February 2024 Health Hotline® Magazine Issue 79

February 2024 Health Hotline® Magazine Issue 79

Recipes

  • Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Sauce
  • Warming Immune Soup

Articles

  • Reclaim Your Resiliency with Rhodiola
  • Think Wisely - An Adventure in Chocolate
  • For the Love of Organics: Systemic Pesticides
  • Are Vegetable Oils Jeopardizing Your Health?
  • Earth Watch
 

Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry Sauce

The combination of dark chocolate and raspberries is a classic recipe for romance. We ramp up the charm with a Natural Grocers® Organic Cocoa Dusted Truffle in the middle to create a melted center. The tart raspberry syrup poured over the rich dark chocolate cakes creates a decadent flavor combination you and your sweetie will love! Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy it with the suggested ice cream or coconut whip.

Note: Recipe can be doubled to create 4 individual cakes

2 Natural Grocers Brand Organic Cocoa Dusted Chocolate Truffles
2 tablespoons Natural Grocers Brand Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, plus extra for preparing the ramekins
1⁄2 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Cocoa Powder, plus extra for preparing the ramekins
1⁄2 cup stevia-sweetened baking chips
1⁄2 cup Natural Grocers Brand Organic Frozen Raspberries
1 tablespoon organic lemon juice
1 tablespoon filtered water
1⁄2 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Organic Grade A Dark Maple Syrup
1 Natural Grocers Brand Organic Regenerative Pasture-Raised Egg, room temperature
1 Natural Grocers Brand Organic Regenerative Pasture-Raised Egg yolk, room temperature
1⁄2 teaspoon organic vanilla extract
1 tablespoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Coconut Sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt
1 1⁄2 tablespoons Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Almond Flour
Optional toppings
dairy-free vanilla ice cream
organic coconut whip
whole organic raspberries
powdered sugar
organic mint leaves

1. Place the two truffles into the freezer while preparing the cakes.

2. Preheat oven to 400°F.

3. Melt the coconut oil, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips in a double boiler. Set aside to cool.

4. While the chocolate is melting prepare two individual-sized ramekins by coating with coconut oil then dusting with cocoa powder.

5. In a small saucepan combine the raspberries, lemon juice, water, and maple syrup over medium heat. Bring to a boil then remove from heat, stirring to combine and break down the raspberries. Strain mixture through a mesh strainer into a small bowl and set aside.

6. In a medium mixing bowl whisk together the egg, egg yolk, vanilla extract, coconut sugar, and salt for 1-2 minutes or until all the sugar is dissolved.

7. Add the melted chocolate and almond flour into the egg mixture, gently folding in only until there are no lumps, being careful not to overmix.

8. Place 2 tablespoons of the batter into each prepared ramekin, then place a frozen truffle into the center of each. Divide the remaining batter between the ramekins.

9. Bake for 11-12 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is no longer runny. Inserting a toothpick into the edges of the cake should come out clean (center will still be liquid).

10. Let rest for 5 minutes, then run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen. Using a kitchen towel to hold the warm ramekin, carefully flip the cake onto a plate.

11. To serve, top with raspberry sauce and any desired optional toppings. Serve warm.

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Warming Immune Soup

This warming vegan soup is perfect for chilly days, especially in the thick of cold and flu season. It is loaded with immune-supportive spices, veggies, coconut milk, and probiotic-rich miso. It is a delicious way to stay well this winter!

2 tablespoons Natural Grocers® Brand Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1 medium organic onion, diced
2 tablespoons grated organic ginger
6 organic garlic cloves, minced
1⁄2 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Ground Turmeric
2-3 teaspoons Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Curry Powder
1⁄4 teaspoon Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Real Salt
1-2 pinches Natural Grocers Brand Bulk Organic Red Chili Flakes (optional)
2 cups organic vegetable broth
1 pound organic sweet potatoes, scrubbed clean (or peeled) and cut into ½-inch cubes
1 small head organic cauliflower, cut into small florets (~4 cups florets)
1 organic red, yellow, or orange pepper, diced
1⁄2 (10-ounce) bag organic frozen chopped spinach
1 (13.5-ounce) can Natural Grocers Brand Organic Original Coconut Milk
1 (15.5-ounce) can Natural Grocers Brand Organic Garbanzo Beans, drained
8 teaspoons organic sweet white or chickpea miso

1. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the coconut oil and swirl to melt. Add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently until softened, about 8 minutes.

2. Add the ginger, garlic, and spices, stirring frequently until fragrant, 1-2 minutes. Add the vegetable broth and sweet potatoes, stirring to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Increase the heat to bring the soup to a gentle boil, then cover the pot partway and reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Add the cauliflower and diced pepper, stir, cover the pot partway and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add the spinach, coconut milk, and garbanzo beans and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

5. Remove the soup from the heat. Add 1-2 teaspoons of miso paste to each serving bowl, along with a few tablespoons of broth from the pot, and mix until smooth. Top each bowl with a serving of soup and stir well to incorporate the miso mixture. Alternatively, mix all of the miso paste with about ½ cup of broth in a small bowl. Once smooth, pour into the soup pot and stir to incorporate.

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