I have to share with you guys one of the most beautiful events I have ever attended. The theme of our spring school fundraiser was “Teatime in Wonderland.” A Wonderland it was. I could hardly socialize I was so busy taking photos. It was a bluebird sky day, filled with love, laughter and friendship. Each table had it’s own hostess. Each hostess brought to life the Alice in Wonderland theme with their own visual twist.
Continue reading “Alice in Wonderland Garden Tea Party: OC Style”
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What’s not to love about a quick and easy pasta salad? I had so much fun creating a pasta dish with a Mexican twist. Salsa, avocado, hot sauce and Cojita cheese give this a fun flair beyond classic picnic pasta salads.
Continue reading “Fiesta Pasta with Avocado, Cojita, Salsa & Pepitas”
“Be sure to bring your camera and appetite!” read the invite.
A lovely invite to join the California Avocado Commission and the Too Hot Tamales at Ciudad-LA restaurant this past weekend.
One of the benefits I have recently realized about living in the OC is that I am pretty darn close to LA. It means I can get to one of the best cities for everything food. In the past few months I have met so many bloggers. So many new friends. From Tartelette’s photo workshop, the Food Blog Forum, the Share Our Strength Bake Sale and now a trip to downtown LA for this event at Ciudad. Did I get lost again? But of course!
Continue reading “Ciudad LA Avocado Blogger Event”
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Here is my recipe as promised from the Share Our Strength Bake Sale this past weekend. As you guys know I love my sweet treats. I believe in a life filled with color and the occasional indulgence. Originally I told Gaby I was gonna bring “crumbly” peanut butter cookies. I was gonna go with a traditional PB cookie recipe that would have had butter and flour. Then I thought I wanted to change it up a bit for the sake of variety and novelty. I went without the butter and gluten free.
Continue reading “Maple Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies – Gluten Free”
Judging by all the Pink in this post you would think it is the only color I like. From my Pink banner, to my Pink business cards to my Pink clothes. My whole world is not Pink, but it is kinda Rosey. Especially after this weekend. I was in LA for the first annual Food Blogger Bake Sale to help raise awareness and money for Share Our Strength. The mission of this charity is to end childhood hunger:
“The reality is that nearly 17 million children in America—that’s almost one in four—face hunger. And it’s likely that these children will endure lifelong consequences as a result of having limited access to nutritious foods.”
Continue reading “LA Food Bloggers Bake Sale {Share Our Strength Benefit}”
A while back I was approached by Moe Jeanson and Jamie Wilson to take a look at their book. These ladies were filled with enthusiasm. They told me the Squeaky Gourmet cookbook would partner nicely with the recipes and lifestyle I promote on MarlaMeridith.com. Yup, there are lots of parallels…..good, simple cooking with all natural ingredients.
Continue reading “Squeaky Gourmet – Book Review”
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How about some green tea yogurt parfaits to celebrate the arrival of Spring. I know, I am the self proclaimed mountain girl who likes everything winter & snow. Perhaps I am softening up a bit and enjoying the fact that I live in the OC. Apart from the small tremor we felt yesterday, Orange County is a very beautiful & peaceful place to live. Sure we might teeter on precarious fault lines, but the constant bluebird skies are a great perk.
Continue reading “Green Tea Matcha Yogurt Parfait”
There is something about journeying up to LA and living in Orange County. The City of Angels feels very far away. The vibe up there is really different than down here. The OC is very planned , newer and did not sprout from a huge city filled with history and diversity. Its a bit simpler down here, not as congested, but also not as vibrant.
What makes LA feel even farther than it is? TRAFFIC. Usually lots of it. When I pack the car to go up there its as if I am going on a cross country road trip. I carefully go through my checklist. Coffee, check, full tank of gas, check, healthy snacks, check, too much gum in every flavor, check, face mist to keep me awake (yes I just say face mist), check, iPhone, check, coins for parking meters, check, sweaters & jackets, check, a sense of direction……uncheck. I have absolutely no sense of direction. Never have & I’ve reconciled I never will. You could turn me around in my own house and I could get lost. No my house is not very big at all.
Continue reading “Food Blog Forum in LA”
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This creamy soup combines a few of my all time favorite ingredients…chickpeas and sweet potatoes. For a quick, healthy and satisfying soup whiz this up in your blender or food processor. Top with some chicken, tofu or tempeh and you have a full meal.
Continue reading “Sweet Potato Chickpea Soup”
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These crispy chickpeas will give you lots to feel great about. They are a great grab-n-go crunch that is good for you too. You can toss a baggie of these in your kids lunchbox, your lunchbox, purse or gym bag. Instead of reaching for a high-carb, overly salted chip, you can make your own. From sweet to savory. The gamut of flavor is wide open, be creative and have fun with this recipe.
Continue reading “Crispy Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas”
Anyone can make these Baked Sweet Potato Fries…..I mean anyone. You won’t miss out on fattening “fried” fries once you get a taste of these babies. No the recipe isn’t genius, but the flavor sure is. Baked sweet potato fries should be an essential in everyones recipe box. They are simple and quick to prepare. You can season them any which way with pretty much whatever spices you have in your spice rack.
Got curry powder? Throw it on. Fajita seasoning? Go for it. Craving something a bit sweeter? Sprinkle your sweet potatoes with some cinnamon, nutmeg or cardamom instead.
Continue reading “Baked Sweet Potato Fries with Herbed Olive Oil”
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Blood oranges are showing up all over the markets and the web these days. Not only are they beautiful with their ruby red color, but they are a tasty addition to sweets and savories. This is a great dish for Meatless Monday’s. Quinoa is a great high protein whole grain that is also gluten free. The citrus and grain combo makes for a great side or full meal when served with veggies.
Continue reading “Quinoa with Blood Orange and Basil”
