berries ‘n buratta
We’ve got yet another winner from Ereka Vetrini’s Instagram @erekav, — an elevated update on the fruit salad, literally the most divine combination of flavors that will likely be the most delicious, chic, fresh dessert you will have all summer. I’ve just made a few of my healthy amendments to her recipe, included below:
INGREDIENTS
✧ 6 oz fresh burrata
✧ 6 oz blackberries
✧ 10 oz strawberries, tops removed and sliced
✧ 8 oz blueberries
✧ 10 oz cherries, deseeded and sliced
✧ 10 basil leaves, chopped
DRESSING
✧ 1/3 c EVOO
✧ 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
✧ 1/2 shallot, chopped
✧ 1 tbsp Manduka honey
✧ 1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan salt
NOTES
꩜ Shop wild, organic (spices & oils included) & in season whenever possible, plus make sure to fully clean all residue off produce with baking soda prior to cooking.
꩜ healthmylifestyle.com also has an amazing nut based, dairy free recipe for ‘Easy Vegan Burrata Cheese’
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prep ingredients: mix dressing and rinse/chop berries and basil.
2. Drizzle half of the dressing onto the serving plate.
3. Layer all the berries on top of the serving plate.
4. Break open the burrata and scatter on top of the berries.
5. Top your dish with basil and remaining dressing…SO EASY, SO DREAMY.
Some functional food for thought —
STRAWBERRIES & THE DIRTY DOZEN
Each of us should strive to buy all organic (ideally local) produce, but sometimes it’s not realistic and there is some gray area. Did you know that every year there is a cheat sheet published for the 12 fruits and veggies that are most contaminated with pesticides? Meaning, the 12 on our produce lists that are most essential to buy organic? Take a look at the EWG’s site HERE for review. Number 1 on the list is often strawberries, so I’m sad to say it, but I would highly advise against eating any non-organic strawberries because you’re virtually eating a beautiful calorie light berry that’s been soaked in pesticides that are simply not possible to rinse off. There is also a “CLEAN FIFTEEN” which have been shown to have the lowest amount of pesticide residue, so we can look at this list with more flexibility in terms of seeking out exclusively organic vs non-organic.
PINK HIMALAYAN SALT
Since pink Himalayan salt is less processed than table salt, your body has an easier time processing it, as it doesn’t require as much water to clear out the excess sodium! It also contains more than 80 minerals and elements, including potassium, iron, calcium and (naturally occurring) iodine, aiding our body’s natural detoxification process and promoting the removal of bacteria. This can even help lower blood pressure, as iodine supports our body’s electrolyte balance, allowing our intestines to absorb more nutrients.
(HOMEMADE/WHOLE INGREDIENT) DESSERT
Yes, enjoying dessert is good for you health! And allow me to share my top 3 reasons for why I strongly believe this…
1. MENTAL HEALTH
2. WEIGHT MANAGEMENT
3. ENERGY
The more we restrict ourselves, the more we’re going to crave what we’re restricting ourselves from — which in turn, may not be good for our mental health or weight weight management. For instance, if we’re thinking of how much we want some chocolate (or even our favorite salty snack if we’re less of a sweets person), but then deprive ourselves of this, there is a much greater probability we will binge on some at some point in the near future and/or even justify eating less healthful food throughout our day since we did were so “good” at avoiding the deemed gluttonous item when we wanted it. There are many unhealthy cycles we can develop, it’s most ideal to listen to our bodies and eat intuitively.
On top of this, dieting that involves sudden decreases to our intake of carbohydrates and sugar deprives our bodies of the necessary glucose needed for energy. This can lead to us feeling sluggishness, experience mental fog and distraction, as well as potentially feel depressed! The mind body connection is ever present.
There’s no reason to not enjoy dessert in moderation — life is meant to be sweet! When we take a bite out of our favorite desserts and our moods instantly level up, it’s due to the fact that foods with naturally high percentages of carbohydrates help the brain and body to produce chemicals (including serotonin) that contribute to overall emotional well being. The benefits of enjoying dessert simply outweighs the negative impact.
As with everything I make, I love to know the ingredients will fuel not only a beautiful plate, but a beautiful feeling inside. Steeped in the culture of being raised in Japanese and Italian homes, I understand the magnitude of importance food holds. I also believe in the philosophy of eating to live versus living to eat. It really is not about deprivation, it’s about remaining mindful and raising the vibration — no matter how incredible something taste’s, it’s also about how it “tastes” to our minds, bodies and souls that will keep the true “deliciousness” with us long past the moment of actual consumption. Pillars I continue to remind myself:
1. The quality of ingredients matter.
2. Less is always more.
3. Think loving thoughts while cooking and the food will taste better! #truth
4. Remain present while enjoying the intimate act of eating, it’s a game changer.
With love & gratitude, cheers to your good health!
medical disclaimer: all information is intended for general information purposes only and should not be considered as personal medical advice. individuals should always consult their healthcare provider before administering any of the suggestions made on thebalancedcalm.com to ensure they are appropriate for their specific circumstance.
