Tea 'healthier' drink than water

Really tea is better than water? You betcha! Not only does it rehydrate as well as water, but it can also protect against heart disease and some cancers. Ditch those sugar laden flavor waters and make your own with tea. There are flavors for everyone, plus it's more beneficial and cost effective!

I love the warm comfort of tea and my new find is the Yogi Chai Rooibos. The flavors of rooibos and chai are favorites of mine - put the two together and what a perfect matrimony made in tea heaven! It's also caffeine free!

If your not familiar with Rooibos tea, it has sweet nutty taste. Similar to green and black tea, it has been found to be rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids.

What's your favorite tea?

5 Minute Hummus

Hummus is an all time favorite of mine. I love it in sandwiches as an alternative to mayonnaise. It's also a great dip to have on hand for an afternoon snack attack. Once you go homemade you won't go back to store bought. Best thing - it's super quick and easy to make.

















Serves 4 - 6
Makes 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

1 15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed

1 clove garlic

1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for serving

2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoon tahini (sesame paste; optional)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Sea Salt

paprika


Method

1. In a blender or food processor, puree the chickpeas and garlic with the olive oil, lemon juice, tahini ( if using), cumin, 3/4 teaspoon salt until smooth and creamy. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons water as necessary to achieve the right consistency.

2. Transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the paprika before serving.

No Heat Tacos

Yeap you heard it right. No heat tacos or tacos en cinco minutos. This is great idea when you want something yummy with the feel of home cooking in a flash. Be creative and combine ingredients to your liking.

















Serves 6

Ingredients

1 whole chicken cooked

corn tortillas

cilantro

black beans cooked

cojita or feta cheese

1-2 avocados

Salsa

Lime


Method

1. Soften tortillas in the microwave or a frying pan.

2. Add pieces of chicken and top with some salsa, beans, avocado slices, cheese, and a squeeze of lime. No need to heat the beans as they will get warm with the heat from the chicken and/or tortilla.

3. Enjoy!

Herbed Quinoa Tabbouleh

If you haven't jump on the quinoa bandwagon what are you waiting for? This grain (it's really a seed) is packed with protein and no shortage of flavor. This recipe is inspired by Tabbouleh and is great to have on hand for a quick snack or a side dish.

Serves 4


Ingredients

2 large carrots, peeled, coarsely grated

4 green onions, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp each fresh lemon juice and orange juice

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 1/2 cups pre-washed quinoa

2 cups vegetable stock

2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup Greek Feta Cheese

7 oz jar roasted red bell peppers

1/4 cup each chopped fresh cilantro, mint, and parsley

Method

1. Combine grated carrots and green onions in a bowl; add lemon and orange juice, salt, pepper. Set aside.

2. Stir quinoa and stock in a medium saucepan over high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, then cover and cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the grains have absorbed the stock. After done cooking mix in the olive oil.

3. Spoon the quinoa with the carrot with mixture. Add the remaining ingredients and gently toss to combine.