Enjoy the Simple Things, Eat Well and Show Love

By Carin Fredette
Co-Owner/ Chef  of  Sweet Pea Natural Market and Cafe

Finding quite time to enjoy simple things in my day is sometimes challenging to say the least.
After our families morning rush of getting the children off to school, the majority of my day is spent answering the phone that is constantly ringing, assisting customers who are asking questions about foods and products, orders need to be placed, employees need training and assistance, daily menu planning and preparation needs to happen, and I have the responsibility running a seamless, profitable professional kitchen. The list goes on and on it seems....but in those daily moments when my mind is free, this is the time I find my inspiration leaps forward, this is the place where I draw my creative energy from, with loving attention, to nourish my community members and family. Being a natural foods chef is one of the best and most rewarding jobs I know of.  The ability to be conscious of preparing healthful, visually stunning and nourishing foods, drinks and elixirs for my loved ones and community fills my heart with pride and joy to no end.  I am constantly reminded how much of a difference it makes to eat well and to treat others with with kindness and true affection.  Every being deserves these things, and the truth is, I feel blessed to have this opportunity to serve you. Thank you all for the love and support you shower our communities natural food store with.  
Blessings, Peace and Love.

NEW STORE HOURS

MONDAY-SATURDAY 10-6

Thank you all for your continued love and support of our efforts!!  We have seen our business grow substantially over the last year, and we know its because of  customers like you  who support a natural lifestyle approach to shopping and those who want to keep the "mom and pop" dream alive.  We live in a unique area, you don't find community strength like this in many other places and we are GRATEFUL everyday for your support!!

Natural Easter Dyes

With Easter on us shortly the ritual egg dyeing extravaganza will be happening every where.  Pink and blue fingers of large and small will take part it this celebration.  It should be safe as well as fun. Artificial dyes contain numerous toxins, and these toxins have shown to cause long term health problems and can have devastating effects on children regarding their behavior and ability to learn..

This process is so easy and fun, we should do it more often as art projects. First come down and  buy some local eggs from Lichen Rock Farm of Warren or some of Donald Terry's of Moretown and boil up a bunch, then let them cool off.  It does not matter if they are brown, white or pastel, the end result will be beautiful and unique, so have loads fun and be safe...If your not busy living , then your busy dyeing.( it's punny right..!!??)

For blue use frozen blueberries, for pink use grated beets, for yellow use 2 tablespoons of turmeric, for green use 2 tablespoons on spirulina.

On a four burner stove put four pots of water on containing 2 cups.  Add blueberries to one, beets to another, spirulina to the third and finally turmeric to the last.  bring each to a soft rolling boil then turn the heat down to a simmer.  Simmer for a few minutes or until desired intensity of color.  Strain all the chunky bits out and return to their pots.  When everything is cool add 1 teaspoon of vinegar. That's it...!!

Happy dunking and take some pictures and post them to our facebook page so we can see what you create.
Sweet Pea is on facebook

Deliciously Raw

When you hear the phrase "raw food" I hope that visions of meat and milk are not the only ones that come to mind.
Actually, the term "raw food" refers to foods that have not been heated above 118 degrees, thusly retaining vital enzymes and nutrients. The ideal diet for optimal health consists of 80% raw foods and 20% steamed or cooked. (Animal products and not included on a raw foods diet.)


There is more to this diet than just salad, you can be extremely creative with this type of cuisine. You can eat better than you ever have in your life, you will feel better than you can ever remember and live in a state of well being feeling energized and replenished. The very reason we eat is for energy, to sustain our being.
When we eat foods on a regular basis that have been cooked, after consumption of these foods we experience tiredness and lethargy sets in. This is a direct result of our bodies working hard to digest this enzyme deficient food, pulling vital enzymes from our cells to digest.


I want to turn you on to how delicious raw foods can be. I want you to experience the euphoria and heightened level of consciousness that comes from eating living foods.
We make fresh living foods daily at Sweet Pea. If you are someone who wants to eat well but are on the go a lot, or someone who does not have the time, or you are accommodating visitors. Our organic build your own salad bar features a rainbow of nutrients featuring fresh greens, a verity of vegetables, Kim chi, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit and sprouts. We are the Valley's only organic juice and smoothie bar.


We make live chia pudding, raw cheezy broccoli, living coleslaw, guacamole, nut pates, living salsa and more for our grab and go cooler. Our deli offers a raw sandwich, and our bakery makes many raw delicious treats.


Our store carries everything a raw foods enthusiast would ever need. If you want to improve your health, and want to enjoy conversations about the topic, come and see us!!
We enjoy providing an educational, comfortable and supportive environment when it comes to real good food!!

Healing Power of Juice

What is fresh juice you might ask.  Fresh juice is juice that is freshly pressed, never pasteurized, nothing added nothing taken away. Did you know that 95% of vitamins come from the juice of fruits and vegetables? The healing properties found in leafy green vegetables and fruits are so powerful that no amount of synthetic medicines or supplements can ever match their power.
Fresh juice is vital for optimal health because it provides the body with a plethora of vitamins and minerals, sterilized water, enzymes and acts as an easily digestible food source.  In essence, pure nutrition.  In times of imbalance, juice can reset the body to good health and well being.  Combining organic fruits and vegetables act as powerful elixirs to rid the body of disease.  We use only organic fruits and vegetables in our fresh juices.  Check out the stores juice and smoothie bar menu at http://www.sweetpeanaturalfood.com/Menu.html

Wheatgrass Shot

On your next trip through town, or just because you want to take better care of your health, come by for a fresh juice and feel the live food difference that comes from Juice.  You can easily loose weight, improve digestion, cleanse toxins from the body, boost immunity and receive a potent source of antioxidants.

World Go Vegan Week

In celebration of World Go Vegan Week (october 24-31) we will be serving delicious and healthy vegan entrees, soups and sides in the cafe.


We will offer 10% off all our vegan speciality sandwiches and desserts that week as well. I have found the best way to get people who might be skeptical about vegan food is to provide free samples, so that is also what we are going to do. Bring your friends by and sample some goodness together.


Being vegan is an act of extreme compassion and kindness, by intentionally living in harmony with and showing great respect for the animals we love, we honor them and ourselves.


By going vegan you decrease your global ecological footprint substantially, conserve precious fresh water as a resource, and demonstrate the depth of compassion from within you. We care so deeply about the community we love and want everyone to experience the natural radiance from within that occurs when we switch to a plant based diet.


I know going vegan is not for everyone all the time, but just as many of you have participated in Eat Local challenges, this holds as much significance to our planet, local farmers and your health. If you have any questions just give us a call or stop by the market....we are here to help.

Love and Kindness,
Carin

Sweet Pea: Autumn Eats

Sweet Pea: Autumn Eats