Cranberry Ambrosia Salad

Cranberry salad is always a Christmas tradition in my family. (Is it a midwestern thing?) I love playing with traditional recipes to make them healthier, so we can savor our favorite treats with more whole-food based nutritious ingredients. With better quality ingredients comes better flavor and guilt free indulgence. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh Wisconsin cranberries (if you can’t find fresh, frozen works fine)
• 3/4-1 cup raw local honey
• 1 cup purified water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cups unsweetened organic Greek yogurt
• 2 cups small pineapple pieces
• 2 cups mini marshmallows (I use Dandies all natural)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1.5 cups shredded coconut

Directions:

Mix the cranberries, half of the honey, water and cinnamon stick in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down and let it simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and cool completely. Combine the remaining ingredients (including the rest of the honey) with the cooled cranberry sauce and stir well. Let sit for at least 4 hours.

Warmly,

Megan Normansell, CHC, AADP, CFH

Certified Holistic Practitioner/Holistic Nutrition/Herbalist/Wild Edibles Guide

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Decadent Raw Chocolate Chia Pudding

Raw, unprocessed cacao is as healthy as it gets- and this is exactly what all chocolate starts out as. In its unprocessed form, it contains a plethora of nutrients that are lost during the processing into dark or milk chocolate. Not only are the candy bars you see today devoid of cacao’s nutrients, they have unhealthy additives like white sugar, artificial flavors, and trans fats added to them.

So why not get the benefits of the real stuff and make your own sweet treats? Raw cacao, usually sold as nibs or a ground into a powder, has some really powerful health benefits. According to studies published in “Journal of the American College of Cardiology” and the “Journal of Internal Medicine.”, it reduces your risk of stroke and heart attack. Cacao is rich in polyphenols, which serve as antioxidants and inhibit blood platelets from forming a clot. This superfood has been shown to lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) while raising your HDL (good cholesterol). It is rich in resveratrol, a powerful antioxidant, and phenethylamine, the “love” neurotransmitter, that boosts mood and libido. Cacao’s high chromium and coumarin content help to balance blood sugar, prevent diabetes, and promote weight loss. Do you ever get chocolate cravings? This could indicate a magnesium deficiency- add in some raw cacao to get your magnesium fix!

Decadent Raw Chocolate Chia Pudding

Ingredients:

1 cup flax, macadamia or almond milk (or whatever you prefer!)

1/3 cup chia seeds (heaping)

1.5 tbsp maple syrup (grade B if possible)

1.5 tbsp raw cacao powder (I use this brand from Amazon)

¼ tsp real vanilla extract

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix together the milk and chia seeds. Let sit for about 10-20 minutes, mixing occasionally, until it turns into a gel. Add in the maple syrup, cacao powder, and vanilla. Sprinkle with raw berries if desired. Serve cold and store leftovers in the refrigerator.

*Not a fan of chocolate? Hold the raw cacao and add a bit more vanilla and some fresh berries. (as pictured on right)

Warmly,

Megan Normansell, CHC, AADP, CFH

Certified Holistic Practitioner/Holistic Nutrition/Herbalist/Wild Edibles Guide

Follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more recipes and healthy living ideas!

Get Even Healthier!
Get the answers you’ve been searching for, and heal your body for good… naturally and holistically.  We have successfully helped thousands of people across the country live a healthier life than they ever could have imagined, and specialize in dozens of different health concerns. Curious? Schedule your complimentary consultation with me today! Read the incredible reviews we’ve received over the years here!

http://www.aayushealth.com     –     megan@aayushealth.com    –    920-327-2221

Copyright Megan Normansell 2018 All rights reserved. 

Healthy Pumpkin Pie Bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars
12 servings

I love this recipe because, well, who doesn’t love dessert? And imagine if that dessert was GOOD for you? It’s like a dream come true. These bars are vegan (add the frosting and it becomes vegetarian), and high in complete protein & fiber. In this one delectable little bar, you’re getting whole grains, healing spices, and healthy fruits. Enjoy!
-Megan

Ingredients:
30 dates, pitted and diced (about 1 cup diced)
3⁄4 cup water
1 cup teff flour
¼ cup oats
2 tsp cinnamon
3/4 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp clove
1/8 tsp ground ginger
1 ½ cups cooked pumpkin puree, or 1- 15 ounce can of pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup almond milk

Instructions:
Place the pitted/diced dates into a small bowl with the 3⁄4 cup of water and soak for 20 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Place the flour and spices a large bowl. In a blender or food processor, blend the soaked dates, the water used to soak the dates, oats, vanilla, and milk for a minute or two until smooth. Pour this into the bowl of dry ingredients, and then add the pumpkin. Mix well with a spoon.
Pour the batter into an 8×8-inch non-stick baking pan. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until you see cracks on the top. Let cool for 15 minutes before cutting and serving. Store in the refrigerator. Optional-top with cream cheese frosting.

Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
½ cup organic butter
8 oz organic cream cheese
1 ½ tsp coconut sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
In a large bowl, let the cream cheese & butter soften to room temperature. With a hand mixer, blend well. Add the coconut sugar and vanilla and continue mixing until well-blended. Store in refrigerator.

Warmly,

Megan Normansell (Kerkhoff)

Copyright 2019