Berries

Omelette with Brie Cheese, Basil and Strawberries

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Healthy sweet & savory fruit & cheese omelet

I always enjoy unexpected flavor combinations, for example my Chocolate Ginger Truffles with Cacao & Smoked Sea Salt. Another thing I LOVE is protein…..lots of it. I like protein with my protein, my Egg Battered Grilled Cheese is a great example of that. Protein makes us feel great and keeps our energy levels high. We have fewer energy crashes throughout the day when we eat healthy fats mixed with low glycemic carbs and lean proteins. Another one of my BIG secrets to lots of energy? Coffee, lots of it. Love the stuff.

Continue reading “Omelette with Brie Cheese, Basil and Strawberries”

~ Marla Meridith

Cheese

Greek Salad with Sundried Tomatoes, Feta and Olives

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Feta topped greek salad.

With so many summer celebrations coming up we will all most likely be attending some fun BBQ’s, beach parties, picnics and all kinds of outdoor celebrations.  Memorial Day just flew by, July 4th follows and loads of folks will be doing a lot of outdoor entertaining. Whenever there is a potluck I bring a huge salad.  No matter what is on the menu a fresh salad is something everyone will eat.  A salad also balances out the heaviness of traditional party food.

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~ Marla Meridith

Baked Sweets and Treats

Quick Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Chocolate Chip cookies on red table cloth

Who doesn’t love chocolate chip cookies? I have never met anyone who does not. In this recipe I bring you a simple, quick and easy recipe to make gluten free cookies. Sometimes we do not have lots of time on our hands to bake. Since this recipe uses bread instead of flour you can get the job done quick. There is virtually no measuring involved.

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~ Marla Meridith

Entertaining

Memorial Day 2010: Food for Summer

Girl outside flower shop

I keep telling my self stay away from the computer.  Take some time off, RELAX.  You know what?  This is relaxing for me.  Talking about food, photographing, writing recipes and sharing it with you is super fun.  With Memorial day weekend comes the beginning of summer.  I hope you have a great long weekend with your love ones, family and friends.  We don’t have much planned which is nice.  My friend is hosting a lovely beach BBQ on Monday.  I will be bringing a giant salad, my go-to choice for potlucks and outdoor entertaining.

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~ Marla Meridith

Local Scene

Orange County Tea Party in Wonderland: Part 2

Flowers and vases at garden party.A few weeks ago I shared my experience and photos from one of the most glamorous events I have ever attended.  For those of you who might have missed my first post Alice in Wonderland Garden Tea Party: OC Style go ahead and check that out first.  Then come on back over here to see the rest.  This event was a dynamic sensory extravaganza full of beauty.

Continue reading “Orange County Tea Party in Wonderland: Part 2”

~ Marla Meridith

Coconut

Nutty Coconut Rice with Golden Raisins & Pecans

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A great side dish for family meals and entertaining.I have to admit I am not really a rice kind a gal. I prefer a giant piece of protein with heaps of fresh veggies. That said, with lots of goodies thrown this grain is a whole lot more tempting for me. In this recipe I take a bunch of my favorite ingredients, coconut, cinnamon, pecans and raisins and added them to a fragrant combo of Jasmine and Brown Basmati rice.

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~ Marla Meridith

Apple

Mango Applesauce

Applesauce thrills me. Yes it does. It’s right up there with some of my all time favorite “go-to” sweet treats. I know you are probably thinking “What the heck is she talking about?” How about apple pie, layer cake, cookies, ooey gooey chocolate croissants? Of course I love all that stuff. Can I eat those sweets everyday? Um no. I guess I could, but I am not gonna. Can I eat this daily? Yes and with great joy.

 

Homemade applesauce

 

I love experimenting with different fruity combinations. My kids love my homemade applesauce too (thank goodness!) I suggest trying to make your own applesauce from scratch. Make a Big Batch, it’ll last a long time. Enjoy it at home or toss some in the daily lunch boxes.

 

Homemade mango applesauce

 

As long as you have a bunch of fresh apples and other fruit (not necessary, but fun), a pot, water and a blender you are in business. Speaking of business, I should start canning this stuff. Think i’ll market it as “Liquid Gold.”

 

For Recipe Details Click Here

 

MarlaMeridith.com Applesauce Recipe Links

Saucy Mango Desserts

 

 

 

 

 

 

~ Marla Meridith

Giveaways

How to Pack a Quick and Healthy Lunchbox

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Healthy lunch boxOne of the biggest reasons I started MarlaMeridith.com was to answer the loads of inquiries I had all the time regarding my daily lunchbox specials.  I make 3 boxed lunches per day.  One for me and one for each of my kids =3.  The ingredients may vary from box to box, but the essentials are all there.  Fresh fruit, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats fill our lunch boxes.  Sometimes I include leftovers from the night before, other times I toss in a sandwich or in this case a wrap.

No matter what, the meals have been made in our kitchen with the best possible ingredients I can find.  Crafting your own lunches from scratch is quick and simple when you have your ingredients prepped and at the ready.  It’s just grab and go when everything is staged and lookin’ all pretty your fridge.

When you pack a lunchbox the benefits are huge. Not only do you save money, you can control portion sizes and use much higher quality ingredients than if you were to purchase take out food.  I will share a simple wrap that you can make for yourself or your kids.  It is very tasty and can be prepared in a pinch.

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Smoked Turkey and Roast Pepper Wrap

Ingredients per wrap

This quick wrap is filled with veggies, whole grains, lean protein and healthy fat.  It will keep you satisfied long after you enjoy it.

  • Source Organic ingredients when available.
  • Shop for ingredients at the MarlaMeridith.com Amazon Store
  • My recipes serve as inspiration. Feel free to experiment with ingredients you have on hand. No stress. Just good, clean eats!

INGREDIENTS

  • Lean Protein:  A few slices of your favorite Nitrate Free Deli Meat.  I used Trader Joe’s Smoked Turkey Breast.
  • Healthy Fat:  Your favorite hummus or a slice of cheese
  • Whole Grains:  I love the super thin and tasty Mountain Bread wrappers. Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Tortillas are another favorite.
  • Veggies:  I used Swiss Chard and jarred Roasted Red Peppers in these wraps.  You can use lettuce, baby spinach or any of your favorite veggies.

METHOD

  1. Grab your wrap.
  2. Smear on some hummus or place your cheese on top of wrapper.
  3. About 1 inch away from the edge of wrapper, layer on your deli meat and veggies.
  4. Roll it all up & place a toothpick every 1 1/2 inches.
  5. Slice in between toothpicks with a sharp knife.
  6. Enjoy at work, at play or at school!

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What are your favorite ingredients to put into a wrap?

Do you have a favorite wrapper to share with us?  How about a great spread?

Wrap sandwich, carrots, strawberries and blackberries

Some MarlaMeridith.com Lunchbox Favorites

Skinny Almond Crusted Chicken Strips

Egg Battered Grilled Cheese

Crispy Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas

The Sushi Roll

“In a Pinch” Crab Salad

Grilled Turkey Meatloaf

Tempeh Wild Mushroom Sauté


~ Marla Meridith

MM

Zucchini Carrot Soup

Fresh organic vegetable soup

There is nothing like a Big Batch of fresh garden veggie soup at the ready.  You can serve it to your family in a pinch.  What I love most about this soup is there is a few servings of veggies in each delicious bowl.  This soup is yummy served piping hot, warm or even cold. That makes it a nice choice for entertaining guests too.

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~ Marla Meridith

Cheese

Roasted Asparagus with Gruyère & Smoked Paprika

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Asparagus with melted gruyere cheeseRoasted asparagus is a simple recipe that uses ingredients that line my spice rack and fill my fridge. There is something about roasting veggies that brings out so much flavor. Asparagus is delicious and it can be prepared in so many ways. I recently posted Chicken with Coconut-Lime Peanut Sauce that was a huge hit around the web. It had chopped asparagus in it too. Smoked paprika and Gruyére cheese add a fun, flavorful twist to a serving of veggies.

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~ Marla Meridith