn, black beans, pinto beans, stirring for 2 minutes until warmed through.

Add rice and Vegan Cheesy Sauce and stir to combine.

Pour casserole mixture into a 2-qt. baking dish.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Garnish with snipped parsley or cilantro.  Salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy hot! 

Why (the science):  Dairy can be inflammatory in the body, causing bloating, gas, acne, and many other symptoms.  This Vegan Cheesy Sauce incorporates vitamin C rich peppers and anti-inflammatory onion!  The nutritional yeast provides B12 and that signature cheesy flavor. 

Crunchy Curry Salad with Farro

Crunchy Curry Salad with Farro

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Crunchy Curry Salad with Farro is filling salad, heart enough to be a meal on its own, but light and crunchy and crisp.  Refreshing for a hot, summer day!

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

What (your ingredients):

½ cup farro

¼ teaspoon curry powder

¼ teaspoon cumin

¼ teaspoon paprika

Juice of 1 lime

Juice of 1 lemon

1 head of kale

5-7 radishes

½ large seedless cucumber

1 orange bell pepper

1 shallot

How (your directions):

Heat 5 cups of water in a large pot with 2 teaspoons salt.  Once boiling, add the farro and cook for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, to a large bowl, add curry powder, cumin, paprika, lime juice, and lemon juice.  Stir to combine.

Finely chop kale and add to the bowl with spices.  Massage 2 minutes to soften kale.

Dice radishes, cucumber, and bell pepper and add to kale. 

Mince 1 shallot and add to kale salad.

Once farro is cooked, drain farro, then add to kale salad.  Mix to combine.

Enjoy immediately or store in refrigerator for the next day’s lunch or dinner!

Why (the science):  Spices have anti-inflammatory powers, so combine spices to flavor your meals in replace of adding salt.  If the salad needs salt, add a pinch, but you won’t need a lot with the flavors of curry and cumin 😊 

Fruit Sushi with Pomegranate "Roe"

Fruit Sushi with Pomegranate "Roe"

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

How gorgeous are these fruit sushi rolls?  These would be perfect in a child’s lunch box or as a filling snack!  They would even be adorable displayed on a platter for dessert 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 beet whole grain wrap (Angelic Bakehouse)

1 tablespoon almond butter

1 banana

3 tablespoons pomegranate arils

How (your directions):

Spread almond butter onto one side of the wrap.  Place whole banana onto almond butter at the top third of the wrap, then roll wrap until banana is snugly inside the wrap.

Using a sharp serrated knife, cut of the tip ends of the wrap, as they don’t hold together as well.  Then slice the remaining wrap into six even slices.

Top with pomegranate arils.

Enjoy immediately 😊

Why (the science):  Snacks that provide satiety are ones that contain a protein, carb, and healthy fat.  Instead of a boring banana that may not keep you full for long, this snack will keep your energy levels up with the addition of a fiber-rich wrap and protein-rich almond butter! 

Strawberry and Mint Spring Rolls with Lime Peanut Sauce | + Video |

Strawberry and Mint Spring Rolls with Lime Peanut Sauce | + Video |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Crunchy, creamy, sweet, spicy- all the perfect notes for a light and refreshing lunch!  Spring rolls are easy to make, and I’ve even created a video to show you how!

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5-10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

3-4 rice paper sheets

Handful of red leaf lettuce

4-5 strawberries, sliced thinly

½ avocado, sliced thinly

6-10 mint leaves

2 tablespoons peanut powder or 1 tablespoon peanut butter

1 teaspoon lime juice

1 teaspoon sriracha

2-4 tablespoons water

How (your directions):

Dip one rice paper sheet into warm water for about 5-10 seconds.

Lay rice paper sheet on a flat service.  Line a 4-6 strawberry slices onto the top third of the rice paper.

On the bottom third, place a few pieces of lettuce, mint, and avocado.

Roll the bottom edge of the rice paper over the lettuce, mint, and avocado.  Fold the left and right sides toward the center.  Then roll tightly toward the strawberries.  If in doubt, think of rolling the spring roll like you would a burrito.

Continue process to make 3-4 spring rolls.

Make the Lime Peanut Sauce by combine the peanut powder or peanut butter with the lime juice, sriracha, and water.  Mix until smooth.

Enjoy immediately!

Why (the science):  Red leaf lettuce is considered a calorie-free food, but it provides vitamin A for healthy eyes!

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Blackberry Parfait with Honey Almond Granola

Blackberry Parfait with Honey Almond Granola

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This Honey Almond Granola is slightly sweet and totally crunchy, especially with the slivered almonds!  It makes the perfect breakfast or addition to an afternoon snack.  Wholesome and delicious, Blackberry Parfait with Honey Almond Granola tastes like a treat.

Serves: 6 (Honey Almond Granola)

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 12 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 egg white

3 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon coconut sugar

2 cups rolled oats

1 cup slivered almonds

1 cup dried dark sweet cherries

To serve: Yogurt, Blackberries

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350°F.

In a large bowl, whisk together egg white, honey, and coconut sugar.

Add rolled oats and slivered almonds and stir to combine.  Make sure that the honey mixture coats all of the oats and almonds.

Pour mix onto lined baking sheet.  Bake for 12-14 minutes, stirring halfway through the baking time.

Remove granola from oven and stir in dried cherries.

Allow to cool so that granola becomes crunchy.

To serve, dollop 2 spoonsful of your favorite yogurt into a glass with 3 spoonsful of Honey Almond Granola. Repeat process, then top with 6-8 blackberries.

Honey Almond Granola can be stored in an airtight container for 1 week on the countertop.

Why (the science):  Almonds are a prebiotic, which means they feed the healthy bacteria in our gut!

Swiss Bircher Muesli | + Video |

Swiss Bircher Muesli | + Video |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

In Switzerland, this breakfast is part of every breakfast buffet, and for good reason- it’s so filling and satisfying! You know, for those long ski days or hiking excursions up the Alps 😉 So easy to make, this recipe is great for beginners in the kitchen.  Swiss Bircher Muesli also lasts in the fridge for 4-5 days, so this recipe can last for a week of ready-made breakfasts.

Serves: 4-6

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes (refrigerate 2 hours or overnight)

What (your ingredients):

1.5 cups muesli

1.5 cups plant milk (I used 1 cup Unsweetened Original Ripple and 1/2 cup oat milk)

1 cup almond yogurt (Kite Hill is excellent)

1 teaspoon orange zest

Juice of 1 orange

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

2 apples (1 diced, 1 grated) covered with 1 teaspoon lemon juice (prevents browning)

Favorite Toppings: berries, hazelnuts, walnuts

How (your directions):

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.  Refrigerate overnight.

Enjoy with your favorite toppings!

Why (the science):  Oats contain soluble fiber, which helps lower “bad “LDL cholesterol!

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Yummy, comforting appetizers can be made healthy and plant-based with just a few tweaks.  Jalapeño poppers are often breaded then deep fried, but these skip the breading and are roasted!  Removing the seeds and with pith remove some of the heat, and roasting the peppers make them soft and smoky.  Replace the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with vegan alternatives, and you have a nutritious appetizer ready in a flash!  These Vegan Jalapeño Poppers are simply awesome 😊

Serves: 4-5

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

What (your ingredients):

5 jalapeño peppers

1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese (I used So Delicious vegan cheddar)

1/3 cup cream cheese (Kite Hill makes an awesome vegan almond cream cheese)

Pinch of salt and pepper

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 450°F.

Slice jalapeño peppers in half, then remove the seeds and white pith (very spicy).

Place pepper halves onto a baking sheet.

In a small bowl, combine shredded cheddar, cream cheese, salt, and pepper.

Using a spoon, spread about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture into each pepper halve until all cheese mixture has been used. 

Roast peppers for 15 minutes.

Allow to cool slightly, and then serve!

Why (the science):  Jalapeño peppers are rich in capsaicin, which is responsible for that fiery heat.  Capsaicin is a nature pain-reliever!

Kale and Quinoa Salad with Fig and Walnuts

Kale and Quinoa Salad with Fig and Walnuts

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Full disclosure: I’m always intimidated to make salads, because I worry that they won’t be near as good as what I can order from a nice restaurant.  But THIS is the recipe that changes everything! Easy? Check! Café-quality? Check! Elegant but fast to throw together? Check! Kale and Quinoa Salad with Fig and Walnuts will be your go-to “I’ll bring the salad” dish to show off to all your friends 😊

Serves: 1

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 bunch kale, torn into pieces

1 tablespoon pomegranate balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons walnut pieces

2 dried figs, cut into small pieces

1 oz. goat cheese

1/3 cup quinoa, cooked

How (your directions):

Place kale pieces into a large bowl.  Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and olive oil.  Massage the kale for 2-3 minutes.  Tip: Massaging kale allows it to become more tender and slightly sweeter!

Transfer salad to a plate, then top with walnuts, figs, crumbled goat cheese, and quinoa.

Enjoy immediately or the next day!

Why (the science):  Quinoa is a complete protein, making it a great replacement for brown rice and other starches!

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies | Paleo, GF, Dairy-Free |

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies | Paleo, GF, Dairy-Free |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

Wow, these cookies taste like the real deal- you know, the chocolate chip cookies of your childhood?! Except these have no flour and no refined sugar...Hello, Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Serves: 9

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 15 minutes

What (your ingredients):

4 tablespoons coconut oil, solid

3 tablespoons honey

1 egg

Generous teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

½ teaspoon baking powder

1 2/3 cup almond meal

1 tablespoon coconut flour

1/3 cup chocolate chips

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350°F.  Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

Using a hand-mixer, mix together solid oil and honey.  Add egg and mix until combined.

Add vanilla extract, salt, baking powder, almond meal, and coconut flour and mix until combined.

Using a spatula, stir in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.

Bake for 15 minutes, then allow to cool slightly on baking rack.

Enjoy immediately or store cooled cookies in an airtight container.

Why (the science):  Almond flour provides protein, heart-healthy omega-3's, and calcium for strong bones!

 

Pink Pancakes! NBC News! | Vegan and Gluten-Free |

Pink Pancakes! NBC News! | Vegan and Gluten-Free |

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

These Pink Pancakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day brunch or Christmas morning!  I mean, look at that color 😊  And they couldn’t be easier to make, since they’re made in a blender.  Serve them with butter and maple syrup, and perhaps a dusting of cocoa powder for something sweet and elegant.  Or try my savory version with slices of avocado, wedges of blood orange or grapefruit, and a drizzle of tahini.  You could even pack the savory ones for lunch and eat them at room temperature…yum!

Serves: 2 (2 plate-size pancakes or 9 silver-dollars)

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 5 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup plant milk

1 cup roughly cubed beet (raw, not cooked)

½ teaspoon baking powder

Pinch of salt

Coconut oil for cooking

Savory toppings: avocado slices, blood orange or grapefruit sections, drizzle of tahini, freshly ground pepper

Sweet toppings: butter, maple syrup, a dusting of cocoa powder

How (your directions):

In a high-speed blender, add oats, plant milk, cubed beet, baking powder, and salt.   Blend until smooth.

In a large skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat.  Pour pancake mix into whatever size you prefer.

 

Once the sides are cooked and the tops are bubbling, flip the pancakes.

Allow to cook on the second side for 3 more minutes.

Serve immediately with your favorite sweet or savory toppings!

Why (the science):  Beets contain the pigment betalain, which is considered a potent antioxidant which fights inflammation and oxidative stress.

Flourless Carrot Cake Muffins

Flourless Carrot Cake Muffins

Chelsea Gloeckner
Blog

This recipe is heavenly.  Almond meal and oats replace white flour, and sweetness comes from the grated carrots, applesauce, and agave.  Tender and moist, these Flourless Carrot Cake Muffins will become your new favorite wholesome breakfast!

Serves: 6

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

What (your ingredients):

1 cup almond meal

½ cup rolled oats

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon ground ginger

½ teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

½ cup applesauce

½ cup cashew butter

2 tablespoons agave

1 cup grated carrots

1 egg

How (your directions):

Preheat oven to 350°F.

Line a muffin tin with 6 liners, then set aside.

In a large bowl, add all ingredients.  Stir until evenly combined.

Using an ice cream scoop, evenly distribute batter among lined muffin tin.

Bake for 25 minutes.

Enjoy!

Why (the science):  We often hear how great carrots are for your eyes, but the vitamin A in carrots is also an important immune booster!

 

 

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