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slow cooked scrambled eggs with turmeric and cilantro
These slow-cooked scrambled eggs are dangerously good. I make these on saturday and/or sunday mornings at the farm with with toast and bacon for Hamilton, and a croissant for me. I cook these eggs in butter (in a cast iron skillet) as a weekend treat, and I think the butter is part of the reason why they are so good! Shocker, right? The other secret is low heat for a longer amount of time- that really makes a big difference.
ingredients //
4 -6 eggs
Butter
Turmeric
Cliantro
steps //
-Crack eggs and whisk them up in a bowl
-Heat butter over low heat in a skillet
-Pour the eggs in and be patient! Cooking over low heat is key
-Lightly scramble as they begin to cook
-It will take about four-five minutes total
-Remove from heat when they are about 90% done and put on a plate ASAP
-Sprinkle turmeric and cilantro on top
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Our Health Packed Smoothie Recipe
Good morning, friends! I hope you all have had the sweetest start to the day. I must start out by saying I am a nerd when it comes to health (I could live and breathe it!). This post is long, but it was hard to leave any of it out because it is all so important + mind blowing how diet alone effects our body!A lot of you have requested that I share my daily smoothie recipe that I make for Jase and I in the morning. I must warn you prior to that it is PACKED with potent ingredients, which can seem quite overwhelming seeing it on paper, but once you get the hang of throwing it all in, it's as easy as can be! I am going to share the exact links to the products I use + scroll down below the recipe to see the benefits of each ingredient {my favorite part}.Most of the ingredients I use in this smoothie are from Crucial Four, a hidden health gem of a place in Dallas. My old kick-boxing trainer introduced me, and it has become our family's go to spot. Not all of their products are online, but they make it super easy to call and order. Side note: this is not sponsored.
Why I love Crucial Four so much: "you can’t travel 12 hours by plane, two days by car and then climb a mountain in Ecuador to get the best heirloom cacao from eighty-foot trees in their natural environment. We can and do and that’s just one of the eighty wild heirloom ingredients we source globally and combine into our Meal Replacements & Shakes, Water Infusions, Oral Concentrates or Healthy Snacks. We have stable long-term relationships with reliable farmers, brokers and manufacturers across the globe to source the best wild heirloom varietal or certified organic products and deliver them in our products direct to your door."Also, I found an incredible naturopath here in California, and he has taken intensive and detailed blood tests to discover what I really need to shift in my body. I intentionally did a blood test before I started making these smoothies. My thyroid needed to shift a bit, my iron was low even with supplements, and there were a few more imbalances. I went back a month later to see if these ingredients were truly as beneficial to me as they say! He was confused as to why I came in after the results because my blood test was perfect. I was absolutely mind blown. These are life changers.Another fun fact: the reason why we crave sugar and junk food is because we are mineral sufficient. These fill those voids, which in turn, curbs the cravings. For those of you that know Jason, you know his two vices are ice cream and pizza. After a week of eating these smoothies, he could only eat a few bites of Salt & Straw because it didn't even sound good to him. Again, mind blown.
Ingredients (makes a smoothie for two):2 tsp fresh bee pollen1 tsp wild pine pollen2 packets of M Breakfast1 tbsp Collagen3 tsp ColostrumA pour of fresh pressed aloe1 heaping tbsp spirulina1 heaping tbsp chlorella1 heaping tbsp chia seeds1 tbsp cacao nibs (I love the crunch this adds!)4 tinctures of Stevia (cancels the green taste)1.5 frozen organic bananas1 bag frozen blueberries or strawberriesAlkaline waterFRESH BEE POLLENIt is extremely high in protein and amino acids. It is great to have in the morning for a quick pick-me-up. It’s also a good addition to pre- or post-workout snacks to add or restore protein. It’s actually been used in ancient cultures—like China—for decades as a natural energy source. On top of adding protein and energy, I’ve read benefits like: prevents the cold and flu, helps with cravings, improves vitality and endurance, regulates intestines, reduces inflammation, and helps relieves stress.WILD PINE POLLENIt is a potent aphrodisiac that offers dual-directional hormonal support. If you are high in estrogen, it lowers it; if you are low in testosterone, it brings it higher, and visa versa AKA it evens out your hormones naturally. Regular consumption supports healthy metabolism, regulates weight, improves immune response, and enhances whole body function. It also is a: common cold preventative, brain nourisher, and cholesterol reducer.M BREAKFASTEnergy, stress relief, immunity, and performance are critical for everyday life. Build your mind and body into balance for sustained energy that helps you thrive with Crucial Four’s mBreakfast. We formulated mBreakfast to contain 100% organic and wild sourced herbs, algaes, mushrooms, and biotic extracts.COLLAGENIt improves skin and hair, repairs joints, helps leaky gut, boosts metabolism, strengthens teeth and nails, helps detox, reduces cellulite and stretch marks.COLOSTRUMBuilds lean muscle mass, repairs tissue, increases vitality, accelerates healing, supports digestion, improves the immune systemFRESH ALOE VERA JUICEIt is alkalizing, it reduces inflammation, it is a digestive aid, promotes regularity, detoxifies the body, aids weight loss, helps maintain hydration, helps control blood glucose levels in diabetics, helps lower blood cholesterol, improves oral health, gives a vitamin and mineral boost, provides essential amino acidsSPIRULINAA powerful anti-inflammatory, activates many of the different immune cells, jam packed with vitamins, phytonutrients, and essential fatty acids, including macrophages, T-cells, B-cells, and natural killer cells. It also activates the organs involved with immune function such as the spleen, liver, and bone.CHLORELLADetoxifies heavy metals, supports your immune system, promotes weight loss, makes you look younger, fights cancer, lowers blood sugar and cholesterolCHIA SEEDSHigh in minerals, antioxidants, vitamins, protein, fiber, and omega 3's; helps skin and aging, aids in digestive health, keeps your heart healthy, helps treat diabetes, boosts your energy and metabolism, provides a lot of calcium for stronger bones, builds muscle and aids in weight loss, fights breast and cervical cancer, promotes dental healthCACAO NIBSMaintains muscle and nerve function, aids in weight loss, keeps you regular, prevents anemia, reduces risk of coronary disease and stroke, treats diarrhea, enhances mood, a cholesterol free saturated fat; an excellent source of minerals, fiber, and vitamins image credit: feature image via Casey Jade
avocado toast with honey
The day that I thought to randomly drizzle honey over my avocado toast was the day that everything changed for the better. At first I was skeptical, but it turned out to be a very sweet surprise! Somehow the avocado, pepper, and honey work together in perfect harmony and make for a wonderfully savory and naturally sweet breakfast treat. Have you ever tried avocado toast with honey? Let me know your initial thoughts in the comments below // xo melissa
carrot soup made with coconut milk
This creamy carrot soup with coconut milk has been on repeat at the farm for the past month. It's so tasty, simple, flavorful, full of good ingredients, totally comforting, and the perfect soup for a fall evening. I found the recipe from this food blog and am so thankful that I did! Head on over to wholesomelicious for ingredients + directions. Be sure to add cilantro on top too, if you like it! It adds a nice little bite. The soup is also extra good if served with warm, fresh, crusty bread. #YUM // xo melissa
pumpkin and chocolate chip cookies made with oat flour
This past weekend I made it a point to spend a lot of time in comfy clothes, in the kitchen, and cooking yummy things- including these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. It was a rainy and windy weekend on the east coast, so this plan could not have been more perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I had discovered this recipe via the everygirl and could not wait to give it a try. Long story short, these cookies are dangerously good, but thankfully made with good-for-you ingredients including organic pumpkin, blended oats (instead of flour), and organic cinnamon. Head on over to chelsea's messy apron to get all of the ingredients + the simple recipe // xo melissa
fall recipe box
Soups, chicken, beets, kale, sweet potatoes, rosemary, and so much more! Fall is my favorite time to cook and I always find myself wanting to stay home more and have people over for dinner, instead of going out. Hamilton’s farmhouse is extra-dreamy this time of year, so the pull to stay there more for dinner instead of going out to Annapolis or Washington DC is extra strong. Comfy clothes, wine, good company, + a home-cooked meal is my kind of happy. Below are recipes that I have on my list to try this fall, plus two that I have already tried and love. Instead of a physical recipe box, I email myself recipes that I find online or on Pinterest. I have a folder in gmail labeled RECIPES, where I file all of the emails that I send to myself. When it’s time to cook, that folder is the first place I go to for inspiration. To make it extra easy, sometimes in the body of the email in addition to the recipe link, I will copy & paste the ingredients and directions. That way, everything I need is right there when I open up the email. How do you guys keep track of recipes that you want to try or recipes that you love and always go back to? Let us know in the comments below!
recipe box
brown butter scallops + risotto
slow cooker chicken in coconut curry sauce
creamy carrot and ginger soup (*made it & love it!)
curried chicken wild rice soup (*made it & love it!)
melissa's go-to appetizer
I cannot tell you how many times I have made prosciutto-wrapped asparagus as an appetizer...way too many to count! The images above were taken before they went in the oven and of course I forgot to take an after-oven pic, so that will have to wait until next time. This appetizer is literally the easiest thing to make and it is always a hit. I most recently made it for my dear friend Brittany's bridal shower and she literally requested that I make these- they are that tasty. There are a lot of recipes out there for prosciutto wrapped asparagus, but below are the quick and easy steps I follow. All you need is asparagus and prosciutto, and olive oil and parmesan if you want to get fancy.
PROSCIUTTO WRAPPED ASPARAGUS
For a large party, 2 big bunches of fresh asparagus
About 3/4 lb of prosciutto ((*order extra if you want...prosciutto + eggs makes for a pretty yummy breakfast))
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees
2. Wash and dry asparagus and break off the ends. I tend to make the asparagus a bit shorter than I do when normally cooking them, because I want them to be bite-size and easy to eat for this appetizer.
3. Begin to tear off pieces of prosciutto and wrap the asparagus as shown in the above images.
4. Once all asparagus pieces are wrapped in prosciutto, put them on a baking sheet lined with foil (or in a cast iron skillet) and bake for 10-15 minutes. Be sure to check on them because you don't want them to cook too much!
5. Take them out, let them cool, and pat them dry- the prosciutto tends to release a lot of oil after baking.
6. I normally serve "as is" since the prosciutto is naturally salty, but you can certainly top with salt, pepper, a little olive oil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese!
Enjoy xo
Cookbooks For Your Kitchen
I don't know about you, but I love cookbooks. I don't use them all of the time, since Pinterest is essentially the ultimate virtual cookbook, but there is something about flipping through the pages of a real cookbook, having it open on your counter while following a recipe, and the gorgeous imagery inside that I completely love. Similar to Pinterest, cookbooks are so inspiring and really get your creative vibes cooking...no pun intended! Below are five cookbooks from Anthropologie that we have our eye on + five recipes from our Pinterest board that we can't wait to try.
THE RECIPE BOX
1. these brussels sprouts
2. this asparagus frittata
3. a rice bowl with a fried egg + avocado
4. peanut butter overnight oats
5. A pad thai salad
THE COOKBOOK LIST
images via anthropologie
Wake-Up Drink
First thing first- I love my coffee first thing in the morning. Like, LOVE. Just read this post for proof. That being said, it is going to take practically a miracle drink to make me drink anything other than coffee first thing when I wake up. This drink that I am about to describe is basically a miracle potion that naturally gives you energy, boosts your immune system, flushes out toxins, helps with digestion, is extremely hydrating, and even whitens your teeth! I gave it a go a few weeks ago and I was immediately hooked. Here is the deal:-Warm up a mug full of water (make it warm, but not hot)-Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar-Juice from half a lemon-A teaspoon (or two!) of honeyAnd that is it. Give it a little stir and sip on it like you would tea. Wait a few hours and see how you feel. For me, I noticed how good it made me feel the first day or two of drinking it. It is a great way to kickstart your day and get your body going. The key is to drink it first thing in the morning though, so yes, that cup of coffee will have to wait. My current routine is to drink this first thing (about 3-4 times a week) then drink my mug of black coffee with breakfast before leaving for work. If you give it a try, come back here and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. P.S. the mug is from The Created Co. and is one of my favorites. Drinking out of a cute mug makes morning that much better.