The Perfect Mint Julep for Derby Day

The Kentucky Derby is booming this weekend with great spirit, high hopes and beautifully stylish hats.  But we mustn't forget another highlight of the event...The Mint Julep.  Mint Juleps (made with fine Bourbon, mint, sugar and ice) are synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, the historic thoroughbred race and annual kick-off to the Triple Crown series.

 

So in celebration of the event, join the winners circle and try making a batch for your favorite sports fans.  Enjoy!  

 

Ingredients

4 c. Bourbon (preferably Woodford Reserve)

3 bu. Fresh Mint

1 c. Water

1 c. Granulated Sugar

Crushed Ice

 

Method

First, remove about 50 small mint leaves.  Wash and place in a small bowl.  Cover with 3 ounces of the Bourbon.  Allow the leaves to soak for about 20 minutes.  Gather the leaves in a paper towel.  Thoroughly wring the mint over the bowl of Whiskey.  Dip the bundle again and repeat the process several times.  Simple Syrup: Mix 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan.  Heat to dissolve the sugar.  Stir constantly so the sugar does not burn.  Set aside.   Mint Julep Mixture: Pour 3 1/2 cups of the Bourbon into a large  glass pitcher.  Add 1 cup of the simple syrup to the Bourbon.  Now begin adding the mint extract one tablespoon at a time to the Julep mixture.  Taste and adjust as you go.  When you think it tastes right, pour the whole mixture back into the glass pitcher and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.  To serve:  Fill each glass with crushed ice, pour the Mint Julep cocktail over the ice and garnish with a sprig of mint.  Serve immediately.

 

The Perfect Mint Julep

Healthy Green Eats For Earth Day

Mother Earth Day Salad

Mother Earth gives us a bounty of beautifully nutritious fruits and vegetables to create plates of amazingly good tasting dishes. 

So in honor of "Earth Day" 2015 I created a salad made with raw and natural ingredients straight from Mother Earth's finest ingredients of organic kale, carrots, brown mushrooms, beets and sunflower seeds.

This salad is so darn delicious, simple and quick using only 5 ingredients.  Celebrate life and Mother Earth!

Mother Earth Day Salad
1 bu. Flat Kale, Chopped
4 ea. Organic Brown Mushrooms. Sliced
2 Organic Red Beets, Cooked, Peeled and Sliced
1/4 c. Shredded Carrots
2 Tbs. Raw Sunflower Seeds

Walnut-Honey-Citrus Vinaigrette
4 Tbs. Orange Juice
1 tsp. Orange Zest
2 Tbs. Honey
1/2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
1/2 c. Walnut Oil
Salt/Pepper to Taste

Method:
In a small mixing bowl add the Dijon mustard, honey, orange juice and orange zest.  Whisk in the walnut oil to emulsify.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Set aside.

In a large mixing bowl add the kale, mushrooms, beets and carrots.  Add the vinaigrette and toss lightly.  Transfer to a serving bowl or platter and top with the raw sunflower seeds.  Enjoy!


  
 

Bruschetta Rustica

My love of tomato, basil bruschetta on grilled, French baguette crostini's started out as an impulsive appetizer order, which then turned into a meal obsession.  I had to have tomatoes and olive oil on toast daily.  Wouldn't you know that the more I ate it, I eventually grew bored and burned out! But a lot of my clients didn't and were still requesting it's hearty and robust flavors.  So, finding  inspired love of bruschetta all over again, I decided to create an inviting new look and twist to the ever popular appetizer by using long thin slices of the baguette, creamy burrata and using the diced tomato as the topper.  You can't go wrong with this all-time favorite "small bite" recipe.    

Ingredients:

1 petite French Baguette, Sliced long and Lightly Grilled
2 med. Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, Small Diced
2 Tbs. Fresh, Basil (chiffonade)
4 oz. Creamy Burrata (prepared)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Sea Salt
Cracked Black Pepper


Method:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.  Slice the baguette the long way and place on a baking sheet.  Brush both sides with olive oil, salt and pepper and bake until golden 15-20 minutes.  Turn crostini's over once while baking.  Remove and set aside.  In a small mixing bowl add the tomatoes, basil, salt and pepper.  Lightly toss and set aside.  To assemble...spread a thin coating of the creamy burrata atop the crostini, top with the tomato, basil mixture and repeat until all mixture is gone.  Plate, serve and enjoy!   

Experiment with Vinaigrettes

To make your own salad dressing is easier and more satisfying than you think.  The fresh taste of natural herbs, unique vinegars, citrus juices and premium different oils make a big difference once drizzled over a lovely bunch of leafy greens.  Try a few versions, like a White Truffle Shallot-Herb Vinaigrette (shown below) and soon you'll find yourself experimenting with a world of flavors.  Practice makes perfect and soon you won't need a recipe.   Although vinaigrettes are delicious for salads, you can use them on grilled fish, seared meats and roasted vegetables. 
                                 

White Truffle Shallot-Herb Vinaigrette

 

2 tsp. chopped shallots

1 tsp. dijon mustard

4 anchovies, chopped

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/3 c. champagne vinegar

1/2 c. premium White Truffle Oil

 

 

Method:

In a small mixing bowl add the chopped shallot, dijon, anchovies, basil, oregano and champagne vinegar.  With a small whisk, slowly emulsify the white truffle oil to blend ingredients together. 

 

 

 

 

Virgo Birthday Baby!!

 

Today Is My Birthday...And I'm Celebrating Until I Can't Celebrate No Mo'!!

 

The Power of Juicing

"Sweet and savory juices have a natural and satisfying effect on our bodies. Countless variations and combinations have been created using organic, farm fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs that provided powerful assistance to the healing, well-being and day to day performance of our bodies. The lovely combination of organic carrots and juicy oranges is a refreshing combination full of beta-carotene, Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin E and many minerals. Combined with organic fresh juiced OJ - (an excellent choice of Vitamin C and potassium) and you've got yourself a refreshing blend to be consumed not only in the morning, but around the clock.

Yes, I know organic juicing can be time consuming, but the benefit is so worth the extra effort when taking care of YOU is priority one!  Just a few minutes out of your day to treat yourself to Mother Nature's organic harvest in a glass is a treat that will surely become a blissful and easy routine.  In no time you'll soon find yourself scanning your refrigerator for any and all juice-able items with which to create your own rich natural blend." 

Inspired by my former boss and friend Michael Jackson (while getting ready for the "This Is It") tour, I created many invigorating, natural juices, but the organic carrot-orange was one of his "anytime" favorite "super-health-comforting" blends.  And now 3 years later his lovely daughter Paris Jackson still remembers and is following his lead, keeping with the healthy spirit of the power of juicing and healthy eating.



Organic Carrot-Orange Juice

Organic Carrot-Orange Juice

10 organic carrots, ends cut off

4 juicing oranges, skin cut off, seeded and quartered

Method:

In a large mixing bowl gather the ingredients and take to the power juicer.  Have a small mixing bowl ready to gather the juice and a strainer.  Turn on the juicer and place the fruit and vegetable through until all are juiced.  Place the carrot-orange juice through a strainer (small batches at a time) with a small mixing bowl underneath to catch the juice.  Strain and pour into a carafe.  Refrigerate and enjoy.  You can add ice to a glass and pour the juice over if desired.


(Taken from the upcoming cookbook "Fit For A King" Recipes Inspired By My Journey as the Personal Chef to Michael Jackson, 2009-2012)

Healthy Tip of the Week...Snack Attack Under 150!

If you're looking to get a balance of protein, fat, and carbs for each snack, halve the portions and combine nuts, cheese, or lean meats with the fruit-forward treats! Not only will these keep you from craving that double scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream, they'll help keep your hunger at bay while you're in and out of the water or soaking up the sun. Just don't forget the sunscreen. Got a cooler? If you're packing an ice chest, try these refreshing treats that will cool you down when it feels like you're about to melt in the afternoon sun and keep the calories under 150!

Frozen grapes

Watermelon

Avocado Toast

Water (H20)

Mediterranean Salad

Tempeh

Fresh Berries

Nuts and Olives

Almond Butter

Gazpacho Soup

Summer Days Are For Soirees!

Summer days are for soirees in so many ways!  As a caterer and private chef to the stars for more than a decade now, I've learned that keeping party making simple, sexy and distinctly creative is the key that kept my clients coming back for more.  So get your creative juices flowing and become more than just the hostess with the mostest when planning your next gathering with friends.  From table design, to mixing the perfect summer libation and centerpiece creation, keep it simple, colorful and most of all have fun while doing it.  Below are a few of my casual outdoor catering tips for having a summer soiree that's sure to be memorable everytime.   

Summer Soiree Cocktails

Cocktails - A luscious blend of natural organic juices such as cranberry, pomegranite and fresh fruit purees are wonderful when making martini's, margaritas and mojitos.  Mix with vodka, tequila or rum, an infused simple syrup, agave, ice, lime and mint garnish.  Float a seltzer water or sparkling citrus soda atop of the cocktail for a fizz sensation.  Small cocktail glasses are great for leisure sipping and allows your guests to lounge, converse and enjoy in the soiree you've created.  Remember to always make your beverages colorful and festive.  Color and style catch the eye and presentation is everything.  Your guests will "toast" to you and your party. 

 Floral Napkin Holders

Table Cutlery - The beauty and scent of fresh cut flowers is always a sight to see on any table arrangement, but the everlasting floral bloom of flowers is short lived when they begin to fade. So I like to purchase beautiful and colorful floral napkin rings that way I can interchange all year long.  They bring out the true spirit of summer and look radiantly beautiful when adding to any outdoor table arrangement.

Flowers in Pipin Green Apple Vases

Centerpieces - When decorating an outdoor dining table incorporate floral centerpieces with fresh fruit used as vases or opt for fresh herbs such as watercress and place them in watered glass vases for a more relaxed and casual feel to your overall dining soiree experience.  After your soiree place the centerpieces in small wooden boxes tied with raffi and give them to your guests as take-home gifts.  They will appreciate a piece of the party as a parting "keep sake."

Heirloom Tomato, Avocado and Boccancini Mozzarella Pesto Skewers

Grilled Halibut Skewers with Tomatillo and Maui Onion Relish

Skewers - I am a favorite of all foods that I can "Nibble" on. Small portions and small bites that are packed with full flavor has always been my philosophy when creating my extraordinary soiree menus for celebrity clients across the globe. So when creating your summer festive soiree menu incorporate cold items that are light, cool and refreshing and a few hot items right off the grill to have a filling, yet satisfying mix of tastes and textures in one simple "Nibble."

Celebrity Chef Kai Chase's signature "Rock-A-Mole"

Skinny Dipping - During the summer we all want to look our best and show it off!  So when creating a dish and showing off "it's" true flavor I believe in the concept that "less is more."  Add a veggie dip to your summer soiree menu that's full of flavor and healthy for you to eat.  My signature "Rock-A-Mole" is just the perfect accompaniment and celebrity dish for any summer soiree menu.

Kai Cooks For a Cause...The Highlights!

Pushing the limits of art, compassion and healing, celebrities AnnaLynne McCord, Laura Slade Wiggins, Ariel Winter, Shantel VanSanten, Dominic Purcell, Amy Paffrath, Jasmine Villegas, Mary Birdsong, Kyle and Chris Massey, Garrett Morris, came together on the red carpet at the Drawing Hope Int'l Masquerade Gala and Silent Auction to show support for young rape and sexual abuse survivors on March 18, 2012.  Celebrity Chef Kai Chase specially prepared the gala dinner, whose VIP clientele include the Obama's, Mary J Blige and the late Michael Jackson. 

As the celebrities approached the red carpet, they were introduced to celebrity artist and Drawing Hope Int'l co-founder, David Ilan, whose powerful project, Points with Purpose, uses a Pointillism technique, each dot representing one sexual abuse survivor.
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celebrity chef Kai Chase and artist/Drawing Hope, Int'l co-founder, David Ilan

Celebrity Chef Kai Chase created a phenomenonal food experience beginning with a creative offering of some of her seasonal signature hors d'oeuvres. 

(left): Smoked Salmon Pate on Edible Lemon-Dill Chinese Spoons, (center): Vegetarian Grilled Zucchini Sushi with Sweet Chili Peppers, Mint, Arugula and Goat Cheese (right): Strawberry and Mint Bruschetta with Orange-Blossom Honey Burrata and Sweet Aged Balsamic Drizzle

An exotic three course dinner was the highlight of the evening bringing the gala's attendants to their feet with a standing ovation for Celebrity Chef Kai Chase and her evening's spectacular cuisine.

Romaine, Frisee and Red Endive Salad with Spiced Marcona Almonds, Gorgonzola, Fuji Apples and Shallot Mustard-Vinaigrette

Tandoori Grilled Chicken with Fruited-Masala Couscous and Grilled Vegetable Ratatouille

A bidding war developed during the live auction between Days of Our Lives star Arianne Zucker and the ever-hilarious SNL legend Garrett Morris and co-star of the new comedy hit 2 Broke Girls. Each were vying for an in-home personal gourmet cooking lesson and prepared meal by Celebrity Chef Kai Chase, who graciously offered to donate her time and skills to both bidders thus doubling financial donation to the Drawing Hope Int'l organization.

Celebrity Chef Kai Chase and Auctioneer Gavin Keilly

The atmosphere at the Drawing Hope Int'l Masquerade Gala was both compassionate and festive. All of the wait staff bore fun colorful face masks and the centerpieces dripped with strings of clear crystals which caught the light beautifully setting a warm, comforting mood on the entire evening. The music was varied and upbeat, the food, a true culinary delight, the award winners, humble and gracious, the host, witting and engaging.  Overall, a triumph for their first charity gala, Drawing Hope, the guests and most of all for the survivors of sexual abuse.

The atmosphere at Drawing Hope Int'l Masquerade Gala and Silent Auction 2012

4 Tips For A Body-Beautifying BBQ!

It's summertime and it's time for summer get togethers.  Swimming, surfing, fishing, and sun lounging are some of the things I like to do to fill my summer days.  But, bbqs fill up my summer  nights. But all of those activities require some degree of exposed flesh, and you want to look good in that little white sundress or fitted V-neck T-shirt, so you need to be smart this summer. After all, you didn't eat healthy and work out all year just to waste it on a few summer parties full of junk food, right?

But what happens when you're hosting your own party? A summer grill up is a great time to show off lessons learned during your transformation into fitness. Why not host a body-beautifying BBQ?

Here are some of my healthy, fun alternatives to a sexy summer bbq.  (Hint: If you're invited to a potluck get together, you can also use these great ideas to keep your plate healthy and nutritious.)

Drinks - Have a high quality craft brew or two on hand, but that doesn't mean you need to host a frat party. Remember guests are going to bring booze and guests are going to drink booze. The best you can do is have a low-cal white-wine citrus spitzer available and lots of healthy alternatives on hand. Fill pitchers with a variety of iced herbal teas. Offer plenty of water, and fill it with slices of fruit or cucumber to entice your guests to hydrate properly.

Dessert - Given all the yummy seasonal fruits on hand, its a little difficult to select just one.  So I like to sample a variety of fruits by making summer fruit kabobs. They're fun, creative and easy to pick up. Fruit is high in fiber, low in calories, rich in vitamins, and contains no fat.

Main Course - Think PROTEIN!  Ditch the hot dogs and hamburgers and get a little creative.  Conversely, while fish is always great, it can really mess up a grill.  I like to make fish bundles wrapped in foil and placed on the grill.  Choose a nice moist fish like mahi-mahi, salmon, chilean seabass or cod. Take a one-foot-by-one-foot square of aluminum foil and rub it with herbs, lemon and olive oil. Place the fish in the center, wrap it up (not too snug—give it a bit of room to breathe) and place it on the BBQ grill. Leave on the grill for 10 to 12 minutes and you have yourself a nice healthy meal. Fish is high in protein and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Entertainment - Crank up the tunes, clear the floor, deck, or lawn, and make room for some dancing fools. Dancing is a great form of excersise and who knows you might catch the eye of some hottie and get the digits soon after you get your boogie on.  

Healthy Tip of the Week...How To Cut An Avocado

Have you ever wanted to know how to easily cut an avocado?

Haas Avocado

Slice it lengthwise

Lightly whack the avocado pit with a chef knife, gently twist and pull it out

Using the knife, make cross marks in the avocado, take a spoon and remove the chunks

...And there you have it!

Chilled Creamy Avocado-Cucumber Soup

I just came back from the open Farmers Market in Santa Monica, CA. and loaded up on some really beautiful seasonal produce. I bought some luscious Haas avocados, crisp Hothouse cucumbers and some summer fruits of white peaches, juicy nectarines and sweet black plums. Now the fruits are great in-between meal snack foods, but for lunch today I'm going to work with the buttery Haas avocados and refreshing Hothouse cucumbers to create a cool summer soup. Yes, I know, soup is generally considered a winter dish, but the preparation of this amazingly delicious recipe is something you will truly enjoy during the hot months to come.

Chilled Creamy Avocado-Cucumber Soup

The smooth texture of the avocado gives the chilled soup a thick creamy consistency, making heavy creams unnecessary. I like to enjoy this creamy soup with a crisp leafy-green salad for a "light" meal for hot summer day's and balmy summer nights.

Ingredients:

1 large Hothouse cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped

1 large Haas avocado

1 serrano chile, seeded and chopped

1 c. chicken broth

1/2 c. creme fraiche

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/4 tsp. sea salt

cracked black pepper (optional)

chives (garnish)

avocado-orange infused olive oil (garnish-drizzle)

Method:

In a food processor, add the cucumber, avocado, cumin and serrano chili. Pulse until the ingredients are blended. Add the creme fraiche, broth and lemon juice and continue to blend until smooth. Season with salt to taste and regrigerate for 3-4 hours.   Once chilled garnish with chive sprigs and drizzle with avocado-orange infused olive oil and cracked black pepper (optional).  Enjoy!

Healthy Tip of the Week...5 Junk Food Makeovers

Pizza - Cheese and pizza are the No. 1 and No. 2 sources of artery-clogging saturated fat in the American diet. So before you eat it here are some tips to lighten up your pizza: Top it with veggies instead of pepperoni and sausage. While you're at it, say "no" to breadsticks and "yes" to a side salad using a vinaigrette dressing instead of a creamy dressing.

Fettucini Alfredo - Mounds of fettuccine with a cream based sauce (alfredo)is bad enough for the waistline. With only three ingredients (cream, butter, and cheese)you would think it couldn't possibly be that bad for a simple heart-healthy meal, but to put it in perspective, an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby would be better to gorge and you would come out better in the fat grams. So if you love your pasta? Choose whole-grain noodles and keep the serving size to 1 cup. Add fresh, chopped herbs; vegetables sautéed in olive oil; and lean protein, such as beans, chicken or fish.

Soda - Did you know that soft drinks are the biggest source of sugar in our diet? Guzzling large quantities of soda can cause a spike in blood sugar and lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and hardening of the arteries. A better beverage choice when you want caffeine is unsweetened iced tea or coffee. If it's the carbonation you crave, try seltzer with a dash of fruit juice and a twist of lime.

Stack of Pancakes - That large stack of pancakes with syrup is a plateful of refined carbohydrates. A small stack of pancakes delivers the equivalent of four servings of bread. A better breakfast option is a whole-grain English muffin with ham and eggs. If you must eat flapjacks, make them with whole-grain flour, walnuts, and berries, and go easy on the syrup.

Burritos - Not all Mexican food is bad for you, but cheese-laden nachos and gargantuan burritos filled with steak, rice, sour cream, and cheese sure can be. It all comes down to how you dress your tortilla. A healthier South of The Border meal would be to choose chicken over steak, black beans over lard-filled refried beans, brown rice instead of white, and vegetable condiments such as salsa, pico de gallo, and guacamole in place of sour cream and cheese. If you don't trust yourself to make healthy substitutions when eating out, order the sizzling chicken or shrimp fajitas instead.

Celebrity Chef Kai Chase's Summer Beauty Ritual: Spa Water

Going to the spa is a luxury that everyone should indulge in from time to time. But just because you're not in a spa due to the fluctuating economy or you just can't seem to find the time doesn't mean that you cannot enjoy the benefits of a spa at home.

H20 is an important and vital part to good health, pretty skin and staying hydrated during the summer, so one of my favorite summer beauty rituals is drinking Spa Water... (that refreshing beverage often served at fine spas infused with everything from rosemary and mint sprigs to cucumber and orange slices).  Spa Water is not only delicious, natural and healthy to drink, it's also a great way I like to hydrate myself while relaxing by the pool or just anytime I want to feel pretty from the inside out.

Here is my favorite way to prepare this refreshing beverage:

Citrus-Infused Spa Water

Citrus-Infused Spa Water

Ice Cubes

1 lemon, thin sliced

1 lime, thin sliced

1 orange, thin sliced 

1/2  hothouse cucumber, skin-on, thin sliced

Method:

Fill a glass pitcher halfway with ice cubes.  Toss the sliced fruit and cucumber into the pitcher.  Fill with mineral water and let rest at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.  Serve and enjoy!

Memorial Day Recipe: Chimichurri Sauce (Argentina)

Time to breakout the grill and the bbq barrels...it's summertime!  So, when putting your favorite marinated skirt steak, bone-in rib eye, grass-fed burgers and chops on the fire, skip the bbq sauce and the A-1 steak sauce and opt for the bright and vibrant flavor of  a Chimichurri Sauce. 

This zesty sauce of parsley, cilantro, sherry vinegar, red chiles, garlic and olive oil (used typically to garnish grilled meats in Argentina) is clearly a blending of Spanish and Italian cultures and cuisines. It serves a bold richness to grilled meats and punches a pack of herbal flavors when brushed on seafood and vegetables.

The amazing, aromatic flavors will have you using the sauce not just for grilled meats, but also as a marinade for fish, vegetables and tofu!  I also use it to top omlettes, as a spread for grilled seafood panini's and as an herbal dip appetizer for rustic breads.
 
Here is a wonderful Chimichurri recipe that I have prepared.  I like to make mine a little on the spicy side, so feel free to experiment and let your taste buds be your guide.  Enjoy!

Chimichurri Sauce/Marinade

Chimichurri Sauce

1 c. Flat Leaf Parsley

1 c.  Cilantro Leaves

2 Garlic Pods

2 Tbs. Shallots

3/4 c.   EVO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

2 Tbs. Sherry Vinegar

½ tsp. Red Pepper Flakes

½ tsp. Sugar (optional)

Sea Salt and Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)

Method:

In a food processor add the parsley, cilantro, garlic, shallots, sugar and sherry vinegar. Pulse just enough to get the ingredients coarsely chopped. Stream in the olive oil and pulse until medium chunked and well blended. You can also use a powerful blender. Pour the mixture into a bowl, add the red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings to your liking. You may also prepare this sauce by hand using a knife and cutting board or morter and pestel. Great served on Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sliders (as seen below).

Grilled Portobello Mushroom Sliders with Chimichurri Sauce

Celebrity Chef Kai Chase's-Fun, Fab-Summer Fitness Tips!

Summer fun can keep you motivated and on track with exercise, so if the Great Outdoors (beach! mountains! parks! backyards!) is looking way better than that basement treadmill or the stinky weight room at the gym, ditch the same old routine.

Obey your instincts and head outside for some fun physical activity that doesn't remotely feel like exercise but has the same benefits. Fun stuff can boost fitness and burn as many or even more calories than your usual workout routine.  As a celebrity chef these are a few I live and swear by:


•Hula-Hooping. Spinning a Hula-Hoop burns 210 calories in 30 minutes and boosts your heart rate as much as a brisk walk. Hula-hooping has given me those sexy curves and keeps my belly flat, so when I'm rockin' my hip-hugger "Built By Wendy" jeans, I look incredibly sexy!  Get a Hula-Hoop for yourself, your loved one, yours kids and "hoop it up" together!

•Toss a Frisbee. This classic summer toy can help you burn 109 to 252 calories in half an hour. This is a game I use to play at the beach, in the park and in the backyard of my home.  Leaping, jumping, stretching and running to catch a frisbee will definitely shape your arms and tone your legs.  

•Dance the summer away. Join the fun when they play Dance Dance Revolution? Hit the dance floor at your bestfriend's  wedding. Accept your neighbor's invite to Zumba or Jazzercise class. Dancing regularly burns lots of calories (shakin' a sexy samba burns 10 per minute) while boosting fitness health.

•Walk in water. Love to hang out at the pool but hate getting your hair wet? Skip the laps and get in some water walking. Water supports your weight but adds up to 12 times more resistance than air, so you'll get a great workout.  A little warm-water exercise feels good especially when the sun is beaming down on you.

•Hit the beach. Dial up your favorite beach tune on your iPod, slap on plenty of sunscreen, and go coastal. Walking on soft sand can burn 20% to 50% more calories than walking on a hard surface, thanks to the extra effort it takes (the softer the sand, the harder you'll work). Ready for more fun? Look for a beach volleyball game. Despite what you see on TV, you don't need a bikini (shorts and a T-shirt are fine), but if you get hooked and start playing regularly, you might be bikini-ready soon. A 30-minute beach volleyball game burns up to 355 calories.

Baco Mercat

In my never ending journey to try all types of wonderful foods, a business colleage and close friend suggested we dine on rustic Spanish cuisine and invited me to dinner at Baco Mercat, an authentic nuevo latino restaurant, serving comforting Spanish cuisine. 

Located on a vibrant street strung with twinkling street lights, in the historic old bank district (which reminded me a little of the meat packing district of a "sex and the city" segment) sits this rustic restaurant with great ambiance and friendly service.  Once in the door, the place felt warm and inviting, with an eccletic selection of music and a full bar.  The menu is big with a variety of choices, but not overwhelming and the prices are reasonable.

The Menu

Baco Mercat is known as the home to "the baco" which is a signature flat bread created by chef Josef Centeno. The baco bread is served in its original sandwich form and comes in many flavorful varities. The most popular is "The Original," which consists of a heavenly mixture of beef, pork belly, carnitas, smoked aioli and salbixada.

The Original

The Egg - Salsa Verde, Farm Fried Egg and Ricotta

Although "the original" baco sandwich (which did look extremely appetizing) seemed a little heavy for my appetite considering we were dining after 8pm, we decided to experience "the coca" which is a flatbread pizza, rolled out thin, baked crispy and loaded with toppings for an incredible pizza packed with flavors that are out of this world.

Caesar Brussel Sprouts

Blistered Okra

After perusing the menu we selected on a few delicious small plates to share and accompany our "coca."  We ordered the "Caesar Brussel Sprouts" and the "Blistered Okra."  Quite honestly I think we could've ordered a "baco" and vegetarian "coca" with two sides, along with our Spanish red wine and would've been completely satisfied without being stuffed.

Healthy Tip of the Week...Curbing Your Sweet Tooth!

We are all guilty when it comes to giving in to our sugar cravings.  For most women, our sugar rush comes particularly during certain flucuations of our hormone cycles.  So how do you fight those fearsome sugar cravings?  Well, just as nature creates the urges for "sweet snacking" nature can help you tame them as well.  Here are some pretty cool tips you can adhere too when the "sweet tooth fairy" comes a callin':

Curb your sugar craving by drinking a cup of licorice tea! Did you know that a cold or hot cup of licorice tea can satisfy that sugar craving?  Yes!  Licorice Tea (grown in the Mediterranean and Asia) is sweeter than sugar and the best part is that it's 0 calories.  The slightly sweet nature of the tea will please your palate, and the stew of healthy herbs will also hydrate you!

Curb your sugar craving by keeping your blood sugar levels balanced! If you don’t eat anything all morning long, your blood sugar levels will drop and by afternoon you will be ravenous and chowing down on anything in sight- especially something sweet. Remember always eat breakfast, but also eat small, healthy protein-rich snacks throughout the day so you never feel famished. Remember, the number one cause of overeating is undereating.

Curb your sugar craving by not keeping the devil around! Everyone has their weakness. Superman has kryptonite, I have Haagen-Daaz and Cheetos, and you just may be addicted to Oreos.
Do NOT buy these items and keep them in your house; (the key word here is KEEP) otherwise you are just one weak moment away from gorge-city all week long. Don’t deny yourself what you really love, just buy tiny packages or enjoy a single scoop of ice cream outside the house.  Buying a whole gallon is just tempting fate and then you'll find yourself indulging in a sugar frenzy all week long.

Curb your sugar craving by giving in!  A life of denial is no fun, and the first way to wind up gorging on a bowl of chocolate mousse is to strike all sweets from your diet. I find indulging one day a week on the right things, like fine dark chocolate or a thin sliver of pie. Eat mindfully, and slowly, and don’t waist your cravings on a junk bag of cheap cookies or whatever candy just happens to be around. Eat the sweet you want, and then put the fork down.  Then get it out of the house until that one splurge day, the following week.  One cheat day a week certainly won't kill you!  It's only natural.   

Celebrate Earth Month 2012

It's Earth Month in almost 200 countries and in protecting the health of the planet here is a natural contribution for sharing your love for the earth.

Donate Your Time!

Volunteering is free to you, but very valuable to causes and organizations that you care about, and it can be fun too!  There are celebrations and events around the world in honor of Earth Day!  So get involved!  Participate with your local schools, community centers, senior centers and children's organizations by giving of your time and sharing love. 

Celebrate Earth Month 2012

It's Earth Month in almost 200 countries and in protecting the health of the planet here is a natural contribution for sharing your love for the earth.

Choose Organic!
Choosing organic has got to be the #1 most recommendation for protecting the planet and its inhabitants.  Organic farming supports natural ecosystems by limiting the input of toxic and persistent chemicals into the air, soil and water.  So support you local health food markets and local open farmers markets and buy organic.  You'll probably find tons of organic products on sale too!