Is it just me or does the summer inspire you to eat more and more salad? For the last month or so Matt and I have been on a salad kick (I believe I said this to you before, right?). Instead of whipping up the normal massaged kale (yes, this is a norm in my home) or the quick chopped salad with romaine and tons of fresh veggies, I randomly felt inspired to change it up. If I’m going to eat light, I don’t want to eat the same damn thing every day. That’s so boring and says to your body, “eff you. Suffer.”
Tangy Watermelon Salad [Perfect for Picnics + BBQ’s]
Summertime gatherings are really what summer is all about. Picnics, BBQ’s, beach days. Basically, anything outdoors and involving food and loved one’s is really the ultimate summer experience. And yesterday happened to be one of my favorite gatherings that Matt and I look forward to every year. It was the LeBron family picnic.
This annual outing brings the family together (aside from major holiday’s) and celebrates all generations. It’s always fascinating to watch the little cousins get acquainted and run around while us adults (okay, not completely adults at heart- we’re all goofy kids) play volleyball, softball and my favorite, take part in creating delicious treats for the whole family to enjoy. This is when you bring out the good recipes and for me, I get to test out my new ideas on the family (cue evil laugh). I love having the opportunity to open their eyes to new recipes and flavor combinations. I blew them away a few years ago when I decided to grill some pineapple. Yes. Pineapple. And it was DELICIOUS! Of course, I made more of it this year. It’s tradition!
Farmers Market Fresh Fiesta: Gazpacho + Peach Corn Salsa
Did you know that corn and peaches are officially here and in season? I mean they’re not perfect but they are there, and just knowing they are there makes me squeal with delight. The best way to really showcase these fruits and veggies is to keep them raw or even lightly cooked (basically, let those babies breathe) and let the natural flavors burst through.
I’m going to be honest with you, I have always been curious about gazpacho but never really tried to make it. I figured, eh, it’s something I could live without and boy, was I wrong. If you get farm fresh tomatoes (which will be in full bloom soon), you will be all set with a cold, tangy, vibrant soup that will keep you cool and energized this summer. And you top it with the peach corn salsa and a few tortilla chips and you have quite the fiesta in your mouth. Party in your mouth!!! WOO!
TBLTA [Tempeh Bacon Lettuce Tomato Avocado] Sammy
I’m feeling on top of the world. I feel like I’ve been on cloud 9 for at least 4 weeks now (well…I’m kinda always on cloud 9…so maybe cloud 12?) because of the flow of wonderful things happening in my life. I started a new adventure as a farmers market manager here in the city for a few days a week, giving me plenty of time to focus on my health coaching and events. I’m back to a packed schedule with some other side projects and now I have a wedding to plan (teehee…well it’s next year so no stress over here).
I already knew this but whenever there is a series of hurdles or even doubts or fears that show up, I can feel the greatness bubbling underneath the surface. It’s the lotus waiting to emerge through the muck and sh*t. So instead of rushing the process, I surrender and watch as beautiful opportunities lay themselves at my feet (like my new market manager gig).
“No Way It’s that Easy” Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Where did summer go?! Hey, Mother Nature! What’s happening? It has been a long week of gloomy cold weather. I’m not digging it. I was so excited for the summer and the beach friendly weather…but no. We got thrown for a loop and now I don’t know what to do! But…thankfully it’s not that big of a deal. I still had my sweatshirts within reach and not in storage yet. I’m just glad it’s not snowing.
I know I had posted that even in the heat I use my oven, well…now us New Yorker’s can use our ovens without worry and without sweating out our blowouts. At least for a few more days…so you can make this recipe.
Last weekend I hosted a healthified and simplified Italian dinner workshop with roasted artichokes (with a lemon yogurt dipping sauce), peach and strawberry sangria AND this ridiculously easy cauliflower crust pizza with spinach pesto. My students were stunned at how easy it was to make this recipe and how few ingredients were required. This is not a recipe that will break that bank and that’s FAB! And as an added bonus, you won’t even notice the cauliflower. It’s a great way to get the kiddos to eat veggies without realizing it. And I dig that.






