Salad Rolls

Sometimes don't you just want to sink your teeth into a big messy sandwich and salty chips? I do.  It just makes for a happy lunch, easy dinner and for me brings backs yummy memories of eating at Rein's Deli. 

Well, I think I've found the next best (healthy) thing.  A hand held salad sandwich. 

Using my new favorite rice paper as the wrap around all those beautiful colored veggies.  It's a salad roll.  Now I know what you're saying.  No, it's not a big tuna on rye with classic crunchy potato chips. However it is colorful, healthy, real food and very nutritious.  I make an Asian peanut sauce on the side, to use as a dip. 

These fancy little wrappers are called spring roll skins and I found them at my local health food store, Basic Foods. They are stiff to start, but you soak them in warm water for a minute and then they become soft and easy to use. 

Anyone can do this...but if you're a mom, this is a perfect activity for your kids to get more involved in the kitchen and interested in more vegetables.  It truly is fun to prepare, (once the veggie prepping is done) and very easy to roll up.  Educational and healthy, literally all wrapped up in one meal. 

The idea for this creation came out of what else, a craving I had.  Lately, I've been craving a crunchy salad but was too lazy to make a big bowl. I saw fresh spring rolls in a few cookbooks I have and thought, that doesn't look too hard, and perfect to take on the go.   After eating these rolls for days, I feel as if I'm getting that 'hand held' sandwich craving satisfied however, my stomach is light and happy...just like after a normal salad. 

The joy of working with this super thin, wonder paper reminds me of peeling off my friend's skin after a really nasty sunburn.  I know gross, right?!! Did you ever do that? I had a really boring childhood...we made our own strange fun.  Remember the thrill of peeling off a big piece....well this is the 'edible' variety.  It's edible 'skin' made of rice...pretty cool, huh?!

Not suggesting you would ever eat human skin...but whatever you're into-no judgement here. 

The best part of this clear paper is deciding what will go into your salad rolls.  I've been loving kale, arugula, peppers, thin carrot strips, avocado and sprouts.  The ideas are limitless. 

So if your salad needs a little shake up, or you need a new lunch idea, give these rolls a try.  Simple, healthy and fun to eat and make.  It's a win-win for flavor and nutrition. 

What You'll Need:

Spring roll skins, Veggies strips of your choice, Greens, Avocado

Easy 'Peanut' Sauce: to dip rolls into, or to drizzle over the top

 1 tablespoon almond butter
 1 tablespoon tamari sauce
 1 tablespoon of honey
 1-2 tablespoons of water (to thin it out)
      start out with 1 tablespoon and stir until you like the consistency. 

'Eat food, mostly plants and not too much.' -Michael Pollen

Hope this inspired you to lighten up your plate and add in more color.

 

Enjoy. Cheers! Here's to you and your health. 

green juice on the go...

xo

Spring in a Box

I caught this cute little spring-in-a-box while in the city the other day. 
The weather has certainly been glorious around here. 

Other local spring sightings.  Pollen choking me and tickling my throat...but look at those trees.

Yes, all the trees are waking up and looking so purply.  I love it.  This color inspired me to find more purple in my kitchen. 

 

purple cabbage salad

And yellows, greens, oranges and pinks..

I still find myself chewing away on 'larger than life' grapefruits...the pomelos. (Locals, get them at Sobsey's while you can..they are pink and oh so sweet and juicy)

I didn't have tons of time to chew, so I blended on the go. 

My latest creation...fresh mint, a cup or so of strawberries, one third of the gigantic pomelo and look...

Grapefruit Strawberry & Mint

Spring detox in a glass. 

You won't believe the flavors, the fresh mint really shines.  Who needs a mint julep, when I can drink this beautiful mocktail. 

Hope this inspires you to blend up some fruit and vegetables you have in your kitchen. 

Other ideas sprouting up lately...Salad Cups at a local event

Is there anything cuter than salad in a cup?

This made me happy.

 

Along with a giant batch of these

 

 

my vegan chocolate chip oatmeal cookies...total love fest!!

Happy spring everyone. 

What colors and foods are making you smile?
  

Have a wonderful weekend.

xo

This Girl is on Fire!

 

Ever make homemade candles? Well after burning through my entire candle stash during hurricane Sandy...I really need to have a few more around, just in case. 

 

 I had the pleasure of being part of a special event at Luxe in Hoboken presented by

Niambi from Storyboard Bath & Body. 

It was a vintage tea cup candle making class using pure essential oils infused with soy wax and poured into pretty little tea cups. 

 

Just as Alicia Keys belts out in her song..'this girl is on fire'...Niambi lights it up...literally and hosts amazing DIY classes for candles and more.

Find info here.

 

 

It was so much fun, and it brought me back to a time when I used to pour over old Martha Stewart magazines, and try out one of her sophisticated crafts, making my mom drive all over creation to make it JUST like Martha.  I still have a sister who calls me 'Martha Stewart'...I guess I've been a DIY crafter from way back. 

 

Storyboard Soaps gathered a ton of different tea cups and I supplied the sweets. 

 

Martha approved: Mini Raw Carrot Cakes with Cashew Frosting

Enough said.

 

 

 

And my springy sprout rolls..I can't stop making these things, somebody help me.

 

We even had Kelley from the Tea Cart joining us providing hot herbal teas while we crafted. 

 

Looking forward to the more events with these fun ladies.  

Thanks Luxe for such a perfect backdrop.   

 

xo

Keep it fun & healthy this weekend.

be well.

 

What DIY crafts do you enjoy?

 

 

Cucumber Sprout Rolls

Before I launch into this little recipe I have for you, I want to tell you my heart is heavy for all those in Boston.  This past Sunday, I was a runner.  I safely crossed the finish line, enjoyed the sunny day, hugged other runners and cheered people on.  My thoughts and prayers go out to all in Boston and beyond. 

Hope this recipe helps you heal, move forward and feel better today.
Enjoy!

These little spring time bundles are so fresh and perfect.  Easy enough for an appetizer and cute enough with your lunch or as a snack.  Filled with a few simple cleansing ingredients, they just make me smile. 

I like to serve them with an Asian almond butter sauce and the combination of all the flavors are delicious.  Super crunchy and light these bright spring rolls will perk up any one's day. 

Make them for someone you love and watch them smile and say...umm that's good food.

Ingredients:

1 cucumber, peeled into long thin strips
2 carrots, cut into thin matchstick style strips
1 small box of fresh spring sprouts

Sauce:

2 tablespoons of almond butter
2-3 tablespoons of water*
1 tablespoon tamari or soy sauce
1 tablespoon of honey


Whisk ingredients together and thin out with more *water, if needed.  Assemble the sprout rolls, one at a time.  Laying down a long strip of cucumber, a few sprouts and a few carrot sticks.  Roll up and enjoy.  Drizzle the sauce over the rolls or use as a dip. 

My inspiration for this recipe came from one of my favorite cookbook authors, my hero,  Kimberly Snyder.  She has a similar recipe in her new book, with a little different dressing and nut filling.  I can't wait to give it a try.  If you've never checked out her website, you can find it here.  She's got some wonderful ideas. 

Other than spring sprout rolls, I'm devouring some other cleansing foods like...

these giant yellow grapefruits called pomelos (or Chinese grapefruit).  Sweet, pink and juicy I fight with one to rip it open, but the reward for all that effort is so worth it.  It's not your average grapefruit, and takes your normal citrus up a level.  Love!

Jersey Locals: They sell these babies at Sobsey's Produce Market, grab one while they're still there.  You might see me.  I carry these bad boys clear across town.  So not only are they good for you, you get an added workout lugging them home. 

What foods are you into these days? Here's a list of other detoxing spring foods you might want to try this time of year. 

Garlic, beets, carrots, green tea, leafy green vegetables, avocados, lemons, limes, cabbage, dandelion greens and turmeric.   

happy spring!

xo

Re-set

I started writing this post last Friday night after teaching a private cooking class.  I came home, exhausted, to a quiet house and peaceful husband, already fast asleep from a long week at work.  This cozy space, my home, was just what I wanted.  My net, that was there to catch me after I taught my heart out tonight.

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Even though I've taught in a classroom for several years, this type of teaching is still a new muscle I'm flexing, not necessarily the cooking part.  (I can do that with my eyes closed....well, almost, maybe one eye.)  But the lecture part, getting up in front of others and sharing my story. When I share my journey to a healthier life, it's still really personal.  I open up about my parents, caring for them, seeing them so sick and how that shaped me into who I am today.  I try to keep it very brief, I'm not there to make anyone feel bad, (ah, hello, I'm here for a healthy cooking class, not Dr. Phil) but I really want to share how personal this is to me, and why I'm so passionate about health.  So after a long night of cooking, answering all kinds of great questions, and sending them home, full, drunk and happy.  I was more than ready to put my feet up and do nothing. 

It was such a dark, windy night, almost resembling more of early March than April, but I guess they blend into one transitional weather month..called 'ah...weird spring in New Jersey'.  The wind was so powerful, my curtains were being sucked into the screen and then back out blowing in hard, with fresh new air, my blinds rattling crazy, like all hell was ready to break loose.  And as I cozied up in a soft chair with a cup of tea, I melted in, smiled and listened.  The wind had this calming effect on me, as if it was beginning to tell me something.  This force, this earthy moving of air.

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Things are changing.  Not only seasons, but in life.  These mighty winds are moving in and pushing us forward to start something new.  A new season, spring finally with all it's fresh possibilities.  A time to re-set, restart and renew.  Just like that beautiful quote from Mary Oliver, 'tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?' Get moving.

This new type of teaching muscle I'm flexing, this sharing over and over again of who I am, what I'm passionate about, preparing healthy food,  developing delicious recipes, it feels so right.  It feels like my favorite tshirt I pull out of my closet over and over again, perfectly stained and worn in in all the right places. Friday night, I felt content, excited to share these easy recipes and proud of myself for a job well done. Yet still excited as to what lies ahead and what this fresh air will bring into my life. I'm thrilled and open for something new. 

I have a few close friends right now that are going through some transitions, lots of changes and challenges.  I find myself telling them that spring is such a perfect time to re-set, and start fresh.  Clear out the old and make space for new, better things.  Things you might not even thought were possible.  Be open to something new and let go of things that don't serve you anymore. 

What will these spring winds bring into your life? A big giant breath of fresh air is always healing.  Breath it in, welcome it with wide open arms and fear nothing.

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If my story has taught me anything, it's that life is very short, and things can change so fast.  So go out and grab what you want.  Find your re-set button and fly.

Beauty Detox Foods

Have you heard the big news?

It's finally out...Kimberly Snyder's latest book The Beauty Detox Solution.  I'm like a school kid who just got back from the book fair.  I've been flipping through and can't wait to try some of the new recipes. It is full of colorful photos and easy to make recipes.  Just what we all need to stay healthy. 

This lady is the genius behind my favorite green drink, the Glowing Green Smoothie. 

 

I start my day with it each morning and now I crave it...crazy, right?! 

 

Lately I've been adding raw hemp seeds to my salads.  They give a nice mild, nutty flavor, add some protein, essential amino acids and omega 3's.  Delicious, give them a try.  They also blend well in smoothies.  So good for you. 

 

Now that the sun is shining more, my windows are open and birds are chirping...

I'm making more salads for lunch and dinner.

 

And sometimes salmon with kiwi salsa and green beans.

 

 

 

More leftover salmon, (cook once, eat twice...easy) my raw kale and roasted sweet potato salad and carrot cabbage slaw. This easy meal came together in minutes, just what you need after a long day. Nothing beats pre-made food in the fridge.

 

 

I hope you all have a rockin' weekend. 

(see what healthy food makes me do) 

 

Hope you find something that makes you get up and dance. 

Stay healthy everyone! 

xo

Lynda

 

Happy & Healthy Easter

 

Wishing all of you a very blessed Easter. 

Found some Bunny Peeps guarding the gate.

 

 

A fun use of this sugary treat.

 

 

 Feeding the Easter bunny some of his favorites.

Feeling the love for Bunny-Luv Carrots.

And lots of different greens.

 

 

I've been eating a lot more kale, my body is craving it now...crazy, right?!?

I know I'm a freak. 

I chop it up really small and squeeze lemon or lime juice over it and toss it with my hands.

It takes some of the bitterness away and makes a nice simple dressing. 

Try It....it's fun to make!

 

And preparing myself for some upcoming classes. 

 

Have you tried one yet?

Treat yourself to a healthy cooking class.  We have some exciting workshops and classes at Seasonal Health. 

 

Eat more greens. 

 

Drink more greens.

Chickpea Chocolate Chip Cookies
 

part of my 'Yes Please..Healthy Desserts Class'
sign up today before it fills up. 

Treat yourself to some healthier treats this Easter. 
Your body will thank you. 
Have a great day everyone!
enjoy time with family & friends.
xo
lynda