There are so many choices on the market for alternative milk these days. Soy, almond, coconut, hemp, rice… I have tried them all, with varying degrees of success. Recently, I started a diet that is heavier in healthy fats and low in carbs, so I was looking for a milk substitute that fit macronutrient profile. I discovered one that I had not seen before at my local Gilson’s, a product called Milkadamia. Milkadamia, as the name suggests is made from the fat –rich macadamia nut. It is made in Australia from raw, sustainably harvested macadamia nuts. It has 50% more calcium than regular cow’s milk, is carrageenan free, at 5 grams fat, 1 gram carbs and 1 gram fiber per 8 oz. serving, is perfect for all my low carbs breakfast smoothies. Surprisingly, as whole macadamia nuts are often very pricy, Milkadamia is fairly un expensive, around the same price or less as some brands of almond milk. So, if you are ready to switch up your milk or nut milk game, give Milkadamia a try! If you want my smoothie recipe please comment below! 

Fall is here and with the weather getting colder!
Foods I incorporate into my meals so I stay healthy all season long are pumpkins, squash, and zucchini.
Adding foods like pumpkin, squash, and zucchini can also help the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and promote a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, and overall lower weight!
There are many creative ways pumpkin and squash can be incorporated into meals and even as a substitute for butter.  Comment below and ask for a special recipe from Chef Kristen!
So to reduce heart disease, gut issues, inflammation, bloat, and sugar cravings, eating one of these sources is essential to keep up when the sun isn’t out to give you your daily dose of sunshine. 

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.

I recently met Davide , The Balsamic Guy and he shared his amazing real balsamic.  
There are many balsamic vinegars on the market but only ones made in Modena Italy are the real deal!  Take a moment to listen to this video and view the website. Once you try a real balsamic you will never buy the imitation stuff again! 
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http://www.thebalsamicguy.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycdkhO-QEUU&t=1s

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! 

​Growing up in the high desert, my family had a chicken coop with our own brood of hens. As a little girl, I have fond memories of going to the hen house with a basket to collect the eggs each morning. My mother was my first cooking instructor, and she taught me how to turn these eggs into delicious scrambles and omelets. Eggs continue to be one of my favorite foods. They are extremely versatile and go way beyond the standard scrambles and omelets for breakfast.  

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Plant Milks
 
If you have trouble digesting dairy, plant milks are great alternatives. Typically made from nuts or seeds, these plant milks can be used to replace anything you would typically use milk for, whether it’s milk for your coffee or cereal or making a creamy sauce to go on pasta. You can buy a variety of plant milks in grocery stores, but making them at home is shockingly easy and allows you get creative.
 
Here’s what you need to get started:​
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       In this entry we will be highlighting the variances between broth, stock, and bone broth. I’ll also discuss the health benefits of bone broth and include a simple, bone broth recipe which contains only 9 ingredients. You may ask yourself, why discuss bone broth? Well, bone broth has been a culinary staple in my career as a chef. I tend to favor the use of bone broth because of the deep bold flavor. It enhances soups, sauces, and proteins. However, in recent years I have noticed a shift in how bone broth is being used by many people today.