Mustard Pork with Olives and Artichokes

Do you like healthy, fresh, organic, guilt free food? Try this out for dinner one day. 

So here are the ingredients:

1.5 tablespoons     TIANA organic coconut butter

2 teaspoons         TIANA organic guilt free sugar replacement Coconut Necter

500g                    pork fillets, sliced

2 tablespoons       red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons       Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon         soy sauce

1 clove                 garlic, crushed

2 medium (340g)   red onions, sliced

500g                    spinach, chopped roughly

400g                    can artichoke hearts, drained, halved

½ cup (75g)          sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained, halved

½ cup (60g)          seeded black olives

And now for the method:

1. Heat half the oil in wok or large pan; stir-fry combined pork, vinegar, mustard, sauce, garlic and sugar, in batches, until pork is browned.

2. Heat remaining oil in same pan; stir-fry onions until just soft. Return pork to pan with spinach, artichokes, tomatoes and olives; stir-fry until spinach is wilted.

So allow me to introduce to you a new TAINA Product. TIANA Organic Guilt-free Sugar Replacement, Coconut Necter is unrefined, unfiltered and unbleached crystallised nectar from the coconut blossom. It contains no additives or preservatives; a guilt-free sugar alternative that's great in tea, coffee, cocoa, cocktails and shakes, on cereals and in baking. TIANA Organic Crystallised Coconut Nectar is 100% raw and highly nutritious, collected every four hours to ensure that it will be crystallised immediately to avoid fermentation. Because of this unique production process, it has a light golden colour as the sugars in the nectar do not caramelise from heat. It is premium quality and high in health promoting nutrients which makes TIANA Premium Organic Crystallised Raw Coconut Nectar totally different to all other natural sweeteners, agave syrups and xylitol based products with no side effects. Rich in vitamins, minerals and amino acids, the Glycemic index of TIANA Premium Organic Crystallised Raw Coconut Nectar is just 35 and is therefore ideal for people on restricted sugar diets and diabetics. It's a perfect 1:1 replacement for sugar in any recipe.

TIANA Organic Coconut Butter is 100% pure, it has high heat resistance making the product the perfect low cost alternative to cooking oils for all frying, stir-frying, deep frying, roasting and baking. It is free from cholesterol and trans-fats. It has no coconut taste or aroma. It is suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets. Coconut butter can be used as an alternative for cooking oils in deep frying, stir fries, and roasting. It can also be used as an alternative to goose fat or margarine in baking. It most certainly can be used as part of a balanced diet.

Coconut Almond Bar

I can promise you that you children will love this. My kids are hooked and so am I to be honest. These are healthy nutrition bars that actually taste nice. You kids can take it to school, you could make it for birthday parties. Don't misunderstand me, this is highly nutritious and delicious to people of all ages.  I make these and take them to work. It is a wonder source of protein.

Here are the ingredients for the bottom layer:

2 tablespoon     TIANA Organic raw virgin coconut oil (award winning fyi)
1 cup                Almonds, soaked 24-48 hours and dehydrated 20 hours
2                     Pitted medjool dates
3 tablespoons    Raw Carob Power

Here are the ingredient for the top layer:

0.5 cup             Macadamia nuts
0.5 cup             Raisins (optional)
0.5 cup             Pine nuts
1 tablespoon     Unsweetened shredded dried coconut
2 tablespoons    RAW Agave Nectar
 
And now for the method:

1. Place the almonds in a food processor fitted with the S blade and well process. Gradually add the dried coconut, dates, carob powder and coconut oil and process until well blended. Press into 8 x 8-inch dish.

2. Combine the macadamia nuts, pine nuts and coconut in a food processor fitted with S blade, and pulse until chunky.  Transfer to a large bowl and add  agave nectar. Stir until the nuts and raisins are coated evenly with agave nectar. Lightly press the nut and fruit mixture into the bottom layer. 

3. Refrigerate for 3 hours before serving. 

Coconut Lemon Pie

This is a another wonderful, guilt-free dessert. As you will see in the ingredients, I am using the TIANA Organic Raw Extra Virgin Coconut Oil again. I can't stop using it. It is really very healthy to use and consume. I just love this stuff. (I use it as a hair mask too). 

Here are the Ingredients for crust:

1 tablespoon       TIANA Organic raw virgin coconut oil

2 cups                Almonds, soaked 24-48 hours and dehydrated 20 hours

2 cups                Unsweetened shredded dried coconut     

Here are the Ingredients for filling: 

0.5 cup              Cashews or macadamia nuts, soaked 1 hour

0.5 cup              Pitted dates, soaked 20 minutes

3 cups               Young coconut pulp

4 tablespoons     Fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons     Lemon zest

1 tablespoons     Psyllium powder

And now for the method:

1. Place the almonds in a food processor fitted with the S blade and well process. Gradually add the dried coconut and coconut oil and process until well blended. Press into a 9-inch glass pie plate.

2. Combine the coconut pulp, macadamia nuts and dates in a blender and process until smooth and thick. Add lemon juice, zest and psyllium powder and process well. Pour the filling into the prepared crust and refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.

You will be surprised with the taste combinations. It is mind-blowing. 

This is a wonderful dessert for when you want to celebrate a special occasion. And this is a special occasion, because I have just read that TIANA Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil has given a PLATINUM AWARD for great taste, as voted by UK consumers. How exciting. 

Healthy Cocoa Brownies

This one is for the mums out there. Its hard to stop children from eating unhealthy foods. So why not just alter their habits secretly.I am doing to give you a recipe for my very special batch of Healthy Cocoa Brownies. 

Here are the ingredients to make these Healthy Cocoa Brownies: 

1/3 cup          TIANA Organic Virgin Coconut Oil or butter, melted

½ cup            Linwoods Milled Flaxseed Cocoa & Berries
6                   Eggs
1 cup             Sugar
½ teaspoon    Salt
½ teaspoon    Vanilla
½ cup sifted   TIANA Organic Coconut Flour
1 cup             Nuts, chopped (optional)

And now for the method:

-In a saucepan at low heat, blend together butter and cocoa powder. 

-Remove from heat and let cool. In a bowl, mix together eggs, sugar, salt and vanilla. 

-Stir in cocoa mixture. 

-Whisk coconut flour into batter until there are no lumps. 

-Fold in nuts. 

-Pour batter into a greased 11x7x2 or 8x8x2 inch pan. Bake at 175˚C (350˚F) for 30-35 minutes.

There are three products that make our recipe to the usual Chocolate Brownies. These are TIANA Pure Organic Coconut Butter, TIANA Organic Coconut Flour and Linwoods Milled Flaxseed Cocoa and Berries. 

A daily 30g serving of Linwoods Milled Flaxseed Cocoa and Berries is high in Flavanols which are highly effective antioxidants. A source of Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Selenium & Omega 3. The cocoa is specially processed to provide a high level of Flavanols & 75% reduced fat as compared to the Cocoa in dark chocolate products. This is also great to add is cereals, milkshakes and smoothies. 

TIANA Organic Coconut Flour is the finest quality available. It is naturally gluten free, 100% pure and sulphate free. It is also a good source of protein and very high in fibre. TIANA Organic Coconut Flour is very cost efficient due to the high content of fibre that increases the yield of baked products up to 50% (dough weight) TIANA Coconut Flour is very economical in use, for example, only 35g will make 6 muffins or only 3 tablespoons makes 5 - 8 pancakes. A little goes a long way. 

TIANA Organic Coconut Butter is a versatile coconut cooking butter.

Produced using innovative technology by expeller pressed production without high heat or chemicals. It is Cholesterol and trans-fat free.

The popular factor about it is that it is an all purpose coconut cooking butter without coconut taste or coconut smell is an alternative to cooking oils, margarine or goose fat. Use instead of sunflower or other vegetable oils for frying, deep-frying or baking. 

Have a look at this list that is on their website:

No coconut taste, No coconut aroma, No cholesterol, No trans-fat, No chemicals, No hexane, Nopreservatives, No additives, No sugar, No starch, No soya, No yeast, No maize or corn,  No wheat,No gluten, No grain, No dairy, No lactose, No colouring, No GMO, No Fish.

They're definitely doing something right.

Sautéed Vegetable

Here is a recipe even you kids will love. Its healthy and your getting all 5 fruit and vegetables for the day.

So here are the ingredients to make your Sautéed Vegetables:

• 1 tbsp      TIANA organic cold pressed coconut oil
• 2             large leeks, cut in thick diagonal slices
• 3             medium carrots, peeled and cut in thick diagonals
• 3             medium parsnips, peeled and cut in thick diagonals
• ½ cup      Stevia liquid
• 2 tbsp      roasted black or brown sesame seeds
•               Tamarind, to taste

And now for the Method:

-In a large wok heat oil and add leeks. Sauté on high heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly with a spatula to prevent sticking.
-Add the remaining vegetables, a dash of tamarind and just enough stevia liquid to prevent the vegetables from burning (about 1/3 cup). Sauté quickly on a high heat for one minute, stirring constantly. Cover and cook on medium low heat.
-Continue adding stevia liquid whenever necessary. Just before the vegetables are done, add a few more splashes of  tamari. It will take about 20 minutes or more until the vegetables are soft (depending on how thick their cut it).

To make this even healthier, you can use organic vegetable and you can vary the vegetables to your liking and what you family and friends like.

What makes this different to other recipes is that I have used a healthier alternative to cooking oil. What makes TIANA different to other brands is that their extra virgin coconut oil is Cold Pressed to preserve all the benefits of the oils. It is 100% raw and free from GMIs (Genetically Modified Ingredients).  It is FREE FROM TRANS-FATS... and cholesterol. And lastly, not only does it have a great taste, it is unrefined and non-hydrogenated. It is a great product to get you going on your diet.

Fun Fact: What is MCT?

Medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) are medium-chain (6 to 12 carbons) fatty acid esters of glycerol. Dietary fats come in the form of triglycerides, each containing three fatty acid chains.  These chains can be anywhere from 2 – 22 carbon atoms long.  Most of the fatty acids in Western diets are long chain,  with 12 or more carbons in the chain.  Medium chain fatty acids have between 6 and 10 carbons.  Because of their shorter length they are metabolized differently. MCTs resemble carbohydrates more than they do fats.  They are more water soluble.  Because of this they don’t require bile to break down, and they are broken down more quickly.  They enter the blood stream faster and are taken directly to the liver, where they are used as an immediate source of energy.  Less MCTs are converted to fat than longer fatty acids.

Vegetable Curry

This recipe is my neighbours favourite. Whenever we have dinner, I cook this for us. This is an easy and delicious way to get your five fruit and vegetables in a day and this is only one meal.  

Here are the ingredients to make the delicious and healthy Vegetable Curry:

2 tbsp    TIANA Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil
1 can     Coconut Milk
½tbsp    Green Curry Paste
1 Cup     Chopped onion

2 Cups   Broccoli, sliced

2           Carrots, sliced

2 Cups   Cauliflower, sliced

½          Bell Pepper, sliced

¼          Basil Leaves

2 Cups   Cooked Brown Jasmine Rice

             Fresh Coriander for garnish

And now for the method:

- Simmer the coconut milk, the curry paste and coconut oil in a deep saucepan for about 5 minutes, add the onion, broccoli and simmer for another 5 minutes more.

- Add the remaining ingredients, except the basil and the coriander. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes
- Stir in the basil leaves and garnish with chopped coriander

- Serve immediately over the cooked brown jasmine rice.

To make this even healthier, you can use organic vegetable and you can vary the vegetables to your liking and what you family and friends like.

What makes this different to other curry recipes is that I have used a healthier alternative to cooking oil. 

What makes TIANA different to other brands is that their extra virgin coconut oil is Cold Pressed to preserve all the benefits of the oils. It is 100% raw and free from GMIs (Genetically Modified Ingredients).  It is FREE FROM TRANS-FATS... and cholesterol. And lastly, not only does it have a great taste, it is unrefined and non-hydrogenated. It is a great product to get you going on your diet.

Fun Fact: Did you know...
that coconut oil is (cholesterol) and trans-fat free and contains 1% omega 6 and is very rich in medium chain (good fats) that are recommended by doctors. One of the good fats that comprises 50% of coconut oil, is called Lauric acid. Lauric acid is a medium-chain fatty acid that supports healthy metabolism, and is now being studied for its antiviral, anti-fungal, & antibacterial properties. Researchers say  that Lauric acid will soon become as well known as Omega-3. The Monsanto company developed a GMO Canola oil that attempts to mimic coconut oil’s high percentage of lauric acid. Coconut oil is making a comeback as we learn more about the downsides of consuming too many Omega-6 vegetable oil. Experts suggest that 3 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil a day is good.

Garlic Coconut Butter

Here is a recipe that is very easy and simple to make. One this is made, it is wonderful to try out new recipes with this as well.

So here are the ingredients to make your Garlic Coconut Butter:
½ cup    TIANA Organic cold pressed coconut oil (If you want to liquefy the oil, either let it sit for a while on the counter or place it in a bowl of hot water)
4           Cloves of garlic, peeled

And now for the Method:  

• To liquefy the oil place the jar in a bowl of hot water.

• Purée the garlic cloves in a blender with the oil.  Put in a glass jar and refrigerate. In a few days garlic coconut butter will be ready.

Warning: This must be refrigerated otherwise bacteria will form.
Here are a list of some foods I make with this butter:

1.     Garlic Bread

2.     Garlic Mushrooms

3.     I spread this on toast sometimes

4.     Cous Cous...etc

The list goes on really. 

TIANA Organic Fair Trade Cold Pressed Extra Virgin Coconut Oil is a great product to get you going on your diet. The health benefits are amazing. 

Fun Fact: What else can Coconut oils do?

Coconut oils also contain four growth hormones, called cytokinins, and three sets of chromosomes – or triploids – that help the development of many organisms.  Coconut water is considered the “father of modern tissue culture science”. Currently, research is being done to see if coconut can be used in hair regrowth and anti-aging cosmetics.

What makes TIANA different to other brands is that it is Cold Pressed to preserve all the benefits of the oils. It is 100% raw and free from GMIs (Genetically Modified Ingredients).  It is FREE FROM TRANS-FATS... and cholesterol. And lastly, not only does it have a great taste, it is unrefined and non-hydrogenated.

Garlic. Here are the health benefits.

•  Fights Infections
• Contains Cancer-Preventing Chemicals
• Thins the Blood
• Reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride's
• Stimulates the immune system
• Prevents and relieves chronic bronchitis
• Acts as an expectorants

These health benefits are not usually found in ready-made garlic purées or pastes. So it is important to use fresh garlic.

Look forward to more wonderful recipes and great products.