It is really hard for me to say if I prefer this version of chocolate chip pumpkin bread or the other version I made last week. I made both on the same day and one loaf was finished off a lot faster than the other. Any guesses which one that might be? I used the...
It is definitely not cold enough around here for maple apple cider. If you have an Instant Pot, this maple apple cider can be made in 30 minutes without heating up your house and still making it smell amazing. In the recipe, I give notes to make it in a slow cooker as well. If...
For those of you in more Northern climates, this time of year likely means big, comfy sweaters, boots, soups, and sitting by the fire. In Florida, this time of year still means slippers (flip-flops), shorts and beach days. Right now, we are celebrating because the temperature didn't get much above 80 degrees yesterday. We can...
Happy Fall! I am so excited to jump into fall with all of the holidays and baking. I am still trying to stay healthy though and not go overboard with lots of treats. I think everyone has their favorite Starbucks item that they wait patiently for each year. Aaron loves the cranberry bliss bars that...
Last week, I needed this chia pudding with mango and coconut in order to start to feel a bit more normal in our house, my body and in our life. After our two weeks dealing with our Hurricane Irma drama, I came home completely wiped out and overwhelmed. We didn't sustain much damage other than...
It has been raining all weekend. Not just little Seattle sprinkles but full on downpour--our yard is flooded, the dogs don't want to go outside, and neither do I. I just want to sit inside and eat toast---specifically toast smeared with herbed goat cheese and topped with fresh tomatoes. I was actually really sad...
When I was about 16, I started hanging in the punk and indie music scene in Olympia, Washington. If you didn't know, the Olympia punk scene in the 1990's was really exciting and a very special time. There were amazing bands coming out of our little town, music festivals and touring bands passing through all the time....
Every morning in Hawaii, Auntie Cathy left a pan of butter mochi out on the counter for us to enjoy. Some days, it was cocoa mochi, some days it was blueberry mochi but my favorite was the regular butter mochi. If you haven't tried butter mochi, you are missing out. Traditional mochi is a Japanese...
This recipe for nut butter banana muffins makes me think of fall. Thanks to modern shipping we have bananas in our kitchen year-round, but it isn't until the fall that I start thinking of making muffins. I think it has something to do with school starting and wanting to have quick and easy to grab snacks for...
I am not sure where the inspiration for these honey, almond and cheese sandwiches came from. It may have been a recipe I saw years ago and filed away to the back of my mind or it may have been a pure creative genius. Not sure. But, for some reason I decided that I needed...
My boyfriend in college introduced me to these lettuce and avocado sandwiches. And, though they might not sound like much, believe me, they are the best. Or maybe, I just love them because of the nostalgia behind them. Not sure. I went to college in Bellingham, Washington and after studying would meet up with my...
Hawaii is still on my mind after spending a few weeks there. I can't decide if I am ready to move back although I am definitely considering it. We had such a great time and I keep having to remind myself that it could have been because we were on vacation. I know there is something...
Need an extra kick of energy? This high protein super energy smoothie is a great way to kick start your day or give you a bit of energy later in the day. Making great smoothies doesn't have to be hard. Save yourself time and money by making these high protein super energy smoothies at home....
I'm not normally a margarita fan. I don't like frozen drinks, fancy glasses or sugary sweet cocktails. I also have developed a bit of strong feelings against tequila while working as a bartender and cocktail waitress for many years. I remembered delivering trays full of Cuervo shots, with lime and salt and watching in...
Paleo Carrot Cake Recipe to Celebrate Easter and Spring Easter is kind of a weird holiday for me because I don't really remember Easter holiday traditions growing up. I remember hiding eggs, destroying hard-boiled eggs by throwing them at trees, and hanging out at a park along the river in Centralia, Washington. I don't remember...
Lately I have been getting lots of inspiration from restaurants that we end up at. This is no exception. A few weeks ago we went over to Cocoa Beach for a quick visit. We stayed surfed at the Beach House Guesthouse, which is one of my favorite places. We surfed right out in front...
When I first moved to Hawaii, I was introduced to Vietnamese cuisine, specifically banh mi sandwiches. The Vietnamese tofu banh mi sandwiches quickly became my favorite; they were vegetarian and a perfect combination of unique flavors. Although the banh mi can be made with a combination of meats, the vegetarian option is so good. Tofu Banh Mi is not just for vegetarians. I...
Happy February! I have been so sick lately and haven't wanted to look at this blog or even try to cook. I didn't make a cake for Nova's birthday until yesterday (two days late) and our Super Bowl snacks were bought from Trader Joe's and just heated up. What kind of food blogger heats...
There is excitement in the air over here because the surf report is showing surf this weekend. Surf on the Gulf Coast is rare because the Gulf is pretty protected but when the surf does hit, the surfers tend to come out in droves. The waves in the winter usually correspond with cold fronts moving...
Brown rice pancakes were my dad's invention. He went through a phase where he added brown rice to everything--smoothies, cookies, bread and even pancakes. His other recipes were just experiments but the recipe for brown rice pancakes stuck. My dad's theory is that pancakes are inherently bad for you but with the addition of the...
I really do love soup but I realized that I don't really make it very often. It could have something to do with living in Florida and having beautiful weather most of the time. Soup season is just so short. While those of you up north are pulling out your winter coats and scarves and...
This recipe for chess squares is super easy Southern dessert that everyone loves. The ingredients are common and the prep is simple. Make these to impress your friends and family. Years ago, I made these Chess Squares on my old site (FortyCakes.com) after finding the recipe on Kevin and Amanda.com. The original recipe may come from...
A pound cake with a tangy, spring-like flavor...thanks to fresh grapefruit from my tree!
If I can make delicious homemade bagels, so can you. It really isn't that difficult. Try it and be amazed at your baking skills!