 Photo credit: mcredifine Author: Larry Mager It’s easy to forget how often we use creative thinking in our daily lives. It might be coming up with a unique business strategy, planning an event, creating a piece of art from scratch, or even figuring out what kind of healthy dinner you can throw together based on what’s in the fridge. Unfortunately we often also run into mental blocks that keep us from reaching our potential, whether it’s in-the-moment as you’re working on a project or if you just feel generally uninspired. Also, the winter months can leave us feeling tired and uninspired. Here are a few ways you can get your creative juices going. Identify and remedy the block It’s easy to get caught up in the monotony of day-to-day, but it can inadvertently cause us to wear blinders when it comes to our projects. Sometimes you have to take a step back to see what the problem is—if there’s really a problem at all—before you can solve it. There are a few common creative blocks, including seeking the “right” answer, overly-logical thinking, strict rule-following, and being too practical. Approach the project or idea from a totally new angle, even if on the surface it seems a little absurd. See what kinds of new thoughts and visions you have from this shifted perception and take note of all of them. You might unexpectedly solve part or all of the problem now, or look back on the list later and feel inspired in a new way. Catch up with other creatives Bouncing ideas off of other people can open the door to all kinds of new inspiration. You can call up another artist or professional in your field to meet for coffee, or make it a group event. Even if you can’t discuss the details of an ongoing project, you can vent about a type of issue you’re running into and see what advice others offer about overcoming it. You can even have a weekly game night—card games tend to be great for both social and mental benefits—where you all gather and discuss your ventures. What’s working, what’s not, what’s inspired you lately. By having a game as a buffer, the mood will stay light and happy, and you might realize venting to those who understand while having a good time may be exactly what you needed. Indulge in your passion Maybe you’re an artist feeling blocked over a painting or a marketing executive in need of ideas for a new campaign. When you’re having trouble doing what you’re good at, you start to doubt yourself and become even more discouraged. Instead of dwelling in what you’re struggling with, shift gears into a project you’ll enjoy! Head to your favorite scenic spot and paint, sketch, or write out your frustrations. Make up a project if you must: create a brief PR campaign for Superman if his identity was revealed or put together an advertising plan for Cheers if it decided to franchise. Even silly, fictitious projects can get your creative juices flowing, so take a few minutes to refocus on a similar, but fun, project. Get inspired before bedtime Try looking at a collection of your favorite artist’s work, reading a book by someone you admire, or listening to music that inspires you as your last task before bed. There have been studies that demonstrated that memory retention actually improves if something is learned just before sleeping. You can even simply sit back, close your eyes, and visualize all the things that have inspired you: the color of the ocean during a storm, a sculpture you saw at an exhibit, or perhaps a brilliant advertisement you see on your daily commute. Give yourself at least 15 minutes each night for a little inspiration time, and commit to it whether you’re at home or away. Use these techniques as the need arises, or better yet implement a few into your daily routine. Learn which approaches work best for you and which don’t. You probably won’t be able to stop yourself from ever feeling blocked, but you will know how to overcome it! About the Author: Larry Mager is passionate about the study of how to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease. He believes in regular exercise of the brain as a means to do just that. Give yours a workout with some fun, brain-stimulating games at ReadyBrain.net. Photo credit: mcredifine
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Lately, I've been thinking...
....a lot about strength and the inner spirit. Many years ago, when under hardships, I pandered my "poor me" syndrome. When experiencing sadness, I allowed external influences like "Facebook likes" to define my happiness and self-worth. Time and time again, "bad" things happened, but one day, I realized I went through this scenario various times throughout my life, and I finally put my foot down. It was the same song, just a different beat. I knew that "bad" times were a cycle, or a brief moment in life. Life goes on and good things will come. God threw countless stones that were pieces of strength that pinged off my aura and inner world. There is nothing more powerful than overcoming the wallows of your mind and rising above hardship. Those are real-life Warriors. And our true historical warriors, the Vikings, were a civilization that never gave up on their raids no matter how many they failed. Never Give Up. As always, inspired by the sun, Elizabeth Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration -Sunspiration. Inspiration Every Sunday in 150 Words or Less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings. Let's Connect! Slow Cooker Vegane Grünkohl & Wurst Recipe & Tour: A Northern German Tradition that Celebrates Kale2/22/2017 
Oh Germany. Where has time gone? I can't believe I've been home from living in Germany for 13 months now. It still feels like yesterday.
February is one of my favorite months. Maybe it's because of mine and Charles Dickens birthday, and I love my zodiac sign, Aquarius, but some of the most brilliant minds and artists have been born in Feburary: Abe Lincoln. George Washington, Bob Marley, Nicholas Copernicus, Laura Ingells Wilders, Johnny Cash and more! 
While living in Germany, we experienced something called a Grünkohlfahrt near the end of February. Kohl means, “cabbage.” Grünkohl, directly translated, means, “green cabbage,” but Americans know it as kale. Fahrt means “ride or tour.”
It's a dying Northern German tradition, but today, I want to keep that spirit alive. A green cabbage tour is simply a day spent wandering in the forest with friends, drinking, eating and playing games. The leader of the pack pit stops the wagon for a shot of schnapps and a quick stop for a snack. You can read more about my experience at: Grünkohl Tour: A Northern German Tradition that Celebrates Kale
Why do Germans do this? The green cabbage tour is not an excuse to drink like St. Patty's Day, but its to honor the earth and celebrate the harvest of kale. In Germany, kale is only available during the winter months. That's right folks. They do not have the luxury of eating kale salads, or green smoothies, in the summer because it is a winter vegetable with february marking the end of it's season.
Many towns in Germany also host a green cabbage festival. It's cute. It's quaint. It reignites their peasant and pagan roots to celebrate the blessings from the earth. 
The forests in Germany are steeped with deep wisdom. We were lucky on our tour because it didn't snow. The air smelled fresh and the tiny little village rested in peace and serenity.
I wish our American traditions rooted back to nature, but sadly modern day living is all about work, work and work. And our relationship with food in our culture is very unhealthy. When discovering a culture with ancient roots, it's amazing how food becomes a metaphor for life. And Germans definitely have a connection with their sausages. Even a simple quote such as, "Es gent um die Wurst," which literally translates, "It's about the sausage" means, "It's do or die/now or never the moment of truth." 
This recipe is simple to make. All you need to do is put everything in the crockpot for six hours. I did add the potatoes partway to ensure that they didn't break down like mashed potatoes. Cooked grunkohl looks more like spinach, so you are more than welcome to add more broth to the recipe.
Original recipes include cooking the grunkohl with bacon (or bacon fat), pork belly, bones or really anything from a pig, which aides in the breaking down and creaminess of the kale. At the end of the day, the vegan version is just as flavorful. I conclude with one of my favorite Germany sayings below: 
"Alles hat ein Ende, nur die Wurst hat zwei."
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Tropical Strawberry Beet Juice
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup pineapple
1/2 beet
optional: 1/2 navel orange, juiced
Directions: Place all the ingredients into a juicer, except for the orange. Squeeze the orange juice by hand. Mix the juice and enjoy!
Serves: 1
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh strawberries
1 cup pineapple
1/2 beet
optional: 1/2 navel orange, juiced
Directions: Place all the ingredients into a juicer, except for the orange. Squeeze the orange juice by hand. Mix the juice and enjoy!
Let's Connect! Save all MBSF recipes on your Yummly recipe box! Click the orange YUM below!
It's hard to believe it's still winter. Seattle's weather has been sunny and dry and on Valentine's Day it will be near 60-degrees.
The late-winter and spring blossoms are blooming around Queen Anne hill. The beautiful camellia trees are budding, if not yet already bloomed. It's one of the best parts of living in a temperate climate; life is always in bloom.
The late-winter and spring blossoms are blooming around Queen Anne hill. The beautiful camellia trees are budding, if not yet already bloomed. It's one of the best parts of living in a temperate climate; life is always in bloom.
Camellias come in different shapes, sizes and colors, but the tree is best known for its beautiful deep pink petals.
February revolves around love, chocolate and anything pink. My past Valentine's Day inspirations included vegan brownie bites topped with raspberry coconut cream frosting and my recent vegan blood orange cake.
At this time of year, the camellia is my inspiration to experiment with plant-based frostings. Interestingly, each method of cooking and product transforms into different-hued frostings, just like the camellia plant.
At this time of year, the camellia is my inspiration to experiment with plant-based frostings. Interestingly, each method of cooking and product transforms into different-hued frostings, just like the camellia plant.
In Seattle, spring flowers are sold at the Pike's Market and in stores. This purple-pink bouquet motivated me to try something new for this month of love and purification. Although you can't purify yourself on sugar, beets are the theme this month.
In my beet "root chakra" soup recipe, I talk about the historical aspect of beets, how the Romans use beets and the purifying effects beets have on our system. Beets are one of the most powerful foods created from the earth. They too have a symbolic meaning.
And since my birthday is on February 7th, my one training client gave me the book, "Jitterbug perfume" for my birthday. Charles Dickens, Laura Ingells Wilder and I share the same birthdate. And because of that, I celebrated this cake with literal-inspiration.
In the first few pages of the book, the PNW author, Tom Robbins talks about beets in the most metaphysical type of way.
And since my birthday is on February 7th, my one training client gave me the book, "Jitterbug perfume" for my birthday. Charles Dickens, Laura Ingells Wilder and I share the same birthdate. And because of that, I celebrated this cake with literal-inspiration.
In the first few pages of the book, the PNW author, Tom Robbins talks about beets in the most metaphysical type of way.
"The beet is the most intense of vegetables.....
...the beet is the murderer returned to the scene of the crime. The beet is what happens when the cherry finishes with the carrot. The beet is the ancient ancestor of the autumn moon, bearded, buried, all but fossilized; the dark green sails of the grounded moon-boat stitched with veins of primordial plasma; the kite string that once connected the moon to the Earth now a muddy whisker drilling desperately for rubies."
Beets are our life blood. Together, strawberry and beets make the perfect dessert.
I created this recipe to be sweet, but not overly sweet. If you want it to be ultra-sweet, you'll need to add more sugar to the cake.
I omit high amounts of sugar because the frosting is the most sweet part of the cake. Therefore, I do not want to consume even more sugar. If you bake the cake with out the frosting, it'll definitely need more sugar.
I omit high amounts of sugar because the frosting is the most sweet part of the cake. Therefore, I do not want to consume even more sugar. If you bake the cake with out the frosting, it'll definitely need more sugar.
I used fresh beet juice, but you can use bottled juice. Beet juice is intense, so you do not need too much of it. Depending on how dark or light you want the frosting, gradually add in the beet juice. Light, fluffy and pink, this is a fun cake to make and decorate even beyond Valentine's Day.
If you celebrate this "Hallmark" holiday, I wish you the sweetest day of the year.
If you celebrate this "Hallmark" holiday, I wish you the sweetest day of the year.
Vegan Chocolate Strawberry Cake topped with Beet Frosting
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Equipment: 6-inch spring foam pan
Cake Ingredients:
1.5 cups of flour
1/3 cup unsweetend coco powder
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or vanilla)
1 heaping cup of fresh strawberries, washed
1/4 cup cane sugar
1 3/4 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp vanilla
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Frosting Ingredients:
7 tbsp of vegan buttery stick, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cup powder sugar
1 - 1 1/4 tbsp beet juice
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350-degrees.Begin making the cake.
Place all the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix. Blend the strawberries and milk using a blender. Mix the milk with the sugar and the remaining wet ingredients.
Add the wet into the dry and fold the dry into the wet. Do not over mix. Spray or oil a 6-inch spring foam pan (or can use a 8 or 9 inch pan if you do not have a spring foam, the cake will be shorter but wider). Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a knife comes clean.
While the cake bakes, make the frosting.
In a bowl, or mixer, beat the frosting and vanilla together using an eggbeater. Add in the powder sugar 1/4 cup at a time. I make my frosting sweet, but not overly sweet so add more if needed.
Gradually, pour in the beet juice to your desired color. I used 1 1/4 tbsp beet juice for a darker frosting.
Once the cake completely cools, frost the cake and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Equipment: 6-inch spring foam pan
Cake Ingredients:
1.5 cups of flour
1/3 cup unsweetend coco powder
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or vanilla)
1 heaping cup of fresh strawberries, washed
1/4 cup cane sugar
1 3/4 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tbsp vanilla
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Frosting Ingredients:
7 tbsp of vegan buttery stick, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla
1 3/4 cup powder sugar
1 - 1 1/4 tbsp beet juice
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350-degrees.Begin making the cake.
Place all the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix. Blend the strawberries and milk using a blender. Mix the milk with the sugar and the remaining wet ingredients.
Add the wet into the dry and fold the dry into the wet. Do not over mix. Spray or oil a 6-inch spring foam pan (or can use a 8 or 9 inch pan if you do not have a spring foam, the cake will be shorter but wider). Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes or until a knife comes clean.
While the cake bakes, make the frosting.
In a bowl, or mixer, beat the frosting and vanilla together using an eggbeater. Add in the powder sugar 1/4 cup at a time. I make my frosting sweet, but not overly sweet so add more if needed.
Gradually, pour in the beet juice to your desired color. I used 1 1/4 tbsp beet juice for a darker frosting.
Once the cake completely cools, frost the cake and enjoy!
Let's Connect! You can save all MBSF recipes to your Yummly Recipe box, just click the orange "Y" below!
February is the month of love; the time when we give our love to others with gifts, treats and Valentine's Day cards.
For most people, it is easier to give than to receive. And most people lack some form of self-love, respect or worth since they put themselves last. This is a #1 year in numerology and there is no better time to put yourself first than now.
I believe in order for the collective to advance to a higher consciousness, everything needs to change at the individual level. It's time to have enough respect for yourself to let yourself love and to be loved. It's time to know that you are worth it.
Humans are complex. We cannot go through life without baggage or having someone "hurt" us (emotionally speaking). Let go of the guilt and angst, and let yourself heal. It's not quick, but well worth it.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration -Sunspiration. Inspiration Every Sunday in 150 Words or Less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Let's Connect!
For most people, it is easier to give than to receive. And most people lack some form of self-love, respect or worth since they put themselves last. This is a #1 year in numerology and there is no better time to put yourself first than now.
I believe in order for the collective to advance to a higher consciousness, everything needs to change at the individual level. It's time to have enough respect for yourself to let yourself love and to be loved. It's time to know that you are worth it.
Humans are complex. We cannot go through life without baggage or having someone "hurt" us (emotionally speaking). Let go of the guilt and angst, and let yourself heal. It's not quick, but well worth it.
As always, inspired by the sun,
Elizabeth
Join Mind Body Soul Food Every Sunday for some inspiration -Sunspiration. Inspiration Every Sunday in 150 Words or Less. Get inspired everyday with our Instagram account, sunspiration_everyday with inspirational quotes, motivational messages & sweet nothings.
Let's Connect!
Astrologically, the energy is shifting. In this New Age, we tend to be more in our heads instead of actually rooting onto the earth.
The winter season symbolizes hibernation, restoration and staying grounded. Something that is not happening right now, especially since the sun is in Aquarius – a mentally energetic sign. Aquarius symbolizes air, and during this time, we must keep our feet on the ground and connect to our root chakra.
My bloodline is Ukrainian and Polish, and I have memories of my Great Grandmother cooking batches of borscht during the winter season. As a kid, I disliked borscht, but today, it’s my favorite soup.
The winter season symbolizes hibernation, restoration and staying grounded. Something that is not happening right now, especially since the sun is in Aquarius – a mentally energetic sign. Aquarius symbolizes air, and during this time, we must keep our feet on the ground and connect to our root chakra.
My bloodline is Ukrainian and Polish, and I have memories of my Great Grandmother cooking batches of borscht during the winter season. As a kid, I disliked borscht, but today, it’s my favorite soup.
The chakras and rooting back to planet earth inspired me to create this soup. We are what we eat. And planet earth provides root vegetables for a reason. They are hearty and keep us warm during the winter season, but energetically keep us grounded.
February is the month of love and purification, according to the Romans. The symbolism of the beet and root chakra red color is more than a coincidence. It is energy to ignite the invisible “wheels of life” from within.
We are earth. We eat earth. And we can become earth. And the earth has inspired my spiritual development.
There are these fire red bushes next to my apartment. Seeing these plants remind me of the need to stay grounded in a time of chaos. Everything is shifting, and this unpredictable energy will be around for a long time.
February is the month of love and purification, according to the Romans. The symbolism of the beet and root chakra red color is more than a coincidence. It is energy to ignite the invisible “wheels of life” from within.
We are earth. We eat earth. And we can become earth. And the earth has inspired my spiritual development.
There are these fire red bushes next to my apartment. Seeing these plants remind me of the need to stay grounded in a time of chaos. Everything is shifting, and this unpredictable energy will be around for a long time.
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And that is where yoga comes into play. I got this beautiful yoga asana scarf from my favorite store in Hannover, Sonam’s Place. Sadly, her store closed late last year, but nevertheless Sonam’s spirit is still with me.
One of my favorite yoga asanas is the tree pose.
Tree pose embodies staying calm amidst chaos. A tree’s root is so deeply embedded into the earth that it remains still while the branches sway with the wind. It brings balance and equilibrium to our mind while opening the hips, and area that stores our emotions.
One of my favorite yoga asanas is the tree pose.
Tree pose embodies staying calm amidst chaos. A tree’s root is so deeply embedded into the earth that it remains still while the branches sway with the wind. It brings balance and equilibrium to our mind while opening the hips, and area that stores our emotions.
This recipe is more than a soup. It is information. The food's energy communicates wisdom to our cells and mitochondria. Beetroot is a dark red vegetable that provides better stamina, improves blood flow, fights heart disease and lowers blood pressure. In the Roman era, beetroot was used as an aphrodisiac, but also used to treat fever, skin issues and constipation. In 2010, research found that drinking beetroot juice increases blood flow to the brain.
For the time being, I recommend to stay calm, heal your body and disconnect your mind from outside sources.
For the time being, I recommend to stay calm, heal your body and disconnect your mind from outside sources.
Beet “Root Chakra” Soup
Prep Time: 7-10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
6 cups of water + 1.5 bouillon cube (or vegetable broth)
1 shallot, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
4 small carrots, chopped
3 large celery stalks, chopped (5 small)
2 large red skin potatoes, chopped (3 cups)
3 small beets, skinned and chopped
1.5 tsp fresh dill, chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
1.5 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Prep the ingredients. Cook the onion, shallot, carrot and celery with the olive oil in a soup pot. Cook until fragrant (3-5 minutes). Add all the remaining ingredients and simmer the soup until the potatoes and beets are edible. Adjust any spices if necessary.
I prefer eating the chunky soup. If you’d like to puree the soup, use a food processor or a hand-held blender to puree until smooth.
Prep Time: 7-10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20-30 minutes
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients:
6 cups of water + 1.5 bouillon cube (or vegetable broth)
1 shallot, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
4 small carrots, chopped
3 large celery stalks, chopped (5 small)
2 large red skin potatoes, chopped (3 cups)
3 small beets, skinned and chopped
1.5 tsp fresh dill, chopped
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
1 bay leaf
1.5 tbsp olive oil
Directions:
Prep the ingredients. Cook the onion, shallot, carrot and celery with the olive oil in a soup pot. Cook until fragrant (3-5 minutes). Add all the remaining ingredients and simmer the soup until the potatoes and beets are edible. Adjust any spices if necessary.
I prefer eating the chunky soup. If you’d like to puree the soup, use a food processor or a hand-held blender to puree until smooth.
In my recent recipe post, "Herbal Hibiscus Lemon "Purifying Love" Tea, I noted that February in Latin translates to "purification." In February, the Romans held purifying rituals and festivals.
Today, we embrace February as the "heart" month, a month of love, romance and everything pink.
Blood oranges are in season during the winter months, and these tart-n-sweet fruits inspired me to make a blood and navel orange cake. Citrus in general is purifying and the interconnections in our culture and life revolves around this notion of red, love and hearts.
And what better way to make a cake than with the sweet fruit from nature?
Blood oranges are in season during the winter months, and these tart-n-sweet fruits inspired me to make a blood and navel orange cake. Citrus in general is purifying and the interconnections in our culture and life revolves around this notion of red, love and hearts.
And what better way to make a cake than with the sweet fruit from nature?
When juiced, blood oranges look like our life blood. Just two of these guys juiced provides our recommended daily requirement of Vitamin C. Blood oranges also contain some calcium, anthocyanins, Vitamin A and Folic Acid (B9).
Isn't nature and our physiology amazing?
Isn't nature and our physiology amazing?
After spending sometime in nature, I noticed these beautiful winter blooms that budded with deep red flowers. The color itself resembled our life blood, our heart - everything that is inside of us. The deep hues of the blood orange juice and flower were identical. It's as if the citrus is our life blood.
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I wanted to create something pink and something sweet. Throughout my growth in the world of baking, I knew blood orange juice would create a "nature-inspired" soft pink frosting color. For the cake, I also used navel oranges since the juice is sweeter than blood oranges. This reduced the amount of sweetener I used in the cake.
The color in person is actually more vibrant than the camera picked up, thanks to the sun shining into my apartment, but never the less it was one of the best cakes I baked. Citrus cakes are not common, but using fruit in a different way is something that I am challenging myself in the baking world.
The color in person is actually more vibrant than the camera picked up, thanks to the sun shining into my apartment, but never the less it was one of the best cakes I baked. Citrus cakes are not common, but using fruit in a different way is something that I am challenging myself in the baking world.
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I also started calligraphy lessons this winter. Integrating food, words and musing is a big part of my spiritual development at the moment.
The more you spend time in nature, the more you realize how our physiology (and what blooms or is alive during each season) and change is a big part of our life. In yesterday's Sunspiration, I talk a little bit about that in terms of how we cannot have the yin without the yang.
It's a tough reality that we have to face within ourselves and within the world.
The more you spend time in nature, the more you realize how our physiology (and what blooms or is alive during each season) and change is a big part of our life. In yesterday's Sunspiration, I talk a little bit about that in terms of how we cannot have the yin without the yang.
It's a tough reality that we have to face within ourselves and within the world.
All in all, this cake is a seasonal production to celebrate the fruits (and flowers) of nature all while eating something healthier and pretty this Valentine's day. I'm off to celebrate my calligraphy adventure this month, and so from me to you, "all you need is cake."
P.S. This card is from Trader Joe's. They have stepped up their game in the greeting card arena.
P.S. This card is from Trader Joe's. They have stepped up their game in the greeting card arena.
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Vegan Blood Orange Cake with Blood Orange Frosting
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
Equipment: Two 6-inch round spring foam pans
Cake Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup blood orange juice (approx. 3 lg. blood oranges)
1 tbsp blood orange zest
1/2 + 1/3 cup navel orange juice (1 lg. navel orange)
1/4 cup cane sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/8 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
Frosting Ingredients:
1/2 cup vegan butter (1 buttery stick)
1 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp powder sugar
1 tsp vanilla
6 tbsp blood orange juice
Cake Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Place all the liquid ingredients into a bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the blood orange zest and sugar (you may need your hands). Next add the dry ingredients with the sugar and mix until combined. Place the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until combined.
Spray or oil two 6-inch spring foam pans. *If you only have one pan, cook one at at time. Separate the dough batter equally between both pans. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes.
Frosting Directions:
While baking the cake, begin the frosting. Cream together the butter and vanilla with an eggbeater or mixer. Gradually add the powder sugar, 1/4 cup at a time. Alternate between mixing and adding. Once complete, add up to 6 tbsp of blood orange juice. I used all 6 for a deeper color and for a stronger flavor.
Frost the cake once the cake is completely cool. Any warmth will melt the frosting.
Let's Connect! You can save all MBSF recipes on your Yummly recipe box!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-28 minutes
Equipment: Two 6-inch round spring foam pans
Cake Ingredients:
2 cups flour
1 cup blood orange juice (approx. 3 lg. blood oranges)
1 tbsp blood orange zest
1/2 + 1/3 cup navel orange juice (1 lg. navel orange)
1/4 cup cane sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/8 tsp salt
1 1/8 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
Frosting Ingredients:
1/2 cup vegan butter (1 buttery stick)
1 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp powder sugar
1 tsp vanilla
6 tbsp blood orange juice
Cake Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Place all the liquid ingredients into a bowl. In a separate bowl mix together the blood orange zest and sugar (you may need your hands). Next add the dry ingredients with the sugar and mix until combined. Place the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until combined.
Spray or oil two 6-inch spring foam pans. *If you only have one pan, cook one at at time. Separate the dough batter equally between both pans. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes.
Frosting Directions:
While baking the cake, begin the frosting. Cream together the butter and vanilla with an eggbeater or mixer. Gradually add the powder sugar, 1/4 cup at a time. Alternate between mixing and adding. Once complete, add up to 6 tbsp of blood orange juice. I used all 6 for a deeper color and for a stronger flavor.
Frost the cake once the cake is completely cool. Any warmth will melt the frosting.
Let's Connect! You can save all MBSF recipes on your Yummly recipe box!
Author
Elizabeth Rae Kovar M.A. is Author of her memoir, Finding Om and is a Fitness Trainer, Yogi, Reiki Master, Presenter and Lover of Life. To view her portfolio please visit www.elizabethkovar.com
Follow her travels at: lemontreetravel.com
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