Foods for Winter Wellness

January 1, 2021

CINCINNATI CHILI

Sure, no one knows chili like Texans, but if you’re feeling bold enough to try Cincinnati chili, you won’t be disappointed. Plus, any good chili is great winter comfort food; it speeds up your metabolic rate and stimulates
circulation—perfect for warming cold hands and feet. 

Ingredients

  • 5 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp whole allspice
  • 1/2 tsp whole cloves
  • 2 lb ground beef
  • 2 c. chopped onion (2 large)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/8 tsp ground cardamom
  • 2×14-oz. can beef broth or 3-1/2 c. water
  • 1×8-oz. can tomato sauce
  • 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 12 oz. dried spaghetti, cooked/drained        
  • 1 can (15oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • Optional: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, oyster crackers

Instructions

For spice bag, place bay leaves, allspice and cloves in double-thick, 6-inch square of 100-percent-cotton cheesecloth. Bring up corners; tie closed with clean kitchen string.  For meat sauce, in a 4- to 5-quart Dutch oven, cook beef, 2 cups onion and garlic until meat is brown and onion is tender. Drain off fat.

Stir in chili powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper and cardamom. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in broth, drained beans, tomato sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce and salt. Add spice bag. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, for 45 minutes. Simmer, uncovered, about 15 minutes more or until sauce reaches desired consistency. Remove spice bag; discard.

To serve, top hot spaghetti with meat sauce. If you like, sprinkle with cheese and additional onion, and serve with oyster crackers. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

CREAMY WINTER CITRUS TART

Citrus is not only packed with bug-chasing Vitamin C, it’s also a great pick me up when you’re feeling a little low. 

CRUST FILLING

  • 2 c. activated & dehydrated almonds
  • 2-1/2 c. soaked cashews
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 can coconut cream
  • 3/4 c. coconut nectar
  • 1/4 tsp vanilla bean powder
  • 1-1/2 c. Fresh Lemon/Lime Juice
  • 3/¾. coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 cup coconut flour
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric
  • 3/4  to 1 c. dates (stones removed)
  • 1/2 c. coconut water or almond milk (can vary for consistency) 

INSTRUCTIONS: CRUST

Line 10-inch tart pan with baking paper. Lightly spray sides with coconut oil.

Blend nuts, then add other dry ingredients. With food processor going, slowly add dates through feeder tube until crust rises rise up the sides of the bowl, it should look dry but stick together when pressed between thumb and forefinger.

Press base into place, it should be sticky but pliable. Cover the base of the pan evenly making sure it sits a little away from the tart creases; i.e., don’t press too tightly or case will break when removed.

FILLING

Add ingredients to a blender (not food processor), except coconut oil and turmeric. Blend till smooth and creamy, slowly add coconut oil. 

Remove about 1c. of mixture and place in freezer for topping. Add turmeric to the mixture for a slightly yellow tinge. Pour into tart pan being careful not to over fill.

Place in freezer for two hours minimum or overnight to set the coconut oil. Store in fridge; make sure it has been out of the freezer a few hours prior to serving.

TOPPING

Remove topping from freezer and defrost for 2-3 hours. It should still be firm but can whip slightly with a spoon. Using piping bag or other icing device, create rosettes around the diameter of the tart, making your way in until it is all covered. Add optional zest to the top.

HOMEMADE HERBAL TEA

Make a small amount first and adjust the ratio of ingredients to your taste. Store leftovers in an airtight container. If you are using a glass jar, keep away from light.

To brew, use about one teaspoon per cup of water, steep 5-10 minutes in boiling water.

Mint and Lavender

Lavender may help with relaxation, and help freshen the breath. Together with mint it creates a delicious and potent tea with relaxing, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antioxidant properties.

Blend: (for 2 cups)

  • 1 spoon of mint
  • 1/4 spoon of lavender flowers
  • 1 teaspoon of honey

Use about 1 tsp of dry leaves. Bring water to a boil and let it cool for a few minutes. Oversteeped lavender tea may become bitter. You can easily fix this by adding a spoon of honey. Once brewed, you can cool it down and serve with honey and ice as iced tea.