by Sharm | Jan 22, 2017 | Food & Drink, Health, Recipes, Whole Foods Market
I have been making this Asian salad for years using nappa cabbage. As a Whole Foods Market Ambassador we are given a monthly theme on certain ingredients to create a recipe. This months theme is all about leafy greens and bok choy makes that list. I wish to thank Whole Foods Market for supplying me with a gift card to pruchase the ingredients.
For more info on other leafy greens and additional recipes you can check out the links and info from Whole Foods Market at the end of this post.
With January being a month of new years resolutions existing of trying to incorpoate more healty habits. This Bok Choy Asian Salad can foot the bill without sacrificing flavor. The crisp bok choy is light and refreshing while adding the toasted almonds and sesame seeds add a delightful crunch. Adding additional veggies certainly pumps up the nutritional content and the option of adding a grilled breast can increase the protein. If you wish to omit the chicken it is makes a great vegetarian dish. The dressing for this salad can be taylored to everyones unique taste. With plenty of Asian dressings on the market you can certainly choose your favorite one to top this salad.
Two of my favorites are Braggs Ginger Sesame and Cindy`s Kitchen Double Garlic, Ginger and Lime. I sometimes even make my own by combining some rice vinegar with some toasted sesame oil, a little fresh minced garlic, a drzzle of honey to sweeten and dash of siracha to add a bit of a kick.
Bok Choy Asian Salad
1 Bunch Bok Choy, chopped
1 Bunch Green Onions, sliced
1/4 Cup Almonds, chopped
2 Tablespoons Sesame Seeds
1/2 Cup Each Brocoli, Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas, chopped.
1 Grilled Chicken Breast, sliced (optional)
This recipe makes two large entree salads. It is perfect if you are just cooking for two or want to have a dinner for one with lunch the next day as was the case for me.
Directions
Chop almonds and place in dry skillet. Add sesame seeds and toast over medium heat until toasted.
Toss bok choy and green onions in large bowl and place all of the greens in serving bowl. Top with remaining veggies, grilled chicken and toasted nut mixture. Top with dressing of choice. Enjoy!
Branch out this new year by trying different leafy greens and choys. These are great for juicing, stir-frying, salads, and braising. Each one is unique and can add texture, flavor, and nutrition to your cooking in different ways.
Leafy Greens:
Chard: Great for Stir Fry!
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/creamy-sesame-greens
Kale: Excellent for Juicing or Smoothies!
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/avocado-salmon-salad-kale
Mustard Greens: Pungent & Spicy!
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/asian-greens-salad-ginger-miso-dressing
Collard Greens: Nutrient Dense with Mild Taste!
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/values-matter/make-citrus-roasted-paiche-collard-wraps
Arugula: Peppery & Great for Salads!
Spinach: Mild Flavor, Great for Juicing!
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipe/spinach-salad-aduki-beans-and-satsuma-vinaigrette
Choys:
Bok Choy: Best for Stir-Fry and Braising!
Gai Choy: Mustardy & Spicy!
Gai Lan: Try it Steamed! Shanghai: Sweet & Delicate!
Baby Bok Choi: Like Chard? You’ll Love This!
by Sharm | Dec 21, 2016 | Beauty, Health, Lifestyle & Technology, Products & Reviews, What I Love, Whole Foods Market
Products from the Mineral Fusion Makeup Line available at Whole Foods Market, will keep you looking gorgeous with minimal effort.
The Mineral Fusions company is based in Denver, CO and they make skin care and cosmetics (in the USA) that are free of gluten, parabens, talc, artificial colors, synthetic fragrances, SLS, and phthalates. They’re also committed to sustainability and utilize wind power, soy inks, packaging from recycled materials and packaging that is recyclable.
I am a huge fan of Mineral Fusion and use quite a bit of their products so when the chance came to write about them as a Whole Foods Ambassador, I decided to share with you my favorite Mineral Fusion products.
#1 Hydrating Primer. My dry skin loves this primer. It smoothes and evens my skin tone and allows my foundation to glide on smoothly for a flawless look.
#2. Lash Curling Mascara. The curved brush on this lash lengthening mascara separates and defines lashes and is made with a hypo allergenic formula.
#3 Lip Pencil. I use this lip pencil to line my lips and also use it to fill in as a base layer under my shear moisture lip tint which come in at number four.
#4 Sheer Moisture Lip Tint. This sheer lip tint adds shine and color without drying out my lips.
#5 Nail Polish. With 61 shades to choose from that are free from formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl, phthalates and camphor, this polish is long lasting and goes on streak free.
These products with just a touch of foundation and blush can give you a glamorous look with minimal effort.
Whole Foods Market is committed to carrying products that are up to their body care standards and Mineral Fusion fits the criteria. You can check out their standards here along with a list of 400 unacceptable ingredients that cannot be in any of their body care products.
Whole Foods Market carries the Mineral Fusions Makeup line and now for a limited time you can pick up this Whole Foods exclusive eye shadow palette that includes six neutral colors, eye shadow brush and eye pencil.
Disclosure: Whole Foods Market provided me with some samples of the Mineral Fusion products and gift card, but all opinions expressed are my own.
by Sharm | Nov 28, 2016 | Beauty, Health, Lifestyle & Technology, What I Love, Whole Foods Market
The Trilogy Advanced Skincare Line will hydrate dry skin and is New Zealand’s number one skincare brand, where a bottle of Trilogy Rosehip oil is sold every 22 seconds.
When sisters Sarah Gibbs and Catherine de Groot discovered the powerful benefits of rosehip oil for skin, back in 2002, they created Trilogy, a natural skincare line that started out with a range of five rosehip skincare products.
The Trilogy line now crafts over 40 incredibly effective natural alternatives to use in place of all the synthetic skincare, body care and hair care products that are out on the market. These natural and effective alternatives are sold in over 20 countries around the world.
The Trilogy Skincare Line has been added to the Whole Body Department at Whole Foods Market as it falls in line with their philosophy that what you put on your body is just as important as what you put in your body.
All of the beauty products at Whole Foods Market meet the strictest standards for quality sourcing, environmental impact, results and safety. For more information on these standards, as well as a list of 400 unacceptable body care ingredients visit Whole Foods Market Whole Body Page.
As a Whole Foods Market Ambassador we are occasionally sent samples and items to try that meet Whole Foods Market quality of standards. This set of samples included items from the Trilogy Skincare Line.
I’ve been using these products for about a week and I am loving the way my skin feels and looks.
The samples included a holiday limited edition Bare-Faced Beauty Kit, Ultra Hydrating Face Cream and Vital Moisturizing Cream.
The Bare-Faced Beauty Kit included a mini bottle of the rosehip oil antioxidant plus. Hydrating beauty mist and make up be gone cleansing balm.
My skin is on the drier end of the spectrum and I found it soaked up the rosehip oil without leaving a greasy film. I have been applying it to my face after I shower to help lock in some moisture then again at night before the ultra hydrating face cream and my dry skin is loving it!
I carry the hydrating beauty mist with me in my purse. The scent is intoxicatingly floral and when I just need a little refreshing pick me up during this day this mist does the trick.
The make-up be gone cleansing balm gently removes make up and I really like using it under my eyes to get that last bit if eyeliner off that my face soap just can’t seem to get.
I have been using the Trilogy ultra hydrating face cream at night after I wash all of my make up off. The ultra hydrating is no joke. This face cream is thick and rich but glides on smoothly and is easily absorbed and no greasy film.
The vital moisturizing cream is lighter than the hydrating cream and absorbs well. I have been using it the mornings as a moisturizer for under my make up.
My niece is an esthetician at a dermatology clinic and is always giving me samples of other high end and high priced skincare products so I have tried quite a few and I have to say, so far the Trilogy line seems just as good and it is half the price!
I encourage you to pick up a variety of Trilogy products at Whole Foods Market to try for yourself. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.
by Sharm | Nov 20, 2016 | Decedent Desserts, Entertaining, Food & Drink, Health, Recipes
Not only is this healthy apple tart gluten free, it is also egg and dairy free as well. My daughter was having some health issues last year and a food sensitivity test came back to avoid dairy, eggs and gluten.
These results came in just before the holidays so was I in bind to figure out how to make a gluten, egg and dairy free Thanksgiving. I mastered some killer brussels sprouts with bacon, almonds and cherries and a gluten, egg and dairy free butternut squash and quinoa stuffing and an amazing herbed butter to season my turkey with. My friend over at Delish Girl made this healthy apple tart for our dessert and was sweet enough to pass along the recipe. I took a stab at making it again for a later holiday gathering and it turned out delicious and is absolutely gorgeous!
The dairy free healthy caramel sauce that gets drizzled on top is also delicious over some dairy free or regular ice cream or use as a dipper for fruit. You can put it your coffee for a healthy home-made caramel macchiato, drizzle over a brownie or anything else you like. You can find the recipe for the healthy caramel sauce here as you will want to make it ahead of time.
This recipe works best in an 8″ or 9″ tart pan with a removable bottom. If you have a larger tart pan, I would double the crust recipe so it can evenly cover the sides and bottom of pan. You want a fairly thick crust so it holds its shape when sides are removed from pan.
I know there are many out there who are on special diets but still want and crave those comforting holiday foods. This healthy apple tart would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving or holiday table and your gluten free guests will love it. Enjoy!
Healthy Apple Tart with Caramel Sauce
1 cup of finely ground almond flour
⅓ cup tapioca flour
2 tablespoons of coconut sugar (or sweetener of choice, such as unrefined cane sugar, organic evaporated cane sugar, maple sugar)
¼ teaspoon unrefined salt
⅓ cup cold butter, or non-hydrogenated palm shortening (for a dairy-free version, use one of the palm shortenings listed above – firm coconut oil could also work, but is a little more finicky)
2 tablespoons cold water
3 large Honeycrisp apples
Juice from half a lemon
¼ cup coconut sugar ((or sweetener of choice, such as unrefined cane sugar, organic evaporated cane sugar, maple sugar)
2 tablespoons tapioca starch/flour, arrowroot flour, or organic cornstarch
2-3 tablespoons of caramel sauce
Directions
Make caramel sauce, and set aside to cool (can make a week ahead, if desired)
In a food processor, combine the almond flour and tapioca flour with the salt and sugar.
If using butter, cut into cubes and add, or measure the palm shortening out and place in the food processor.
Pulse until the shortening or butter is blended into the flour in small pieces (biggest pieces should be the size of a small pea). Pulse after each addition of tablespoon of cold water. (You want the dough just to be moist enough that it sticks together when you pinch the dough into a small ball. I found that two tablespoons was just enough.
Press into the tart pan, making sure that there is a good ¼ inch or so of dough pressed along the side all around the tart pan. This will help make the tart more stable once cooked. Place in fridge. (you can prepare this hours ahead of time, if desired, just cover).
Preheat oven to 375F.
Peel the apples, core them, and then thinly slice. Toss them in a medium sized bowl with the lemon juice, sugar, and tapioca starch. Take the tart pan out and artfully fan out the apple slices in the pan in a circular pattern (if using a circular pan). You want the apple slices to be angled, but not flat (as you wouldn’t be able to fit many slices in that way). Leave any remaing juice from apples in bowl. DO NOT pour it over the top as it will make the tart too soggy and will not bake properly.
Take the previously prepared caramel sauce, and brush on caramel sauce over all of the apples. Set tart pan on cookie sheet and
place in oven. Cook for 40-70 minutes or until the apples are fork tender, and the crust is cooked. I covered with foil at 40 minutes to keep the crust from over browning.
Take out of the oven and cool thoroughly before removing the sides of the tart pan. Slice, and enjoy plain, or with whipped cream or ice cream, served with extra caramel sauce. Enjoy!
by Sharm | Nov 20, 2016 | Decedent Desserts, Entertaining, Food & Drink, Health, Recipes
This delicious healthy caramel sauce is gluten, egg and dairy free. It is delicious over apples, ice cream or whatever you want to drizzle it over.
It is the sweet ingredient in this recipe for my healthy apple tart that is also gluten, egg and dairy free.
It is so easy to make and can keep for a week or two in the fridge. Enjoy!
Ingredients
2/3 cup granulated coconut sugar
1/2 cup honey
4 tablespoons coconut oil or butter
Dash or two of unrefined salt (more for a “salted caramel taste”)
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
2 teaspoon vanilla
Directions
In a small saucepan, put in the coconut sugar, honey, and coconut oil or butter, along with the salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring to evenly melt the honey and coconut oil or butter.
As soon as it’s starting to bubble, set the timer for two minutes. Stir the bubbling mixture once or twice during these two minutes.
Very carefully stir in the coconut milk until it is mixed in.
Once it has returned to a low simmer, simmer for another minute or two, or until the mixture has thickened up again (it won’t be super thick while hot…but will thicken up considerably as it cools. You want it to be thick enough to coat a spoon, but still thin enough to be very easy to drizzle. Don’t heat longer than two minutes).
Take off of the heat, and stir in the vanilla. Let cool to desired temperature before serving. If you want a warm caramel sauce, simply reheat before serving.
Will keep at least 1-2 weeks refrigerated. Makes 2 cup.
by Sharm | Sep 15, 2016 | Health, Whole Foods Market
The salad bar and garden grants from Whole Foods Market is helping get salad bars and gardens in schools across the country.
The more that kids know and feel connected to their food, the more curious they become about how things grow and taste – and they’re more willing to try new foods! You can help your children learn more about eating better by applying for a School Garden or Salad Bar grant!
Many schools have already received these grants, and the list grows each year. Check out the website below to learn how to apply!
School Garden Grant
Created in partnership with FoodCorps, the School Garden Grant program provides a $2,000 monetary grant to support an edible educational garden on the grounds of a K-12 school. Schools, or a non-profit organization working in partnership with a school, may apply.
Application Period Open: September 1st, 2016
Application Period Closed: October 31, 2016 at 5pm CST
Review Period: Winter 2016
Notification to All Applicants: February 15, 2017
School Salad Bars
A salad bar at school means kids have the choice of fresh vegetables and fruit for lunch 175 days each year. Kids with access to a salad bar in the school cafeteria not only put more fruits and veggies on their plates, they actually eat them! The CDC reports that kids with access to a salad bar consume three times more fruits and vegetables.
Salad bars are a viable component of a federally reimbursed school lunch. The cost for one freestanding, mobile salad bar grant is $2,625. This includes everything a school needs to get started: the bar, chill pads, pans and tongs. Each salad bar can serve a school for 10 years, which makes it incredibly cost effective!
You can apply for these two grants online by visiting https://www.wholekidsfoundation.org.
The Whole Kids Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) founded by Whole Foods Market.
