how to curb your cravings

June 23, 2015 Miranda Hammer

I wrote a piece for Health Perch on the chemistry of cravings and how to curb them. In case you missed it, here are some tips, tricks, and tactics to curb your cravings and consciously indulge.

Most of us have fallen victim to an unyielding urge for a candy bar, a bag of chips, or a chocolate chip cookie. Cravings have the ability to make us lose control, abandon healthy habits, and give in to an immediate desire to satisfy what feels like a primal need. So what is a craving and what makes us willing to drive a few miles out of our way just to get our hands on a double chocolate milkshake or a greasy grilled cheese sandwich.

weekend essentials

June 19, 2015 Miranda Hammer

I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. I am off on a weekend jaunt to Miami to make some additions to my Radish Recs, follow along here. These are my essentials for the weekend ahead.

this crumble is what dreams are made of

June 16, 2015 Miranda Hammer

Strawberry + rhubarb is a classic summer combo, although not frequently wrapped up with a virtuous bow. This crumble was inspired by an intimidating bounty of rhubarb that stared me down on a recent greenmarket stroll. I caved, purchased a few lengthy stalks, and immediately felt inspired to take a crunchy radish spin on a typically sugar-heavy dish.

going somewhere this weekend?

June 12, 2015 Miranda Hammer

Hitting the road for a weekend full of revelry? Or simply want a quick and nourishing pick-me-up that is not wrapped in plastic with a long list of unknown ingredients? Make these energy bites that are vegan, gluten and dairy-free, and are sure to give you wings - mystery ingredients not included.

soup for summer - fresh pea and mint soup

June 9, 2015 Miranda Hammer

In the summer months, our bodies gravitate toward cool, refreshing foods that require little to no use of the kitchen stove. This simple summer soup highlights seasonal shell peas (frozen peas can work here too) and garners a refreshing pep from mint and zesty yogurt. A dash of sweet white balsamic vinegar melds this flavorful soup together, and a simple pinch of microgreens adds the loveliest bit of texture and pizazz.

10 ways to avoid CSA anxiety

June 8, 2015 Miranda Hammer

CSA season is soon upon us; are you ready? There are an amazing amount of benefits to participating in a CSA - supporting a local and sustainable farm, eating fresh seasonal produce, focusing more on plant-based foods, and testing your creative cooking muscle. Yet, CSA anxiety is the major hitch. I have discussed my CSA anxiety in the past and, without doubt, I have a bit of a relapse each week of the season. Not this year! I am going in with a plan. No more night sweats, nail biting, and hyperventilation. Here are 10 ways to avoid CSA anxiety.

my favorite way to drink a smoothie

June 4, 2015 Miranda Hammer

It is essential to get in your greens, and this smoothie is the perfect opportunity to slip them in. Smoothies as oppose to juices, contain all elements of the fruit and vegetable and, better yet, leave little to no waste. My favorite smoothie is loaded with protein from hemp milk and almond butter, is rich in Vitamin C from the dark greens and berries, and bursting with antioxidants and immune boosters from ginger, lemon, and bee pollen. Whether you blend up in the am, pm, or midday, this smoothie is not to be missed.

radish recs: make your own hemp milk

June 1, 2015 Miranda Hammer

Sometimes thought as daunting, making your own hemp milk at home is easy! Homemade nut milk helps you to avoid additives, sweeteners, and shelf stabilizers typically found in processed and refined nut milks. Carrageenan is one of the major emulsifiers and thickening agents that is typically added to nut milks and other dairy and nondairy products. Carrageenan is a highly processed derivative of seaweed that has been linked to GI disruptions. If you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply try and avoid dairy and are overwhelmed by the task of making nut milk at home, then this hemp milk is for you. Hemp seeds are an excellent source of vegan protein, they contain omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and magnesium. The seeds are soft, so no need to soak and strain like other make-at-home nut milks. Take three minutes out of your day to yield creamy, dreamy, flavorful, and unprocessed nut milk at home. Your body AND taste buds will thank you.

weekend essentials

May 29, 2015 Miranda Hammer

I am off with my travel partner on our next adventure - Morocco! Follow along here. Wishing everyone a relaxing and fun weekend ahead! Here are my essentials for the weekend.

what the schug? you will never buy bottled hot sauce again

May 28, 2015 Miranda Hammer

Schug is a Yemenite hot sauce that works phenomenally well on anything. Add it to your eggs, drizzle a little on grilled vegetables, or mix with some hummus and pita. Schug is adaptable, up for creative interpretation, and extremely simple to make. Here we added cilantro and a dash of cumin, but feel free to get adventurous with roasted garlic, turmeric, or other herbs and spices. Control the heat intensity by removing the seeds and membrane (white part) of the jalapeño pepper. For a slight but manageable kick, we like the ratio of one whole jalapeño to 4 deseeded ones. Once you go schug, you won't look back. Bye bye bottle.

Miranda Hammer,

MS, RD, CDN