Recipes

Revitalize Your Mornings with Lemon Cayenne Water

elliebleu

Happy Sunday blogging family,

I was feeling a little tired as fall came into fruition this year. I don’t know why…perhaps too many pumpkin lattes and sweets. So, on the mornings that I run, I began drinking lemon cayenne water. I loved the kick of energy. It’s like sunshine in a glass!

Inspired by the sunny mornings in Capri, citrusy scent of lemons in Italy and a hint of pepper that gives it a kick, this lemon cayenne water is just what you need to curb temptations during the holiday season.

Continue reading “Revitalize Your Mornings with Lemon Cayenne Water” →

Recipes

Comforting Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe

elliebleu

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For nights in when you need comfort food

Hi blogging family,

I think the world could use a little soul food right now. I know I do. The first thing that came to mind for tonight’s dinner was my Mac N’ “Cheese” recipe.

When it comes to mac n’ cheese, I have a feeling it’s on everyone’s go-to list for childhood favorite. I added a little “bacon” – gasp. I never thought I’d say that. Recently, I discovered that the same bacon pieces that my paternal grandma used on our salads were actually little soy bits. Way to go grandma! So I had to add it to mac n’ “cheese.” Continue reading “Comforting Vegan Mac and Cheese Recipe” →

Recipes

Moist Chocolate Chip Brownies: Gluten Free Delight

elliebleu

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Dear blogging family,

It was raining when I took pictures of the brownies. Now, as I taste a brownie before dinner the sun is shining and I think I’ll go for a walk. Talk about perfect timing!

I hope all of you get a little break from the rain and see a glimpse of sunlight. And if it’s stormy where you are…well it can’t hurt to have a brownie or two and cozy up with a good book this evening. Continue reading “Moist Chocolate Chip Brownies: Gluten Free Delight” →

Recipes

Easy One-Pot Garden Pasta Recipe

elliebleu

One bowl pasta

A one-pot-wonder that comes straight from the garden

Hi blogging family,

One pot pasta recipes seems to be the trend. I thought it was a perfect time to try it for the blog. I’m not going to say this is my favorite pasta dish, but it was certainly affordable and easy to make. It’s also fun to get your favorite little ones involved in.

You can use up some of your produce and a lot of the ingredients you can find in your pantry. It also makes for a perfect date night in. And did I mention only one dish to clean?Let’s get started! Continue reading “Easy One-Pot Garden Pasta Recipe” →

Recipes

How to Make a Tasty Acai Smoothie with Peanut Butter

elliebleu

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Hi blogging family!

This is one of my favorite smoothies to make if I run out of my plant-based protein powder. It’s kind of like a grown up’s version of a PB and J breakfast smoothie.

I just love the earthy taste of acai. It taste like tart blackberries and dark chocolate all in one. Be sure to add something sweet like bananas or strawberries. Better yet, a little drizzle of maple syrup!

Have a beautiful morning and enjoy!

Continue reading “How to Make a Tasty Acai Smoothie with Peanut Butter” →

Recipes

Southern Comfort: A Cassoulet Recipe to Savor

elliebleu

Southern Cassoulet

Last week, I read a touching tribute to one amazing grandfather on Seek the Best Blog. When I mentioned my grandfather was also from the South, Lady G suggested that I share my family’s favorite meal and a little background behind it.

At the age of six or seven, I traveled with my relatives back to the South. It was a magical time on the family farm where my cousins and I chased fireflies, drank sweet tea on the porch, and ate to our heart’s content. Although I miss those childhood moments dearly, it’s taught me that from a humble upbringing comes magical adventures. Perhaps that’s why I loved reading and writing from such a young age.

Today, I have a special love for Creole Cuisine. Southern Cassoulet combines southern comfort food with traditional French methods of slow-cooking beans. Serve with a tangy mustard, and you have food for the soul. Continue reading “Southern Comfort: A Cassoulet Recipe to Savor” →

Ellie Bleu Book Club, Recipes

Indulgent Coconut Bread Pudding with Puff Pastry

elliebleu

Coconut Bread Pudding

The second that I finished interviewing author Zoë Ferraris, I had to try Umm Ali. After multiple attempts to perfect the recipe, and about a million calories later, I think I have a winner. The best part is, the dessert looks deceptively fancy. By using frozen puff pastry, it cut down the prep time by half. Umm Ali would be a fun sweet to make for a Finding Nouf book club party. You can find out more about Zoë Ferraris’ page-turning mystery here. Continue reading “Indulgent Coconut Bread Pudding with Puff Pastry” →

Recipes

Refreshing Citrus Salad Recipe for Spring

elliebleu

Citrus Salad

I found blood oranges at the market today. It’s the first time I tried them, and I realized they’d taste wonderful in a colorful citrus salad. The combination of citrus and fresh greens with a grapefruit vinaigrette made such a simple and pretty springtime salad. It’s so easy to make and perfect for a brunch. Continue reading “Refreshing Citrus Salad Recipe for Spring” →