Cocomama and I are bringing some Umami to your face.

What? You say you’ve never had Umami straight to the face before? Well, all of that is about to change. And you’re welcome.

Meet Miso. Your new Umami Best Friend.

Photo Credit: Catherine Rulli

Which brings me to one of my all time favorite meals – and it just happens to be a Cocomama 15 min meal as well:

Miso Rice Bowls!

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THE DEETS… Sparknoted:

* MISO = a fermented food  loaded with protein and probiotics.

* Umami (oo-mä-mee) = The fifth basic taste (up there with sweet, sour, salty, and bitter). It’s super savory, buttery, rich, earthy and just plain awesome.

* Here’s the recipe… straight from the Cocomama blog!!

Miso Rice Bowl Base

1 c rice, cooked
1 tbsp miso
1 tbsp lukewarm water

For fastest prep, cook your rice in advance to save time.

1. Grab a big bowl (you’ll need it) and add in 1 cup of warm cooked rice.
2. In a separate bowl, mix miso with lukewarm water to dilute the paste down to a sauce-like texture.
3. Pour sauce over rice and stir until rice is thoroughly coated with the miso.
4. Get creative with your toppings. You really can’t go wrong with your favorite veggies and proteins. Ideas include: leafy greens, squash, edamame, Brussels sprouts, onions, mushrooms, beans, eggs, tofu, chicken or fish.

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If you wanna wow your friends (and your own taste buds) with a complex dish that boasts a bold depth of flavor and leaves your guests guessing… “oh my, what exactly am I tasting that makes this bite so delectable?” Just keep adding that Miso.

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Let’s take it to the Blogs -

- Specializing in all things plants and whole foods, I had to give Umami Girl a shout out in this post!!

- Love how 4seasonsoffood mixes up her miso bowl with quinoa… and peanut butter!

- And another love shout out to how ZestyVegan and DevourBakery makes their miso bowls with noodles… and tahini!

- Cauldronsandcupcakes soupifys her miso bowl and describes her dish perfectly: “self nurture in a bowl”.

- The Naked Kitchen turns her bowl into a salad a brussel sprouts!

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So, how do you Umami??

The Day After St. Paddy’s Green Shake.

It’s the day after St. Paddy’s Day and you have to be in at work in less than 12 hours. Feeling a bit… ahem… bloated? Puffy? Not your perkiest?

Time for a green remix… it’s time for The Day After St. Paddy’s Green Shake.

I promise you – This shake tastes exactly like the best pistachio milk shake you have ever had in your whole entire life. Never had a pistachio milk shake?? Well, this is what the best one in the world tastes like. This is not a hyperbole. This is fact.

Here are the deets:

1/2 cup soaked raw cashews *

2 cups filtered water

3 large handfuls washed trimmed Kale **

2 frozen bananas

1 tsp almond extract (the secret weapon)

Blend all above ingredients in a blender until smooth. Add more almond extract as desired. Extra Bonus: throw in a handful of cacao nibs.

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- – – – –  ** The Super Star: Kale – – – – -

Kale is a superstar in pretty much every health department. Cancer fighter? Check. Antioxidant and flavonoid powerhouse? Check. Anti-inflammatory? Check. Weight loss? Check.

So why embrace the kale this March 18th? In addition to knocking the socks off every other food in the nutrition department, Kale reigns supreme in detoxification. After embracing your inner Irish yesterday, embrace some Kale detoxification tonight.

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- – - – - * Cashews – - – - -

3 reasons not to be scared off by Cashew‘s fat content -

1)  75% of their fat is unsaturated fatty acids, and most of the acid content is oleic acid (same as olive oil). Bottom Line: Docs say that compounds in cashews promote heart health.

2) Using a little bit of the healthy fat from Cashews makes a creamy, almost ice cream like shake. Hey… taste counts as a selling point!!

3) * * * Here’s where Cashew’s superstar detoxifying powers come in… cashews (and other nuts) are considered a top 10 detox food for the liver. So eat away and let the detoxification begin!

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 So recline, reminisce on your St. Paddy’s day Darty, and sip a smooth, creamy, deliciously detoxifying The Day After St. Paddy’s Day Green Smoothie. Happy Leprechoning!

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Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- Chocolate Covered Katie puts together THE BEST line up of healthy, St. Paddy’s day inspired desserts…. I WANT THEM ALL.

- Peas and thank you steps away from the blender and shows us their favorite 21 all natural green recipes.

-  Don’t limit your Kale to just St. Paddy’s day… 365 days of Kale brings us the green all year round!

- Go Green America TV and healthy blender recipes deliver twists on the green pistachio shake.

- Healthy smoothie HQ whips up a lighter, greener St. Paddy’s day shake that is refreshing and tasty!

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So come on… was that or was that not the best pistachio milk shake of your life??!

Strawberry Banana… The Perfect Marriage.

Strawberries and Bananas – They’re like that couple who has been married for 70 years and still makes googly eyes at each other. Sure, they’ve had their disagreements… Banana has always been a little jealous of the friendly relationship Strawberry shares with Rhubarb, and Strawberry thinks the way Gorillas treat Banana is just totally inappropriate. But in the end, we all know Strawberry and Banana are just meant to be together.

So when The Fiance came home from work one night hungry, thirsty and craving something sweet – I knew just the treat to make him.

Strawberry Banana Almond Milk Smoothie 

The Smoothie:

- (1 Cup) Frozen Strawberries

- (1) Frozen Banana*

- (1/2 cup – 1 cup) Almond Milk**

- (1-2 Tbsp) Agave Nectar) optional 

- ((2-3 Tbsp) Hemp Seeds) optional 

BLEND ALL ABOVE INGREDIENTS… SIP AND SMILE!!

- ((lots) Cacao Nibs) optional… Sprinkle on top

More Deets: 

- Feel free to use fresh berries/fruit as well, but I have found that frozen berries are 1) typically cheaper and easier to get organic. 2) Last forever in the freezer so they’re easy to always have on hand and 3) Make for a frozen concoction that tastes like ice cream

- *To avoid a frozen banana mess (and we’ve all been there, amiright?!?) make sure you peel your banana BEFORE you freeze it! So… buy a big bunch of bananas, let them ripen until brown, peel, cut in half, and freeze! I always have a HUGE bag of frozen bananas lying around my freezer… just in case!!

- ** Feel free to use store-bought almond milk, just make sure you buy the least processed kind you can find! Avoid anything with added preservatives, words you’ve never seen, or added sweeteners. It should just be almonds and water!! If you’re feeling wild and crazy (and yes, you are) go ahead and make your own! Just follow the nut:water ratio of 1:4 when adding the ingredients to the blender. **Tip: Feel free to play with the ratio to make “skim” and “whole” versions of your almond milk. When making it for a hungry Fiance, I normally use a 2 or 3:4 ratio.

- For a sweeter shake, add in a few squirts of agave to taste. I try to limit the agave in my own shake and rely on the natural sweetness of the fruit But when it come to The Fiance… I typically add a few extra spoonfuls.

- Similar to the nut:water ratio, feel free to play around with the hemp seeds. For a lighter shake, I won’t add any hemp – but for a more filling treat, I’ll add upwards of 3 Tbsp. For a hungry Fiance… I add all 3. **Tip – the hemp will give it a distinct flavor. If you’ve never had hemp before, I suggest adding a little agave along with it.

- I live my life by the following rule: Everything is better with chocolate. So obviously, I sprinkle a heavy dose of cocoa nibs on my smoothie. I strongly urge you to do the same

Let’s take it to The Blogs - 

- McKenna Gordon adds an extra nutritional kick to her strawberry banana shake… with spinach! I am SO sneaking that one in on The Fiance next time.

- Healthy Cosmos kicks it up a notch and adds Spirulina to the mix.

- Kath Eats Real Food tops her smoothie off with granola for an added crunch.

- Kaitlynkirby says their strawberry banana almond smoothie makes the perfect breakfast… and I have to agree.

- Strawberry banana french toast casserole?!?? I just had to add this recipe from Jeanetteshealthyliving.

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What’s your favorite way to have your Strawberry Banana??

You’re about to get Cocomama’ed… Prepare yourself.

I know you’ve been missing Cocomama and I getting our healthy, mostly gluten free, and 100% tasty cook on (yes? YES.) But fret no more my friends… because Cocomama Gets Cookin’ is back.

oh yeah, you SO wanna know what we’re up to with these beans… don’t ya??

Weeks of recipe swaps, plenty of tastings and a full day of chopping and blending in the kitchen later… and we have four, that’s right FOUR, super delish cooking vids lined up for you.

Excited?!?!! Here’s a tease for what’s coming your way over the next few weeks: Cocomama and I battle it out over a favorite dip, redefine a traditional movie theater treat, whip up a hearty and delish meal in just 15 mins, and take a break over our new favorite coffee alternative.

While we wait for the hotly anticipated release of Cocomama Get’s Cookin’ (yes, I’m generating my own buzz here… is it working??), take a stroll down Cocomama memory lane with me.

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Starbucks ain’t got nothing on Cocomama‘s version of Mocha Peppermint… brownie bite style.

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Get your very own case of the latke belly with Cocomama‘s irresistible veggie latkes!

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Want to sip your way back to the Holidays? Cocomama‘s Faux nog can take care of that.

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Need a dose of Halloween? Cocomama cooks up a mini state of happy with our Pumpkin Pielets.

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Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- GFBostonGirl whips up her own version of moist, dense, bean brownies… this time, with black beans!

- Snack-face gives egg nog a twist by making it healthy… and turning it into French Toast!

- HealthySmoothieHQ makes pumpkin pie in a glass!

- Jules Gluten Free mixes up her Veggie Latkes by adding spaghetti squash… LOVE!

- And of course, Cocomama has all the vids and reads over on her blog!!

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What Cocomama Recipes have you tried and loved??

The MaggieTalks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist Versus – Laughing Man

Laughing Man goes up against The MaggieTalks/Sips Loud Cappi Checklist -

All three of these Cappis were juuuuuust right.

The MaggieTalks/SipsLoud Cappi Checklist:

1) Bold, Strong espresso: Super- Duper high marks here. The laughing man brews up some seriously serious java.   These beans are so tasty and special… we’re creating some sub categories up in here.

1. A.) What takes Laughing Man’s coffee into a league of its own isn’t even the spectacular taste (although it is stellar), but rather where that taste comes from. Laughing Man is the dream child of actor Hugh Jackman and is run by his friends Barry and David Steingard. While on a trip to Ethiopia, Jackman became friends with a local coffee grower named Dukale.

Dukale’s smile makes us “All Be Happy” every time we open up a bag of Laughing Man Coffee!

Jackman, together with the Steingards, created a direct partnership with Dukale in Ethiopia… and then decided to take their coffee shop ethics a step further – by giving 100% of its profits to charity.

Let’s hear it straight from Laughing Man: “By using our resources to find, incubate and support companies and products that believe in the ALL BE HAPPY vision, we can do our part to create jobs, support the entrepreneurial spirit and encourage the ingenuity that is essential to community health. Second, through the successful incubation of companies and products Laughing Man Worldwide gives 100% of the profits it receives from those ventures to charity.”

Tasty and ethical??! Yes please!

1.B.) Wholesale!! All of Laughing Man’s coffee (and hot cocoa… did I mention they have AMAZE hot cocoa?!??) is available for order on their website. Boom.

Coffee, Tea and hot cocoa… oh my!!

2) Extra foamy delight: Triple marks for two foamy soy cappuccinos and one foamalicious skim latte.

3) Real mug: ahhh I hate to give Laughing Man any negatives… but I really missed my real mug!! Laughing Man is currently limited to a tiny, take away only outpost in Tribeca. But I am desperately hoping the take-away only portion is only temporary and I can update this post soon!! (hint hint at you Laughing Man…)

4) Surprise toppings: Peep that gorgeous Latte art. Amiright?!??

5) The Cozy Factor: Again a few negatives here… The space is currently only temporary and incredibly small. But extra points for the super nice barrista’s who let us relax on the window sill!!

Where to get your Laughing Man:

184 Duane St
(at Greenwich St)
Manhattan, NY 10013

Let’s take it to the Blogs -

- Milkshake on The Huffington Post describes the relationship between Jackman and Dukale best: An international Bromance.

- Cocomama Foods shines their “Fair Trade Spotlight” onto Laughing Man by breaking down what’s so cool about their espresso and cocoa (hint… it’s taste and ethics.)

- Shop with Meaning gives Laughing Man props for their social responsible coffee and products.

- Tribeca Citizen gives us an inside peek into the launch of Laughing Man.

- Blog My Lunch highlights Laughing Man’s venture into Organic and kosher chocolates.

 

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Taste and social responsibility… are you sold?!??

 

What I learned today: Super Bowl Sunday is NOT the time for artisanal cheese plates.

Super Bowl Sunday: football, commercials, the half time show, millions of Americans tuning into the same channel, the fact that my home town team the New England Patriots are playing… these things are all awesome.

But the chance to plan an epic food spread?? THIS is what I love most about Super Bowl Sunday. Give me even the slightest excuse to organize a culinary feast… and it’s game on. (See what I did there?? It’s a football pun. You’re welcome)

I was deep in Super Bowl food gluttony thoughts… homemade guacamole, a specialty cheese spread, prosciutto and coppa, fresh-baked seeded crackers, maybe even some humus and crudities if we’re feeling wild… when The Fiance dropped this bomb: “Maggie… you don’t have an artisanal cheese plate on Super Bowl Sunday.”

By the look on his face, you would have thought my idea to bring kale chips to the Super Bowl Party was as absurd as Kurt from Glee beating Gronk from The Pats in a fight…

But without access to my spread of local veggies, organic fruits, hormone free dairy and humanely raised meats… my culinary plans are lost. So what’s a gal to do??

Problem solved – we’re ordering in. Wings, Nachos and Mozzarella sticks.

In honor of “No Artisanal Cheese On Plate Super Bowl Sunday” – Let’s bring on the Snackadiums.

Walls of Meat… both structurally sound and tasty.

24, 375 calories strong… according to the creators over at HolyTaco

Note the Submarine Sub walls… edible and functional.

To learn the magic, check out this video from the Snackadium professionals

Pepperoni Pizza!!

FYI: We might be ordering take out… but I am totes still bringing a spread of deconstructed Nachos: Multi-grain tortilla chips, home made guac, freshly chopped salsa and organic shredded cheese. Hey… I’m still learning this whole “No Artisanal Cheese Plate On Super Bowl Sunday” thing all right?!??

Let’s take it to the Blogs - 

- HuffingtonPost takes a look at the top 11 most amazing/disgusting snack stadiums.

- Yummly offers up 10 surprising Super Bowl snacks… including this gem: According to 7-Eleven stores, there is a 20% increase in the sale of antacids on the day after Super Bowl.

- Looking for some last minute Super Bowl eats?? Eatin on the Cheap has got you covered.

- Sweet Little Smoothie picked out some of her fav Super Bowl Must Eats.

- And let’s end with some healthy Super Bowl snack ideas from Eating Bird Food - Sorry Fiance… but I had to put one healthy link in

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What snacks will you be noshing on this Super Bowl sunday? Artisanal Cheese anyone?!??

Peppermint Mocha (Garbanzo Bean) Brownie Bites!

As if Peppermint and Mocha weren’t enough, I went ahead and threw Garbanzo Beans into the mix. Yeah, I went there. And it’s awesome.

Look at you adding mint and getting all fancy and what not.

(Recipe Below)

Let’s break down why these Peppermint Mocha Brownie Bites (aka Bangin’ Blender Bean Brownie bites) are so amazing.

1) The taste is a clear winner (it’s hard to go wrong with the trifecta of Mint, Espresso, and Chocolate… amiright?!??) Cocomama goes so far as to describe these three as a SUPER power. Now, that’s a belief I can get behind.

2) There are beans, BEANS, in these brownies!! Taste wise, garbanzo beans give an extremely dense, rich and creamy texture to the brownies. Nutritionally, Garbanzo beans add extra nutrients, protein and fiber to your typical dessert. And did we mention the beans replace all, ALL, flour in the recipe. So nom on my GF friends.

3) Did I mention that the frosting on top is thick, decedent, and entirely vegan? It get’s its velvety smooth texture from cashews and coconut.

4) The final hooray?? All of this, and I’m talking everything, is whipped up in the blender. Practically no mess and ya done. Brownies. Boom.

5) Not to mention… isn’t this jus THE PERFECT holiday treat! So Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and go enjoy some Peppermint Mocha (Garbanzo Bean) Brownie Bites!!

The Recipe:

Peppermint Mocha Brownies (The 5 B’s: Bangin’ Blender Bean Brownie Bites)

Brownie:
1 ¼ cup Medjool dates, pitted, soaked and drained (about 15)
¼ cup water
9 tbsp raw cocoa
¼ cup agave syrup
¼ cup coconut oil, soft, not liquid
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
4 eggs
½ tsp baking powder
2 tbsp espresso, ground fine

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Blend dates and ¼ water on high until it becomes a paste
3. Add eggs, cocoa, agave, coconut oil, baking powder, cinnamon and espresso; blend until smooth
4. Add garbanzo beans; mix on high until entire mixture is well incorporated, thick and smooth
5. Evenly distribute mixture into mini muffin tins (fills 30-32)
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes (until it passes the toothpick test); remove and cool on a wire rack

Icing:
½ cup coconut milk beverage (So Delicious brand, or other milk alternative)
¼ cup + 2 tbsp coconut oil
½ cup cashews, soaked (2 hours+ ideal)
3 Medjool dates, pitted
2 tbsp agave
¾ tsp peppermint oil

1. Place all ingredients into a blender
2. Mix on high until well incorporated; may need to stop a couple of times and stir to promote even blending

Place icing in fridge to chill and firm. Once brownie bites are completely cool, ice each once and garnish with pieces of fresh mint leaves. Store in fridge.

Makes 30-32

These brownie bites are gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free.

We’re two Ladies Lovin’ Latkes!

I have an embarrassing confession… I got a case of the latke belly. And I’m blaming Cocomama. If it wasn’t for her over the top additive bites of Latke heaven, I never would have nibbled myself into this situation.

But I mean come on… Can you blame me??

Yet, at eight cups of pure veggie… anyone can afford to get a case of the latke belly. So that’s how I find myself today, post Latke belly, digging in for round two.

That’s right – Each batch has 8 whopping cups of Beets, Sweet Potatoes and Parsnips.

Traditional Latke’s boast potatoes, but Cocomama and I couldn’t stop there… so we took it up 3 notches with beets, sweet potatoes annnnnnd parsnips. So now let’s play… Fun Root Veg Facts with Cocomama -

• Beets are high in potassium and fiber
• Sweet potatoes are a top source of beta carotene and have a low glycemic level
• Parsnips, a relative of carrots and celery, are rich in vitamins C and K

And did we mention the garlic? (5 cloves!!) and Onions! (A full one!!) Oh my. Not only was I walking around with a latke belly, but I absolutely reeked.. And I loved every single minute of it. (hey, MSNBC said onion breath wards off cancer. So there.)

So whether you want to test out a new Latke (with an enhanced nutritional profile) for the Holidays, or my description of  latke belly with garlic breath intrigued you… enjoy.

Recipe: 3 Veggie Latkes

1 large sweet potato, peeled

2 medium beets, peeled

1 parsnip, peeled

1 medium onion, chopped

**There should be a total of 8 cups veggies**

2/3 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour

3 eggs

4-5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

Olive oil, for frying

 

1. Use a box grater (or food processor) to shred sweet potato, beets and parsnip.

2. Transfer to a large mixing bowl

3. Add onions and flour

4. Combine veggies and flour

5. In a small bowl, whisk eggs with pressed cloves of garlic, salt and pepper

5. Pour egg mixture over floured vegetables

6. Combine until thoroughly blended

7. Heat a large pan over medium heat

8. Add olive oil; about ½” up the sides of the pan.

9. Scoop out vegetable mixture with a large spoon or ¼ cup and press flat

10. Drop patties into the oil, and fry for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown on both sides (if veggies start to separate when you flip, give it some more time to cook)

11. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate

Serve with applesauce, sour cream, tofu cream or plain greek yogurt.

 

Wanna have more fun with your latkes? Check out BlissTree’s great compilation of 7 non-traditional latkes! (I am so excited to try the cauliflower sweet potato ones!!)

Let us know what you think of our 3 veggie latke, and share your own twist as well!

Impress your guests and your taste buds w/ – Chai Spice Chutney

I love me some good wow factor, and boy does this chutney provide! Slather it on anything… and I mean just about anything… and it becomes chairiffic.

Warning: This Chai Spice Chutney will quickly become an obsession. Ice Cream? Oatmeal? Baked apples? Fish? Tofu? Chicken? Yup… I have slathered this spicy concoction on them all. And it was delicious. But my favorite way to enjoy Chai Spice Chutney? Straight outa the jar!! Oh, and the ginger and spices are all amazingly good for you as well. Tasty and healthy – Boom.

Chai Spice Chutney:
1 1/2 cups dates (pitter, soaked in luke warm water for 10 mins)
1/4 cup Ginger (minced or grated)
Nutmeg (1 Tb/ to taste)
Cinnamon (1 Tb/ to taste)
Vanilla (2 Tb/ to taste)

Test Bake – Cookiepalooza!

AKA this is what happens when I have an hour free…

So I got a little carried away last night… as in five batches of cookies carried away. But I promise more than just my own taste bud will benefit. I’m working on perfecting the perfect cookie (that’s not ridic bad for you) and will post a cooking vid asap. Until then…

What’s your perfect perfect cookie recipe ? Would love some new secret ingredients to add