Winter Retreat in Shawnee National Forest

Three days, 30 miles, one woman - braving the winter by foot in Shawnee National Forest. Haha, okay that sounds a bit dramatic, but at least I got your attention. ;) 

At the beginning of January of this year, Southernmost Illinois provided me a four-day lodging experience so that I could explore the most beautiful National Forest in the state of Illinois. Not a bad way to start the new year, amiright?! If you are looking for a winter retreat in the Midwest region, then look no further.

Lodging 

For the duration of the trip, I stayed at the oh so cozy, Rim Rock’s Dogwood Cabins. I couldn’t have asked for a better lodging experience! Not only is the location perfectly situated within the Shawnee National Forest, but they have farm animals on the property:  llamas, miniature donkeys, goats, chickens/guineas and 4 dogs to be exact! 

There are a total of 6 unique cabins on the property. I stayed in Coyote Hollow. All of their cabins are pet-friendly and have general lodging amenities (i.e. free WiFi, satellite, outdoor fireplace.) Because there was a full kitchen, I cooked and prepared all the meals during my stay. Here is a link for more information regarding cabin and local area information if you are interested in lodging! Currently, there is a winter special to the end of February 2020: 25% off weekdays and RENT 2 nights, get another night free!

Recipe for paleo magic bar cookie skillet can be found here.

Hiking

Since this is a winter retreat, you are probably thinking that I am going to talk about indoor attractions, restaurant recommendations, and shopping. Sorry to disappoint, because this girl enjoys the outdoors; regardless if it is raining, snowing, or sleeting! And now that I think of it, all three happened in one morning, haha. So if I haven’t lost you at this point, grab a map and a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the beauty that is Shawnee National Forest during winter! 

Shawnee National Forest Travel Guide

Day 1: 

Since the Rim Rock National Recreation trail is 100 yards east of the cabins’ main entrance, I started there first. Recommend taking the lower loop on the right side, going up the stairs in the “main attraction” area which leads around the rim of a rock escarpment, hence the name! You will see really cool bluff lines, incredible bluffs, unique rock formations, “fat man squeezes”, and creeks. If you go in the summer, wildflowers are in full bloom; so beautiful. 

Rim Rock National Recreation Trail

Distance: 1.7 miles

Difficulty: Easy

While you are in this area, you will see another great trail: Pounds Hollow Lake. And while this spot is more of a summer hot spot, hiking around its beautiful 28 acre National Forest lake is beautiful too! Any horse lovers?! This area is the most popular horseback riding trail spot!

Pounds Hollow Lake and Thacker Hollow Loop

Distance: 10 miles

Difficulty: Easy

The last hike for the day was at high knob since it’s about a 15-minute driving distance from Pounds Hollow. A great little hike to end the day. If you are hiking in this area when it’s raining, make sure you are wearing appropriate shoes. Lots of moss means green in winter = great but when raining = slick! Tip: I highly recommend this hike first if you want the perfect view of sunsets. 

Pounds Hollow

Distance: .6 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Day 2

I had an early start to the day as I drove about 40 minutes west to see the falls! First stop: Burden Falls. There are trails that you can explore in this area, but if you are pushed for time and just want to see waterfalls, you can spot them about 100 yards off the parking lot area. 

Burden Falls

Distance: .8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

About 10 minutes from Burden Falls you will find Jackson Falls. This was my favorite waterfall spot! You can spend a good amount of time in this area. At the top of the falls, cross the creek and follow the trail to the left (as you are looking out over the falls) for about ¾ mile. You will cross a smaller creek/waterfall, then about 100 yards, there are some large boulders along the bluff line that you can scramble down and follow the trail back along to the falls. Many miles of scenic hiking along the top and bottom sections in this area. Any rock climbers!? This area is great for rock climbing and bouldering between three waterfalls! 

Jackson Falls

Distance: 3.7 miles 

Difficulty: Moderate

After lunch, I headed over to Bell Smith Springs. This was probably my favorite hiking spot! Spent the rest of the afternoon/evening weaving through various trails that contained clear, rocky streams, scenic canyons bordered by high sandstone cliffs, and beautiful vegetation! Within the trail system, you have interconnected trails featuring Devil’s Backbone, Boulder Falls, and a natural rock bridge. *If you have more time in this area, I would recommend checking Sand Cave

Bell Smith Springs

Distance: 8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate 

Day 3: 

Saved the best for last! At the wee hours of the morning, I drove over to Garden of the Gods to catch the sunrise! Even though it was below freezing temps and killer winds, man oh man, was it worth it! You can easily spend 15 minutes to a half-day in this area. There are a number of trails that offer various activities and are accessible year-round. *Please be safe when climbing the sandstone rock formations! 

Garden of the Gods - Observation Trail

Distance: .5 miles

Difficulty: Easy

And there you have it! Hiking in the winter isn’t so bad! Honestly, it was a truly therapeutic experience for me. Regardless if you are doing a winter retreat on your own or doing it with loved ones, it’s good to take time out for yourself. Nature has a special way of re-grounding us. I leave you with this:

“Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity, and I may say innocence, with Nature herself.”

― Henry David Thoreau, Walden

This post was sponsored by Southernmost Illinois Tourism Bureau. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this post are my own. 

Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Bean Lasagna Soup

Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Bean Lasagna Soup - Made with less than 10 ingredients - sure to be a dinner staple during the wintertime. 

Ever since I made Pioneer Woman's lasagna soup ten years ago, I never got back to the normal way of making lasagna. When you find an easier, more efficient way of making something, why turn back? Amiright!? 

So to switch up the classic take on lasagna soup, I made it winter-inspired using butternut squash, kale, and white beans. For this recipe, I used spicy sausage but if you are plant-based, you can simply switch out for vegan sausage or an extra can of white beans. 

This lasagna soup is made with less than 10 ingredients, using one pot, and finished in under 30 minutes! So for my busy mom’s out there, this one's for you! 

Most of you know, I am a huge fan of Banza pasta! So to make this lasagna soup gluten-free, I used their brand spanking new line of lasagna noodles! With nearly two times the protein, three times the fiber, and nearly 30% fewer net carbs - it’s crazy how you can’t even tell the difference from traditional lasagna noodles!

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Bean Lasagna Soup - Made with less than 10 ingredients - sure to be a dinner staple during the wintertime. 

Ingredients: 

• 1 container lasagna noodles (uncooked)

• 1 can 28oz crushed fire-roasted tomatoes

• 1 container (4 cups low-sodium chicken stock) or veggie stock

• 1 can white beans (rinsed and drained)

• 1 container (16oz) spicy sausage or vegan sausage/extra can of beans

• 2 cups fresh kale (destemmed)

• 1 white onion (diced)

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 butternut squash (about 1 ½ cups) cubed

• Dash or 3 of red pepper flakes

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

Directions: 

1. Heat about 1 tbsp olive oil in a dutch oven or heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until brown (about 5-8 minutes). Place sausage on a paper towel covered plate to absorb excess grease. 

2. While the pot has oil and grease from the sausage, add the butternut squash, and cook, turning occasionally, until just beginning to caramelize and soften (about 5 minutes). Add the onion and garlic to the pot, and cook until soft and translucent. 

3. Add the sausage back to the pot and add tomatoes, chicken stock, seasonings, and lasagna noodles (may have to break noodles into thirds to fit into the pot. If you think you need more liquid, add about 1-2 cups of stock or water. 

4. Cover, and bring the stock just to a boil, then turn the heat down to low-medium. Let simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. 

5. Add white beans and torn kale leaves, and continue to simmer until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Serve warm with crusty bread and enjoy! Great to garnish with fresh basil and additional red pepper flakes too.  Makes about 4 servings. 

Tidal Wave Smoothie

Tidal Wave Smoothie - A chocolate lovers dream inside a tropical paradise! - A beauty collagen and detox smoothie.

What better way to start the new year than with a refreshing chocolate and tropical inspired smoothie? If I am going to hit the reset button, I’m going to do it this way. There is no...other...way! 

But how about we take it up a notch? Not only are you going to feel like you are on vacation drinking this smoothie, you are going to look and feel pretty doing it. ;) Tropical notes that you will taste are from my favorite Vital Proteins Beauty Collagen line - Tropical Hibiscus. Organic fruit flavored powders of pineapple, oranges, and cranberry. Read more about the nutritional information here. 

What gives this smoothie that vibrant tropical color is Vital Proteins spirulina capsules. Spirulina is an amazing superfood sourced from blue-green algae. It’s a great source of vitamin A and K as well as other phytonutrients that help to aid in the body’s ability to naturally detoxify while boosting energy levels. Read more about the nutritional information here. And don’t worry, you will not taste the “algae” part!

So now that we know that this smoothie tastes like vacation in a glass, can make us look and feel beautiful, all while detoxing and giving us energy, you can see why this is the perfect smoothie to start the new year! Now, onto the recipe! 

This post was created for a Vital Proteins giveaway that will be featured on our Instagram page!  

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Ingredients 

• 1 frozen banana (large)

• 1 handful fresh organic spinach

• ½ cup mango (fresh or frozen)

• ½ cup plant based milk

• ⅓ cup coconut water

• 2 scoops Vital Proteins Tropical Hibiscus Beauty Collagen

• 1 scoop chocolate flavored plant based protein powder

• 3 capsules Vital Proteins Spirulina

• 1 Tbsp cacao powder

Directions 

1. Add all ingredients to a high powered blender and blend until smooth and creamy. Remember to break open the spirulina capsules before adding to blender. You just want the powder, discard capsules.

2. Makes two servings

Notes 

• If not using the specific spirulina brand, regular spirulina is fine; about 1-2 tsp. 

• If the banana and/or mango are not frozen, use ½ cup ice. 

• I like using this brand for plant based protein powder. 

Foolproof Shakshuka

Foolproof Shakshuka - A classic Middle Eastern dish where poached eggs are nestled in a hearty, spiced tomato sauce. This simple one-pan meal can be made for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner! 

Shakshuka - such a fun word! If you have never heard of it, shakshuka comes from Arabic, meaning, “a haphazard mixture” or “all mixed up.” This delicious Middle Eastern dish is “mixed up” with sauteed vegetables, spices, tomatoes, and poached eggs. 

To make this foolproof, you only need a skillet for this recipe. You start by sauteing vegetables and/or breakfast sausage in the skillet, throw in some spices to toast, then add in tomatoes for the flavors to meld. Simmer the mixture to allow the flavors to build as well as to allow excess liquid to evaporate. 

You then create little pockets in the stew, crack a few eggs directly into the mixture, and then place the skillet in the oven. Garnish with fresh herbs, cheese, red pepper flakes and serve it hot with flatbread or crusty bread. That easy! 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Ingredients

• 4 eggs

• 1 medium zucchini (cubed)

• 1 lb brussels sprouts (shaved)

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

• ½ red onion (diced)

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

• 1 package (12 oz) breakfast turkey sausage 

• 1 can 28 oz fire-roasted crushed tomatoes

• ½ cup crumbled feta or vegan feta

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• Dashes of red pepper flakes (omit if sensitive to spice)

• Salt and pepper to season

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. 

2. In a large oven-safe skillet, cook breakfast sausage over medium heat. When the sausage is finished cooking, drain the oil from the sausage and set to the side. 

3. If the skillet has about a tablespoon of oil leftover from the sausage, leave in the skillet; otherwise, add about a tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Once the pan is warm again (continue cooking on medium heat), add onion and garlic and saute until onions are translucent, about 4 minutes. 

4. Add zucchini, brussels sprouts, and cherry tomatoes. Continue cooking, stirring often until the vegetables are cooked, about 4-6 minutes. Add smoked paprika, cumin, S&P, and red pepper flakes. 

5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes with their juices and the cooked sausage. Stir, and let the mixture come to a simmer. Reduce the heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, and cook for 5 minutes to give the flavors time to meld.

6. Turn off the heat. Taste (careful - hot!), and add salt, pepper, or additional spices as necessary. Use the back of a spoon to make a well near the perimeter and crack the egg directly into it. Gently spoon a bit of the tomato mixture over the whites to help contain the egg. Repeat with the remaining 4-5 eggs, depending on how many you can fit in the skillet. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the eggs. 

7. Carefully transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, checking often once you reach 8 minutes. You know when the eggs are done when the egg whites are an opaque white and the yolks have risen a bit but are still soft. They should still jiggle in the centers when you “shimmy” the pan. (Keep in mind, the eggs will continue to cook after you pull the dish out of the oven.)

8. Transfer the hot skillet to a heat-safe surface like the stove. Top with crumbled feta, fresh cilantro/basil leaves, and more red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve in bowls with crusty bread on the side or on its own. 

Notes 

I like using these turkey sausage brands. Applegate and The Great American Turkey Co.

Winter Pear Salad with Citrus Dijon Vinaigrette

Winter Pear Salad with Citrus Dijon Vinaigrette - Seasonal side salad to pair perfectly with your next holiday meal. 

If you haven’t noticed, there is now a salad recipe for every season.

SPRING - Strawberry Fields Salad

SUMMER - Grilled Shrimp Summer Salad

FALL - Fall Harvest Grain Bowl

WINTER - This one! 

Well, I saved the best for last because this one is mighty tasty! Made with seasonal produce like pears, brussels sprouts, pomegranates, kale, and citrus fruits, it’s like the essence of winter but in healthy form! 

Since we are using kale for this salad recipe, we will be following the same tip I wrote about in the fall harvest grain bowl post. But just as a refresher, we will be massaging the kale before assembling the salad. By massaging the kale, not only will your kale last longer in the fridge, but your body will digest the kale more easily by physically breaking it down with lemon, olive oil, and salt. 

This salad also pairs really well with heartier dishes like rosemary & red wine-braised short ribs. You can also make this as a main dish and add protein like grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or skirt steak. 

Not only does it pair well with dishes that are typically served during the holidays, the colors in the salad scream Merry Christmas! 

If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo to #fromtherootsblog on Instagram. We love seeing what you come up with! 

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Winter Pear Salad with Citrus Dijon Vinaigrette - Seasonal side salad to pair perfectly with your next holiday meal. 

Ingredients

Salad: 

• 2 cups fresh kale (de-stemmed and chopped) 

• 1 cup fresh arugula

• 1 cup shaved brussels sprouts

• ¼ cup toasted raw almonds (crushed)

• ¼ cup pomegranate arils

• 2 Tbsp feta or vegan violife feta (crumbled)

• 1 pear (sliced)

• ½ lemon

• Orange zest

Citrus Dijon Vinaigrette:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp honey

• 2 tsp dijon mustard

• ½ juice of fresh orange

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• S&P

Directions

1. For the dressing: Combine all ingredients in a glass mason jar or small bowl and shake/mix until well combined. Set in fridge until ready to use on salad.

2. For the salad: In a medium bowl, add chopped kale to a medium bowl and squeeze the juice of half a lemon over and a couple pinches of salt. Massage lemon and salt into the kale. Add the rest of the salad ingredients to the bowl and top with dressing mixture when ready to serve.