This product was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Whether or not I set solid resolutions, I like to start the year off on a good note.  I am ready to declutter, clean, get organized, and of course eat healthier.  The thought of fresh, unprocessed foods after the holidays is very appealing.  Better yet, the weather is warming up and I dream of planning my vegetable garden and all the fresh, locally grown produce.

Santa Cruz Lemon Lime

I have been eating less junk, less processed foods, and focused more on reading labels.  That means more organic foods and less additives.  Santa Cruz Organic has a great line of organic foods, from snacks to juices, including their Organic 100% juices in lemon and lime.

I have been starting off my day with a mug of hot water with a splash of lemon juice.  There is something about it that is so clean and refreshing.  It warms me up and wakes me up, it is nice on the palate, and there are lots of health benefits.

My daughter has been really into lavender lately, from tea to macarons, so we thought we would make some lavender lemonade.  This is so easy to make and tastes amazing!

Start by steeping lavender in water (approximately 2 tbsp lavender in 2 cups water).  I bought organic food-grade lavender specifically for using in teas.

Next, dissolve in honey and/or sugar (I used a combination of both, totaling about 3/4 cup).

Then, mix with about 1.5 cups lemon juice, and 2 cups cold water.  You can adjust the ratios to your liking as far as your taste preferences.

Santa Cruz 100% Lemon Juice

As always, I am trying to eat more fruits and vegetables.  I love making simple recipes with fresh vegetables, and I try to cook veggies so that they are as fresh as possible, preferring them more on the raw side.

Santa Cruz 100% Lemon Juice

To make lemon asparagus:

Start by snapping the woody ends off the asparagus (we compost these).

Cut the asparagus into pieces about 1″ long.

Melt some butter in a pan, about 1-2 tbsp.  Add in your asparagus and a good splash of Santa Cruz Lemon Juice.

Stir the asparagus, mixing with the lemon juice and butter, also adding a dash of salt.

When the asparagus starts to turn yellowish, it is done.  I like mine nice and crunchy.

Serve along with a side as needed (e.g. rice, quinoa, pasta, cous cous, etc).

The recipes that use lemon juice are plentiful!  These are just a few that circulate in our household, and I’m glad to have some organic lemon juice on hand.  Not only are Santa Cruz Organic products are Certified USDA Organic Non-GMO Project® Verified, I love that this juice is packaged in glass jars, so no worries about plastics.

 

Visit Santa Cruz Organic at http://www.santacruzorganic.com/Â