Winter Reflections Prepare Us For Spring

I've posted lots of recipes lately because I want to show readers easy recipes that are healthy and tasty, all at the same time. Hopefully, the recipes are tried and appreciated.
On a deeper, more spiritual note, I'd like to re-post an excerpt from Albuquerque's Noble Path Bookstore Newsletter. It reminds us that eating well, connecting with friends and family and getting plenty of rest are what we're supposed to do in the winter, so that we can be ready to carry out our creative endeavors in the Spring. We are also reminded that Meditation and Prayer are perfect avenues for the quiet reflection which is so essential to our well-being. Recharging ourselves by connecting one on one with the Divine and with Ourselves will prepare us for the times ahead.
Read on:

"As you know, Nature is now in her resting season, withdrawn, deep in the earth, and the roots are preparing for Spring. We too, may be deeper within ourselves, reflecting, replenishing, getting plenty of rest, relaxing and sleeping. Seeking both inner and outer warm, we spend more time at home with family and friends.

The observance of the solstice(s) are linked to various traditions/cultures through art, literature, mythology and religion. As the winter is the season of dormancy, darkness, and cold, the coming of lighter days after the solstice brought a more festive mood. The return of the light was a reason to celebrate that Mother Nature's cycle was continuing.

Meditation is a receptive mode, a process, a kind of awareness that is inherent in our nature. It is a state of being. Winter is related to the Water element, the emotions. When out of balance, the specific emotional imbalance associated with Water energy is fear. When in balance, the element allows fluidity, flowing and the ability to rest and nourish ourselves and others. Also, allowing for the ready expression feeling, such as love. Meditation (along with conscious breathing) brings us into alignment with our center, in the present, which creates a feeling of peace and balance."

Namaste to all of my fellow Foodies--and the World as well. May you deepen your awareness and understanding by consuming foods full of life force energy and vitality. And may these foods simultaneously bring you true culinary pleasure--your reward for honoring your Body and Nature.

Infinite Blessings,
The Gourmet Healer

Easy Gourmet Healer Breakfast Ideas

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and while something is better than nothing, why not make that something really count??
As a single mom, I know that mornings can be hectic. That's why I'm always thinking up ways to keep breakfast QUICK and EASY, but also creative and healthy.

Fancy Yogurt Parfait
Forget those sugary yogurts that have little benefit. Use plain yogurt and jazz it up on your own. We use Organic full-fat plain Greek yogurt, but I've also used organic regular plain yogurt that can be bought in large tubs and is cheaper per unit. Dish it up into a pretty champagne flute or just a regular bowl and add a dash of cinnamon, vanilla extract and 1 tsp local organic, preferably raw (for the most benefits) honey. For added color and nutrients, top with diced kiwi and pomegranate seeds. Serve it up with a whole grain English muffin such as Ezekiel brand Cinnamon Raisin or Regular (shown). Toast and spread on 1/2 tsp of ghee, such as from Pure Indian Foods and 1/2 tsp Virgin Unrefined Coconut Oil from Spectrum.

Breakfast in a Crunch
Don't have time to do any mixing? Grab some banana chips, washed blueberries already waiting in the fridge and your favorite unsalted, unroasted nut from the freezer and throw 'em on the plate! Pair it with an English muffin from above. This one can even be bagged up and taken onto the bus! This is a complete breakfast--whole grains, healthy fats from the nuts, ghee and coconut oil, and fruit that's loaded with antioxidants! Enjoy!

Spiced Asparagus Fries

Spiced Asparagus Fries

Say good-bye to grandma's mushy, canned asparagus. This Gourmet Healer Original version of asparagus is sure to please your senses, soul AND cells! Here, you'll reap the heart and emotional health benefits of asparagus combined with the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory powers of Coriander, Cumin and Turmeric and Garlic. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 bunch of thin, washed asparagus, 2 TBSP Avocado Oil, 1-2 tsp Cumin, 1 tsp Coriander, 1 clove minced garlic, ½ tsp chile powder, ½ to 1 tsp Turmeric, Sea Salt to taste.

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. In a glass baking dish or gallon freezer bag, place washed asparagus, woody ends snapped off. Evenly distribute Avocado oil. Add spices, garlic and salt and toss. . For freezer bag, seal and rub spices and oil into asparagus. Place asparagus onto a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes or until it starts to crisp.

Everyone will love it AND benefit from this spicy spin on fries! We can ALL be Gourmet Healers with this one!

Benefitting From Basil

BASIL is a highly anti-inflammatory herb which is used in a wide varitety of cuisines including Italian, Thai and Vietnamese. It has cooling properties for those with excess heat, and gram for gram, its anti-inflammatory properties surpass even those of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Think Ibuprofen. Regular enjoyment of basil can be helpful in decreasing systemic inflammation (prevention/slowing of heart disease and almost all other diseases) as well as fighting minor aches and pains and even major arthritis. Have basil regularly in the form of pesto, which can be added to soups, sauces, pasta/rice salads, sandwhiches, pizza and even toast. Also enjoy it's whole leaves in green and caprese salads or as a topping for spicy soups!

Basil Pesto

1-2 cups fresh basil (2 good handfuls)

¼ c fresh sage (optional)

¼ c pine nuts or walnuts (cheaper)

1/4 c finely grated parmesan cheese

1/8 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil OR Avocado Oil OR Grapeseed Oil, or more for desired consistency

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients except oil in a food processor and process while slowly drizzling oil into the top. Use extra or less oil depending on the desired consistency. If you will be cooking the pesto in with another dish, use Avocado Oil or Grapeseed Oil instead, since they have a higher smoke point and will not oxidize during cooking.

Spread onto pizzas, thinly spread onto a few crackers as a snack, spread onto a slice of toast or English muffin for breakfast, or use in pasta salad. Also good –put a spoonful into a bowl of soup to add flavor and antioxidants!