PARSLEY DRINK

Many years ago at meditation classes I met a lady who used to make this drink with all sorts of greens gathered from her garden. As well as parsley she’d use leaves of comfrey, dandelion, spinach and some edible weeds that I never knew the names of. It was so healthy and delicious but being a city dweller I had to adapt the recipe and thus parsley is the main green involved.

Our encounters with parsley are usually in its humble role as a table garnish and the wonderful healing properties of this little power house of energy are generally overlooked. Parsley is an excellent source of vitamins K, A and C. It is rich in flavanoids and volatile oils and a good source of calcium and iron.


Parsley is said to protect the lungs from smoking induced tumours, it is said to help prevent a wide range of diseases like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes and infections and as well as that it is a great after meal breath freshener.

Parley is a little hard to chew up well so in this recipe the blender does it for you!

Because it contains measurable amounts of oxalates, individuals with already existing and untreated kidney or gallbladder problems may want to avoid eating it.


Pineapple juice is not only delicious and naturally sweet but it also contains enzymes that are natural digestive aids. It has anti-inflammatory properties and is a good source of vitamin C.

My children were notoriously difficult when it came to eating their greens but loved this delicious substitute which is so full of natural vibrant freshness.




2 cups lightly chopped parsley – washed well and stalks removed
1 litre unsweetened pineapple juice

Options:
½ cup wheat grass juice or 3 Tbsp barley green powder
1 – 2 Tbsp grated ginger
1 cup filtered water (if it is too strong)
ice



Blend well and strain. ( My sons fought to get to eat the blended up parsley from the strainer!)

Makes 3 cups.

CAROB DATE BALLS

Namaste

At the Australian School of Meditation and Yoga we teach that Yoga is a holistic way of life. It’s all about health, contentment and happiness.

As far as health goes we need to have good diet, right exercise and peace of mind.

Refined products especially sugar and white flour are said to be bad for our health because they lower the immune system. So for your general health it is good to avoid them as much as possible

These sugar free delights are sweetened with dates and raisins which are a good source of iron and they also contain ground sesame seeds which are rich in calcium. So not only are you having a taste treat but it's a healthy one!!!!! Sometimes we get it together to serve these after our yoga and meditation classes at the Mermaid Beach Centre.

500g dates
1 cup sesame seeds
1 cup raisins
1½ cups carob powder
1½ cups dessicated coconut for rolling

Wash the dates and cover with water. Boil until dry, stir towards the end. Remove from heat.
Toast sesame seeds in heavy bottom fry pan and grind. Add to the dates and mix through.
Add the raisins and the carob powder and stir well. You may need more carob powder if the dates are not very dry, alternatively you can add coconut to make the texture more solid.
Roll into balls and coat with dessicated coconut.
Store covered in the fridge for up to a week.

There are endless variations on this basic recipe: experiment with other dried fruits, nuts, sunflower seeds, rice bubbles, ground nuts or peanut butter instead of sesame seeds, milk powder, melted carob buttons etc.

Makes about 50 small balls.