Comforting Winter Dessert Ideas

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Winter is the perfect time to indulge your sweet tooth from time to time. It’s cold and dark and sometimes, you just need something to comfort you not to mention sweet treats and the holiday season are a match made in heaven!

With that in mind, here are some of the most comforting dessert food ideas you may want to try making if you feel like indulging yourself this winter.

Christmas Rum Cake

When the winter nights are cold having a little rum inside you is never a bad thing, but why drink it when you can combine it with sugar and spices into the perfect Christmas cake? Soft, rich, and more than a little decadent it will saloon lift you out of your winter funk with its heart mix of rum, pecans, and brown sugar.

Baked Alaska

This baked Alaska recipe is probably the perfect winter dessert. It practically embodies the spirit of winter with its cold center and warm, comforting exterior that looks more than a little like a snowy igloo that you might have made in the winters of your youth. 

Many people shy away from making baked Alaska because thewy think it will be tricky to keep the ice cream frozen while ensuring that the meringue on the outside is toasted to perfection, but it’s actually really easy when you have a good recipe because the meringue mixture acts as an insulator, preventing any melting from occurring and ensuring that you get to serve up an impressive dessert that is hot on the outside and cool to prediction in the inside.

Apple Pie

I’m not going to bother linking to a recipe here because the best apple pie recipes are always the ones passed down by family members, that remind you of your childhood when things were simpler. There is no denying that, when the temperature drips and you want something that will fill you up and make you feel warm and cozy physically and mentally, apple pie is the go-to of many Americans, and with good reason! Not only is it incredibly simple to make, but it is also rich, buttery, fruity, and perfectly spiced with cinnamon to give it that authentic winter aroma.

Italian Christmas Cookies

If you’re looking for something simple to bake that has a distinctive European flavor, you could do a lot worse than to opt for Italian Christmas Cookies, which are soft, rich, and satisfying, Even better, they are decorated with green and red sprinkles to give them that authentic holiday season look that we all know and love. Both almond and vanilla are used in the recipe I’ve linked to, which means that they have a much richer and unusual flavor than many classic American cookie recipes, but they are still recognizable enough as to be very comforting, too.

As you can see, there are lots of desserts just perfect for enjoying in the wintertime, whatever your mood or preferences may be, so what are you waiting for? Time to get baking!

 

Why You Should Eat More Vegetables

It’s 2021, and let’s be real 2020 was a real doozy. When the new year starts everyone tries to eat healthy, get fit, lose some weight etc. I’ve personally been doing a paleo/whole 30 mix to try to shed a few pounds and get healthier. (*note I know Whole 30 is meant to be for 30 days but I’m just taking a few of the rules and applying them to my life to make it less restrictive so don’t come at me lol)

One of the main things I’ve been doing is adding more vegetables to my meals. Did you know that a vegan diet can help you lose weight? By swapping out unhealthy foods for vegan-friendly or vegetarian meals, you can lower your calorie consumption which is fantastic if you’re looking to lose weight. Vegetables are so low calorie and very nutrient dense. You can eat a lot more vegetables than you can say carbs and still feel full. 

Not only is eating more vegetables good for your body but it’s good for the earth. A plant based diet can help keep the soil clean, conserve water around the world and also cut greenhouse gas emissions. 

Diets always seem so restrictive but when you look at it in a different lens you can be more creative. You can try out the best sauteed kale recipes, vegan meat substitutes, and try making your own creations (I highly recommend Pinterest!) They’re healthy, they taste great, and they’ll teach you about unique food combinations that will enhance your cooking.

There are lots of unique breakfast and lunch ideas for a plant based diet that differ drastically from typical diets. There are also thousands of unique dinner recipes that you can try if you want some variety. If you want to add more vegetables into your daily routine, it really starts one meal at a time. 

4 Benefits of Going Gluten-Free

If you’ve ever thought about embracing a gluten-free diet, there are compelling reasons to do so. I haven’t fully changed my diet into being completely gluten-free but it’s something I try to be mindful of. The health-related benefits below are ones you might not have thought of before. Let’s start by defining gluten and then move onto the perks of doing so.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a general term for a group of proteins that are found in a variety of cereal grains. It occurs naturally in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale.

What is its purpose? The primary function of gluten is to hold foods together, so they keep their shape.

Here are some benefits of going gluten-free.

Eat more fruits and veggies.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are naturally gluten-free. As you’re not able to eat certain foods now that you’re on this new eating plan, you’re more likely to reach for those healthy foods.

That’s good news given the many vitamins and minerals in them. They contain nutrients to help you stay healthy. For example, kale and carrots are rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, while strawberries and papayas are high in vitamin C. Apples and bananas are great sources of iron.

You might exercise more.

When switching to a gluten-free diet, you might notice a dip in your energy levels, which is why it’s important to eat right and exercise regularly. Doing so will help you to feel at your best at work and in your personal life.

If you needed incentive to workout more, then this is it. You’ll be more likely to do so now and staying active is easier when you choose an activity that you enjoy, whether it is walking, swimming, or something else.

Knowledge is power.

You have knowledge of what foods can negatively impact your health when you enjoy a gluten-free lifestyle. Before buying items, you’ll be looking at food labels and understanding how to read them, including how ingredient lists start with the most prominent item first.

Some items that you will discover may contain gluten will surprise you. For example, seasonings, sauces, and malted milk can all be sources of gluten.

Delicious food awaits you.

You will also soon realize that there are great gluten free recipes. Cooking yummy meals is not something you have to give up forever! Instead, you will understand how to enhance natural flavors using gluten-free spices to make tasty dishes.

Experimenting in the kitchen can be a lot of fun. You can even pick up soy flour to bread your chicken for dinner tonight.

Have you guys ever tried going gluten-free? If so, I would love to hear your experience in the comments below!

Step Up Your Food Game

Okay, if you haven’t gathered from the title of my blog, I love food. It not only serves as a beautiful means of turning ingredients into works of art, but it’s also a craft, a social experience, and an act of love to serve someone. However, for those who truly do adore the entire experience of eating and appreciating good food, ingratiating yourself in foodie culture can also be a great way to connect with your passion.

Connecting with food outside being a seasoned eater can help you learn more about the art and practice, and it can also educate you to no small degree. For instance, if you enjoy steaks and eating high-grade beef, learning about the maintenance, rearing and care practices of Wagyu cows can be a fantastic idea. It textures our knowledge that little bit more, and we can therefore pass on our knowledge. But how else might you connect with food outside of eating it? Here are some ways you can step up your food knowledge.

Read Up On Food History

Read up on food history. From shows such as A Taste of History or reading into a particular ingredient or foodstuff, such as the first creation of sandwiches or the true societal-shifting implications of hunting down salt, the more you understand about how culture has developed the more you can gain an appreciation for it. Additionally, you will also find yourself appreciating other cultures more, as no one society, civilization or race of people has ever had a monopoly on fantastic food. For this reason, the act of learning allows us to appreciate our mealtimes more.

Visit Food Destinations

Visiting authentic locations can be a fantastic means of exploring your gastronomic interest. For instance, heading to Marseilles can help you eat at the restaurants prized among the culinary world, with legendary chefs that are still serving incredible food to this day. Appreciation is the name of the game here, and you’re sure to appreciate such a wonderful display of worth in more ways than one here. It’s even better if you can share this journey with those you most love, as the act of sharing a meal in a social setting is perhaps the only exception to the phrase ‘hunger is the best sauce’.

Source Incredible, Quality Treats

It’s important to treat yourself, and that means going for the best of the best when it comes to a certain foodstuff or ingredient. Sure, you may enjoy eating crab, but have you ever ate crab freshly picked and cooked from the ocean that morning in New England? Sure, you may enjoy pretzels, but have you tried the best pretzels from esprovisions.com?

The more we can try the best of the best, the more we’ll be able to distinguish quality from quantity, and good preparation techniques from the ineffective. That’s a vital skill to have.

Where to Eat in London

Last month, I went to London for the first time with my friends Amy and Vinny. It was a super quick trip. We took the red eye Wednesday night and came back Sunday. I honestly wish I could have stayed longer because I absolutely fell IN LOVE with London. I’m already plotting my next trip back. Before I went, everyone kept telling me that the food in London was not good. So I went in with low expectations. My expectations were wildly wrong because I found some AMAZING food spots in London that I want to share with you. These were my favorites from the trip – ones I would not only highly recommend but would go back again.

Sketch – Go to Sketch for Afternoon Tea. Sure, it’s pretty pricey but you get unlimited tea and refills on the sandwiches and treats. The decor at Sketch was honestly probably one of the best decorated restaurants I had ever been to. It was cool, sophisticated and so instagrammable.

Dishoom – London is well known for it’s Indian food and Dishoom is one of their popular spots. I’m a huge fan of Indian food but I find it not as popular here in the states. I was excited to go to Dishoom and see what all the hype was about. It did not disappoint. The food was so incredibly good. We tried to go again another night but the wait was too long. I would highly recommend making reservations for this place or you might end up waiting upwards of two hours.

Chiltern Firehouse – Shoutout to Jackie Schimmel of the Bitch Bible for talking about Chiltern Firehouse on her podcast. If it’s good enough for Jackie, it’s good enough for me. We went here for brunch. I obviously had to get the avocado toast (which not going to lie, I didn’t think looked very appetizing) but boy was I wrong. This was absolutely delish! Chiltern is a little on the pricey side but if you’re looking for a nice brunch or dinner option I would highly recommend.

Breakfast Club – This is a The Girls Who Brunch after all so I had to add some of my favorite brunch spots. Breakfast Club is a great little diner-esque spot that has an amazingly delicious brunch. Be prepared to wait on line because it’s a popular spot.

Granger & Co. – The cutest little spot in Notting Hill. I mean look at all these amazing drinks. From the coffee to the blood mary – this was a great place for brunch. I got the pancakes – which I would say I normally don’t ever order but they were delectable!

I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to get to London. I will definitely be making another trip (hopefully soon!). If you have ever been to London, let me know your favorite spots to eat so I can add them for my next trip!

Make Food Fun!

Do you ever go through ruts where you can’t think of what to eat, or you don’t really crave anything? Ever just eat the same thing over and over again? Especially after a long day of work, the last thing I want to do is think about what I’m going to cook – or even worse have to grocery shop for. I’m on a mission to enjoy the process of food again. Here are some tips I have to make food fun!

Make Dinnertime an Experience

The best place to start when it comes to falling in love with your food again is to do as much as possible to make dinnertime an experience. There are a lot of factors that you need to keep in mind when you are looking to achieve this, and it is important to embrace this. By turning dinnertime into an experience, you make it exciting and something to look forward to. A lot of people view preparing and making dinner as a chore, and a lot of this is to do with mindset. By viewing it as a complete experience, you can look at it as a more positive experience, and this will enhance your enjoyment. Turn on your favorite podcast or jam out to your favorite song while you cook.

Expand Your Culinary Skills

Expanding your culinary skills is another massive thing to think about when trying to rekindle your love for food. If you can learn and try out new recipes, you will be well-placed to improve your knowledge and understanding of culinary skills. You could even extend to baking as well, allowing you to make cakes and tasty treats. Visit Loaves and Dishes for some recipes that will help you with this, and get the process started right now. I love looking up new recipes on the weekends and try to plan out my what I’m going to cook for the week. Try to switch it up with something you’ve never tried before!

Treat Yourself by Eating Out

If you want to really have a great food experience, you need to treat yourself by eating out now and again (something I partake a little too much in haha!). There are a lot of factors that play a part in helping you find the perfect restaurant, and it really depends a lot on what you want to eat. I’ve written some blog posts that might help! Check out the top 5 brunch spots in LA for starters! Rewarding yourself by eating out is an excellent way of viewing food as a treat, and it removes some of the stress of having to cook yourself. 

Learning new recipes, cooking and baking more, and enjoying eating out on occasions is essential. Food is one of the best experiences we can have, and this is something that can really help enhance and enrich your life. 

I’m always looking for new restaurants or recipes to try out, so if you guys have any favorites let me know in the comments below!

5 Healthy Food Swaps for Weight Loss

Food Swaps

It’s the New Year, and you know what that means. Everyone including myself is trying to diet. What is it about the new year that makes us want to change our lives? LOL. Now I’m going to be honest here, I suck at dieting. The longest I’ve ever gone on any specific diet is about 21 days of Whole 30. Yup, couldn’t even make it to 30 days. Any other time I diet, I usually do a couple days and by day 3 I’ve probably given up. I love food. That is why when it comes to dieting, I think it’s easier to maintain healthy food swaps instead of eliminating things all together. So I’ve complied a list of items you can swap out for healthier alternatives.

Pasta = Zucchini or Spaghetti Squash

This is a pretty standard one if you want to go low carb. Spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash are a great way to mimic the shape of pasta. They are a great base for any “pasta dish”. My favorite way to eat this is to make a type of bolognese with meat and a good tomato sauce and top it with cheese.

Bread or crackers = GG Crackers

If you follow the Skinny Confidential or the F Factor Diet, you definitely know about GG crackers. If not, GG Crackers are high fiber crackers that can be the base of any snack. I’ll be straight up with you the texture and taste do take a while to get used to, it kind of resembles cardboard. But hey, it’s good for you. It’s FULL of fiber which helps keep you full. I love to top my GG crackers with avocado and make an avocado “toast”. Top it with Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel seasoning and it’s a perfect snack or meal.

Soda = sparkling water

This is a simple switch. Soda is pretty terrible for you, but I still drink it occasionally. But I do try to limit my soda intake. If you are craving a soda, reach for a flavored sparking water instead. It will save you calories, is healthier for you and still hits the spot.

Cereal = Steel Cut or Quick Cooking Oats

Cereal is tasty, but it’s chocked full of sugar. To get a healthy dose of carbs in the morning that will keep you feeling full, swap out your morning cereal for some steel cut oats or quick cooking oats. I love to make steel cut oats and top it with cinnamon, fresh fruit, chia seeds and walnuts. You can experiment with the toppings and try different things, just make sure your toppings are healthy too. If you need it to be sweeter, I suggest sweetening it with a half a banana or a little bit of maple syrup.

Salad Dressing = Olive Oil and Vinegar

Packaged salad dressing might seem healthy because you’re eating a salad right? Wrong. A lot of times these salad dressings are packed with sugar. Make you own at home with some olive oil and vinegar (balsamic, red wine or white wine). You can even add things like lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar. Experiment and see what you like.

Those are some of my healthy food swaps that will make you healthier and help you lose weight! If you guys have any food swap ideas, let me know in the comments below!

Best Food in Oahu

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Romper: Blue Life // Tank: Brandy Melville // Necklace: Songbird Co. {similar here and here}

I just got back from Oahu a few days ago. Oahu (the island Honolulu is on) is absolutely stunning. The beaches were incredible. Definitely take a trip up to the North Shore if you are there, it has some of the most beautiful beaches around! As a self proclaimed foodie, I love to find authentic and delicious foods anytime I’m traveling. I did my due diligence and stumbled upon some real gems in Oahu. Here were my top three places you must visit!

The Dole Plantation (picture above) – Go. Seriously just go. It’s a tourist spot, but they have the best Dole Whip and roasted nuts. I wish I had gone back multiple times while on my trip. I’m seriously having major cravings for some Dole Whip right about now.

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Koko Head Cafe

Koko Head Cafe is run by Chef Lee Ann Wong, who appeared on Top Chef. This cute little restaurant was packed with a long line when we went. But it was well worth the wait! Everything on their menu sounded absolutely delicious, I wish I could have tried more! I ended up getting the Vanilla Sea Salt Biscuit with their famous Koko Moco, which is their take on the Loco Moco, a traditional Hawaiian dish. Loco Mocos are seriously my new favorite dish. It’s basically rice with beef and gravy topped with an egg. Basically everything I love in the world in one dish. The Koko Moco was great because they used garlic rice which really amped up the flavor. I also love that they served this in a cast iron skillet because it really allows the rice to get crunchy. YUM.

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Moena Cafe

Another spot that I loved was Moena Cafe in Hawaii Kai. Located in a little strip mall, from the outside you wouldn’t think it was anything special, but the inside is incredibly charming. I got their Loco Moco (obviously) with brown rice. Their Loco Moco was quite different than Koko Head’s. This Loco Moco used a much more tender meat that literally just melted in your mouth. This dish was so delicious, I couldn’t get enough.

These were my top food spots in Oahu that I visited during my trip. If you make it out to the island of Oahu, definitely check these spots out! Also, if you’ve ever tried Loco Moco, let me know in the comments below!

My Top 5 Food Accounts to Follow on Instagram

Instagram is my favorite social media platform, hands down. Food, dogs and parody accounts are some of my favorite accounts to follow on IG. With that being said, I wanted to share with you my top 5 food accounts on Instagram. These will surely get you salivating.

local-haven

Who: Ashley Marti @localhaven
Why: Be prepared to drool. This IG account is seriously one of the most beautiful food Instagram accounts. The food styling is on point. Ashley never disappoints.

popeye-the-foodie

Who: Popeye @popeyethefoodie
Why: This dog is hands down my favorite on Insta (besides @mydogbaguette of course!). Popeye travels around LA, looking both stylish and posing with the most delicious looking food. I want the dog, and the food.

byron

Who: Byron Talbott @byrontalbott
Why: Byron is my favorite Youtuber. His recipes on YouTube are the bomb.com. I’ve tried a couple of them out, (including the zucchini salad above) and they were AMAZING. Go follow him on YouTube and Insta for delicious recipes you can recreate at home.

kitchy-kitchen

Who: Claire Thomas @kitchykitchen
Why: Claire is another Youtuber that I love! She makes super fun recipes which she showcases on her Instagram. She also posts pictures of different places she goes to eat, all of which look amazing.

infatuation-la

Who: @infatuation_la
Why: If you’re living in a major city, and not following a food account about it…what are you doing? Infatuation LA showcases some of the cities best restaurants. Every time they post a new gram, my list of restaurants I need to check out doubles.

What are some of your favorite foodie accounts?

Best Brunch Spots in LA

2Croque Madame and the Regular Breakfast from Republique

This post is long overdue. Brunch is my favorite meal, hands down. I love it so much that I named my blog after it. So it’s only fair that I write a post detailing my favorite brunch spots in Los Angeles. Now the reason it’s taken me so long to write this post is because I didn’t want to just throw together some random brunch list. I wanted to take my time and try a bunch of different places and really figure out which ones were my favorites. Now, there’s always room for improvement and I’m sure I will discover another amazing brunch spot after posting this. However, that being said, these are my top 5 brunch spots as of today.

1. Republique

Oh. My. God. Why did it take me so long to try Republique? I love everything about this place. The food is amazing, and the vibe and interior decor is on point. Everything on the menu is fresh, seasonal and incredibly delicious. The only downside to this place is there is always a wait, but for good reason. This spot is not only my favorite, but also my friends. All of their pastries not only look fabulous but they all taste amazing. Be sure to grab one before you sit down and wait for your meal. Everything I’ve had here is great. My favorite: Croque Madame 

2. Village Idiot

The Village Idiot has been my brunch spot of choice for the better part of last year. There usually isn’t a wait, which is great when you’re starving (or hungover) and in need of some quick, yet yummy breakfast. I have probably been to the Village Idiot a couple dozen times for brunch, and they never disappoint. Their fresh squeezed OJ is so refreshing. They also have the best breakfast sandwich in all of LA. Now I know that’s a very bold statement but I stand by it 100%. I like to sub out the sausage for bacon, and if you love bacon as much as I do I highly recommend it. My favorite: Breakfast Sandwich

The Bloody Royale from Franklin & Co. The Bloody Royale from Franklin & Co.

3. Franklin & Co.

Franklin & Co. will always have a special place in my heart. It was where I discovered my love of Biscuits with Sausage Gravy. Not to mention their bacon is the bomb. Franklin & Co also happens to be known for their delicious Bloody Mary’s. This also happened to be where I discovered my love for Bloodies. All of their Bloody Mary’s are tasty, and if you’re adventurous enough to try their Bloody Royale…do it. My favorite: Biscuits with Sausage Gravy

IMG_6925Brunch Carbonara with a side of Crunchy French Toast at Blu Jam Cafe

4. Blu Jam Cafe

On the same block as the Village Idiot, is Blu Jam Cafe (they also have a location in the Valley). My friends and I have tried to go to Blu Jam numerous times, but there is always a long wait and we’re never prepared to wait that long. But finally, we planned and waited and got into Blu Jam. No wonder there is always a wait. This place is delicious. They have a couple brunch items that are not your typical brunch meals. I highly recommend you getting a plate of the Crunchy French Toast to share. It’s AMAZING. If you’re looking for something a little different, but extremely delicious go to Blu Jam. It’s well worth the wait. My favorite: Brunch Carbonara

Processed with VSCOcam with hb1 presetChoco Acai Bowls from Kreation

5. Kreation 

If you’re in one of those rare “I want to be healthy” moods, Kreation is the perfect brunch spot for you. They have THE BEST Acai Bowls I have ever had. Their juices and smoothies are also great. My friends and I go to Kreation after we’ve had a very indulgent weekend. It’s the perfect place to hit the reset button and feel good about the food you are eating. Everything is organic and tastes incredible. My favorite: Choco Acai Bowl

What are some of your favorite brunch spots? Leave them in the comments below!