A friend from out of town recently called (actually called, didn't just text) and to my delight was dropping by for lunch. I had a couple of hours before her arrival, and happened to be on my way to the market. Like a smack on the head, jalapeño pepper spread was my craving of the day and our lunch would now revolve around it. Thankfully the experimental recipe worked out! And just like that, a couple of gals were enjoying Jalapeño Paprika Hemp Spread on fresh sourdough bread with roasted beets, avocado and topped with spiralized carrots and sprouts. I'll share photos and details of this next week, but for now, go whip yourself up some of this delicious, spicy spread. It's a nice thing to have in the fridge to enjoy in wraps and sandwiches or with some crackers topped with cucumber.

INGREDIENTS:

1 green jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup hemp seed
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 garlic glove, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp water
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp sea salt

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until thick and the jalapeño paper has been finely broken down. Store in a jar or glass container in the fridge.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

LEMON: a natural detoxifier, rich source of vitamin C, and contains limonene that promotes immunity and helps fight infection.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: reduces sinus infections and sore throats, prevents muscle fatigue after exercise, improves digestion and cures constipation, and helps to alleviate symptoms of arthritis.

JALAPEÑO PEPPER: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, boosts metabolism and helps promote weight-loss, a rich source of vitamin E and C and minerals.

PAPRIKA: promotes heart health and circulation and can even help normalize blood pressure, a rich source of vitamin E, A and C which helps fight colds and helps the body to absorb iron.

NUTRITIONAL YEAST: excellent source of fiber, complete protein, and rich source of vitamin B's, minerals and amino acids.

SEA SALT: anti-inflammatory, boosts immunity, alkalizing to the body, promotes heart health and circulation and aids to help deal with stress and promotes better sleep and mood by maintaining hormone levels in the body.

GARLIC: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, boosts metabolism, lowers cholesterol and helps to prevent cancer.

HEMP SEEDS: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, packed with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, rich source of vitamin B complex and vitamin E and high in minerals, promotes heart health and circulation, high in fibre, and contains tryptophan which helps regulate sleep and improve mood.

I have to admit, this Creamy Lemon Garlic Hemp Sauce was a beautiful accident one day while experimenting in the kitchen. An accident that I now make weekly, eat daily and work into a variety of dishes including salads, noodles, and veggie-grain bowls. It's a great sauce to have handy to add to meals, and can also be used as a dip for snacking!

Hemp seeds, once blended, add a creamy, smooth texture to things like smoothies, dressings and sauces. Which is just one of the reasons this superfood is so well loved by vegans and health nuts. So although "buttery" in texture, this sauce is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, essential fatty acids and really couldn't be any better for you. So go ahead, make up a batch of this sauce and indulge with pleasure and without guilt.

CREAMY LEMON GARLIC HEMP SAUCE: a healthy, detoxifying, versatile sauce.

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup lemon, juice
3/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup hemp seeds
2 tbsp water
1.5 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp ginger, grated
1 garlic glove, minced

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until thick and smooth. Store in a jar or glass container in the fridge.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

LEMON: a natural detoxifier, rich source of vitamin C, and contains limonene that promotes immunity and helps fight infection.

GINGER: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, and clears microcirculatory channels of the body which include the sinuses and throat. Also, ginger is a warming agent and promotes sweating, which is healthy when sick.

RAW HONEY: contains antioxidants, and a rich source of minerals and B vitamins that help support the function of the heart, muscles and nervous system.

OLIVE OIL: anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants, lowers cholesterol and promotes heart health, rich source of vitamin E which is good for the skins and has an anti-aging effect.

I will be sharing a variety of recipes that include this sauce, so make sure to tune back in for those soon!