Spice Up Your Summer for a Healthy Boost from Breakfast to Dessert

Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh, healthy produce. But if you’re looking to add a little extra oomph to your meals, try incorporating some of these spices. They’re not only flavorful, but they also offer a variety of health benefits.

Morning Boost Yogurt Crunch

This yogurt parfait is the perfect way to start your day. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and the spices give it a delicious boost of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashew yogurt
• 1 tablespoon basil seeds
• 1/2 cup water (for soaking basil seeds)
• 1/8 teaspoon granulated orange peel
• Pinch of ground ginger
• Almond protein powder (optional)
• 1 teaspoon date syrup or maple (optional)
• Fresh fruit (e.g., berries, peach)
• Nuts (optional)
• Mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Soak the basil seeds in 1/2 cup of water for 10-30 minutes until they swell up and become gelatinous.
2. In a bowl, mix the cashew yogurt with the spices.
3. Stir in date syrup and almond protein powder if using.
4. Stir the basil seeds into the yogurt.
5. Layer the Parfait:

• In a serving glass or bowl, start with a layer of the spiced cashew yogurt.
• Add a layer of fresh fruits.
• Sprinkle a layer of nuts on top.
• Repeat the layers.

6. Garnish with mint leaves for a fresh touch.

Spiced Hibiscus Refresher

This refreshing drink is perfect for a hot summer day. The hibiscus tea is rich in antioxidants, and the spices give it a delicious flavor.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons loose leaf hibiscus tea (or 2 hibiscus tea bags)
• 1 teaspoon black cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon date or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (for electrolytes)
• Fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Lemon slices and mint sprigs for garnish

Instructions:

1. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the black cumin seeds and let them boil for about 3 minutes to release their flavor.
3. Remove from heat and add the hibiscus tea and spice to the hot water. Allow the tea to steep for about 10 minutes.
4. Stir in syrup if desired. Add the juice of 1 lemon and the salt.
5. Let the tea cool to room temperature.
6. Strain the tea into a pitcher.
7. Refrigerate the tea until chilled.
8. Serve the chilled tea over ice cubes. Add fresh mint leaves to each glass for an extra refreshing flavor.
9. Garnish with lemon slices and mint sprigs.

Super Sumac Tahini Dip

This dip is perfect for a party or as a healthy snack. It’s made with tahini, which is a great source of protein and healthy fats. The sumac spice gives it a tangy flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup tahini paste (sesame seed paste)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon Super Sumac Combo
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. In a blender cup, blend the tahini, water, lemon juice, olive oil, sumac spice blend, and salt until smooth and creamy.
2. If the dip is too thick, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, the dip will thicken slightly upon chilling.
3. Transfer the sumac tahini dip to a serving bowl.
4. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with additional super sumac combo and chopped parsley leaves for garnish.

Frozen ‘Nana Sandwich

This is a healthy and delicious snack that’s perfect for summer. The bananas are frozen, so they’re cold and refreshing, and the nut butter and spices give them a delicious flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon nut or seed butter
• 1 banana, peeled and halved lengthwise
• 1⁄2 teaspoon Golden Breakfast Power Spice Blend*
• 4–5 raspberries

Instructions:

1. Spread half of the nut butter on each 1⁄2 of the banana.
2. Sprinkle lightly with spice blend. Add raspberries
3. Place the second half of the banana over top the first to create a sandwich.
4. Wrap the banana sandwich with parchment paper and then place in a storage bag or airtight container.
5. Freeze at least 1 hour.
6. Serve the banana sandwich as is, or sliced into bite-sized pieces.