It's hard enough trying to get kids to eat their veggies (well, my kids at least), but it can be just as much of a challenge for us grown folks. For this reason, these 5 Easy Delicious Fruit & Veggie Smoothie Recipes are a MUST!

About a year ago I found myself racking my brain trying to figure out how to 'trick' my kids into consuming vegetables, but I'm realizing this is just as much of a struggle for adults....namely ME!
Now, to be clear, I am a great healthy-lifestyle consultant/chef, and have a knack of masking the good-for-you stuff in deliciously irresistible tasting vittles, but sometimes it is a struggle to get in what I need at the amount I need. Now, it's not as bad as my 4 y/o last year that would greet her veggies with the whole head turn, hands-out-pushing-away, and verbal exclamation 'EWWWWW'! I mean, I can roast carrots and spice them up to make them sweet like candy (very little natural sweetener added); can roast a green bean so mean that it will make the staunchest of fast-foodies forget about French fries; and can crisp kale so good you won't be able to '....eat just one'! But with all this goodness and mercy cooking in the kitchen, I'm still needing no- brainer, quick and easy ways to incorporate these veggies without re-inventing the wheel...every time.

This is the reason why I have devised 5 Easy Delicious Fruit & Veggie Smoothie Recipes that allow you to save the time and effort of trying to conjure up what you should throw in your super blender for your morning...and the kiddies will love them too!

Here's a few tips for YOUR perfect smoothie:

• add your favorite protein powder serving to pump up your smoothie and keep you full!
• incorporate a few tablespoons of flax meal, chia seeds, and/or hemp seeds.
• toss in turmeric or ginger root if you want to fight off inflammation while you sip.
• Looking for a bit of tartness? Add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Not sweet enough? Add a tablespoon of local honey that will also help fight those allergies (for you vegans out there, agave works as an awesome substitute for honey).
• Texture issues? Add as much or as little water/almond milk to get your smoothie just right.

GREEN PEACH
* 1/2 banana
*1/2 cup cucumber
* 1 cup kale and/or spinach
* 1/2 cup mangoes and/or peaches- in 100% juice (no sugar added) snack packs for lunchboxes are perfect!
* coconut water or spring water
* ice


THANK YOU BERRY MUCH
* 1/2 banana
* 1 cup kale and/or spinach
* 1 cup fresh (if summer) or frozen berries
* coconut water or spring water
* ice


ORANGE YOU GLAD
* 1 cup spinach
* 1 cup oranges- in 100% juice (no sugar added) snack packs for lunchboxes are perfect!
* 1/2 cup carrots
* almond milk (80 calorie)
* ice


APPLICIOUS FRUIT CUP
* 1 cup kale and/or spinach
* 1/2 banana
* 1 small apple
* 1/2 cup frozen peaches
* 1/2 cup berries
* coconut water or spring water
* ice


A FRUITY BEET
* 1 cup spinach
* 1/2 banana
* 1 beet (peeled and chopped)
* 1/2 cup berries
* 1/2 cup peaches
* coconut water or spring water
* ice

Enjoy!
Make it a Great Tasting Day!

There's nothing like coming home from work with no idea of what you're going to make for dinner. I mean let's face it, sometimes the savviest of meal planners have at least one day in their lifetime where the leftovers juuuuuust couldn't stretch that extra day, or you completely forgot about that marinating chicken in the back of the fridge that you were supposed to have baked 6 days ago- yep, it's trash now! For these very times, a frittata can be your saving grace! Made with basic staples found any given day in most refrigerators, this dish is an easy save for dinner and the next day's lunch (or breakfast!).

Not only is this recipe convenient because of it's ingredients, but the process that I use literally takes a fraction of the time that it would for the classic egg-casserole bake. Part classic soft scramble and a finish in the oven- you'll be eating in no time!

*Feel free to add or omit the added ingredients I've listed, as always- Make it your own! Let me know what twist you put on yours in the comments below!

​Lazy Greens Frittata
8 eggs, scrambled raw
3/4 cup almond milk
2 cups kale
2 cups arugula
1/2 cup Swiss cheese
1/2 cup muenster cheese
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 onion, sliced fine
1 tsp sea salt
1 tsp granulated garlic/ garlic powder
1 tsp granulated onion/ onion powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
*Chopped green onions, tomatoes, and additional arugula leaves for garnish*
​

1. Mix almond milk into raw egg scramble, set aside.
2. On med/high heat, saute onions in 2 tbsp coconut oil until just translucent.
3. Add kale and saute for approximately 1 minute.
4. Add arugula, 2 tbsp coconut oil, 1 tsp salt, garlic and onion powder to the pan mix until all greens are bright green and wilted.
5. Reduce heat to low and mix in raw egg/milk mixture.
6. When eggs begin to solidify slightly, add in cheeses.
7. Mix gently, folding in remaining ingredients- pan mixture should still be liquid-like.
8. Remove pan from stove and place pan on bottom rack in oven on broil for approximately 5 minutes, until the top is browned- remove from oven.
9. Let sit for approximately 15 minutes and serve.

Enjoy!

The annual celebration of Earth Day turned 48 this week, and it's theme: End Plastic Pollution!  

Earth Day is a great way to really focus on what we as people should do in order to protect and preserve this planet in which we live.  It's unfortunate that we have not done a very good job as a whole in this effort.  From hunting for pleasure endangering species, to chopping down vital forests and everything detrimental in between, we have not done a very good job in nurturing OUR earth.  However, now is the perfect opportunity to re-commit, re-connect, and play in the dirt again- figuratively speaking...or maybe not!  

This year's focus is on the need to end plastic pollution.  So many items we purchase to wear, eat, and drink, often if not always, come packaged in plastics of some sort.  In my household, we're doing our part by growing fresh fruits and vegetables to help avoid plastic packaging- garden to table, if you will, ha!  But inquiring minds what to know what you are doing to leave your mark on protecting Mother Earth.  

​Not sure about what you can do?  No worries!  I've formed a list below of excellent steps you can take towards rebuilding a better place in which we dwell.    Which ones will you choose to participate in?  Let me know by posting in the comments below!

AC Art Of Food's Tips To Preserving Mother Earth:

1. Grow your own garden and get your hands dirty!
2. Use reusable drinking water bottles (BPA-free/Glass/Steel), cups, and straws.
3. Bring your own reusable grocery bags to the grocery store and markets.
4. Pack your lunch and bring it in a reusable lunch bag.
5. Utilize cloth napkins and towels instead paper ones.
6. Purchase more ebooks over paper ones! (Like the AC Art Of Food Culinary Health eBook Cook Book Vol.I)      
7. Request to have have local sourced food served in your neighborhood schools.
8. Support farmers and buy local and organic when possible, as often as possible- reducing emissions of food transport and the elimination of pesticides to preserve foods.
9. Reduce meat consumption to reduce carbon emissions produced from the livestock industry.
10. Recycle your non-meat garbage into fertilizer by composting kitchen scraps and using them to fertilize your garden!  (FYI- Aldi's has a freaking TUMBLING compost bins on sale now for $40!!!- get'em while they got'em!)
11. Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
12. Water your garden either first thing in the morning or last thing at night.

Find even more ways at www.earthday.org!

Lots of times my inspiration for a recipe comes from a food or dish I absolutely love, but unfortunately was prepared for me horribly.  This recipe revelation was no different for my 1 Amazing Wannabe Wonton Soup!  

My mother wasn't feeing well a few weeks ago and stated that all she wanted was a nice steamy bowl of wonton soup.  Now, I can't remember the last time I had a bowl of this comfort goodness.  For the record, my favorite go-to Asian soup has always been the delicious egg drop soup with crisp, crunchy wonton strips for dipping, or simply to crumble on top.  However, lately I've been craving this wonton soup now too, primarily because of my mother mentioning it- TRUST, the mind is a plenty powerful and influential  thing!  

So the other day I order some Chinese food for the family, and what do I request?  Yep, you guessed it, wonton soup!  I could not wait to get home to wrap myself up in this warm liquid goodness.  But after one sip, not only could I wait, but I could actually toss it in the trash!  It was unsatisfactory to say the very least.  The wonton dumplings had no flavor, and the broth reminded me of a mix of oil and tap water, HORRIBLE I tell you!  Absolutely NO flavor.

And like clockwork, I got in the lab (my kitchen), and conjured up what was a sublime bowl of wonton/vegetable dumpling soup.  From the super flavorful vegetable dumplings from @TradeJoes, to the organic vegetable broth spiced with garlic and ginger from the same, it's no wonder why the pot disappeared in a matter of minutes of being made.

This is such a nutrient-rich immune beneficial soup because of the very healing powers found in  chicken noodle soup- minus animal protein and kicked up a notch with fresh minced ginger, green onions,  and garlic.  

I can't wait for you to try it!  Comment below to let me know what your favorite soup is!

It's not just for party supplies and beach noodle toys anymore.  Yes our neighborhood dollar store I have found lately, is the 'go-to' spot for many of our household needs.  Not only that, but when my kids visit their grandparents, they always look forward to their ride to this frugal establishment with Papi for their shopping spree- now that's just genius!  I mean, my 19 year old just stays home and is obviously not as excited, but his 4 and 8 year old siblings go wild at the sheer thought of the candy and toys they'll grab inside this place!  

As I stated before, The Dollar Store is where folks usually go for the last minute gift bag, party napkins, balloons, etc.  But I have also picked up some fabulous nail polish colors, mail packaging and office materials, greeting cards (good ones too!), wine glasses, and cookbooks for four quarters a piece!  What's more, brand name and off-brand comparable food stuffs are also found on the shelves.  Everything from frozen fruits and vegetables to seasonings and condiments are found in these stores and make perfect 'cents' to your budget! (see how I did that, ha!)

Check out the article in the link below from BuzzFeed and see if the 12 items they list will save you money on your grocery bill too! 

​*12 WAYS GROCERY SHOPPING AT THE DOLLAR STORE CAN SAVE YOU MONEY*

This recipe is sublime especially when you don't have much time!  This is a great dish for Sunday dinner, but so quick and easy to prepare, you can pull it together on a weekday!  Simply add some angel hair pasta and it's deliciously ON!

• 1 lb medium raw shrimp (lightly sprinkled with sea salt)
• 1 filet of salmon, raw (cleaned and pat dry)
• 4 cups frozen spinach
• 8 oz. shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1/2 cup vegan mayo
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup minced dried onion
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tbsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• sea salt & pepper

1. Season both sides of the salmon with sea salt and pepper
2. In a large pot on low-medium heat, add spinach, minced onion, garlic and onion powder, and olive oil- let simmer
3. Add oil to a stove pan on high heat and pan sear the salmon for approximately 2 minutes on each side, remove from heat.
4. Once spinach pot is heated thoroughly, add jack cheese and mayo and mix completely creating a creamy spinach mixtur
   
5. Stir in raw shrimp to spinach mixture until shrimp turn light pink- remove from heat.
6. In a glass baking dish, add a thin layer of the spinach and shrimp mixture.  Add seared salmon next.  Top with remaining spinach and shrimp mixture from the pot.
7. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
8. Remove and serve over angel hair pasta

Enjoy!

​Now that most of us are on Spring Break, take this time really find out what your kids love to eat!  There's no homework pressure, study deadlines, or pesky projects to stress out about, so why not investigate now and prepare for an 'A+' back-to-school week with delicious after school snacks they'll truly love, because they told you so!  

Huffington Post has a great article on how to 'healtherize' the suggestions you may receive from your tiny ones.  Here's what some nutritionists give their kiddies for snacks, you may find some of these to be your favs as well! 
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/what-nutritionists-kids-eat-for-after-school-snacks_us_5a9f64a9e4b002df2c5ec7ff 

Enjoy!

I am super excited to have been selected as featured chef at this month's upcoming Acoustic Taste event here in Atlanta!  On Saturday, March 31st at 8pm, an awesome atmosphere, phenomenal music, and amazing food was to commence!  Wait, the FOOD!  I was at a standstill trying to figure out what I was going to prepare for this event.  My first thought was my tried-and-true Spinach Ravioli with Baby Bella Marinara for the tasting.  But that's when the organizer of the upcoming event shared with me the past menus of the previous chefs, and of course within the last two months, yep, ravioli- albeit a different type, it was a ravioli nonetheless.  

So after a couple of weeks of seeking inspiration, I receive my 'Ah-Ha' moment!  SALMON!  But wanting to fuse old school with a bit of freshness, I came up with this bad boy!   Why hadn't I thought of this before: traditional canned salmon + fresh filet of salmon + fresh herbs.  The answer?  A delicious 'Acoustic' Salmon Fillet Bite!  My menu item....personified!

Acoustic Salmon Fillet Bites
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup mayo
2 tbsp dijon mustard
1/4 cup fresh chopped dill 
4 green onion stems, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1/2 tbsp Abstract Spice
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 lb fresh salmon filet- broiled for 10 minutes until just done
1 15oz can of salmon, bones removed
1 tbsp Sriracha
​

1. Set both canned and fresh salmon to the side.
2. In a large bowl, combine all other ingredients completely, set aside.
3. Add canned salmon to bowl mixture, incorporate gently.
4. Break up salmon fillet into small chunks and gently fold into bowl mixture.
5. On a sheet pan, form small patties approximately 3 inches in diameter, approximately 1/2 to 1 inch thick- refrigerate for an hour to stiffen.
6. Preheat a pan with a shallow amount of coconut oil on med/high heat.
7. Lightly fry for 2-3 minutes on both sides or until browned.
8. Drain on a paper towel and serve.

Enjoy!

​Who are we kidding, life is passing us by quicker and quicker and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it.  Unfortunately there is no 'stop' or even 'pause' button for real time.  But worry not!  What we can control and focus on is living our best, right now!  Regardless of our age, we can take hold of the reins starting today, right this very minute, by getting the right amount of sleep, adequate exercise (not overdoing it), and ultimately the proper nutrition our individual bodies need, at the ages we are, this very moment!  I don't know about you, but I'm excited and intrigued with the abundance of individuals in their later years, near and upwards of 60 looking amazing and speaking out regarding how they feel the best they've ever felt in life!  And what are they attributing it to you ask?  Clean and plant-based foods!  The proof's in the pudding (pun intended)!  These individuals are stronger in mind, body, and spirit.  This inspires and motivates me on my laziest of days, to move and be purposeful to put in my body foods that heal, not hinder.

One Green Planet has done a great job of spotlighting 8 individuals you may know at various ages who relay how they optimize their culinary lifestyle to maximize to their fullest potential in the article link below.  
http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/plant-based-diet-good-health-age-defying-vitality/

Are you living your best life, right now?  Let me know what you nosh on to keep it right and tight, at your age!