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September 14, 2016

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Sweet Potato Muffins

The summer has ended and Fall is in the air. The cooler mornings have me shutting the windows and putting on my heavier robe. I love this time of year. The light is softer and the summer chaos is gone. The beaches clear out and the sun rises a little later. It’s the perfect time for making end of the summer vegetable soups and baking. These Vegan Spiced Muffins tick all the boxes. They are easy to make, taste amazing and no fancy equipment is needed. And the best part is that your house will smell heavenly.

I’ve made these as muffins and bread and each have their merits. The muffins are adorable and self contained in their own little jackets. And really, what’s cuter than a muffin? The bread is slightly more sophisticated and great to slice up anytime of day. Make whichever you are feeling at the moment. I loved serving either with a hot mug of tea and homemade raspberry chia jam.

August 10, 2016

Cuckoo for Coconuts

The first time I tried fresh coconut water I thought it tasted like dirty socks. It was back in 1994 before coconut water became popular in the US. I’d just arrived in Costa Rica where carts of fresh young coconuts or “Pipas” were being sold for 25 cents each. My friend handed me this giant green bowl with a straw popping out of the top that had been hacked off with a machete. The bowl was brimming with a golden liquid which to me tasted “off”.

My friend insisted that I hydrate my body after the flight and she rattled on about how healthy this vitamin rich elixir was. Her enthusiasm was catchy but she sold me on the prospect that these unruly nuts prevent aging and weight gain. Pretty soon, I was drinking one a day and loving how great I felt.

Coconut water is incredibly hydrating and your body will love how nutrient dense it is. The flavor quickly grew on me and honestly – who wouldn’t drink the fountain of youth for that price????

August 5, 2016

Protein Rich Breakfast Smoothie

I’ve been exercising a lot lately. I like to work out extra hard in the summer because it’s light out early and I tend to have more energy in general. My routine this summer is to get up around 5, lollygag in bed for 15 minutes, drink a cup of tea (Rooibos chai) and go out for an hour of cardio. I either power up the hill behind my house, take a 4 mile run, or climb the stadium stairs at the local high school. Afterwards, I take a yoga, barre or Pilates class to strengthen my core and keep me flexible.

I prefer not to eat before I exercise so by the time I am done, I’m hungry and ready to replenish my system. If this sounds like a lot of working out, it is. But I’m training for a 5 day hike in the Andes which I will enjoy it a lot more if I feel strong and well-conditioned.

July 27, 2016

Kale, Pea and Quinoa Salad with Tamari Almonds

I’m always trying to find more ways to eat kale. I love how hearty it is and that it can stand up to strong flavors. It also hugs any dressing making each bite ooze with flava. And since kale is a superfood, you simply feel great eating it. Better then Popeye chugging spinach from a can.

I also became curious about green peas after noticing how many vegan protein powders use “pea protein” as a major ingredient. So, I researched recipes featuring green peas and kale and stumbled upon this nutty pea and quinoa bowl by Deliciously Ella. Now, I make this dish or a modified version of it, all the time. It’s an easy recipe to adjust to your preferences and you will want to put the Tamari almonds on everything.

July 22, 2016

Amazing brownies: And a word about Exceptions

If I had a choose a favorite dessert, it would be between a peach crisp and brownies. I’ve always loved brownies but find many don’t live up to my high expectations for “the perfect brownie” (I struggle with perfectionism). Frankly, if I am going to justify the calories, it’d better be worth it. Not too cakey, not too fudgy but just right (call me Goldilocks).

July 19, 2016

Broccoli Sprouts: Why you Need Them in your Life

Broccoli sprouts recently hit my radar. I spotted them at Whole Foods when I was looking for powerhouse salad additions. Several days later I was at the farmers market buying Christmas gifts and I stumbled upon a stall exclusively selling broccoli sprouts. I’d never seen this guy before so it felt like the universe was mirroring my newly found broccoli sprout enthusiasm.

July 6, 2016

High Protein Edamame Hummus

My love affair with hummus began in college when I was invited to a party at my Armenian friend’s house. I loved meeting his family and tasting all the delicious handmade dishes prepared so lovingly by his grandmother. But I kept returning to the plate of hummus that was replenished several times on my behalf. It was the creamiest dip I’d ever tasted and I couldn’t stop scooping it up with warm, doughy pita.

June 28, 2016

Brown Rice Gallo Pinto

I fell in love with Gallo Pinto the first time I tasted it in Costa Rica. I was in my early 20’s and fairly new to International travel. My prior experience as a student abroad in Spain, led me to believe that being vegetarian outside of the United States, was difficult. In Spain, my host family struggled with my vegetarianism and continually put fish, chicken, and meat on my plate. Thankfully, Pelayo, their neglected Irish Setter, came to my rescue. He secretly ate all the items I squirreled away in my napkin. We were best friends!

June 21, 2016

Tantalizing Trail Mix Cookies

Exercise has always been an important part of my life. Equally as important as eating a healthy diet. I have woven a life around these practices since they are integral to my peace, happiness and well-being. Therefore, I prefer to take active oriented trips that push me out of my comfort zone and provide exciting experiences in exotic parts of the world. Whether I am hiking in the Alps, diving off Maui, or doing a yoga retreat in Fiji, I grow with each new challenge.

June 11, 2016

Lentil Soup for the Soul

I love lentils. Unlike other beans, they cook quickly, are rich in protein, easier to digest than other beans and produce a healthy, flavorful soup that will become a staple in your home. I have tried many lentil soup recipes over the years, but this one is my favorite hands down.

If brown lentils have ever seemed boring or lackluster, then you are in for a treat. The beauty of this lentil recipe is the triple lentil bean combination. You simmer red, black and brown lentils in spices that are warm, flavorful and nourishing.