Category Archives: Food

DIT (Do It Themselves): Mother’s Day Fruit Plates… Help Them to Treat You Right!

by Julie Posted on May 8, 2013

Not to brag, but I am fairly lucky when it comes to my children’s eating habits.  My seven year old is not only willing to try anything, but she actually makes conscious decisions to eat healthy (ok bragging a little).  I’ve seen her bypass  a cookie for a peach, filling my heart with happiness. My youngest is pickier, but at age five she is also making smart choices, though will seldom pass up that cookie.

IMG_2112I’ve never had much trouble getting them to eat fruits and veggies, but when it is dessert time, some coaxing is often in order to keep them satisfied with simply fruit.  It’s my own fault.  I’m a big fan of dessert myself, so it sometimes becomes a bit of a habit until I remind myself to break that cycle.

My favorite way to make the fruit more enticing is toIMG_0982
 make fruit plates. Sometimes they are elaborate, sometimes simply silly.  Regardless – they always get a great response and then gobbled up!  Not only do we enjoy eating them, but they are also a real pleasure to create.  It’s become something of a zen activity for me.

You can only imagine my joy when my little ones began asking me to cut fruit for them to design their own fruit plates!  It’s become quite a hobby for my youngest and I must say she’s got a knack for it.  We often incorporate veggies too.

Now I  really will start bragging.  Last weekend I was awakened twice with fruit plates IMG_2141made with child labor and love.  The one to the right was admittedly made with help from my man – there’s even an egg in the bowl at its center ~ super yum! Perhaps the best part, is when the girls announce themselves proudly and climb into my bed to help me eat their delicious art!

I can’t wait to see what my lovelies create for me next weekend!

Help your kiddos treat you!  Simply cut the fruit the night before and keep it in covered containers in the fridge.  Leave a plate out within their reach and earn yourself an extra 15 minutes or more of sleep!  Proudness and sweetness all around!

Please share any “Do it Themselves” Mother’s Day ideas by commenting below – the more the merrier!

Posted in Breakfast, Crafts, Creativity, Dessert, diet, DIT, DIY, Do It Themselves, Fast Healthy Meals, Food, Gift Idea, Gluten Free, GMO Free, Health, Memories, Mommy Time, Parenting, Parenting Advice, Recipes, Sharing, Snacks, Vegan, Villagers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What to Do With… Veggie Peels and Ends – don’t toss ‘em; cook ‘em!

by Julie Posted on May 6, 2013

soup2I try my best to incorporate fresh vegetables into every meal.  Although the extra bits and pieces of these veggies are compostable, there is yet a better use for much of them.  Simply collect them in the freezer until you’re ready to make soup stock, then pop them out and simmer with your other ingredients.  Not only will this give your broth a more well rounded flavor, but because the bits are frozen while still fresh, it will add a healthy dose of nutrients as well.

Most peels and ends can be incorporated.  Mushroom stems, carrot peels and tips (excluding the leafy tops which tend to make the stock bitter), fennel fronds & ends,IMG_2166 celery ends and leaves, ginger offcuts, herb stems,  potato ends and the list goes on –  experiment to see what you like.  I was very happy to learn in a cooking class that onion, garlic, and shallot peels can be used as well and they take the stock to a whole new level of savory goodness!

Do you steam, boil, or blanch veggies?   The excess water you’re left with is halfway to yummy nutritious broth already and can be frozen with your scraps!

Some items to leave out are cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts.  I’ve put in a bit of cabbage though and it’s worked out fine.  Also, please use your best judgement- don’t add anything moldy or rotten – if you can’t eat it now, freezing will only make it cold and rotten.

IMG_2172I sift through my crisper from time to time and if something is on the cusp of not so freshness I’ll freeze it before it crosses the line of inedibility.   I also like to keep my slightly droopy tomatoes frozen separately to for use in a tomato based recipe.  Of course if you use lots of vegetables and want to make stock right away, you can bypass the freezer and make the stock immediately.  You could always freeze it once it cools down and store it that way too.  I personally like to make large batches of soup, so I collect scraps for a while in the freezer and bust them out when it’s soup time.

Making Your Stock:

When you are ready to make the stock, simply toss your scraps into a stock pot, add some fresh vegetables and herbs, and cover with water in equal amount to the veggies.

For depth of flavor it’s wise to always include fresh carrots, celery, garlic (leave the peels on) and onions (among others) in addition to your peels and bits.  Fresh parsnips add a lovely sweetness as well.

Chicken or other bones add a ton of flavor also, for those who partake.vegetable_soup_stock_cc_marci1994

Bring the whole deal to a boil and then simmer for about an hour – don’t go too much longer or it won’t taste as fresh.

Taste as you go, and season with fresh and/or dried herbs as you wish.

Strain the ingredients out, separating the broth into a new pot for immediate use or to cool before putting in smaller containers for freezing.

I prefer to leave the stock unsalted until I use it in a recipe.  If you wish to salt, do so at the end when the flavor is developed – low sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos are a great option too.

A healthy squeeze of lemon at the end is a nice touch depending on how you’ll use your stock.

If animal products were excluded, the leftover veggies may be composted, taking it full circle!

Do you have a different use for veggie scraps? How about another idea for reusing, reducing, or recycling? Please comment here or email us at contact@takesavillage.net. We’d love to include your ideas in a post!

 

Posted in diet, DIY, Food, Gluten Free, Greener Living, Recipes, Vegan, Villagers, What to Do With.... | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Repurpose Those Chocolate Bunnies ~ Easter Fondue!

by Louise Fenton Posted on April 8, 2013

images-8Still have Easter candy around a week later? After “candy holidays” like Easter and Halloween, I can’t wait to get rid of the stuff for a few reasons: the begging and the pleading, the cavities, the appetite ruining, and most of all my own midnight snacking.

Luckily Easter, at least for us, presents fewer issues than Halloween. Its nice to have some control over what goes into the basket and how much of it. I’m no grinch-bunny though and after having a gang of three year olds around our place for an egg and bunny hunt in the yard, there was plenty of candy left over. And my son knew it.

The following few mornings were the stuff of nightmares. He wanted chocolate bunnies 553752_10151569174216233_872037726_nfor breakfast. He refused all other options. No amount of explanation, negotiation or consolation seemed to make the slightest difference. Despite the screaming, I switched my focus to getting some waffles made, cutting fruit and then… the bunnies. I heated a small sauce pan, added a little coconut oil, two hollow chocolate bunnies, some milk, the little guy helped me stir… and Voila! We had fondue… for breakfast, how decadent and yet efficient.

Now this magical compromise wasn’t an immediate success. Although he helped me prepare the fondue chocolate, once it was served I got a round of, “You killed my rabbits! They’re dead!” and “I want rabbits, not waffles!” We needed some calm down time: a snuggle and reading of Green Eggs And Ham. Then he was ready to try it. Did he like it? Of course he did. In fact, he said he would eat it with a goat or on a boat!

To Make:

images-7For fondue sauce – any leftover Easter chocolate will do. I used a dollop of coconut oil to make it saucier. Butter would work as well. Just melt the oil or butter in the pan, add the chocolate on low heat and stir continuously. As the chocolate begins to melt, add some milk. We used almond milk, but cow’s or rice or soy or hemp would work as well. Berries, grapes and apple slices are great in fondue. Use your imagination and just shove a toothpick in it. I had some gummy bears with vitamin C in them (bulk section at Whole Foods) and put them on the plate as well. They were yummy dipped in chocolate!

Posted in Breakfast, Creativity, Dessert, DIY, Food, Holidays, parent-child activities, Parenting, Parenting Advice, Recipes, Recycling, Villagers | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Giveaway! The Quick Meal Trifecta- Fast, Healthy, Tasty – Annie Chun’s Noodle Bowls and More

by Julie Posted on March 29, 2013

To wrap up National Noodle Month (yes the delicious guys deservedly have their own month) Annie Chun’s asked me to review their products.  The timing was exceptional, as I had just learned my boyfriend’s old college trick of fancying up and giving a nutritional boost to ramen noodles by simply adding fresh veggies to the noodles before pouring in the hot water.

I have been living in awe and gratitude of this dish and enjoying the many different incarnations I’ve discovered right there within my crisper drawer.  Basic additions of green onions, mushrooms, kale, and carrots are yummy and this combo has become my seven year old’s favorite soup to bring in her thermos to school.  Personally I really enjoy a more complicated flavor; adding some fresh garlic and chunks of ginger (remove ginger after steeping) kicks it up to restaurant level.

765667100806.jpg.preview Enter Annie Chun’s to step it up to a healthier, tastier level.  Their products are all natural with no preservatives or nasty MSG.  I tried the Pad Thai noodle bowl, and being a huge fan of Thai food, I was definitely skeptical and definitely pleasantly surprised.  The peanut sauce was not overly sweet and did not overwhelm the hint of lime I like so much. I took the bowl to work with a container of mixed veggies on the side and had a satisfying and tasty lunch ready in less than two minutes.  It didn’t taste overly seasoned or salty like many ramen noodle bowls I’ve tried in the past, but please note the sodium is 42% of our daily value, so you might want to go light on the salt elsewhere.3D_FN_SobaNoodles-low-rgb.preview

I’d seen Annie Chun’s products at the market before, but had no idea of the variety available and the healthy options included.  The organic Freshpak noodles look fantastic – choose from buckwheat soba, chow mein, or udon.  Being a lover of Asian foods, any of these would be a great staple in my kitchen – healthy dinners in five minutes that my kids and I both love?  Yes please.

I seriously could eat Thai food everyday and not get tired of its well rounded flavors and spice, but I have often lamented about the lack of nutrition available in white flour noodles.  Now I can make a healthier version at home without giving up the fiber or flavor – Annie Chun’s Pad Thai Noodles products_sauces_padthai.previeware made with 100% whole grain,  gluten free brown rice and were named as one of Prevention.com’s 21 healthiest foods.  These are quick and flavorful when prepped with Annie’s bottled Pad Thai sauce (also available in gluten-free), some vegetables, and/ or the meat of your choice.  The bottled sauce is also more reasonable with it’s salt content with 400 mg per serving.

I think it’s fantastic that packaged foods can be this good for you and without added preservatives! Even better, these products are inexpensive and widely available from your local grocer or online directly from Annie Chun’s.

WIN

Annie Chun’s has kindly offered to award two Takes a Village Readers each with a Noodle Prize Pack consisting of:

Annie Chun’s Pad Thai Brown Rice Noodleslo_SpicyChk.preview
Annie Chun’s Gluten Free Pad Thai Sauce
1 Annie Chun’s Noodle Bowl
1 Annie Chun’s Ramen House Noodles

About a $15 value!

I love that these products are so adaptable and look forward to trying more exotic offerings as well!  To win simply enter via Rafflecoptor and comment below with which cuisine’s flavors appeal most to you and why – make sure to let Rafflecoptor know you commented!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to Annie Chun’s for providing samples for my review! 
Posted in diet, Fast Healthy Meals, Giveaway, Gluten Free, Health, Recipes, Vegan, Villagers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Giveaway! The Bright Side of Self-Consciousness – Conscious Box.

by Julie Posted on March 19, 2013

BoxinSkyAs you can tell by my posts, I’m always on the hunt for bold new products that are not only health conscious and eco-conscious, but those that are also ethically conscious.  Be it a snack, a non-toxic cleaner, or a household ware, there is a certain rush to be had by finding something that suits your family’s needs and the earth’s needs and the society’s needs.

Conscious Box has simplified our search for these eco-gems!  For $19.95 a month you can receive ten to twenty sample sized products to your doorstep – all natural, all ethical.  There are also both vegan and gluten free options.  You also receive monthly points with your subscription which can be applied to full-size purchases of the products you love, available directly from their site!

The company has thoroughly thought out their own effects on the environment – my ttpm6pxkskeptical mins led me to first wonder- what about the effects of shipping and packaging on the environment?  These thoughts did not escape Conscious Box either; they use 100% post-consumer recycled cardboard, recycled tissue paper, and vegetable-based inks for printing.  Their boxes are also streamlined to increase shipping efficiency.  In order to offset the remaining emissions, Conscious Box is a member of 1% for the Planet, an awesome organization which links companies with environmental nonprofits.

With innovative products from the likes of Core Foods, Eco-Me, Teatulia, and so many more that I’m excited to discover, this box is also a great one-time or recurring gift idea! eco-me-mia-hand-soaps_1
 I’m imagining it would be quite fun to receive the same box as a friend and compare notes on the products!  Also, if product rating is your thing, Conscious Box lets you speak your mind to the companies, big and small.

Conscious Box is seeking to spread the word about their great service – they’d love for you to try it.  They are generously offering our readers a 50% discount for any subscription, available in 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, and annual cycles.  Simply enter the code DISCOVERNATURAL at checkout.

WIN!

Taking their generosity a step further, Conscious Box is also giving one very lucky Takes a Village a  3 month subscription to their service! That’s $59.95 worth of natural and ethical products to your doorstep! Easy to enter below….

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Congratulations to our winner Jo!

Posted in charity, Cleaning, Coupon Code, diet, Discount, Environmental, Food, Gift Giving, Gift Idea, Giveaway, Greener Living, Health, natural, Nontoxic, organic, Recycling, Skincare, Snacks, social awareness, Vegan, Villagers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Bon Appetit Bebe- Cooking for Baby

by Stephanie Posted on March 6, 2013

For the past 3 months we have been in full blown solids mode with my son and I’ve been having so much fun with it.  Like most mothers, I am very conscious of what I give my baby.  Knowing full well that what I give him now will affect his food choices later.  So the old debate of “fruit or veggies fist” came to into play as I prepared his first meal.  I was told by quite a few people that if you give a baby fruit first, they will not like vegetables because they will get used to (and prefer) the sweetness of fruit.  After seeing so many of my friends kids turn their noses up at veggies, I got a little concerned. I then quickly dismissed that idea as ridiculous, because when you think about it, breast milk is really sweet.

 

In the end I chose to give him a pear. Why a pear you ask?  Simply because I just happened to get a organic vegetable delivery and pears seemed to be the softest item in the box.  So there I went peeling, steaming an pureeing away a different item every few days.  Now after getting through the single ingredient test period (to be sure that he isn’t sensitive to any type of food allergies) I’ve finally gotten to the point where I can start mixing ingredients.

I’ve had a blast trying to discover ways to flavor foods with out using salt or any sweeteners. I’ve learned my boy prefers his veggies roasted to steamed (mini gourmand already) and I’ve been getting jiggy in the kitchen.   I spend a few days of each week preparing for what I’m going to make him.  A friend and I have started a weekly play date/farmers market visit to get all the ingredients needed for the week’s meals (baby’s as well as ours).  Not only is he getting healthy meals but my husband and I are eating so much better these days as well.  I’ve been making dishes such as; roasted gingered carrots, roasted zucchini with cumin, and roasted carrots, zucchini, broccoli and apple (my son’s favorite).  I make a big batch for the whole family. My husband and I enjoy some and the rest gets pureed for my boy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ezra’s Favorite Puree

2 large organic carrots

2 large organic zucchini

1 1/2 cup of organic broccoli

1 large organic apple

Slice all ingredients into small pieces (or larger if the whole family is going to enjoy). Toss with olive oil and any herbs or spices you favor.  I tend to use cumin or Trader Joe’s 21 seasoning salute.  Roast at 400 degrees for about 20 mins. Keeping an eye on the broccoli, it tends to cook faster then the rest of the ingredients.  Serve to those with teeth, and puree in a blender or food processor until desired consistency for those without teeth.

Right now I’m taking advantage of the fact that I actually have time (at least when my son allows me the time) to make us all healthy meals.  I know that after I go back to work, this will probably change, but for now I’m enjoying it.  Do any of you have any special recipes your children really enjoy that you’d like to share?

Posted in Food, organic, Parenting Advice, Villagers | Leave a comment

Baby it’s Cold Outside! Giveaway: Two Leaves Tea Company

by Julie Posted on January 28, 2013

I have mixed feelings about what seems like a colder than average winter in Los Angeles.  Having grown up in the Philadelphia area, you’d think I’d have a thicker skin, but maybe my twelve years out here has made me soft.  I’m not complaining, but if I’m going to shiver, I’d like a little bit of snow along with it.

Luckily I’ve held onto my winter coats and scarves over the years so that I can bundle up, 546456_460333323988406_1327667446_nbut they don’t quite do the trick.  There’s nothing like a hot drink to truly warm away these winter chills.

Lately, I’ve been enjoying mine in the form of Paisley Tea Co.’s english style teas.  Organic, and fair trade, these paper tea bags have over 10% more leaves packed into each bag to brew a stronger cup of tea.  Normally, I use two tea bags in my travel mug, but with these lovely blends, there’s no need.

When it comes to my morning cup of Earl Grey, the more bergamot the better.  There is nothing lacking in Paisley Tea’s Organic Double Earl Grey.  Honestly when I first read the paisley-tea-co-organic-double-earl-grey-detail-178-paisley-doubleeg-verticalshotpackages I doubted I’d notice a difference, but I was happily proven wrong.  Paisley Teas made by Two Leaves Tea Co. create a bolder cup for serious tea drinkers.

The Organic Ginger Green tea is my other favorite variety.  Unlike some blends, this one actually tastes like ginger and green tea.  There is nothing subtle about the flavors here, and that’s what I like.  I’d imagine this would make a delicious ice tea as well!

Paisley Tea Co. also offers Decaf and regular English Breakfast to warm  your spirits.  Feel good about what’s in your mug – all of their organic teas are grown by independent farmers and are certified Fair Trade!

Two Leaves’ Paisley Teas (just $5.95 for a box of 24 bags!), and other products are widely available  at Wholepaisley-tea-co-organic-ginger-green-detail-179-paisley-gingergreen-verticalshot foods and many other other brick and mortar stores as well as from their fantastic website which offers knowledge, tea, and chicly designed “teaware” to enjoy it from.  Join their newsletter and receive a 10% discount online!

WIN!

Two Leaves Tea Company has generously offered TWO Takes a Village Readers TWO boxes of their choosing!  To win, simply enter below!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to Two Leaves and a Bud Tea Company for providing delicious samples for my review!
Posted in Breakfast, Discount, Food, Gift Idea, Giveaway, natural, organic, Villagers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

DIY (or die trying) Christmas

by Stephanie Posted on December 21, 2012

Being a stay at home mom has had its advantages.  I’ve been privileged enough to be there to see my boy hit every milestone and spend every night cuddled up to him (yes, we co-sleep).  That’s not to say that there aren’t any disadvantages.  We’ve had to tweak a few things around here so that I can continue to enjoy my special moments.  For example, we are now having to live on just my husbands salary alone and we’ve had to make quite a few cuts in our budget.  Gone are the days when we’d eat out a few times a week or pick up a few unnecessary items just because they were cute.  I’ve had to get creative with our budget to still be able to afford a few little luxuries.

 

Take Christmas gifts for example, I know that I could easily explain to my family (all 100 of them, ok, I’m exaggerating, but I do come from a very large Mexican family) that gifts christmas_sack_of_giftsfor all of them just aren’t  going to happen this year.  To be honest, I should have cut many of them off years ago.  I have quite a few nephews and nieces that are in their 30′s and would understand if I skipped their gifts.  After all, isn’t Christmas more about the kids anyway?  So this year I’ve decided to still buy the kids presents and make gifts for many of the adults.  I’ve made plenty of things in the past; my poor family members have had to tolerate all my crafty phases.  I still remember a few funny glances I got from my nephews when they opened up the scarves I knitted them a few years ago. Let’s just say, heavy scarves aren’t a necessity for southern Californians (in my defense, I was living in NYC at the time). I myself have always preferred to get handmade gifts. There is nothing more special then someone taking the time to pour their heart and talent into a present for someone they care about.  I cherish every handmade item I’ve ever been given.

So I’m taking to the internet to find some great DIY ideas.  I’m thinking, baked goods, condiments, marinades and maybe some very easy crafts (I do have a 6 month old after all!).  I’m ready to pour my heart into some gifts for those I love.

A few months ago, I got a huge bunch of kale in my organic vegetable delivery and I was
curious to find a new way to cook it. I did a google search for “kale recipes” and up popped cookieandkate.com.  Cookieandkate.com is an amazing food blog that shares the fun and funny adventures of Kate (a twenty something vegetarian) and Cookie (her sweet dog) all the while sprinkling in some fantastic recipes.  This food blog has probably been my favorite this year for healthy recipes.  Not only is the photography beautiful but every recipe on this site is vegetarian and made with 100% whole grains so it’s easy to overindulge and not feel too guilty.  I get a kick out of reading Kate’s posts and since finding the site I’ve experimented with about  6-7 of her recipes. Her recipes are pretty easy to make and I love that you don’t have to drive all around town going to specialty stores to find the ingredients.  I already had everything I needed already in my pantry.   The recipes are fantastic! I have yet to be disappointed.  Some were so good I’ve actually made them twice, so it’s only natural that Kate’s blog would be the first place I look to for inspiration.  She did not fail me.
Kate has a direct link to all of her recipes and wouldn’t you know it – the baked goods section is right on top!  Smart move Kate!!  With recipes like, Pumpkin Pecan Polvorones (Mexican Wedding Cookies),  Heavenly Lemon Blueberry Scones and even Dark Chocolate Zucchini Brownies, what’s not to love?  Kate has gotten me inspired to get started on some yummy and healthy goodies.  Thanks Kate!!

I’m sure there are few crafty folks and awesome foodies out there that are dying to share some great ideas for DIY Christmas gifts. C’mon, I know you wanna!  Please feel free to share those ideas, or even photo’s in our comment section, I’m dying to hear what you got!

*Photo credit: last 3 from CookieandKate.com

 

Posted in Crafts, DIY, Food, Gift Giving, Gift Idea, Holidays, Memories, Recipes, Villagers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Basics for Avoiding GMOs in the Produce Aisle:

by Julie Posted on November 11, 2012

We may not have passed prop 37 YET, but that doesn’t mean Monsanto and its minions have won.  Sure GMOs are a lot of other places (i.e. corn and soy derivatives), but at least we can be sure about which of our produce is organic.  Unfortunately the labeling of the GMOs shown on the image below is not mandatory, but I believe time will change that…. please get behind  and initiatives in your state.  If genetically modified foods are safe, why are they so hesitant to label them???

I am excited to share though, that according to their website, all Trader Joe’s brand products are GMO FREE!  They don’t vouch for other brands in their store, so be sure to research those individually.

Please do share any opinions or facts about freeing ourselves and our families from the potential harm of genetically modified food products!  This an important conversation we should keep in motion!

 

Posted in diet, Environmental, Food, GMO Free, Greener Living, Health, natural, organic, Villagers, Vote! | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Take a Hike! Navitas Trail Mix Giveaway!

by Julie Posted on November 9, 2012

If you’ve read my other articles, you already know I’m always on the hunt for healthy, portable, AND delicious snacks.  My on-the-go lifestyle is far from unique and I’m probably not the only parent who is known to skip meals on particularly busy days. That’s why I’m a huge advocate of always carrying a nutritious bite, wherever you may go.

Trail mix has been around seemingly forever, and with good cause.  Hunter/ gathers needed to stay alert and energized while foraging and stalking and so do we!   I’ve tried all different mixes, many pre-packaged and some of my own.  Honestly, I like most things involving nuts, seeds, fruit, and especially some form of chocolate; I’m not that hard to please.  BUT, there is a company I’ve spoken of before who goes above and beyond the average mix…. Navitas Naturals!

What I love about these mixes is there simplicity.  Their names double as their ingredients:  Mulberries-Gojis-Goldenberries and 3 Berry-Cacoa Nib-Cashew.  Nothing else added to these superfoods – no processing, certified organic, raw, nutrient dense, and delicious.   I tried the latter of the two mixes.  The three berries are those mentioned in the first mix.  Pretty simple, pretty tasty.

I ate the Navitas Trail Mix while hiking, while driving, and admittedly while just sitting here writing.  It tastes good and it feels good.  Packed with iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A; this is one of those treats that you feel from your head to your toes.

While recent claims of cacao containing vitamin C have been proven false, there are plenty of other reasons to eat it.  It is high in iron, magnesium, and fiber, to name a few.  Also, it is an unsweetened, unprocessed way to get a chocolate fix!

Goldenberries, originating in the Incan diet, are basically a citrusy raisin in flavor.  In nutrient value, they give us antioxidants, fiber iron, vitamin A, fiber, and then some.  These were a new flavor for me and grew on me quickly.

Many of you have probably already heard of Goji Berries, they’ve been a recent superfood celebrity.  Antioxidant benefits are joined by beta-carotene, amino acids, polysaccharides, and more!

When Navitas Naturlas decided to put these super-ingredients together, they gave us a nutrient and flavor blast – thanks!  I enjoyed adding the trail mix to cereal and imagine it could be a great addition to baked goods and more – use your imaginations and please let us know what you come up with!

Navitas Naturals is a certified organic, green company based in Northern California.  They are “committed to socially and environmentally responsible business practices. We source our premium functional foods through direct partnerships with farming communities around the world. An essential part of our mission is to create economic opportunities among indigenous people in developing countries, and our support of native agriculture helps expand development of global organic farming practices.”

Navitas Natural products are widely available in stores and also directly from their super informative website, which includes an awesome variety of functional food recipes.

Win Some!

The wonderful crew at Navitas Naturals are giving TWO lucky Takes a Village readers each a 4 oz. bag of Mulberries-Gojis-Goldenberries AND a 4 oz. bag 3 Berry-Cacoa Nib-Cashew trail mixes, a $12 value!

To enter, simply visit Navitas’ website, check out the trail mix and let us know how you would incorporate this into you daily life… would you eat it straight while driving, bake with it (share your recipes!), or what?

Additional entries below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to Navitas Naturals for their delicious samples provided for my review!
Congratulations to our winners Louis and Michelle!
Posted in diet, Food, Giveaway, Gluten Free, Health, Snacks, Vegan, Villagers | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment