One of my daily commitments to my well being, is this whole body supporting elixir. I haven't quite mastered it coming before my morning coffee EVERY day yet (hey...it's a practice, right?). However, it does make it into my day everyday.

Why? Well, first the obvious - it's sooo yummy!  AND it's packed with all sorts of goodness...




Recipe
In a mug add...
Juice of half a lemon (lemon - great source of vitamin C, promotes hydration, cancer fighting flavonoids, reduces occurrence of kidney stones, aids in digestion)

1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar (ACV - can help relieve heartburn, improve nutrient absorption and supports healthy blood sugar levels in the body... great to look for raw, unfiltered, organic ACV which also contains the "mother" to also rake in the friendly bacteria benefits)

Half inch piece of fresh ginger peeled and finely sliced (ginger - a anti-inflammatory and antioxidant powerhouse with anti-inflammatory properties, improves digestion, lowers blood sugar levels)

1 Tsp of raw honey with bee pollen (honey - anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, reduces cough and throat irritation... bee pollen - anti-inflammatory, boosts the immune system, improves blood supply to nervous tissue)

Fill mug with freshly boiled water. Stir and allow to sit for until the temperature feels right for sipping and allowing the ginger to more fully infuse the water. (hot water - supports the body in natural detoxification, enhances blood circulation, aids in digestion)

Sip and savour. xx

Spending this time working at the preschool with my little guy has been such a massive blessing. We have been playing with food connection with our basil shelled turtles. So much fun watching them grow together!

A creamy, delicious, vegan Mac & Cheese recipe that is sure to please all crowds. Instead of a sauce filled with cheese, flour and cream, this one is loaded with beta-carotene rich carrots, protein packed cashews and potassium filled potatoes...and yumminess!

Boil until all veggies are cooked and soft, but not falling apart in the water. Drain veggies and RESERVE water. Not only does that water hold lots of flavour (simular to a weak veggie stock), it is also loaded with nutrients from the cooking veggies.

Boil fresh water and cook desired noodles following the instructions on the package (as cooking instructions vary between size and types of pasta. Be sure to drain pasta as soon as noodles are al dente.

In the blender or food processor add:

• 1 cup raw unsalted cashew nuts
• 2 cloves crushed/minced garlic
• cooked veggies
  
• 1/2 tsp mustard powder
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  
• 1/4 tsp paprika
  
• salt and pepper to taste

Blend on medium/low adding reserved veggie water until you reach desired constancy (approx 2 cups). Once all ingredients are combined, blend on medium/high for 2 minutes until sauce is really smooth and creamy. Pour sauce over drained noodles in pot and heat on low.

Plate and garnish with any of the following:

• nutritional yeast (lends a nice cheesy taste with a powerful nutritional punch)
• dash of paprika
• finely chopped fresh chives

*If you are not a practicing vegan, and are choosing an option like this solely looking for a healthier option than grandma's traditional Mac & Cheese, you could always place the mixed pasta and sauce in an oven proof dish, sprinkle with a little Parmesan cheese and bake at 375 degrees C uncovered until the cheese is lightly browned...no one will ever know it's carrots and cashews instead of cheese on the inside! #sneakymomtrick

Enjoy!

Have you ever noticed how a cuppa chai has the capacity to slow down time?  It's like magic! Try it... with a cup of chai in hand, walk down a busy street. Notice how as soon as the warm spices touch your tongue, the traffic quiets, the cars racing by decelerate and the faces of the strangers walking by seem friendlier, even familiar.

There are almost as many recipes for chai out there, as there are people who make it...each adding their personal touch to find a unique perfect blend.  Almost every chai recipe includes ginger, cinnamon, cloves and black, green or oolong tea. Other common ingredients are cardamom, nutmeg, black peppercorns and fennel. In Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, all of these are considered healthy ingredients. These warming and health-promoting spices help stimulate, balance and support digestion. Ginger is a powerful anti-inflammatory and many times over has been recommended for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or eczema.  The antioxidant properties of tea are widely known, beneficial to heart health and helping to prevent cancer. Add these with warm milk or soymilk for protein and calcium, and this drink is filled with not only yumminess, but also a powerful, healthy punch!

Like with everything, processed generally is not as beneficial as traditional or homemade chai as their sugar content is high and their spices may also not be as potent. A great recipe for a tasty, homemade chai can be found here.

Okay, so maybe the cuppa chai doesn't literally slow down time, but it does work for you to increase your health and wellness with the hope of lengthening vitality and life...which really is still the gift of time!

Namaste