Enjoy this Halloween with some delicious and HEALTHY treats- minus the tricks! One of my favorite resources has 50+ scrumptious ideas for kids and kids-at-heart! Thanks Cooking Light! So, which one will you try this weekend? *Don't forget the Abstract Spice!
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Baybaaay, when I tell you!!!!! The Dr. Praeger's Perfect Burger is out here giving The Beyond Burgera WHOLE marathon-run for their money!! Let the Plant Based Burger Battle begin! I stumbled across this amazing find while perusing the aisles of my local Costco. Now, one of my best girlfriends hipped me to Dr. Praeger's Spinach Cakes while in Cincinnati a few years ago and they were delicious by themselves as a side, but not on a bun. See, I don't particularly care for veggie patties that are of a bean and/or potato consistency. It feels too heavy on me like carb-on-carb. So the mimic of an animal-like texture protein patty, say that of a Beyond, Impossible, or my new discovery, Dr. Praeger's, is ideal! But I digress. When perfectly seared by adding a bit of Abstract Spice on both sides to pefectly season and create a delicious crust, this 'burger' surpasses the Beyond Burger HANDS DOWN!! To my Beyond lovers, you know that greasy residue and strange scent that comes from the purchased frozen Beyond Burger patty once thawed? Well those two things tend to discourage some of the healthful eaters out here attempting to eliminate animal protein from their diet. Fortunately, the Dr. Praeger's burger is free of these unfortunate characteristics. No greasy residue, and no strange odor. This burger patty is similar in color and frozen when purchased, but is individually wrapped, unlike the 2-patty packaged Beyond. Both are similar in how they cook up, but the Dr. Praeger's patty has a texture SO much more similar to that of an animal protein burger, my hubby had to keep double checking to make sure he wasn't eating the turkey burgers by mistake! What's more, the price for an 8-pack of these delicious soy and gluten free, 20g of pure protein packed, individually wrapped 'burgers' is approximately $12 a box! That's a good $1 cheaper per patty than that of The Beyond Burger! So if you're any where near a Costco, be sure to pick up a box of these AMAZING Dr. Praeger's Perfect Burger patties. Deliciously sensible, certified, kosher, sustainable, and vegan! WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PLANT BASED BURGER?
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The Verdict: AWESOME!! I do believe my favorite part of the bar though was the amazing variety of sweet and luscious tropical fruit- truly earth's candy if I ever tasted. Our amazing server Bridgette gave us an awesome tip: Come down to dine 30 minutes prior to the end of the buffet. That way we'd pretty much be satisfied for most of the day! Boy was she ever right! And as an added bonus, Bridgette became such an insight to me as our 'culinary health' discussions regarding blood conditioning provided validation for a facet of AC Art Of Food. She was and is a true gem!
The Verdict: A toe-wiggling winner!
The Verdict: The perfect ending bite to a perfect vacation!
All the more reason to Jazz Up The Ordinary!
I try my very best to develop and enhance recipes that are the tastiest versions of plants. While I have a few tricks up my sleeve that produce delicious outcomes, one of my favorite methods is using infused oils and vinegars- full flavor less guilt. You can always make your own collection of these tasty culinary accessories and bottle them, as I tend to do from time to time. But what I love to do (and most convenient) is pick up the delicious bottles of gourmet oils and vinegars from the foodie aisles of my neighborhood TJMaxx, HomeGoods, and Marshall’s.
From exotic herb steeped vinegars to rare truffle and fruit infused oils, you can’t beat these culinary-dream-finds that for the most part are under $10! And some for as low as $4.99! Plus the flavor enhancement it adds is unbeatable. Both my roasted green beans and grilled rainbow trout were popping with amazing flavor. The added benefit also is that these oils are healthy ones full of the 'good fat' our bodies and brains need to thrive. The general base of the oils I find are olive(virgin and extra virgin), grape seed, and avocado. Did I mention these make wonderful gifts for the foodie in your life? #WINNING
So the next time you’re out shopping for throw pillows for your couch, or that perfect dress for your vacation, don’t forget to visit the specialty foodie aisles and grab a few bottles of these treasures, your tastebuds will thank you!
Be sure to comment below and share your fav finds from these stores that you’ve discovered, I’d love to hear about them!
For this reason, over the years I began to build somewhat of a repertoire of staples that I feel are essential in solidifying any good recipe. To be specific, my pantry staples are what I take most pride in since they have longer shelf lives and are more versatile and interchangeable. What's more, you can build it up your reserve over time so that you'll never be without when you're in the middle of a recipe, lol!
It's so funny, I have a best friend that is consistently in awe of the things I have on hand to cook with at any given point of time. Her comment is always, "...girl, ain't nobody got that in their pantry but you!"
Well the joke is on her, because I have included my personal pantry stock list below! Obviously based on your taste preferences, you may add or omit here and there. This is just to serve as a guide in assisting with what majority of the AC Art Of Food recipes will contain. So take advantage of my pantry must haves and start collecting today!

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*
See, you have to understand, I have been wanting one of these babies ever since I saw over 10 years ago how the product rep on TV would throw a rock in this sucker and make sand! If it could do that to a rock, surely goodness and mercy it could make my smoothies smooooooooth as a puree! And it does, it really does!! Super simple to use and clean up- I mean just plug it up, one flip up and a dial for speed and another for extra speed and blending, rinse out thoroughly when you're done. But that's just it, you're not done! You want to use it EVERYDAY....and you can! You should! Ooooh, the possibilities are endless! Recipes from my fresh and garlicky chilled homemade gazpacho, to an anti-inflammatory warm and creamy turmeric spiced tea for your sinuses, all can be made in a matter of seconds with this baby....I mean, Vitamix. But the kicker, the real eye-opener that made me realize that it was more than worth the price after all these years of waiting and contemplating, was the fact that it could beautifully blend wheat grass. WHEAT GRASS!! You know, the super-SUPER food that's juiced and sold for about $8 per ounce in your local well known smoothie shops? I now purchase a bundle of wheat grass myself that runs me anywhere from $4-$7 and I can get about 10X as much for literally a fraction of the price! Now in my opinion, that more than pays for itself.
Now...do you have a Vitamix? Well, what are you waiting for?!? Can't afford to part with that much cash all at once? My foodie lovers, please know that QVC is a beeeeeeeauuuuuutiful place!
If you do have a Vitamix, comment below and let me know your absolute favorite things to make in yours. If you don't have one yet, what are you waiting for? Your body will thank you for it....over, and over, and over again!! Yeeeeeaaaahhh baby!
Fresh Abstract Garlicky Gazpacho (A Summertime Fav of mine!)
- 1 Cucumber
- 2 vine ripened tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/2 Vidalia onion
- 1 Carrot
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 4 tbsp cooking sherry
- 1/2 tbsp Abstract Spice
- 1 tsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp fresh cracked pepper
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Mix all the ingredients above in your Vitamix on a 5-6 speed for approximately 15 seconds, longer for smoother texture.
- Garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, avocado slices, herb croutons, shaved Parmesan, or all of the above!
Soothing Sinus Healing Turmeric Tea
- 1 cup brewed peppermint green tea
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 3" piece turmeric root
- 1" piece ginger root
- 1 stick cinnamon (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp local/raw honey
- Mix all ingredients in the highest mode allowing the Vitamix to heat the contents- approximately 2-4 minutes, or until you see steam.
- Pour into your favorite mug and sip!
Enjoy!
So if you haven't picked one up for yourself, stop by the refrigerated area in the natural food section of your favorite grocery market and grab the absolute most 'PERFECT Bar' and leave a comment below letting me know if you experienced the same delight I did when I took my first bite!
Enjoy!
I decided to upgrade the packaging due to recent malfunctions of the previous where the sides were tearing (that sucks!). Now, not only is this pouch sturdier, it also locks in freshness, is leak-proof, and secures the smell to the beautifully sunset colored contents where it belongs, inside!
I'm super excited! And it seems like I'm not the only one- read below!
"If you don't have this spice, you not living right. Lol. I'm hooked!!!
Please contact @ac_art_of_food for yours. Omg. I use it on everything. About to cook this fish with it!!! Thanks A.C.!!!"
- Latoya McFadden
"Made this for breakfast using this (Abstract Spice) made by @ac_art_of_food.. OMG it was SO good. Please check out her recipes, order her cookbook and the all spice: www.acartoffood.com/maymejax
#plantbasedvegan #transitioning"
- Laticha Jones
"About last night... #AREYOUHEARTHEALTHY...#stuffedpeppersFreshFromMyGarden
#GroundTurkey #Garlic #Onions #BrownRice
#FreshTomatosFromMyGarden #vegbroth #vermontcheddarcheese and #AbstractSpice from https://www.facebook.com/acartoffood/"
- Simply Produce, LLC- Deanna Butler, Owner
"I finally used it on my oxtails.#Delicious #ACartOfFood #Support"
- Charri Hill
"Thank you to my line sister AC's ART of Food for my Abstract Spice. Blackened salmon with roasted broccoli + abstract spice! So good! Visit the MaymeJax
Gourmet Boutique on www.acartoffood.com. Follow her on Insta and FB. #food — in Nashville, Tennessee. "
- Salynn Johnson
"The real deal! #acartoffood"
- Andrea Wilkerson
ORDER YOUR ABSTRACT SPICE PACKS TODAY!!
Be sure to visit my MaymeJax Gourmet Boutique to stock up on your packs for the holiday😋
DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!
www.acartoffood.com/store/p1/Abstract_Spice.html
So enjoy the video, and don't just take my word for it, head out there and find your favorite! And PLEASE be sure to comment below and tell me what you think!
Make it a Great Tasting Day!
This beautiful sister right here touched my spirit and inspired my soul! DeAnna's food journey, no, her life journey alone is so faithful and filling, it's no wonder we stood in her store and talked for almost an hour yesterday! She's constantly looking for ways improve her already prized jewel, Simply Produce on Roosevelt Hwy in College Park, Georgia. Her suppliers consist of local gardeners and farmers right here in our own metro area- now you can't get more local than that!! It was a beautiful site seeing such a diverse group of customers walking through her door to fuel their bodies with nature's produce by way of SP! (There was a line waiting for the doors to open!!) Her knowledge and expertise about farming fresh fruits and vegetables is stellar. And no need to worry if you don't see what you need on her shelves- she SPECIAL ORDERS for your desired need!! The customer service is phenomenal! And EVERYONE knows that AC thrives off of GREAT customer service, given and received. So I already knew when I walked up and she greeted me as 'Queen', this was the place for me!! Beautiful people, phenomenal heart and passion for the love of feeding the soul, and awesome fresh local produce conveniently available right here in our community, 'Simply Produce' is AC Art of Food’s new spot for always local, always fresh produce.
Now let me get off here and make my list for next Saturday!!!! *GO SEE DEANNA at Simply Produce- it'll do your body good!!!
Simply Produce LLC
3375 Roosevelt Highway, Suite F
College Park, GA 30349
(404) 941.9185
Hours:
Tue-Fri 9am-7pm
Satuday 10am- 5pm
*Closed Sunday & Monday*
Make it a Great Tasting Day!
As I stated in my earlier post, I am on a new health kick for 2010 and beyond. With this transition comes the research of finding low-calorie/fat/sugar healthier alternatives and lifestyles. Well for this week I’ve researched a bit in the area of juicers. I would love to juice up my recommended daily servings of 3 fruits and 4 vegetables in the morning and get it all in for the day! Wouldn’t that be great!
I’ve solved the question of where and what to buy (Forest Park Farmer’s Market primarily, Dekalb County Farmer’s Market when I can get there) every weekend for the fresh goods! And the Jack LaLanne Juicer….I think…?
I tell you, I sat down one Sunday morning and was mezmorized by this man and his wife! Already knowing the value and importance of juicing, the infomercial really made me want to get up and get one already! Obviously I am their target and the paid advertising spot did its job.
So my question to you, ‘Is Jack LaLanne’s juicer really the best for my buck or is there another daring enough to compete?’
The following juicers made my cut, PLEASE help me to narrow down:
– Jack LaLanne’s Power Juicer
–Sharper Image® Super Juicer
-Hamilton Beach 67650 Juicer, Big Mouth Pro
-Waring Pro JEX328 Juicer, Health Juice Extractor
Please help! Feel free to comment also on any good juicers you don’t see listed.
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