In The Kitchen: Adding Life to Your Groceries

Last week on the blog I started a new collection of talks around being In The Kitchen. I don't know about you, but here at LSK we've been talking so much about how this time has changed everything for us. Things that we used to think were such a chore have now become a cherished part of our routine, and we're finding ourselves digging into new passions like never before. One of those passions for me has been spending time in the kitchen – taking extra care in what I prepare, and all the steps along the way.With things being the way they are recently, I've been thinking so much more about what I use and how I use it. This week I want to share a few tips on how to preserve those precious groceries we're buying and make them last as long as possible in order to reduce waste and save on fewer trips to pick up groceries.More than ever, I think I am realizing why my mom is almost mentally trained not to waste any food considering the culture during her childhood. I always had no problem tossing certain things, but now I have a greater appreciation for what I put in my straw bag at the farm shop. These times have brought more scarcity than we have experienced in our lives, and I am all about making my produce last as long as possible + for the first time have researched what veggies remain fresh for longer.I wanted to share some tips that have really helped me. It has been such a new topic to educate myself on!

SHELF LIFE

This article and graphic have both taught me so much!

  WASHING

• Rinse with water. You can use a vegetable brush on tougher roots.
• Veggies will hold the longest if you wait to wash them right before use.

TOOLS

• Swag Bags: It keeps our veggies fresh for up to two weeks + they are made with the healthiest materials.
• Almond Cow: Jase and I were having a hard time keeping almond milk in stock. It was always out at the grocery store after quarantine started, so this has been an absolute game-changer. And it only takes 5 minutes!

HERBS

• Your herbs will be happiest standing in a glass of water, where just the stems are wet.
• Store in the fridge or on the counter.

ROOTS

• Store in the refrigerator in a container with some airflow.
• Keep potatoes in a paper bag to minimize light exposure (that is what causes them to sprout!).

GREENS

• Refrigerate in an airtight container.
• They like a little moisture but not too much. Sometimes it helps to add a damp paper towel into the container.

TIPS

• If you feel like you won't use your veggies or fruit before they will get bad, freeze them! Did you know even raw butter and cheese freezes well? Cut, peel, and remove excess from your produce, and store in these biodegradable storage bags.
• With bread that is going bad, make croutons!

Info source: @wearebrightland

Almond Cow: Make Your Own Almond Milk

I was not expecting to write this during a time filled with potential anxiety and so many unknowns, but I hope this suggestion brings extra hope and makes this quarantine time extra do-able. Jason and I braved going to the store yesterday because we were out of our almond milk because we were out of almonds! But our almonds are arriving via mail in the next few days, which will be a game changer.I am so excited to tell you about Almond Cow. This machine has been the best investment and has saved us money on our grocery bill because we make our own nut milk at home. Usually making almond milk requires so many tedious steps and a lot of time. It is quite intimidating! This machine allows you to make it in minutes, and it is so delicious. We are hooked! The website provides the best recipes for every type of dairy free milk + they offer recipes to make beverages, creamer, and even some where the pulp can be used.How are you all doing? What food and drinks (I.e. almond milk) are you depending on these next few weeks?

Five Winter Recipes To Try

Now that we are all moved-in to our new home, I am spending so much time in our renovated kitchen! It is so nice to be settled and have a space to create home-cooked meals again. Winter is also such a cozy time and makes me want to stay in and cook yummy, warm meals. Who’s with me? Below are five winter recipes I am wanting to try.When looking at them, there are definitely a few edits I would make to the recipes, like making them gluten and dairy free. Typically, this is very simple to do! Whenever following a recipe, there are many times I don't follow it exactly. There is such freedom when cooking, so don't feel like you have to use every ingredient listed in a recipe. Take out what doesn't suit your body or health plan!Do you have any recipes on your to-try list? Please share in the comments! xo 

THE LIST

Loaded Sweet Potato

Chicken Noodle Soup

Lamb Meatballs

Coconut Curry Ramen

Crockpot Butter Chicken

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Image credit: Public Lives, Secret Recipes

Christmas Morning Plans

Hi friends!Christmas morning is right around the corner and I can barely contain my excitement. It is such a special morning, celebrating the birth of our Savior, and it is something I looked forward to yearly.I always seem to get up a little earlier on Christmas because I get so excited! We have a tradition of making a big breakfast together and then we all sit around the Christmas tree and open presents. We of course have cozy Christmas music on all day, and we love going to the park to play football if it’s not too cold. If we don’t do that, we go on a long neighborhood walk. It’s so fun!This year on Christmas morning, I cannot wait to make this pumpkin bread. It is my favorite as of lately and it is so easy to make! There is something about baked goods on Christmas morning that just feels so cozy and comforting. There are a few little changes I make to the recipe: I only use coconut sugar for the sugar, olive oil for the oil, and almond milk for the milk!What are your plans for Christmas morning? Let us know in the comments below. xo

My 5 Favorite Foods Right Now | No. 1

Hey guys! If you are part of the Clean Sweep, follow me on Instagram, or are a regular reader of the blog, you know by now that eating clean, healthy, delicious foods is so important to me. I thought it would be fun to start regularly sharing my current five favorite foods in the kitchen, so here's the first round for you. Enjoy!

Sauerkraut

this adds so much flavor to every meal, improves digestion, boosts your immune system, and is a great food to feed your sweet tooth even though it’s not sweet!

Massaged kale

kale massaged in olive oil and pink salt- that's it! it minimizes the potentially potent taste of kale and makes it dense and extra delicious.

Paleo Puffs

the most amazing healthy snack!

Coconut Kefir

boosts liver health, boots gut health, boosts the immune system, and boosts brain health + tastes so good.

Sunflower Butter

another amazing protein-filled butter if you want an alternative to almond butter

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What I'm Wearing:

madewell cardigan top (similar from free people)

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My Favorite Herbal Tea Brand

Hey friends! Who agrees that tea time is the best time? I always look forward to a hot cup of tea and am always so happy while enjoying it and afterwards, too, since it warms me up, calms me down, and quenches my body with ultimate health benefits. There is something so cozy and comforting about the ritual of drinking tea...I just love it!When it comes to what kind of tea I enjoy at home, I definitely have a favorite herbal tea brand and that is hands down, Traditional Medicinals. If you are signed up for my Clean Sweep program, you will know that I share this fact in there as well. If you are members of Thrive Market (which I highly recommend!), they sell the teas on their website for less than you will find at stores like Whole Foods or Target, both which carry Traditional Medicinal teas, but for a little bit more. Traditional Medicinal teas are also sold on Amazon!As I shared in the Clean Sweep, my favorite teas from Traditional Medicinals are: ginger, raspberry leaf, licorice root, red clover, nettle leaf, rose hips, tulsi with ginger, and dandelion. LSK editor, Melissa, loves the chamomile with lavender, elderberry, ginger aid, and lemon echinacea throat coat. This is one of the best ways to fill your body up with powerful antioxidants as well as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and mood balancing properties.Do you have a favorite tea brand or tea flavors that you always reach for? Let us know by leaving a comment below! xo

& click to shop...

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A Cookie Recipe For Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is such a fun, special holiday because it is literally all about L O V E. There is nothing more fun and life-giving than loving others well and showing those you love just how much they mean to you. To celebrate this day of all the heart eyes and all the feels, my plan is to make a batch of these incredible cookies from Sweet Laurel. Love snickerdoodles? You will REALLY love this snickerdoodle cookie recipe!Sweet Laurel is my go-to for sweet things because her recipes are grain-free and created with good-for-you, real, true foods. Yes, please! I have mentioned her cookbook before on the blog and on my Instagram, but if you haven't picked up a copy, treat yourself to it this Valentine's Day! I promise you that you will be so happy to have this recipe gem on hand at all times. From breads to pies to cookies to muffins, Sweet Laurel has compiled a whole book of grain-free treats that taste delicious and are made with quality ingredients.How are you all celebrating Valentine's Day? We hope it is with a yummy, healthy meal + dessert! Let us know in the comments below. Also-- don't forget to check out my little love-yourself-well gift guide. Enjoy and sending love to all, xo.[show_shopthepost_widget id="3474037"]

A Turmeric Latte Recipe We Love

We are so excited to share with you today a turmeric latte recipe we love from our dear friend and wellness guru, Leora Caylor of The Wildery.Here is a little bit about turmeric from Leora: Turmeric (or Curcuma longa) is not new on the scene; it’s been a staple in Indian cuisines for centuries, usually prepared with fats and other spices that work synergistically to enhance flavors. With a long list of scientifically-supported benefits, its recent popularity is well-deserved. Turmeric contains powerful substances called curcuminoids, the most important of which is curcumin. When it comes to turmeric, I regularly include the spice with meals, sprinkling it over my eggs in the morning, or combining it with other spices for added synergy. But one of my favorite ways to enjoy turmeric is to drink it!And here is Leora's Pumpkin Turmeric Spice Latte Recipe:Start by warming up the coconut milk on your stovetop, hot but not boiling. The fat content in the coconut milk helps to enhance the absorption of the turmeric (i.e. bioavailability!). Add in the remainder of the ingredients and blend. Enjoy!1 cup Coconut Milk*1 tbsp Pumpkin Puree*½ tsp Turmeric Spice*½ tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend* or Cinnamon*½ tsp Honey* (optional - for sweetening, but usually not needed)1 scoop Collagen (optional - excellent source of protein)*Organic if possible*Cinnamon for topping--Disclaimer: As with any supplement, run everything by your medical team, keeping your own unique health status and needs in mind.

Sweet Recipes To Savor

You guys have heard me talk about the Sweet Laurel cookbook before on Instagram, so I felt the holidays were the perfect time to dedicate a blog post to this incredible cookbook. Created by Laurel Gallucci & Claire Thomas, Sweet Laurel is a curated collection of the yummiest desserts and savory breads that are made with whole foods and are also grain-free. Praise hands up for that!From turmeric bread to cinnamon rolls and southern biscuits to lavender cookies, there are so many sweet recipes to savor. The best part is the whole food part...there is such freedom and joy found in baking and enjoying desserts and savory treats that are made with real ingredients and free of grains that would more than likely bother your gut. These recipes are ones that your body, mind, and soul will all enjoy, and for that, we are so grateful.Whether you want to gift the cookbook this Christmas or prepare one of the recipes for a holiday brunch or party, this is the perfect time of year to grab a copy for you and for loved ones! As you probably already saw, this was on my gift guide and you can bet that I'll be gifting it this year! xo

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