In honor of this green holiday, I found a recipe that incorporates the beneficial cannabis oil and a healthy sweet treat all at the same time!  

But first, let me provide a bit of education for those out there a bit reluctant or all out against this flowering plant of  the Cannabaceae family, when used responsibly that is.  
​Paraphrased from Wikipedia: 
​Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes. 
The main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  
Cannabis can be used by smoking, vaporizing, within food, or as an extract. 
Cannabis is also known as hemp, although this term is often used to refer only to varieties of Cannabis cultivated for non-drug use.
Cannabis has long been used for hemp fibre, hemp seeds and their oils, hemp leaves for use as vegetables and as juice, medicinal purposes.  
Preliminary evidence suggests that cannabis can reduce nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, improve appetite in people with HIV/AIDS, and reduce chronic pain and muscle spasms.
(www.wikapedia.com)
​
Below are just a few of the amazing benefits derived from cannabis:

• Fights cancer
• Fights depression and anxiety
• Helps in treating autism
• Seizure regulator
• Helps heal broken bones faster
• Aids in focus, concentration
• Glaucoma treatment
• Helps M.S. patients
• Can relieve pain and arthritis 
• Eases nausea
• Helps with eating disorders

(www.greenflower.com)

Again, when used responsibly and as medicinal, cannabis is quite beneficial and a lifesaver to many.  And like with anything used irresponsibly, this plant can be harmful- yet, there are no findings of cannabis having fatal effects. 

Now for the good stuff!  
​
Epicurious has a delicious popcorn treat to satisfy your cravings in honor if today!  This recipe combines a flavor combo for your palate that is sensational!  
I mean really, sweet + savory + spicy + popcorn + weed... any objections?

This particular recipe in its current form is vegetarian, not vegan.  However, to make this popcorn recipe completely vegan, swap the honey for agave.   

If you're going to have the munchies anyway, might as well cut out the middle man and get it all in one.  This recipe will seriously step up any basic Netflix & Chill evening!

Don't take my word for it, CLICK BELOW and try it out for yourself!

For A Cheese Platter that Flatters...

●Grab your favorite cheeses from @aldiusa (AWESOME variety and inexpensive!) 

●Grab some dried fruit and fresh  produce (@SimplyProduce in College Park, Ga has the freshest and best fruit and veggies you can buy!) 

....and all will be right with the world😌... well, at least for your gathering!🤗


It doesn't have to be extravagant or intimidating to be a crowd pleaser.
In fact, there's no good or bad way to style a cheese platter as long as you remember to always include these 4 components:

1. The Cheese: nice hard cheese are great, but always include a soft spreadable one as well (brie, herb spread, etc.)
2. The Cracker: Grab a variety of seeded crackers- they add additional variety.  A bland water cracker is a perfect canvas for a complex flavorful cheese palate. *NO SALTINES!*lol!
3. The Nut: A variety of smoked almonds, cashews, and walnuts are my go-tos!  You favorite crunchy nuts should be delicious enough to eat alone. *NO PEANUTS!*lol!!
   
4. The Fruit:  Since this is not a fruit platter, try to always use seasonal, and reach outside the box.  Grapes are a no brainer addition, but jazz it up with cubes of dragon fruit, blackberries, figs and/or star fruit depending on the season.  And don't forget the dried fruit! Apricots, cherries, figs and pineapples are delicious dried accompaniments!

In all things Culinary Health, MAKE IT YOUR OWN! 

Add your own pizzazz of tasty items you love for a delicious platter work of 'Art'!!

Stick to the basic 4 above and you're good!👍🏾.

Can you believe Thanksgiving is right around the corner....again!  The year goes by so fast, but   just in time to sit side-by-side with the featured holiday turkey is my amazingly delicious  Roasted Sweet Potatoes w/ Honey, Blue Cheese & Crisp Sage!  The mildly sweet root vegetable amped up with sweetness from local honey, a bit of sharp creaminess from the pungent blue cheese crumbles, and all balanced out with the subtle earthiness from the ground sage herb.(6/2017) 

This is indeed a super easy, super simple dish with a beautiful presentation that will jazz up any usual Thanksgiving dinner table.  I actually revamped this from a summer post made last year but lends itself to perfection now being in the ideal season.

Now to really spice things up on your table for this dish, try accenting with my recipe for fresh Crisp-Fried Sage Leaves!  It's a quick and simple process that will add an elegant finishing touch to this already amazing dish!  These crispy leaves can be added to almost any casserole dish for added flavor and panache! 

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch fresh sage (approximately 30 leaves), cleaned and separated
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• Sea Salt

The Process:

1. In a pan, heat oil in a small skillet on med/high heat until hot.
2. Add sage leaves to pan in batches (as not to overlap in the skillet to crisp properly) for approximately 2 minutes at a time.
3. Remove from pan with slotted spoon or fork and let drain on a paper towel-lined plate immediately sprinkling with sea salt while still bubbling from the oil.
4. Repeat until complete and arrange atop this dish as a crisp finishing touch!