Addictive Dressing: Carrot, Ginger Crack! (and shameless Facebook page plug...)

You could pour this over cockroaches, it would still taste divine; you could dip your mother-in-law in it, and you'd be begging for month-long visits.  No need to know how long it'll last in the refrigerator, because the crack juice won't last that long!

Carrot Ginger Dressing (otherwise referred to as crack)

This recipe is straight from Gwynnie's website goop.

Ingredients:

• 1 large carrot, peeled, roughly chopped
• 1 large shallot, peeled, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons Ginger, again, chop it. 
• 1 tablespoon sweet white miso
• 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seed oil
• 1/4 cup grape seed oil
• 2 tablespoons water

Preparation:

• Pulse the carrot, shallot and ginger in a blender until finely chopped.
• Add the miso, vinegar and sesame seed oil, blend again.  (I'm of course partial to the Vitamix)
• While the blender is going, slowly drizzle in the grape seed oil and the water.

Seriously, you could pour this over anything, fish, veggies, your LOVAH...  Today I had a salmon salad with cucumbers, radishes, pumpkin seeds, and avocado, over arugula and my head nearly exploded.  And it took me all of 5 minutes to whip this up.  DELISH!

Shameless Plug:  Now I would like to ask something of you, my fine friendly blog-readers.  I've been certified as a health and nutrition coach, and I am LOVING my new career.  Won't you please "like" my facebook page, One Healthy Mother, if indeed you are a facebooking kind of person?  Thanks for your support, and hopefully by doing so, you'll enjoy things like informative health tips, delicious recipes, cutting edge articles, a few laughs, and perhaps even A VITAMIX GIVEAWAY in the future!!!  (jeez, I sound like a politician...)

Happy blending,
One Healthy Mother

Stuff 'em if ya got 'em! Quahogs on the Vineyard

Now that Labor Day is around the corner, I thought it time to post about my new favorite summer recipe from Martha's Vineyard this year.  We had the most beautiful spot on "The Spit" this summer, with great neighbors to boot.  (This IS relevant to the recipe.)  The first day we arrive, my hubby sends me over to our new neighbors house to ask if they're using their beach chairs.  I said, "Honey, they're renting a BEACH house, don't you think they're using their BEACH CHAIRS!?"  But I guess he thought I could sway them, he's got a lot of faith in me, or at least in my bikini...

Well, as it happens, the amazing couple staying at this beach house were not renters, like we expected, but the actual owners, Gail and Bruce Kissell, and they had a FULL house, with their grown kids and most of their grandkids, so yes, indeed, they would be needing their beach chairs, but so nice to meet you anyway!  We knew immediately we'd be getting along very well.  And Henry was oh-so-happy, play dates for two weeks!  I did NOT get the beach chairs I wanted, although Bruce did hand over a couple of "crappy-ass" ones, his words, not mine...but we ended up getting a whole lot more.

Henry's new bud, Finn, the smile says it all.

Everyday, Henry would run over to Finn's, or Finn and his sister, or cousins, or any of the numerous relatives really, would come over to our place, or we'd convene on the beach.  We would give the kids lunch, or Henry would make sure he was over there when Gail was handing out yummy popsicles, or even better, a full meal.  The Kissells were so incredibly generous, (except where beach chairs were concerned, of course), always inviting Henry to stay over for dinner, and just as steadfastly, sending him on his way when it was time to bring the long summer day to a close.  (Henry thought he was VERY grown up, walking the 20 yards home on the beach by himself, as the sun was setting.)
One morning, sweet Bruce dropped off a bucket of Quahogs, a shellfish abundantly found in the warmer coves of Cape Cod.

Bruce said, "The family went clammin', and these were the leftovers."  He had a way of loving you and slapping you at the same time, it was very endearing.  This is the cove they got the Quahogs from, just out our front door, not bad, huh?

Note:  No warning signs....yet

No biggie that in the next day or so there was a sign posted about the bacteria levels in the cove, "NO CLAMMING!" but we chose to ignore that, and, well, none of us got sick...plus, I didn't want Bruce and Gail to think I was a wuss.
'Course being from Detroit, I had no idea how to stuff a Quahog, so in typical (we were old friends at this point) Bruce-fashion, he appeared on our porch with a lemon and some homemade spicy cocktail sauce.  The timing was perfect, I had just steamed the Quahogs, following Bruce's directions exactly, only letting them open a touch to ensure their tenderness, and pre-heated the oven to 400 degrees.

Steamed to a tee

Being a novice, I needed some lessons on shucking.  That's when we got busy.  And when I say "we," I mean Bruce.  He cracked these babies open like a pro, and I, well, watched.  Then I scraped and pulled all the meat out of the shells and cleaned 'em up for proper stuffing, removing as much grit and slimy stuff as possible.

The Shucker.
It's the Vineyard, clothing is often frowned upon.

I sautéed some garlic and onions, threw those in the Cuisinart, along with the steamed Quahog meat, lemon juice, cocktail sauce, herbed bread crumbs, salt and pepper.  Chopped it all up together, placed the clean shells on a baking sheet, and spooned the stuffing into the shells.

serious work

I baked these for about 15 minutes, until they were nice and brown.  Squirted a little lemon juice on top, with a splash of Tobasco sauce, and we could NOT stop eating these, until they were nice 'n gone.

A Vineyard delicacy

I could not have done this without my new pal, Bruce, and could not have had NEARLY as much fun on this vacation if we had planned it with our closest friends.  To all the Kissells, all gazillion of you, thank you for the best two weeks ever, and here's to next summer!

Before

After

Roast Yourself Some Sweet Peppers!

I received my box from Farm Fresh To You today, had a look, liked what I saw, and proceeded to make no plans for dinner.  My hubby's been out of town a lot these days, so it's been Henry and I for dinner, which is pretty easy preparation in comparison, so my planning brain has been on a mini vacation.
Friends, I must reiterate something here now, something I haven't stated in a while, but still boggles my mind:  7 YEARS AGO I COULD NOT COOK!  I don't mean I couldn't braise pork properly, I mean I couldn't BOIL AN EGG!  So the fact that at the last minute, after said hubby landed at LAX, I was able to create such a delicious dinner, is somewhat remarkable to me (and those who know me well).  I swung by Lindy & Grundy, my amazing neighborhood butchers, who only carry local, pastured and organic meats, (not cheap!), and got us some boneless chicken thighs, (which I marinated in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, salt and pepper), had cooked up a big pot of pinto beans earlier, quickly made some quinoa, and then created this side dish: ROASTED SWEET PEPPERS.  Your head will explode, they're THAT delicious.  (And so easy, of course, my mantra)  I swiped this recipe from my CSA who supplies my farm box full of veggies and fruits.

Ingredients:
6-7 sweet peppers, cored and sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1-2 teaspoons of thyme (or your favorite herb)
1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional, but recommended!)
1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F

Toss peppers, garlic, herb and olive oil together.  Season peppers with salt and pepper.  Spread peppers on a baking sheet and cook for about 5 minutes. (peppers will be soft, not charred)

Gorgeous, no?

If adding Parmesan, sprinkle on top and let melt for one more 

minute in the oven.  Drizzle with lemon juice and serve.

SOOOOOOO GOOD!

I feel like you can smell these from this picture...

Crack Berry Salad

Can't.  Stop.  Eating.  This.

About a month ago I bought this bag of wheat berries, just grabbed 'em, no reason, didn't know what I'd make with them, just seemed like a good idea at the time.  They sat in my pantry for far too long, teasing me from their dark shelf, so I took the first step and soaked these babies in water over night, then cooked 'em in chicken broth and let them sit in my fridge for a day, still totally bewildered as to what to create.  I gave Henry a bite before cooling them off and he said, "They're not very good, right Mamma?"  Right, Henry. 

Until I added...

• Organic dried cranberries
• Chopped walnuts
• Diced red onion
• Chopped parsley
• Fresh squeezed lemon juice
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper

Then my husband took a bite and said, "This is like crack."

Mix and eat cold, (don't smoke it)

Super duper good.  Henry still didn't care to try it, but the numerous amount of people who traipse through our house will be fighting over the leftovers all day tomorrow.  New.  Fave.  Dish.   

Artichoke Pasta Alternative

I love a nice, steamed artichoke, luuuuuurv, in fact.  But after I'm into artichoke season for a while, I start to wonder, "What else can I do with this thing?"  Well, I was talking with my new, fabulous Health Counseling client, (yup, launched my new business:  One Healthy Mother, more on that soon), about a large portion of her life she spent living in Italy, (hence, the fabulous!), and truth be told, we were going over some no-no foods for her initial health goals, and with a sniffle she began revealing different Italian dishes she'll miss dreadfully.  (She ADORES a good, fresh Italian pasta dish, who doesn't!?)  And she told me about this sauce they just throw together in Italy on any given day during artichoke season.  I MUST go there!
(drill seargent-esque)
Me:  HOW DO WE LIKE OUR RECIPES?
You:  SIMPLE!
Me:  WHEN DO WE LIKE THEM SIMPLE?
You:  ALWAYS!
This is so simple, fresh, and delicious that I must share it with you.  My client tells me to just scrape the meat from the leaves of a steamed artichoke:

Although, full disclosure, because I'm always honest with you people, aren't' I?  If you have an extra pair of hands around the kitchen, or a teenager you can bribe to do this, scraping the meat off the artichoke leaves is a wee bit time-consuming.  Not my favorite thing to do, and I could have easily had two more full artichokes for this dish, IF I had the where with all to continue scraping, yes:  Each.  Individual.  Leaf.  Oy.

M'fingers got tired...

Scrap all you can, and also chop up the hearts:

Pile 'O scraped leaves

 Sautée some garlic and Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a pan on medium heat, add the artichoke scrapings, then mix in the pasta of your choice.  Mine is quinoa pasta.  Sprinkle of cheese and TA-DA!  A yummy, fresh, artichoke-infused pasta dish.  lovely.  Henry ate it very, very fast.

Do y'all have any other favorite artichoke recipes to share?  Please send them 

in or put them in the comment section.  Thank you, and as always, enjoy!

Boy, You've Got Some RAW BALLS!

It's ALL raw

At a meal where succulent grass-fed filet mignon, which barely needs to graze the grill to cook, and makes your mouth water from 9 feet away, takes second place, tonight RAW BALLS comes out the clear winner.  Ladies and Gentlemen....RAW BALLS!!!  (Yes, I just like to say raw balls.)

Helloooooo balls

My brand spankin' new sister-in-law, Lisa--

The nuptials in Aspen.  Best.  Wedding.  Ever.

sent me this recipe, informing me that it was super yummy but in need of a new name.  RAW BALLS just wasn't appetizing, but she's a southern lady.  Well this mutha thinks it's perfect.  "After dinner, I'll be serving Raw Balls."  "Did you enjoy the Raw Balls?"  "Have you tasted Leslie's Raw Balls??!"  Come on, how could you rename these little guys?

Ingredients:
Makes 12 - 16 balls

1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup raw cacao (the recipe called for raw carob or cocoa powder, but I used cacao because of all it's nutrients as a superfood)
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup almond butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup whole almonds
1-2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut

Place walnuts in a food processor and process until coarsely ground.  Add the dates and pulse until well combined with the nuts.

 

Add the cacao powder, syrup, almond butter, vanilla and salt.  Process until the mixture is thick and smooth.  

Add the almonds and pulse a few times until combined.  There should be some big almond chunks remaining.

Wet your hands with water or a little olive oil, and form the mixture into balls and roll in the coconut.  Place on parchment paper on a tray and store in freezer.

These balls are DIVINE!  All raw ingredients, never cooked, just chopped, mixed, rolled, and frozen.  They're addictive and perfect.   I did have a little problem with my food processor, to be perfectly honest.  When I added the cacao, syrup and almond butter, she just stopped.  Wouldn't budge.  I'm not sure why this was, as it didn't happen to Lisa, and I thought my Cuisinart could move through mortar, but that wasn't the case.  In the future, I would probably stir it manually at that stage, and chop the almonds beforehand.  The almonds ended up whole in my recipe because of this, and it still worked great, but I might futz around with it a little next time, and OOOOOOH there WILL be a next time!

"What's in that?"

"That's what!"

Have a look.  You know you want it.

ADDENDUM:  I made these again because, well, they're AWESOME, and we've had some dinner guests this week.  I used the food processor for the first step of combining the walnuts and dates, but then just mixed everything else by hand.  MUCH easier, especially on the kitchen appliances, which sounded like they were going to burn out.  And I prefer the almonds whole anyway, they add a delicious bit of crunch to these fudgey balls.  Make these already!!

My First Video!

One of my best friends, Jen, was in town staying with us recently, she's addicted to the Burns morning juice ritual, AND she happens to handle a camera like a pro, 'cause she IS a pro.  

Henry likes Jen a little bit

Here's a tutorial for those of you who were curious about blending vs. juicing.  You can see just how the Vitamix works, and experience some of Jen's masterwork behind the camera, all at once in this simple vlog.  You're welcome.

Just an Average Morning at Chez Burns

Green Smoothie...

Every morning, this is what my family puts into their tummies, as well as house guests that happen to be staying with us at any given time, you know who you are, Jen!  I personally think it's absolutely delicious, most guests agree, and some, well, they "choke it down."  One thing you cannot disagree with though is it's 100% healthy, and definitely gets things... how shall I say this...... moooooooving.  Which, whether you like to discuss such matters or not, is imperative to your good health. 

On the face.

ENTER (drum roll, please.....) THE VITAMIX!

Chock Full o' Goodness

This little gem is a HUGE help in keeping my family healthy, and as I've begun to share with my friends and family, I've just become an affiliate for the company, so YOU'RE IN LUCK!  But first, let me tell you what's in this little concoction, then I'll try to sell ya.

I start with three scoops of Premier Greens and Lean-Body Whey protein from a wonderful company called Premier Research Labs, whose products are entirely excipient-free and full of safe nutrients and supplements.  Not necessary for this morning mix, but just what I like to include.

I vary my greens slightly each day, but on this particular morning, here are my ingredients:

• Sliced, Fresh Ginger
• Spinach
• Celery
• Basil
• Cucumber (peeled)
• Lemon (peeled)
• Kale
• Banana (peeled)
• Carrot 
• Frozen Pineapple

All the other ingredients listed are NOT peeled, just washed.  This thing pulverizes the whole enchilada, so you get all the nutrients in the foods you're drinking.

And voilà!

Ain't she a beaut?

It's really amazing what you can do with this machine.  I had been unofficially "selling" them to my friends and family, when finally, after the EIGHTH person bought one I thought, "I should be getting a commission!"  Of course thinking, "That'll never happen," because, well, I'm always slightly surprised when I get paid for anything.  (I'm currently in the process of changing that line of thinking!)  So I applied to the company, sent them my blog, and low and behold, they made me an affiliate.  It's pretty tough criteria, not just ANYone can become an affiliate, the qualifications are quite extensive, but I dream big.

So here's the deal.  See the flashy green and orange ad at the top of my blog?  Click on it and that'll take you right to the Vitamix website with my affiliate code already attached to it.  You can also call the company directly and give them my code, if you'd like to talk to a helpful sales person, they really are peachy over there at Vitamix.  (800) 848-2649, and my affiliate code is:  06-007015.  You get free shipping, which in the US is a $25 value, and in Canada $35, and I get...A NEW CAR!  There are a lot of options to buy, the Vitamix 5200 being the most popular one, but if the $449 price tag is too steep for you, they always offer refurbished models for $379.  That's what I purchased, and a year and half in, I'm, well, A SALESPERSON FOR THE COMPANY!  That's how much I love this appliance.  

It slices, it dices, it.... ok, it's not a Ronco product, but damn, I tell ya, you can make a whole lot with it.  You can quickly make hummus, almond butter, peanut butter, juices, sauces, soups, and it HEATS UP YOUR SOUPS.  That's right, just turn it on for 4-5 minutes, and out comes a piping hot, delicious, fresh soup.  Oh, and anything goes wrong?  You have a 7 year warranty.  AND THAT'S NOT ALL!  You also get this free Snuggie Blanket!  

(no you don't)  

But this part IS true, it's the easiest thing in the world to clean.  A lot of people ask me why they shouldn't just get a juicer.  Have you ever tried cleaning a juicer?  It's a royal pain in the ass, and enough to get you to never juice again.  This thing, you just squirt a tiny bit of dish soap in it with some water, and turn it back on for 30 seconds.  

(Uh, don't forget the top...)  Rinse and repeat.  

I hope you'll consider it, you won't be sorry, and either way, here's to good health!

Okay, I'm done with my big sales pitch, 

but here's one more image for you to marinate on:

"Won't you please help my mommy make a living?"