Monday, August 19, 2013

It's no FIGnewton here!

FIGS... are my new favorite fruit. Especially when pluots are out of season. Pluots and figs are not comparable but I just love a good pluot.

I visited the Farmers Market with a foodie friend, check out her blog here: www.haroldshungry.blogspot.com.  She picked up these interesting looking fruits at my favorite fruit stand. The stand was selling them three for $5, I believe, and we decided to share the 3 pints of figs. What a deal, right? Now I've never taste a fig but I have had fig newtons and honestly it is not my favorite fruit bar. I figured I would not really care for these and then I made this...



ingredients
FIG-delicious Proscuitto Salad with a balsamic glaze

What you'll need:
1. 6 figs, I used black mission figs
2. 3 slices proscuitto
3. 4 bocconcini fresh mozzarella
4. 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
5. big bunch of sweet basil

After washing the figs, slice off the top of the fig and quarter each fig. Place sliced figs in a mixing bowl. Slice the bocconcini in desired size. Place in mixing bow. Chop up basil and proscuitto and place in mixing bowl. Mix ingredients in bowl and then plate.


Heat up a sauce pan with balsamic and cook until balsamic reduces and thickens. Spoon balsamic reduction onto each plated salad and serve.


Stick a fork in and enjoy!



Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Nut Bars

Its a raw thing... yes trying it once again.


After not making an amazing raw nut bar/brownie bar, I thought I would give it another try.  Oh boy, do I think I've got it!

Nuts and Dates (my opinion) are what make the bars tastier.  If you have not tried a date, oh my gosh you have been missing out!  I never tasted a date until I moved to southern Cali. Medjool Dates are naturally sweet and (yes!!) healthy. 



From my first date ;) to now I've tried them in raw bars/muffins to bacon wrapped.  All have been delicious!

Back to the nut bar, I had almonds and walnuts on hand.  Decided to use both because walnuts have great nutritional benefits, contain high-quality protein (great for those veggie eaters), vitamins and minerals, and dietary fiber.  Also, a study found that a nut rich in alpha-linolenic acid, such as walnuts, have a heart-protective benefit during times of acute stress.  So relax and eat some walnuts!

Chia Seed gel
First, I added 1 TBL of chia seeds to 1/4 cup of water. This makes a nice binding substance.  Then, I piled in the almonds and walnuts into a small food processor all the way to the top.  Processed the nuts (see right pic) finely.  Added about 7 de-pitted, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1/2 of the chia seed gel, and a big handful of coconut shreds.  Processed until well blended. Mixer is good when it becomes sticky, you may need to add some water Then place into container lined with parchment paper.  To easily smash the nut bar into shape use another piece of parchment paper and push down with hand.  Then place in fridge to harden and enjoy!!!

PS... a little something extra

If you like chocolate but trying to stay raw, make these nut balls. Take nut mixer and blend a few more minutes.  Put into a bowl and fold in 1 TBL of coconut oil and half handful of dried unsweetened cranberries.  Roll nut mixer into balls, the first roll into cocoa powder lightly then into coconut shreds. Yumms!!



Happy Summer!

It's July and that means it's beach time!

I happen to be a lucky girl and live within a mile (or so) of Venice Beach, CA. Venice is a vibrant area of southern california which includes the beach, the ocean front walk (or as I call it the boardwalk), muscle beach, various sport courts, skate park, bike trail and many beach volleyball courts.

When I get motivation to go for a run I usually hit the bike path.  I am not sure how far it stretches, but definitely from the Marina to Santa Monica (Will Rogers Beach). On energetic days I've jogged from the venice pier to the santa monica pier. Its funny in a car that could take forever, yet its only about 3 miles!

Other days, I enjoy walking the beach, relaxing by the water or seeing the sun set. All gorgeous views!!

Just like Daytona Beach, Venice and Santa Monica Beach get quiet busy.  After living in this area for over a year I have noticed that once the temperature is of true summer weather temperature, anything above 70, tons of LA people flock to the water.