The many health benefits of flax

Flax seed has many health benefits for men, women, children and pets of all ages. (I add ground flax to my dog's food every day : )
Here is a link that gives a good overview of flax and it's benefits:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=81

The nutrients in ground flax are easier absorbed. Freshly ground flax is highest in nutrients, so it is best to grind it just before you use it. You can use a small food processor for this.
Make sure you grind it for at least a couple of minutes.

Apple Spice Cupcakes/Cake

Ingredients dry:
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
3/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup ground flax
1/2tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 cup coconut palm sugar (or brown sugar)

Ingredients wet:
1/2 cup of egg beaters or applesauce (or 2 eggs)
3/4 cup agave syrup
1/2 cup of plain greek yogurt
vanilla
1 large or 2 small apples peeled and chopped
optional: 1/2 cup dried dates and/or raisins (I added them this time around they add a little extra sweetnes)

Method:
Combine all dry ingredients well
Add wet ingredients except the yogurt and mix well
Add yogurt and mix

add chopped apple and dried fruits (optional) and mix just to incorporate

Pour into cupcake pan or cake pan. Bake cupcakes for 20-25min and cake for 40-50min at 375F until a toothpick comes out clean.

Enjoy!
Store leftovers in an airtight container. I would keep the cake in the fridge, especially if your home gets hot in the summer. Also, I think these are better the next day : )

OMG - Spiked ; ) Almond Cherry Trufles

These little treats are a continuation of the No-Bake phase I am currently in, due to the hot and humid weather. They are unbelievably delicious. Coincidentally, they happen to have no saturated fat and a high concentration of polyunsaturated fats. They also contain a good amount of fiber and magnesium. Oh, and did I mention the Amaretto ; )


Ingredients
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup dried dates
1/2 cup dried cherries
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1-2 tbsp Amaretto

Method
In a food processor grind almonds into a fine powder. Add dates and blend until smooth. Add cherries and blend until smooth. Add cocoa powder and Amaretto and blend until incorporated.
Remove "dough" from bowl and roll tightly into truffle size balls. Chillfor at least 30min before serving. Enjoy!
Will keep for 1 week in fridge.

un-Bagel this...

If you love a bagel with cream cheese as much as I do, try substituting it with sprouted bread and goat creamy cheese from Trader Joe's.

You are looking at a huge reduction in simple carbs and calories and an increase to 20% of your daily fiber need, when you substitute the bagel with sprouted bread. Creamy goat cheese is even lower in fat and higher in protein than reduced fat cream cheese and has a great flavor.
Top with veggies, lox or honey : )

No Bake Peanut Cookies - Perfect for Hot Weather!!!

Who wants to turn on the oven when it is hot and humid outside?!?!
No reason to stop making healthy treats : ) These yummy cookies take about 5min, no sweat! : )

Ingredients
1/4 cup peanuts
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup dried dates

Method
Grind peanuts into a VERY fine powder in food processor. Add raisins - blend, add dates- blend until you have a pretty smooth paste. Remove from food processor and roll tightly into approx 8-10 small balls with hands. Then press into flat cookie shape. Place in fridge for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy and keep leftovers in fridge for about 1 week.

Quick Cumin Cauliflower

This makes a great substitute to chips or potatoes for lunch and dinner. Nutrients are preserved by short cooking time and not draining the cooking water.

Ingredients
2 cups Cauliflower cut into small florets (preferably organic)
2tbsp Earth Balance
1tsp Cumin Powder
approx. 1/4 cup water
Salt to taste

Method
Place cauliflower florets in a large enough pan, so that they do not overlap. Add water. The cauliflower should not be covered with water, just covered about 1/4 of the way. Add Earth Balance, cumin and salt. Bring to a boil, mix and then then cover with lid and continue to cook on medium heat until the cauliflower is just tender (about 3-5 min). Remove the cover and allow all water to escape leaving only the melted Earth Balance. Cook another 2-3 minutes allowing the cauliflower to crisp up in the pan. (If the pan seams dry add a little extra Earth Balance.)
Serve and enjoy!
(Leftovers will keep in the fridge for about a week.)

Cruciferous Vegetables - Eat them daily

Cruciferous vegetables are a nutrition powerhouse! They provide fiber and help flush out toxins and chemicals from of the body. Consumption of these vegetables has also been shown to reduce the incidences of chronic diseases including cardiovascular problems and cancer.
Here is an extensive list of cruciferous vegetables. Eat at least one or two every day and choose organic when possible : )
Arugula, Broccoli, Bok Choy, Brussle Sprouts, Cauliflower, Collard Greens, Cabbage, Horseradish, Kale, Mustard Seeds, Radishes, Rapini, Rutabaga, Watercress, Wasabi