I took a girlfriends’ trip up to Kripalu Yoga Center this past weekend, up in the Berkshires. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, Kripalu is a great place to go for a weekend (or week!) to recharge, get some fresh air, and get your body moving. You stay on “campus” and all of the delicious, mostly-organic meals are provided to you throughout your stay. You can choose from daily yoga classes (also included) which are offered at various levels. And also Kripalu offers fun, free classes on health, spirituality, and movement throughout your stay.

Since Kripalu is located in the middle of the beautiful Berkshires, hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing (in season), biking, and all sorts of nature activities are right at your fingertips. We took 2-hour hikes each weekend morning and it was splendid! My friends and I simply went for an “R&R” package (“relaxation and renewal”), but Kripalu has guest speakers throughout the year – big shots from the health & wellness world – who offer week-long or weekend workshops for an additional fee. If you’re feeling burned out, want a little peace, quiet, and tranquility, or simply want to work on your yoga practice, I can’t recommend Kripalu enough.

While I loved the daily movement classes and spending time in nature, there’s no denying that one of my favorite things about our stay was the food! It’s served buffet-style and it’s a healthy-foodie’s paradise! I was loading up on deliciously prepared greens and salads, scrumptious grains, and tasty proteins (mostly veg-based but they do serve fish and chicken some evenings) at each meal. One buffet find that I could not get off my mind was their house dressing — an ultra yummy, sesame-scented concoction that dressed up my greens and raw veggies. I took a look on Kripalu’s website and, generous yogis that they are, they provide the recipe online! But more than that, they also provide lists of healthy recipes of the foods that they serve. I am beside myself with joy! And renewed inspiration for my weeknight meals.

Do yourself a favor and try the Kripalu House Dressing some time soon, posted below – I promise you’ll love it. And for more Kripalu recipes, check out their website for healthy-dining inspiration: Kripalu Recipes

Kripalu House Dressing

A guest favorite for years. Enjoy it over your salads or steamed vegetables. This dressing will keep for two weeks in your refrigerator.

Makes approximately 2 cups.

1 cup sunflower oil or grape seed oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
¼ cup tamari (natural soy sauce)
½ cup lemon juice
⅓ cup sesame tahini
2 cloves garlic
½ tablespoon dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ tablespoon chili powder
pinch cayenne
½ cup water

Combine all ingredients and blend using a standard blender or immersion blender.