SPRING ON HUMMUS

March 20, 2017

Hello Spring!! We have all been waiting!
Since hummus' popularity has grown over the years you can now find grocery store's shelves packed with all kinds of flavors and types. Some good but mostly all kinds of acidic ones and packed with all sorts of unnatural ingredients to create these wild flavors. I am a huge fan of hummus (& mediterranean food in general) and try to be as aware as possible of the ingredients I put into my body, so I re-created a favorite flavor of mine: Edamame Hummus. Easy to make at home with only using a handful of natural ingredients that pack a bunch of flavor!

What you'll need:
1 cup shelled organic edamame (thawed if frozen)
3/4 cup organic chickpeas, drained & rinsed well
1/2 cup organic tahini
1 lemon, squeezed
2 Tablespoons extra virigin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons ground cumin (to taste)
1 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
Dash dried oregeno
1 clove garlic, crushed
Smoked paprika, for garnish

Directions:
Set up food processor with bottom s-blade.

Place all ingredients in food processor.

Blend until smooth - adding additional lemon juice, olive oil, or spices until desired taste and texture.
Tip: Adding a tablespoon of water will help smooth it out if needed.

Plate and garnish with desired olive oil and smoked paprika. Serve with your favorite fresh vegetables, pita bread/chips, or use as a spread for sandwiches or a side with chicken or beef.
See, easy? ENJOY!

SAY UNCLE // CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

March 13, 2017

Chicago, IL. This city and I have something going on.

If you know me, you know I love Chicago. And more so, I love my family there.
About 2 weeks ago, my beloved Uncle John passed away. He was my Mom's youngest brother (out of 2). He lived in the same house his entire life in the tight-knit Ukranian Village quarter of Chicago; a neighborhood that he witnessed go through many transformations (90's...not so good). Every summer, as far back as I can remember, my family would fly from LA to Chicago. My older brother and I would spend anywhere from a week to a month there while my parents traveled. My grandparents (Baba and Dido), Uncle John, and Uncle Mike "watched over us" as we ran amuck up and down the house. Those summers have been the best memories of my life to this day.

My family owns an iconic brick three-flat within the village that lines the streets with their rust-colored bricks and unforgettable facades. Most of the homes built in this area date circa 1930s and are filled head to toe with vintage charm, all the original hardware and personal touches that make a home a family heirloom. This house has been such a large part of my life, and what I love about it the most: it looks the same inside and out as it did from the first day I walked in.

During my recent visit back to honor my Uncle's passing, I was able to meet a lot of his friends in the neighborhood and heard stories about him that I never knew. He was a favorite in the community, and in a way, a guardian to most. Witnessing such a strong community within such a large city was truly humbling and made me more proud of where my family was from.

Six and half years ago, I gave my dog, Frankenstein aka Frankie, to my Uncle John. He devoted his life to this little dog, giving her endless love and guidance, making her the sweetest little nugget today. Frankie remains in the neighborhood and will keep his presence alive.

Uncle John was truly a saint - a man that lived his life his way and his way only, keeping his original mullet hair cut from his younger days, 1970's glasses, and a no-BS attitude. He was also the most loving, caring, and mindful man I have ever met, always putting others before himself and remaining completely devoted to his loved ones. I am forever grateful for his generous heart and for him taking in my dog and loving her endlessly when life wouldn't allow me to have her. He will be missed, but will never be forgotten.

JOHN MARK COLTAN
1961-2017

HEALTHIER CHICKEN & WAFFLES

February 27, 2017

I know it's Monday, but aren't you already dreaming of this upcoming weekend's leisurely mornings and the brunches that tag along? But with brunch also comes that higher caloric price tag and before you know it, you've thrown all of your week's hard work of eating healthy out the window.
So, may I present to you: Healthier Chicken & Waffles!
I created the "batter" for the "fried" chicken with coconut flour, baked instead of fried, and even made gluten free waffles to accompany. This recipe can be made with or without eggs - for the egg intolerant (such as myself).

What You'll Need:
5-6 organic free-range, cleaned, trimmed chicken tenders cut into ~1" pieces
1/4 cup Coconut Flour
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
dash cayenne pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1 serving prepped gluten free waffle mix (we use Kodiak Cakes -eggless option!- or can be subbed w TJ's Gluten Free Pankcake & Waffle Mix)

Directions:
Preheat Oven to 400º

Whisk coconut flour and spices together in a low, shallow dish.

Dip each piece of chicken into olive oil, coating throughly, lightly coating in the flour-spice mixture and placing onto racked baking sheet.

Bake for 10 minutes.

While chicken bakes... Prep Waffles!
Make waffle batter according to directions on box or from your own recipe.

Remove chicken and set broiler to High.

Broil for 1-2 minutes until golden and crisp.

Plate and drizzle in a high-grade, organic maple syrup & ENJOY!