Vegan Nacho “cheese” Kale Chips

nacho kale chips

I am in love with kale chips.  Well, kale in any form really.  I love kale in smoothies, in scrambled eggs, on grain-free flatbread pizza, and simply sautéed in coconut oil and sprinkled liberally with Real Salt.  I love the texture, the slight bitterness and I mean, if we’re being honest here, doesn’t eating kale make you feel righteous or something? A year or so ago one of my favorite stores starting carrying nacho kale chips in bags.  I walked {Read More}

Raw Brownie Recipe {Whole 30 legal, no added sugars, eggs, dairy or grains}

raw brownie

I’m in the midst of doing the Whole 30 plan with a group of supportive friends.  And man, you never realize how much you like certain foods until someone tells you they’re off limits for a month! I’m doing this plan for 5 reasons: 1. I like a good challenge.  I’m not competitive in general, but I  like to put myself to the test from time to time. 2. A friend asked me to do it with her and I’m {Read More}

Christmas Crack Candy Recipe

xmas crack candy

  Do you need an easy last minute treat?  This candy takes literally only a couple of minutes to make.  It’s nourishing and delicious.  My kids love it so much I’m calling it Christmas Crack.  Hehe.  Merry Christmas!   Print Christmas Crack Candy Recipe Ingredients2 cups unsweetened coconut 1/3 cup organic extra virgin coconut oil 3 tablespoons cocoa powder 3 tablespoons organic honey InstructionsIn a good blender or food processor, combine all ingredients and blend until thick and smooth. In {Read More}

Easy Cranberry Crisp {no gluten, dairy, nuts, eggs or refined sugar}

cranberry crisp

I am so excited to share this recipe!  I grew up eating a dessert my aunt made called Cranberry Crunch.  It’s always been my favorite dessert.  In fact, I love it so much I always have it on my birthday instead of a cake.  I don’t like overly sweet treats, so the tartness of the cranberries is just perfect.  We also always served it on Thanksgiving.  So, this year I decided to revamp the recipe so we could enjoy it {Read More}

Homemade Spiced Apple Cider

homemade spiced cider

For a girl who lives in San Diego, it’s a bit tricky to create a cozy, chilly Winter afternoon.  I mean, the low here hovers around 50 degrees, so there’s not a lot of opportunity to burrow under an afghan and sip a hot drink.  So you’d better believe I’ll take advantage of any crisp breeze that passes by.  I spent almost a decade in the mountains, and then spent another near decade in the Midwest, so there’s a part {Read More}

Grain-free Thin Mint Knock-off Cake {and a Giveaway}

Thin Mint Cake-picmonkey

Today is my oldest son’s 10th birthday! I’ve been someone’s mama for a decade.  A DECADE.  I can’t exactly decide how to feel about this.  I’m so thrilled with the young man he’s becoming.  In some ways these years have dragged on and on and in others the years have seemed to disappear when I wasn’t looking.  Wasn’t it only a few weeks ago I was frantically rocking his colicky newborn self?  Days ago I was kissing his boo-boos?  Hours {Read More}

Pumpkin Shaped Gummy Candies for Halloween

pumpkin gummies-picmonkey

  Folks, if you’re looking for a sweet treat for your kiddos that isn’t full of cancer-causing dyes or other frightening ingredients, look no further.  These gummies are sure to be a crowd pleaser.  They’re super simple to make, but still have a super fun shape and bright color kids love.  With only a few ingredients and a candy mold, you can literally whip these up in under 5 minutes (plus a few minutes in the freezer to harden).  What’s {Read More}

Pumpkin Enchilada Breakfast Casserole

pumpkin enchiladas-picmonkey

My pumpkin obsession continues!  Hop on over to Modern Alternative Kitchen today to see my recipe for Pumpkin Enchilada Breakfast Casserole.  I served this dish last week for my MOPS group, and it was a hit!  I hope you like it too.    

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix for Coffee, HoCho, or Steamers {dairy-free, sugar-free}

pumpkin spice mix 1

  I love Fall!  I love Fall!  I love Fall! Yesterday evening, as my husband was manning the grill, the kids were all jumping on the trampoline and I was sweeping the leaves that had fallen ALL OVER our back yard I commented that this is my favorite time of year.  My husband responded, “have we lived in SoCal long enough now that we think there are seasons here?!”.  Good point, Babe.  And yes, we have.  The air is getting {Read More}

Warm Potato Salad with Basil & Kalamata Olives

potato salad-picmonkey

If you need a quick and delicious recipe for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this is your ticket!  It takes only a few minutes to toss together once you’ve boiled the potatoes and is a light, yet filling surprise.  With just a few easy ingredients, you’ll have this dish on the table in no time. If you need a one-dish meal, toss in some leftover grilled chicken or steak.  It’s also yummy the next day still chilled, so it {Read More}