Saturday, 26 April 2014

Travelling well so far! … + Recipes!

Kale, frozen banana, frozen berries, chia, maca, bee pollen
and hemp protein green smoothie.
Good morning to you all on this crisp Autumn morning…

I have managed to steal a moment away whilst the rest of the family are still in bed…

The journey is going really well so far.  I am still feeling fantastic and the state of mind that I don't want to do anything or eat anything that is going to jeopardise this feeling!
Plus, I am still refusing the abundance of Easter Eggs that remain in our household!   Go me!

This week has seen a 6m skip bin be delivered and our ANZAC Day weekend consisted of copious amounts clutter being removed from pretty much every room in our house (Garage Sale to follow!)


The de-cluttered pantry -
is it sad that this picture puts a huge grin on my face?!


My gratitude diary pages are filling each night and I find it is simply the best thing to do before going to bed. Instead of issues, problems or brain clutter floating around - I find myself falling asleep thinking about the things I am grateful for - I love this!

As well as keeping the diary, my nightly ritual also consists of a simple meditation.  In my darkened bedroom I sit upright in bed, light a candle and do deep breathing exercises which leave me completely relaxed before going to sleep.

I have also been getting creative in the kitchen…who knew Vegetarian eating could be so exciting!

I have a few recipes that I would like to share with you and that have been more than satisfying in the taste department!!

Quirky Jo!  http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com.au

I have mentioned Jo's blog before.  (Gooey Brownie Recipe) from a previous post.  This lady is very crafty in what ingredients she uses to substitute more common ones in conventional cooking.

* Chicken and Cashews with Coconut Satay Sauce and Coconut Rice - http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com.au/2011/01/chicken-and-cashews-with-coconut-satay.html

This is one of my favourite dishes ever!  It has so much flavour and you'll definitely be asking for seconds!  I have made this recipe before with chicken, but when I made it last week, I omitted the chicken and it still tasted just as good!!

* Brown Rice Mushroom Risotto with Macadamia Cheese - 
http://quirkycooking.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/brown-rice-mushroom-risotto-with.html

I was surprised at the result of this dish, I was expecting the rice to be all gluggy and mushy.  But the texture turned out exactly the same as the white rice comparison!  The macadamia cheese is a really interesting substitute to regular cheese.


Make Peace With Your Plate - Jess Ainscough

* Brown Rice Veggie Patties
(Makes 11 Patties)

- 1 cup brown rice
- 1/2 large sweet potato
- 1/4 pumpkin
- 3 potatoes
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 clove garlic
- 1tbsp fresh coriander
- Rye flour ( or whatever type of flour you prefer)

1. Soak rice for 8hrs to activate the enzyme inhibitors.
2. Peel potatoes, pumpkin and sweet potato and cut into chunks.
3. Roast veggies in an oven heated to 180 degrees Celsius for about an hour.
4. Add rice to a pot with two cups of water.  Bring to the boil, and then reduce to simmer for 40 minutes, or until water has been absorbed and rice is cooked.
5. Once veggies are cooked, either mash by hand or use a blender or food processor to combine them.  Add garlic, coriander and spices to the mix.
6. Combine rice and veggie mix together in a large bowl; add a little flour to bind the mixture.
7. Use your hands to form the patties and arrange on a baking dish (or two)
8. Bake patties in an oven heated to 180 degrees Celsius for 40 minutes, or until browned.
9. Serve with satay sauce and salad.

Satay Sauce

- 2 tbsp almond butter
- juice of lime
- 2 tsp hemp seeds
- 2 tbs flax seed oil
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic

Blend all ingredients together.

Brown rice patties with satay sauce on a bed of baby spinach,
topped with pine nuts.




Choc Berry Smoothie

- 1 small frozen banana
- 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
- 1 cup coconut water
- 1 tsp bee pollen
- 1/2 maca powder
-1 tsp cacao powder
-1 tsp cacao nibs

1. Chop banana into chunks.
2. Add everything into the blender and whiz until smooth.
3. Top up with coconut water or water if needed.



Thermomix Recipe Community

Gluten Free Pizza Basehttp://www.recipecommunity.com.au/breads-rolls-recipes/gluten-free-pizza-bases/17350

Pumpkin and Lentil Burgers - http://www.recipecommunity.com.au/main-dishes-vegetarian-recipes/pumpkin-and-lentil-burger/109811


Give them a try if you're game, I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Until next time…have a wonderful Sunday!

Dee
x

The latest additions to our family!
The lemon, lime and mandarin tree...

Monday, 21 April 2014

A new promise to myself….


HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES!




Hello to all, it's been a very long while between drinks.  However, I thought this new journey I have just begun to embark upon really deserves to be documented.

This Easter saw a potentially life-changing moment for me.  
A light bulb moment.  A magnifying glass into my future if you will.

I started reading a book  "Make Peace With Your Plate" by Jess Ainscough - for me, truly inspiring.

My kind auntie passed the book onto my mum, which mum kindly loaned to me (that I'm yet to return!!)

In the past I had loosely been following Jess' on line blog as part of her 'Wellness Warrior' campaign, which I had discovered through a dear friend's recommendation of her 'Green Mo Revolution' -ary green juices and smoothies.  Although I was aware of her general message, I hadn't yet read her story.

A truly inspirational read!



In the picturesque, organic food loving region of NSW's South Coast, in the homely arms of 'NarraShaws' I began reading…

I found it very hard to put down (although 3 kids' needs got in the way! hahaha)

But still managed to read it within the day.

Jess' story of strength was inspiring and she spoke to me on so many levels.  The way she changed her life and beat the odds was remarkable.  It occurred to me that this book is the answer that I have been searching for!

Jess has inspired me into shifting my way of thinking.   I now know how I want to live my life and how to provide a healthy model for my children to live their lives by!

So although I know it's going to be extremely difficult - I am going to endeavour to live a plant-based organic lifestyle.

What?! You say?  Danica?  Meat-loving, Connoisseur ice-cream devouring, occasional Maccas binging woman!  

Well the answer is yes!  4 days in and I am feeling fantastic… (I even survived Easter without even one Cadbury solid googy egg!)  I have been eating predominately Organic (I can't waste what is already in my cupboard) Gluten  Free, Dairy Free, Meat Free, Refined Sugar Free for four whole days.

I have been oil pulling, green juicing and smoothie-ing, soaking lentils, whole food shopping and scanning the net to find as many readily available organic products I can find.

Of course my Thermie has been by side too!

Autumn - rocking the green mo!

But not only has Jess inspired me with my diet - I have also been shifted spiritually.  I have been doing nightly meditations and keeping a 'Gratitude Diary' each day noting down everything that I am grateful for and love in my life, this in complete partnership with my diet, is something I have been needing to do for some time now!

And for those whom know me well and the relationship I have with my stomach post-pregnancy, I have begun to look in the mirror and be grateful for the vessel in which I was blessed to carry my three precious ones.

I'm sorry if this all sounds slightly corny to some of you - but I seriously am on the biggest natural high at the moment ---  I do not want it to end! 

I am sharing in this journey with all of you 1. because I have always been the type to wear my heart on my sleeve and never shy from expressing myself, 2. because I want to leave this as a legacy to my kids and their kids after them. and 3. because along the way, I may either need your support and your insight to help me along!

Watch This Space!!! - Recipes to come also!

Thanks for reading!

Dee 

x

Liv channelling the Easter Bunny - real teeth and all!



Annabelle, Autumn and I 
Getting our daily dose of Vitamin D in Milton