A Healthy and Heavenly Must Have

15 February 2016

Oh do I have a treat for you! So, you know how I usually like to share my own recipes with you right? Well this week I just absolutely have to let you in on this little gem – not mine, but so worthy of a mention I just have to share! This week I was lucky enough to find the most AMAZING collection of healthy, tasty and delicious meals all wrapped into one perfect book of healthy and heavenly flavours!

The Brookdale Health Hydro’s Healthy and Heavenly Flavours Recipe Book is filled with the most inventive flavour combinations that will fit so well into any health foodies’ recipe repertoire. From the most scrumptious salads (and I mean it! They are delicious), and warming soups, to mouth-watering snacks, grain-free breads and crackers, dips, breakfasts, and the most yummy guilt-free treats! –all made using unrefined, wholesome, wholefoods ingredients.

 I love that this particular recipe book has a whole section dedicated to holistic health by covering the vital basics of nutrition, exercise, stress, and hydration – all simple to read and understand, and I think something so important to share with readers who are looking to make sustainable positive lifestyle changes.  This book caters to everyone – vegans, vegetarians, meat eaters, the works! It is so wonderful to see a book that finally thinks of everyone! Oh and the photography – wow wow wow! I have to give a special mention to the photographer Vanessa Lewis, who captures the essence each recipe in the most rustic, healthful and magnificent manner! If not for the recipes, at least give this book a try just for the pics! Believe me, just seeing them will make you want to make every single recipe!

Truly such a treat, and I rate an awesome gift for just about any occasion.

Did I mention the Brookdale Health Hydro….Nestled in the heart of Nottingham Road, KZN, this gorgeous retreat is so up my ally! Just think organic wholesome food, beautiful accommodation, serene surroundings, daily yoga, pilates and meditation, hikes and walks, nutrition consultations, massages..the works! If you are looking for a peaceful and calming getaway to relax your mind, refresh your body and rejuvenate your soul, then The Brookdale Health Hydro is definitely the place to do it!

And it wouldn’t be fair to you if I didn’t just give you one sneak peak of the type of recipes you will find in this amazing book! So here is one of my favourites:

Healthy and Heavenly Fruity Wild Rice Salad

by Brookdale Health Hydro

Ingredients:

2 cups uncoked brown and wild rice

1 tbsp butter (substitute with coconut oil if vegan)

1 small red onion – thinly diced

1 tbsp. balsamic reduction

½ cup Danish feta – cubed (substitute with tofu if vegan)

½ cup shelled pistachios nuts / pine nuts / almonds (your choice)

2 tbsp. flat leaf parsley

2 tbsp. fresh mint (chopped)

½ cup dried apricots/peaches – chopped into small cubes

½ cup pomegranate seeds / dried cranberries

Himalayan rock salt and ground black pepper to taste

Microgreens to garnish

Instructions

• When cooking the rice use 1 part grain to 3 parts water. Cook until all water has been absorbed.
• Set aside to cool
• In a saucepan, melt butter (or coconut oil) on low heat, add onion and cook until just soft
• Stir balsamic reduction into cooked onions and allow to cool.
• Mix caramelised onions into the rice
• Add spring onions, feta, nuts, herbs, dried fruit, and pomegranate seeds /cranberries.
• Season to taste
• Gently toss all the ingredients together and garnish with microgreens

Enjoy!

Yours in Health Always,

Cara-Lisa

xoxox