Essential oils aren’t simply for aromatherapy. They have health, household, and culinary uses as well. When incorporating essential oils into recipes you should only use pure, unadulterated, therapeutic, or food grade oils. Organic oils are best if you can get them. You can find high quality oils for purchase online. Essential oils that you see in your health food store, labeled “aromatherapy oils” are not appropriate for ingesting.
The nice thing about using essential oils in recipes is that you only have to use a few drops. The oils, extracted from plants, are highly concentrated. While they may seem expensive, remember that good quality oils will go a long way and last a long time. Let’s take a look at ways to use essential oils in the kitchen and some delicious recipes.
Cinnamon Infused Breakfast Smoothie
A great way to perk up a smoothie is to add a drop or two of essential oils, such as cinnamon. Cinnamon essential oil is excellent for digestion and assistance with bloating and gas. It also has properties. Start your day by adding 1 or 2 drops to your smoothie or yogurt. Try a super easy soothie, like Cinnamon Peach Smoothie recipe.
Lemony Hummus
Homemade hummus is so much better than the pre-packaged kind you can pick up at the grocery store. It just tastes much fresher. Try a Healthy Lemon Hummus Dip that uses lemon essential oil to brighten up this classic dip. Lemon essential oil is terrific for detoxification.
Herbed Marinara Sauce for Pasta
If you are looking for a simple dinner recipe, try this marinara sauce over pasta that incorporates oregano and basil essential oils. Oregano essential oil is a powerhouse, great for the immune system.
Ingredients:
2 cans crushed tomatoes (30 ounces)
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
2 tsps dried parsley
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 TBS raw honey
1 – 2 drops oregano essential oil
1 – 2 drops basil essential oil
Sea salt and ground pepper to taste
Directions:
Sauté the onion, garlic, and dried herbs/spices in olive oil until soft. Add remaining ingredients and simmer for approximately 60 minutes until all the flavors are well incorporated. Serve over pasta.
Minty Brownies
Most everyone likes brownies for dessert. Here is a recipe for Peppermint Brownie Bites that takes brownies to a new level with the addition of peppermint essential oil. Peppermint is very good for digestion, and it has been shown to have a calming effect on body and spirit.
Lavender Cocktail
There is nothing better than sipping a cold glass of champagne or prosecco on a hot summer evening. P. Allen Smith, the gardening expert, prepared this Champagne Cocktail recipe with lavender infused simple syrup. Lavender essential oil is wonderful for its relaxing qualities. This is a great cocktail to soothe away your stress.
Remember to look for high quality, 100% pure essential oils when using them in recipes.