Some people love to cook, some people don’t. I of course love to cook! For me its my expression
of creativity. I get in the kitchen, put some music on, get my ingredients out and start to
imagine what I can turn these ingredients into. Then I go about chopping, mixing blending, cooking
and the end result is a delicious meal (most of the time!) that I have created from scratch. I
know whats in it and I know its good for me. Add to the mix making food for someone who really
appreciates it, and I’ve doubled my joy!
Now, don’t get me wrong, sometimes cooking is a chore, sometimes I don’t have time, and
sometimes cooking for myself is simply uninspiring. Sometimes I get lazy and just grab something
from my store (yes that is one of the benefits of owning a health food store!). But eating
healthy and cooking my own meals is definitely a core part of my lifestyle.
Not everyone is going to have the same passion about cooking as me, we all have our different
outlets that inspire creativity. However, knowing how to prepare healthy meals is a necessary
tool in taking responsibility for our health and wellbeing. Its important to remember also that
cooking at home doesn’t need to be complicated. When I am cooking for myself, I generally
keep it really simple, nothing too complicated or time consuming, just good wholesome food.
If you are someone who never cooks, is generally too busy, or think you don’t know how to do it,
then I challenge you to start cooking at least one meal a week. Don’t think of it as a chore. Make
it fun for yourself. Put your favorite music on, dance a little, and bring some joy into the kitchen,
your food will taste better for it! Clean your refrigerator out. Buy some fresh ingredients and
connect with the food as medicine going into your body. Think about the colors of the ingredients.
An all white or brown dish is not going to be as exciting to eat as something with a mixture
of colors. Remember we eat first with our eyes. Think about the textures of food, having something
sweet, sour, salty, crunchy and soft adds variety that satisfies our taste buds.
There are so many resources on the internet for recipes and ideas plus there are now several
options for taking cooking classes in Key West. I do regular classes (some are even free) at our
new Date & Thyme Duval street location (1130 Duval St) and Isle cook Key West also offers
regular classes with chefs from different restaurants in Key West.
For more information on my cooking classes at Date & Thyme visit
www.21daystohelpyourself.com
For Isle Cook Classes visit http://islecookkeywest.com/
Try this decadent tasting dessert that contains no dairy, or refined sugar and is
filled with beneficial fats and nutrients.
Happy Cooking!
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
3 ripe avocados
. cup cacao powder (high quality cocoa powder)
. cup palm sugar (or cane sugar)
. cup maple syrup
. cup coconut oil, unrefined
. cup almond or coconut milk
. tsp vanilla extract
• Place the avocados, maple syrup and almond milk into a food processor and
process until smooth.
• Add the palm sugar and vanilla and blend until smooth.
• Add the coconut oil and blend until smooth.
• Add the cacao powder in batches and blend until completely smooth.
• Store in the fridge for 5 days or freeze and enjoy as ice cream!