Sweet Potato Pudding

I grew up with a sugary-sweet, marshmallow-topped version of sweet potato pudding, which was partnered up with cooked meats and overcooked green beans or heavily spiced collard greens. I can already hear some of you saying “Umm Umm,” but I dare say the only way is up from a nutritional standpoint. Somewhere in my teens I started pulling the marshmallow off because the sweet potatoes were so darned good (albeit with heaps of butter and white sugar in the mix). In my twenties, I discovered the naked goodness of fruits and vegetables, plus with a twinkle of seasoning….which is very nice indeed. My wholesome version of sweet potato pudding has a little twist of coconut, and I cannot tell you how gimme-some-moreish this dish is. We’re talking simple simple simple, yummy in my tummy goodness. Sweet Potato Pudding 8 medium sized sweet potatoes, washed and dried tbs coconut oil 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground ground nutmeg tsp pure vanilla extract (brand with no alcohol) tsp of agave syrup (optional) 1. Preheat the oven to 350F. 2. Pierce the potatoes with a sharp knife all over, then lay the on a large baking tray. Bake for 60 minutes, or [...]

Vegan Eggnog

Happy Holidays everyone! Here is a dairy-free eggnog recipe that is incredibly quick, easy, and so so delicious. With or without alcohol it is OMG good! Vegan Eggnog 1 liter of unsweetened almond milk 1 can of light coconut milk 1 banana tbs vanilla extract (no alcohol added) 3 tbs agave syrup tsp ground cinnamon tsp ground nutmeg tsp allspice handful of ice cubes optional: 1/3 cup rum 1. Put all of the ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth. Serves 8-10

Peace, Love….and Butternut Squash Soup

All around the world, kids are in our hearts this week. And parents. As human beings first, we do our best in an ever-more complicated society of computers, cell phones, internet, video games, Facebook and Twitter, not to mention 24-7 news coverage. I will say it again: we do our best, because my heart grieves for everyone involved in the tragedy in Newtown. Rather than raise a fist in anger, we must find softness in our hearts. Rather than pointing fingers, we must find compassion and empathy. Rather than get political, we must realize that we the people have the power to change our society, not just elected officials. The NRA doesn’t have the power, we have the power and we are the change. I’m not talking daisy chains and love-ins, I’m talking about understanding that we live in a global community and we’re all connected. As brothers and sisters in a world that we share together, we have an incredible responsibility to create a future that’s safe, full of inspiration….and possibilities. As a human being that shares a little patch on planet earth with you, my goal is to create an environment of peace and understanding. My heart is heavy, yet [...]

Creamy Tomato Alphabet Soup

The wintry weather has finally arrived in Los Angeles! Along with my excitement over wearing sweaters three days a year (bah doomp boomp) I hanker for thick and creamy soups. The sudden drop in temperature also signals flu season at school, so time to ramp up the vitamin-packed soups to keep the doctor visits away! This recipe epitomizes my love for fresh food fast: quick and easy, and best of all nutritious. Enjoy!  Creamy Alphabet Tomato Soup 1 cup alphabet pasta 1 onion diced 3 cloves garlic, mincedx 1 cup carrots, chopped 2 stalks celery, diced 4 cups vegetable broth 2 x 28-ounce cans of diced plum tomatoes 2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried parsley tablespoon of parmesan cheese (optional) 1/2 teaspoon of unbleached sugar (optional) sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to season 1. Cook the pasta, rinse in cool water, and set aside. 2. Using a soup pot, sauté the onion and garlic for 3 minutes until soft. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for 4 minutes. 3. Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, basil, oregano, and parsley and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 15 [...]

Vegetables au Gratin

Back to basics! For the last two weeks I’ve pressed the rewind button, going back to the classics that work, albeit with an update of healthy ingredients. We all remember Vegetables au Gratin swimming in “cheese” sauce as kids, but it’s time to reclaim our taste buds (and waistlines) for real flavor without all the funky additives. There’s another reason why I’m turning back the years: kids love vegetables with cheese, and I tell ya, I’ll do almost anything (within reason) to get my kid to eat more vegetables. Oh yes, I’ve heard all those stories of the Bombastic Supa Dupa Magnificent Moms that drop out of the sky, sprinkling fairy dust here and there, getting their kids to do or eat anything they want, but hey, It Ain’t Me Babe, N0-Ho-Ho, it ain’t me babe! Dang, there’s goes my Mommy Medal of Honor. Bummer Dude. So back on track, like that, in a rub a dub stylee…Man, I just lurve being imperfect, don’t you? Life is just so much more interesting. William Blake once said that ” Improvement makes straight roads, but the crooked roads without Improvement are the roads of Genius.” Now I’m not sayin’ I’m a flipping Genius [...]