Featured, Food, Living Well

5 Ways To Reduce Produce Waste At Home

May 15, 2018
5 WAYS TO REDUCE PRODUCE WASTE AT HOME

In the United States alone, it is estimated that 30-40% of food is wasted. While that fact may come as a shock, we can take responsibility and initiative in our own household by implementing the tips listed in my newest post, ‘5 Ways to Reduce Produce Waste at Home.’

PLAN AHEAD

Whether you stock up on produce weekly at the grocery store or have your fruits and vegetables delivered, it’s imperative to have a plan. If you shop yourself, create a meal plan and then a list that’s based on that plan. Those few extra minutes of planning can significantly reduce the chance of impulse purchases, which often go to waste. In addition, most produce delivery services offer some level of customization whether it’s the size of the box or its contents. Be sure you select the right size box for your household and the ratio of fruits and vegetables that’s most realistic.

PROPER FOOD STORAGE IS KEY

Correct food storage can add days, weeks or even months to your food. Keeping several different food storage options on hand and understanding how and when to use them can greatly reduce the risk of food going bad. Also, resources like the USDA’s food storage guide or apps like Foodkeeper can help minimize the need to toss produce.

LET’S GET CREATIVE

If you notice your fruits and veggies are starting to take a turn for the worse, it might be time to get creative in the kitchen! Following or creating recipes that use several different types of produce at once (think soups, smoothies, broths and stir-fry’s) are an effective and delicious way to combat food waste.

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CREATE A COMMUNITY

If you use a produce delivery service, connect with friends, family or neighbors that do the same. Try swapping or sharing items you have too much of or simply giving away the items you won’t need that week. Not only will you be combating the need to waste but also cultivating a sense of community.

EMBRACE LEFTOVERS

While tossing seemingly boring leftovers can be tempting, challenge yourself to get creative! Vegetable stir-fry can make an excellent omelet filling and last night’s protein makes a great base for tonight’s tacos. Little tweaks can make an otherwise ordinary or repetitive meal, extraordinary.

This post is in collaboration with Pacific Coast Harvest. 
Entree, Featured, Food, Sides

Crispy Romaine & Grilled Shrimp Salad With Tahini Dressing

April 29, 2018
Crispy Romaine & Grilled Shrimp Salad With Tahini Dressing

This Crispy Romaine & Grilled Shrimp Salad With Tahini Dressing is perfect for spring! Crunchy romaine creates a classic base that’s quickly jazzed up with zesty red onion, juicy tomatoes and fresh cucumber and finally finished with a creamy, flavorful dressing.

Ingredients

  • 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 English cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 2/3 red onion, thinly sliced or shaved
  • 6-12 fresh shrimp, prepared as desired (optional)

Tahini Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1/2 small garlic clove, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup vegan mayo
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Crispy Romaine & Grilled Shrimp Salad With Tahini Dressing

Crispy Romaine & Grilled Shrimp Salad With Tahini Dressing

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly wash, spin and chop lettuce to desired size and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Add cucumbers, onion and tomato.
  3. In a high-speed blender or food processor, blend together tahini dressing ingredients – adding more water for a thinner consistency or tahini for thicker.
  4.  Gently toss salad with 1/3 cup dressing until lightly coated, adding more if desired.
  5. Finish with fresh ground pepper, a squeeze of fresh lemon and protein of choice.

Note: Extra dressing keeps well in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.

Dessert, Featured, Food

Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies

April 26, 2018
Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies

These delicious Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookies are adapted from the new book Kinstsugi Wellness by chef and author Candice Kumai. This recipe is a healthy take on a classic treat and uniquely finished with a hint of traditional Japanese matcha.

Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup gluten free, all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 3 tablespoons unrefined coconut oil, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1½ ripe medium bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips 
  • 1 tablespoon matcha, sifted

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with silicone baking mats (or parchment paper) and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, combine coconut oil, vanilla and sugar. Once blended, add the egg and stir thoroughly.
  4. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add mashed banana, stirring until well incorporated.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Once dough is formed, fold in oats and chocolate chips. Sprinkle in sifted matcha powder and gently fold.
  6. Chill dough for 15 minutes before using a tablespoon to scoop out 1½-inch balls. Place them 1-2 inches apart on prepared baking sheet, baking until lightly golden on the top (about 10-13 minutes). Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy! 

Entree, Featured, Food

Creamy Coconut Spiced Lentils

March 27, 2018
Creamy Coconut Spiced Lentils

For lunch or dinner, served cold or hot – lentils are truly one of the most versatile sources of vegetarian protein available. These Creamy Coconut Spiced Lentils are no exception; packing a serious punch of flavor and nutrition while dazzling even the most skeptical tastebuds.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups red lentils
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 inch ginger piece, peeled and grated
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1-2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon curry powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper and fresh parsley to garnish

Instructions

  1. Rinse the red lentils with cold water and let drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan heat the coconut oil, add the onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric, and cook for two minutes, stirring frequently.
  3. Add the lentils and vegetable broth, bring to boil and let simmer for 15 minutes.
  4. Add remaining spices and coconut milk and mix to combine.
  5. Let simmer for another five minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and you obtain a porridge consistency. Once finished, taste and add additional salt if necessary.
  6. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley leaves and a few drops of coconut milk.