nuts

A family shower

I (semi) promised my G-ma that I’d post about our baby shower (although you’ll notice I made no such promise about how timely the post would be). [Me + G-ma] In truth, I didn’t take my camera because I was just going to soak up all the fun and family time.  But my aunt, cousins, sister, and mom did SUCH an outstanding job with everything – from the decor to the food – that I feel compelled to share.  I’ll include a vegan/gluten free dessert recipe, too (so it’s worth your while to read). iPhone… Read more >

Staying savvy at Costco

How smart is Costco?  I mean, they charge for membership.  Then they entice you with samples.  And they have EVERYTHING.  All for a cheaper price than you’d find (almost) anywhere else. But here’s the downside.  You don’t need a 10 pound block of cheese or 50 veggie burgers at once.  Unless you’re about to cater a party, for vegetarians, that’s an insane amount of food to have at your house.  And really, who has enough fridge/freezer space for that?  So how do you use Costco (or Sam’s Club or whatever bulk store you shop at)… Read more >

Mushroom & kale rice bowl with peanut ginger sauce

  Here’s the deal with that Portobello & Kale Sauté with Peanut Ginger Rice… It was really good, but totally jacked up my GI tract.  Would I eat it again?  Ugh, I wish I could say no, but I know I will.  The leftovers are in the fridge just waiting for me to give in to my moment of weakness.  Sure I could offer them up to Kyle (he loved the meal as well and has been in a huge kale craving phase lately), but I’m kinda selfish when it comes to certain things (like… Read more >

Holiday Party Recipes

These are some of the dishes and plates we served at my parents’ holiday party.   Caprese Skewers Ingredients: fresh mozzarella balls cherry tomatoes basil leaves Directions: These are self explanatory.  Using toothpicks or small skewers, pierce tomatoes, then basil leaf, then mozzarella.  If the basil leaves are too big, you can fold them in half or rip a smaller portion.  If you can find mozzarella balls that are marinated in Italian seasonings, use those, otherwise you can drizzle a balsamic vinaigrette over the skewers just before serving. Bread with Smoked Salmon & Herbed Crème… Read more >

Tofu enhanced pesto

  This is basically a summer dish masquerading as a winter dish (because of the red and green colors, okay?).  Totally Christmas-y.   Here in Santa Monica, my garden still thinks it’s supposed to be producing.  So most of the recipe’s ingredients are from my garden. Yes, I know we’re spoiled.  But believe me, we pay for it in our rent.   Ok, so about this pesto.  It’s the same basic formula I always use (nuts, basil, parsley, olive oil), but this time I added in tofu too.   I used mostly brazil nuts and… Read more >