Fig + Goat Cheese Crostini.

August 20, 2013August 20, 2013Leave a comment

This recipe was divine. I am frequently browsing instagram and other blogs for inspiration and tasty vegetarian recipes. I came across this one on Glitter Guide. Since figs are in season I thought, why not? It’s possible that some of you have a dreaded memory of figs from fig newtons and have been scarred as to what figs really taste like! If prepared right, or even eaten plain you might fall in love. I have become obsessed with all things cooking as of late (this is not new but more frequent as I love sharing recipes on my blog). If you aren’t sure if you are a fan of figs…try this! I think it might change your mind. You can always substitute the cheese for your choice such as gorgonzola or blue cheese.

{what you’ll need}

Baguette (slice and bake)
Goat cheese (organic preferred)
Honey (for drizzle)
Figs (fresh + sliced in half)

Cut the bread into slices. Set oven to 350 degrees and bake. Add goat cheese. Top with fig slices and drizzle with honey. (Note: I put the Crostini back in the oven to warm the goat cheese before topping with fig and honey.)

Back To The Grind

February 7, 2013February 7, 2013Leave a comment

Back to the grind! I started 3 science classes last week, two of which involve labs. What does that mean? Time is of the essence. I know what it’s like to be busy, but I still will not compromise my healthy habits simply because I am busy. The grocery store is my “BFF” and they pretty much see me everyday! When I don’t have time to prepare, I drop by Whole Foods and pick up a lunch snack of some sort. This is much better than starving or choosing a less healthier option provided at school/ work or not being provided at all. I cant tell you How many times I forget what I do or don’t eat when my days are filled. This is important, you NEED to eat. Your body needs energy. What’s the key to success? Plan ahead! Remember, if you don’t buy it, you are less likely to eat it!

Rock On Organic!

December 11, 2012December 11, 2012Leave a comment

This is my favorite event of the week. I have many favorites but cooking probably tops them all. I was at the Campbell Farmers Market this weekend and it was D-E-A-D! A little strange considering the weather was sunny and beautiful and usually that attracts people to get out and do something. Never the less- I would like to encourage you to buy your produce from the local farmers market. Often times the later you go the better prices you can score because they want to get rid of their products. Sometimes it will be $1 per lb. (Major Score). There are also many CSA’s (Community Supported Agriculture) you can join. Find one here.

Buying local refers to where the good was grown and produced. Back in the day when our grandparents were growing up- local farms was the only option. As we build global awareness of the problems factory farms pose to our generation, we’re seeing a return of sustainable, local farmers who believe in the way business used to get done. They also tend to practice more sustainable methods, such as protecting our air, water, and soil quality; and recycling and composting their waste. Small farms have been shown to invest more money back into their local communities.

There are many farmes markets throughout the week. Not only will you reep the benefits of great food, it might inspire you to try something in season that you don’t usually cook with. What’s better than knowing EXACTLY where your food comes from.

Organic goods are like music to nature’s ears. They are biodegradable, and come straight from the ground without shipping harmful polutants off into our atmosphere and water supply. Rock on, organic. Rock on!

Cheers To The Weekend &The SF Giants!

October 29, 2012October 29, 2012Leave a comment

{Cutest niece & nephew}

{Halloween Prezel Pumpkins}

Happy Monday everyone! Hard to believe it’s already the END of October. Where does the time go? We couldn’t have asked for a better weekend- 80 degrees AND the Giants sweep the Tigers!? Wow, I’ll take it! I am not a huge baseball fan, but these last 4 games were surely worth catching. I am happy to be from an area where the fans radiate so much energy for their team. Thoughts and prayers going out to all friends on the East Coast as hurricane Sandy passes through. Over the weekend I had a chance to do some Halloween baking, spend some quality time with my sister + niece and nephew and of course made it on a nice Sunday morning hike/farmers market yesterday. Thanks to my ultimate crafty sister- she helped with some baking (will post tomorrow) and these cute Halloween prezel pumpkins. Clearly, they are only semi healthy (organic prezels/non gmo graham crackers) but for the sake of the holiday I splurged. Just a sidenote: I left everything with my sister and the kids…they are fully stalked on Halloween goodies! 🙂

Hope everyone had a great weekend! It’s Monday…make it a great week.

Sunday Farmers Market.

September 4, 2012Leave a comment

If you haven’t guessed, Farmer’s market is one of my favorite weekend activities! I love the concept of “In Season” produce shopping. For me, this makes the enjoyment of what is here a little more exciting considering some fruits will be gone in just a couple of weeks. Hope you had a chance to visit your local farmers market this weekend.

Sunday Farmers’ Market

August 20, 2012August 20, 20122 Comments

Happy Monday! Hope you all had a great 2 days off. My weekend was great- a concert Friday night, a gathering with long time girlfriends on Saturday followed by a relaxing Sunday. It was just what I needed after a fully scheduled last week. My favorite part of the weekend is Sunday Farmers Market. It’s an excuse to get out of the house, listen to some great music (this week was ragae) and support our local farmers, otherwise known as CSA (Community Supported Agriculture.) The best part is that EVERYTHING is in season, mostly organically grown (SO IMPORTANT) which means it probably looks a little different than your average grocery store, not to mention it’s cheaper. If you go towards closing time that is when the deals happen. Sometimes they will even do 2 for 1 just to get rid of the item. When I attend I usually go to the Campbell farmers market. This will soon be my new place of residence so it will just be a bike ride away. If you are one of those people who can’t see going to Whole Foods to pay the “high price” of organically/in season produce, I highly reccomend you attend your next farmers market. They are usually thoughout the week- some on Wednesday’s, Fridays, Saturday and Sundays. This is a great way to show community support as well as show that you care about what you are eating. As organic food is beyond important so is knowing where your food comes from. The idea that you actually know where your food is coming from and when it was picked is a far stretch from your standard grocery store where food is often flavorless + picked and shipped weeks before it hits the store or the dinner table. You are probably so used to the lack of flavor that you consider it normal. Imagine that…YUK!

What is your favorite Farmers Market?

List of Bay Area Farmers Markets

What is GMO?

Food for Thought…

Locally grown food tastes better- Food grown in your own community was probably picked within the past day or two. It’s crisp, sweet and loaded with flavor. Food studies show that the average distance food travels from farm to plate is about 1,500 miles. Wow!

Local Food is GMO free- Although biotechnology companies have been trying to commercialze genetically motified fruits and vegetables, they are currently liscensing them out to only large factory-style farms. Local farmers don’t have access to genetically motified sees, and most wouldn’t use if they could.

Local food supports local farm families– With fewer than 1 million Americans now claiming farming as their primary occupation, farmers are a vanishing breed and no wonder commodity prices are at historic lows, often below the cost of food production. The farmer now gets less than 10 cents of the retail food dollar. Local farmers who sell direct to consumers cut out the middlemand and get full retail price for their food- which means farm families can affort to stay on the farm doing what they love.

Local food is about the future– By supporting local farmers today, you can help ensure that their will be farms in your community tomorrow & the future generations will have access to nourishing, flavorful & abundant food.