Adrenal Cocktail

Adrenal Cocktail aka “Orange Creamsicle” - Is a magical elixir that supports hormone balance, HPA axis health, and blood sugar regulation. 

The #1 drink recipe I recommend to all my clients: The Adrenal Cocktail, or what I like to call, The Orange Creamsicle.

But why are you recommending a cocktail and what the heck is an adrenal!? 

Two very good questions! First and foremost, I’m not sure why this popular drink is called a cocktail seeing as how it’s alcohol free :/ but I recommend this recipe to my clients because most of my clients are stressed, burned out, lethargic, have sleep issues, and the list goes on!

So, what’s an adrenal?

An adrenal are actually hormone glands that are located on top of both kidneys. These glands produce hormones that help to regulate your metabolism, glucose usage, blood pressure, immune system, and response to stress. 

The central theme here is balance. We want to make sure that we are supporting our body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar, increase insulin sensitivity, and improve metabolic flexibility. 

One small way we can do that is to make a nourishing drink that can bring balance back and give our adrenals some love in return! Adjusting macronutrient ratios as needed is imperative to reduce spikes in blood sugar and insulin. So for this recipe, our macro ratios are equal in order to support the adrenals while providing essential vitamins and minerals for healing any insulin resistance or adrenal fatigue. 

You will need: 

Fresh fruit juice (carbohydrate source) - Fruit juice like orange juice has high amounts of vitamin C which is needed when your adrenal glands are producing cortisol during stressful situations. The antioxidant properties are also needed in order to fuel the adrenal glands, protect against oxidative stress, boost the immune system and regulate cortisol production.

I like using this organic orange juice brand because there are no preservatives, no artificial ingredients, no added sugar, nada! As you can see in the picture, I like changing up other fruit juices just to level up the nutritional value of the cocktail. For example, I mix it up with an organic beet carrot-orange juice blend or tart cherry juice. 

Coconut Cream/Milk (Fat source) - Coconut milk has stable, saturated fatty acids that help stabilize blood sugar levels and provides your body with energy. Depending on your preference in texture, you can use either unsweetened coconut milk or cream. Personally, I think the cream is better and provides that “creamsicle” taste to the drink! 

Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder (Protein Source) - Collagen acts as a blood sugar regulator and provides essential amino acids to support and build a resilient gut and boost cortisol production. My shop page has my favorite collagen of choice, vital proteins. 

Sea Salt (Bonus* Mineral Source) - Sea salt and pink Himalayan sea salt contain essential electrolytes and minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium that are key for energy production, blood pressure, and adrenal function. Salt also elevates the flavor of the drink so don’t skimp! 

When to make an adrenal cocktail

• When your energy levels are low between 10-11AM and 2-3PM.

• Right before bedtime - if you experience waking up at 3AM

• Pre / Post workout snack

• Breakfast - If you find yourself not hungry upon waking up and usually skip breakfast, this drink is a great way to kickstart that metabolism! 

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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Adrenal Cocktail aka “Orange Creamsicle” - Is a magical elixir that supports hormone balance, HPA axis health, and blood sugar regulation.

Ingredients

• 4-6 oz freshly squeezed orange juice or juice of choice

• 2 Tbsp coconut milk or cream

• 1 scoop of collagen

• Generous pinch of sea salt

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in a glass or blender and enjoy! 

Notes

• You can make this into a latte by simply steaming the coconut milk/cream in a milk frother and pouring it into the glass with the other ingredients. Stir to combine and enjoy! 

Fire Cider Bone Broth

Fire Cider Bone Broth - Combining gut health restoration with immunity goodness, this fire cider bone broth will become an established staple in your house during these cold winter months. 

Fire cider bone broth is so easy to make, you probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry or fridge already! So during the cold winter months, you want to make sure you have this bone broth close by as a preventive measure against the cold and flu. 

The basic ingredients are bone broth, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, horseradish, ginger, black peppercorns, honey, lemons, onion, garlic, cayenne pepper and jalapenos. Okay...I know what you are thinking, this combination sounds strange! Just trust me, it’s so tasty! It’s earthy, zingy, sour, heat with a touch of sweet notes that will wake your sinuses up in the best way possible!

But if that doesn’t convince you, maybe the health benefits per ingredient will!

Raw Apple Cider Vinegar - Raw apple cider vinegar includes “The Mother” which is the cloudy substance floating in some bottles of vinegar. The mother is believed to be rich in health-boosting natural protein, healthy bacteria (probiotics) and acetic acid. The vinegar itself is antimicrobial, improves insulin resistance and has antifungal properties.

Horseradish Root - This specific root provides that hot, pungent effect in your nose and sinuses that can sometimes be used to relieve congestion. It also releases a strong anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compound called ally isothiocyanate. Other uses include boosting the immune system, treating sinus infections, preventing UTIs and aid in digestion.

Honey - Not only does honey contain a host of health properties, like being antimicrobial, it provides the bone broth a touch of sweetness that offsets the pungent flavors. To help with allergies, you need to get local, raw honey. This will insure that the honey has the allergens native to the area you live in.

Lemons - Contain high levels of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and vitamin C that is great for boosting the immune system. Lemons are also great as a cleanser, purifier, rejuvenator, and detoxifier, especially for the liver, as they help in fat metabolism.

Garlic - Known as the “king of herbs”! It has been used for medicinal purposes for the common cold and flu and seems to help purify the body and may have immune-enhancing properties. Garlic contains a mineral, sulfur, that promotes elimination of toxins from the blood, lymph, and body.

Bone Broth - Is one of the most beneficial foods to consume to restore gut health and therefore support immune system function and healthy inflammation response. Collagen/gelatin and the amino acids proline, glutamine, and arginine help seal these openings in the gut lining and support gut integrity.

Onions - The effects of onions is similar to, although more subtle than that of garlic. Like garlic, onions have a characteristic odor from the active sulfur bonds that release its purifying properties. For this drink in particular, the onion flavor really enhances the overall full-bodied flavor we are trying to achieve.

Peppers - The chilis and cayenne peppers contain capsaicin, with medicinal properties in cleansing the blood and stimulating the circulation. They also stimulate the gastric secretions and help digestion. The seeds surrounding the inner core of the peppers often concentrate the hot nature, so if you don’t like your food too spicy, you can take out the seeds.

Ginger - The classic digestive tonic that actually has multiple benefits for the digestive tract, including toning of the intestinal muscles, improving bile flow, helping in the digestion of fats, and lessening the risk of inflammation along the lining of the intestines. Fun fact: ginger is also a diaphoretic (causes sweating) that helps in circulation and in warming the body when we feel cold, so great during the colder winter months!  

Turmeric - The much-loved anti-inflammatory spice! This plant is a member of the ginger family and shares some of its anti-inflammatory properties with that spice. Like ginger, turmeric lowers the level of messaging molecules that trigger inflammation. It also lowers levels of nitric oxide and is associated with a more favorable overall balance of immune system messaging molecules (called cytokines). 

Black Pepper - Think of black pepper as turmeric’s wing man! Black pepper helps to increase the absorption and metabolization of curcumin (a curcuminoid polyphenol found in turmeric).

As you can see, these ingredients follow the same pattern in boosting the immunity while providing gut relief. You can also include other ingredients to your broth like cinnamon sticks, echinacea, rosemary, and other types of citrus fruits and peppers depending on your taste preferences. 

To make the fire cider, you want to make sure that your fruit and roots are organic and properly washed. In order to get the most nutritional value from each ingredient, I would roughly chop the onions and pepper, grate the roots, zest and juice the lemon, and crush the garlic cloves. I have also included a way to make this in tonic form (no heat, long fermentation) in the Notes section. 

Disclaimer: This post is not a substitute for medical advice. If you are suffering from cold or flu like symptoms or have a weakened immune system, please see your healthcare provider!

References: Haas, E. M., & Levin, B. (2006). Staying healthy with nutrition: The complete guide to diet and nutritional medicine (21st century edition ed.). Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts.

https://www.stephgaudreau.com/how-to-make-fire-cider-tonic/

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A post shared by Candace Dorsey| From the Roots (@fromtherootsblog)

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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Fire Cider Bone Broth - Combining gut health restoration with immunity goodness, this fire cider bone broth will become an established staple in your house during these cold winter months.

Ingredients

• 16 oz bone broth

• 1 lemon (juice & zest)

• Knob of fresh ginger root (grated)

• Knob of fresh horseradish root (grated)

• Knob of fresh turmeric root (grated) or 1 tsp - 1Tbsp turmeric powder

• 1 tsp of whole black peppercorns

• 2 Tbsp raw apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp raw local honey (if possible)

• 1 jalapeno (sliced)

• 3 cloves garlic (crushed)

• ½ small onion (chopped)

• Couple dashes of cayenne pepper

Directions

1. Add all the ingredients to a medium saucepan on medium heat. 

2. The broth should come to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust flavor as needed. The broth should have the perfect amount of zing, acidity, and kick! Then turn off the heat. 

3. Set a strainer over a medium bowl or large measuring cup to strain the liquid away from the solids. If the bone broth is too potent for you, dilute with hot water or more bone broth. 

4. Store (strained) leftovers in the refrigerator up to 2-3 days. Reheat on the stovetop until just warm. 

Notes

1. If there are certain ingredients that you don’t like or like more of, feel free to change the measurements to preference. *Just make sure to keep black pepper with turmeric as they work concurrently as an anti-inflammatory. 

2. The final product will taste differently depending on what bone broth brand you use as some brands have added flavorings to their broth. To make sure you are in control of the flavoring, I would use this bone broth brand as the broth in itself is very mild tasting: Bonafide Provisions

3. You can also turn this recipe into a tonic! Simply replace bone broth with water and/or raw apple cider vinegar and add all ingredients (minus honey) to a large 32 oz Mason jar. Make sure you fill to the neck of the jar with vinegar. Place a small piece of wax paper underneath the lid, fit the lid on the jar tightly and place in a dark area (like a cabinet) for 30 days. Every day, make sure you invert the jar a couple times to make sure everything is mixed. After a month, strain the liquid away from the solids. Add honey and mix until dissolved. Store tonic in a bottle in the fridge. 

Moon Milk

Moon Milk - A natural sleep aid to put your mind and body at rest!

Now, I want to preface by saying that these adaptogenic moon milks will not take you out like Benadryl, but it will aid in calming the mind for a blissful lull. These milks are in the business of providing that hygge to your mind if you will! ;) 

So you are probably wondering, how!? Well, glad you asked because we have a lot of ingredients to go over! So let’s start with the star player: adaptogens. 

Adaptogens are herbs that support the body’s natural ability to deal with stress. Adaptogens are known for their unique ability to “adapt” their function according to the specific needs of the body - physical, chemical, or biological needs. 

With that said, you can practically add any type of adaptogen to your moon milk depending on your taste preference. For example, adding maca to your foods like oatmeal, coffee, or yogurt bowls provide a “honeycomb” sweetness. The reason why we are not using maca in this recipe, though, is that it provides a natural alternative to caffeine and will energize you - the opposite of what we want here! 

So for this milk, we are adding ashwagandha! Now if you never had ashwagandha before, be warned that it has a fairly strong bitter/earthy flavor. That’s why we are using superfood powders to mask the taste like spirulina, beetroot, blue Majik, and turmeric! 

Whichever powder you choose, all four superfoods provide an abundance of nutritional value that benefits the mind, body, and spirit! Added bonus - they make your milk look pretty!

The last ingredient we will discuss is CBD oil. Now at this point in life, most people know what CBD oil is, but if you would like a refresher, here is an article to brush upon. I garnish my milk with CBD oil as an added punch when my muscles are sore that day, anxiety is high, or I am on my period.  

CBD oil can be completely optional since a high quality sourced CBD oil product can be $$$. But if you are looking for a great product, I highly recommend Icaria. Specifically, I use their aphrodite oil in my milk because it provides a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the recipe! 

If you use this link and put it in CANDACE10 at checkout, you can get $10 off your first order! 

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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Moon Milk - A natural sleep aid to put your mind and body at rest!

Ingredients 

• 1 cup plant-based milk

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 tsp superfood powder of choice (turmeric, blue spirulina, beetroot)

• ½ tsp ashwagandha 

• CBD oil drops (optional)

• 1 tsp magnesium powder (optional)

• 1 scoop collagen (optional)

• 1 tsp coconut butter or canned coconut milk (optional)

Directions

1. Heat milk in a small saucepan on medium heat, until you reach a gentle bubble. 

2. Add all ingredients that you would like in your milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy! Optional but you can also pour the heated mixture in a small blender or use a handheld frother to really turn the milk mixture into a latte!

3. Pour in your favorite cozy mug and enjoy! 

Notes

1. Can be made ahead of time by pouring the mixture in mason jars - allow to cool to room temperature, and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

2. If you are using a lot of adaptogens/add-ins, after the mixture has been heated, add to a blender and blend until nice and frothy! This also helps for all the ingredients to be fully mixed so you are not left with so much sediment at the bottom of your mug!

Watermelon Ice Cubes

Watermelon Ice Cubes - Refreshing way to use leftover watermelon chunks! Add to your water, coconut water, cocktail, mocktail, smoothie, the sky’s the limit! 

If you haven’t figured it by now, I am absolutely obsessed with watermelon. If I’m not posting about watermelon on my Instagram, I’m posting watermelon recipes on the blog. There is nothing that stands in the way between me and watermelon...nothing. 

With that said, I thought it would be fun to post about the many ways you can use leftover watermelon. Do you find yourself cutting a large watermelon and basically having an entire half watermelon leftover? What do I do with the rest of it? 

Well, I am here to solve your problems! To start off, we will get into this quick and simple recipe! Using half of a large watermelon, cut your melon into large chunks and add to a blender. You can blend as is or boost the watermelon flavor with citrus like fresh lemon or lime juice! Sometimes I get a little wild and add fresh mint or jalapeno slices when I want to make frozen spicy watermelon margaritas. 

You can either strain the liquid using a milk bag or cheesecloth or freeze as is. Tip* If juicing, skim the foam off of the watermelon juice. When frozen, add a few cubes to a glass of water, coconut water, smoothie, or make into a mocktail/cocktail. The sky's the limit with these cubes! 

Now that you know of one amazing versatile trick using leftover watermelon chunks, here are a few more ideas! 

• Slice watermelon into triangles and make watermelon popsicles by inserting a popsicle stick into the rind. Freeze them, grill them, or eat as is! 

• Slice watermelon into small chunks and toss into a summer salad (picture above)

• Add fresh mint, feta, lime, and balsamic glaze for a quick watermelon salad picnic!

• Make watermelon margaritas, frescas, or granita! 

• Use a cookie cutter to make fun shapes for a party or for the kids! 

How would you use watermelon cubes or leftover watermelon? Share below, I love hearing your ideas!

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Ingredients

• ½ large watermelon

• Juice from two limes

• ½ cup filtered water or coconut water

Optional add-ins

• Fresh mint

• Jalapenos (to make spicy margaritas)

Directions

1. Cut the rinds off the watermelon and slice into large chunks.

2. Add watermelon chunks to a blender and add lime juice, water, and optional add-ins. Blend until smooth.

3. Either strain the juice using a milk bag or cheesecloth or pour mixture directly into ice cube trays. *Skim the foam off the liquid for smoother texture. 

4. Freeze and enjoy in filtered water, coconut water, alcohol, smoothie, kombucha..sky’s the limit!

Spicy Watermelon Margaritas

Spicy Watermelon Margaritas - That is naturally sweetened with fresh watermelon juice. So easy to make with the perfect amount of sweet and spicy! 

When I think about the summer, I think about watermelon - lots of it! During the summer, I usually have a watermelon on the kitchen counter, watermelon cubes in the freezer (recipe coming soon), or fresh watermelon juice in the fridge. Can’t get enough of this sweet melon!

So what are ways that you can use watermelon cubes or fresh watermelon juice? Make margaritas, of course! I mean, why wouldn’t you! All you have to do is salt a rim, juice a lime, ice in a glass, and add optional jalapeno slices for the spice factor! How easy is that?

There are two ways that you can add jalapenos to your margarita mix. You can either blend one jalapeno (de-seeded and stemmed) to your watermelon cubes and lime juice, pour juice mixture over a fine-mesh strainer, and serve into a glass or you can add sliced jalapenos to your cocktail shaker or pitcher, with the rest of the ingredients. Shake and serve into a glass.  

If you want to make a spicy or classic watermelon margarita during the offseason when watermelons aren’t readily available, my favorite thing is to use watermelon kombucha! Not only are you still enjoying a summer treat during the winter, but your gut is getting some love! This is my favorite watermelon kombucha drink, hands down!

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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Spicy Watermelon Margaritas - That is naturally sweetened with fresh watermelon juice. So easy to make with the perfect amount of sweet and spicy! 

Ingredients

Watermelon juice

• 1 small seedless watermelon, or half of a larger watermelon

• Juice of 2 limes

Ingredients per margarita

• 2 ounces fresh watermelon juice

• 1 ½ oz 100% agave silver or blanco tequila

• Juice of ½ lime

• ½ tsp honey (optional)

• 1-4 jalapeno slices (based on preference) 

Salt rim

• 1 part pink Himalayan sea salt

• 1 part tajun or chili lime seasoning

• Lime zest

• Lime wedges

Garnish

• tiny watermelon wedges, jalapeno slices, lime slices

Directions

To make fresh watermelon juice:

1. Simply blend watermelon cubes and lime juice in your blender and blend until smooth. Pour juice over a fine mesh strainer. Measure out what you need for the margaritas. 

2. To make fresh watermelon juice with jalapeno, add one jalapeno (de-stemmed and de-seeded) to the blender with the rest of the ingredients. Taste test mixture before straining to achieve the desired spice level. 

To prepare your margarita glasses: 

1. On a small, rimmed plate, mix together equal parts salt, seasoning, and lime zest. Run a lime wedge around the top of each glass. Dip the top of the glass into the salt blend and roll it from side to side to catch the salt. Add ice cubes to your glass and set it aside. 

2. To make margaritas from a cocktail shaker: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Pour in the watermelon juice, tequila, lime juice, optional sweetener and jalapeno slices. 

3. Secure the lid to the shaker and shake for 10-30 seconds. Taste and add additional sweetener/acid/spice if necessary. Strain the liquid into your prepared glass(es) and garnish. Enjoy!

To make a pitcher:

1. For 8 drinks you will need: 2 cups tequila, ½ cup lime juice, 2 cups watermelon juice, 1-2 jalapenos (sliced), and 2-3 Tbsp sweetener (optional). Pour mixture in a large pitcher with ice. Stir well with a wooden spoon until well combined. Taste and add additional sweetener/acid/spice if necessary and enjoy! 

Notes

• Don’t have watermelon on hand or not in season? That’s okay! I love using watermelon kombucha instead! Just omit the sweetener part and it should taste the same, if not better!