MOTHER NATURE

There couldn't be any better way then this to finalized a whole intense month of wonderful High holidays.
I'm not the kind of person that is normally looking for trips suggested from magazine,however it is the second time around that I do and every time I'm amazed again. I found it in one of the local Israeli's magazine "We are in America", where one of the writers who is fond of nature hikes, recommends people of good places to travel.
I lived in Los Angeles for way to many years and I never even thought this place exists here, especially when it's within 30 minutes drive from where I live. So I am very thankful for finding this magical place that's called Eaton Canyon Park & Center in Pasadena. For those of you who like me have never heard of it before, you should definitely schedule a visit there in your next free day. It is a great hike for family's or alone and you can bring your dog with you as well. We happened to have amazing weather today but I'm sure it is really nice there after the rain as well. As a matter of fact I was thinking I should try to check it out once as well. We packed a light back pack with sandwiches,snacks and bottles of water,and also towel,water shoes, and extra socks if your planning on getting really wet.
The best reward for me as were hiking back was my son telling me "mom you know I love nature It's beautiful". That is why I thank GD for letting us have all this beauty to enjoy.

PUMPKIN HONEY CAKE

I wanted to start by talking a little about raw honey. When it comes in it's natural form unheated and unprocessed,it contains all the vitamins and enzymes within. Raw honey is considered to be an alkaline forming food which is great for our digestive system. Containing the enzyme amylase it helps predigest starchy food like bread. There are many other great benefits to the honey.
When mixed with lemon and ginger, honey is a great remedy to relieve nausea,supply energy and also great to relieve symptoms such as sore throat,colds,hoarseness and others. Next time you feel like baking cookies or a cake try to experiment with substituting the sugar with honey.
Since there are still quite  a few High Holidays ahead of us, and were trying to keep it as sweet  as we can,yet healthy as possible,this cake is a moist and delicious alternative to your traditional holiday cakes. I changed  the original recipe I found to an organic whole wheat flour version and it works perfect for the holidays because I use honey instead of sugar.
You can use it with walnuts or without and also you can add raisins to it. I make it allot of times plain and it's just wonderful especially with a nice warm tea.






11/2 Cup of organic whole wheat flour
1/2 Tsp salt
1/2 Cup Honey (if you have access to raw honey even better)
1 Tsp baking soda
1 Cup pumpkin pure (available organic)
1/2 Cup olive oil
2 Eggs beaten
1/4 Cup water
11/2 Tsp mixed spices nutmeg clove cinnamon
1/2 Cup walnuts or raisins optional


Preheat oven to 350. Mix all the dry ingredients together.Mix the oil,pumpkin,eggs, water and honey.Slowly add the dry mix till you get a creamy texture.Pour the mixture in pans and bake for 50-55 minuted and check with toothpick if it comes out clean. 


MAY OUR LIVES BE ALWAYS FILLED WITH SWEETNESS ! 

SPICED FISH

This fish has so many versions to it from different cultures and each one of them claims the title for the originality. This is the way I prepare it and it seemed to be pretty popular between the kids as well. Again I prefer to use a fish that has no hormones or  color added to it.
I normally use the Salmon although it goes well with White fish and even Trout.

6 pieces of fish
4 Dry chilly red pepper (you can use small spicy chillies as well if you like it real spicy)
5 Garlic cloves peeled
1/2 Bunch fresh cilantro cut small
1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 Tsp cumin
1/2 Tsp turmeric
1 Tbs paprika
Salt to taste
1/2 Cup water


Place the chillies in a deep pan. Arrange the pieces of fish on top and spread the garlic and cilantro all over the fish. In a small bowl whisk all the spices together with the oil until you get a creamy texture and  pour it over the fish. Turn the stove on high and the minute it start to sizzle pour the water on top and let it simmer on low for about 20 minutes or so covered. If by any chance it turn out to be running with liquid take out the lid and let it cook open till the water evaporates a little. You should have sauce but not flowing with liquid.


With blessings of  HAPPY NEW YEAR
Love & Spices

FUSION SALMON

I like to include often some fish into my diet for a source of protein and Omega oil.
Like with other animal protein,I try to buy mine wild or the ones  that were not treated with antibiotic and added colors. 
Since we are getting real close to the Jewish High Holidays and especially to "Rosh Hashana", one of the tradition is to bless on the head of the fish,which symbolize for us that we should always be thinking and moving from our head and not be the tail.  I decided to share a couple recipes.You can always throw in a head from a small fish to the cooking just for the symbol. By no means you are obligated to eat it,therefore if you are going to cook my recipe which is made out of Salmon you do not have to cook it's head in it.

6 Thin slices fillet of  wild salmon
2 Tbs Olive oil
3 Tbs Tamari sauce ( gluten free)
2 Tbs flat Dijon mustard
1/2 Squeezed lemon juice
1 Tsp dry oregano
1 Tsp dry ginger or fresh grind down
1 Garlic cloves minced
1Tbs black sesame seeds


Put all the ingredients in a glass pan. whisk them until you get an even texture. Place the pieces of fish in the tray and turn them from both side, so they will absorb sauce . Let it marinated in the fridge covered for few hours . Once you are ready to bake , turn the oven on 300 and place the tray inside covered for about 15 minute,the last 5 minutes cook it uncovered to give it a glaze. Serve it with sauce on top.




Love & Spices

HOME MADE CRACKERS

Who doesn't love crackers?

As healthy as you can be and I try to keep it for the most part. Once in a while I love to dip some crackers with my Tahini sauce, Hummus dip or even with Guacamole.

So I was thinking about it and an idea came to my mind.

Why don't I make my own version for crackers, so at list I know what they will have inside.

I took the LAVASH bread as so it's called. It is this huge flat bread or what looks like a gigantic pita.

I bought the one that is made from rye flour and has no sugar in it.

I brushed each big peace with olive oil,spread on sesame seeds (again one of my favorite things as you have noticed by now) also organic sea kelp delight seasoning which added a tasty flavor to all and is great for low sodium diets.

After that I used the pizza cuter to cut small pieces out of it.Placed all of it in a tray with parchment paper ,and put it in the oven on 300 for about 10 minutes or so.You need to remove it when it turn crispy yet not brown.

I was surprised that my kids were asking:Mom where did you get does crackers from?

So here you go guys, crackers that don't come from a box with plenty of preservative and added sugars.

JUST MAKE IT YOUR OWN!!!

SALSA FESTIVAL

I wanted to share with you guys the fun experience I have had this Sunday all the way in the city of Oxnard. There was a big Salsa Festival open to the public with lots of colorful vending booth selling anything from hats, jewelry, cloths, big ceramic pots and lots of food and salsa. My main interest was the live music.I have been a big fan of Cuban salsa music for years, and few time in the past I was lucky enough to watch some of my favorites like Eddie Palmieri,Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez and such. So when our good friends who are big salsa lovers as well told us that there is a festival we jumped right away on the idea.The morning started gloomy and humid with a little drizzle, so at one point we gave up on the idea of driving there.But then I was thinking how often do you get to listen to live music you adore plus it was free to the public. Music is the one thing that connects people together no mater what background there coming from, or what is there religion or faith.The other thing about music is the healing  effect it has on people. Once you pass the barrier of control issues and surrender yourself  to the rhythm, you can feel it vibrating within you and healing can occur. It can help you release lots of  tension, anger and surround you with joy and happiness. I loved watching couples dancing,there were  young ones mixed with older ones,yet you couldn't tell the difference as far as the connection with the music. After awhile we decided to walk around through the boots to check things out. The most crowded ones were the ones with the salsa tasting. As I mentioned before my love to salsa music, I also enjoy to eat salsa with chips. Although there were many different kinds some more spicy then other, I love the home made ones. Especially now that my tomatoes in the garden are in full bloom and I get to pick them out everyday. I am going to give you my version of fresh salsa.


5 Roma tomatoes
1/2 red onion
1 bunch cilantro
1 green jalapeno ( if you like it hot add more)
Salt to taste
1/2 Tsp  apple cider vinegar
2 Tbls squeeze of fresh lemon
1 Tsp olive oil 

Chop the tomato small put it in a deep bowl. Then  and the onion, jalapeno and cilantro chopped  real fine. Add the salt, vinegar ,oil and lemon and mix it all . Serve with chips and guacamole.My favorite ones are Super Seeded Tortilla Chips with organic flax,Chia an hemp seeds. Usually when I make it at home the kids devour everything. It's great for summertime to snack .



Love & Spices

SWEET FENNEL

Fennel is one of those great root vegetables that when  cooked in a certain way they change there flavor completely. It can be added to so many dishes and every time it's a surprise.
One of the favorite  dishes in my house is this one. I guess because it has a sweet flavor to it, even the kids go crazy over it.
Some of the healthy benefits of fennel are:
It is reach in iron ,anti acid and extremely helpful for indigestion.
Mothers uses the fennel powder to sooth baby's stomach aches due to inflammation,and some people also chew fennel seeds after food  to facilitate digestion and for bad breath.
The other advantage is that once you add a sweet vegetable to your meal you have less chances for craving processed sugar,




                                                                     SWEET FENNEL

2 Bulb of fennel sliced small
5-6 peeled garlic cloves
2Tbs fresh thyme
Salt to taste
Fresh ground pepper to taste
2 Tbs olive oil
1/2 lemon squeezed
Place the fennel garlic and most of the thyme in a glass tray,pour all the sauce ingredients and  mix it well until all is absorb.
Place it in the oven at 350 between 15-20 minutes.
When done it should have a lite brown color to it.
It is so good that you will finish it while it's still warm.


Enjoy your summer with salads!!!
Love&Spices
Bat-Sheva

THE SUMMER CRUNH

Summer is in full force and this is the perfect time for us to cheellax and shift to a low gear. To those of us who are parents to young children you can definitely relate to the fact  that you don't have to stress about school stuff.The kids seems more happier and relaxed,so this is why it is the perfect time to shift gear in the kitchen as ealthy veggies.

Salads are the perfect meals that will feel you up, yet will  live you light and airy.As you can tell already I love to add sesame seeds to my salad for the texture  and taste ,but mainly for it’s  calcium beneficiaries.It's known to be one of the highest natural sources for calcium. So start adding it more to your diet.

1 Bulb of fennel cut into small sticks

1 package of shredded carrots

2 Tabs sesame seeds lightly toasted
chopped parsley for decoration

2 Tbs sesame oil
1/2 squeezed lemon

1/2 Tsp date honey
2 Tbs lite soy sauce

Put  the carrot and fennel  in a bowl . Whisk  all the dressing ingredients  pour it on the veggies add the sesame and toss it lightly. For the last part of decoration add the parsley.
Yummy Crunchy!!!!

HUMUS

The famous ancient Middle East dip that is popular in almost every house, and you don't need to be from the Middle East to love it. It is popular all over the world. It is a great source of protein especially if you're a vegetarian or vegan. You can use it as a snack, side dish, and a main course or just for fun. The reason why I decided to post my recipe is, cause I know to many people that just buy the ready-made one from the store. Either cause they don't know how to make it, or cause they simply think it's to complicated to prepare at home. I really don't recommend the ready made ones. Because most of them are loaded with preservative and added flavors, it allows you to keep it in your refrigerator for even a month believe it or not, and it still might be fresh. When you make the fresh one it last normally between 4-5 days .So how can a food stay for such a long time naturally? It simply can’t. You have to add all kind of preservative to give it a shelf life. The question you need to ask yourself is  do you want to eat preservative in flavor of Humus or just fresh humus.

So really guys it is not so hard, and after you will try it you wont be able to eat something else.

1/2-Package dry garbanzo beans (soaked in water over night to help with the digestion of the bean and to avoid gas) 

3 - 4 Garlic cloves (depends if your a garlic lover)

1 /4  Cup Tahini paste

1 -1 1/2 Juice of lemon

1-Cup water (plus minus)

Salt to taste.

After you soaked to garbanzo for the night, you put it in a pan covered with water and salt. Give it a quick boil and the let it simmer for about an hour or more. When you try the bean and it is really soft, you can turn the stove and let it seat to cool down in the water, don’t throw  away the water we are using them for  the deep. Then in the food processor you put the drain garbanzo the garlic, the lemon,tahini and a little from the water of the pot. (Don't pour all the water right away it needs to have a creamy consistency and not to be to watery). Let it process for few minuted, stop to correct taste and add more water if needed. Again it needs to have a creamy texture to it but not to heavy, because it hardens up ounce it is in the refrigerator. Once it is ready and you want to serve it you just put it in a bowl. The traditional way is to pour on it olive oil and decorate it with pine nuts and paprika,and sometimes also with some of the cooked garbanzo beans whole.

There are lots of things you can do with it once it's ready. Couple example:

You can add black-pitted olives.

You can do one with parsley and cilantro.

You can do one with Spicy paprika.

It is really up to your imagination.

Just as long as you keep it healthy and fresh.

                                                    Love & Spices

ORANGE SOUP

It is always best to use the vegetable of the season whenever you cook.  This time I would like to give you one of the most popular soups in my house.  The ingredients in the soup, such as: lentil, which is a source of protein,  sweet potato that is rich with fiber and beta carotene, and also the spices like turmeric which is known for it’s medicinal properties for purifying the blood. The latest research has shown that turmeric seeds can help people with the treatment for leukemia, and can also help with thyroid problems. By eating a large cup of soup and a raw mixed leafy salad, you can have yourself a perfect meal.

1 Cup of orange lentil (always best soaked over night)

1 Cup sweet potatoes cut to small cubes

1 Cup banana squash cut to small cubes

3-4 garlic cloves

Salt to taste

1 Tsp turmeric

1 Tsp Cumin

5 cups of water preferably boiled

1tbs olive oil

First you saute the garlic in the olive oil, when they turn golden you add the lentil and the rest of the veggies with all the spices. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and then add the water. After the soup has been cooked for a while correct the flavor if necessary.

You can also garnish with fresh oregano leaves.

Love & Spices,

Bat-Sheva

                         

CHECK OUT MY NEW WEBSITE!!!!

To all my followers I’m excited to update you on my new website!!

www.myhealthyvision.net.

There you can find out all the information you need regarding my practice as a Holistic Health Coach. How the program works to help you  make that change in your life to be healthier and happier.

           

Green Light

Most people today are lacking essential leafy greens from their diet…and no…iceberg lettuce doesn't do the trick.  I am talking mainly about the dark leafy greens such as spinach, arugula, kale, and many others.  The first time I encountered kale, I said…NO Way!!!! this is for rabbits.  It's texture and look wasn’t very appealing.  However after experimenting with it few times, I ended up really enjoying it, and now it’s an inseparable part of my weekly diet.  Even my kids learned to like it.  I guess you always have to give new food a try and find a way to make the food pleasing to the eye.  Dark leafy veggies are high in calcium, iron, zinc, and loaded with vitamins. There are also very rich in fiber and chlorophyll which cleans our blood. Here is an example of one of my favorite salads that I make often.  It makes a great side dish for a almost any meal. 

                                        Green Light Salad

4 leaves of kale chopped fine

5 leaves of romaine lettuce chopped fine

1 Carrot shredded

1/2 cup broccoli slaw chopped  fine

3 Tbs sesame seeds lightly toasted

3 Tbs sesame oil

1 Tbs rice vinegar

1/2 Tsp  agave

Salt to taste

1/2 lemon squeezed

Put all the chopped veggies in a bowl with  the sesame.   In a small bowl whisk all the sauce ingredients and pour on the salad.  Mix well and serve.

Delish ...it has a crunchy texture.

Love& Spices,

Bat-Sheva

THE FANCY PEARl SALAD

                      
                  
                                                        
                   
                          

Always try to get organic produce this way you save yourself from harmful  chemicals and sprays and you will get to enjoy  the  real flavor and the benefits of the vegetable.

1 Cup mix of black & white quinoa 

11/2 cup water

1/4 cup pine nuts slightly roasted in a pan without oil

1/2 bunch fresh cilantro chopped 

1/2 bunch fresh parsley chopped

1/2 bunch fresh basil chopped 

1/2 small red onion chopped fine

1/4 cup optional dried cranberry or fresh pomegranate seeds

2 Tbs olive oil

juice from half a lemon

Salt to taste

Bring to a boil the quinoa with the water and then let it simmer for 15 minutes.Turn the stove  and let it seat covered  for another 10 minutes.

remove it to a  bowl and add in all the rest of the ingredients  while you mix it gently with a fork.

You can serve it as a side dish or simply enjoy it as fancy salad.

Love & Spices 

Bat-Sheva

BIRD FOOD

I ran into an old acquaintance of mine the other day whom I haven't seen in a long time, and we decided to have lunch together. I suggested we meet at my place since the house was quiet with no kids running around. I decided to surprise her with something different then her regular BBQ chicken breast with a side of baked potato. "Lets have a vegetarian lunch." I said.

So she offered to help me with fixing lunch.

I started setting the ingredients out when she noticed the Quinoa. Staring at me with consternation, she announces, "Are you really planning on feeding me BIRD FOOD?!"

I smiled because it is not the first time I am having this reaction from people who are not familiar with quinoa. As a matter of fact this was my first reaction when I was introduce to it for the first time.

"No," I answered calmly, "I am not feeding you bird food." What you are about to  discover  is one of the most ancient grain that the Inca people were eating for generations hundreds of years ago.

Quinoa is considered to be one of the highest protein whole grain, rich with amino acid vitamin B, and calcium. Loaded with fiber and gluten free which makes it a safe alternative for people with diabetes.

So after couple of hours  of sharing our life stories with each other and seeping some nice herbal tea we got down to prepare our dish. All this time the Quinoa was soaked in water in order to neutralize the enzyme that covers the grain that can interfere with our digestive system. By soaking the grain all of it's nutrients are more available.

                   My Quinoa version to Tabule

1 Cup of organic Quinoa (preferably soaked over night or for few hours)

2 Cups of water

1 bunch fresh organic Mint  leaves finely chopped

1 bunch fresh organic parsley finely chopped

1 small red organic onion finely chopped

Juice squeezed from 1/2 lemon

2 tbs olive oil (cold pressed)

Salt to taste

Fresh ground pepper to taste.

1.small organic tomato optional.

Rinse the Quinoa put all the ingredients in a pot and let it boil.

After boiling let it simmer till all the water gets absorbed for about 10 minutes and turn the stove.

Let it sit covered for another 5-10 minutes and then fluff it with a fork. Add all the rest of the ingredients  with the quinoa in a bowl season an taste. Mmmmm delish.

 Needless to say with enjoyed our lunch and I got her addicted to this grain for life.

Love & Spices

Bat-Sheva

HEADACHE OR DEHYDRATION

Water Is The Driving Force Of All Nature.

by:Leonardo Da Vinci

Yesterday in the afternoon my son approached me and said "Mom do you have something for a headache?"

My first reaction was, Did you drink any water today?

Oh...common mom! Where's the Motrin!!

How many time we go along with our day without noticing that we hardly drank anything. And I'm not talking about coffee or the variety of soft drinks and juices , that will make us even more dehydrated and will add excess of sugar and chemicals into our body.

Most of us will spend many days like that keeping our body which is 75% water and our brain which is 85% water totally dehydrated. And how many time we think we are hungry when we are really thirsty for water.

We don't quite understand the impact that the water has on our body our mind and our health.

Water not only quench our thirst , it cleans our body from excess toxins. The site and the sound of water  can sooth our mind and soul, Water can actually heal us on many different levels .

Did you ever think about what kind of water you put in your body?

Fuji?

Arrowhead?

Or simply Tap?

Does it oxygenate or alkalize you or does it lives you acidic.

Well my friend the exciting new breakthrough
HEXAGON ALKALINE HYDROGEN
water filtration system

for further information email me at:

batsheva09@gmail.com

You can also check the book by Dr Batmanghelidj. The Body's Many Cries For Water.

DON'T FORGET TO DRINK

Blessings Of Health,

Bat-Sheva Green