Vegan Sweet Potato Mac N' Cheese

Growing up, a staple in our home was most definitely Mac n' Cheese. I think, in most homes, this is a staple. It's cheap, simple, yummy, and loved and eaten by kids (that's a huge point). The issue with this boxed delight is that it's processed, processed, processed. As we are leaning, anything processed is definitely NOT a healthy choice for consumption. But what do we do when just have a good ol' hankering for some mac n' cheese (and believe me, I have my share of cravings some days). Well, we look for other ways we can still enjoy this meal, using whole, natural foods.

I've made my own mac n' cheese many times, making my own cheese sauce from scratch, however, never before had I attempted to make "vegan" mac n' cheese. I think, when my husband said he wanted mac n' cheese for supper, he wasn't expecting this, but he was still pleasantly surprised when he ate it. :) What else was he going to do?

Now, I say this is vegan, however, I made it definitely NOT vegan by adding chunks of sausage in the end. So if you want this dish to be truly vegan, just don't add sausage and voila! :D Easy peasy.

I found this recipe on Detoxinista and you can see her original recipe here. 

Hope you enjoy this new take on the old classic. Yum!

VEGAN SWEET POTATO MAC N' CHEESE

(gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan)

Ingredients:

(Serves approx 4)

1 medium sweet potato, chopped into chunks

1 cup unflavoured, unsweetened almond milk (make your own for even more health benefits)

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1 tsp sea salt

1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Spices of choice

Gluten-free pasta of choice (or whatever pasta you desire if not required to be gluten-free), cooked as directed. I used brown rice elbow pasta.

Directions:

- In a veggie steamer (or small sauce pan), steam the sweet potato chunks until tender, about 10 minutes.

- Mash the cooked potato with a fork, then measure out one cup of mashed sweet potato for the sauce.

- Add it to your blender, along with the rest of the sauce ingredients. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, then serve over a bowl of your favourite, piping-hot pasta:

- you can mix with your favourite veggies and bake in the oven for a mac n' cheese casserole, or serve as is for the gooey mac n' cheese experience. 

- Optional, chop and fry up some of your favourite sausage (we used garlic Polish sausage) and toss it in with your dish.

Left over sauce can be kept in the fridge for up to about 4 days

What's your favourite way to eat mac n' cheese???

Happy Eating!!!

Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli

Pasta…mmm mmm mmm. Pasta is one of those feel good, carb rich, comfort foods that satisfy and fill and cause you to push back you chair, pat your belly and sigh with contentment. I especially have always enjoyed the "stuffed" pasta variety, such as tortellini and ravioli, the later of which is our focus today. 

As I've been venturing forth with my gluten-free cooking and baking, I've not ever taken the steps of making much in the carb department. I've done a lot of carb replacements with veggies (zucchini noodles for instance), but have only done a small amount of actual gluten-free carb foods. Well, there's nothing like building up to the point of extreme. How about just jumping right off the cliff and see if the wind will indeed carry me :)

That's how it felt, anyway, as I took a step forth and decided to try my hand at making some gluten-free ravioli. The results were amazing! I was oh so delighted and in awe that I actually succeeded. Yes, I had some trials and dough frustrations along the way (of which I now desire to try to improve upon), but regardless of those minor set-backs, we had ravioli for dinner….and it was good.

I found this recipe on yet another favourite foodie blog, Clean Eating Chelsey, and you can see the original recipe on her site here.

Be warned, this recipe should not be attempted by the faint of heart :P Oh who am I kidding, if I can do it, you definitely can! Give it a whirl and be impressed with your culinary skills, just waiting to be revealed.

Enjoy!

SPINACH AND MUSHROOM RAVIOLI

(gluten-free, dairy-free)

Ingredients:

(makes approx 8-9 ravioli)

2 1/4 cup gluten free all purpose flour, plus extra for rolling

2/3 - 1 cup water

3 tsp olive oil

1/2 tsp salt

10 organic brown crimini mushrooms (or your mushroom of choice)

1/2 onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked for 1 hour

2 handfuls fresh spinach

4 Tbsp nutritional yeast

2 Tbsp water

salt and pepper to taste  

Directions:

- Combine your salt and all purpose flour in a large bowl. Add your water and olive oil and knead until a ball forms. (I added 1/2 cup of water first and then slowly added more as I needed it. You will need to play around with the amount. You want to form a dough. It shouldn't be sticky, but it should stay together when done kneading.)

- Set the dough aside in a bowl with cling wrap over it for 30 minutes.

- While your dough is resting, heat 1- 2 Tbsp olive oil in a medium saute pan.

- Add your mushrooms, onion, and garlic and heat over medium heat until tender. 

- Stir frequently and add your spinach for 1 minute to wilt.

- While your vegetables are sauteing, add your drained cashews, nutritional yeast, 2 Tbsp water, salt and pepper to a food processor (I began this process with the intent of using a food processor, however the machine would not work for me, thus I resorted to using my blender. This made it much more difficult. I will attempt this meal again once I finally own my own food processor).

- Process until a ricotta cheese like consistency is formed. 

- Add your "cheese" to your vegetables and stir until evenly spread.

- After your dough has rested for 30 minutes, dust a flat surface and a rolling pin with flour. Roll your dough until desired thickness is achieved (you want it pretty thin. Due to my dough frustrations, mine remained thicker, but the results were still wonderful).

- Cut out dough circles. (I used my Pampered Chef biscuit cutters)

- Place approx. 1 tsp of ravioli mixture onto the ravioli cut out and then top it with another one. 

- Use a fork to press down the sides so they are secure.

- Place the raviolis into a pot of boiling, salted water, until they come to the surface of the water (about 3-4 minutes). 

- Serve with your favourite sauce!

Happy Eating!!!

Veggie Chow Mein

I love Chinese food. It's been one of my go-to weaknesses over my life. Specifically, I love my chow mein. If ever I went to an all-you-can eat buffet, or ordered in, I made sure I got my plate (or 2) or chow mein. When I was pregnant, all I would crave was my own container of this greasy, delicious food. Thus it was such a sadness when I realized that I could no longer order my beloved meal once I went gluten-free. That was, until recently, when I discovered a healthier, gluten-free chow mein alternative that I knew I had to try out at once! I found it on Detoxinista and you can find this original recipe here.

So, for all you chow mein lovers out there, you too can now continue to enjoy this meal, gluten-free, dairy-free, and oh so healthy :)

Enjoy!

VEGGIE CHOW MEIN

(gluten-free, dairy-free)

Ingredients:

(serves 2)

2 tsp coconut oil

1/2 cup onion, chopped

3-4 stalks celery, chopped

2 large carrots, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

Tamari, to taste (gluten-free soy sauce)

Stevia, to taste

Spaghetti Squash "noodles". (1 small squash should suffice for 2 people)

Salt, to taste

Directions:

- Cook your squash ahead of time. Cut in half, prick with a fork and roast it in the oven for approx 30-45 minutes at 400 degrees.

-In a large skillet, saute the onion, garlic, celery and carrots in coconut oil, until crisp-tender.

- Use a splash of water, if needed, to prevent sticking.

- Once the veggies are cooked, add a bit of Tamari and a few drops of liquid stevia, to taste.
- Stir well and then add your squash noodles.

- Toss well, until all the flavours have combined and the noodles are piping hot. If needed, add another splash of water to prevent sticking.

- Add a pinch of salt, and adjust seasonings to your liking, then serve immediately.

Happy Eating!!!

Food for Skin: Get the Glow You Crave

If there's something I'm sure each of us can agree on, it's that we would all love to have healthy, glowing skin. We always seem to come across those people who have incredible skin, never get a zit, don't have to wear make-up, etc etc, and silently we may utter a curse or two. Not that we should curse those who have amazing DNA, but instead, let's turn our focus to what WE, who do not have that clear skin DNA, can do to get amazingly healthy, glowing skin.

I wouldn't say I was blessed with clear skin, as I have and still do fight occasional break-outs, however I was blessed to not have to endure years of persistent acne. It's always been just enough, however, that I still rarely leave the house without some form of cover-up. I will say, however, that since I've changed my eating lifestyle, my skin has cleared up substantially and I have far fewer break-outs then previously, and they are quite minimal when they do come. And when I forego healthy eating and dive for the chips, m&m's and swedish berries, I notice a flair of fresh blemishes are not far behind. There's something to this people! Sugar is a HUGE culprit as it's actually toxic to our bodies. Toxic body = horrible skin.

Today I have some fun food combinations that you can try that are known to help clear your skin and give it that glow you've always desired and craved, but maybe have never been able to achieve.

My husband came across this article, and of course passed it onto me knowing it's just what I love reading, learning and sharing! Thus, I'm going to share with you! You can see the original article from the Huffington Post here, but read ahead and I'll touch on what it says. I do change up some of the recipe suggestions, just from my own personal views :)

Today we're talking about nuts and fruit, and how by mixing them together you get the best "bang for you buck" so to speak. They are a powerful team when helping to clear your skin and give you that healthy glow.

Nuts contain "hunger-quashing protein" to help you keep your cravings at bay. Not only that, but they also help boost vitamins and minerals that are essential to your skin's health. These include Omega 3's, vitamin E, zinc and selenium.

When paired with fruit, the combination feeds your body an ever greater amount of antioxidants (those "skin-saving free radical fighters that help ward off skin problems").

Here's some great nut + fruit combos to help get your skin "clear and glowing".

Macadamia Nuts + Pomegranate Seeds = Skin Plumper

The beautiful, buttery taste of macadamia nuts pairs fantastically with the tartness of pomegranate seeds. Both "boost collagen production and contain phytochemicals to help fight the free radical damage that can contribute to fine lines." To make this pair even tastier, why not make it into a sweet treat!

Fruit and Nut Bark

Spread melted, dairy-free*, dark chocolate on a parchment lined cookie sheet and top with chopped macadamia nuts and pomegranate seeds. Chill in the fridge until firm and then break into pieces.

The bark will last up to 1 week in a sealed container in the refrigerator. (I intend to try this one out ASAP!)

*I personally recommend using dairy-free chocolate as the less dairy we consume, the better our bodies and skin will be :) This is my personal recommendation, however. Feel free to use whatever dark chocolate you love :)

Pecan + Cherries = Freckle Fader

Pecans are highly rich in vitamin E and B complex vitamins, as well as they contain the "highest concentration of antioxidants of any nut". Cherries are rich in melatonin and biotin, thus when these two tasty items are paired they help fight free radicals and damage from UV rays. Try topping a half cup of protein rich Green yogurt, or your favourite dairy-free yogurt (coconut, almond etc,) with fresh pitted cherries and pecans for a great summer snack (always try to buy fruits in season).

Almonds + Apricots = Wrinkle and Blemish Killer

Both Almonds and Apricots are rich in fibre, which helps "detoxify the body and regulate insulin levels." There are studies that show that when our insulin spikes it can contribute to acne (hence junk food causing more acne). Apricots also "contain high levels of vitamin A." Vitamin A is "more readily absorbed by the body when eaten with the mono saturated fat contained in almonds." The amazing apricot is also a very good source of vitamin C, which happens to be a building block of plumping-collagen. You can enjoy this combo by adding chopped, fresh apricots and soaked, raw almonds (not roasted) to a small amount of low fat yogurt, or your favourite dairy-free yogurt.

Walnuts + Blackberries = Zits Fighter

Those who have tendencies toward acne prone skin can rejoice in this "dynamic duo", as it can help soothe that acne prone skin. Blackberries, being slightly tart, contain a plethora of antioxidants and zinc to help "keep pimples in check". All the while, those delightfully, rich tasting walnuts are chalk full of omega-3 fatty acids, to help "further reduce inflammation and combat redness." Combine them for a quick breakfast or mid-morning snack.

Quick Blackberry Muesli
1/3 cup rolled oats (gluten-free)
1/3 cup plain greek yogurt (or low fat yogurt or dairy-free yogurt)
1/2 cup blackberries
2 Tbsp chopped walnuts
1/2 tsp raw honey
1/2 tsp fresh ground flax seeds
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

In a small bowl, combine rolled oats and yogurt. Set aside for 5 minutes and allow oats to soften slightly. Add blackberries, walnuts, honey and flax seeds, stirring to combine. Top with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired (or any other warm spices that you might enjoy, like cloves, nutmeg or allspice).

I definitely will be trying this one out too.

I hope you learned something new through this, as I know I sure did.

What's your favourite healthy go-to snack?

Till next time...

Monday Feature: Riverstone Studios

Winter in Alberta is a season where all moisture is sucked clean from every cell of the skin. Humidity is somewhere in the 0%. It's a season where young, supple hands look as though they just emerged from the crypt. Painful splits, itchy, blotchy, flaky...well, you get the point. It's very, very, very, very, very dry! I've tried my hand (pardon the pun) at all the best name brand creams out there. Truth is, they don't work very well at all. They make promises not easily kept. Don't get me wrong, my hands feel great, for about 3.692 seconds, and then I watch as my skin recedes back to it's prior state of reptilian.

Besides the painful splits, that occur all too occasionally, the dry hands aren't too much of a bother. They are easily covered up with mittens and are not usually the focal point for anyone (although, I'm sure that after this post, anyone I know will be unintentionally glancing down at my hands haha). The true annoyance is the dry facial skin. While being more delicate then anywhere else on the body, the skin on the face easily succumbs to redness and flakiness. Not fun and not something that can be covered up with make-up. In fact, I don't know about you, but I've discovered that dry facial skin is more obvious after make-up is applied. Thus the importance of a good, natural moisturizer that is safe for the face and quenches the dry, thirsty skin, as though I just stepped off an airplane in Hawaii, which I'd love to do right about now. ;)

I have found just the thing! It's the truth! I've only had this product for a week or so and it's become my new favourite facial moisturizer, made by today's featured business. If you are like me, and have scaly, winter skin, then read on, cause your life is about to be transformed! Well, your skin/body anyway. :)

I met Kelly and Audrey Taylor-Faye at the Fall into Christmas market in Medicine Hat, this past Fall. I was drawn to their Riverstone Studio's booth, with their array of natural products set out to entice all who meandered past.

The product that intrigued my husband and I the most, as we perused the booth, was Riverstone's tooth oil. This is to be used in place of toothpaste. We purchased a couple bottles and Hayden and I have used this tooth oil since that day and our teeth feel fantastic! One must get past not having a mouth full of sudsy, mint soap (as we have learned to associate with with cleaning process) but the cleaning and antibacterial properties of this amazing product is second to none.

My other most favourite product is the Silk Facial Moisturizer, which I was commenting on earlier. It really does feel like silk when applied to the skin and is made of natural beeswax and coconut oil. That's it! My skin feels so hydrated and heavenly after I've used a small amount on my face.

Ok, enough about the rantings and ravings of this amazing product (for now). Let's meet the brilliant family behind Riverstone Studios. Audrey and Kelly are the couple that many of us strive to be. Their desire for a lifestyle that is nature friendly, kind to the environment and self-sustaining is the exact lifestyle that Hayden and I desire and hope to achieve one day. I, for one, was very inspired after learning of their story.

"After loosing their best friend to cancer, Audrey and Kelly Taylor-Faye began a journey of re-evaluating what was important in their lives. "Give me a cardboard box on the side of the road with my family, and I would be the happiest man on earth" was Kelly's coined phrase. [Audrey and Kelly] embarked on a journey of leaving the city life for 8 acres of prairie wilderness. In the middle of an open prairie field, Kelly and Audrey began building their dream home - Post and Beam Straw Bale with reclaimed timbers, windows and doors, powered by the sun and the wind, watered by the sky. This large endeavour was and still is a journey five years in the making."

"During this time they struggled with existing health concerns, as well as new ones that began to creep into their family. One evening while Audrey was watching their two young children splash in the a tub full of bubbles, she happened to flip over and read the ingredient list on the back of the baby shampoo bottle. Not knowing what a majority of the ingredients were, she researched them to find that three of them were known carcinogens, another was a suspected carcinogen, and yet another was a formaldehyde release agent - the same chemical they were trying to avoid by building Straw Bale. This began the journey of creating homemade soaps and body care products."

"Through their journey, [Audrey and Kelly] found a majority of chemicals used in commercial body care products have never been tested for health concerns. Kelly states, "There is clear research shown that these chemicals are toxic - but only if you ingest them. There is also clear research that shows between 60 to 90 percent of what touches your skin is absorbed directly into your blood stream.""

I don't know about you, but this information definitely concerns me. Especially now that I have a little girl of my own that I care for and want the best for. Hayden and I have been on a path to a more natural lifestyle for quite a while now, but still, every time I hear or read information like this, I am reminded why we are striving to live the way we are. It makes me frustrated that large commercial companies can get away with adding such toxic ingredients to products, with little or no concern of possible health outcomes down the road. This is why we need to begin supporting the "little people" so to speak! Be informed and make healthy choices, not just with what you ingest, but with what you put on your body. But I digress…

"Fast forward five years, [Kelly and Audrey's] home based business thrives from their little, off-grid home on the prairies. Riverstone Studios - Eco-Body Care now makes and sells 42 health and body products. The raw ingredients are grown by themselves, sourced locally, or purchased from companies that have to meet their strict guidelines. Chemicals and pesticides are not an option in the growing or processing of their suppliers goods."

"Audrey puts it simply, "A shift is happening. More people are awakening to green washing and false advertising claims by commercial companies. More and more clients are looking for what we offer." Most notably, one of the newest and best sellers of Riverstone Studios is their Tooth Oil. Unlike traditional toothpaste, which scrubs away plaque, two drops of Riverstone Studio's Tooth Oil, applied to a tooth brush, kills the bacteria which causes plaque to form, freshens the breath, is non abrasive, promotes healthy gums, AND is actually healthy for you to swallow. It can even be used on babies for teething." And all my fellow new moms said "Hallelujah!"

"Every product [Audrey and Kelly] make are tested and used by themselves. If they don't use it - they don't sell it. Plain and simple. Every ingredient is known of its origin, every process is kept minimal. Every product is made as simple as possible. [Riverstone Studio's] products are packaged in glass and tin - not plastic and true to their heart, even the shipping materials they package with are recycled from their suppliers. Their slogan "Imagine - Natural body products actually made from nature" is more than just a saying."

"Although we've been offered several stores shelves to put our products out on, we've been extremely apprehensive. We want people to meet us and know who we are…and we want to know them. It's about openness and relationship. All of our products can be purchased through our web store at www.riverstonestudios.ca/e-store/ and we ship anywhere in Canada for $5. Call us, and you'll always talk to the one who made the products."

This is definitely fantastic product, of that, Hayden and I can attest. We just love it. I also have used Riverstone's laundry soap and it's great. By purchasing your body care from Riverstone Studios, not only are you supporting local, but you are making a conscious choice to take care of your body with only the best. Sure, you could buy a large bottle of body wash for $4 at Walmart, but you're paying for artificial, synthetic, and toxic ingredients, more harmful than helpful, all to give you a nice smell and suds.

Many peoples' main complaint about natural products or food is that it's more expensive. Like I've said before, quality always is. It's seems like this price difference is only an issue with these types of products. Most people don't think twice about paying for quality when it comes to something like, say, clothing. Think about it. You could buy a workout outfit at Walmart for $10 and it would last you maybe one season before the stitching started to unravel, it shrunk, stretched out, faded, or all of the above. However, if you head over to LuLu Lemon, you can easily pay close to $200 for one pair of pants and one tank top, however, it will last you for the rest of your life. So it should be, and more so, with our body care products and what we choose to eat. No, these products won't last you for the rest of your life, but they will last you much longer then artificial products, as you use less product for greater effectiveness. In the long run, it's actually more cost effective.

Besides having a website where you can purchase all of their product, Riverstone Studios is always on the road to different shows. Here are the upcoming shows:

Moose Jaw Lifestyle Expo - Moose Jaw, SK - Feb 22-24, 2013
Heal the Hat - Medicine Hat, AB - April 6-7, 2013
Body, Mind Soul Expo - Regina, SK - April 19-21, 2013
BAZAART - Regina, SK - June 15, 2013
Park Art - Moose Jaw, SK - July 22, 2013
Saskatoon Fringe Festival - Saskatoon, SK - August 1-10, 2013
Signatures Craft Show & Sale - Winnipeg, MB - Nov 21-24, 2013

This list is also on Riverstone Studios' website under "Find Us on the Road". It's always changing, so check back often to stay updated.

There are many ways to find Riverstone Studios' products, to order or to contact them for questions and/or further information etc.

Check out Riverstone Studios website at www.riverstonestudios.ca and purchase product right from their webstore at www.riverstonestudios.ca/e-store/

You can also head over to Riverstone Studios Facebook page here and "like" them and stay up-to-date on products and info on this fabulous company.

Feel free to email Kelly and Audrey at info@riverstonestudios.ca or phone them at 1-306-683-9666

Riverstone Studios also has a blog that you can visit to learn more about them and the happenings as they occur :) Check it out at http://riverstonestudios.wordpress.com/.

Watch video's about Riverstone Studios and learn about their other facets (photography and pottery being two) on their Youtube site: http://youtube.com/user/riverstonestudios.

Riverstone Studios is giving Growing Green readers a special PROMO CODE to try out some of their great product! Simply enter the PROMO CODE: GREEN when checking out with your order and receive $5 off your purchase! This PROMO CODE expires May 31st, 2013

There is also a 2nd PROMO CODE that can also be used for all new clients ordering with Riverstone Studios. When checking out, enter the PROMO CODE: SUNSHINE and receive an additional 5% off your entire purchase. This promo code is always available for new clients of Riverstone Studios and has no expiry date.

I hope you take advantage of this deal and get yourself some great product and I promise you'll love it as much as I do, maybe even more!

Next week's feature hint: breakfast of champions