Broccoli & Pine Nut Soup

Broccoli & Pine Nut Soup (8-10 servings)

Ingredients:
2 heads broccoli (washed and cut into pieces)
2 large carrots (washed and sliced)
1 large onion (chopped)
4-6 cloves garlic (crushed)
3 cups chicken or vegetable stock
1 cup coconut milk (optional)
1/4 cup pine nuts (for serving)
salt & pepper to taste

Preparation:
1. Add olive oil to large pot and set to medium.
2. Add onions and garlic. Stir until translucent.
3. Add stock, broccoli, carrots and spices. Turn heat up to high and allow pot to boil.
4. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium, add coconut milk and allow to reduce.
5. Once broccoli is soft, turn off heat and allow to cool.
6. Spoon food bits into food processor and pulse until smooth.
7. Mixture to reheat.

Serving:
1. Spoon Broccoli soup into bowl.
2. Sprinkle pine nuts over the top.
3. Serve.

Quick & Easy "Baked" Apple

Quick & Easy "Baked" Apple
I came across a version of this recipe last night and decided to give it a try. I altered the recipe slightly to meet my tastes and it came out great!

Ingredients:
1 sweet apple (per serving)
handful of raisins
tablespoon of honey or maple syrup
cinnamon to taste

Preparation:
1. Soak the raisins in boiling water for about 5 minutes
2. Wash and core the apple. Make sure to peel the skin around the top of the apple as well.
3. Sprinkle cinnamon into the apple core.
4. Drain the raisins and pack into the apple core.
5. Drizzle a little honey over the top of the raisins and apple.
6. Place in microwave on high for 3-5 minutes.
7. Take out and poke sides with a fork.
8. Place back in microwave and continue to cook in 30s intervals until the apple flesh is completely softened to your liking.
9. Let the apple "rest" and cool for about 5 minutes before serving. ***The apple will be extremely hot, so you MUST allow it to cool.
10. Serve.