Naturally Natalie

Essential Oils

2012-07-13T10:20:00.000-04:00

Therapeutic essential oils have recently become a part of my life. They have enhanced my daily routine in a number of ways but have also presented an interesting component to my cooking. Periodically I am going to write about one oil, including the health benefits, cooking ideas and tips for use.

Today: Lavender

Lavender is known for its calming properties and soothing affects. I originally started putting Lavender on my wrists before bed to relax but have recently found ways to add the oil to food. I put a few drops in frosting to make a delicious summer cupcake flavor that is subtle and lovely. I also found that cucumber water is delicious enhanced with Lavender oil. The only safe way to consumer oil is if it is certified therapeutic grade essential oil. The only company that I trust is called Young Living. They have been around for a decades and have a wonderful reputation. I will keep testing recipes and update what I find!

Bridal Shower Brunch

2012-07-02T15:40:00.001-04:00

Made these perfect little sandwiches for a bridal shower my friend and I threw this weekend. You can use Saint Andre or Brie (room temperature and soft), arugula or spinach and pesto- all stacked on a fresh baguette and sliced on an angle. They were delicious. You could add prosciutto for a non-vegetarian bite.

Garlic

2012-07-02T14:09:00.000-04:00

Garlic happens to be one ingredient that I could never live without. I have recently read more about the health benefits that garlic (particularly raw garlic) possess and am excited to have a reason to eat even more of it. Here are my top three reasons to add it to everything from homemade salad dressings to pickled veggies:
1) It gives your immune system a helpful boost
2) It has powerful anti-viral and antibiotic properties
3) It improves cardiovascular health (which is crucial because heart disease is currently #1 fatal disease)

Spice Up Yo Life

2012-07-02T13:58:00.002-04:00

Adding spices to your food not only adds flavor to your meal, it can also benefit your bod. For example, cayenne pepper naturally speeds up your metabolism, aids in digestion and works to detoxify your body. It is also an anti-inflammatory and can help normalize blood pressure and cholesterol. Add it to homemade focaccia, pasta or even your water!

Homemade Pickles

2012-03-19T13:56:00.000-04:00

Delicious and crunchy baby cucumbers transformed into yummy pickles! Garlic, red pepper flakes, coriander seeds, ginger, vinegar, sugar, sea salt and water make a perfect brine. They are fresh, crunch and super tasty. Maybe the best I've had... Try them!

10 Rules to Eat Safely- Huffington Post

2012-02-05T11:33:00.004-05:00

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/healthy-eating_b_1250939.html

Great rules- you've heard them before, but always a good reminder to be smart when grocery shopping!

Toasted Pine Nuts

2012-01-21T21:34:00.000-05:00

Toasting nuts brings out the flavor and adds a delicious crunch. I topped the risotto with these golden brown pine nuts. Nuts are an excellent source of omega-3 fats so eat up!

Grilled Chicken

2012-01-21T21:31:00.000-05:00

Charred to perfection with a Moroccan inspired rub. Yum!

Red wine Risotto

2012-01-21T21:30:00.000-05:00

Red wine and sun dried tomatoes- topped with toasted pine nuts. Rich and bold- a perfect winter dish.

Bourbon Brownies with Sea Salt

2012-01-21T21:27:00.000-05:00

Smells like bourbon, tastes like bourbon. Yes please.

On the Farm

2011-11-20T10:36:00.000-05:00

Dakota flipping over ribs and pork shoulders to get the perfect grill marks for Jam's wedding in Iowa.

Croutons

2011-11-20T10:31:00.000-05:00

I had some Millet bread from Lucia's that was about a week old and perfect for croutons. Sliced, drizzled in EVOO and sea salt. I threw in about 10 garlic cloves to roast for flavor and take out after to use for salad dressing (or just snacking) mmmm

Homemade Ricotta Gnocchi

2011-11-20T10:27:00.000-05:00

This is a twist on the classic Italian gnocchi. No potatoes in these guys. Just ricotta, eggs, EVOO, and flour. So simple. So delicious. I quickly sauteed them in some spicy oil and pesto to serve after boiling them in salty water for about a min. They would also be amazing with some brown butter and cheese or nothing at all.

Good Morning Fall

2011-11-02T18:29:00.000-04:00

Welcoming cooler weather with a hot drink. mmm.
If you're not in the mood for coffee try some hot milk with honey, vanilla bean, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Almafi Coast 2

2011-09-07T11:44:00.001-04:00

Simple IS better. A fresh baguette with homemade ricotta cheese and lemon rind. I picked the lemons straight from the trees in Almalfi. The flavor is unlike lemons were eat here in the US but the idea for this appetizer demonstrates how just three ingredients can make a delicious, beautiful appetizer for any meal. Maybe juicing a lemon into the ricotta would bring the full flavor of the lemons in Almafi. Try it!

Amalfi Coast

2011-09-07T11:40:00.000-04:00

Italy has some of the best ingredients in the world. A plate a simple as this can be the most delicious (and beautiful) lunch that is so easy to make. Fresh tomatoes, purple olives, radishes and apricots with spicy arugula leaves on top. Snacking heaven!

Florence 2

2011-09-07T11:37:00.000-04:00

Similar idea here... Fresh salad, boiled and then baked potatoes, fresh baguette and roasted chicken. This bowl became the vehicle for delicious lunches. Throwing in a few favorite foods then combining them on your plate however you like.

Florence

2011-09-07T11:35:00.000-04:00

The perfect lunch in Florence, Italy. Fresh mozzarella, arugula with red onion, crusty wheat baguette and prosciutto. Yum.

Boulder Market Video

2011-09-06T14:43:00.000-04:00

Video #2 Radishes

2011-05-25T12:52:00.000-04:00

Cocktails in Bloom: 107 Spring Drinks

2011-05-19T20:04:00.001-04:00

Cocktails in Bloom: 107 Spring Drinks

Check out these delicious ideas. They are making me excited for warmer weather and patio drinking!

Boulder Farmer's Market

2011-05-19T01:15:00.000-04:00

buying radishes at the market on a very rainy wednesday night.

6 Things to Do with a Can of Tuna: bonappetit.com

2011-04-18T12:59:00.003-04:00

Check out my friend Dakota's recipe in Bon Appetit!

6 Things to Do with a Can of Tuna: bonappetit.com

Pull Apart Cinnamon Loaf

2011-04-12T23:21:00.000-04:00

I made a sweet cinnamon and nutmeg pull apart loaf of bread. After letting it rise once and sit over night, I sliced the bread into individual slices and allowed it to double again before going into the over. It was eggy, spiced and not too sweet. I covered it with freshly ground nutmeg, cinnamon and a little bit of sugar. It came out browned and aromatic. Heaven? Yep.

Tilia

2011-03-29T00:09:00.000-04:00

Just returned from a wonderful dinner at the new Linden Hills restaurant, Tilia.

We arrived just in time and were seated immediately. The room was bustling with every generation and illuminated with tea lights. We started with delicious celery root soup with oysters and a smoky sauteed kale. We shared the pot of meat which tonight featured duck confit- it was delicious, salty, and well-balanced served with touches of onion, spicy mustard and butter to smother on a crusty baguette.
Before our entrees were delivered, the owner brought us two complementary dishes to sample. The first was a crisp and light salad with thinly sliced radish and peppers while the other was a warm squash pasta with gorgonzola and walnuts in a creamy decadent sauce that made our mouths water upon first glance.
Our entrees arrived a while later as the restaurant was packed but we were content sipping beer and talking about how delicious the starters had been. Our entrees included more squash pasta, a spinach salad with bacon and almonds and a fresh potato pasta smothered in bright green parsley pesto. Nothing short of heavenly.
Taste buds dancing and stomachs at capacity, we called it a night. I will definitely be returning to Tilia.
Next time I plan on sitting at the bar facing the open kitchen, a concept that I adore. Hurry in for an early dinner or late snack to avoid waiting.

2726 W 43rd St. Minneapolis.