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Peach Cherry Frozen Limeade
Oh my, it’s such a busy and energetically charged time right now. There is something about the start of summer, we are surround by so much abundance and many reasons to celebrate. There are many fun and exciting things happening right now, so much going on and so much to share with all of you. First and most importantly, my parents are here visiting, which of course wins for the best thing ever. Also, super exciting, the first episode of our brand new podcast, the So Let’s Hang Out Podcast, officially launched, yesterday (eeek!!). On this premiere episode, my co-host Gina and I chat about “first times”, we share some juicy gluten-free gossip and we even offer some actual constructive advice about healthy snacking. Our podcast is all about not taking yourself or your life very seriously, we just want to create a virtual space for hanging out, laughing and having a good time. We hope our little podcast can help brighten up your days and maybe offer a little helpful advice, once in a while, too!
We have also announced the June Yoga and Yummies event. Saturday, June 20th, we will be getting together once again here in Long Beach for an afternoon of yoga, delicious gluten-free food, friends and community. We will be celebrating the summer solstice with a flow-based, all-levels yoga class celebrating the abundance of the earth and the sun’s blessing of warmth and light.
Extra exciting, every attendee of Yoga and Yummies will receive a reusable napkin made from recycled & salvaged materials plus a set of beautiful bamboo cutlery from OUR friends at Yellow 108. Be sure to RSVP so that you can receive your set.
Last, but definitely not least, this evening I am hosting a cooking demo at the Whole Foods here in Long Beach, CA. This FREE Summer Eats inspired demo features some of the best of what the season has to offer! Plus, not only are all of the recipes gluten-free, but they are also paleo and vegan-friendly, too! A little something for everyone. Come on out, if you are a local – I’d love to meet you.
So, what does all of this have to do with Peach Cherry Frozen Limeade, you ask? Well not a whole ton, exactly, but my seasonal-loving friends, I will be making this frosty limeade this evening at my Summer Eats Cooking Demo at Whole Foods. Peaches and cherries in ice-cold, slushie form. Could it get any more seasonal right now?
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Grain-free Black Forest Tartlets
It’s here, it’s here! Cherry season is upon us. One of the tastiest times of the year, if you ask me. Naturally, to know me is to know that one of my favorite ways to pair them is with chocolate. Because chocolate seems to be my answer to all of life’s questions, even the ones not being asked.
I love chocolate so much that I have been known to keep a bar of 85 – 90% dark chocolate in the freezer or fridge at all times. A small square of that goodness after a delicious dinner, that’s really all I need in life. Except maybe these tartlets, these are pretty amazing, too! By the way, that 30+ days I did on the Autoimmune Protocol, skipping chocolate completely throughout the entire process was harder than anything else. I did it, but I wasn’t happy about it.
These pretty, naturally grain-free and vegan chocolate cherry mini tarts, have a delicious nut-based crust, filled with a rich and smooth, cherry-flecked ganache and topped with homemade coconut whipped cream.
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Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes
I have to be honest, I debated even sharing the recipe for these Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes. It is quite simple and really no frills. But, what it lacks in complexity and concept, it more than makes up for in flavor, ease and satisfaction. I can tell you that while there really is nothing extra special or innovative about this dish, for me lately with the craziness of life, when it comes to cooking, I am drawn to perfect summertime simplicity. As I was trying to decide on photographing this to share, I stepped back for a moment and realized how I actually live on dishes like this, in between all of the fun recipe development stuff. No frills, just classic flavors, easy, fresh, seasonal and light. Most days you will find me eating zucchini noodles, cucumber ribbons or a lettuce wrap of some sort for lunch. If these types of recipes and meals make me dance around my kitchen with joy and really satisfy me, surely I cannot be alone!
Stepping outside first thing in the morning, walking barefoot through the dew covered grass, making my way across the yard to my garden – has to be one of the highlights of my day. Many times this early morning stroll determines the rest of the meals for the day and I just adore that. Letting nature and the season decide for me.
While having a garden can at times feel like another job, most of the time it feels like pretty much THE most brilliant thing you could ever do. It legitimately feels like free food whenever I bring that morning’s bounty into the kitchen. Plus, I really love knowing exactly where my food is coming from and I enjoy connecting with my home and my surroundings in this way. Pulling weeds and looking for things ready to be picked, it is all quite therapeutic and meditative, in a way.
