Healthy Swaps During Summer Fun

Tips for healthy swap options for your Summer get-togethers

Summer is in full swing and we are busier than ever. Picnics, Parties, Weddings,Concerts and so on. Quite often we are either bringing dishes to pass, or providing the whole menu.

Here are just a few suggestions to inspire you

When choosing fruit choose Fresh Berries as they have a lower sugar content. Apples ,they have a lower glycemic index and don't dump sugar into your body all at once,

Watermelon is another great option as it is hydrating for these hot days of summer

Cucumber is another option in the vegetable family to assist with hydration.

A really tasty,healthy and hydrating beverage is to take fresh & frozen pineapple, 1 cucumber, skin on cut into chunks or slices. Place both ingredients a high powered blender( I have the Pampered Chef cooking blender which I adore). Add some water to your consistency liking and blend. No need to add sweetening as the pineapple provides enough IMO.

This is a very healthy, refreshing drink which aides in hydration and supports digestion.

Also, be sure your children and pets stay well hydrated and have cool areas to be in as their little bodies heat up much quicker than ours.

Many times we are making sandwiches, pasta and potato salads. I am going to share a recipe to make your own Mayonnaise. Those you purchase in the grocery store are loaded with seed oils which are very inflammatory. Even a popular branded front labels states " Made with Olive Oil"

People generally stop there and say great, this is a good oil. I know I did, without actually reading the ingredient label. When I did I was shocked and very disappointed. The first ingredient is soybean oil( so bad for you) Olive oil is not listed until later in the ingredients. I then switched to an Avacado oil Mayo. It was very expensive for a small jar, and honestly I did not love the flavor.

So I started searching recipes to make my own. I found this one I am going to share with you.

I have made it several times and Love it. It doesn't make alot, but enough for when you are making a Mac or potato salad, egg or tuna salad. Using apple cider vinegar it will last 3 weeks in your fridge, unless you choose to add fresh herbs, garlic etc. then will last just 1 week. Dried herbs it will still last 3 weeks. This recipe is very easy. You need patience as the secret to it turning out well is slowly adding in the Avacado oil. A tsp. at a time. You can make either in a food processor or my preferred way in the jar your going to keep it in and using an Immersion Blender. You have less dishes to wash and in my experience the consistency was better with the Immersion Blender.

Here you go: I have modified the original recipe a bit.

MAYONNAISE RECIPE

Original Author: Sylvia Fountaine/Feasting at Home

1 Large Egg

1 Tblsp Dijon Mustard

1 Tblsp apple cider vinegar

1/4 tsp salt

3/4-1 Cup of AvacadovOil ( I use close to 1 Cup)

Options: 1/2 garlic clove, 1-2 Tblsps fresh herbs( basil,dill, lemon zest) Remember if you use fresh mayo will only last 1 week in your fridge instead of 3.

Instructions: Place egg, mustard, vinegar &,salt in a 2 cup jar if using Immersion Blender

Blend on low for 20-30 seconds until frothy.

Add 1 tsp. oil. Blend well on low speed for 20-30seconds. Keep adding 1 tsp. at a time and blend 20-30 seconds after each addition. This slow introduction of oil and mixing well with each addition is key for a creamy and slightly thick mayo( It will not be as thick as store bought , and it does thicken more after being in the fridge. Just keep adding and blending this is where patience comes in, but it is so worth it. Once it is creamy you can increase to a Tblsp at a time if you would like. Taste and adjust salt and acid. You could also add a splash of lemon juice here(?I have not tried that yet. I have added dried dill, yummy)

Feel free to make any adjustments to suite your flavor preference.

Put lid on jar and refrigerate. Enjoy as needed

I figured out what it cost me with ingredients to make. Just under $5.00. Vs the one in the grocery store that is right around $10.

And you have the ability to adjust ingredients to suite your taste.

Enjoy!