My Favorite Summer Dessert

Summer is my favorite time of year, which is kinda unfortunate because we haven't had much of a summer in Santa Cruz the past few years. Luckily, Santa Cruz is one of the most beautiful places to be when the sun decides to grace us with its presence for the entire day, so I guess I can't complain :-)

I came across this dessert in Martha's "Everyday Food" magazine a few years ago and it has become my summer staple...it is SO easy and SO delish! You can even customize it to whatever fruit you have a hankering for.

Strawberry & Blueberry Fruit Tart

The original recipe is made with fresh cherries and it is out of this world! Click here for the link. I have also made a mixed fruit version with strawberries, kiwis, mandarins, and grapes which is so colorful and pretty....really, the options are endless. But I must warn you, this dessert is sneaky. Though it is made with cream cheese (I use low fat) and whipping cream it seems so light and fluffy...I could probably eat half the tart in one sitting; it's dangerous! Oh, and another tip, if you happen to have any left over, it is so good for breakfast with a cup of coffee :-)

Now do yourself a treat and make this on a beautiful summer day...enjoy!

Cravings

I haven't really had many pregnancy cravings...unless you count my diet of pizza, bagels and cream cheese, and coca-cola during my morning sick period "cravings," but I more so consider those the only items that sounded somewhat appetizing. But, within the past few weeks I guess you could say I've been getting cravings. I have been dying for baked goods! Seriously, every time I am out and about I have to keep myself from stopping by Gayle's or The Buttery to purchase myself some sort of delicious, flaky pastry, fresh cookie, or moist cake slice with butter cream and ganache...it's a good thing I'm not traveling through Europe right now!

Last night it was Thai food...all i wanted was curry and Pad Thai. Luckily, I had two cans of coconut milk and green curry paste on hand, score! I whipped up some delicious thai green curry if I do say so myself, and it only took about 30 minutes start to finish...it would have taken longer for me pick up the take-out. The only problem is that I ate far too much and ended the night with that horrible pregnancy heartburn, but it was worth it :-) And I have enough leftovers for dinner tonight! As for the Pad Thai, I didn't have the ingredients on hand and I had never made it before...does anyone out there have a good pad thai recipe?

I just used the veggies that I had on hand: onions, bell peppers, green beans (from the father-in-law's garden), and basil (from our "garden). DELISH!

Nutella. Cupcakes. Cream Cheese. Frosting...Yes Please!

I have a few food blogs that I follow, and am constantly coming across more and more amazing ones. There are so many talented and creative people out there! I'm not sure how I came across it, but I found Tartlette a few months ago and have been smitten with her sinful looking sweets and equally amazing photography skills. You really need to go check out her blog; it's gorgeous!

The thing that sets Tartlette aside is that all of her recipes are gluten-free. I seriously had no idea that you could take absolutely every delicious sweet ever invented and make it gluten free. I don't feel so bad for all of those gluten-intolerant people now. But, for those of us who can eat gluten, she makes sure to include how to make the recipe with regular flour. Thank you!

I have yet to try one of her recipes, but when I do, I think this one will be the maiden voyage...

Click here for the recipe: Nutella Cupcakes with Nutella and Cream Cheese Frosting

(All photos taken by Tartlette)

What's for Dinner?

It's summer, which means fresh ingredients, light fish, and the grill! A few weeks ago at the gym I grabbed the new Sunset magazine, which happened to to be in the magazine drawer (score), and hit the elliptical. Note to self, it's never a good idea to read food magazines while working out. I always start drooling, my stomach starts growling, and I usually end my workout early so that i can go eat. Anyway, I came across this recipe for Mahimahi with Thai Green Curry. YUM! You need to make it, STAT. My new obsession is anything containing curry or coconut milk...I can't get enough.

*Sorry for the yellowy/orange tint...it was taken at night under lights. Maybe if I knew how to use my camera better it would have turned out better. Or better yet, if could edit photos....

If you're into that as well, try this recipe for Red Curry Coconut Noodles, it will also make your mouth very, very happy! Bon Appetit!

Oktoberfest

We recently had a family get together...which included some Los Gatos Brewing Company Oktoberfest. I like beer, but I don't usually love it. Let's just say that this beer is one that was thoroughly enjoyed. Delish!

I Love Sushi

Not only do I love sushi, but I love the restaurant "I Love Sushi." I've gotta say, it's my pick for restaurant of the year. We found out about it earlier this year from some friends and have been hooked ever since. It's a big, casual place downtown Santa Cruz that tends to host big parties and has a karaoke bar set up in a back room with a stage and everything. See, what's not to love...how can you go wrong with sushi and karaoke?

Here is a photo of my newest obsession...the yam roll, short for the "wham bam thank you yam" roll. It consists of tempura yam, macadamia nuts, and cream cheese rolled up with rice and seaweed, covered in avocado and some sort of sweet sauce. Dip it in some soy sauce with wasabi and your mouth with thank you!


When visiting, be prepared to be inundated with free things...they give you appetizers when you arrive, after you order they bring you miso soup (so delicious) and edamame. Also, expect a visit from the crazy, fun-loving owner. He will most likely give you a few shots of sake or some beer on the house.

Next time you are in need of an inexpensive, casual dining experience hit up I Love Sushi. It won't disappoint!