1 Powerful Machine, 34+ Kitchen Tasks Promoting Whole-Foods Living:

I’ve owned a Vitamix Total Nutrition Center for almost 10 years, and this bad boy never ceases to amaze me!
My favorite Vitamix story happened about 5 years ago. I was making homemade cornbread but discovered halfway through the recipe that I failed to purchase cornmeal! Rather than run to the store, I ripped open a bag of microwave popcorn, threw it in my Vitamix, and within 45 seconds I had finely ground cornmeal! Recipe saved! Vitamix replaces your food processor, mixer, blender, ice cream maker, and in some cases, stovetop. It can make hot or cold soups, ice cream, salsa, smoothies, and even whole-food juices - fiber intact! The two horsepower motor and strong blades pulverize fruits and vegetables so finely that the fiber is almost indetectable! I use mine for juices, smoothies, salad dressings, homemade nut butters, and make whole-grain flours and hot soups. If you want to see its power firsthand, I will be demonstrating the Vitamix 5000 at the Bastyr Herb and Food Fair on June 3rd. Order through VIBRANCE using code 06-001737 and receive free shipping! (a $25 value!)

Top Produce Ideas

1. Fresh Berries in Yogurt
2. Frozen Berries as Ice Cubes!
3. Grilled Asparagus Spears
4. Fresh Watermelon Juice!
5. Serve mango sorbet in half a cantaloupe

Ricotta Fruit Dip!
Ricotta cheese pairs well with the sweetness of fruit and offers a decent dose of protein to slow blood sugar response. This makes a great easy snack for work or after school! Provides 8 grams of protein per serving!

• 1/3 cup low fat ricotta cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon sucanat or maple syrup
• 1 tsp. finely grated orange peel
• 1 tbsp. orange juice
• 1/2 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt (Cascade Fresh or Nancy’s)
• Assorted fruit of choice

In a food processor or Vitamix, mix ricotta, sweetener and orange juice and peel. Mix until smooth. Stir cheese mixture into the yogurt. Cover and chill up to 24 hours. Serves two (accompanied with assorted fresh fruit).

Coal Creek Trail in Factoria is a wonderful, moderately difficult trail that can be enjoyed by you and your family on summer afternoons. Just 30 minutes out of Seattle, this trail features coal mining remnants and a beautiful meadow. If you continue past the meadow, slightly up a service road and take a left back into the forest, you will come across waterfalls and an underwater cave. The trail ends across the street from Red Town Trailhead at Cougar Mountain. Be sure to bring ample water on hot days! The trail is about 4 miles round trip.

Directions: Take 405 to exit 10 (Coal Creek Pkwy) . This is one exit south of the I-90/405 interchange. Turn east onto Coal Creek Pkwy, past 128th Ave. SE for about 3/4 mile. You will curve to the right, and head down the hill past Forrest Drive. Once you reach the bottom of the hill you will pull into the small gravel lot immediately to the left. Please be careful as you prepare to turn - traffic behind you may be moving fast. The trailhead is directly ahead of the parking lot (on the right side).