Three Vinaigrettes

In the interest of keeping things SIMPLE, the recipe this month ARE simple vinaigrettes that you can put on any raw veggies to make some really healthy salads, crudites, or sandwich spreads. Make all three, they last in the refrigerator for a while, you will find several uses for each one if you get creative :)

Vegan Basil Ranch           Agave-Mustard         "Green" Avocado vinaigrette

Vegan Basil Ranch

Makes about 3 cups

½ C        Pumpkin seeds, raw (soaked for 4 hours in spring water, then drained)
1 C         Basil leaves, fresh
½  clove Garlic, fresh, chopped
½ t          Umeboshi plum paste
½ C        Extra virgin olive oil
4 ¼ C        Raw apple cider vinegar (Bragg's) OMf
1½  C     Veganaise (grapeseed oil, in the purple jar)
2 T          Raw agave (optional)

Make the pesto first by combining the seeds, basil, garlic, umeboshi, and olive oil in a food processor or blender until well pureed. Add the remaining ingredients, and agave if choosing to use.

"Love and Light" Agave-Mustard Vinaigrette

Makes a little more than 1 Cup

¼ C     Stone ground brown mustard
1/3 C   Raw apple cider vinegar (Bragg's) OMf
½ C     Raw agave syrup
¼ C     Extra virgin olive oil
1 T       Nama shoyu (raw unpasteurized soy sauce)

In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients, and then put it on just about EVERYTHING!!!

"Green" Avocado Vinaigrette

Makes about 2 ½ Cups

1        Avocado, large, diced ¼" pieces
½ C    Flatleaf parsley leaves and some stem
¼ C  Cilantro leaves and some stem
½ C    Apple cider vinegar, Bragg's OMf
2        Limes, juiced
1        Garlic clove, minced
2 T     Nama shoyu soy sauce
¼ C     Extra virgin olive oil

Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and puree until well combined, try leaving out the avocado for a less creamy vinaigrette, just increase the olive oil by 4 T.

This months OM factor:

Bragg's Raw Apple Cider Vinegar

There surely must be something really healthy in using apple cider vinegar, since The Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, used this vinegar around 400 B.C. for its health giving qualities. It is said that he had only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar is made from fresh ripe apples that are fermented and undergo a stringent process to create the final product. The vinegar contains a host of vitamins, beta-carotene, pectin and vital minerals such as potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, chlorine, sulphur, iron, and fluorine.

Pectin in the vinegar is a fiber which helps reduce bad cholesterol and helps in regulating blood pressure. The need for calcium supplements once you start growing older is very well known. This vinegar helps extract calcium from the fruits, vegetables and meat it is mixed with, helping in the process of maintaining strong bones. Potassium deficiency causes a variety of ailments including hair loss, weak finger nails, brittle teeth, sinusitis, and a permanently running nose. Apple cider vinegar is loaded with potassium. Studies have shown that potassium deficiency results in stunted growth. All these ailments can be avoided with the intake of apple cider vinegar. The potassium in this vinegar also helps in eliminating toxic waste from the body. The beta-carotene helps in countering damage caused by free radicals, helping one maintain firmer skin and a youthful appearance. Apple cider vinegar is good for those wanting to lose weight. It helps in breaking down fat which helps in natural weight reduction.  [Buzzle.com]