Cocoa Cherry Pork Tenderloin

In St. Lucia there is a restaurant that serves every meal with chocolate. So I thought I'd try this Cocoa Cherry Pork Tenderloin recipe. In fact it's a combination of two recipes I combined together. I preferred another cherry sauce.

Ingredients:

1 1/4-2 lb. pork tenderloin
Kosher salt
2 tablespoons avocado or walnut oil
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon chipotle pepper
2 cups fresh, sweet cherries, pitted
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or ginger

Directions:

Trim fat from the tenderloin and generously apply the kosher salt to both sides. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl combine the cocoa powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, black pepper and chipotle pepper. Coat the meat in the cocoa mixture.  In a skillet add the oil and sear the meat on med heat for a minute on each side (do not blacken). Once done add the meat to an oven ready baking dish and bake for 20 minutes (internal temperature at least 145) Let stand at least 10 minutes before slicing.

In the searing skillet add the remaining ingredients stir continuously, let boil then reduce heat to simmer until sauce thickens. Serve sliced tenderloin with cherry sauce. Yum Yum.

8 Detoxifying Herbs

Here are 8 detoxifying herbs you can include during the spring that help to eliminate toxic buildup from your system and renew your health. (Blog.paleohacks.com)

1. Dandelion

The great thing about dandelion is that the flowers, leaves and roots support the health of your entire body. The bright yellow flowers contain high amounts of antioxidants and flavonoids, which are all great for supporting the liver and renewing cells. You can add the flowers to a pot of water and simmer on low for 15 to 20 minutes to make a sweet tasting, detoxifying tea.

Dandelion leaves are an important part of a detox because of their diuretic action, and unique because they do not leach out potassium, an important electrolyte mineral. The nutritious leaves are a good source of vitamins A, B, C and zinc. Although dandelion can be bitter, it’s the bitterness that helps to stimulate the liver and gallbladder, thereby improving digestion.

2. Red Clover

By far one of my favorite herbs, red clover is incredible for cleansing the blood. The flowers have the ability to carry waste out of the bloodstream, making this herb a valuable part of a detoxification protocol.

Red clover is also a powerful tonic, helping to assist in toxin breakdown within the lymphatic system. Its expectorant properties are also great for individuals needing lung support. However, make sure to do your research, as red clover is only appropriate in certain forms and amounts.

3. Stinging Nettle

Nettles help to support the kidneys in eliminating waste and, along with your liver, your kidneys serve an important role in detoxification as well. Beware of picking this herb with your bare hands. It stings and can leave tiny little bumps on your hands and arms. But not to worry, it lasts only temporarily, but is very itchy!

You can enjoy the leaves of this herb by steaming them and adding them to a salad. You can also enjoy nettles in a soup by boiling them with vegetable broth, garlic and onions, then pureeing it. It’s a light and nourishing soup that is rich in iron and vitamin C. Vitamin C is an important nutrient needed to support the different phases of liver detoxification.

You can often find this herb available as a tea. Due to having mildly energizing benefits and supporting the liver and kidneys, it is a great morning tea that can help to kick-start detoxification in the a.m. and supply your body with vital nutrients.

4. Burdock Root

Although this may not be the tastiest of herbs, it is an incredible blood cleanser and loaded with detoxifying nutrients, such as folic acid, vitamins C, E and magnesium. Burdock is also a diuretic, helping to expel toxic buildup in your blood and eliminate it through your urine.
Burdock is a strong herb and it would be advised to include this once you have gone through months of detoxification protocols. It has a very strong affinity for the liver and works extremely well to eliminate toxins, therefore it can make you feel quite ill if other detoxification pathways are not optimized.

Burdock is also great for supporting the adrenals, helping to balance blood sugar. It also contains antimicrobial compounds.

5. Cilantro

This strong-tasting herb is most often used to chelate heavy metals like mercury from the body. You can enjoy it in salads, soups, smoothies or fresh-pressed juices. You can also find this available in tincture form, but do consult with an herbalist before taking it, as it can be quite potent and strong. A heavy metal detox does require guidance and support.

6. Ground Ivy

Speaking of heavy metal detoxers, ground ivy is great for removing lead and other heavy metals, making it a valuable herb to include in a detox formula. This herb is also a great diuretic, helping to eliminate waste and toxins from the kidneys.

7. Milk Thistle

This herb is most widely used for liver detoxification and is readily available. Milk thistle can help to regenerate liver cells and provides vital nutrients for the liver in helping it to expel toxins and metabolic waste. It also helps to produce bile, which assists in supporting digestion.

8. Neem

This wonder herb is commonly found in natural dental products due to its antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic properties, making it a great addition to any detoxification regime. Neem is also great at purifying the blood and helping to rid the body of unwanted metabolic waste.

Detoxification can be an intense process. Be sure to start out with the right support and guidance and with small doses. Teas are gentle and can be a great supplement for anyone wanting to start a detox protocol.

After you’ve supplied your body with the right nutritional support and nutrients, you may then want to consider incorporating some of these more potent and detoxifying herbs to increase the health of your detoxification pathways and renew your overall health.

Crockpot Sausage Potatoes and Vegetables

This crockpot sausage potatoes and vegetable meal is very easy.

Ingredients:

1 bag of small red potatoes, cleaned
14oz package of sausage, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 yellow pepper, sliced
1/2-1 red pepper, sliced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
12 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 tablespoons parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Clean a bag of shall red potatoes, leave whole and add to the crockpot. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and mix well. Add the sausage then the sliced peppers, diced onions and halved tomatoes. Sprinkle with the parsley and cook for 4-6 hours, or until potatoes are tender. Yum Yum!

Crockpot Vegetable Harvest Chicken and Potatoes

YumYum...Fresh organic vegetables with chicken cooked slowly in broth sounds mighty good. Serves 6. Takes 20 minutes to prepare and 5-7 hours to cook.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes.
3 tablespoons flour, divided
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
12 oz small red potatoes or Klondikes, scrubbed and halved
2 cups carrots, cut into 1 inch pieces
2-3 stalks of celery, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, chopped
14 oz. Mushrooms, sliced
1 tablespoons minced garlic
3/4 teaspoon dried thyme, divided
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon melted butter

Directions:

In a small bowl combine the chicken, 2 tablespoons flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper. Coat the chicken well and put it in the crockpot.

In another bowl mix together the remaining ingredients except only 1/2 teaspoon of thyme. Add contents to crockpot and cook on high 4 hours or low 6 hours.

In a bowl mix the remaining flour, salt and thyme with the melted butter until it forms a paste.
In the crockpot move all the ingredients to the sides and add the butter paste into the center. Stir until melted. Then cook 1 more hour or until thickened. Yum Yum.

Crockpot Mexican Skirt Steak

These crockpot Mexican skirt steak is good on rice with black
beans or served as tacos with slices of avocado on top. Serves 4-6


Ingredients:

1 1/2 - 2 lbs skirt steak
1/2 red pepper, sliced thin
1/2 yellow pepper, sliced thin
1/4 yellow onion, sliced thin
1 lime, juiced
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1/8 cup fresh cilantro or 2-3 tablespoons dried cilantro
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Cut the skirt steaks in half or more so it fits in a 6oz crockpot, set aside. In a bowl mix the cumin, paprika, garlic, Mexican oregano, salt and pepper.

Rub on both sides of steak and place in crockpot.

Sprinkle the cilantro on top. Add the onion and peppers. Cook on low 5-6 hours. Yum Yum.