Tempeh Chili !

The flying tempeh bros. were kind enough to deliver us some tempeh ! So of course I had to make chili : ) Super easy & VERY filling. All you need is

1 lb tempeh (or less, up to you. i wanted lots)

1 can pinto beans

1 yellow onion

2 jalapenos

tomato sauce

1 cup water

Spices: salt, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, cayenne

 I used ancho & chipotle chili powder, but any will do. I would have also added green bell pepper & zucchini if I had it !

First chop yr veg. Onions & jalapenos in this case. My sous chef came in to help : ) Lol he wears swimming goggles to cut onions

 Heat up some olive oil - then throw the onions in for a couple minutes, then jalapenos. Cook for about 5 minutes while stirring.

Then crumble up your tempeh & stir well for about 5 minutes.

I like to add half the seasonings before adding sauce. About a teaspoon of all spices listed above. Stir well and cook for a minute or 2, then add tomato sauce + 1 cup of water + beans (i rinse them well first). Stir well & add another teaspoon of seasonings. Then season to taste. If you want it spicier more cayenne, saltier more salt of course, etc.

Done ! I crumble the chips in it and add lime. Also cheddar is great on it too.

Here are some fun tempeh facts:

Tempeh contains several key vitamins and minerals, including zinc, folate, thiamin, and pantothenic acid. It is a great source of protein, providing a whopping 15 grams in each 3-ounce serving. It’s also an excellent source of micronutrients such as manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, and riboflavin. Plus, it contains calcium and iron, both of which are essential nutrients that can be hard to obtain on a vegetarian or vegan diet.Another one of the top tempeh benefits is its stellar antioxidant content. Antioxidants are powerful compounds that can help fight free radicals and prevent oxidative damage to the cells. Some research has found that antioxidants could play a key role in health and wellness, noting that free radicals can contribute to chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and autoimmune disorders. Tempeh is jam-packed with prebiotics, which is a type of fiber that provides fuel for the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Studies show that tempeh can help increase the concentrations of good gut bacteria, which is thought to play a central role in overall health. It's brimming with bone-building nutrients. In fact, each serving contains a good amount of phosphorus, calcium, manganese, and copper, all of which are important to bone health.

Lemon balm tea

I  LOVE tea. I'll drink pretty much any plant/herb that's good for me steeped in hot water. I usually buy in bulk and rarely ever do tea bags to reduce waste. A big box of herbs I ordered came in today from Purple Sage Farms with some lemon balm !! It's anti-viral (VERY beneficial in these times) & rich in antioxidants.

Lemon balm is also rich in something called polyphenols, which gives it strong antiviral properties.  Taking lemon balm as a tea or tincture may be helpful for recovery from viral infections like a cold, the flu, and even shingles. Its antiviral properties and digestive soothing properties combine to also make it useful for stomach viruses. There is growing evidence that lemon balm can help treat symptoms of dyspepsia (upset stomach), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and acid reflux. in addition to rosmarinic acid, lemon balm contains citral, citronellal, linalool, geraniol, and beta-caryophyllene, each of which has spasmolytic (anti-spasm) and carminative (anti-gas) properties.

Lemon balm may also be very effective at relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. Due to its calming effects on the nervous system, lemon balm can especially be helpful for calming the excitability and nervousness that can come with anxiety. A 2014 study showed that lemon balm had a positive effect on mood, including reduced anxiety levels, in healthy young adults. Lemon balm also makes it towards the top of the list of herbs to treat depression

Almond milk recipe

I make fresh almond milk every 4-5 days. Made some this morning, so figure I'd post the recipe for ya : ) Only had a 1/2 cup of almonds left, so I had to work w/ it. I'd usually make a full cup, but you can double or triple this recipe of course.

Almond Milk

1/2 cup almonds (soaked in water - covered - overnight on the counter)

2 cups filtered water

3-4 small dates (optional)

mexican vanilla + cinnamon (optional)

After soaking your almonds overnight - strain & rinse well, the add to the blender cup

Add dates if you'd like it sweet. If you don't have dates, some honey simple would work. Add filtered water

I use this cinnamon & vanilla to flavor. So good ! Just a dash of both

Blend !

Make sure your pitcher or jar is lined with a nut milk bag + secured by a rubber band or string tied around. Now PO IT UP

 Done !

 I usually give this to my backyard friends, but ima save it and turn it into some small energy bars.

 I'll post the recipe for that later

Enjoy w/ coffeeee : )

Virtual Market !

Not much poppin here today on the ol blogger because I've been busy posting all day HERE !

As most of you know I throw pop ups in Austin every month & since we haven't been able to, I've been organizing virtual markets on our instagram stories :D @batcityartisans on instagram.. check the stories ! Lots of awesome vendors & great music : ) K, gotta finish up there now.. peaz

Fresh lemongrass tea

I LOVE this 'tea'. Since I have issues with citrus & acidic foods, this is great for when I'm craving lemonade. I got my lemongrass from a thai restaurant by my house - you can get some too if you just ask now I'm sure. A lot of restaurants are selling grocery items to make some $$ ! I usually get it from central market. This can also be made with dried lemongrass. I prefer the greener taste of the fresh though.

First wash the lemongrass well - then chop like so. About 1 1/2 - 2 cups.

When water gets to a rolling boil, throw the lemongrass in and keep at a boil for 5 minutes. I like to stand next to it and inhale the steam.. good for the lungs ! Then reduce to a simmer & let steep for 5 more minutes. Then take it off of the heat & let cool til it's safe to transfer to a pitcher. I use a 1/2 gallon glass pitcher. Also to figure out how much water to boil, fill whatever container you'll be using and put that into the pot.

 Once cooled, enjoy on ice ! You can drink it hot too of course. Whatever your preference is. Also is great sweetened with a lil honey or agave. Great if you throw some cucumber in there too.. double diuretic power ! 

Read about the health benefits below : )

Lemongrass tea has long been a staple of Indian and traditional Asian medicine. It is frequently prescribed as a digestive aid since it works as a natural diuretic. Lemongrass tea may help lessen the symptoms of gastric upset including nausea and stomach pain. Lemongrass also boast antifungal and antibacterial properties that may help prevent infection that can harm digestion thanks to the presence of polyphenols and antioxidants. These antioxidants help eliminate free radicals that can cause serious health issues. Free radicals cause oxidative stress in the body, which essentially causes cells and natural processes to break down. Free radicals have been linked to certain types of cancers as well as premature aging. Lemongrass helps boost the immune system since it's packed with vitamins and minerals that help fend off the common cold and flu. Lemongrass tea contains high amounts of vitamin C and vitamin A, both of which help boost immunity.

Free foods !

Olive & June is giving away food to those in need again tomorrow:

Please wear a mask & gloves when you leave the house to protect yourself & others. If you don't have a mask, wear a bandana - anything. This shit ain't a game !

Coconut milk recipe

Store bought milk alternatives irritate my gut & throat. Almost all have preservatives & thickeners - and the ones that don't are way pricy... so I started making my own. I've been making my own nut/oat/coco milk for the past 2 years & will continue to do so forever (unless I'm in a pinch). It's SO easy to make and I have no excuse not to. Sharing my recipe so you too can stop spending too much on milk you can make : ) + it's healthier !

Today I'm making coconut milk - all you need is

- a blender

- 1/2 cup shredded coconut

- nut milk bag

- 2 cups filtered water

- 3-4 small dates for sweetening (optional)

I use this brand of coconut & these nut milk bags

First add a 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to blending cup + a couple dates if you want it slightly sweet

Heat up 2 cups filtered water.. DO NOT BOIL ! If you're using a kettle like me, it'll heat up fast - 2-3 minutes. 

Pour over the coco

Make sure your nut cloth is secured around the lid of a jar or pitcher - i use a rubber band

Then blend til creamy ! Pour into jar/pitcher to strain

I give my backyard friends the pulp. Sometimes I use it to make cookies though, or energy bars !

Enjoy da milK !

It'll last 4-5 days in the fridge - 3 months frozen. With my measurements, you can get up to 12 batches out of an 8oz bag of coconut ! Booya, and it tastes way better in my opinion : ) Sometimes I like to add vanilla & cinnamon to it too