In honor of this green holiday, I found a recipe that incorporates the beneficial cannabis oil and a healthy sweet treat all at the same time!  

But first, let me provide a bit of education for those out there a bit reluctant or all out against this flowering plant of  the Cannabaceae family, when used responsibly that is.  
​Paraphrased from Wikipedia: 
​Cannabis, also known as marijuana among other names, is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes. 
The main psychoactive part of cannabis is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).  
Cannabis can be used by smoking, vaporizing, within food, or as an extract. 
Cannabis is also known as hemp, although this term is often used to refer only to varieties of Cannabis cultivated for non-drug use.
Cannabis has long been used for hemp fibre, hemp seeds and their oils, hemp leaves for use as vegetables and as juice, medicinal purposes.  
Preliminary evidence suggests that cannabis can reduce nausea and vomiting during chemotherapy, improve appetite in people with HIV/AIDS, and reduce chronic pain and muscle spasms.
(www.wikapedia.com)
​
Below are just a few of the amazing benefits derived from cannabis:

• Fights cancer
• Fights depression and anxiety
• Helps in treating autism
• Seizure regulator
• Helps heal broken bones faster
• Aids in focus, concentration
• Glaucoma treatment
• Helps M.S. patients
• Can relieve pain and arthritis 
• Eases nausea
• Helps with eating disorders

(www.greenflower.com)

Again, when used responsibly and as medicinal, cannabis is quite beneficial and a lifesaver to many.  And like with anything used irresponsibly, this plant can be harmful- yet, there are no findings of cannabis having fatal effects. 

Now for the good stuff!  
​
Epicurious has a delicious popcorn treat to satisfy your cravings in honor if today!  This recipe combines a flavor combo for your palate that is sensational!  
I mean really, sweet + savory + spicy + popcorn + weed... any objections?

This particular recipe in its current form is vegetarian, not vegan.  However, to make this popcorn recipe completely vegan, swap the honey for agave.   

If you're going to have the munchies anyway, might as well cut out the middle man and get it all in one.  This recipe will seriously step up any basic Netflix & Chill evening!

Don't take my word for it, CLICK BELOW and try it out for yourself!

Instead of buying prepackaged fruit cups and/or fruit in gel, try simply taking a few minutes to prepare fresh cut fruit in a large container for easy accessibility and serving.  

Many of these prepared fruit snacks found on grocery shelves may be labeled as 'natural', and in most cases that's great, but nothing beats assembling your own to create a fresh fruit snack that you feel certain about and know that nothing extra has been added.  

In addition, the natural snacks found in stores often contain artificial preservatives to assure freshness.  Try my approach below and feel great about the all-natural alkaline preservative I recommend for your fresh fruit assembly.

You simply save so much and gain peace of mind with preparing your own food period.  
In preparing your own fresh cut mixed fruit you:

•  $ave money.
• Select your own fresh produce.
• Boost health and drop pounds with a healthy snack easily accessible and on hand.
• Peace of mind that you're serving the best to you and your family.

There is truly nothing more comforting than a piping hot, tender in the middle, super filling baked potato right out of a traditional oven.  However, some would beg to differ that popped in the microwave for a fraction of the time is the best thing to happen to this root veggie since the dollop of sour cream.  

But what if I tell you that the best of both worlds is yours for the taking?

I present to you, the world....well the air fryer that is, lol!

By popping your potatoes in the air fryer, you still get that moist and tender inside, but with an added crispy outside skin that leads you to believe all is truly right with the world!  And to make this scrumptious combination even better, it is created in half the time of a baked potato prepared in a conventional oven.

I have prepared these potatoes both as a whole and halved and find that while left whole, there's still the crispy skin, but it takes a bit longer for the inside to get just right.  While the halves cooked perfectly every time based on the instructions below. 

*CULINARY HEALTH TIP*
There's a misconception out there that 'white' potatoes are the devil!  Well, that's simply NOT true.  And to be clear, potatoes are not a white food as it relates to white flour, white rice, white bread, etc.  Saying that a potato is a white food is like saying an apple, pear, or some blueberries are as well.  Last time I checked, most potatoes are brown on the outside and come in various colors from red to even purple!  Now, indeed they are starchy and should be eaten in moderation, but they are ok to eat and are good for you!

Check out a few of the benefits found in this nutrient packed root vegetable:

• fiber rich
• potassium
• vitamin C and B6
• cholesterol free
• heart healthy
• full of antioxidants
• digestive health aid
• gluten-free

The very first time I experienced the renowned ‘Impossible Burger’ was right around the corner at my neighborhood bar and grill, Sandtown Pub.  My sister and I were finishing up some last minute holiday grocery shopping and were famished!  I suggested we stop here because I had been meaning to give this burger that I heard so much about a try.  We sat down, placed our order, and waited.  Shortly after our food arrived pipping hot and smelling amazing, the waitress nods to my burger, ‘You’re going to love that right there’!  I was super excited (as I usually am when it comes to food, duh!), and excitedly asked her had she had the burger herself.  She told me that everyone that comes in to order it raves about it.  Not only that, they had one customer that would come in on a regular basis and order this Impossible Burger and add BACON to it!  WTH??!?!?!    She said one day she couldn’t stand it any longer and just had to ask the patron why is it that they would take this perfectly delicious plant-based-vegan burger and defeat its purpose by adding crisped swine to it!  She said the customer looked at her puzzled and said, ‘…wait, this isn’t meat’?  Can you believe it!  This faithful customer had been ordering this burger all this time having NO clear idea at all that it was vegan!!   Once she told me that, I already knew it was going to be phenomenal….and it did not disappoint!  ​

The burger itself reminds me of how Steak ’N’ Shake burgers USED to be.  Juicy and delicious, and crispy around the edges.  That’s what this Impossible Burger was.  Great flavor and amazing texture with all the fixings, including a soft toasted bun.  

If you have not experienced the Impossible Burger yourself, I highly recommend you finding one and devouring it immediately!  
*****
Now here I go.  We were having burger night one Friday at the house, and I decided I would take out this pack of Beyond Burgers that were in the freezer.  When I’ve prepared this particular burger in the past, I’d simply season on both sides and lay on the grill.  However, I had the taste for an Impossible-style burger that night. 

So I began to flatten the Beyond Burger, season and flip, and place on the grill.  

*NOTE TO SELF: Next time I’ll wait to flatten the burger once it’s on the grill, as when I tried to flatten it on a platter, the burger tore apart easily.

As I grill both sides, I begin to see the edges crisp up and my mouth begins to water.  The grill marks are perfect giving it that great char-look.  I dress the burger with an ‘Everything’ bun, spinach, no tomato, pickle, sliced onion, mayo, and mustard, and DIG IN!!!!  

OMG!!!  Now, it wasn’t that either version was better than the other, the Impossible at Sandtown Pub, or the Beyond from my kitchen.  They were both equally delicious in their own rights!  Each had a unique flavor of their own which was very tasty all around.  

Needless to say, when I want to go out for a burger or if we’re grilling or having family burger night at the house, it’s good to know I’m covered deliciously either way!

Now, it has become habit with every dish I prepare with an animal protein, to also look for a delicious way to prepare it vegetarian and/or vegan.  My first approach is usually to deconstruct the meal itself into its intricate components and go from there.  I switch this out for that, omit something all together, add a sprinkle of Abstract Spice to make it all come together…plant based.


Below are a few tips I ponder when converting a dish to plant based:

• Find a plant protein substitution that is similar in texture to the animal protein.
• Various mushroom types, jackfruit, tempeh, and tofu are my usual go-tos.  
• I find bean substitutions to be too soft in texture, but it just depends on what I’m making and/or what I can combine it with.  
• Often times you’ll find that no substitution is needed at all, and the dish is great without!
• If dairy or a dairy based ingredient is listed, shoot for a plant based product.  
• Nut, hemp, and soy based milks are a great substitute when cooking.  
• Although some may not like the taste or texture, these plant based versions are virtually and tastefully non-detectable in the cooking process. 

One Saturday a few weeks ago, I needed a protein packed bite to eat right after my workout but was short on time since I needed to be at the grocery store within the hour.  So what’s a culinary health resource foodie to do?!?!?

Since I was at the end of the week, there were only small amounts of my weekly haul of kale, spinach, green onions, and fresh herbs left over in the fridge crisper unused from the week’s meals.  

Now I have posted previously on how to make a delicious ‘green’ omelette, but this is just a reminder that when you’re bored with the hum-drum of scrambled, fried, and/or boiled eggs, it’s always a great idea to use what you have on hand in the fridge to make something protein rich, folded(lol!), and tasty!

Ever been in the produce section of the grocery store, and while picking up a package of your favorite salad blend you notice that container of broccoli shreds?  You know, it resembles the bag of shredded cabbage and carrots for a make-quick coleslaw, but it's green?

Well I've grabbed a bag here and there, usually when it's warmer out though.  I'll mix it with a zesty garlic dressing and toss in some grilled shrimp for a light and delicious quick summer dinner.  But what else could I use it for?  I mean it's broccoli for crying out loud!  Accompanied with nutrient rich carrots and purple cabbage.  It's a package full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber goodness and mercy!  What else would make it sing as a side or a main?

Enter Broccoli Slaw & Rice Noodle Stir-fry!  

What an absolute genius way to make this convenient crisp and crunchy veggie mix sing!  I mean, in 15 minutes or less this light and healthy dish comes together with great texture and Asian flare!  Kicking it up a notch and stepping outside-of-the box, I opt for the rice 'noodle' as opposed to the more traditional long or short rice grain.   Add your choice of grilled, baked, or broiled protein such as chicken, tofu, and/or seafood, and you're set for a one pan experience!  However, my preference is having it alone as a noodle bowl with the addition of only a splash of sriracha.

I say an 'additional' splash of sriracha because the recipe calls for my ACAOF Stir-fry Sauce  to be mixed in the dish which includes the spicy condiment.  Now, feel free to use your favorite store bought sauce, I just love this sauce because I know exactly what's in it and don't have to worry about the extra ingredients I don't need.   

ACAOF Stir-fry Sauce
It's simple, just mix together:

• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos
• 1 tsp sriracha
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil

This sauce brings the dish together in such a delicious way, it's no wonder I chose to devour it all by itself!

For A Cheese Platter that Flatters...

●Grab your favorite cheeses from @aldiusa (AWESOME variety and inexpensive!) 

●Grab some dried fruit and fresh  produce (@SimplyProduce in College Park, Ga has the freshest and best fruit and veggies you can buy!) 

....and all will be right with the world😌... well, at least for your gathering!🤗


It doesn't have to be extravagant or intimidating to be a crowd pleaser.
In fact, there's no good or bad way to style a cheese platter as long as you remember to always include these 4 components:

1. The Cheese: nice hard cheese are great, but always include a soft spreadable one as well (brie, herb spread, etc.)
2. The Cracker: Grab a variety of seeded crackers- they add additional variety.  A bland water cracker is a perfect canvas for a complex flavorful cheese palate. *NO SALTINES!*lol!
3. The Nut: A variety of smoked almonds, cashews, and walnuts are my go-tos!  You favorite crunchy nuts should be delicious enough to eat alone. *NO PEANUTS!*lol!!
   
4. The Fruit:  Since this is not a fruit platter, try to always use seasonal, and reach outside the box.  Grapes are a no brainer addition, but jazz it up with cubes of dragon fruit, blackberries, figs and/or star fruit depending on the season.  And don't forget the dried fruit! Apricots, cherries, figs and pineapples are delicious dried accompaniments!

In all things Culinary Health, MAKE IT YOUR OWN! 

Add your own pizzazz of tasty items you love for a delicious platter work of 'Art'!!

Stick to the basic 4 above and you're good!👍🏾.

Whew, it's finally COMPLETE!!

This has been no easy task in the attempt for completion while balancing a family of 5, the bill paying 9 to 5 J.O.B, setbacks, the day to day upkeep of ACAOF, and well, simply life itself.  Trying to get the design just right- but not too identical to Volume 1, as well as what to include and not, deemed equally trying.  However, after over a year of research, experimenting, test kitchen successes and fails, I've finally completed what I feel is one of the best value-added beneficial guides for clean eating!  

So without further ado, I am pleased to introduce the release of my latest labor of love:
Culinary Health Cookbook Volume 2- The Clean Eating Jumpstart eBook

Thirty(30) pages of delicious healthful recipes to jumpstart your clean eating lifestyle!  

And as an added bonus, I've included inside this ebook two(2) lists, or mini books, that will help  you maintain this healthy journey:
(1) *Kitchen Culinary Overhaul List (what you should have on hand)
(2) *Culinary Health Snack List (17 snack ideas)

The introductory price is a steal at $8 and will be set at its regular price of $9.99 January 1, 2019.  So grab it now while you can!
​
This health-trendy world is full of diets, cleanses, and detoxes, that promise 'quick' weight loss and temporary wellness 'boosts'.  But they're just that, temporary. This cookbook series is created for you to LIVE healthier for the LONG term!  Included are realistic meals, ideas, and snack ideas that you and your whole family will love as well as your body!

Please understand, AC Art Of Food does not restrict nor try to set drastic limitations for your eating regimen- why do that!?!  The purpose is to introduce you to new and 'outside-the-box' ways to get more clean/whole food in and processed food out!  I want to make you love food again, the way it's supposed to be, and help you live your very BEST life at the same time!

Thanks so much for your continued support, and here's to a healthier YOU!

AC Price,
CEO/Owner and Culinary Health Consultant ​

The feature ingredient in this recipe is obviously the real cheese.  But sub that cheese with a plant based one such as Daiya and/or Follow Your Heart, and you've created a luscious vegan version.  
Now, although delicious, the above mentioned cheeses are processed.  Toss them out all together and add more nutritional yeast for a delicious vegan non-processed sauce that will give you life!  

ADD INs:
Oh, the add-ins!  In true AC Art Of Food fashion, what would a zesty Smooth & Creamy Cheesy Sauce be without making it your own, right?  RIGHT! 
So try some of these ingredients below for your signature sauce!

• ​Fresh broccoli florets
• Fried onions
• Chopped green onions
• Bacon (meat-less versions welcome and just as delicious!)
• Mushrooms
• Fresh chopped greens (spinach, kale, etc.)
• Chopped or shredded grilled chicken or steak
• Shrimp
• Ground meat or meat-less crumbles

Now which will you choose?

The Question: Just How 'Fresh' is Amazon's Grocery Delivery Service...Really?

Unlike most of you out there, I adore grocery shopping!  I mean seriously, the whole preparation of seeking out weekly deals, coupons, planning the meals for the week to produce the list, and the art of deciding from which of the 3-4 stores I will arrive at first on Saturdays to retrieve the best deals for my selections sends tingles down my spine!  Hell, I even started my own grocery concierge- ‘A Cart Of Food’ (see the play on the name, lol!), where I would grocery shop for clients.  I had a few clients that were extremely happy, however, time became an issue, and well, let’s face it- when  the big box Instacart, Clicklist, and AmazonFresh businesses came on the scene, it was laughable for just me to compete on the larger scale.  And in this case the old saying rings true, if you can’t beat them, have them do your shopping too!

​

This past Monday I found myself stranded without a vehicle since my hubby took one to work and my oldest used the other to get to school.  I had just gotten back in town and had not yet had the opportunity to grocery shop for the family before the week got started. This is when I decided I would try the Amazon Fresh service.  Already a proud and loyal Prime member, on top of having several close friends to positively speak of their personal experiences, I decided to give it a go!  I was thoroughly impressed by the easy online process from beginning to end along with the selection of fresh, organic, and familiar trusted brands.  Unfortunately after selecting my items, I realized that they did not deliver same day, and decided to cancel my cart.  Customer service with Amazon Fresh is no different from that of Prime where courteous and pleasant reps are always speaking with a smile and ready to accommodate however they can.  

Although unable to receive the service on Monday, I thought it a great idea to still utilize the service along with my regular Saturday shopping excursion just for the experience and to see if and how I could maybe incorporate this convenience going forward.  So just like earlier in the week, on Friday before I walked out the office, I made my selection of approximately 20 items to be delivered between the hours of 7-9am for the following day, approved the tip amount for the driver, and pondered if this grocery shopping method was cost-friendlier than my normal Saturday pavement-pounding only ritual. 

​Later that evening around 11pm, my family tells me things they would like added to the list….really….at 11pm!?!  No worries, I pull up the app and the banner let’s me know that I am STILL able to add items to my list for the same delivery window time!  So I add my son’s bananas and  my hubby’s cereal, and turn in for the evening.

Bright and early around 7am, my phone rings and it’s the Amazon Fresh delivery guy letting me know he’s at my door with my groceries.  Super excited, I jump out of bed, throw on the robe (y’all it’s cold out now!) and completely ignore the fact that my hair is standing up on its own on top of my head.  It doesn’t even matter because I am literally feeling like a kid on Christmas morning!  The driver is SUPER nice and friendly for it to be that early in the morning.  He insists on handing me each bag and for me not to have to bend and reach to grab them on my own.  He does not enter the house, but stands where he can safely hand each bag to me to where I can securely bring them in.  Once all the bags are in he wishes me a great day and thanks me for my business.  Awesome experience!  I hurriedly transport each bag to my kitchen island and immediately break into each literally like it’s the morning of December 25th!  My eyes are all starried as I reach in checking off each item on my list I pull it out of the bag.  However, my eyes become a little less excited as I see that I am almost done opening my packages, but there are way more items on my list still to be checked off.  Dang it!  I realize they have forgotten at least 8 items from my list.  And the missing items aren’t even the last minute ones I added just several hours prior.  My heart sank as I contacted Amazon to tell them what happened.  The rep, as usual, was very nice in listening to my ordeal, but simply offered the choice of a refund or delivery of the missing items.  Unfortunately, the earliest my incognito items could be delivered was 9pm.  I expressed that a refund would be fine and I would just have to make a trip out to get the forgotten items since it would be so late for them to re-deliver to me.  And that was it.  She did apologize for the inconvenience, which is great, but that doesn’t help the fact that now I have to leave my home to pick up grocery items, COMPLETELY defeating the purpose of the service.  Unsettled by this resolution, I reached back out to Amazon Fresh and spoke with Jinell, who after hearing what happened did not hesitate to extend a credit for the mishap.  

Now, will I use this service again?  Absolutely!  I completely understand that things happen and have every bit of confidence that they will get it right, and that when issues arise they will handle it promptly and accordingly to my satisfaction- as they have always through Amazon Prime.

SOME INFO: 

• Amazon Fresh is $14.95 monthly for Amazon Prime members.  Personally I felt that with the annual fee, not to mention the recent increase in the monthly Prime membership, that this would have been an included service for members.  However, I was told by the representative that the amount of sales and coupons provided by Amazon Fresh online will in most cases eat up this fee.  
• This is not a same day service so plan accordingly at least a day prior.  There is the option to have your items left outside your door and an ‘Attended’ option to be notified if you are home to personally receive your groceries.  

THE GOOD: 

• Ease and convenience.
• Easy user-friendly interface.
• Quality selection of products, organic, and trusted brands (Whole Foods products). 
• Comparable prices to what you’d find in the stores and in some cases even less expensive.
• EXCELLENT delivery experience
• Effective issue resolution
• Proper storage for cold and frozen items (some of my bags had partially frozen water bottles in the bags to keep the refrigerated items cool and ice packs/bags to keep frozen items frozen!)

THE BAD: 

• Not having an accurate out-the-door checkpoint to ensure all items are correctly selected for orders.

THE OPPORTUNITY: 

• For a more effective issue resolution, train customer service reps to automatically provide an 'inconvenience credit' for missing items when a refund is requested.​

​

​So for more information about this service head over to www.amazon.com/fresh 
​to get started!

The combination of sweet-tart cherries and the savory creaminess of this fresh cheese make for a phenomenal appetizer in my super simple Goat Cheese Spread & Cherry Compote Crostini.  

Last weekend I decided to bring the retro 'dinner party' term to life in 2018.  What started off as a make-up for a missed birthday event for a friend, turned into a beautiful opportunity to celebrate a good friend, along with good food!  

The key to an enjoyable evening of cooking for friends is to not over-complicate the process.  Deliciously simple is the way to win!  And what's easier than bread, cheese, and fruit?  Now, I'm known to put a mean cheese platter together loaded with wonderful fresh and aged cheese varieties, salty dried meats, nuts, sweet dried and fresh fruit, and various gourmet crackers.  However, I decided I wanted a more 'Autumn' feel.  While my infamous cheese platters are all the rave when it's warmer out, I wanted to take a different approach for the cooler time of the year.  Warm crusty bread, creamy herb cheese spread, and deep earthy sweetness of stewed-like stone fruit just speaks 'Fall is here'! 

My initial dried fruit of choice was cranberries.  However, right next to the package was an equally tasty looking bag of dried cherries!  Needless to say, either one would work magically, but my love for cherries during the summertime spoke a little louder given that I could bring them to life in the Fall.  Not to mention the awesome health benefits cherries have such as melatonin(sleep aid), cardiovascular health, anti-aging properties, as well as having the power to lower hypertension.  

For the cheese spread, cream cheese is added to create a more smooth consistency when spreading as opposed to the goat cheese alone having the tendency to crumble when applied.  But no worries, the tangy goat cheese flavor still reigns supreme!

The baguette in this assembly presents a heartier vehicle for this delicious foodie topping combo that brings its own delicious identity when drizzled with fresh extra virgin olive oil.  The sprinkle is simply added flavor.  Remember, in cooking you must season each layer for maximum flavor!  

So enjoy this recipe and feel free to substitute dried cranberries or even dried berries, to toast the season! (yep, pun intended!)

My trainer instructed me to forego carbs after breakfast for the remainder of the day to achieve one of my health goals.  This is not a problem with these fresh and crisp Green Goodness Curry Taco Boats.  I generally try to leave carbs alone in the evening anyway and this recipe makes it so much easier to do so!  This is essentially why I created such a delicious twist on the usual 'Taco Tuesday'.  

Even though the shell has been replaced with a cool and refreshing crisp lettuce leaf, the warm vibrant and rustic flavors of the curry spice balance this one-handed masterpiece perfectly.  With Abstract Spice​ as the all natural seasoning base for flavor, the added rich fall spices of curry and paprika are heightened for a more distinguished tasting taco.  Taking this flavor to an additional level is the arugula.  Usually I have fresh cilantro as a garnish for my tacos that packs bright flavor, however, the 'peppery' bite of arugula deepens the warm spice tones to pair even more harmoniously with these tacos.  Finishing with a squeeze of lime adding  delicious zing to the layers of flavor and freshness, these tacos are a force to be reckoned with!

Like with many of my newer recipes, my Green Goodness Curry Taco Boats also include simple ingredients and preparation making it an ideal recipe to prepare during the week.  You can even prepare the curry seasoned filling ahead of time and just heat and serve when you like.  These are also super convenient for packing for lunch! 

The ingredients are whole and simple.  You can purchase oat flour, however, I take my rolled oats in the canister and toss them into my mini-blender and ground my own flour.  This is an awesome tip to use that will yield an all-natural 100% product, fresh, and a save to your pockets.

Around this time right at the turn of the season, grocery store shelves are packed with pumpkin spices throughout!  I snagged my spice at one of my favorite farmer's markets that I have been patroning for as long as I can remember!  Yep, none other than Your Dekalb Farmer's Market!  My goodness, they have everything in there!

These Fall Pumpkin Spice Protein Pancakes are sure to become a season tradition in our home.  Obviously butter and maple syrup are a must.  But adding warm spiced apples on top would definitely set these babies off right!  

There's no better way to say 'Welcome Fall'!

I am so in love with this dish, my Super Easy Garlic & Herb Cauli Mash!  I know, I know, the versatility of the cauliflower has been trending for a while now, and believe me, I have purchased several heads of cauliflower for over a year now and have never attempted the simplest of recipes for it, namely this mash.  I would buy it with great intentions and hope for a carb-free crust for our family's Friday Pizza Nights.  Even got an idea to blend it smooth for a nice and creamy chowder.  Unfortunately, it would just end up sitting in my crisper, sometimes half eaten if I chose to roast it alongside some fresh broccoli florets.  However, just a few months ago while on vacay I did experience a phenomenally health-wise dish that I have since tweaked and renamed (recipe post coming soon!).  But mashed potatoes?  Like, I have experienced the worst and inadvertently, the absolute BEST mashed potatoes.  Boxed and from scratch.  Soupy and some so thick you needed a knife AND fork!  Needless to say, I’m serious about my mashed potatoes!  So how can I consciously attempt to fool my family, let alone myself, with such a switch?  And I believe that was the issue- it's a texture thing.  Part of the greatness of what makes my Grandma JJ's homemade mashed potatoes the very BEST was the divine texture.  Not too smooth, not too thick, intermittent lumps that would melt in your mouth.  See!  How can this cruciferous vegetable even come close?  Other than the no/low carb factor and the benefit of it being all vegetable, taste wise.... I was skeptical. 

But low and behold, I DID IT!  I created my very first cauliflower mash!  I prepared this dish just as I would my standard from scratch mashed potatoes and the result was delicious!  The look was not so much that of the mashed potatoes.  While others that sampled this mash were floored that it tasted 'just like mashed potatoes', I personally fell prey to the texture difference.  The flavor indeed is an amazing resemblance, but the texture, other than being a bit thick and creamy, was not.  It was missing the starchy ‘grainy’ texture that cooked potatoes possess- but not a deal breaker by far!  This is a definite go-to in the Price household going forward!  As a matter of fact, I'm posting this recipe at the request of one of my tasters, lol! 

What's more is that this delicious recipe has the comforting flavor of homemade mashed potatoes, without the guilt!  Only 33 calories and 3 carbs per serving!  Compare that to the 129 calories and 25 grams of carb in real mashed potatoes per serving!

Who would have thought something so simple could be so satisfying?  Super Simple Fresh Strawberries & Cream is just that something!

Now don't get me wrong, nothing says summer like a delicious bowl of strawberry shortcake, but now that I'm incorporating everything into creating a healthier lifestyle, I decided to bring this cherished, comfort-food dessert into a delicious treat- minus the 'cake'.  What's more is I can do it for under 100 calories a serving!

While this post is primarily about strawberries, other fresh fruit is super ideal to make variations to this delicious and light recipe.  Sliced banana, slivered almonds, and a cherry on top is sure to be your new guilt-free-go-to banana split fav, but don't stop at fresh!  Grilled fruit loves fresh whipped cream just as much.  In fact, grilled pineapple and peaches literally curls my toes and drives me into my happy dance!  And just in case you were wondering, my son thought it would be a great idea to secure a chocolate sandwich cooke as the topping in the pic below, lol! 

I must admit I was a bit hesitant to even think that whipped cream would satisfy my sweet tooth for a cool, refreshing, vanilla topping.  I naturally coveted 'ice cream' as the ideal accompaniment.  Boy was I wrong!  Whipped cream is super light yet flavor potent, and might I add nearly 230 calories LESS than its iced counterpart!  YES!  Two tablespoons of 'real' whipped cream is only 15 calories with less than 1 gram of sugar! (...I'll wait and let you read that again).  This is literally a win-win situation.  So check the recipe below and become a winner!!

These Chocolate & Cherry Nut Pre-Workout Protein Bars come as a result of my trainer suggesting I focus on my carb consumption prior to my workouts to maximize the calorie burn and muscle build.  As an obedient student, of course I complied.  However, being the true culinary health foodie I am, I decided to conjure up my own 'weapon' to use in my weight battle and workout victory as opposed to the store bought options.  

These bars are perfectly convenient to grab-go-and-toss in your lunch or workout bag.  I enjoy a bar 30 minutes prior to my workout to get the fuel needed to power through my workout with a 'boosted' calorie burn weapon!

The sweet-tart juicy burst from the dried cherries combined with the creamy chocolate goodness of the chips is like a symphony of flavors backed with the satisfying crunch of the walnuts.  While I would not recommend these bars as a dessert treat since their sweetness is mainly derived from the cherries and dark chocolate alone, this dense bar is a super delicious treat that motivates me to live my best workout!  

*NOTE: To make this more of a sweeter treat, add 1/2 cup brown sugar to the mix.

Check the numbers below!
Calories: 240 Cholesterol 0mg Total Carbohydrate 29.4g Dietary Fiber 3g
Total Sugars 11g Protein 10.1g

Have I got some news for YOU!🎉

Exclusive to only this AC's Cart Of Foodies FB GROUP and site subscribers!
                                                             The
      7-Day Flex Taste & Move Challenge

• What it is: A 7 day meal plan and fitness challenge with options...it's FLEXIBLE

​

• Who: AC's Cart Of Foodies FB Group & AC Art Of Food site subscribers ONLY! (You have to subscribe to this site www.acartoffood.com in order to join the Facebook Group 'AC's Cart Of Foodies'!)

​

• When: Saturday, September 8th (Receive your meal plan and choose your workout and get ready to 'Taste & Move' Sunday!)

💥

• Why: To help you jump-start the new you, and the FIRST day of the rest of your new lifestyle!!🤗

The Details:
• An AC Art Of Food customized 7 day meal plan (breakfast/lunch/dinner/snacks) focused on **culinary health**- this is NOT a 'diet'. Unlike most meal challenges, the 7-Day Flex Taste & Move Challenge has a meal plan that you can eat for a lifetime!
(ACAOF's term **culinary health** is a mindful healthy eating lifestyle. It is not meant to restrict, but more so to incorporate better eating habits and eliminate the crap that ultimately harms your body)

• 7 different workouts with 7 daily routines each from various movement experts/trainers who have created specific routines just for my ACAOFoodies to choose from for your 7 days based on what best fits you!

• Each day of the challenge will also be accompanied with an inspiring motivational passage curated by a phenomenal author just for ACAOFoodies that will encourage you to be the best you, inside and out....and to keep you going!

The Meals:
• Plant based with options for your protein of preference. All meals have been specially designed for this challenge😋

The Workouts: (each workout listed has 7 days of routines):
1•Circuit
2•HIIT
3•Yoga
4•Pilates
5•Running
6•Zumba
7•Swim

The Cost$:
•To be clear, the value of this challenge is priceless!!  
But as a thank you and to show appreciation for my loyal subscribers and ACAOFoodies the **7 Day Flex Taste & Move Challenge** is FREE!!

AC Art Of Food's new monthly interactive custom meal plans will be available with 6 and 12 month subscription discounted rates coming this Fall! 


🤓So stay tuned to our AC's Cart Of Foodies Group page for more info and to ask questions in preparation for September 8th!!🤓

🥘.              7-Day Flex Taste & Move Challenge

​...are you ready to start the First day of the rest of your lifestyle?

​It seems like every month a new ‘Super’ food hits the scene promising ideas of fascinating healing powers, extended life expectancy, and the fountain of youth.  But are these just fads? No secret that most of these foods aren’t approved by the FDA, but what does that really mean?  To some it’s a huge deal.  But for folks like me, it just means the government hasn’t figured out a way to place control or a higher dollar amount on an item that has benefited the health of many, but I digress.

An awesome not-so-new Super Food I adore is amazing matcha!  I was already a fan of green tea when I discovered this powerfully beneficial beverage.  I first became aware of matcha several years ago from Dr. Oz and became obsessed with finding out more!

The Good
Simply put, matcha is finely ground green tea leaves- the best of the best tea leaves that is. Matcha has been a beneficial zen hot beverage of choice in Japanese culture for thousands of years and is a ceremonial tea tradition.  Similar to the already cancer fighting, immune boosting properties, and weight loss aid of the traditional green tea leaves that are steeped for tea, matcha is that much more potent.  Matcha also breaks down fat in the body from entering into cells which makes it an amazing defense against cardiovascular disease and obesity.  Be mindful that matcha’s fine green powder contains about 30 grams of caffeine.  However, this caffeinated ‘boost’ is more of a calm alertness as opposed to the jolt-then-crash that coffee often times causes.    

The Whisk
It is suggested that you have a small bamboo whisk in order to blend the fine grounded powder completely into the boiling water.  The actual process of whisking the tea is itself a traditional Japanese zen ritual, and it is highly recommended to prepare this tea properly.  However, I never picked up a whisk, but I did rediscover an alternate way of dissolving and getting the most out of my sipping.  Actually my Aunt Colette taught me this process years ago with her coffee:  

• Add your small amount of matcha powder to the cup.  
• Add in a liquid sweetener such as agave or honey. 
• The sticky texture adheres to the fine powder and dissolves it as you stir this mixture together with a fork.  You’ll notice a deep green shiny paste.  
• Mix in your hot (not boiling) water and you have a delicious zen, disease fighting beverage to get your day going.  I like mine with a touch of almond creamer.
  

​

The Possibilities
Not much of a tea fan?  No problem!  Matcha powder can be added to pancakes and waffles, smoothies, salads, cocktails, ice cream, many pastry items such as cookies and brownies, and so much more!  Just a teaspoon of matcha goes a long way and adds endless possibilities to your culinary creations.  There's something for everyone to enjoy to benefits of this ancient healing powder!

For even more info about this power packed super powder, check out this awesome report from CBS This Morning!

Matcha madness: Rising popularity of green tea jolt in U.S.
https://youtu.be/h0TYVyOPC5c

1.Nitrate-free Deli Turkey Roll-ups

• Nitrate-free deli turkey or ham
• Mozzarella cheese (lower in fat that most cheese)
• Fresh spinach leaves

Layer turkey, spinach leaves, and cheese, and roll!  Combine a tablespoon of mayo + mustard for the perfect dipping sauce!


2.Bagel My Tuna

• Thin sliced bagels
• Your little ones favorite prepared tuna salad

Simply sandwich tuna salad between bagel thins and cut into fourths.  Baby carrots are the perfect accompaniment!


3.Chicken, Tuna, Egg, or Tofu Salad Boats

• Fresh and firm cleaned romaine lettuce leaves
• Prepared chicken, tuna, egg, or tofu salad (tofu salad: prepare like egg salad substituting diced extra firm tofu)

Add your preferred salad to a container.  Wrap lettuce leaves in a paper towel and place in a ziplock bag.  Have your tiny scholar to assemble the boats themselves at lunch!  Shredded carrots adds awesome color and tasty nutrients!

4. Munch-ables

• Your favorite crackers
• Your favorite cheese/ veggie cheese, sliced to the size of crackers
• Your favorite protein (pepperoni, turkey, ham (the veggie options for these work perfectly!  Tofurky is a great option)

Separate each item (crackers, cheese, protein) in separate containers until it’s time to eat and stack away at lunch time!


5. Protein Caprese Salad

• 1 cup prepared quinoa, toboulei, or couscous
• 1 cup fresh spinach, kale, or other lettuce leaves
• 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella diced
• Handful of basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (found near the oils and vinegars in your grocery)

Now this lunch may be geared toward a more mature palate, but it’s never too soon to introduce new and different healthy food options to kids!  Line fresh leaves to the bottom of the bowl.  Top with your prepared grain salad.  Add tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and drizzle with glaze.  Sprinkle with sea salt to taste.  Enjoy!


6. PB&J Pinwheels

• Whole wheat tortilla
• Natural peanut butter
• Your favorite 100% fruit spread

Spread peanut butter onto tortilla.  Top peanut butter layer with fruit spread and roll tightly.  Slice roll in to 1 inch sections creating pinwheel discs.  Opt: Add fresh sliced fruit like bananas, peaches, pears, etc., for an added layer of fresh flavor and vitamins! 

7. Ceasar Pockets

• Pita round, halved and pocket opened for stuffing
• Prepared Cesar salad (fresh romaine + Ceasar dressing + lemon juice, and toss)
• Protein: shrimp, diced turkey, chicken, or veggie protein

Toss protein in Ceasar salad and stuff salad in each pita pocket.  Opt: Chopped and Chef salads work super as fillers for these pockets as well!  Sliced apples with a natural nut butter for dipping goes awesome with this lunch!


8. Fruit Wafflewhich

• 2 frozen waffles
• Cream cheese
• Your favorite 100% fruit spread

Toast waffles.  Spread one side with cream cheese and the other with 100% fruit spread.  Smash together and cut into fourths.  Feel free to make these PB&J’s by subbing peanut butter in place of cream cheese.


9. Crudite Sushi

•  Flatbread or other flavored wraps (tomato, spinach)
• Cream cheese with herbs
• Nori/Seaweed sheets
• Thinly sliced fresh veggies (cucumbers, carrots, sweet peppers, etc.)

Layout wrap and cover with herbed cream cheese.  Lay on nori/seaweed sheets to adhere to the cream cheese spread.  Add veggies and roll tightly!  Slice roll in to 1.5- 2 inches wide pieces.  Amino acids or a low sodium soy sauce makes for delicious dipping!  Opt: Make this lunch quick and easier by picking up a bag of broccoli slaw and adding it as your veggies! 

​Now I usually save recipe posts like this for the colder seasons, but my family insisted on me preparing this dish for Sunday dinner.  The good thing about this recipe is that you don’t have to turn on the stove!  The slow cooker does it all… in a corner, on the counter, with no heat exerting from the stove in the hot summertime!  

​I decided to prepare a fish dish this past weekend to take to a friend’s family event at the lake.  However, I was a bit bored with the same old 'lemon and dill’ seasoned fish- primarily salmon as the fish.  So the hubby picked up a few pounds of my new favorite delight of the sea, steel head trout!  Now, what to add to it to jazz it up....differently?  

As I glanced over at the fruit on my counter, I noticed an almost too juicy pink grapefruit that had about one more day left before I would toss it into my compost bin.  That’s when the ‘AHA!’ hit me!  Why not?!  It’s in the citrus family but with a sweet and bitter twist at the same time.  Why not try a different and complex flavor boost with grapefruit?  And it did not hurt one bit for me to be reminded as I gazed out my kitchen window that fennel was growing beautifully in my garden this season- I thought it the perfect accompaniment with this fruit.  What’s more, fennel greens/tops pack a similar, yet more potent punch in comparison to dill.  

End result, my favorite seafood seasoning of the summer!  These flavor combinations resulted in this trout being off the taste charts!! 

Now, I simply adore the sharp zip in flavor I get from citrus when enjoying seafood, but all seasonal fruit is fair game!!😋

​If you know anything about me, you know I really don’t care for shopping of the ‘clothing’ sort.  However, when speaking of delicious vittles' ingredients, I’m all in!  My whole premise behind promoting a culinary health environment is to ‘jazz-up’ healthier food items.  I mean let’s face it, preparing the same old vegetables over and over, the same way is indeed both mundane and redundant, and frankly boring as hell.  
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!

​Once again, the 4th of July is upon us!  No better way to symbolically kick-off the summer than a few fireworks, right?  Well before the bombs burst in the air, but shortly after the annual Peachtree Road Race, let’s get some kabobs stacked and on the grill!

This very well may be one of the easiest, quickest, healthiest, and super delicious ‘no fuss’ way to celebrate with your tastebuds as well as your eyes!  Super simple because all you need is fresh veggies (or fruit), Abstract Spice, sticks, and a fire!  Now, I do generally like to add a drizzle of flavored olive oil once the kabobs are done for an extra layer of flavor!

Keeping in line with my new 'F@#$ Cancer' recipe creations, my 'Alkaline Rich Goodness & Green Mercy' dish does not disappoint! Loaded with vitamins and minerals the body needs to stay defensive against disease, this recipe boosts the immune system to put up a hell-of-a fight! What's more, it tastes AMAZING! But then again, that's my main purpose as your Culinary Health Consultant!

​This green veggie bowl is super simple and is tasty warm or chilled. Please try it out and let me know in the comments what you think, along with any questions or ideas you may have.

Enjoy!