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Superfood Guacamole

I love guac, you love guac, we all love guac!! (I know some small subset of the population doesn’t, but this isn’t for them. It’s for those of us with a soul. Lol. I kid, I kid. If you don’t like guac, it’s ok. But I’m sorry for your loss.

It’s really hard to do guacamole better than it already is on its own…BUT the other night while I was whipping up some guac, I thought about upgrading it to have a bit more of a “superfood” pizazz.

I know “superfood” is a total buzzword and honestly just a marketing term to make health nuts more interested in buying something. However, it did get its roots in some merit- certain foods do have a high concentration of nutrients that provide health benefits for humans. Are these foods a cure-all or miracle food? Of course not! No single food can be! But they sure as heck can be a major health, wellbeing, and longevity-booster when consumed consistently and over the long-term.

So I say why not eat some “superfoods”?! In addition to the fact that guacamole can be a healthy part of our diet (healthy fats and fiber from the avocados!!), this recipe gets a boost from 3 fun ingredients: spirulina, turmeric, and collagen.

So first up, what is spirulina? Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is a rich source of many nutrients. Amino acids magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin B12 are a few of the power players. Plant antioxidants like chlorophyll and zeaxanthin promote glowing skin, detoxification, and contain anti-inflammation properties, too. Always opt for an organic or responsibly sourced spirulina that is tested for toxins, as the quality of the water they are grown in effects the level of contaminants in the spirulina, and obviously we would want that to be low!

How about turmeric? Turmeric is a root that has a vibrant golden color. There are a couple popular ways to consume it- use the fresh root like you would a root of ginger. (Chop or mince, or use a nob to add flavor to dishes from soups to smoothies). It also comes in powder form, which is what I used for this recipe. In terms of its benefits, the most powerful component is its anti-inflammatory properties. This comes from a compound called curcumin. To maximize the anti-inflammatory benefits, pair turmeric with black pepper, which can increase the absorption by 2000%!! All disease starts with low-grade, chronic inflammation so bringing inflammation down in a natural way with turmeric is a great disease-prevention strategy (along with a balanced diet).

Finally, let’s talk about collagen. There are a lot of health claims out there about collagen, and it’s important not to fall into the hype. There isn’t enough research yet to support many of the health claims and disease-curing claims being thrown around. However, many people DO note improvements in skin elasticity/hair/nails or even their gut health and joints when taking collagen consistently over at least a few months time. The best suggestion is to try it out and see if it works for you. There has been no known harm to taking collagen, so if you enjoy it as part of your health routine, or notice improvements that you are seeking in your overall wellness, by all means, add a scoop of collagen to your guac! Personally from a youth preservation standpoint, I like collagen for the skin elasticity benefit.

Without further ado, let’s get into the recipe! If you are looking to play around in the kitchen with some superfoods in a unique way, this guac is right up your alley!! As for dipping options, chopped veggies are rad, and if you are craving a chip, I love Siete grain-free chips. They are made with avocado oil and are non-gmo.

 

Superfood Guacamole

Ingredients:

3 avocados

Juice of 2-3 limes

Several sprigs of cilantro, stems removed and leaves torn 

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/4 teaspoon coriander

1/4 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon spirulina

1 scoop plain collagen

To make:

  1.  Scoop out the flesh of the avocados and mash them slightly in a bowl until they just start to break down into smaller chunks.
  2. Add lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Mix to combine.’
  3. Add the rest of the spices/superfoods to the mixture and stir and mash to combine ingredients and reach your preferred guac texture. 
  4. Bon appetit! Enjoy with chips, chopped veggies, or as a condiment on all the things! 

What’s your favorite way to eat guacamole? What ingredients do you use? Are you a purist, or do you add unconventional ingredients? Let me know!

Have a great week!

XO, Alexandra

Restaurant-Inspired Zucchini Noodle Salad Bowl

Do you have a favorite go-to order at a restaurant? Something you try once on a whim because it sounds delicious…and then it is! Fast forward, you become obsessed with this one dish. (And you order it every time you go there, paying no attention to any of the other menu items lol. Why fix what ain’t broke?)

Well for me, it’s the zucchini noodle bowl at Le Pain Quotidien. Le Pain Quotidien is a restaurant rooted in preparing fresh, plant-forward, nutrient-dense food in a community setting. The zucchini noodle bowl is a newer addition to their menu- it’s fresh, summery, and you just feel good eating it since it’s bursting with veggies, herbs, and healthy fats (avocado and slices of smoked salmon). It really doesn’t get any better.

So- since I cannot get myself to a Le Pain Quotidien every day, (the closest one to me is an hour away. SIGH!) I had to take it upon myself to study the dish and its flavors so I could replicate it at home. And since I’m a foodie, I changed just a few small ingredients here and there for fun. The dish will satisfy a craving for the LPQ bowl, but it’s not an exact copycat version. Let’s call it “inspired”.

Instead of green onions, I added mint for freshness and no worries of bad breath!

I threw in a handful of arugula for a nice peppery bite and some extra dark leafy greens.

LPQ uses this amazing fresh cheese similar to a burrata in texture, but I used a sheep’s milk yogurt that will be gentler on the stomach of anyone who is lactose intolerant (hi, that’s me. I try to be mostly dairy free, but sometimes I live a little).

Make this recipe work for your preferences like I did. If there isn’t an ingredient you care for, swap it out! Vegetarian? Don’t add the smoked salmon. (Alternatively, chicken would be really nice in this if seafood isn’t your vibe.)

Let’s get to the recipe! Once all your ingredients are washed/cut/prepped its very quick to throw the bowls together. There is nothing left to say except “bon appetit!” This would be the epitome of a perfect cold dish for a summer picnic. Whip it up while the days are still warm and long!

Zucchini Noodle Salad Bowl

Ingredients (makes 2 bowls)

  • 1, 6 oz container of Bellwether sheep’s milk yogurt or other plain, unsweetened yogurt
  • 1 lemon
  • 2 handfuls of arugula
  • Olive oil
  • 2 medium zucchini
  • 1 medium tomato (heirloom, better boy, or early girl type)
  • 1 carrot
  • 1/2 an avocado
  • 10 olives
  • 2 tablespoons capers
  • A few sprigs of dill
  • A few sprigs of mint leaves
  • Salt and pepper
  • Smoked salmon (optional, but recommended)
  • Equipment: Spiralizer and/ or vegetable peeler
  1. Thoroughly wash and dry all produce
  2. Transfer yogurt to a bowl- add a squeeze of lemon juice, and pinch of salt and pepper, to taste. The yogurt should be bright, tangy, and savory. Chill in the fridge.
  3. Add a handful of arugula to the bottom of each bowl you will be serving from. Drizzle with olive oil.
  4. Run zucchini through the spiralizer and add 1 zucchini’s -worth of noodles to each bowl.
  5. Peel carrot into thin strips and add to the bowls.
  6. Dice tomato, julienne the mint leaves, and break up the sprigs of dill, adding half of each to the bowls.
  7. Slice avocado and split between the bowls.
  8. Slice olives in half and split between bowls.
  9. Add 1 tablespoon of capers to each bowl.
  10. Add dollops of yogurt to each bowl.
  11. Finish with salt, pepper, and a final squeeze of lemon.
  12. If so desired, add a protein like smoked salmon!

Let me know if you make this one! I can’t stop making it (and may or may not be eating it right now). Have a great weekend!

XO,

Alexandra

Simple Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Summer time means squash is in season…which means squash blossoms are in season. Squash Blossom Season is something to be excited about, if you ask me!

Maybe eating the blossoms of a zucchini doesn’t sound appetizing, but if you have tried it, then you know how delectable they are. Most restaurants prepare them by either covering them in batter and deep frying them or pan frying them. Delish? YES. But Imma do you one better with today’s recipe because we are roasting them in the oven. No frying, no smothering in batter. Just a beautiful blossom filled with cashew cheese, since I’m lactose intolerant.

Squash blossoms themselves are extremely low in calories, but they do contain vitamin A and vitamin C thanks to that vibrant yellow/orange color. By themselves, they don’t have a strong flavor- it doesn’t taste floral, but more earthy and green with zucchini undertones. When is the last time you heard someone describe something as having “zucchini undertones”?? 😂

This recipe is easy to adapt if you don’t have all the ingredients, and you can totally play with the flavors of the stuffing from bright and zesty, to spicy, or something totally herbaceous and savory.

For those who can handle some real cheese, my recs would be a ricotta or a semi soft goat cheese. You want it to be soft and smooth, but not as melty as a mozzarella or brie. The blossom is delicate, so a highly meltable, oily cheese would be too much for the thin veil of the flower to hold up to, in my opinion.

AND this is a fun new thing- I filmed this cooking video if you want more specifics about the recipe and would like to follow along while I make the recipe! I’m the dorkiest cook in all the land, so if nothing else, there is some entertainment value to be had. I originally posted this on IGTV, but in lieu of reading a long post about stuffed squash blossoms, you can watch me make them and chat away to the camera!

Stuffed Squash Blossoms

Makes 10 blossoms

  • 10 squash blossoms, gently washed and dried
  • 4 ounces Miyokos double cream chive classic chive cheese wheel
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 3 Tablespoons torn basil
  • olive oil, for drizzling
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees
  2. Put cheese in microwave safe dish and heat for 30 seconds until soft with a texture like a ricotta
  3. Add lemon, pine nuts, basil, salt, and pepper to cheese and mix well to combine
  4. Gently open the blossom and stuff 1 tsp-1 tbs of the cheese mixture into the blossom. (The amount of cheese stuffing will depend on the size of your squash blossom).
  5. Place all squash blossoms on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and place in the oven.
  6. Bake for 13 minutes, flip blossoms over, then bake for 5 minutes more. Remove from oven. Allow to cool a little before digging in! (Hot cheese is HOT! Save your mouth.)

Have you ever had squash blossoms before? Let me know if you try this recipe!

Have a great weekend!

XO, Alexandra

Jeune et Jolie Restaurant Review

Why yes, it’s time for a restaurant review! I haven’t done one of these in a bit- I’m selective about the experiences I share on the blog. Remember, my last review was of none other than The French Laundry, so the bar is high. I have to say, there is no better way to continue the resurgence of the restaurant reviews than with Jeune et Jolie. Nestled in the heart of Carlsbad, this beautiful little gem is the definition of old world ambience. I’ve dined here a couple times since their opening several months back. The first time was for my birthday dinner, which is the meal I’m sharing on here today. The second was for weekend brunch, which I can’t say enough good things about (especially if your definition of brunch involves oysters and salmon tartines). Without further ado…

Let’s talk about the decor- gold, pink, and cool green pop up on everything from the wall art, to the booths, to the plates. It’s delicate and feminine, yet make no mistake it commands attention. It’s confident, sexy, and trés chic. Perhaps a nouvelle French woman in restaurant form. Highly recommend checking Jeune at Jolie out on instagram– you really don’t get the full experience of the beauty unless you are in person, but their feed can get you pretty close.

At night, there is quite a buzz inside, though you would not expect it just walking down the street past the restaurant’s facade. Once inside, the jewelry box that is Jeune et Jolie treats you to the delight of an open kitchen in the middle of the dining room. I LOVE a restaurant that involves the guest in the opportunity to watch the chef and his team at work. Cooking is an art not only to taste, but also to witness.

A closer look at some of the menu offerings on the “carte blanche” tasting menu.

Chef Andrew Bachelier and his team offer a tasting menu that features 3 courses and the optional raw starters. To me, a raw starter is not an “option”, but a requirement. But what if you and your party can’t decide between oysters and lobster? (Champagne problems, I know.) Cue the seafood tower…

Gorgeous, briny oysters, lobster, prawns, king crab legs, and mussels all culminate with quite the presentation on a chilled 3-tier tower. Yes, I ate all the oysters because I am an oyster FIEND. But I enjoyed bites of everything else, and I have to say, they make a genius curry harissa aioli that was inventive yet felt right at home paired with the seafood.

Next up, the madeleine with caviar, pistachio, and citrus creme. Light yet decadent. Now I can only ever eat a savory madeleine with caviar. Kidding, but I wish they always came as a package deal every time I encountered a madeleine.

My first time trying frog legs! I don’t know what took me so long, but I think it’s because not many places offer them. No surprise, this French restaurant killed it. Accompanied by fermented chili and tamari, it was a perfect fusion food and had me wishing I got the chance to try frog legs sooner. If you can get past the mental fear of frog eating, I say hands-down try this dish.

A lovely, crisp salad was a perfect way to divide the richness of the first courses from the entrees. Apple, celery, and blue cheese with black walnut. Makes me want to put apple and celery salads into my summer rotation. SO refreshing.

Next dish! Beets with leek, horseradish, black sesame crisps and matcha dusting. I never thought to pair matcha and sesame with beets, but this is a power move! The earthy and umami flavors just jive so well.

My mom and dad both got this entree of lamb with wax bean, chard, and garlic shishito. Are you drooling yet? The lamb was tender and luscious, really doesn’t get better.

I was in a seafood mood, so I got the scallops with sunchoke, abalone mushrooms, and vin jaune. Some of the best scallops I’ve ever had! I’m inspired to make this at home- scallops and mushrooms are the ideal combo of “surf and turf” for me.

On to dessert, which started with petit choux with black sesame cream and matcha (my faaave) and yogurt canelle. Some of the most delicious desserts involve the subtle, earthy flavor of sesame and matcha. Not too sweet, and perfectly balanced.

Last but not least, a little celebratory dessert- a birthday vacherin featuring meringue, starfruit, and mango sorbet. Meringue and tropical fruit can do no wrong in my eyes. The crisp meringue melded effortlessly with the juiciness of the fruit, and I was a happy camper. The perfect end to a perfect meal!

Have you dined at Jeune et Jolie? What was your experience like? Did you have a favorite dish? I can’t wait to go back again and try the new items on the always-changing menu!

Have a great weekend!

XO, Alexandra

My Latest Skin Savers for Acne

The acne struggle… if you know it, I feel you!! Personally, I have had an ongoing battle with acne since around 17 years old. Back then, the breakouts were minor and really not a big deal (I was dramatic. What I wouldn’t do to get that baby face back!). Fast forward to adulthood- you have been told your whole life up to that point your skin will get better once you are done with puberty… BIGGEST LIE EVER. My skin only kept getting worse after I turned 20. There have been times where my skin calmed down, and there have been times where my face has become a red, inflamed mess! Six years later, we are still sloshing through the trenches figuring out how to treat it from the inside and from the outside.

After all that I know about nutrition and wellness, I would be very reluctant to go on any oral medication/antobiotic, and therefore my MO has been to treat it naturally with clean skincare, no harsh chemicals, and with intentional supplementation. Hormonal/PCOS-driven acne (which is what I deal with) is one tough cookie. Every time your skin settles down, that monthly hormone cycle causes breakouts right around PMS week. WHYYYY?!

Those who have dealt with acne understand how annoying it is to have others think you don’t know how to “take care” of yourself. Of course I wash my face, yes I eat vegetables, and NO, I didn’t ask for unsolicited advice about what crazy thing has worked for your face. I’ve tried it all, thank you very much. Have you had that experienced before?? Let me know in the comments! Solicited advice is amazing, unsolicited comes off as condescending, ya know? Just a PSA.

I could write a million posts about the tips and tricks I have learned along the way, but today I wanted to share some current standouts that have helped regulate my skin, keep it calm, and fade the scars from the cystic pimples and unfortunate skin-picking episodes. What’s worked for me may not work for you, and that’s ok! But maybe just one thing will stick and make an improvement for you. And that is why I’m sharing- by no means do I have perfect skin, but I’m in a better place with my skin than I have been in a while. The following are some standouts that I believe have helped me calm my face the heck down.

Pimple Patches

These are great for two reasons: One, they help “suck out” and shrink a blemish, and two, they help me keep my hands off my face. I’ve caused way more problems by picking my skin, and it’s a habit I am trying to shake. If I have a painful pimple or a whitehead, I pop one of these on, sleep with it on, and take it off in the morning. MAGIC- that zit doesn’t stand a chance! Some require a few days of “stickering”, but it works way better than a lot of pimple spot treatments and helps to prevent a scar by keeping the skin hydrated.

They are clear little stickers, and I have been known to wear them out during a last-minute poké run for dinner. They are super popular in Asia, and people wear them around normally, and no one bats an eyelash. Sigh, I wish they were a bit more normal here in the US cuz I would rock them all day haha.

My tip for maximizing their powers- pop one on a pimple you picked because it will pull out any extra pus (gross and satisfying at the same time), or take a sterile needle or lancet and poke a little hole in your pimple, then pop the sticker on. Having an opening in the pimple makes the stickers work more effectively in my opinion.

A few brands I like can be found here, here, and here.

Exfoliate and Moisturize

Everyone can benefit from exfoliation. Especially if you are acne-prone, getting the dead skin off a couple times a week prevents clogged pores, blackheads, whiteheads, and all those tiny under-the-skin bumps that you can really only see up close or at certain angles. Lately I’ve been using the Pixi Peel and Polish. It only takes 2 minutes, so it’s great if you are short on time. It contains lactic acid and fruit acids to help brighten the skin, which is a bonus for speeding up the healing of any post-acne hyperpigmentation. What I love is that it’s not an extreme peel. Your skin isn’t red and inflamed after you wash it off. Your skin looks glowy and calm, and I actually have less redness after I use it than before. Quick, effective, affordable-yes,yes,yes! This was a gift from my momma, and I’m so glad to have received it!

Ok now for the HOLY GRAIL cream: Berlin Skin Sandalwood Cream. I have my friend Brit to thank for recommending this one. I have always been super hesitant to moisturize, as most of us acne-sufferers are. Somewhere along the way, we had it engraved in our mind that moisturizers, creams, and oils would make us oilier and break out more, but the opposite is true. Now, I am a moisturizing fiend! I can’t go without it, morning or night. It is a bit more expensive, but a little goes a long way! This hydrates perfectly without feeling heavy and it brings down any inflammation. My skin is instantly soothed after smoothing it on, and I’m a girl who is prone to redness, so that says something. It contains hyaluronic acid, sandalwood, turmeric, lavender, thyme, and sage. Berlin Skin is one of my favorite clean beauty lines and this cream is, well, the creme de la creme! The fact that it hydrates, calms redness, and heals acne? I couldn’t ask for more!

Beauty Tea

All those skincare products are great, but good skin starts on the inside. There are so many dietary factors that dictate skin health, but I’m putting a spotlight on this tea from Republic of Tea. I add it to my spearmint tea (another acne-busting tea) to make a dynamic duo. It contains the up-and-coming trendy blue butterfly pea flower, which is high in antioxidants like anthocyanins which help support collagen production. Hibiscus hydrates, while rosehips contain vitamin C, (also VIP for collagen production and wound healing, ahem, picked pimples). Lastly, schizandra berry makes an appearance, which is pretty revolutionary in the tea world. I haven’t seen many brands adding that to their proprietary blend. Schizandra has been an adaptogen shown to improve skin health and clarity for centuries. Talk about a beautifying cocktail, right? It also tastes delicious. By itself, it’s a deep blue/purple color, but if you add a squeeze of lemon, it turns pink! That’s all thanks to that blue butterfly pea flower, which I predict will become very popular in the wellness circuit. Sip some for good health, and good skin!

Have you tried any of these products before? I would love to know if you have any products that have changed the game for you, whether internal or external skin helpers. Let me know! Share, share!

Have a great weekend!

XO, Alexandra

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