Ranch "Don't Do Dairy" Dressing

We are a country the LOVES Ranch dressing!!!  This is probably the top recipe I am asked for... "How do I make a healthy ranch?"

• 1/2 garlic clove, minced
• 1 Tbl red pepper, minced
• 1 medium scallion, minced
• 2 tsp fresh parsley 
• 2 tsp fresh cilantro
• lemon juice
• sea salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup coconut kefir or plain coconut yogurt
• 1/4 mayonnaise (no soy)

mix the seasonings together, and then add coconut kefir/yogurt... ENJOY!

Beautiful Day Bean Dip

• 1 can black beans (I like the Eden Organics brand, because they soak the beans in Kombu for you and this helps digestion)
• 1 can navy or kidney beans (also Eden Organics)
• 1 fresh garlic clove
• Basil, chives and parsley leaves
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 
• Sea salt and pepper
• pinch of cayenne

Put your olive oil and garlic cloves in blender or food processor, and blend.  Follow with herbs, and then beans.  ENJOY!

Zucchini and Squash Cakes

If you receive a CSA market basket (which I strongly recommend you do), you have probably started getting zucchinis and summer squash.  These are great for...

- inflammation and pain

- alleviating summer heat and cooling you off in the heat (summer squash is a relative of other cooling foods like cucumber and melon).

- Leave the SKIN ON for additional nutrients, such as fiber, vitamin A, and potassium!! 

- Use them in soups, sliced on top of sandwiches and salads, OR... try this delicious recipe...

ZUCCHINI and SQUASH CAKES (makes 6-7)  Gluten-free and Grain-free

These are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!!!  I like to top mine with some egg and avocado, then throw all the above on a bed of greens.

 2 cups grated zucchini/squash, washed, trimmed, and grated (use all zucchini, all squash, or a little of both!)

-       2 eggs, lightly beaten

-       ½ small onion, finely chopped

-       1 cup almond flour

-       sea salt and pepper

-       pinch of cayenne pepper

-       2 tablespoons butter

-       2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Mix zucchini with salt and let stand ½ hour.  Rinse well and squeeze dry in a towel.  Mix with eggs, onion, almond flour and cayenne pepper… season with any other herbs and spices to taste.   Form into cakes and sauté in butter and olive oil.