1. Thread fruit chunks onto bamboo skewers, alternating colors.


2. Serve cool.


Homemade Cherry-Vanilla Soda Pop


This crimson, creamy soda is reminis- cent of the classic version. Reducing the cherry juice sweetens and intensi- fies the flavor; no additional sugar is required. Fresh vanilla bean is key and worth seeking out.


Yields 6 servings


3 cups 100 percent unsweetened black cherry juice


1 vanilla bean (about 6 inches long) Seltzer or soda water


1. Place black cherry juice and vanilla bean in a medium-size saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until liquid has reduced to 1 cup. Remove from heat and let cool until comfortable to handle.


2. Remove vanilla bean and chill the syrup in a sealed glass jar in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks.


3. To serve, pour ¼ cup syrup into a tall glass, top with 6 to 8 ounces chilled seltzer or soda water, and stir. Add ice as desired.


Peach Basil Green Iced Tea Peaches and basil are a refreshing flavor combination to embellish this cooling iced tea. Green tea is loaded with antioxidants and good-for-you phytonutrients.


Yields 4 to 6 servings


cup agave nectar 4 cups water 4 green tea bags 1 cup basil leaves 4 cups boiled water Basil leaves for garnish


/2


6 peaches, pitted, peeled and sliced 1


Fuss-Free Foods for Outdoor Eating Local Markets Offer Healthy Options


M


aking the most of Southwest Flori- da’s languid summer days, perfect for poolside parties and backyard pic- nics, may require a few more applica- tions of natural insect repellant and sunscreen than do other areas of the U.S. While these precautions can easily be taken by anyone, some picnic-goers face more pesky challenges: finding delicious party foods that are healthy; contain only organic ingredients; or are free of allergy-sparking wheat, gluten, dairy or nuts. To help provide some tasty options, Natural Awakenings turned to local healthy restaurants and markets for suggestions. Several remove food preparation from the entertaining equation, leaving more time to enjoy moments spent with family and friends.


Truly Organic Pizza Order ahead for pick-up or have healthy pizza de- livered right to the door. Jason Chang, owner of the na-


tion’s first 100 percent, USDA-certified organic pizzerias, says his traditional New York-style Classic Cheese pizza is a safe bet for anyone that doesn’t have a wheat or gluten allergy. Veggie-lovers find sublime satisfaction in the Tree Hugger’s eight different fresh vegetables, including roasted rosemary potatoes, garlic and peas.


Food & Thought


At Food & Thought 100% Organic Farm Market, produce is either picked at their own farm or purchased from other certified organic sources. Good picnic choices—all made from scratch—include the Bunny Wrappit, a raw vegan lettuce wrap with sprouts, avocado, jalapeno, cilantro, tomato and cucumber; Costa Rican Slaw; Black Bean Corn Salsa; Quinoa Salad; and Key lime pie. Food & Thought’s café accepts call-in orders for pick-up.


Wynn’s Market


1. In a saucepan, place peaches, agave nectar and 4 cups water. Bring to a boil


Meats, cheeses, fruits, juices and dairy products are among the organic of-


ferings at Wynn’s, and new organic delicacies are now featured at the deli counter. Multi-grain breads, ready- made meals, appetizer party trays and a large assortment of warm and cold entrees and freshly prepared side dishes are also available.


Skinny Pantry Anyone seeking glu- ten-free picnic foods will find a large se- lection at The Skinny Pantry. Customer


favorites include Adzuki Bean Burgers, Buffalo Burgers and hotdogs. The store also offers Lean Box meals, which are portion-controlled, nutritionally balanced and prepared fresh locally, and it even stocks healthy insect repellant.


The Loving Hut


Loving Hut restaurants are created with the vision that all beings can live in peace, love and harmony with each other and the planet. Their gourmet cuisine is created with wholesome, vegan ingredients and offers an acces- sible starting point for individuals mak- ing the transition to a plant-based diet. For picnic foods, the restaurant suggests appetizers and wraps, including spring or Saigon rolls, which can be prepared gluten-free; crispy soy protein drum- sticks; and Asian Chick’n Wraps.


Food & Thought 100% Organic Farm Market, 2132 Tamiami Trail N., Naples. 239-213-2222. FoodAndThought.com. See ad, page 8.


The Loving Hut, 975 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples. 239-254-9490. LovingHut.us/ naples_01. See ad, page 50.


The Skinny Pantry, 11356 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers. 239-935-5093. The- SkinnyPantry.com. See ad, page 11.


Truly Organic Pizza, 1016 Immokalee Rd., Ste. 204, Naples. 239-598-8888. TrulyOrganicPizza.com.


Wynn’s Market, 141 Ninth St. N., Naples. 239-261-7157. WynnsOnline. com. See ad, page 49.


natural awakenings July 2012 39


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64