Insanely Easy Crockpot Meal Prep

I absolutely love crockpot cooking.  

The good thing about cooking with crockpots is that you can throw (almost) anything in it.   With the right proportions of flavors and liquids, there's a very high chance it will magically turn out delicious. I also love crockpots because it's so easy to make a complete meal. Just add a source of healthy protein, pack it with multiple servings of vegetables and fruits, and finish with some lentils or whole grains. 

How to craft your crockpot for success..

Start by adding your favorite veggies, fruits and grains. Today I started with quinoa (be sure to wash it!), sliced pineapple, and butternut squash pasta sauce. As for liquid, I used vegetable stock.  As long as you choose a flavorful liquid, you are setting yourself up for success.

I also added some carrots and lentils (one of the most sustainable / healthy proteins to date)! There's a reason they were rated #1 food of the year by the United Nations in 2016!  

I always add tons of lettuce (spinach, kale, or whatever I have). By the time it cooks down, you can add up to 8 ounces without noticing. Talk about packing in the nutrients!   

Make sure to add enough liquid before cooking.  I usually throw in a can of diced tomatoes, and fill up pot the with veggie broth until it's about 1/4 inch below the surface of the food.  You really can't go wrong though!

After it cooks on high for three hours, you're done!  Divvy up in small lunch-sized servings and bam - you have lunch for the week.

I finished a little bit of cheese and hot sauce to kick it up a notch. It's perfectly delicious (and healthier) without the cheese (vegan)!  

For those who like to follow recipes for security - check out these great plant-based crock pot meals! 

Thanks for reading! :) 

My Favorite Turmeric Milk Recipe

The Story of Tammy's Tonic

Fresh ginger and turmeric, powdered cinnamon, pepper, powdered turmeric, & coconut oil.  

Tammy is my best friend's spritely and a semi-sassy neighbor who I must credit, as she gave me the idea to create this recipe.  She has been drinking a similar drink for months and has claimed her inflammation has gone down, and her energy has increased noticeably.  She insists her skin is brighter and tighter too.  Tammy is the best. 

Check out my blog post on the science-based health benefits of turmeric here - there are many!

So I ventured to create my own version of this recipe, using fresh ingredients as well as dry, and to create a tonic concentrate. 

With a major hat tip to Tammy for the inspiration, I have created a tonic that is as nutritious as it is delicious.  Blending fresh turmeric, ginger, cracked pepper, and cinnamon with water creates a semi-soft concentrate with a symphony of flavors and benefits.  It is then mixed with a milk alternative, and warmed, transforming it into a satisfying golden milk. 

PRO TIP: It's super easy to peel fresh ginger and turmeric with a spoon! 

This recipe makes a very generous amount of tonic.  It luckily keeps well in the fridge, and let's be honest - it probably won't last very long.  Enjoy! 

Ingredients

TONIC (concentrate):

• 1 cup water
• ½ cup powdered turmeric (organic if possible)
• 1 inch fresh Ginger (very finely chopped)
• 3/4 inch fresh turmeric (very finely chopped)
• 1 tsp. Ceylon or Vietnamese cinnamon
• 2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. coconut oil

Bring water to a boil, and add all of the above ingredients.  Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes on low to no heat.  When it's thick and paste-y, let it cool.  Wah-lah! Turmeric tonic.  

TURMERIC MILK (using the above tonic as concentrate) 

• 1 tsp of tonic
• 1 cup unsweetened milk-alternative (I use soy, almond or hemp - any will work)
• 1 -3 tsp. wild honey (to taste)

OR

• 1 tsp. of tonic
• 1 cup sweetened milk-alternative (I love it with vanilla!)

*Mix, heat (via microwave or stove ), and relax while you sip your way to better health.

Let me know how you like it!

With love,
Chris

Hand-Crafted Tumeric Bloody Mary

It's summer, it's hot, and we need more bloody marys in our lives... (or at least I do). Check below for an all natural, lower sodium, and guilt-free bloody mary recipe - YUM!

EASY RECIPE:

Ingredients

• 4 ounces fresh tomato juice (lower sodium if possible)
• 1 ounce pickle juice 
• 2 tablespoons lemon or lime juice
• ½ tablespoon cracked black pepper
• 1-2 teaspoon turmeric, to taste
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil, parsley or cilantro (optional) - I use cilantro!
• few dashes of worcestershire sauce (vegan options available)
• 2 ounces vodka (or make without for a delicious virgin option)
• 1/2 teaspoon horseradish or hot sauce (I prefer Sriracha or tabasco)
• Veggies veggies veggies! 

Instructions - Easy at 1,2,3

1. Mix all liquid ingredients, pepper, and turmeric.

2. Garnish glass with salt/pepper rim (using lemon slice to moisten the glass prior) 

3. Pile on the veggies! In past versions I have used green beans, asparagus, carrots, radish, or even okra!  BAM - Salad in a glass! :)