Soy Sauce Substitute

Whether you have food allergies or just avoid soy for health reasons, this is a great substitute to use in any recipe (hello, classic green bean casserole!) that calls for soy sauce or as a condiment!

Ingredients

4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

2 teaspoons unsulphured molasses

¼ teaspoon ground ginger

1 pinch pepper

1 pinch garlic powder

1 ½ cups organic beef or chicken broth

Sea salt to taste

Directions

Stir together all ingredients except salt in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil. Boil gently until liquid is reduced to about 1 cup, approximately 15 minutes. Add salt, if needed. Store in refrigerator for up to a week.

The Best Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

So these are not actually healthy...but they are allergy friendly and when you have kids with allergies a good cookie recipe is a must!  Use your favorite gluten free flour blend and make adjustments for the milk & eggs and they will be vegan as well.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

¾ cup coconut oil

1 ¼ cup coconut sugar

2 tablespoons milk (almond, rice or coconut)

1 tablespoon vanilla

1 egg (or ¼ cup applesauce)

 

1 3/4 cup gluten-free flour (we prefer Bob's Red Mill)

1 teaspoon salt

¾ teaspoon baking soda

1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips

Directions

 

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine oil, sugar & vanilla. Beat on medium speed and add egg & milk.

Combine dry ingredients. Add to wet mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.

Drop rounded spoonfuls on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake one sheet at a time for 8-10 minutes.

Veggie Spring Roll

If you are in search of new ways to add more vegetables into your diet, this is a fun easy recipe to try!  There are no pictures because I have not mastered the art of rolling that sticky rice paper!  Nevertheless, they are packed with flavor and nutrients!

Ingredients

Spring roll rice paper

2 cups of any assortment of veggies shredded or sliced very thin such as:

- carrots

- zucchini

- yellow squash

- scallions

- red pepper

- green pepper

- cabbage

- broccoli

garlic powder

sea salt

black pepper

Directions

Place veggies in bowl, add seasonings to taste. Dip rice paper in warm water until moist. Place on plate. Spoon veggie mixture onto wrap and roll up. Serve with hummus or your own favorite dipping sauce!

What is age, anyway?

I was talking with a gym member that has attended several of my classes the last couple weeks and was very surprised to find out she was 20 years older than myself.  She has no gray hair, is in good shape and even held a side plank for a minute yesterday... on both sides!  So what is the secret to aging well? 

Another friend and I were discussing skincare routines.  Many of us have known older women that look great and swear by the use of certain products like Mary Kay, Oil of Olay or Lancôme. Others (me) want to keep their youthful fit appearance by working out daily and eating as healthy as possible.  It seems everyone is on a search for the fountain of youth to look and feel young.  Or maybe just age gracefully...

Yes, I have vowed to color my hair for at least another 20 years and sworn off gluten & dairy.  There are days that I burn the candle at both ends but other days that I try to rest and rejuvenate my body and soul.  I know I'm not perfect but strive to live a life of honesty, forgiveness and love. I want to feel, look and be my best for myself and my family because that's who I am.  That is who God created me to be. 

Sure, there are some years and seasons in my past that I may have not been living my best.  I'd love to turn the clock back and be younger, wiser and live fuller.  Maybe I can... a little. After all, isn't 40 supposed to be the new 30?  What is age, anyway?  It's just a number to mark the time we have passed on earth.  When I think about the possibility that I have fewer years left than I have already spent, it kind of freaks me out. I'd rather focus on where I am now and live a full, healthy, happy life.  Will I act my age?  Probably not.  Will I look my age?  I sure hope not!  Is there a secret to aging gracefully or feeling younger?  Most importantly, does it matter?  Age is just a number... it's how you live that truly matters.  Let's live well!