Tag: fall

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Farewell Summer: 3 Easy Summer Recipes to Enjoy Before Fall Fully Sets In

by Carol MurphyLeave a Comment on Farewell Summer: 3 Easy Summer Recipes to Enjoy Before Fall Fully Sets In
Farewell Summer: 3 Easy Summer Recipes to Enjoy Before Fall Fully Sets In

As summer gracefully bids us farewell, I find myself clinging to the warmth and joy of the season just a little bit longer. There is something so special about the vibrant flavors of summer that can brighten our days, even as the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp. So, I always like to remind myself that we don’t have to completely relinquish our enjoyment of those favorite summer foods – at least, not just yet.

This past Labor Day, I had the pleasure of gathering with dear friends and family, and I couldn’t resist making some of our favorites. My husband requested his favorite Lemon Cake, and I had been waiting for an opportunity to try this mocktail and grilled peach recipe for quite some time. This was the perfect opportunity for me to do so. These 3 recipes were a huge hit! Today, I am excited to share these three dishes that perfectly capture the essence of summer: a delightful Meyer Lemon Cake, a succulent Grilled Peach dish with Madagascar Vanilla Bean Gelato, and a refreshing Mango Margarita Mocktail. These recipes are simple to prepare and will help keep a piece of summer alive in your heart long after the warmth of the season has turned into a brisk chill, and the leaves from deciduous trees fall to the ground.

Meyer Lemon Cake

There is something magical about Meyer Lemons – they’re slightly sweeter and more fragrant than regular lemons, making this cake a true celebration of flavor. It’s essential to use Meyer lemons for this recipe; as the gentle, floral notes of Meyer lemons tend to elevate this cake in a way that standard lemons simply cannot match.

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of coconut flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 cup coconut sugar or granulated organic sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon Juice
  • 1 tbsp Meyer lemon zest

Cake Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 cup organic powdered sugar
  • 2 – 3 tbsp freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice (adjust the taste to your liking)
  • 1 tsp Meyer lemon zest (optional for added flavor enhancement)
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract (optional, for added depth)

Glaze Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl whisk together the powdered sugar and Meyer lemon juice. Start with 2 tablespoons of the juice and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze should be smooth and slightly thick, yet pourable.
  2. Stir in the Meyer lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
  3. If you are adding vanilla extract, mix it in at this stage to round out the sweetness and tame the tanginess of the lemon.
  4. Set aside until the cake is done.
  5. Once your cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to flow naturally over the edges.

Baking Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Grease and line an 8 – inch round cake pan with parchment paper to ensure your cake releases smoothly after baking.
  3. Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a rich, moist base for the cake.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures the mixture stays light and airy, while the eggs help bind everything together.
  5. Stir in the freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice and zest. This step is crucial for the cake’s flavor.
  6. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut flour, baking powder, and salt. Coconut flour is very absorbent, so be sure to measure it carefully for the right texture.
  7. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix until everything is smooth and there are no lumps, allowing the ingredients to marry into a fragrant batter.
  8. Transfer to cake pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly/ The batter may seem thick, but that’s normal with coconut flour cakes.
  9. Bake the cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Glaze and serve: Once the cake has fully cooled, drizzle it with the Meyer Lemon Glaze (recipe provided above), letting it cascade down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
  11. Garnish with thinly sliced fresh, organic Meyer lemon slices and fresh organic mint leaves.
  12. Slice, serve and enjoy!

This cake is perfect for a light, refreshing holiday dessert

Grilled Peaches with Madagascar Vanilla Bean Gelato + Honey

As summer reaches its zenith, peaches are at their sweetest, but you may still be able to find some good one at this time of the year. Grilling peaches brings out their natural sugars, creating a warm, caramelized delight. Paired with with Madagascar vanilla bean gelato, this dessert is indulgent, yet light, perfect for a warm evening with good company.

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
  • 2 tsp coconut oil, avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 pint Madagascar vanilla bean gelato
  • 2 tbsp of your favorite honey
  • Fresh chopped pecans for garnish and a little added crunchiness (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your grill to medium – high heat.
  2. Brush the cut/open sides of the peaches lightly with oil, giving them a little extra flavor and helping them to caramelize beautifully on the grill.
  3. Place the peaches cut side down on the grill and cook for 4 – 5 minutes, or until grill marks appear and the peaches become tender, but still a little firm, but be careful not to overcook.
  4. Remove the peaches from the grill and allow them to cool slightly.
  5. Serve the warm grilled peaches topped with a generous scoop of Madagascar vanilla bean gelato, allowing it to melt just a little over the warm, grilled peaches.
  6. Drizzle the top with a little bit of your favorite honey
  7. Garnish with fresh pecans or granola (optional)

Mango Margarita Mocktail

This Mango Margarita Mocktail is the perfect way to toast to the end of summer without any of the alcohol. The sweetness of fresh, sweet mango combined with the tartness of lime creates a refreshing drink that captures the essence of a summer gathering in a glass.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup fresh organic mango chunks (or frozen organic mango chunks)
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 2 tbs agave syrup or honey
  • 1 cup coconut water or sparkling water
  • Ice cubes
  • Lime wedges for garnish (or your fresh fruit of choice)
  • Your favorite salt or sugar for rimming glasses (optional)

Instructions:

  1. In a blender, combine the mango chunks, lime juice, orange juice, coconut water and agave syrup or sugar. Blend until smooth, creating a vibrant, refreshing mixture.
  2. Fill glasses with ice cubes (optional)
  3. If desired, rim margarita glasses with lime juice and dip them in salt or sugar for added flair.
  4. Pour the the mango and lime mixture over the ice, filling the glasses about two-thirds full.
  5. Garnish with lime wedges or your favorite fresh fruit and serve immediately, enjoying every sip of the last of summer’s vibe.

As we welcome the arrival of Fall, let’s remember that the flavors of summer can linger a little longer in our hearts and in our food choices. Each of these recipes offers a beautiful way to celebrate the last moments of the season and share joyful memories with friends and family.

When I made these I wanted to ensure that they were as healthy as possible. I am discovering that I can still enjoy sweet treats by simply changing a few ingredients, and avoiding oils that I find concerning in my own diet. Additionally, I stopped drinking alcoholic beverages a few years ago – even for special occasions- so I find mocktails to be a very fruitful replacement (no pun intended). I love how they allow me to savor the flavors that I love while still prioritizing my health and wellness.

So gather your favorite people, whip up these delights, and savor every bite and sip before they’re really out of season. Here’s to keeping the spirit of summer alive just a little bit longer – one scrumptious recipe at a time.

Thanks for reading.

Until the next time…

Take care and be well.

– Carol

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Just Be Thankful.

by Carol MurphyLeave a Comment on Just Be Thankful.
Just Be Thankful.

“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

– Melody Beattie

As the month of November comes to an end I begin to sense the spirit of gratitude slowly fade away. The “month of gratitude” may be over, but I do not plan to stop practicing gratitude thereafter. My gratitude practice is a lifestyle. A lifestyle that makes every day of my life a magical and wonderful journey of discovery and appreciation. Even in the midst of grief and profound loss.

Until the next post.

Blessings,

Take care + be well,

Carol xo

featured, grief, Health, Inspiration, Uncategorized, Wellness

15 Ways to Conquer Those “Blues”

by Carol Murphy4 Comments on 15 Ways to Conquer Those “Blues”
15 Ways to Conquer Those “Blues”

When I stepped outside and onto my front porch this morning a cool breeze brushed against my face. I also felt a bit of warmth from the fall sun; and both sensations were very soothing.  I turned around to close my front door and while doing so I could hear a group of leaves bustling down the street behind me.

Naturally, I didn’t have to turn around to know that they were leaves that had recently fell from the neighborhood trees.  In my mind I called upon past memories of the season and I thought to myself, “this only happens once a year.”  This was fall in full effect and as I turned around to face the street, all of the leaves began to then scatter to different areas of the street and into yards like little colorful children laughing and playing a game of tag.

It’s always the little things that capture my attention, and where I find some of the most intriguing things to be grateful for.  Practicing gratitude allows me to readjust my focus so that I am always able to find “something” good in everything.  Even those things that I normally would not find pleasing – like cold weather months, for example.

When fall arrives I know that I will now have to try to plan my outdoor walks and hiking trips a bit more carefully for the next few months, if at all, and this alone contributes to my “blues” along with grieving and missing the sunshine.  However,  the cooler months also bring with them the opportunity to sit or lay by a fireplace fire, and if I keep looking on the bright side and maintain an open mind, I will also be able to appreciate the fact that I can still perform other exercises and activities indoors. Optimism is a beautiful thing. I guess that is why we as a society celebrate it.

A big part of conquering the “blues” involves maintaining a positive outlook once the weather changes. Yet, as I have discovered, this isn’t always easy to do especially if the shift to cooler weather and shorter daylight hours are affecting you while you are grieving. There are a few things that anyone can do to help make this time of year more pleasant and more manageable and I have listed fifteen tips below that I have personally tried and that seem to be helpful.

  1. Practice gratitude – Find something in every day, no matter how big or small, to be grateful for.  Begin by noticing something good about the changes that come with both the fall and winter seasons.
  2. Get a pet.  Pets can help keep you stay healthy by encouraging you to stay active. It may also help to care for something else other than yourself.
  3. Open your curtains or blinds as often as possible to allow the sun to shine in and keep your mood positive.
  4. Exercise or find another way to keep you body active for a few minutes a day.
  5. Take up a new hobby or start a fall or winter craft. This can be especially helpful in easing any grief.  Try creating something in honor of the person who has passed away or create something that sparks your interest. Either way, creative expression is good for managing feelings and emotions.
  6. Find an exercise buddy to keep things exciting and for accountability.
  7. Eat healthy and don’t feel bad about treating yourself to a favorite treat once in a while…think balance.
  8. Volunteer or donate to a cause that you care about, or that your loved one cared about. When we help others it can give us insight and remind us that things aren’t as bad as they may seem.
  9. Join a club such as a grief group, book club or hiking club, or any club that sparks your interest. This is a great way to maintain social contacts and prevent feelings of isolation.
  10. Create fall or winter rituals such as decorating for the holidays, cooking holiday meals, baking desserts, (especially those that your lost loved one enjoyed), or burn  candles and make a fire in the fireplace. These things can help you enjoy the “warmth” of the season.
  11.  Avoid negativity  – Surround yourself with positive people and positive environments.  Negativity can be stressful and may trigger unfavorable emotions and memories.
  12. Look forward – Create something special to look forward to in the coming year such as a memorial event,  or a solo or family trip or vacation.
  13. Stay social – Spend time with family and friends, share family memories and create new ones, or simply get together with friends to watch a movie or have brunch or dinner out at a restaurant.
  14. Play music – Listen to your favorite music regularly in your home or car to give your mind a break.  You may also enjoy playing a little holiday music during the holidays to add a little cheeriness to the gloomier seasons.
  15. Create a morning and evening ritual – such as practicing meditation, yoga, prayer or journaling as these practices can help with maintaining a positive outlook.
Thankfully, seasons change, and “the blues” will too, but until the seasons actually do change and bring back the longer, brighter days with the trees and other foliage beginning to show hints of a less monochromatic world  we have just a few months in which we can savor the beauty that fall and winter bestows us. Let’s enjoy it together. Shall we? Happy October!

Until the next post.

Blessings,

Take Care + Be Well,

Carol xo

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Gearing up for “D” Fall

by Carol MurphyLeave a Comment on Gearing up for “D” Fall
Gearing up for “D” Fall

When you can’t get enough sunshine…create your own.

-Carol C.M.

Can you feel it? It’s there in the air. The slightly cooler weather. The change in the way that the sun lights up a room? The yearning for comfort food. The cries for pumpkin spice everything. The Halloween and Thanksgiving decorations inside every store that you set foot in. Wanting to pull the covers up to your chin and press the snooze button on those early chilly mornings before you get out of bed.
Regardless of  whether you call it Autumn or Fall… it’s here. That time of the year that makes us want to hibernate a little bit and spend more time indoors.  As someone who enjoys both the outdoors and warm sunshine on my skin I am going to miss the warmer months and the opportunity to soak up vitamin D naturally.
Spending time in the sun, of course, has its pros and cons.  We want to avoid exposing ourselves to too much sunlight as not to increase our chances of getting skin cancer — even with sunscreen. Yet, with sunlight being a natural and ideal way of getting vitamin D into our bodies to maintain our health, we also want to be able to reap that benefit.
During the spring and summer months our bodies produce vitamin D naturally when we spend at least ten to twenty minutes outside receiving ultraviolet B rays from the sun.  Yet, during the fall and winter months most of us are less likely to be able to so, which means that we are often left to find others ways of ensuring that we are getting enough vitamin D and maintaining our health and nutrition.
We can do this by eating more vitamin D rich foods such as fortified milk, orange juice, cheese, eggs, mushrooms, or fatty-fish such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.  For my vegan friends, tofu or fortified plant milks can be good sources of vitamin D. Just be sure to double check your labels.  Furthermore, vitamin D supplements tend to be good options for those who may feel as though they are are not receiving enough vitamin D from their food sources. These are just some of the ways that I manage my vitamin D levels as a flexitarian. As always, it would also be a good idea to check with your physician or nutritionist to determine what your unique vitamin or nutritional needs might be.
I think we all know that vitamin D is important for our bone, nail, hair and teeth health, but did you know that it also plays a role in the human cell life cycle and helps regulate both immune and neuromuscular systems?

Potential Benefits of Vitamin D

  • May aid depression or S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder / Seasonal Depression).
  • May decrease inflammation.
  • May prevent bone loss or bone disease.
  • May provide relief for some chronic conditions such as Crohn’s Disease, Arthritis or Multiple Sclerosis.
  • May aid cognitive function.

A few signs of vitamin deficiency include hair loss, muscle pain, having wounds that heal slowly and fatigue. These are symptoms that could also, very easily, be associated with other conditions which is why you should seek professional medical help in the event that you experience any of these symptoms – especially if you are experiencing grief and assuming that your symptoms are solely related to stress from the loss that you have experienced.  Deficiency in this vitamin is common and easy to remedy so don’t be afraid to get any of these symptoms checked out.

Until the next post.

Blessings,
Take Care  + Be Well,
Carol xo