Raw Oatmeal Cookies

From Kristi's Kitchen

As Featured on Beyond Organic Facebook page

www.facebook.com/livebeyondorganic

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. rolled oats

1/2 c. coconut palm crystals

2 tbsp. ground dried dates (date sugar)

1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon

1/4 c. chopped walnuts

1/4 c. coconut oil

1/4 c.  Beyond Organic plain flavored Amasai (kefir)

1/4 c. homemade almond butter (see "Homespun Almond Butter Spread" post for recipe)

1 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract 

Directions:

-Place all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and mix until well combined

-Using a tbsp. measure, scoop cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

-Refrigerate until firm.

Makes 16 cookies

Quick Cinnamon Raisin Bread

From Kristi's Kitchen

Ingredients:

3 c. soft whole wheat flour (also called whole wheat pastry or white wheat) OR spelt flour

4 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder

1 3/4 tsp. sea salt

1 3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

1 organic egg, beaten

1 1/2 c. filtered water OR kefir

1/4 c. grapeseed oil

1 tsp. pure vanilla extract

2 tbsp. coconut nectar

1/3 c. organic raisins (optional)

Directions:

-Preheat oven 400 degrees

-Stir all ingredients together

-Pour into oiled 4x8 loaf pan

-Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes

-Cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a cooling rack to cool completely

-Store in an air tight container

Banana Bread Scones

From Kristi's Kitchen

As Featured on the Beyond Organic Facebook page

www.facebook.com/livebeyondorganic

Ingredients:

1 c. mashed really ripe banana, frozen and thawed but still a bit icey
¾ c. plain flavored Beyond Organic Amasai (kefir)
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
2 ½ c. whole wheat pastry flour
4 tbsp. coconut palm crystals
1 tsp. aluminum-free baking powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1tsp. sea salt
1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. ground cloves
4 tbsp. organic unsalted butter

Directions:

-Preheat oven to 400 degrees
-Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, palm crystals and spices
-Using a pastry cutter, cut in the butter until its pea sized
-Stir together the banana, Amasai and vanilla and pour into flour mixture
-Combine until sticky dough forms
-Turn out on well-floured surface –incorporate a bit more flour until slightly firm
-Pat out dough to 1 inch thickness
-Using a 2 inch cutter, cut out scone rounds
-Place each round on a parchment lined baking sheet
-Bake in preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, until golden

Creamy Parmesan Tomato Basil Gazpacho

From Kristi’s Kitchen

 As Featured on the Beyond Organic Facebook page

www.facebook/livebeyondorganic

Ingredients:

5 small tomatoes (I used Kumato)

2 small cloves garlic

8-10 large basil leaves

2 dates

¼ c. organic parmesan cheese

1 ¼ tsp. sea salt

1/8 tsp. onion powder

1/6 tsp. cayenne

1 c. Beyond Organic plain flavored AMASAI (kefir)

Directions:

-Process basil, date, garlic and parmesan in a food processor until finely ground

-Add tomatoes and seasonings and process again

-Stir in AMASAI until completely incorporated and serve chilled

Kefir and BEYOND...

When I say the word "Kefir" it is typically followed by a puzzled, quizzical stare on the part of my listener and the question, "What is that!?!?"quickly follows...

Kefir is a cultured dairy drink made by pouring organic raw milk over Kefir grains and allowing them to work their magic for 24-30 hours at room temperature...when the mixture is coagulated, the process is complete. The next step is to strain the "Kefired" liquid off of the grains -return the grains to the mason jar -refill with fresh milk and start the process all over again (I am simplifying but, the process is easy). The resulting liquid is called "Kefir"- a cultured dairy drink that is packed with immune building probiotics, vitamins and minerals -powerful for protecting against and fighting diseases of all kinds!

The list goes on and on but a few highlights are:

Liver Disease, Gallbladder Stones, lowers cholesterol, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Pancreatitis, Ulcers, Candida, stops the growth of cancer cells, Eczema, Inflammatory Diseases, Heart Disease, Acne, regulates the bowels, Migraines, morning breath, naturally detoxes the body and is tolerable to those who are "Lactose- intolerant"...

For more information go to: http://www.yourkefirsource.com/

If the thought of growing your own kefir sends you to the "OH MY GOODNESS-WHAT AM I GETTING MYSELF INTO ?!?!?" PLACE...

Have no fear October is almost here!!!!

Mid-October, Jordan Rubin will launch his new company, Beyond Organic! 

Beyond Organic is a food and beverage company with it's focus on absolutely amazing food -completely setting a new bar in the organic and sustainable market! One of these extraordinary products is "Amasai"...a cultured dairy drink that surpasses your standard kefir in every way! You DO NOT want to miss out on this! ( I have personally tasted it and it is DELICIOUS!)

To view the products and find out how you can become part of this fabulous opportunity go to: 

www.beyondorganicinsider.com/becomeaninsider.aspx?enroller=2064

In the meantime, cultivating kefir on your kitchen counter is easy as 1,2,3 and the health benefits make it worth every minute! 

Here is one of my yummy smoothie recipes to spur you on!

Peach Cobbler Smoothie

From Kristi's Kitchen

Ingredients:

1 c. organic plain whole fat yogurt

1 1/2 c. kefir (soon to be replaced with Beyond organic "Amasai")

1 tsp. honey

1/2 tsp. liquid stevia

1 large peach; peeled and chopped

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 cups ice

Directions:

-Process in blender and serve -it makes about 45-50oz. - filled my kitchen aid blender completely!

-garnish with a sprig of mint and enjoy...I really love the mint essence as I drink the smoothie it adds a whole other dimension!

*You can increase amount of honey or stevia to suit your taste buds...this is just a jumping off point...

Happy Eating!