Delish and Nutrish Recipes: Vegetarian Naan Pizza with Eggplant & Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto Recipe

Vegetarian Naan Pizza with Eggplant & Cilantro Jalapeno Pesto Recipe

Now, of course you could use homemade naan (visit Prerna of Indian Simmer for an awesome tutorial) and you are welcome to use a non-whole wheat variety. It’s up to you. The most important parts of this pizza are the broiled eggplant and the flavorful pesto, made with cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic and lime juice.

The pesto is one I’ve made before to accompany flank steak or chicken, but it works beautifully on this pizza. When I made it at Maria’s house, I diligently toasted some sliced almonds to add to the pesto. However, when we were cleaning up at the end, I discovered them sitting in the pan, waiting patiently. The pesto was fantastic without them, but if you would like a little nuttiness added, use about 3 tablespoons of the toasted nuts to the mixture.

Ingredients

• The pesto:
• 1 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp minced seeded jalapeno pepper
• 2 tsp fresh lime juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• The pizza:
• 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/3-inch slices
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pieces naan (whole wheat or regular, store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 tsp red chile flakes
• 2 oz. fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Instructions

1. The pesto:
2. In the bowl of a food processor or a blender, combine cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, salt and pepper. Pulse to roughly chop. With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Blend until smooth.
3. The pizza:
4. Preheat the broiler. Set the rack 2 to 3 inches from the heat source.
5. Lay the eggplant pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush both sides of eggplant with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Place eggplant under the broiler and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch it carefully so it doesn't burn! Let cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes.
7. Lower the oven rack to the middle setting and turn the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the naan pieces on an ungreased baking sheet.
8. Divide the pesto between the pieces of naan and spread evenly. Top with eggplant, overlapping the pieces slightly. Sprinkle with dried red chile flakes and top with mozzarella.
9. Place the pizzas in the oven and cook until cheese is melted and naan are starting to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Cut into strips and serve.

The recipe:

The pesto:
In the bowl of a food processor or a blender, combine cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, salt and pepper. Pulse to roughly chop.

With the motor running, slowly pour in the olive oil. Blend until smooth.

The pizza:
Preheat the broiler. Set the rack 2 to 3 inches from the heat source.

Lay the eggplant pieces on a baking sheet lined with foil. Brush both sides of eggplant with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Place eggplant under the broiler and cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn! Let cool on baking sheet for about 5 minutes.

Lower the oven rack to the middle setting and turn the oven to 425 degrees F. Place the naan pieces on an ungreased baking sheet.

Divide the pesto between the pieces of naan and spread evenly. Top with eggplant, overlapping the pieces slightly. Sprinkle with dried red chile flakes and top with mozzarella.

Place the pizzas in the oven and cook until cheese is melted and naan are starting to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let rest for about 5 minutes. Cut into strips and serve.

Eat Beauty: Chocolate-dipped Pecans and Almond-filled Dates, with a little candy cane sparkle THAT DISH OUT SKIN BENEFITS!

The holidays are almost here and I’m excited about all the great food I get to enjoy, but I’m also worried about the inevitable holiday weight gain. I think it’s already started! Moderation is one way of keeping the pounds off, but eating holiday foods shouldn't always be about cakes and cookies and other “unhealthy” treats. So is it possible to make something healthy that’s delicious too? Of course it is! That’s how these chocolate and candy cane coated gems came about. 

At first, I was thinking ” is it even possible to make something good for your skin with candy canes?” After all, they are mostly sugar. But, after a few experiments in the kitchen, I came up with chocolate-covered pecans and chocolate-covered dates with almonds, both coated with crushed candy canes for a fresh minty flavor  The candy canes aren't the star of the recipe, but they certainly do bring some crunch and a pop of freshness to the dessert. How’s that for a healthy treat?

Ingredients


(amounts as needed)
Dark chocolate (70%)
Pitted dates
Roasted almonds (unsalted)
Toasted pecans
Crushed candy canes



Step 1: Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. 

Step 2: Place an almond inside each pitted date and then coat with the dark chocolate. Lay the chocolate-covered date on a silicone baking mat. Sprinkle with crushed candy canes. 

Step 3: For the pecans, dip one end of the nut into the melted chocolate. Lay the pecan on a silicone mat and sprinkle with the crushed candy canes. 

Step 4: Allow the dates and pecans to cool in the fridge until the chocolate hardens (~20 minutes). Keep refrigerated until time to serve.

Don’t believe me that this yummy treat can actually dish out skin benefits? Ok fine, maybe not the candy cane bit, but check out the other rock star ingredients…

Dates: High in dietary fiber, dates will keep you fuller longer. Just think – it’ll help you resist that tempting urge to reach for another slice of Christmas cake! Compared to other dried fruits, dates also have the highest concentration of polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant that keeps skin looking youthful. 

Dark Chocolate: Rich in flavonoids, dark chocolate will load you up with antioxidants while giving you your chocolate fix. Trust me, with this extra infusion of antioxidants, your skin will not complain. 

Almonds: Did you know that almonds are considered one of the most ‘nutritionally-dense’ nuts? Yup, with flavonoids and skin-healing Vitamin E, you’ll be happy they made their way into this sweet indulgence. 

Pecans: Pecans are a good source of protein and fiber, which can help you flush out toxins that could lead to breakouts. What’s more? The Vitamin B thiamine and essential fatty acids in pecans can help skin look smoother and suppler.

Natural Remedies/Powerful Benefits: Potent remedy to some of the ails of winter: Sore throat, hacking cough, tight congestion.

Potent remedy to some of the ails of winter: Sore throat, hacking cough, tight congestion.

An easy one, too, using four items found in most pantries:

Apple Cider Vinegar,
Honey,
Ginger,
and Cayenne…

plus some water.

And, so quick to put together, so beneficial,
I had to share it with you. Pronto!

Combined, they turn into a curious orange syrup that can cut through the croup.
And, the taste is really good!
Like you, we’ve been trying to duck the dreaded cold germs: wash our hands, eat well, get enough sleep, stay warm. Sometimes even the most valiant efforts get foiled.

I’m not saying it’s a cure-all, or some homeopathic miracle drug. But it did a mighty fine job taking the place of store-bought cough suppressants, expectorants, decongestants…

Wouldn’t you rather have a dose of spicy honey-cider syrup from a little jar mixed up in the kitchen than any of those bottles lurking in the medicine cabinet?

I thought so.

MAGGIE’S COUGH REMEDY

¼ teaspoon Cayenne
¼ teaspoon Ginger
1 Tablespoon Cider Vinegar (an organic one, like Bragg’s, is preferred.)
2 Tablespoon Water
1 Tablespoon Honey (use a locally produced raw honey, if possible.)

Dissolve cayenne and ginger in cider vinegar and water. Add honey and shake well. Take 1 Tablespoon as needed for cough. Hoo-wee.

Note: this doesn’t dissolve perfectly. Always shake well before using.

If you make this in small batches as the recipe is written, there is no need to refrigerate.
If you prefer, you may refrigerate this. It keeps as long as you need it. I like to make small batches (it is so easy to mix up.) and use it up in a just a few days.

Earthy Beauties: The Easiest Face Mask for an Instant Glow

My skin has been chaotic due to the recent weather. Apparently, the hurricane and the blizzard, coupled with sitting in an artificially heated environment all day created some confusion in my body, and it all showed up in my face! My skin was lackluster, dry, and flaky.

I needed an instant skin pick me-up.

Enter the papaya.

Papayas are loaded with antioxidants and can help protect skin cells from damage. And you can find them in your grocery store for less than $5 each.

There are many different ways to apply the papaya to your face. You can rub the inside of the papaya skins on your face for a quick enzyme facial. Some prefer to use pineapple with their papaya. Others mix it with oil or honey.

After some experimentating, I've found that plain-old papaya works best on my skin, but I encourage you to experiment to find your magic formula.

What You'll need:

• 1 small papaya
• 1 bowl
• 1 mason jar
• 1 wash cloth
• Olive Oil

Take the papaya and cut it in half. Scoop out all of the seeds and put the rest of the papaya into a small bowl.

Apply the papaya all over the face, neck, and cleavage.

Massage into the skin and let the papaya sit for at least 15 minutes.

You will have more than enough papaya for multiple face masks, so you can put the rest of the papaya into a sealed mason jar and keep it in your fridge for 5 days. (I like the consistency of the papaya on my face, but if it's not your thing, experiment by adding pineapples, honey or olive oil.)

After at least 15 minutes, wash your face, removing any papaya residue with the clean wash cloth.

Apply 4 drops of olive oil on your skin after it has been cleaned.

Follow-up with your favorite moisturizer and you'll be ready to go -- with a glow!

Eat Beauty : Fruit Tea-Poached Pears ( After Thanksgiving healthy dessert)

                                 

After Thanksgiving, I’m sure the last thing you need is a heavy dessert, right? This week, so whip up  a light and healthy dessert – a fruit-tea-poached pear! I simply love this dessert!

Poaching pears is a great way to make use of the beautiful pears we get during the fall. It brings out their sweetness and changes the texture, so they just about melt in your mouth. Absolutely divine!

Most commonly, pears are poached in wine, but to add a twist we’ve poached them in tea.

For these poached pears, we used fruit tea. Not just any tea though – it’s cranberry-apple flavoured tea. The result? A fruity dessert with a subtle hint of cranberries and apples. It was DELICIOUS! Next time, I have to try something with black tea – let the experiments begin!

Poaching pears is a great way to make use of the beautiful pears we get during the fall. It brings out their sweetness and changes the texture, so they just about melt in your mouth. Absolutely divine!

Most commonly, pears are poached in wine, but to add a twist we’ve poached them in tea. Connie introduced me to the idea of cooking with tea a few months ago. I have to say that I was initially a little unsure about adding tea to my dishes, but I’ve warmed up to the idea and I’m glad I finally tried it out.

For these poached pears, we used fruit tea. Not just any tea though – it’s cranberry-apple flavoured tea. The result? A fruity dessert with a subtle hint of cranberries and apples. It was DELICIOUS! Next time, I have to try something with black tea – let the experiments begin!

Poaching pears is a great way to make use of the beautiful pears we get during the fall. It brings out their sweetness and changes the texture, so they just about melt in your mouth. Absolutely divine!

Most commonly, pears are poached in wine, but to add a twist we’ve poached them in tea. Connie introduced me to the idea of cooking with tea a few months ago. I have to say that I was initially a little unsure about adding tea to my dishes, but I’ve warmed up to the idea and I’m glad I finally tried it out.

For these poached pears, we used fruit tea. Not just any tea though – it’s cranberry-apple flavoured tea. The result? A fruity dessert with a subtle hint of cranberries and apples. It was DELICIOUS! Next time, I have to try something with black tea – let the experiments begin!


Ingredients serves 4


4 pears, firm and ripe, peeled
3/4 cup brown sugar
4 tea bags (cranberry-apple fruit tea)*
4 cups water
1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cinnamon powder




Step 1: Heat the water to a simmer in a medium-sized pot.

Step 2: Add the sugar, tea bags, vanilla extract and cinnamon powder to the water and continue to simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the peeled whole pears to the water and gently simmer for 20 -25 minutes on medium-low heat until cooked through. Ensure the pears are completely submerged.

Step 4: Remove the pears and tea bags from the syrup. Heat the syrup on medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes until the liquid reduces to the desired consistency.

Step 5: Serve the pears with the syrup.



You know what the beauty of this dessert is? Its simplicity. With just a couple ingredients (and fruit as one of the main ingredients, no less), this sweet treat can virtually be considered guilt-free…


Pears: This sweet, succulent fruit will deliver some collagen-boosting Vitamin C and antioxidant-enhancing copper with every bite. Plump, youthful skin? Yes please…


Cranberry-Apple Fruit Tea: Copious amounts of polyphenols, yet caffeine-free, fruit teas are a no-brainer ‘skin-enhancing’ beverage. In addition to sipping it on-the-go, why not slip some into your dessert?


Cinnamon: Known as a ‘warming’ spice, cinnamon may help boost circulation, which will help bring nutrients to the skin and flush away toxins. Bonus – your fingers and toes might just feel a little toastier this winter.

Natural Remedies/Powerful Benefits: Why You Should Drink Warm Water and Lemon

The way you start each day is incredibly important. Whether you're a mom, a coach, a writer, a small business owner or a yoga teacher, what you do first thing in the morning matters.

According to Ayurvedic philosophy, choices that you make regarding your daily routine either build up resistance to disease or tear it down.

 Get a jump-start on the day by focusing on morning rituals that work to align the body with nature's rhythms, balance the doshas and foster self-esteem alongside self-discipline.

Your mind may say you have to check emails, take the dog out, get the kids out the door, that you can't be late for work or that you just don't have enough time to cultivate your own morning rituals.

But, if you can only make time for one ritual that will improve your health, let it be this.....

Start the day out with a mug of warm water and the juice of half a lemon.

It's so simple and the benefits are just too good to ignore. Warm water with lemon:

1. Boosts your immune system

Lemons are high in Vitamin C and potassium. Vitamin C is great for fighting colds and potassium stimulates brain and nerve function and helps control blood pressure.

2. Balances pH

Lemons are an incredibly alkaline food, believe it or not. Yes, they are acidic on their own, but inside our bodies they're alkaline (the citric acid does not create acidity in the body once metabolized). As you wellness warriors know, an alkaline body is really the key to good health.

3. Helps with weight loss

Lemons are high in pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. It also has been shown that people who maintain a more alkaline diet lose weight faster. And, my experience is that when I start the day off right, it's easier to make the best choices for myself the rest of the day.

4. Aids digestion

The warm water serves to stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and peristalsis—the waves of muscle contractions within the intestinal walls that keep things moving. Lemons and limes are also high in minerals and vitamins and help loosen ama, or toxins, in the digestive tract.

5. Acts as a gentle, natural diuretic

Lemon juice helps flush out unwanted materials because lemons increase the rate of urination in the body. Toxins are, therefore, released at a faster rate which helps keep your urinary tract healthy.

6. Clears skin

The vitamin C helps decrease wrinkles and blemishes. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood which helps keep skin clear as well.

7. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day on a hydrated note, which helps prevent dehydration (obviously) and adrenal fatigue. When your body is dehydrated, or deeply dehydrated (adrenal fatigue) it can't perform all of it's proper functions, which leads to toxic buildup, stress, constipation, and the list goes on. Your adrenals happen to be two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys, and along with your thyroid, create energy. They also secrete important hormones, including aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone secreted by your adrenals that regulates water levels and the concentration of minerals, like sodium, in your body, helping you stay hydrated. Your adrenals are also responsible for regulating your stress response. So, the bottom line is that you really don't want to mess with a deep state of dehydration!

Adopting just this one practice of drinking a cup of warm water with lemon in the morning for a month can radically alter your experience of the day. Don't be surprised if you begin to view mornings in a new light.

Like I said, the recipe is really simple—a cup of warm (not hot) water and the juice from half a lemon.

In the comments below, tell me which one of these benefits is going to get you to try this morning ritual. Or, if you're already a lemon water junkie, what specific benefits have you noticed?

Knowledge Is Power : Top 10 to dramatically reduce your daily exposure to cancer causing agents

(NaturalNews) While it's impossible to avoid all of the toxins and cancer causing agents that surround you, there are some simple, yet effective steps you can take that will greatly decrease your exposure to toxic substances. Making these painless adjustments can lower your risk for just about every type of cancer along with a whole slew of other diseases. The key to this list is that each of the items exposes you to toxins or cancer causing agents on a daily, or almost daily, basis. By eliminating them you are effectively cutting out a large majority of your exposure.

1. Purchase organic foods

By going organic, you are not only avoiding pesticides; you are also avoiding GMOs, artificial ingredients and harmful preservatives.

2. Filter your tap water

Tap water contains arsenic, fluoride and chlorine; all of which are highly toxic. Using a water filter for your drinking water is a great start; however, the body absorbs a substantial amount of water through the skin during showers and baths. One good option is to install an entire house water filter which can remove 99 percent of these chemicals.

3. Get the mercury fillings taken out of your mouth

Mercury is highly toxic and the old fillings in your mouth may be slowing leeching into your system. When making an appointment to get your mercury fillings removed, be sure to find a dentist that has expertise in this area.

4. Make your own deodorant

Deodorants and antiperspirants contain dangerous chemicals including aluminum, parabens, propylene glycol, FD&C colors, talc and more. Making your own natural deodorant is as easy as mixing coconut oil, baking soda and shea butter.

5. Buy natural toothpaste and mouthwash

Fluoride is very toxic and should not be swallowed. Many toothpastes and mouthwashes contain fluoride, triclosan, saccharin and artificial colors such as FD&C Blue #1. Avoid these ingredients by purchasing natural toothpastes and mouthwashes. You can also make your own mouthwash with water, baking soda or sea salt, and a drop of peppermint or tea tree oil.

6. Buy natural bodywash, shampoo and conditioner

Avoid ingredients including triclosan, fragrance, PEG, ceteareth, polyethylene, DMDM hydantoin and parabens including propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl.

7. Make your own natural home cleaners

Cleaners such as AJAX, Lysol, bleach and the like produce very toxic fumes. They can be replaced by a simple and inexpensive mixture of vinegar and lemon. There are many simple recipes for non-toxic, homemade cleaners.

8. Buy natural laundry detergent

Most name brand laundry detergents leave chemical residue on your clothes which is absorbed by your skin. Ingredients to avoid include linear alkyl sodium sulfonates, petroleum distillates, phenols and sodium hypochlorite (house bleach).

9. Don't use the microwave

Microwaves kill food, plain and simple. The way they cook is unnatural. Instead use your oven, stove-top, toaster or toaster oven whenever possible.

10. Limit your cell phone use

The radiation from cell phones can cause cancer. Limit your cell phone use and try to use hands free options such as Bluetooth and speakerphone whenever possible.

A few other notables include: 

- Use natural makeup
- Don't use baby powder (talcum)
- Don't use weed killers or pesticide

ALTERNATIVES TO 12 TOXIC PRODUCTS 

safer alternatives to these 12 toxic products. Even if you replace only half of them in your home, you’re doing you and your family a favor. Every little step that helps reduce the toxic load on our bodies is worth the effort!

1. Talcum powder. It contains talc, which as I mentioned in a previous post, has been linked with ovarian cancer. Use ointment instead of powder for diaper rash, or try California Baby’s Calming Non-Talc Powder, and avoid perfumed genital sprays.

2. Cover Girl Replenishing Natural Finish Makeup (Foundation). This particular foundation contains BHA, talc, TEA, parabens, and fragrance. There are several foundations out there with the same potentially harmful ingredients, however, so it’s important to always read labels.

3. Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste. Several brands of toothpaste contain toxic ingredients like dyes, lead, and harsh sulfates. In fact, sulfates have been found in studies to encourage the formation of mouth sores. Choose instead safer brands like Tom’s of Maine and Herbal Choice.

4. Alberto V05 Conditioner. It’s really common to find potentially toxic ingredients in hairproducts. This particular conditioner contains formaldehyde, dyes, fragrance, and polysorbate 80 (which can be contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane). Switch brands to safer options like Aubrey Organics and Avalon Organics.

5. Clairol Nice ‘n Easy Permanent Hair Color. Hair dyes, particularly the dark ones, contain several toxic ingredients. Studies have been conflicting, but researchers have found increased risk of follicular lymphoma in women who use them. Try Logona, a German product that makes dyes containing only 100 percent natural coloring, or Naturtint and Herbatint. Try to dye less frequently, and if you dye your hair yourself, be sure to wear gloves and protect your eyes.

6, 7, 8. Ajax Cleanser, Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser, & Lysol Disinfectant Spray. So many household cleansers and air fresheners contain toxic ingredients, but you don’t have to risk your health to have a clean house.

9. Zodiac Cat & Dog Flea Collar. According to the article, this one contains “propoxur,” a carcinogenic ingredient. Try instead natural flea and tick solutions like Call of the Dog Natural Flea Protection, Earth Easy Household Flea Trap, or simply cover a lemon with boiling water, let it steep overnight, and then use the solution in a spray bottle on your pet to repel fleas. You can also use a mixture of sweet almond oil, lavender, and cedarwood in a water spray.

10. Ortho Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer. Several lawn and garden products contain dangerous pesticides that can have serious health consequences, especially for children. Reduce your exposure by avoiding pesticides in your home and choosing organic weed killers from brands like EcoSmart, Green Match, and Sure-Gro.

11. Beef Frankfurters. We joke about just what makes up a hot dog, but some brands contain really unsafe ingredients like benzene hexachloride and nitrites, which interact with meat amines to form carcinogenic nitrosamines. Try turkey dogs, Trader Joe’s all natural beef hot dogs, and look for “nitrite-free” on the label.

12. Whole milk. It can contain DDT, antibiotics, growth hormones, and other potential carcinogens. Simple solution—buy organic. It contains none of these ingredients. Even better—buy from a local dairy if you can, or make the switch altogether to almond or rice milk.

Do you have safer alternatives to these toxic products? Please share your ideas!