Roasted Baby Beet Salad with Raspberry and Chia Seed Vinaigrette (Vegan / Vegetarian / Organic)

I have a thing for beets and all root vegetables in general.  I love the earthiness that each type brings to a dish, but beets are my all time favorite.  I roasted these and created a pink raspberry vinaigrette to enhance their flavor and keep the color pretty.

Ingredients

1 cup of roasted beets; skinned and cubed

2 Tablespoons of Raspberry Vinaigrette

1 Tablespoon of toasted Hazlenuts

Instructions

You can either buy pre roasted beets that are all ready skinned or you can roast them yourself.  In this case I was making a quick lunch so I purchased pre roasted at Whole Foods Market.

Cube them into pretty uniform little squares and place in a medium sized bowl

Toss with Vinaigrette

Garnish with toasted Hazlenuts

*****Note:  If you buy raw hazelnuts just put them onto the stove in a hot pan, tossing every once in a while until then are golden brown.

Let cool before serving

Fresh Organic Raspberry Vinaigrette (Raw / Vegan / Vegetarian)

This is a very tangy yet sweet dressing.  It can be used in so many ways, as a salad dressing, a fruit dip or a marinade.  I used it to make a beet salad that was delicious.  I will link to that recipe too.

Ingredients

1 cup fresh, organic raspberries

1 Tablespoon Agave 

1 Tablespoon Raw Honey

1/4 cup Almond Oil

6 Tablespoon of Chia Seeds

1/2 teaspoon of Pink Himalayan Salt

1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar

1/2 cup Kombucha

Instructions

Place all ingredients EXCEPT CHIA SEEDS in a blender and blend until smooth.

Add Chia Seeds and let sit for at least 30 minutes to let them absorb the liquid.

Enjoy

Chia Seed Indian Kheer (Vegan / Vegetarian )

Chia Seeds are an ancient grain that called Salvia Hispanica which grows in the deserts of Mexico.  They were used by the Aztecs and Mayans as energy and endurance boosters.  In fact, the word "Chia" means strength.  They are considered a concentrated food meaning that these tiny seeds pack a serious punch when it comes to healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates (the healthy kind) protein, fiber, antioxidants and calcium.

This is a version of the Indian dessert Kheer without the processed white rice that is normally used.

Ingredients

1 Cup of Silk Vanilla Coconut Milk (carton)

1/4 cup unsweetened canned coconut milk

2 Tablespoons of Agave Syrup

1 tsp of ground cardamom

1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon 

4 Tablespoons of Chia Seeds

unsweetened Coconut Shavings

Sliced Almonds

Directions

Mix all ingredients (except coconut shavings and sliced almonds) in a container with a lid.

Seal tight and shake.

Store in refrigerator for at least 5 hours.

Serve cold with Coconut Shavings and Sliced Almonds as garnish

Super Duper Healthy Shake (Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory/ Vegetarian)

I am absolutely enamored with Super Spices right now, especially Turmeric. I plan on doing a post very soon that explains the benefits of the top herbs and spices for holistic health. This is a smoothy that I like to have in the mornings that covers so many health issues and offers so many benefits that I would recommend it to anyone looking to better their overall health

Ingredients

1/2 cup of Green Tea, chilled 

1/2 cup of Coconut Water

1/2 cup mixed berries (Frozen is my choice)

1 scoop of protein powder *

2 teaspoons of Chia Seed Gel 

1/2 Tablespoon of MCT Liquid Coconut Oil *

2 teaspoons of Raw Honey (or more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon of Cayenne Pepper

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

dash of Himalayan Pink Salt (or any high quality salt)

Instructions

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until mixed and smooth.  One of my favorite kitchen gadgets is the Magic Bullet.  It is a convenient way to make a single serving shake or smoothy and the clean up is simple.  Rinse, add some some and warm water…..blend and then rinse.  Voila!

The Magic Bullet 

I like to use Optimum Hydrolyzed Platinum Whey which offers 30 grams of Protein per scoop 

Natures Way Liquid Coconut Premium Oil

This is the Brand of Coconut Oil that I use.  Since it doesn't solidify it is great for smoothies