Cooking Oils...fats are very important for healthy body functioning.

In today's world of processed foods, who cares about what fats are we letting in our body and how detrimental it is in the long run for generations to come. Who has the time to think about what we are putting in our bodies?

But don't you think the food we eat is the most important thing in our lives...Everything else will follow...good health, happiness, beauty, fun, the capacity to work hard and the capacity to live a fulfilling life.

I use only 3 kinds of fats for cooking, ghee, butter and coconut oil. And I cant tell enough how much it has benefited  me any family. Other sources of just edible fats would be fresh poultry, red meats, raw nuts ,fruits like avocado and some cheeses.

I wont go on and on lecturing about how good Coconut oil is for all purpose cooking. I use it in my food and tropically on my skin. Either ways it is excellent! What is important is the source you get it from. I prefer Tropical Traditions Gold Label http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/virgin_coconut_oil.htm.

Here is what Dr Mercola says about coconut oil:

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/22/coconut-oil-and-saturated-fats-can-make-you-healthy.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOBuAe1IVRM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txWk1vWJjJM

My personal experience would be, it has helped me with severe digestive issues, keeping my weight under control, helped me maintain a younger looking skin(by applying it tropically), good for hair and the best part about cooking with it is food does not taste"coconut-y" although when used it baking, it might impart a very mild "coconut-y" flavor and I can live with it.

Enough said....I LOVE MY COCONUT OIL :)

Fudge Pudding Pops

It is all about the same great taste using much healthier ingredients :) I Just love this one!

This pudding pop is so creamy and rich, no one could tell there is no dairy in it. Have it as a Pop or eat it like pudding, it is a Superfood!


Ingredients(for 6 pops):

1. Cashews - 1 cup.
2. Avocado - 1 medium sized.
3. Dates - 8-9 pitted (depending on how sweet you want them to be).
4.  Cocoa powder - 1  1/2 Tbsp
5. Honey- 1/2 Tbsp
6. Water - 1- 1 1/2 cups (depending on your blender).
7. Salt - a pinch.

Process:

• Soak the cashews and dates for 1/2 - 1 hour.
• Blend the cashews and dates first using a little water till they turn into a smooth paste.
• Now add the other ingredients in the blender and blend thoroughly till it forms thick creamy pudding like consistency.
• Pour into Popsicle moulds and freeze for pops or you could eat it straightaway like a pudding.

Cashew-Dates-Avocado Pops.

I love it when my daughter eats it..really I mean look at the ingredients! and I make it all with organic ingredients which adds to the goodness. If you ask me about the taste, I would say "the taste is divine" :).
Everyone has their own opinion though. My Hubby who is not a big fan of avocados was like "Really? Avocado pops??!!" but the good part is that he ate it happily and gave some expert comments too like he would have preferred it more if the color did not turn green which masked the fact that there are cashews and dates in it and that it would have looked more tempting if it had some pieces of dates and cashews sticking out of it. Feedback taken..but I cant do much about the color though :) 


If you don't freeze the mixture and simple refrigerate it, you could have it as a pudding. I love the taste.


 Here it goes:


Ingredients(for 6 pops):

1. Cashews - 1 cup.
2. Avocado - 1 medium sized.
3. Dates - 8-9 pitted (depending on how sweet you want them to be).
4. Water or Coconut Milk - 1 - 1 1/2 cups (depending on your blender).
5. Salt - a pinch.

Process:

• Soak the cashews and dates for 1/2 - 1 hour.
• Blend the cashews and dates first using a little water.
• Now add the other ingredients in the blender and blend thoroughly till it forms thick creamy pudding like consistency.
• Pour into Popsicle moulds and freeze for pops or you could eat it straightaway like a pudding.

Enjoy!

Raspberry-Blueberry-Banana swirl Pops.

This one is my husband's favorite :) Not all pops that I try end up in my blog. Some of the combinations are a complete flop. But you got to try right? You got to be fearless when it comes to cooking and creating foods.
Again, there are still some recipes that are a hit in my family but they finish before I get a chance to click a perfect picture.
Anyways, the one I am about to share is a very good combo and a hit in my family. Hope you like it too. Here it goes.

Ingredients(for 6 Popsicles):

1. Fresh Raspberries - 1 1/2 cup.
2. Fresh Blueberries - 1 1/2 cup.
3. Ripe Bananas(spotted) - 2 large
4. Cashew Milk - 1/2 cup 
5. Honey - 2 Tbsp
6. Salt- 1/16 th Tsp

Process:

• Puree Raspberries and a Tbsp of honey and fill 1/3rd of the moulds and freeze for 1/2 hour-45 min.(do not add water while pureeing).
• Puree the bananas with cashew milk and a pinch of salt.
• Take previously filled moulds out of the freezer and fill another 1/3rd with the banana puree and freeze again.
• Puree blueberries and a Tbsp of honey(do not add water)
• Takeout the moulds and pour the blueberry puree to fill the moulds.
• Now using a bamboo skewer blend the layers so they they form nice swirls(do not overdo).
• If the previous layers are too hard, leave them on the counter in room temperature for about 10 minutes and then make the swirls.
• Now freeze the moulds overnight or a minimum of 6 hours before serving.

Acai and Berries Antioxidant Pop.

A jumbo dose of antioxidants for Kids who refuse to have them in their true form. It makes me feel good every time my family indulges into healthy treats like this one and relish every bite at the same time.

Raw Acai powder can be found in any health food store.

Ingredients(for 6 bars):

1. Strawberries - 1 cup chopped.
2. Blueberries - 1 cup.
3. Raspberries - 1/2 cup.
4. Blackberries - 1/2 Cup.
5. Raw Acai Powder - 3 Tbsp.
6. Freshly squeezed orange juice - 1/2 cup.
7. Extra virgin Coconut oil- 2 Tbsp(melted).
8. Honey - 2-3 Tbsp (according to taste).

Process:

• Put all ingredients in the blender and blend thoroughly till they get into a creamy texture.
• Taste for sweetness.
• Pour into moulds and freeze overnight or a minimum of 4 hours before serving.

Enjoy! 

Pineapple-Strawberry-Coconut Fruit Bars

I always keep my recipes short and simple...very important for moms like me who are always on the go.

We all love this Popsicle and it is so nutritious and a good source of vitamins and fiber.

I love this mold as it is BPA free http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G32H3Y/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i03

Ingredients (for 6 bars):

1. Pineapple(fresh/frozen) - about 1/3 of the whole pineapple/ 2 cups chopped.
2. Strawberries(fresh/frozen) - 3 cups(chopped).
3. Unsweetened shredded coconut - 1 1/2 cups.
4. Freshly squeezed orange Juice - 1 1/2 cups.
5. Honey - 2 Tbsp (or as desired).
6. Salt - 1/10th Tsp/ a pinch.

Process:

• Put all ingredients in blender and blend thoroughly.
• Check for sweetness.
• Pour into the Popsicle molds and freeze for minimum 4 hours before serving.

Blueberry-Banana smoothie.

This one is a variation of the Strawberry Smoothie. Can be made with or without the SCD 24 hr yogurt, but I prefer the taste with the yogurt. Even if you prefer to use just plain water, the taste is going to be super refreshing, I promise :)
The best part about these smoothies are that they work great with kids. YES! They do...and what a healthy alternative to commercial smoothies, although they clam to be "100% natural". I will share one more trick. Add a little more water and pour into Popsicle racks for yummy Popsicles.They come out really great :)

Ingredients for two tall glasses:

1. 1 ripe Avocado.
2. 1 ripe banana (3/4th of a large banana).
3. 3 cups fresh or frozen Blueberries
4. 1 cup SCD 24 hr yogurt.
5. 1 Tbsp honey or as desired.
6. 1 1/2 cup water.
7. Ice Cubes.

Process:

• Put all the ingredients in your blender and blend for about 30 seconds-1 minute(depending on how powerful your blender is).
• Pour into tall glasses and enjoy :)

                               

Casein Free Strawberry Smoothie.

This one is very very easy and flexible. People who can tolerate casein can also add the SCD 24 hr yogurt and some water.
The avocado is what makes this smoothie creamy so do not miss the avocado.
I make my own nut milk at home and prefer Cashew milk over others.

Ingredients for two tall glasses:

1. 1 ripe Avocado.
2. 1 ripe banana (3/4th of a large banana).
3. 3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries.
4. 2 cups Cashew milk/ coconut milk/ almond milk as per choice.
5. 1 Tbsp honey or as desired.
6. Ice cubes

Process:

• Put all the ingredients in your blender and blend for about 30 seconds-1 minute(depending on how powerful your blender is).
• Pour into tall glasses and enjoy :)

Water Kefir

Water kefir grains (also known as Sugar Kefir Grains or Tibicos) allow for the fermentation of sugar water or juice to create a carbonated lacto-fermented beverage. Incredibly easy to brew, the starter culture can create a new batch of kefir every 24-48 hours. This makes a fantastic non-dairy alternative to milk kefir and can be flavored after brewing to make a variety of delicious sodas.

For more detailed information about what they exactly are Click Here.

To know their exact composition Click Here.

My Husband took his first sip of water Kefir and concluded "Now I know exactly how you were staying so happily without me the past 1 month. You were busy making home made beer and drinking it." LOL. Actually it does taste a bit alcoholic, much like beer(esp the one I make using Jaggery). I have not had much alcohol since I got pregnant with my daughter, so this is quite a thing for me. I love it anyways!




We started Water Kefir after 1 year of doing the SCD diet.

Water Kefir that I made using Kefir Grains,Spring Water, Himalayan Salt and Jaggery.

 Dont know what Jaggery is? Cick Here.

Water Kefir Grains.

The typical recipe for Water Kefir is:

• 4 cups Spring water.
• 4 Tbsp Sugar.
• 4 Tbsp Kefir Grains.
• 1/8 th Tsp Himalayan salt/ pure sea salt.

Process:

• Mix all the above ingredients and let them stand for 48 hours.
• After 48 hours strain the mixture through a nylon strainer to seperate the kefir grains.
• If you want a fizzy carbonated drink, keep the liquid in an air tight container for another 24-48 hours.

My Kefir Supply for just 2 days :)

Enjoy Your Kefir and feel good and happy! :)

Milk Kefir(Using Starter)

If you are serious about boosting your immunity and increasing your daily energy, then adding traditionally fermented foods to your diet is a must. Kefir, which means 'feel good" in Turkish, is an ancient cultured, enzyme-rich food filled with friendly micro-organisms that help balance your "inner ecosystem" to maintain optimal health and strengthen immunity.

Kefir's tart and refreshing flavor is similar to a drinking-style yogurt, and it contains beneficial yeast as well as the friendly 'probiotic' bacteria found in yogurt. When used regularly, the naturally occurring bacteria and yeast in Kefir combine symbiotically to help balance your intestinal flora and boost your immunity.

Among its many beneficial powers, Kefir:

• Provides supplemental nourishment for pregnant and nursing women
• Contributes to your healthy immune system
• Promotes a relaxing effect on the nervous system and benefit many who seek a restful night's sleep
• Helps support your normal intestinal tract function, promote bowel movements and your healthy digestive system -- and is beneficial after the use of antibiotics to restore balance to the digestive tract
• Curbs unhealthy food cravings by making your body more nourished and balanced.

The exceptional nutritional content of Kefir offers a wealth of healthy benefits to people in every type of condition. More than just beneficial bacteria, Kefir contains minerals and essential amino acids that help your body with its natural healing powers and maintenance functions.

The complete proteins in Kefir are partially digested and therefore more easily utilized by the body.

Tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids abundant in Kefir, is well-known for its relaxing effect on the nervous system. Because it also offers loads of calcium and magnesium -- both of which are critical for a healthy nervous system -- Kefir in the diet can have a particularly calming effect on the nerves.

Rich in vitamin B12, B1, and vitamin K, Kefir is an excellent source of biotin, a B vitamin which aids the body's absorption of other B vitamins, such as folic acid, pantothenic acid, and B12. The many advantages of maintaining adequate B vitamin intake range from regulation of the normal function of the kidneys, liver and nervous system to helping promote healthy looking skin, boosting energy and promoting longevity. Kefir's ample supply of phosphorus -- the second most abundant mineral in our bodies -- helps utilize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins for cell growth, maintenance and energy.

Add caption

I have made my Kefir using the Body Ecology Starter and it came out great. I will be ordering some kefir grains soon and experiment with them too. For now I think I am very happy with this particular starter and totally hooked to it.

How to make it: Time and temperature are two important factors that determine how thick and tasty your Kefir will be. In the warmer months Kefir may be ready to drink in 18 hours. If you let it sit out too long at room temperature, it will become thick and eventually start turning into cheese and whey. If your Kefir is "lumpy" and too sour, you are leaving it out too long. It should be creamy and "drinkable"...a little thicker than milk. At this point, shake it well and place the Kefir into your refrigerator. It will thicken slightly since it is continuing to culture, but at a much slower pace.

Enjoy your Kefir! :)

Coconut Cream and Nut Dipped Banana...Raw, GFCF, Vegan.

I love coconut cream and banana is my second favorite fruit, first would be mango. I easily consume 2-3 bananas a day. Hence I keep doing things to my banana to make it more fancy.
The process of making these is the same as the Banana-Coconut Dibs, just the ingredients are different.

Ingredients:

1. 1 large ripe banana.
2. Unsweetened raw coconut cream/butter. I use Artisana.-2 Tbsp.
3. Pecans/ walnuts/ almonds - not very finely ground.
4. Coconut Oil - Optional.

Process:

• Peel the banana and cut into small pieces. Put the pieces in the freezer for 5 minutes.
• If your coconut butter is in the solid state, melt it by heating over medium heat in a small pan. Remove from heat immediately after melting. Can add a little coconut oil to improve consistency.
• Keep the ground nuts ready on a plate.
• Take the banana pieces out of the freezer. Now dip each piece in the coconut butter and dab onto the ground nuts covering all the sides thoroughly. Place carefully on a separate plate.
• Repeat the same with all the pieces.
• Put the plate with the pieces in the freezer for 10-15 minutes (depending on how cool your freezer is).
• Take out of the freezer and serve immediately.

One more way of having it and I do it often when I am extremely hungry is dip the pieces in the butter, sprinkle the nuts and put it directly in your mouth :)
Enjoy the tropical bliss!

Bengali Veggie Stirfry AKA Palak Chorchori.

This is a very simple and easy to make dish and tastes great. It tastes best with rice but since we cannot have grains we just have it as it is.
The flavoring agent in this dish is a blend of five spices called Panch Phoron. It is a very commonly used spice blend in Bengal.

Panch Phoran:This uniquely Bengali (east Indian) spice mix is used to season many dishes. It is a blend of five (paanch) spices and lends a lovely aroma when added to a dish.

Ingredients:

• Cumin seeds
• Fennel seeds
• Nigella seeds
• Fenugreek seeds
• Mustard seeds

Preparation:

• Mix all the above in equal quantities and store in an airtight container.

OR you can buy a pack from the Indian store.

Ingredients:

1. Eggplant -1.
2. Radish - 1 or 2 depending upon the size but more than the eggplant.
3. Carrots -  equal amount as the radish.
4. Spinach - equivalent to the total quantity of the other veggies.
5. Panch phoron.
6. Whole dried red chillies - 3 to 4.
7. Salt - according to taste.
8. Honey - 1 heaped Tsp or according to taste
9. Turmeric - 1/2 Tsp
10. Ghee - 1 Tsp 
11. Cooking oil - 2 Tsp.

Process:

• Wash and cut all the vegetables into desired shaped pieces.
• Keep in mind you need to peel the radish before cutting onto further smaller pieces.
• In an iron skillet take 2 Tsp cooking oil and heat over high flame.
• When the oil is hot add the whole red chillies and lower the heat.
• When the chillies become almost blackish in color, add 1 teaspoon Panch Phoron.
• After 30 seconds add the cut vegetables and stir thoroughly.
• Add salt according to taste.
• Add very little turmeric, so that the original color of the vegetables is not masked.
• Cover and let cook on medium heat for 4 - 5 minutes.
• In the mean time wash the spinach thoroughly and chop into smaller pieces. If you are using baby spinach leaves you need not chop them.
• When the vegetables are almost done add the Spinach and stir and mix throughly.
• After 1 minute, add honey.
• Now keep stirring making sure that you don't mash the eggplant, dry down the whole thing to a desired consistency.
• Now remove from heat, add ghee and cover for 5 minutes.
• Make sure that the ghee spreads evenly before serving.
• Serve Hot!

Banana-Coconut Dibs...Raw, GFCF, Vegan.

I dont like complex recipes. My recipes are simple and easy to make for anyone. SCD diet itself is very challenging so we need a lot a recipes in hand that are easy to make, are nutritious and takes less time to prepare.
I made these yesterday, super easy and super delicious. My eyes roll to the back of my head with every bite. Seriously! You got to try this one.
Before I start, let me tell you, I am a big big fan of Coconut oil. I cook with it, use it as a lotion on my face and body. Why do I love Coconut oil? Read this.
My most preferred brand of Coconut oil is Tropical Traditions, next would be Artisana.

Ingredients:

1. 1 large ripe banana.
2. Coconut oil - 1 Tbsp
3. Honey - 1 Tbsp
4. Unsweetened coconut flakes/ shredded coconut.

Process:

• Peel the banana and cut into small pieces. Put the pieces in the freezer for 5 minutes.
• If your coconut oil is in the solid state, melt it by heating over medium heat in a small pan. Remove from heat immediately after melting.
• Now add 1 Tbsp honey to the coconut oil and beat till they blend well.
• Keep the grated coconut ready on a plate.
• Take the banana pieces out of the freezer. Now dip each piece in the coconut oil-honey mixture and dab onto the flakes covering all the sides thoroughly. Place carefully on a separate plate.
• Repeat the same with all the pieces.
• Now with a spoon carefully pour the remaining coconut oil- honey mixture on the pieces covering all sides. Cover with more coconut flakes.
• Put the plate with the pieces in the freezer for 10-15 minutes (depending on how cool your freezer is). We just want to solidify the coconut-honey mixture and cool down the banana.
• Take out of the freezer and serve immediately.
• Close your eyes with every bite and enjoy the exotic taste!

Concord Grape Conserve, Sugar free

 I love concord grapes! Although they are not available all year round but whenever they are available,I make sure I get a few bags before they are gone.

I love home made conserves and Jams. They are so much better than the commercial ones. Preservative free and I can sweeten it with honey and use Organic fruits.

To begin with, fruits can be divided into two categories, those with high pectin contents and those with lower pectin contents. If you make a jam or conserve with low pectin content it will help the jelling process if you add some high pectin fruits or a commercial pectin, though it is not absolutely necessary.

Grape is a low pectin fruit. In the recipe below I have not used any commercial pectin although you may add some and the results will be very impressive.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag concord grapes (sorry, I dont know the exact weight)
• Honey
• Salt/lemon juice
• Pectin (optional)

Process:

• Lightly crush the grapes with a spoon and put it in the pot.
• Heat over a low flame, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning, until the grapes have become soft, then add the honey.
• Continue stirring while the honey dissolves, and then reduce the heat and continue to cook until the jam thickens to the point that a drop on a tilted plate runs slowly (keep in mind that it will thicken further as it cools, so don't let it get too thick)
• Taste as you go, if the jam is too tart add more honey, and if it is overly sweet add some lemon juice or salt.
• Once the jam is done, transfer it to sterile jars with metal lid. 
• Refrigerate when the jam has cooled down.

Tastes great as a bread spread, with pancakes, over waffles or right out of the jar.

Coconut - Cashew Yogurt, Dairy Free, Sugar Free

There are many people out there who cannot tolerate Dairy products not even Yogurt. My daughter also has a hard time tolerating dairy. But they do not need to stay deprived of all the yogurt goodness like probiotics and enzymes present in yogurt. I have something that is a really really tasty treat. Even we  love it!

Please keep in mind it does not taste anything similar to cow's milk yogurt. Some might consider it just as a sweet treat. But I call it yogurt because it is fermented for 8 hours and hence increasing the nutritional value.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashew milk
• 2 cups coconut milk (I use "so delicious" brand) 
• Honey
• Vanilla extract
• Unflavored Gelatin

How to make Cashew Milk:

• Soak the cashew nuts for 6 hours prior to making the milk.
• After 6 hours discard the water and rinse the nuts thoroughly.
• Put the nuts in a blender along with some water(just enough to immerse the cashews).
• Blend for 2-3 minutes till completely smooth.
• Using a spoon check if the texture is smooth or grainy If the texture feels grainy Blend again till completely smooth.
• Strain the milk using a strainer.

Process:

• In a saucepan add 1 cup cashew milk, 2 cup coconut milk and put on medium/high heat.
• Stir continuously. The cashew has a tendency to settle down at the bottom and burns easily.
• When it is warm enough whisk in 2-3 heaped Tsp Honey.(again according to your taste preference).
• Bring it to a complete boil.
• In a separate pan dissolve 1 1/2 tsp gelatin in a little boiling water and then add the liquid gelatin to the boiling milk.Make sure that the gelatin is completely dissolved in water before adding. Never add gelatin directly to the mixture. It will form lumps hence giving an uneven texture.
• Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
• After the mixture has cooled down, stir in 1/4 tsp vanilla extract.
• Add dairy free yogurt starter.
• Pour in the container you want to set it in and place in the yogurt maker setting the time to 8 hours.If you want it a little more tart you can set to 9 hours.
• Refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours before serving.
• Enjoy with fresh fruits.

 A sweet treat made with love for your loved one who cannot tolerate Milk :)

Enjoy!