Creamy Sweet Potato Portabella Pasta

I know it's not pea season, but thank God they're sold frozen all year round!  I've been stocking up on bags and bags of them; and they never stay in my freezer for long.  I'm always craving peas.  A favorite meal when I was little was sweet peas with salmon and white rice.  My mom felt good about serving me peas because they're green, and she thought that I was getting my green vegetables.  Yes, they're green and they're from a plant, but peas don't count as a green veggie like broccoli or kale would.  Peas are a legume; a SUPER legume!
Like other legumes, peas are a fantastic source of fiber and protein.  Surprisingly though, peas also contain an impressive array of phytonutrients.  What are phtyonutrients? They're special chemicals found in plant food that promote human health.  An example would be the must-have antioxidants found in plants like peas.  The humble pea is high in the antioxidants vitamin E and vitamin C.  Other phytonutrients present in peas include their anti-inflammatory nutrients, some of which are found almost exclusively in peas.  Though very low in fat, green peas are a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids (also great anti-inflammatory agents). 
But let me not breeze over the fiber and protein.  Peas contain an exceptionally high amount of fiber and protein, and the combination of the two play an important role in regulating our blood sugar levels. They're also the perfect food to satisfy our hunger and keep us full for hours. 
Oh, and according to my source, the World's Healthiest Foods website, peas are environmentally friendly nitrogen fixing crops that help prevent soil erosion and keep pests at bay. 
I guess my mom knew what she was doing, serving me peas all the time : )

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Boost you mood with food AND Chocolate Macaroons!

 We humans eat for many reasons; to nourish our bodies, to tickle our taste buds and to feel good! It's been unseasonably warm here in NYC, but the winter blues have still managed to effect some of us.  Luckily Mother Earth has given us "happy" foods to turn our glum into joy.  Check out these 5 mood boosting foods, and create your perfect mood boosting culinary delight!


1. Coconut
Coconut is all the rage nowadays, and for good reason; the stuff can put a smile on your face.  Coconut contains medium chain fatty acids that help stabilize the blood sugar, boost energy and curb anxiety.  Fatty foods, like coconut, are satiating and comforting.  Instead of a slab of butter on your baked potato, reach for unrefined coconut oil.  Coconut oil is also a delicious addition to green smoothies and desserts.


2. Asparagus
Asparagus contains not one, but two very important mood boosting nutrients;  Thiamine (vitamin B1) and tryptophan. Thiamine is essential for the development of healthy brain cells and cognitive function.  When you're low on this vitamin, feelings of fatigue result : (
Tryptophan is an amino acid that is converted to serotonin in the body.  Serotonin is responsible for aiding our sleep, regulating our moods and decreasing anxiety, thus keeping our moods in check.  Oh, and asparagus is a known aphrodisiac too ; )

3. Dark Leafy Green Veggies
Leafy green vegetables are superfoods that support the health of our bodies in a number of ways.  It's no surprise that they contain a number of nutrients that are clinically proven to boost our moods.  Dark leafy green vegetables, like spinach, kale and collard greens, are high in folic acid, calcium and magnesium.  Folic acid, also called folate, is a B vitamin responsible for the healthy functioning of our nerves.  When a deficiency is present, we may suffer from feelings of depression, irritability and mental fatigue.  The calcium present in leafy greens sends a signal to your brain to release happy neurotransmitters; and with just as much absorbable calcium as dairy, you're guaranteed to feel the good vibes pulsing within.  Magnesium, found abundantly in dark leafy greens, helps to produce and support seratonin in the brain; thus improving our mood. 
Make sure to eat ample amounts of dark leafy vegetables everyday.  Each morning I start my day off with a mood boosting green smoothie filled with greens, fruit and a few other superfoods.

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Vegan French Toast + Episode 11 {Happy Valentine's Day}

You know that song by Andre 3000 of Outkast, "Happy Valentine's Day" off The Love Below album?
I LOVE that song!  I'll listen to it any day of the year, but when Valentine's day finally rolls around that's my wake up in the morning feel good jam! I'm not a Valentine's day hater; I think it's great that we have a holiday to celebrate the most precious thing on earth, love.

For the few weeks leading up to February 14th, the image of the red heart is everywhere you look.  There's Valentine's day themed everything from lingerie to cupcakes.  This year I couldn't let the holiday pass without making something special for Sweet Potato Soul. 

Which brings me to the french toast.  If you haven't made vegan french toast before I urge you to give it a try.  I was surprised by how delicious and satisfying it was.  Crisp and perfectly brown on the outside, while warm and moist on the inside, this french toast is so much easier and healthier than the traditional eggy variety.  Stale bread is used to create toast that doesn't turn into mush when dipped in the milky mixture; and the milky mixture is simply almond milk, cinnamon, vanilla and oat flour.  I served this morning treat with an incredibly delicious goji berry syrup, and topped the dish with a few sprinkles of cinnamon.  This no-fuss recipe is no doubt staying in my breakfast repertoire.  Green smoothies, pancakes and oatmeal welcome french toast!

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Carrot Crackers {raw!!}

I love a good crunchy and salty cracker. When I discovered raw crackers less than 6 months ago,  my search for the perfect snack was finally complete.  Since that first bite into a Pure Food and Wine rosemary cracker, I have not once craved boxed crackers.  I've even lost all cravings for my favorite tortilla chips; and that says a lot!
When made right, raw crackers can satisfy the need for crunch and nutrients, and leave you feeling light and happy instead of thirsty and hungry.  Loaded with protein, fiber, phytonutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals raw carrot crackers are where it's at!

The star of these crackers is really the buckwheat.  While we typically think of buckwheat as a grain, it is actually a fruit seed.  It's absolutely perfect for those avoiding gluten; and it can be used in porridge, baking, pancakes and raw snacks.  Buckwheat is a complete protein and a great source of fiber, so don't expect to eat the whole batch without feeling it later.  This little seed-grain is also high in the trace mineral manganese, which is responsible for aiding our body's absorption of some B vitamins, acting as an antioxidant and helping the body synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol (just to name a few functions).  Read more about the wonderful benefits of buckwheat here, it's where I find my info.  For these crackers I recommend sprouting the buckwheat; it doesn't take long.  Soak the buckwheat overnight.  The next morning rinse and place in a large wide mouth glass jar, covering the lid with cheese cloth.  Set the jar at a diagonal; the buckwheat groats should sprout within 8 hours, but make sure to rinse at least once to keep them moist.

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Sweet Potato Soul Cupcakes {IT'S OUR BIRTHDAY}

I know it's a little strange to call it "our" birthday; my blog and I turn a year older today.  The blog isn't a living being, yet I feel very connected to it.  It's an extension of me.  I always wanted to have a twin sister, and I'm not saying that this blog has fulfilled that yearning, but sharing my birthday with Sweet Potato Soul feels really special and intimate.

I made cupcakes to celebrate the occasion, and took off from work so I can spend the day appreciating the woman that I've become. The only thing that's missing are the candles (opps...!) I am so blessed, yet so often I forget and take the little things for granted.  Today as I bite down on a cupcake (or two), I meditate on the pure goodness and magic of the moment; giving thanks that I am alive and thriving!

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