Cooking Lessons with Sweet Pea

Playing around in the kitchen with my youngest.

Salmon and Seeds

This morning I used my leftover wild caught salmon from last nights dinner to add a little kick to my yellow corn grits for breakfast. I don't do grits too often but when I do I get my grits from a local vendor at the farmers market.

On another note, I had the honor of attending a groundbreaking ceremony at Truman Elementary School for their school garden.   In addition,  there will be an eight week summer program for youth to learn about gardening. I will be one of the artisan chefs on board teaching our young people how to cook their wonderful harvest! I'll keep you posted on this and other community programs I am involved with. Check it out below!

The Southern Vegetarian Revolution Continues...

Check me out in the local e-zine 225 Dine.

Local Vegetarian Blogger

Homemade Almond Butter



photo: www.123rf.com

I saw this almond butter recipe on a Facebook feed from my Institute for Integrative Nutrition classmate.  Her blog is Full Plate/ Meals in a Snap.  The website is www.mealsinasnap.com .  The recipe, actually came from a another website called Color Wheel Meals.  Thought I would pass this along since almond butter can be pricey.  Enjoy!

---> Homemade Almond Butter | Color Wheel Meals

A South Louisiana Fall~ Oranges and Strawberries!!!

A few things I love about fall in South Louisiana is the weather and the harvest, especially the greens, strawberries, and oranges.  Yesterday I visited the Farmer's Market and bought some great berries and the sweetest navels.  As you see in the pic, my children ate the first small basket of berries in the car and by the time we got home my youngest was covered in strawberry and orange juice. 
While we were in the car, my son came up with the idea of a strawberry and orange pastry tart.  Interesting flavors and cool idea so here is the recipe: 

Louisiana Strawberry and Orange Tart
(makes about 6)

One package of individual pie crust dough or you can make your own
Strawberry jam
6 to 8 Fresh strawberries
1 tbsp Fresh Orange juice
1 tsp Orange zest
1 tbsp Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Chop strawberries, add orange zest, a tablespoon full of sugar, and 1 tablespoon full of orange juice.  Set aside.  You can play around with spices if you choose.

1.  Roll out the dough and cut it into squares
2.  Add 1 heaping tsp full of jam in the center of every other square.
3.  Add a few strawberries without liquid on top of jam in center.
4.  Cover with plain dough square and press together with fork (we used a pastry edger).
5.  Bake for 15 minutes until golden.
6.  Let cool a bit and Enjoy!

Never Apologize for Who You Are, Just Keep Cooking!!!

So today I posted a video of me talking outside of the kitchen.  Actually I am in the laundry room so I could get a little peace and quiet from the kids!  I've been having a recurring dream with Oprah Winfrey, Iyanla Vanzant, and Whoopi Goldberg. It's a great message and I hope you Enjoy!  Have a great weekend!!!!