Inspiration - Renewal

Love this quote from Deborah Day about the concept of renewal.  Perfect seed to plant in my mind as Spring unfolds!

Have an inspired week!

Pinterest - My Favorites This Week

Dog Lovin'  - Puppy Snoozin'

Art - Chickadee & Sweetpeas by Angela Moulton

click here to see Etsy shop

Culinary Pleasures - Roasted Beetroot, Feta & Lentil Salad

click here for recipe

Words To Live By

Happy Weekend & Happy Pinning!

Images via:  Pinterest

In The Kitchen - Ottolenghi's Warm Glass Noodles & Edamame

I recently discovered Yotam Ottolenghi's Warm Glass Noodles & Edamame at a friend's dinner party and was so taken with it, I had to ask her for the recipe before leaving.  This dish is that good!

Yotam Ottolenghi is a renowned chef, restauranteur and author of several cookbooks.  Ottolenghi's cooking style reflects his Middle Eastern upbringing and his dishes are known to be bold and healthy, with vibrant colors.  He was born in Israel and moved to London in his late twenties, where he opened Ottolenghi delis and restaurants which became enormously successful.  He also writes a weekly vegetarian food column for The Guardian.  I'm now a huge fan!

This dish is from Ottolenghi's Plenty cookbook.  Click here for the recipe.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Buon Appetito!

Images via:  The Guardian | Amazon.com

Artist Spotlight - Kid's Art - Giraffes

I have always loved kid's drawings and often randomly search for them on Google.  I find them to be so inspiring as children draw and paint with a carefree and unchecked mind.  I came across these lovely giraffe drawings from Spittin Toad and had to share them as they are delightful!

These wonderful giraffes are from an art project that Denise from Spittin Toad gave her students in art class.  She showed the kids different examples of giraffes on Etsy to inspire them.  Love that!

For me, children's art is "happy" art and always brings a smile to my face.  I hope that this post makes you smile today!

Have an inspired day!

Images via:  Spittin Toad

Dog Lovin' - Happy Dogs Playin'

Watching Indigo & Lily play together is so funny and one of the many joys of having them in our family.  The big dog little dog scenarios are hilarious and Lily just doesn't get that she is 1/8 the size of Indigo.  She's always the instigator!

It's also amazing to see how gently Indigo plays with Lily.  We always watch them closely, however, just in case!  I apologize in advance for the fuzzy quality of the video ... I'm still trying to figure this whole iPhone upload to YouTube thing out!

Happy Dog Lovin' & Dog Playin'!

Sweet Indulgences - Flourish Robin's Eggs

Chef Holly Peterson has created these beautiful and uniquely flavored chocolate Robin's Eggs for Easter.  Each artisanal chocolate egg is a dark chocolate shell filled with her signature turmeric ganache and another delicious ingredient, both known to ward off cancer.  A portion of the proceeds of each sale will go to fund cancer research.  Love that!

Chef Holly collaborated with Woodhouse Chocolates in Napa Valley to make the artisinal eggs.  To order, visit the Woodhouse Chocolates website.  I can't think of a better gift to give for Easter!

Don't miss my previous post on Woodhouse Chocolates, my all-time favorite chocolate company!

Have a sweet day!

Images via:  Chef Holly Peterson ~ Flourish

Inspiration - Gratitude Unlocks The Fullness Of Life

I am a big believer in the daily practice of gratitude and this quote is a great reminder of the relationship between gratitude and abundance in my life.  I hope it inspires you as well as you start your week.

Happy Monday!

P.S.  I took this photo of these beautiful water lillies at the Getty Center Villa a couple of years ago when my parents were visiting.  Lovely memory!

Pinterest - My Favorites This Week

Dog Lovin' - Dogs Snugglin'

Culinary Pleasures - Cabbog & Carrot Salad w/ Peanut Sauce

click here for recipe

Gardens - Blueberry Ripple Tulips

Chalkboard Art - Happy Spring by Valerie McKeehan

click here to visit Valerie's Etsy shop

Happy Weekend & Happy Pinning!

In The Kitchen - Black Bean Soup w/ A Twist

I am on such a soup kick lately and just can't get enough!  I saw a unique Black Bean Soup recipe from Dave Lieberman on Food Network that had Worcestershire sauce and ketchup in it and had to create my own version.  This recipe is so easy to make and super quick.  I was quite pleased with the results and hope you will be too!

Black Bean Soup

recipe by:  Laura Jolna
adapted from:  Dave Lieberman / Food Network
Prep Time:  10 min (including roasting time)
Cook Time:  10 min
Makes:  approx 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (my favorite is McEvoy Ranch)
• 2 cans of low-sodium black beans (15 oz each), drained
• 1 small sweet onion, chopped  
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 Tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 Tbsp tomato paste (I used sun-dried tomato)
• 1 Tbsp mild fire roasted green chiles (canned)
• 1/4 -1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 2  cups low sodium chicken stock (I use Trader Joe's)
• Greek yogurt for topping (I use 0% Fage)
• cilantro for topping, chopped

Instructions:

• Pulse black beans in Cuisinart or blender until roughly chopped.
• In a medium dutch oven or soup pot, heat olive oil over medium high heat and add onion.  Sauté until onions are translucent, approx 5-8 min.
• Add chili powder and stir for a minute until fragrant.
• Add black beans, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, green chiles, chicken stock, salt & pepper.
• Cook over medium high heat until thoroughly heated (approx 10 minutes).
• Remove from heat and blend soup until smooth with a hand blender or regular blender.  If soup is too thick, add more chicken stock and blend to the desired consistency.  
• Serve with a dollop of greek yogurt and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.  Enjoy!

Don't miss my other soup recipe posts .... they're all low-fat and yummy!

Roasted Carrot Ginger Soup
Roasted Butternut Squash & Shallot Soup

Butternut Squash & Pear Soup
Roasted Cauliflower & Parsnip Soup
Roasted Carrot Coconut Curry Soup
Fresh English Pea Soup w/ Mint

Buon Appetito!

Artist Spotlight - The Floral Bouquets Of Rose Ann Hayes

Rose Ann Hayes' floral watercolor bouquets feel as though they've just been hand-picked from the garden.  Gorgeous, watery color!  I love the fluidity of her paintings and how the brush strokes of color extend beyond the shape of the flowers and creates a beautiful shadowy background.

Rose Ann's paintings and prints are available on Etsy and she posts new ones on her watercolor blog.  Be sure to stop by for a visit and see her other wonderful paintings.  I'm sure you'll be glad you did!

Thank you for inspiring me today Rose Ann!

Have an inspired day!

Images via:  Rose Ann Hayes | Etsy

Dog Lovin' - Sweet Potato Banana Oatmeal Dog Treats #2 {Gluten-Free]

Since my Sweet Potato Banana Oatmeal Dog Treats were a hit with Indigo & Lily, I decided to create another version of the recipe.  I removed the ginger and added applesauce and they turned out great!  Gluten-free and packed with lots of vitamins and fiber... Indigo & Lily loved them!

These treats are soft and chewy and it's easy to pinch off a piece if you want to use them for training. Keep in mind they have a lot of fiber in them, so don't give too many at once!

• Sweet potatoes are a great source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber for your pup (ref dogtime).
• Bananas have lots of electrolytes, amino acids, vitamins, potassium and fiber for your pup(ref: Paw Nation).

Be sure to also check out my other dog treat recipes...they are all gluten-free.  Indigo & Lily love them and I hope your pups do too!

Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treats

Carrot Ginger Oatmeal Dog Treats

Sweet Potato & Sweet Pea Dog Treats
Pumpkin Chickpea Quinoa Dog Treats
Sweet Potato Banana Oatmeal Dog Treats #1

Sweet Potato Banana Oatmeal Dog Treats {Gluten-Free}

Recipe by Laura Ashman Jolna

Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Yield: 22-24 treats

Ingredients

• 1-1/4 cup oat flour, gluten-free
• 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup sweet potato puree (approx 1 med sweet potato)
• 1 very ripe banana, mashed
• 1/4 cup applesauce (unsweetened, organic)
• 1-1/2 Tbsp molasses

Instructions:

To roast sweet potatoes:  

• Preheat oven to 425°.
• Peel and chop sweet potatoes into 1/2" cubes.  Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil spray.
• Place sweet potato cubes in a single layer on baking sheet and spray with olive oil spray.
• Roast for 25 minutes until golden & soft.

For treats:

• Preheat oven to 350º.
• Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl with a whisk.
• Puree sweet potatoes, banana, applesauce & molasses in Cuisinart until well blended.  
• Add puree to dry mixture and stir well with a spatula until mixed.  
• Refrigerate dough for at least 15 minutes (don't skip this step).
• Scoop on baking sheet coated with cooking spray using small cookie scoop.  Flatten with a wet fork.  Another option is to roll out and use cookie cutters.  
• Bake 12 minutes.  Cool on wire rack.  Store in the refrigerator as there aren't any preservatives used.  Should last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Notes:

I flip back and forth between grinding my own oat flour from gluten free oatmeal or using Bob's Red Mill Oat Flour.

• Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Whole Grain Oat Flour
• Bob's Red Mill Golden Flaxseed, 24-Ounce Bags (Pack of 4)

If you have the Paprika recipe app and would like to download the recipe, please email me and I'll send it to you in the correct format.

Happy Dog Lovin' & Dog Treatin'!

Sweet Indulgences - Sweet Potato Banana Coconut Bites {Gluten-Free}

I'm always looking for healthy snack alternatives and decided to create a recipe that incorporated "good-for-you" ingredients with a touch of sweetness.  The result was this recipe for  Sweet Potato Banana Coconut Bites that satisfied my craving.

It looks like a cookie, but it's really more of an energy bar since it has lots of healthy ingredients to give you some fuel in the afternoon or late morning.  And, I kept the added sugar to a minimum and you can always substitute the turbinado sugar for stevia.  Hope you enjoy!

Sweet Potato Banana Coconut Bites {Gluten- Free}

Recipe by Laura Ashman Jolna

Prep time: 40 min 
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Yield: 24 treats

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 cup oat flour, gluten-free
• 1/4 cup flaxseed meal
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 banana, very ripe
• 1 cup sweet potato, diced into 1/2" cubes & roasted (approx 1 large)
• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar
• 2 egg whites
• 1 Tbsp canola oil
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 -1/2 cup shredded coconut (sweetened)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 450º.

Peel and dice sweet potato into 1/2" cubes.  Place aluminum foil on baking sheet and spray with olive oil.  Arrange sweet potatoes in a single layer and spray with olive oil.  Roast for 25-30 minutes until soft.

Reduce oven temp to 350º.

Mix all dry ingredients (oat flour thru salt) together in a medium bowl with a whisk.

Using a Cuisinart or Kitchenaid mixer, combine banana, sweet potato, sugar, molasses, egg whites, canola oil & vanilla extract; mix well.   

Add flour mixture to wet mixture a little at a time and mix until blended.  Stir (or pulse) in shredded coconut.  I added 1/4 cup, but would even increase to 1/2 cup, depending on how much you like coconut.  Adding more coconut will make the bites sweeter.

Refrigerate dough for 15 - 30 minutes.

Scoop on baking sheet coated with cooking spray using small cookie scoop.  Flatten with a wet fork.

Bake 12 minutes.  Cool on wire rack.  Enjoy!

Note:
I use Bob's Red Mill for the oat flour and flaxseed meal. I buy it at my local health food store, but you can also buy them at amazon.com:

• One 22 oz Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Whole Grain Oat Flour 
• Bob's Red Mill Golden Flaxseed, 24-Ounce Bags (Pack of 4) 

I've also been buying regular oats and grinding them myself in my cuisinart.  I like this method as well because I can control the fineness or coarseness of the oat flour.

For more banana recipes, check out my sweet bread recipes:

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies {Gluten-Free}
Banana Date Bread {Low-Fat}

Maple Banana Bread {Low-Fat}

If you have the Paprika recipe app and would like to download any of these recipes, please email me and I'll send it to you in the correct format.

Have a sweet day!