Tag Archives: summer

  1. Peach Cherry Frozen Limeade

    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.

    Peach Cherry Frozen Limeade

    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?

    Read the rest of this entry »

  2. Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Olives

    This post is part of my ongoing Restricted Diet series with the Free People blog BLDG 25

    Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Olives

    This refreshing, summer-inspired Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Olives is a beautiful addition to any summer meal. Growing up in a Greek family, tomato cucumber salads were a staple with many of our meals in the summer. We would go to the garden, grab what we needed, mix it up, top it off with some variations of a Greek-inspired dressing, maybe some feta and kalamata olives and that was that.

    Tomato Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Olives

    I swap the feta cheese for avocado in this rendition, creating a dish to please everyone. This light and colorful side dish has a beautiful crunch from the cucumbers, a salty brine from the olives, creaminess from the avocado and the bright fresh flavor of the tomatoes. If you have an abundant garden of your own or maybe a weekly CSA box delivery, I am certain this classic refreshing salad will become a mainstay on your summer menu.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  3. Vanilla Roasted Stone Fruit with Masala Chai Infused Coconut Whipped Cream

    Vanilla Roasted Stone Fruit with Masala Chai Infused Coconut Whipped Cream

    This time of year is one of my favorites, for fresh local fruit. Stone fruit season means some of the most flavorful and sweetest fruits you’ll find all year. Peaches, nectarines, apricots, plums and the hybrids apriums, pluots — just to name a few.

    Vanilla Roasted Stone Fruit with Masala Chai Infused Coconut Whipped Cream

    I find, much like with various vegetables and other fruits, roasting the stone fruit truly brings out it’s inherent sweetness. The natural sugars as well as the small amount of coconut sugar also caramelize and we end up with an incredible rich and deep flavored sauce. The finely ground, fresh vanilla bean compliments stone fruit so well by bringing a fragrant and almost smoky, earthy depth to the light sweetness. Many times if I am working with particularly ripe stone fruit, which can tend to be very juicy, I will actually pour off some of the sauce, after roasting and I simply reduce it down by more than half, over a medium heat. This creates a delicious, rich syrup, perfect for drizzling over the coconut cream topped fruit or over yogurt or other treats.

    Vanilla Roasted Stone Fruit with Masala Chai Infused Coconut Whipped Cream

    This recipe is a pretty simple one, I really enjoy the roasted fruit as it is, topped with the creamy hint of spiced masala chai infused coconut cream. You can feel free to follow the same recipe and simply use whipped heavy cream or even creme fraiche instead of the coconut cream. This roasted stone fruit would also be wonderful layered with yogurt, sorbet, ice cream or frozen yogurt for a delicious parfait. You can top it with nuts and seeds or your favorite granola. Of course, you can always stand over the oven and eat the roasted fruit straight from the pan, which I may have done a time or two.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  4. Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites

    Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites

    As we officially kick off the summer season this weekend, I can’t help but think of all the wonderful parties, BBQs, picnics and other celebrations that lie ahead. After my trip to Mexico this week, I also cannot get mango and avocado off my mind. This simple-to-make appetizer is the perfect fresh and light, nourishing bite for any late spring or summer celebration. You’ll find a bright and slightly sweet flavor from the mango, a wonderful crispy crunch from the cucumber and a creamy, richness from the avocado. The red pepper flakes bring a gentle heat that you can control and the fresh mint compliments it all beautifully with a cooling finish.

    Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites

    This one-bite snack is a great treat for your casual Memorial Day backyard BBQ or it can be the perfect elegant appetizer for a more formal event. No matter the occasion, these Mango Avocado Cucumber Mint Bites will brighten up any celebration. Read the rest of this entry »

  5. Chilled Green Curry Kelp Noodle Bowl

    Chilled Green Curry Kelp Noodle Bowls

    I know for those of you just barely feeling spring trying to force it’s way in, you won’t want to hear about the extreme heat we’ve had in southern California recently. With temperatures in the 90′s, it seems we have skipped right over the spring and jumped right into summer. I have switched from comforting winter soups and stews and roasted veggies to salads and cooler meals.

    Chilled Green Curry Kelp Noodle Bowls

    Soup that isn’t served hot may seem strange, but there are times when it just works and this is definitely one of them. It’s super fast to throw together — no slaving over a stove! — you don’t have to wait around for hours to let it simmer and there is very little prep.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  6. Greek-Style Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes with Feta Cheese

    Greek-Style Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes with Feta

    Each week, when our farmer Tony drops off our CSA box, besides gabbing about all the luscious, seasonal produce he has for me and his perfectly perfect fresh eggs, maybe talking about the weather and how business has been, we always spend a few moments sharing our stories of growing up Greek. We chat about our favorite foods and our fondest memories of the traditions and I try to impress him with the 3 or 4 Greek words that I know. I love it!

    Greek-Style Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes with Feta

    Greek-Style Roasted Green Beans and Tomatoes with Feta

    This past week when Tony dropped off the box and I saw that I got some of his beautiful green beans, we spent a good couple of minutes talking about one of my favorite Greek dishes, Fasolia (aka Fasolakia Fresca), a traditional Greek Green Bean Stew. As much as I wanted to make a large pot of that with these beans, the idea of cooking a hot steamy stew on the stovetop all day, it just wasn’t appealing to me, with this crazy heat.

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  7. Zucchini Noodles with Fig, Arugula and Pancetta

    Zucchini Noodles with Fig, Arugula and Pancetta

    According to Pinterest it’s fall already. I am seeing more pumpkin recipes in my feed than what should be legal, Halloween DIY projects, boots and layers of clothing and more. Let’s slow it down a little, folks. It’s STILL summer, it’s hot out and I still have lots of zucchini and tons of figs that need eating.

    Zucchini Noodles with Fig, Arugula and Pancetta

    I know fall is just around the corner and it’s my favorite time of year, but I refuse to be bullied into pumpkin. Let’s enjoy what we have, while it’s still here. There is so much amazing produce coming from the farmers markets, our CSA box and my garden, I just cannot even think about squash and all it’s cooler weather friends.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  8. Chai Spiced Coconut Fig Popsicles {Vegan}

    Chai Spiced Coconut Fig Popsicles

    Though the end of summer is just around the corner, I would say it is hard to know that at times here in Southern California. We had some pretty hot days last week and since we don’t have any air conditioning at home and we both work out of the house, I found myself with a serious craving for some tasty, creamy homemade popsicles. And the beach.

    I had been craving some of my homemade chai recently, but the idea of hot chai tea was very quickly dismissed, while I found myself sweating in the summer heat. Naturally, the next logical thought was a popsicle version of the tasty hot coconut chai lattes, that I make during the winter months. With the abundance of figs we have coming from our tree, I was dying to find a way to incorporate them into whatever popsicle I made, so the idea was born for these delicious, creamy Chai Spiced Coconut Fig Popsicles.

    For lack of sounding like I am bragging, these are THE BEST homemade popsicles I have ever made. They are full of amazing chai flavor and they are so perfectly creamy and rich. The only bad part of all of this amazingness was the day I decided to photograph these, it was well over 90 degrees in our house and the popsicles were melting so fast I couldn’t keep up. I was scrambling, running, yelling and snapping. I was able to snap these two photos and before you know it I had a puddle of creamy goodness on my hands. I tried to pull the few remaining popsicles out and they had melted so quickly in the molds they were disfigured and wonky, the sticks came out of a couple, it was just a hot mess. Literally. The remaining few were more than good enough to eat, but not really pretty enough for photos. A shame really.

    I thought about remaking these and photographing them again, but that would just delay me getting this amazing recipe to you, and I couldn’t bear that thought of that. These are far too delicious not to share. So, please excuse the photos, but trust me when I tell you that you need to make these ASAP.

    Chai Spiced Coconut Fig Popsicles

    Read the rest of this entry »

  9. Grilled Summer Veggie Gazpacho

    Grilled Summer Veggie Gazpacho {gluten-free and vegan}

    I am super excited to share with you guys this amazing summery, chilled soup recipe, aka one of my most favorite ways, currently, to enjoy the flavors of the season. The whole idea for this Grilled Summer Veggie Gazpacho was inspired by one of my new favorite kitchen staples, vegan stocks and broths from Massel.

    Earlier this year while at the Expo West Natural Products Convention, I had the pleasure of not only meeting the amazing Blender Girl, Tess Masters, who has quickly become one of my favorite people, but in meeting her I was also introduced to Massel, an amazing brand, new to America, hailing from her home country of Australia. Massel makes high-quality easy-to-use bouillons, stock cubes, seasoning granules and Concentrated Liquid Stock. All of their incredible all-natural products are gluten-free and vegan, so they can essentially be enjoyed by all, regardless of dietary restrictions. Massel never adds MSG and all of their ingredients are non-GMO. Besides all of that, the best part about their bouillons are how they taste just like homemade stocks.

    Grilled Summer Veggie Gazpacho {gluten-free and vegan}

    Though I am not strictly vegan or vegetarian myself, I do try to limit the amount of meat I consume. If I cannot get high-quality meat from our local farmer or at the farmers market, I much prefer to eat vegetarian. When it comes to homemade stocks and soups, I generally tend to use leftover bones from our grass-fed meat and/or whatever veggies I have on hand, to make a stock every other week or so. But this just isn’t always a possibility, sometimes I need quick and easy, but I still want healthy and real.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  10. Blueberry Rosemary Chia Seed Jam

    Blueberry Rosemary Chia Seed Jam

    I don’t know if I will ever get over the fact that prior to like 3 years ago, my only experience with chia seeds were those funny chia pets from when we were kids. Cha-cha-cha-CHIA! People really didn’t have a clue they were amidst such a super food!

    Blueberry Rosemary Chia Seed Jam

    Not only are chia seeds loaded with amazing nutrients, they are also so versatile. I like added them to homemade granolas, smoothies, you can make pudding with them and yes, you can even make simple homemade jams simply by adding chia seeds.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  11. Grain-free Zucchini Fritters with Roasted Garlic and Heirloom Tomato Compote

    Grain-free Zucchini Fritters

    This second to last week of August is always about the time I start to get sad that summer is nearly over. My garden is producing less and less, the sun is setting earlier and I know fall and winter are just around the corner. To be honest though, with living in Southern California, it is hard to remember all of that. We’ve still been having 90 degree days and the sun has been shining like crazy. But in looking at my garden and our various fruit trees, seeing many of them nearing the end of their cycles, I am reminded the next season is nearly upon us.

    Grain-free Zucchini Fritters

    My veggie garden has been a source of so much joy and great food for us this summer, but it has also been a source of much frustration for me. I am still learning how to garden out west, it is so much different than it was in New York. With the lack of rain plus watering restrictions due to the draught, I struggle to remember to water my garden in the proper times. What ends up happening is it gets watered every few days. Somehow the weeds are all growing at alarming rates, they are taking over in fact, while my vegetable plants have moments of looking like they could just keel over and die at any moment.

    Grain-free Zucchini Fritters

    Thankfully, though they are both slowing down significantly, I am still getting a decent amount of heirloom zucchini and heirloom tomatoes from our garden. Two things I could never tire of. So, I have been trying to get creative and come up with fun new ways to enjoy them.

    Grain-free Zucchini Fritters

    These crispy Grain-free Zucchini Fritters are so simple to make and they are so beautifully complimented by the fresh and flavorful Roasted Garlic and Heirloom Tomato Compote. To me this is just summer in one perfect dish!

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  12. 50+ Gluten-Free Recipes For Summer

    50+ Gluten-free Recipes for Summer50+ Gluten-free Recipes for Summer

    Now that we are smack in the middle of summer, I just can’t help but be so excited by all of the amazing produce in season right now. Summer is full of incredible fresh fruits and vegetables, perfect for creating delicious gluten-free dishes with.

    50+ Gluten-free Recipes for Summer50+ Gluten-free Recipes for Summer

    As part of my ongoing Restricted Diet Series with Free People,  I pulled together a this list of 50+ Gluten-free Recipes for Summer, featuring some of my favorites, from this site and from some of my very favorite bloggers. I hope you enjoy!

    50+ Gluten-free Recipes for Summer50+ Gluten-free Recipes for Summer

    Head to the Free People Blog BLDG 25 now to get all of these amazing recipes!

     

  13. Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes

    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!

    Zucchini Noodles with Roasted Heirloom Tomatoes

    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.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  14. Grain-free Flatbread with Balsamic Basil Pesto, Peaches, Goat Cheese and Arugula

    Grain-free Flatbread with Balsamic Basil Pesto, Peaches, Goat Cheese and Arugula

    For me one of the hardest things about blogging has been deciding how much of my personal life to share with my readers. As someone who seemingly only shares gluten-free recipes and the food I am eating, it is quite hard between this site and the various social media outlets, to not let my personal life seep in now and again. How could it not?

    While having your life on display can be challenging at times, the incredible trade-off that I have found, both as a blogger and a regular reader of many blogs myself, are the many wonderful positive connections I have made with amazing people – all over the world. Especially through these bits of our personal lives being “out there”. Reading the words and stories of my fellow bloggers and the thoughtful comments of my own readers, have created so many beautiful and meaningful friendships – many with people whom I have never even met.

    Grain-free Flatbread with Balsamic Basil Pesto, Peaches, Goat Cheese and Arugula

    I met Danielle of Against All Grain several years ago through our blogs, after she had been commenting on my blog and vice versa. She has such a delightful, comforting and nurturing soul. I have always greatly admired the passion she has for sharing her story and her desire to help others gain control of their life and their health through eating.

    When Danielle so bravely shared on her blog, her family’s news and journey with her recent pregnancy and then the loss of their daughter Aila Jane Walker, I wanted to reach through the screen, hold her in the tightest hug and cry with her. I wanted to help anyway I could, to show up at their doorstep with food, to comfort them and take care of them, the way Danielle has done for so many people, herself.

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  15. Roasted Grape and Rosemary Savory Goat Cheese Mini Tarts {Grain-Free}

    Roasted Grape and Rosemary Savory Goat Cheese Mini Tarts {Grain-Free}

    For me, I really don’t think there can ever be too much of the good things in life. Whether that be the grapes growing on the vines in our yard or the incredible lady friends I have met through blogging. I just can’t get enough of either these days.

     

    When my girls Gina of So Let’s Hangout and Emily of The Pig and Quill invited me to be a part of #soletspigout, their virtual summer potluck – I just couldn’t say no! I mean what I would really love is to hang out with all of these fantastic bloggers in person, in the real life – stuffing our faces with food and chatting it up about blogging and all the weird things we do. But, I suppose this is the next best thing – virtual food with virtual friends. All of the fun, none of the calories?

    In honor of #soletshangout, all week long these two adorably charming, witty gals have been serving up some tantalizing dishes for their weeklong fest! They’ve shared Sticky BBQ Korean Chicken Wings, Fizzy Herbed Pineapple Limeade, Grilled Thai Beef Salad With Sesame Lime Vinaigrette, Sinless Superfood Devil’s Food Donuts and Grain-Free Stone Fruit Cobbler with Lime Coconut Cream. Phew – are you drooling, yet?

    Oh and to see all the fun surround this potluck, be sure to check out the hashtag #soletspigout on Instagram.

    Roasted Grape and Rosemary Savory Goat Cheese Mini Tarts {Grain-Free}

    When it came time to decide what I would be bringing to this virtual get-together today, with 20+ other food-obsessed bloggers, I knew immediately I would have to bring something that included grapes! If you haven’t heard me mention already here on the blog or on my social media, I am literally overwhelmed by the amount of fresh grapes we are getting from the grape vines we have here at our house.

    I have been picking them by the 5 and 10 pound bags. No joke. I’ve been forced to get super creative with all of these grapes, which I have actually been loving and I hope you have been, too! (Did you see this Red Grape and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts or the Bacon Roasted Grape Salad?) That said, I have also taken to literally giving them away by the several-pound bags, to anyone that will take them. So, please be warned, if you come within even 1 mile of our home or if you invite me to your place, I will send you away with grapes. Lots of them.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  16. Gluten-free Spiced Zucchini Bread

    Gluten-free Spiced Zucchini Bread

    It’s that time of year again, when the amount of zucchini coming from my garden, is far more than two humans could ever consume. So, I’ve been getting busy making zucchini noodleschocolate zucchini muffinsraw zucchini bitesstuffed zucchinicrispy baked zucchini rounds and more.

    Gluten-free Spiced Zucchini Bread

    However, while staring at a pile of fresh heirloom zucchini freshly picked from my garden over the weekend, I realized I hadn’t made zucchini bread in a very long time, in fact I hadn’t made bread of any kind in a long time. So I pulled out my favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and I got busy.

    This Gluten-free Spiced Zucchini Bread has a delicate crumb and the perfect amount of spice. I like mine toasted with a little pat of coconut butter or real butter.

    What’s your favorite way to enjoy zucchini?

    Gluten-free Spiced Zucchini Bread

    This recipe was originally shared on the Free People Blog BLDG 25, as part of my ongoing Restricted Diet series.

     

    [print_this]Gluten-Free Spiced Zucchini Bread
    makes 1 loaf

    • 1 full cup of grated zucchini (from about 1 medium zucchini)
    • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose gluten-free flour blend
    • 1/4 cup almond flour
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/4 cup ground flax seeds
    • 2 tablespoons psyllium husk powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
    • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
    • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, peeled and grated
    • 1/2 cup light coconut sugar or other granulated sugar
    • 1/3 cup olive oil or coconut oil
    • 2 extra large eggs
    • 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
    • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional

    Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9-inch loaf pan with coconut oil and set aside.

    Place the shredded zucchini into some paper towels and gently squeeze out any excess moisture then set aside.

    Put the all-purpose gluten-free flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground flax seeds, salt and cinnamon in a medium bowl and whisk to blend. In another large bowl add sugar, oil, eggs, coconut milk, lemon juice and vanilla. Whisk thoroughly until smooth.

    Add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat (by hand or with mixer) until well combined. Fold in the grated zucchini and the walnuts, if using. (I always reserve just a little of each to sprinkle over the tops of the loaves).

    Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to even out the top. Sprinkle over the reserved zucchini and nuts to the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a loaf comes out clean.

    Transfer the pan to a cooling rack and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the loaf from the pan and let cool completely on the rack. As hard as it can be, I allow the bread to cool for at least an hour, if not longer, before slicing into it.

    Once cooled, bread can be wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap and stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. [/print_this]

  17. Red Grape and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts {gluten-free}

    Red Grape and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts {gluten-free}

    We’ve been living here in Southern California just over 16 months and I still wake up everyday, pinching myself that this is where I live. Palm trees, ocean air, the beach just over half a mile away. And then there is my yard! The huge vegetable garden and fruit trees galore – we have fig, peach, orange, banana, apple and loquat trees and the avocado tree! Oh, that avocado tree! Besides that avocado tree, one of my favorite things, however are the beautiful grape vines behind the house. They span the width of the entire house and then some.

    Red Grape and Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts {gluten-free}

    There are several varieties of grapes growing back there – to be honest I couldn’t even tell you what they all are! I think these pictured and used in this recipe might be moscoto (red table) grapes, from the little bit of research I did online. But I haven’t a clue. I just know they are yummy and I don’t have to do much to get them to grow!

    Last year, I couldn’t seem to get to the grapes before the squirrels and/or birds did, so we really didn’t get to enjoy too many. But, this year I was determined to eat more grapes than the critters and we are definitely succeeding. The first day I went out to start collecting my bounty, I came back in with over 10lbs of grapes and that wasn’t even 10% of them. We have mostly been eating them as is, bringing them to friends and freezing them for a special frosty, sweet treat – but I have also been having fun getting creative with them. Roasting and grilling them, adding them to salads, to smoothies and juices, and more. I just have to forewarn you now, you may see a decent amount of grape recipes in the coming week or two. 

    Read the rest of this entry »

  18. Spicy Ginger Sesame Asian Cucumber Salad (gluten-free + vegan)

    Spicy Ginger Sesame Asian Cucumber Salad (gluten-free + vegan)

    This easy-to-make salad is one of my favorite go-to, quick summer sides. Now that the beautiful heirloom cucumbers in my garden are coming in strong, I have been enjoying this cool, crisp salad nearly every day. The many wonderful Asian-inspired flavors are all so perfectly well-balanced by the various fresh ingredients.

    Spicy Ginger Sesame Asian Cucumber Salad (gluten-free + vegan)

    By allowing some of the liquid to drain off from the cucumbers, you can make this refreshing salad ahead and keep it chilled and not lose and of the amazing crispy crunch of the cucumbers. The cucumbers in my garden are quite high in water, as compared to other varieties, so I find this step particularly important when I use those. I also really love this salad with persian cucumbers, as they hold up super well and their flavor is incredible.

    Read the rest of this entry »

  19. Infused Waters to Keep You Hydrated this Summer

    Infused Waters to Keep You Hydrated this Summer

    We all know how important it is to stay hydrated, year round, but this is especially important in the summer. When the weather is hot and you are spending much of the day outside being active, it is extra important to drink more fluids than usual and most especially that you are doing so before you start feeling thirsty – as that is a sure sign you are on your way to dehydration.

    Did you know that every single cell in the human body needs water to function properly? Much like the plants in your garden, your cells, too, can perk up immediately upon watering. It’s that simple.

    What Does Water Do in My Body?

    Water Helps Your Body with the Following:

    • Getting rid of waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements.
    • Keeping it’s temperature normal.
    • Lubricating and cushioning your joints.
    • Protecting your spinal cord and other sensitive tissues.

    Tips for Drinking More Water:

    • Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up in the morning (I prefer mine warm with a little lemon).
    • Carry a dedicated bottle or container with you are all times, at work, at home, even if you are just out running a few errands.
    • Use an app on your mobile phone to track your water intake or simply set an alert on your phone to remind you.
    • Choose water at restaurants instead of other beverages. not only will you save on calories while simultaneously hydrating yourself, but it also saves money.
    • When you are hungry, start with a glass of water before you reach for the snack. sometimes feelings of hunger are actually your body telling you that it’s thirsty. it may just curb the cravings.
    • Drink before you eat. 16 ounces 30 minutes before every meal can actually keep you from over indulging. make this a regular practice and you might even find yourself losing weight.
    • Infuse and flavor your own water.

    Infused Waters to Keep You Hydrated this Summer

    Today, I am sharing with you one of my very favorite ways to stay hydrated during the summer months…

    INFUSED WATER!

    Infused water is not only a tasty way to stay hydrated but it is nutritional, healthy, fresh and all-natural!

    How-to Make Infused Water:

    Infused Waters to Keep You Hydrated this Summer Read the rest of this entry »

  20. How-to Make Dairy-Free Ice Cream

    Tutorial Tuesdays // Tasty Yummies

    How-to Make Dairy-free Ice Cream

    I have to say, I have made and had dairy-free ice cream many times before, but it has never as good as this. I received a copy of Dairy-Free Ice Cream: 75 Recipes Made Without Eggs, Gluten, Soy, or Refined Sugar from Kelly Brozyna of The Spunky Coconut and it has forever changed my dairy-free ice cream eating ways! Not only is this book insanely beautiful, but Kelly has us covered on every ice cream and frozen treat you could ever dream of! This cookbook is loaded with 75 amazing recipes, each and every one totally dairy-free and gluten-free.

    How-to Make Dairy-free Ice Cream

    For this week’s Tutorial Tuesday post, I am teaming up with Kelly to give you a quick how-to on making the perfect dairy-free ice cream, plus a simple recipe for classic vanilla. In the Dairy-Free Ice Cream cookbook, Kelly uses her fool proof method to dairy-free ice cream – sharing her versions of classic favorite flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Rocky Road, Salted Caramel, Strawberry, Butter Pecan and more. But, the real treat is the collection of unique and innovative flavors, like White Chocolate Goji Berry, Gingerbread Cookie Dough, Saffron and Rose and so much more. As if all that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find frozen yogurt, sherbet and sorbet and she even shares incredible recipes for ice cream cakes, sandwiches and popsicles, plus there are grain-free cookie bowls, brownies, sauces and toppings and more! All made without eggs, dairy, gluten, soy or refined sugar. It’s incredible really. A summertime frozen miracle!

    How-to Make Dairy-free Ice Cream

    How-to Make Dairy-free Ice Cream

    Below you will find a brief tutorial to get you started making the best ever vanilla bean ice cream, my version of Kelly’s classic vanilla. I am keeping this tutorial super simple and to the point, but, for more in depth information about the various ingredients, notes and tips on freezing, storing, tools and lots more – check out Dairy-Free Ice Cream.

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  21. Savor the Summer: Gluten-free 4th of July Picnic Recipes

    Savor the Summer: Gluten-free 4th of July Picnic Recipes plus a Picnic Giveaway from MightyNest

    Schools out for summer! OK, well for some of us, it’s been out for like 10+ years, but whatever – it’s still a time to celebrate!!  It’s the best time to focus on enjoying the long days of summer with family and friends. Barefoot temps, trips to the beach and the farmers market, making time for fresh and simple meals and doing as much as possible outdoors… there is just so much that is especially delicious about summer. To me, there is no better word for what it we need to be doing right now – than savoring!!



    One of my personal favorite ways to Savor the Summer is with PICNICS!! We love packing up some goodies and heading to the beach, to a local park, farmers market or even just our own backyard for a some good old fashioned – dining al fresco! There truly is no better way to enjoy the flavors of the season than with your feet in the grass, your skin being kissed by the hot summer sun enjoying the freshest food the season has to offer.

    I am super excited to share with you today a bunch of great naturally-colored red white and blue 4th of July-inspired picnic recipes plus a ton of other summer-worthy recipes!

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