Cucumber, celery, apple and lemon juice

This is by far my favorite juice. According to some of the juicing blogs I frequent cucumber has a cooling effect, very desirable in the hot Virginia blackberry summer. I also read that celery is a known stress reliever, clearly a status sought by all working moms. So hear goes, this recipe makes a quart. I make it on Sunday afternoons and then keep it in a jar for as long it lasts, usually a day or two for me. 

What you need: 

1 large english cucumber, washed 
1 large bunch of celery, washed
6 or so large apples, washed and quartered
1 small lemon, peeled and quartered

What you do: 

1. Using your juicer, turn on the blade runners
2. Push through all of the fruit and veg
3. Drink happily, clean the juicer soon after, you can compose the pulp

As always, much love, many blessings and happy juicing!

Fennel, Apple, Celery Salad

I know veggies in the winter can be a depressing endeavor... but I have a easy, crisp, citrus salad that will put the zip back into your winter menu. This salad is brought to you by the fantastic kitchen gadget the mandolin, if you don' t have one, a knife can do the work, but the mandolin does make it very easy, just be careful and use the guard to protect your finger tips. 

What you need: 

1 small fennel bulb

3 celery stalks

1 small apple

2 Tablespoons of regular olive oil

1 Tablespoon of citrus olive oil (or lemon juice)

1 Tablespoon of tarragon vinegar (apple cider vinegar and some fresh tarragon chopped)

salt and pepper

What you do: 

1. Thinly slice your fennel and celery and lay on a large platter. 

2. Flip the cutter on your mandolin and finely julian the apple and add to the platter. 

3. In a small jar add the oils, vinegar, salt and pepper. Shake vigoursly, and pour over your salad. Toss with your hands. 

4. Enjoy with gusto and crunch. 

As always, many blessings, much love and happy winter!