Winter Kale Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette

After realizing that the last several recent posts have featured sweeter recipes, I thought it might be a good idea to tip things over to the other side of the scale with something clean, green and healthy. I know it's that time of year when holiday party platters and Christmas cookies are tempting us left and right, but that's all the more reason to make sure you're practicing the art of balance with the rest of your meals, and that's exactly why you need this winter kale salad in your life.

It may not look as enticing as say, white chocolate truffles or eggnog marshmallows, but we all gotta get our greens in somehow, and I have to say that as far as kale salads go, this one's a winner.

It's chock full of wintery seasonal goodness, including some leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving (don't judge) that was begging to be used up, so I transformed it into a luscious cranberry vinaigrette that would make a festive dressing to any holiday salad. If you don't have any cranberry sauce you could certainly substitute fresh cranberries- just be sure to add a bit of sweetener such as honey or agave to offset the tartness (and avoid puckered lips from your guests).

Kale leaves are massaged with the dressing to tenderize them, and then tossed with persimmon (of which I am slowly becoming a fan, especially in salads), crunchy toasted hazelnuts and gorgeous segments of Satsuma tangerines, which are at the height of their season currently. Oh, and did I mention there is also bacon? Yep, that too. You're welcome.

serves 4-6
Ingredients
for the cranberry vinaigrette:
1/4 cup cranberry sauce
1 Tbsp. shallot, diced
2 Tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
2 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. dijon mustard
1/2 cup olive oil
salt
freshly ground pepper

for the salad:
1 bunch kale, stems removed and leaves torn into small pieces
2 Fuyu persimmons, thinly sliced
3 Satsuma tangerines, segmented
1/4 cup toasted hazelnuts, chopped
1/4 cup crumbled bacon

Instructions
1. For the salad dressing, add cranberry sauce, shallot, orange juice, vinegar and dijon in a food processor and pulse until smooth. With the motor running, gradually add olive oil and blend until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add kale to a large salad bowl and pour vinaigrette over kale. You may end up with extra vinaigrette; if so simply reserve for another use. Massage kale leaves gently with hands or tongs to evenly distribute vinaigrette and soften kale. Add remaining salad ingredients and toss together just before serving.

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Minty Tropical Green Smoothie

 I like to think that I'm somewhat of an early bird- I can rise and shine with the best of them, and I loathe sleeping in late. If I sleep in past 8:00am I can't shake the feeling that I'm racing to catch up with the rest of the day.

But every now and then I do need a little help catching the proverbial worm...they can be slippery little suckers sometimes. On days when I'm feeling sluggish a cup of coffee might certainly do the trick, but I'm not always in the mood for the bold flavor or strong jolt of 'alertness' that coffee provides first thing in the morning, and I definitely don't want to find myself roped into a daily caffeine habit, so I try to limit my intake to just a couple of cups per week anyway.

So, when coffee isn't on the agenda but I still need a little pick me up, this green smoothie is just the thing! It's such a sweet, gentle and sunny way to start the day. And with its velvety smooth texture, vibrant tropical flavors and a zing of minty freshness, I promise you can't even taste the obscene amount of kale in this smoothie that makes it so good for you. Plus, the chia seeds add some protein and fiber to keep you going strong until lunchtime...those pesky worms won't stand a chance.

makes 1 smoothie

Ingredients

1/2 cup frozen banana slices

1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks

1-1/2 cups packed loose kale leaves, stems removed

1 small handful fresh mint leaves, chopped

1 tbsp. chia seeds 

1 cup coconut water

Instructions

1. Soak chia seeds in 1/4 cup coconut water for about 5 minutes. Add chia seed mixture and all remaining ingredients into a high-speed blender and pulse until a smooth consistency is reached. Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

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Chilled Melon Soup with Thai Chile Oil

I hear this California Indian Summer has every intention of sticking around for a little while longer, and while I'm mighty grateful for a slight dip in the temperature over the last couple of days, the fact of the matter is that I'm still lugging the fan around from room to room at home, sticking my head in the freezer in the kitchen and maxing out the A/C in the car.

But surely there must be other ways to stay cool besides sticking your face in a blast of cold air? Ah, yes. With food of course! Duh. While there are any number of lovely foods you could eat to help you chill out, I for one can't think of a better way to beat the heat than with a refreshing, cold soup. Heaven forbid we turn on the oven when it's pushing 90 (or even 80) outside!

This chilled melon soup comes together with minimal effort- just whiz all the ingredients in a blender, stick it in the fridge to chill and that's that. Well, that could be that if that's all you want, but why not double down on the cooling effects of this dish by whipping up a hot, spicy chile oil to drizzle into your soup?

What's that? You didn't know that eating spicy food can actually help to cool you down? Let me break it down for you real simple like: Eating spicy foods raises your internal temperature which causes you to sweat, and as the moisture evaporates, you are effectively cooled down. So there you go. Plus, it's super tasty and makes your melon soup way more badass.

serves 4
Ingredients
for the soup:
1 cantaloupe or Tuscan melon, seeded and chopped
1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced
1 large shallot, minced
1/2 cup water
3 tbsp. olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste
Thai basil leaves, for garnish
Thai chiles, thinly sliced, for garnish

for the chile oil:
1/2 oz. dried Thai chiles
1/2 tsp. Szechuan peppercorns
1/2 cup olive oil or peanut oil
pinch of salt

Instructions
1. Place melon, cucumber, shallot, water and olive oil in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, Season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until chilled.
2. To make chile oil, place chiles and peppercorns in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground.
3. Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat and add chile and peppercorn mixture. Continue to cook over moderate heat for an additional 5 minutes. Add salt, remove from heat and allow to cool completely before using.
4. To serve, ladle chilled soup into bowls and garnish with chile oil, chile slices and Thai basil.

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Red Rice Mango Salad with Chicken & Peanuts

Guys, I have a new obsession with grain salads. I can't get enough of them lately. I know, green salads are literally one of the healthiest choices you can make when it comes to food, and I do try to eat them, I really do, but there are just some days when the prospect of lettuce for lunch just sounds like a complete and utter snore fest. There. I said it. Sometimes lettuce is just plain boring. Does anyone else feel me on this?

But when you swap out lettuce for a unique ancient grain like this nutty, earthy Bhutanese red rice as the base for your salad, now that's a game changer, isn't it? There's nothing boring about an exotic heirloom grain- black rice is my jam right now too- and don't worry, there's still plenty of room for fruits, veggies and lean protein in this stunning summer salad.

With its Indonesian inspired flavors (mango, peanut, fish sauce) and fresh, spa-like ingredients (cucumber, avocado, scallion) this is the sort of dish I like to picture being served to me as I lounge beachside at a Balinese resort. Go ahead, I'll give you a moment to picture yourself in that idyllic little scene, too...

Seriously, though, imaginary Bali vacations aside, it is just as perfect scarfed down with chopsticks in your living room at 5 pm, like a little mini getaway in itself.

serves 4
Ingredients
1 cup red rice
2 tbsp. grapeseed or vegetable oil
2 tbsp. lime juice
1 tbsp. fish sauce
2 tsp. agave nectar or honey
1 tbsp. coconut oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
salt and pepper, to taste
1 medium ripe mango, peeled, pitted and diced
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
1 avocado, diced
2-3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 peanuts, roughly chopped

Instructions
1. Bring rice and 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium sized saucepan. Season lightly with salt. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes. Remove pan from heat and let stand, covered, until cooled to room temperature.
2. Meanwhile, make the dressing and cook the chicken. Combine grapeseed oil, lime juice, fish sauce and agave, whisking to combine. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
3. Melt coconut oil in a skillet over moderately high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, flipping once. Remove from heat, let stand for 5-10 minutes and cut into 1-inch cubes.
4. Combine rice, chicken, dressing, mango, cucumber, avocado, scallions and peanuts in a large salad bowl. Toss gently and season to taste. Chill for at least one hour before serving.

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Vegan Birthday Cake Protein Shake

One of my most popular posts to date is the Pumpkin Spice Protein Shake that I created as a sort of healthy dupe to the omnipresent pumpkin flavored madness that descends upon us every Fall. I love making protein shakes in the morning- they're quick, filling, and depending on what you put in them, pretty darn nutritious. All in all, not a bad way to start the day.

But I have to admit, protein shakes can get pretty boring if you just stick to the same old tried and true combinations, so I wanted to try out another recipe that would elevate the protein shake from blah to bomb. Enter the birthday cake protein shake.

I've seen cake batter milkshakes out there that look sinfully delicious, so my challenge was to capture that essence in a healthier protein shake. Most rely on boxed cake mix to achieve the cake flavor and ice cream for the creamy frozen factor, so to give it a healthy makeover I subbed vanilla protein powder and a touch of vanilla and almond extracts for that cake-like flavor, as well as frozen banana (a wonderful nondairy alternative to ice cream). I'll admit that the sprinkles are not the most nutritious way to kick start your day, so feel free to skip if you're a stickler, but all those colorful little specks peeking out through the shake just add the perfect festive touch, don't you think?

Everything in this shake is vegan, even the whipped cream if you opt to make a coconut milk version. With a good dose of protein and potassium all for around 200 calories this is a smart breakfast choice that will make you feel like a 6 year old whose mom just let them lick the batter off the spatula.

Ingredients
1 sliced, frozen banana
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1 packet vanilla protein powder (I love Tera's Whey)
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. almond extract
1 tsp. rainbow sprinkles
fresh whipped cream, for garnish (use coconut whipped cream to keep it vegan!)

Instructions
1. Add all ingredients except sprinkles to a blender and blend until well combined. Add sprinkles and pule 2-3 times to incorporate.
2. Pour into a glass and garnish with whipped cream.

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Root Vegetable Gratin

I have a little crush on gratins. I love all the pretty layers. I love the savory scent of them baking in the oven. I love saying gratin in a fancy French accent. And I looooove stuffing my face with them, obvsies. But I think what I love most about any sort of gratin is that it turns a side dish from an afterthought into something quite special. 

Sure, anyone could just steam up some green beans willy nilly or chuck some potatoes into the oven to serve alongside their main course, but taking the effort to whip up a gratin always shows that extra bit of attention in the finished product, instantly taking your meal from meh to marvelous...

Just look at the gorgeous ombre layers in this Root Vegetable Gratin- it's like sunset. On a plate. Who wouldn't be impressed by that? You know what else I love about this gratin in particular? It's one of the few that I've come across that isn't a total gut bomb. The cooking liquid is mainly low-fat, low-calorie chicken or vegetable broth with a mere smidge of heavy cream added for good measure, instead of being entirely cream based as many gluttonous gratins so often are. Sigh. A judicious amount of cheese is included as well; just  a couple of tablespoons of Parmesan sprinkled on top is all you need to get that cheesy fix.

And quite possibly the best part of all- root vegetables like the sweet potato, butternut squash and rutabagas used here possess the magical quality of being SO good for you (hello fiber, antioxidants and minerals, get in my belly!) yet tasting rich and indulgent, like something you probably shouldn't be consuming in large quantities without a major repentance session on the treadmill. And that's totally crushworthy in my book.

adapted from Food & Wine
Ingredients
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
1 butternut squash neck (2 1/4 pounds) from a large butternut squash, peeled
1 medium rutabaga (2 pounds), peeled and halved lengthwise
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp. freshly grated parmesan
*Special Equipment: Mandoline

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Slice the potatoes and squash lengthwise 1/8 inch thick with a mandoline. Slice the rutabaga crosswise 1/8 inch thick.
2. Spray an 8x12 baking dish with cooking spray. Begin to layer the strips of vegetables as follows, making sure to season each layer: first spread half of the potatoes on the bottom layer, overlapping them slightly. Proceed with half of the rutabaga, then the squash, also overlapping. Repeat until al of the vegetables have been used. Pour the broth over and around the vegetables.
3. Cover tightly with foil and bake for 1 hour, until the vegetables are almost tender when pierced.
4. Remove the foil and pour the cream over the gratin. Bake for about 30 minutes longer, until the liquid has reduced and thickened.
5. Preheat the broiler. Sprinkle parmesan over the gratin and broil 3 inches from the heat for 2 minutes, or until cheese begins to melt. Let the gratin stand for 10 minutes, then serve.

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Black Bean Soup with Avocado Crema

When the craving for Mexican food hits, it hits hard. It's not something that is easily ignored, nor is it something that I can feel great about eating, but I do it anyway because I know the craving won't subside until I give in. The other day after a long hike with John left us feeling ravenous and quite deserving of something yummy, we bit the bullet. We binged on baskets of warm tortilla chips, a super-sized guacamole and like, three refills of the free black bean and corn salsa at Carlitos, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Santa Barbara. It was all well and good until our fajitas arrived and we were so stuffed we could hardly make a dent in it. Tragic.

Although we were more than happy to take home the heaps of leftovers (including the chips and salsa that we didn't manage to inhale), it got me thinking that the next time I felt a Mexican craving coming on a lighter situation was in order. This black bean soup is just that, with all the flavors I could want but  minus the food coma afterwards. It's rich in fiber and protein, and the smooth consistency makes it easy to digest. I also opted to substitute traditional sour cream with Greek yogurt, which is something I always do when making Mexican at home. It cuts on fat and calories, and I promise you will hardly notice the difference. Finish it off with a zesty avocado crema and a dollop of fresh pico de gallo. It makes the dish more so much more fun, like a little fiesta for your mouth.

makes about 6 servings
Ingredients
for the soup:
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 clove garlic, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
4 scallions, chopped
3 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp. cumin
1 bay leaf
2 14 oz. cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup Greek yogurt

for the avocado crema:
1/2 of a ripe avocado, mashed
1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
1/2 tsp. lime zest
1 tsp. lime juice
pinch of salt

Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add garlic, carrots and scallions and cook, stirring occasionally, until carrots begin to soften (about 5 minutes).
2. Add broth, cumin, bay leaf and black beans to pot and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and puree soup using an immersion blender until smooth.
3. Season with salt and pepper and add Greek yogurt, stirring until fully combined.
4. To make the avocado crema, combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
5. To serve, ladle soup into bowls and garnish with avocado crema and pico de gallo, if desired.

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Lemongrass Chicken Stew with Potato-Chive Dumplings

There's no denying it: it's that sniffling, sneezing, coughing, stuffy head time of year. Fortunately, I have yet to catch the dreaded bug, and I believe I have my trusty mini hand sanitizers to thank for that (one in the purse, one in the car and one in the house- I swear by it).

Everyone knows that a big bowl of chicken soup is a cure-all remedy for nearly any ailment. But as much as I love a good old-fashioned recipe from grandma, the traditional version can get a little tired, am I right? Carrots, celery, noodles...yawn. Chicken soup is just begging to be doctored up, and personally I find that something with a strong kick helps to set me right again when I'm feeling under the weather. Heaps of garlic and ginger and a healthy dash of sriracha and suddenly I can breathe again. That yucky nasal spray can take a flying leap as far as I'm concerned. Sorry, I have a thing. It creeps me out.

Anyway, back to the soup. I found this Thai inspired version on Food and Wine and couldn't wait to try it. I mean, who could resist those little gnocchi-esque potato dumplings? Certainly far more exciting than plain old noodles! So when a client recently came down with a little bug I jumped at the chance to help nurse her back to health with this soup. I took the liberty of tweaking the recipe a bit, adding generous amounts of immunity boosting garlic, ginger and lemongrass. And sure enough, she emailed me the next morning saying she felt loads better. I like to think the soup had a little something to do with it, thank you very much.

adapted from food and wine

Ingredients

1/2 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

2 tbsp. canola oil

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 onion, chopped

1 tbsp. ginger, peeled and minced

1 tbsp. garlic, minced

1 tbsp. lemongrass, chopped

1 jalapeño, seeded and thinly sliced

1/4 cup fish sauce

3 cups chicken broth

1/4 cup flour, plus more for rolling

1 egg yolk

2 tbsp. minced chives

1/2 tsp. salt

1 lb. baby bok choi, chopped

1 tbsp. cornstarch dssolved in 1 tbsp. water

2 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Put the potatoes in a medium saucepan and cover with hot water. Cook over high heat until tender, about 12 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large, heavy casserole. Add the chicken and cook over high heat until lightly browned, 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium and add the onion, ginger, garlic, lemongrass and jalapeño. Cook, stirring, until the onion is softened, about 4 minutes. Add 3 tablespoons of the fish sauce and the broth and bring to a boil. Cover and cook over moderate heat until the chicken is just cooked through, about 10 minutes.
3. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the potatoes to a ricer and press into a bowl. Save the potato water. Add flour, egg yolk, chives and salt to the potatoes and stir until a stiff dough forms (you may need to add additional flour gradually until the dough comes together). Turn the dough out onto a heavily floured board and divide it in half. Roll each piece into a 1/2-inch-thick rope. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces.
4. Add the bok choy to the stew and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 1 minute.
5. Return the potato water to a boil and add the dumplings. Cook over high heat until they rise to the surface, then simmer for 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to the chicken stew. Add the basil and the remaining 1 tablespoon of fish sauce and simmer the stew for 2 to 3 minutes. Serve with lime wedges and sriracha, if desired.

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Mango Vegetable Spring Rolls with Ginger-Date Dipping Sauce

Today's recipe is one I adapted from Tone it Up, an online fitness and nutrition community I have been following for the past couple of years. Trainers Karena and Katrina are two personal trainers who have developed a uniquely interactive online health and lifestyle website. They primarily post fun workout challenges and videos, but I especially love to browse their site for healthy recipe inspirations. These Mango Vegetable Spring Rolls are just one of the many health conscious dishes that they created for their nutrition plan. They spring rolls are crisp and colorful, and the date sauce is absolutely to. die. for. I may or may not have licked the bowl.

This recipe is easily adaptable in that you can use whatever veggies you have on hand, which is exactly what I decided to do when I had a craving for something fresh and an abundance of produce just begging to be used. But the best part about this recipe, besides the fantastic flavor of course, is that the spring rolls are raw, vegan and gluten free- a triple threat. This is exactly the sort of thing to have for a post-Thanksgiving detox meal after the turkey and mashed potato leftovers are long gone. Your waistline (and your taste buds) will thank you!

adapted from Toneitup.com
Ingredients
for the dipping sauce:
1/4 cup gluten free tamari
6 dates
2 tsp. fresh grated ginger
1 garlic clove
3 tsp. toasted sesame oil
2 tsp. white miso
2 tbsp. lime juice

for the spring rolls:
1/2 cup baby spinach leaves
1 mango, sliced into matchsticks
1/2 bell pepper, sliced into matchsticks
1 carrot, peeled and sliced into matchsticks
1 avocado, thinly sliced
1/2 cup basil, chopped
8 chives
4 rice paper wraps

Instructions
1. To make the dipping sauce, place tamari, dates, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, miso and lime juice in a food processor and blend until smooth. If the sauce appears too thick, thin out by adding water 1 teaspoon at a time and pulsing until a desired consistency is reached.
2. Dampen the rice paper wraps by soaking them individually in a shallow bowl filled with lukewarm water for 15-30 seconds. Spread on a flat, clean surface. Bundle spinach in the center of the wrap followed by 1/4 of each of the remaining ingredients.
3. Grab end of rice paper closest to you and fold over ingredients, tucking as you go. Fold in each side and continue to roll away from you. Halve diagonally and serve with dipping sauce.

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Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie

I love starting my day with a protein shake for an instant dose of energy and nutrients, but lately my repertoire has been feeling a little stale. My faithful chocolate protein powder-banana-peanut butter-almond milk combo is getting tired. I needed to shake things up a bit, so imagine my delight when the inspiration struck to create a recipe that combines the health benefits of a protein shake with the flavors of everyone's favorite seasonal coffee drink!

The thing I love most about this Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie is that it contains 50 fewer calories than a tall pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks while packing in far more health benefits. This delicious beverage is not only high in protein, but also a good source of potassium, fiber and omega 3's. And those warming spices are not just there to enhance flavor- cinnamon, nutmeg and fresh ginger are known to boost immunity, aid in digestion, prevent inflammation and reduce fatigue and stress. So drink up!

makes 1 smoothie
Ingredients
1/2 cup sliced frozen banana
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1/2 tbsp fresh grated ginger
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp ground flaxseed

Instructions
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and puree until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and top with whipped cream and additional ground cinnamon (optional).

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Vegan Tomato Tart

As many of you may know I have been having all sorts of fun lately creating recipes that utilize healthy ingredients as an alternative to the conventional components of a dish. For all my testing and tasting I have had pleasantly successful results. Healthy food can be so delicious if you commit to using fresh, vibrant ingredients! But this tart...wow. This tart is my swan song- it is vegan, no-carb, almost raw (I cooked the crust at 250 degrees rather than in a dehydrator for hours upon hours) and full of unbelievably rich flavor. And it's so pretty to look at, which basically makes you want to devour it immediately. Credit there is fully due to the gorgeous rainbow of cherry tomatoes I picked up at the farmers market, gotta enjoy them while we still can!

Who doesn't love to nibble on a dainty slice of tart alongside a simple green salad...it just makes one feel so fancy, doesn't it? The magic of this tart is walnuts, which stand in for a traditional buttery crust as well as a creamy, cheesy filling. You definitely get your daily dose of omega-3s with this tart, and none of the guilt!

Ingredients

for the crust:
3 cups walnuts
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp. salt

for the filling:
3 cups walnuts, soaked overnight
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 handful basil leaves

Instructions
1. To make the crust, place the walnuts in a food processor and blend for about 10 seconds. Add remaining ingredients and pulse to combine.
2. Press the crust into a tart pan and bake at 250 degrees for about 1 hour or until firm to the touch. Remove from oven and cool completely.
3. To make the filling, combine all ingredients in a food processor and blend until a smooth, creamy consistency is reached. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time if needed to reach desired consistency. 4. Transfer tomatoes to a baking sheet and warm in the oven for about 30 minutes at 250 degrees, until just softened.
5. To assemble, pour filling into cooled crust and arrange tomatoes on top. Garnish with basil and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow tart to set.

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Egg White Fritatta

Fritattas are basically a healthier version of quiche, and although sadly they don't include that wonderfully indulgent buttery crust they can still be just as satisfying. I love making fritattas at the beginning of the week to have on hand for a quick breakfast, light lunch or even a simple dinner- you gotta love that! This time I thought I would try an uberhealthy fritatta using only egg whites, and the result was delightful.

I love the versatility of this baked egg dish, you can include just about any type of veggie or meat your heart desires. And adding a bit of cooked orzo pasta or cheese is a wonderful way to impart heartiness and richness. Try baking them in muffin tins for cute little individual portions! Lots of options here...for this particular fritatta I just used a hodgepodge of vegetables in my kitchen that needed to be used up quickly- zucchini, bell pepper and jalapeño- and sprinkled a touch of fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. And I couldn't resist adding avocado, because, let's face it, I can hardly ever resist adding avocado to anything...it's kind of my little secret weapon. So now you know. Secret's out.

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
1 small jalapeño, seeded and diced
1/2 zucchini, diced
1/2 red pepper, diced
1/2 yellow pepper, diced
8 egg whites
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp parsley, chopped
1/2 avocado, sliced

 Instructions 
1. Preheat broiler. Warm the olive oil in a medium sized oven-safe pan. Add the jalapeño, zucchini, red and yellow peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes.
2. Whisk together the egg whites, pepper and salt and pour over the vegetables and cook gently until the egg whites are set.
3. Transfer pan to broiler and broil until the top is nicely browned. Sprinkle with parsley and top with avocado before serving.

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Spicy Mango Chili Wraps

In preparation for some cooking lessons I'll be teaching soon, I have been experimenting with some new recipes lately that fit into the raw food, vegan and/or gluten free categories. Although I personally tend not to limit my diet in any particular way (let's put it this way, if I'm craving a croissant or a burger or gelato, I'm having it), I strongly believe in the philosophy of "everything in moderation". So I get a great sense of satisfaction from cooking and eating for health and vitality in order to balance out those times when I do choose to indulge. I often incorporate clean eating habits into my day to day meals, and it's quite a fun challenge coming up with new ways to make a healthy meal appealing and interesting.

 Wraps using lettuce, collard or beautiful red cabbage leaves are a clever way to omit gluten and carbs, and are every bit as satisfying as sandwiches, tacos or burritos. So when I came across the recipe for these Spicy Mango Chili Wraps on YouTube channel Tastemade, I absolutely flipped for the raw nut filling and knew I had to try it. This is the epitome of a raw food dish that doesn't leave you feeling deprived. The wraps are so vibrant and flavorful, you'll probably forget that it's a raw food altogether! The spicy, nutty filling is slightly reminiscent of a Thai peanut sauce but with a chunkier texture. And you can go crazy with the toppings- try it with jicama, carrots and sprouts, or just use what you already have on hand in your kitchen!

adapted from Raw. Vegan. Not Gross. 

makes 4-6 servings

Ingredients 

Shell Assembly:
1/2 head of red cabbage

1 bell pepper, cut into matchsticks

1 mango, thinly sliced

1 handful microgreens
4-6 chives (optional)

Filling:
1 tbsp sesame oil

¼ cup maple syrup

½ tsp salt

¼ cup almond butter

1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp ginger, diced

¼ cup lemon juice 

½ cup walnuts

1 cup cashews 

1 tbsp chili flakes


1 tsp cayenne

 Instructions 
1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, puree all the filling ingredients, except the cashews. 

2. Add cashews and pulse it a few times, making sure to keep a chunky texture.
3. Now assemble: Lay out a cabbage leaf, placing a few tablespoons of the filling vertically down the center of the leaf. Arrange the bell pepper, mango and micro greens on top and secure with a chive, if desired.



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Cucumber Melon Gazpacho with (or without) Shrimp

With shrimp (photo by Patrick Lyons)

I have absolutely loved making this chilled soup every Summer since I came across the recipe on epicurious a few years ago. Right around the same time that I start to crave freshly squeezed margaritas, lazy beach days and gelato, this recipe invariably finds its way back into my repertoire. Gazpachos are always a great Summer option- light, healthy and refreshing, but the cucumber and melon in this version make such a delightful pair...Bath & Body Works really hit the nail on the head with their ubiquitous scent combo, and for good reason: cucumber and melon are cousins, after all, so of course they get along famously! 

The best part is that it comes together in no time, so it's perfect to serve at summertime get-togethers. It works as both a starter or main course...I've even prepared it as a soup shooter for a larger event paired with a zippy Sauvignon Blanc, and people went crazy! I had numerous requests for the recipe that day, so ta-da, here it is. The balance of cooling flavors with just the right amount of heat make this soup a showstopper any way you decide to serve it up. 

Vegetarian option: sans shrimp, sub cantaloupe!

Though it is super simple to prepare (just chop and blend), the addition of zesty flavors like ginger, garlic, hot sauce and fresh herbs make this gazpacho anything but boring. Another bonus is that this recipe is easily adaptable- just omit the shrimp for an even faster vegetarian option, and you could also skip the yogurt to make it vegan-friendly (although I'm partial to the mint green hue and fuller texture that the yogurt imparts). 

adapted from epicurious
Ingredients
3 cups cucumber, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped, plus 1/4 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced (for garnish)
2 scallions, white and green parts, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup assorted fresh herbs, such as basil, chives, and mint, coarsely chopped, plus ¼ cup finely chopped (for garnish)
1 1/2 inch piece fresh ginger, coarsely chopped
1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup plain greek yogurt
1/2 cup cantaloupe, diced
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp sriracha (optional)
1/4 pound large shrimp, peeled, cooked, and roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions 
1. In a blender or food processor, combine coarsely chopped cucumber, scallions, 1/2 cup of herbs, ginger, garlic, olive oil, and yogurt and process until smooth. Stir in salt and pepper to taste along with sriracha, if using. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors mingle.
2. In a small bowl, stir together shrimp and/or cantaloupe and remaining diced cucumber and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Divide soup evenly among bowls and top each with dollop of shrimp/melon mixture.

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Chicken Salad Stuffed Avocado

Palta Rellena, or "stuffed avocado" in Spanish, is a classic Peruvian dish that I can remember eating since childhood. Generally however, from what I can remember the chicken salad was always a quizzical mix of chicken, mayonnaise and that bag of mixed vegetables you find in the frozen aisle at the grocery store (you know the one, with the peas, corn and little cubes of carrot). Now that didn't make it any less delicious, but when John made a rotisserie chicken the other night I was inspired to create a contemporary version of this Peruvian classic with the leftovers. Chicken salad is one of our favorite things to make with a leftover chicken; we've also been loving polenta bowls with a hodgepodge of sauteed vegetables and sliced chicken, but that's a whole other blog post.

I love the idea of eating chicken salad in something other than a sandwich, it just keeps things exciting and new. And it's perfect if you're trying to limit your carb intake because the avocado makes it feel decadent.

For this chicken salad I included currants, toasted almonds and a sprinkling of parsley for color, but I have also made this dish with a Southwestern twist using black beans, corn, roasted pepper and cilantro. And I just love a chicken salad with dill, fennel and citrus...the possibilities are endless! 

serves 2

Ingredients

1 cup cooked chicken breast, chopped

1 small shallot, diced

1 stalk celery, diced
2 tbsp dried currants
2 tbsp sliced almond, toasted
1 tbsp parsley, chopped
1/4 mayonnaise
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
salt & pepper
2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted and skins removed

Instructions
1. To make the chicken salad, combine chicken, shallot, celery, currants, toasted almond, parsley, mayonnaise and blasamic vinegar in a bowl and mix until ingredients are evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Scoop chicken salad into avocado halves. Garnish with additional parsley and serve.

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Grilled Peach Salad with Bacon Dijon Vinaigrette

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone grilling season is officially here! We are certainly not letting the dreaded Santa Barbara "June Gloom" get in the way of our grilling ambitions here at home...we've already dusted off the grill to host a steak taco night and recreated these Spiced Salmon Kebabs from Bon Appetit for a quick and healthy weeknight meal...highly recommended!

And speaking of healthy, there's no reason why salads shouldn't benefit from a little BBQ goodness. Salads can sometimes feel a bit obligatory, at least for me. So I always like to mix it up and include fun, creative ingredients that actually make me excited to get my greens. Adding ingredients like fruit, nuts and cheese (and yes, bacon) add that perfect touch of indulgence and can transform a salad from something that feels like of a chore to eat into something much more exciting. 

In the spirit of summer, I put my peaches on the grill to achieve a smoky sweetness. It paired beautifully with the bacon and creamy goat cheese. And in the spirit of bacon, I reserved a little of the bacon fat and used it to create a simple vinaigrette. I hope you enjoy my grilled peach salad recipe, let me know what grilled fruits you would add to a salad in the comments!

serves 2
Ingredients
3 cups fresh spinach
1/2 medium shallot, thinly sliced
1 peach, cut into quarters
2 slices bacon
2 oz. goat cheese
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp honey
2 tbsp white balsamic vinaigrette
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and freshly ground pepper

Instructions
1. Oil a gas grill or indoor grill pan and heat to medium high. Brush peach slices with olive oil and grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Cut each slice in half and set aside.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until done, drain on paper towels and chop when cool. Reserve 2 tsp of bacon fat.
3. To make dressing, whisk dijon, honey, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, bacon fat, salt and pepper.
4. Add spinach and shallot to a salad bowl and toss with dressing. Top with bacon, goat cheese and grilled peaches and serve.

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Heirloom Tomato & Goat Cheese Mousse Napoleon with Herb Oil & Toasted Hazelnuts

Spring is in full bloom here in beautiful Santa Barbara, and with it comes a whole new crop of seasonal ingredients to inspire my dishes. I love incorporating all the colors and vibrant flavors of the warmer seasons into my food! This Heirloom Tomato and Goat Cheese Mousse Napoleon makes for a stunning presentation but couldn't be easier to prepare- no cooking required! It's the perfect thing to serve as the first course at a dinner party.

This dish was partly inspired by the wild mint scattered throughout my garden...it's actually starting to take over a bit but I don't mind, I'll just keep finding new ways to put it on the plate! Making herb-infused oil is a clever way to use up an abundance of herbs, and it also adds brightness and bold flavor to any dish. Try adding the leftovers to a homemade salad dressing and drizzle it over meat, fish, vegetables or pasta! And here's another tip: the goat cheese mousse has several uses as well. It makes various cameos in my catering menus and is absolutely wonderful piped onto little puff pastry tarts with a bit of jam or over fresh figs drizzled with honey.

What other uses can you think of for the herb infused olive oil and goat cheese mousse? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

adapted from Giada De Laurentiis

Serves 4 
Ingredients 
3 heirloom tomatoes, sliced 3/4 in thick
8 oz goat cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup mint leaves
1/4 cup basil
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup hazelnuts salt & freshly ground pepper

 Instructions 
1. Toast hazelnuts on a foil lined baking sheet at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. Rub between a dish towel to remove skins and set aside to cool. Chop hazelnuts coarsley when cooled.
 2. Add the mint and basil to a food processor and pulse a few times. Gradually add olive oil in a slow stream with the machine running. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
 3. Combine goat cheese and heavy cream in a medium bowl and beat with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
 4. To assemble, place half the tomato slices on serving plates and top each with a spoonful of the goat cheese mousse. Layer with another tomato slice and another spoonful of mousse. Drizzle with herb oil and scatter hazelnuts around the plates.

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