Vegan Cooking with TLC

We don't eat smoothies as often as we used to but do enjoy them when we do. I like to keep smoothies relatively simple but get in as many healthy ingredients as possible without sacrificing flavor. This particular smoothie really lets the cherries shine. Cherry Berry Smoothie ¼ cup almonds 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon amla powder, optional* ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom 1 teaspoon matcha (green tea powder) 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds 2 tablespoons cherry infused balsamic vinegar** 2 cups spinach*** 1 avocado 2 bananas 1 cup frozen blueberries 3 cups frozen cherries water**** Place almonds, spices, amla powder, matcha, flax seeds and vinegar in a blender.***** Blend well. Add spinach. Blend until well blended. Add avocado and bananas. Blend until well incorporated. Add frozen cherries and blueberries. Blend until smooth. If too thick, add a little water to thin to desired consistency. Pour into large mugs . Serve. Note: I use organic ingredients whe

After reading How Not to Diet by Michael Greger, M. D. FACLM, we decided to try oat groats for breakfast. I was incredibly skeptical about how it would work. But now I actually prefer them over steel cut oats. We now eat oat groats several times a week most weeks. Very Berry Oat Groats 1 cup oat groats 2 cups hot water 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 pinch ground cloves ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom ¼ teaspoon nutmeg 2 tablespoons dried Goji berries 2 tablespoons dried mulberries 1 tablespoon dried barberries 2 teaspoons cacao nibs 1 cup frozen blueberries 4 teaspoons fruit infused balsamic vinegar* 4 tablespoons walnuts ½ teaspoon hemp seeds Add oat groats to a pan . Add water to pan. Cover. Let soak for at least 30 minutes.** Add spices and flax seeds. Stir together. Bring to a boil. Lower heat to a simmer. Let cook until groats are tender, approximately 25-30 minutes depending on how long they soaked.   Add dried fruit and cacao nibs. Cook