You can drink beer—it’s made from plants! Plus, a Tumeric Chickpea and Golden Potato Salad♣

You can drink beer—it’s made from plants! Plus, a Tumeric Chickpea and Golden Potato Salad♣

Recently, my family and I took a day trip to a neighboring city and we spent time walking downtown.  As we walked down the sidewalk, we curiously looked at the shops and restaurants, eventually coming to a corner brewery advertising Happy Hour and their new hoppy specialty. 

Consequently, my dad was all too eager to go inside and was trying to get the rest of us on board.  My mom shook her head and rattled on about why she dislikes beer.  So, my dad turned to me to see if I wanted to go in.  Let it be known that I’m always excited to try new food but I’ve discovered food allergies of mine in the past months and that makes eating out real hard. 

Then, my eternal look of hesitancy on my face must have probed him to say, “You can still drink beer, can’t you?”  Before I could answer he was like, “You can drink beer—it’s made from plants!” 

I like my father’s style; if only it was so easy.  Anyone with dietary restrictions knows they need to ask all the questions.  Sometimes twice—you can’t be too careful.   

As a plant-based eater (two years now!), I’ve become somewhat skilled at navigating a lackluster menu.  Though, adding a dietary restriction on top of that makes life challenging to say the least.  I’m not sure if I’ve formally announced it here on the blog but I am sensitive to gluten. 

Many of you folks reading have probably heard of the gluten-free movement, if you aren’t already following it yourselves.  I haven’t been formally tested by a doctor but I conducted my own elimination diet during the summer and noticed a huge difference in my body, mental clarity, and overall energy.  My go-to avocado toast or spaghetti at restaurants is now out of the question because they contain wheat. 

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten eye-rolls and, “Ugh, but what’s Melanie going to eat?” remarks from others.  So much so that I’ve contemplated adding in certain foods just to appease others and make dining with me easier. 

If you’ve been or are currently in a similar boat then let me just be the one to tell you: YOU DON’T NEED TO CHANGE FOR ANYONE BUT YOU. 

If I started eating these foods that I already know don’t feel good in my body, I’d be the only one suffering, not others.  It is not worth it.  I’m living this life for me so I want to feel my best!  Dining out is still a deal but, if anything, I appreciate home cooking a lot more now.  Simply said, eating at home allows me to completely avoid wheat allergens and continue my plant-based way of eating.  WIN-WIN.

So that this post isn’t a total pointless ramble-fest, I’m going to share a loose recipe for my favorite Tumeric-Spiced Chickpea and Golden Potato Salad.  Gosh, I crave it just thinking about it. 

After making it several times for myself, I finally tried it out on my family and they loved it.  I’m certain it was the potatoes that won them over 😉  It could’ve also been Primal Kitchen’s bomb-ass Lemon Tumeric Vinaigrette. (not sponsored!)  Though, I’ve got an alternative if you don’t have the dressing.  Overall, I hope you guys don’t mind the rough recipe but if you try it out, be sure to tell me what you think!

Xoxo

Melanie

chickpea and golden potato salad

Tumeric Chickpea and Golden Potato Salad
Recipe Type: Entree
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 salads
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 lb golden potatoes, rinsed and chopped into large cubes
  • Avocado oil
  • Garlic powder and salt
  • 2 cups of cooked chickpeas
  • Turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt (about ¼ tsp each)
  • Spinach or mixed salad greens
  • Cilantro or parsley, if preferred
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil and lemon or Primal Kitchen’s Lemon Tumeric Dressing
  • Optional: red onion, red bell pepper
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the chopped potatoes to a lined baking sheet and coat them in a tablespoon or two of avocado oil and a generous sprinkle of garlic powder and salt. Bake for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are as tender and crispy as you like.
  2. Meanwhile, put a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop to heat up. In a medium bowl, add the chickpeas (no liquid) and spices. Stir them around to thoroughly coat. Add a bit of avocado oil to the pan and then add the chickpeas. Cook until the chickpeas brighten and begin to crisp.
  3. Set out four bowls with two big handfuls of greens. Coat them in a drizzle of olive oil and lemon or the Primal Kitchen Lemon Tumeric dressing. Scoop the roasted potatoes and chickpeas on top. Plus, some chopped herbs and red onions or red bell pepper, if you’ve got them on hand.
  4. Enjoy this super comfy and grounding salad!

 

 

Friday Five 9-21-2018

Friday Five 9-21-2018

Hey friends!  Who else is struggling to find consistency in their life when everything feels so up in the air?  Is it just me?  I’d like to blame it on the changing seasons.  Each year, when fall comes around, I feel a sense of refresh and rebirth hit me.  Something about the season has always caused that.  Maybe it has something to do with my birthday being in the fall?  Who knows? 🙂

Now, onto some favorites from this week!

Pacifica eyeliner

Just like mascara, quality eyeliner is difficult to find.  I use so many Pacifica products already so I knew I could trust them for sustainable, cruelty-free ingredients.  To my surprise, the eyeliner is very smooth, but not oily or soft, and has great wear-time.  It applies with ease and just a bit of powder around the area keeps the liner from transferring.  You can find Pacifica makeup in select stores but I buy mine from iHerb! (Code: MUS0884 for 5% off!)

friday five pacifica eyeliner

Lauren Gleisberg Fall Challenge

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m trying to kick my butt into shape.  I started Laruen Gleisberg’s Fall Challenge this week and boy, oh boy, does she mean business.  My arms hate me as I write this.  They’re so sore–in a good way!  Though, the reason I like her workouts is because her workout plans target every muscle.  Most workout programs will boast that same hook but Lauren splits up workouts by muscle group so every day you’re targeting a new spot.  I personally find this to be extremely helpful for arm workouts in particular.  You can work “arms” on back-to-back days as long as you’re targeting different muscles!  Anyway, I’m following her free challenge and loving it so far!

Spiralized and “riced” vegetables

In addition to hitting my workouts harder, I am trying to ease off of the carbalicious life I’ve been living all summer.  When I was having all sorts of stomach issues, soaked and soft-cooked grains were one of the foods I leaned on.  Thankfully, I’m better able to digest the vegetables that I couldn’t at the time.  So now, I’m trying to make meals with vegetables playing main stage.  I’m looking to non-starchy veggies, breaking out my inspiralizer, and getting creative.  Here is a dish I made myself earlier in the week:

friday five filling up on all the veggies

A bed of mixed greens, topped with sauteed zoodles and onions, a beet and carrot “rice”, hummus, and fresh cilantro.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

Back in high school, I was able to read many classic literature novels thanks to my Honors English classes.  I’d say those classes really opened up my eyes to some interesting and impactful works of fiction.  I’ve always been a fan of reading but usually YA fiction.  Somehow, I haven’t really kept up with classic lit into adulthood but I’m glad I picked this one up. 

The novel is downright eerie.  It follows a young girl named Esther Greenwood as she has a sort of quarter life crisis.  She feels she should be appreciative of her accomplishments but she just isn’t happy.  She is frustrated with her job and the company she keeps.  Her passion for writing is dwindling and her interest in life overall.  The melancholic story was almost hard to read at times because, as a reader, I felt I could put myself in her shoes.  I cringed at the sinister thoughts that crossed her mind but I understand them.  It isn’t a feel-good read but, nonetheless, I think it is an important book to read because it portrays a very real and personal idea of what depression is like.

Daniel Caesar’s music

My taste in music is rapidly expanding this year!  I never used to listen to soulful, bluesy, or rap music but look at me now!  All of Daniel Caesar’s music is so, so good—check him out on Spotify!  My favorite songs are Japanese Denim and basically everything from his album Freudian.  I’ll include a video of a song from that album called “Hold Me Down”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX8_Tau-LRs

Thank you for being here and for reading!  Enjoy your last day of summer!  I’m counting down the minutes until it’s officially fall! 😀

xoxo,

Melanie

♦ Friday Five ♦ 9-7-2018

♦ Friday Five ♦ 9-7-2018

Today I’m bringing you a super short and sweet list of five things I’m loving lately.  I used to do favorites posts a while back and they were some of my favorites to write.  Do you guys like seeing what I’m into?  I am all about connecting with y’all and bringing you guys meaningful content.  So, please, let me know what you think!  I always appreciate the feedback!

The Skinny Confidential: Him and Her Podcast

I don’t know why it has taken me so long to start listening but I’m glad I have!  This podcast is the bees knees!  Co-hosts and real-life couple, Lauryn and Michael are the best balance of hilarity and business savvy.  On each episode, they provide insightful anecdotes, entrepreneurial advice, and entertaining guests.  Listening to one of their podcast episodes is like sitting down to have a glass of wine with some friends.  I love it!

Collagen Peptides

I can’t quite get over how strange I feel to say that I take collagen!  It all started back when my stomach was irritating me like crazy after a short antibiotics stint.  I already was dealing with sucky digestion and I felt like the lining in my stomach was just not having it.  Collagen has a plethora of benefits but I began taking it for the purpose of repairing my stomach lining.  It’s super easy for me to throw a scoop in any beverage, soup, breakfast entree, or a smoothie!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnRac5JFTXP/?taken-by=melaniemakesithappen

I take it daily and, after a few weeks, was able to notice a difference.  Additionally, I am very satisfied with the two brands I’ve tried: Primal Kitchen Unflavored Collagen Peptides and Vital Proteins Unflavored Collagen Peptides.  I’m working on a tub of the latter right now.  It is a supplement though so I might take a break afterwards just to see how my body feels without.

friday five

Master of None

Do you ever finish a show and then wonder what you’re going to do with your life now?  I am feeling serious Master of None withdrawals, guys!  This show is LIFE.  I know that sounds dramatic but it perfectly depicts the phenomenon that is the trials and tribulations of modern society through dating and relationships.  If you are like me and thought Aziz Ansari was the most annoying little sidekick in Parks and Recreation…high five.  Though, don’t let that stop you from watching his Netflix show.  I think this might be my favorite show ever and I’m semi-convinced it could be yours, too.

Forager Project Organic Plain Unsweetened Cashewgurt

If you are like me and live outside of a major city, it can be hard to find specialty projects.  What are the chances of finding dairy-free, soy-free, sugar-free yogurt in stores?  Ha, yeah right! <– Is what I would have said a month and a half ago before my local Vons started carrying such a product.  I’m so appreciative of a brand like Forager Project for making quality plant-based products.  Their plain yogurt is my new favorite base for smoothies, parfaits, yogurt bowls, and as a pancake topping!  It also works well in recipes like any other yogurt would!

french toast in a microwave

The yogurt tastes delicious as a topping to my French Toast Bake in a Microwave!

Pixie Mascara

Have you ever read about the gross chemicals that are used in mascara?  In actuality, I don’t experience eye sensitivities but, as I read more about what goes into products, it makes it hard for me to use ones that have questionable ingredients.  I’m the pickiest person with mascaras but the Blackest Black shade from Pixie is my go-to.  The large fluffy brush makes it easy to thoroughly coat lashes.  It adds volume without weighing them down.  Yeah, that’s right.  No soggy, limp lashes over here!  Pixie uses ingredients with a reputable safety record and no animal testing occurs on their part or their suppliers!  Sounds good to me 🙂

friday five pixie mascara

Was this quick and brief?  I’m so proud of myself for not writing an essay!  Lol.  Definitely let me know what you think of these sorts of posts here or on Instagram!  Also, I’d love to hear what you love lately.  Let’s connect!

Sweet and Fluffy Smoothie Bowl

Sweet and Fluffy Smoothie Bowl

Have you ever wondered how to make your smoothies ultra thick and fluffy but just end up with a flat fruity liquid?  Stay tuned for my top fluffy smoothie tips!

As I write this, I’m currently at home, in my comfy clothes, and with a mouth full of stitches.  Okay, that sounds dramatic but, with all seriousness, I did just get my wisdom teeth removed.  I know the thought of dentists and teeth weirds some people out so go ahead and skip to the bottom if you’re just here for the recipe.  

Ever since November of last year, I knew 2018 was going to be the year I would get my wisdom teeth removed.  My dentist has been telling me they were surfacing and close to pushing on my other teeth.  So, after my last dental check-up, I just bit the bullet and made an appointment. 

I’ve never had cavities or any big problems with my teeth so I can’t say I had too many concerns going in.  Obviously the pain was concerning.  Also, the fact that I would need to take some days off of work for recuperation was concerning (since I’m currently on my first year probationary period).   Though, the real fright came the day of my wisdom teeth extraction when I got some news sprung on me.

While I was prepared to get all four of my teeth pulled out, I was not prepared for was the information my dentist gave me that day.  Apparently, my two bottom teeth were literally grazing the top of a very sensitive nerve canal in my jaw.  Basically, my dentist said, if the nerve gets damaged during the extraction, I could end up with numbness for a few weeks, months, or even a lifetime. 

Perfect timing to break this to me, doc.

The chances were super slim.  Apparently 99% people who have that occur will regain feeling within six months.  So, I mean, my wisdom teeth were still wreaking havoc in my mouth… I figured I just needed to go through with the procedure as planned.

Thankfully, I’m here three days later and I’m okay.  My cheeks are super swollen but I hardly have pain so that is good.  I was even able to eat some solid (but soft) food today!  Yay!

Let’s keep up the spirit of celebration by talking about this Sweet and Fluffy Smoothie Bowl, yeah?

Sometimes a drinkable smoothie is good.  Sometimes a thick frozen puree is calling my name.  And sometimes, I’m craving a fluffy cloud for breakfast.  Anyone else?

If you have trouble getting your smoothie fluffy, use these ingredients:

Frozen banana – a usual suspect in smoothies but undeniably the best creamy and naturally sweet addition.

Chia seeds – add a tablespoon to your smoothie liquid (milk or water) to soak before adding the rest of your ingredients.  Trust me.  The soaked chia makes ALL the difference.

Ground flaxseed – follow the same method for the chia seeds for an easy, nutritious way to add body to a smoothie.

Frozen mango – serves to add thickness and fluff, and sweetness, just like banana.

Frozen cauliflower – the trendy fruit-free smoothie thickener.  When mixed with other berries, spices, or flavored powders, it will remain unrecognizable in your smoothie.  Try my Sweet Potato Cinnamon Peach Smoothie!

Frozen zucchini – you’ve seen me use this in previous smoothies like my Green Banana Tahini Shake and Zucchini Smoothie Bowl.  I love using this light and easily digestible vegetable to give my smoothie some body.

Protein powder – it’s hard to get a fruit-only smoothie to be fluffy but add in some protein powder and suddenly it becomes a thick shake-like texture.

And for a new fluffy smoothie ingredient discovery of mine…oat milk!

Oat milk – make your own by soaking half a cup of dry rolled oats in 2-3 cups of water.  Blend and strain as you would nut milk (reserve the oat pulp for overnight oats!).  The starchiness from the oats releases into the water which helps add incredible thickness to any smoothie.

This list of ingredients is not comprehensive but it does include my go-to choices for making a delicious, thick smoothie.  Tinker around with whichever ingredients sound good to you.  Mix one or two with your favorite fruit or greens and let me know what you think!

If you want a little inspiration for how to combine some of these fluff-boosters then look no further.

sweet and fluffy smoothie bowl

The addition of Minimalist Baker’s Rawnola, bee pollen, and ground flax make this breakfast bowl a real treat.

Sweet and Fluffy Smoothie Bowl
Recipe Type: Breakfast
Cuisine: Vegan
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 1 bowl
I use a combination of my top fluff-boosters to make this ultra creamy, dreamy, and fluffy smoothie bowl!
Ingredients
  • 1 cup oat milk
  • ¼ cup frozen cauliflower
  • ½ cup frozen mango
  • 1 tbsp frozen banana
  • 1 scoop vanilla plant-based protein powder
  • Optional toppings: frozen blueberries, Minimalist Baker’s rawnola, bee pollen, ground flax
Instructions
  1. Add ¾ cup of the milk and frozen goods to the blender. Process until everything is nice and smooth.
  2. Add the protein powder and, if needed, the remaining milk to the blender.
  3. Let the blender run for at least a minute. The longer it blends, the more the ingredients get whipped (aka FLUFFY).
  4. Once your smoothie is sufficiently fluffed, pour it into a bowl and add whatever toppings you like. I’ve been loving rawnola and bee pollen lately but coconut or fresh fruit would also be good! Enjoy!

sweet and fluffy smoothie bowl

Thanks so much for reading!  I am living off of pureed soups and smoothies these days but you definitely don’t need to have your wisdom teeth pulled out to enjoy this baby.  If you give it a try—or if you try using any of my favorite fluff-boosters—let me know what you think!  xoxo

 

Nopales (Cactus) Salad

Nopales (Cactus) Salad

Move over taco Tuesday because tostadas are here and they’ve brought company (aka nopales)!

My Mexican roots involve a lot of delicious food…much of which I no longer eat.  I grew up on tacos, posoles, combination plates, and, many times, meat plays center stage.  I won’t even get into the different ways meat is prepared but it is a staple in Mexican cuisine!  Luckily, there are meat-free options that can be made with little to no effort. 

I’ve got to first and foremost give credit to my mama for this Nopales Salad.  My mom would make this all the time while I was growing up and on a recent occasion she made it I was excited to think there is still a childhood food that I could eat 🙂  I can’t say that happens to often so it makes me feel connected to my heritage to enjoy dishes like this one.

You might be thinking: wait, so what are nopales?? 

Nopales are the Spanish term for cactus. Mexicans might have some cactus growing in their backyard which they can chop and prepare but, this recipe is made EASY thanks to a jar of nopales.  You can find tender cactus slices in the Hispanic food section at you grocery store.  I use the Dona Maria brand but any should be fine as long as there aren’t any added flavorings. 

Make this salad when you’re craving a light, fresh meal or enjoy it as a side to barbecue dishes! 

nopales salad tostada

Nopales (Cactus) Salad
Recipe Type: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 servings
A fresh nopales salad perfect for enjoying on its own or as a side dish to any Mexican food.
Ingredients
  • 1 30oz jar of nopales
  • ½ large white onion, chopped
  • 4 small roma tomatoes, diced
  • Juice of one lemon, more to taste
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¾ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Tostadas, for serving
Instructions
  1. Before beginning the salad, clean the nopales. Add the nopales to a colander and rinse them in cool water. Shake off as much water as possible and add them to a bowl.
  2. Chop the onion and tomatoes and add them to the bowl with nopales. There should be an even distribution of each ingredient. Season with lemon and the spices and your salad is ready!
Notes
I like to make this ahead of time because the nopales get a chance to marinate and there is no worry about the ingredients getting mushy or soggy. Two hours should be fine but you can also make it a day ahead!

Let me know what you guys think if you give this simple recipe a try.  I would also love to hear what some of your childhood foods are from your cultural background. 

Thanks for being here!