Costa Rica Travel Diary: Day 14

Fri Aug 18 Today our water shut off! Thankfully it happened just after we finished making a pot of coffee. After talking to our host, we learned that a pipe had burst and the whole town of La Fortuna didn’t have water, but they were working on it. He gave us a gallon of water…

Costa Rica Travel Diary: Day 13

Thur Aug 17 We packed up our stuff, had a very nice breakfast at our hotel. We shared a Tico burrito (gallo pinto, cheese, tomato sauce, eggs) and an American breakfast burrito (eggs, potatoes, bacon). We also had a passionfruit and strawberry smoothie. After checkout, we went to the market across the street to get…

Costa Rica Travel Diary: Day 11

Tues Aug 15 Today is my 30th birthday! And I wasn’t feeling great. Yesterday’s medical ordeal left James and I both exhausted and worn. I felt so much better than yesterday, but still had some pain and discomfort. Javier came around 8am to retrieve the bikes and we said our goodbyes. He wished me a…

Creamed Kale Gratin

Kale chips, kale salads, kale pesto, kale smoothies… I’m always trying to eat more of this nutrient dense leafy green. This creamy, cheesy gratin is a great way to eat a TON of kale. It makes for a decadent, show-stealing side dish. The velvety rosemary infused garlic cream is great on its own so you…

Harvest Salad

Ingredients: Kale (ribs removed, torn into bite size pieces, massaged) Apple (sliced) Onion (sliced) Walnuts (crumbled, toasted) Manchego cheese (small pieces) Ingredients for vinaigrette: Extra virgin olive oil Apple cider vinegar Dijon mustard Honey Lemon juice Method: Yes, massage your kale. I know this sounds laughable but it truly makes a big difference in removing…

Chicken and Green Beans in a Spicy Peanut Sauce

Or Chinese Kung Pao meets Thai Gra Prao! Tasty, healthy and super easy. Ingredients: Chicken (2 breasts) Green beans (same amount as the chicken) Onion (small half) Peanuts (dry roasted, unsalted) Gochujang (spicy Korean chili paste) Hoisin Soy Sauce Peanut butter (small handful) Sesame seeds (optional garnish) Neutral cooking oil (avocado, sunflower, canola…) Method: Wash…

Bok Choy with Sausage in a light garlic sauce

This is a wonderful light, slightly salty, savory side dish that is delicious served over rice. I think it would go beautifully with fish. Honestly it could also stand alone as a meal. The bok choy should be al dente- a little crisp! The garlic is cooked over low heat and the steam released from…

Golden Turmeric Latte

Okay, technically not a latte since there’s no coffee, but don’t let the misnomer dissuade you from making this wonderful cup of cozy bliss. If you like chai lattes, I know you will absolutely love this spicy, sweet turmeric latte. Please feel free to use whatever milk you prefer. Regular, coconut, cashew, almond- any would…

Ceviche

Ceviche. Seh/bee/tchay. If you haven’t already tried ceviche, drop everything you’re doing and make this recipe NOW. So fresh and delicious, ceviche should be a regular part of everyone’s  summer diet. Ceviche is basically salsa with seafood. Although there is no cooking with heat involved, the seafood is “cooked” thanks to the strong acid in…

Hummus!

What’s your happy place? For many, our minds drift to a deserted island with a hammock lazily strung between two palm trees laughing in the salty breeze. Now, imagine that beach but the sand is creamy hummus, shells are pine nuts and spices, the sea comes in rolling waves of olive oil and drifting tangles…