Homemade Strawberry Syrup

Mid-week pick me up? Yes please! A short stack of fluffy pancakes topped with some delicious homemade strawberry syrup fit the bill perfectly! One bite and all of my worries were long forgotten. Well, for that moment anyway, haha. Traditionally paired with waffles, crepes, and french toast; this sauce would also be great drizzled over a bowl of yogurt. A total treat when topped over ice-cream, or even better - an ice cream brownie sundae or a decadent slice of cheesecake. You could also use the syrup to flavor milk, smoothies, or even a cocktail. The options are practically limitless! 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries, preferably organic
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Essential Oils:

• 1 drop of Lemon

(You could also substitute lemon extract for the lemon essential oil.

I only use therapeutic grade essential oils that are safe for consumption.

For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)

Instructions:

First, you are going to need to rinse, hull, and dice your strawberries.

Combine strawberries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over high heat.

Bring the strawberry mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer; Stirring occasionally.

Cook for about 15 minutes, or until syrup is thickened.

Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract and lemon essential oil.

Transfer to a blender, turn it on, and go. I used the "Syrups" button on my Blendtec. Easy.

Serve warm on pancakes and the like, but make sure to cool completely before adding them to drinks or over ice-cream.

Nerdy Extras:

Although not totally necessary, I highly recommend using organic strawberries. I know organic strawberries cost more, but it's a price worth paying! Studies show that organic strawberries have significantly higher levels of antioxidants, last longer, look better, and even taste better. I would have to agree.

Strawberries are considered by many to be one of the healthiest fruits. They are packed with antioxidants, lower blood pressure, and protect your heart. Research has shown that strawberries help burn stored fat, boost short term memory, and ease inflammation. They are a great diet food; low in calories and high in fiber. They are high in nitrates, which promote blood flow and oxygen in our bodies, which is also excellent for weight loss. Strawberries also help to strengthen hair and nails and prevent our skin from sagging. They also contain potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium which are important in bone health and a healthy nervous system.

Lemon Essential Oil is a powerful antioxidant, and can help ward off free radicals. It has been known to aid in digestion, help support healthy respiratory function, and to promote a positive mood and cognitive ability.  

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."

Mint Chocolate Chip Breakfast Cookies

Life can get pretty hectic at times, especially during this time of year when the season of change is upon us. I don't know about you, but when too much change is going on in my life, I get a little stressed - and when I get a little stressed I crave sweets! Horrible habit, I know; but I'm working on it! Here's to my 80/20 rule! Anyway, I feel good about these cookies because even though they are full of butter and sugar, they contain a few healthy ingredients too, ha! Plus they are super filling and really you only need one to satisfy your sweet tooth and fill your belly.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of butter, softened (2 large sticks)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup evaporated cane sugar (or any granulated sugar)
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons of organic vanilla extract
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup of finely shredded dehydrated unsweetened coconut
• 2 tablespoons of carob powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup of chocolate chips (1/2 bag)

Essential Oils:

• 5-10 drops of Peppermint

(You could also substitute cocoa powder for the carob powder, 
and peppermint extract for the peppermint essential oil.

I only use therapeutic grade essential oils that are safe for consumption.

For more information on how to purchase these oils, please feel free to contact me.)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lightly grease a large baking sheet with olive oil.

Cream butter and sugars.

Mix in eggs, vanilla extract, and peppermint essential oil until well combined.

Slowly mix in the flour, coconut, carob powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add in the chocolate chips. I used 1/2 a bag, but you could add a whole bag if you wanted. Stir until combined.

Drop large tablespoon sized balls onto baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before transferring .

Nerdy Extras:

You could always throw in some extra healthy goodies like flax, wheat germ, or even some rolled oats like I did for this batch. Sometimes I even like to sprinkle a little bit of flax on top of the cookies before baking. 

Dehydrated, shredded coconut -- also called dessicated coconut -- also makes an excellent add-in. It's full of dietary fiber, which helps stave off hunger and helps prevent digestive disorders (ie. constipation, hemorrhoids). It also full of minerals, like iron, which helps with circulation. Iron drives new cell growth, and helps to maintain healthy tissue function. I know a lot of people tend to shy away from coconut due to its high fat content. Coconuts are full of healthy fats though, and it's important to incorporate them into our diet. These fats can even help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

Peppermint Essential Oil promotes oral and respiratory health, along with alleviating occasional stomach discomfort. 

FDA Disclaimer: "These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease."