January 28, 2012

Stuffed Portabello Mushrooms

By Kathryn

When my husband and I first moved to Seattle, we loved to go to the top of the Space Needle and have dinner. Our friends thought only tourists went there, but the food was great and the view was incredible. At the time, I was writing the Cooking for Fertility cookbook and decided to include a variation of one of our favorite Space Needle Meals.

This dish bolsters immunity with mushrooms, builds blood with spinach, offers omega-3 fatty acids in walnuts, and adds a serving of full-fat dairy with goat cheese.

Serves 2-4 Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
4 large portabello mushrooms
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
12 ounces fresh spinach
1 cup tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup goat cheese
1/8 cup walnuts
crushed Sea salt or dulse flakes to taste

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet, and add garlic and spinach, stirring until wilted. remove, and add tomatoes.

Scoop out insides from mushroom caps, rinse and dry thoroughly. Brush mushrooms with 1 tablespoon olive oil and spoon spinach mixture into caps. Sprinkle goat cheese on top and top with walnuts, if desired, and bake on a cookie sheet for 8-10 minutes.

Posted in Blood stasis, Cysts, Endometriosis, Fertility Recipe, Fibroids, Healing Fertility Foods, Kidney Essence, Liver Qi Stagnation, Main Course, PCOS, PMS, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods, Weight Loss | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments closed
January 17, 2012

Mango Rice Pancakes

By Kathryn

In the process of writing the cookbook I had to cut out some recipes I really liked. I also mistakenly included this one in the index and one reader was helpful and eager enough to try the recipe that they took the time to write me (thank you!). So here it is a delicious combination of mango and gluten free rice flour.

With all of its 70 plus anti-oxidants, brown rice combines with the cooling nature of mango to replenish adrenal and reproductive system over-drive. Alternative toppings for pancakes: dark berries, fresh fruit slices, unsweetened jam, agave nectar or simple syrup. 
 
 Enjoy!

1 cup brown rice flour
½ cup tapioca flour
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp guar gum
½ tsp flaxseed
½ cup simple syrup
1 ½ cups almond, rice, hemp or goat milk
1 egg
2 T olive oil
½ cup mango, chopped

Combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, mix together wet ingredients. Add wet mixture to dry mixture. Add in mangoes. Spray a saucepan with olive oil and warm over med-low heat. Spoon in ¼ cup of the batter; cook until bubbles form on top. Flip, and cook 2-3 minutes more until done. Serve drizzled with simple syrup. 


Posted in Breakfast, Fertility Recipe, Healing Fertility Foods, Heart Blood Deficiency, Kidney Essence, Kidney Yin, Liver Blood Deficiency, Premature Ovarian Failure, Recurrent Miscarriage, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods, Unexplained Infertility | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed
November 17, 2011

Fertility Friendly Hot Chocolate

By Kathryn

Everybody loves a sweet treat from time to time. One of the best choices is to reach for a high quality dark chocolate, 70% cocoa content or more.

Dark chocolate, a friendly monounsaturated fat, has some strong benefits for fertility. Research shows that the smell of chocolate can increase the brain’s theta waves, which promote the relaxation response. Chocolate contains flavanoids known to help elevate mood, promote blood flow, ease inflammation and inhibit the formation of blood clots. Chocolate also contains arginine, which increases blood flow to the uterus and ovaries specifically. Both chocolate and L-arginine supplements are best avoided in cases of Heat, and particularly if you have skin eruptions like herpes. Drink Hot Chocolate as an occasional treat, not an everyday staple.

Yields: 2 generous servings

2 cups almond, hemp or goat milk 1/3 cup water 2 tablespoons dark cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon agave nectar

Heat milk and water over medium-low heat. Add in cocoa powder, stirring vigorously until completely dissolved. Add remaining ingredients and stir for two minutes. Once it is simmering, remove from heat and serve while hot.

Posted in Beverage, Endometriosis, Fertility Recipe, Fibroids, Healing Fertility Foods, Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Qi Deficiency, Unexplained Infertility | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed
October 27, 2011

Butternut Apple Squash Soup

By Kathryn

I’ve been craving soups this fall and have been experimenting with some variations from the recipes in the cookbook. My favorite so far has been the butternut squash apple soup. My whole family loves it, even the littlest one among us. It’s nutrient rich, sweet and savory all at the same time. Squash is a beneficial source of Vitamin A. Cooling and replenishing in nature, it helps resolve inflammatory conditions. Apples benefit people with low blood sugar or emotional depression. Seaweed salt alternatives are delicious and contain wonderful minerals to support your very essence and fertility. Like most soups I find this one tastes even better the second day.

You will need

1 onion (I like yellow)
1 Tablespoons of olive oil
1- 32 ounce container of organic chicken or vegetable stock
2-3 lbs of butternut squash
4 apples (choose sweet varities like gala)
Seaweed salt alternative and pepper to taste

In a large pot, saute onion in 1 Tablespoons of olive oil. Add stock of choice with chopped butternut squash and apples. Bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer until squash and apple are soft. Puree in batches and return to stove to simmer for an additional 30-60 minutes. Serve hot and season with seaweed and pepper to your liking.

Posted in Fertility Recipe, Healing Fertility Foods, Heart Blood Deficiency, Kidney Essence, Kidney Yin, Liver Blood Deficiency, Premature Ovarian Failure, Recurrent Miscarriage, Soup, Sperm Health, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods, Unexplained Infertility, Weight Loss | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed
October 11, 2011

Mango Avocado Salsa

By Kathryn

My sister just sent me this most delicious mango salsa recipe. She always makes the best recipes with very little effort or measurements for that matter. So you can play around and make this salsa to your taste with some basic parameters provided by Meghan.

I love the combination of the Vitamin C rich, antiviral mango with the most protein rich fruit: avocado, a wonderful source of monounsaturated fat. The red onion adds a nice tang along with the lime juice, both which help to move any liver stagnation or angst from your day.

Serve with gluten free corn tortilla chips and enjoy!

2 avocados
1 mango
1/2 red onion
Cilantro
Lime juice
Olive Oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Posted in Endometriosis, Fertility Recipe, Fibroids, Heart Blood Deficiency, Kidney Yin, Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, PMS, Premature Ovarian Failure, Recurrent Miscarriage, Sides, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods, Unexplained Infertility | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed
May 6, 2011

Quinoa: Mother of Grains

By Kathryn

Quinoa

A recipe from Cooking for Fertility: Foods to Nourish Your Fertile Soul.

Quinoa, packs 16% more protein than any other grain, warming you from the inside out. its plant protein contains manganese, magnesium, iron, and all nine essential amino acids. Soaking quinoa overnight helps to release nutrients and improves digestibility. nurture yourself with this nutrient-dense start to the day or enjoy with lunch or dinner as a savory side dish.

Serves 2
Cooking time: 35 minutes

2 cups water
1 cup quinoa, soaked
1/2 cup steamed almond, hemp or goat milk
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup raspberries
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1 teaspoon flaxseed

Place water and quinoa in a covered saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. turn off heat and let sit 5 minutes. Uncover and add almonds, raspberries, steamed milk and cinnamon.

Posted in Breakfast, Fertility Recipe, Healing Fertility Foods, Kidney Yang, Liver Blood Deficiency, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment
March 22, 2011

Gluten Free Pizza

By Kathryn

Gluten Free Pizza!

We have been searching for the perfect gluten free pizza crust over the last few weeks. In the fertility cookbook, I create a brown rice pizza crust that, as my husband would tell you, took forever to perfect. I also love the quinoa flatbread that Tif and I showcased in the cooking dvd. After making and enjoying both many times, we both agree that it is delicious but sometimes it’s nice to have something packaged and ready to go.

And so our search began with Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust. I liked this one more than my husband did, possibly because I am strictly gluten free and the possibility of eating pizza is simply delightful to me! My husband found the dough was a little “wet” and didn’t enjoy it as much. This one comes with yeast in the package and the assembly is quite easy. It’s possible to split the serving into two and keep a portion in the fridge for the next day. This definitely is not the kind of pizza you want to eat cold in the middle of the night. Our recommendation: always eat it warm and cook for a little longer than recommended to ensure the crust is not soggy.

Our second attempt at gluten free pizza was straight out of the freezer section. This is a healthfood gal’s dream come true and the closest I get to “fast food”. Natures Hilights Brown Rice Pizza Crust was the easiest to prepare of the three we’ve tested. We both thought it was pretty good and we’ve enjoyed it several times since. The crust itself doesn’t have too much flavor so you will want to add all of your favorite toppings to spice things up. We loved this one with sauteed onions, mushrooms and goat cheese.

Our third choice has been our favorite so far. Even though it is the most complicated of the three we made, Dad’s Gluten Free Pizza Crust tasted the most like real pizza. This blend does not come with the active yeast and since we didn’t have any in the house we opted for Brewer’s yeast, which is not the same but did give us the added benefit of B vitamins. I think this product is pretty new on the market and it looks like they used to only sell in pre-made shells. Look for them on the shelves of your local health food store (the package is red). Again, the longer you cook this one, the better and crispier it tastes! We added leftover bolognese sauce, onions and mushrooms with goat cheese and the combination was absolutely delicious.

I will keep adding to this post as we test more varieties. I would love to hear your recommendations.

Posted in Fertility Recipe, Heart Blood Deficiency, Main Course, PMS, Spleen Qi Deficiency, TCM Fertility Foods | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment
September 2, 2010

Lemon Cucumber Drink

By Kathryn

Lemon Cucumber Drink

The other night we went to a friend’s for a BBQ and she introduced us to one of the most delicious beverages I have ever tasted. Granted, most people at the party were having the alcoholic version, but on this HOT summer night I was most grateful that she could make mine a virgin.

When desiring to conceive it makes sense to moderate or omit alcohol consumption, which impacts the health of the liver. For fertility, we want hormone metabolism to be optimal and cutting out unnecessary toxins is a first step toward a clean liver. This isn’t to say the occasional glass of wine or champagne is forbidden, I just notice I feel a lot better the less alcohol I consume and you may notice the same.

I have always loved lemonade, but the addition of the cooling properties of cucumber truly brought my old time favorite to a new level of refreshing. Like water, drink this beverage at room temperature to optimize digestion. I would also suggest making a larger quantity because you are sure to want more once you taste it!

Celina’s Lemon Cucumber Drink:

1/2 gallon lemonade (recipe is also in the Cooking for Fertility cookbook)
1/2 cucumber, peeled and sliced and add to lemonade.

The cucumber will soak into the lemonade and the taste is nothing short of delightful. The essence building and liver cleansing properties are an added bonus!

Posted in Beverage, Fertility Recipe, Healing Fertility Foods, Kidney Essence, Kidney Yin, PMS, Premature Ovarian Failure, Recurrent Miscarriage, Unexplained Infertility | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments
August 20, 2010

Chlorophyll Rich Northwest Fertility Salad

By Kathryn

The first time Tiffany made me this chlorophyll rich salad I was blown away. The rich colors of the green kale and the red beets filled me up just by looking at them, all the while deeply cleansing the liver and helping me to resolve any symptoms of PMS. I proceeded to make and eat this blood nourishing, easy to digest salad every day for a month playing with a variety of pumpkin seeds for the zinc and omega fertility benefits as well as delicious almonds. I would recommend you try both and please share any variations you find.

The food processor helps to predigest the raw vegetables and since we prefer to eat cooked or room temperature foods when eating for fertility, this salad makes the cut. You can really make salad spleen friendly if you take your time and chew it well (our teacher often recommends 30 chews per bite!). It’s also nice to include some raw foods during the summer months when weather is a lot warmer. Tif and I show you how to make this recipe on our Cooking for Fertility DVD along with 12 other fertility enhancing recipes.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Yields: 2-4 servings

This salad just looks like the northwest! It has beautiful greens, orange and reds with the browned nuts. You’ll experience an explosion of flavor in your mouth! All of these ingredients are filled with vitality, and that is what you’ll feel as you eat it!

2 cups, packed Kale and chard, washed and de-stemmed

1 cup grated raw carrot or beet (washed well, with skin on) 1/2 cup of each is nice

1 washed apple grated with skin on (about 1 cup)

2-3 tablespoons unrefined olive or sesame oil

1-2 tablespoons fresh citrus juice (I like lime)

2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds

Pinch of sea salt to taste

If you have a food processor, pulse kale and chard until well chopped, but not mush: if not, use knife to chop fine. Place in medium/large mixing bowl. Use food processor (to grate) or a hand grater for carrots and/or beets. Add to greens. Next grate apple with skin and add to the mixture. Be sure to put in any juice from the apple

Add oil, citrus juice, apple cider vinegar and mix. Toast pumpkin seeds on skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until fragrant and browning. Pour into salad, toss and serve. Apple slices make a nice garnish. This salad will keep nicely in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Posted in Blood stasis, Cysts, Endometriosis, Fertility Recipe, Fibroids, Healing Fertility Foods, Heart Blood Deficiency, Kidney Essence, Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, PCOS, PMS, Premature Ovarian Failure, Recurrent Miscarriage, Salad, Sperm Health, TCM Fertility Foods, Unexplained Infertility | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments
July 12, 2010

Gluten Free Lasagna

By Kathryn

Sometimes the idea of going gluten free makes people feel like they are going to have to “give up” some of their favorite dishes. Lasagna has always been a favorite of mine and even though this recipe is not dairy free, I like to have it enjoy it every once and awhile.   I firmly believe it is most important not to overly restrict with food, and more important to focus on healthful alternatives that you  will like just as much.  Of course, if you are sensitive to dairy or cutting it out for a short period of time to find out if you are sensitive, this isn’t the best recipe for you. If your acupuncturist has shared the diagnosis of dampness with you or you have cysts or weight to lose it may be best to avoid dairy for the time being. But keep it on file and when I learn to make an equally great lasagna using dairy alternatives, I will be sure to share.

I love this lasagna because it is easy to make and even better the next day as the flavor sets in. The original recipes came from my dear friend Julie and her mother Christine. The very first time I tasted this lasagna was at Julie’s 16th birthday party, many years ago.  Enter the gluten intolerance and therefore italian food deficiency for some years until I discovered the joy of brown rice and quinoa pastas.  I can say with confidence that the gluten free version is just as delicious!  I like to use gluten free brown rice lasagna noodles in this recipe.  Important Note: To maintain a good relationship with gluten free pastas, it is important not to overcook them because they can get soggy– think al dente.

Ingredients:

1 package brown rice lasagna noodles

Filling

1 large container organic cottage cheese
2 small containers organic ricotta cheese
125 grams organic parmesan cheese
2 organic eggs
8 ounces of organic spinach, steamed

Sauce

1 bottle (700 ml) organic pasta sauce
14 ounces organic stewed tomatoes
Italian seasoning to taste

Topping

4 cups organic mozarella cheese
125 grams organic parmesan cheese

Boil brown rice noodles as directed on package. At the same time, steam the spinach and warm the tomato sauces, adding desired spices. In a 9 x 13 glass pan spread a thin layer of tomato sauce. Follow by two layers of noodles, filling and sauce. For the final layer add remaining tomato sauce with mozarella cheese and parmesan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45- 1 hour. If top begins to brown too much before center is hot, cover.

Posted in Healing Fertility Foods, Kidney Essence, Kidney Yin, Main Course, Premature Ovarian Failure | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments