It's a simple Yellow Cake w/ Figs & Honey!

Need a simple yet delicious treat? You must try this Yellow cake with Figs and drizzled honey!

Was heading to a friends for a pumpkin carving gathering and knew the host had a preference for something gluten free, so I decided I was going to make a gluten free cake with fruit. Worked ended up being crazy that week so I wasn't sure I'd have time to make a cake from scratch... I ran to Target to see what I could find to my surprise I found Pillsbury makes a gluten free yellow cake mix - I must say I haven't been in the baking isle in quite some time so I am sure this isn't a new product. Either way, I felt in luck! Baked the cake and added the Fig and drizzled with my Farmer's Market honey and turned out delicious! Super simple, fresh and just enough sweetness!


I adjusted the instructions as I usually do not use veggie oil nor have any on hand... I suggest using applesauce!






Super simple instructions:

Pour the boxed cake mix into a bowl.
Add a 4 oz single serve of Applesauce, 3 eggs and 1 cup of water.
Mix.
Divide batter in half and pout into 2 9-inch cake pans.
Bake @ 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.
Place single layer baked cake on a plate.
Cut Figs in quarters and place on top of cake.
Drizzle with honey.

Enjoy!

It's a Summer Salad

Watermelon is a staple in America for summer. Eating it by itself, with cool-whip, in a juice or smoothies, as a pizza and in salads... there are many ways to eat a watermelon.

This summer I decided to try Watermelon and Feta salad. Purchased a big block of Feta from Whole Foods and only needed about 3/4 of it for some Feta "crack" appetizer so I searched for recipes with feta and a watermelon pizza topped with feta came up. Luckily it was National Watermelon day so I went to Whole Foods that evening and got myself a nice red watermelon and then this salad was made...

You'll need for one serving:

Watermelon

Block Feta

Mint

Balsamic Vinegar

Olive Oil

Cut about a cup of watermelon into cubes. Place in a bowl. Dice up the block feta into tiny pieces. Add as much feta as you'd prefer, about two spoons full. Slice up some fresh mint and add to bowl with watermelon and feta. Give the bowl ingredients a good stir. Sprinkle a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil on top. Then pick up a fork and enjoy this refreshing salad! Yumms!!!

It's my way, making pasta salad

Roasted Corn Pasta Salad

During the summer BBQs are filled with Pasta Salads, Macaroni Salad being the staple. I've gone through many recipes, healthy not so healthy. My latest take is Roasted Corn Pasta Salad with organic mayo prepared with NYC Hot Sauce. Result... deliciousness!

What you will need:

Medium Avocado 

1/2 Bunch of Cilantro

1 Lime

1/2 Lemon

Handful of Cherry Tomatoes

1/4 of Jalapeno chopped

2 cups Frozen Roasted Corn (TJs, Corn necessarily doesn't have to be organic)

1 cup Black Beans (I used dried beans and cooked them, but box black beans work just as well)

4 slices of Smoked Bacon (Nitrate Free!)

1 cup Organic Mayo (TJs Organic Mayo)

1 tsp to 1 tbl NYC Hot Sauce

2 tsp Cumin

1 tsp Paprika

1 tsp Cayenne Pepper

Pinch of Salt and Pepper

Additional:

Lemon Pasta form Trader Joes

Kelp Noodles

Zucchini Noodles

Mixed Greens

 If you decided to use dried black beans, soak them over night then simmer them on the stove with 2 cloves of garlic for an hour to an hour and half. I wanted my beans to have a bite and not be mushy, took about an hour and fifteen minutes. Place cooked beans in a dish and set aside to cool. If you used boxed black beans, rinse and set aside.

Take your bag of roasted corn from the freezer and thaw about 2 cups and set aside.

If you are going the pasta/noodle path, you will need to cook your pasta according to the directions. Once cooked cool and let the pasta dry. If using kelp or zucchini, cook in a slow boil for 3 - 5 minutes and set aside to cool and dry as well.

While the pasta/veggies noodles are cooking start chapping the cherry tomatoes in half. Chop up your cilantro, do not need to finely chop cilantro. Chop the jalapeno as well. Jalapeno is optional, if you like spice go ahead and add! Cut the avocado into small squares.

Slice up the bacon and cook on the stove top. Once bacon is crispy place on a paper towel to soak up some of the grease and let cool.

While the pasta/ veggie noodles are drying start to make the sauce. In a bowl add about 1 cup of organic mayo. squeeze both the lime and lemon into the mayo. Add the cumin, paprika and cayenne pepper. Mix those ingredients. While mixing add in NYC Hot Sauce (you can use your favorite hot sauce or sriracha). Add salt and pepper to taste.

Once beans, corn and pasta/ veggies noodles are dry and cool add all into a big dish with bacon, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeno. I like to use a dish that I have a lid, so I can give it a good shake to mix. Add the cut avocado and about half of the mayo sauce. Either stir the mixture or put the lid on and shake (que the song Shake Senora).

If you wanted to go low carb - skip adding the pasta and just mix beans, corn, tomato, etc with sauce then place on top of mixed greens. Healthy and delicious!

You can eat the pasta salad warm, but the flavor really comes out if you let it sit in the fridge for an hour or so!

Enjoy! xoxo 

It's Britney, so Dance!

It's Britney in Las Vegas!

I have only been to Vegas once, for my 30th, and it was a memorable experience. The trip did not make me have the Vegas urge, but once I heard Britney was performing in Las Vegas I knew another trip was coming up. My friend and I headed to Las Vegas early on a Wednesday morning from Los Angeles. We had tickets for Britney's Piece of Me show that evening... the whole drive there I was such a giddy girl. Excited to spend time with a good friend and my brother, take a road trip, dance, and find some hidden gems in Las Vegas. We arrived in Las Vegas around 1pm and checked into our hotel for the week, The Tropicana. Once settled in and having lunch we started to get ready for the evening.

As we entered Planet Hollywood, everything screamed Britney...

We decided to grab an appetizer and a drink before the show... however, after we ordered we noticed that doors were at 7pm not 9pm. We ate our wings and had our drink quickly then got to the entrance only to be in a mile long line! Thinking we were running late we got in and even had time to grab a drink, in a Britney cup of course! $24 dollars later (its worth it right?!), we were in our seats ready to dance!

The stage was AMAZING! The stage literally was wall to wall, see video below. The video and stage sets were eye catching. I am not one to sit in my seat during any concert - I was only asked once at Britney to sit - but this show was definitely a dance show. Hit after hit! 

Show was about an hour and half, I wanted more! Gimme More! (ha!) My friend and I danced all night! After leaving the venue with bright smiles I looked out at the strip and was excited to be in Vegas and might even want to visit more!

Britney's "Piece of Me" was my first Las Vegas show and do not think it will be the last! If you happen to find yourself in Las Vegas go ahead and let your inner 90s pop girl out and head to Britney's show!

It's raining in LA!

It's raining in LA! Ha, I wish! 

Rain Room exhibition has been in Los Angeles and I scored tickets, yay! The exhibit is an "immersive environment of perpetually falling water that pauses whenever a human body is detected." Only if the human body is detectable - when attending the exhibit it is requested that one wears bright colors.

 

Growing up on the East Coast I never appreciated the rain as much as I do now. California is not known for rain fall, especially now that we are in a drought - so much for el nino. 

Rain Room is located at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, which is the largest art museum in the western United States. Considering we barely made it to most of the exhibits I believe it! After walking out of the Rain Room we saw this amazing 'hot wheel' exhibit, Metropolis II. There is approximately 100,000 cars that circulate thought this network of buildings and roads. 

LACMA has many fun and interesting exhibits and holds more than 150,000 works ranging from ancient times to the present. LACMA is also host to many events, such as nightly jazz nights. One day I hope to make it to another event.

LACMA is a must stop when in LA! Stop on by and grab a cocktail at Ray's & Stark Bar then peruse the exhibits. 

It's my way trying... Paleo Garlic Bread

Garlic, Garlic Garlic!

Garlic rolls are so delicious I had to try a grain-free garlic bread recipe. I decided to make little rolls (1) because I tried to have the bread ready before my brother left (2) and thought it would be crispier inside over a loaf.




You'll need:

1/2 cup of water
1/2 of olive oil
1 tsp of pink himalayn salt
3 garlic cloves
3/4 cup of tapioca flour
1 egg
sprinkle of herb de providence
1/4 coconut flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a pot bring water, olive oil and salt to a boil.

Remove from the stove and add in the garlic, and mix.

Then add to tapioca four a little bit at a time, this will prevent the flour mixing into thiny balls of flour and mix.

Lastly add the seasoning and egg, mix then add in the coconut flour.

Make into 1" pieces of dough into a ball and place on baking sheet.

Bake for 30 to 40 mins.

Enjoy!

It's my way trying... No-Grains Bread

It's my way trying...

Living in West Los Angeles many people try all the diet and health fads... some are amazing some are not so much. I have had the thought of going grain-free with my diet, or as much as I can. This week I experimented and took on the challenge of making paleo bread - I love toast, sandwiches, and garlic bread!

On my search for grain-free bread I came across a recipe made with raw cashew butter. (see recipe below).  My first hesitation was it called for coconut flour. Would it taste like coconut then? I went ahead and purchased all the ingredients needed for this grain-free bread at Whole Foods. I have to admit the cost of the raw cashew butter definitely set me back a pretty penny and as I grabbed the jar off the shelve I just hoped that the bread turns out well.

I used Artisana Organic Raw Cashew Bitter which is delicious. However, on the bright side this cashew butter has a little oil consistency so you do not need to add oil to the bread recipe. Guess that is a plus!

The batter rose and actually looked like a loaf of bread once baked. As I pulled the loaf out of the oven I cut a slice and added some unsalted butter. Results - delicious! You definitely taste the cashew butter but the texture its very similar to bread. I don't think I would make a sandwich out of the bread but I can definitely add some avocado :)

Ingredients:

1 cup of raw cashew butter
4 large eggs
1 spoonful of honey (recommend your local honey farmer's brand)
2 1/2 tsp of apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup of almond milk
1/4 cup of coconut milk ( I used regular not lite )
1 tsp of baking soda
1/2 tsp of pink himalayan salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Line your loaf pan with non-bleached parchment paper, makes for easy clean up!

Using a mixer, hand or stand, mix the cashew butter and 4 egg yolks. Once mixed add in the honey, apple cider vinegar and mix some more.

In a separate bowl, mix your egg whites. Mix for about 10 minutes or until the mixture forms peaks when you life the stirs out.

In another bowl combine coconut flour, baking soda and salt.

Mix in the dry ingredients until combines. Pour in the egg whites into the mixture and mix until combined.

Immediately pour mixture into loaf dish and place in over for about 45 - 50 minutes. Until a toothpick comes out clean. Don't peak at the bread loaf until 5 minutes before you are going to reove the bread, you'll want your loaf to rise properly. Also, it is suggested to put a dish with water in the oven while it cooks to provide steam in the oven.

Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes. Serve once loaf has cooled.

Loaf will last in the fridge for 1 week.

Go ahead and make some avocado toast, meat sandwich, jelly sandwich, or just go ahead and eat it by itself!

Next try will be with Almond Butter, yum!

Enjoy!

It's a Disney World umm I mean Land

Disneyland is the Original

Yes yes I know... Disneyland is the original park built by Walt Disney's imagination and dream. Amazing as that is Walt's second creation Walt Disney World stole my heart at first. As a young child growing up in Orlando, FL I had the privilege of going weekly to Disney World with my family. The continuous trip lead myself and brothers to still love to head to either park for some fun.

At every age you can experience a different aspect of what The Walt Disney Resorts have to offer. As a current resident of Los Angeles and a cast member (soon to be annual pass) holder I like to venture out for day trips or even just a few hours. While I am not going to compare World vs Land here I'll let you in on some amazing aspects of Disneyland and California Adventure.

Disneyland ~

Walking through those gates just puts a smile on my face and walking down main street to see Sleeping Beauty's Castle (unless it is blocked by balloons) is magical to say the least. My favorite rides are the classic Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. A little known fact is that in the New Orleans area is the apartment that was built for Walt and Lily Disney to live in. Also, the store you walk out from Pirates is where Walt let Lily fill with antiques she found. Makes this place feel even more like family.

California Adventure ~

This side of the park was built in 200-- and definitely has a little more of a kick than the Disneyland side. The rides, such as Tower of Terror and California Screamin' can give a rider a rush. Toy Story Mania is definitely a favorite of mine, lots of meaning from going to the one in Florida ride on opening day. A nice adult treat is that you could buy alcoholic drinks in CA, you've got to try the Red Trolly Ale - so refreshing! My recommendation is that you grab a drink then head to Toy Story Mania, the line for that ride is usually 45 minutes.

If you have a day to go explore outside of LA, I suggest heading to the happiest place on earth!

P.S. As I get back on this blog writing train y'all will learn more about this magical place so stay tuned!

Its My Way and I'm Rollin'

Roller Girls

Growing up on the east coast in Florida I had a plethora of beaches at my disposal. I took full advantage and frequented them monthly. Every moment at the beach was blissful, but I never took full advantage of the beach life... until now!

When I moved to Los Angels I expected to gain more of an active outdoor lifestyle, but never thought I'd have the opportunity to live so close to the beach and mountains!



One weekend a friend wanted to go roller skating for her birthday out on The Strand, aka Marvin Braude Bike Trail. The Bike trail runs along the pacific ocean, from Redondo Beach up to Santa Monica. You can rent skates at various places near the venice pier, Venice Bike and Skate offers daily rentals for $24.00. (http://venicebikeandskates.com/) Prior to meeting my friend I went bike shopping and well... walked out of the sports store with brand new white skates!

What better place to feel like a kid again and roller skate than at the Venice Beach!!


We even found a skating group! A few roller skaters make a space for themselves near the venice skate park. If you ever find yourself skating into their group, just make sure you go counterclockwise in the circle! Enjoy the short video of us trying to be part of the skilled group :)

Best part about investing in the roller skates and that we now go weekly for some fun exercise!


If your visiting Venice Beach you might want to grab some roller skates and skate to the Santa Monica Pier.