An ode to a HOT summer….

PALETAS.
Ice cold,
dripping down fingers and chins,
thirst-quenching and leaving you with grins.
Mexico-inspired.
Yes, this heat has me dreaming of soft sandy beaches
and cold ocean swims.
Here’s my ode to 100-degree days and warm balmy nights.

Summer.

HIBISCUS HONEY LIME + BLACKBERRY PALETAS

5 hibiscus tea bags
64oz hot water
4-5 tbsp raw honey
2 limes, juiced
12 blackberries, sliced

Bring 64oz of water to a boil.  Place hibiscus …

My first introduction to real tabbouleh was through my Lebanese friends in DC.  My college roommates and closest friends were from Beirut, so we’d spend a few evenings throughout the year eating incredible home cooked Lebanese food with their families.  I was straight up spoiled. They had a big influence on my culinary tastes, and you’ll find my kitchen always stocked with za’atar, sumac, and plenty of fresh …

Get ready for a slew of summer dessert posts! Right now, I’m inspired by all the fresh berries and gorgeous produce that’s in season now. This post in particular was inspired by my summers growing up in Southeast Alaska, where rhubarb grew like weeds in our backyard.  Not much really grows in the leached out soils of Ketchikan, where the annual rainfall can be as much as 200 …

To activate nuts means to soak and dehydrate them, releasing the enzyme inhibitors and naturally occurring chemicals that protect the nut from animals, bacteria, viruses and weather.  This compound, called phytic acid, is the principle storage form of phosphorous in plant tissues, especially found in bran, nuts and seeds.  Phytate, as it’s called in salt form, is not digestible to humans or non-ruminate animals because we lack the enzyme phytase …

Kale Chips. Pure & simple. There are so many varieties out there now, but I still love ’em extra crispy with some coarse pink or sea salt.  Around here, we’re hooked on nutritional yeast, so for all you cheese-flavor lovers, you have the option of tossing in some nutritional yeast and cayenne for an added kick to your kale chips. Enjoy!

SIMPLE KALE CHIPS

1 bunch kale
1/4 cup olive …