Take it to Heart

On the website PCRM.org, there is a plethora of information on how to increase your energy and enthusiasm for life through eating to live - instead of living to eat. Today being Valentine's Day, pcrm is focusing on heart health, and the article on Dr.Barnard's Blog says it all! If you are looking for something to whip up for you sweet heart[s] today, try thinking outside of the take out box, and focus on produce. A meal based on fresh produce will not only fill you up faster due to all that yummy fibre, but it will strengthen your heart and help clean up your arteries too! For supper tonight, my little ones will be dining on one of our families favourite soups, which just so happens to be RED - perfect for Valentine's Day!

Ginger Beets Soup

An original recipe created by me!

5-6 beets

4-5 parsnips

5 carrots

1 bulb garlic

olive oil

1 " fresh ginger, peeled and minced

3 celery stalks, chopped

1 onion, minced

6-8 cups water

2 reduced sodium organic vegetable broth cubes

Wash, trim, and dice the beets parsnips and carrots. Toss in a bowl with 1 tbsp olive oil, then arrange in a pan. Trim off the top of a bulb of garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in a 425*F oven for about 40 minutes, or until a fork can easily pierce the vegetables.

In a heavy bottomed stock pot, saute the ginger, celery, and onion until onion is tender. Add the roasted vegetables, water, and vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once the soup boils, reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Let simmer for 30 minutes, then remove from heat. Once the soup is cool enough to be place in your blender without melting it, blend it in batches, returning the soup to the pot after each batch, until the entire soup has been pureed. Alternatively, you can use a immersion blender right in the stock pot.

Serve this soup with a fresh green salad, and homemade rolls for the perfect supper that all ages will enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day!