Cheese and Drink Pairings

 What cheese goes well with which beer or wine?

Have gluten-dairy free items also.

• Fresh goat cheese with sauvignon blanc, a citrusy Belgian beer or even a crisp dry cider
• Brie with Beaujolais, chardonnay, and wheat beers
• Jarisberg with Beaujolais, chardonnay and most styles of beer
• Cheddar with Barbaresco sauvignon blanc or red beers
• Stilton with vintage port
• Try different cheeses with different wines or beer, also

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Cranberry Juice Recipes

Since cranberry juice drinks are loaded with sugar, use cranberry concentrates mixed with water or use the whole fruit with these three ways to enjoy cranberries.

Use organic ingredients.

• Sweeten cranberry juice concentrate with a little honey. Then mix with cherry juice, sparkling water, and squeeze of lime.
• Chop whole cranberries in a food processor. Combine with minced red onion, mango cubes, cilantro, and squeeze of lime for a zesty salsa.
• Add chopped cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and garlic to cooked brown rice.

Cranberry bush

   

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Tips on How to Enjoy Kefir

It is a beverage made from fermented milk (cow, goat, or sheep) from kefir grains, rich in probiotics, reduce inflammation, and support the immune systems.

It probably originated in Eastern Europe and Russian. Traditional kefir (kephir) was made in goatskin bags that were hung near a doorway. The bags would be knocked by anyone passing through to keep the milk and kefir grains well mixed. Luckily, it can be found in many grocery stores. 

Use organic ingredients and plain kefir: 

• Purée kefir, papaya, cardamom, and honey in a blender for a traditional lassi drink.
• Combine kefir, quick oats, chia seeds, vanilla, and cinnamon. Let it stand until it thickens for an easy, no-cook oats.
• Strain kefir through a cheesecloth set over a bowl and let stand overnight. Stir in chives and minced garlic for a thick, creamy spread.

Kefir grains of bacteria and yeasts

 7 inches (18 cm)

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Enjoying Cinnamon 3 Ways

It has long been used for its antibacterial properties, rich in inflammation and slow the growth of bacteria. 

• Combine cinnamon sticks, sliced ginger, cardamon pods, and vanilla beans in a pot of water. Simmer for 10 minutes and strain for a caffeine-free chai.
• Mix cinnamon powder into raw organic honey and coconut oil. Use instead of butter on pancakes or toast.
• Cook thickly-sliced organic carrots in organic orange juice. Toss with cinnamon, minced garlic and olive oil.

Cinnamon tree

  

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Cuban Mojito

Mike, his brother and sister and niece visited Cuba, homeland of their dad's. Since it was hot, mojitos hit the spot every time! 5 CUC= 5€ = $5.60 even at the Hotel Nacional de Cuba.

1 serving

half of a lime, quartered

8-10 mint leaves

1/2 ounce (15 ml) simple syrup

1 1/2 ounces (45 ml) light rum

soda water

mint sprig for garnish

lime wedge for garnish

1. Lightly muddle the quartered lime and mint leaves with the simple syrup in a highball glass.

2. Add ice and rum.

3. Top with soda water.

4. Garnish with mint sprig and the lime wedge.

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Mexican HOT Chocolate

From the Mesoamerican people, the Olmecs (1500 BCE-400 BCE) on the eastern coast of present-day Mexico, comes one of natures truly treats-chocolate! It is prepared by roasting and grounding cacao seeds. As a beverage, it is dated to 1900 BCE. You do not need to go to Mexico to enjoy this drink. Sit at home, in front of a fire, on a winter day.
The name comes from classical Nahuatl language chocolātl.

Chocolate caliente mexicano (Spanish)

Serves 1-2

2 cups (480 ml) (dairy-free) organic milk

1 Tbs. (15 g) organic light brown sugar

4 1/2 ounces (130 g) bitter-sweet chocolate, chopped

1/2 tsp. (1,2 ml) organic, pure vanilla extract

dash or two of ground cinnamon

pinch ground cayenne pepper

optional: cinnamon sticks

Nahuatl numbers:

ce 1. In a saucepan, combine the milk and brown sugar.

ome 2. Bring to a simmer.

yei 3. Remove form the heat and whisk in the chocolate, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

nahui 4. Let it sit for 3 minutes.

machuilli 5. Reheat the mixture at a low temperature, bringing it almost to a simmer.

chicuace 6. Pour the drink in mugs and add the cinnamon sticks as stirrers.

   cocoa plant           and         seeds

          

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Spicy Apple Cider

Cinnamon aids with fighting off infections. Ginger helps circulatory and digestive problems plus aids with fevers. Nutmeg helps mellow out the ginger and adds flavor. Put these all together and enjoy a warm drink on a cold day.

Serves 1-2 people

1 tsp. (5 g) dried cinnamon chips

1 Tbs. (15 g) dried ginger root

1/2 tsp. (1,2 g) dried ginger root

2 cups (480 ml) organic apple cider

1. In a saucepan, combine herbs and cider and bring to a simmer.

2. Let it simmer for 20 minutes.

3. Strain out the solids before serving.

cinnamon trees                                 ginger plant and roots        nutmeg plant

                     

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Beet Juice

Beets juice has traditionally been used as a remedy to activate liver enzymes and increase bile, which helps the liver's detox functions. 

Ways to drink it:

Use only organic foods.

• Juice whole beets, ginger, carrots and green apples.
• Combine beet juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and sparkling water. Garnish with lime wedges.
• Simmer beet juice with honey, rosemary springs, and balsamic vinegar. Use as a glaze or dressing.

     

Plant when the soil is at least 40F (4C). They grow well in cool temperature in the spring and fall. Roots should reach a depth of at least 3-6 inches (7,5 -15 cm)

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Two Hydrating Drinks

Having homemade options ready to drink can entice kids to stay hydrated in healthy way!

I. Blackberry+Lemon+Mint

  

Makes 4 cups (960 ml)

4 organic blackberries, fresh or frozen

1/2 organic lemon, juiced

1 mint leaf

1 Tbs. (15 ml) organic honey

4 cups (960 ml) water, herbal iced tea, or coconut water

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 45-60 seconds.

2. Options: 

• Add ice to a water bottle 
• Pour electrolyte water on top.
• Make popsicles by freezing overnight.

II. Coconut & Lime Drink

akes 4 1/2 cups (1080 ml)

3 cups (720 ml) coconut water (optional: Use a fresh coconut, drain the water, eat the inside.)

1 cup (240 ml) water or more

1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly squeezed organic lime juice

2 Tbs. (30 ml) organic honey

1. Mix all ingredients and store in a sealed glass container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

2. Option: Make popsicles. 

-modified "Natural Awakenings"

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Irish Coffee

On a cold, winter evening, after a wonderful dinner, sit back and enjoy...

....caife na hÉireann (Irish)

Serves 4

Type I

½ cup (120 ml) each: Irish cream liqueur and organic, chilled whipped cream

2 Tbs. (30 ml) Cointreau or other orange liqueur
1 Tbs. (15 ml) powdered sugar

¼ cup (60 ml) Irish whiskey

3 cups (720 ml) strong hot coffee
2 Tbs. (30 ml) Cointreau or other orange liqueur
¼ cup (60 ml) brandy

A. Can be made 4 hours ahead, covered, and refrigerated:

amháin 1. Combine cream, Cointreau, and sugar in a bowl.

dh 2. Beat until medium-firm peaks form.

B.

trí 3. Pour 2 Tbs. (30 ml) Irish cream liqueur, 1 Tbs. (15 ml) whiskey, and 1 Tbs. (15 ml) brandy into each of the four coffee mugs or Irish glasses.

ceithre 4. Pour hot coffee over.

cúig 5. Top each with dollop of whipped cream.

Type II

Makes 1

¼ cup (60 ml) each: Irish whiskey and cold whipped cream

2 Tbs. (30 ml) brown sugar

brewed coffee

nutmeg for topping

1. Fill a heatproof glass with hot water and leave to stand.

2. Whip the cream until thicken.

3. Put back in the refrigerator.

4. Dissolve the sugar in 2 Tbs. (30 ml) of hot water in small pan. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat.

5. Empty the glass and pour in the whiskey, then the coffee.

6. Whisk the cream on over the back of a spoon (so it will not sink).

7. Optional: grate a little nutmeg over the top.

Irish toast to friends:

"May the hinges of our friendship never grow rusty."
"Mura féidir folaíonn ár gcuid cairdeas riamh meirgeach."
("If our friendship can never include rusty.")

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Cold Hibiscus Tea

I enjoy hot hibiscus tea in the winter and cold in the summer. It helps to cool and relax the body while providing nourishing vitamins and potent antioxidants. As a royalty tea for ancient Egyptians along the Nile Valley, hibiscus can help prevent oxidative stress caused by UV light, though they did not knew that. They just enjoyed the taste. And so will you.
-Mike

Makes 8 servings

2 cups (400 g) organic berries, mixed

1 handful fresh mint leaves

1 ounce (30 g) dried hibiscus (found in loose leaf tea section of the store) OR 8 decaffeinated hibiscus-flower tea bags

1 organic sliced lemon

optional: organic honey to tastes

1. Combine berries, mint, hibiscus, and lemon with 2 quarts (1,9 L) of water in a jar with a lid.

2. Place it in the sun for 1-3 hours. Shake when ever you walk by.

3. Strain, save the lemon slices, and add honey and ice if desired, topped with a few mint leaves.

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Turmeric Milk

Turmeric is one of the highest antioxidant foods with just a little bit of the spice.

Makes 1 serving

1. Place everything in a pot and stir well.
2. Bring to simmer for a minute.
3. Pour into a mug.

Type I

1 cup (240 ml) of organic almond milk

1/2 tsp. (2,5 ml) turmeric

1 tsp. (5 ml) of cinnamon

1 pinch of salt

Type II

1 cup (240) hemp milk

1/2 tsp. (2,5 ml) turmeric

1 tsp. (5 ml) organic honey

pinch of black pepper

Sit back and enjoy!

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Carrot and Apple Cleansing Juice

Fruit juices cleans and vegetable juice builds you up. Put them together...

Makes 3 cups (720 ml)

6 organic carrots

4 organic red apples, cored and sliced

1 1/2-inch (3,8 cm) piece of ginger root, peeled and sliced

optional: 6 springs of fresh parsley or 1/4 cup (60 ml) loosely packed basil or cilantro leaves

1. In a juicer, process: 1/2 of the carrots, 1/2 of the apples, and all of the ginger.

2. Add the remaining carrots, apples, and optionals items. Process.

3. Whisk and serve.

*Substitutions:

for ginger root: 1/2-inch (1,27 cm) piece of peeled turmeric

for apples: 2 organic pears

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Mango Lassi

A great drink with Indian food is lassi. It is like a yogurt smoothy made with different fruits. This is made with mango, also works well are organic: strawberry, banana, or papaya. So try all four or other organic fruits.

आम लस्सी (Hindi)

/Āma las'sī/

Makes 4 cups (960 ml)

2 cups (480 ml) diced or frozen mango

1 cup (240 ml) organic plain yogurt (or a plain dairy free)

1 1/4 cups (300 ml) plain almond milk (which is dairy-free)

1 Tbs. (15 ml) organic: maple syrup or sugar

little fresh organic lemon or lime juice

1/4 (1,25 ml) ground cardamom

4 springs fresh mint for garnish

optional: ground organic pistachio nuts on top

1. Put all ingredients except the mint into a blender and process until smooth.

2. Taste for more lemon/lime juice.

3. Pour into individual glasses and garnish with the mint.

4. It can be kept in the refrigerator up to 24 hours.

5. Optional: Pour some into small paper cups. Freeze a little and put a popsicle stick in the middle of each cup. Freeze longer for a "lassi ice cream". 

Another Mango Lassi

makes 2 smoothies

2 cups (480 ml) mango chunks

1 cup (240 ml) plain organic yogurt or (dairy free yogurt)

1 cup (240 ml) organic milk or dairy-free almond milk

2 Tbs. (30 ml) syrup

1 tsp. (5 ml) pure vanilla extract

pinch of cardamom

1. Freeze the mango chunks for an hour.

2. Place mangoes and all ingredients in a blender and process until smooth.

3. Pour into a tall glass.

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Three Summer Fruit Drinks

Nice weather. By yourself or with friends. Refreshing fruit drinks on the patio!

Each makes 1 gallon (3,8 l)

takes 4 hours

1. Combine all ingredients in a drink container.

2. Set for 4 hours.

3. Serve cold or over ice.

Strawberry Basil 

4 cups (800 g) organic strawberries, sliced

8-10 fresh basil leaves, torn

2 organic lemons, sliced

juice of 1 organic lime

3 quarts (2,8 l) water

Kiwi Blackberry

2 cups (400 g) organic blackberries

2 organic kiwis, sliced (keep the skin on for more vitamins)

3 quarts (2,8 l) water

Cucumber Lemon

half organic lemon, sliced

8-10 sprigs of cilantro

1 organic cucumber, sliced

3 quarts (2,8 l) water

optional: some ground ginger

Bonus

Try different combinations of organic fruits in season.

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Chocolate Drink-Aztec Style!

Aztec people of central Mexico have been around since the 14th century. Though defeated by the Conquistadors in the 16th century, there are still over a million people of Aztec descent in Mesoamerica...with strong cultural, linguistic, and rich and spicy food traditions. 
Brew chocolate drinks, invited three other people, sit back and enjoy a "cup of history".

¡Bebida Azteca Chocolate Estilo! (Spanish)

cacahuatl (Nahuatl: "chocolate")

atica (Nahuatl: "chocolate with drink")

Serves 4

1/2 cup (2,5 g) raw cacao powder or dark chocolate (or dairy-free)

3 cups (720 ml) water

1 tsp. (5 ml) fresh or dried minced chili pepper or to taste

1 crushed cinnamon stick

1 vanilla bean

1. Grind the raw cacao powder into a fine texture.

2. Add the water, chili and cinnamon stick to a saucepan. 

3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes.

4. Strain, saving the chili water.

5. Mix the chili water with the cacao.

6. Bring to a boil, stir, lower the heat, and simmer about 15-20 minutes.

7. Scrap the vanilla bean and add the scrapings and the bean to the chocolate at the last few minutes of simmering.

8. Serve hot or warm.

Best chocolate: 

• first ingredient cocoa/cacao beans, cocoa mass, or chocolate liquor
• If 1st ingredient is milk, it is candy not chocolate and lower flavor.
• 75% and up of cocoa is best.

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Mexican Hot Chocolate

'Ready for a thick and creamy cinnamon hot chocolate? 

Atole de Chocolate

Makes 4 drinks

5 Tbs. (75 ml) unflavored cornstarch* (Mexican brand Maizena)

5 cups (1180 ml) organic milk (or any dairy-free milk)

1 3-ounce (85 g) Mexican chocolate (Abuelita or Ibarra brand) or a sweet chocolate, cocoa powder or dairy-free chocolate

5 cinnamon sticks

1/4 cup (60 g) organic sugar

optional: organic whipped cream

1. Heat 4 cups (940 ml) of milk with chocolate and 1 cinnamon stick over medium heat. Stir until the chocolate has dissolved.

2. Stir in the sugar.

3. Dissolve the cornstarch in 1 cup (240 ml) of milk.

4. Pour in the cornstarch milk mixture.

5. Let simmer, stirring, until it has thickened.

6. Remove the cinnamon stick and from the heat.

7. Fill four mugs or glasses and 1 cinnamon stick in each.

8. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle ground cinnamon on top.

* also called: corn starch, cornflour, maize starch, or maize

Nutritional benefits? When first ingredient is cocoa beans, cocoa mass, or chocolate liquor of 75% or higher...

• antioxidants in chocolate
• improve good flow
• reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels
• improve HDL (good cholesterol) levels

-modified from "la cocina de leslie"

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Ayran

Great Turkish and Green drink discovered in Turkey the year I lived there. Now we ask for it at Turkish and Greek restaurants and make it at home.-Mike

Serves 6

3 cups (750 ml) plain organic low-fat yogurt

1 quart (945 ml) water

salt to taste

ice cubes

1/2 cup (125 ml) mineral water (optional)

mint leaves for garnish

1. In a blender, blend the yogurt and water until smooth.

2. Add salt to taste.

3. Pour into a pitcher over ice cubes (optional)

4. Add mineral water (optional) and stir.

5. Serve in tall glasses with few mint leaves (optional)

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Café con Leche

Cuba without coffee-impossible. But it was not until the French coffee growers fleeing the Haitian revolution in the mid-18th century, that coffee became a valuable Cuban crop.                                              Cuban coffee house>

coffee with milk

Serves 1

Espresso coffee (such as La Llave, Bustle, or Pilon)
2 Tbs. (30 ml) organic sugar
1 cup (240 ml) steamed milk

1. Put the sugar in a glass cup.
2. When the coffee begins to percolate, take the first few drops and add it to the sugar.
3. Beat the coffee and sugar vigorously with a spoon or whisk to form a pale and creamy paste.
4. Add a few more drops of coffee if needed to dissolve all of the sugar.
5. Pour the rest of the coffee in the glass and mix well.
6. Add streamed milk and top with foam.

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Ginger Tea

Tyle drinks a glass almost daily with no negative side effects. 

Makes 1 cups (240 ml)

1. Place 1-inch (2,55 cm) piece of peeled and grated ginger root in a pot.
2. Bring 2 cups (480 ml) of water over low heat to a boil.
3. Simmer 5 minutes.
4. Optional: add a dash of cayenne pepper and simmer another minute.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Optional: some organic lemon juice.
7. Let it cool a little, then strain.

Ginger is used as a delicacy, medicine, or spice, native of southern China for over 2000 years. By the 1st century BCE, it found its way to India and Europe.

Best not drunk by people with gallstones.

   

                              ginger plant                                    pulled ginger roots

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