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 can easily start ignoring common sense protocol like getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and not overextending myself both personally and professionally and just get lazy in my self-care. I know I’m not alone. It’s endemic of modern life. We have so much to focus on that we often lose sight of our own personal needs. When I do find myself in a “droop” I head for my “happy smoothie”, a delicious concoction I created for just such occasions; pure sunshine in a glass. Smoothies and shakes […]
Hot Chocolate Cake with Paprika Mango Frosting
I love discovering new flavors and new flavor combinations. Don’t you? And just when it seems that I’ve seen every combo out there, a 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), […]
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 world’s most beloved and exotic desserts, Black Forest Cake. What makes this cake so über special? The incredible 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 […]
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
South America is home to an abundance of unique plant foods. In fact rarely a day goes by that I don’t indulge in at least one of them. I had already created a drink using many of those regional ingredients Dreams of Cacao however a luscious dessert seemed even more appropriate; one that would be gratifying and and linger long after the last spoonful was gone. Deep intense flavors oozing with enzyme-rich nutrients was my goal. And that meant including one of my favorite indigenous foods; Brazil nuts. Brazil nuts are a culinary wonder. Pop one in your mouth and see if you don’t experience a delightful crunch and an […]