Grapefruit, Lime & Ginger Juice

January 3, 2013
grapefruit-lime-and-ginger-juice

Happy New Year, dear readers! I hope you all had a delightful holiday filled with love and tummies filled with delicious food! Mine was slow and relaxing, with plenty of time for cooking, playing and reflections. Over the break, I came up with some new year’s goals and I thought it might be fun to share them with you. I hope that this inspires you create your own list!

  1. Consume more fresh pressed juices.
  2. Eat a greater variety of fruits and vegetables.
  3. Compete in a triathlon.
  4. Volunteer in the community.
  5. Live every day fully.

If one of your resolutions is eating healthier in the new year, this juice is a good tasty place to start. Kick things off with this beauty – a lovely pink, citrus-centric Grapefruit, Lime & Ginger Juice. This detoxifying and immunity-boosting juice recipe is easy to embrace post-holiday! It packs such a fresh punch of citrus and ginger flavor that you won’t feel you’re missing out on a thing. And by providing your immune system with a strong dose of vitamin C you’ll be putting yourself in the right frame of mind to embrace the new year in health.

grapefruit-lime-ginger-juice

Grapefruit, Lime & Ginger Juice

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 1 grapefruit, peeled (I used ruby red)
  • 2 apples
  • 1 stalk of celery
  • 1/2 lime, peeled
  • 1/4 inch knob of ginger
  • fresh mint (optional)
  • sparkling water (optional)

Directions:

  1. Place grapefruit, apple, celery, lime, and ginger through juicer.
  2. Pour fresh juice into a glass and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. Enjoy.

This juice is quite strong – but invigorating! And if you like, you could even add a splash of sparkling water.

I wish everyone the best for 2013. Thanks for continuing to discover the beauty of becoming the healthiest, most vibrant self through figgy & sprout! What are your resolutions? Leave a comment below, start a conversation, make a friend, inspire one another.

Stay connected with me in 2013 through twitter, facebook, pinterest, instagram and my newsletter!

My Year in Review

December 31, 2012
twenty-five

2012 was a big year. With only one day left of December and 2012, I wanted to share with you this landmark year. For me, 2012 has been a year of major life changes, travel, thrilling excitement and powerful personal transformation.

Throughout the year I got the chance to travel to Amsterdam, Rome, Dublin, New York City and Des Moines.

new-york

I attended my first Irish horse race.

horse-racing-lismore

I launched this blog.

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I sold my vegan baked goods to a local cafe in Cork.

figgyandsprout-baking

I spent weekends in the countryside relaxing, hiking and taking things slowly.

glenshelane-waterford

I celebrated my 25th birthday with my beloved in Italy.

katie-norris-rome

I spent some time at the beach with my sister and her partner. I smiled and laughed until my cheeks hurt and my belly ached.

rockaway-beach-new-york

I celebrated one year living in the green hills of Ireland.

the-vee-waterford-knockmealdown-mountains

(My partner Gavin and I. This was taken a year and a half ago after moving to Ireland.)

I discovered my passion for raw food and began working as a raw food chef.

orange-pomegranate-salad

I joined a beginners ballet course and fell in love with the art of movement. I also met some wonderful people along the way.

ballet-shoes

I completed my first international marathon and third full marathon.

katie-norris-dublin-marathon

I spent my first Christmas away from home at my new home in Ireland. I learned the importance of love and family.

katie-christmas-in-ireland

2012 has been a fabulous year. Sharing recipes, photos and words makes me happier than I can say. I’m infinitely grateful for the many wonderful people I’ve met through this little page on the internet. Starting this blog is one of the best things I’ve ever done thanks to you, dear readers. Thank you for your constant love and support – it means the world to me. Happy New Year! xo

Apple Spice Latte

December 28, 2012
apple-spiced-latte

A bowl of popcorn, a mug of apple spice latte, a cozy blanket, one or two favorite holiday movies and someone to snuggle with – these are my ingredients for a wonderful holiday season afternoon or evening! Sit by a lit fireplace, a glowing candle or maybe a sparkly Christmas tree.

Apples have surprising nutritional benefits that justify the “apple a day” adage. Red apples contain an antioxidant called quercetin which helps to boost and fortify your immune system. They also help to lower cholesterol, decrease risk of diabetes and aid in weight loss.

This warm drink also contains cinnamon, which has been shown to help regulate our blood sugar levels, and has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. It is even recommended for people with Type 2 diabetes to consume. Cinnamon is also believed to boost cognitive function and memory.

Nothing beats a warm mug of apple spice latte to warm the heart. You’ll know just what to serve guests (or yourself) when the cold weather hits. Enjoy the season and celebrate. Cheers!

Apple Spice Latte

Vegan, Raw & Gluten-free

Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 3 apples, juiced (yields about 1/2 a cup)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk ( I used homemade almond milk)
  • dash of cinnamon and nutmeg

Directions:

  1. Place apples through a juicer.
  2. Heat the apple juice and almond milk on the stove top on medium heat until warm (don’t boil.)
  3. Sprinkle a few dashes of nutmeg and cinnamon over the top. Enjoy immediately.

I hope you love and enjoy this drink as much as I do!

Vegan Eggnog

December 20, 2012
vegan-eggnog

The holidays are upon us and I felt it fitting to recreate a traditional beverage that can be enjoyed by the entire family. I’ve spent the last few days perfecting a recipe for vegan eggnog that is quick, easy to make, delicious and authentic. I think I got it. I even got the seal of approval from the resident recipe tester (my boyfriend).

It’s incredibly rich, decadent, and will be sure to impress at any holiday parties. Unlike other eggnogs, it’s not too sweet and has a nice delicate nutmeg flavor. It’s up to you whether you “spike” it or not.

christmas-vegan-eggnog

Vegan Eggnog

Raw, Gluten-free & Vegan

Serves 2

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups almonds, soaked in water for 8 hours then drained
  • 3 cups pure water
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup (or 4 – 6 Medjool dates, pitted)
  • 1 Tbsp. coconut butter or oil, melted
  • 1 tsp. nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • pinch ground cloves
  • dash of sea salt

Directions:

  1. Add almonds and water in to a blender for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Strain mixture using a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer to make an almond milk base for the eggnog. Discard almond pulp (or save for almond pulp crackers.)
  3. Rinse out blender and pour almond milk back in. Blend the rest of the ingredients with the milk until smooth and delicious. Place in the fridge until cold and serve.