Recipe for Savory, Nutty Italian-inspired Crackers

Crackers can be addicting finger foods. Anything in bite-sized form with a delectable crunch always gets me excited. I love crunchy and savory. These crackers are made with fresh basil, so they’re even more delicious. I believe that my serious cracker snacking days were when I was young. I’d sit with a box of Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies and go to town (I’m sounding super Wisconsin right now aren’t I)? For me, there’s this childhood nostalgia associated with crackers.

I have to be honest, there are a few strings attached here. This recipe includes almond meal. Yes, you

can purchase almond meal at the grocery store, however!  My boatload of almond meal, chillin’ in the freezer is from the gallons upon gallons of almond milk I’ve made.…

Fireworks in your mouth

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For a while when I was in high school, and in my early college years, I was an activist obsessive. I wanted to take a stand on, well, everything. I wasn’t happy about fireworks and their effect on the environment. I’ve matured now and have learned that appreciation is a better emotion than anger. I’ll just appreciate the beauty of this spectacular day than be angry and fight against it. I’ve found even more ways to love Independance Day, which means that I am incorporating the holiday spirit into my meals. I truly believe that everyday should include a an explosion of tasty fireworks on the palette, but in honor of the fourth of July-we have a recipe to share with a little red, white and blue (and of course green too)!…

Halloween without the horror

…of a sugar crash!  We all love to eat sweets during this holiday, but why not eat sweets and stay sweet too?

No really, a sugar crash just isn’t pretty.  Skip the sugar, but keep the cookies!

As we’ve discussed, there are many alternatives to the white, refined sweet stuff.  Knowing the effects of sugar consumption-both long and short term, is in your best interest.  Research suggests that erratic fluctuations in blood sugar levels are the leading cause of mood swings.  Mood swings are no fun.  Halloween and holidays in general are a time when our relationship with our partner, and with ourselves, can really benefit from maintaining a calm balance.  Choose wisely what you put past your lips and set yourself up for success.…

Spicy Secret Series #2: Turmeric

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Spicy Secret Series #2: Turmeric |  by: July Westhale

Turmeric is the spice that keeps it flowin’…and what, exactly, does it keep flowing?  Do, read on 😉

This bright orange spice is a member of the ginger family, and has been used for over 4,000 years to increase health and treat ailments.  In Southeastern parts of Asia, it’s used to treat everything from gas to neurological degeneration.

Recently, turmeric has become popularized in the United States for its curative powers, which have been shown to counteract the damaging effects of the American diet. Used as a digestive aid for breaking down beans, proteins, fats, and grains, this miracle spice has been introduced into Western pharmacies to help maintain intestinal flora (which sugars, grains, bad fats, and antibiotics often destroy), as well as improving the elimination of toxins and purifying blood.…

Raw Strawberry Cheesecake: Easter Dessert is here!

This is a special, holiday inspired recipe that I had to share, just in time for Easter.  If you’re making a meal, this is the Easter dessert that will be the perfect addition to a healthy cuisine!

Last week, Joe and I went to Gracias Madre (a Vegan Mexican Restaurant) in San Francisco, and something very rare happened.

I used to be a huge fan of dessert after dinner.  Since I’ve decided to quit sugar, the desire to even view the dessert menu has completely disappeared.  I feel so much more clear, and energetic now that I’ve ditched the sugar.  There are so many very apparent benefits, that I’ll be revealing all in a later article.  Even though I wasn’t keen on ordering dessert, I was sent a message from the dessert Gods that I should inquire about the selection at Gracias Madre.  …

Blend your smoothie on the spot!

Have you ever whipped out a Vitamix blender at the farmer’s market for a super fresh smoothie?  Neither had I, until I joined forces with Chef Jillian Love! I am absolutely blessed to have this amazing lady in my life.  She is dedicated to her cause and she truly walks the walk.  She is the founder of the Bay Area Raw, which is an organization that brings together leaders in the conscious cuisine world for events and networking.  Jillian is a vegan, raw food chef and has been educating people internationally for over a decade!

My husband Joe, our son Joey, Jillian and I went on a mission to make the ultimate sensual food smoothie in the middle of the Saturday San Mateo farmer’s market.…

Quick Kale Recipe

Today, I’m inside-all cozy, gazing out the window at the torrential downpour here in Southern California.  I’m in San Diego and a flood warning has me stuck here with a cancelled flight. I am certainly not complaining. I took a trip down to SoCal for the filming of a reality television show.  Stay posted for news on that 🙂

When I’m traveling, I like to load up on green, alkalizing foods.  If I eat at a restaurant, or I have the luxury of staying with a friend-and thus have a kitchen to use, my go-to is kale!   You’ll find a quick kale recipe below that I use while traveling.  Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the recipe your own.  …