Friday, August 23, 2013

Mexican Inspired Salad

I love the flavors of Mexican food!  This simple salad is inspired by the flavors & spices from Mexican rice, pico de gallo, & guacamole. (See my versions of Mexican "rice" here and here).
You should feel free to switch anything out for what you have around the kitchen.  I am not crazy about heat in my food, but if you love it, go ahead and add some minced up jalapeno!

Ingredients:
Romaine lettuce (or mixed greens, or baby kale)
Handful Cherry tomatoes
1 Green pepper
1 Avocado
2 scallions(or red onion)
Parsley, about half a handful
Cilantro, about half a handful
1 clove garlic(zested or minced)
1 lime (or half depending on how juicy it is)
Cumin (to taste)
Sea or Pink Himalayan Salt (to taste)

Step #1: Chop up veggies, herbs, & cube avocado. Add everything to a large bowl. Zest in garlic, add cumin & salt to taste, &  squeeze in lime juice.
Step # 2: Mix well and enjoy!







Thursday, August 22, 2013

Almond Coconut Treat

I decided to continue no sugar (with the exception of raw young coconut water) and a very green centric diet for the month of August after completing the month of July. 
I found that I was fine without any fruit and was satisfied with coconut puddings for dessert.
Then we went to a wedding this past weekend (no coconut pudding access).  Seeing all the brownies, cookies, & ice cream made me want a little bit of an almond based cookie or raw treat.  Determined not to break the Extreme Green Cleanse I am doing, I experimented with this simple almond coconut treat earlier and it was a success.
These measurements are approximate, you can experiment, you won't go wrong!

Ingredients:
Approx. 2 teaspoons Raw Almond Butter
Approx. 2 teaspoons Unsweetened shredded coconut
Cinnamon (to taste)
1/4 of a vanilla bean (open & scrap beans)
Stevia (optional, I didn't use it)

Step #1: Place almond butter into a bowl and add shredded coconut as needed to thicken. Add cinnamon & vanilla and stir.
Step #2: Use a teaspoon measuring spoon to form mixture & place in mini cupcake liner.  Place treats in freezer for at least 20 mins before enjoying. They are bite sized, but filling. I made 3 total, but only ate 2 of them.