Finally feeling the warmer climes and REALLY craving fun + fresh salad ideas that involve minimal to no cooking. This unassuming little salad checks all the boxes; especially in the flavor department. Imagine the sweetness of summer strawberries drizzled in a light, honey-sweetened balsamic vinaigrette, tossed with fresh spinach, dense and creamy avocado, the crunch of walnuts or slivered almonds, and the addition of crumbly goat feta. Day made.
Sometimes you just want an old-fashioned (read: buttery, chewy, doughy) chocolate chip cookie. You know exactly what I mean by that; the incomparable taste & feel of a traditional version of said cookie. Warm, gooey, melty goodness. I like the edges firm and crispy, but the center to remain soft and chewy. Well then, here’s a little recipe with gluten, dairy and refined-sugar free alternatives.
The very versatile quinoa pulls a light and fresh Kale Tabbouleh Salad. And it does so splendidly; like a boss! Who needs traditional bulgur wheat when you can use a wonderful gluten-free ancient grain like quinoa that works well anywhere you throw it, pretty much. Not to outshine the addition of fine-chopped lemony massaged kale; which in my humble opinion, elevates this classic salad to “next-level good” status. Classic parsley and mint optional, but I highly recommend that you include these for that characteristic herby goodness.
These incredibly delicious brownies are entirely flourless. Yes, you read that right. There’s absolutely no paleo or gluten-free flours of any kind in these. It’s like black magic, I swear! To be honest, so many of you shared that you love my brownies, but find almond flour or coconut flour a bit pricy. So guys, this one’s for you! ALL you need in lieu of flour is 1 can of chickpeas. I got organic, low-sodium chickpeas and they’re great with this recipe. They provide a nice “paste” that when mixed with cacao powder, baking powder, baking soda and your nut butter of choice turn into the most wonderful, fudgy little squares of goodness. Give it a try and see for yourself how good these are!
Stole a pesto my heart! OK, sorry (not sorry). All bad jokes and puns aside, I declare this to be the creamiest, dairy-free pesto I’ve ever tried. Why? Thanks to avocado, that miracle worker which takes the place of cheese and rocks it! I’ve been making basil, Romano cheese and walnut pesto for years; yet I never thought of adding avocado to the mix -until one fateful day… my NYC friend, Chef Carla, sent me a recipe from EatingWell. I’ve modified the proportions a bit; but the same idea holds: basil, avocado, walnuts, fresh lemon, garlic and pink sea salt. Oh, and a food processor!
Dear Banana Bread,
I want you to meet Overnight Oats. Also, you’re my new favorite breakfast!
Picture this: mashed banana, walnuts, and old-fashioned rolled oats covered in the best vanilla almond milk, thick coconut yogurt and left to soften and expand overnight. Right before serving- top with more walnuts, fresh banana slices, a dollop of coconut yogurt, a dash of pure maple or coconut nectar AND dark chocolate chips. Can you handle it?
Lately, I find myself circling back (again) to scrambled eggs. And it’s not because I fell out with sunny side up again; nah. We’re tight. I just love that I can make my scramble feel a little EXTRA special with this harissa, sumac and extra virgin olive oil combo that’s going to have you making this on repeat. It’s THAT good. And equally simple. Oh, and perfect if you’re having people over for brunch! 🙂
To all my brunch lovers out there: this one’s for you! A healthier spin on the traditional eggs on a nest involving “toast”. Cute sweet potato “noodle” nests filled with delicious pasture-raised eggs seasoned with sumac, sea salt and pepper. A side of avocado and a cup of fresh coffee complete the plate. Give this easy brunch idea a try, you will love how easy and satisfying it is!
“I don’t like chocolate” – said no one, ever. It’s pretty apparent I am a die-hard chocoholic. And here goes a confession… I once used to eat some peanut butter chocolate cups that have an uncanny resemblance to the above image… Yep, I’d gladly eat a pack of three more often than not (I wince as I…… Continue reading Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cups
You must be logged in to post a comment.