Awesome Paleo Brownies

These brownies are very rich and have a fudge-like texture. If using stevia, get the Sweet Leaf brand, as it isn't genetically modified.  I like Artisana coconut butter and Sunfood's raw cacao powder. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup organic cacao powder
• 1 cup coconut butter 
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 4 eggs
• 1/4-1/2 tsp stevia extract or 1/4 cup raw honey  

Beat all ingredients together until smooth. Place in a parchment-lined 8x8" pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.

Coconut Bread

Coconut Bread

I've tried several versions of coconut bread, but they all came out very dry.  This one was moist and delicious.

Ingredients

3/4 c organic coconut flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 c raw organic coconut oil, liquified
1 tbs cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
2 tbs raw apple cider vinegar
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 organic eggs,  separated
2 tbs raw honey
2 tbs dried, organic unsweetened coconut flakes

Directions

1 Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a standard loaf pan.  Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.

2 Mix together coconut flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg in a large bowl.

3. Add in coconut oil and honey and stir until well blended and smooth.

4  Separate eggs, beat egg whites until stiff and reserve.  Add egg yolks to batter, along with vanilla and apple cider vinegar.

5  Working quickly, gently fold in egg whites.  Pour batter into loaf pan, sprinkle coconut flakes on top if desired.

6  Bake about 40 minutes.

Yummy Roasted Cauliflower

Golden Roasted Cauliflower

This is a delicious recipe from my colleague Rebecca Katz's new cookbook, "The Longevity Kitchen."  As she would say, "yum!"

Roasting cauliflower completely transforms it into a candy-like delight that yields to a gentle fork. The spices—cumin, coriander, and turmeric—really make this dish sing. Turmeric has anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties, and holds promise for maintaining (and possibly improving) brain health.

Golden Roasted Cauliflower. Photo: The Longevity Kitchen

Serves 4

1 medium head of cauliflower (about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds) cut into 1 1/2 inch florets (about 8 cups)
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon coriander
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley or cilantro

Place the rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Toss the cauliflower with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, coriander, turmeric and garlic. Spread the cauliflower mixture in an even layer on the prepared pan. Bake until the cauliflower is golden and tender, about 25 to 35 minutes. Toss with spritz with fresh lemon juice and parsley or cilantro.

Variations: If you’re not in a spicy mood, omit the spices and toss the cauliflower with olive, salt and pepper. You’ll love how sweet this vegetable tastes after its oven “sauna.”

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes
Storage: Store refrigerated in airtight container for 2 days

Notes: Chopping cauliflower releases enzymes that increase the bioavailability of its nutrients. Delaying cooking for 5-10 minutes after cutting helps insure that heat won’t destroy these enzymes’ effectiveness. Also, the enzymes need Vitamin C to activate, which can be accomplished with a hit of lemon or lime juice.

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You Are What You Eat - Even the Tiniest Bites

 Sometimes you just can't resist a tiny piece of chocolate cake. Even the most health-conscious eaters find themselves indulging in junk foods from time to time. New research by scientists at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) raises the striking possibility that even small amounts of these occasional indulgences may produce significant changes in gene expression that could negatively impact physiology and health.  On a positive note, even small amounts of a very healthy food, such as broccoli, can significantly impact health.