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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

ayurveda, balance, featured, Food, Healing, Health, holistic, Lifestyle, recipes, rituals, Uncategorized, Wellness

Aromatic + Curative CCF Tea

by Carol Murphy4 Comments on Aromatic + Curative CCF Tea

I drink a lot of tea. I love tea and I love trying new teas even more. Whether hot or cold, it doesn’t matter, I enjoy both; but I do have a little more of a soft spot for hot tea. Are there any other tea-lovers out there?

I often drink tea throughout the day every day, and there are times when I will even forgo a cup of coffee and replace it with a cup of hot tea instead, (caffeinated of course), to help get myself going in the morning. A cup of black tea or Earl Grey will usually do the trick in this instance.

Otherwise, I prefer decaffeinated or reduced-caffeinated based teas such as green tea, rooibos, tumeric, mint or some other herbally blended tea.

The first Ayurvedic recipe that I tried when I began my journey with ayurveda was a tea recipe known as CCF Tea. The CCF stands for the spices and herbs we know as cumin, coriander and fennel.

If you’ve ever had tumeric tea, the taste of this tea is somewhat reminiscent of that tea. It’s aromatic, slightly “spicy”, and to some it might be a bit pungent or bitter, but please don’t let that description sway you from trying this tea or from getting acquainted with its healing benefits. It is a very delicious and refreshing beverage.

CCF tea helps me tame my food cravings in-between meals, but it is also beneficial in that it nourishes tissues in the body, helps to keep your digestion system running smoothly, reduces inflammation, increases mental alertness, aids the lymphatic system, eases muscle spasms, may help burn fat, helps alleviate menstrual cramps, helps with the flow of breast milk, helps remove waste from the body and aids congestion.

I am including a recipe in today’s post for CCF tea. This recipe is more of a homemade version and calls for the addition of the 3 individual spices (plus 1 additional one), some of which you may already have in your pantry.

However, you should know that this tea blend can also be purchased in one single package from just about anywhere that you would normally buy your tea for anywhere between $5 – $12.

I happen to use both methods, depending on whether or not I purchased the prepackaged blend beforehand, and thankfully I was able to find a really nice brand that is both inexpensive and organic.

I hope that you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy tea time!

Thank you for reading.

Until the next post…

Take care.

Bereavement, bloggingfundamentals, featured, Food, grief, Healing, Health, Lifestyle, loss, soul, Uncategorized, Wellness

Eating Healthy While Grieving

by Carol MurphyLeave a Comment on Eating Healthy While Grieving
Eating Healthy While Grieving

One of the things that happens to the bereaved right after losing someone is that we tend to seek out things that will help us fill our recent void. Our bodies begin to crave more rest, and a host of other things – one being great tasting foods.  Grief often tends to cause our appetites to change; and while some will experience a loss of appetite, others may experience an increase in appetite as the need to gravitate towards foods that elicit a dopamine release from the brain cause us to feel all warm and fuzzy inside and completely comforted.  This is all due to the stress that comes with grief, and just as with any other form of stress we may know of our own “go-to” foods that we find personally healing.  In fact we can all probably conjure in our minds right this very moment, (I am sure), a dish or recipe that we know has the power to make us instantly happier at any given moment.  For me it’s my Mom’s curried chicken recipe or just about anything with, garbanzo beans, dark leafy greens, avocado or Italian. Those foods always go straight to my soul and make everything better. 

But, back to how grief either increases or decreases our appetite.  In the days weeks and first few months after losing my son, I lost my appetite which resulted in my losing 12 lbs.  Food was the farthest thing from my mind and I remember every time that I did eat, regardless of whether or not it was breakfast, lunch or dinner, I felt as though I was forcing myself to eat.  I was forcing myself to eat, because I knew that eating something was the only way that I was going to have any energy to keep running back and forth to the hospital, plan a funeral service and take care of all of the lose ends and important tasks that must be taken care of after someone passes away.  

Even though my appetite was not there I knew that I had to eat in order to stay somewhat healthy.  Sadly, though, I found myself in a bit of a fast food whirlwind grabbing unhealthy, easy, non-nutritious foods to sustain myself which as you probably already guessed, left me feeling even more depleted.   

Something had to change and I needed to find a way to get back to normalcy and start eating healthy again.  So, I began by gradually increasing the days that I would cook healthy meals at home instead of eating out or grabbing fast food. Starting with two days a week at first, and eventually leading to making healthy home cooked meals 6 days a week – it took me 4 months to return to my usual healthy eating schedule. 

One thing that made it easy to do was to cook in bulk so that we would have leftovers available, (either from the previous day or frozen), if something came up and I was unable to cook one day.  Another trick that I used was to pre-make healthy juices, smoothies, vegetable and fruit plates, soups and salads and I kept them at hand so they were easy to grab from the refrigerator for a quick snack or lunch.      

It is not uncommon for the grieved to receive food from friends and family after the funeral has passed, and this practice can be such a wonderful blessing when you are too emotionally and physically and weary to cook anything. I can’t stress enough how much helping the grieved in this way can mean the world anyone who has just lost someone. However, that is not something that we can rely on for the long haul. 

Therefore, having and idea of how to implement a healthy meal plan and and what to include can be invaluable not just to the bereaved while adjusting to a new way of being, but it could also be helpful to anyone who might be feeling overworked, over stressed, just plain tired or for any reason. 

During the spring and summer months we will usually feel satiated after eating just about anything light, but for a lot of people there is something about fall and winter that moves us toward craving comfort foods such as stews, hearty soups and casseroles. There is something about the cooler months that have us reaching for foods that warm our bodies as well as our hearts. The good thing is this, we don’t always have to abstain from enjoying those delicious comfort foods. 

For example, one way to still eat them and avoid adding extra pounds, or eating unhealthy, is to change a recipe so that it becomes healthier, but still tastes great. This is what I did with my lasagne recipe when I stopped making it with meat and all of the extra, delicious, but unnecessary cheese. It is absolutely scrumptious!  I will post a recipe for that lasagne this week in what will be Salubrity and Soul’s new recipe section, and it will also be posted on the Salubrity and Soul Instagram account.   

If you have found yourself in the same unhealthy conundrum and feel the need to eat healthier after loss or just prefer eating a decent home meal try:

  • Asking friends and family for help with obtaining home cooked meals. 
  • Creating your own home cooked meals by making larger amounts of precooked meals and either freezing them for later, or to enjoy as leftovers during the week. 
  • Avoid fast-food by buying pre-packaged meals.  Many of which can are now vegan, vegetarian, low-sodium or gluten free. 
  • Make homemade soups, stews and casseroles in a crock pot or instant pot to save time and your energy.
  • Order food from a good restaurant instead of grabbing unhealthy fast food and have it delivered.    

As you can see, there are several things that you can do to help ensure that you are eating as healthy as possible while dealing with loss, and I will have more tips and tricks for maintain your health while grieving in the coming weeks.     

Until the next post,

Take care + be well,

Carol