Bread & Butter

There is something about the turning of the weather, the change in time and the coming of the holidays that makes me want to bake. And stuff my cheeks full of cookies. And then cozy up in warm pajamas and drink Ibarra.

While I haven't had any recent made-from-scratch baking fests, sans the cupcake frenzy for a recent birthday, I have been baking and stuffing myself (and others) with Trader Joe's bread mixes: Pumpkin Bread, Gingerbread, and Spiced Apple Bread. I can't pick a favorite. They are all delicious and easy. EASY. I suggest you try some! And if you're really feeling daring, add a pat of sweet cream butter. . .dangerous!

Quick Bite: Spinach

When Chef AJ, vegan chef of Sante, first showed me this smoothie, I was convinced I would taste the chlorophyll. Might be too green for me, I thought. But seeing as how I don't munch on spinach if there is, say, cheese around, then this It's Easy Being Green is a good way to get my dose. And she's right--you won't taste the spinach. In fact, I have had these smoothies three days in a row to recover from this sinusitis/weird weather/LA just has bad air thing. The good news is, I do feel better (could be the plethora of vitamins in this concoction) and it takes three minutes to make. You can adjust this recipe to taste and throw in a banana for more potassium.

Ingredients

Trader Joe's Frozen Tropical Fruit

Orange Juice

Fresh Spinach

Put 1/4-1/2 a bag of the tropical fruit, 2-3 cups of orange juice, and 2-3 handfuls of spinach into a blender. Puree on high speed or ice crush until smooth. Drink up!