ELOTE SALAD

May 25, 2020

Happy Memorial Day! Staying home? Perfect time to BBQ!
Having lived in Los Angeles from birth up to about three years ago, warmer weather reminds me sitting in its urban parks with sprawling views of the DTLA skyline and the sounds of the bells from street vendors hustling their goods. And if you have ever spent the afternoon lounging along Echo Park Lake, you know I am talking about: Elote.
Elote is an amazing and simple recipe of sweet corn mixed with rich seasonings making it the perfect savory snack. But, it’s not the easiest to share with friends and can be a bit messy. So, with summer creepin in I have made it into a grilled salad which is a perfect dish to BBQ at home or to be enjoyed on its own.

What You Need:

4-6 Ears Yellow Corn - Shucked (can use canned/frozen corn, too)
Mini Bell Peppers - sliced
1 Jalapeno - seeds removed, Chopped
A few thin slices Red Onion - Chopped (to taste)
Cilantro - Chopped
Crema Mexicana
Cojita Cheese
Salt
Pepper
Granulated Garlic
Oregano
Smoked Paprika
Chili Powder
Cayenne Pepper - optional

What To Do:

Heat BBQ to high.
Once the corn is shucked and all strings removed, lather each ear with a decent amount of butter, salt, and pepper.
Place each ear on grill and rotate until grilled to taste.
*If using canned/frozen corn - heat a skillet on high with butter. Sautée and brown until desired.

Let cool until easy to hold.
Carefully cut off kernels from corn with a sharp knife.
Add in cut vegetables and season to taste and stir till combined.
Add in crumbled cojita cheese to desired amount. (I suggest going light and then adding more if needed)
Drizzle in crema mexicana right before serving and stir again.
Garnish with additional cilantro, cojita, and chili powder.
Serve immediately!

SKINNY "PALETAS"

July 4, 2017

It's SUMMER! And today is the 4th of July!
The Paleta. Being from Los Angeles these sweet treats are no stranger. But knowing now how harmful sugar is, I wanted to make something sweet, fun, and guiltless for this holiday and well.. whenever! May I present: the skinny "paleta"!

I am so glad these turned out (after a few trials and errors)! These pops are sweetened naturally with only fruit and touch a honey and made from nonfat greek yogurt! So you get your probiotic and protein in one! I think I'll eat these for breakfast! I made these to be "patriotic" for today but you can make them any way you want!

What You'll Need:
2 cups nonfat plain greek yogurt
Fruit of choice (I used strawberries, blueberries, & nonsweetened coconut)
2 tbs Honey
1/2 Lemon
1/2 c Water

Directions:
In a saucepan, bring 1/2 cup of water to a boil and then add 1 tbs honey and half a lemon's juice and stir until dissolved. Set aside to cool.

Combine the zest of one lemon and the other tbs of honey to yogurt.

Set up your food processor or blender and combine one fruit at a time with about 3/4 cup yogurt and a few teaspoons of prepared water and blend. Add more water to get desired consistency. You will want the mix to resembled melted ice cream (or soup).

Pour mix into mold leaving a 1/4 inch on top.
Tip: If you want to make layers, pour each flavor one at time and place into freezer for at least 20 minutes before adding the next layer to prevent mixing.

Place mold into freezer and let sit for about 30 minutes before adding the sticks.

Let freeze 8 hours or overnight.

When ready to serve, remove mold from freezer and let sit for about 10 minutes then runs sides under warm water to loosen up.

Remove each Popsicle carefully and serve immediately! Enjoy!

SPRING ON HUMMUS

March 20, 2017

Hello Spring!! We have all been waiting!
Since hummus' popularity has grown over the years you can now find grocery store's shelves packed with all kinds of flavors and types. Some good but mostly all kinds of acidic ones and packed with all sorts of unnatural ingredients to create these wild flavors. I am a huge fan of hummus (& mediterranean food in general) and try to be as aware as possible of the ingredients I put into my body, so I re-created a favorite flavor of mine: Edamame Hummus. Easy to make at home with only using a handful of natural ingredients that pack a bunch of flavor!

What you'll need:
1 cup shelled organic edamame (thawed if frozen)
3/4 cup organic chickpeas, drained & rinsed well
1/2 cup organic tahini
1 lemon, squeezed
2 Tablespoons extra virigin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons ground cumin (to taste)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
Dash dried oregeno
1 clove garlic, crushed
Smoked paprika, for garnish

Directions:
Set up food processor with bottom s-blade.

Place all ingredients in food processor.

Blend until smooth - adding additional lemon juice, olive oil, or spices until desired taste and texture.
Tip: Adding a tablespoon of water will help smooth it out if needed.

Plate and garnish with desired olive oil and smoked paprika. Serve with your favorite fresh vegetables, pita bread/chips, or use as a spread for sandwiches or a side with chicken or beef.
See, easy? ENJOY!