Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf

Ingredients:1 cup uncooked green lentils
1 cup walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
3 tbsp ground flax + 1/2 cup water
3 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 cups diced sweet onion
1 cup diced celery
1 cup grated carrot
1/3 cup peeled and grated sweet apple (use a firm variety)
1/3 cup raisins
1/2 cup oat flour
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tsp fresh thyme (or 3/4 tsp dried thyme)
salt & pepper, to taste (I use about 3/4 tsp sea salt + more Herbamare)
red pepper flakes, to taste 

Balsamic Apple Glaze:1/4 cup ketchup
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
2 tbsp apple butter (or unsweetened applesauce in a pinch)
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Rinse and strain lentils. Place lentils into pot along with 3 cups of water (or veg broth). Bring to a boil and season with salt. Reduce heat to medium/low and simmer, uncovered, for at least 40-45 minutes. Stir frequently & add touch of water if needed. The goal is to over-cook the lentils slightly (see pictures in post). Mash lentils slightly with a spoon when ready.

2. Toast walnuts at 325F for about 8-10 minutes. Set aside. Increase oven temp to 350F.

3. Whisk ground flax with water in a small bowl and set aside.

4. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sautee the garlic and onion for about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Now add in the diced celery, shredded carrot and apple, and raisins. Sautee for about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat.

5. In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together. Adjust seasonings to taste.

6. Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper. Press mixture firmly into pan. Whisk glaze ingredients and then spread half on top of loaf. Reserve the rest for a dipping sauce.

7. Bake at 350F for 40-50 minutes, uncovered. Edges will be lightly brown. Cool in pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. I usually wait until loaf is cool before slicing.

Submitted by Ja'MeeLah Jams

Amazing Oatmeal

Ingredients

- 3/4 cup oats

- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder 

- handful raisins

- 1/2 apple, chopped (optional)

- butter

- half & half

- brown sugar

- 1 1/2 water

Preparation

Bring water to a rapid boil in a small saucepan.  Add cinnamon, oats, raisins and apples.  Mix, then turn heat off.  Place lid on the pan and let stand for 5 minutes.  Remove lid and mix in butter and half & half.  Serve in bowl and top with brown sugar.

Submitted by Warithu-Deen Mohammed III

Easy Fruit & Yogurt Breakfast

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh berries; sliced if needed
• 1 tablespoon organic dehydrated cane juice
• 1 tablespoon milled flax seed
• 3/4 cup plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Mix flax seed and yogurt in a cup or bowl 
2. Place fruit on top of yogurt mixture 
3. Shake cane juice on top
4. Serve immediately 

Sweet Apple Snack

Ingredients

- 1/2 apple, sliced into wedges

-  2-3 large soft dates, sliced into wedges

- toothpicks (optional)

Pair apple and dates.  Top with scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The gummy, sticky texture of the date is reminiscent of the sweet crust in traditional apple pie ala-mode and the crisp apple slice does the rest.  Enjoy!