Many of you asked about my opinion on the chia seeds. I have no idea how much they normally cost, but my parents are fortunate to live close to a discount healthfood store. Actually, I just checked and you can order things online, check it out here: Tunie’s. As for taste? I’m not sure if they have a distinct flavor or not, but I do like the bit of crunch they offer. I like having different textures in my meals though. As for what their benefits are, I honestly didn’t know until I saw the package. Did you know that the Aztecs ate them for strength? They’re also an excellent source of omega fatty acids and dietary fiber.
Lots of hummus has been consumed--my parents had a couple tubs of Sabra in the fridge!
Hummus in sandwiches, hummus as a dip, hummus straight up! I love using sautéed veggies in sandwiches, but cool cucumbers and tomatoes are wonderfully refreshing as well. With a bit of freshly ground black peppercorns and I’m a happy camper.
So moist and scrumptious from the coconut milk.
I had bookmarked this Tropical Applesauce Muffin ages ago and I stumbled upon it again. However, I forgot that I left my muffin pan at my friend’s house so I just made them into squares. They sure don’t look like muffins but they definitely tasted great! I also recommend using brown sugar instead of regular–that’s just my personal taste.
Drinking out of silly straws is also my taste.
I’ve been having delicious smoothies practically everyday. What goes into the blender?
-3/4 cup almond milk (whatever milk you desire)
-1/2 frozen banana
-1/2 cup frozen blueberries (or frozen fruit of choice)
-2 spoonfuls of coconut milk (I suggest using the regular kind)
-protein powder or Greek yogurt
-lots of ice!
1. Mix it together and voila! I’m addicted! I’ve also tried it with just a 1/2 a cup of almond milk and it comes out more like a soft-serve. No complaints here!
Peach and banana variation with a lady finger to boot!
Or in smoothie form as well--whatever floats your boat that day.
What do these treasures from my parents' garden behold?
Vibrantly colored heirloom tomatoes!
Try these with fried capers, chopped basil, and toss it all in olive oil. Then season with sea salt and black pepper. So simple, refreshing, and delicious. I’m telling you that fried capers are delicious and have this wonderful saltiness.
Thai basil as well
I saw a helpless yucca root sitting on my parents counter.
I took matters into my own hands and made yucca fries! A warning though: boil these first because they can be poisonous if you don’t cook them properly beforehand. I tossed them in coconut oil, a citrus marinade, some sea salt, and the yucca fries were served!
Sorry if you don't like feet (I don't) and you just lost your appetite, but I got my first pedicure ever!
The nail salon had my favorite kind of crackers on hand so I took some extra home with me!
More tropical inspired food--plantains!
I’ve been sprinkling them with cinnamon and sea salt, frying them, and then tossing them in coconut oil.
I also took a trip down memory lane because I haven't had French lentils in ages.
Ever since my family has gotten into Indian food we’d been giving red lentils a lot of attention. So it’s been years and I think it was nice to have some other lentils for a change.
My mom suggested we cook butter beans.
So I caramelized some onions and cooked them with dried thyme, shredded mango chutney, butter beans, and sweet potato. I added coconut oil afterwards and let’s just say that ever since my mom fried tofu with shredded mango chutney and thyme, she’s had me hooked! I asked her how she came up with the combination and she simply said, “I don’t know.” That’s good enough for me because sometimes the best things don’t have a reason. They just sort of… happen!
What are some your rhymes with no reason?
I also tried the shredded mango chutney with dried thyme combo with chickpeas!
Still amazing! And you know what else are amazing? Baked sweet potatoes! Especially with coconut oil, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Even better? Add some goat cheese and you’re in for a treat.
A treat even a vampire would enjoy!
Ve vant to suck your blood... er I mean ve vant to eat your sweet potatoes!
We threw a surprise birthday party for a friend of ours--complete with grilling!
Make a wish!
Beautiful birthday cake? Check!
I just realized that I didn’t get a birthday cake for my past birthday. Maybe I should get on that. Better late than never, right?
Look what this vampire found!
The other day I went to the local Italian market and you know I checked the chocolate aisle! I spotted this incredible bar and you know what’s funny? I actually stumbled upon a review of this bar earlier that day! I think everyone around me could tell how excited I was about this because everyone was smiling along with me. Dark chocolate with banana? Yes, please.
Made with actual banana pulp!
Consensus? Excuse me while I break off another piece to refresh my memory… okay back! Ah yes, I’m actually going to write a live review! Well the taste is fabulous no doubt about that. The level is sweetness is right on point and the banana is not overwhelming. My only wish is that it would melt a little more smoothly in my mouth, but I can deal!
What do you think?
My bad! I forgot that puppies can't have chocolate.
I didn't mean to rub it in your face, Matilda.
Speaking of faces, my mom and I did some at-home spa treatment complete with monster masks and gooey hair!
Kind of resembles the cilantro dressing I made the other day, don't you think?
This dressing is deliciously refreshing, tangy, and goes well with goat cheese! I vaguely followed a recipe in my tapas cookbook, so I’ll share with you what I remember since I basically just eyeballed everything.
Cilantro Dressing
-2 garlic cloves
-ground cumin, not too much!
-a lot of chopped cilantro leaves
-a bit less than 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-2 tbl apple cider vinegar
-salt and pepper
1. Put the garlic, cumin, and cilantro in a food processor, and pulse until well mixed.
2. Add 1 tbl at a time of the extra virgin olive oil. Throughout this process, using a spatula, scrape down the side of the bowl. Keep adding the oil until it has all been incorporated and the dressing has slightly thickened.
3. Add the vinegar to the dressing and process for a minute, or until blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Oh my goodness what a mouthful of a post! I still have more things to share with you all. But until then have a fabulous Wednesday, and treat yourself to something that may have inspired you today.