Hello again, friends. Here’s what’s new at The Garden Grazer as we wrap up my favorite month:
New Recipe: Lentil Quinoa Fall Salad with Maple Dressing
This colorful fall salad is a great way to enjoy seasonal produce. Roasted butternut squash, kale, crunchy walnuts, and dried cranberries are tossed in a nutrient-packed lentil + quinoa base. Then drizzled with a delightful rosemary maple dressing. Perfect for festive autumn meals or upcoming holidays!
New Recipe: Fire-Roasted Tomato & White Bean Soup with Kale
This cozy white bean soup is so simple and only 30 minutes to prepare, but it’s packed with wonderful flavor. Hearty white beans combine with fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh kale, zucchini, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Great for weeknights & leftovers!
Herbal Infusions: An Experiment
Last month I was introduced to the concept of herbal infusions by Eden’s Kitchn on Instagram. What makes an herbal infusion, unlike regular bagged tea, is that a large amount of plant matter is steeped with hot water in a sealed glass jar for 4-12 hours (then strained before drinking). This allows the nutrients to be extracted, resulting in a strong brew that’s said to be richly-packed with minerals, calcium, and many other nutrients for full-body health.
It all sounded very intriguing, and I’ve been researching & experimenting with various organic infusions this past month like oatstraw (pictured above), nettle, and raspberry leaf. Taste-wise, I find oatstraw is a great one to start with due to it’s milder flavor.
I’m really enjoying it. So far, the biggest benefit I’ve experienced (besides an overall feeling of lightness and greater well-being) is a noticeable energy boost and alertness during late afternoon/early evening. I’m not a big caffeine drinker as it’s never settled well with me, so that’s been a most-welcome surprise for a natural energy boost. Looking forward to further experimenting with them throughout the winter. I’d really love to hear if you’ve tried herbal infusions and your experience with them as well - please share!
A few resources I’ve found helpful in my research:
How to Make Nourishing Herbal Infusions - Mountain Rose Herbs
Oatstraw Infusions - Susun Weed
Nettle Infusions - Susun Weed
Top 6 Nourishing Multi-Vitamin Herbs - Organic Olivia
Oatstraw Benefits - Grow Network
Note: I purchase my raspberry leaf from the bulk bins at our local food co-op, and oatstraw & nettle in 1 lb. bags from Essential Organics. (Not a sponsored link or affiliation whatsoever - just sharing!) You can also find them at many other places like Mountain Rose Herbs, Frontier Co-Op, etc.
Many thanks for reading & joining me here.
-Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Photo: aspen grove just outside of West Yellowstone, Montana