How is it almost watermelon season again? This juicy red fruit is not only synonymous with the season of Summer it is refreshing and fun to eat, even though it can be a little messy I always get happy when someone hands me a slice of this magnificent melon. Watermelon is high in antioxidants making this a super-Summer- food. BBQ’s, festivals, wedding and baby showers, no matter what type of function you are attending there is sure to be some cheers to be had. However, what if you are not a drinker of alcoholic refreshments? That does not have to stop the party. Maybe you are a sober person like myself, or circumstances are temporarily putting you in the mocktail zone like you are a mom-to-be. Well, congrats on either and don’t let the absence of liquor stop you from toasting with the others who do indulge.

Rose water has been a fave flavor addition of mine for a few months now,( my Matcha-Rose Custard recipe was a huge hit) and can be a lovely subtle way to pretty up whatever you are concocting in the kitchen.
Today I have infused rose water into this refreshing spritzer, and now you can tell your friends its Rose-‘all-day, minus the wine. I mean it is somewhat accurate. Rose water is a known complexion tonic, a little mist over the face and body to purify and beautify your skin. Other health benefits include:
• anti-aging
• anti-inflammatory
• improves mood
• stress reduction

This punch makes a perfect thirst quencher, and if you are hosting an event, it is very classy to have options. It is like having vegan alternatives for the vegetarians.

Watermelon-Rose Punch

6 cups Watermelon Juice- pre-made. If you have time to make your own you could send the puréed watermelon through a sieve to give it a less textured feel, it depends on if you are a pulpy person or not. I am not so I keep it specific to just juice and no flesh.
Lime Juice (one lime squeezed)
1/2 Cup Rose Water
4 Cups Pelligrino or any fizzy water of choice. I found a fun cucumber sparkling water that I love paired with these other flavors.
Fresh Mint & Basil to garnish

I did not add any sweetener to mine, but you can certainly add agave, honey, monk fruit, or your choice of sugar.

Note: If you are a Rose Water virgin, try taking a dip first. Put a few drops in a glass of water to sip and awaken your taste buds to this new flavor. It is not overpowering like some floral additions to foods and drink can be but you can start small and sample as you go so it does not feel like you are chewing on a bouquet of roses.

Mix all ingredients in a pitcher. Add ice separately to glasses, so the punch does not get diluted in the pitcher. Garnish individual cups with mint; basil rose petals or watermelon.

Happy Summer Food Athletes! Cheers!

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Love Your Body!

xo Jessi xo

Dandelion greens are the unexpected superfood.
More antioxidants than a carrot can surpass the protein content of spinach and will nudge kale out of the running with a higher calcium count. Yep, these backyard plants may be getting an unfair reputation. It is time to think twice before you break out the weed whacker.
I used to pick the dandelions and make wishes blowing all the fuzzy little pom poms off the stem. Sound familiar? After the yellow flowers are gone, we are left with the fluffy white bunny looking tail which is the seeds. Then, of course, are the green leaves. They are slightly bitter, but I find that the more peppery and tangy the leaf the more super in nutrients. So in this case bitter is better!

Note to self: Forage friends safely. Although there is something magical about gathering your ingredients for your Sunday picnic lunch, beware if you are in your neighbor's shrubs on a scavenger hunt because you never know what kind of toxins from pesticides could be lurking. Best bet is to harvest the plant at your own home or purchase the dandelion from your local grocer or farmers market.

Health Benefits:

1.Vegan-Friendly: It can be challenging for veg-heads to meet the RDA of essential vitamins and minerals. Luckily dandelion can help get you closer to your goals along with a little creative food combining. Vitamins like B's C & A along with Iron make dandelion a nutrient dense contender.

2.Dem Bones: Dandelion has some pretty solid bone supporting minerals like calcium. One cup of raw dandelion contains 103mg. Bonus, this gracious green also includes the vitamin K that acts as another vital bone strengthener.

3. A detoxifier: Flow Sure: Dandelion works in your body as a diuretic by helping to increase the pace in which we flush out fluids. It is important to cleanse our kidneys by keeping the flow of toxins out and the process of sodium moving in and through our system healthily. Try brewing dandelion tea or the root & add some to your bottled water to sip throughout the day as a tonic.

4. Healthy Gut=Happy Stomach: Dandelion contains soluble fiber. Ahhh, I can already feel the relief just saying "fiber." If you suffer from bloat, too much acid or tummy discomfort from feeling stopped up dandelion can provide soothing comfort to an achy intestine by helping things move along.

5.Sore No More: Pay attention athletes. Muscle recovery plays a vital role in our fitness life. Due to the antioxidant and chemical plant nutrients, aka phytonutrients, dandelions anti-inflammatory properties could help combat sore, swollen and achy muscles.

Dandelion Meal Inspiration:

Steam and toss with garlic and olive oil as a spinach alternative.
Add to your green smoothie.
Layer greens in your favorite sandwich for a spicy bite.
Incorporate into your morning omelet.
Braised with a medley of some of your other fave greens like kale, spinach, and chard.
Simple Dandelion Spring Salad with Anchovy-Lemon Dressing

One Bunch Dandelion Greens

1/2 Cup Sliced Red, Black or Watermelon Radish

1/4 Cup Sugar Snap Peas- leave some whole and shell a few to sprinkle in the salad. Use the pea shoots too!

The Dressing:

2 Anchovy Filets

1 Lemon- juiced.

1/4-1/2 Cup Avocado Oil- I love the one infused with garlic.

Fresh ground pepper to taste

In a food processor pulse the anchovy and lemon juice. Add the oil in a steady stream while the processor is on low. Remember those little anchovies can be overpowering in salty favor so you may not need any salt at all. Finish it off with a grind or two of fresh pepper from a mill.

Assemble the Salad:
Tear the leaves into bite-size pieces. Toss with dressing to coat leaves. Add the rest of ingredients and toss. Drizzle more dressing as desired. This salad is lovely as is, but you could add a grilled protein or toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans.

Happy Springtime foraging Food Athletes!

Be Happy, Be Healthy, Love Your Body,

xo Jessi (Your Food Athlete Coach) xo