Spicy Thai Kale Salad

After a weekend of introducing a weekend visitor to all of Los Angeles' tastiest indulgences (Kogi, In-N-Out Burger, Superbowl Treats, just to name a few...)  my body was yearning for some greens. For dinner tonight I decided to make a perfectly light yet satisfying kale salad with a dressing that would pack in the protein! An added bonus? All of the produce and nuts were grown in California!

Ingredients

Large bunch of Kale
1 Red Onion
1/4 cup Peanuts

Thai Dressing Ingredients
1/2 cup peanut butter
1 1/2 T Maple Syrup

2 tb low sodium soy sauce
2 tb brown rice vinegar

1/2 tsp. garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. ginger, minced

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Pinch of salt


1. Blanch the Kale in boiling water for 3 minutes
3. Combine dressing ingredients in blender
3. Chop Red Onion into small garnished pieces
4. Roughly chop peanuts.
5. Combine all ingredients!

The perfect combination of Kale leaves and a dense nutritious dressing will leave you feeling full, but not overly stuffed.


[Adapted from M Cafe]

DIY Almond Milk

I was introduced to Almond Milk by my sister Cristina a little over a year ago. Ever since then, I've become hooked. For me, almond milk delivers a better taste and a better nutritional value compared to regular milk. During my last few weeks of summer in Michigan I was sucessfully eating mostly local and non processed foods, with the exception of my beloved Almond Breeze. In sheer determination to eat only pure foods during my last few days at home, I decided to make my own almond milk. And so, the journey began.

1. Boil your almonds in water



2. Peel off almond skin. Tedious but necessary.



3. Place boiled and peeled almonds in blender. Pulse.



4. Pour almond mixture over strainer into a bowl to separate almond paste and almond milk.



5. Pour milk into a fancy glass carton and...



6. Voila! Enjoy!

Breaking the Chain and Eating Local

Over the past few weeks I have been focusing on eating local. Throughout the summer months, Michigan has a lot to offer, everything from our famous Traverse City Cherries to our neighboring farmers fresh eggs. And although I haven't made a total commitment to eating only local products, I am definitely making a conscience effort to support our state while taking advantage of our GMO-free (genetically modified) produce, dairy and polutry.

Here are some examples:



Bangor, Michigan Blueberries!



Middleville, Michigan Chicken



Grand Rapids, Michigan Peanut Butter



East Lansing Farmers Market Raspberries


I have also been enjoying Michigan Lettuce, Eggs, Nuts, Seeds, and my personal favorite, Fish.

What does YOUR state have to offer?

[Focus on] food co-op's

Let me tell you why I love Food Co-op's...


East Lansing Food Co-op (Elfco)

1. They support local organic farmers. You walk into a co-op and you may notice their modest supply of produce. Don't let this discourage you! Trust me, this "lack" of veggies and fruits is a blessing in disguise. Although you might not be able to enjoy your favorite Chinese grown melons or chemically enhanced apples, you can begin to embrace what your states local organic producers have to offer, while minimizing your carbon footprint and supporting the local economy


2. Their bulk food assortment. Co-ops are known for their extremely well stocked walls of bulk items such as rice, quinoa, wheat berries, nut butters and so much more, plus they provide you with no containers. Meaning? (Gasp!) You-Bring-Your-Own!

3. They are affordable! Co-ops are a great alternative to grocers such as Whole (Paycheck) Foods or Trader Joe's because they do not spend as much money advertising, packaging, or shipping products all over the country.

4. Their no waste policy. You will find no plastic bags in Co-ops, you are expected to bring your own reusable bag and containers for your groceries, produce, and bulk items. Not only is this sustainable but it also helps bring down the cost of your groceries.


Pictured above is what I brought home in my reusable bag, Grand Rapids made salsa, Elfco cashew butter, organic East Lansing farmed eggs, and some organic USA grown bananas and strawberries (there were three bananas but I got hungry :) ). Not pictured was some fair trade coffee brought home in my own tin can. Best part? It was under 10 dollars! Steal.