Not vegan? Don’t let that prevent you from trying this delicious maple-walnut breakfast cake. It is full of flavor and incredibly moist. I’m not vegan, but I do feel good about myself when I eat something vegan. There are several reasons eating vegan “makes me feel good”. I’m doing my body good by eating a…
Keep Readingslow cooker loaded baked potato soup [organic]
There is nothing better than skiing that final slope of the day, down to a warm and satisfying bowl of soup that was effortlessly made. This delicious and organic slow cooker loaded baked potato soup will warm you up from the inside out. During the winter season, we go skiing a lot. Mostly to Mammoth…
Keep Readingchicken Tinga mini tostadas
This is a quickie! What I mean by “quickie” is that this post is a short one, due to this week’s hectic schedule, plus these healthy chicken tinge mini tostadas are really quick to make. Tinga is a flavor from Mexico, consisting of a spicy, smoky flavor from chipotle peppers. These tostadas are great served…
Keep Readingbay leaf-scented yogurt cake + a giveaway
It is a Lifestyle book with 100 fresh recipes using fresh, local and organic ingredients, inspiring pictures, and stories from one of the most beautiful places in the world: Malibu, California. I’m giving away one copy of her book – leave a comment below (with your email, please) to enter and I will randomly select a…
Keep Readinggeoffrey’s malibu ahi tuna tartar
Up the winding scenic coastline of Pacific Coast Highway, on a cliff, sits Malibu’s most popular restaurant, Geoffrey’s. Not only is Geoffrey’s known for their great tasting food, such as baked brie, wygu beef, seafood paella, and Main lobster cobb salad, but the breathtaking view of the vast blue Pacific ocean makes this place a…
Keep Readingwinter caprese
My hubby said, “This winter caprese is one of the best things you have ever made”. “It is restaurant quality!” He says that often, but this time…I agree. Today in Malibu, it is raining. We are lounging in the house, which doesn’t happen often. Deciding to make a little appetizer with ingredients already on hand,…
Keep Readingcauliflower + chickpea curry
My mother moved my sister and me with her from Fort Worth, Texas to Mar Vista, California. Being a newly single parent, my mother began working long hours to support us. During this time, an Indo-Fijian (Fijians whose ancestors came from India) woman named Madhu, would babysit us at her home. After school, we would go…
Keep Readingfennel + carrot soup
So far this winter, I’ve been cooking up a lot of soup. During the hotter months I’m a “juicer” but during colder months I’m finding that I’m a “souper” (is that even a word?). When cooked with whole organic ingredients, soup can be filled with nutrients. Not only does soup warm you up, but it…
Keep Readingchilled avocado soup shooters + crab
Several months ago, I received a package in the mail. Not out of the ordinary, since I order on-line all the time –mostly cookbooks to suffice my cookbook addiction. Anyway, I opened it and here was this beautiful Taste of Home 2014 Holiday & Celebrations cookbook. The only problem was… I didn’t order this cookbook….
Keep Readingsimple chai tea latte + happy things
During the winter, I find comfort in a big cup of chai tea latte. It doesn’t matter the time of day; chai tea latte puts me in my happy place. Definitely on my list of happy things! Chai tea is black tea with a mixture of aromatic Indian spices and herbs. I find comfort in…
Keep Readingshaved brussels sprout salad with shaved parmesan + champagne vinaigrette
Stop! You must try this salad before you make your final decision on the salad which you will be serving for your holiday dinner. Because once you try this salad…you are going to change your mind. I’ve tried brussels sprouts salads before and to be honest, they didn’t thrill me as much as kale salads did….
Keep Readinggood 4 u chocolate chip cookies + tips For hosting a holiday cookie exchange party
Tips and ideas on hosting a holiday cookie exchange or swap party.
Keep Readingthe canyon bistro’s french onion soup
Often, I like to escape the hustle and bustle of city life by taking a drive through the winding roads of Topanga Canyon.
Keep Readingsweet potato quinoa lettuce wrap veggie burger + goat cheese, avocado-cranberry relish
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 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 Readingquinoa + black bean burgers with tomatillo guacamole
It is summer and burgers are all the rage. Not everyone is a carnivore or prefers a meat patty. A majority of us prefer veggie burgers aka vegetarian burgers. And it’s not because I am from California that I love veggie burgers. I just do. Lately, much improvement has been made to the veggie patty….
Keep Readingopen-face caprese sandwiches
It’s early summer and basil is in season! Basil is abundant in the markets everywhere. Did you know that basil is actually a member of the mint family? it’s true! Here are a few pointers to go along with that fresh bunch of basil you just purchased, or will after reading this post. When shopping for…
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 Readingchilled avocado soup + cilantro oil
For the past couple of nights, I have been busily building my family tree on ancestry.com. Last night, I stayed up until 2 am. I’m hooked. Recently, I went to Texas to visit my father’s side of the family. While there I questioned my Aunts and Uncles about our Native American heritage. I wanted to…
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