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!

My Summer Soup has a name and it's "Pistou"!

I love making fresh vegetable soup with a mix of beautiful seasonal veggies.  I had no idea that the product of my mornings trip to the farmer's market is a specialty in Nice, France.  You see, I belong in France!

Eggplant with Cinnamon, Pine Nut and Currant Pilaf

The funny thing about cooking all day for a living is that by the time you get home, the last thing you want to do is cook for yourself.  In an attempt to try and eat more well rounded meals (how long can I live off of Greek yogurt honey and walnuts) I thought a good place to start would be to make something that I can cook in advanced and reheat during the week.

Quinoa Tabbouleh

All the times I enjoyed tabbouleh in Greece and Turkey this summer, I thought, "how nice would this be made with quinoa as oppose to bulgur"

Roll into Spring

Turkish Sultains Ate Beans Too

Turks and Beans go hand in hand

Vegetarians and Beans go hand in hand

Me and Turkey go hand in hand

Chickpea Balls

On mine and Mindee's first night on Sifnos, Greece, we had a wonderful dinner at O Argiris in the port of Kamares.

We started our dinner with chickpea balls and a Greek salad followed by melt-in-your-mouth slow cooked lamb called Mastelo, all Sifian Specialties!

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

Almond and Coconut Berry Tart

I've been waiting for an excuse to experiment with coconut flour and coconut butter for some time now.
So, when my friends and I decided to take a trip to Tomales Bay to BBQ oysters, I thought, "What better opportunity?  If I happen to not like oysters, I'll still have an entire tart to enjoy!"
Well, I happened to love BBQ oysters, especially the butter and hot sauce smothered on top (check out the BBQ here)

Green Curry

I am currently obsessed with Thai Curry!  What's better than a big bowl of warmth with a bit of a kick!?

Carmel Graham Cookies

My Aunt Izzy is the inspiration behind my love affair with food and cooking.  I have many childhood memories of summers spent in the kitchen whipping up treats with Izzy and Mindee (my cousin).
These Graham Crackers were a favorite of mine and Mindee's and were requested often.
With only 4 ingredients, these tasty treats are super easy to make, even for kiddies

Rhubarb Bars

ingrained in your memory...your Basic Grain Pilaf

Actually, there is not even a recipe for this post!

The point is, we need to always keep cooked whole grains on-hand in our fridge!

The first step to eating healthy:

Stock your fridge with healthy,  pre-made (by you) foods!

Granola

This is so delicious over plain Greek yogurt

and topped with fresh berries

Ok, this is as healthy and low fat as Granola can get

I used apple sauce as the sweetener, along with vanilla extract and a tad bit of honey.

I added cinnamon, flax seeds and raw nuts too for flavor and nutritional and medicinal purposes.

Studies show that cinnamon helps to stabilize blood sugar and especially good to have first thing in the morning, while flax seeds provide omegas (healthy fats) and are high in protein and fiber.

Moroccan Tangine

This is a "winner recipe" for sure

served over quinoa and topped with Cowgirl Creamery Creme Fraiche

I've served this for many occasions: private dinner parties over quinoa for the vegetarian, clients I'm a personal chef for and my Kid's Summer Cooking Camp.

Today we went to North Africa... enjoying pita too.

Potato Leek Soup with Hearty Croutons and Creme Fraiche

As my cousin said, "very flavorful and not too rich"

A soup before a meal really does not, and should not, have to be heavy and rich. You want to finish your soup feeling satisfied and ready for your main entree.

Spaghetti Squash Primavera

Ok, I promise, just 2 more squash recipes and then I'll stop with the squash overload!

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

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.