Noshtopia

Raising The Bar On Carrots: Roasted Purple Carrots On A Bed Of Arugula

As you know, we are done with baby carrots because it reminds me too much of dieting. Besides, whoever gets cartwheel excited over baby carrots?

Now, roasted purple carrots, here is something that will make your palate dance. Ok, maybe not Gangnam Style, but you'll definitely Instagram this.

Simply Seasonal: Quinoa, Beets, and Ramps Salad

Quinoa salads are a basic food for me because Quinoa is a great plant-based protein source, and it's gluten-free. Beets are kind of a polarizing food. At first bite, the experience is usually either, "Oh yum!" or "Oh yuck!" And beet juice makes everything look like a bloody mess, which for me is actually cool because I like to use the juice to make dishes a deep red color.

Sweet: Trader Joe's Sells GMO-free Corn On The Cob

I get really excited when I start to see fresh corn on the cob appearing in grocery stores. It means summer is almost here!

Farmers Market Finds: Yes, Cauliflower Comes In Other Colors Besides White: Orange, Purple and Green

Doesn't cauliflower all of a sudden look more exciting in these cool colors? I especially dig the purple cauliflower because we all know how I love purple food. I saw these fun creatures at the farmers market in Moraga yesterday. Jazz up your platter with some colorful cauliflower!

Farmer's Market Find: Pretty Red and White Beans Among Cilantro and Garlic

Saw these pretty red and white beans at the SF Ferry Building farmers market. The beans sitting among the fresh cilantro and garlic inspires me to make some chili.

Farmers Market Find: Pretty Flowering Chives

 

One of the trends I've been noticing in the farmers markets in the Bay Area are flowering vegetables and herbs like blossoming purple kale.

 

This is flowering chives and I think they are so pretty, almost too pretty to eat. The flowers are a bit sweeter and really do make a salad not only tasty but again, pretty. Definitely use flowering chives as a garnish.

Farmers Market Find: Blossoming Purple Curly Kale

At the Moraga farmers market this weekend, I saw these most beautiful blossoming purple curly kale flowers and had to get some.

The Vegan, Gluten-free Power Meal I Ate After a 12-Mile Run

The other day I ran 12-miles which I have not done since the late 90's. My legs felt like rubber sticks but I felt really accomplished and indeed so hungry I swear I could eat the whole fridge.

It's at these moments when you have a choice. When I trained for a marathon long time ago, I actually gained weight because I used training as an excuse to overeat, and not healthily. It's easy to justify in your head, "Oh, I just ran 10 miles, I can eat a bacon cheeseburger with garlic fries, a bowl of chili, a couple beers, and cheesecake for dessert." This is fine occasionally as 20% food, but I was eating that like every day. Even though you workout like crazy, all that work can quickly be zapped with food.

For A Paleo, Vegan, or Gluten-free Friendly Wrap or Taco Shell Idea: Savoy Cabbage Leaves

Next time you want to make paleo, vegan, or gluten-free friendly tacos or wraps consider using savoy cabbage leaves. Not only does savoy cabbage have a nice broad round shape like a tortilla, but the crinkly texture makes for some looking food.

Snack Idea: Good-fat, Vegan, Gluten-free Avocado and Cucumber Sushi Rolls

One of my favorite snacks are small rolls of avocado and cucumber sushi rolls. You can find this combo almost everywhere sushi is sold. I like them because you usually get 8 pieces, so it's easy to eat like 4 or 5, and save the rest for later.