We as humans are eating sugar in everything from smoothies to breads to even salads. Why not try to control your sugar as much as possible with one little fruit?
Over the past two yrs I have been working frequently with dates, date sugar and date nectur. This amazing fruit works very well in my baking, sweeten oatmeals, savory dishes like BBQ, Asian, even in Paleo ketchup and steak sauces. 
Making your date nectur syrup is simple. Just simmer dates in a water, cool, blend in your Vitamix and strain. As easy as that. Have no time, try: D'Vash necturs They make incredible natural organic  sweetners guaranteed to fit into your diet. See attached link address: 
For baking purposes, granulated date sugar has a 1:1 ratio to regular sugar.
Why dates? The sugar content is 1/3 less than honey. The higher fiber aids in blocking sugar content from absorption a huge benefit for people who suffer from blood sugar issues. Also not made by bees so falls into a Vegan as well as Paleo and the Whole30 diet. As well as, ounce by ounce more potassium than bananas!!!

As a WHE chef I cook for many different diet plans and health conditions.  I just recently cooked for a couple whos wife had been diagnosed with Alztiemers. I did research on what foods would benefit and read more about the MIND Diet.  - chef Kristen Trihn

"Want another great reason to eat healthy? The food choices you make daily might lower your odds of getting Alzheimer’s disease, some scientists say.
Researchers have found that people who stuck to a diet that included foods like berries, leafy greens, and fish had a major drop in their risk for the memory-sapping disorder, which affects more than 5 million Americans over age 65.
The eating plan is called the MIND diet. Here’s how it works."

​Keto Avocado Brownies
 
4 large eggs
2 avocados
½ stick unsalted butter, melted
1/3 cup unsweetened peanut butter
2 tsp baking soda
2/3 cup stevia
2/3 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp kosher salt
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend everything in food processor, place in prepared greased 8x8 dish. Bake 20-25 minutes and let cool.

Stay tunes .....  Check for more updates to come from Chef Meggan and her keto diet adventures!  
 

I'm obsessed!
Kampachi Vs. Kanpachi:
(AKA Hamachi) Fresh in season, sustain-ably farmed in Hawaii ocean- NO hormones, Antibiotics - perfect for Sashimi, Poke, Ceviche, or lightly seared served w/ a citrus Vinaigrette, maybe sesame.
little buttery-not as buttery as sea bass, black Cod/Butter fish. Very Mild.
They are basically the same fish...yellowtail. Kampachi has taken fashion as yellowtail from Hawaii. Japanese yellowtail is often referred to as Kanpachi, and local yellowtail can be referred to as Amberjack. Confusing!
Kampachi = Hawaiian yellowtail
Kanpachi = yellowtail (variations for region & age)
Amberjack = variation of yellowtail
Bottom line: It's all pretty tasty at your favorite sushi place!
Now Hamachi is Extremely OVER fished from Japan-Amazing tasting fish but best to do your part to keep what we have in ocean to build it back up.
Fresh Kanpachi at Pavilions and Santa Monica Seafood Counter.
Stand back Ahi, Cuz Kanpachi is Seriously one of the best tasting Pokes' Ive had in a long time.

Sous Vide.  My new favorite cooking obsession.  The sous vide has been in restaurants for years, but the appliance is now being seen in households.  It is safe, easy, and the food tastes amazing!  A quick sear on a piece of protein that has been slowly cooking in a temperature controlled water bath equals perfection.  The sous vide is great for an effortless weeknight dinner, a romantic date night, or even a large party. 
 
The sous vide is very safe, as long as you take the correct precautions. The danger zone for bacteria growth is between 40oF and 140oF, so properly chilling the cooked food is crucial.  Also the bags used do not contain BPA or Phtalate, so there are no risks associated with heating the plastic vacuum-sealed bags.
 
I highly recommend the sous vide and there are many different products on the market, ranging in price.  

No matter if you’re a professional chef or just a single mother handling the household duties and the kids, food is the main staple of life.  We all have the daily meals but sometimes constructing and laying out a meal game plan can be hard to figure out.  First things first, the star of the meal.  The star needs to be some great protein like a whole chicken, a succulent steak, a meaty filet of fish, or for all you veggies, some really flavorful beans or vegetarian casserole. ​

It’s all about the Butter!
 
I have these conversations with friends, family and clients all the time. Butter is bad. Butter is good. I’m allergic to dairy I can’t have butter. So when it comes down to it what is really the best option. I personally use Ghee, Keri gold and Coconut Oil in my household depending on what it’s used for. Ever heard of Bullet Proof Coffee? It’s amazing and it’s just what I like to drink before I start my day or a long jog! Coffee, Keri Gold and Coconut oil blended together and creates the perfect froth on top!!
 

​My first attempt at growing an herb garden began five days ago.  I have never been one to have a so-called “green thumb”, but I have wanted an herb and vegetable garden for some time now.  My Christmas present from my husband was that he would build me a planter box.   I suggested a kit or a partially-assembled box, but he wanted to do everything by hand.  Due to life and busy schedules, the planter was finished four months later.  But holy cow is looked great! 

Tips For Grilling Pizza
 
Now that we're headed towards summer, daylight is lasting longer and the evenings aren't quite so cool, so I've started to grill more and more.  One thing I love grilling for an easy dinner is pizza. The following are a few simple steps for a delicious grilled pizza: