• food,  Gift Guide,  Miami

    Introducing Monster Ultra Vice Guava: A Refreshing New Energy Boost

    Say hello to Monster Ultra Vice Guava, the latest addition to Monster’s ultra lineup, delivering a punch of energy with zero sugar and a bold, fresh guava flavor. Imagine the sweet, tropical taste of perfectly ripened guava paired with Monster’s famous energy blend—an unstoppable combo that keeps you powered up without weighing you down.

    Ultra Vice Guava stands out in more ways than one. While Monster used to keep things simple, naming their zero-sugar drinks by color—like Blue, Red, and Gold—they’ve recently embraced a more imaginative approach. With fun and exciting flavors like Peachy Keen, Strawberry Dreams, and Fantasy Ruby Red, each can now offers more than just a color—it tells a story. And Ultra Vice Guava is no exception.

    Think of Monster Ultra Vice Guava as the ultimate blend of fruit-forward energy and creativity. The name itself conjures images of video games—a wild mashup of Fruit Ninja, Grand Theft Auto, and maybe even a battle with giant kaiju! But in reality, it’s better than anything you could imagine. The fresh taste of guava takes center stage, bringing a tropical burst with every sip.

    So, whether you need an afternoon pick-me-up or a boost to fuel your next adventure, Monster Ultra Vice Guava has your back. Packed with flavor, loaded with energy, and completely sugar-free—it’s your new go-to for staying energized without compromise.

     

  • Books,  food

    RECIPE: October is National Pizza Month

    Celebrate National Pizza Month this October by checking out new cookbook Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! Over 75 Fresh Ideas for Every Pizza Night (Hatherleigh Press, Ltd.) from author Sara Haas, RDN.

    More information below including a recipe for the perfect Margarita Pizza.

    9781578269693.jpg

    This ultimate pizza cookbook has everything you need–making your own dough, picking the best sauces, combining exciting topping ideas, and more. No need for guesswork or frozen pizza anymore, Pizza! Pizza! Pizza! provides in-depth instructions for creating delicious pizzas including vegetarian and vegan options.

    Sara Haas, RDN, LDN, is a professional recipe developer, food photographer and freelance writer based in Chicago, Illinois. Sara has been featured in Eating Well Magazine, Allrecipes, Shape Magazine, Parents Magazine, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and more. She is also the author of Taco! Taco! Taco! and co-author of The Fertility Foods Cookbook.

    Roasted Tomato Margarita Pizza Recipe
    Makes: One 10-inch pizza

    hp_roasted tomato.jpg

    Ingredients
    1 pint cherry tomatoes, washed and dried
    3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
    2 cloves garlic
    ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
    ¼ teaspoon black pepper, divided
    1 ball dough of your choice, at room temperature
    4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
    1 cup fresh basil, torn

    Directions

    Place pizza stone on lowest rack in the oven or, if using a steel, place on the highest rack. Preheat oven to 500°F at least 45 minutes to 1 hour before baking.

    Toss the tomatoes with the olive oil, garlic, salt and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. Spread tomatoes out onto a foil-lined baking sheet and place on top oven rack. While the oven is preheating, bake the tomatoes, stirring once halfway through cooking, until tomatoes are blistered and juicy, 15–20 minutes. Note: Keep your eye on these tomatoes since they’ll be cooking in the oven as it’s preheating.

    Sprinkle a bit of fine cornmeal and all-purpose flour on a pizza peel or piece of parchment. Stretch out the dough, shape into a circle and transfer to prepared peel or parchment. Top stretched dough with roasted tomato mixture and cover with mozzarella slices. Sprinkle on top with the remaining ⅛ teaspoon black pepper.

    Bake until the cheese is melted and the crust is golden, 8–10 minutes.

    Remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board. Garnish with basil, cut into slices and enjoy immediately.

    Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!
    Written by Sara Haas, RDN
    978-1-57826-968-6, $25.00 hardcover

    Published by Hatherleigh Press.
    Distributed through Penguin Random House.
    Available wherever books are sold.
    www.hatherleighpress.com

  • Eco,  food,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Introducing the Keeki Bag: A Natural and Sustainable Way to Keep Bread Fresh

    The Keeki Bag is a plastic-free, beeswax-lined linen solution that offers a simple and effective way to preserve the freshness of your artisan bread. Designed with a wide opening and a convenient drawstring closure, it’s easier to use than traditional wraps, allowing your bread to breathe while preventing moisture buildup. Ideal for home bakers and bread enthusiasts, the Keeki Bag comfortably fits a 1000g boule, making it the perfect companion for any fresh loaf.

    Artisan bread is a sensory experience—its golden crust, the crackling sound as it cools, the soft crumb, the aroma, and the taste all contribute to the artistry of baking. Bakers are always striving for the perfect loaf, and for home bakers, like the creator of the Keeki Bag, the challenge doesn’t end with baking—it continues with finding the best way to store that masterpiece. After falling in love with the beauty of making sourdough, the Keeki Bag was born to solve this dilemma.

    Crafted from natural linen and lined with beeswax, the Keeki Bag allows bread to breathe, keeping the crust crisp and the crumb soft, while the antibacterial properties of beeswax help to deter mold. It offers a more sustainable alternative to plastic, allowing you to store your bread in a way that’s both effective and environmentally friendly. Just remember to monitor your bread regularly for any signs of mold.

    By choosing the Keeki Bag, you’re not only preserving the quality of your bread but also making a commitment to sustainability. A portion of sales goes to the Ontario Nature Protect Pollinators charity, supporting efforts to protect the environment and vital pollinators.

    For home bakers and bread lovers alike, the Keeki Bag is more than just a storage solution—it’s a way to celebrate and protect the art of bread-making while contributing to a healthier planet.

  • Eco,  food,  Gift Guide,  Health,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Discover the Sweet Goodness of Some Honey: A Commitment to Nature and Quality

    Born in the conservation-focused region of southwestern Wisconsin, Some Honey is a brand that blends tradition with sustainability. From its inception, Some Honey has stayed true to its core values of quality, integrity, and environmental stewardship. Today, they continue to offer delicious, wholesome honey that benefits both consumers and the environment.

    Some Honey stands out for its commitment to keeping its product raw and unfiltered. By avoiding pasteurization and filtration, all the natural goodness remains intact—pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants are preserved to deliver a honey packed with nutrients and health benefits. Each jar offers a natural way to enjoy the sweet, anti-inflammatory benefits of raw honey.

    This honey has earned USDA Grade A status, a testament to its exceptional flavor, aroma, and purity. With its smooth taste and rich nutritional value, Some Honey provides a premium experience with every spoonful.

    What truly sets Some Honey apart is its dedication to protecting bees, the backbone of their business. By following sustainable harvesting practices, they ensure bee habitats remain intact and chemical-free. With over 35% of the foods we eat relying on bee pollination, Some Honey plays a vital role in preserving these essential pollinators, making each jar a win for both customers and the environment.

    One of Some Honey’s most popular offerings is their wildflower honey. This variety is produced from nectar collected from various flowers, resulting in a honey with a mild, floral taste. Its versatility shines, whether it’s used to sweeten a cup of coffee, paired with hard cheeses like parmesan, or drizzled over savory dishes like roasted vegetables or nuts. The subtle earthy undertones make it an excellent addition to any meal.

    For anyone looking to enhance their culinary creations or give a meaningful gift, Some Honey offers a perfect choice. With its blend of natural sweetness, nutritional benefits, and environmental responsibility, this honey brings together the best of nature in every jar. Treat yourself or a loved one to the delicious and wholesome goodness of Some Honey—a brand that’s as committed to the planet as it is to your taste buds.

  • food,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  New York

    Big Picture Farm: The Perfect Holiday Gift of Goat Milk Caramels and Chocolates

    As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift can be both a joy and a challenge. If you’re searching for a unique, delicious, and ethically made treat, look no further than Big Picture Farm—a small hillside goat dairy and farmstead confectionery located in southern Vermont. Founded in 2010 by Louisa Conrad and Lucas Farrell, and now joined by their daughters, Maisie and Minna, Big Picture Farm offers award-winning goat milk caramels and artisanal cheeses made with fresh, raw goat’s milk from their herd of 40 happy, free-ranging goats.

    What makes Big Picture Farm stand out isn’t just the exceptional quality of their products, but also their commitment to animal welfare and sustainability. As an Animal-Welfare-Approved farm, the well-being of their goats is central to everything they do. This care and attention result in premium goat milk that’s used to create their confections, ensuring a taste that’s pure, rich, and absolutely unforgettable.

    For a holiday gift that delights the senses, consider Big Picture Farm’s ULTIMATE Confection Collection. This beautifully curated assortment is perfect for indulging in during the festive season. It includes:

    • 3 goat milk turtles, featuring decadent caramel on a bed of cashews, covered in dark chocolate, with Askinoise white chocolate eyes.
    • 3 goat milk truffles made with dark chocolate ganache and a touch of honey brandy for a velvety, luxurious bite.
    • 6 chocolate-covered goat milk caramels, blending rich chocolate with the smooth creaminess of their signature caramels.
    • 4 of their best-selling sea salt and vanilla caramels, a perfect balance of sweet and savory.

    Each piece in this collection is handcrafted with care, and the ribbon-tied box makes it an elegant gift for anyone who loves gourmet treats. Whether enjoyed with a glass of wine or given as a thoughtful gift, Big Picture Farm’s caramels and chocolates are bound to be cherished by all who receive them.

    This holiday season, treat your loved ones—or yourself—to the unforgettable taste of Big Picture Farm. Their dedication to quality, tradition, and sustainability makes their confections not just a gift, but a meaningful gesture of love.

  • Books,  food

    Unlock the Secrets to Heart Health with Over 100 Delicious Plant-Based Recipes

    The Heart Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook, authored by Jenneffer Pulapaka and Hari Pulapaka, offers over 100 plant-based recipes designed to promote heart health. With a focus on lowering blood pressure, reversing heart disease, and supporting cardiac recovery, this cookbook is an essential resource for those seeking a healthier lifestyle. From quick meals to nourishing dinners and heart-healthy desserts, the recipes are crafted to be both delicious and nutritious.

    The foreword, written by Dr. David L. Katz, MD, MPH, from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, emphasizes the transformative power of food as medicine. According to Dr. Katz, the book allows readers to “benefit from the power of food while finding delight in eating every day.”

    Why a Plant-Based Diet?

    A plant-based diet is backed by scientific research, proving its effectiveness in reducing the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Adopting a plant-based diet has been shown to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease by up to 52%. Key benefits include:

    • Heart Health: Reduces cholesterol and lowers blood pressure.
    • Weight Management: Helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers obesity rates.
    • Disease Prevention: Reduces the risk of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and cancer.

    A Wide Range of Recipes

    The cookbook includes a variety of whole-food recipes, carefully designed to promote heart health. Some of the standout dishes include:

    • Buckwheat Banana Pancakes
    • Quinoa & Black Bean Burger
    • Heart-Healthy Bolognese
    • Whole Wheat Crepes with Strawberries
    • Chia & Banana Pudding
    • Shepherd’s Pie with Brussels Sprouts
    • Strawberry & Coconut Ice Cream
    • Breakfast Sausage with Heart-Healthy Gravy

    These recipes aim to provide cardiac patients with enjoyable and wholesome meals that contribute to their recovery and overall health.

    About the Authors

    Jenneffer Pulapaka, DPM, is a board-certified podiatric surgeon and certified sommelier. Hari Pulapaka, PhD, is a four-time James Beard Award semifinalist and certified executive chef. Together, they combine their medical knowledge and culinary expertise to create recipes that support heart health while still offering flavor and enjoyment.

    Dr. David L. Katz, who wrote the foreword, is a specialist in lifestyle medicine and nutrition. His contributions further reinforce the cookbook’s commitment to promoting heart health through a plant-based diet.