De Ma Cuisine

Drinks Archive

Wednesday

26

October 2016

0

COMMENTS

Eating on the Road – Nutella Raspberry Shake

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Thoughts, Travel, Usana, Vegan, Vegetarian

nutellashake2rt

Life on the road has been great. It’s been filled with adventure and relaxation, smooth highways and bumpy gravel roads, time with people and time alone. It’s been a joy to be on this journey. We’ve loved it all. Part of what’s been fun is getting away from the norms of our everyday life.

phillycssandrt

Our normal routine includes a weekly menu, planned so that the grocery shopping is done efficiently and practically, so that there is something planned for all meals. We don’t eat out a lot. Eating out doesn’t agree with our budget or our healthy lifestyle choices. However, life on the road includes a lot more eating out than normal. It’s not the norm-norm, but for a while it’s a bit more so. I thought about menu planning before the trip. I could have figured out exactly what we’d eat and where. But, we wanted to have lots of freedom as we travel. Plus, we had such a short amount of time to plan that it got left off of the to-do list. So we’re doing the best we can with what we have. And it’s been great!

pizzartWhen we’re staying with people and are invited to share a meal, we gladly accept. When we’re asked out to a meal, it’s a fun treat. We’ve had delicious pizza in Boston, fabulous barbecue in Texas, and Philly Cheesesteaks in West Philadelphia.

rudysrtSince about half of our time has been spent in the car, we generally munch on a mix of healthy, homemade foods and of course snacks (with a smattering of DQ and Steak’n Shake stops).

rachdqrt

Before we left I prepped as much as I could. I made granola bars, sourdough bread, and scones. We bought crackers, cheese, and fruit, jerky, chips, and chocolate covered gummy bears (ok, not all that we brought was healthy). We even had a small pantry that included items like canned beans and tomatoes, tuna, olive oil, and a few of my favorite kitchen tools (we totally brought some cast irons). We borrowed a camping stove from some friends so we have options, which means freedom. Nevermind that we have yet to use it – I’m determined that we will before the end of the trip so that it’s worth it to have lugged it all this way. 😉

eggmuffinrt

Our stays with both sets of parents have been more extended stays (thanks a million moms and dads!). So we’ve had time to unpack and relax. Tim loves English muffins with ham and eggs, so he made those one morning. We’ve also baked quite a bit, using some great recipes from our friend John Park, and made one of my favorite comfort foods, Texas Stuffnutellashake1rtOne thing that we’ve enjoyed while on the road are protein shakes. They’re great for sipping while reading a good book as we listen to the wind rustle the leaves on the fall trees. They’re also a great breakfast to grab when we’re in a rush to get on the road (because let’s be honest, we almost always leave way later than we’d planned). While it’s just fine to use water and a powdered shake mix, I love to add a little more and make a meal that will really keep me full until lunchtime. My favorite shake includes banana and peanut butter. Tim’s includes Nutella. His is the recipe I’ve shared below. I’ll share mine another time.

trzorbasrt

We’re exercising moderation, trying to make wise decisions, and showing ourselves grace. All of which has added up to a wonderful trip. Lots of great times together that we will cherish for a long long time.

Nutella Raspberry Shake

Ingredients

  • 1/4 C Nutella (or your favorite vegan hazelnut spread)
  • 1/2 C raspberries (frozen or fresh)
  • 5-6 oz milk (any type)
  • 5-6 oz water
  • 2 scoops protein powder (whey, plant, or soy)
  • splash maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a container and blend with a hand blender or regular blender.

Monday

18

January 2016

0

COMMENTS

Orange You Glad it’s Green Smoothie

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

OrangeGreenSmoothie-4

When I need a quick meal, smoothies are a great option. Sometimes I make them with peanut butter, chocolate chips, and banana. That’s one of my favorites. But, I also really love a good fruit and veggie smoothie. Sweet, but not too, and packed with nutrients.

OrangeGreenSmoothie-1

For a wintery smoothie, I opted for orange+pear+persimmon+greens. I just used what I hand on hand. At other times I may use apple instead of the pear, or in the warmer months, stone fruit and berries. The constant is the greens. I like to use mild ones like kale, spinach, or chard, and they just kinda disappear in the fruity goodness.

OrangeGreenSmoothie-2

I wanted to use the orange peel as a cup. We don’t have a dishwasher, so any dishes I generate get washed by hand. The less dishes the better. I used a grapefruit knife to get the segments out, but a sharp paring knife would do just as well. I cut a tiny bit off the bottom of the orange so it would sit flat too. Don’t want any rolling oranges when there’s a smoothie inside!

OrangeGreenSmoothie-3

I like my smoothies to be super thick and pretty cold. So I usually add some frozen banana. Unfrozen would work well too. The riper they are, the sweeter the smoothie.

OrangeGreenSmoothie-5

This can be a great light meal on its own. A working lunch or a good breakfast. If you want to add to the meal, here are a few suggestions for things that I think would compliment it:

Breakfast or Brunch

Savory Baked French Toast

Sweet and Savory Cornmeal Pancakes

Fresh Fruit and Basil Stuffed French Toast

Toast with Peanut Butter and Honey

Winter Frittata

Scrambled Eggs with Bacon and Chives

Turnip Hash with Bacon and Gouda

Paris Potatoes

Lunch

Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwiches

Bacon Sandwich with Dandelion Greens

Tuna Boats

Dilly Eggs with Lentils

Vegetarian Soft Tacos

Any leftovers can be frozen in an ice cube tray and then re-blended or added to a new smoothie (in place of ice, if you use it).

Happy Eating!

Orange and Green Smoothie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 2

Orange and Green Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 1 large orange, top cut off, segments scooped out (if you want to serve smoothie in peel - if not just peel, de-seed, and roughly chop)
  • 1-2 C greens (kale, chard, spinach), roughly chopped
  • 1 frozen banana (or very ripe non-frozen banana)
  • 1 apple or pear, roughly chopped
  • 1 persimmon, peeled and roughly chopped
  • (may substitute fruit with stone fruit or berries depending on the season)
  • 1/2 C yogurt (any kind) (or may use silken tofu or omit altogether)
  • 1-2 T maple syrup or honey
  • 1/2 C milk (any kind) (or use orange juice)

Instructions

  1. Blend until smooth, adding liquid last until you reach desired consistency. Taste for sweetness.
  2. Serve in the orange peel to save on dishes.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/orange-kale-smoothie/

Monday

2

November 2015

0

COMMENTS

Pumpkin Pie Latté

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Dessert, Drinks, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Quick and Easy, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

PumpkinPieLatte-6

At this time of year my social media feeds become saturated with yummy fall drinks, drunk by people wearing cozy fall sweaters and scarves. While my attire still consists of shorts, tank tops, and flip flops, I’m all in for fall flavors (and so ready to pull out my jeans and scarves).

PumpkinPieLatte-1

Pumpkin is always a big fall trend. As it should be. It’s cute, festive, and good for you. So why not add it to a drink!?

PumpkinPieLatte-2

I had two different ideas. One was to do something with apple cider, the other with milk. This recipe will work with both. For those who don’t love coffee, or for the kiddos, the cider will be perfect. You could make either one (or both!) in big batches and serve to a crowd. You could use coconut milk and make it vegan. There are so many options for one simple drink.

PumpkinPieLatte-3

If you’re opting for the milk and coffee version, depending on how you make it, it can be either a latté or a café au lait. Be definition, the former is made with espresso, the latter with coffee. I used coffee, because that’s what I had on hand. I brewed it strong and it tasted great. I’ve been a decaf drinker for a few years now. But, don’t get all down on decaf now. I choose high quality whole beans, that have been decaffeinated with water rather than chemicals, and I think it tastes just as good as it did when I drank regular. I stopped drinking caffeine because I felt like it was contributing to anxiety. Because I’ve found such amazing coffee, I haven’t missed the caffeine at all.

PumpkinPieLatte-4

This pumpkin drink actually contains real pumpkin. I roasted one the other day for some Pumpkin Pasta and had some leftover. It’s combined with the same seasonings I’d add to pumpkin pie, coffee, and milk (or cider). Everything gets heated up or brewed, then it’s strained and topped with some whipped cream and more cinnamon.

PumpkinPieLatte-5

I enjoyed this so much that I drank it all and then made some more. It’s probably a good thing I don’t drink caffeine. 😉

Happy Sipping!

Pumpkin Pie Latté

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Yield: 1-2

Pumpkin Pie Latté

Ingredients

  • 1/2 C milk (any kind) or 2 C apple cider (and omit the coffee or espresso)
  • 2 T cooked pumpkin purée
  • good pinch cinnamon
  • good pinch nutmeg
  • good pinch all spice
  • good pinch ginger
  • tiny pinch salt
  • 3 t maple syrup (or to taste)
  • 1 1/2 C strong coffee, or 1-2 shots espresso/person
  • whipped cream (optional), for topping
  • cinnamon, for topping
  • caramel (optional), for topping

Instructions

  1. Heat milk or cider through maple syrup over low heat, for about 5-7 minutes (or until it barely starts to simmer, or comes to about 165F), stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. (Or, steam the milk, then stir in pumpkin through maple syrup. If pumpkin and syrup are cold, they will cool down the milk a bit.)
  2. Brew coffee/espresso, if using. Combine with milk mixture.
  3. Strain the hot pumpkin mixture through a sieve, pressing down to get all the liquid out. Taste for sweetness. Top with whipped cream, cinnamon, and a drizzle of caramel if desired.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/pumpkin-pie-latte/

Monday

12

October 2015

0

COMMENTS

Pomegranate and Purple Basil Iced Tea

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Cocktails, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Herbs, Vegetarian

PomegranateBasilTea-6

When I think of basil, I think of things like pesto, soup, risotto… even french toast. I love basil so much that I grow it in my garden – I can never seem to get enough. It’s one of the best things about summer (and fall, at least around here). The smell is intoxicating. So when purple basil came in the weekly Abundant Harvest Organics box, it seemed like the perfect time to try something new with it. I made tea.

PomegranateBasilTea-1

While basil is one of the stars of this tea, it has some pretty powerful co-stars: pomegranates and ginger. I like this combination for a few reasons.

  • It’s fun to find something new to do with pomegranates. I sometimes have trouble using them up. This recipe used two whole pomegranates. Perfect!
  • Ginger – spicy and flavorful, but that’s not all. Did you know that ginger is good for you? It’s great for the tummy and intestines. It’s anti-inflammatory, can help with nausea, and is said to reduce pain levels for individuals with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Ginger tea is diaphoretic (warms from the inside out), so it’s great if you’ve got a cold, or if you just want to warm up.
  • On the healthy note, there are lots of studies going on about the many health benefits of pomegranates. They are being researched to find out their effect on things like free-radicals, memory, and even the common cold. Basil is also known to be a digestive aid, to help with headaches, and poor circulation. It’s also said to be an antioxidant, anti-viral, antimicrobial, and a stress reliever.

Great tasting, great for you.

PomegranateBasilTea-2

To begin, those pomegranate seeds need to be removed from the pith or membrane (for a refresher on how to do this, check out last year’s post on deseeding pomegranates). Once they’ve been removed and the skin and pith discarded, the rest of the ingredients are added.

PomegranateBasilTea-3

The seeds, ginger, basil, and honey are covered with boiling water and left to steep for a while.

PomegranateBasilTea-4

Once the tea has come to room temperature, it’s mashed (to extract as much pomegranate flavor as possible) and strained.

PomegranateBasilTea-5

After cooling completely in the fridge, it can be drunk as is with a sprig of basil for garnish.

Some fun twists: To serve it hot, either reheat the chilled tea, or just let it steep for a bit and then strain. I have a cold today, so I turned the leftover cold tea into a hot therapeutic tea. I added some more fresh ginger, a pinch of cayenne (helps me with congestion), and a bit more honey (soothes my throat) On a day when I’m feeling better, I might consider turning it into a cocktail (it could be used as a mojito base). Fresh lemons could also be added for a yummy take on lemonade.

Happy Sipping!

Pomegranate and Purple Basil Iced Tea

Prep Time: 45 minutes

Pomegranate and Purple Basil Iced Tea

Ingredients

  • 8 C water
  • 2 pomegranates, seeds removed from peel and pith
  • 2-3 t fresh ginger, diced
  • 1/4 C purple basil
  • (could also add mint or lemons)
  • 1 T + 2 t honey (or more, to taste)

Instructions

  1. Boil water.
  2. Place pomegranates through honey in a heat-proof container. Pour boiling water over. Let stand until room temperature (unless serving hot - in that case steep until flavorful enough). Mash, then press through strainer and cool completely in the refrigerator. (Could freeze some in ice cube trays to use in place of ice for serving.)

Notes

Some fun twists: To serve it hot, either reheat the chilled tea, or just let it steep for a bit and then strain. Or, to drink when I have a cold: I turned the leftover cold tea into a hot therapeutic tea. I added some more fresh ginger, a pinch of cayenne, and a bit more honey. It could be used in a cocktail (it could be used as a mojito base). Fresh lemons could also be added for a yummy take on lemonade.

http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/pomegranate-and-purple-basil-iced-tea/

Possible health benefits are my opinions and ideas, based on the research that I’ve done, but are in no way intended to replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.
Sources:
The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods by Michael Murray, N.D., and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D., with Lara Pizzorno, M.A., L.M.T., Atria Books 2005
Reader’s Digest Foods That Harm Foods That Heal, The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc. 1997
Wikipedia

Monday

24

August 2015

0

COMMENTS

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Written by , Posted in Breakfast, Brunch, Dairy-Free, Drinks, Fruit, Gluten Free, Kid-Friendly, Lunch, Quick and Easy, Snacks, Vegan, Vegetables, Vegetarian

CantaloupeSmoothie-5

There’s nothing like a chilled melon on a hot summer day. Seriously. Nothing. Give me all of the watermelons, honeydews, and cantaloupes and I’m a happy gal. I can’t grow them for anything, so thankfully they know what they’re doing at JND Farms.

CantaloupeSmoothie-1

I’ve mentioned before that I prefer melon just plain. Super cold, cut into chunks or sliced, that’s my favorite. But, as I’ve also admitted, I’m loving these new ways to eat them too. Melon and Feta Salad? Yep! Watermelon Gazpacho? Absolutely! And now, a smoothie.

For this smoothie I added some frozen peaches and bananas. Fresh would be great too. I just had some in the freezer to use up. Whatever type of fruit, I’d suggest using as ripe as you can find ’em. Super sweet and juicy. Best way to go. If you wanted to switch things up you could also add some greens (like kale, spinach, or chard), berries, other types of stone fruit, pears, apples, or honeydew melon. Use what you have on hand.

CantaloupeSmoothie-2

I used cow’s milk, because it’s what we drink. But any kind of milk will do. Coconut, soy, almond, hemp… use what you prefer. Same goes for the yogurt. Any kind will work. Or, to keep it vegan, try some silken tofu.

CantaloupeSmoothie-3

Then grab your favorite blender and blend away. I like my smoothies super smooooooth, so I blended long enough that the guy working at the house next door looked over to see what the noise was (during the break he took from whatever noisy machine he was using 😉 ). I also overfilled the blender just a tad. I got a little cantaloupe happy. If I hadn’t had my hand on the lid we may have had cantaloupe colored walls. Whoops. The good thing about making so much is that I made enough for four, so tomorrow’s breakfast is already done.

CantaloupeSmoothie-4

Smoothies are a perfect breakfast, full of protein and nutrients. But, they’re also a great snack, or an accompaniment to a meal. I’m thinking that a Dandy Sandi paired with a smoothie sounds yummy. Maybe the extra servings will become lunch.

Happy Eating!

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 4

Cantaloupe Smoothie

Ingredients

  • 3 C cantaloupe, cut into chunks
  • 1 frozen banana, cut into chunks
  • 1 C frozen peaches (or fresh), cut into chunks
  • 1 C plain yogurt or silken tofu
  • 1 C milk (any kind)
  • pinch ginger
  • pinch salt
  • 1 T maple syrup
  • Could also add: greens (kale, spinach, chard), berries, stone fruit, pears, apples, honeydew melon

Instructions

  1. Put all ingredients in a blender and blend well.
http://www.de-ma-cuisine.com/cantaloupe-smoothie/