July 14, 2014

The results are in from our celebrity judge, Chef Tina Martini, and we are delighted to announce the winners of our Cool Summer Refreshers Recipe Contest.

Congratulations to our Cool Summer Refresher Recipe Contest winners and to each and every contestant. We are confident that no one is going un-refreshed in your kitchens this summer!
The contest rules were short and sweet (like me). All the recipes were:

1. Easy to prepare
2. More or less original
3. Made from readily available ingredients

The results were all… well… refreshing. Thank you. Chef Tina is still smacking her lips as we go to press!

---

#1 – Dandy Blend ‘Frappuccino’
submitted by France Paolozzi of Ottawa, ON, Canada
Get the Recipe

Judge’s Notes
You’ll never miss the coffee! Dandy Blend is an amazing combination of purifying roots and herbs that really does have  the flavor of coffee. The cocoa powder imparts the richness of “mocha” and France really shows off her knowledge of nutrition with the choice of adding a date for sweetness. This is our number one pick, in part because of its clever recreation of a familiar, and often expensive, product. That set a high bar and France’s creation back flips over it. Her recipe is packed with phytonutrients and is much easier on the budget than the coffee shop version of this popular refresher. And the phytonutrients. Wow! Dandy Blend is longevity in a glass.

Phyto Facts
Almond milk is high is in vitamin E. Think of it as skincare from the inside out. Vitamin E has been shown to increase longevity and relieves inflammation, in general. Burdock and Dandelion root are effective tools in the purification of the liver. Burdock root is most often used in the treatment of blood related diseases. Cocoa powder is high in protective flavonoids, phytonutrients that prevent cholesterol from doing damage to arteries. We love to use the term “Superfood,” and dates fall into that category, for sure. The high mineral content shows promise in the prevention and treatment of pancreatic, lung, and colon cancers. Dates are also high in two phytonutrients that look like our best weapon against macular degeneration; zeaxanthin and lutein. Dates are great recovery food, and benefit the body after vigorous exercise.

---

#2 – Strawberry/Coconut Soft Serve
submitted by Guadalupe Garcia of San Diego, CA, USA
Get the Recipe

Judge’s Notes
It is the texture that is not to be missed in our second place winner. What a great option for dessert . This is a cross between the lightest of souffles and a creamy mousse that doesn’t coat the palate. If you have someone you know would benefit from avocado, but they don’t like it. this is the way to overcome all resistance! And, it’s perfect for a meal replacement, as it is very satisfying. The airy feel makes it fun to eat and it’s nutritionally sound. That’s a great choice, anytime. All of the ingredients used give you skincare benefits from the inside out. Guadalupe’s cool refresher is wrinkle reduction in a glass!

Phyto Facts
Strawberries contain ellagic acid and bioflavonoids. Both of these phytonutrients slow the aging clock. Pineapple is high in vitamin C which oxygenates tissue improving circulation and nutrient-rich blood. Coconut is beneficial to the skin both internally and externally. Lauric acid keeps bad bacteria in check, and strengthens our immune system. Coconut also provides good fat. Avocados are a great dose of minerals, for repair and good quality sleep, as well as heart protective fat.

---

#3 – Strawberry & Garden Veggie Slushy
submitted by France Paolozzi of Ottawa, ON, Canada
Get the Recipe

Judge’s Notes
This is from one home chef who’s really thinking; winning first and third. Here, we have a icy-fruity treat that’s doesn’t require a trip to the convenience store and helps you use up some of those summer garden tomatoes. I followed the recipe the first time, as written, for judging purposes. For kicks, I made it a second time, without the yogurt, and it was even more like a slushy. Yum! Either way, France shows off her culinary creds by choosing tomato and carrot for sweetness, color and “secret” nutrition. I taste tested the slushy with kids and adults. It was a hit with everyone! Natural probiotics make this a hit with everyone’s digestive health too!

Phyto Facts
The ingredients featured in this bright and tangy drink are all high in vitamin C, and fiber. We know the importance of both soluble and insoluble fiber, now more than ever. Fiber plays a role in weight management, immune function, Diabetes prevention, and heart health. Vitamin C provides energy and keeps us alert.  Yogurt is considered brain food, and is shown to improve memory. Yogurt is thought to be a longevity food, and is a natural way to boost calcium absorption due to it’s acidic nature. Uncooked tomato reduces sun damage, and is a natural blood thinner. Carrots provide beta-carotene so our body can make vitamin A. This is such an important nutrient to fight cancer, prevent and repair sun damage and keep our eyesight strong throughout life. Maple syrup has more nutrition than we credit. The phytonutrient profile is comparable to blueberries, and tea. Pure maple syrup is also a good source of iron.

---

    

France Paolozzi, as our first place finisher, takes home the $100 gift card from Whole Foods Market, as well as the all new SetStarter Interval Timer.

Thanks, again, to everyone who submitted an entry. Thanks to Tina for judging, photographing and providing the phyto facts for each recipe. And, a special thanks to Whole Foods and SetStarter for providing terrific prizes for our winners.