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Fresh Apricot Cherry Tartlet

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 This week we are seeing triple digits in California and instead of eating something heavy and warm, Daniel and I thought it would be refreshing to start this sweltering summer with salads, fresh spring rolls, and a no-bake fruit tart made with fresh apricots and cherries!

Apricots contain vitamin C, beta-carotene (vitamin A), iron, fiber, potassium, thiamin, niacin, and several additional antioxidants and phytochemicals such as quercetin and catechins. These phytochemicals are potent  nutrients that help to lower inflammation and  protect blood vessels from damage.

What better way to nourish your body then eating a plant-powered dessert? Enjoy this recipe!

Prep time: 20 min. Chill time (opt): 2 hrs. Serves 2

For the Crust:
1/2 cup cashews
1/2 cup almonds
4-5 Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 c dried cherries

For the Filing:
3-4 fresh apricots, pitted, soaked if hardened
8-10 dried apricots

For the Topping:
5-6 dark cherries, sliced and pitted and
3 fresh apricots, sliced, pitted, and arranged as crescent moons.

Directions:
  • Line a 6-inch tart pans with parchment paper. Blend ingredients for the crust in a food processor and pulse until well mixed, sticky and crumbled. Scoop out mixture and press into tart pan.
  • For the filling, add the fresh apricots to a high-speed blender and blend until mushy. Then add the dried apricots and continue blending until smooth (it is ok to have a few chunks).
  • Spread the filling onto the crust and top with a layer of fresh apricots and cherries.
  • Serve it fresh or store in the fridge for 2-4 hours to let harden a bit more before serving. Once chilled, it will hold together better when serving.  This tart is very tasty when eaten the next day too!

What I Use For Natural Deodorant

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Natural deodorants have come a long ways in the body care industry. I personally started using natural deodorants about five years ago and tried many brands and varieties. From Tom’s to Dessert Essence to Arm & Hammer Essentials, I found myself wanting something more effective and beautifully scented.

I fully support the human body’s natural process in perspiring and stopped using antiperspirants especially since aluminum (a key ingredient) is not an essential element for any living system. Antiperspirants block the sweat ducts and can potentially cause skin irritation, redness, swelling, and increased itchiness. Deodorants are generally less irritating for most people.

Aluminum has no place on or inside of our bodies. Aluminum is a metalloestrogen, which means it is a metal with pro-estrogenic affects on breast cancer cells. According to a few studies, shaving before applying antiperspirant deodorant has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer at an earlier age*. Shaving takes off skin cells and can also nick the skin, causing increased absorption of aluminum.

That being said, I am NOT in favor of smelly armpits and certainly want to promote attractiveness in mind, body, and odor!

I recently had the privilege of interviewing the young entrepreneur and Etsy Shop Owner, Isabella Taylor. Her company is Fox and Boar, a natural homemade body care line. I began using her Jasmine Natural Deodorant and her Lavender Tea Tree Natural Deodorant a few months ago and look forward to trying more of her beautiful handcrafted products. I really love all the scents and the smart deodorizing ingredients she uses!

I’ve known Isabella since she was a wee lass! She is a very kind, giving, and hard-working young woman with many creative talents up her sleeve. That is why I am proud to present her company, Fox and Boar, and share the fruits of her labor with others!

When did you start using natural deodorants?
Five years ago I started noticing my under arm skin was becoming rough, I knew it had to be something in the mainstream antiperspirant deodorant I was using. I began trying every natural brand I could get my hands on, from Toms Natural line to the Body Crystal products. Nothing worked well enough to feel comfortable at work. After using so many brands that didn’t work, I was getting a bit discouraged about the prospects.

What inspired you to start a natural body care line?
I was inspired to fill the lack I was experiencing in the natural deodorant world. There had to be other people struggling with the same dilemma. My Mother Dearest was already making a natural lotion that had become very popular, and suggested we try making a deodorant, I mean, how hard could it be? I was a bit skeptical. We did some research, and after fine-tuning quantities of ingredients, we created the first natural deodorant that worked for both of us. Without her, Fox and Boar may never have been born!


Was there a specific need in the body care world that you wanted to fulfill?
My mission with Fox and Boar is to expand the scent options, and continue to perfect natural deodorants that work all day. I believe everyone should be able to find a natural deodorant that has a scent that expresses themselves.

The name of your company is so darling! How did you come up with the name?
Naming my company was not the easiest task! I wanted a name that would encompass both men and women’s products while staying in tune with my own personality. The name Fox and Boar stems from the nicknames my husband and I have for each other, and my love of foxes.

What was the first product you were excited to make?
The first product created for Fox and Boar was the Mountain Breeze deodorant in a glass jar! I love this scent because it can be used by men and women who enjoy that “fresh out of the shower” scent.


I have to say, Isabella, I am very impressed with the quality of your product. It is so smooth and appears to be very gentle on sensitive skin-types. How long did it take to develop the right blend of ingredients?
It took about week of making different batches to get to the current recipe, it’s a bit smoother and gentler than the original, and I’m hoping it works better for our deodorant stick loving customers.

I absolutely love all the scents of the three deodorants I’ve ordered. I am a lavender girl at heart, but I have to say I think the jasmine is my favorite so far! Out of all of the deodorant scents which one is your favorite scent and why?
Can I pick two?! I like to go back and forth between Mountain Breeze and Jasmine. Mountain breeze because it is so versatile, and Jasmine because it makes me feel fabulous all day!

Which does your husband like the best?
Mountain breeze. He likes those fresh scents.


Do you have any plans to develop more body care products?
I am currently looking into making toothpaste, and am tweaking a tinted lip balm recipe. I also have plans to expand the men’s deodorant line.

What words of inspiration can you share with young people who are starting an online business or Etsy shop?
If you see a void, fill it. If something needs perfecting, keep working at it until it’s the best. I believe anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.

Isabella has graciously offered to pay your SHIPPING. When placing your order use code: PBWFREE

Click the below link to visit Isabella’s website and receive FREE SHIPPING –

www.foxandboar.com

Reference:

*McGrath KG, An earlier age of breast cancer diagnosis related to more frequent use of antiperspirants/deodorants and underarm shaving. European Journal of Cancer Prevention, 2003 December; 12(6): 479-485

English Peas and Fingerling Potatoes with Mint Chimichurri Sauce

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Living in Argentina was quite the experience. I attended a four month long accelerated Spanish program at the Universidad Adventista del Plata, in Libertador San Martin, designed for foreign students matriculating into the university. I was fortunate to spend some time in Buenos Aires and soak in the Europeanesque architecture and culture. Beef (lomito) is a staple in the Argentinian cuisine and was also a part of my diet during that time. Argentines do not have a lot of spicy condiments or spicy seasonings as many of their dishes are reminiscent of Italian and Spanish dishes. I remember this delicious herb sauce called chimichurri. It looked like traditional pesto but had its own unique flavors and was always paired with the lomito. A traditional chimichurri verde sauce is made from finely chopped parsley and oregano, but for my take on this traditional Argentine sauce, I used mint instead of oregano. I hope you enjoy this fresh spring recipe as I created it especially for my husband’s 30th birthday party and it was a hit!

English Peas and Fingerling Potatoes with a Mint Chimichurri sauce.

Serves 8 

English Peas and Fingerling Potatoes:

Fingerling potatoes, 1 lb (454 g)
English Peas, 10 oz (284 g)

Mint Chimichurri Sauce:

2 garlic cloves
1 cup parsley
1/4 cup mint
1/3 cup olive oil
Juice from one lemon
Salt to taste
Garnish:
chives, chopped
lemon zest, from one lemon

Directions: 

Blanch the fingerling potatoes or teeny tiny potatoes for about 20 minutes in salted water (you can use about 1 Tbsp of salt). Use enough water to cover the potatoes by one to two inches.

Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce. Blend all the ingredients in a food processor, set aside.

Blanch the fresh English Peas blanch in boiling salted water for 90 seconds. Drain hot water and run cold water over the peas.

Mix the peas and potatoes in a medium-sized bowl with the chimichurri sauce. Garnish with lemon curls or zest and chopped chives. It can be served warm or cold and makes an excellent spring side dish and a potluck favorite.

Note: I used Trader Joe’s for the main ingredients; therefore you won’t need to measure out the potatoes or peas when using Trader Joe’s products. The English peas are found in the refrigerated section. I wouldn’t recommend the frozen kind, as you want the peas to be al dente. 

CHEESECAKE WITH RASPBERRY COMPOTE

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This is a delicious cheesecake recipe was adapted from Daniel’s mothers original recipe, and is a favorite from his childhood. It is best served after being chilled in the refrigerator for at least four hours and served with a mixed berry compote. It can be stored in the refrigerator for 5-6 days and in the freezer for several weeks!
Makes 10-12 slices 

Granola Pie Crust: 

To make the crust, use 3 cups granola (I used the whole bag of Udi’s GF 12 oz granola)
4 Tbsp of soy milk to moisten.
Crust directions:
Put granola in a food processor and grind to desired texture. Add soy milk and mix thoroughly. Press into a 9 inch pie dish.
Filling: 
2 containers Tofu Cream Cheese, 8 oz.
1 container Tofu Sour Cream, 6 oz.
1/2 cup +3 tbsp honey
3 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 tsp egg replacer (Ener-G Egg Repalcer)
2 tbsp water
pinch of salt
Filling Directions: 
Gently whisk egg replacer with water. Beat cream cheese, sour cream, and honey in food processor, or with an electric mixer until soft and creamy. Add lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Continue mixing/processing  and add egg replacer mixture. Pour into granola pie crust and bake 30-40 minutes on 350 degrees. Set aside to cool. Store in the refrigerator until firm.
See recipe for Dark Cherry Compote recipe and if desired, substitute cherries for frozen mixed berries or raspberries!

Valentine’s Day Nut Butter Bites

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These Valentine’s Day Nut Butter Bites are a healthier pick-me-up than the tempting candy bar looking you in the eye from the vending machine.
Here’s what you will need –  
Almond butter 2 Tbsp
Peanut butter 2 Tbsp
Coconut chips ¼ cup
Raisins ¼ cup
Medjool Dates, 5
Almonds, raw, 1 cup
Hemp seeds, hulled, 1/8 cup
(optional): Raw cacao, carob, plant-based protein, beet, or raspberry powders.

Directions – makes 16 Bites 
1. Remove pits from the dates. Place all ingredients into a large food processor.
2. Pulse until all ingredients are all mixed, crumbly, and just starting to clump together.
3. Taking a tablespoon, scoop out, and level the mixture. Roll the tablespoon-size mixture with your hands into a ball. Continue until you get about 16 bite-size pieces.

4. You can enjoy them as they are or place powders in dipping bowls. Roll a piece in the plant-based powder until the surface is evenly covered. Store in a sealed container in the fridge. They can last up to a week.

Nutritional Facts
Serving Size: 4 per serving
Calories 463 Kcal
Protein 13 g
Fat 30 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Carbs 43 g
Fiber 9 g
Calcium 152 mg
Potassium 135 mg
Iron 3 mg
Sodium 176 mg

The Powerful Healing Properties of Lemons

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Lemons are a delightful and versatile fruit that come from a beautiful evergreen tree. Citrus trees in California bloom throughout the year and produce fruit in the winter and early spring. Lemons have been studied for years and provide a variety of health benefits.

Meniere’s disease 

Lemon bioflavonoids might improve hearing and decrease vertigo and nausea and vomiting in some patients with Meniere’s disease.

Kidney stones

The citric acid seems to reduce kidney stone formation with recurrent calcium nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). This seems to work by increasing citrate levels and decreasing urinary calcium levels.

Gallstones

Lemons contain many phytochemicals such as bioflavonoids, liminoids, and limonene. Some of these have antioxidant activity such as d-limonene. Limonene, derived from lemon oil, is a solvent of cholesterol and has been used clinically to dissolve cholesterol-containing gallstones. Lemons

Cancer

Lemon bioflavonoids found mostly in the pith and peel seem to inhibit cancer cell development in vitro (in a test tube) and inhibit metabolism of certain carcinogens.

Acid reflux and GERD

Lemon acidity levels are substantially higher than other citrus fruits such as orange or grapefruit.  According to Jamie Koufman, MD, author of Dr. Koufman’s Acid Reflux Diet, citrus juice-especially lemon and lime-can be a trigger food for those with acid reflux and should be taken in small amounts on an acid reflux diet. Dr. Koufman encourages the use of lemon zest in her diet since it is not acidic but offers a lot of flavor.

While the acid from lemons may trigger acid reflux, d-limonene extracted from the lemon oil in the peel can significantly improve GERD symptoms to the point of remission in 89% of patients taking d-limonene.

A non-citrus source of limonene is lemon balm. Lemon balm has been used as a calming agent, helpful as a mosquito repellent, and thought to have antiviral and antibacterial properties.

Antimicrobial

Limonoids, another phytochemical, taken from citrus seeds exhibit a wide range of biochemical properties including antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, and antiviral activities.

 History 

Scottish Physician James Lind was a pioneer of naval health and hygiene in the 1700s. He advocated for better ventilation aboard ships, clean drinking water, improved cleanliness, and introduced lemons as a remedy for scurvy (vitamin C deficiency).

Lemons were discovered in northeast India and Asia and introduced into Spain and North Africa about 1000 and 1200 AD and thought to be a variety of the citron fruit.Lemons

Application

According to medical herbalist, Andrew Chevallier, FNIMH, A dab of lemon juice can be directly applied to acne, athlete’s foot, stings, ringworm, warts and sunburns. For colds, combine 20 ml lemon juice with 50 mL hot water, a crushed clove of garlic and a pinch of cinnamon. Drink up to three times per day.

References

https://www.britannica.com/plant/lemon

Bear WL, Teel RW. Effects of citrus phytochemicals on liver and lung cytochrome P450 activity and on the in vitro metabolism of the tobacco specific nitrosamine NNK. Anticancer Res 2000;20:3323-30.

Bear WL, Teel RW. Effects of citrus flavonoids on the mutagenicity of heterocyclic amines and on cytochrome P450 1A2 activity. Anticancer Res 2000;20:3609-14.

Koufman J. Dr. Koufman’s Acid Reflux Diet. Katalitix Media; 2015.

Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. New York, NY: DK Publishing Inc; 2000.

Ranganna S, Govindarajan VS, Ramana KV. Citrus fruits. Part II. Chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation. A. Chemistry. Critical Rev Food Sci Nutr 1983;19:313-86.

Seltzer MA, Low RK, McDonald M, et al. Dietary manipulation with lemonade to treat hypocitraturic calcium nephrolithiasis. J Urol 1996;156:907-9.

Tundis R, Loizzo M, Menichini F. An overview on chemical aspects and potential health benefits of limonoids and their derivatives. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2014;54(2):225-50.

Williams HL Jr. Eriodictyol glycoside in meniere’s disease. Trans Am Acad Ophthalmol Otolaryngol 1964;68:45-59.

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