This is refreshingly bright and tart with a dark berry finish. Add more mint for a piquant flavour. Pack smart and divide among Mason jars with lids. This makes travelling easy and provides an environmentally friendly, no-waste drinking glass too.
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) blueberries
1 1/2 cups (350 mL) water
1/2 cup (125 mL) palm sugar or organic raw cane sugar
4 mint sprigs
1 cup (250 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice (about 6 to 7 limes)
2 to 3 cups (500 to 750 mL) soda water
Place 2 cups (500 mL) berries in saucepan. Add water and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium. Partially cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until berries soften and pop, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in 3 mint sprigs, then remove pan from heat. Let cool, then discard mint. Purée with hand blender. For a smoother texture, strain and discard solids. Return liquid to saucepan and stir in lime juice and soda water.
Divide among 6 large Mason jars (or pour into 1 to 2 Thermos containers). Stir in remaining 1/2 cup (125 mL) blueberries and mint leaves from remaining sprig. Seal jars with lids. Chill until ready to serve.
Makes 6 cups (1.5 L).
Each serving contains: 115 calories; 1 g protein; 0.2 g total fat (0 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 30 g total carbohydrates (25 g sugars, 2 g fibre); 23 mg sodium
source: "Splendour in the Grass", alive #381, July 2014
This vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.
Cauliflower has been having a moment lately, and this salad proves exactly why. Tender caramelized cauliflower is crowned in a glorious sweet and savoury crumble that will ensure it a place on your table all month long. Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest concentration of flavonoids, which offer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, and they also protect your cells from oxidative damage. Crumble perfection This crumble topping is too good not to use it on other preparations. Sprinkle over a carrot ribbon salad to add some extra pizzazz, use as a glorious garnish on a soup or stew, or consider generously spooning over your next vegetable “steak” to add some delicious textural variation.
This gloriously comforting dish gets its creamy lusciousness from a can of white beans. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand instead of broccoli. Pass the pasta Instead of regular pasta, consider serving this sauce over zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, or cooked spaghetti squash.
This nut-free take on classic queso dip is everything you want and more. Paired with chips, crackers, or crudités, this creamy, zesty, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying dip is easy enough to whip up for a cozy snack or as an appetizer for company. Go nuts! If you’re okay to eat nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds with 1 cup (250 mL) raw cashews.