Tag Archives: garlic

Goin Seasonal Week 7: Immunity Boosting Garlic

As a member of the allium family, garlic, along with leeks and onions for example, contain high amounts of sulfur compounds. These compounds not only give garlic its potent smell, and strong flavour, but also contribute to its powerful healing properties.

Garlic is high in selenium, the heart health mineral, especially when grown in organic, mineral rich soil. It is also an excellent source of manganese, and B6, especially important for women. Believe it or not, garlic is also a rich source of Vitamin C.

Benefits of Garlic

 Strengthens the immune system
 Acts as an anti microbial, anti fungal
 Prevents or aids in reducing symptoms of infection (urinary tract, kidney, respiratory, yeast infection)
 Aids in digestion
 Reduces and regulates blood sugar and blood pressure
 Detoxifies the body and aids in removal of parasites
 Reduces acne and other skin infections
 Increases circulation and body temperature
 Improves metabolism
 Acts as an anti inflammatory

How to roast garlic + Preparing an organic, free range whole roasted chicken from Dare 2 Dream Farm

Last year, I had the honour of being a part of the Dare 2 Dream Sandy Loam Produce first ever Community Support Agriculture (CSA) program in Espanola, Ontario. On a weekly basis, CSA members as well as those of you signed up for the Holistic Lacey newsletter received a flyer filled with delicious recipes, tips and nutritional facts. I have decided to share this deliciousness to inspire, educate and encourage everyone to enjoy eating locally and seasonally, and to feel the difference for yourself.

Goin’ Seasonal Week 4: Heirloom Potato Salad with Caesar Dressing & Garlic Scape Pesto

What in the world is a garlic scape?

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I still remember the first time I saw these beautiful wispy spirals that began to grow out from my garlic plants, planted the previous fall. I immediately did some research to learn more and was amazed (and excited!) about what I could do with them in the kitchen. I will also never forget the moment I harvested it and ate it raw…weooo…hello garlic!

Click Here to read more about garlic scapes and how to enjoy them grilled or in hummus + a delicious Arugula Walnut Garlic Scape Pesto recipe!

For your Health….scapes can

oxygenate blood
Reduce inflammation
Boosts immunity; high in antioxidant glutathione
lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels
garlic scapes, like cloves, and other alliums are known for their anti cancer qualities
rich in sulfur; important for health and strength of hair, nails, skin and important for synthesis of amino acids.

Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing {vegan}

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This is one of my favourite, can’t go without salad dressings. It is so creamy and might just be the best caesar salad dressing I have ever had. The best part is it’s homemade, which means it doesn’t include any of those preservatives or low quality oils and refined sugars found in most store bought dressings.

Next time you are going to a party, offer to make the caesar salad. No one will disagree, since it is usually loved by all. They will have no idea that it’s vegan or made with cashews.

Cashews not only give it the thick and creamy texture, but offer you a boost of the amino acid L-trypophan which acts as a natural anti depressant!

photo from feedmephoebe.com

Creamy Cashew Caesar Salad Dressing

Ingredients

1.5 T capers, with liquid

2 cloves garlic (or try garlic scapes for a more mild flavour!)

2 T lemon juice

2 t dijon

1 T apple cider vinegar, preferable Bragg’s raw unfiltered

1 T light miso paste (made from soy beans, can be found at health food store or asian market)

1/2 cup raw, unsalted cashews, soaked for 2-3 hours

1/2 t salt

3/4 t pepper

1/4 cup water

1/2 oil

Directions

Soak cashew for up to 3 hours. Place all ingredients, except oil, in a blender and blend until smooth. Slowly begin adding oil. Add more water if required (sometimes the dressing is too thick for the blender.) Add more or less garlic based on your preferences.

Right now I am loving this dressing with fresh, soft, kale leaves, but it is just as great with mixed greens or classical romaine.

Feel free to add croutons or parmesan. I have also been making tempeh “bacon bits” which are amazing and satisfy just as much as bacon. The latter is also an option if you can get good quality.