I have always been a fan of eggplant especially in the summer. Right now the farmer’s markets are overflowing with eggplants of all varieties. I love all the different color purples that range between the lightest almost white shade of purple to the deep dark almost black purples. I am constantly amazed by the color of fruits and vegetable.
Read MoreMy full on transformation into hippie life has begun - and I am proud of it. I have always been on the fence but I think as I get older the more I am embracing it. I don’t know if it is a product of Northern California or if I have always been attracted to a more “natural" way of life, but I am totally waving that flag now. Don’t get me wrong I am still addicted to my iPhone, I may have had just cheese and salumi for dinner last night and I have a tree in my living room that I put Miracle Grow on because it is dying,but I like to think it is all about balance and pachouli. (Yes I love the smell of pachouli - that is hippie 101 right?) I have gone pretty much natural on cleaning products, make-up, deodorant and most importantly food There is such a connection between how something is grown and raised to the status of our health. If I were to quit my job today one of the paths that I would probably want to go down is food policy in this country. Sounds sexy right? I take for granted how lucky I am in to live in Northern California and have access to some of the best local, sustainable raised food out there. I used to get horrible migraines that all of a sudden stopped when I started eating better food.
Read Morepring has officially sprung and I can’t help myself from eating all of the vegetables I missed during the colder months, especially fava beans. Fava beans or broad beans are super seasonal vegetables that arrive in April and are usually gone by May. Because favas are a little time intensive to shuck the easiest way to eat them is to roast them in the oven (or on the grill) whole with a little olive oil for about 5 – 7 minutes until soft. But if you have the time, they are delicious and gorgeous in a light and fresh spring salad.
Read MoreWe just got back from a quick but cold trip to Chicago for a friend's wedding. It was a whirlwind weekend of fun and needless to say, I think I need another weekend to recover. Especially from the cold. I have truly become a softy when it comes to weather. I lived in Boston and NY but forgot how to deal with cold weather. I also forgot that when the weather is cold you are inside all day, eating and drinking. All of this is to say I need a serious detox this week. This kale salad with butternut squash, quinoa and hazelnuts is the perfect recipe to get me back on track.
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