Capturing the Spark

I’m going to rewind a bit to… two weekends ago! My mother and I had a photoshoot the NuSkin “Keep My Age a Secret” challenge we’ll be participating in. It was fun to have that bonding time with her, and being the one in front of the camera this time. Anyway, here are some pictures!

Might I also add that I'm not wearing foundation...

My skin is definitely reaping the benefits of taking extra care of my liver!

I'll keep you updated on what happens.

Now on the food front… for breakfast I’ve been enjoying a medley of fruits!

Papaya, peaches, and frozen banana slices!

Peaches, blueberries, dates, and papaya!

The fruits were piled so high I almost forgot there were oats under there--just kidding!

B-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l! Apricot, frozen banana, and blueberries.

Mixing the Greek yogurt, oats, and fruits together.

The big kahuna--my favorite!

I bought a bag of apricots at the store the other day. They’re so hard to find down here! Is anyone else having trouble finding certain foods that are in season? I remember last year when there was a shortage on canned pumpkin during the holiday season–uh oh! Anyway, here’s a little interesting fact I found on these little stone fruits: “Apricot fruits are very useful to those people, who suffer from anemia. Only 100 g of fresh apricot fruit has the same effect on blood flow as 250 g of fresh liver.” They’re also an excellent source of beta-carotene and are useful for reducing infections or skin problems.

My chicka, Liz, sent me this very helpful link the other day: “Ayurvedic Healing Foods“! One of the tidbits reminded me of my friend in New York who’d peel almond skins because of what her cousin, who’s an Ayurvedic practioner, recommended. And I actually thought of her when I was making this recipe…

Naked almonds!

“Ayurveda recommends blanching and peeling almonds“

I stole their clothes down by the river mwahaha.

Ani Phyo's Almond Frangipane

I made a batch of this recipe so I could make fig tartlets, and this is also delicious on its own or with some fruit–like peaches! I’m just loving peaches right now if you can’t tell.

Another recipe from Ani Phyo's dessert book.

I had bookmarked her spiced blueberry cobbler recipe. This was so so SO good, and topping it with coconut ice kream (also from this book) made it that much better! I really can’t believe how simple and delicious these recipes are. I’ve renewed this book from the library twice already.

This treat is baked however, and it's my own recipe.

This week I was inspired by a Hawaiian combination of raisins and pistachios. I used golden raisins, dried cranberries, and pistachios for my secret oat bar recipe. Verdict? Deliciously chewy, moist, and sweet. Making these bars with different variations has become a weekly ritual for me. I set aside some time either Sunday night or Monday morning and get to baking. I love experimenting with different combinations, and with the delicious smells wafting through the air… who wouldn’t make this a weekly tradition?

Also baked, but not sweet.

I tossed these cheetah rounds in coconut oil, then seasoned them with turmeric, curry, and salt. YUM! I love curry powder so much. Have you ever tried adding some to ketchup? It’s so yummy!

A sandweech!

I stuffed this sandwich with homemade 15-bean hummus, marinated artichoke, spinach, and mini bell-peppers. For the mixed bean hummus I added extra curry powder because what the original recipe called for just wasn’t enough for me.

Dino kale salad!

I wondered what raw dino kale tasted like. What else went into this salad? Some mixed bean hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, shallot, and sweet vidalia onion dressing. So how was it raw? Not bad, not bad at all.

And cooked following one of my favorite ways to eat kale...

Fry some onions, shallots, and garlic. Then I threw in the dino kale, spinach, cherry tomatoes, golden raisins, mixed beans, and a splash of balsamic. After it was done cooking I poured on some flaxseed oil to get my dose for the meal hehe. I had also roasted some butternut squash tossed in coconut oil and simply salted. I’ve been trying to spice up my meals a bit, since I noticed that my meals were getting pretty boring. They tasted good, but they were lacking creativity.

Inspired by a Colombian recipe

The other day my mom was browsing her Colombian cookbook. She had left the beans to soak overnight, but she didn’t have time to make the recipe–bandeja paisa. It’s basically a platter of various foods from the Paisa region of Colombia. I figured that she wanted to cook the frijoles part of this platter. I read the recipe after I had already cooked the beans, and I realized I would have to change it a bit. Since it called for the beans to be cooked with the ingredients, but no big deal. I just decided to fry the onions, grated carrot, tomato “salsa”, smashed banana, and the beans of course. Then I seasoned it with salt , pepper, and lots of cumin! Garnish it with scallions and you’re set. My mom was very happy when she got home from work, and she had this waiting for her. Note: I used ghee for the frying, and I highly suggest it. I have been loving the flavor that ghee lends to everything I’ve used it in; just imagine a deeper butter flavor. From toast, rice, sweet potatoes, or traditional Colombian recipes–ghee will liven anything up! Even your body. ”Indians regard the substance as very important as it could boost overall body strength, beauty, and luster.” Additionally, it’s lactose-free so those with allergies to milk can enjoy this as well.

Must get the creative juices flowing...

I put together a mish-mosh dinner: baked sweet potato + ghee + flaxseed oil, roasted beets + olive oil and seasoning, mixed bean hummus, and random celery stalks.

Not so creative, but it still tastes good!

Maybe you noticed the apron I’m sporting here. The last time I roasted beets I had a little accident and nearly stained my shirt. If beets are on the menu, then I definitely plan on wearing an apron! What are some kitchen mishaps you learned a lesson from?