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.

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

The yogurt parfait is a regular on my roster of breakfast combinations, packed full of fibre, protein and enough fuel to keep me energized until lunchtime. However, every couple of weeks it becomes monotonous, and requires some new flair in the fruit department. With a regular rotation of banana, apple, pear, and grapefruit, inevitably one fruit becomes boring. Thankfully pomegranates are in season! These lovely little seeds are crunchy and tart, packed full of antioxidants and vitamins, and scream of holiday cheer this time of year, making them a delightful addition to the yogurt parfait.

POMEGRANATE SEED YOGURT PARFAIT: aids digestion, promotes health and increases energy

INGREDIENTS: (yields 1 serving)

3/4 cup goat yogurt
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
2 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp hemp seeds
2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp raw walnuts
pinch of cinnamon

Place yogurt in a bowl and top with the remaining ingredients. Mix and enjoy.

HEALTH BENEFITS

GOAT YOGURT: rich in calcium, high in fatty acids, immune booster, contains agents that help metabolize iron and copper.

POMEGRANATE: anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, promotes heart health, rich source of vitamins A, C, E and folic acid.

CHIA SEEDS, HEMP SEEDS, WALNUTS & PUMPKIN SEEDS (combined): 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.

CINNAMON: contains antioxidants, high levels of manganese, controls blood sugar, aids in cancer prevention, and reduces LDL cholesterol levels.