Sacred Fasting, Healing Foods

Greetings and Salutations,

Happy Holy Month to all. I’ve taken the liberty of writing a brief blog to share nutrient dense recipes with those who are fasting.

First up, Oatmeal porridge. This is my personal spin on an Afro-Caribbean staple.

In honor of Black History Month, there are no measurements. (It's an inside joke)

Simply add liquid and dry ingredients to gain the consistency that you desire. Yes, you absolutely can use fresh ingredients like fresh ginger and fresh nutmeg. However, for the sake of this recipe, we will use dried ground ingredients.

Ingredients:

Ground oatmeal 

Coconut milk or any plant-based milk

Ground ginger  (fresh shaved ginger if you’re bold and brave)

Ground cloves

Ground nutmeg

Vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract 

Ground Cinnamon 

Dates (as many as you want but 2 will suffice)

Butter

Recipe:

1.        In a small saucepan, heat your butter and caramelize your dates.

2.        Add milk, extract, and spices and bring to a slow boil

3.        Turn off the heat and whisk in ground oats. (Ground oats are made by grinding rolled oats in a blender, food processor, or coffee grinder)

4.        Continue to whisk to your desired consistency. Feel free to add more milk if needed.

5.        Scoop your porridge into a bowl, top with ground cinnamon, condensed milk, or your favorite toppings (optional).

6.        Enjoy!

Benefits: Oats regulate your blood sugar and provide a steady source of energy during time of fasting. Dates are high in potassium, fiber, and magnesium. They provide sustained energy throughout the day and may help improve brain functioning.

Up next, Hibiscus punch. For centuries, many cultures have brewed hibiscus flower  for its ability to regulate your blood sugar and support your reproductive organs.  This variation has been influenced by West Africa and the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica.

Ingredients:

Hibiscus

Red raspberry leaf

Lemon balm

Cloves

Pineapple Juice

Honey

Recipe:

1.       In a large pot boil a handful of Jamaican hibiscus flowers, red raspberry leaf, a few cloves, and lemon balm.

2.       Boil on medium heat for approximately 10 minutes.

3.       Turn off the heat and allow it to cool before adding honey. (Adding honey to hot beverages destroys its healing properties)

4.      Add honey and pineapple juice to your liking

5.      Chill

6. Add a squeeze of lemon or other citrus and enjoy.

Benefits: Hibiscus supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol. It aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. Lemon balm calms and relaxes the body. Red Raspberry leaf supports female reproductive organs, while cloves provide anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They also aid the body "detoxing" from sugar.

Lastly, I give you Golden Milk. I'm sure you have your own golden milk recipe, but this one brings the bold flavors of the India right to your kitchen. Golden milk + Chai masala= pure sweet heaven. I

Ingredients:

Ground turmeric

Plant based milk (anti-inflammatory is the goal)

Cardamom

Cinnamon

Fresh ginger (you can use dried)

Whole cloves

Whole peppercorn (ground pepper will suffice)

Honey

Recipe:

In a small pot, heat your milk and spices. If it's boiling, decrease the heat.

Stir in turmeric powder

Turn off heat and allow to cool

Stir in honey

Pour into your favorite cup and enjoy.

Benefits: Turmeric and black pepper are a power couple for decreasing inflammation. Ginger aids in digestion and chronic pain. Honey is pack with antioxidants, vitamins, and beneficial enzymes. It also acts as a preservative in the drink. Feel free to make it in batches and consume within the week.

Thank you for reading.

With gratitude,