This past Monday was my hubby’s Birthday. On Sunday, we took the family to Disneyland and had an awesome time. But on Monday, I got him all to myself. It was such a nice day that I actually felt like it was my Birthday. My hubby drove the two of us along the coast route to…
Keep Readingbutternut ravioli with corn + sage [butter is back]
This is a great autumn dish when corn is at its peak and butternut squash is starting to show up in markets. It’s great on it’s own for lunch, meatless Mondays, or a side dish along side some roasted or grilled chicken. Definitely a farm to table dish. Seriously, this dish is so simple to…
Keep Readingraw energy bars
Wow, I can’t believe it is back-to-school time already. Raw energy bars are the perfect snack to pack in your kids, and teenagers, lunches. I use all natural almond butter in these bars, due to peanut allergies that so many kids endure. I actually prefer the mild nut flavor in almond butter opposed to the strong…
Keep Readinggrilled vietnamese pork chops
During the summer, our weekends normally start out with a bike ride along the beach strand to our boat in the marina. Usually, we will paddle board, eat lunch while soaking in the sun, socialize with our boating neighbors, take a dingy ride around the marina, and watch the sunset before heading back on our bikes….
Keep Readingseared scallops with cauliflower puree + tangerine reduction [30 minute dinner]
It’s a hot summer evening, I’m exhausted from a busy day, and my family is asking what’s for dinner tonight? That’s when I pull a quick and healthy 30-minute dinner out of my hat – figuratively speaking. Tonight, I made them seared scallops with cauliflower puree and a tangerine reduction. Sounds complicated – but let me…
Keep Readingtofu + vegetable curry
This is one of those dishes where I made it for my family, and took a few quick photos because it tasted so delicious that I had to share. Please excuse the quick non-artistic photos. However, you will thank me for including this quick and simple recipe on my blog. Tofu and vegetable curry is so…
Keep Readingcoconut chia seed pudding + raspberry puree
To feel energized and strong all day long it is important to eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast in the morning. Coconut chia seed pudding with raspberry puree is a great breakfast to have on-hand for days when you don’t have time to make a healthy meal. Not only is this coconut chia seed pudding…
Keep Readingold-fashioned blueberry pancakes [gluten- and soy-free]
Lately, it seems that a majority of people are going gluten-free. I’m not one of those people; however, I am always interested in cooking healthier dishes for my family and friends. Not sure why, but I have been craving pancakes, so this morning I decided to make a batch of these gluten- and soy-free pancakes…
Keep Readinglemony edamame dip
When I entertain I like to make something a bit different that my friends wouldn’t normally make themselves at home. Lemony edamame dip is one of those appetizers that will surprise your guests and their . It is a light and refreshing appetizer best served during spring or summer. Living in Southern California, my lemon…
Keep Readingspanish potato omelet [tortilla espanola]
In my quest to cook healthier meals for my family, I continue to take healthy cooking classes – which I hope to one day teach myself.
Keep Readingpeanut butter + chocolate energy bars
Most mornings, I’m quickly heading out the door either to go to work, walk the dogs, or bike ride. Normally, I never know what kind of busy morning awaits me. For those busy mornings, I love to grab something that is all ready made, for a quick and easy breakfast to go. These Peanut Butter…
Keep Readingitalian minestrone
I make this soup when one of my family members are sick, or for a light but comforting dinner. Use leftover chicken with carcass intact, or do what I do….purchase a whole roasted chicken from the market. The rind from the Parmesan cheese cooks into the soup, adding a slightly sharp nutty flavor, and your…
Keep Readingmini mushroom, spinach + goat cheese frittatas [clean-eating]
On weekends, I usually order a mushroom and spinach frittata, topped with goat cheese, at our favorite breakfast place in Malibu. Using those ingredients, I made these delicious mushroom, spinach + goat cheese mini frittatas. Now I can enjoy my favorite breakfast meal all week long. These easy make-ahead frittatas are nutritious, low-fat, and figure-friendly…
Keep Readingroasted balsamic strawberry sundae
The aroma of hot strawberry pie consumed the house as the strawberries roasted in the oven. My family quickly wanted to know what it was that was cooking. As I pulled the roasted strawberries out of the oven, everyone wanted to taste one. Yes, the roasted strawberries are amazing on their own, but so much…
Keep Readinghealthy turkey and kale soup
Sometimes, I want only a bowl of soup along with warm crusty bread for dinner. This happened to be one of those nights. So tonight, I decided to cook this turkey and kale soup, which I adapted from Giada Delaurentiis’ Turkey, Kale and Brown Rice Soup. Instead of using wild rice, I tried multigrain pasta…
Keep Readingtomato basil soup with grilled cheese croutons
It was a cold and rainy day, so I stayed in and made an amazingly delicious tomato basil soup for lunch. This soup, a standard for comfort food, topped with grilled cheese croutons, provided a warm and satisfying meal. Once you try this soup, you will be spoiled for life, you’ll never be able to…
Keep Readingorecchiette with turkey sausage and arugula
I’m already anxious about decorating for next Christmas. This year’s theme was ‘gilver’, a combination of gold and silver. I really loved the glitter and sparkle. For lunch, I made myself a nice bowl of orecchiette pasta with a creamy turkey sauce. A light and low calorie pasta dish. The sauce had the right touch…
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