Now, I must put away my flip-flops and bring out my fuzzy warm buggs. So ready for the changing season that I have begun cooking up some fall dishes. Such as, this velvety slightly sweet with a hint of spice roasted butternut squash soup. The sexy hourglass shaped fruit, known as the butternut squash, is…
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triple berry crisp [vegan]
Will you penalize me for not following the rule of posting only seasonal recipes on food blogs? In my defense, I do work 9 1/2 hour days, plus commute 1 hour home, only to come home to care for 3 dogs, and prepare my family dinner. Yes, you have heard this all before in my…
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easiest posole
Summer is coming to a close and now it’s time to start cooking warm and comforting meals, such as this quick and easy posole. Posole is a Mexican stew normally made with pork. However, this posole does not contain any meat, perfect for vegetarians, making it more of a soup rather than a stew. Use…
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Slow-Cooker Salsa chicken tacos, cilantro pesto + pico de gallo
For me, this means more traffic during my 1 to 1-1/2 hour commute home, not to mention that it starts getting darker earlier, and everyone is starving for dinner by the time I finally arrive home. That would be around 7PM. And yes, I still come home and cook my family dinner…on most nights. To…
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gazpacho + cilantro pesto
Our 16 year old and I love to go to this little pet store in the Valley that specializes in tea-cup breeds, and provides an area where customers can sit and play with a puppy of choice. Anyway, there was the cutest black and white fur ball of a puppy. He was the one that we…
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ahi tuna poke+ sea-salt and pepper wonton crisps
The other weekend, we attended the Hula Hog Luau, which the beach club we belong to holds annually. Prior to the Luau, we invited a few of our close friends over for appetizers and cocktails. I served Thai food appetizers from our local Thai restaurant, but the biggest hit was this Ahi Tuna Poke +…
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healthy swiss muesli
This is a rarity, for someone is almost always home. Last night, knowing that my hubby and daughters would be leaving early in the morning for a day of fishing, I pre-planned for my own special breakfast, soaking rolled oats in fat-free milk overnight. Feel free to use almond milk or apple juice. Swiss Muesli…
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skinny jeans baked feta spinach dip
Opting for my comfy flared jeans instead. It’s time to get back into my skinny jeans, so I need to get back on the program of eating healthier and lighter. I prefer to chop and pre-measure all of my ingredients prior to starting the cooking process. I find that it saves time and I’m less…
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curried chicken salad skinnywich
Earlier this Sunday morning, I went shopping at the Farmers Market in Pacific Palisades. I start my shopping experience by first stopping by Robek’s for a a large Tropi-Kale Smoothie to go– my favorite! Then I walk across the street, being sure to look at all the cute rescue dogs that are available for adoption,…
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grilled peach salad, candied pecans + balsamic dressing
Seriously, I can’t believe how fast this summer is going by for me. Does anyone else feel that their summer too is quickly passing? I had anticipated on posting lots of great tasting, low calorie recipes this summer, but have been so busy with work and my family. In fact, Fourth of July is already…
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light chicken salad sandwiches
Several years ago, while on our annual family trip in Hawaii, we charted a boat to snorkel with dolphins. For lunch, the crew served us pre-made delicious, light, and healthy chicken salad sandwiches. Luckily, I was successful in recreating those sandwiches. I now make them every summer. These sandwiches are filling, fresh and light. The…
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healthy enchiladas suizas
Chicken enchiladas are one of my family’s favorite meals for dinner. Sometimes, it’s nice to take a break from red enchiladas and serve these green enchiladas suizas instead. The Verde Sauce is so fresh and full of authentic Mexican flavor. This is a wonderful dinner dish just waiting to be served during a summer evening….
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healthy granola bars [clean eating]
Although, I might have a slight excuse. My company announced that they are moving headquarters and some jobs to another state. This announcement lead to over thinking on my part, and by the end of the day, I was left exhausted. Too exhausted to put time and effort into posting on this blog. But the…
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mini 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…
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asparagus + leek quiche
I’m deciding on what kind of “healthy” crust I want to make for my quiche. Do I go with an oat, quinoa, or millet crust? I’m cooking more organic these days, but I have yet to venture in using Xanthan Gum (needed with oat, quinoa, and millet). So, I settle for a more old fashion crust,…
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banana + strawberry acai bowl
This banana + strawberry acai bowl is one of my family’s favorite breakfast. My hubby and daughters love to eat this for breakfast after returning from a morning surf. What family wouldn’t love having sorbet for breakfast? If you have not tried an acai bowl, you’re probably asking, “So, what is an acai bowl?” To understand…
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umami turkey burger + caramelized onions and roasted mushrooms
It is a turkey burger that has been infused with a savory sauce, called umami. The burger is then topped with onions that have been carmalized, roasted mushrooms, and more umami sauce. Thus creating the perfect twist to the average turkey burger. One bite, and you are going to be hooked. What? You are still…
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spinach salad with caramelized onions, dates, and feta + balsamic vinaigrette
You are going to love the melody of flavors that this salad delivers from the caramelized onions, feta, and dates. This is my perfect springtime salad. Every spring, my hubby takes me to Palm Desert, and every time we stay at the same hotel and order the oasis spa salad while laying out by the…
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roasted red pepper hummus with garlicky pita chips
This hummus dip requires only a slight bit of chopping and a food processor. The pita chips are quickly tossed in a garlicky olive oil mixture and bakes in less than 15 minutes. Not only is this a delicious dip, but healthy too! Chickpeas are legumes that are also called garbanzo beans and are an…
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roasted 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…
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