fbpx

Zucchini Pasta with Basil Pesto

There's no need to miss out on spaghetti with the family if you're eating gluten free. This dish has slurpability down to a tee. Using zucchini makes it a wonderfully light, healthy meal and a great alternative to traditional pasta for those on an alternative diet. No like zucchini? This dish will change your mind.

The humble zucchini has a myriad of uses and can be pickled, baked, stir fried, mashed, stewed and frittered and included in a range of recipes from savoury appetizers to nutritious breads and fragrantly light cakes and desserts. The heavenly garden fresh flowers can also be eaten and stuffed with delicious fillings.

No longer just another layer in vegetarian lasagne or a fill-in for chunky ratatouille, zucchini has its own unique style and health benefits. Beautifully tender, and delicately fresh, zucchinis are part of the cucurbit family, closely related to cucumbers, watermelon and gherkins. Or pickles as they are known in the antipodes.

Fibre and vitamin rich, zucchinis are an excellent source of Vitamin A, C, K and beta-carotene, manganese, folate, potassium and copper and as they have a high water content, can be a great way to stay trim.

When shopping for zucchinis be on the lookout for the smaller varieties which have abundantly more flavour. They should be firm to the touch and heavy with a salon fresh shiny skin and no blemishes. You can keep store bought zuccas in the vegie crisper part of the fridge for up to 5 days and freshly-harvested zucchini may last for up to two weeks. Remember to wash the squash just before you use it and cut off the ends.

Now lets get down to business.

Serves 2

Pasta Ingredients

  • 4 small zucchini
  • 1 celery stalk, diced
  • ½ lemon squeezed
  • pinch celtic sea salt

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup cashew nuts
  • 2 oven roasted garlic cloves
  • ¼ avocado
  • 2 TBS nutritional yeast flakes
  • 1/4 cup freshly picked basil leaves plus extra for garnish
  • 1 lemon freshly squeezed
  • 4 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 TBS filtered water
  • ½ small tomato
  • ½ tsp celtic sea salt
  • freshly grinded black pepper to taste

The How To:

  • Chop celery and set aside
  • Wash zucchinis and using a vegetable spiralizer, spiralize zucchini into bowl
  • Vegetable Spiralizer

  • Pour over freshly squeezed lemon juice and add a pinch of salt then add celery and set aside
  • Place all dressing ingredients in a food processor and mix until combined.  For a  lighter dressing more water can be added and for a creamier dressing, more avocado can be used
  • In wide mouthed bowls place pasta, then drizzle dressing over the top
  • Garnish with freshly picked basil leaves

Supercharged Food Book Photo Shoot

Today was so much fun as we were photographing for the book and I've been waiting for ages for this day to come.  I'm so excited that's it's not long now until it will be released and there are so many easy and delicious recipes and they are super healthy that I know you will all enjoy making.  It was great to be able to actually eat everything at the shoot too! Emily took some pics so you can see some of the behind the scenes action and how it all gets pulled together.  And my friend Hayley Dutton came over in the morning to do my makeup she's a genius and made me feel very special. It was fun getting pampered. http://www.hayleydutton.com/

Testing, one, two, three!

It's so cool that you can actually see on the monitor all the shots as the photographer Steve http://www.stevebrownphotography.com/ was taking them. He did a fantastic job of getting all the shots set up and organised. And we were able to go through them to see which ones worked and which ones needed to be spiced up. There was a stylist too Maree who was French and she had exquisite taste in homewares. I wanted to take it all home with me.

Cracking Eggs

In this shot I had to crack eggs and I kept on pouring them into the bowl too low so I had to keep cracking more.  I think I went through a dozen eggs, whoops. Hopefully someone will be cooking up a tasty omelette tonight. I never realised how much work went into a photo shoot everything needs to be set up meticulously. When I cook at home I generally splosh and throw and whizz it all together, but to get great results its nice to take time to do things properly.

Green Juice

I was definitely ready for my gorgeous green juice for morning tea.  So alkalinising for the body and a glass gives you mountains of energy. I love this shot because it's so clean and fresh and bright. Which is exactly how you feel when you drink one. I hope this shot makes it into the book its so beautiful.

Passing the Plates

In this pic I had to look like I was just about to set the table for dinner. The plates were super cute they were antique looking and the cups had little birds and pretty designs on them which really suited the theme.

Supercharged Food

At the end of the shoot, I was able to see all the pics together on the computer screen to envisage how they would look in the book. I think they turned out really well and the team at Murdoch Books do such an amazing job pulling everything together. I hope that you guys will like it.  I think it's going to be such a gorgeous looking book with loads of interesting recipes which taste great and are healthy and most importantly gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast and sugar-free!

Happy cooking everyone 🙂

Lee

Chia Seed Omelette for Dummies

There's no need to be intimidated by omelettes, whether a regimented British semi circle, flamboyant French cigar or sexy Spanish circle, when you crack open the illusions spouted by culinary genii, you'll realise that there's an easy way to get a great tasting omelette without all the hoo-haa.

And with this easy peasy Chia Seed Omelette for Dummies recipe, the old yellow cleaning sponge breakfast will be a thing of the past. In fact you'll be as proud as punch when you turn it out, this hearty half-moon sitting proudly on the plate, partnering with perfect panache, the sumptuous cover of your most recent Gourmet Traveller mag.

Who would have ever imagined a couple of eggs and a teaspoon of seeds could taste so good? So light. So fluffy. So flavoursome. However you choose to spell it.

Many omelette recipes speak of adding milk or water, vapourising into steam whilst cooking, producing mountains of  fluffiness or special omelette pans with non stick unpronounceable surfaces. Step away from the teflon people. You don't need a side of polytetrafluoroethylene with that.  The truth is all you really need is a small, clean, cast iron frying pan, a spatula and a positive attitude.

To me the perfect omelette is one that is evenly cooked and slides out of the pan effortlessly, firm on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.  Time is of the essence when making omelettes and there's a trick to this dish... a few moments before the eggs are just about to set, with a spatula fold one side over the other to enclose.  If you wait until the eggs are set you could end up with a rubbery texture. The kind of rubbery, elastic, egg like substance which makes its way into a bacon and egg McMuffin. Or so I have heard.

I'm Not Loving It

For smooth transiting,  remember to carefully slide the omelette onto your plate, then garnish beautifully with a handful of herbs, flowers or your favourite side.

Here's what you'll need...

Chia Seed Omelette

  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • Basil and oven roasted tomatoes
  • sea salt and black pepper to taste

Beat eggs for one minute then add chia seeds

Warm olive oil in omelette pan

Pour mixture in and swirl until thinly covered

Cook on medium heat and then fold

Remove from pan and serve with basil and tomato

Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

For more gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast and sugar-free recipes visit the website supercharged.wpengine.com

Lime and Blueberry Muffins

Lime and Blueberry Muffin

Everybody loves muffins...

Muffins are the perfect breakfast and afternoon indulgence, great for children's lunch boxes and a fantastic on-the-go snack at any age.  There's nothing quite like the aroma that wafts through the kitchen when you open the oven door to reveal delicious, freshly baked treats.  And they're quick to make too, by the time you've filled the kettle and waited for it to boil, then made the tea, the muffins should be well on their way.

Blueberries are the perfect ingredient for a nutrient rich muffin and for something so tiny they are power-packed with vitamins such as  A, B1, B2, B5 and B6, which assists your body in converting food to energy; Vitamin B3 and B12, Folic Acid which helps your body at cellular level, producing  new cells and Vitamin C a powerful anti-oxidant. They are not short on minerals either and contain magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and calcium.

There are a couple of tips to making muffins, firstly make sure the oven is at the right temperature before baking, even letting it heat through for ten minutes at the appropriate temperature, this is because muffin mixture is sensitive to heat levels. Try not to open the oven during cooking as this can disrupt the process and ensure that the oven door is closed tight so no air can escape or invade.

Make sure that you mix the dry ingredients well but only stir the final batter gently. The batter should be thick when spooned into cups, if it's too runny the muffins will not cook through.  It's a good idea not to put too much batter into the cups so that they are overflowing, you really only need them to be three quarters full and they will create their own beautiful rounded shapes and have room to manoeuvre.

Muffins should be baked until the tops are a light golden brown colour.  To test them just insert a toothpick into the middle and it should come out clean.  If you gently tap your finger on top the muffin should have some spring and revert back into its original position.

Getting hungry? These guilt free stud muffins are wholesome take on the traditional sugar laden muffin...

  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 4 eggs
  • ¼ cup grapeseed oil or butter
  • 2 TBS lime juice
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 6 TBS coconut milk
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 TBS lemon zest
  • 1 tsp powdered stevia
  • ⅛ tsp vanilla extract

The How To:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees celsius

In a bowl combine dry ingredients

In a separate bowl mix eggs, lime juice, blueberries, vanilla extract, grapeseed oil, coconut milk

Mix dry ingredients into wet and combine well

Pour batter into greased 6 cup large muffin pan about ¾ full

Bake in oven for 12-15 minutes

Remove from oven and cool on wire rack

A Guide to Gluten Free Cooking

Nowadays people are becoming increasingly aware of how the foods we eat affect our bodies.   If you’re having problems digesting food and absorbing nutrients due to mal absorption issues or auto immune conditions then adopting a gluten free diet is highly recommended by many industry professionals.

Gluten is the protein part of grains such as wheat, rye, barley and others and for some people, when gluten comes in contact with the small intestine their bodies cannot tolerate it therefore causing them digestive upset, pain, weakness, rashes, muscle aches and  weight loss or weight gain.  Going gluten free is a great way to allow your body a break from foods that are harmful and difficult to digest and the best way to give your body the chance to recover from illness at cellular level.   The simplest and healthiest way to live gluten-free is to focus on fresh, organic whole foods and give processed foods the flick for good. However, if you still want to enjoy treats from time to time, there is now a wide range of gluten-free ice cream flavours available on the market

Eating gluten free does not limit itself to just avoiding grains it also includes avoiding many other products like soy sauce, meat substitutes, pasta, crackers and cereals containing malt to name a few, these products can contain gluten and sneaky gluten derivatives.

It’s frustrating when you first decide to eat gluten free as there are so many mixed messages when it comes to food shopping.  It’s important to read food labels carefully if you do decide to eat packaged food.  Foods such as soups, seasoned rice mixes, gravies, sauces and some nuts also contain gluten in varying amounts. And labellers don’t always tell the truth when it comes to what’s in their products. If a food contains less than 5% of a certain ingredient they legally don’t have to report that ingredient.

Knowing what types of grains and products contain gluten is a good way to ensure you’re not going to be misled by advertising and labeling laws.  The best grains to avoid if you’re on a gluten free diet are wheat, rye, barley, oats, kamut, semolina, wheat germ, couscous, durum, spelt, bulgar, farina, einkorn and farro. Just because you’re eating gluten free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on a great variety of nutrient rich foods.  You can have your gluten free cake pasta and bread and eat it too!

If you’re intending on baking gluten-free then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with gluten friendly flour alternatives.  When using alternate flours its beneficial to bear in mind that gluten free flours do not display the same characteristics and provide the same results as gluten flours.  Breads will have a crumblier texture in some cases and will not rise as high as “traditional” breads, that’s why it’s good to use a loaf pan when cooking, in order for breads to retain their shape. You can experiment with using arrowroot and tapioca flour to improve the texture of your baked goods too.

Some people like to add guar gum or xantham gum in small amounts to create the sticky effect which is generated when using gluten flours.  These gums are traditionally used as a thickening, stabilizing, suspending and binding agent.  You’ll find these ingredients in many commercially made gluten-free flour mixes. I tend to avoid using guar gum in my cooking as research undertaken by the FDA advises that bulking agents such as guar gum can be harmful and can can cause obstructions in the intestines, stomach, or esophagus when it swells by coming into contact with water. Guar gum has also been reported as preventing nutrient absorption in the body.

I find using gluten free baking powder and bi carb of soda works very well in delicious cakes, breads and muffins. If you’re using eggs in baked goods this also helps to add some of the protein that is lost when not using gluten.

Some interesting and delicious gluten free flours to use when baking are buckwheat, almond meal, arrowroot, tapioca, coconut, chestnut, chickpea, quinoa and brown rice flour.  They are all gluten free substitutes to wheat flour and can be mixed and matched to get your desired result. Gluten-free baking powder can also be used in baking, it’s widely available in the baking sections of supermarkets and bicarbonate of soda is naturally gluten free too.

If you’re looking for pre-packaged gluten free baking flours, although a fast, convenient way to ascertain first-hand, how working with gluten-free flours is different than working with gluten flours, its important to check labels as some products contain cheap white rice flour and additives that are only going to defeat the purpose of eating naturally and building up your immune system. Just because it’s gluten free doesn’t mean that it’s particularly healthy!

It just takes a bit of time to get used to working with gluten free flours and I have found that it’s beneficial to use gluten free flours in combination with each other, that’s when the best results will emerge. It’s a bit like a high school science experiment when you first begin but why not start by finding some of your favourite recipes and then creating your very own gluten free version?

Be adventurous and you will be surprised with the results, your palette will change and you’ll find eating gluten filled, sugar laden processed cakes and pastries will no longer taste as good as their healthy alternatives. Plus you will feel so much better, more invigorated and revitalized with energy to spare.

Buckwheat Groats

For main meals if you’re looking at using gluten free flours as a coating then any number of gluten free flours would work well.  I like to use brown rice flour as it gives great results when creating dishes which are sautéed in olive oil. Pasta and noodles can be substituted with buckwheat soba noodles or brown rice pasta.  You can also invest in a vegetable spiraliser and create your own angel hair pasta with zucchini, daikon or squash. It’s delicious teamed with a fresh tomato based basil sauce.

Quinoa, brown rice and buckwheat can be used in place of couscous, bulgur wheat and semolina in recipes.  You can create delicious salads, hearty casseroles and side dishes which are all gluten friendly.

There’s absolutely no need to feel like you are missing out when eating gluten-free. A world of scrumptious, wholesome, fresh and nutrient-rich meals awaits you and in return you will be rewarded with abundant health.

Happy Cooking

Lee x

February Prime-Time Fruits and Vegetables

In Season Produce…If you’re looking for inspiration in your menu planning and want to know which fruits and vegetables are in season and at their peak of flavour in Australia, below is a list of prime-time candidates for the month of February.  You’ll find these fruits and vegetables at their freshest and cheapest if you buy them in season.

We are so used to seeing the same fruit and vegetables day in and day out on our supermarket shelves, that sometimes it’s hard to know old the food is that we are actually buying.

If you live in the UK try this link for what’s in season http://www.eattheseasons.co.uk and for North America http://www.eattheseasons.com

The eat the seasons website gives some great information and reasons to eat more local seasonal food such as;

  • It reduces the energy (and associated CO2 emissions) needed to grow and transport the food we eat
  • We avoid paying a premium for food that is scarcer or has travelled a long way
  • We support the local economy
  • We reconnect with nature's cycles and the passing of time
  • But, most importantly, because seasonal food is fresher and so tends to be tastier and more nutritious

Fruit

  • Avocados
  • Bananas
  • Blackberries
  • Blueberries
  • Boysenberries
  • Figs
  • Grapes
  • Guavas
  • Honeydew melons
  • Kiwi fruit
  • Loganberries
  • Lychees
  • Mangoes
  • Nectarines
  • Passionfruit
  • Peaches
  • Pears
  • Plums
  • Rambutans
  • Raspberries
  • Rhubarb
  • Rockmelons
  • Strawberries
  • Tamarillos
  • Valencia oranges
  • Watermelons

Vegetables

  • Beans
  • Capsicums
  • Celery
  • Chillies
  • Cucumbers
  • Daikon
  • Eggplants
  • Fennel
  • Leeks
  • Lettuces
  • Okra
  • Onions
  • Peas
  • Radishes
  • Squash
  • Sweet corn
  • Tomatoes
  • Zucchinis
  • Zucchini flowers

Why not plan a trip to your local farmer's market or grocer and pick up some fresh fruit and vegetables at their seasonal best?.  Just picked produce tastes so much better. Enjoy the extra flavour and goodness and crunch factor that in season produce brings!

Quinoa Risotto with Tomato, Basil, Lemon & Hazelnuts

I'm a quinoa convert, no longer on the fence, I'm ready to shout QUINOA from the roof tops and you know what?  it's one of those words which is just begging to be echoed from the highest mountain "Keen- wah, wah, wah!".

Technically speaking, quinoa is not a grain as it is derived from the seed of the Chenopodium or Goosefoot plant, a close relative to spinach. I'd never heard of the Goosefoot plant before I learnt about Quinoa.  It's not something that comes up in everyday conversation unless you're a botanist. Apparently some of the species in the genus have leaves that resemble the foot of a goose so that's where it receives its unusual moniker.

I love to use quinoa in my recipes as it's super healthy and a great source of protein and amino acids as well as containing vitamin B6, thiamine, niacin, potassium, and riboflavin. Quinoa also provides your body with copper, zinc, magnesium, and folate, so it really is a nutritional feast and tasty too.  Because of its unique versatility, you can use  quinoa in casseroles, soups, stir fries and salads and it can be substituted for rice or grains in most dishes. You can even use it for porridge at breakfast time if you're so inclined.

If you want to give quinoa a toasted flavour and to create more depth to dishes, why not try dry roasting it in a pan before use?.  Quinoa is readily available in supermarkets and not just in health food stores, which now makes it more accessible for anyone wanting to cook up a delicious quinoan delight.

This gorgeously lighter-than-traditional-risotto dish is a flavoursome, yet hearty meal and perfect for lunch or dinner or even a side dish.  Supremely gnoshable and easy to throw together, you can mix and match the vegetables included to suit your personal taste, soiree  or seasonal style. The lemon makes it zesty and with a burst of citrusy zing and the yeast flakes add to its nuttiness and provide a wonderfully cheesy taste and extra B vitamins too.

Here's all you'll need to be in quinoa heaven.

Serves 4

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa uncooked rinsed in sieve
1/2 cup hazelnuts or almonds optional roughly crushed (save a few whole for garnish)
2-3 TBS extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 brown onion chopped
1/2 cup yellow zucchini chopped
4 TBS nutritional yeast flakes
1 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar
3 cups vegetable stock or water
1 can chopped tomatoes no additives
I cup baby spinach leaves washed
I TBS freshly chopped rosemary, oregano, thyme
¼ cup fresh torn basil (optional)
1 TBS lemon zest
2 TBS freshly squeezed lemon juice
½ tsp Celtic Sea Salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Let's Get Cracking:

In a large saucepan sauté onion and garlic in EV olive oil on medium heat until translucent, stirring often
To the pan add yellow zucchini and nuts and cook for a couple of minutes until slightly browned

Mixing it Up

Push mixture to side of pan, add quinoa and stir for a minute until slightly crispy then mix
Turn up heat and over a few minutes gradually add stock or water to cover the quinoa, stirring consistently until all the quinoa is absorbed, add one cup at a time, letting each one absorb
Add tomatoes, and spinach, herbs and seasonings, lemon and zest and ACV

A Risotto Rainbow

Cook for 10-15 minutes until quinoa is tender but still slightly al dente
Remove from heat and stir through yeast flakes and serve in earthenware wide mouth bowls
Garnish with nuts and basil and enjoy

Delisioso!

How to Make Spinach Bread

Looking for a supercharged gluten free nutrient-rich bread option?

It might take a bit of time getting your head around the concept, but this supercharged spinach bread is surprisingly delicious and will win over even the most avowed spinach haters. I'm totally infatuated by this great breakfast, lunch and snack option.  Top with lemon drizzled avocado and fresh tomato sprinkle with Celtic sea salt for an appetizing morning or mid afternoon snack. Bursting with an abundance of goodness, spinach provides vitamin A, C, E and K, calcium, iron and folate. You'll power through the day.

Here's a quick video about how to make spinach bread...

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDYI1NxA--A]

Easy Spinach Bread

Makes approximately 10 slices

Ingredients:

  • 6 packets frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained (no additives)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tsp crushed garlic
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Aromatic Garlic

Let's Get Cracking:

Preheat oven to 200 degrees celsius

Grease baking tray or ceramic roasting pan

Mix together spinach, eggs, and garlic in a bowl

Season with salt and pepper

Spoon mixture into prepared pan and flatten, pressing down with fingers

Bake for 15- 20 minutes or until set

Allow to cool slightly then using a knife or pizza cutter slice into 10 rectangles

Use a spatula to remove individual slices from pan

Wrap slices in freezer wrap and freeze until ready to use

Happy cooking 🙂

Why Eat Organic?

 

 

Organic Carrots

Why Eat Organic?

Did you know that the average non-organic fruit or vegetable can contain more than 20 pesticides? Now that’s a lot of additional chemicals your immune system needs to process before you’ve even received the benefits of eating nutritious and wholesome fruits and vegetables alone.  Those extra pesky pesticides can develop into toxins in your body and unless you detoxify they can build up and cause problems in many different areas.

If you’re wondering why should I eat organic? There are a multitude of advantageous reasons to choose organic over non-organic produce.  When you look at it closely, chemically-free, naturally grown foods are consequently healthier for you as they do not contain a host of additives, synthetic chemicals either in the soil or sprayed on the plant, preservatives, heavy metal residues like aluminum, cadmium, mercury and lead, toxic chemicals, antibiotics that can cause allergic reactions in some people and hormones that can wreak havoc with our immune and metabolic systems.

In a perfect world we would all be eating organic all of the time but there are obvious constraints to this such as pricing and availability of organic produce that make us wonder about whether the benefits outweigh the initial apprehensions.

Firstly when it comes to cost although you may think that buying organic food might seem more expensive than purchasing non-organic foods, in actual fact there are hidden costs such as government subsidies and levies which are borne by us, the taxpayers!  Other hidden costs that you may not be aware of include pesticide regulation and testing, the costs that are associated with hazardous waste disposal and cleanup, and the cost to our planet in the way of environmental damage. If you add it up in the long run you will be saving money buying organic.

The good news is that over the last couple of years we have seen a dramatic increase in the availability of organic food and it can now be found in more mainstream areas and not limited to health food stores.  Organics have sprung up in major supermarkets and chain stores across the country and are far more accessible.

Visiting a local farmer’s market is one of the best ways to support your local community and reduce your carbon footprint. You’ll be able to buy fresh foods in bulk and you’ll be eating food that is free from harmful pesticides and chemicals that affect your health in a negative way. By choosing organic foods, you are not only helping your local community but also by eating organic you will be building up your immunity at cellular level, increasing vitality and strength and promoting recovery from chronic conditions.

Chemicals that are used in soil may give plants an instant lift but as quickly as they have been delivered they leave the soil depleted and impoverished so more chemicals are needed to bring it back to life, it really is a vicious cycle.  The problem with chemicals in farming is that they wear out our soils and deplete them of minerals.  And the bad news for us is that these harmful chemicals are transferred into the cells of our foods and then to the waiting plates on our dinner tables. Remember if you are consuming dairy, meat and farmed produce then you’re also eating the chemicals, drugs and growth hormones given to the animals.

Organic Tomatoes

Commercial fertilizers contain nitrates which destroy the vitamin C content of plants therefore reducing their nutritional value.  These nitrates also affect our bodies causing illness and allergies in some people and when you think about it any toxic substance that enters your body is going to affect the liver. The EPA released figures which show that 60% of all herbicides, 90% of all fungicides and 30% of all insecticides are carcinogenic.   If you look at it organically, pesticides are poisons designed to kill living organisms so in that case they must cause harm to humans, this can happen by way of increased diseases such as cancer, in addition to birth defects, nerve damage and genetic mutations.

Organic farming begins with the nourishment of the soil, in turn transferring nutrients from the soil into the plant.  There is evidence now that food plants which are grown with chemical fertilizers contain less protein and minerals and many more carbohydrates than foods grown without chemicals. Organically grown food is richer in vitamins and minerals and retains the levels of nutrients for a longer time.  The wonderful thing about organic farming is that pollutants and nitrogens are not leached from the soil into our water supply, so cannot be polluting our drinking water.

Organic farmers leave the fruit to ripen on the vine which therefore allows the development of natural minerals in the produce. On the flipside, unfortunately commercial growers tend to pick fruits and vegetables before they are fully ripe so that they can get it to the sellers in good condition and the produce has not had time to develop its full taste and nutrient value, so the product is far less superior.

If you have chosen to eat organic but cannot afford to buy everything organic then there are some better choices you can make when deciding upon which fruits and vegetables have the least amount of pesticides and chemicals.  The Environmental Working Group has come up with a list of the 12 worst offenders when it comes to fruits and vegetables containing the most amounts of chemicals.  If you are choosing to buy organic then the following would be the best choices as they contain the highest amounts of chemicals:

The Dirty Dozen

  1. Celery
  2. Peaches
  3. Strawberries
  4. Apples
  5. Blueberries
  6. Nectarines
  7. Bell Peppers
  8. Spinach
  9. Cherries
  10. Kale
  11. Potatoes
  12. Grapes

 

If you’re still unsure whether to buy organic maybe consider that organic food has a higher percentage of nutrients, natural vitamins and minerals in their natural, form which are easily absorbed into the body and delivered at cellular level helping to enhance optimum health. They taste better, richer and more delicious and the quality is at a much higher level. You don’t need to add exotic irradiated spices and processed sauces to make them palatable they taste great just on their own. The whole family can enjoy organic food without the worry, from babies to adults, so before you bite into that chemically laden nectarine maybe try an organic one first and see the difference in flavour and taste.

For more information about Organic Foods and to find gluten, wheat, dairy, yeast and sugar-free recipes take a visit to supercharged.wpengine.com

Creating a Healthy Home

Healthy Home

Did you know that creating a healthy chemically free home is easier and cheaper than you think!

Swap out chemically laden, corrosive, toxic products with natural alternatives and not only will you be making your family healthier, you’ll be helping the planet too. 

Laboratory made cleaning fumes are marketed as being able to wipe out any offending bacteria or germ and all you need to do is take a trip down the cleaning aisle of your local supermarket to see how many different products there are to choose from.  But seriously the effects of the toxic ingredients contained within most cleaning and skincare products will astound you and worse still, the accumulation of these toxins in our bodies can lead to poor health. 

Widespread use of anti-bacterial cleaning products is also linked to the alarming increase in allergies and continued use of them can put you and your family at risk of accumulated toxins.

If you’re wondering what goes into many store bought cleaners, check out this short list of home cleaners and the toxic substances they contain:

Oven Cleaners contain ingredients such as ethylene glycol, ethers, lye (sodium and potassium hydroxide), methylene chloride and ammonia. These substances are highly corrosive to the skin and eyes, and, when inhaled, can affect internal organs. If you do use oven cleaners the best thing to do is to ensure that you are wearing heavy rubber gloves, an apron and goggles to protect your skin from the effects.

Disinfectants contain the immunotoxicants cresol, phenol, ethanol, and formaldehyde, which reduce the ability of the immune system to fight the germs they are killing. It takes over twelve months to eliminate the toxic effects of spraying ¼ cup of disinfectant in the home. The best alternative for disinfecting is distilled vinegar and lemon.

Air Fresheners release a constant amount of artificial fragrance into a room to create an intoxicating aroma. But the fragrances in all air fresheners are not only intoxicating they can actually affect your sense of smell as they release nerve-deadening agents and leave oil build up in nasal passages.  The agent which is used is known as methoxychlor, a pesticide that can accumulate in the body in the fat cells and can also over-stimulate the central nervous system, leaving you jittery and anxious.  If you’re looking for a natural air freshener why not try burning essential oils, dried spices or citrus juices they smell beautiful without the harmful side effects.

Toilet Bowl Cleaners these innocent looking little hanging ducks contain ferocious cleaning chemicals especially as they tend to be lodged under the bowl of the smallest room of the house and usually a room that is unventilated.  The ingredients are typically oxalic acid, hydrochloric acid, lye (caustic soda) and naphthalene. A good alternative cleaner to use is baking soda and neat vinegar which will remove stains and rings from around the toilet.

Glass Cleaners contain a mixture of ammonia and water. When you are cleaning away it’s very easy to inhale the vapors as you spray it onto windows or glass.  The best solution for squeaky clean glass and windows is using distilled white vinegar and using elbow grease buff with scrunched up newspaper.

Bleachers inhalation of chlorine and chemical vapors is known to be a strong irritant to the tissues in our lungs and a suspected cause of asthma and bronchitis. When laboratory workers handle it they use protective gloves, face masks and they always make sure working areas have adequate ventilation.  Even aware of the dangers doesn’t stop chlorine from being used freely in many cleaners such as laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid and hand cleaning liquids. It’s also an ingredient in our drinking water and is used in pools and spas to purify the water.

The best and healthiest option to a healthy home is to use natural alternatives that do just as good a job of cleaning your home without having to look down upon withered cuticles and flimsy nails.

Do you remember the Palmolive “just soaking in it” ad? Makes me shudder just to think about how we have been misled by the marketeers trying to sell their products with no thoughts as to how the chemicals damage our bodies, even labeling is another minefield of misinformation.

So just before we get started, let’s look at the ingredients of a typical dishwashing detergent to see the kinds of chemicals it contains:

• Aqua
• Sodium laureth sulphate
• Alcohol denat
• Lauramine oxide
• C9-11 pareth-8
• Sodium chloride
• 1, 3-Cyclohexanedimethanamine
• PPG (polypropylene glycols)
• Dimethyl aminoethyl methecrylate/hydroxyproply acrylate copolymer cirate
• Parfum
• Geraniol
• Limonene
• Colourant

Without getting too technical, many of these ingredients can cause irritation to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. The perfumes are allergens for many people and the alcohols, sodium laureth sulphate and C9-11 pareth 8, can be contaminated with the carcinogen 1, 4 dioxane. When you combine the detergent with hot water it creates chemical vapors which you are breathing in and inhaling as steam, therefore drawing the chemicals right into your body, causing severe irritation to the eyes and respiratory tract.  All of these chemicals are then poured down the drain, and eventually end up polluting our environment and endangering our animals.

Natural products are truly all you need to clean and sanitise your home without the toxic by-products of their chemical counterparts. The best cleaning products that are inexpensive and easy to find at your local supermarket are bicarbonate of soda, lemons, distilled white vinegar, alcohol, essential oils and olive oil.  There are also brand new organic cleaning products made from organically-grown ingredients which you can purchase from natural food and health shops which don’t contain harmful chemicals.

Here are a few natural cleaners and their uses:

Baking Soda

Baking soda cleans as well as deodorizes.  It can be used to scrub the film and grease off surfaces as well as furniture and carpets.  If you place baking soda in the bottom of your bin it will soak up unnecessary smells and deodorize the bin. You can also place in a box in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb odors.

Vinegar

Vinegar is a fantastic all-purpose cleaner, disinfectant and deodorizer and can be used all over the house in many different areas in particular the bathroom and diluted as a floor cleaner.  It can be used to clean the stove top, kitchen bench, appliances and surfaces.  Use I cup of vinegar to one of water and place into a spray bottle. It can be used neat on the toilet and on tile grout to clean.  The vinegar smell will dissipate when it dries. In the laundry vinegar can be used as a fabric softener.  Just add ½ cup.

Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is fantastic at dissolving soap scum and hard water deposits, scrubbing dishes, surfaces and stains and can be mixed in with baking soda to create a cleaning paste. Lemon cleans brass and copper leaving it shiny and smear free. I like to put a lemon in the refrigerator to soak up all the smells and deodorize the fridge.

Now for the fun part…

How to make your own cleaning products:

Here are just a few items you will need to get started:

  • Plastic spray bottles in various sizes
  • Glass jars with screw-top lids
  • Cotton cloths
  • Rags

All Purpose Cleaner

This can be used on most surfaces and for so many areas of the home.  To give the cleaner a beautiful scent when cleaning just add 10 drops of essential oil, which will make the house smell amazing.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon soap (plant based is good)
  • 1 litre hot water
  • ¼ cup white distilled vinegar
  • 1 lemon squeezed
  • 10 drops of essential oil for fragrance

Mix together and pour into a cleaner trigger spray bottle shake carefully until mixed.  Then use as a spray and wipe down surfaces.

Dishwashing Liquid

  • 1/4 cup soap flakes
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 1/4 cup glycerin
  • 1/2 tsp. lavender or lemon essential oil

Mix soap flakes and water in a medium bowl or glass jug and stir until the soap is dissolved and let cool

Stir in glycerin and essential oil

As it cools it will form a loose gel

Stir then pour into a bottle or squeezie container

Furniture & Floor Polishes

  • 1/4 cup of Olive Oil
  • ¼ cup of lemon juice

The best way to polish an item is to use an equal mixture of olive oil and lemon juice and apply with a soft cloth to furniture.  Mayonnaise is also highly effective.

Automatic Dishwasher Detergent

  • 1/2 cup liquid plant or animal fat based soap
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
  • 4 drops tea tree oil
  • 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar

Mix together soap, water, lemon, tea tree and vinegar

Pour into squeeze bottle.

Use 1 TBS per wash

2 TBS baking soda can also be sprinkled over dirty dishes to absorb odors

Microwave Cleaner

  • 1/4 cup baking soda
  • 2 tsp. vinegar
  • 6 drops essential oil

Combine all ingredients to make a paste

Apply inside microwave with a soft cloth

Rinse well and air dry for 15 mins

Disinfectant Spray

  • 2 Cups Water
  • 1/4 Cup White Vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. Tea Tree Oil
  • 1/4 tsp. Lavender Oil

Combine and store in a spray bottle

Shake and use when needed

Oven Cleaner:

  • Warm water
  • 2 teaspoons borax
  • 2 TBS liquid soap
  • 1 cup Baking soda

Combine baking soda with enough water to make a paste

Apply it to oven surfaces, and let it sit for 15 mins

Now take a scouring pad and scrub the inside of the oven remove deposits and then wipe dry

It’s a good idea to use gloves and glasses if you have them

If you're using a microwave, apply inside with a soft cloth

Floor Cleaner

  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1/4 cup washing soda
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil-based liquid soap
  • 2 litres hot water

Combine all ingredients, stir well and place in bucket

Glass Cleaner

  • 1-1/2 cups vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 8 drops citrus essential oil of choice

Combine all ingredients in a pump spray bottle and shake well before use

Spray solution onto mirror and wipe with a dry cloth or scrunched up newspaper

Fabric Softener

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 4 cups water

Mix these ingredients and use 1/4 cup per load in the final rinse

Laundry Detergent

  • 1 ounce liquid castile soap
  • 1 cup washing soda
  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1 cup white vinegar

Mix ingredients and add to wash

Happy and Healthy Cleaning Everyone!

Dehydrating Food

Dehydrating Food is Fun

About Food Dehydration

There are a number of ways to preserve food naturally and food dehydration is one of the oldest forms of food preservation. The process of dehydrating is much healthier than modern preserving methods and during the process; water is removed from the food, therefore not allowing mold and bacteria to grow, making foods less likely to spoil.

Dehydration only minimally affects the nutritional value of foods, especially when you dehydrate foods yourself.  And you can enjoy beautiful chemical and preservative free foods all year round. Dehydrating locks in the flavour and foods become richer and darker in color, more fragrant, and sweeter in taste.

The great thing about dehydrating food at home is that many commercial drying uses additives and preservatives and doing it yourself allows you to create natural and wholesome snacks. You can be as creative as you like and use herbs, nuts, fruits and vegetables and meats, buy them in bulk and dehydrate quantities for later usage.

It’s a great way to cut down on packaging and storage space too.  You’ll be able to fit a lot more in your cupboards and help the environment at the same time!

Dehydrated foods are nutritious, delicious and available at the drop of a hat when you just want a crunchy, healthy snack.

Drying Methods:

Sun Drying

You can use this method for tomatoes and herbs although you do need three consecutive sunny days to allow the process to work.  Summer is the best time of the year when choosing to dehydrate by sun drying. If you don’t have access to a dehydrator start with sun or oven drying and once you get the hang of it you may like to invest in a dehydrator.

Oven Drying

Oven drying is a great way to dehydrate foods if you do not own an electric dehydrator, finely sliced vegetables (chips) and nuts work well.  The oven temperature should be 90 degrees Celsius or less.  Leaving the oven door open slightly during the process helps to circulate air throughout the oven to help bring moisture out of the food. I always dehydrate my sea salt and apple cider vinegar almonds in the oven at 50 degrees Celsius for 4 hours or more depending on how crunchy I am having them.

Electric Dehydrating

Is an excellent way to dehydrate most foods.  The new electric dehydrators are energy efficient.  The great thing about electric dehydrators is that they work on extremely low temperatures and therefore food maintains its nutritive values. Electric dehydrators have automatic heat control and a fan which helps to maintain air circulation during the drying process.

I have a five tray round dehydrator which I use weekly.  They are easy to use and clean and a great addition to the kitchen. I usually brush a bit of extra virgin olive oil on the trays when making vegetable chips.

Tips on How to Dehydrate Food

  • Always start with fresh, high quality food and buy in bulk which will work out cheaper in the long run
  • Check the food for spoilage or bruising, if damaged do not purchase
  • It’s a good idea to slice food uniformly and thinly for even dehydration as smaller foods take less dehydrating time and also remember to space food evenly apart on food trays
  • Blanching certain vegetables before placing in the dehydrator can help fight bacteria, preserve color and maintain flavors
  • You can also marinate, salt, spice or sweeten with stevia any foods before you dehydrate them
  • When drying food in an oven don't keep temperatures too low or too high, a good temperature is 50-60 degrees Celsius. If the temperature of the oven is too low it could result in the growth of bacteria on the food and food will not dry out if the temperature is too high resulting in the food being cooked as opposed to dehydrated
  • Turning food and rotating trays whilst the food is drying is a great way to ensure that food is evenly dehydrated
  • Food will be ready when it has no pockets of moisture and feels leathery to touch Vegetables should be crispy and meat should be tough. Nuts should also be crispy
  • Cool dehydrated food before storing and store in airtight containers or plastic freezer bags to keep moisture out as dried food will attract moisture from the air.  For best results, store containers in a cool, dark, dry place

Additional Equipment to Speed up the Process:

If you are planning to dehydrate foods a few other kitchen items can make the process easier, although they are not essential:

  • One good sharp knife
  • Medium saucepan for blanching
  • Sieve
  • Salad spinner for washing and drying herbs
  • Spatula
  • Chopping Board
  • Food slice to remove food from trays
  • Processor with slicing blade (optional)
  • Paper towels to dry of excess moisture before dehydrating

Drying Guide- Vegetables

It’s a good idea to wash, slice and then blanch vegetables for three to five minutes in boiling water before dehydrating and then run them under cool water for a second before towel drying and placing in dehydrator.  You don’t need to blanch onions, garlic, capsicum or peas in fact you don’t need to blanch foods at all if you prefer to skip this process, although blanching does enhance the colour and flavour of the finished product, but it’s entirely up to you.

Drying times vary depending upon the water and sugar content in the food along with the sizes of foods and the air temperature inside the dehydrator.

Here is a list of approximate drying times which will come in handy but follow your dehydrators instructions.

  • Broccoli: cut into small florets and place in dehydrator for 4-8 hours until dried
  • Carrots: Peel and slice finely and place in dehydrator for 6-10 hours until brittle
  • Cauliflower: cut into small florets and place in dehydrator for 4-8 hours until dried
  • Green Beans: Cut into 1-inch pieces and place in dehydrator for 6-10 hours until brittle
  • Herbs: Approx. 2 hours in oven at 50 degrees Celsius or place in dehydrator for 2-4 hours until brittle
  • Kale: 1 hour in conventional oven at 50 degrees Celsius or place in dehydrator for 2-4 hours until brittle
  • Nuts: 4-6 hours in oven at 50 degrees Celsius or place in dehydrator for 4-6 hours until brittle
  • Onions: Slice into 1/4-inch thickness and place in dehydrator for 6-10 hours until crispy
  • Peas: Place in dehydrator for 5-10 hours until crunchy
  • Peppers:  Remove seeds and slice place in dehydrator for 5-10 hours until leathery
  • Potatoes: Slice into 1/8-inch thickness and place in dehydrator for 6-12 hours until crispy
  • Tomatoes: Dip in boiling water to loosen skins, peel and slice and place in dehydrator for 6-12 hours until crispy
  • Zucchini: Slice into 1/8-inch thickness place in dehydrator and dry for 5-10 hours until brittle

Fruit Drying Guide

Fruits can be dipped in orange or apple juice beforehand to retain the color of the fruit before, during and after the drying process. Ensure that you wash all fruit remove seeds if possible and slice thinly. Arrange fruit in single layers on trays. If you are drying fruit in the oven then the temperature should be 50 to 60 degrees Celsius.

  • Apples: Peel, core and slice thinly and evenly. Place in dehydrator for 6-8 hours until pliable
  • Apricots: Cut in half and turn inside out to dry. Place in dehydrator for 8-12 hours until dry
  • Bananas: Peel and then slice into 1/4-inch place in dehydrator for 6-12 hours until dry
  • Blueberries: wash and then place in dehydrator whole for 6-12 hours until crispy
  • Peaches: Peel and slice into quarters place in dehydrator for 6-12 hours until dried
  • Pears: Peel and place in dehydrator for 6-12 hours until pliable
  • Pineapple: Core and slice place in dehydrator for 6-12 hours until dried
  • Strawberries: Halve place in dehydrator for 6-12 hours until crispy

Meat Drying Guide

Choose ham, turkey, roast beef, or chicken slice to 1/8 of an inch or cut into one inch strips and place on the dehydrator trays. Dehydrating meat takes 6-8 hours.

If you're looking for dehydrating recipes visit supercharged.wpengine.com and click on the dehydrating link.

Coconut and Almond Bliss Balls

I love these healthy bliss balls anytime of the year, but they are particularly good rolled out at Christmas time, dusted in coconut and looking like they've spent a night in a snow dome. Whipped up on the fly, these guys are super easy to pull together, you literally just lump everything in the processor and voila... blissed out in no time. Plus they're a wonderful snack-happy treat for kids to be Santa's little helpers,  getting the ball rolling and exercising their play dough making skills to create bundles of natural goodness for the whole family to enjoy.

There's a bit of trial and error with the consistency of the mixture, it should be slightly gooey and moist, not too runny or rock hard so that the ingredients crumble in your hands.  The nut butter and tahini are perfect for allowing the mixture to hold which makes an easy rolling experience.  Wheel them through  sesame seeds or coconut to get the full afffect, then refrigerate and enjoy these mouth-watering munchies.

Coconut and Almond Bliss Balls

Makes 12 medium sized Bliss Balls

½ cup almond meal
5 TBS almond nut butter
½ cup tahini
8 drops liquid stevia
1 cup chopped nuts, almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, hazelnuts
½ cup coconut flakes
¼ cup sesame seeds plus extra for coating

Place almond meal, coconut and nuts into food processor and mix
Add stevia, almond nut butter and tahini and continue to mix until combined
Remove and roll into balls on a flat tray
Place extra sesame seeds in a bowl and roll balls to coat the surface
Refrigerate and enjoy

Free supercharged recipes delivered to your inbox!

When you register for our newsletter you'll also receive a FREE gut health recipe ebook.