Chickpea Pepper Burger & Raw Cashew Cream

Since we aren't the traditional "throw a burger on the grill" type of people, we got down in a different way for memorial day. No matter what the holiday or function is we like to make our own food, so we know what ingredients are going into it. I've tried the vegan burgers from the grocery store and restaurants but wasn't too impressed. Nothing can compare to a home cooked veggie burger! I made some delicious raw cashew cream to go as a mayo, which is very versatile and can be used as a dip or sour cream. The cashew dip is free of soy and dairy; thus, being much healthier for your body.

Ingredients for the chickpea burgers:

• One bag of dried chickpeas (follow directions on bag)
• 4 sweet mini peppers (we used 2 red, 1 orange, 1 yellow)
• 1 yellow onion
• 2 scallions (from our garden)
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 teaspoon pink salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/2 cup spelt flour

After cooking the chickpeas, put them in the VitaMix. Setting the blender on a low speed use the tamper to make sure that the mix does not become pasty like hummus or if you do not have a blender use a fork or your hand to mash the chickpeas. Saute the other ingredients together in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and then fold into the chickpeas. Add the flour as a binding agent and form into patties. Set the oven on 400 degrees F and place the burgers on an oiled baking sheet. Drizzle some olive oil on top of the burgers if you like, then bake for 25 minutes.

Now for the delicious raw cashew dip that you will absolutely love! 

• 1.5 cups of raw cashews
• 1 cup of water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
• dash of cayenne

Put all in a VitaMix, then blend. If you have leftovers, you can use as a sour cream for burritos tomorrow night.

Parsley Gets You High!

Yes, it's a Superfood!! Let's talk about this absolutely amazing herb that you can grow in your home! Go on and add this to your herb garden and get snipping.

It's usually used as a garnishment yet 9 times out of 10 it's the best thing on your plate - eat it! Parsley is rich in chlorophyl which slows bad bacteria growth assisting the body by ridding odor. Bad breath? Chew on that garnishment!

Parsley is most importantly known as a blood cleanser and is used in many detoxes and cleanses to rid the body from heavy metals and toxins. It reduces blood pressure and the chance of getting cancer. Traditional uses of Parsley include ridding the inflammation (mucus) from the kidneys such as built up sodium, cleans the bladder, good for the liver and spleen and is a diuretic. Parsley calms your central nervous system making it good for your adrenal glands.

This almighty herb is high in vitamins A, C, K, folate and minerals such as iron, potassium, calcium and fats for the brain such as omega 3 and 6. The vitamin C in it helps your body absorb the iron from the herb. Through our research, we have found parsley to be one of the richest sources of Vitamin K, ranking higher than dandelion greens and kale. It works wonders on strengthening the bones in your body, thus making it even better for you than milk. Parsley even contains vitamin b12.. just another place vegans can get their cobalamin from.

Parsley is cheap even when you purchase it organic! Please eat organic and stay away from all the pesticides which contribute to cancer cell growth in your body. In animal studies, it has shown to shrink tumors -- a natural chemo effect, because it is so rich in antioxidants. The high folate in this herb is great for your heart to continue to thump to a a healthy beat.

You can juice this herb, make a tea or add to any dish. We like juicing parsley with apples and cucumber to add some sweetness. We think that flat parsley is less bitter than curly parsley. You can also use this herb topically, applying essential oil from the parsley to the scalp can help with hair growth and reduce swelling and itch from insect bites. Definitely consult with your physician before following our suggestions though because it has such a strong healing effect.. especially if you have kidney and gallbladder problems.

MORINGA OLEIFERA

CHECK OUT MORINGA!
ALL INFORMATION TAKEN FROM ZNATURALFOODS 

Moringa Oleifera 

Containing over 90 nutrients and 46 antioxidants, Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) is one of nature's most nutritious foods. Ideal for helping our bodies maintain optimum health and balance.

Moringa leaves are highly nutritious and are rich in vitamins D, K, A, C, B6, Manganese, Magnesium, Lysine, Riboflavin, Calcium, Thiamin, Potassium, Iron, Protein and Niacin. Ounce for ounce, Moringa contains seven times the Vitamin C found in oranges, four times the beta carotene of carrots, three times the iron of spinach, four times as much calcium as milk, three times the potassium of bananas and more fiber than oats. Moringa also contains all 8 essential amino acids and is rich in flavonoids, including Quercetin, Kaempferol, Beta-Sitosterol, Caffeoylquinic acid and Zeatin.

Moringa is sometimes referred to as the "Miracle Tree" because all parts of the plant are edible and healthy. It can also thrive in tough climates and poor soil. Its combination of high nutrition, sustainability and hardiness has caused it to be promoted widely in Africa to help fight hunger and malnutrition.

Our Moringa is grown organically (certification pending) without the use of pesticides or chemicals.

Suggested Use: Mix 1 teaspoon with juice, yogurt, add to your favorite smoothie, or infuse into a tea.

Botanical Name: Moringa oleifera, Moringa pterygosperma

Other Names: Drumstick Tree, Horseradish Tree, Malunggay, Sahijan, Benzolive, Kelor, Marango, Mlonge, Mulangay, Ben oil tree, Saijhan, Clarifier tree, Shevaga, Mother's best friend, Malungay, Sajna, Kamungay, benzolive tree, nebeday, saijhan, West Indian ben, sajna, Coatli, Bridal veil

Origin: India - Organic Certification Pending

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our raw Moringa Leaf powder passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers raw Moringa Leaf powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your raw Moringa Leaf powder in a cool, dark, dry place.


CHECK OUT MORINGA!
ALL INFORMATION TAKEN FROM ZNATURALFOODS 

Why Organic Though?

So, Heather and Dustin, why do I need to buy organic food? Why can't I just buy conventional? What is the difference?

Well, first off we want to live longer, so we avoid chemical-treated foods that cause cancer and many other diseases. You may have seen some of the major studies out there showing that there is a higher vitamin & mineral content in organic food (about 25% more nutritious than conventional). More nutrition in your body means more energy, getting full faster on good food, healthier hair, skin and nails as well as a more positive outlook on life.

What about the higher prices, well organic food costs on average about 15% - 20% more than conventional which is a heck of a savings considering health care bills that will hit you in years to come after consuming pesticides IN your food. It's not just on the outside. The skin of the fruit, veggies and grains absorb whatever is being sprayed on them, just like your body. Would you spray raid on your garden or better yet your skin? Also, I'm sure you have heard of the horrific GMO seeds. Most organic food is not GMO, good to know right?! Long-term studies of GMO foods have not been evaluated, since GMO's were commercially introduced in 1994. Our generation is being screwed by eating this crap! Support small farms that care about your health and I'm talking about the ones that take pride in growing organic food from heirloom seeds. If we don't get back to organic farming, in the future we will have to pay a heavy price. Conventional farming is dropping a lot of chemicals into the earth, which is killing the soil because it is robbing the earth of its natural minerals.

Below are some links to check out that will help you grasp a better understanding of why you should eat organic non-gmo food.

http://www.organicconsumers.org/organlink.cfm
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/how-to-eat-organic-foods-on-a-budget
http://www.naturalnews.com/036957_organic_food_farming_benefits.html

5 Reasons to Eat a Plant-Based Diet

Being a vegan makes you more conscious of what you are putting in your mouth and using on your body's largest organ - your skin! So here are a few brief reasons on why you should choose a healthier lifestyle.

• You can treat/reverse many diseases just by eating an alkaline diet. 

• Eating a plant-based diet slows down the aging process and can even rejuvenate your appearance. Putting harmful chemicals on your skin which is found in MOST if not ALL make-up products on the market raises your risk of getting many different types of cancers. Is the make-up really worth it?

• Nutrient packed fruits and vegetables increase your energy levels. Forget the coffee and energy drinks which burn out your adrenal glands thus making you even more tired! Make a GREEN SMOOTHIE and see how much better you feel!!!

• Boosts your sex drive.. Everybody loves more orgasms, right?! I just had to throw that one out there. There are a plethora of fruits, vegetables, herbs and seeds that can boost your libido. Watermelon, mango, figs, avocados, maca root are just a handful of many! 

• Eating a diet high in raw organic food is the fastest healthiest way to lose weight. Heather lost over 35lbs and Dustin lost over 60lbs in less than two months. During this time we didn't even work out, we just filled up on what earth naturally provides us. (Remember the key to fitness though is 80% diet 20% exercise.)

Care to comment or add more interesting information? Please do!

We aren't professionals, this is simply how we choose to live based on our own personal research and discussions with professional herbalists and nutritionists, but please don't listen to us consult your personal physician before trying anything at home.