All about Earl Grey

Of all the coffee and tea drinks, london fog lattés are my favorite go-to tea drink for the changing weather here in chicago. London fogs are so near and dear, that i even created a beauty product based on the fragrant flavors. London fogs get their name from the british classic earl grey tea, mixed with a touch of cream.

This strong black tea is infused with the oils/rinds of citrus fruit bergamot. It is said that this was accidentally discovered centuries ago, during the tea trade, when the earl of grey sampled black tea that was packed and shipped with bergamot fruit from india. The tea had such a distinct flavor, that it was donned earl grey tea!

Make this recipe for a classic coffee latte alternative, or try with your favorite scone for a real english afternoon tea experience.

Tips for a better cup

Don’t skip out infusing your tea for the full amount of time before adding the hot milk. Fat from the cream inhibits the infusion process.

The addition of vanilla and lavender accent the distinctive bergamot flavor while boosting the richness of the cream. If you are using plant-based milk for this recipe, opt for richer milk, like cashew or coconut.

I’ve decided to use david’s tea earl grey creme as my loose-leaf tea of choice, but any loose leaf earl grey will do. if you do not have tea infusers, check out these handy t-sac biodegradable tea bags. They or perfect for making tea bags out of your own loose leaf tea.

specialty ingredients and tools

T-Sac Tea Filter Bags, Disposable Tea Infuser, Number 1-Size, 1-Cup Capacity, Set of 100

Fu Store 2pcs Stainless Steel Mesh Tea Ball 2.1 Inch Tea Infuser Strainers Tea Strainer Filters Tea Interval Diffuser for Tea

DAVID’s TEA Organic Cream of Earl Grey Loose Leaf Tea, Premium Black Tea with Bergamot and Vanilla, 2 oz

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If you’re a fan of thai food, this is a staple you’ll love to have in your collection. Use simple and fresh ingredients to put together a soup that’s perfect for any season. Bonus: I love to eat it when experiencing a cold, as the chilis and ginger are great for cleaning your sinuses. With that being said, this is a spicy soup!!! The coconut milk mellows out the heat of the red curry paste without completely taking away the heat. If you’d like a milder soup, I recommend removing the seeds and membrane from your thai chilis or only using de-seeded red jalapeño instead of thai chili and sambal olek paste.

Noodle Me Baby

Though any asian style noodle is okay for this recipe, rice noodles are recommended. Rice noodles are more common in thai cooking, and they create a light chew that’s perfect for this soup. Thai rice noodles can be found at any asian grocery store or online. I have provided an amazon link below for thai noodles under $4!

Prep your Paste

You must prepare the red curry paste before proceeding with the soup recipe. The further prepped in advance the better the flavor. Refrigerate for storage and use the paste for this soup, in sauces or as a marinade. Using vegetable stock makes this recipe completely vegan, though adding chicken or shrimp would befit the flavors of this soup! Switch out the veggies, fresh herbs and toppings as you’d like to customize your soup.

Specialty Ingredients

Sambal Oelek Chilli Paste 18oz

Thai Kitchen Gluten Free Stir Fry Rice Noodles, 14 oz

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If anyone told you, starting plants from seeds was difficult or exhausting, I’m here to debunk the myth. If you’ve ever gardened, this will be a cake-walk. If you haven’t, this will be an exciting activity to try! A special type of fulfillment comes from watching a tiny dry seed, flourish into a big beautiful living plant.

Write a Seed Schedule

Seed starting is probably better shown than read, so prepared to be bombarded with pictures. Providing an easy step-by-step is the goal here! Before beginning, you will need to do a little planning. Most areas have more than one growing season. here in chicago, we pretty much have three: spring, summer and fall. Some seeds need to be started indoors to get a head-start before the weather gets warm. Others need to be started outside, and will thrive in particular outdoor conditions. After planning what you’d like to grow and purchasing seed, carefully look at the back of each packet. There will be specific instructions as to when and where to sow your seed, based on your growing zone.

Seed Starting Schedule

Filled Seed Starting Schedule

Strategy is important when it comes to knowing when to start your seeds. Sow them too early, and they might not survive the impending weather. Sow them to late and they might die before yielding a good crop (of fruits, veggies, flowers etc). This is where a seed schedule comes in handy. The photo on the left is a copy of my seed schedule. I wrote this one by hand, but have since created a digital copy. You can download your own seed starting sheet here.

As you can see, there are two sections for each month: start (inside) and sow (outside). Based on your seed’s specifications, write which ones you need to start indoors by month, and then write their names again when its time to move them outside. If they are “direct sow”, write their names down on the right side, in the corresponding month you need to plant them. when you are done, it should look something like the photo to the right. When you are done, its time to get to planting! 

Sow those seeds!

In addition to your seeds, you’ll need:

1. Organic seed starter. Always. seed germination is the most important part of the growing process and need essential nutrients to do so. Never use old soil, or soil from outside. It could cause to seeds to grow bacteria. Go for quality. A quality seed starter ranges from $3-$7 for a 5 gallon bag.
2. A trowel (the small gardening tool). These range from $1-$5 online, or at your local nursery 
3. Some small cups/containers to start your seed + something plastic to line your containers, for drainage. The trays were 13¢ at my local hardware store. as you can see, I have egg cartons as well. These work perfectly because they’re essentially free, plus you can cut them up to put your seedlings directly in the ground. These little cups are single use bath cups, they are not lined with wax and don’t seem to leech ink. You can also use biodegradable seed cups, found at your local nursery. 
4. Water pitcher + spray bottle 
5. Plastic wrap, or dome sort of domed clear plastic 

The great part about seed starting is that you don’t need a ton of space/supplies. This work area i constructed is on my kitchen counter! Lay down some old newspaper and let’s go to town.  

Label your containers for each plant you would like to start. you will want to do 3 or for containers for each plant even if you don’t plan to plant that many. Some seeds- especially old ones- will not germinate. Its best to have backups.

Fill each space/cup a little more than half way with seed starter. The soil will expand when adding water. Use a small stick to stir water into soil if needed. An alternative is to add water and seed starter to a large container, and scoop portions into seed cups.

When the seed starter has completely absorbed the water, it should be damp, not soaked. At this point, you can add two to three seeds per cup/section. pro tip: soak your seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to speed up germination. this is optional. Cover each seed section with a quarter inch of seed starter. Use a spray bottle to dampen newly sown seeds. adding too much water at once can flood the seeds. 

Label your containers for each plant you would like to start. You will want to do 3 or for containers for each plant even if you don’t plan to plant that many. Some seeds- especially old ones- will not germinate. its best to have backups.

Fill each space/cup a little more than half way with seed starter. The soil will expand when adding water. Use a small stick to stir water into soil if needed. An alternative is to add water and seed starter to a large container, and scoop portions into seed cups.

When the seed starter has completely absorbed the water, it should be damp, not soaked. At this point, you can add two to three seeds per cup/section. Pro tip: soak your seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to speed up germination. This is optional. Cover each seed section with a quarter inch of seed starter. Use a spray bottle to dampen newly sown seeds. adding too much water at once can flood the seeds.

Learn more about about starting seeds by watching this quick live getting started below. Hoping this post gave insight as to how to get going. Can’t wait to see these are full-grown and ready to harvest!

Knock your cold flat out and get back to living your well life. This herbal tea is so easy to make and tastes great no matter how you’re feeling

Recipe Inspiration 

Your homemade weapon. Lemon ginger tea is a throat soother, cough reliever and helps to calm an upset stomach. Not only is the combo full of antioxidants, but it’s so easy to make, a child could do it. This recipe is suitable for children, swap out raw honey for agave when serving to small children under 1.  

Recipe tips 

Use what you have. This could be classified as a “no-recipe” recipe, meaning, you don’t have to have the exact measurements (or even exact ingredients) for it to come together. As long as you have something acidic, such as lime or grapefruit, something mentholated, such as basil or rosemary, your possibilities are pretty unlimited. Even if you don’t have any of these items on hand, a great perk is that they can be found at almost any grocery store, for around $5-$10.

If you don’t have a tea strainer or french press, not to worry. Simply throw all your ingredients into the pot of water as it comes to a boil. Allow to simmer for 5 minutes, cover and let steep for another 5 before straining and serving as normal.

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Cauliflower is one of the most approachable, vegetables on the shelf and in most cases the plate. Broccoli’s first cousin may not contain the same flavors but has robust features of its own that make it worthy of center stage in a meal for vegans and meat-eaters alike. cauliflower has a  great texture that holds up to almost any cooking method; boiling, roasting, sauteing, deep-frying just name a few! so when I thought of what vegetable to use for this dish this beauty was a no-brainer.

Cauliflower’s mild taste absorbs southwest flavors of taco seasoning very well. In fact, you’ll find that the methods cooking for this dish almost mirror that of a dish with meat! You’ll build upon flavors in the bowl that in the end, you still get a bold bite with plenty of texture from the black beans, crispy onions, pepitas and guacamole (optional)   the idea isn’t to fool someone who’s team-beef/chicken only. But to create a “common-ground (or bowl, get it?)” for both sides. I encourage you to experiment with cauliflower in other tex-mex recipes see: loaded vegan tostadas recipe or in pasta, rice dishes, sheet tray meals and more.

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With Coronavirus and other seasonal issues such as colds, flu at hand, it’s very important to keep your immune system running well at all times. everybody is different, and we all respond to vitamins, minerals, medicines, and supplements differently. rather than recommending them, I put together a list of nutrient-rich foods which are rich in various properties that boost the immune system and better help you fight colds and viruses.*

1. Raw honey

For centuries, honey has been used for medicinal purposes- both inside and out of the body. In addition to being a mood booster, great energy source and hormone balancer raw honey is a great source of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that help protect the body from chronic disease. add it to your tea, drizzle on yogurt, or swap it out for sugar as a healthier substitute. If you do happen to get a cold, sore throat or cough, raw honey can be an effective cough syrup remedy. Consume 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp as needed. Don’t give raw honey to babies under 1, as their little bodies may be allergic.
Be sure to purchase raw honey as close to unrefined as possible.

If you do happen to get a cold, sore throat or cough, raw honey can be an effective cough syrup remedy. Consume 1/2 tsp to 1 tsp as needed. don’t give raw honey to babies under 1, as their little bodies may be allergic.
Be sure to purchase raw honey as close to unrefined as possible.

It contains most (if not all) of the nutrients (pollen, royal jelly ) hat would otherwise be lost in the refining process of the honey. On the contrary, regular honey is heavily refined, sometimes contains fillers such as HFCS(high fructose corn syrup) and water. Raw honey can be found in all major grocery and health food stores, and online. Bonus points if you buy locally, as local honey contains nutrients that can combat seasonal allergies you experience in your area.

2. Mint

mint contains powerful antioxidants that improve digestion and aid in respiratory health. it is also a natural sore throat soother. if you can’t access fresh mint, not to worry. use dried mint in tea, smoothies or in dressings.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric is a powerful spice that packs an amazing amount of antioxidants turmeric contains the phytonutrient curcumin, which gives turmeric is a beautiful golden hue and has powerful properties that fine-tune the inflammatory response and helps the body heal faster. curcumin improves immune health even better than some prescription drugs. You can find turmeric at your local grocery store fresh (usually near fresh ginger) or dried in the spice aisle, health food store or online. The body cannot absorb all the benefits of curcumin in turmeric alone, so pair it with black pepper. Doing so increases the bioavailability of curcumin by 2000%. Turmeric has a rather mild earthy flavor, so you can add it to both savory and sweet applications. I love to add it to breakfast dishes, tea, stews, and curries.

See: Golden MilkChai recipe: https://bit.ly/39fbkoh

4. Ginger

Used in ancient medicine as a digestive aid, nausea soother, pain manager and immune booster, ginger deserves its title of superfood. Ginger contains the compound gingerol, which is responsible for is scent and anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory properties. purchase ginger at your local grocery and store in a cool dry place. When you’re ready to use, break a piece off and peel, or leave it whole. Ginger can be used in teas, stews, fresh juice, soups smoothies. It is very spicy, so beware if you try to chew on it.

Check out this,red thai curry soup recipe made with fresh ginger root.

5. Raspberry leaf

Bright juicy raspberries are a great addition to any fruit plate, but did you know its leaves are just as beneficial? Red raspberry leaves contain polyphenols that combat oxidation in the body and help protect cells from damage. The leaves are also a good source of vitamins b, c, magnesium, phosphorus and iron, all of which are essential in fighting infection and disease. Raspberry leaf also has bonus benefits for women, as it helps relieve some symptoms of pms and promotes a healthy pregnancy. I love to blend homemade “hormone relief tea” with dried raspberry leaf, dried peppermint and a dash of ground cinnamon.

6. Lemon

When life gives you lemons…. Use every bit of them! Lemon is not only delicious but provides the body with a megadose of vitamin c, the water-soluble vitamin which is essential in fighting disease. Lemon can also help the body better absorb nutrients in other foods such as leafy greens. Both the juice and zest (outer rind) of the fruit are beneficial. The zest contains the oil of the lemon, which is a natural air purifier and mood booster. Try boiling water on the stove and adding lemon peel, the lemon oil-infused steam released can help soothe a store throat and break up phlegm.

See: lemon ginger mint tea recipe (link to be provided)

7. Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a great go-to for immune health, as it aids in digestion, can help balance cholesterol levels, and can help you better absorb nutrients in different foods. Be sure to purchase raw cider vinegar with “the mother” which is the probiotic bacteria which is used to turn the apple cider into the product you see in the bottle. Regular refined apple cider does not have this property.

8. Oregano

You may know oregano as a delicious dried herb for topping italian and greek dishes, however, it has long been used as a powerful plant with medicinal properties. Oregano contains the antioxidants carvacrol and thymol, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties. Consuming oregano dried is a great way to get these benefits. 

Add it to soups, pasta, chicken, salads, dressings, and tea. the essential oil of oregano has the highest concentration of these nutrients, however, it must be diluted for safety. Fresh oregano is fairly easy to maintain as a house plant, which gives you an endless supply of the herb on hand.

9. Garlic

Garlic is a delicious and potent at-home immune booster. This allium naturally purifies the blood, improves blood circulation and starves out cancerous cells within the body.

Adding garlic to your diet through cooking, and even consuming the cloves whole (if you’re brave enough). In the future, I hope to try creating a garlic-infused honey cough syrup, which is said to have as much potency as an over the counter cold med. I will update this post after doing so. Garlic comes in many forms, fresh, dried, granulated and even in capsule form. When in doubt, fresh is best. Consuming fresh garlic ensures the body receives all the nutrients it has to offer, without having gone through heating and processing.

10. Cucumbers

Not exactly sure how to incorporate all these ingredients into your diet? Start small. Slice up cucumbers to have raw as a snack, or drop them into some water with a few sprigs of mint. Chop off a few cloves of garlic and add to your next meal. Add apple cider vinegar to your juice or tea with honey to improve flavor and sneak in extra benefits. Add turmeric (remember the black pepper) to your smoothie, oatmeal, soup or rice. check out the recipes included in this post for more inspiration, and let me know

Watch the live replay where i discus all 10 foods and how to incorporate them into your immune-boosting routine:

Sources

• 10 proven health benefits of turmeric and curcumin
• 8 raw honey benefits (plus, 20 diy uses) – dr. axe
• 11 proven health benefits of ginger
• red raspberry leaf tea: pregnancy, benefits and side effects
• lemon essential oil: benefits, side effects, how to use, and more
• 6 science-based health benefits of oregano

*i am not a doctor nor a medical practitioner. all information disclosed is merely for suggestion. talk to your doctor before starting, stopping supplements for your health.

Say hello to true blue! yes, it’s natural and equally delicious. 

Butterfly pea flowers originate in Thailand and have been used for some time to create beautiful teas that burst with cyan color. The flowers themselves are mild in flavor but make for a great canvas to build flavors. 

Butterfly peas contain naturally occurring phytocyanins, an antioxidant compound that gives these flowers their beautiful blue color. I decided to put together this quick tea that you can blend and brew in under 10 minutes.

Lavender and ginger make great accompaniments to this recipe, as they contain their own anti-inflammatory properties and are a great home remedy for ailments such as nausea and anxiety.  Be sure to use organic or culinary-grade lavender for this tea (cosmetic or craft lavender is not suitable for consumption). Tripple the dry ingredients of the recipe, jar it up ahead of time to make whenever you need it. Try this 4-ingredient tea blend and top with your choice of cream to lift your spirits no matter how “blue” your day is looking. 

Best results are achieved when you use a cream for this latte, because it creates suspension atop the tea, and get that cool “swirl” effect in the glass. Do not use milk. I tried, and it was a flop! This is a perfect drink recipe for those beautiful double wall glasses… Saving that for the next go-round!   Because i’m currently keeping refined sugar and dairy to a minimum, I used coconut-cashew cream to create my tea latte and agave to sweeten. You’re welcome to use half-and-half or sugar if it suits your preference! Try it out and let me know what you think! 

Because of their mild flavor, butterfly pea flowers have taken the culinary world by storm and are being used as a natural dye for cocktails, desserts and even pasta! Look forward to seeing more of this amazing ingredient in future dishes.

watch

Specialty Tools & Ingredients

300 grams Organic Dried butterfly pea flower Clitoria ternatea Herbs Herbal healthy tea drink recipes food coloring Antioxidants aging wrinkles

Organic Lavender Flowers – Kate Naturals. Premium Grade. Dried. Perfect for Tea, Lemonade, Baking, Baths. Fresh Fragrance. Large Resealable Bag. Gluten-Free, Non-GMO. (4 oz (Starter Size))

Thai Kitchen Coconut Cream, 13.66 OZ

Trader Joe’s Crystallized Candied Ginger (8 Oz.)

PowerLix Milk Frother Handheld Battery Operated Electric Foam Maker For Coffee, Latte, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Durable Drink Mixer With Stainless Steel Whisk, Stainless Steel Stand Include (Black)

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Inspired by Starbuck’s vanilla bean scones, this homemade recipe yields fluffy, creamy pastries with a touch of sweetness and make the perfect companion for a cup of coffee or tea

Recipe Inspiration 

This started out as a challenge from my sister. I won’t tell you that it ended in us devouring a half sheet tray of scones, but then I’d be lying. Our weekly Starbucks work sessions came to a screeching halt like everyone else’s in america. During our last outing, she commented on how she bet I could create a vanilla bean scone dupe. While adhering to the local stay-at-home order she was craving a bit a comfort (so was I), so I decided to whip up a batch. 

This scone recipe is an adaptation from joy the baker’s blackberry lavender scones. Her recipe is foolproof and has not failed me yet. I use her ratio of base ingredients (with a few modifications to the directions) to create many flavor combinations of scones. please refer to her original recipe here and try it for yourself. The blackberry lavender scones are superb! 

Recipe Tips 

My recipe is dairy-free, but you’re welcome to use whatever milk you have on hand. To create the “buttermilk” or sour milk for the recipe calls for, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to the milk and let sit for 5 minutes before adding your eggs and butter to the mix. 

Work quickly to keep your butter cold, even in your dough. The cold butter creates flaky pockets in the scone dough as its baking.  

Cooling down of the buttermilk/butter mixture is a “cheat” method for cutting cold butter into the flour mixture. This method is a bit tricky to master but it works well when you have it down. Be sure to allow your melted butter to firm up in the container with the milk (it will rise to the top) before stirring into the milk mixture. I like to do this in the freezer instead of the refrigerator because it cuts down on room for error.If you don’t think your butter is firm enough, pop it back in the freezer for 1-2 minutes and stir again. You should have butter “flakes” floating in your egg-milk mixture. And you’re ready to go. 

Once your dough comes together, gently work it together and fold like an envelope. The more gentle you are with your dough, the more tender your scones come out. 

After baking be sure to allow them to cool before icing. The glaze is quick and can be easily done while you’re baking your scones. Simply put everything together in the bowl, whisk and adjust with more milk as needed. If you’re not a fan of glaze on scones, skip it altogether and serve with jam. Either way, these scones are a hit, and the perfect companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Specialty Tools & Ingredients

Indonesian Vanilla Beans – Gourmet Grade A Pods for Homemade Vanilla Extract and Baking – 6″ or longer (3 Beans)C

Taylor & Colledge Paste Tube, Organic Vanilla, 1.7 Ounce

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A  portion-packed breakfast that is perfect for post-workout or brunch, you decide! A classic diner-inspired favorite that’s  adorned with a variety of vegetables that you can interchange as you please.

This recipe was developed while working on low carb breakfast Ideas for my sister. Our inspiration was a diner skillet with hash, scrambled eggs veggies and cheese. This version is keto, paleo and whole 30 friendly and goes from pan to plate in under 15 minutes. If you’ve read the [fall vegetable hash](http://beyondafoodie.com/feed/fall-vegetable-hash) recipe, you know sweet potatoes are a great alternative to regular russet hash browns. dicing up your meat/veg around the same size keeps the ingredients.  

From there, a rainbow of vegetables including broccoli, sweet peppers, onions, celery accent the plate. This combo of veggies is packed with vitamins a, c as well as calcium and fiber. I opted for smoked beef sausage over pork because it has a bit less fat and sodium over pork. However, you can build flavors with as many vegetables and proteins as you’d like. Kale, spinach, red onion, peas, asparagus are great options as well. 

This recipe is meal prep worthy, as you can dice all of your ingredients up to 5 days in advance and sauté up when you’re ready to eat (cue: brunch)! Save even more time in the am, by par-boiling your potatoes for 10-12 minutes, draining and cooling for future use. 

There are no complications to this sauté. The idea is to build everything in one pan by starting with your proteins, hash, then moving to one side. Then cook vegetables on the other side of the pan. Boom, you’ve become a pro breakfast cook. Simply top with your choice of eggs ( that you make on the side) and top with your garnish.

Specialty Tools & Ingredients

Calphalon 2 Piece Contemporary Frying Pan set, Nonstick, Black

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If you’re a reformed dairy lover, or simply want to go plant-based, finding a milk alternative that tastes similar to cow’s milk can be hard to find on store shelves without the premium price. This creamy dairy alternative is inexpensive and easy to make. Done in about 10 minutes without additives or hidden ingredients.

Recipe Inspiration 

The problem with most commercial dairy alternatives is that they contain additives for flavor, and many stabilizers to keep them from separating on the shelf. Most of the time, you’re paying more for those additives, than the main ingredients used to make the milk itself (hint: water). Whether you’re looking to cut dairy for your health, the environment o simply tired of paying a premium for plant-based milk alternatives, this recipe is for you!

Utilizing cashews in this recipe provides a layer of sweetness and creaminess that you know and love when enjoying full-fat dairy. I love to use cashews when creating vegan treats because their mild buttery flavor is easy to build upon. Oats make a great companion as a milk alternative because they add a creamy texture to the mix and are relatively inexpensive.  

Recipe Tips 

You’ve not limited just cashews for this recipe. Almonds, hazelnuts, and walnuts make great alternative dairy as well. If you’re allergic to nuts, you can omit them altogether and skip directly to blending your oat milk. 

Do soak the cashews (or any other nuts) for this recipe. Doing so allows you to have a smoother and creamier finished product. Skipping this step makes for grainer milk in the end. If you’re in a pinch, pour boiling water over the nuts and allow to sit at room temperature for 2-3 hours. 

It’s important when making oat milk, to not over-process the mixture after it’s blended to ensure you get a smooth (not slimy) product. Trust, I learned this the hard way. Oats are full of soluble fiber, which breaks down, expands in water. Great for your body, not so great for your milk. This is why the cashews are blended first, then the oats. After blending, be sure to strain the final mixture without pushing the contents that settle to the bottom of the blender into your strainer. 

If you don’t want to waste your cashew-oat contents after you’ve made your milk, save it to add to smoothie or soup recipes. 

Use this milk in any way you would regular dairy, in cereal, soups smoothies and more, using a 1:1 ratio. Try this delicious dairy free vanilla bean buttermilk scone recipe (link to be provided)

Store your milk in a sealed container, and use it within 6 days of making. 

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