Blog 2.0

Shop local, fresh, and support small business! Get out of the UV lit grocery stores and chat with some real farmers in the glorious sunshine. I don't know about you but I actually like knowing where my food comes from and shopping directly at the farm is the best way to assure this!

This unique find is at 5251 Hayvenhurst Avenue in Encino.

Filling up my basket with seasonal fruits and vegetables "seasonal!"...some of us in Cali don't really get this since food is shipped from all over to our huge supermarkets. Shopping seasonally actually cuts down the cost of transportation, reduces the toxins that these big semis produce and allows for a variety of cooking experiments all year long!

The staff at Tapia are passionate and knowledgeable about what they do. These people know their food and often interesting ways to prepare it! Stop in and ask them their secrets!

For more healthy recipes and fitness tips check out:

www.nostovenoovennoproblem.wordpress.com

I was first introduced to this very interesting lettuce last year by my amazing friend, Melinda Soderling. I love salad but sometimes I get sick of the same old spinach. This mache lettuce adds a new sharp flavor to the salad menu! It is super easy to make, great for sharing, and great for lunch on the go!

Serves: 2 as a main dish, 4 as a side dish

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of Trader Joe's Mache lettuce, washed
• 1 1/2 c sliced cherry tomatoes
• 2 medium avocados
• 4 tbsp walnut oil
• 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• blacked crushed pepper

Directions:

1. Pull off the root of each mini-bunch of Mache lettuce (you can keep them on, I just like them separate).
2. Cut the avocado meat into cubes.
3. In a large bowl combine Mache, avocado, and sliced cherry tomatoes.
4. In a small dish combine walnut oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic. Mix thoroughly.
5. Pour dressing over the salad. Top with crushed black pepper. Toss salad, mixing dressing evenly.
6. Serve up and enjoy! :)

For more great recipes and fitness tips go to:

www.nostovenoovennoproblem.wordpress.com