Summertime has finally erupted with its seasonal beauty! Plump fruits can be found at every farmers market while fresh flowers can be found in the nearby forest. 

This recipe is a great way to showcase your favorite summer fruits! Whip some up today and have it ready by tomorrow for breakfast, lunch or even dessert. Sweet and creamy cashews replace milk in this tangy dairy free treat! 

The truth behind most store bought vegan yogurts is that they are filled with both sugar and hidden additives. Although most companies advertise their product as being free from artificial flavors and preservatives, there are some chemicals which are not required to be listed by the FDA in order to keep the company's recipe a secret. These same chemicals are usually included on the label by the term "natural flavors" (which are ironically anything but natural). No need to worry though, it is so easy to make your own vegan yogurt at home! Check out  my pantry  page to find the natural yogurt brands I enjoy made from only real food!

Cultured foods are a great addition to any diet due to their ability to ward off cancer, heart disease and even depression! Additionally these cultured foods are filled with good-for-your-gut bacteria which can help with digestion and absorption of nutrients in the body! 

Gluten Free, Vegan, Low Carb

Ingredients:

1 1/4 cups raw cashews (150 g) 

1 cup filtered water (about 225 g)

Instructions:

Add the cashews to a high speed blender and pulse into a fine meal. While keeping the blender going, pour in the water. Continue to blend the cashews until the mixture resembles a heavy cream. Pour the cream into a pint sized glass jar and tightly cover with a cheese cloth. 

In order for your yogurt to ferment, leave it out overnight in a warm area of about 50 - 100F. I usually use my dehydrator to keep a consistent temperature. Check the yogurt in the morning and continue to let it ferment until it looks bubbly and achieves a pleasant sour taste. My yogurt usually only takes one night but depending on temperature and humidity levels, time will vary. Recipe makes about 2 cups. 

Gluten Free, Vegan, Low Carb

Ingredients:

2/3 cups coconut chips (large flakes)

1/2 cup raw almonds (optionally chopped) 

1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds

1/3 cup raw pumpkinseeds

2 tbs chia seeds

1/3 cup vegan mini chocolate chips

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tbs dried chai tea grounds 

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 tbs maple syrup

2 tbs coconut oil 

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350F.

Add all ingredients to a large bowl and toss to combine. Next, add in the wet ingredients and continue to toss and combine. 
Spread the granola out on a flat cookie sheet and roast for 15 - 18 mins, stirring every 5 mins. 
Serve with homemade yogurt and fresh fruit, enjoy! Recipe makes about 2 cups. 

Post by: Rebecca 

Edit: Congratulations to Amy Lynn for winning the Parrano picnic giveaway! Thank you everyone for submitting all the lovely comments! 

The wait is finally over for this picnic inspired giveaway, filled with all kinds of healthy goodies to take along on your summertime adventures. First I must thank the good folks at Parrano cheese for making this giveaway possible! Some of these products are local favorites of mine, while others I just recently discovered, but needless to say they are all beautifully delicious. Now I know you are wondering what all is included in the giveaway? Well, I have included a list of what all the winner will receive along with an explanation of why I chose it below! All you have to do to enter to win is comment on this post! You may also feel free to like my post on facebook or reblog my post on instagram to gain extra submissions!! I will announce the winner on June 23rd 8pm EST. (Edit: this giveaway has ended.) I wish everyone the best of luck! 

What's inside?

• a selection from Parrano cheese 
  
• one jar Maranatha Sunflower Seed Butter
• one jar Leoci's Raspberry Jalapeno Jam
• one bag of  Brad's Raw Chips
• one jar Miss Jenny's Pickles 
  
• four Larabars
• four (non-alcoholic) Reed's Extra Ginger Brews 
  
• two linen napkins 
  
• two mason jars 
• pretty paper straws 

Maranatha Sunflower Butter: This sunflower seed butter is a long time favorite of mine! I promise you will not even miss the peanut butter. Toasty sunflower seeds blended into a creamy spread with just a hint of sea salt; it's the perfect addition to a hearty breakfast or an energizing snack! 

Leoci's Raspberry Jalapeno Jam: This locally made sweet and spicy jam is crafted only from the good stuff making it an awesome addition to any meal! Serve it over toast with parrano cheese, mix it into a savory marinate or swirl it into a batch of cookies! 

Brad's Raw Chips: Add some low calorie, low carb crunch to your meal with these healthy chips. Brad's Raw Chips are packed with super foods, like kale and flax seeds, making them an excellent anytime snack. Top them with your favorite hummus or cheese and make it a meal! 

Miss Jenny's Salt and Pepper Pickles: What is a picnic without pickles? I cannot stress how hard it is to find good store bought pickles, so needless to say this local brand definitely had me surprised! Simple ingredients are all you need without the addition of artificial colors or high fructose corn syrup. 

Larabars: To all who have not tried a Larabar before, now is your chance! These healthy snacks are one of my favorites! Made with only a few simple ingredients and no added sugars, colors or preservatives, these sweet treats make for a perfect power snack during a day of adventure. 

Reed's Extra Ginger Brew: My entire family loves these naturally brewed sodas! Made with fresh ginger and an array of spices, these non-alcoholic brews will be a favorite among any age group. 

Pretty Paper Straws: Paper straws make any beverage more fun, need I say more?

Mason Jars: You can never have enough mason jars so I have included some into the mix! I use them to store grains, fresh granola and for my salad-in-a-jar recipe of course! 

Believe it or not salads are easy to take along on a picnic! With this recipe, leave the mess behind and pack up something healthy. A salad-in-a-jar is always my go to recipe when vacationing or simply on the go. Feel free to pack it up the day before to save time. 

Ingredients:

For the Salad: 

handful fresh spinach or spring greens

small handful sprouts (I used sunflower) 

1/2 cup fresh cherries, quartered 

1/2 cup chopped cucumber 

1 cup cooked chickpeas or navy beans 

handful raw walnuts

1/4 cup shaved Parrano cheese 

For the Dressing:

1 tbs brown mustard

1 tbs maple syrup 

juice of two lemons 

1 tbs dried herbs of your choice (I used oregano) 

2 tbs olive oil

cracked black pepper to taste 

ground sea salt to taste 

Instructions:

First, add all your dressing ingredients to a quart mason jar and shake to combine (I always taste my dressing before adding the rest of the ingredients). Next, add the beans, cherries and chopped cucumber to the bottom of the jar (this allows them to marinate and not get the other ingredients too soggy). To top it off add in your fresh greens, sprouts, raw walnuts and cheese! Cap up the jar and pack it up. 

To assemble, I usually just shake the jar a bit before dumping it into a bowl/ plate or just eating it out of the jar! Recipe prepares two small servings or one large serving (alternately you can divide the salad among two pint sized jars if serving two). Serve alongside, hearty sandwiches or rustic bread, topped with jam and Parrano cheese! 

*You can really add in any of your favorite toppings to make this salad your own! Just start off with the crisp veggies, firm fruits and dressing, then move on to the lighter toppings like sprouts and spinach. If desired, you can take along extra toppings in an separate container (to add on as the finishing touch) like walnuts, sunflower seeds, raisins or fresh berries. 

Optional Pairings
Parrano, walnuts, tomatoes
Feta, cucumber, olives
Manchego, almonds, strawberries
Parrano, blackberries, pumpkinseeds 

Post by: Rebecca 

Pancakes, the perfect ending to a perfect week. Spring colors, new life and the smell of fresh air has hit our side of the nation at last. It is not that I dislike winter, but everyone needs some insight into the season of fresh produce and warm breezes. At last, savor a warm breakfast while the air is still chilled. 

Through generations and generations the pancake has remained the same. Defined only by the hands that made them. I grew up on pancakes made with locally milled flours and fresh mountain honey, today I expect nothing less. Fresh locally ground cornmeal, nutty parrano cheese and sweet backyard blueberries, breakfast sensation! I love to experiment with cornmeal, it can add a whole new dimension to a simple recipe with its unique texture. Parrano, my favorite cheese to date, is sweet yet creamy, nutty yet not too salty, the perfect compliment to any dish! 

Gluten Free, Nut Free

Ingredients:

For the Pancakes: 

3 tbs yellow cornmeal

3 tbs GF sorghum flour or buckwheat 

1 whole organic egg + 2 egg whites

4 tbs unsw almond milk 

1 tsp lemon zest 

sea salt

1/4 tsp baking powder 

1/4 tsp baking soda 

1/4 cup finely shredded parrano cheese*

pepper

1 tsp dried herbs (basil, oregano) 

For the Blueberries:

1 cup frozen blueberries 

1 tbs maple syrup

1/2 tsp arrowroot or cornstarch powder 

Instructions:

Add all ingredients to a medium mixing bowl and whisk to combine. Heat a non stick skillet over high heat then reduce to medium. Cook about 1/4 cup of pancake batter at a time. Flip each pancake after bubbles are visible and rising has occurred. Serves one - two. Enjoy! Top with the blueberry reduction (below). 

To prepare the blueberry reduction, add the frozen blueberries to a pot and heat over medium heat. In a small bowl add the arrowroot/ cornstarch powder to 4 tbs water, stir until no lumps remain. Add the arrowroot mixture to the blueberries along with 1 tbs maple syrup. Continue to cook the blueberries until they begin to thicken (it shouldn't take too long). Serve over warm pancakes! 

*this can easily be substituted with a vegan cheese for a dairy free version. 

Post by: Rebecca 

It is a St. Patrick's Day recipe roundup. I just cannot get enough of these naturally green desserts, perfect for that festive gathering! Here I have selected some of my most popular recipes from last years season. Click on each picture to view the original post. Enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca 

The classic brownie gets a new and improved makeover with hints of spice, energizing super-foods and creamy avocado frosting! Feed that chocolate craving with these tasty treats just loaded with healthy fats! My favorite (baked) brownies, second only to this recipe! 
  
Cayenne might not come to mind while making chocolate brownies, but believe me, they were made for each other. Sweet chocolate is beautifully complemented by the hint of spice and zing. Cayenne has been used for centuries in therapeutic medicine. This powerful spice helps supercharge your metabolism and stabilize blood sugar, especially when eating sweets. Cayenne also helps to prevent headaches, blood clots, heart attacks and the cold related allergens. Cayenne has also been used as detox support because of its ability to stimulate the circulatory system. Talk about a superfood! 

Spirulina is a natural algae consisting of about 65% protein and amino acids, making it an excellent addition to any diet. Do not let the smell fool you, this revolutionary superfood is packed with vitamins and minerals. Spirulina is an excellent source of vitamins B-1 (thiamine), B-3 (riboflavin), B-6 (nicotinamide), B-9 (pyridoxine), C, D, A and E, in addition to calcium, iron and phosphorus. This blue-green algae can also bind to heavy metals within the body, making it an excellent detoxifier! There is one catch though, the taste. Fortunately, the uniquely disgusting taste of spirulina can fully be masked by chocolate. The taste of pond scum CAN be transformed into something delicious! 

Avocados are one of my favorite fruits, they make this dessert a step above. Delicious frosting made from the purest of ingredients, a healthier version does not exist. You might not indulge in these beauties often but, I strongly encourage you to do so. Despite avocados fat content they are super healthy. Studies have shown that eating avocado helps the body efficiently absorb lycopene and beta carotene. Do not be fooled by the high fat content, these heart-healthy fats are like none other. The fats within avocados mostly consist of oleic acid, alike olive oil, which helps the digestive system breakdown fat-soluble nutrients such as beta carotene or B vitamins. The other remaining fat consists of phytosterols, which are key supporters of the inflammatory system. So feel free to enjoy every bite! 

Gluten Free, Vegan 

Ingredients: 

For the Brownies: 

1 tbs flax meal + 3 tbs water 

1 and 1/2 cup finely ground almond flour/meal 

1/2 cup GF sorghum flour 

2 tbs cornstarch or arrowroot powder 

1/3 cup unsw cocoa powder

1/4 tsp baking soda 

2 tbs maca powder

1/4 - 1 tsp spirulina powder (optional)* 

1 tsp ginger

2 - 3 pinches cayenne 

1 tsp cinnamon

pinch of sea salt

1/2 cup + 1/4 cup vegan chocolate chips or chunks, divided

1/4 cup + 3 tbs coconut oil or ghee 

1/4 cup + 4 tbs unsw almond milk 

1/4 cup coconut sugar 

1/4 cup raw honey 

1/2 tsp real vanilla extract 

1/2 cup chopped walnuts 

For the Avocado Frosting:

2 medium avocados 

4 - 6 tbs raw honey

3 tbs cocoa powder (optional if you want a pretty green frosting) 

1 tbs olive oil

fresh mint, course sea salt and raw cacao nibs (for garnish) 

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350F degrees and line a 9 by 9in baking dish with parchment. Prepare the flax egg and set aside. 

For the brownies, combine all dry ingredients and spices, except for the sugar, in large mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Next, slowly melt 1/2 cup chocolate with the coconut oil or ghee. Stir in the sugar, mashed avocado, honey, almond milk, vanilla and flax egg to the melted mixture. 

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir to combine. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts and remaining chocolate pieces. 

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake for about 35 minutes. While it is baking prepare your avocado frosting. Once baked, wait at least 2 hours before cutting (I have to admit, I did sample some off the side!) 

For the avocado frosting, add the avocado, olive oil, cocoa powder and honey to a high speed blender and blend until extra smooth. Add more honey if needed. Store extra in an air tight container for up to 3 days. If you choose to omit the cocoa powder, use immediately. 

To assemble, top the brownies with avocado frosting, cut and garnish. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days, let warm to room temperature before eating*. Enjoy! 

*After you get used to the taste of spirulina, you can add more to your baked goods without even knowing it is there, but at first I would recommend going light. 

Post by: Rebecca

Tis' the season of citrus! Goodbye winter cold and hello liquid power boost! Bitter grapefruit, sweet oranges and spicy ginger are what make this vibrant winter juice a favorite of mine. Relax with a sip, a good book and a warm blanket. 

Grapefruit is an awesome detoxifier. Not only does it aid digestion, but it also can help the body rid itself of unwanted toxins. Alike other citrus fruits grapefruit contains a healthy dose of vitamins A and C, making it a perfect way to fight off those winter blues. Recent studies have shown that grapefruit juice ranks among the highest in antioxidant activity, even similar to cranberry juice. Additionally, grapefruit contains phytonutrients called limonoids, which can help inhibit tumor formations, thus fighting early forms of cancer. 

Ginger is one of my favorite ingredients, it can add a punch to almost anything sweet or savory. For decades ginger has been used to prevent motion sickness, stomach aches, vomiting, dizziness and morning sickness during pregnancy. Furthermore, ginger's anti-inflammatory benefits might just be the most important. Studies involving arthritis patients have found that 75% of patients experienced relief from both pain and swelling. I can also vouch for this remarkable characteristic of ginger. After the removal of my wisdom teeth, I experienced prolonged pain and swelling near my jaw. Fortunately I found that a ginger paste (made by mashing fresh ginger in a mortar and pestle) worked better than any chemical medicine I had previously taken. 

Gluten Free, Vegan, Nut Free, Raw

Ingredients:

2 - 3 lemons (I used meyer lemons)

3 large red or pink grapefruit

2 navel oranges

3 blood oranges 

1 inch peeled fresh ginger (more or less to taste) 

Instructions:

Peel and seed all fruits, then toss them in a blender (or juicer) along with the ginger. I usually try to get as much white peel off as possible, but it is okay if you do not. Blend on high for about 3 seconds. Be careful not to over blend or your juice will become very bitter due to the excess pulp. 

Next, pour the juice through a cheese cloth or a nut milk bag (over a large bowl) in order to remove all the bitter pulp. You can skip this step if you choose to use a juicer.

Store the juice in a glass bottle for about 2 days. To serve, garnish with fresh rosemary and bee pollen. Enjoy the power boost!

Post by: Rebecca 

Polenta is one of my go to weekday meals! It is fast, it is easy and it fills you up. If you have never tried this delicious grain before imagine a smoother, creamier version of the southern favorite, corn grits. In this recipe creamy polenta is combined with rich cashew cream, smoky mushrooms and succulent caramelized onions to form a simply delicious weeknight meal! 

Since ancient times mushrooms have been consumed for both their delicate taste and their believed "special powers". The Egyptians thought they gave immortality while the Romans deemed mushrooms as a food for the gods. It is no secret today that mushrooms are awesome when it comes to heath benefits! These unique fungi are loaded with immune building compounds which in turn have been found to prevent all kinds of cancerous diseases (including breast cancer). Not only are they packed with cancer fighting properties but they also contain antioxidant support which prevents oxidative damage to our DNA. 

Onions are one of those wonder veggies that can be transformed from burn-your-tongue spicy to savory sweet in just a few minutes! When sauteing onions I always add a pinch of sea salt in order to help the onions breakdown and show off their inner sweetness. Not only do onions give recipes a nice flavor, but they also can also provide a number of health benefits. Recent studies have shown that onions may help bone density which may come in handy during our older years. Onions have also shown to be very beneficial when battling a bacterial infection due to its sulfur compounds. Be careful when cooking these beauties though! Too much heat or too much storage time will lessen the health benefits found within the onions. 

Gluten Free, Vegan

Ingredients:

1/2 cup instant polenta 

1 cup raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours

2 cups fresh mushrooms of your choice, sliced (I used baby portobellos)

1 large onion

1 1/4 tsp smoked sea salt, divided 

fresh herbs and sesame seeds for garnish 

Instructions:

To prepare the cashew cream add your soaked cashews to a high speed blender along with about 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1 tsp agave nectar and 1/3 cup filtered water. Blend until very very smooth. Add more water if needed.

For the polenta, bring about 1 1/2 cups filtered water to a boil (or you can follow the package instructions). Next, add in the instant polenta and remove the pot from the heat. Continuously stir the polenta until all the water is absorbed. Next, stir in about 1/3 - 1/2 cup cashew cream and set the pot aside for later. 

For the topping, add the sliced onions to a large nonstick skillet along with the remaining smoked sea salt. Once the onions begin to sizzle add in about 1/4 cup filtered water, followed by the sliced mushrooms. Add more water as needed until the onions begin to brown and the mushrooms are soft. I usually taste a bit of onion to make sure it is nice and sweet. If you like your onions a little sweeter, continue to saute and add a bit more salt until the desired taste is achieved. 

To assemble, divide the polenta into two servings and top with the mushrooms and onions, serve alongside some winter herbs, sesame seeds and extra cashew cream if desired. Enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca 

I could eat kale chips for breakfast! It is truly amazing how kale can change from a tough bitter mess to a delicious and crispy snack overnight. Delicious food should make you feel good not only while you are eating it, but afterwards as well. I know many people think of unhealthy treats as comfort food, but my comfort food is kale! Weather it is slightly wilted, dry and crispy or bold and raw, I love it all. Kale is packed with vitamins and minerals which help empower us with energy. This powerful superfood is packed with vitamins K, A, and C, which are very important to the body when fighting off that winter cold. Not only does kale provide both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, but it also helps reduce the risk of some cancers. Kale contains at least four glucosinolates, or cancer preventing compounds, which have been found to help the body fight against some cancers including breast, colon, ovary, prostate and bladder. 

Why lemons? Lemons help break down the bitter after tones of kale in addition to their delicious zesty flavor. Lemons are an excellent element of detox to the body. In addition to their vitamin C content, many citrus fruits have been found helpful in reducing the risk of some chronic diseases such as arthritis. Out of lemons? Simply omit the sweetener and try oranges instead. 

Ginger has been used for centuries for it unique taste and health benefits. This powerful spice has been proven very effective in soothing the digestive tract which in turn helps fight that annoying bloated feeling. Studies have also shown that ginger is far superior to over the counter medicine in reducing the symptoms of motion sickness. The anti-inflammatory compounds found in ginger are believed to help reduce the pain of those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. Food should help you thrive, not constrain you to death. 

Gluten Free, Vegan, Low Carb, Nut Free, Raw

Ingredients:

1 large bunch organic kale, washed and torn

juice of two large lemons

1 tbs raw agave or honey

1 tsp olive oil 

2 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated

1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

Combine all the flavor ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Pour the dressing over the kale then toss and massage to combine. ( I tasted one to make sure I do not need more agave or ginger.) Leave the kale in the refrigerator to marinate for about 1 - 5 hours (this is optional, but recommended.)  

Arrange the kale on lined dehydrator trays and dehydrate at 115F degrees for about 8 hours or until crisp. Enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca

Happy New Year! Kick off your new year with this classic yet unique dessert. I know this is another dessert recipe, but I just could not resist sharing this scrumptious treat. Moist chocolate cake coupled with warm winter spices and creamy vegan cashew frosting, what's not to love? 

Overall I would say 2013 turned out to be a pretty good year, my first full year of running a blog! But there is will always be room to improve. Now is the time to make those New Years resolutions, some of which will be abandoned a month or even a week into the year. Over 75% of New Years resolutions will be health or fitness related, most based on dieting. In order to truly keep those health resolutions this year, dieting should be out of the picture. Instead focus on eating only fresh and wholesome foods. When I think diet, my mind instantly starts to worry about what I can or cannot eat. Healthy eating does not have to be a constrictive diet, it is a way of life. A slow transition is also beneficial when working to convert your eating habits. When you stop cold turkey, your body will inevitably crave those same foods you were trying to get away from. Do not be hard on yourself. Start by lowering your intake of those unhealthy foods and supplementing them with similar versions. Say you enjoy a couple handfuls of chips everyday, instead of eating two handfuls, eat only one and supplement the other half with some healthy kale chips. Eventually you will not even miss the chips at all!

Gluten Free

Ingredients:

For the Cake: 

1 1/2 cups GF oat flour

1 cup almond flour

1/2 cup sorghum flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 cup coconut sugar

2 tsp baking powder

2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/4 tsp allspice

1/4 tsp cardamom

1/4 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp sea salt

4 large organic or local eggs 

1/2 cup apple sauce

3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk 

3 tbs raw honey

1 tbs blackstrap molasses 

1/4 cup coconut oil, slightly warmed 

1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting:

1 3/4 cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 4 hours

1/2 cup + 2 tbs filtered water

3 tbs raw honey (or more to taste)

1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions:

Pre-heat your oven to 350F degrees. 

Grind all flours if needed. Combine all the dry ingredients, including the spices, in a large mixing bowl and toss to combine. Next, whisk together the wet ingredients in a small mixing bowl and add the wet to the dry. Continue to fold and combine until all ingredients are well incorporated. 

Pour the batter into two parchment (or flour) lined baking pans and bake for 23 - 25 minutes. Allow the cakes to cool for at least 30 minutes before removing from the pans. 

To make the frosting, add all the soaked cashews, honey, filtered water and sea salt to a high speed blender or food processor and blend/ process until very very smooth and creamy. Add more honey if desired. 

To assemble, simple sandwich the cashew frosting between the cake layers. This recipe makes a two layer cake. If you would like a four layer cake (as shown in the pictures) double the recipe. Garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder and fresh rosemary. Enjoy! 

Post by: Rebecca
Happy New Year! 

To me, nothing says Christmas more than the smell of fresh cinnamon rolls. Around the holidays everyone seems to eat more than their fill, but who says it cannot be healthy stuff? This recipe combines a sweet and gooey cinnamon filling with decadent pecans and sweet dates to create one beautiful holiday treat with 1000 times more nutrition than any commercial cinnamon roll! Not to mention the festive wreath presentation. 

Dates, nature's sweetest gift. Dates are what make this scrumptious treat stand out in both taste and nutrition! These energy dense fruits make for an excellent pre or post-workout snack due to their carbohydrate and potassium content. Dates also provide a generous amount of copper, which aids in the formation of red blood cells and energy production. 

Wreaths have been around for centuries, originating all the way back to the persian empire. They were traditionally made of evergreen branches which symbolize strength. Whereas the circular shape represents eternal life, for it has no end. While wreaths have personified many different meanings throughout history, they still find a place in many countries across the globe today. 

Vegan, Gluten Free 

Ingredients:

For the dough: 

2 cups spelt flour or 1 cup GF oat flour and 1 cup GF sorghum flour 

1 tbs dry active yeast

3/4 cups organic unsweetened apple sauce 

3 tbs coconut oil 

For the filling: 

1/2 cup chopped tart apple (such as granny smith or jonagold) 

1 1/4 cups medjool dates, pitted and chopped 

3/4 cup filtered water 

3/4 cups finely chopped pecans

1/2 tsp sea salt

2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp cardamom

1 pinch cloves

For the frosting: *

1 cup organic greek yogurt

juice of 2 lemons

1 - 2 tbs maple syrup

Instructions:

Combine all the dry ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, slowly heat the coconut oil (be careful not to heat it too much or it will kill the yeast) until melted then add in the rest of the wet ingredients. Add the wet mixture to the dry and fold until a dough begins to form. Dump the dough out on a floured surface and knead for about 2 - 3 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean tea towel, then leave it to rise in a warm place for about an hour, or until doubled in size.

While the dough is rising prepare the date filling. In a small saucepan add the chopped dates, chopped apple and spices along with about 3/4 cup filtered water. Heat the filling over medium heat until the water is almost gone and the dates form a paste. 

Next, punch down the dough and roll it out into a rectangle on a heavily floured surface. You want the rectangle to be about 2 feet long by 10 inches wide with a thickness of about 1/4 inch. 

Evenly spread on the date mixture with a wooden spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edge, and top it off with the chopped pecans. 

Begin by rolling up the dough lengthwise into one giant log. Slice the log lengthwise. Grab the two halves and continue to spiral them around each other to create the illusion of an intricate braid. Connect the ends to form a wreath, transfer to a baking sheet (I used a pizza stone) and cover to rise again for about 30 more minutes. 

Pre-heat your oven to 370F degrees ( 190C). Bake the wreath for about 30 - 35 minutes, until lightly golden brown. 

To prepare the lemon frosting, add the greek yogurt, maple syrup and lemon juice to a small bowl and whisk to combine. Chill until ready to serve. 

To serve, add a dollop of lemon yogurt, a sprinkling of chopped pecans and a drizzle of maple syrup. Enjoy! Serves 8 - 12. 

*To make a vegan frosting try: adding about 1/2 tsp lemon zest to 1 cup whipped coconut cream or 1/4 cup lemon juice to 1 cup cashew cream . 

Post by: Rebecca 
Merry Christmas!