Having spent my summers in Texas while growing up, I grew very fond of peach cobbler. The peach cobblers that my family made were more like a peach pie in a 13×9 pan, which included strips of sweet pie dough, rather than the cake like cobbler. The way I would eat my peach cobbler, is to…
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raw 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…
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grilled 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….
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malibu farm’s cauliflower pizza
If you are ever in Malibu, you must stop and eat at Malibu Farm, a cafe located at the end of the Malibu Pier. I absolutely love eating at Malibu Farm Cafe. It’s a small quaint restaurant that serves organic and locally farmed food. No hostess needed at this place. You walk in and order…
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seared 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…
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chipotle-lime chicken salad + 10 ways to instantly boost your happiness
This is one of my favorite salads to make in the summer when fresh corn is at its best. It’s light, flavorful, and scrumptious. The perfect dinner when all you want is a light and healthy meal on a hot summer night. I almost feel that I get a summer evening off from cooking when…
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quinoa + 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….
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open-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…
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ricotta meatballs with chianti sauce + a giveaway
These grass-fed beef ricotta meatballs with Chianti sauce are one of my hubby’s all-time favorites for several reasons. First of all, they are baked, not fried, which leaves them a whole lot lighter in calories. Secondly, the tomato wine sauce is to die for. And finally, fennel seeds! Oh yeah, those little fennel seeds add…
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tofu + 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…
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coconut 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…
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chilled 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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peanut butter + carob frosty paws [dog treats]
My family loves our three dogs Rocco, Dolce, and Mochi. Rocco is 11 years old, and happens to be one of the biggest Labs I have ever seen. Dolce is a 10 year old Lhasa who is awesome at snuggling but very territorial. Our newest addition, Mochi, is only 10 months old, and is an over-the-top…
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blue velvet cupcakes [vegan]
I’m not vegan, but it does help to slowly incorporate some healthy vegan items into your diet – even if it does happen to be cupcakes! My love for red velvet cake cupcakes runs deep, but with red food coloring as a main ingredient, my favorite cupcake doesn’t score high on the “healthy” meter. That…
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stout braised grass-fed beef sliders + ginger slaw
Have you ever been to a psychic party? Neither have I, until I recently hosted my own. I have two amazing friends who happen to be twins and psychic. Chinhee and Sunhee Park belong to a group of psychics, called ESPsychics. When Chinhee and Sunhee offered to do a psychic party at my house for…
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asparagus, mushroom + roasted garlic tart
This month, my sister and I took our Mom to Texas to visit and re-connect with my Dad’s family. My Dad passed away 9 years ago. Both my sister and I have not seen many of our family members since his funeral. This was an exciting and emotional trip for the three of us. We…
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strawberry tres leches trifle
I hosted an event (a psychic party but I’ll post more on that later) at my home and wanted to make a dessert with the strawberries that I had purchased from the truck. It had to be lower calorie and healthy. What I decided on was this Strawberry Tres Leches Trifle, which I had found…
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old-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…
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lemony 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…
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spanish 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.
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