The Benefits of Homemade Coldpressed Drinks this Winter.

Hello Y’all! Welcome to a new month and the second-to-last month of the year. As the weather cools, the flu, along with every other bug, becomes rampant. Avoiding getting sick during the winter is the best thing one can do because not only will it be miserable outside, you will be miserable on the inside, coupled with still having to do daily activities and get stuff done.

If you’re in the States and keeping abreast with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) overhaul, you would realize that a lot of our processed drinks contain ingredients that are not only harmful to our health but also have limited to no nutrients and predominantly artificial sugars. It’s widely known that some of the ingredients in our foods have been banned in Europe and are not included in food processing activities. The result of this is the fact that we Americans have the highest obesity rate in the world as of 2022, with approximately 41.92% of men and 43.8% of women. Need I say more?

In an attempt to have a healthier option than soda with zero calories or fruit juice with reportedly ‘no sugar’ but has a saccharine sweetness that tastes sweeter than honey, I started researching alternatives. One thing I learned was that when making regular juice, it doesn’t keep as long, but a better option is cold-pressed juices, which keep longer in your refrigerator. In my case, they last about 7 days. Now, I am not sure as to why, but there is a science behind it, and that’s a blog for another day.

Yes, they quench your thirst but expand your waistline over time….unfortunately :/

And so, about 2 years ago, I purchased a cold press juicer and began experimenting with making juices with fruit and roots that my body needed. I usually have from two to four ingredients in any given batch, with ginger being the non-negotiable and always included in ALL juice batches. Other ingredients are pineapples, celery, apples, turmeric, and lemons. These fruits and roots contain everything from anti-inflammatory benefits, digestive enzymes, fiber, antioxidants, immune boosters, anti-nausea, weight loss, fat burning, cholesterol, and blood sugar-lowering properties, just to mention a few. These are my preferences. Another fun fact is the husk from the press can be used as compost for your garden…if you have one.

Putting on my elder-type glasses literally, let me share, according to AI, some of the benefits of cold-pressed juices.

  • Detoxification
  • Boosting immunity
  • Nutrient absorption
  • Weight management
  • Improved digestion
  • Clearer skin
  • Mental clarity
  • Reduced cravings
  • Stabilize Insulin levels
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Anti-aging
  • Mood enhancement
  • Hydration.

Now, I’m not saying I’ve been completely weaned off sodas, but I have drastically reduced my intake, and we no longer purchase soda at home anymore. It’s all about tweaks without any drastic changes that cannot be sustained. So, with this being said, If you’re interested in getting started with a cold-pressed juicer, there are a few good options on the market, and I’ll be sharing the exact one I use as well, and they include brands like Aietto, Ninja Neverclog, Tinana cold press juicer, and Kitchen in the Box. As you swap out your wardrobe for layers and warmer clothing, remember to boost your immune system and keep it healthy against all the bugs and viruses common at this time of year. Until I come your way again, be safe, healthy, like, follow, and comment. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Its Fall! Let the Baking Begin.

Hello Y’all! All the way from North Texas. I hope this post finds you well in your corner of the world. Summer is gone and Fall is here. Where has 2024 gone? My neighbor put out a pumpkin at their front door and I just thought to myself, we are getting closer to Thanksgiving. But it’s been a busy Summer as usual and coordinating my schedule has been likened to herding cats so I apologize for not being as consistent as I would have liked. Today is Sunday and I was up early trimming back the vines from my sweet potato plants. I recently learned that the leaves are edible and a great source of antioxidants so, I have decided to try a sauté style recipe and see if it’s worth the hype. This Summer was mild compared to last year and I am so grateful for it. If you live in Texas, you know that there’s a huuuge (huge) difference between 94 degrees and 115 degrees. It’s expected to drop even lower beginning tomorrow and I cannot wait to begin layering.

I was craving bread and decided to bake a loaf of gluten-free sweet bread that’s made with five ingredients: 2 tbsp active yeast, 2 tbsp sugar, about a half cup of water, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 cups GF flour, and 1 small pack of raisins.

Prepping.

Heat about 2/3 cup of water and pour it into a mixing bowl. Ensure it is medium temperature. Add sugar, stir, then add the yeast and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Add the flour and mix with a spatula. Please keep in mind that GF flour doesn’t have the same consistency as regular flour so kneading in this case isn’t required. Using a perforated cover, cover the bowl and let it sit in a dark place for about 30 minutes.

After it has risen considerably, add the raisins and mix. Cover and let it sit until it rises the second time. Spray your loaf tin and get ready to bake. Turn on your oven to 350-325 F and bake. GF bread doesn’t rise like regular bread so constant checks ensure that it bakes just right. Serve with jam or butter and enjoy!

Folks, its Fall season and as the weather cools down, I look forward to trying new recipes that are scrumptious and great for my waistline. Until I come your way again, be safe, upbeat and positive. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Getting Creative in an Inflation!

Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your cozy corner of the world. Happy belated Valentines Day folks, which also happened to be Ash Wednesday. One of the fun traditions is having King Cake and finding the little Baby Jesus in a piece of cake where whoever finds the tiny toy gets to buy the cake next year. Any excuse to have a little more sugar in our lives is always a good thing…in my opinion.

Its already February and the race to the months end is on. In the last two years, depending on where you reside, there’s being a shortage of items and longer wait times on certain products. This, as I have heard has been worldwide but more felt in the western hemisphere. To add to this, we have slowly seen a descent into inflation here where the prices of items have literally doubled and in some cases tripled. When I look at the ongoing scarcity combined with rising costs of goods and services without much of a significant increase in pay, people from all strata of society are beginning to feel the pinch. There’s slowly a pull back because of a lot of uncertainty in the financial market but also government spending to the extent that I’ve dusted up all my cookbooks and decided to be more serious about incorporating a better way of meal planning but also carrying that through every sphere of daily living.

As simple as this may read, its seldom done. We had Snow-Megeddon in North Texas two years ago and people….and I mean with exotic cars and luxury lifestyles were in line for meal handouts because they lost their jobs, probably didn’t meal prep at home and never saw the need to stock up on groceries. It was a rude awakening on what could happen if the system collapses.

Create a list of what you like and find innovative and affordable options.

  • Salads – Instead of buying a single serve, why not opt for a pack of greens and condiments that give you several serves and are cheaper.
  • Granola – Instead of buying a pack that has a few serves and is pricy, make your own. There is a plethora of granola recipes online. I can share a few of mine if requested.
  • Cold pressed juices – These are vitamin bombs that boost your immune system. For those who love buying these refreshing 16oz drinks at your neighborhood grocery store, why not invest in a cold press juicer and make a batch that lasts you a week. All you need are the ingredients.
  • Baked confectionaries – This is great especially when you are being mindful of calories. Having baked goods at home reduces the urge to impulse buy baked treats that are pricey when out and about.
  • Bulk Meal Prepping – One thing I love to do is make big pots of stews and sauces that could be served with a plethora of food options like rice, quinoa, potatoes, pasta etc. This will cut down on eating out and reserve it for special occasions or when absolutely needed.

    Folks, there is worldwide uncertainty about the economic state of things. For the 95 percent of the populace who don’t really have a say in big governmental decisions, we are often the ones being reactive or like Texans love to say ‘Are left holding the bag’ after the damage has been done. We are being more conservative nowadays and trying to be smarter with money. I do hope this post has helped someone think about what’s going on in the world around us but also set ourselves up to not be reactive but proactive. Until I come your way again…feel free to share creative ways you have incorporated into your routines with me and others. Please like, comment and follow for more from

    Periwinkle Starr