Honey Blueberry and Rhubarb Compote Greek Yogurt Tarts

Would you believe I'm writing this post with no concrete recipe, while watching the Lady Gaga documentary for the second time, and on the verge of tears every five minutes?  But, I think this is how some of my best writing comes about.  Unexpected and desperate to connect with you lovely souls once again. 

I saw a version of this on the internet and I immediately thought, "OMG, this would be perfect to add to my meal preps! Or my new menu page!"  Then, I thought how beautiful I could make it be and I kind of want to share that.  The most simple ingredients, turned into a little something special.  Literally.  A small way to connect to the Spring and Summer growth around us.

Sometimes, actually most of the time, I do these things, because I see the potential of what it could be.  Whether it's learning simple tools of wellness to create a whole journey or creating recipes in the basement of my parent's house to lead me into another grand adventure.  By no means do I believe it will be the best thing ever, but... it can be pretty damn good.  And that's what I want to share. 

What can double as a breakfast or dessert (personally, I like my breakfasts to be the best meal of the day) it's both nourishing and absolutely delicious.  There are actually TWO different recipes, making the ingredient list a little longer, but it's cool, you got this.  Trust me, I found a way to take the simplicity away, and boy did I pay.  Note to self:  it never has to be complicated, it will naturally come together.

Don't be scared to make these your own too!  Flavors can vary and toppings are endless.  Cacao nibs and coconut, anyone? 

Honey Blueberry and Rhubarb Compote Greek Yogurt Tarts

Ingredients

• 1 heaping cup walnuts
• 1/2 cup dates
• 2 individual cups vegan Greek yogurt (I find Kite Hill Almond to have the best consistency or feel free to use regular)
• 2 tbs honey
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1/4 Rhubarb Compote

Blend in a food processor walnuts and dates.  Using four mini ramekins, pat the mixture to create crust.  Mix together yogurt, 1 tbs honey, and vanilla in a bowl, then distribute evenly in each ramekin.  Half top with blueberries and a drizzle of remaining honey.  Other add Rhubarb Compote.  Recipe as follows:

Rhubarb Compote

• 3 stalks of rhubarb cubed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tbs water

Bring to a boil, stir, and let simmer until smooth consistency.  

Enjoy, my dears!

Creating Your Own Detox

Peaks Island, Maine

One of my favorite topics.  Honestly, it both excites me and makes me nervous, but I can't deny the fact that I always find myself in need of it this time of year.  

I want to make this thorough, but still quick and painless. Let's jump right into it!

What is a detox?

First thing.  There isn't a one sentence answer I can give, mostly because there isn't just one kind.  From kidney and liver detoxes, to Spring and Fall detoxes, Ayurvedic Detoxes, and the infamous juice cleanse.  What do all of these have in common?  They are all meant to remove a buildup of toxins, rejuvenate your internal systems, therefore give you more energy and clarity.  If done correctly, guaranteed.  Simply put, release the bad, fire up the good.  

Why and When to detox?

Every couple of seasons our bodies go through drastic changes to adapt and keep us healthy.  Particularly during extreme summer months and frigid winter months.  It is during spring and fall, that we focus ridding the toxin buildup in our systems, such as lymphatic and intestinal, so we may stay healthy and feel good for the next season to come.  Our bodies have different routines, sleep schedules, food intake, and digestion processes during summer and winter, as it should be, it's only fair to help ourselves readjust so we feel our best.  Think heavier foods and fats in the winter and longer days in the summer. 

When we rid the toxins, we at the same time fire up our systems.  Especially our digestion system.  Our gut is actually responsible for most of the endorphins that are connected to our brain.  When our gut is healthy and happy, we are.  We obtain more energy, immunity, and clarity all while simply nourishing selves during these transitional (or any) seasons.  

How to detox?

I think this is the part that surprises people the most.  There is not just one way to detox!  Even simple everyday tools will put you on the right track.  That's for another post.  For now, here are a few different kinds that you can try or take a bit of information from each to create your own.

Juice Cleanse.  This is one of the more obtainable intense resets.  The point of the juice cleanse is for one day to three days, you give your digestion system a complete break.  Instead you get all the nutrients you need to help target and detox other areas.  With organic nutrient dense juices, you cleanse your liver and kidneys, while other internal systems get the bulk of attention and energy.  Our digestive system NEVER STOPS WORKING.  We eat all day, everyday, you can only imagine the amount of energy our body puts just to digesting food and fiber.  A juice cleanse focuses to detox other systems so we rid toxins, heavy metals, while still having great energy.

*This cleanse is not for the faint of heart.  It's important to get a lot of nutrient dense juices throughout the day to keep you hydrated, sustained, and energized.

Ayurvedic Cleanse.  My, oh my.  This one is pretty dear to my.  It is actually one of the first cleanses I ever did.  The perfect cleanse designed for your body type.  Ayurveda simply means the science of life.  An ancient way of living from India, it has remained prominent practice both in India and has made it's way into the wellness world  Depending if you are Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, everything is taken into account from everyday practices to how to detox and cleanse your body.  Everything from meals and liquids, oils and scents, even when to work out is for your specific Dosha.

*This may be difficult for those with a fluctuating schedule.  Hot lunches and meal times are important to keep in mind, as it's about eating (or not) consciously throughout the day

Whole Foods Cleanse.  Not to be confused with the Whole 30 cleanse.  This one focuses on clean eating through real and all three meals. Snacks, smoothies, and juices all included.  This is great for those who maybe are experimenting with the whole wellness-clean-eating thang.  It's actually one of my favorites.  Vegan is the best option, but for those who need a little something more, eggs, organic pasture raised chicken, and salmon are my favorite protein options to include.  By eliminating refined sugars, caffeine, alcohol, heavy meats, and then adding organic seasonal produce, herbs, and superfoods, you are giving your body optimal nutrition.  This will help rid toxins, get energy, clear skin, and shed a little weight!

Who can detox?

Anyone and everyone.  It's just figuring out what is right for you.  If you have any health concerns such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or intestine inflammation, consult with a doctor first.  Insist that you are interested in taking a holistic approach and then do your research!  Partner with a nutrition or health coach (hey, there!) and get the ball rolling.  A detox is the perfect way to jump start your way to wellness and make space from the inside outside. 

Sunday Cortado, 3

Happy Sunday! New week, new things to look forward too.  For me?  I'm kinda looking forward to resetting, cleaning, cleansing, motivating myself for the next month or two to come.  

It's hard to believe that August is almost over, and I'm trying really REALLY hard to accept the colder mornings and shorter days to come along with it.  I don't know if I ever mentioned, but I love summer.  It usually loves me back.  Any one else hoping for another month of hot humid days? Beaches, grilling, fruits, and tacos too.

So did you hear... *sips almond milk cortado*

Around the world things are happing, not so much about war with other countries, but a war within for many women.  From India to Chile, these latest lifts on laws and bans can give a us a little more knowledge and hope. 

I was one of those people who were worried about this "partnership" between Amazon and Whole Foods.  This article tells me, "Fear not!"

This article is telling me what's really gonna happen.  Tomorrow. 

Since the weather is cooling off.  I'm thinking about breaking out the oven.  And I want cake. 

Corn is one of summer's greatest abundance. I want it any which way.  

Please tell me this is not one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen.  Who knew a cauliflower can make you feel this way.  

Rebuilding and My Favorite Banana Bread

I really didn't know at first how I wanted to start this at first.  In general, with blogging about the topic at hand, or something I haven't done in a while, talk food. So, I thought we start out a little heavy, with the lightness and sweetness mixed in through out, till the ending. 

Remember the Mantras, affirmations, and intentions we created for this year? Yea, all those positive ideas and visions that we sought ourselves doing?  How are you guys doing with it?  I hope for the most part you were able to keep them in mind with lightness.  Maybe, you are even making some progress.  But, what happens when shit totally hits the fan?

If it hasn't happened to you yet, I can tell you what went down when it happened to me.  Honestly, it was a long time coming, but it still felt so sudden.  I went from just going along, creating, giving, and feeling great, to just watch it all start coming down.  

I had been BUILDING.  I saw February as the month for everything to launch and grow.  Then when one part went astray, and I broke.  I questioned, cried, and doubted everything I created because of one I couldn't control anymore (in reality, I was loosing grip months ago).  I saw it as a domino effect against my other goals.  It was unreal.  One of the few things that kept me going were the people I could talk too about it.  And most of them said, "FUCK THAT.  Do what you need to do and better."  Really, the people in my life are the OG's and never keep it subtle.  It's a blessing and a curse.  

So with great words of wisdom, alone time, kitchen therapy, and Parenthood binging, I shaped up, readjusted my plans, and here I am. Writing a billion words per minute, excited to share this recipe with y'all, and ready to finally come back where it all began.  

Ahh the kitchen.  Where I have taken refuge the last few weeks.  Where I've been putting my ideas in fierce action.  Creating, testing, sometimes failing, but never giving up.  I have been toying with a banana bread recipe for weeks.  Trying to create one from scratch.  Then, finally, I saw one I couldn't resist.  I had to recreate that one.  

It's the most delicious banana bread I've ever tasted.  I tweaked only a couple of things, just because of what I had on hand, but it was still the best result I gotten.  

Key's to success:  

1. You need parchment paper and when you use it, make it neat.  I called my wrinkled ends, booty bloopers, and while it still looked beautiful and tasted amazing, for a more traditional look, smooth out that paper!
2. Do not skimp on the banana, it's the key to moistness.  Yes. Moistness.
3. Do not open crack on top! Poke another part of center to check if ready.

Whole Wheat Banana Bread 

adapted by Hippy Banana Bread by Tracy of Shutterbean  

• 1 and 1/2 cup whole wheat pasty flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• 1/2 grape seed oil
• 1/2 brown sugar
• 1/4 maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 3 ripe bananas, mashed 
• 1/2 dates, chopped
• 1/2 shopped macadamia nuts, chopped (or walnuts)

Preheat oven to 350. Line 8x4 loaf pan with parchment paper

In small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

In a larger bowl, whisk together oil, brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, eggs, and banana.

Fold dry ingredients into wet.  Do not over mix or whisk.  Then add nuts and dates.  

Transfer into lined pan and into the oven for 55 min.  Enjoy!

Here is to the decision to keep that momentum of growth in every aspect of life going, even if that means taking a little more time to rebuild one.  It may just end up bigger and more impactful than you ever imagined. 

With sweet, soul, nourishment.