Spring is officially here with two holidays which reflect the abundance of the season. Passover and Easter menus typically highlight seasonal produce, fresh herbs, and eggs. Eggs are a common theme in both holiday celebrations that have religious significance and also represent the start of new life and fertility. This salad holds many elements of the season and can be used as a lovely and light addition to your holiday celebrations or as a delicious and filing lunch.
Read morekeeping k for p? matzo brei two ways
If you are observing Passover this week, you are likely adjusting your eating routine. Although with the myriad of gluten-free and grain-free options and products available, keeping K for P is easier then ever. There are tons of flour alternatives, such as almond, chickpea, and coconut flours, as well as an abundance of products such as pastas, chips, and tortillas made from legumes. Not to mention the old faithful, cauliflower rice and vegetable noodles. But, if you are looking for ways to utilize your matzo, here are two simple spins on a classic Passover staple - matzo brei
Read moregluten-free chocolate coconut macaroons
Baking has never been my strong suit but, since embarking on my culinary journey in the Chef's Training Program at The Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts, my feelings toward baking have improved. It was in the wheat-free and gluten-free baking class where my affinity for chocolate coconut macaroons was permanently realized and my appreciation for baking as an art form was confirmed. The simplicity of this decadent recipe is an easy sell, and its light and rich taste and texture seals the deal. Gluten-free chocolate coconut macaroons - perfect for Passover or for a seamless gluten-free treat.
Read morebarley and roasted carrot salad with crispy chickpeas
I made this hearty grain salad on whim based on what I happened to have in my pantry one lazy Sunday afternoon. After demonstrating the steps on my instagram stories, I received a lot of positive feedback requesting the complete recipe. It is always such a nice reminder of the incredible community that instagram has fostered. I am so happy to have the continued inspiration and support that encourages me to keep providing nutritious and simple recipes.
Grain salads are always a staple in my cooking repertoire. They are easy to make, versatile, and provide fantastic leftovers. Since produce is currently a little slim at the greenmarket, this grain salad is full of roasted carrots, herbs, crispy chickpeas, crunchy cucumbers, and finished with a dijon sherry vinaigrette. Once the gorgeous produce of spring and summer come in, carrots can easily be joined by fava beans, asparagus, or peas, and fresh arugula can be tossed in at the very end for a punchy and vibrant finish.
Read moreLentil Bolognese
Bolognese or meat sauce, as we used to call it in my household growing up, was a Sunday night staple. My mom would always make it with ground lean turkey, jarred sauce, and it would always be better the next day. Thus the reason why this dish is my comfort food. In my continual effort to think with a more plant-forward focus, I swapped the turkey for lentils, made my own sauce, and added meaty mushrooms and tons of fresh and dried herbs and spices to create a flavorful and comforting meal.
Read moretamari ginger braised sweet potatoes + rainbow quinoa bowl
The start of the New Year welcomes the opportunity to reevaluate your diet and lifestyle and make modifications that allow you to feel your best. Motivation is usually extremely high in January, but by the time February comes around, the momentum surrounding change has drastically decreased. Severe resolutions and extremes are not my thing, and I believe that they lead to a cycle of restrictions and binges which result in regret and yo-yo weight changes. My belief has always been to make small, mindful tweaks that stay with you indefinitely. Whether your tweak is to go meatless for three meals a week, try a new workout once a month, or indulge in more self-care, these changes result in a healthier, happier you.
Read morevalentines dinner at home
I am all for dining out on special occasions but, after years of slinging over-priced prix fixe menus during my restaurant days, I relish the opportunity to cook Valentine's dinner at home. Spending time with your special person in the kitchen is the perfect opportunity to connect. Source a few unique ingredients, grab a nice bottle of wine, light some candles, put on some tunes, and you're in business.
Read moreoat flax energy bites (lactation balls)
These energy bites are great to keep in your fridge and pop when you are looking for a little pick-me-up. They are the ideal combination of protein, fat, and fiber and give you a boost to help get you through that 3pm slump (or all day exhaustion in my case). These bites are also a great antidote for curbing a sweet tooth that may emerge after a meal or at the end of the day.
Read morecoconut oatmeal pancakes
We all know that true beauty starts from the inside out. Adequate nourishment of both body and mind encourages optimal functioning of all of our parts and what you eat truly determines the state of your skin.
The health of your skin is an immediate reflection of your diet. If you are dehydrated, your skin tends to look flat and flaky. If you have been pounding down the alcohol and sugary foods, skin tends to look inflamed and puffy. By making a few mindful tweaks and focusing on clean whole foods, your skin will go from drab to fab in no time.
Read morehow to reduce food waste + roasted cauliflower with anchovy breadcrumbs
I don't usually make New Year's resolutions because of the added pressure and the high rate of failure. However, this year there is one resolution that I know I can stick to - reducing my food waste. There are so many things that are happening to our environment that make us feel helpless, yet, reducing the amount of food that we waste is one direct way to make an impact on the food system, pollution, and your wallet.
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