Even though I rarely get sick any more there are times when I get a bit too comfortable in my healthy skin and start taking it for granted. If I’m not mindful, I start ignoring common sense rules like getting enough sleep, keeping hydrated, and not overextending myself both personally and professionally. I know I’m not alone. It’s endemic of modern life. Eventually it does catch up with me and I find myself in a “droop”; my name for a not-tired-but-not-energetic, muddle-my-way-through-the-day feeling. Time to make a beeline for one of my favorite smoothies for some pure sunshine in a glass. Smoothies and shakes are a delicious way to add a […]
Hot Chocolate Cake with Paprika Mango Frosting
I love discovering new flavors and new flavor combinations. Don’t you? Just when it seems that I’ve seen everything, some new exotic why-didn’t-I-think-of-that flavor look pops up out of nowhere. About a year ago that new taste sensation was paprika and mango. I have to admit I was a little skeptical at first. It seemed like an odd match, paring a traditional European spice with a tropical fruit…..until I tried it. Dried mango coated in paprika. It was exciting and unlike anything I had ever tasted. And it became the inspiration for this cake. Paprika is loaded with carotenoids (what provides the rich deep red color), lutein, vitamins A and […]
Black Forest Cherry On Top Yogurt Parfait
I first visited the Black Forest or Schwarz Wald in Germany when I was a freshman in Junior High School. That was a long time ago. However to this day, I recall every magical moment I spent in that mysterious place. It was the setting for many a children’s story and many a folklore. And it was most likely the origin of one of the most beloved desserts, Black Forest Cake. What makes the cake so über special? The combination of cherries, chocolate and cream. It was a union of flavors destined to be legendary. And it was destined to grace this colorful yogurt parfait. The Black Forest Cake or Schwarzwälderkirschtorte […]
European Dark Rye Bread with Cucumber Yogurt Dip
On one of my trips to Europe we had a layover in Copenhagen, Denmark for about 2 hours. We were hungry after the long flight (more like I really wanted to try some of the food) and decided to check out the many deli cases inside the airport terminal. We were scouring all the goodies when my eyes were quickly drawn to the appealing open-faced sandwiches. They looked rather simple yet so scrumptious. I had to test at least one…or two or three….let’s just say after the first I lost count. With my first bite I was blissfully aware of the incredible flavors and interesting mix of fresh and cooked […]
Brazilian Chia Parfait
This dish was a concept that churned in my head for several months before I finally got around to making it. I wanted to create a rich and delicious pudding with a distinct South American flair. So many of foods are grown and cultivated in South America that I wanted to pay homage by assembling some of my favorites in one daring and rich dessert. I had already created a drink with some of those ingredients Dreams of Cacao and now I was ready for a festive parfait. I did have several requirements beforehand. It had to be thick and super-creamy. It had to be warmly spiced with deep intense flavors. It had […]