Modified Mango Lassi

This mango smoothie is extremely similar to the Indian Cuisine favorite, Mango Lassi.

1 Whole Ripe Mango (about 1 1/2- 2 cups when sliced off of the stone)

1/2 Cup Light Coconut Milk

3/4 Cup Unflavored Almond Milk

1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in blender, adding 3-4 cubes of ice if desired, and pulse until smooth and consistent in texture.

Pour into tall glasses, add a straw for sipping, and enjoy!!

Sauteed Plums and Pears with Lavender, Maple, and Honey Syrup

This simple vegan dish offers a highly delicious reward for very little time invested.

Slice 1 plum and 1 pear into lengthwise, thin, wedges and set aside.

In a small skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of earth balance, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of honey with 1/2 teaspoon of dried lavender buds over low heat. Stir gently until all ingredients have mixed thoroughly- be cautious not to scorch.

Add the plum and pear wedges and gently but continuously sautee until the meat of the plums begins to turn a clear, peach color.

Transfer contents of pan into 2 shallow bowls, drizzling the syrup over the fruit.

Enjoy while warm.

Almond Milk, Lavender + Honey No-Dairy Panna Cotta

1 Packet of Gelatin (for vegan version, substitute with agar agar)

2 cups Almond Milk (separated into 2- 1 will be used for warming, the other added at the end)

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 tablespoons dried lavender flowers

3 tablespoons raw honey (for vegan version, substitue agave nectar)

1 tablespoon corn starch

Warm 1 cup almond milk, honey, flowers, corn starch, and vanilla extract in small sauce pan over high heat. Whisk constantly until mixture begins to boil. Reduce heat to medium and continue whisking 2 minutes. At this point, the mixture should be highly aromatic.

Remove sauce pan from heat, straining flowers from mix and transferring into a bowl containing the contents of the gelatin packet. Mix until gelatin dissolves then add remaining cup of cold almond milk. Mix thoroughly.

Promptly divide mix into 4 ramekins for chilling.

Place in fridge and chill 2-4 hours prior to serving.

Serve with fresh seasonal berries.