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LUNA'S LOVES

Now I am not a baker. I repeat, I am not a baker. So when I was gifted Florida Crystals® Organic Sugar I was racking my brain to bake something that A, I loved, and B, was easy enough for us non-bakers to do. I had a beignet at a foodie event that Andrew and I attended and it was the perfect mix between sweet savory and even had a kick to it. It was so delicious that I went back for seconds and even thought about it for days. This is my interpretation of that beignet but instead of fried, I baked mine. Fried food tends to hurt my stomach if I have too much of it, so I didn't want to go the tradition route. But trust me, nothing is lost in this dessert. Also, you might be hesitant about a cayenne whipped cream, but there is so much sweetness between the honey and powdered sugar that it is exactly what it needed to make this dish perfect. Originally I served it on the side, but then my brilliant husband started to stuff the beignets and our mind were blown just how good it was! Honestly, these really are just as good as they look. 
Ingredients:

Beignets
  • 4 cups flour (plus extra on hand)
  • 1/4 cup of Florida Crystals® Sugar
  • 1 1/2 cup of milk (lukewarm)
  • 1 package of fast activating yeast
  • 1 egg
  • 4 tbs of melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • Extra milk and melted butter for brushing dough
  • Extra powdered sugar for sprinkling on top
  • Honey to drizzle on top
Cayenne Whipped Cream
  • 1/2 cup of Florida Crystals® Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tsp cayenne (plus more if you want more spice)
  • 1 tsp paprika 
  1. Place milking yeast in a bowl and let it sit fro 2 minutes. Then mix in sugar, eggs, and butter.
  2. Slowly mix in flour and salt. Place the (sticky) dough on a floured surface and knead until it is no longer sticky. You might need to mix in a little bit more flour. 
  3. Transfer dough in a large bowl with a damp warm cloth and let rise for 15 minutes. 
  4. Preheat oven to 350.
  5. After dough is done rising, remove excess air and roll out. Cut out dough in 2 inch rectangles. 
  6. Place on a non stick pan and brush with milk. Bake for 12-15 minutes. 
  7. While beignets are still warm, brush with melted butter. 
  8. In a medium bowl add powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, cayenne, and paprika and mix with an electric mixer until it starts to look more like whipped cream. Note: keep tasting and adjusting until it is to your likeness. 
  9. Put whipped mixture into a piping bag and stuff beignets (it can also be eaten on the side)
  10. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top and drizzle honey on top.
  11. Enjoy!


xx
Luna
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Kefir. Don't stay away from this one because you don't know what it is. It's a lot like yogurt- it is a tangy cultured milk that is high in protein, calcium, vitamin D, as well as many other added benefits. Meaning it's actually good for you! This probiotic drink is a great substitute to your standard non-dairy milks or yogurt based ingredients. If you are vegan, Lifeway also has plant based probiotic drinks that are perfect dairy free options. My husband actually decided to try all of them and voted his favorite is the Plantiful Probiotic drink in the tropical fruit flavor. This one can be enjoyed on its own or added to any of your favorite smoothie recipes. Lifeway Kefir products available for purchase at Sprouts Farmers Market, Walmart Supercenter, and Safeway. RUN don't walk!
Ingredients:
  •  Colorful Carrots
  • 1 Cup  Lifeway Organic Kefir
  • Juice of 1/2 Lime
  • 1 Tsp of Chipotle Powder
  • 1 Tsp of Paprika
  • 1/2 Shallots, sliced thin
  • Handful Pepitas
  • Garlic Head
  • Salt & Pepper, to taste
  • Handful of Parsley
  1. Preheat oven to 400
  2. Take garlic head and peel off outer layer. Cut the top part in half. Coat garlic in olive oil and top with salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum and heat in the oven for 45 minutes. 
  3. Take carrots and coat with oil and salt and pepper. Cook until desired softness. Usually about 30-45 minutes. 
  4. Take garlic once its cooled off and push out garlic cloves. Mix and mash garlic to where it becomes a paste.
  5. Mix Lifeway Organic Kefir, lime juice, shallots, seasoning, and garlic paste. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Once carrots are done, take the kefir mixture and pour on top of carrots. 
  7. Top with pepitas and parsley.
  8. Enjoy!



xx
Luna

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I have a big craving for coconut and lime almost all the time. Even before I was pregnant you could talk me into a coconut and lime combo any day. After drooling over several recipes, I adapted one of my own for a quick and easy meal that seamlessly goes into my meal rotation. This is easily a 30 min meal if you have all the ingredients on hand. It's basically sautéing the veggies, cooking the chicken, and creating the sauce. Plus it's pretty much all in the same pan. Easy and done!
Quick & Easy Coconut Curry
Serves 4, or 2 very hungry people

Ingredients:
  • 2lbs chicken
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbs ginger, or ginger paste (it's WAY easier)
  • 2 tbs red Thai curry paste
  • 1 (8oz) can of coconut milk
  • 1 cup of broccoli 
  • 2  1/2 tbs curry powder (I use a madras curry, but regular curry is fine)
  • Garnish: cilantro, green onion, limes, red cabbage
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cub of rice, made in rice cooker
  1. Sauté onions, ginger, garlic with tbs coconut oil or vegetable oil on a medium heat.
  2. Start rice instructions. I use a rice cooker and it's so easy! I recommend a smaller rice cooker because there is really no need to have that much rice. A little goes a long way!
  3. Meanwhile, cut broccoli florets, drizzle with vegetable oil, and top with salt and pepper. Bake at 375 for the remainder of the time (about 15 min).
  4. Add chopped red bell pepper, chicken, curry powder. Cook chicken through.
  5. Add Thai curry paste and mix ingredients. Add more if desired.  
  6. Combine can of coconut milk and let boil for a few min before bringing down to a simmer. Add salt if needed.
  7. While the food is simmering, start cutting garnishes: cilantro, green onion, limes, red cabbage
  8. Finally, check on your broccoli to make sure it is cooked. Then add salt and pepper to curry mixture. 
  9. Assemble your dish how you like it and enjoy! Personally, I like plenty of lime. 
Note: If you want more spice, try adding cayenne pepper. Also, if you don't like broccoli use zucchini or carrots or whatever veggies you do like. Honestly, make it your own!

         
       

         
       
     


 xx
Luna

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About two times a week I make this recipe. It's easy, fast, and delicious. Plus it has avocado in it, and you all know how I feel about those. I think what makes it so easy, is that I always just seem to have these items on hand. I can make lunch real quick and still manage to get ready or clean the house or play with RK. anyway, I make this so much that it ends up on my instagram stories and I figured it was about time that I shared this recipe!

Ingredients:
  • 1 Avocado Sliced
  • 1-2 Eggs
  • 1 Cup of Rice
  • 1 -2 Tsp Red Wine Vinegar 
  • 1 Green Onion, thinly sliced
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Siracha (optional)
  • Soy Sauce (optional)
  • Lime (optional)
Instructions:
  1. Start cooking rice. I have a rice cooker and if I make for one it only requires a 2 to 1 ratio one serving.
  2. Fry your eggs, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. When the rice is almost done, slice green onion and avocado. 
  4. When the rice is done, add green onion and red wine vinegar. Mix well. 
  5. Place rice in bowl, then avocado, then fried egg. Put siracha, lime, or soy sauce as desired. Enjoy!




xx
Luna
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Honestly, if it wasn't for Andrew I would probably forget to eat the majority of the time. And on most days you can see him in the kitchen making most of our family meals. When I cook, I want it to be fast, delicious, and good for me. This dish checks off all those boxes (and if you are vegan, you can easy make a tofu scramble and do dairy free cheese). The tomatoes add a brightness and sweetness to the dish that compliments well with the quest fresco. For extra kick, I add Tapatio and it's exactly what it needs to finish out strong. Also, there are avocados- who can say no to avocados? Hope you enjoy!
Ingredients: (serves 2, 2 tacos each)
  • 4 eggs
  • Cherry tomatos
  • 1 Avocado
  • Queso Fresco
  • Tortillas 
  • 2 tsp Cayenne or more if you like it spicy
  • 2 tsp Garlic power
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
  • Cilantro (if desired)
  • Tapatio or salsa

  1. Start cooking eggs. sprinkle cayenne and garlic. Begin to scramble and let cook.
  2. Meanwhile, cut tomatoes in long thin slices, crumble the quest fresco, slice avocado. 
  3. Warm up tortillas and assemble taco- eggs, tomato, avocado, quest fresco and top with tapatio.
  4. Enjoy!

xx
Luna
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If I'm honest, I live by an 80/20 rule for my life. 80% of the time I am putting in the work to eat clean, exercise, or check what is in my products. But there are a lot of times where I don't have that luxury or I don't care to care. You know what I mean? Sometimes I what a greasy burger, a fruity cocktail, and desert. Because there's always room in the desert stomach. It's helpful for me to have snacks on hand. So I am sharing this recipe of these Easy Almond Butter Energy Bites. I usually put a few in my purse when I know that I am going to be out and might be hungry. I hope you enjoy!
Easy Almond Butter Energy Bites:

Ingredients
  • 2 Cups Almond Butter
  • 1/4 Cup Honey
  • 3 Cups of Oats
  • 3 Tbs Cacao Powder
  • 1 Tbs Cinnamon
  • 1 Tbs Maca (optional)
  1. Put the almond butter and honey in a bowl and mix together. Slowly stir in 3 cups of oats.
  2. Form mixture into balls that are 1 inch wide. 
  3. Mix the cacao and cinnamon together. and coat each ball with the mixture. 
  4. Place energy balls on a baking sheet and chill for at least 1 hour. 
  5. Enjoy!



xx
Luna
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The other day, I took my daughter to the library so she could get some wiggles out, and as I am sitting watching her play, this kid's cookbook catches my eye. This cookbook was a raw food diet for kids. First, I have no idea what kid is eating a raw food diet, much less checking books out at the library about raw food. Second, I seriously considered checking out the book for myself. I've made these lettuce wraps twice since looking at that cookbook. It's easy, fast, and extremely delicious! One of the main ingredients is avocados, and who doesn't love avocados?! If you know someone who doesn't, don't trust them. Because if you are lucky enough to attain an avocado. Eat the whole damn thing. Plus, it's paleo friendly, whole30 friendly, and vegan. It basically checks off any box for whatever diet you might be on and it's surprisingly filling. 
 
Easy Avocado & Sun-dried Tomato Lettuce Wraps:

Ingredients
  • 3 Avocados, Mashed
  • 1 Cup of Sun-Dried Tomatos
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 Large onion, Chopped
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoon Cumin
  • 2-3 Garlic Cloves, Chopped
  • 1-2 Jalapeño, Chopped (optional)
  • 1 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt
  • Lettuce leaves 
  1. Put all the ingredients into a bowl and stir well.
  2. Lay lettuce leaves flat on a plate and place avocado mixture on top. Repeat with remaining lettuce leaves
  3. Enjoy!
If you'd like more spice, try adding cayenne and more jalapeños. You can also add more veggies for an extra crunch like carrots, cucumber, or broccoli. 



xx
Luna
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Anytime I post about acai bowls that I make at home, I get tons of questions. Strangely enough its easier to make than you think, given its name is so pretentious that I feel like rolling my eyes overtime I say it  because I'm becoming one of "those people." These bowls are completely customizable and can be made to your liking. I am convinced that here is no wrong way!
Lately, I have been adding Collagen Beauty Greens complimentary of Vital Protein to my smoothies and acai bowls. The Collagen Beauty Greens is a mix that contains marine collagen, raw greens, hyaluronic acid, and probiotic dietary supplement. It also is flavored unlike the Collagen Peptides I used in my previous recipe. It’s natural coconut vanilla flavor that is made from coconut water and Madagascar vanilla beans. It is also gluten free, made without artificial sweeteners, and is excellent source of vitamin A. 
Prep Time: 10 min.
Serves: 1-2 people, there are times where I've eaten this whole portion but I would recommend sharing .


Ingredients:
  • 1/2 Packet of Sambazon Acai Packet (I found mine at Sprouts!)
  • 1/2 Cup non-dairy milk (I use almond milk or sometimes coconut milk)
  • 1/2 Frozen banana
  • 1/4 Cup Strawberries
  • 1/4 Mixed Berries
Possible Garnish: 
  • Berries
  • Cocoa Nibs
  • Goji Berries
  • Bee Pollen
  • Bananas
  • Coconut Shavings
  • Chai Seeds
  • Granola 
  • Honey

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a blender. The desired consistency is suppose to be thick and creamy, not watery like a smoothie. 
  2. Add any desired garnish. Here's where you can get creative- there really is no wrong way!
  3. Enjoy!



XX
Luna
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 I'd basically do anything in the name of good skin, hair and nails. So I was excited to receive Collagen Peptides, Marine Collagen, and Collagen Beauty Greens complimentary of Vital Proteins. As it turns out there are so many more benefits to Vital Proteins products than just luscious hair and skin. There are many beauty benefits that help contribute to your overall health. I'm sure you have tons of questions like why collagen or what does it do or even how to incorporate it to your everyday life, and I hope to answer those questions through this post and a few more posts to come!
First things first: 

Why Collagen? 
"It’s not hard to understand the many benefits of collagen. This type of protein provides the building blocks for your hair, skin, and nails and is therefore a vital part of anyone’s diet. Collagen helps protect your body from harsh temperatures, and other elements like wind or sun that can dry out your skin, leaving it dehydrated and flaky. We all know that no amount of makeup can hide dry skin, which is why it’s important to hydrate with drinkable collagen."

Beauty Benefits
  1. Prevents the signs of aging in the skin – hydrating the skin and increasing moisture levels helps slow the onset of fine lines and wrinkles while keeping your skin "glowy" year-round.
  2. Reverse the signs of aging – beyond just preventing the signs of aging, collagen can actually make the skin appear younger by diminishing the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, and improving firmness and elasticity.
  3. Healthier digestion– Collagen helps to repair the sensitive lining of our stomach, small/large intestines that is caused by spicy or acidic foods. 
  4. Strengthens hair and nails – Collagen protein is the foundation of your hair and nails. Often, this is the first and most noticeable benefit of intaking collagen on a daily basis.

The product I featured in this post is Vital Protein's Collagen Peptides. Collagen Peptides are natural, flavorless and are comprised grass-fed, mature raised bovine collagen peptides. 
But what does it do?  This natural anti-aging protein supports youthful skin, strong bones, reduces joint pain, and provides deeper, more restorative sleep. Unlike gelatin, these peptides are soluble in cold liquids as well as hot. So you can put it in your coffee, tea, smoothies, or even sauces or soups! 
Below I have the recipe for a an Icy Almond Shot that I made three times yesterday because it was so yummy! It makes a nice snack or a refreshing dessert. It simple, easy, and fast to make too, which these days, finding the time to cook is basically non-existent. 

Prep: 5 Min
Makes: 4 (2-ounce) servings, or you could devour the whole thing like me

Ingredients: 

  • 1/2 Cup almond milk
  • 1 Tbs almond butter
  • 1 Tbs almond butter (I used Justin's Maple Almond Butter)
  • 1 Tbs cocao powder
  • 1-2 Scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
  • 2 Ice cubes
  • (Optional) 1 Tsp Flaxseed
  • If you want a creamy fruity flavor try adding 1/2 a frozen banana instead of ice
  1. Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until the ice is all blended
  2. Pour into cup, and enjoy! Seriously it's that simple. 


*I received Vital Proteins complimentary. My opinions are my own and are in no way influenced by anyone else.

xx
Luna
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I've tried to make Indian several times, and not without failing miserably. I tried the pre-made jars, doing it from scratch, but the flavor just never came out right and I was left disappointed. I guess when enough time passes I forget how made my last attempt was and try again. I was recently craving Indian and decided to try one more time. And it was amazing. In fact, it was probably the best Indian I've ever had, and have made it several times since then! Its also very easy to replicate, too! 
I also double the sauce recipe, because it has flavor and spice and it's where all the goodness is. I've honestly just had the rice, Tikka Masala sauce, and naan as lunch leftovers because I finished all the chicken the day before! No regrets! And while I tackle the Tikka, my husband tackles the garlic naan, and it is a recipe that he has down to a science now. We are the perfect duo in the kitchen. The garlic naan is a a must when making this recipe, which can be used to make a flat bread pizza or a snack! 

Garlic Naan (makes enough to generously serve 5-6 people ): 

Ingredients: 
  • 1 cup of warm water
  • 2 tbs honey
  • 1 package of active dry yeast
  • 3 1/2 cups of flour
  • 1/4 cup of plain yogurt
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 olive oil (you can also use butter)
  • 6 cloves of minced garlic
  • fresh cilantro for garnish, roughly chopped
  1. Stir warm water and honey together until the honey has dissolved.
  2. Sprinkle yeast on top of the water mixture, give it a stir and let sit for 5-10 min.
  3. Mix flour, yogurt, egg, salt, and baking powder gradually in a large mixing bowl.Mix until dough is slightly sticky in consistence.
  4. Remove dough, shape into a ball, and place into a greased pan. Place a damp towel over the pan/dough and set aside in a warm area fro about  1 hour.
  5. Meanwhile, warm up olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. When it is finished put into a separate bowl and set aside.
  6. Once dough is ready, move to a work space that has flour on the surface. Cut dough into small separate pieces and roll out.
  7. In a warm cast iron pan, place the naan down and sprinkle the olive oil and garlic on top. Let cook for 1 min, then flip and add more garlic mixture. Repeat with remaining dough.
  8. Sprinkle with sea salt and cilantro.
  9. Once they are done, enjoy!

*recipe adapted from Gimme Some Oven

Tikka Masala: 

Marinaide Ingredients
  • 3/4 cup of yogurt
  • 2 tbs lemon juice
  • 1 tbs ginger paste (or fresh grated)
  • 4-5 cloves of minced garlic (because I always want more garlic)
  • 1/2 tbs cayenne pepper 
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp of curry powder
  • 1/2 tsp garam masala
  • 2 tbs of pepper
  • pinch of salt

  1. Preheat oven to 400.
  2. Mix ingredients into a large bowl to create the marinade.
  3. Cut the chicken into cubes and marinade for at least 20 min.
  4. Lay chicken out on a baking sheet and pop into oven.
  5. Cook for about 15-20 min then switch to broil for the last 5 min

Sauce Ingredients
  • 3 tbs butter
  • 4 cloves of minced garlic
  • 1 jalapeño deseeded and finely chopped (or half if you don't like spicy)
  • 1 tps cayenne
  • 2 tbs cumin powder
  • 3 tbs garam masala
  • 1 15oz can of tomato sauce 
  • 2/3 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • Handful of chopped cilantro
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

  1. While chicken is cooking, melt butter in a large dutch oven or cast iron skillet.
  2. Add garlic and jalapeño, and cook for a few min.
  3. Add spices- cayenne, cumin, garam masa, sugar, salt, and pepper- cook for a few more min.
  4. Pour tomato sauce and mix, cook for a few more min.
  5. Add heavy whipping cream, mix until there is no more white, and simmer. It's important to test your sauce and add what you think it needs. If it needs more flavor or taste too much like tomato sauce, add more garam masala. If it needs more spice, add more cayenne. 
  6. Add the chicken and cilantro. Add salt and pepper to taste
  7. Serve with long grain rice.
  8. Enjoy!
At this point I taste it and see what it needs. When I cook, I adjust if it needs more spices or salt. 
*Recipe adapted from Picture the Recipe



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About me

I'm Luna. I'm married to my best friend, Andrew & I am mother of two: Ryan-Kate & Franics. I love to eat, travel, and be creative. Here is my blog about life and other beautiful things that inspire me. Stay awhile why don't cha!

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