Published on Monday, April 30, 2012 by caryn
When people talk about pairing foods, they're typically referring to the pairing of wine with food. Since I don't drink alcohol, I typically pair foods with other foods/drinks. For example, during the holidays, I'll often order a Gingerbread Latte with a spice cake at my local coffee shop. I also do this with iced coffee, and in recent months, my complimentary foo... Read More »
Published on Monday, April 23, 2012 by caryn
My son is an avid superhero fan. He's had a toy Iron Man for at least a year now, and if he's not talking about them, or playing with them, he's asking for new ones to add to his collection. Filled with action and comic book nostalgia, Marvel's The Avengers is certain to be a hit among adults and kids alike.
Over the weekend, we did some baking as we typicall... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, April 11, 2012 by caryn
Summer is...
Lazy days by the pool...and at the beach
Ice scream sundaes...and milkshakes...and sorbet
Picnics at the park
Grilling and grubbing with friends and family
Last week, my husband and I created this amazing Greek-Style Burger Stuffed With Feta Cheese and I'm STILL thinking about it. Since I don't eat red meat and I don't consume other types... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, April 10, 2012 by caryn
Warning: This recipe is not low-fat, gluten-free, vegan, etc. etc. But it's delicious!
Confession: I have a sweet tooth. But like most of my tastes in food, I don't just like any sweet dessert. It has to be rich and decadent...Chocolate is just the icing on the cake and definitely a bonus.
Approximately 2 months ago, Walmart introduced a new product called Bis... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 by caryn
The day-to-day routine of cooking and creating meals for a family can get mundane, so I often find myself perusing Epicurious or Pinterest for inspiration. It's fascinating, for example, how a bit of red pepper and the right combination of spices can transform a regular pasta dish into an amazing Arrabbiata.
We're entering grilling season and for many, hamburgers... Read More »
Published on Sunday, April 1, 2012 by caryn
I have this repertoire of recipes...staples that I always revert back to, particularly when I'm pressed for time or I'm simply lacking in the creativity department. These tried and true recipes are enjoyed by my family as is, and very often I'll prepare them as such, even if they do get a bit repetitive.
If I'm looking to change it up, sometimes I'll simply take ... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 30, 2012 by caryn
I like real food...the kind that grows on trees or comes from the ground or even comes from animals (sometimes). I'm also a foodie, so I like my food interesting...creative...ethnic. Sometimes the two mesh. For most moms like myself, creating diverse, flavorful, nutritious meals on a consistent basis is a challenge. I personally have limited time and a child w... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 30, 2012 by caryn
With Easter approximately one week away, we're starting to think about how we'll celebrate the holiday. Traditionally, we've attended church and then enjoyed brunch out as a family. Dining at any restaurant on Easter Sunday can be quite expensive (and a little hectic with two small children), if you can manage to get a reservation. To save money and our sanity, ... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 23, 2012 by caryn
Travel has this way of opening up your eyes to see the world from a broader perspective. Some of my greatest memories were created while traveling with friends, family, and my husband.
It was the summer of 2006 and my husband and I were in the midst of an 8 week long backpacking adventure through Europe. We did things we never imagined we'd do, like sleeping in... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 by caryn
As a mom to a child with food allergies, I've had to read, experiment and get creative in order to ensure my son is not only safe and nourished, but happy. If you think about it, food is very often an inherent aspect of gatherings and events. Every time we go out, whether it be to a play date with a friend or an afternoon at Disneyland, I have to think carefully ab... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 15, 2012 by caryn
One of my daily struggles as a mom to a child that suffers from food allergies is creating easy, palatable dishes that my son will actually eat. Because he was diagnosed when he was around 2, he still remembers a time when he could eat foods like pizza and macaroni and cheese. While I work very hard to ensure my children are eating wholesome foods, I do allow them... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 by caryn
Why is it that the best tasting foods, are typically not the best foods for you? I'm dreaming of French fondue...and tiramisu! Definitely foods that are heavy and rich in fat and calories flavor. My husband and I are total foodies, which really just means we prefer great tasting food (who doesn't?). We don't tend to eat at fast food restaurant chains and strive to... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 by caryn
Earlier this week, I was on the phone with a friend. We were talking about my Vegan Cornbread recipe and how she hopes one day I'll write a mini cookbook or even an ebook. Considering the fact that I've just spent the last week trying (unsuccessfully might I add) to perfect a Vegan Peppermint Brownie recipe, I'm thinking I should stick to something I know...like nur... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 by caryn
In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, I decided to put a caffeinated twist on the classic Emerald Mint Milkshake created by McCormick. Because I like to get creative with my dishes, I've been working with the company for the past 2 years, utilizing their extracts and spices to add flavor to foods.
One of the flavors I don't use often enough is Peppermint. I love ... Read More »
Published on Friday, March 9, 2012 by caryn
I don't think I have met a single mom who hasn't or isn't struggling to help their child(ren) learn to eat well. Like most children, my son is picky. Combine that with his food allergies and I find myself constantly racking my brain to come up with healthy, interesting foods that he'll actually eat.
Have you ever done something over-the-top to get your children... Read More »
Published on Thursday, March 8, 2012 by caryn
I haven't baked in about a week and I was craving cornbread this morning...the sweet buttery version as opposed to the more savory, pair-with-chili variety. I knew my son would want to be able to eat it, but to be honest, I didn't think I could pull off a vegan version that would taste anything like the original. After experimenting a bit, I finally came up with o... Read More »
Published on Thursday, February 16, 2012 by caryn
If you love Italian food as much as my children do, you'll be excited to learn that Italian Days is back at Publix! Last year, I shared information about this two-week event, which will feature recipes, savings, and opportunities to win one of 500 Publix Gift Cards.
We don't have a Publix store in our area, however, my in-laws do and our bi-annual visits often in... Read More »
Published on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by caryn
Happy Valentine's Day! Today I took my sweet kids to their preschool for a special Friendship party, made them comfort food for lunch, since it was cold here in Southern California, and oversaw their card-decorating. We rounded out the evening with this delicious Vegan Apple Spice Cake, made with Pinata apples.
Ingredients:
3 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking p... Read More »
Published on Tuesday, February 7, 2012 by caryn
One of my favorite ways to celebrate a holiday (even if it's a minor one) is to bake. I love experimenting with recipes and exercising my creative side. This year, I thought I'd combine my love for baking with my somewhat crafty side and experiment with some DIY Cookie Mixes neatly packed inside a jar.
This isn't an entirely original idea, but I thought I'd put a... Read More »
Published on Friday, February 3, 2012 by caryn
Earlier this week, my daughter and I were eating at a casual restaurant, a treat these days since I've been pretty good about sticking to my resolution to prepare and cook most of our meals at home. Just when I think that the world, in general, is striving to be more health-focused in their thinking, our server asks me to confirm that I do in fact want to order gril... Read More »