Recipe: Polenta Tomato Bake

polenta-tomato-bakeMy cooking juices are flowing… a new recipe emerges.
Ingredients:
Prepared polenta in tube, cut into 8 rounds
3 cups brussel sprouts, cut in half
1 15 oz can white beans, drained and rinsed
1 28 oz can stewed or crushed tomatoes
1 medium white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, diced
1 tablespoon organic no-salt seasoning
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 cup fresh basil, rough chop
1 cup Daiya Mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake brussel sprouts for 15 minutes on parchment lined baking sheet. While baking, use large pot to water sauté garlic and onion for 3 minutes on medium high heat. Turn heat down to medium and add beans, tomatoes, spices. Add baked brussel sprouts and mix throughly, turn down to low after about 10 minutes. You’ll be baking the dish later, so don’t over cook the veggies.
Using the same parchment paper, place the polenta rounds on the cookie sheet and bake 15 minutes.
Using a small lasagna dish, place baked polenta on bottom. Generously cover with tomato sauce. Bake for 20 minutes, or until sauce is bubbling on edges and middle. Sprinkle the fresh basil across top, with Daiya on top of basil. Return to oven for 5-10 minutes, or until Daiya is bubbly.
Serve immediately as only dish, or with green salad. Serves 4.

Restaurant Review: Paradise Bakery – Utah

paradise bakeryNeed a quick place in American Fork for nutritarian or vegan meal… or in any area dominated by fast food? Paradise Bakery’s Mixed Greens salad is easily customized. First, start with large size, add sunflower seeds and edamame for protein. Have it tossed with red wine vinegar and grab extra lemon slices near drinks for extra pop of flavor. Not a bad alternative… and you’ll fill your stomach with low cal, high nutrient lunch. Much better for the body and mind than most places in the area. Great spot for business lunch, family gatherings and they offer free wifi.

Restaurant Review: Moonlight Deli – California

moonlightOne thing I love about traveling is checking out small local restaurants. Yummy falafel sandwich with hummus and tabouli. Great customer service. Perfect spot for quick bite and to go sandwiches.

Recipe: Black bean and avocado easy salad

black-bean-avocado-saladMy life is crazy busy, so having good #healthy food ready to go is key to eating right. Here’s a simple yummy recipe:

Ingredients:
2 cups grape tomatoes
Juice of 2 limes
1/4 cup cilantro, rough chop
1 can black beans, drained rinsed
1 avocado, cubed
1 teaspoon no-salt seasoning
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together, store in air-tight container in fridge for up to 1 week (if it lasts that long!). For extra spice, add cayenne or tiny diced jalapeno.

Usage options: Great on green salad, add to quinoa or couscous. Or great as a side! Bon appetite!

Restaurant Review: Shin Sei – Utah

shin-sei-ogdenLunch at Shin Sei in Ogden.

Looking for lunch spot in historic Ogden, check out this great Japanese joint. Wonderful vegan and meat lover options. Sushi was veggie. Can’t believe it’s not a volcano, spicy salmon. Check out their $2 Tuesday specials too. The mussel shooters were great!

Restaurant Review: David’s Kitchen – Utah

davids-kitchen-slcLunch at the famous David’s Kitchen in Salt Lake City.

When I lived in CA and traveled back to UT, I always made sure to stop in for their amazing Hot & Sour Soup. Excellent Chinese makes a difference… crisp veggies, tasty sauces, great service (like customized pot sticker sauce made to order at your table). Lots of options for vegan and meat eaters. Suitable for business meetings, date nights, family functions.