Category Nutrition

A great after-dinner holiday tea (or tisane)

Happy holidays to everyone around the world and bon appetite! With all of the delicious dishes being served for the holidays, I can’t forget about drinks. My after dinner holiday tea recipe is a perfect way to end our holiday meal. For different parts of the world, the spices vary for this soothing beverage.

A brief history

For centuries, people have created beverages as accompaniments to their meals. This is especially true for the holiday and festival seasons. From parts of Africa, the middle and Asia, many drink after dinner teas on regular basis. In Victorian England, these were known as tisanes rather than tea. Tisanes are usually made from fresh or dried plant parts like leaves, flowers, crushed seeds, etc. As to whether or not other folks have their own after dinner holiday tea recipe, I’m guessing I’m not alone.

Health benefits of my after dinner tea recipe

If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll remember that I’m all about function and flavor. I love creating an after dinner tea recipe each season. Since it’s fall heading into winter, here, it’s time for my holiday blend. today’s recipe is no different and features a blend of spices that are great for the stomach. This after dinner holiday tea recipe also includes spices that remind of you fall and winter goodies! All of these ingredients are particularly great for gut health, which is the back bone of our immune system.

More on this

My spice blend is anti-inflammatory, supports the immune system, is anti-microbial and anti-viral. For example, caraway and coriander alleviate bloat, IBS, and indigestion. Other benefits of this tea blend include, helping to alleviate diarrhoea as well as constipation. Mint soothes the stomach and helps alleviate nausea. All if not most of these ingredients, promote a healthy gut, immune system and so much more. You can read more about the benefits in some of my favourite tea recipes like this one by clicking right here!

Here are the ingredients you will need

1. 1/4 cup of ginger (fresh)

2. 1 teaspoon of caraway seeds, freshly ground

3. 1/2 teaspoon of coriander

4.  1/2- 1 whole medium cinnamon stick

5. 1/4 cup of finely shredded mint leaves

6. 1/4 tea spoon of fresh, ground green cardamom

7. 1/4 cup of  gingered honey

8. 24 ounces of filtered water

About the gingered honey

For how to make gingered honey, click here to get the recipe and how you can switch it up for a variety of purposes. Since I’m an avid herbal tea drinker, I love to make my own gingered honey. Don’t be afraid or intimated about making it yourself because it is easy to make. Just keep in mind that you will need to give it sufficient time to cure and develop it’s potency.

Making your after dinner holiday tea

First, bring your water to a gentle boil and then add your fresh ground ingredients. Toss in your cinnamon stick and fresh shredded ginger, turning down the heat to a low simmer for about 10 mins. Next, add your gingered honey with your fine shredded mint leaves for an additional 3-5 mins. Finally, turn off the heat and strain your after dinner holiday tea. You can then garnish your tea with a pinch of fresh mint and add more honey to taste.

Final thoughts before you go

Spices add flavour, complexity and in a lot of instances, a variety of healing elements to every dish you create. This is one of the main reasons why I’m so passionate about decolonizing your traditional food ways in addition to knowing what is actually in your food. Food has a tremendous capacity to heal the body and is often the first place to go in order to heal your body naturally. If you have doubts about the power of spices in your food, you can read what John Hopkins Medicine states right here. Also, make sure you subscribe and follow my blog to get the latest updates, posts, and more!

Ginger as a kitchen staple

Ginger is one of the most versatile and healing spices (herbs) around my kitchen! In my opinion, there are very few things that beat out ginger when it comes adding a dose of healing to my food and drinks. My honeyed ginger recipe changes with the seasons but in all cases, I have to make sure it ages sufficiently to get the most benefits out of it. This is one spice that I never allow myself to run out of because it has so many medicinal and culinary uses.

Ingredients for the honeyed ginger recipe

1. 8 oz raw honey (set aside an additional 2oz to cover your completed batch)
2. 1/4 cup fresh grated ginger
3. 1 small fresh squeezed lemon
4. 1 small fresh lime
5. 1/4 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon (optional)

Bringing it together

Now that you have all of the ingredient, first add the fresh squeezed lemon and lime juice to the the fresh grated ginger. Next, thoroughly mix in the cinnamon (fresh ground or powdered) to your mixture. Finally, be sure to fully incorporate the honey to your honeyed ginger recipe. Make the honey completely cover the ginger so none is left exposed.

Final preparation and storage

Once your batch is fully mixed, store it in a glass wide-mouth jar with a tight seal and place it in the fridge to cure for two weeks. Stir your mixture every 2-3 days and keep it in the fridge. This gingered honey can be added to your herbal teas, or take a teaspoon a day to boost your immune system.

Health benefits 

Ginger has been used as a cure-all, herbal remedy, and in cooking recipes, for generations. Ginger eases digestive discomfort, is anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial. To read more about the numerous health benefits click here and here. Also, be sure to subscribe and save this (pin it on Pinterest)!

Spices for all seasons

It’s almost time to get ready for back to school, work! Once I get in to the full swing of summer, I also like to replenish my stock of herbs. For me,  I always make sure that my kitchen is fully stocked with my choice of 5 kitchen spices that heal and nourish the body. Not only that, these spices have been used for centuries as natural remedies, flavorings, and nutritional enhancers.

Why you need them

Regardless of your taste preferences, everyone should have a stash of spices and herbs that have a variety of uses. It’s never a good idea to really on one form of healing and supplementation. Also, as someone who grew up in a family that used natural remedies, supplements, etc, I don’t believe that western medicine has the monopoly on healing! As a matter of fact, a lot of indigenous remedies and supplements from around the world were “appropriated” by the pharmaceutical industry. While I want go into all the details here, I will say that good health is rooted in the foods, spices and herbs we put into our bodies. Plus, I firmly believe the notion of food being our natural medicine.

My must-have list of 5 kitchen spices that heal

At the top of my list is ginger! For obvious reasons, ginger is a must-have because it has so many benefits. Not only that, there is a lot of data that supports the healing benefits of ginger. Not only does it enhance your recipes, it is a great digestive aide,  cold and flu remedy, etc. Ginger is an Anti-Inflammatory, soothes the stomach, helps wit regulating blood sugar, and so much more. Ginger is central to a number of my homemade cold and flu remedies for those cold winter months as well.

Another important spice is cinnamon. While most people often associate it with baked goods and desserts, cinnamon also has a number of health benefits. Like ginger, cinnamon has been used for centuries as a curative, as a flavor enhancer for both sweet and savory dishes, etc. Cinnamon also helps with digestion, regulating blood sugar, and contains trace nutrients needed by the body.

Other spices on my list of 5 kitchen spices that heal 

Next, are cloves. For centuries cloves have been used as a natural food preservative as well as herbal remedies. It is naturally anti-microbial and an anti-oxidant. Believe it or not, cloves have both anti-oxidant and anti-microbial effects that many other spices. That also includes a number of fruits and vegetables. To read up more on the benefits of some of the most beneficial spices to have in your kitchen, check out my favorite recipe posts right here

Cloves aren’t just great for sweet dishes or your favorite winter or iced chai. Cloves add both flavor and healing to soups, tinctures and a variety global recipes. My next must-have often fly’s under the radar of most folks. Fresh ground black pepper is so common and so underrated. It is a good source of the mineral manganese which is important for bone health and regulating the metabolism. Did you also know it’s important in the wound healing process? Black pepper may also improve cholesterol levels, gut health and help control blood sugar levels.

Last but not least is turmeric. These days more people are familiar with this lovely spice. It is also a traditional ingredient in curry powder and gives it that distinctive yellow color. Turmeric is widely used around the globe as an anti-inflammatory. It’s now a popular aide to help reduce inflammation and joint pain. I often add it to soups, stews, smoothies, etc for that extra health boost. Some might argue about the dosage, but if you add it often and regularly enough, that goodness will build up!  Again, I won’t go into all of the heath benefits but healthline.com gives more details on the benefits of turmeric. It gives a delicious earthy flavor to most dishes and is easily disguised in smoothies, soups and stews too.

Exploring the spice world

Needless to say, there is a vast world out there when it comes to spices! Also, this is just a short list of the spices I typically use in a variety of recipes. Don’t be afraid to try new spices and even your everyday options in new ways. Spices have been used for centuries in a myriad of ways based on trial and error. As humans discovered other applications for these spices through observation, trial and error, etc, we’ve found new uses for them. As a matter of fact, some spices were used for medicinal purposes before someone discovered that they were awesome for cooking too!

Bottom line, humans are curious and adaptive creatures when it comes to both food and environment. Needless to say, this is just one area where that creativity and ingenuity shines through. So, step out of your comfort zone and try these 5 kitchen spices that heal as well as enhance recipes around the world!

The perfect dish for the season

Cold winter days make me think of cozy fires, a stack of my favorite books in my favorite nook, and the yummy goodness of a rich and savory soup. This vegan broccoli cheddar soup has quickly become a favorite of mine. While I love hearty vegetable soups during cold days in general, I’ve grown much more appreciative of tasty vegan soups and stews.

My philosophy

Over the years I’ve learned to appreciate the beauty of each season and more recently, to cherish every moment. The fall and winter months are great opportunities to get creative with your recipes during this time of year. With the unique variety of vegetables during the colder months of the year, I love to select vegetables and spices that nourish and support the body during the cold and flu season.

It turns out, this vegan broccoli cheddar soup recipe is perfect for just that!

More about seasonal vegetables and fruits

I love the challenge of creating yummy and healthy meals using products that are in season and are ethically and sustainably sourced. Fall veggies ring in a new season of goodness and are a great opportunity to learn more about where my food comes from. Are you making the right choices when it comes to what’s on your plate?

Some of my favorites and staples

I love hardy greens with collards and kale being two of my favorites because they’re so versatile in both salad bases and cooked dishes. Unlike spinach, they hold up well for both cold and hot recipes. Obviously, today’s recipe does not include either but instead uses a combination of root vegetables and broccoli (added at the end ).

My basic rule for ALL of my recipes

Nearly every dish I make must have a full-bodied flavor profile and incorporate gut-friendly and anti-inflammatory properties. This is a massive issue for me as I have struggled off and on with digestive maladies and have fully dived into the benefits of using spices and other ingredients that promote gut health. Squash is another Fall favorite of mine. But for this dish, I’m organic carrots, sweet potato, Yukon gold potatoes, onions, herbs, and spices. The oven with a savory blend of fresh garlic and herbs to complete this vegan dish. If you don’t like sweet potatoes, you can omit this ingredient, but I personally think it not only adds more nutrients but rounds out the flavor.

About the ingredients

All of the ingredients are either organic, locally sourced, or both. I’ve also made it a point to also use gut-friendly spices and herbs to help support healthy gut bacteria and my immune system. With everything that’s going on, using natural herbs and spices to boost the body’s natural defenses is a must. Personally, I’m not a fan of using a lot of pharmaceutical-based remedies for non-acute situations. This is why I tend to view my food more as medicine wrapped in deliciousness!

What you will need for this vegan broccoli cheddar soup

1. Broccoli (fresh lightly steamed)
2. 1 medium-large sweet potato
3. Yukon gold potatoes, 2 medium
4. yellow or red onion, chopped (1small)
5. clove garlic (1)
6. 1 cup unsweetened full-fat organic coconut milk
7. 1 cup unsweetened plain organic almond milk ( you can use 1/2 cup raw almonds, I prefer almond milk)

More of your ingredients

1. 1/4 cup mini Bella mushrooms (optional)
2. chopped green onions, 1/4 cup
3. Garlic powder, 1 tablespoon
4. 1 tablespoon Onion powder
5. turmeric powder, 1 tablespoon
6. 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
7. 1 tablespoon mustard powder
8. 1/2 teaspoon of spicy paprika

Bringing it all together

I eliminated some steps to make the recipe more straightforward; no need to add raw cashews or almonds that need to be blended, etc!. Just give me the delicious without all of the drama is what I say! So with that in mind, first boil down the potatoes with the seasoning spices until they are soft (approx 20mins on medium heat). Next, add in your vegetables and let them simmer with the potatoes, creating a soupy mixture. After the mixture has slightly thickened, add in the nutritional yeast and pour your mixture into the blender and blend until it’s smooth. Be sure to lightly chop and steam your fresh broccoli and add it to your soup after it’s fully blended and allow the soup to lightly simmer on low heat for another ten minutes. You can serve your soup with crackers, toast or cornbread and simply enjoy a bowl of this  deliciouness!

Another recipe for the fall and winter months

Have you tried any of my other recipes yet? Click here for some awesome tea recipes to help support your body’s natural defenses during the cold and flu seasons! Plus, these recipes are great recovery teas throughout the year.

About the author

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic Health Strategist, Coach, and the founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. Tonye helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. Meaning, she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each her situation. By doing this, she’s better able to help women transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy

My belief about herbal remedies

It worked for my ancestors, and I’ve since learned and agree, that it’s better for my own health and wellness. I’m a firm believer that the cure for any condition should never be worse than the actual sickness itself. Having said that, when in doubt seek advice fr your medical doctor, a certified naturopathic doctor, trained healthcare professional, etc.

**As always, make sure you check with your healthcare provider to ensure that these ingredients are safe for you to consume, especially if you have medical conditions or medicines that might interact with any of these ingredients!!

**Please also note that this post contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Herbal teas for your home remedy cubby

Almost every culture has its own version of herbal teas, tinctures, and infusion. So it comes as no surprise that in this day and age, we’re all bringing in out these old tried and true recipes.

As a matter of fact, the more we learn and share from one another the better. Even now, I’ve got new twists on old recipes and created some new ones too.

The 3 herbal teas you need

Every year I add new favorites to my list of tea must-haves for throughout the year. But these are 3 herbal tea blends you need to beat the flu season for sure! Just an FYI, this post does include affiliate links from which I receive a small percentage at no cost to you!

1. Elderberry echinacea spiced tea.
2. Ginger Rosehip tea with chamomile, which is great for the nighttime and promotes restful sleep.
3. Spiced Mint  Turmeric tea.

A few benefits from these recipes

Star anise:

The oil produced by star anise contains thymol, terpineol, and anethole, which is used for treating cough and flu. Anise also helps improve digestion, alleviate cramps, and good for reducing nausea. Consuming star anise tea after meals helps treat digestive ailments such as bloating, gas, indigestion, and constipation

Black peppercorn:

 This spice has anti-inflammatory properties as well. It also improves circulation and reduces pain and swelling of joints in between the fingers. Plus, it helps fight diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Chamomile:

This is one of my favorites ingredients and is included in the 3 herbal teas you need to beat the flu and cold because of its soothing effects. Chamomile promotes sleep, soothes stomach aches, reduces stress, period pains, helps with anxiety, and is also anti-inflammatory. Its benefits are too many to list here alone, but you’ll definitely want to keep this one handy!

Mint:

Mint eases digestion, is antiviral and antibacterial. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps with mucous build-up.

Echinacea: 

Widely known for its many health benefits, echinacea reduces inflammation, improves immunity, and lower blood sugar levels. Also, it’s used as a natural pain reducer, helps with digestion as well as skin-boosting benefits too!

Elderberry:

Many people believe elderberries to be one of the most potent natural plants for fighting cold and flu viruses. Not only that, they are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, boosts, fights infection, and supports the immune system. You can read more about the power of elderberries in my earlier recipe post here!

Turmeric: 

This root is an anti-inflammatory, is a potent antioxidant, and supports joint health.

More beneficial spices

Ginger:

Great for immune boosting, ginger is also an anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, improves digestion, and supports cardio health.

Raw honey:

Raw honey has many health benefits including anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well as rich in anti-oxidants. Honey is also excellent for soothing sore throats and digestive issues.

Srilankan cinnamon: 

Also known as Ceylon cinnamon, this spice is also anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial. It’s also a great antioxidant with cancer-fighting properties too!

Allspice:

Another favorite of mine, allspice helps relieve gas, bloating, and stomach upset. Did I also mention, it too has anti-inflammatory benefits?

All your ingredients

1. Echinacea (I use dried echinacea)
2. Elderberry (dried)
3. Mint (fresh mint is preferred for this recipe)
4. Black cardamom
5. Star anise (whole) or ground
6. Ginger (fresh or powdered)
7. Turmeric (I use the powder for convenience)
8. Black peppercorn
9. Raw honey
10. Rosehips (whole)
11. Chamomile (dried)
12. Srilankan cinnamon
13. Allspice (ground)

All about the teas

On a quick note, I only use organic and naturally sourced ingredients in my tea because I always want to make sure that I’m not using anything that has pesticides or is contaminated. Having said that, some of my sources are available on amazon.com and you can just click on those links or source the ingredients yourself! As always, don’t forget to consult your healthcare provider before using any of these ingredients as some may cause drug interactions, allergies, etc for some individuals!

The big 3 recipes for me!

1. Spiced elderberry and echinacea tea: 2 teaspoons dried elderberries, 1 teaspoon echinacea, 1/2 teaspoon ginger powder, 1/4 teaspoon allspice with raw honey and lemon to taste.
2. Ginger rosehip tea: 1 teaspoon ginger powder, 1 teaspoon dried rosehips, 1/4 teaspoon echinacea, 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorn, 1/4 teaspoon star anise, plus raw honey and lemon to taste.
3. Spiced mint turmeric tea: 1 teaspoon organic turmeric powder, 1/2 cup fresh cut mint, 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorn, with raw honey to taste

A few tips about herbal teas

Since these are herbal teas, they are caffeine-free and can be taken throughout the day. Also, these ingredients need to be steeped in hot water since these ingredients are the more delicate parts of their parent plants. These include the leaves, berries, flowers, and seeds used in all three recipes.

Making your herbal tea (infusion)

To make your tea blends, combine all the ingredients, pour hot water over all the ingredients in a large glass cup (or kettle), steep (aka, infuse) for 30-45 minutes. This will maximize the extraction of all those flu and cold-fighting properties! When you’re ready to drink your tea, simply add your honey and or lemon to taste. You can also drink these cold or hot after your infusion time is complete and each recipe creates enough for at least two cups. Enjoy!

Before you go

This the perfect time to start preparing for the cold and flu season but there’s also no need to panic if you’ve taken the time to add some home remedies to your medicine cabinet. Add that to your self-care and fitness strategies (read the post right here) and you’ve got the recipe for a healthy you this season!

Also, take the opportunity to get more support for your fitness and self-care journey with one of my transformational programs right here! Need to take baby steps? Start here!

About the author

Tonye Barango-Tariah is a Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. This means that she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each woman. By doing this, she’s better able to help them transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

Staying fit and healthy through the holiday season

We all know how busy the holiday season can get especially when you’ve got multiple tasks to juggle. Let’s not even talk about trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle! This is why I’ve pulled together 5 women’s fitness and self-care tips to get you through the holidays!

The holidays can be super emotional around this time of year, given what we’re all dealing with globally. But we can’t allow our health and wellbeing to suffer because our bodies need all the support we can give them. This is true particularly for women, with multi-tasking and trying to stay on budget. A lot of us or our neighbors have lost jobs, fallen sick with, lost loved ones, etc.

What can we do to stay healthy (even during a pandemic)?

Even if we feel like we have no control over what’s happening locally and globally, there are a ton of things we can do to not just stay healthy, but make our lives more meaningful and infused with joy this holiday season. You don’t need a lot of money or complicated skills to do a lot of little things that will make a huge difference for the mind-body-soul connection.

With these 5 women’s fitness and self-care tips, you’ll be able to carve out time for yourself without getting overwhelmed. Part of being there for your family means being there for yourself when you give your needs the attention they deserve.

With that in mind here are a few powerful tips you can get and stay in “shape” this season

These are just a few tried and true solutions I’ve used over the years for myself as well as clients. The key takeaway is that you are the only one who can make these changes in your life. No one can or will do this for you so if you want to get healthy and stay that way even in tough times, do the work.

1. Start your day with a 5-10 minute “self-check” session. Lay in bed or sit in a quiet place and just take stock of how your body feels, your mood, and your general mindset. This will help ground you as well as keep you from stressing out at the start of your day.

2. Get your body moving (formal exercise or just a quiet walk). When you get your body in motion it triggers the release of those “feel-good” chemicals in your brain, releases tension, and increases focus. It’s good for your cardiovascular system as well as your mental health.

3.  Take 10-15 mins to meditate and set your intentions for the day. This allows you to focus on the activities that will give positive results rather than the negative. There is a lot of truth to the phrase “create your happy”. When you direct your thoughts and energy to those things that yield “good” outcomes, etc you’re less likely to get stressed out and overwhelmed. You feel more aligned, in control as well as focused on the things you want to achieve.

Now for the internal

4. Drink a cup of daily detox tea, water, or smoothie. If you need a few ideas, start with my super green smoothie right here!  Also, this recovery smoothie is awesome as both a  post-workout and a detox smoothie. The ingredients have anti-inflammatory as well as nutritional benefits. This helps to cleanse the body of harmful toxins, by-products of chemical processes in the body as well as support your body’s natural self-healing abilities.

5. Substitute healthy ingredients for “unhealthy” ingredients in your favorite fall and winter must-have meals. That also includes “detoxing” your fridge and pantry so that you have budget-friendly healthy meal options. If you’re  not sure where to begin, grab my FREE Pantry Detox Gude GUIDE HERE

Also, for a complete Introductory Produce, Shopping Guide grab a copy HERE!!

Final thoughts

Be grateful for those little things in our lives that create beauty in their simplicity.  Also, stop focusing on the things that are beyond your control and literally choose joy and positivity instead of the negative. This will also help you feel better physically and less drained energetically. Remember, you’ve got this and you are not alone!

About the author

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. This means that she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each woman. By doing this, she’s better able to help them transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

Why a spiced elderberry and echinacea tincture?

With everything that’s happening today (i.e. global pandemic), this certainly isn’t the time to neglect your health. That’s why I’m pulling out my spiced elderberry and echinacea tincture today!  Fall and winter are usually the seasons when we tend to bone up on our teas, infusions, and whatnots, in preparation for the flu season. Over the last few years, I’ve begun to pull back on the use of over-the-counter medicines in favor of home remedies and traditional health support herbs, etc.

My thoughts on conventional cold and flu drugs

Don’t get me wrong, there is a time and place for conventional pharmaceuticals, but I’ve since come to appreciate and realize that traditional remedies can be far more effective and less damaging to the body. I’m not making any health claims here, but for me, I believe traditional medicines seem better able to work in harmony with the body’s own natural mechanisms for healing itself.

Going back to my roots

Drawing on the traditional teachings of my own ancestors within my family as well as my own experience as a novice in herbalism, this is my preference. Always consult your own healthcare provider for any treatment regimes or medicines.  This simple spiced elderberry and echinacea tincture is one I love and have added to my home remedies cabinet! It’s cheaper and works best for me and mine even as I’m sharing this recipe with you.

**As always, make sure you check with your healthcare provider to ensure that these ingredients are safe for you to consume, especially if you have medical conditions or medicines that might interact with any of these ingredients!!

**Please also note that this post contains affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Making my  batch of spiced elderberry and echinacea tincture

I always start with organic or homegrown ingredients especially, when it comes to something you’re going put in your body. If you’re like me and don’t have tons of space for a large backyard garden, I love the versatility of dried berries. Organic all the way baby, even the spices! There are so many recipe options for elderberry tinctures out there. I’m using this combination of spices and other ingredients because it not only tastes good, but the spices also have some healing benefits as well!

Simple things you’ll need for this recipe

1. 1 cup of organic dried elderberries.
2. Use high-quality alcohol like vodka or you can use rum. Just make sure it has a high concentration of alcohol; 80 proof).
3. 1/4 cup of organic dried echinacea.
4. 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ground nutmeg.
5. Next, add 1/4 teaspoon of ginger powder.
6. You will also need 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
7. 1/4 cup of organic raw honey (to be added after the curing process).
8. Small and medium-sized wide-mouth mason jars.
9. 1 oz Dropper bottle
10. Cheesecloth (or a fine-mesh sieve)

About the two main ingredients

Echinacea: 

Well known for its many health benefits, echinacea reduces inflammation, improves immunity, and lower blood sugar levels. Also, it’s used as a natural pain reducer, helps with digestion as well as skin-boosting benefits too! Extensive research has been done on it’s medicinal properties and confirmed to be antifungal and antibacterial and is safe with few side effects. Also, for maximum effectiveness, it’s best to take it at the first signs of illness.

Elderberry:

Elderberries have been widely studied in Europe and believed to be one of the most potent natural plants for fighting cold and flu viruses. Not only that, they are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, boosts, fights infection, and supports the immune system. Elderberries have powerful antiviral properties and are helpful for treating upper respiratory infections and reducing fever.

How to make your elderberry and echinacea tincture

Take all of your dry ingredients, including the spices, and fill your jars ½ – ¾ full. Next,  completely cover them with the vodka or rum and then tightly cover your mixture with the lid. Then, gently invert your mixture several times to ensure that the alcohol is fully incorporated. Store it in a cool and dry place (I use my pantry) for 4-6 weeks, periodically inverting it for the entire time frame.

Once it’s ready, simply strain the mixture with a cheesecloth or fine mesh (be sure to get as much liquid out as possible) and pour it into a dropper bottle or small jar. Don’t forget to date and label your tincture and include the recipe.

A quick note on storage

No refrigeration is needed because of the high alcohol content used in the process. This is why it’s important to use at least 75 proof or higher vodka, rum, etc because it has much lower water content plus a longer shelf life (a year versus a few weeks!).

Before you go

There are so many health benefits to be found in a variety of fruits, veggies, and herbs. From tinctures and syrups to dried fruit and vegetable snacks. Read my post on making nutritious homemade dried fruit snacks here!

About the author

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. This means that she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each woman. By doing this, she’s better able to help them transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

Just the time for some dried fruit snacks

Quick and easy dried fruit snacks scream holiday to me! These recipes are perfect for this time of year and with the fall and winter seasons just around the corner, I’m all for switching things up with a combination of spices and fruits to create yummy seasonal snacks and treats.

A great alternative

Homemade quick and easy dried fruit snacks are a good alternative to junk food and prepackaged stuff from the grocery store. Not only is it healthier, but it’s also got none of the additives and mystery ingredients that you typically find in conventional store-bought snacks and treats.

The best fruits to use for these treats

While I’d love to say that every fruit makes for a delicious dried goody, that’s really not the case here. For the most part, you want to use produce that still keeps it’s integrity even when you dry them. Bananas, fresh apples, berries, apricots, etc make some of the best quick and easy dried fruit snacks.

Choosing and prepping your fruits (and veggies)

This is really a no-brainer! Select ripe fruits and berries because they usually have a nice level of sugar content.  Avoid fruits and veggies that have very high water content and are mushy. Next, wash your produce in cold water being careful to remove any blemishes. Next, extract any pits or stones from stone fruits like peaches and nectarines. Finally, you want to remove any stems from your berries and then cut and slice fruits evenly so that they will dry uniformly.

For your vegetables, they first need to be blanched. I prefer the method steam blanching method because you lose fewer nutrients. Bring water to a boil in a large pot with a tight-fitting lid. Remember, you’ll need the colander/ wire basket too.  Loosely place your veggies in the pot’s steamer basket (water should be no more than 2 inches deep). The rule of thumb is to time your blanching to roughly half the cooking time as you would normally use.

Once they’re done, quickly remove them from the heat and give them a quick cold water bath (or briefly run under cold water), pat dry, and place on a parchment sheet.

How to dry fruits and veggies using your oven

While a food dehydrator is one of the best methods to use (much faster ), your home oven can still get the time done and it’s way cheaper! To maintain the natural color of your snacks you can either soak them in lemon juice for ten mins or pray them with a mixture of ascorbic acid powder and water (vitamin C). 

Before you start the drying process, set your oven between 130-160℉ and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Next spread out your slices in a single layer and rotate in the oven every two hours until dry.  You’ll know they’re dry when they become a little leathery and are nice and flexible.

General dry times

The drying time for most of these ranges anywhere from 6-12 hours! Peaches, bananas, and apples need about six hours to dry while most berries range from 8-12 hours (i.e. cherries need 6-8 and strawberries to need 12 hours). All you need is a little bit of patience and you’ll have delicious, healthy snacks at the end of the process.

Supplies you’ll need

1. Ascorbic acid powder (vitamin C) or lemon juice (enough to soak all your fruit).
2. Parchment paper; I like to use Reynolds wrap parchment paper (although generic works too but not the same quality).
3. Silicon baking mat (place on top of fruit slices so they dry flat)
4. Deep pot with a tight-fitting lid (this one has everything you need!)
5. 1 wire basket (you can skip this if you already have a pot that has a steamer insert)
6. Your fruits and veggies selection.

A note on food preservation

These quick and easy dried fruit snacks are also a great way to reduce food waste as well as preserve seasonal fruits and veggies. It’s also good for the wallet too! You not only save money but, you’re still eating healthy too. These snacks might be dried, but they are also packed with nutrients. For ideas on this and how it can help you really stretch your grocery budget, read Quick and Easy Food Storage Tips. 

About the author

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. This means that she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each woman. By doing this, she’s better able to help them transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

Staying healthy right now is even more important right now

These uncertain times make it even more important that we become more sustainable and environmentally conscious. Fresh produce storage is one way we can really lessen the impact on our wallets and eat healthily! We also know how expensive groceries can become especially when you move between seasons or making a huge shift in how you feed yourself and your family. So what about finding creative and sustainable ways to lower our grocery bills while at the same time, living a healthy lifestyle?

As I’ve stated in earlier posts, don’t be deceived by marketing gimmicks and misinformation campaigns promoted by both big agribusiness and the processed food industry. You can do a lot better for yourself and your family, by buying fresh and locally sourced meats and produce. Given the state of things globally, it’s safer to stay local and buy from trusted local farms!

A few observations about food and eating well during difficult times

If the pandemic has shown us nothing else, our food systems and supply chain are both vulnerable and sustainable! Plus, remember, labels, and where your food comes from, matters!

Labels on the matter of our food and so do the methods of food production. Foods that have been cultivated using conventional means (i.e. large-scale pesticide and herbicide use, etc) are much more likely to contain damaging levels of these residues. We as consumers can not rely on these industries to “self-regulate” as their track records have shown them to be less than honest when it comes to putting consumer safety and health above their stock portfolios.

Also, while the FDA and USDA have traditionally been the only real advocate for consumers, both agencies have been severely hindered and compromised by lobbying interests as well as well-crafted efforts to defund these agencies in an effort to misinform the public regarding our food sources, what’s in our foods, labeling practices by the processed food industry and big agribusiness.

The reality is this: what food you put in your mouth will either poison or nourish your body, depending on where it comes from. If it comes from a country with no or poorly standardized food safety requirements (i.e. mercury levels in fish, pesticide use in produce, additives in frozen, processed and or packaged foods, etc), YOU need to SERIOUSLY rethink your food choices!!

Part of being able to feed your family with safe nutritious foods means you must adopt a sustainable way of accessing the right foods for your table. In practical terms, that means finding ways to minimize waste and unnecessary costs due to spoilage and improper food storage.

With that in mind here are a few quick tips:

1. Your fresh herbs will last longer and be less likely to spoil when you store them properly. Fresh herbs, like basil, asparagus, and green onions will last a good while if you store them upright in a jar of freshwater. Simply trim the stems, cover them with a piece of plastic wrap, and place them in the refrigerator for storage and use as needed.

2. Be aware of where to store fruits and vegetables. Not all fruits and veggies require refrigeration and in some instances, refrigeration affects the taste quality of some fruits and vegetables. For instance, avocados (yes, technically it’s a fruit because it has a seed y’all), citrus, bananas, nectarines, pears, peaches, onions, tomatoes, and potatoes do best outside of your fridge at room temperature or in your pantry. A quick warning though; don’t store onions and potatoes together due to the ethylene gas which can cause them to spoil each other faster.

Some more quick and easy tips

1. I’ve been doing this for years ( thanks, momma), but did you know it really helps when you wrap your greens in paper towels. They’re great at preventing slimy residue from accumulating and making a science experiment in your bag of lettuce, spinach, or other leafy greens. Simply use paper towels to soak up excess moisture and lightly wrap your green in a few paper towels. This also works for leftover salad greens in food storage containers (minus the salad dressing of course).

Keep your bananas from getting ripe too fast!

2. Cover the crown of your bananas bunches with plastic wrap. It helps slow the release of that ethylene gas which is the meany responsible for breaking (the natural process that causes your produce to spoil) down one of my go-to mid-morning snacks. Doing this is a good way to preserve your bananas if you’re not going to eat them right away.

3. Did you know wrapping your bunches of celery in foil helps it stay fresh and crunchy for up to as much as four weeks?  Yep, wrapping it up in foil and then placing it in your fridge’s crisper drawer will help extend the life of your celery. The foil does this by allowing just the right amount of moisture in, and the ethylene gas out.

4. Stop! Don’t wash all your produce at once. I know it’s counter-intuitive but it’s much better to wash your produce as you go if you want to maximize its shelf life. Unless you plan on freezing your food, you should only be washing things you’re ready to eat right away or soon after. This will reduce the chances of mold growing on damp produce.

Preventing moldy berries!

1.  Another “who’d a thunk it?” If you want to keep those berries mold-free, soak them in vinegar. If you’re not going to consume them all at once, simply soak your berries in a solution of three parts water, one part vinegar in order to kill bacteria and prevent molding. Once you’ve done that, give the berries a thorough pat dry and store in the fridge.

A tried and true preservation technique

2. Another great time saver and a great way to preserve your veggies to simply roast them prior to storage. By roasting vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower,  you can extend their shelf life. Not only that, but it’s also a great meal prep tip to have cooked veggies on hand that you can quickly incorporate into any meal.

Storing dairy products

1. Store dairy products at the back of the fridge. While it may make for easy access, keeping your milk at the front of the fridge makes it more prone to spoilage due to temperature differences. This is because the back of the fridge is colder and will, therefore, give your dairy products are longer shelf life.

Storing meat products

2. Place your meats on the bottom shelf so that their juices do not drip on other food items (i.e. produce, etc) and contaminate them. If space is an issue, place your meat products on a tray or inside a leak-proof container in order to catch any drippings. Better yet, prep and package your meats into manageable portions (i.e. serving sizes for soups, meals, etc) and then store them in the freezer until you’re ready to cook your meals. Also, separate lunch meats from raw meats in order to prevent illness associated with cross-contamination.

Grain storage

1. I can say this enough! Store grains in air-tight containers!! While buying in bulk is a great way to save money when grocery shopping, you want to make sure that you store it correctly so the extra food doesn’t go to waste. Be sure to transfer your grains into an airtight container to maintain freshness, as well as keep those pesky bugs away. Do yourself a favor by labeling your containers with the purchase dates so you’re able to keep track of expiration dates and avoid wasting stored foods.

Just a reminder about fresh produce storage and preservation

Always Double-check your fridge’s temperature especially as the seasons’ change (i.e. summer vs. winter months). You want to make sure that your fridge is set at the correct temperature and that your thermostat is in proper working order to prevent spoilage and reduce the risk of food born illnesses. The recommended temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 5 degrees Celsius for those of you who are using the mks measurement system.

Final thoughts on fresh produce storage and food preservation ideas

I get it. We now live in scary and difficult times. You might even question whether fresh produce storage, etc is even a priority. But it is. We have to have consistent, sustainable access to fresh foods if we want to keep ourselves healthy and less susceptible to illness (i.e. COVID 19)! You can save a lot of money and still maintain a healthy lifestyle (critical for these times) by using simple and creative ways your perishables. In short, fresh produce storage hacks can literally save your life!

And one more thing!

Want to really 10X a healthy lifestyle? Incorporate radical self-care into your daily routines starting today. You can get some ideas from my article on “14 ways to love your self…” right here!

Before you go

If you’re still not sure where to begin, grab my FREE Pantry Detox Gude GUIDE HERE

For the complete Introductory Produce, Shopping Guide grab a copy HERE!!

About the author

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. This means that she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each woman. By doing this, she’s better able to help them transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

You probably know I’m a little cray when it comes to smoothies! I like most of my recipes to colorful, loaded with flavor and this super green recovery smoothie does not disappoint! This delicious beverage is loaded with some of my favorite recovery ingredients

What is a  “super” green recovery smoothie?

In general, a smoothie is a great way to take in a complex mix of dense greens, fiber, and nutrients on the go! If you are pressed for time at the beginning of your day, then a superfood smoothie will usually fill you up, keep you energized and your body flooded with nutrients needed to support good health.

Also, if drinking “straight” water really isn’t your thing (i.e. the thought of drinking water when you are thirsty, makes you almost gag, etc), then a smoothie will help you on that front too! You might also like my other green smoothie recipes right here and here!

No need to worry, this recipe will only take you about 5 minutes from start to finish once you have your ingredients assembled and ready to go. To cut down prep time, I tend to use a combination of both fresh and frozen organic fruits.

Here’s what you will need for your super green recovery smoothie:

       Ingredients:

1. cup (8oz) of almond or nut milk with plant protein.
2. 1 TSP spirulina powder.

3. 1/4 tsp ashwagandha root powder.

4. 1/2 tsp moringa powder.

5. A med size banana.

6. 1 TSP honey.

7. A tsp organic bee pollen.

8. 1/4 tsp cinnamon.

9. 1/4 tsp ginger powder.

*1 TSP = 1 table spoon

*1 tsp = 1 tea spoon

About those ingredients:

1. Bananas contain manganese (skinfood), potassium (heart-healthy), aid digestion, and give you energy.

2. Spirulina is nutrient-dense, a powerful antioxidant, antiinflammatory, has anti-cancer properties, detoxes heavy metals, and boost your immune system.

3. Ginger reduces inflammation, lowers cancer risks, contains anti-aging properties, reduces stomach discomfort, lowers bad cholesterol, boost immunity, and wards off hypertension.

4. Ashwagandha supports brain health, provides immune support, alleviates stress, anxiety, and helps with weight management. Ashwagandha is also a powerful adaptogen, promoting thyroid hormone balance as well as muscle strengthening and recovery.

5. Honey has been used for centuries because of it’s medicinal properties which include the fact that it is antimicrobial, rich in antioxidants, helps improve cholesterol, and lowering blood pressure, just to name a few.

6. Although less widely know, moringa powder nourishes the skin and hair, protects the liver, is antibacterial, and is a strong antioxidant.

7. Cinnamon also packs a healthy punch! A powerful antioxidant in its own right, cinnamon is also antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, improves insulin sensitivity, and lowers blood sugar levels.

8. Bee pollen is one of my favorite addons but if you’re allergic to it, you can definitely substitute it for another superfood like turmeric. Bee pollen helps relieve inflammation, strengthens the immune system, eases symptoms of menopause, and is an awesome stress reducer!

Why I love these super green smoothies:

Like I said, super green smoothies can literally mean the difference between supporting your body’s optimal health and fitness or succumbing to disease. The choice is yours, but I’m going to continue to stack the deck in my favor. I’m also convinced that incorporating real healing ingredients like these, can go a long way toward improved health and healing. Part of living a quality life is having a body that has everything it needs to keep you living the best of what life has to offer! Your health is the “REAL” wealth in this world.

Also, if you haven’t grabbed your copy yet, click the links below for two of my most popular resources to get you eating your way to a healthy life!!

FREE Pantry Detox Gude GUIDE HERE

For the complete Introductory Produce, Shopping Guide grab a copy HERE!!

About me

Tonye Tariah, Holistic Health Strategist and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog, helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her approach is “the cookie cutter method only works for cookies,” meaning she helps each person in a unique way helps them transform their lives from the inside out. She’s not about helping you lose weight quick. She’s about changing your habits and helping you fall in love with yourself so you can live a life with pure joy and a healthy lifestyle!