Tag Archives: fruit

Grated Apple for Little Tummies

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Remember the saying “An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” My daughter was recently complaining about a stomach ache. I remembered my mom grating an apple, letting it turn a little brown and then giving it to us for stomach upset, so I tried this first. Grated apple, by the way, is super yummy – juice is released and so it’s a nice mix of crunchy and juicy, but different than just eating an apple. Anyway, there were no more complaints (that day) about stomach ache. I’ve heard this can help against acid reflux as well! Enjoy and take care and be well!

Blog shredded apple

What kind of apple? Any kind will do. Gala Apples are my favorite.

I founds some other great natural remedy tips here! Natural is always a great place to start.

http://www.purplesage.org.uk/treatments/KitchenPharm.htm

dit-elle-Esther

Honeydew-Lemongrass Agua Fresca

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Aguas frescas (or Spanish “cool waters”) are made by combining fruits, flavors, sometimes seeds and flowers with a bit of sugar and water to make a light non-alcoholic beverages. They are popular in Latin American countries – and I’ve been trying some recipes since Seattle is back in the close to 90 degree range. This Honeydew-Lemongrass version is totally refreshing!

Don’t have lemongrass? No problem, try a tablespoon chopped basil, mint or tarragon!

Blog lemongrass melon fresca

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups water, divided
  • 1/8 – 1/4 cup sugar (I used 1 Tbsp agave syrup instead, but I like less sweet)
  • 1 stalk lemongrass, lightly smashed
  • 2 pounds honeydew – peeled, seeded and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Ice, for serving

Preparation

  • Combine 1/4 cup water, sugar or agave and lemongrass in a saucepan; simmer for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover and steep for 15 minutes. Remove lemongrass.
  • Blend together honeydew, lime juice and remaining water. Add sugar syrup, to taste. Strain and serve over ice.

Thanks PCC Natural Markets

dit-elle-Esther!

Tomato, Basil, Mozzarella and Watermelon Skewers

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We’re having another “heat wave” (Seattle doesn’t really know what to do when it’s 80+ degrees (except celebrate perhaps). Get to 90+ though and we start melting). With no air conditioning, we try not to cook and bake much, instead we head to the lake for picnic dinners or grill on our deck. These skewers require no grilling or cooking however and are totally summer, totally simple, and totally delicious.

We had these at a wedding few weeks ago in California. It was the perfect appetizer.

You skewer cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, cubed watermelon and fresh basil leaves. Then drizzle with your favorite balsamic vinaigrette and serve! So easy!

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Ingredients

  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Watermelon, slice into 1″ cubes
  • Mozzarella, cubed
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Balsamic vinaigrette
  • Skewers (look for bamboo knot cocktail / Hors’ D’oeuvre picks)

 Directions

  • Skewer tomatoes, watermelon and cheese with basil layered in
  • Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette
  • Keep refrigerated until ready to serve
  • Enjoy!

dit-elle-Esther

Orange Cake

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This is a totally delicious cake! Eat it for breakfast or dress it up for high tea or dessert! You can enjoy this as is for paleo goodness, or add an optional sweet and citrusy glaze to make it even more amazing!

Though I haven’t tried it, Elana (from Elanaspantry.com) says there’s a Starbucks version out there that tastes just like this one.

The one tricky part of this recipe is that you have to boil oranges for 90 minutes. So plan ahead. The oranges are low maintenance while cooking, but keep an eye so you don’t run out of water. As an extra bonus, your house will be filled with a refreshing and natural citrusy aroma! 🙂

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Ingredients

  • 2 oranges
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup agave nectar or honey (original recipe says 3/4 cup)
  • 2 cups blanched almond flour
  • 1/4 tsp celtic sea salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Glaze (optional)

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 orange, thinly sliced for decoration

Instructions

  • Wash the oranges and boil them whole (peel and all) for 1 ½ hours, or until soft
  • Place whole oranges (peel and all) in a food processor and blend until smooth
  • Process in eggs, agave, almond flour, salt and baking soda until well blended
  • Pour batter into a greased 9 inch cake pan
  • Bake at 375° for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick stuck in the center comes out clean
  • Cool in the pan for 2 hours
  • Make glaze by working orange juice into powdered sugar. You can add more/less liquid to get desired consistency. Pour onto cake and even out with spatula. Decorate with optional orange slices.
  • Enjoy or refrigerate for a few days (if you can keep from eating it up)! 🙂

Thanks for the inspiration Elanaspantry.com!

dit-elle-Esther

Red, White and Blueberry Popsicles

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These popsicles were inspired by our favorite summer ingredients – strawberries, blueberries, coconut milk! This is a great project for kids to help with. Getting molds ready, selecting ingredients, sampling the flavors! Have fun! 🙂

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Ingredients

Red

  • 1 cup strawberries
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • add some water if too thick

White

  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream

Blue

  • 1 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • add some water if too thick

Directions

  • Blend individual popsicle batches and pour into molds in layers. And yes, layers may bleed a little (but this is the quickest way to do this!) and hey, give a pretty marbled effect! 🙂

There is another version using berries/water/honey on Elana’s Pantry that is worth checking out also! http://elanaspantry.com/red-white-and-blueberry-popsicles/

dit-elle-Esther

Strawberry Balsamic Granita

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It’s been so hot in Seattle that all I can think of making is frozen treats! Granita is an Italian dessert made of sugar, water and flavor or juice and is very easy to make.

Also check out Lemon Granita and Cranberry Jalapeno Granita!

Blog strawberry balsamic granita-1

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces fresh strawberries (about 2½ cups), hulled
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar, or to taste
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
  • More balsamic vinegar for topping (optional)

Preparation

  • Combine berries and sugar in a food processor until smooth. Stir in water and vinegar. Transfer to a glass baking dish and freeze for 30 minutes.
  • Thoroughly scrape the entire pan with a fork, breaking up ice crystals. Repeat freezing and scraping process every 30 minutes, until granita is firm but not frozen solid, 2 to 4 hours.
  • Spoon into small glasses and serve.
  • Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a few drops of balsamic vinegar (optional)

Thanks PCC Natural Markets for the inspiration!

dit-elle-Esther

Paleo Plum Pie with Crumb Topping

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This is a totally delicious breakfast, snack or dessert. Make it when plums are in season and top with ice-cream or Greek yogurt for some totally non-paleo deliciousness! 🙂

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Ingredients

For the crust

  • 2 cups almond meal
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1 egg
  • dash of salt (optional)

For the filling

  • 4 cups sliced plums
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder (I used 1 Tbsp potato starch instead since I didn’t have arrowroot powder)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the topping

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup almond meal
  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 350° F.
  • Place almond meal and salt in a food processor and pulse briefly. Add coconut oil and egg and pulse until mixture forms a ball, adding a little water if necessary to make dough stick. Press dough into a 9-inch pie dish.
  • Toss together filling ingredients in a bowl; arrange in pie crust and pour remaining liquid over the top.
  • Stir together topping ingredients and crumble over filling.
  • Bake until the filling is tender and the top is golden, 35 to 45 minutes.

Thanks PCC Natural Markets for the inspiration!

dit-elle-Esther

Mango Pineapple Smoothie

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Mango, pineapple and coconut give this smoothie a delicious tropical flavor. Not to sweet, not tart.. it’s the perfect summer snack! There was so much smoothie, I made popsicles for the kids as well! 🙂

Blog mango smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1 1/2 Cup Pineapple (I used frozen, but can also use fresh)
  • 1 Cup Mango (approximately one whole mango, if not using frozen)
  • 3/4 Cup Coconut Milk
  • 1 TBSP Chia Seeds

Directions

  • Blend all ingredients together and enjoy! 🙂

Thanks Athleta for the inspiration!

dit-elle-Esther

Fresh Squeezed Sparkling Orange Juice

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This was our Easter brunch drink, super simple, super yummy. The kids LOVE to help squeeze oranges on our little juicer, so you can make this into a fun kid activity and show them where juice comes from! 🙂

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Ingredients

  • Oranges
  • Sparkling water
  • Fresh rosemary, thyme or mint for garnish

Directions

  • Juice oranges and pour in glasses
  • Top with a splash of sparkling water
  • Garnish with fresh herbs
  • Serve!

dit-elle-Esther

Basil Lime Fruit Salad

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This recipe takes your standard fruit salad and adds a savory undertone and some garden party elegance! 🙂 With whipped cream or coconut milk – it is pure deliciousness! I served this for my Easter brunch and made the syrup days in advance – you can clean and cut the fruit a day in advance, refrigerate separately and toss to serve!

The original recipe called for a 1/2 cup of sugar in the syrup but I generally don’t add sweeteners to fruit. I did add one tablespoon of agave syrup however to balance out the lime and basil. There’s definitely some flexibility here so go ahead and taste your way to the perfect syrup. 🙂

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Ingredients

Syrup

  • 1 Tbsp agave syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 cup packed basil leaves
  • 1 Tbsp grated lime rind

Fruit

  • You can really use whatever fruit your heart and tummy desires including but not limited to –
  • Cubed pineapple (about one medium)
  • Quartered strawberries (about 1lb)
  • Cubed peeled mango (1 or 2)
  • 4 kiwifruit, peeled, halved and sliced
  • Grapes, apples, pears, oranges..

Directions

  • Combine agave and water and bring to a boil.
  • Remove from heat and stir in basil and lime rind
  • Cool and strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard solids.
  • Combine cleaned and chopped fruit and drizzle with syrup right before serving
  • Toss gently
  • Garnish with whipped cream, coconut milk and a mint leaf! 🙂

dit-elle-Esther