Simple & Grounding Miso Soup

Whether you’re in the middle of a full-on flu battle or simply just a little run down, I’m telling you, miso soup just FEELS good. It feels RIGHT. Get your bowl ready.

Chef’s Notes: Goji Berries

Recently, I shot a few informational videos for Navitas Naturals to talk about the benefits of a few of their superfood products. The videos turned out pretty fun, and are a great 101 on how to use these “new” foods. Here’s one on goji berries.

Candy made from real stuff

The Greeks really have the candy thing down with their traditional Pasteli, which is essentially a chewy and crunchy treat usually made from just sesame seeds and honey. Such a simple combination, yet as sweetly comforting as it gets, with it’s pure whole food ingredients. In my version, I like to use yacon syrup (from the yacon root) instead of honey, as it lends a more sophisticated flavor alluding to molasses and hints of apple.

Turnips: The Forgotten Tuber

While the Santa Monica farmer’s market buzzed with Sunday morning action, as the turnips seemed destined to simply watch quietly. Three or four to a bundle, each bundle just a dollar a piece, I began to feel a little bad for the turnip, the way you watch an acquaintance fidget awkwardly alone at a party.

Spaghetti Squash Marinara

My dear winter squash, it’s so good to have you back. Summer squash was really just a fling – it has nothing on your simple, grounding flesh that leaves me feeling all warm inside. Whenever I hear someone using you in a recipe, I’m instantly attracted. You’re that good.

Extreme vitamin C in cacao? The honest truth.

Despite popularized news, superfood company and cacao manufacturer Navitas Naturals have just released what they consider “the honest truth” — exposing that even when processed at low temperatures (i.e. “raw”), there is actually no vitamin C (ascorbic acid) present in cacao.

Sweeten up your diet with dates

Candy junkies looking for a healthier stash have reason to rejoice – and it’s not because of another brightly colored package hitting the shelves. Instead, the source of this sweet party is none other than the oldest known fruit: the date.

The little seed with a lot to offer: Chia

Chia seeds have actually been revered by Mayan, Incan and Aztec cultures for thousands of years.To experience the true definition of delicious hydrating refreshment, try my variation of the Mexican classic: Coconut Lime Chia Fresca.

“Life Is Good” Salad

Upon nightfall, we’d make grand simple meals of the freshest of fresh vegetables. Here’s what went into our summertime garden salad bowl, which we consumed just about every night. Delicious. When I wasn’t eating it, I was thinking about eating it. Brought to you by nature and what’s perfectly in season . . .

Feeding The Salad Habit

Forget your idea of an appetizer, this salad is nothing short of a meal. Protein, greens, antioxidants, yum factor – that’s basically the food pyramid, right?