Spicy Ginger and Couscous

We absolutely love ginger! Everything about this powerful spice is amazing. All the things you can do with it is amazing. Because of our love for it we grow it all year around. Here’s a few of the dope benefits and a fave recipe💕!!! 

• Relieves nausea. ...
• Reduces muscle pain. ...
• Aids digestion. ...
• Boosts bone health. ...
• Reduces oxidative stress. ...
• Strengthens the immune system. ...
• Reduces the risk of heart disease. ...
• Mitigates obesity.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-ginger

 

Whatcha Need:

2 tablespoons olive oil oil

2 medium onions sliced 

3 large tomatoes 

1 jalapeno pepper 

2 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot

2 cans(cook chickpeas according to package)

1/4 cup water(chickpea water if you make’em

1 clove garlic 

1 teaspoon pink himalayan salt 

1 teaspoon black pepper 

1 teaspoon oregano 

1 teaspoon bay leaves 

1 cup light coconut milk

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro

4-1/2 cups cooked couscous or quinoa

How it’s Done:

In a large skillet,heat your oil.

Add onions cook until tender. 

Add tomatoes,jalapeno and ginger. 

Cook 2-3 minutes longer or until tender.
Add in chickpeas,water and salt 

bring to a boil. 

Let it simmer uncovered for 4-6 minutes Remove from heat then stir in coconut milk 
Add on top of  couscous or quinoa

Enjoy!

Mac and Cheese

 When you eat your Mac and cheese today enjoy this bit of history. We sooo DOPE! Click the link to learn more about Mr. James Hemings!

While Thomas Jefferson is credited with bringing macaroni and cheese to the Americas, it was the work of his enslaved chef, James Hemings, that put the dish on the proverbial map and made it the truly celebrated dish of Americans to this day. For Black people, macaroni and cheese is more than a savory delight. So when Jefferson visited Europe in the 1780s, he first encountered and fell in love with the dish. It was during his time in France with Jefferson that Hemings learned the French dish of pasta and cheese. He prepared a dish called "macaroni pie". 

This dish evolved to what Americans call macaroni and cheese today. According to Damon Lee Fowler, Dining at Monticello: In Good Taste and Abundance, enslaved Black people were talented culinary artists!  Hemings was trained by a French chef while spending time in Europe with Jefferson; however, his own twist on macaroni and cheese is what Jefferson preferred. In Paris,Jefferson became concerned that Hemings might learn that he could be free when France had abolished slavery in 1789. He wrote about this issue to another American slaveholder in a similar situation. 

According to the 1873 memoir of Madison Hemings, his uncle James and (future) mother Sally actively considered staying in France for freedom while they were in Paris. (Sally Hemings had accompanied one of Jefferson's daughters to France and worked for the family until they returned to the United States.) While fearful of their seeking freedom, Jefferson, who was in debt for most of his life, was also concerned about having paid for training James.

Hemings was actually able to achieve freedom once teaching another slave, his brother Peter, how to create Jefferson’s favored cheesy dish.  Peter Hemings made a “pie called macaroni,” at an early 1800s state dinner hosted by Jefferson, further introducing the dish to America’s upper echelon. Macaroni and cheese was featured in cookbooks and became a culinary delight among the wealthy, but it also was a dish for the poor.  After slavery, Blacks often relied on relief organizations and food from the government, which often included macaroni and processed cheese, making a quick, easy and affordable meal.  

Once Black Americans grew in wealth and access to more products from stores and markets, macaroni and cheese included a roux and other tricks of the trade passed down from generations to this day. Macaroni and cheese is part of Black American’s journey.  It’s not just a beloved American dish, but truly a staple for Black people as, in James Hemings case, it presented an opportunity for freedom, was a way to express culinary creativity, at times it served as a means of survival and to this day is a way to unite people at a dinner table and beyond. 

By Micha Green

https://museumofuncutfunk.com/2015/10/17/chef-james-hemmings/

The Power of Star Anise

 Star Anise are one of my favorite spices! It’s jam packed with so many health benefits and uses. It’s also a powerful protection spice for ritual and potions. Here’s so of our top benefits and one of our delicious tea blends check it out. A Few of the Top Star Anise!

1. Antioxidant Benefits
2. Insect Repellant
3. Fights Viruses and Flu
4. Digestive Aid and Protection
5. Stops Growth of Bacteria and Fungi
6. May Reduce Respiratory Congestion
7. Improves Lactation
8. Eases Menopause Symptoms
9. Anti-Diabetic – Lowers Blood Sugar
10. Promotes Bone Health
11. Heart Health – Regulates Blood Pressure and Circulation
12. Protects Liver – Detoxifies the Body
13. Relieves Pain and Inflammation
14. Anti-Cancer Agent
15. Brain Health and Combat Neurological Disorders
16. Improves Sleep
17. Skin Care

For the some people this because this Chinese spice —contain potent neurotoxins that can lead to serious physical symptoms, including seizures, hallucinations and nausea. That’s why like with anything please do your own research so you can determine what is right for you and your family. 

Hwow it’s Done:

1. Add everything in to your blender. 
2. Blend until desired consistency.
3. Pour into jar or mug.
4. Sprinkle ya dash of cayenne pepper. 
5. Enjoy!

Whatcha Need:

2 inches of ginger root 
5 star of anise 
4 cups of water 
1 tablespoon lemon or key lime juice 
Localized honey to taste

How it’s Done:

1. Cut and peel your ginger into several strips. 
2. Pour 4 cups of water into a pot, add the ginger, star of anise and cook over high heat. 
3. Lower your heat once it starts boiling.
4. Let it boil covered for 5 minutes or so.
5. Turn off the heat.
6. Continue to keep your tea covered the for 15 minutes. 
7. Add the lemon or key lime juice. 
8. Add your localized honey to taste.
9. Enjoy 

Apple and Turmeric Smoothie

It’s that time of the year we’re my family pulls out pretty much everything turmeric lol. Turmeric milk,slushy,and smoothies  you name it. Turmeric is a powerful ancient spice that boasts a number of health benefits due to its strong anti-oxidant and anti-infammatory properties. Combine tumeric with Protein for a powerful punch. This tasty turmeric infused morning/lunch/dinner blend can also be an AMAZING meal replacement! 

Whatcha Need:

1 cup of almond or oat  milk

1/2 an apple

2 scoops peanut/almond or other high protein butter

1/2 tablespoon turmeric

1/4 teaspoon ginger(fresh or dry)

1/4 teaspoon cardamon

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon raw localized honey 

Dash of cayenne pepper(optional)

How it’s Done:

1. Add everything in to your blender. 
2. Blend until desired consistency.
3. Pour into jar or mug.
4. Sprinkle ya dash of cayenne pepper. 
5. Enjoy!

Sunni Delight💙

Kiwi and Cucumber Sips

 I absolutely love fruit and some veggies water combinations. In my household we drink tons of water. However when I go on my seasonal fast I like to mix it up. Here’s one of my oldie but goodies I found in a folder in my notes. It’s my Kiwi and Cucumber Sips with mint. This is a amazing and healing on top of delicious collaboration of some of my favorite water add ins. 

Whatcha Need:

2 seeded cucumbers, chopped

3 kiwi fruit, peeled

15–20 fresh mint sprigs 

Juice of 2 key limes

64oz spring water

  

How it’s Done: 

1. Put your cucumbers,kiwi, 1/2 of your mint,lime juice,and 32oz water in a blender.
2. Blend until it is super smooth.
3. Place in a strainer over a large bowl or pitcher and pour the puree through the strainer into the bowl/pitcher. 
4. Press all the pulp to get all juice.
5. Save pulp for breads or smoothies.
6. Add the rest of your water. 
7. Chill the your fruit water for about an hour.
8. Then add the rest of your mint a few more pieces of cucumbers and kiwi before serving.
9. Enjoy! 

 

If ya wanna make it a adult night feature! Add any light liquor to it and drink up(safely of course)!

Power of Mint

Our mint was popping this year. So I decided to share my Sunni’s Spiced Mint Tea Recipe and a few amazing benefits of this little power plant!

Sunni’s Spiced Mint Tea 

Whatcha Need:

3 cups water

1 cinnamon stick

2 whole cloves

2 whole allspice

1 cup fresh mint leaves

Stevia,Honey,or Organic Sugar 

How it’s Done:

Place the water,cinnamon,cloves and allspice in a large saucepan.

Bring to a boil for 1 minute. 

Stir in mint leaves.

Remove from the heat,cover and steep for 5 minutes. 

Strain tea.

Serve with honey,stevia,or organic sugar. 

Here’s some amazing benefits! https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/275944 

For a DeLightful after hours beverage🤪lol add spiced rum....and shake ya bum bum!!!

#Black2Basics

#GrowSumthin

#Doing4Self

Let the “Beet”Drop

Yoooooo let the “Beet” drop!!! For the last few years we’ve been growing beets. Beets are now as an adult one of my favorite veggies(can’t say that when I was a kid lol). However after using a old skool recipe for canning them it became real real for me. Getting down to the rich benefits and eating these little tart red balls have been fun and delicious! 

                             #BackyardHealing

                               #GrowSumthin

                                  #Doing4Self

                                 #Black2Basics

1. Beets are a source of valuable nutrients and fiber

Beetroot contains vitamins A,C,and B group. They are a good source of calcium, iron magnesium, potassium, manganese and fibre.

2. Beet greens are edible

Beet greens, the leafy part of the vegetable are the healthiest part of the plant. They contain the vitamins and minerals found in the root as well as, fibre, vitamin B6, and have significant amounts of vitamin A and C, calcium and iron.

3. Beets can lower blood pressure

The inorganic nitrate content of beets is converted to nitric oxide which helps improve blood flow. This is beneficial on the cardiovascular system and helps reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow.

4. Beets fight inflammation

Beets can help fight inflammation. They are a source of betaine which protects cells from environmental stress. Eating beets regularly has a powerful effect due to their anti-inflammatory properties. 

5. Beets boost stamina and energy levels

Beets have significant amounts of carbohydrates to provide fuel for energy and sports activities. Researchers have noticed that oxygen intake increases by up to 16% in stamina for exercise. 

6. Beets are good for heart health

The nutrient betaine found in beets lowers levels of homocysteine which can be harmful to blood vessels. Eating beetroot helps prevent cardiovascular diseases as the fibre in beets strip excess LDL cholesterol from the walls of the blood vessels and eliminates it from the body quickly.

7. Beets have anti cancer properties

The cancerous cell growth in lung, skin and colon cancer can be counteracted by the pigment betacyanin is obtained from drinking beet juice. Beetroot extract is being studied for use in treating pancreatic cancer, breast and prostate cancer. Studies show that betalains are good at protecting the body against developing some cancers like lung,stomach, colon and breast cancer.

8. Beets help your body detox

Beets support detoxification of the whole body and strengthen the immune system. Beetroot extract helps to get rid of free radicals from your body’s cells. 

9. Beets are good for liver health

The betaines contained in beet juice stimulate the function of the liver. Extracts of beetroot help prevent fat accumulating in the liver. This reduces oxidative stress levels.Beet juice is a very effective way to help your liver to get rid of damaging toxins.

10. Beets can reduce the risks of birth defects

Beets are very good for pregnant women as they are a rich source of vitamin B folate. This vitamin helps in the development of the infant’s spinal column. A deficiency of folate could lead to a variety of conditions called neural tube defects. The vitamin B folate lowers the dangers of birth defects in babies. The vitamin B folate in beets is very good for pregnant women as the vitamin B helps in the development of the infant’s spinal column.

11. Beets reduce the risk of strokes

A deficiency of potassium in the body increases the risk of strokes and so the beetroot that is rich in potassium is recommended to improve heart health. Potassium relaxes the blood vessels and reduces blood pressure throughout the body. Blood clots are less likely to form when blood pressure is reduced and vessels and arteries are no longer contracted.

12. Beets supports mental health

Beets are a good source of folate, also known as B-9 it is important for good brain health. Folate works with B12 to help iron function in your body and produce red blood cells. The nitric oxide produced from beets helps increase blood flow throughout your body. This improves blood flow to the frontal lobes of the brain.Blood flow to the brain decreases with age and this can lead to a decline in cognition. Drinking beet juice can improve oxygenation to the brain slowing down the process of dementia. Beets have high levels of tryptophan that keeps you relaxed and calm. They also contain betalain used in anti-depressants.

13. Beets will strengthen the immune system

Beets are high in immune boosting vitamin C, fibre and essential minerals like potassium that is essential for the health of nerves and muscle function.Beet greens may help boost bone strength and strengthen your immune system by stimulating the production of antibodies and white blood cells. Beets provide the immune boosting vitamin C with fibre and essential minerals that stimulate the production of antibodies.

14. Beets can act as an aphrodisiac

Beets contain significant levels of the mineral boron which is directly related to the production of human sex hormones. This leads to a boost in libido, increased fertility, sperm mobility, and a reduction of frigidity in the bedroom.

15. Beets have anti-aging properties too

Beets can help prevent age related cataracts and reduce macular degeneration with its vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant substance that can defend the eye against free radicals. They can help prevent kidney damage as they get rid of free radicals that can cause kidney disease.

9 Impressive Health Benefits of Beets

* Many Nutrients in Few Calories. ...

* Help Keep Blood Pressure in Check. ...

* Can Improve Athletic Performance. ...

* May Help Fight Inflammation. ...

* May Improve Digestive Health. ...

* May Help Support Brain Health. ...

* May Have Some Anti-Cancer Properties. ...

* May Help You Lose Weight…

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

Hey Y’all, 

I had so many people asked me for my cranberry sauce recipe. This has been a family favorite for years. It doesn’t have to be a special occasion to enjoy this tart treat. However I pray it brings as much joy to your family as it has mines~Selah 

Sunni’s Cranberry Sauce 

12 oz fresh cranberries 
1/2 cup organic sugar  

1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice

1/4 cup fresh orange zest 

 

How it’s Done:

1. In a medium saucepan,over medium heat mix the sugar in the orange juice.
2. Stir in the cranberries.
3. Cook’em until they start to pop(8-12) minutes.
4. Stir to combine.
5. Remove from heat.
6. Place in a heat safe bowl. 
7. Cranberry sauce will thicken as it cools.
8. Sprinkle fresh orange zest on top.
9. Enjoy!

 

Moving Forward

Trauma is blinding and can make it to where you can’t see anything pass your traumatic experience. Guess what that’s ok.. I’m personally not a firm believer in the form of forgiveness we’ve been taught,nor in the delusion of closure(I’m a REAL different kind lol),but I do believe in healing! 

No you may never get the closure you feel you deserve,hell most of these mutherfucka’s don’t believe they’re done wrong..so there’s that heartfelt forgiveness you were banking on. However all definitely ain’t lost,that healing is up to you! 

Yeah it’ll be nice to get all the feels you think you deserve from those that have done ya wrong…but realistically probably won’t happen. But please don’t let their fuckery stop you from being your best you…you are a victory not a victim(lol and I ain’t opposed to jarring they asses and packing them deep into the ground under graveyard dirt😅)! Lol nah keep rising and striving,you got this.