Honey, Citrus, Ginger & Turmeric Tea

You know you can't cure colds or flu. So, the next time when you are down with a flu or cough, instead of reaching for the over the counter medication, why not try this home remedy - which is made from lemons, orange, ginger, turmeric and honey.

This soothing drink contains some of the best cold fighting ingredients nature has to offer. The lemons and orange are packed with vitamin C which works against infections like cold and flu.  The ginger helps to reduce coughing and soothe the throat.  Turmeric has a powerful anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant; it also has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties.  Honey is effective as a common cough suppressant ingredient and it also helps sooth a nasty sore throat.

(1)  You will need 2 lemons, 1 orange, a knob of ginger, turmeric and honey.  (Wash lemons and orange thoroughly).  Scrape skin off the ginger.

(2) Slice lemons thinly.  Remove pips.

(3)  Slice orange thinly.  Remove pips.

(4) Crush ginger in a mortar and pestle.

(5)  Toss lemon & orange slices into a large glass bowl.  Add in crushed ginger.

(6)  Add in 1 tbsp of ground turmeric.

(7)  Pour in 1 cup of organic honey.

(8)  Mix everything together.

(9)  Transfer into lidded glass jars.  Store in refrigerator.

(10)  Scoop 1 tbsp of the mixture into a cup and pour hot water over it.  Enjoy!

Source:  Flu-Cold Remedy

Banana Almond Smoothie

This simple smoothie makes a satisfying mid-morning snack beverage and it only takes less then a minute to blend these two ingredients in my Spectablend.  It tastes so smooth and creamy. Do you know that frozen banana gets very creamy and a little gooey after blitzing in the blender? 

Ingredients:

1 cup unsweetened  almond milk
1 frozen banana

• Put the frozen banana and almond milk in the blender and blend until smooth and creamy.  
• Pour into a glass and enjoy. 

Berries Smoothie

Fancy a healthy liquid lunch?  This Berries Smoothie is absolutely refreshing yet healthy.  It only takes less then a minute in the Spectablend.

Ingredients:

250g strawberries
125g blueberries
1 banana
1 gold kiwi
1/2 avocado
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 tbsp chia seeds

• Soak chia seeds in 1/2 cup almond milk for a about half an hour.
• Put everything into the blender and blend until smooth.

Homemade Almond Milk

Blended in Spectablend  blender 

Almond milk is one of the most nutritious milk substitutes available.  It is so easy and quick to make your own almond milk at home.  What you need is a good blender, a strainer and a piece of cheesecloth/muslin cloth.   

Ingredients:

2 cups raw organic almonds, washed and soaked overnight
4 - 5 cups filtered water

• Place almonds and water into the blender and blend until smooth.
• Line a strainer with cheesecloth/muslin cloth; and pour almond mixture into it.
• Squeeze the cheesecloth and extract as much milk as possible.
• Store milk in a sealed container and keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Leftover almond meal will not go to waste.  Spread the almond meal thinly on a baking tray and bake in low oven (about 100 deg C) until completely dry.  Dry almond meal can be used in baking cakes, curries, smoothies or even your oatmeal.

Green Smoothie 2

My breakfast shots ~ Green Smoothie

Blended in my new Spectablend which took about 30 seconds to produce a smooth and creamy smoothie.  It is so easy to make a healthy smoothie, all you need is a good blender, fruits, green vegetables and a base such as yogurt, juice or water.  Just remember to always put in your juicy fruits first, followed by dense fruits and lastly leaves. 

Ingredients:

1 banana
1 Packham pear, cored and cut into quarters (leave skin on)
1 cup (tightly packed) baby spinach leaves
1 stalk celery
1 cup low fat Greek yogurt

• Start by pouring yogurt into your blender.
• Then I add in banana, celery, pear and lastly spinach leaves.
• Blend until smoothie is creamy.  However, do not blend for over 60 seconds in order not to overheat or oxidise the fruits/vegetables.  Over blending will results in loss of nutrients.

Green Smoothie

... purely for healthy enjoyment ... 

A good Smoothie is 60% fresh fruit mixed with 40% green leafy vegetables.

Avocado, banana, low fat yoghurt, grapes, apple, carrot and baby spinach leaves smoothie.