Spanish Shabby Chic

It’s been so hot in the last two weeks that I’ve decided to follow my bliss and share another passion: nesting in our new crib. After selling our house at the beach three years ago, it took us almost a year to find our next home. The “right house” meant a fixer-upper with good bones and a great community of like-minded people. Joni Mitchell said it best about L.A. when she sang, “they paved paradise to put up a parking lot.” This sentiment has unfortunately moved into residential properties, so much so, that old houses with tons of character are gutted and synthetically styled to create an upscale lifestyle. The question us, how do you create an authentic atmosphere when bling is king? Our search felt a little like looking for a needle in a haystack. After growing up in Venice, and Toby in west London, we were looking for a laid back community with creative brothers and sisters and a great school. A tall order. Thankfully we found our house. A Fixer-Upper indeed. Check these photos out. The house used to be a Casino. During our first viewing, the owner lead us through rooms with gambling tables, video games, pinball [...]

Vegetable Samosas

Toby, Jake, and I went down to Venice Beach today for the Hare Krishna “Festival of the Chariots.” Every year, the Krishnas take over the boardwalk with a celebration of music, indian dance, delicious food, and good vibes! Chilling on the grass with friends we soaked up the atmosphere, enjoying our “Free Feast” of vegetarian pasta Indian sweets,  and Rosehip-flavored  juice (divine). The whole experience ignited my desire to share another fab indian recipe today. This recipe has been in the back of my mind for months, but now full of inspiration from technicolor indian saris, krishna face paint, carnation garlands, and peaceful spirit, today seems like the right day to share this delicious snack with you. Try this when you have a little extra time, but it’s truly worth the effort. Vegetable Samosas Dough 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 tablespoon sooji (semolina flour) (optional) 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 tablespoons oil 1/4 cup minus 2 tablespoon lukewarm water Filling 3 large boiled potatoes (cooked to tender, not soft) peeled and cubed 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 teaspoon coriander powder 1/4 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon dry mango powder (optional) 1 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoons oil 1/2 cup fresh green peas (frozen [...]

Fruit Trifle

This is not your ordinary trifle with custard, sponge, jam, and a splash of alcohol. Call me crazy, but that’s exactly what’s kept me from eating it for years. Many of you out there downright refuse to do the same and hey, that’s absolutely cool in the gang. So I don’t seem like a gastronomic alien, custard just isn’t my thing (o.k. it’s official, I AM and alien). This recipe’s for my alien brothers and sisters out there who have a sweet tooth, crave creamy yummy-ness like the next person, but don’t want the extra baggage of carbs and fat. Zingy organic raspberry puree teams up with soft, vanilla-scented cashew cream, mouthwatering fresh fruit, and you’ve got yourself breakfast or dessert. Sorry, but ya can’t say that about an ordinary trifle. Well you can, but you might need to spend a little time on the treadmill. Fruit Trifle 4 cups your choice of fresh fruit: blueberries, blackberries, peaches, or nectarines 1 cup fresh raspberries Raspberry Puree 3 cups fresh Raspberries 3 soft medjool dates Vegan Cream 4 cups raw cashews (soaked in filtered water for an hour. save the soak water. juice of half  lemon 1 tsp vanilla seeds from [...]

Fusilli in a Spicy Tomato Sauce with Spinach and Olives

This pasta recipe’s  a lifesaver when you’re pressed for time, but crave a fresh, home cooked meal like Mama used to make. There’s no need to dial for a take away when cooking is this easy (and rewarding). Sooth your senses by filling the house with the heavenly aroma of sauteed garlic and chilli, sweet plum tomatoes, fresh spinach and moreish olives. Finish with a flutter of Parmesan. Ah, any day’s a great day for pasta if you ask me. Fusilli with Spicy Tomato Sauce with Spinach and Olives 3 tbs good olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced tsp dried red pepper flakes 1 1/2 lb tomatoes, blanched for 2 minutes, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped (or a can of organic chopped plum tomatoes) 3 cups fresh spinach, washed and dried 1 cup pitted black olives 1 lb dried fusilli handful fresh basil leaves, torn freshly grated parmesan sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste 1. Heat the olive oil in a medium saute pan and stir in the garlic and chili flakes. Cook for 2 minutes or until soft. Add the tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Raise the heat to hight for 2 minutes, then lower [...]

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

What a blissful day in the Canyon. A bit of gardening in the morning, swimming with friends, a fresh and easy lunch, followed by a bit of blogging. One of things I’m most excited about today is finding another kid-friendly recipe that’s delicious and nutritious. As a Mom of a finicky eater, I’m constantly on the lookout for healthy food that’s appealing to young taste buds. You’re in for a treat today because this recipe brings smiles from everyone at mealtime. Jake had not one, but four big slices of  Quesadillas! Serve with guacamole and salsa (recipes below) and you’ve got heaven on a plate. While I continue my research for the new site, please join me on my Facebook page, to view exciting therapies and ideas for optimum health. Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas Filling 1 can organic black beans, drained 2 cups organic corn from the cob, boiled or grilled, then sliced off the cob (defrosted organic corn also works) 3 cups shredded “Mexican Blend” of cheese(asadero, monterey jack, sharp cheddar, and queso blanco)  or cheddar (vegan, dairy-less cheese is available at your local health food store) tsp garlic powder tsp onion salt pinch of freshly ground black [...]