Okay, I took a much needed hiatus but obvi worth it because have you seen my kids!? I'm full on momma of two and when I tell you this new life is incredibly challenging yet fulfilling, it's 100% all of that and more. I once heard that when you become a mom, you immediately become green which is actually really funny because I definitely fit the bill long before I became a mom. Getting my kids the best to keep them healthy is my forever job and that starts with nutrition. We've been there and back with food making sure to fork up a big bill on their food and still, there's always a little voice inside me that constantly reminds me nothing is actually fresh unless it's homemade. Anyway, long story short, we're cool to balance freshly made and as good as it gets snacks because there's also this thing called time that we don't have enough of - oy. 

Apple, Peas and Spinach Baby Puree

 

'Tis the start of #xobabyeats! If you follow me on Instagram, you know #XoEats is my thing. Now having a baby that's fully eating solids, it's so fun to experiment with blends and textures. Daniel had a little bit of a slow start with solids and was absolutely not into the first blend of veggies we gave him. We tried food our pediatrician recommended (Beechnut brand) and that worked so great. If I wasn't going to make it myself, I at least wanted to make sure we were giving him an option that was a trusted brand free of icky ingredients. Still, I'd look at the blends and couldn't get past the fact that we were giving him something I could blend up lol. For as much as I love hitting up the farmer's market every weekend, I just always envisioned myself picking fruit and veggies up for my kid and making their food. Long story short, we're there now and I'm so excited to be able to share some recipe's here! First up, apple, peas, spinach oh my! 

Apple Cinnamon Pancakes

 

Fall cooking is probably my favorite. There's nothing like getting cozy and enjoying the warm scents of apple, cinnamon and butternut everything! This pregnancy has upped my craving for every fruit imaginable and also pancakes. Mix the two together with a side of fall and you got yourself a very happy pregnant chick. I came across a steamed cinnamon apple topper that I had to try and I'm here to report it's 10/10 and also deserves a 10/10 for how easy it is to make. Here's how!

Chicken Tortilla Soup - Crockpot Recipe

Get your crockpots ready, ladies and gentlemen! If you're a chicken tortilla soup fan, this is the only recipe you need - also most likely the easiest.  I'm a total soup girl and chicken tortilla is one of my absolute favs. I've never had much luck making a good version of this soup, but honestly this version is the one I can make every single week and not get bored. You only need a few basic ingredients to make 4-5 servings, so let's get right to the deets!

Creamy Cauliflower Mac | Thanksgiving Sides

Okay. I finally stopped eating my Thanksgiving sides and right on time to at least get two recipe's out before next week! Whether you're eating alongside close family or staying home, you should still find a reason to feel thankful and EAT. I have no idea where to even start with cooking a turkey and don't think I actually ever want to learn how (lol) so I think I'll sign myself up for sides now and forever. My first recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Mac. It's super creamy, tastes like a healthier version of Alfredo sauce and takes about 5 ingredients to whip up! This is a vegetarian dish and it can be vegan if you substitute the cheese for vegan cheese - FYI Trader Joe's sells an outstanding shredded almond cheese bag. Anyway, here's what you need and how to make! 

Peach Caprese Arugula Salad

 

Four words. Peach. Caprese. Arugula. Salad. You're welcome! Summer salads are my absolute favorite things to eat right now, especially if they involve arugula. Like I mentioned in my last arugula recipe post, I can't get enough of this leafy green and there are so many fun ways to eat it. Another great way is in the form of (obvi) a salad, but a really tasty one! If you love a good charcuterie board, you'll love this one. Here's what you need to make it and how to put it together!

Arugula Avocado Toast

Hey guess what. I'm addicted to arugula! I go in and out of loving different leafy greens and vegetables but currently, arugula is my kitchen staple. It might be because this summer heat has me only wanting fresh, heatless food and arugula is that one leafy green that pairs so well with my current craving. Anyway, because I've been cooking a lot with arugula lately, I'm so excited to host a mini recipe series with different, savory ways to eat this leafy green. First recipe is obviously breakfast related because #BreakfastQueen!

Turmeric Latte Recipe

Hey hey! I couldn't possibly jump into yet ANOTHER month without an update on here and boy do I have an UPDATE! Here's my big announcement that I might take back the second I go back to working in an office. My news is I don't think I'm a coffee kind of girl anymore - huh and how is that even possible? Here's why!

Mexican Rice Recipe

You know that one family member who can cook up a whole lot of goodness? That person in my life is my tia Georgina.  My aunt has tons of recipes that I die to learn and perfect just like her, but spin into healthier versions of the real deal, obvi!  With being almost three months into marriage, my biggest task has been to cook for two - basically four with the way Martin eats lol.

Easy Bourbon Apple Cider Recipe

 Did someone say bourbon?  One second let me take a sip.  With the weather cooling down and scary movies dominating my TV, I'm constantly in the mood to cozy up to a fall drink.  So, when Heritage Distilling Co. sent me two bottles of their Brown Sugar Bourbon, I immediately knew exactly what I wanted to make - Bourbon Apple Cider.  Can I get a HELL YES!?  This recipe is extremely easy to make and tastes so yummy.  I've had a ton of bourbon in my life, but this bottle is one of my top favorites for how sweet and versatile it is.  It's honestly no joke that BSB is an award winning bottle so please do yourselves a favor and try it.  Do you have to only use BSB to make this recipe?  No, but I do highly recommend it due to how rich the flavor is.  Trust, even my sister who only likes wine loved this stuff.  Alright, let's get into how to make this three step fall favorite drink.

Radish Toast Recipe

Shop these Caskata plates here

Hey there!  I'm back with an easy, summer recipe that I highly recommend.  We've seen eggs on toast, avocado on toast, bacon and tomato on toast and just about everything else, but is it just me or have I been hiding under a rock somewhere that I haven't tried radish on toast yet??  If you're on my same boat listen up!  I saw this recipe in a book a long time ago and never gave it a try until this week.  Let's get real, I never really cared about radishes so I'm actually shocked I enjoyed this haha.  The recipe to make this doesn't require a ton, just:

How to Make Frosé This Summer

Hey there! Summer is DAYS away and it finally feels more like it here in Orange County.  It's been about 80 degrees since Friday and I'm loving it.  With all this heat, it's so nice to enjoy a refreshing cocktail or drink of your choice and for some reason, all I wanted on Sunday was frosé.  If you're not familiar with this drink yet, it's frozen rosé that you won't regret haha.  Trust me on this one, friends - you have to try it!  Anyway, because I wanted it so bad, I made my own and really liked it.  The recipe is super simple so go ahead and start thanking me now.  Here's how to make it:

Vegan Mole Enchiladas Recipe

Hey hey!  A goal I have for myself is to eat meatless at least two times a week.  In a perfect world of mine, I'd be on a plant based diet, but I really do love some dairy products so it's all about baby steps for me.  In the kitchen, I love to experiment with recipes I find on Pinterest or shared by other bloggers.  This weekend, I saw a yummy enchilada recipe and decided to give it a try.  The dish came out DELICIOUS so I wanted to share it with you guys!  Enchilada's are my jam and finding a version of it that doesn't contain cheese, and that I'm okay with, was hard.  If you're just like me and not willing to give up the cheese on your enchilada's, this post is for you!  It was weird to not miss it or even care that it wasn't part of the recipe.  Ready to try them for yourselves?  Let's go over the details.

Wedding Diet Breakfast

Shop Maker Oats Products Here

Hello!  With mine and Martin's big day coming up next year, getting fit for the wedding has become no joke.  What is it about wanting to look good for all the festivities and why is this such a thing!?  I've always generally thought about my health and been conscious of what I've ate, but this time it feels like such a challenge.  My current wedding diet isn't anything crazy, it just consists of eating meals at certain times of the day.  Getting used to this schedule is difficult considering my days are really busy and I love to forget to eat breakfast haha.  In the past, I've been successful with overnight oats as my breakfast, so I decided to give this another try.  First of all, oats are very good for you and super easy to whip up - literally just requires a container, milk and oats.  Overnight oats are such an awesome option for me because it's literally on-the-go breakfast and for a busy girl like myself, I need something hearty and available when I need it haha.

Overnight oats brand, Maker Oats, released three super delicious flavors that I got to try out and I'm already hooked.  Not only am I hooked on it's taste, but hooked on how easy it is to replenish and prepare.  I received two jars with two different flavors and a box of five bags to try out and honestly, the fact that this overnight oat brand provides jars is the raddest thing.  So far, I really like the Apple and Coconut mix because it's the perfect combination of guilt-free sweetness!  I hope to start adding fun toppings to my oats every morning, but for now, I'm just trying to get myself used to promptly eating at certain times.  I'm sure as this wedding diet progresses, I'll come up with other on-the-go options, but for now, overnight oats it is!  Chat with you guys super soon.

Xo,

Melissa Victoria

Ready to Pour Cocktails

Hey guys!  How on-brand is it for my first post,  since my break and of 2018, to be one about cocktails lol.  I have never met anyone that doesn't enjoy a good cocktail and now isn't the time to introduce them to me either #bye.  Anyway, my first drink coming into the new year was of course one full of tequila, but the best part is I didn't even have to put it together - it was already made.  I tried a Bergamot Orange Margarita by Austin Cocktails and I loved every drop of it.  Their ready to pour cocktails selection is pure gold.  Trust me, I couldn't choose between the five bottles because all of them sounded amazing.  I'm definitely a vodka and tequila kind of girl, so when given the option, I went with what I loved and was not disappointed.  What really intrigued me about this brand wasn't even that it was alcohol related, but that it's a brand focused on drinking better.  Austin Cocktails uses natural herbs and organic agave nectar to make the overall drink naturally low in calories and simply a healthier option.  Something I've really learned to adopt in my last few years of life is the mentality of being able to eat and drink anything I want, so as long as it's prepared with the right ingredients.  The options Austin Cocktails provides just fit in with this lifestyle and I'm so ready to try every bottle!  Plus, ready to pour cocktails are extremely convenient, especially for us party planners that have or attend get togethers more than often.  It just totally cuts out the part where you have to think about mixed drinks and all the ingredients you have to buy, ya know?  Anyway, if you're interested, you can read all about this brand, their cocktail ingredients and where to buy them here.  Until next time, cheers!

Xo,

Melissa Victoria

Almond Milk Overnight Oats

Hey guys!  Can we all agree Monday's are so difficult to begin if breakfast isn't involved?  Maybe it's just me, but I never feel like I'm starting my week off to a positive start if I don't fuel up.  Another issue is I also love my sleep, so waking up super early to cook is not in my books.  It's no joke that I'm a hibernating bear, but that's okay because it just means I have to plan ahead!  By taking my two needs, sleep and breakfast, I solve my problem by putting together my meals an evening ahead of time.  I know overnight oats are a total thing, so I figured I'd share my recipe...you know, for my other fellow hibernating bears.  Here's what you need:

Milk - I use Almond Breeze Almondmilk

Oats - I buy a tub at Whole Foods

1 Banana

3 Strawberries

Granola

Honey - optional

How To

1. Pour 1/2 a cup of oatmeal into your cup

2. Add 3/4 cup of almond milk over your oats

3. Let this sit overnight

4. In the morning, cut up fruit of your choice and sprinkle it over your oats

5. For a little extra sweetness, add some honey and enjoy!

It's that easy!  I know there are several recipe's online I love to recreate, but this one seriously takes zero effort.  It's extremely nutritious and nice to just grab-and-go every morning.  Anyway, enjoy!

Xo,

Melissa Victoria

Vegan Potato Kale Tacos

Hola, amigos (as)! If there's one thing I know about food, it's to eat very well so you can feel well.  I work at Taco Bell headquarters and as you can imagine, I'm always surrounded by food that's not always the best.  Of course I give in to treats, but for the most part, I would definitely say I'm pretty conscious about what I like to put in my body.  In the spirit of wellness, I've decided to eat some kind of vegan meal once a week, starting on a twist to my beloved tacos.  I picked up this recipe from the incredible Dora from Dora's Table who has introduced me to vegan Mexican food and I'm just simply obsessed.  Anyway, let's go over what you'll need and how to make!

What You'll Need

Kale

Cubed potatoes 

Corn tortillas

Garlic salt

Olive Oil

**the above measurements will depend on how much you're making.

Cilantro Sauce Ingredients

3/4 cup washed and chopped cilantro

1/4 cup diced onion

1/2 cup raw cashews soaked in water for 3 hours

1/2 serrano chile

1 squeezed lime

1/3 cup water

1/2 tbsp salt

How To

1. In a pan, pour a friendly amount of olive oil and turn up your heat to medium-high.

2. Pour your chopped up potatoes and stir around making sure your potatoes don't stick to the pan.

3. Let the potatoes cook until they're soft and turned golden, then pour in your washed and chopped kale.

4. Let the kale simmer in for a few seconds and then stir and blend the ingredients until the kale is cooked.

5. While cooking, season your ingredients with garlic salt, or whatever seasoning you'd like and stir again.

6. When finished, place the taco mix into a bowl.

7. Heat up your tortilla's and serve a decent amount of the potato/kale mix over the tortilla.

How To Make the Cilantro Sauce

1. In a bowl, place your raw cashews in water and let them sit for three hours.  I know this sounds like a long time, but they need to get soft -- trust me, it's worth the wait. 

2. After your cashews have sat in water, toss them into a blender with the rest of the ingredients mentioned above.

3. Simply blend the mix and pour the sauce into a container.

Enjoy!

Xo,

Melissa Victoria

Ice Cream Float with Halo Top

What if I told you there was something called healthy ice cream?  Could a pint of ice cream really only be about 300 calories?  I'd call myself a liar but guess what...I'M NOT.  If you're not already in the know, the ice cream gods put the brains of brilliant creators together to make Halo Top and it has quickly become a must have for me.  I am definitely my father's daughter because both him and I share a common hardcore love for all sweet things - ESPECIALLY ice cream.  When I came across this fun alternative at Whole Foods, I nearly freaked out and thought 240 calories for the ENTIRE pint was too good to be true.  After a whole tasting meeting with my coworkers, I was sold.  This stuff is real and I now have the answer to a much healthier alternative to this beloved treat.

Since ice cream is life and anything that comes with it is life too, I decided to create my own vanilla float with fruity soda from Whole Foods.  I've never had a vanilla float with anything other than Coca Cola, Pepsi or Root Beer so trying a fruity soda was something new.  No regrets on that decision because it literally tasted like summer.  I'll let you guys be the judge of this simple recipe, but for now, head over here to find out what store carries all the Halo Top goodness near you!

Chat with you guys later!

Xo..Melissa Victoria 

Stacked Breakfast Parfait Recipe

I've said this before and I'll say it again: I love a quick breakfast!  Anytime I can prep my morning breakfast the night before is a huge win to me.  I work in a corporate setting where the cafeteria is literally heaven on earth, but super dangerous to my finances and overall health haha.  It's pretty easy for me to stay away from food that doesn't do the body good and because I genuinely care about health, I'm always looking for new ways to improve the health of those around me with easy and tasty recipes.  For those of you who can't manage to grab a quick, hearty meal in the morning, this one's for you!  There's not much to this recipe but a cupful of your favorite fruits and Greek yogurt.  See below for all the details and have a great rest of your day!

You'll Need:

2-3 Spoonfuls of Yogurt - I chose Trader Joe's Greek Yogurt in Nonfat Plain

Handful of blueberries

Diced mangos

**fruit is optional! Feel free to adjust this recipe to your own liking.