Goji Berry Dressing

Goji berries, also called wolfberries, are small red-orange berries that grow on a shrub native to China. They are rich in vitamin A, are incredible antioxidants and have been used for over 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India to boost the immune system, nourish the liver, help eyesight, improve circulation, regulate blood pressure and promote longevity. I try to add them to as many smoothies, deserts, and salad dressings as possible. I threw this together yesterday and my whole family loved it. You could use any herbs, I just happened to have cilantro around. Enjoy!

Goji Berry Dressing
1/2 cup goji berries soaked in water for 1-2 hours or until soft
3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 garlic clove or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 teaspoons raw honey
1/2 cup grapeseed oil or olive oil
1/4 cup cilantro

Blend until smooth using 1/4 cup of the soak water from berries to help blend.

Afternoon Delight

It has been soooo hot here in Portland (mid to high 90's). In between camps, swimming pool runs, hikes, bike rides, gardening and work I often find myself needing a little afternoon pick me up. I went to my refrigerator today and found a huge containter of blueberries waiting for me (a common sight in our home during Portland berry season). I threw together this smoothie and it definitely did the trick! Blueberries and cacao are of course high in antioxidants and the coconut water is a great electrolyte replacer. In this particular smoothie I added coconut butter for a creamy consistency. You could also use almond butter or a banana and it would taste great! Enjoy!

Afternoon Delight Smoothie
2 cups coconut juice
1 cup blueberries
1-2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (or organic cocoa powder)
1 cup ice
1/2 vanilla bean or a dash of vanilla extract
1 1/2 tablespoons raw honey
1 tablespoon coconut butter or almond butter
pinch of cinnamon
pinch of cayenne
pinch of sea salt

Blend until smooth