Spinach Manicotti

Here's a great beginner recipe for tofu. This recipe is heart healthy and good for you. Don't be scared - give it a try!

Spinach Manicotti

Ingredients:

1 jar prepared Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce (I use Classico)

12 Pasta Shells - cooked all dente

1 bag of Organic Baby Spinach

1 package of firm tofu (can substitute Ricotta cheese)

1/2 cup chopped onion

2-3 chopped garlic cloves

1 egg

1/4 cup of fresh basil

1 cup of mozzarella cheese

red pepper flakes

salt and pepper

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Microwave the spinach until wilted and squeeze out any excess moisture. Saute the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until soft - add in red pepper flakes. In a food processor, put in the tofu, onion mixture, egg, and basil. Pulse until well blended. Pour half of the marinara sauce into a baking pan. Scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of tofu filling into each shell and line the shells up in the baking pan. Cover with remaining sauce and top with mozzarella cheese. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes until bubbly. Serve with a simple side salad.

***Energy Saving tip: Don't won't to heat up your kitchen - use a crock pot instead. Layer the ingredients in your crock pot and cook on high until bubbly. If possible, place your crockpot outdoors while your manicotti bakes.

***For an exta nutritional boost: Puree steamed veggies and stir into the sauce before use.

Yogi Tea! Create your very own tea time.

Grab a cup of this tea and get ready to settle into a blissful Om moment. Perfect for an after yoga indulgence or simply as a stress tamer through out the day. Take a moment to settle into your favorite chair, relax your mind, and inhale the fragrant aroma of this spicy Indian tea.

Om Tea

2 quarts water
10 whole cloves
20 black peppercorns
3 - 4 sticks of cinnamon
20 whole cardamon pods
8 - 10 ginger slices - no need to peel

1 teaspoon black tea leaves (or 3 - 4 tea bags)
Milk and Honey to taste



My favorite way to make this tea is to place everything (except for the tea, milk, and honey) in a large crockpot and then simmer on low for 4-5 hours. The aroma fills the yoga studio or your house and lifts the spirit. When ready to use, immerse the tea in the hot liquid and allow it to cool. Remove the tea before serving. Add milk and honey, if desired. If you don't have a crockpot, simply place the first 6 ingredients in a large pot and simmer on the stove for 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Add the tea as you allow the liquid to cool.



Drink this healing elixir often! It can even be served on ice during the hotter months. Chai Latte anyone?

Grapefruit Salt Scrub

Keep your skin looking great and indulge your senses with this aromatic salt glow. All ingredients can be found at your local health food store.

Grapefruit Glow

1 cup of fine dead sea salts

8 oz jojoba oil

40 drops of ruby red grapefruit essential oil

20 drops lemon essential oil

10 drops ylang ylang essential oil

Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Tips to getting the same great spa results at home - at a fraction of the cost.

1. 
   
   Find some quiet time when you will not be disturbed. Light a few candles, dim the lights, and turn on soft, soothing music.


2. 
   
   Use a loofah or bath mitt to exfoliate your skin pre salt scrub - this is called dry brushing. Move your loofah in circular motions across clean, dry skin. Pay careful attention to the heels, knees, and elbows. Dry brushing has a stimulating effect and can be done every day before stepping into the shower or bath.


3. 
   
   While standing in shower or bathtub, apply the salt scrub to the entire body - avoiding the face.


4. 
   
   Rinse the scrub off using warm water. Take time to breathe deeply. The smell of citrus brings about a sense of happiness and contentment.


5. 
   
   Towel dry the skin and finish the treatment with a generous application of jojoba oil.

Sinus Tamer At Home Spa Treatment

Spring has sprung and the trees and flowers are in full bloom. Tame your allergies with this invigorating spa trick.

Sinus Tamer At Home Treatment

Supplies:

1 to 2 face towels

warm water

5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil

5 drops of peppermint essential oil

5 drops of grapefruit essential oil

Heat the water just until warm and add the essential oils. Dip the towels into the water until completely saturated. Using one towel at a time, wring out the excess liquid and drape the towel over the face (leaving space around the nostrils). Breathe deeply. As the towel cools, repeat above with the extra towel.

Beat the afternoon blahs with some Lemon - Aide!

Give yourself a caffeine free jump start with this tangy and refreshing lemonade. Feel free to use different fruits and herbs to come up with your own signature blend. Watermelon is especially good as the summer progresses.

Strawberry Mint Lemonade

Serves 4

1 cup of fresh lemon juice (juice from about 4 lemons)

1/2 cup organic sugar

2 1/2 cups strawberries (tops removed)

4 cups cold water

4 Tablespoons organic mint leaves

Ice Cubes (as desired)

Combine the lemon juice, sugar, fruit, herbs, and half of the water in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a pitcher and combine with remaining water and fill the rest of the pitcher with ice cubes. Enjoy!

An Om moment......

When was the last time you actually took a moment to take a deep breath? How did it feel? Was your chest and shoulders tight and constricted making the breathe forced? Or did the breath move soft and freely through your body? I can't count the times lately that I have paused to discover my shoulders shoved into my ears and my breath shallow from the constriction of the muscules in my chest and rib cage. Here's to that quick pause in life where we stop for just a second to take a deep breath, relax our shoulders, and reflect on a peaceful aaaaaaaaaaaauuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmmmmmm..................