Holy smokes has it been HOTT!! And it's technically not even summer yet. Not that I'm complaining because I love it - but this heat (among other great happenings) is going to make this summer one for the books, I can already tell!
Well I am sorry for the little hiatus I had there but big news...I'm in the Local Farmer's Market selling Healthy Desserts!! Getting rid of all of the processed foods and adding Health(ier) sugars, Healthy Fats, Organic and of course Local ingredients are part of what make my desserts soooooo good! Now that I've got the first week under my belt I am ready to go and am not consumed with preparations! I just have to point out how much fun it was!! Connecting with so many like-minded people and even sharing with those that have just begun their dive into Healthy Lifestyle was so amazing and motivating. Plus it's all supporting local farmers and business!
Well I am sorry for the little hiatus I had there but big news...I'm in the Local Farmer's Market selling Healthy Desserts!! Getting rid of all of the processed foods and adding Health(ier) sugars, Healthy Fats, Organic and of course Local ingredients are part of what make my desserts soooooo good! Now that I've got the first week under my belt I am ready to go and am not consumed with preparations! I just have to point out how much fun it was!! Connecting with so many like-minded people and even sharing with those that have just begun their dive into Healthy Lifestyle was so amazing and motivating. Plus it's all supporting local farmers and business!
So check out your local Farmer's Market! Get out in the Sun and connect with your tribe!
Living in an area where - lets just say health is not of the utmost importance...it's easy to feel discouraged and isolated. I can't tell you how uplifting it was to see so many people out there searching and wanting good health. When we connect and work together that's when change can happen. Inspire Healthy Living!
Not to be overshadowed by the community that surrounds the Farmer's Market, there are all of the Fresh Local Fruits and Vegetables. I prefer buying local for many reasons but here are my main 4:
1. Vine-Ripened Produce - Since the farms don't have to worry about
shipping their products halfway around the world they can all their fruits
and vegetable to mature on the vine so that they reach their maximum
nutrient density! Plus chemicals/gases aren't used to force a ripe-color
...Mother Nature is responsible for that beauty!
2. Less Pesticides - A lot of the time small farms don't spend the money
to get Certified Organic...but that doesn't mean they aren't. Usually they
will use less pesticides, herbicides and fungicides than other
conventional produce you would buy in the grocery store
so it's worth inquiring about what is used.
3. non GMO - Like the Organic Certification, most small farms aren't going
to spend the money to get this certification either, but you're pretty safe
in considering Local Produce to be nonGMO. Not only do they not have
access to the genetically modified seeds,
most local farmers would go near them anyway.
4. Budget Friendly - one reason that organic produce is more expensive is
because they have to pay for all of the certifications and then take extra
caution to get fresh produce to you through the grocery store...
I can't tell you how many times the organic section at my grocery store is molding :(
even though it is a good sign that it is!
Buying from local farms is going to be less expensive and is a much
safer option to feel good about serving your family
Not to be overshadowed by the community that surrounds the Farmer's Market, there are all of the Fresh Local Fruits and Vegetables. I prefer buying local for many reasons but here are my main 4:
1. Vine-Ripened Produce - Since the farms don't have to worry about
shipping their products halfway around the world they can all their fruits
and vegetable to mature on the vine so that they reach their maximum
nutrient density! Plus chemicals/gases aren't used to force a ripe-color
...Mother Nature is responsible for that beauty!
2. Less Pesticides - A lot of the time small farms don't spend the money
to get Certified Organic...but that doesn't mean they aren't. Usually they
will use less pesticides, herbicides and fungicides than other
conventional produce you would buy in the grocery store
so it's worth inquiring about what is used.
3. non GMO - Like the Organic Certification, most small farms aren't going
to spend the money to get this certification either, but you're pretty safe
in considering Local Produce to be nonGMO. Not only do they not have
access to the genetically modified seeds,
most local farmers would go near them anyway.
4. Budget Friendly - one reason that organic produce is more expensive is
because they have to pay for all of the certifications and then take extra
caution to get fresh produce to you through the grocery store...
I can't tell you how many times the organic section at my grocery store is molding :(
even though it is a good sign that it is!
Buying from local farms is going to be less expensive and is a much
safer option to feel good about serving your family
So for a while now I have had both red and green Lentils in my pantry that I have been wanting to experiment more with since I got them. They are nutty and earthy, are low in calories, packed with protein and have a high nutritional value making them perfect for heart health, digestive health, weight loss and loads of energy! Originally, I had purchased my lentils as part of other recipes and I just never got around to really figuring out what to do with them!
For my first experiment I decided to incorporate them into one of my favorite things: the Veggie Burger!
Many Recipes that I found instructed me to blend the lentils up, but I like texture in my veggie patties so I knew that I wanted to keep them whole. The Red Lentils, when I cooked them before (that is when I messed up cooking them before...) I found turned to mush really fast. I would use them and keep them whole. Then Sweet Potato is only one of the most awesome things to put into a veggie patty...so Red Lentil and Sweet Potato...my recipe was coming together!
First things first get the Sweet Potato and Lentils cooked. You could even do this ahead of time then making the patties for dinner will be a breeze! Just wrap you potato in foil and stick in the oven at 450 degrees for about 30-40 minutes until soft. After it's cooked the skin will slide right off...mush it up and you're good to go!
Cook your Lentils according to the package instructions. Generally, rinse lentils, boil 2-3 cups of water add lentils and cook for about 15 minutes or so. I like to use a slotted spoon to remove the lentils instead of draining with a colander. For me it's easier, but both work!
 |
| This is our one and old pepper that came out of our dirt garden this year! It's been awful and in the future I'll be sticking to the Tower Garden! Anyway I've really had no idea what to do with this little guy so I just threw it in with my patty mixture lol! I say this though to encourage you to make this your own and add what you like/what you have in the fridge! 
Okay so everything is cooked and chopped the rest is easy: combine everything in a bowl and use your hands to mix!
Don't forget to taste and add more of whatever is needed.
The mixture comes together nicely and is easily formed in to round cakes!
|
 |
| Into the oven with these guys!! I made 6 huge cakes, but you could easily get 8 good size patties - just remember that they may cook a little faster! Since it is so unbelievably hot I wanted something cool and refreshing for the sauce. I just sort of winged it with what I had - tahini and limes - and it turned out pretty good! 
Like I said I started with a Tahini base and added the juice of two limes and the zest off of one of them...One of the perks of my man running a Restaurant is the random tools I find in the kitchen...it's the only way to juice limes! Once mixed I realized that it was still way to thick so I just thinned it with a little water. Salt, pepper, cayenne and I still needed something. I pulled and chopped Parsley from the garden, mixed it in and stuck it in the fridge and waited for the flavors to come out!
|
After flipping once the patties came out soooo pretty. I served mine with crisp organic Romaine lettuce and the refreshing Lime dressing on top. The contrast was perfect!
Be sure and let me know how your patties turn out!! AND how your visits to your local Farmer's Markets go!
Now I need to go so I can get ready for the Tower Garden Party tonight! I mean speaking of local there is nothing better than fresh produce that you've grown right outside your door, and there is no easier, faster, or more nutrient dense way to do it than the tower garden!! I can wait to hear from the expert Bret Bowlin ;)
with Love,
Mandy
No comments:
Post a Comment