Tag:

herbs

Herbed Cherry Grain Salad with Spicy Ginger-Chili Dressing

Cherry season is here! And this cherry grain salad is a must for the season! So simple and so delicious. The complexity of flavors is unique, being both spicy and slightly sweet from the fresh cherries. And for dessert, try the No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Bars. Both recipes highlight cherries in two different ways. This salad is perfect for a backyard BBQ or picnic. It would also be excellent with the addition of a nut-based cheese or feta. I recommend using sweet red cherries or any other cherries that are picked for the best flavor. Enjoy!

herbed-cherry-grain-salad-wu-haus

Herbed Cherry Grain Salad with Spicy Ginger-Chili Dressing
[Serves 4]

For the salad:
2 ½ cups cooked quinoa (about 1 cup dried) (or any other grain of choice: farro, millet, rice, etc.)
½ cup peptias
8 oz cherries, pitted and cut in half
½ cup parsley, roughly chopped
½ cup mint, roughly chopped
2 scallions, green parts only, cut finely on a bias
Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the dressing:
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated on a microplaner
1 teaspoon dried red chile flakes
½ teaspoon ground sumac
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1.) Thoroughly rinse quinoa in a fine mesh sieve. Add quinoa and 1 ¾ cup water to a small pot. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Once water begins to boil, turn down heat to low, cover the pot and let cook for 15-18 minutes. Remove cooked quinoa from heat and allow to cool completely. Can be made ahead.

2.) Toast the pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes or until golden.

3.) Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.

4.) Add quinoa, pepitas and pitted cherries to a large serving bowl. Toss with the dressing. Light fold in fresh herbs then salt and pepper to taste.

June 28, 2019 2 comments

Main Courses

Baked Quinoa Patties with Herbed Tahini Sauce

I created this recipe a while back and have been dying to share it with you guys! These Baked Quinoa Patties with Herbed Tahini Sauce are a weekly staple at our haus. I love making a double batch to have extras in my fridge for easy lunches during the week. The sauce can also be used as a dressing for your favorite salads or a dip for your next snack platter. I originally made these into quinoa balls, but they work great as patties too. Feel free to swap out the dill for any other herb you like, and same goes with the herbs in the sauce.

Baked Quinoa Patties with Herbed Tahini Sauce
[Makes 12 Patties]

For the flax eggs:
1/2 cup water
3 tablespoons ground flaxseed

For the quinoa patties:
1 cup dried quinoa (which is about 2 cups when cooked)
1/2 cup water
¼ cup almond flour
1 cup fresh dill, loosely packed
2 Tablespoons tahini
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons ground sumac
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon Kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 Tablespoon olive oil

For the herbed tahini sauce:
1 cup fresh parsley, tightly packed
1 cup fresh mint, tightly packed
1 cup fresh cilantro, tightly packed
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 clove garlic, chopped
1/2 cup tahini
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1.) Preheat oven to 450°F.

2.) Heat one cup quinoa and a little less than 2 cups of water in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat down to low and cover the pan with a lid. Cook quinoa for 15-18 minutes. Once done, fluff with a fork, transfer to a bowl and let cool completely.

3.) In a small bowl, whisk together ground flaxseed and ½ cup water with a fork and let sit at least 5 minutes.

4.) Once cooked quinoa is cooled, add all ingredients except water to a food processor. Process for a minute or so then slowly add the 1/2 cup water while the machine is running and process into a sticky ‘dough’.

5.) Working a ¼ cup at a time, form dough into 12 small round patties. Alternatively, you could roll into balls.

6.) Place patties or balls on a parchment lined baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.

7.) While the quinoa patties are baking, make the herbed tahini sauce. Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender and blend until very smooth (1-2 minutes).

8.) Serve quinoa patties with salad greens, any other desired veggies and herbed tahini sauce. Enjoy!

April 16, 2019 1 comment

Beauty Self-Care

DIY Hydrating Hair Mask + Spring Equinox Ritual

Happy Spring Equinox! I love this season so much. And with temperatures near 70° for the last several days and the daffodils in full bloom here in Portland, it sure feels like spring. This season is all about awakening. After a long winter, the energy starts to shift and slowly, day by day, everything seems to come alive again. The changing of seasons is a great time to check in with yourself. To notice your own energy and the energy around you. To check in on the goals and intentions you set at the beginning of the year and see what’s changed and blossomed.

I love using self-care rituals as a time to check in, to go inward. Taking time for ourselves gives us the space to be reflective and introspective. This spring equinox, I’ve partnered with Mountain Rose Herbs to share a DIY Hydrating Hair Mask with you all. As a ritual for the changing of seasons, I encourage you to set aside 30-60 minutes for yourself. Start by applying the hair mask recipe below. Notice the quality of your thoughts and your energy when you enter into this ritual. Focus your attention on slowly and lovingly applying the mask to your scalp and hair. Maybe you repeat a mantra like, “I am strong. I am beautiful. I am enough.” as you work. Once the hair mask is applied, wrap your hair up in a towel. Spend the next 30-60 minutes in quiet. Maybe you draw a bath and deeply relax. Maybe you take pen to paper and write down your intentions and goals for the next few months. Maybe you read some passages from your favorite book. Whatever feels nourishing, loving and right for you in the moment. Honor yourself and the changing of the seasons by giving yourself time and space to be as you are.

A few notes on ingredients in the hair mask…

Fractionated coconut oil absorbs more quickly into the skin than solid coconut oil. It also doesn’t solidify below 72°, so I find it easier to work with. Regular coconut oil would be fine to substitute in this recipe.

Jojoba oil protects against dryness, breakage and split ends. It also moisturizes the scalp and can help with dandruff. It also strengthens hair and promotes thickness.

Vitamin E oil is supremely hydrating, adding moisture to dry, split ends, as well as being an antioxidant.

Rosemary essential oil is good for all hair types. It’s said to unclog pores on the scalp and balance our natural oils. It also promotes moisture and shine.

Lavender essential oil is said to promote hair growth, as well as improve scalp circulation and dryness. It also is known to help balance the oils and relieve itching.

DIY Hydrating Hair Mask
[One use]

2 Tablespoons fractionated coconut oil
2 Tablespoon jojoba oil
2 teaspoons vitamin E oil
2 teaspoons raw honey
5 drops rosemary essential oil
2 drops lavender essential oil

1.) Wrap shoulders with a towel you don’t mind getting a bit oily. Start with dry hair. Rub some of the oil blend between your palms then massage oil blend deeply into the scalp, working from scalp to ends. Add extra to dry ends. Wrap hair in towel, and leave on for at least 1 hour and up to 12 hours. Wash out in the shower with your regular shampoo. You may need to shampoo twice to remove all oil. Condition as usual. You can use this hair mask 1-2 times a week or when you feel like you need extra hydration.

March 20, 2019 0 comment

Drinks Wellness

Adaptogenic Dream Tonic and Tips for Restful Sleep

This evening I’m sharing a brand new adaptogenic dream tonic recipe and my favorite tips for promoting restful sleep. Though the winter months are more conducive for sleep because it’s colder and darker, I find my sleep is often times more disrupted during the holiday season. Whether it’s the stress or indulgent eating and drinking, sleep often suffers this time of year. We may wake up feeling unrested and may have a harder time falling asleep.

Incorporating herbs and adaptogens into my daily routine over the past several years has improved the quality of my sleep tremendously. Adaptogens work to help the body better react to stress by balancing cortisol levels in the body. Because adaptogens work bi-directionally, they not only help promote relaxation and restful sleep, but also give us more energy and stamina overall. Adaptogens work to bring the body into better balance, giving our bodies the power to better respond to various external stimuli.

I’ve been drinking Mountain Rose Herbs Dream Tea for years now, and I love it. When they asked me to make a dream tonic, I thought it would be lovely to use their tea mixed with a couple of my favorite adaptogens for sleep. This creamy tea latte is one of my favorites to drink an hour or two after dinner time. As always, Mountain Rose Herbs is one of my favorite places to source organic and sustainably harvested herbs. They offer a large variety of bulk herbs and spices, as well as some of my favorite tea blends out there (try the spicy, caffeine-free turmeric chai if you haven’t already).

Create a nighttime ritual
Creating a nighttime ritual that I look forward to is one of my favorite ways to get me excited about going to bed each night. I usually make a tea tonic (like the recipe below!), turn down all the lights in my house, spend 30 minutes or so in the living room lounging, sometimes reading, other times talking with my husband. Then I dedicate about 15-30 minutes to my evening self-care routine. In the colder months, I might take a bath a few nights a week. Otherwise, I spend time taking care of my skin and teeth before getting into bed. By this time, I’m usually pretty wound down, but I usually like to read for about 15 minutes at least and/or take time to practice deep breathing.

Shut off screens at least 1 hour before bed.
And if possible, dim the lights throughout your living space. Soft, dim light signals the body to relax and that it’s time to wind down. Blue light, which electronic devices like our smartphones and computers emit in large amounts, does the exact opposite. It tries to trick the body into thinking it’s daylight.

Include herbs that promote sleep and relaxation
My favorite herbs that help promote rest, relaxation and overall calm are: peppermint leaf, chamomile, skullcap, mugwort and oatstraw. Adaptogens for sleep: ashwagandha, tulsi, eleuthero and schisandra. Try incorporating some of these powerful herbs by drinking the Dream Tonic recipe below, or you can take them in whatever form calls to you (capsules, tincture, infusion, etc.)

Stick to a sleep schedule
Waking up and going to bed at the same time everyday allows your body to get into a rhythm. As we create habits, our bodies respond either positively or negatively based on what these habits are. Our bodies love routine. Sticking to a regular sleep schedule will improve the quality of your sleep. If you want to start waking up earlier in the morning, at first it’s always challenging, but if you stick with the same sleeping schedule, over the course of a few months, your body should slowly adapt to your new bedtime and morning wake up time.

Limit caffeine after noon.
This rule doesn’t apply to everyone, but if you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, I definitely recommend limiting caffeine intake, especially after noon.

Remove the clock from your bedside table.
I can’t stress this one enough. There’s nothing worse than waking up in the middle of the night, turning over and seeing your clock staring back at you with the numbers 3:15AM in red. I never check my clock (on my phone, as I don’t have an alarm clock) if I wake up in the middle of the night or if I’m having trouble falling asleep. I know from experience that this gives me anxiety and then I usually have a very difficult time falling asleep. Instead lying there thinking about how soon in the morning I have to wake up.

Set up your sleeping space for success.
Lots of cozy blankets. Supportive pillows. Mood lighting. Plants. Crystals on your bedside. Whatever it is that makes you feel safe, calm and protected in your space.

For enhanced dreaming, sleep with a piece of labradorite or spectralite by your bedside.
I’m always impressed that this works. Crystals are magic! Whenever I sleep with a piece of labradorite or spectralite next to my bed or under my pillow, my dreams are much more vivid, and I usually have an easier time remembering them.

Adaptogenic Dream Tonic
[Serves 2]

2 Tablespoons Mountain Rose Herbs Dream Tea
3 1/2 cups boiling water

1.) Steep loose leaf tea in boiling water for 10 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and/or cheesecloth.

_________________________________

1 oz (2 Tablespoons) coconut butter
1/2 teaspoon ground ashwagandha
1/2 teaspoon ground schisandra
1-2 teaspoons raw honey or 1 medjool date (optional)

1.) Blend all ingredients with steeped Dream tea in a high-speed blender for 1-2 minutes. Serve, sip slowly and enjoy!

December 4, 2018 1 comment

Self-Care Wellness

All About Herbal Yoni (aka Vaginal) Steaming

I first heard about yoni/vaginal/pelvic steaming at Spirit Weavers Gathering a couple years ago. It wasn’t until this last year that I become more curious and interested in it. My wonderful friend, Jeevan Singh, facilitaes steams and offers abdominal massage (post on that coming soon!) and other bodywork out of her practice here in Portland. She was kind enough to come over to my haus and facilitate an in-home steam for me, as well as teach me about this beautiful practice so I could write this blog post for all of you. Jeevan is a gifted healer and a warm and loving friend.

The practice of yoni steaming is a beautiful, introspective ritual that you can incorporate as part of your monthly or bi-monthly (2x a month) self-care routine. Like our noses, the sensitive vaginal tissue is very absorbent and rich in blood supply, so the medicinal properties of the herbs used in a steam can directly enter the bloodstream. For this reason, you want to select the herbs used for your steam with caution and correct knowledge. The herbal recipe featured in this post is considered safe for most women. If you are dealing with any conditions or sensitivities (and even if you aren’t), it’s always best to research what herbs to work with or better yet, work with a trained herbalist. This post is intended as a starter guide to yoni steaming. If you’re interested in learning more, Jeevan has a great printed guide to at-home steaming. Jeevan also recommended Steamy Chick as a resource.

Some Benefits of Yoni Steaming

+ Reduced pain and bloating around menstruation
+ Decreased menstrual flow
+ Regulates menstrual cycle, or helps to bring back an absent cycle
+ Increased fertility, especially when combined with Mayan abdominal massage
+ Heals and tones the reproductive system after giving birth
+ Reduces uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, uterine weakness, uterine prolapse and endometriosis
+ Emotional healing from past pain and trauma

Precautions + Contraindications

+ Steam is HOT! Be very, very careful, as you don’t want to burn the sensitive skin of your vagina. NEVER take the lid all the way off your pot. Read the instructions for at-home-steaming thoroughly and be slow and mindful in the process.

+ Pregnancy. While steams can be beneficial for conception and after birth in the postpartum period, steaming during any stage of pregnancy is absolutely contraindicated. Do NOT steam if you are pregnant or even if you think you might be pregnant. If you are actively trying to conceive, do not steam after ovulation during the luteal (2nd half) of your cycle.

+ Do NOT use essential oils for vaginal steams, as they are much too harsh for vaginal tissue.

+ Do NOT steam if cancer is present anywhere in the body.

+ IUDs. There’s much debate about whether women with IUDs should steam or not. The main concern is that the medicinal herbs could cause the uterus to contract, which could potentially cause problems with the placement of the IUD. That being said, some people with IUDs still steam and find it to be beneficial. Talk to a trained practitioner to learn more and see if steaming would be a good option for you.

+ Do NOT steam when you are actively bleeding. You can however steam the day after the last day of your period to help move out any remaining blood. Steaming in the week leading up to your period can help with cramps and other menstrual complaints. But never steam when you’re actively menstruating. If you are prone to heavy bleeding, it is recommended to wait to steam until your cycle is more regulated, as steaming increases circulation to the pelvis, which could result in more bleeding.

+ It is NOT recommended to steam with any active infection.

What You Need to Steam At Home

+ Steam stool – Jeevan’s stools are beautiful, handmade here in Portland and reasonably priced. Perfect if you are looking to invest and make this a regular practice. Otherwise, you have a few options. You can lie in child’s pose with your pelvis positioned over the bowl. You could use the squat or kneeling method. Basically any way that you can position your body over the pot and feel supported and comfortable. You could also try sitting on the edge of your bath tub. Whatever method you choose, you want to be sure you are as warm and comfortable as possible, so don’t be afraid to use props and extra blankets to get set up. If you do a quick Google search for DIY yoni steam seat, there’s a bunch of different options and ideas.

+ Lidded pot and electric hot plate OR a small 3-4 quart crock pot (that you would dedicate to using only for yoni steaming aka don’t cook soup in it afterwards) – Either of these work well. If you don’t have a crock pot, you can get a single electric burner for about $15 and use that with a large lidded pot. If you don’t have a way to keep your pot of water heated while you’re steaming, you can use a pot of boiled water, just be aware that the steam may not last the full 20-30 minutes of the steam.

+ Water and herbs (herbal recipe below) – You’ll need about a cup of dried herbs or a quart of fresh herbs, and about 3 quarts filtered water. You can source your dried herbs locally, from Mountain Rose Herbs online or Steamy Chick makes a variety of blends for vaginal steaming.

+ Cozy socks and/or slippers – SO important to keep your feet super warm and cozy.

+ Bedsheet and a heavy blanket (wool works well!) – This will wrap around your lower body creating a cloak to trap in the steam. Wrap the bedsheet first then the blanket on top.

+ Journal, pen, tarot cards, crystals or any other talisman of choice, sage or palo santo for clearing – It’s nice to clear the area with palo santo or sage before you begin to move out any old energy. You can create a small altar space if desired. Keep a journal and pen nearby if you’d like to write while you steam. If you have a tarot deck, you can pull a card before you start and use this card to meditate on during your steam.

The Steaming Process

1.) Set up your stool or whatever you are using in a comfortable, quiet place with your journal and pen, a glass of water and any altar items nearby. You can use palo santo or sage to clear out any old energy in the space.

2.) Place your herbs in your lidded pot or crock pot and then pour boiling water over them. The heat will help extract the volatile oils of the herbs. Set your crockpot to low, or your electric burner to low if you’re using that method. You can turn it up later if it’s not warm enough. Place the lidded pot or crockpot under your stool with the lid fully on, so the steam doesn’t escape.

3.) If you want to draw a tarot card, this would be a great time to do so. If there’s any other ritual you want to include in this practice, please do. You can read a passage from an inspiring book, repeat a mantra a few times, say a prayer, whatever resonates with you.

4.) Get undressed from the waist down. You can use a towel as padding for your butt on your stool or whatever you are sitting on. Put your socks and/or slippers on. Wrap a sheet around your lower body then wrap at least one more blanket around you. The blankets should reach all the way to the ground so they create a tent around your body. Keep in mind that the heavier and thicker the blankets you use, the hotter the steam will be. I like to use a flannel sheet and one thick wool blanket.

5.) Once you are all set up, release the steam very slowly. Start by removing the lid about a half inch. The heat should not feel intense, but light at first and will slowly build over the course of the steam. If you think it’s not warm enough though, you can remove the lid another half an inch. Just proceed with caution, as you do not want to burn your precious vaginal tissues!

5.) Steam for 20-30 minutes. You can use this time to meditate, go inward, write in your journal, be contemplative, read poetry, listen to music or a guided meditation, whatever you feel you need in the moment. Once you are done steaming, you can offer the steeped water with herbs to any plants in your yard that you’d like to give special attention to.

Flower Steam Bath Recipe by Jeevan Singh
[A blend for self-love and renewal]

1⁄4 cup organic calendula
[Herbal sunshine. Inner warmth. Empathy. Healing inner woundedness.]
[Skin-healing and soothing. Anti-inflammatory. Moistening. Tones uterus.]

1⁄4 cup organic lavender
[Calming. Clarifying. Clearing.]
[Relaxant. Antispasmodic (eases cramps). Stimulates flow (good for scanty periods).]

1⁄4 cup organic motherwort
[Resonance with physical heart and uterus – the two hearts. For those needing mothering. Mothering ourselves.]
[Strengthens and relaxes uterine muscles, eases cramps, stimulates flow, balances hormones.]

1⁄4 cup organic rose petals
[Heart medicine. Love vibration. Uplifting. Soothing.]
[Eases menstrual pain. Astringes heavy bleeding. Anti-inflammatory.]

April 5, 2018 12 comments

Wellness

Inside My Spice Cabinet

What would food be without the spices??! Of course the natural flavor of the foods we eat are incredible, but I find so much joy and pleasure in finding spices to compliment the natural flavors in the dishes I’m making. From dukkahs to dressings, I’m always finding ways to incorporate new spices. I love buying my spices in bulk from Mountain Rose Herbs. I value MRH’s commitment to sustainability and the highest quality of sourcing. It’s so important that we support brands that are dedicated to the most sustainable sourcing practices as with the age of Amazon the quality and means of sourcing can be easily jeopardized. MRH has so many different herbs and spices to choose from, and you can purchase them in a variety of quantities. I use a funnel to transfer them into recycled glass bottles and jars to store in my spice cabinet.

As a general rule of thumb, ground spices last about a year while whole spices can last 2-3 years. To extend the life of your spices, store them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. If you want to keep track of when you purchased your bulk herbs and spices, just write the date you purchased or received them on a piece of masking tape and stick it on your bulk bags and/or bottles/jars. You can also usually tell if a spice has gone bad if the color and/or the aroma is faded or dull. In this post, I’ll go through the most commonly used spices and herbs in my spice cabinet. These are by no means the only spices and herbs I use, but the ones I use on a daily and weekly basis.

Here’s one of my favorite dressings using dill OR fennel pollen. Super simple recipe that packs a ton of flavor.

Dill or Fennel Pollen Dressing
1/4 cup Meyer lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons dill or fennel pollen
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon black pepper

Salt – I keep a variety of salts on hand. My favorites are Himalayan pink salt, sea salt, smoked sea salt and black lava salt.

Peppercorns – I seriously loooooove pepper. I grind it fresh on most of my meals. I love the richness and depth that a mix of black, white and pink peppercorns offers.

Turmeric – Turmeric should be mandatory in every person’s spice cabinet. I love that it can be used in sweet and savory preparations. I’d have to say my Golden Chip Bliss Balls top my list.

Cardamom – I love adding a hint of cardamom to my potions and elixirs, and of course my Walnut-Cardamom Bliss Balls are a crowd favorite.

Ceylon (Sweet or True) Cinnamon – I use this one everyday in my matcha, but cinnamon has so many uses. This warming spice is packed with antioxidants and is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties and ability to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

Ginger – I love using ginger powder in moon milks and bliss balls. The fresh stuff is still my favorite, but I always keep the dry stuff on hand.

Mesquite – A great low-glycemic natural sweetener, mesquite powder has a mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavor with hints of caramel and molasses. I often use mesquite in my matcha and moon milks.

Vanilla Bean Powder//Vanilla Beans – These are a bit pricey, but for me they are worth it. I prefer to use these over vanilla extract, but the extract is a great more affordable option.

Nutmeg – I don’t use this one that often, but when I do, I always use my microplaner to grate it myself. Like pepper, nutmeg just tastes better when it’s freshly grated.

Herbs de Provence – Such a lovely blend. I love adding these to tomato sauce and pizza dough. Also lovely on roasted chicken and fish.

Bay Leaves – Great for enhancing the flavor of any broth, soup, stew or sauce.

Fennel and/or Dill Pollen -Highly aromatic and alive with freshness, both dill and fennel pollen are great additions to a spice cabinet. I love using them to infuse dressings with flavor. You can also just sprinkle them over your favorite salad or meal.

Caraway Seeds – My favorite way to use these is in dukkah as well as in sautéed purple cabbage. I also love making caraway pickled carrots.

Fennel Seeds – So fragrant when toasted and used in dukkah. Also love using this seed in tomato sauce and in homemade chai tea blends.

Coriander Seeds – Another dukkah ingredient, these guys pack a serious flavor punch. Also great to use in pickling brines.

Cumin Seed and Powder – I love making cumin seed oil and using them toasted in dukkah. The powder is great in so many dishes. Just used in in my shakshuka from this past weekend.

Nigella Seeds – Tiny black seeds that I love to toast and sprinkle over my finished dishes or use in dukkah. They taste slightly bitter and resemble cumin or oregano with hints of toasted onion.

Sumac – This one I just started using last year, and I love it. It has a bright, tart and almost sour flavor. I add it to dukkahs and dressings.

Smoky Paprika – I love the deep smoky flavor this spice imparts.

Urfa Biber – A dried Turkish chili pepper with a sweet-smoky-sour flavor. I love using it as a finishing pepper.

Chili Powder – My favorite popcorn topping with nutritional yeast, vegan butter and salt. Yum!

Cayenne – This spice brings the heat! A little goes a long way. I love adding a sprinkle to soups and curries.

Curry Powder -Curry is a staple dish in our haus. In the winter, I make it once a week. Curry powder is also a great popcorn topping!

Red Pepper Flakes – I use this for Italian-inspired dishes. One of my favorite pastas is just olive oil, sautéed garlic, lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes.

Za’atar – This is one of my favorite spice blends. I love using it to top roasted veggies and chickpeas, and it makes a great addition to socca batter.

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

April 3, 2018 2 comments

Drinks Wellness

Wu Haus Guide to Matcha

I can’t tell you how excited I am about this post! I get countless questions about matcha (how to make it, what brand to buy, what adaptogens to add to it, etc., etc.) everyday over on Instagram, and now I can finally point to the WU HAUS GUIDE TO MATCHA as the complete source to (hopefully) answering all your questions. So let’s dive right in!

SOME BENEFITS OF MATCHA
Sustained Energy + Enhanced Calm: Amino acid L-Theanine and caffeine work together to produce a sustained and focused energy. L-Theanine is a calm-inducing and non-dietary amino acid found almost exclusively in teas from the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike traditional green tea that is steeped in water, matcha powder includes the entire ground Camellia sinensis leaf providing 100% of the leaf’s nutritional benefits to the drinker. A serving of matcha offers between 30-70 mg of caffeine while coffee offers anywhere between 95-144 mg depending on how you prepare it. Unlike coffee, matcha supplies a healthy dose of caffeine without causing you to crash a couple hours later.

Mental Clarity: L-Theanine promotes both natural relaxation while simultaneously heightening mental clarity. It is also known to reduce anxiety levels and enhance your mood.

Packed with Antioxidants: Matcha has very high levels of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols, catechins and flavonoids. These power houses protect you from harmful free radicals – the molecules responsible for aging, tissue damage, cancer and some inflammatory diseases.

Immune Boosting: Matcha boosts the body’s natural immune defense. The antioxidants in matcha are a key component of helping your body fight diseases and infections. Just one cup of matcha has the equivalent antioxidants of 10 cups of regular green tea. Matcha also contains polyphenols, catechins and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which help boost immunity and promote overall wellbeing. Additionally, matcha provides the body with potassium, vitamins A & C, calcium and iron.

ORGANIC VS NON-ORGANIC
Of course, I think it goes without saying, it’s always preferable to use organic matcha. I say that, yet I don’t use organic matcha. I’ve done tastings at Mizuba (where I source most of my matcha), and the fact of the matter is I prefer the taste of some of their non-organics to their organics. Mizuba is about to release a new organic variety called Yorokobi that I’m SO thrilled about, which will get me to finally switch over to organic (yay!).

CEREMONIAL VS CULINARY
There is much debate over whether or not you need to spend the extra money and buy ceremonial grade or if you’re okay to drink culinary. There is a multi-faceted question. My rule of thumb is that if you are making a matcha americano (with just water + matcha, no milk or added ingredients), use the highest quality ceremonial. If you are making a morning potion with adaptogens or a simple matcha latte, you can probably use a culinary grade. That being said, I use Mizuba’s Culinary, which is A LOT higher quality than many other culinary matchas out there. So, I would recommend purchasing your matcha from a reputable brand and doing a taste test if possible. Especially if you are new to drinking matcha, you don’t necessarily need to jump right into spending $55 on a 40g tin. You can work up to that as your taste for matcha changes and becomes more refined.

FAVORITE MATCHA BRANDS

Bottom Line: Only buy matcha that comes from Japan. Products from other places that claim to be matcha should not be trusted.

Pro Tip: To preserve flavor and freshness, always store your matcha in the refrigerator after opening.

Mizuba Tea Co.: Mizuba is definitely one of my favorite matcha brands. What I love about Mizuba is that every single variety of matcha they offer tastes delicious and is of the best quality. Whereas some brands of matcha use lower quality for their culinary, I use Mizuba’s very, very high quality Culinary matcha for my morning potion everyday. The main difference between their Culinary and Ceremonial is that the Culinary is a coarser grind, making it stronger in flavor so that it can be tasted through whatever you mix it with (milk, desserts, smoothies, etc.). I also love their ceremonial Kokoro and everyday matcha, Daily, for my Matcha Americanos. I love that this brand is woman-owned and local to Portland. Lauren, Mizuba’s owner, works with a single source farm outside of Uji, Japan. She is in the process of adding another AMAZING organic matcha (the 3rd to her line) called Yorokobi that should be ready soon. I’ll keep you posted on that!

House of Matcha: I love House of Matcha’s line (and their amazing branding). Both their Ceremony and Cold Brew are delicious and high quality. The Cold Brew is my go-to for summer, as it dissolves right into cold water.

Ippodo: A luxury line of matcha that feels completely authentic and traditional with its roots in Kyoto. Definitely a bit on the spendier side, but absolutely delicious and worth the splurge.

TOOLS NEEDED TO MAKE MATCHA AT HOME
Chasen (bamboo whisk): Essential for making the perfect Matcha Americano. Also great for use when traveling. You can mix your adaptogens in with your matcha and make a paste as you would for a Matcha Americano (recipe below) if you don’t have access to a blender on the road.

Chashaku (bamboo scoop) and/or Measuring Spoons: I usually use the chashaku when making a Matcha Americano to stick with the traditional way of preparing matcha. I use measuring spoons when making potions.

Chawan (tea bowl): Drinking matcha out of a plain mug would simply not be as lovely of an experience as it is drinking from a beautiful handmade chawan. Some of my favorites come from: Brian Giniewski, Helen Levi, Earth and Element, Wolf Ceremics and Romy Northover.

High-Speed Blender: Really makes things quick and easy for potion making. I’m currently using the Breville Boss.

Battery-Powered Matcha Whisk (great for travel!): I recently purchased this whisk. It’s amazing for traveling with and even froths the liquid!

Kettle and/or Small Saucepan: Pretty essential for heating liquids. I use this kettle and this saucepan.

KEY INGREDIENTS (BESIDES MATCHA, DUH)
Coconut butter: This is a key ingredient if you aren’t using milk in your potion. It adds the creaminess that milk would otherwise add. If you want your drink extra, extra creamy, use milk + coconut butter. Coconut butter also makes the potion ultra frothy, which is an added bonus. I like using it as an alternative to milk, as it is a pure ingredient. Unless you’re making your own nut/seed milks, there are so many unnecessary gums and fillers in the prepackaged stuff. I love CAP Beauty Coconut Butters in 1-gallon and 16 oz sizes.

Collagen: Not absolutely necessary, but contributes to a lovely froth while adding some protein to your potion. Collagen is also great for gut health, skin, hair and nails. I use Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides or Marine Collagen, but Great Lakes is another great, more affordable option.

Adaptogens: The adaptogens you choose for your potions are entirely up to you. Based on what benefits you are hoping to reap, there are SO many options. As a general rule of thumb, I don’t usually put more than 3-4 adaptogens in each potion. I’d also advise to keep portion size small. You only really need a 1/2 teaspoon of each adaptogen. In the recipes below, there are a few suggestions, but I encourage you to do your research and see which adaptogens call to you. In terms of brands, I recommend Sun Potion and Mountain Rose Herbs. I’ll be posting a Wu Haus Guide to Adaptogens very soon, so stayed tuned for that!

MCT Oil/Brain Octane: This is great to add if you need an extra pep in your step! With the addition of MCT oil or Brain Octane, you basically have a Bulletproof matcha. KAPOW! If you’ve never used either, I would start with a teaspoon or less. This is really powerful stuff.

Matcha Americano
[Serves 1]

2 chashaku scoops (or about 3/4 teaspoon) ceremonial grade matcha
4 to 6 ounces of hot water

1.) Scoop 2 chashaku scoops into your tea bowl.

2.) Add a very small splash of hot water (160°-175°) to the tea bowl with matcha. Using your chasen (whisk, make a smooth paste making sure to break up all matcha clumps.

3.) Add an additional 4-6 ounces of hot water to your tea bowl. Using the chasen, whisk in an ‘M’ or ‘W’ motion very quickly until frothy. Drink immediately.

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Alison’s Everyday Matcha Potion
[Serves 1]

2 cups hot water (160°-175°) OR 1 cup hot water + 1 cup coconut (or any other kind) milk
1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut butter (you can omit this if you’re using water + milk as your liquid)
2 scoops collagen peptides or marine collagen
1 Tablespoon tocos
1 1/2 teaspoons matcha
1 teaspoon MCT oil (only if you want an added kick – I don’t add this everyday)
1/2 teaspoon cordyceps (or adaptogen of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon reishi (or adaptogen of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon pine pollen (or adaptogen of your choice)
[Note: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add 1 teaspoon raw honey or 1 teaspoon mesquite powder]

1.) Bring water to a boil (heat milk in a saucepan on the stove, if using) in a kettle. Let cool a bit (160°-175°) before pouring into a high-speed blender. Add all other ingredients to the blender, and blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Pour into tea bowl, and enjoy!

Hormone-Balancing Matcha Potion
[Serves 1]

2 cups hot water (160°-175°)
1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut butter
2 scoops collagen peptides or marine collagen
1 vanilla bean, insides scrapped out
1 1/2 teaspoons matcha
1/2 teaspoon astragalus
1/2 teaspoon ashwagandha
1/2 teaspoon maca
1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon

1.) Bring water to a boil in a kettle. Let cool a bit (160°-175°) before pouring into a high-speed blender. Add all other ingredients to the blender, and blend on high for 1-2 minutes. Pour into tea bowl, and enjoy!

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Pumpkin Spice Matcha Potion
[Serves 1]

2 cups hot water (160°-175°) OR 1 cup hot water + 1 cup coconut (or any other kind) milk
1 1/2 Tablespoons coconut butter (you can omit this if you’re using water + milk as your liquid)
1 1/2 Tablespoons pumpkin purée
1 1/2 teaspoons matcha
1/2 teaspoon maca
1/2 teaspoon chaga powder
1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Pinch of ground cloves
Pinch of pink salt
Optional: 1 scoop of collagen and/or 1 teaspoon raw honey or mesquite powder

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October 17, 2017 19 comments

Soups + Salads

Favorite Summer Herbs + Cucumber-Cherry-Peanut Herbed Salad with Tamarind Dressing

Fresh herbs are my absolute favorite part about cooking. They’re what get me excited about being in the kitchen and creating new recipes. I never shy away from using them and playing around with combinations of herbs together. Mountain Rose Herbs is a wonderful resource for sourcing dried herbs in the off-seasons when fresh herbs may not be available. Basil, cilantro and mint are some of my favorite herbs for summer. They’re all versatile and work well on their own or combined together, like in the recipe below. I love serving this salad over quinoa or your favorite variety of rice. This allows the dressing to be absorbed while making it a more hearty meal.

BASIL
Pretty much screams summer. I love how versatile basil is. Use in savory preparations, sweet preparations (love it paired with blackberry), raw, cooked or dried. Flavor profile is peppery and minty with a touch of sweetness. For this recipe, I used Thai basil, which has a stronger flavor with hints of licorice, cinnamon and mint

CILANTRO
I really do feel bad for people who have the cilantro-tastes-like-soap gene. For those of us who don’t have it, cilantro has a bright, citrusy flavor profile. It’s best used fresh. The seeds (coriander) are amazing in dukkah.

MINT
Definitely one of my favorite herbs, both fresh and dried. Peppermint has a strong, cooling aftertaste while spearmint has a lighter and sweeter profile. Can be used in both sweet and savory preparations. Mint tea is one of my all-time favorite drinks. Can be made with fresh or dried leaf.

[This post is sponsored by Mountain Rose Herbs. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]

Cucumber-Cherry-Peanut Herbed Salad with Tamarind Dressing
[Serves 2-4]

For the salad:
2 cucumbers, de-seeded, peeled and sliced on a bias 1/4″ thick
2 Tablespoons fresh mint
2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro
2 Tablespoons fresh Thai basil
¾ cup cherries, halved and pitted
2 green onions (green part only), sliced thinly on bias
¼ cup dry roasted, unsalted peanuts, chopped
1 teaspoon red chili flakes

For the dressing:
1/8 cup Tamarind paste
1/8 cup olive oil
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons raw honey
1 teaspoon salt

1.) Whisk together the dressing and combine with the cucumbers. Let marinate for 15-20 minutes.

2.) Meanwhile, prep all other ingredients. After cucumbers have marinated, toss with the other ingredients and serve. For a more hearty meal, serve salad over rice or quinoa.

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August 24, 2017 2 comments