12 Day Cleanse

I have been on a blog-break this fall, as I decided to take a literature class at SFSU to stimulate my brain...all it did was make me feel old.  Thus, my return to blogging begins with an energizing cleanse (essentially no sugar, dairy, gluten, alcohol, or caffeine).  Yes, a bit stereotypically Californian to start the new year with a cleanse, but off we go. This is an adaption from the 21 day cleanse at wholeliving.com.  I began the day with a large glass of beet, carrot, and ginger juice and a walk/jog around Stow Lake (aka duck-poop pond).  Then I made:

Roasted Cauliflower, Mushrooms, and Yellow Peppers

Toss chopped cauliflower, mushrooms, and yellow pepper with 1/4 cup olive oil, s&p and roast on a parchment lined baking sheet for 20 minutes at 400.  Stir and roast for 10 minutes more.  Toss with 1/4 cup sliced kalamata olives and 1/4 cup slivered almonds.

As well as:

Spiced Butternut Squash Soup

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 one inch piece of ginger, grated

1/2 tsp turmeric

1/2 tsp cinnamon

2 big carrots, chopped

1 granny smith apple, peeled and diced

4 cups butternut squash, cubed (or one pre-cut bin)

3 cups of water

salt and pepper

dash of cayenne

Heat olive oil over medium and add onion and garlic, 5 minutes.  Add ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and cayenne, 2 minutes.  Add carrots, apple, squash and water and simmer, partially covered, for 20 minutes.  Puree (I just threw it all in the vitamix).