A Summer Soiree

I catered a lunch yesterday with a menu that I am so excited about!  It was such a beautiful representation of what you'd find at a Farmers Market in July - so fresh and delicious - I have to share. If you are not a big meat eater - I think salmon would substitute nicely for the skirt steak.

Journey for a Better World!

SF

Nike touches down in SF on their Journey for a Better World... and guess who was asked to provide the vegan snacks?! That's right, Sugar & Spice!

Maple Pecan Granola (w/ Quinoa Crispy!)

yuuuuuum

I discovered quinoa crispy cereal! Woah I know...exciting right?! They are like rice crispy cereal, only made from quiona.  1 ingredient: organic quinoa!

Oh, Honey!

Amaretto and Honey Grilled Bananas

 Amaretto is an Italian, sweet, smooth, almond liquor.  It is wonderful in cookies, and cakes or even savory dishes like lamb.  My dad is a retired Italian man, which mean the 3 liquors always on hand are: grappa, limoncello and amaretto.  A couple other kitchen staples of my parent's are bananas and plain Greek yogurt.  One morning I was staying at my parent's house and decide to throw these flavors together for breakfast.  This is shaping up to be a deliciously spiked Sunday....

The Amaretto and honey are so delicious together! Beware though, I kept making more and before I knew it I had the munchies :o)

Nori Rolls with a Raw Almond and Sun-Dried Tomato Spread

Get creative with the fillings.  Really anything works in Nori Rolls.  I used quinoa to make this a full protein lunch and a raw almond and sun-dried tomato spread to add healthy fats, protein and flavor.
Once you get the hang of rolling and assembling you'll be amazed at how easy it is and wonder why you don't make them more often

Momo's Date Drop Cookies

This cookie recipe has been passed down in our family for years.  Momo is my great Grandmother on my mom's side.  A family gathering is not complete with out a batch of Momo's cookies served.

My mom, Aunt Izzy and Nana were headed on a road trip for Mother's Day and I sent them on their way with a box of Momo's and Brown Sugar Nut Shortbread cookies to munch on in the car.  My favorite cookies for my favorite women!

Broccoli, Beans and Pesto Rice with Pine Nuts and Parmesan

Like most of the things I make, they're inspired by what ever happens to be in my fridge and the ingredients can easily be changed and adjusted to your liking

Rhubarb Bars

Comfy Cozy Breakfast for the "wait, what, it rained last night!?" kind of morning

Almond-Chive Crusted Salmon

Vary the herbs according to your preference; try dill, thyme or basil

Breakfast Fit for A Queen

Oatmeal in a Squash Bowl

Have I mentioned I'm in love with squash?

I dread the day they are no longer in season... :o(

Butternut Squash with Brown Butter, Crispy Sage, Pecan & Quinoa Pilaf...

...It's a mouth full- Literally!

'tis the season to eat SQUASH

breakfast, lunch, side dish or dinner...

bake, roast, steam, stuff or mash...

The possibilities are endless

The Best White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut Cookie...

...ever!

Have I mentioned I'm obsessed with salty-sweet treats!? ;o)

The salty flavor of the nuts go so well with the sweet white chocolate flavor, purely sublime!

Ball of Fire!

Like Power Bars, they're Power Balls!

I've recently been experimenting with making healthy, whole, full protein, gluten free workout snacks...and these I think are a winner. Just one will sustain your energy for at least 2 hour workout.

Bu bu bu bundt Cake

Apple Spiced Bundt!

This Cake was so delicious I had to make it twice in 2 days.

Hazelnut Ganache Tart with Sea Salt

Um, Yum!

I am such a sucker for Sweet + Salt!

A perfect dessert to serve a crowd-

this is sure to impress your dinner guest

Fig & Blue Cheese Salad

At a dinner party I catered

Nonna's Biscotti

Gluten/Sugar Free and Vegan Almond Biscotti

My Italian grandmother would be disappointed to see what I have done to the family biscotti recipe. But, in my defense, it's 20-10 and with new research coming out showing the negative effects wheat and sugar have on our bodies, I felt the need to make a few adjustments.

Going Nuts for Rosemary Cashews

My aunt has been making these nuts every year during the Holidays for as long as I can remember. I seriously need to brush my teeth and chew on gum just to get myself to stop eating them!

They can be served warm out of the oven or at room temp.

Choose the Flavor, Fruit Jam Bars

I love making these bars because they are simple to make and so delicious.

My mom has been making these for as long as I can remember.  Every summer she makes homemade raspberry jam, and always makes a batch of these bars with her jam.