Inspired by food as medicine and a passion for health and wellness, our culinary team brings the Nectary's vision to life. Balancing ingenuity and purity, they develop nutritious plant-based recipes to replenish, restore and rejuvenate our community. We are pleased to introduce our kitchen series, a seasonal perspective from our talented chefs. These simple at-home recipes undoubtedly nourish and delight. Illustrating the principles of yin and yang, we are including one sweet and one savory recipe!
Rose Chocolate for Lovers
By Hillary Mendoza
The celebratory month of love is synonymous with chocolate. Incredibly delectable, chocolate promises more therapeutic benefit than a sensory experience. Creating more love, joy and connection, cacao contains dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Lesser known molecules such as anandamide and phenylethylamine induce bliss and excitement. To optimize heart health, cacao restores magnesium, chromium and other vital mineral levels. Our plant medicine in action needs no introduction other than its recipe name.
Ingredients:
For the chocolate: 2 c cacao butter 2 c cacao powder 1/2 c maple syrup 1 tbsp rose water 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean powder 1 tsp ashwaghanda powder 1 tsp pink salt 1/2 tsp cardamom
For the bark topping:
3/4 c chopped almonds Handful of goji berries 1 tbsp crushed rose petals Pinch chunky salt
Instructions:
Melt cacao butter in metal bowl (do not any get water in it!!).
Once cacao butter is melted, sift in the cacao powder.
Whisk together with remaining ingredients.
Line a large baking pan with wax paper.
Pour chocolate into pan.
Sprinkle with the bark topping ingredients.
Place in fridge, let chocolate harden.
Pull out of pan and chop it up into desired size pieces.
Enjoy with your Self, a lover, or a loved one and feel your heart expand!
Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
By Meagan Ricks
Bursting with nutrition, plant-based diets positively affect our health, reducing cardiovascular disease, optimizing brain health and preventing metabolic disease. Approaching nutrition with a food as medicine perspective, we maintain the integrity of our ingredients using raw food practices and minimally processed techniques. Hearty, nutritious and complimentary to a variety of flavors, kale salads are a staple recipe. We love this vegan twist inspired by the Italian classic.
Ingredients:
For the caesar dressing:
* Yields 2 cups
1 c pine nuts or cashews
1 stalk celery, chopped
2 Tbsp tamari
1 green onion, chopped
1/4 c olive oil
1 clove garlic
1/2 c lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt (optional)
For the salad:
1 head romaine, chopped
1 head kale, de-stemmed & chopped
1 c. red cabbage, shredded
1 c. Flax crackers, broken into bite sized pieces for “croutons”
Optional salad ingredients:
2 medium carrots, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/4c. sliced olives
1/4 c. red onion, sliced
1 medium cucumber, sliced
Instructions:
Place all dressing ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
Place all salad ingredients in a bowl and toss to mix.
Pour dressing over mixed salad and toss to coat.
Garnish with extra flax cracker “croutons”.
Serve and enjoy!
We hope you have the opportunity to try these delicious recipes! Give us a shout on social media or send us an email if you do. We would love to hear from you!
In Good Health,
The Nectary
Disclaimer: The information presented in this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. The Nectary does not provide medical advice or treatment nor it is a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before consuming anything mentioned within these posts.