Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup

July 23, 2014
chilled-cucumber-avocado-soup

This summer, NYC is bringing the heat. It has been a hot, humid summer tempered only by an occasional thunderstorm and lots of cold watermelon. With all this sticky humidity, I have to remind myself of all of the great things that the summer brings: farmer’s markets, long days of sunshine, flowers, roof top parties, afternoons spent at the pool, ice pops.

To celebrate summer I made a raw soup. It combines two summertime favorites – avocado and cucumber. This refreshing, delicate soup is a perfect pairing to a sunny day.

cucumber-avocado-soup

Chilled Cucumber Avocado Soup

Vegan, Raw, Dairy-free & Gluten-free

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 2 large cucumbers, roughly chopped
  • 2 avocados, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 4 fresh dill sprigs, to garnish

Directions:

  1. Combine cucumbers, avocado, garlic, lime and salt in a food processor or powerful blender and blend until totally creamy and smooth.
  2. Chill 30 minutes before serving and top with dill to garnish.   

Festive Cocktails

July 3, 2014
festive-cocktails

With summer in full swing, beat the heat with these cooling cocktails. Luckily, I’ve mixed up healthier versions of your favorite pleasing potions. Whatever you’re doing this long holiday weekend, you can be sure these drinks will be the perfect addition to your cookouts and parties. Cheers!

Though it’s name might conjure images of cold Russian winters, the effervescent Moscow Mule is one of my favorite cocktails all year round.

Moscow Mule

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 4 to 5 ice cubes
  • 1 oz vodka
  • juice of 1/2 a lime, plus 1 slice lime
  • 1/2 cup ginger beer
  • 1 sprig fresh mint

Directions:

  1. Place ice in a copper mug or large glass. Add vodka and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir. Garnish with mint and a lime slice. Enjoy!

 

This light and refreshing drink is perfect if you’re in the mood for something fruity.

 Mixed Berry Spritzer

Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • ice, for serving
  • 1 oz vodka
  • 1/2 cup sparkling water
  • few drops of liquid stevia
  • frozen berries

Directions:

  1. Place ice into a glass. Add vodka, sparkling water, sweetener and stir. Toss in frozen berries. Sip and enjoy.

 

Have a very safe, healthy and happy holiday, friends!

 

Photo cred: my sister, Jenny Norris

 

Fourth of July: Recipe Roundup

July 2, 2014

Here are some ideas for healthy dishes to help you stay on track this holiday. I hope these simple, irresistible recipes make your patriotic potluck a breeze! 

melon-salad

Melon Salad

quinoa

Simple Quinoa Salad

cocktail3

White Sangria Sparkler

peach_tostada_2

Peach Tostada

tomato gazpacho

Farmers’ Market Gazpacho

hummus

Raw Hummus

lemon_quinoa_salad_2

Lemon Quinoa Chickpea Salad

popsicle

Gourmet Popsicles

falafel-raw

Baked Pistachio and Herb Falafel

zucchini_salad

Pasta Alla Checca

 beans-avocado

Spicy Kidney Bean Chili 

I’m excited to have a long, full weekend of friends, food and fun in the city. Wishing you a very happy and safe holiday!

I’m Back…

June 26, 2014
figgyandsprout-healthy-recipes

A few months ago I made the decision to take a break from my beloved blog. It wasn’t an easy decision, but good news is I’m back for more regular posts! Big projects and plans are in the works behind the scenes over here. Taking a break gave me an opportunity to give them the focus they needed. I’ll be sharing more with you all very shortly! In the meantime, I want to hear from you!

I’m so grateful to have you part of the figgy & sprout community and that I get the chance to share my passion with you. I love interacting with you and whenever I get emails and comments from you it makes my day. So, if you feel inclined please comment below by answering one or all of the below questions. Oh, and of course all other comments are more than welcome.

1) What do you LOVE to read about on figgy & sprout – what are your favorite kind of posts?

2) Would you like to see more health/wellness articles and tips?

3) Would you like to receive a weekly or monthly newsletter? If you aren’t already signed up, you can do it here.

4) What is your biggest, burning wellness question/concern at the moment?

Thanks so much! Your responses will really help me shape this blog around what you need.

Thank you for being the amazing, supportive tribe that you are.

xx  K

PS – Happy Summer!!

(Photo Cred: My sister, Jenny Norris)