Delicious Blueberry 'Love' Scones (vegan)

Today its rainy and gray outside in Southern California - and I wanted to make a treat to warm up!

I whipped up this traditional scone and transformed it into a vegan pillow of love.

Cozy up on your couch with your fuzzy socks, warm flannel pants, and sweatshirt - and enjoy these tasty treats with a steaming cup of hot spiced tea.

While watching some Downton Abbey - with your 'tea and crumpets'.

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cook Time: 15-17 mins.

Serves: 8-10 depending on size

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour

1 cup of whole wheat flour

1/2 cup of rice flour

2 tbsp. aluminum-free baking powder

1/4 cup sugar of choice

1/4 tsp. h. sea salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil (I used Olive Oil)

1/2 cup coconut or soy cream

3/4 cup vegan milk of choice

2 tsp. apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup frozen blueberries

Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F

In a large mixing bowl, sift together flours, baking powder, sugar, and sea salt. 

Add the oil, coconut cream, vinegar, and milk. 

Mix until combined - Then fold in Blueberries
(Frozen works best, so they don't get squeezed apart).

Form dough into desired shape
Place on greased cookie sheet and pat the tops a bit to flatten-out.
Sprinkle with Sugar

Bake 15-17 minutes depending on size of scones until slightly browned on bottom and firm on top.

They turned out extremely fluffy and sweet - delicious.

Serve with hot tea and preserves

I used Blueberry preserves!

Comment below with your results! 

I hope you enjoy this 'English Tea' delicacy as much as I did.

~ Peace and Love ~

Vegan Tomato Basil Bisque Soup

I have been craving some tomato bisque soup, and here are my results to create a 

vegan twist on an old favorite! 

It turned out hearty, warm, filling, and amazingly delicious. 

Great for the whole family! 

Perfect for an elegant candle light dinner - Just imagine you are sitting in a cafe in Italy! 

(play some quiet music)

What a romantic dinner date.

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed
• 3 28-ounce cans whole peeled Roma tomatoes or peeled fresh Roma's
• 1 quart vegetable broth
• 1 pint coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedures

1. 1
   In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add carrots and onion and cook until beginning to soften, 10 minutes, then add basil and cook until vegetables are completely soft, about 5 minutes more.
2. 2
   Add tomatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes- if time permits.
3. 3
   After allowing soup to cool, purée in a blender or food processor until smooth, doing so in batches if necessary (to avoid exploding out the top of the blender). For a much silkier texture, strain the purée before returning to the pot.
4. 4
   Stir in coconut milk little by little over over low heat, until desired texture is reached and soup is just heated through. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve warm.

                         

1

In a large, heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add carrots and onion and cook until beginning to soften, 10 minutes, then add basil and cook until vegetables are completely soft, about 5 minutes more.

                           

Add carrots and onion and cook until beginning to soften, 10 minutes, then add basil and cook until vegetables are completely soft, about 5 minutes more.

Add tomatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 20-30 minutes, or up to 45 minutes- if time permits.

After allowing soup to cool somewhat, purée in a blender or food processor until smooth, doing so in batches if necessary (to avoid exploding out the top of the blender- I learned this one the hard way). 

**Place a dish towel over the top- fill a quarter full - and hold the lid down to avoid spillage while blending.

I served this soup with a nice Spinach side salad, and these Organic Crackers (very tasty).

Ciabatta bread is a great compliment to this soup - for dipping!

Sprinkle some extra Basil over top - serve!

Serve with some chilled white wine for the adults

                           

My daughter really enjoyed this soup! 

The first thing out of her mouth after taking her first bite was 

"WOW! This is the best soup I have ever had!!" 

Let me know how yours turned out in the comments below! 

This soup is SO delicious - even though it takes a bit more time to prepare, the results are worth it!

Week One: Bikini Abs by Summer Challenge

Here is a quick breakfast or snack that will be great for week one of our challenge!

The 'skinny' on fruit

Fruit is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and even more importantly- water! 

They keep you hydrated, full of energy, are cleansing with their extra fiber, and virtually fat-free! 

No need to be concerned about their 'sugar' content because fruit sugar is a natural sugar which is easily metabolized, completely different from plain white sugar or sugar in processed junk foods.

I am going to be posting a series of photos of myself along this journey every week - to track my progress!

Here is week 1:

 I am so excited to be working toward a common goal and that we can motivate    

         each other along the way... 

That beach, pool and sunshine is just months away waiting for us to be basking in our sexy new bikini bods just in time for Summer!!

I would love to see your photos and comments below on how your first week is going, what you are doing to stay motivated, and if you have any questions - feel free to ask me!

You can comment here or leave me a message on over on my 

Naomi's Nutrition Nook FB page

Bikini Abs For Summer Challenge 2013

Thanks for following!

-Watch my video below-

We all need more fitness in our lives, so I have given myself a personal challenge - 'Bikini Abs by Summer 2013' - to look great on the beach this Summer, and gain lots of energy along with keeping an optimum health!

I want you to join me on my commitment to sculpt 'Bikini Abs by Summer' Challenge (2013). 

I like to use Blogilates videos for my work-outs and complimenting them with awesome whole foods and a healthy diet, which I can support you with! 

If you have any questions just shoot me a comment or message me on FB!

Comment below to let me know we are in this together! I also want you to send me photos of yourself working out in your living room or where ever is convenient for you...to my Facebook page

 Let's do this together!!

*This video was shot with my 9 year old daughters help - sorry for any shakiness..

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