Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette: Recipe 5 of 12

Welcome to Busy Women Mealtime Makeover! Whether you are one of the lovely busy ladies participating in the makeover or just interested in taking your meals up a notch – girl, do I have some rockin’ recipes for you! From now until October 13th I’ll be featuring twelve new delicious makeover-friendly recipes. (And if you want to join in and get the entire makeover PDF complete with meal plans, shopping lists and recipes, videos and photos of me cooking for added support, weekly emails with additional recipes and kitchen tips and tricks and access to our online forum, you can totally start a few days late – click here and sign up!)
Hey Pittsburgher’s, did you watch Channel 4 news on Friday night? Yep, my friend Emily was rockin’ it as she discussed Project: Food Budget. Check out the story here my dear. I met Emily awhile back – we used to do workshops together at Right By Nature in the Strip District. Unfortunately, they closed down shop but Emily is still going strong! Yep, she is one busy lady – she has many projects going on AND she rocks them out. Even though she has so much going on, eating healthy is top priority. Keep reading for Emily’s amazing vinaigrette recipe that is makeover friendly!
Emily, tell everyone a little about yourself.
I am a health coach, an entrepreneur, a food blogger and a social media fanatic. I am also intolerant to…food. And if that wasn’t enough, I am launching a new project with two fabulous women called Propelle. (Not busy October 11th? Come out for Propelle’s Launch Party!)
How has improving your eating habits affected your life?
In the summer of 2008, my husband decided he wanted to become a vegetarian. Little did I know, that decision would alter the entire course of my life. It triggered an excruciating 8-week migraine. Led me to discover an enormous list of food intolerances. Forced me to change every single aspect of how I eat, cook and relate to food. Allowed me to quit my job. Led me to a career that I love. And helped me to become the healthiest I have ever been.
Why is eating healthy a priority for you?
Healthy eating is a priority because it allows me to be present for all of the things that I want to do in my life! If I don’t care of my body, mind, and spirit, I couldn’t be an effective health coach. I also wouldn’t have the energy to start a new project, coach clients, or to have anything left over for my husband.
As a busy women, how do you get healthy meals on the table?
Meal planning is key! I make a list each week of what we will be eating. Then I make a list of what we need from the store, so I can be efficient and quick. It takes the stress and frustration of thinking about what to eat each day. And helps to stay on track with healthy eating. No lazy choices. No decisions made out of desperation. It’s been a lifesaver.
Can you share a recipe?
Of course! This one is for an apple balsamic vinaigrette that is perfect for salads, sandwiches, or atop fresh green beans and roasted asparagus.
Apple Balsamic Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
1 tbs onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 cup apple cider
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbs honey
1/2 cup olive oil
Directions:
1. Combine first 9 ingredients {onion through honey} in a small bowl {though not too small}.
2. Mix using an immersion blender for about 30 seconds.
3. Slowly add olive oil in a steady stream while immersion blender is going*. Mix until olive oil has been completely added.
4. Transfer to jar or other lidded container.
5. Pour over salads, veggies, or other items to be marinaded {tofu, tempeh, fish, chicken…you get the idea.}
*Don’t have an immersion blender? That’s okay. Just combine all of the ingredients into a lidded container and shake it {like a Polaroid picture} until all ingredients are sufficiently mixed.
Note: This recipe is vegetarian. It is also nightshade free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, wheat free, gluten free, cinnamon free, and contains no MSG.
Thanks Emily!