Best Healing Herbs to Use Every Day

We all know that herbs have medicinal benefits, but which ones should we use on a daily basis? With so many herbal remedies around, how do we narrow down which ones are most effective?

Herbal medicines have been used for centuries in different cultures across the world. Herbs are packed with essential nutrients and compounds that can help to promote good health and fight off diseases. … Read more “Best Healing Herbs to Use Every Day”

What is the problem with food influencers?

The world of social media has completely changed the way we go about things. Whether personally or professionally, a lot of our habits have altered completely, and that is owing directly and indirectly to social media and also to the advent of technology. One thing that has been recently introduced in the world of social media is the dilemma of food influencers. The word “influencer” is now being misused to a great extent. The fact that these bloggers only try out original foods and recipes and give their critique on them influences people into altering their buying behaviors and buying patterns when it comes to food-related items. Many times the followers on their accounts are bought (more on this at https://www.simplygram.com/how-to-get-more-followers-on-instagram/)… Read more “What is the problem with food influencers?”

{Sunny Side Up} Sea Salt + Vinegar Kale Chips

I have been learning how amazing simple food is. New age chefs are constantly trying to find innovative ways to create complex dishes. While many of the dishes are in fact delicious nothing beats the flavors of simple food. Lately I found myself drawn towards simplicity when searching for new recipe ideas. Take an egg for example; it is one the world’s simplest ingredients and yet nothing beats the taste of a freshly cracked egg. You can doll it up and cover with other flavors but those flavors need the simplicity of the egg to reach their full potential – the egg does not.

While the new age gastronomical side of cooking excites me, it doesn’t fulfill me.
I try and keep this mindset while cooking; the old adage holds true – less really is more. So if you find that lately my recipes may be a lackluster; create one of them and you will find that they are entirely the opposite. I may not be playing around with maltodextrin but I am playing around with beautiful, simple flavors and those simple flavors really are … Read more “{Sunny Side Up} Sea Salt + Vinegar Kale Chips”

Moroccan Mint Tea + Hibiscus Flower Granita

If you are lucky enough to be living in Southern California, you have had the privilege of enjoying this warm weather we have been having. I don’t know what it is about me, but the second the sun comes out I reach for something sweet. Somehow I always find a way to make a sweet treat to beat the heat.

I have been on a bit of a tea kick lately and when I first saw a tea-infused granita on OceanSpray’s website, this opened up a whole new world – literally iced tea. Seeing as how I do not eat ice cream (I know, I know, I’m crazy) I am always looking for a new sweet frozen treat; and knowing how simple it is to make a granita I knew I had to try this.

Moroccan Mint tea is probably my second favorite tea (a close second behind Earl Grey) but there is something slightly more refreshing than a plain ‘ole black tea and I thought the hint of mint would compliment a more sugary treat.

One of my favorite cocktails includes a few drops … Read more “Moroccan Mint Tea + Hibiscus Flower Granita”

Vanilla Bean Cake + Champagne Buttercream

This past weekend was a whirlwind of celebrations and man I’m exhausted. I celebrated my 26th birthday alongside my family and friends and of course felt the need to bake myself a birthday cake for the occasion. Deciding to keep it simple, I went with a classic vanilla bean cake – who doesn’t like that? However, I just can never seem to leave well enough alone, so I decorated the cake in a champagne buttercream gradient frosting topped with chocolate butterflies. While friends “ooh’d and aah’d” over it I must say, it was a lot easier to create than it seems.

I enjoyed my Friday night celebrating with some good grub and festive libations at our new favorite spot, 1321. It’s a great little gastro-pub that reminisces a speakeasy from the 40’s. It was a great evening with great friends and I could not have thought of a better way to ring in my 26th year.

We continued the celebrations well throughout the weekend, enjoying brunch with my family at another great restaurant that I often frequent, The Strand House. Not only does this place … Read more “Vanilla Bean Cake + Champagne Buttercream”