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(Setting Up a Healthy Kitchen & Recipes)
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"Blending Made Easy" Click on the Play button (>) below to listen to this 30 - minute Radio Interview with Susan |
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(Look for some easy, delicious & nutritious recipes coming up.)
BLENDTEC has always been known as the manufacturer of the highest quality blenders and mixers for commercial use. Blendtec introduced many innovations that include the most powerful blender available on the market with state of the art electronics, programmable blend cycles and many other impressive features. With an increasing demand for high performance kitchen appliances, Blendtec recently created its Blendtechome Products line with a variety of kitchen favorites you will not want to be without. This line is dedicated for use in the home and includes the same commercial power, performance and design with emphasis on product appearance.
For more than 30 years, I’ve assisted thousands of people in becoming more aware of how their food and lifestyle choices affect their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Part of this work incorporates my passion for showing individuals and families how to make more nourishing meals. I also teach classes and workshops worldwide on a variety of holistic health and food-related topics, including “Healthy Meals Made Easy,” “3-Minute Blender Meals,” “Living Food Cuisine,” “Nutritious Meals for Busy People,” “Look Younger & Increase Energy with a Whole Foods Diet,” “Foods that Detoxify & Rejuvenate Body, Mind & Spirit,” “Prevent & Alleviate Disease with Plant-Based Foods,” “Eat More & Weigh Less,” “Using Food as Medicine,” “Be Healthy & Stay Balanced,” “The Raw Food Revolution” and “Setting Up a Healthy Kitchen.”
Making beautiful, colorful nutritious meals can truly be a spiritual experience. And even if you relish being creative in the kitchen and, unlike most people, have free time to spare, it still really makes a positive difference to have a little help from the kitchen gadget angels -- who want nothing more than to make your life easier! Indeed, you can even reduce your stress immeasurably by having available a few culinary tools that add to the beauty and diversity of the food, and your kitchen, and allow you to pull together healthy meals in minutes. In 30-minutes or less, you will be able to create healthy gourmet meals that look and taste as if they have taken hours to prepare.
In addition to the Blendtechome Products described below, you will need some everyday tools. The basic essentials might include a multi-purpose sharp knife that doubles for slicing and chopping, a couple of mixing bowls and spoons, a spatula, a colander, and some quality cookware. When you want to add more variety, I suggest supplementing with a steamer, a garlic press, a mandoline, a salad spinner, a sieve, a couple microplanes (grating tools I use for nutmeg, ginger, citrus peel and chocolate), nonstick pans, a sushi mat, a whisk or two, a variety of knives and a citrus reamer.
However, if you want to take it to the highest level and save lots of time and energy, consider adding these following appliances to your kitchen. They are the best-of-the-best available and make a world of difference in my healthy kitchen as well as in the kitchens of most of my friends and clients.
Be sure to check out the blender recipes below.
Total Blender™ is designed to do it all -- from smoothies, fresh whole food juices, ice cream, milkshakes, cappuccinos, frappes, to soups, sauces, salsas, dips, pancakes, soda fountain treats and more! You may have seen the unique Total Blender square jar somewhere before. It's the same light weight jar used in the best coffee shops, smoothie bars, gyms and restaurants around the world. For years blending professionals have turned to Blendtec for the best results in taste and texture. Now with the Total Blender, you can enjoy that same luscious taste and creamy texture in your home as it prepares food fast, smoothly and with impeccable taste. With its 1500-watts of power, The Total Blender can turn ice to snow in seconds. Besides smoothies, I also use it to make dressings, purées, nut milks, frozen fruit ice cream, nut butters, and to grind nuts and seeds. The Total Blender has a 3-year warranty and could very well be the last blender you may ever buy. From the home gourmet chef to the on-the-go gym enthusiast, to frequent travelers (I take mine with me when traveling), the Total Blender is perfect for any lifestyle. (Ordering information below)
Blendtec’s Connoisseur™ is the same blender quality as the Total Blender but the only difference is that it fits right in your kitchen counter which is ideal for home owners, not renters. It is convenient and takes up less space. The same engineering genius goes into both blenders. The computer controlled blend cycles make perfect drinks and recipes with one-touch operation. There are no old fashioned knobs, switches, or dials to wear out. Solid state electronics and a sleek touchpad ensure long life and dependable performance. No other blender offers the power, ease of operation and state of the art engineering as the Connoisseur and The Total Blender. Once more, these blenders make it very easy, practical and fun to eat 7 to 12 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily. A recipe book is included. (Ordering information below)
The Mix n’ Blend™ is another indispensable appliance in my kitchen, classes, and workshops. It's the perfect tool to use for mixing, whipping, blending, and kneading -- all with just one push of a button. With 1000 watts of power, there is no job it can not handle. The Mix n’ Blend features a smart auto-knead button which kneads up to 12 pounds of dough to the perfect gluten level, then automatically shuts off. No more long tedious kneading is required because this appliance makes it simple and fresh. A 4-quart mixing bowl and a 64-ounce blending jar makes even large jobs a breeze. Its compact size fits nicely on any counter and makes preparing foods fast and easy. (Ordering information below)
The Kitchen Mill™ transforms dry wheat, rice, beans, peas, corn, oats, rye, and other legumes into fresh flour in seconds. This efficacious Kitchen Mill grinds with low heat so the nutrients and enzymes are saved. When you mill your own flour and keep all of the nutrients intact, you can put together the most nutritious, delicious meals. (Ordering information below)
No healthy kitchen should be without these kitchen divas. Moreover, if you are on a low-carb program, these are the must-have tools to assist you in preparing salubrious complex carb and protein meals that will fortify your body and optimize health. Are you looking for the perfect wedding, birthday, holiday, anniversary or “just-because-I-appreciate-you” gift? Or perhaps you want to find an efficient, simple way to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables every day. All of these appliances fit the bill.
For more information on the Total Blender, Connoisseur, The Mix n’ Blend or the Kitchen Mill, or to order any of them, please visit blendtec by clicking here. .
12 Delicious, Nutritious Blender Recipes
Vitality Shake
Serves 1 to 2
I make this smoothie, or a variation, several mornings a week right after my workout. It really hits the spot and provides a balance of high protein, healthy carbs, and omega-3 fatty acids.
2 cups liquid -- use fresh juice, water, tea (like organic green tea), soy milk, nut milk
1 ripe banana, peeled (I use frozen)
1 cup frozen fruit such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, papaya
6 raw almonds
1 T. organic flaxseeds
3-4 leaves of Romaine lettuce
1 scoop of your favorite protein powder
Blend, adding extra liquid, if necessary, to achieve the consistency you desire. Serve immediately. I often drink half of the recipe in the morning and save the other half for my afternoon snack.
VARIATIONS: For the liquid base, I frequently use a tea mixture that I have available 24/7 in my refrigerator which is made from different herb teas. For example, I often make 10 cups of tea with 5 different tea bags -- such as green tea, detox, camomile with lavender, peppermint and ginseng. To the smoothie, I sometimes add in fresh ginger, vanilla or cinnamon powder. To increase protein, B vitamins and vitamin E, I add freshly-milled raw wheat germ and nutritional yeast. When I want to add an extra boost of protein, I will include a scoop of organic protein powder* or organic silken tofu. I might also incorporate a few raw pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. To make it really creamy, try adding a handful of raw cashews instead of the walnuts and almonds. If you want it colder and more like a shake -- especially if you are using fresh fruit rather than frozen fruit -- blend in a few ice cubes. Experiment with different combinations. It will be different every time and very delicious and nutritious.
Dried Plum & Apple Smoothie
Serves 1 to 2
Dried plums is really another way of saying prunes, which sometimes get a bad rap. This is a refreshing afternoon pick-me-up guaranteed to keep you in the flow.
1 cup vanilla soy yogurt
8 prunes, pitted
1/2 cup frozen apple juice concentrate
1/4 lemon, peeled (outer layer only, keep pithy part on)
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 leaves of fresh mint
5 to 6 ice cubes
Blend until smooth and serve.
Tropical Fruit Smoothie
Serves 2 to 3
2 ripe bananas, peeled
1 mango, peeled, seeded and cubed
1 papaya, peeled, seeded and cubed
1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
Ice cubes to taste
Blend until smooth and serve. If you want to gift your taste buds with something really special, add the water and soft meat from a young coconut. Studies reveal that the chemical composition of this liquid and meat is only a few molecules different than your blood’s plasma. I have a glass of pure coconut water mixed with some fresh lemon juice several times a week to help foster vibrant health and youthful vitality.
Mixed Melon Ambrosia
Serves 2 to 3
Melons provide a treasure-trove of vitamins A, B, and C, along with trace minerals and enzymes. On a hot summer day, everyone loves this beautiful, delectable smoothie.
2 cups watermelon chunks
2 cups honeydew melon chunks
1/2 cantaloupe chunks, frozen
1/2 cup strawberries, frozen
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)
Blend and serve.
VARIATION: Substitute frozen pitted cherries or blueberries for the strawberries.
Almond Milk
Makes about 5 cups
Here’s a great milk substitute from one of my favorite raw food cookbooks, How We All Went Raw, by Charles Nungesser and Stephen Malachi. (To order, call: 888-661-7401) You can use this delicious, nutritious milk any way you would use dairy milk.
1 cup raw almonds
6 cups purified water (I use distilled)
Soak the raw almonds in 2 cups of water for at least 6 hours (the first step in sprouting). In a blender, add the presoaked and drained almonds with 4 cups of water. Blend on high until creamy. Strain the milk through a fine strainer or cheese cloth to remove fiber. This keeps 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Chill and serve.
VARIATION: To sweeten, add pure maple syrup, raw honey or a few pitted dates and blend, or add raw carob powder and you have “chocolate milk.” I also like it with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder. TIP: Nuts change from about 25% protein and 75% fat to about 75% protein and 25% fat when sprouted.
Almond-Date Shake
Serves 2 to 3
From toddlers to seniors, I have never found anyone who does not love this shake. No matter the season, it is always a favorite and it is actually good for you. I sometimes have this healthy shake for a meal or afternoon snack.
2 1/2 cups almond milk
2 small or 1 large ripe frozen banana
5 to 6 medjool dates, pitted and chopped
4 to 5 ice cubes
Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend until creamy smooth.
VARIATIONS: Adding some vanilla extract or pods or a few drops of pure maple syrup brings a special flavor to this shake. To increase the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, I often add some frozen fruits such as blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, mango, papaya, peach, kiwi, cranberries and pitted cherries. If you want to make a Chocolate-Date-Peppermint Shake, to the above recipe, add 2 tablespoons pure organic cocoa powder (or raw carob powder) and 1/8 teaspoon peppermint extract. Pour into a chilled glass and garnish is a fresh mint sprig. To increase the protein, add a scoop of organic your favorite protein powder.
Cherry Supreme Smoothie/Shake
This blend is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to drink. Enjoy it any time of the day.
Serves 2 to 3
1 1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup apple juice
1 cup cherries, pitted (if out of season, you can use frozen cherries)
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 medium bananas
1/2 cup raw cashews
1/2 vanilla bean
Blend until smooth.
VARIATIONS: If you want it colder and more like a shake, use frozen fruit or add some ice cubes.
Very Strawberry-Banana Smoothie
Serves 2 to 3
The combination of high vitamin C strawberries and high potassium banana is a nutritional winner and the beautiful rose color of this smoothie also nourishes the soul.
8 frozen strawberries
1 ripe frozen banana, cut into chunks
2/3 cup fresh strawberry juice (without a juicer, substitute apple or orange)
1/2 cup vanilla soy yogurt
2 tablespoons frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed.
Blend and serve. To increase protein, add 1 to 2 scoops of your favorite protein powder. I use Fermented Soy Essence™ (see Vitality Shake above).
Positively Pear Smoothie
Serves 1 to 2
1 1/2 cups pears, peeled, cut into chunks and frozen
1 ripe frozen banana, cut into chunks
3/4 cup soy or nut milk
2 ounces of raw cashews
Blend until smooth and serve.
Chilled Cantaloupe-Lime Soup
Serves 3 to 6
This raw and refreshing soup is perfect on a hot summer day! It’s teaming with antioxidants, beta-carotene, potassium and vitamin C.
2 ripe cantaloupe, cut into chunks
1 cup fresh orange juice (tangerine juice or a combination of both)
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger root
1/2 organic lime, thinly sliced
4 to 6 fresh mint sprigs
In a blender, puree the melon, orange juice, lime juice, and ginger. Pour into serving bowls and chill in the bowl. Garnish each serving with a slice of lime and a sprig of mint.
VARIATIONS: Substitute honeydew melon or apricots for cantaloupe and fresh apple, peach, nectarine, or strawberry juice for the orange juice.
Living Foods Tomato Vegetable Soup
Serves 2 to 4
This nutrient-rich soup takes only a few minutes to make and is a perfect fast food. It’s replete with antioxidants, enzymes, lycopene, vitamin C, selenium, and beta-carotene. If you want to lose some weight, have a cup as your first course before lunch or dinner. It fills you with nutrients and volume so you will not eat as much afterwards. I also put this soup in a thermos or bottle and take it with me when I’m out all day or traveling. It’s great hot, warm or chilled. Vary the vegetables (tomatoes are really a fruit) according to what you have available. It is so easy, healthy, fast and a delectable raw food meals or snack.
1 cup liquid, hot (water, tea, broth, fresh veggie juice, etc.)
5 large or 6 medium tomatoes cut in half
1 cup purple cabbage, cut in chunks
1 cup baby carrots, peeled
1/2 small onion, peeled
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional)
1 to 3 cloves garlic (optional)
Mint and basil leaves for garnish
Blend until smooth and serve in heated bowls if you prefer it warm or hot. Garnish with sprigs of mint and/or basil.
VARIATION: Some other vegetables and herbs I frequently add include parsnips, yellow squash, celery, parsley, basil, arugala, spinach, green onions, jalapeno peppers, string beans, zucchini, and cucumbers. If I want to season it, I usually take advantage of a variety of different fresh herbs from my garden and I also enjoy hand-crafted unpasteurized miso.
Veggie Smoothie/Soup
Serves 3 to 4
Here is a great way to “eat” your vegetables! The combination of miso and mint may sound odd but they add a wonderful balance of flavors to this veggie drink.
2 cups carrot juice (about 8 to 10 carrots)
1 cucumber, peeled if not organic
1 bell pepper, red, yellow or orange
6 leaves romaine lettuce
3 leaves cabbage, green or purple
1 cup spinach
1/2 small lemon, with peel if organic
1/2 avocado, pitted and peeled
1 to 2 cloves garlic (optional)
1 T. flaxseed oil or flaxseeds
Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish
Juice enough carrots to make 2 cups. Continue to juice the other produce (cucumber, pepper, lettuce, cabbage, spinach and lemon). Pour this mixture into a blender and add the avocado, flax oil or seeds, garlic cloves. Blend until smooth, pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a sprig of mint. It is also great warmed up and put into a mug on a cold day.
VARIATION: You can use any vegetables or veggie juice you have on hand. If you do not have a juicer, then simply blend all of the ingredients until smooth, adding extra liquid until you reach your desired consistency. For liquid, you can use almond milk, green tea or other teas, purified water or vegetable broth.
For more information on the Total Blender, Connoisseur, The Mix n’ Blend or the Kitchen Mill, or to order any of them, please visit Blendtec by clicking here.
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For a greater variety of delicious, health-promoting recipes, The Healing Power of If you would like to purchase copies, Hay House 1-800-654-5126 |
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