Fig + Hazelnut + Chocolate = Cookies
February 19th, 2011
Figgy Nocciolosa Cookies – Chocolate, Hazelnut, Fig…yum!
My favorite gelateria in Florence is Gelateria La Carraia for two reasons. Reason #1 They are the best bang for the buck (euro). You see, I lived in Florence before and after the euro came into creation. Before the euro, the smallest gelato cost 1,000 lira in most gelaterie. That was about 50 cents (American). Now…most gelaterie sell their smallest gelato for 2 euro which is currently $2.74 American dollars! So you see, something strange happened.
But, Gelateria La Carraia is one of the few to offer a 1 euro cone when no one else does. They still see the value in keeping it real with the prices, and don’t be fooled! Gelato is way more filling than ice cream, and you really don’t need anything more than the smallest size to quench your sweet tooth and fill your belly… Everyone knows you are a foreigner if you walk out of a gelateria with a giant 5 euro waffle cone and gelato quickly dripping down your wrist.
Continue reading “Fig + Hazelnut + Chocolate = Cookies”
Tags: agave, almond flour, cacao powder, chocolate, coconut oil, dried figs, gelato, hazelnuts, vanilla
Posted in alternative grain, cookies, dessert, egg-free, gluten-free, indulgent, restaurants, travel, vegetarian, wheat-free 8 Comments »
“Wood” you like more fiber in that?
February 14th, 2011
photo courtesy of: kitchencritic.co.uk
I love to get feedback from my readers. It is great to know that people are enjoying my stories and recipes and trying out their own approaches with the recipe inspiration on my site. It is even fun to know that my family is enjoying my blog and sharing stories about their experiences.
Recently my stepfather wrote to me to say that he loved my recipe for Raw Apple Sauce. He had tried it out, it was easy, delicious and he was very excited to have this new recipe under his belt.
The interesting part is that a few days later I was talking to my mother and she said, she loved the Raw Apple Sauce that my stepfather had created…except for the little bits of wood mixed in.
Continue reading ““Wood” you like more fiber in that?”
Posted in Inspiration, Life 4 Comments »
Share the Love
February 13th, 2011
In honor of Valentine’s Day, I thought it would be nice to share the love with some of my favorite food bloggers, and share with you, the readers, some great recipes from other foodies…
These are the recipes that I have been enjoying the past few weeks…Delicious!
Warm Winter Coleslaw Recipe with Chili-Lime Dressing
This coleslaw is sooooo good! We have made numerous batches and it is definitely not to be missed. While some might consider it a side-dish… I like it as a meal. It is crunchy, has a little sweet and sour mix going on, and just enough spice to make my lips tingle.
Photo credit: Gluten Free Goddess
Continue reading “Share the Love”
Tags: cabbage, carrot, chocolate, coconut oil, rice cake
Posted in cookies, dairy free, dessert, egg-free, entree, gluten-free, salad, snacks, vegan, vegetable side, vegetarian, wheat-free No Comments »
Review – Real Food Nation
February 6th, 2011
Veggie Burger with Avocado and Cheddar on a Gluten-Free Bun
I first heard about Real Food Nation from a friend who caught wind of a place in Santa Fe that makes their own gluten-free buns for their burgers… That was exciting! As many readers know, it is a rare occasion to find a restaurant that actually makes their own gluten-free substitutions so this was not to be missed. RFN quickly became a fun getaway for my friends and I during Massage school. We would jump in the car with hungry bellies, excited to “escape from the city” and have some great eco-diner food.
You see, Real Food Nation is pretty cool. They definitely rock the burgers and fries angle, but with a great twist and they have tons of other options as well. As they mention on their website: “We are committed to serving only the finest naturally raised meats, poultry and produce. We have a greenhouse, orchard and gardens on site to supply us with the freshest greens, fruits and vegetables possible.” So their food is fresh, and made with integrity, and that is evident in every meal that I have had there.
Continue reading “Review – Real Food Nation”
Tags: Santa Fe, veggie burger
Posted in gluten-free, restaurants, vegetarian, wheat-free No Comments »
Food Photography Calendar Winner
February 5th, 2011
Congratulations to Rebecca, the winner of my Food Photography Calendar, featuring photos of 12 of my favorite recipes! Rebecca’s comment on the Budding Lotus Facebook Page was that she would like to see a Vegan Thai Curry…”not reliant on tons of soy”. I love that idea!
I am not a fan of soy products either, so I am excited to come up with a yummy Thai Vegan Curry. In the meantime, Rebecca, enjoy the calendar!
Do you want to find out about future giveaways on Nourish the Budding Lotus? Become a Facebook fan.
Posted in giveaway No Comments »
Coconut Hot Chocolate
February 3rd, 2011
Coconut Hot Chocolate
It is cold here in Santa Fe! I know that the Northeast and Midwest are getting a whole lot more snow that we have so far this winter, but…it was -2 degrees this morning, and didn’t warm up much more than that. Apparently there is even a state of emergency here in Northern New Mexico, as gas is being consumed faster than it can be replaced… Houses are cold, some people have no heat… Its cold!
So… it is the perfect time for some hot chocolate. I created this quick and easy hot chocolate recipe on the fly, and it is delicious. I added coconut oil for a dash of flavor, but there are some extra benefits too. I didn’t need any sweetener, because there is a natural sweetness to the oil, and the coconut oil also adds a silky consistency to the hot chocolate. This hot beverage glides down. And…speaking of gliding…coconut oil also helps things glide out the back end if you know what I mean. It is a great lubricant for the intestines and helps keep things moving along. Sort of like the people-movers at airports…
Continue reading “Coconut Hot Chocolate”
Tags: almond milk, coconut oil, raw cacao, vanilla
Posted in beverages, breakfast, dairy free, dessert, egg-free, gluten-free, indulgent, raw, snacks, vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free 3 Comments »
Food Photography Calendar Giveaway
January 30th, 2011
Calendar Giveaway
I have a 2011 Nourish the Budding Lotus Food Photography Calendar to give away to 1 lucky winner! It features photos of 12 of my favorite dishes that I have prepared in the past 2 years of blogging and I am excited to share it.
How to Enter: All you have to do is leave a comment on the Budding Lotus Body Facebook page with a suggestion of a dish that you love and would like to see a gluten-free/vegetarian version.
Who Will Win: I will read through the suggestions and pick the idea that I think sounds the most fun. I will announce the winner on Friday, February 4th. I am very excited to hear your ideas!
Here are links to the 12 dishes featured in the calendar:
January – Roasted Vegetable Tart
February – Passion Fruit Pudding
March – Butternut Squash Flan
April – Cornucopia Spring Rolls
May – Oven Baked Fries
June – Lemon Ginger Cookies
July – Flax Veggie Burgers
August – Starfruit Cake
September – Oven Roasted Kohlrabi with Veggies
October – Chocolate Banana Bread
November – Pumpkin Spice Cake
December – Cocoa Chocolate Cookies
Posted in alternative grain, breakfast, crackers and breads, dairy free, dessert, egg-free, entree, fruit, giveaway, gluten-free, grain side, indulgent, Inspiration, Life, raw, salad, snacks, soup/stew, vegan, vegetable side, vegetarian, wheat-free 2 Comments »
Chocolate Pudding Smoothie
January 27th, 2011
Chocolate Pudding Smoothie
I am building a new business… Preparing marketing materials, strategizing on fliers, business cards, how to best use social media… Planning opportunities to network in person and connect with people in my community. But, I am shy, so while I tread into new territory, and step out of my comfort zone to make new connections I am also seeking comfort.
I find comfort in the kitchen. It is peaceful, welcoming and holds space for me to experiment in the embrace of my own home. My kitchen says “Let’s play. Forget everything else and open up.” My kitchen is a great friend.
I find comfort in this smoothie. Chocolate Pudding Smoothie sweeps me off my feet, says “sit down with me sweetie” wraps its arms around me and holds me gently, saying “everything is going to be all right”. It is thick, chocolate-y, indulgent and full of raw food goodness. I could run away with this smoothie!
What comforts you during these cold winter days? Continue reading “Chocolate Pudding Smoothie”
Tags: agave, almond milk, avocado, raw cacao, swiss chard, vanilla
Posted in beverages, breakfast, dairy free, dessert, egg-free, gluten-free, indulgent, raw, snacks, vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free 3 Comments »
Raw Apple Sauce
January 25th, 2011
Raw Apple Sauce
Ever since I moved out West, I have been a big fan of Vitamin Cottage. I find it more down-to-earth than Whole Foods, and with better prices on most items…and has more gluten-free, health geared options than Trader Joe’s. So, a large percentage of my shopping is completed here… But I am definitely one to price out the best deals at each store, and shop around. I thank my Grammie for that influence. She would always know which store to go to in order to get the best deal!
One of my favorite deals at Vitamin Cottage is the $1 produce bin. Sometimes you can get some great stuff! Lately I have been getting bags of organic apples for $1. Sure they have some bruises on them, so I might not want to eat them as is, but they are great for baking, and great for apple sauce! Continue reading “Raw Apple Sauce”
Tags: apple, cinnamon, lemon
Posted in breakfast, dairy free, dessert, egg-free, fruit, gluten-free, raw, snacks, vegan, vegetarian, wheat-free 11 Comments »
Quinoa Broccoli Salad
January 23rd, 2011
Quinoa Broccoli Salad
Last night was so much fun! After much anticipation, I finally co-hosted a swishing party (I have been hoping to do this for a while now). For those of you who do not know about swishing, basically it is a great way to get a bunch of friends together and swap clothing. It was great! My roommate and I invited friends, and friends of friends. We set up tables for different categories of clothing, and had swishing happening in 2 different rooms.
We weren’t sure how it would go to just make it a “free-for-all”, but it was perfect. There was a great mix of women of ages and styles and it seemed like everyone was excited with what they were getting…and seeing other women enjoying the items they were getting rid of. The best part, was that even after every did a few rounds of swishing there was still a ton of clothing to donate to the local Women’s shelter in town. Continue reading “Quinoa Broccoli Salad”
Tags: basil, broccoli, garlic, mint, mushroom, olives, quinoa
Posted in alternative grain, dairy free, egg-free, entree, gluten-free, grain side, salad, vegan, vegetable side, vegetarian, wheat-free 2 Comments »
