I have just finished making a raspberry-vanilla-honey syrup to use in my second ferment of coconut water kefir. Since we are on the GAPS / SCD diets we have been finding every way possible to get more probiotics into our bodies. Coconut water kefir is a very delicious way to get extra probiotics as it creates a fizzy, champagne-like coconut water soda.

Personally I prefer using dairy kefir grains, which work quite well a few times, but since they prefer dairy to grow in they will get depleted and you will have to replace them. You can also use water kefir grains which just love a mineral-rich, sweet medium to grow in and coconut water is just perfect. If you are looking for cultures you can get dairy or water kefir grains here. The same method works for either dairy or water kefir grains.

Coconut water kefir is very rich in probiotics and it is best to only drink about 1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time especially when you first start drinking it.

These are really easy to make, keep for a long time, are a great snack and are full of vitamin A and iron among other things. This recipe is featured in the Hella Delicious 2012 Recipe Calendar.

• 2 pounds apricots
• 3/4 -1 c honey
• 1/3 c water
• salt

Method:
Slice apricots thinly. Reduce honey and water to make syrup. Add apricots- simmer about 4 min. Let sit overnight. Strain out juice and reduce. Add apricots. Pour over baking sheet in thin layer. Place in sun for 2-3 days.

One of the best things about living in Vancouver is all the great fruit in the summer-time. We have had the best blueberries and cherries. I don’t think I have ever eaten anywhere near this many cherries before in my life. I just love it. This delicious ice-cream recipe is simple and nourishing with all the pastured egg yolks and cream. Featured in the Hella Delicious 2012 Recipe Calendar.

This is a delicious and simple, colorful treat for a mid-afternoon high-tea or a late night dessert. When I was preparing the petit fours for this photo shoot, a friend kept eating them almost as fast as I could put them on the tray. They’re irresistible, unless you have a nut allergy. Featured in the Hella Delicious 2012 Recipe Calendar.

I had the opportunity to experiment with my cashew pie crust this weekend when making blueberry pie for our annual farm picnic out at our local cowshare. It is best to cook the crust and filling separately or the crust gets too dark. Featured in the Hella Delicious 2012 recipe calendar. This pie-crust received a lot of complements at our cowshare’s farm day!

Makes one 9″ pie.

This is a really delicious recipe and makes great muffins. It can also be made into a loaf of bread which makes a great Yule Kaka (which my family traditionally eats at Christmas-time). It is a grain-free, GAPS and SCD friendly recipe, which I highly recommend. Featured in the Hella Delicious 2012 Recipe Calendar.

• 1/2 c honey
• 1/4 c butter
• 1 c cashew butter (raw)
• 2 c almond flour (blanched)
• 1 t baking soda
• 5 eggs
• 1 c raisins
• 1/4 c honey-candied citrus peel
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1/2 t allspice
• 1/2 t cloves
• dash salt

I recently came across this delicious and healing recipe for dandelion syrup. I have made dandelion wine before so I know how many dandelions you need to pick for such a recipe. It is best to have a lovely field with no dogs or pesticides anywhere near it. It is a lovely way to spend a spring day, picking lovely bright yellow dandelion blossoms, and preparing them to make syrup or jelly. I found this recipe on Ewa In the Garden’s website, she gives a good description of the wonderful properties of dandelion for detox, plus lots of lovely photos showing the various steps for preparing the syrup. I have changed her recipe slightly to use honey instead of sugar. Please follow this link to the original recipe.

A GAPS/SCD friendly version of candied citrus peel is very simple to make. Use organic or home-grown lemons, limes and oranges to be sure there isn’t harmful pesticides on the peel. Although citrus fruits aren’t allowed until much later in the diet, small amounts of candied citrus peel can be used on special occasions, especially in the later stages of the diet.

• 4 lemons
• 3 limes
• 2 oranges
• 1/2 c honey

I have had a hankering for Hot Cross Buns lately and have after several attempts come up with a delicious rendition of GAPS and SCD friendly Hot Cross Buns. They are more like muffins, and a thick custard makes a tasty cross. This recipe will make about 18 buns.

For the buns:

• 1/2 c honey
• 1/4 c butter
• 1 c cashew butter (raw)
• 2 c almond flour (blanched)
• 1 t baking soda
• 5 eggs
• 1 c raisins
• 1/4 c honey-candied citrus peel
• 1 t cinnamon
• 1/2 t allspice
• 1/2 t cloves
• dash salt

Now this is a delicious, simple and tasty treat. An old favorite from distantly remembered escapades in S.E. Asia where banana pancakes are a backpackers delight.

Serves 2

• 2 very ripe bananas
• 2 T coconut oil
• whipped cream
• lime zest