Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book reviews. Show all posts

11/1/13

friday links + giveaway!

Happy Friday!

I have some wonderful shots of seals.
These seals know that the fishermen clean out their boats after loading the days catch, and they wait, patiently for the chum scraps to come out the end of the boat.
If you look closely, there is a smart seal, that sits right next to the water shoot and catches all the chum.
Greedy (but smart) little guy.
IMG_3274
IMG_3275
The seagull sitting on the back kills me!
IMG_3288
Looking at me for treats.
IMG_3284
See the one right under the water shoot?  He knows what he's doing.
IMG_3277
Photos taken in chatham, ma.

IMG_3173
Being a huge tea lover, Harmless Harvest 100% Raw Tea recently sent me a nice care package of their new raw tea
to try. Have you tried these? Wow are they good. Just 100% raw, clean, healthy tea.
No crap, no fillers, no aftertaste--just honest to goodness tasty tea.
True all natural flavors of: raw honey-lemon, raw peppermint, and unsweetened.
What is raw tea?  Picked fresh tea leaves, never dehydrated, and then blended into chilled water.  Kept cold, kept fresh.  Where are they?  They can be found in almost all Whole Foods Markets located next to their raw coconut water.
Follow Harmless Harvest on Facebook to see where they are holding tasting samples at your local Whole Foods Markets.

Cookbook Giveaway!
IMG_2937
The Simply Raw Kitchen by Natasha Kyssa is donating a book to giveaway!
IMG_3307
You might remember me talking about the abundance of creativity that I found looking through this cookbook.  I was so amazed at how one can get so creative with raw foods!
From The Simply Raw Cookbook:
"....The road to good health through proper diet and nutrition can lead down many paths; you may ask yourself, should I go vegan? Follow a gluten-free regimen? Should I eat raw or cooked foods? Natasha Kyssa offers all that and more in this inspiring collection of mostly raw, whole-foods recipes that will improve your health, no matter what your age. Natasha is a former international fashion model who transformed her unhealthy lifestyle by turning to raw foods almost twenty-five years ago; she is now a raw foods consultant and restaurateur who also runs marathons in her spare time. Natasha promotes a balanced, flexible diet designed for individual constitutions and based on fresh plant foods—gluten-free, toxin-free, and simply delicious. Her regimen also takes into consideration older folks and others who cannot tolerate an all-raw diet by including cooked foods. It's a cookbook and lifestyle guide to be shared between generations, much like Natasha and her mother, who contributes vegan versions of central European classics like borscht, mushroom goulash, cabbage rolls, and lovage dumplings. Other recipes include raw soups, cakes, and puddings, as well as a raw Pad Thai and spaghetti bolognese."

To enter the giveaway:
*leave ONE comment telling us what your favorite raw food dish
*please have a valid email in your comment and/or signature line
*anonymous comments will be deleted
*drawing held 11/8/2013

Around the web:

If you have a dog I hope you've heard about the tainted jerky treats?
Does salt consumption cause high blood pressure?
On a single breath of air, Stig Severinsen sets a new official Guinness World Record by swimming 250 feet (76.2m) below the ice in a frozen lake in East Greenland
Melanin Pigmentation in salmon fillets: causes, risk factors
Hilarious! I do miss LA at times. Here is: "Shalloween"
The ultimate vegan burger
How to promote your baking business on twitter
I do love cinnamon--check out these cinnamon shortbread bars
Oh how I love this idea: finger spoons!
Some of the best international slow cooker recipes I've come across in a while
DIY pickled eggplant
12 chemicals that are screwing up your hormones
DIY homemade caramel apples (easy too!)
My favorite pudding: banana. Nick shows us how easy it is to make at home
THIS mexican caesar salad has me drooling
The incredible shrinking plane seat (unreal!)
A simple test may catch early pancreatic cancer
Are you into knitting? Here are some cute animal hat patterns
Banana cream pie rice krispie treats
Chai infused butternut squash soup
Edible chocolate shot glasses! LOVE this.
Compound in broccoli may offer protection against radiation sickness
How to remove a tree stump painlessly (let me know if this works! I have a lot of tree stumps after
hurricane sandy)
Chili-garlic tater tots
5 foods for vibrant hair
DIY kale chips...in the microwave!
Pumpkin-pecan scones with browned butter glaze
Red Sox Koji Uehara's son comments on Dad's winning
Oh the many wonders of ginger root. Love to read about this!
Salted caramel pretzels
Scentee makes your smart phone smell like cinnamon roll when you get a text (would you buy it?)
Starbucks to open first "Zen like" tea house
David Lebovitz makes mac & cheese 
All natural chocolate nut bark
Did the Earth's water come from very early asteroid strike?
Do you have kids?  Have you had one of these days? Holy Moly!
Dark & Stormy caramel corn
Little food history on the "snack cake"
Red Flannel Hash
DIY Snicker Bar! (bookmarked & printed!)
7-layer candy bar dip (LOL!)

Massachusetts Residents: 
help sign the repeal the automatic gas tax TankTheGasTax.org
Do you know that there is going to be an automatic annual increase in the gas tax? How can that be?
This summer the legislature passed into law a linking of the gas tax to the Consumer Price Index!  That means as inflation rises so does the Massachusetts gas tax.  It is the gas tax to infinity and beyond.
Worse yet, it is taxation without representation.  Legislators never have to vote again to raise our taxes, but our taxes will go up! What if the CPI goes down?  You will still be paying 24 cents per gallon! The legislature capped the minimum you will pay, but they did not cap the maximum we will all pay at the pump.
This tax increase is directly aimed at the working poor and middle class.  It will not only increase the cost of commuting to work, but it will also hike up the costs of food and clothing.
Remember, 24 cents is just the state’s gas tax.  It doesn’t include the federal gas tax.
How do we end this taxation without representation?
We pass a ballot question in November 2014.  The first step in the process is collecting 100,000 signatures.  Will you help us? We need people to collect signatures and to sign our petitions.
tankthegastax.org 

Have a wonderful weekend!












10/4/13

friday links

Happy Friday kids!

Been spending as much time as I can at the beach swimming, surfing, etc...
Our weather here on cape cod has been amazing; non-stop sun for weeks on end.
We got very lucky this summer with abundant sunshine.
You need to see the beauty....
IMG_3050
Love to see surfboards...I feel at home.
IMG_3052
Surfer girls waiting on swells (waves).
IMG_3053
Not a great day for surf BUT a perfect day for stand up paddleboard.
I'm saving my money for a new stand up board!
Hopefully next summer I'll have a new board!
IMG_3051
Can you see the seal on the left side (middle)?
IMG_3055
Ben & Jerry's has a new flavor: pumpkin cheesecake. I don't need to tell you how good it is right?
IMG_3011
The pumpkin bread mix from Trader Joe's is REALLY good.
IMG_3009
These are ok. What I love is the price, far cheaper than others.
IMG_3042
These pumpkin-like blondies weren't that good.
Didn't taste like pumpkin, tasted like a spiced candle.
Strange.
IMG_3059
Was asked to create a couple recipes for Kretschmer.
Any suggestions?
Kretschmer is an original superfood
IMG_3062
"163 Best Paleo Slow Cooker Recipes". A cookbook for Paleo AND a slowcooker?
Yes please!  Being able to keep the paleo eating going strong through the winter with this wonderful
cookbook. 
IMG_3061
"163 Best Paleo Slow Cooker Recipes" is loaded with creative Paleo recipes just for your slow
cooker.

Around the web:

s'mores swirl brownies
croque monsieur sliders!  Must make these!
oatmeal-cherry jam bars
pumpkin beers to try this Fall
15 tips to naturally balance your hormones (good advice, especially #6 and #12)
Do you suffer from IT Band Syndrome? It might be your posture!
gluten free buckeye brownies!
5-minute DIY herb facial.  Who knew it could be this easy?
when bacteria fights back: Q&A on the rising threat of drug-resistant microbes
mini pumpkin pie slice cookies (the best cookie decorating site)
cheeseburgers with mac & cheese buns!
why is my quinoa bitter?
the best anti-aging strategies are free
taste-test: nut milks from Three Trees
forks, knives & beakers: harold mcgee starts off his series at Harvard on cooking & science
tips for using apple cider in your baking
coconut chicken fingers (kicked up but still easy to make)
just in time for winter: turmeric tea
I LOVE butterscotch in pies.
chicken pot pie in whole wheat crust
simple homemade chicken soup: these are the kind of recipes I love
is there a website that reviews candy? YES. The candyblog.net
some of the most creative pumpkin recipes I've seen (thanks Kevin!)
DIY fresh ginger syrup. Perfection!
white chicken chili
now this is my kind of granola: homemade gingerbread granola
apple-cream cheese pie--what's not to love about this?
almond butter rice krispie treats! (bookmarked)

Books I'm swooning over:

51upkg68IaL._SY344_PJlook-inside-v2,TopRight,1,0_SH20_BO1,204,203,200_
I could easily become a master in french eating.
Mastering the art of french eating.

51eYC0lkCKL._SX258_BO1,204,203,200_
David's new book My Paris Kitchen is coming out soon!



Have a wonderful weekend!










9/27/13

friday links

Happy Friday!

Recently I was given a couple samples of Not Your Sugar Mamas chocolate bars.
Not truly knowing what they were, I just thought they were another artisanal chocolate bar.
But no, they are all natural, no refined sugar, good for you chocolate bar THAT has really good
taste.  Look for them in Whole Foods or just go to their website and see where you can find them.
It's really good chocolate made with pure cacao, raw foods and all natural seasonings.
My favorite was the Be Fresh.
IMG_2967
IMG_2970
Have you tried your sweet potato fries this way?  Oh but you must!
IMG_2957
Recently I got a chance to sit in (not fly...yet!) a Waco Biplane at Cape Cod Airfield.
You can imagine my excitement!
Next time I will go for a ride.
IMG_2915
IMG_2930
IMG_2929
IMG_2916
Cool right?  I wish I had a better camera so I could take a clearer photo of the cockpit.
IMG_2982
I was asked to review the candy cookbook Classic Candy by Abigail Gehring.
No special molds needed, easy to follow instructions, and hard to find recipes for such old-fashioned candy favorites like:  licorice twists, chocolate cheesecake bon bons, cinnamon hard candies, pate de fruit, potato candy, sugar plums, gummi bears, and so much more!
If you're into vintage candy making that requires no molds, this book is for you.
Plus it comes with handy candy temperature chart.  
IMG_2980
IMG_2979
Classic Candy by Abigail Gehring

Around the Web:

literary life: a step back in time with HoJo's (my friend wrote this--had to share)
food combining: do you believe in it or think it's hogwash?
5 crucial exercises to keep you in tip top shape (from surf legend dave kalama)
turmeric: the next superfood?
wreaths! the movie (for all you crafty folks)
roasted pumpkin seed hummus
a lightened up version of pumpkin cream cheese muffins
pumpkin pie bagels! when I eat carbs again--this is first in my mouth!
pumpkin-cheesecake popsicles! 
10 ways to use lemons for beauty
healthy peanut butter cups
homemade peanut butter treats for dogs (really cute)
meet "super dad" aka "bat dad" (hilarious!)
apple breakfast bars (I love easy & tasty recipes)
what do the monopoly properties look like in real life?
how to make spanish tortillas

I will be crafty this winter! I will!
humans crave comfort, but comfort isn't always good for us (ut oh! study from harvard gazette)
japanese manhole covers are beautiful
a conversation with teeny the pie baker
re-charge your iphone by just squeezing it?
no more soggy bottom muffins--try this tip
the cold bruer coffee system
how to make perfect chocolate pudding
3 ways to soften butter quickly
built-in straw cereal bowl
foam roller: what is it, how do you use it & why does it hurt?
wonderful aerial view of cape cod
pumpkin ale muffins!
key lime-white chocolate cookies
streuseled acorn squash muffins
make today, eat any day: how to freeze cookie dough

Have a wonderful weekend!



                                          

9/20/13

friday links

Happy Friday!
The winner of the Krusteaz molten cookie giveaway is #7: Lynn!
Congrats to you!  Please email me your shipping address!

IMG_2937
I was asked to review this wonderful and very creative raw cooking/creating.
I have to admit I was skeptical at first because, well, we all know raw is tricky and hard to love.
BUT this book Simply Raw Kitchen is so creative and so versatile.
I gave you a sneak peek of the dessert section, the "righteous brownies with caramel frosting".
Can you believe this is all raw?  Unreal right?
If you're wanting to go to the raw side and still want to keep it tasty and not all tasting like lawn clippings--you MUST get this book: Simply Raw Kitchen by Natasha Kyssa.
IMG_2938
IMG_2944
My latest creation, made late at night:IMG_2786
Since our weather here on cape cod has been gorgeous, we've had a lot of people jumping out of the sky--luckily I captured a couple.
IMG_2923
IMG_2922
Lots of jellyfish lately in the ocean.
IMG_2927
And of course, the end of summer wouldn't be official without the presence of Mabel.
Mabel can only go to the beach at the end of summer since she has to say HI to everyone on the beach-- you can imagine how hard that is in the summer.
IMG_2925
Blue Print Cleanse has a new drink!
IMG_2887
I'm still swimming.
Can't believe I'm still swimming the end of September. The ocean is nice and warm though.
IMG_2926
And the crabs are still biting!
IMG_2895
My friend started his own peanut butter company.
I couldn't be happier for him.
If you're looking for a really all natural peanut without added sugar, added chemicals, just tasty pure roasted peanuts then please try this.
I was pretty shocked at how good this was without the sugar.
To order: peanutbutterboy.com
IMG_2907

Around the web:
5 steps for avoiding & detoxing the Bt-toxin found in GMO crops
How cute are these? Mason jar lid pies: spiced peach
The radioactive flow from Japan in the Pacific ocean is terrifying
Should we avoid low-fat cheese & milk?
Simple dietary switch that improves your mood
I love these kinds of "rustic recipes" sourdough skillet biscuits!
Wonderful aerial view of different beaches around the world
Cassava cheese balls (an Indonesian dessert)
Vitamin B may help protect against Alzheimers (I hear good and bad about Vit B, not sure about this)
Love this! Small batch homemade sauerkraut. Looks very easy!
Paleo Love: fig newton clones!
Pumpkin-caramel latte brownies
Healthy foods that keep you full (brownies didn't make the list)
DIY bubble gum kit
How to make a ramen crust pizza (will you?)
The crazy world of NFL diets
If you can believe it--Hello Kitty contact lenses
Nacho Cakeletes!
Cheetos infused macaron?  Yes please, I'll take 12!
Bookmarked: turkish coffee brownies
Cheddar, fig jam & candied pecan panini
DIY: peach ketchup
GF Love: GF Brownie Waffles (hello!)
Why do different weather apps give you different weather forecasts?
Nutella-chocolate chip cookies with sea salt (my love for Nutella is now stronger)
Complete guide to understanding probiotics & prebiotics
What it's like to be an eagle.  Awesome footage.
Inspiration read: Hank bought a bus....
I could drink this--white cheddar, garlic & sriracha dip
New research on healthy gut bacteria
Will Chipotle become the first GMO-free restaurant?  I sure hope so!
Handmade portraits: Beantown homemade--so cute!!

**And lastly, this post/article is graphic--I post this because I want to help find the person that did
this to the poor dog.
If you're from Boston/Massachusetts, please share.  Let's find this asshole!
There is huge power in numbers!
Again, this is graphic and heartbreaking.
UPDATE:  because of all the public outcry on this horrific crime, outpouring of support for Puppy Doe and the knowledge that so many of you share our sense of shock at the pain purposely inflicted on this young dog a fund has been set up in "puppy doe's" name.
Your donation (to the Animal Rescue League of Boston) today will go directly to on-going law enforcement efforts on behalf of Puppy Doe and others like her.
$5,000 reward for information leading to the prosecution of the perpetrator in the Puppy Doe case. Funds donated on behalf of Puppy Doe in excess of this reward will go directly towards preventing future cases of animal suffering, cruelty and neglect.
And lastly, I have found out that State Rep of Massachusetts Louis Kafka is vowing to change the
punishment laws of animal cruelty to be more harsh.**


1/11/13

friday links

Sorry the friday links have been m.i.a. for a while.
But I have lots to share with you!
Let's get right to it!
3337-1
onion, bacon and butternut tart from whole foods market recipe box.

freezer friendly: homemade oatmeal pucks.
isn't that the best idea?  from williams kitchen.
pink & white layered sprinkle cake topped with macarons from raspberri cupcakes
homemade tootsie rolls from food52
bala do coco (coconut candy) from sugarcubedblog
thai fish cakes from mongolian kitchen
homemade pimento cheese from kitchen riffs
chocolate flake pudding from a cake bakes in brooklyn (never heard of this, you?)
lime & ginger cookies from cupcake muffin
sparkling red velvet bundt cake from alaska from scratch
smores macarons from bakers royale
smoky irish eggnog from married an irish farmer
gluten free winter grapefruit cake from serious eats
eggnog muffins with streusel topping from very culinary
homemade gravlax from mark's daily apple
almond butter bostock from serious eats
how to make your own sprinkles! from theKitchn
mason jar herb garden from camille styles (I LOVE this)
5 foods to eat for happiness from mind body green
face exercises (do you think this works?) from erupting mind
6 ways to fight SAD from greatist
should you ever be stranded in the wilderness, here are tips for eating for survival from outside mag
DIY hand drawn cappuccino cups from lipstick & a white tee
healthy new years resolutions from outside magazine
adorable backpacks from sherpani sonoma (I want one!)
8 natural foods to eat for pain relief from greatist
setting up a photo studio on the cheap from apartment therapy
staying awake as the days are shorter from apartment therapy
best ways to reduce stress from Dr. Weil
benefits of yoga for veterans from arianna huffington from intent (love this!)
this video made me cry (happy tears) from youtube
how to tell if you're inflamed (chronic inflammation) from marks daily apple
$66.00 kobe beef pizza from Domino's Japan from serious eats
donut foodporn from serious eats
appletini from serious eats
new hot cocoa mixes from Starbucks get taste-tested from serious eats: drinks
gluten free ring dings! from gluten free canteen
buffalo chicken pull apart bread from host the toast
barefoot running shoes made of medieval armor from greatist (hmmm)
8 best physical therapy methods from greatist
interview w/ christina tosi of momofuku from grandbaby cakes

Jessica Segarra of The Novice Chef blog has a new cookbook out called Mini Donuts: 100 Bite-Sized Donut Recipes. 
IMG_1191
It's actually quite good.  I was not expecting it to be this creative.  Recipe like: white chocolate red velvet, pineapple upside down, S'mores, brown butter-bourbon.
They were kind enough to share a recipe with us.
MiniDonutsLemonPoppyseed

Lemon–Poppy Seed Mini Donut

FOR DONUTS
2⁄3 cup whole milk
2 tablespoons sour cream
11⁄2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
11⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
Zest of 1 large lemon
1 tablespoon poppy seeds
FOR ICING
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice 11⁄2 cups powdered sugar

Notes: While it’s not okay at parties, when you’re icing donuts, it is totally acceptable to double dip. If you are a big fan of lemon, circle back around after your first donut dip . . . and dip them again! Just allow a little extra time, about 5 minutes, for the icing to set up after your second dip.

1. If using an electric donut maker, preheat according to manufacturer’s instructions. If using donut pans, preheat oven to 350°F and grease donut pans.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together milk and sour cream. Set aside. In a separate small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl or a stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy— about 1 minute. Add egg, lemon zest, and poppy seeds. Beat for 30 seconds, scrapping down the bowl as needed.
4. Then, alternating flour mixture and milk mixture, combine all ingredients until just blended. Transfer batter to a piping bag, or to a Ziploc bag with the tip cut off.
5. If using mini-donut pans: Carefully fill each donut indentation 3⁄4 full. Bake for 7–9 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Transfer donuts to a cooling rack and cool completely. If using an electric mini-donut maker: Carefully fill each donut indentation 3⁄4 full.
Bake according to manufacturer’s instructions or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean. Remove donuts from appliance, transfer to a cooling rack, and let cool completely.
6. Place wax paper under a wire rack to collect any drippings for an easy cleanup. Then, in a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth.
7. Dip the top of each donut into the icing, transfer to a wire rack, and let set for 5 minutes. Serve immediately; donuts can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days but are best served fresh.
Yields: 24 mini donuts
51-tzvs95vL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_



12/14/12

friday links

IMG_0876
 Baked Elements by Matt Lewis & Renato Poliafito
IMG_0877
The most amazing cookbook yet.  Baked Elements has homemade Devil Dogs with Malted Buttercream. I am so making these.
You need to own this cookbook!
And if you don't own it....stay tuned, as the Baked Boys and I are teaming up to giveaway 3 sets of their cookbooks.  Yes, 3 sets.
Three people will win a set of their cookbooks: Baked New Frontiers In Baking, Baked Explorations and Baked Elements.
Aren't they the best?  Love them for this.
Stay tuned!!


My Trader Joe finds:
IMG_0854
is this good?
IMG_0858
This is new.  Sounds like a party planning helper. 
IMG_0861
A giant peppermint cake shaped like a cookie.  Great, now I have to buy it. 
IMG_0856
This was the free sample of the day.  It was not that good.  Not truffle like at all.
IMG_0859
These are new.  Did not buy them for fear of eating entire box.
IMG_0855
Had to get these. I am such a peppermint junkie. These are really good!
IMG_0866
This sounds so good. Who has tried it?
IMG_0869
Can't wait to give these a go.
IMG_0871
These are new. Haven't tried them yet.
IMG_0852
These were pretty good!
IMG_0870
These are really good. Normally you're supposed to grill them, but I experimented and put them in the crockpot (7 hours) with a large amount of hoisin sauce.  Delish!  Try it, you'll love it.
IMG_0867
Who tried these? Like?
IMG_0860
Afraid to get these, so I walked right by them.  Good thinking, I know I'd eat them all up!
IMG_0874
These are fabulous as in a savory cheesecake crust.
IMG_0865
And these are also perfect for a cheesecake crust.
IMG_0863
Guess what's back??  Finally!
IMG_0853
These are new.
IMG_0862
Can't wait to experiment with this one!
IMG_0868
Are these any good?
IMG_0872
Any good?
IMG_0857
How cute are these?  12 in a box is a snack to me.  They are small.
IMG_0864
I think these are new and just might be dinner!

Around the web:
nice list of creative peppermint cocktails from bliss tree
tea: wellness in a cup from divine caroline
anti-depressants: how effective are they? from divine caroline
historical hair locks selling at auctions from NYTimes
original "blade runner" storyboards from flavorwire
holiday art book (different indeed) from bloomberg
mick jagger love letters hit the block at sotheby's from galleristNY
worlds smallest humidifier? from gizmodo
transcendental meditation, why people love it (do you?) from well & good nyc
how to create a surreal self-portrait that shows you holding you from petapixel
sriracha lip balm! (lol) from the oatmeal
$100 to know everything about your DNA from gizmodo
this is your brain on fatty foods from blisstree
what's really in that gatorade? from NYTimes
the charlie brown school of dance from youtube owen weber
fruitcake ice cream from serious eats
peppermint sugar cookie bars from cookies & cups
eggnog ny crumb cake from culinary concoctions by peabody
snickers fudge from pip & ebby
pomegranate tabbouleh from chow & chatter
gift guide for the pizza maker & pizza lover from serious eats
gift guide for chocoholics from serious eats
classic european nougat from serious eats (I am making this one)
orange & chocolate coconut macaroons from pastry studio
those NY times famous chocolate chip cookies, have you tried them yet?

img72b
cake kitchen paper placemats from west elm
gallery_2_14_23674
spill proof sippy wine cups from givesimple.com
peppermintcoffeenutellamacarons_01c
peppermint-coffee nutella french macarons from design, bake, run
IMG_2736
chocolate whoppers from vintage kitchen notes

have a wonderful weekend!

Share

Get This