The Poinsettia Champagne Cocktail by The Spruce EatsWith just 3 ingredients (orange liqueur, cranberry juice, and champagne), this festive cocktail comes together in no time. The champagne adds a fun, bubbly touch and the optional fresh cranberries and rosemary sprig garnish can take this yummy cocktail from simple to fancy in a flash. |
Vegan Eggnog by Jessica in the KitchenIf you're not already familiar with Jessica in the Kitchen, she is an incredible source for all kinds of yummy vegan recipes that could satisfy even the most dedicated meat-eaters. And her vegan eggnog is no exception. Perfect for your next holiday gathering, whether your guests are plant-based or not, this delicious drink truly tastes like the real deal. We love to warm it up for that extra cozy touch! |
The Snowflake Peppermint Cocktail by Tidy MomCreamy with a cool peppermint twist, this delicious cocktail is a must for the holidays. Requiring only 3 ingredients (vanilla vodka, half and half cream, and peppermint schnapps), the finished product is smooth and full of minty goodness. |
The Jingle Juice Holiday Punch by Inspired by CharmFor a larger gathering, nothing's better (or easier) than a holiday punch. We love the way a punchbowl brings your guests together and encourages conversation, allowing you to dip out and focus on other things. The Jingle Juice recipe by Inspired by Charm results in the perfect shade of pink and tastes refreshing, sweet, and bubbly. |
The Non-Alcoholic Pomegranate Christmas Punch by Mitten GirlA non-alcoholic cocktail option is great for your designated drivers, those who are sober, or your guests that would simply rather abstain. This recipe from Mitten Girl is so delicious you'll enjoy sipping it from cocktail hour through dinner. |
Watermelon Mojitos by Jessica in the KitchenWe love a mojito in the summer, and this recipe by Jessica in the Kitchen is a fun take on a classic. Jessica includes a recipe for homemade simple syrup, which really elevates this cocktail. The mint adds a fresh touch, while the lime adds contrast to the sweet watermelon juice. |
Strawberry Basil Martini by Inspired by CharmTake full advantage of strawberry season with this unique take on the martini. You wouldn't normally think to pair basil and strawberry, but it's a flavor combination that just *works*. The final product? A little sweet, very fresh, and the most delicious shade of pink. |
Blueberry Lavender Lemonade by Liz MoodyWho said a mocktail can't have as much depth of flavor as a cocktail?? This is one of our favorite drinks to make on a summer afternoon, and it's a great non-alcoholic option for outdoor dinner parties. By adding the lavender to boiling water, it steeps like a tea and adds the most beautiful flavor. |
Mint Margarita by Julie BlannerMint is one herb you'll find in plenty of our summer cocktails. This mint margarita recipe from Julie Blanner is a classic that you'll want to add to your rotation all year long. It's the perfect drink to cool off with after a long day, and it pairs perfectly with tacos and a patio. |
Vodka Lemonade by Sugar and CharmWe can't talk about summer cocktails and not include lemonade! This super easy summer cocktail is the perfect balance of sweet and sour. It starts with a must-have classic lemonade recipe, and is finished with a splash of vodka. We love to serve this cocktail at barbeques, and because the alcohol is added at the last step, you can also serve a non-alcoholic version. |
It's Fall ya'll, and I for one am beyond excited for everything the season brings. Changing leaves, sweater weather, and pumpkins. This might expose how truly basic I am, but I don't care because I love pumpkins so much I want to shout it from the rooftops. Pumpkin spice, pumpkin patch, pumpkin pie... I can't get enough pumpkin!
For all my other shameless pumpkin lovers, who wait for the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte with as much excitement as those waiting for the next Star Wars film, this post is dedicated to you. Bon Appetit!
Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie by Simply Recipes
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
Pumpkin Old Fashioned by Inspired by Charm
Pumpkin Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce by Pinch of Yum
Photo by Aneta Pawlik on Unsplash
20 Minute Pumpkin Butter by Minimalist Baker
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds by Bon Appetit
Photo by Macey Bundt on Unsplash
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MAIN DISH
Though I can’t say that my pasta consumption is limited to certain seasons, the veggies I use in my recipes definitely are. This delicious recipe has all the beautiful green vegetables you can want alongside pasta, cheese, lemon and olive oil.
Mushroom Asparagus White Burrata Pizza W/ Balsamic Drizzle
I couldn’t write this post without including an amazing pizza recipe that has my favorite kind of cheese and veggies. The balsamic drizzle on top takes this recipe to the next level.
SIDES
Grilled Artichokes with Lemon Herb Aioli
Artichokes are by far one of my favorite vegetables because they really don’t need much to taste delicious. Enjoy them by themselves, with melted butter, or with the awesome aioli in this recipe. And don’t forget the lemon!
It’s hard not to like a dish that has homemade green goddess dressing drizzled over, and this one is no exception. I love a salad that isn’t fussy and combines a little bit of savory and sweet flavors, and that is exactly what you’ll get with this carrot salad recipe!
COCKTAILS
Nothing says Spring like a fresh, fruit-forward cocktail! The unique flavors of the chamomile infused honey and strawberries make this drink irresistible.
This beautiful citrusy drink is perfect for the warmer days we’re about to start having. It’s a fun take on a Mai Tai that will make you dream of past vacations and long for a day at the beach!
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We are smack dab in the middle of tomato season, arguably the best fruit on the planet (don’t at me). What other fruit can you think of that can transform both pizza AND pasta? What other fruit contains more lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, that may help protect against cancer and heart disease? What other fruit is also considered a vegetable?
For all the tomato lovers out there, now is our time to shine! Whether you grow them fresh in your garden, buy them at your local farmers market, or grab them at Trader Joes, it's the perfect time to stock up on tomatoes. And there are so many ways to revolve your meal around this magical botanical gift.
Here are a few of our favorite tomato recipes. Enjoy! *chef’s kiss*
Tomato Feta Salad by the Barefoot Contessa
Basic Fresh Tomato Sauce by Goop
Photo by Rohann Agalawatte from Burst
Baked Parmesan Herbed Tomatoes by The Pioneer Woman
Easy Gazpacho by Love & Lemons
Photo by Farhad Ibrahimzade on Unsplash
Heirloom Tomato & Mozzarella Sandwich by Cooking with Cocktail Rings
Linguine with Lemon & Tomatoes by Love & Lemons
]]>Well, in that spirit, I have chosen to see this time stuck at home as an opportunity to become the world’s foremost connoisseur of Louisiana Étouffée!
]]>Well, in that spirit, I have chosen to see this time stuck at home as an opportunity to become the world’s foremost connoisseur of Louisiana Étouffée!
BUT HOW DID I GET HERE?
It all began as I was hunkered down on the sofa absorbing movie after movie (as one in quarantine does), and fatefully came across the 2009 gem, “Julie & Julia”.
I was enamored immediately. The plot was home-isolation friendly, and Meryl Streep as Julia Child was a revelation. Fast-forward to the end of the film when, still glowing from what I had just watched, I crawled down a rabbit hole of old Julia Child videos. All pleasure owed to PBS and their archive of quality programming, this vintage episode of “Cooking with Master Chefs: Cajun Cooking with Emeril Lagasse” is what really got me hooked.
The first delight, was for my ears. After an elderly Julia Child’s soothing introduction, which sounded like an old jazz trumpeter playing with a mute, came the splendid noise of a perfectly mic’d Louisiana kitchen. Every chop, stir, and pour had me mezmorized. It’s an ASMR dream, before ASMR even existed! Add to that, a
strapping young Emeril’s controlled tone, which was like culinary guided meditation. Speaking of that handsome young star, that was the second delight.
Who knew?? Watching a confident artist of sustenance, in his prime, commanding flavor from fresh ingredients…exquisite. Not to mention the optical salvation that occurred while witnessing the slow browning of the Étouffée roux. It was like watching the dawning of flavor unfold right before my eyes.As for smell, touch and taste, well those senses had to wait until I was able to scrounge up supplies, on my next necessary shopping expedition, to create my own taste of the bayou. That adventure required it’s own upcoming blogpost, Louisiana Étouffée: PART II. But until then, I’d suggest getting cosy and watching this old thing, to escape from the cold and stale reality, and get yourself feeling all warm and delicious again!
]]>1. Crispy Tofu Tikka Masala Tacos with Chilifire Crema
Indian food is my jam and I'm a sucker for crispy tofu. Add some sauteed peppers and onions, some cashew based crema and we've got ourselves a winner here folks.(via Vegetarian Gastronomy & Brit + Co)
2. Vegan Teriyaki Cauliflower Tacos
We LOVE teriyaki sauce, the combo of the sweet + salty just really hits the spot. What better than on the trendiest veggie of the moment: cauliflower! We like baking the cauliflower at a higher heat for a longer time, to really get that browned, fully baked flavor. (via Lauren Caris Cooks & Brit + Co)
3. Beer Marinated Portabello Tacos with Avocado Corn Salsa
There's not too much we love more than beer, mushrooms and tacos. Portabellos are famous for their meaty texture and what better way to enhance that than with a beer marinade? And the avocado corn salsa? The cherry on top! (via Connoisseurus Veg & Brit + Co)
4. Poblano Mushroom Tacos with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Hopefully, you're not one of those people who think cilantro tastes like soap, because cilantro is DELISH! A cilantro yogurt sauce!? I'm trying this tonight! These sauteed veggie tacos are what dreams are made of. (via Half Baked Harvest & Brit + Co)
5. Black Bean Nacho Mac N' Cheese Tacos
Yes, you heard that right. All my favorite indulgences wrapped into one tiny, vegetarian friendly taco. Enough said here folks. (via Keepin' it Kind & Brit + Co)
These sticky sweet tacos will hit the spot, guaranteed. Especially if you've had a hankering for some Asian infused tacos. They are fragrant, fresh and oh-so-delicious. (via Euphoric Vegan & Brit + Co)
7. Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
I have a small obsession with buffalo sauce and buffalo cauliflower. These tacos have an avocado cilantro crema that is out of this world. Run to the store and start cooking. (via Emiliee Eats & Brit + Co)
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1. Whole Foods DTLA- 788 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90017
We love Whole Foods all day, every day for their wide selection of groceries and snacks, but we really love their salad bar! It is packed with cold salad options as well as a hot bar with rotating dishes of deliciousness like macaroni and cheese and potato and vegetable samosas. Fun fact: The salad bar/hot bar is 10% on Wednesdays!
2. GROW DTLA- 300 S Santa Fe Ave, -#C, Los Angeles, CA 90013
This neighborhood market is a little gem in the One Santa Fe complex. It has a great bulk section for grabbing a quick snack of trail-mix or dried mango and they also have a great grab-n-go deli! They make delicious sandwiches and they even have very affordable pre-made wraps and sandwiches. We recommend the roasted brussel sprouts and turmeric cauliflower. We also love their caprese pre-made sandwich for just $5.99!
3. Loqui- 803 Traction Ave #150, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Located in the Arts District, Loqui is a popular spot for simple yet incredibly flavorful Mexican food. Choose from either a bowl or tacos, and with different protein options this spot can accommodate a range of tastes. We highly recommend trying the mushroom tacos or bowl, and your lunch wouldn't be complete without a side of chips and guac!
4. Urth Caffe- 451 S Hewitt St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
A tried and true, consistent favorite is Urth Caffe. They are known for their delicious coffee and pastries, but they also have a thoroughly delicious and eclectic lunch menu. We love the Caesar Salad, the Caravan Kale Salad, the Eggplant Pizza, and their roasted tomato and red pepper soup! They have awesome deals like their Light Lunch Combo and their Soup/Sandwich Combo!
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Roasted Red Pepper and Sweet Potato Soup
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We love cake... and there's only one thing we love more than cake for dessert: Cake for breakfast! Usually we drink delicious smoothies, fruit and veggie juices, or even dig into a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast but sometimes, we crave something a bit more decadent.
Here are some wonderful, tried and true recipes that will keep you looking forward to breakfast every morning.
Middle Eastern Tahini, Date and Cardamom Bulgur Wheat Breakfast Bake
Instructions:
This Healthy Vegan Oatmeal Banana Bread is soft, springy, hearty and full of good-for-you ingredients like banana and oats. I managed to mash up 5 super ripe and naturally sweet bananas into the healthy, vegan, comforting breakfast cake. It is topped off with hints of cinnamon, maple syrup, vanilla, flax and coconut oil.
Directions:
It's the most magical time of the year. A fresh start and good intentions will make this year a memorable one. Make these desserts and ring in 2016!
Baking with champagne? Yes, Please!
Champagne Cupcakes with Champagne Buttercream
Danish Marzipan Ring Cake with Icing
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Here at Lovestitch, we really love our fruits and vegetables and we pine all year long for persimmon season. These fruits are versatile, crispy, flavorful and just all around delicious! We love to just take a bite out of them or slather some raw honey and almond butter on them but we also love to include them in Thanksgiving recipes!
Check out some delicious recipes with our beloved persimmon:
Roasted Beet and Persimmon Salad with Goat Cheese and Toasted Walnut Vinaigrette
Persimmon, Pomegranate and Avocado Salad
Enjoy!!!
xx
Lovestitch
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Ever have a hankering for something sweet and carby in the morning but wish you could eliminate all the fat and calories that come with it? Well, I don't want to take away ALL of the fun, but here is a recipe for a healthier version of a classic breakfast splurge, french toast!
What you will need:
1 Skillet
2 Slices of Thin Sliced Dave's Killer Bread (You can use any bread you like but in an effort to keep the calories down, I love their 60 calorie thin sliced bread!)
1 TBSP Butter or Earth Balance Buttery Spread
1 Egg, Beaten
1/2 Banana, sliced
Handful of Raw or Roasted Pecans, Unsalted
2 Pinches of Coconut Sugar
Ground Cinnamon to Taste (optional)
Sea Salt to Taste
Maple Syrup to Taste
First thing's first, heat up that butter in the skillet and keep the pan at medium heat.
Dip your bread slices in the egg and evenly coat both sides.
Place your bread in the hot skillet and sprinkle some coconut sugar on top.
After a few minutes, flip the bread and make it so both sides are an even golden brown.
Once the toast is golden brown, remove from skillet and place on a plate.
Throw your bananas and pecans in the still hot skillet and pan fry for a minute or so to get them warm.
Top your toast with banana and pecan mixture.
Sprinkle a bit of sea salt and cinnamon on top and drizzle your masterpiece with an ample amount of maple syrup and VOILA. Enjoy!
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