Monthly Archives: August 2012

Raw Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Hello my sweets, and happy Tuesday! 

 

I’ve got a super easy and rather healthy cookie recipe to share with you all today!  Oh, and it’s so yummy!!  Does that brighten up your Tuesday?  I sure hope so.  It’s a cookie ball (yum), it’s easy to make, and healthy?!   Yeah, I think I win today.

Raw Chocolate Chip Oat Cookies – Vegan*

You will need:

  • 3/4 cup oat flour or almond flour – I recommend oat, and if you don’t have it, grind raw oats in a food processor until fine
  • 3/4 cup raw oats
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup raw, organic sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup vegan carob chips (or chocolate chips)
  • almond milk
  1. In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients except the milk and chips.
  2. Start with 1 tablespoon of almond milk, and add until mixture is well combined and not crumbly.  WIll probably use 2 or 3 tablespoons.
  3. Stir in chips.
  4. Roll dough into small balls and place on plate.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.  Serve and Enjoy!!!

Keep refrigerated if not eating :-)

 

Snaps!

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Well, another weekend has passed.  I’m not going to act surprised anymore.  Time apparently moves at lightning speed the older you get.  Just have to make the most of every.single.day.  I think this weekend I did a pretty good job of that.  A little beach time and pool time, a wonderful dinner out at Habana with an old college friend <<fellow Economics nerd>> and a fabulous Sunday Brunch with my man and good girlfriend at Brick + Mortarin Santa Monica. Overall it was another busy, great weekend.  How was yours??

Here are a couple snaps!

{ Growing in the backyard. How gorgeous! They smell wonderful too!! }

{ My regal pup }

 

{ Dinner at Habana }

I really love Habana, it’s one of my favorite restaurants in Orange County.  It’s a great Cuban restaurant with delicious food, great drinks, with a warm, rusticish decor.  I can even find some tasty vegan friendly dishes.  It’s a great place to just grab a drink and some apps, have a special date night, or go with large groups.

{ Brunching with girl  at Brick + Mortar}

This was the second time I’ve been to Brick + Mortar for Sunday Brunch, and both times have been a great experience.  Even though it’s crowded, I have never had to wait too long.  With an entrée, you can also get bottomless mimosas for $15.  Those people are on top of things there too.  Your glass is never empty ;-)   They don’t really have vegan/vegetarian friendly items {if that matters to you} but the food is delicious.  It’s super hip and in such a great location, on Main Street in Santa Monica.  In case you take advantage of the mimosas, you can cruise around the tons of shops or just head to the beach!  Perfect!

Particular benefits from Juicing

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Well hello Friday, so nice to see you again.  Feel free to stop by whenever you want ;-)

I think today is a good day for a Health Pumped Post!  Kick off the weekend right, right?  Yes.

I have mentioned before the Benefits of Juicing and doing Juice Cleanses.  So today’s post is more about how the Fruits and Vegetables we juice with actually benefit us.  You can literally juice almost any vegetable or fruit, like even potatoes, crazy right?!  Instead of talking about anything and everything under the sun (or in the dirt) to juice with, I’m highlighting what I use most frequently.  Sometimes I include all of the following, but usually it is some variation of lots of greens and a little fruit and/or citrus.  

So here we go!  Hope this helps you understand how all these wonderful fruits and veggies help our lovely bodies stay healthy and happy!

  • Apple:  Helps cleanse the liver and kidneys, also helps them function properly.  Energy booster with the natural sugar.  Also helps the taste ;-)
  • Carrot:  Contain lots of Vitamin A and beta-carotene which helps eyes.  Supports the liver and digestion.  Cancer fighter.  Revitalizes skin
  • Cucumber:  Contains antioxidants and promotes healthy skin (hello glow!!).  The high water content aids in cleansing and weight loss
  • Lemon: Cut off peel. High in Vitamin C.  Helps eliminate free radicals (cancer and body damage causers).  Helps cleanse the body and clean the urinary tract.  Promotes clear skin.
  • Ginger:  Huge immune booster.  Kicks up the digestive tract.
  • Beet:  Huge blood cleanser and liver cleanser.  Rich in anti-oxidants.
  • Dandelion Root:  Big body detoxifier and cleanser.  Liver and gallbladder helper (helps produce and remove bile). dandelion is very bitter so use sparingly
  • Parsley: High in iron and B12.  Natural diuretic (cleanser) and a good immune booster.  strong in taste, so again, use sparingly
  • Kale:  High in iron, calcium, and Vitamins A,K, and C.

Hope this gives a little more help and information for why to include certain fruits and vegetables.  Also, here are some combinations I like to use are:

  1. A few carrots, half a beet, an apple, and a nub of ginger
  2. Kale, lettuce, dandelion, a little parsley, half a cucumber, a lemon, and an apple
  3. A few carrots, a lemon, a nub of ginger

What are your favorite things to juice with?

Now go enjoy some fresh juice!!  Have a wonderful weekend!

Check out these sites for more information:  Worlds healthiest foods and LiveStrong

Rosemary Flatbread

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Hi Hi!!

How is everyone’s Hump Day treating them?!  Good I hope :-)

I totally scored some super juicy, flavorful sungold and cherry tomatoes the other day at the farmers market.  We munched on a bunch over the weekend, but still had a good amount come the new week.  Since the majority of my cooking is based around using up whatever produce I have lying around from the garden or farmers market (I sometimes go a little nutzzzz at the farmers market), I decided to top a flatbread with excess veggies.

I can say it was easy to make since i kind of cheated by using a Trader Joe’s pre-made dough.  Seriously though, sometimes I just don’t have the time/energy to do it all from scratch.  Sue me ;-) (but not really, that wouldn’t be fun). However, if you feel so inclined, a couple of from scratch dough recipes are HERE and HERE. 

{Fresh Veggies}

Back to the flatbread making.  I used the following, but really, use whatever veggies you want:

  • a few tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons  fresh, chopped rosemary
  • 1/2 cup onion, cut in long pieces
  • 1 cup largely chopped white mushrooms
  • 1 cup halved sungold and cherry tomatoes
  • 1 cup spinach
  • salt
  1. Pre-heat over to 450
  2. Chop/cut all veggies
  3. On a floured surface, roll/gently pull dough out to a rectangle.  Mine came out to about 12×6
  4. On a greased baking sheet, cook bread for 12 minutes, until dough is pretty cooked through, and crisp.
  5. While dough is cooking, heat olive oil in a saucepan on medium heat.  Add rosemary; stirring occasionally for about 4-5 minutes.  Remove from heat.
  6. In another pan, heat a little oil (I used Coconut) on medium.  Add onions and allow to cook for about 10 minutes.  Until tender.   About 3/4 of the way through, add the mushrooms.  Add a little salt at the end.
  7. After dough is removed, rosemary oil heated, and onions/mushrooms cooked, coat flatbread with rosemary infused oil.  Make sure to spread the rosemary evenly.  Sprinkle top with a little sea salt. Top with spinach, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes.
  8. Place back in oven and cook for another 10 minutes.  (plus or minus a few minutes depending on oven)

 

Enjoy!!

Serve as a starter, alone, or along side a fresh arugula salad.

What veggies would you put on top?

Mango, Tomato, Avocado Salsa!

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{tomato, mango, avocado salsa}

Happy Tuesday Amigos!!

When I was in college, my roomies and me would frequent the nearby Trader Joes.  Cheap wine, good cheeses, and cute boys.   That’s all we really needed at the time.  Not too much has changed, except I don’t eat cheese.  The sadness from this is another story.

Anyway, they have some interesting stuff in that store compared to an average grocery store.  Erik and I stopped by a couple of weeks ago and picked up some mango salsa some worker was RAVING about.  We were so disappointed, it was made from mostly MANGOS!!  I know, shocking.  But seriously, we thought it would still taste kind of tomato-salsa like?!  I think we spent too much time in the sun that day.  I quickly added tomatoes and avocado to try to save it.  Surprise, it was actually pretty good.  Turns out we just like salsa with some mango, not mango salsa.  Lesson learned.

Trader Joe’s, thanks for tricking us and inspiring me ;-)

Mango, Tomato, Avocado Salsa:

You will need:

  • 1 mango – peeled and chopped
  • 2-3 large tomatoes chopped  - I used heirloom
  • 1 avocado diced
  • 1/4 onion chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 jalapeno diced – take seeds out unless you like it REALLY spicy
  • 1-2 teaspoons salt – more or less to taste
  • Juice from 1 lime
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  1. Chop mango, tomato, onion, avocado, jalapeno, and cilantro.
  2. Toss chopped ingredients in bowl.
  3. Mix in spices.
  4. Drizzle in a little olive oil
  5. Taste and add more salt if needed
  6. Refrigerate until served

Enjoy!!

Snaps!!

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I was getting this weeks “Snaps” ready when I realized I didn’t do one last week.  That’s probably because I was a little over served by the time Monday came around.  I bought a last minute ticket to the Outside Lands Music Festival in my old home and favorite city eeeever, San Francisco!!.  It was quite a weekend!!  Filled with TONS, I mean lots and lots of great music, friends, food, and  one too many drinks.  After three whole days, I was exhausted and ready to get back to SoCal.  Could have used my early 20′s body for that weekend.  Seriously took like 3 days to feel normal :-(

Last week I caught up on rest, work, and getting my body and mind back to where I like it!  I was glad this weekend was filled with lots of lying around at the beach, sun, dog  walks, and some fun dinners out.  Friday’s sushi was blah, like to the point Erik almost walked out.  No bueno, and not cheap, double fail.  Saturday’s outing was way better.  Totally worth mentioning.  Even though it’s been around for a bit, it was my first time at SOL in Newport Beach.  We went with my best friend and had a great time.  We made it in time for happy hour drinks; that makes it almost worth it right there.  Then there’s the food, oh ya!  Erik and the bestie both really enjoyed their some-kind-of-meat tacos and burrito.  As for me, well I was told to ask for the vegetarian/vegan menu.  I was happily surprised it wasn’t just filled with steamed sides or simple salads.  I had a delicious vegan mushroom burrito.  It was huge and served as the next days lunch.  I definitely recommend trying out Sol if you’re around Newport, and make it worth the cash$$ and show up for Happy Hour.  Oh, and it’s right on the water, woop!!!  Beautiful!

Alright, enough about my weeks.  I’m sure I have bored you enough. Here’s a few snaps from the last couple weeks!  Enjoy!

One of the stages at Outside Lands. Waiting for Neil Young

Outside Lands!! Ran into a good friend from Costa Rica

Dog Beach with my best friend!

Yummy weekend pancakes. Gluten free, added some flax seeds, cinnamon, and chia seeds for healthy touch

Good morning Love!

And today’s juice.  This was enough for 2 large juices for 2 people.  Green machine cleanser!

  • 1 large cucumber
  • several lettuce leaves
  • several kale leaves
  • a handful of dandelion
  • handful of broccoli
  • 4 celery sticks
  • 4 carrots
  • 3 large apples
  • a nub of ginger

Juice!

Have a wonderful week ya’ll!!!  Woo!

Maple Glazed Salmon

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Oh man.  Summer is really getting heated.  I swear, summer in Southern California doesn’t really start until August.  That’s when that outdoor heater is on 24-7.  Can’t sleep heat.  Ugh, but I actually love it.  It’s weird.  But seriously, I really love hot weather.

I’m just not a big fan of cooking in heat.  It needs to be quick and easy.  And fresh.  I rarely eat fish, but a couple of times a month I give in and cook some up.  The last few times I have cooked salmon, and cooked it the same way.  This recipe changed the standard rosemary and lemon way up nicely.

All you need is:

  • Salmon – I cooked for two people, we had .60 pound
  • 1/4 cup organic maple syrup
  • 1/8 cup soy sauce
  • 1/8 tsp chili powder
  • 1/8 tsp paprika
  • salt & pepper
  1. Preheat oven to 500
  2. On medium heat, heat syrup and soy sauce for a few minutes.  Add spices and continue cooking for several minutes.  About 8-10 minutes total.  Remove from heat.
  3. Rub a few pinches of salt and pepper on fish
  4. Cook fish for 4 minutes.
  5. Remove.  Generously brush fish with sauce.  Put back and cook for another 4 minutes
  6. Remove fish and coat again with sauce.  Continue cooking for another 4-6 minutes.

Remove and Enjoy!!

What are your favorite easy summer meals?

Top with some fresh salsa over a bed of greens.  Enjoy your weekends!  I’m ready to waste away mine at the beach :-)

Raw Foods and Juice Cleanse

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I know I posted a yummy cookie recipe earlier, but that’s old news now.  Those babies are long gone.  Today is day two of my raw foods and juicing cleanse.  Oh,  oh and my super supportive boyfriend is doing it too!  I totally didn’t bribe him that on the last day I would make him an awesome raw dessert either ;-) .  Anyhow, we thought it would be a nice break for our bodies since summer has been so busy with traveling, eating out, BBQ’s, boozing, etc.  This is soooo much easier than that Juice Cleanse I did a few months back.  Ay!  That was a toughie!

We have been sticking to a smoothie a day to get in our supplements.  We are also having a couple big juices (recipes coming soon), light salads, and raw veggies with raw hummus.  It feels good to give our bodies a break and fill them with only real, raw foods.

Here was yesterday and today’s smoothie mix (pretty much everyday’s breakfast)

In the blender:

  • 1 frozen banana
  • about 4 chunks of frozen pineapple - aids in digestion
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • several pinches of the following:  Flax seed (fiber), hemp powder (protein), maca powder (superfood), and reishi powder (immune booster)

Blend and enjoy!

Be back tomorrow with some super cleansing and energy boosting juices

Brown “Butter” Chocolate Chip Cookies, Vegan*

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A chocolate chip cookie recipe, I know, it’s one of the most vanilla  baking recipes I could post.  But these babies are so yummy, warm and spicy with the toasted walnuts, oat flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg.  And even though the dough needs to chill for at least 12 hours, they are definitely worth a try for a sweet twist on a plain old chocolate chip cookie!  

Vegan Brown “Butter” Chocolate Chip Cookie:   Makes 18-20 cookies

  • 1 flax egg <1 tbsp ground flax mixed with 3 tbsp warm water) + 1/2 mashed rip banana**
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup vegan butter – I use soy free Earth Balance
  • 1 1/4 cup oat flour <if you don’t have this, finely grind oats in food processor>
  • 1 cup flour of choice <I use unbleached all purpose>
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup agave
  • 3/4 cup raw, organic packed brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp almond milk
  • 1 12oz bag vegan chocolate chips < I use “Chocolate Dream”>
  1. Mix flax and water, set side to gel
  2. Toast the walnuts in a pan with coconut oil <or oil of choice> for about 10 minutes.  Set aside
  3. Melt butter in pot.  Allow to bubble and lightly brown, swirling by holding handle, about 8 minutes
  4. In a medium bowl, mix flours, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside
  5. In a larger bowl, beat cooled brown butter and sugars until combined.  Slowly add in dry mixture.
  6. Beat in almond milk, “egg”, and mashed banana
  7. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.  I make this at night and bake the next morning or afternoon.
  9. Bake at 375 for 12-14 minutes, until edges are golden brown.  After removing, allow to sit on baking sheet for a few minutes before removing to cool.

** Notes to baking:  If you don’t use mashed banana, add 1/2 tbsp flax and 1 1/2 tbsp warm water to flax egg

Enjoy!! xo

Snaps! Bday Celebrations

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Well, I have officially entered the last year of my twenties.  I seriously cannot believe it.  I still feel like I’m 23 (probably act like it too).  I can honestly say that every year thus far has been such a blessing and so amazing, the good has far outweighed the bad.  I am certain that 29 will be just as great :-)

I was fortunate enough to celebrate with good friends and family the past few days.  I enjoyed getting pampered by my mother and celebrating with some fun dinners out.  I finally got to try this vegetarian/vegan restaurant near my house that I have heard so much about Avanti Cafe.  The food was amazing, very fresh and natural.  They had some pretty interesting options and takes on traditionally non-vegan foods.  Other than the rather slow and unresponsive service, I was pretty happy with the place.  I also got to celebrate with Erik and my girlfriends and Mesa.  I had also been wanting to try this place for a long time.  Strange that I hadn’t been, seeing as their first place, Habana, is one of my usual spots.  It was so cool inside, they have this huge opening in the roof making the modern decor feel more earthy.  The cocktails were unique and delicious, and the food was very tasty.  I definitely recommend it for a fun dinner out spot!

Enough about my celebrations, here are some snaps from the week and weekend…Cheers!!

My Bestest!

Birthday dinner with my lovelies and Erik

Birthday Nails and new bangle

 

 

Breakfast Smoothie

Aaaaaand, here’s my juice for the day, energy boosting and cleansing.

2 apples, 1/2 cucumber, ginger nub, 4 carrots, beet, dandelion root, 3 celery

Juice!