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Applesauce Spice Cake - A Yummy Winter Treat!

Applesauce Spice Cake

Adapted from Beyond the Moon Cookbook by Ginny Callan

¾ cup (1½ sticks) organic butter, softened
1 cup honey or maple syrup
2 large eggs
2 cups unsweetened applesauce (use homemade if you have it)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 and ½ cups whole spelt flour
1 and ½ cups white spelt flour
½ cup rolled oats
1 TBL baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
½ tsp freshly ground cardamom seeds
¼ tsp ground clover

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour two 9 or 10 inch cake pans.
In a medium-size bowl, cream the butter with honey until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, applesauce and vanilla. In another bowl, stir together the flours, oats, baking soda and spices.

Beat the dry ingredients into the wet. Pour the batter into prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let pans cool for 10 minutes and then turn them out onto cake racks.

Glaze: Heat 1 cup maple syrup, ½ cup organic cream or half and half, and 2 Tbl flour in a saucepan over low heat, whisking until it begins to simmer and thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Cool the glaze. Pour between cake layers and over the cake once the cake is cool.

NEW Winter Wellness Elixir - Elderberry, Ginger & Thyme

The new Winter Wellness Elixir by Avena Botanicals is a special, limited-edition blend of Elderberry, Ginger & Thyme. View full article →

Ginger, Pear, and Turmeric Muffins

Ginger, Pear, and Turmeric Muffins Recipe

The warming and pungent qualities of ginger and turmeric make a perfect pairing for winter muffins. They both support healthy digestion and are known in the Ayurvedic tradition to enkindle agni (digestive fire) and clear toxins from the gut. Most herbalists worldwide agree that supporting good digestion and elimination is necessary for health and quality of life. Both of these delicious herbs support healthy immune function, clear congestion in the head and chest, warm the body when chilled, and stimulate good digestion.

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp ground flax seeds
• 3 Tbsp water
• 1 ¾ cup spelt flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp organic turmeric powder
• 1 tsp mixed pumpkin pie spice or your favorite combo of cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg
• 1 pinch salt
• ½ cup organic vegetable oil
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh organic ginger
• ¾ cup unsweetened milk
• 2 small sliced pears
• Optional: ¼ cup Avena’s Ginger Glycerite and/or chopped organic ginger candy

 

Directions

Preheat oven to 375. In a small bowl, mix flax seeds and water and set aside. Combine flour, baking powder, turmeric, spices, and salt. In a larger bowl, whisk oil, maple syrup, and Ginger Glycerite until well combined. Slowly pour flax mixture and milk as you whisk into the liquid mixture. Add grated ginger and ginger candy. Add flour mixture into liquid and mix until combined, taking care to not over-mix. Fold in sliced pears. Fill muffin tins 2/3 full with batter and bake 20-22 minutes. Eat fresh within 2 days or freeze. Enjoy these yummy muffins!

Ginger & Turmeric: Rejuvenating Herbs for Winter - NEW Ginger Turmeric Elixir

The warming and pungent qualities of Ginger and Turmeric make for a perfect pairing during winter. They both support healthy digestion and are known in the Ayurvedic tradition to enkindle agni (digestive fire) and clear toxins from the gut. For a nourishing and warming tonic, I like to place a half to a full dropper of Ginger Turmeric Elixir on my tongue before eating, especially during the colder months. Both herbs support healthy immune function, clear congestion in the head and chest, warm the body when chilled, and stimulate good digestion. View full article →

White Pine Needle Tea, Steam and Foot Bath

White pine trees are a common tree here in Maine. Standing near a pine tree and breathing in deeply is like drinking fresh air. This is a good spring practice to do to clear out leftover lung congestion from the winter. Leaning against a white pine tree is also deeply healing for anyone who has experienced betrayal or feels emotionally shattered. Breathe in and out, release your hurt and receive the tree’s strength. Be sure to bow to the tree in gratitude.

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Spring Rejuvenation

A stirring of energy occurs in both the mind and body as the long nights and colder temperatures of winter begin to shift. The days become significantly longer after the spring equinox, March 20-21, and with this light comes the call to rise earlier and engage in more physical activities.

View full article →