Happy Hormones (10/22/11)

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Fresh Napa Cabbage Salad Rolls

These are a healthy version of spring rolls, filled with healthy Napa cabbage. You could substitute the tempeh with roasted salmon.

• 2.5 cups shredded or finely sliced Napa cabbage
• 1.5 cups red bell pepper finely sliced
• 2 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 carrots, grated or julienned
• 1 cup cilantro, minced
• 3 teaspoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• 15 spring roll (rice paper) wrappers
• 2 avocado, thinly sliced
• 1 salmon fillet, roasted, cut into pieces

Mix all ingredients except spring roll wrappers, avocado and tempeh into a large bowl and toss well. Pour warm water into a large deep plate or pan and put one spring roll wrapper into it for about 30 seconds, making sure it’s completely submerged. Pull it out gently letting excess water drip off, lay on a flat surface and add the salad, a slice of avocado, and salmon onto the middle of the wrapper. Try not to overfill as it will tear the roll. Fold in both sides and roll up like a burrito, the dampness will seal the wrapper shut. Place on a dry serving plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Continue until all of your ingredients have been used. Serve with peanut dipping sauce.

Peanut Dipping Sauce

Recipe adapted from foodnetwork.com

• ½ cup natural peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium tamari
• 1 ½ tablespoons brown rice syrup
• 1 ½ tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon red curry paste
• 1 shallot, peeled and roughly chopped

Place all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Sauce can be made 1 day ahead of time, and will keep 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Dark Chocolate Mousse

Note: depending on the size of your avocados, you may need more (or less) chocolate and sweetener. Add the lesser amounts first, taste, and add more if needed.
2 large ripe Avocados

• ¼-1/2 cup Raw Cocoa Powder
• ¼ – ½ cup brown rice syrup or coconut nectar
• 1 Tablespoon Vanilla extract

Puree all ingredients in a food processor until smooth. Pour into pie crust and chill until ready to serve.

Flaxseed Crunch

• 1 cup almonds or walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 1/2 cup flaxseed, ground in coffee grinder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Store in airtight container in the refrigerator.