Wellness Warriors! Today, I want to talk to you about cooking with essential oils!
Have you ever been cooking a recipe that called for a certain ingredient that you didn’t have, and you found yourself frantically searching your kitchen for a last minute substitute?? This happens to me way too often!
There are so many ways that you can use essential oils in your recipes, and I want to tell you about my 6 favorites!
Spices or Seasonings
This is probably where you will find the most variety. The following oils are GREAT for replacing spices or fruity zests: Cilantro, Basil, Black Pepper, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Clove, Coriander, Lemon, Oregano, Wild Orange, Ginger, Grapefruit, Lime, Rosemary, Peppermint, Marjoram, and Thyme! (did I miss any?!)
Salads
Snacks
My favorite essential snack is OnGuard (protective blend) infused apple slices! Cut up an apple, place the slices in a bowl, cover with water, and add 1 or 2 drops of OnGuard to the water. Allow to soak for 15 minutes or longer. Drain water and pack for lunches or long trips. What I love is that the anti-oxidant properties of cinnamon and clove keep the apples from browning. For an added flavor boost, sprinkle the apples with cinnamon!
Smoothies
Whether you make protein shakes, milk shakes, or green smoothies, essential oils can really take them to the next level. Try adding Peppermint essential oil to chocolate or vanilla protein shakes, Wild Orange essential oil to vanilla protein shakes (for a creamsicle flavor), or try any favorite citrus oil (Lemon, Wild Orange, or Lime) to your green smoothie!
TIP: When cooking with essential oils, ONE drop is usually more than enough. To prevent over-doing it, I find these two tips to be the most effective:
1. Dip a wooden toothpick in your essential oil bottle and swirl the toothpick in your recipe.
2. Transfer essential oils from the larger 5mL or 15mL bottles into mini-dram bottles with small orifice reducers and then tap it out into your sauce.
Watch my Facebook LIVE video about cooking with oils!
