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May 11, 2020

Healthy Gluten-Free Seed Bread from The Bojon Gourmet

Yes it’s another bread recipe!!! I just found out that my month-long trip to Portugal has been canceled which is such a bummer. I planned it almost a year ago and was looking forward to experiencing Fado music, lingering in wine bars, and trying every cute cafe in Lisbon. Plus, I’m feeling stir crazy with the extended Covid quarantine. So, it’s no surprise that I’m craving comfort foods like my favorite: toast and tomatoes. I’ve been trying different breads, but this healthy, grainy slightly sweetened seed bread could be my favorite so far. The recipe is the genus work of Alanna, a former pastry chef turned full time blogger of The Bojon Gourmet. If you haven’t ogled her site yet, stop now and click over.

April 15, 2020

5 Exceptional Podcasts to Help you Through the Corona Virus Pandemic

It’s been over 3 weeks since the Covid-19 shelter in place restrictions were announced in California. Our routines were uprooted overnight as we face a new uncertainty. Many are anxious and scared. Rather than focusing on fear we could use this time to go deeper. For example, meditate, keep a journal, stretch, read, cook, spend time with family and listen to podcasts. I’m using these 5 exceptional podcasts to get through this time.

April 7, 2020

Yeast-free Buckwheat Bread (Vegan & Gluten-free)

If I were standing near a table filled with desserts (brownies, cookies, cakes, etc.) across from a table of freshly baked breads……. I’d go for the bread!! Bread could be my favorite food. I used to live on Baguettes, Multigrain, Olive, Sourdough, Bagels, Ciabatta and Pita. But not anymore!! (see why below). But, when I get bread cravings, I bake a fresh loaf using unique gluten free flours like buckwheat, brown rice and chickpea. This Yeast-Free Buckwheat Bread recipe produces a beautiful “German -like” bread that may surprise you.

March 27, 2020

5 Ways to Stay in Shape During the Shelter at Home Quarantine

Many gyms and fitness studios are closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a person who loves to exercise, this was a big adjustment for me. So, I’ve had to change up my routine and find other ways to stay active during the shelter at home quarantine. Here are the 5 ways to stay in shape and maintain your mental and emotional health during this strange time.

March 22, 2020

5 Ways to Thrive During the COVID19 Quarantine

(photo by Julie Hammer)

We are in extremely uncertain and scary times with the COVID-19 virus and recent shelter at home quarantine orders. Uncertainty of this magnitude can easily overwhelm us with anxious energy (not good for the immune system). So, how can we forget the hysteria and emanate peace during this crisis? First, it’s important to remember that even the slightest amount of calm energy can balance the fear.

As Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh explains: “When the crowded Vietnamese refugee boats met with storms or pirates, if everyone panicked all would be lost. But if even one person on the boat remained calm and centered, it was enough. It showed the way for everyone to survive.”

March 11, 2020

Want to Boost your Immune System? Try These Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Did you know that sweet potatoes can boost your immune system??? This is good news since our media is in a whipped frenzy about the Corona Virus. All the hand wipes and sanitizer has been sold out so how else can you protect yourself? Build up your immune system. Eat lots of leafy green vegetables topped with these comfy cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes.

February 23, 2020

My Husband Went Vegan for a Week: Here’s What Happened!

Several months ago, my husband and I watched The Game Changers, an inspiring documentary about elite athletes that were vegan (read more about that here). After the film, my husband said he wanted to, “go vegan” for a week. I’ve never pushed my way of eating on him, but in the 25 years we’ve been together, this was a first!!!

February 3, 2020

When Things Aren’t Going Your Way, Pull This Out and Read it Again!

Once in awhile you come across powerful life lessons. This is one of those times. Read this through once, breathe deeply and read it again. Let her wisdom sink in and settle somewhere deep. It’s a strong antidote to many of our struggles. Then whenever you need a pick me up, pull this out and read it again!

Written by Regina Brett , 90 years old, of the Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio …

January 21, 2020

Your Vegan Superbowl Dip (that’s not Hummus)

Have you tried Bitchin’ Sauce yet or even heard of it? If not, you are in for a treat!! This bold vegan dip made with almonds, tastes tangy, garlicky and punchy. Best of all, it’s vibrant personality means no one will suspect it’s vegan!!! Even your veggie resistant friends will dig in. And, you can serve it in place of hummus (for those rare folks who shy away from this delicacy). So, it’s the perfect (vegan, gluten-free) Superbowl dip.

January 2, 2020

Crystal Clear (Vegan) Chocolate Martini

Tonight is the last day of 2019. A new decade approaches. I’ve made my list of what to leave behind and what to welcome into the new year. I’ve prepped some appetizers for tonight’s gathering with friends and neighbors. The champagne is chilling in the fridge but I”m also planning to sip my favorite martini to ring in the new year. This Crystal Clear (vegan) Chocolate Martini has no heavy cream nor milky liquids and it tastes like LIQUID CHOCOLATE.