We moved:)

Between Pages blog has moved, got new name and face lift:)
http://mywanderingspoon.wordpress.com/
Thank you for your patience and looking!

Stuffed Green Peppers with White Turkey and Couscous

Fall is here and I love to spend time in my kitchen preparing comfort foods. It is always nice eating with the spoon, something warm, delicious and healthy.
This is my original recipe that my family love especially kids. Usually, I prepare this dish with long red peppers but this time I made a twist and used green bell peppers.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound organic white ground turkey breast
* 1/2 cup whole wheat couscous
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 4 green bell peppers
* 1 red onion
* fresh parsley
* low-fat provolone cheese, grated
* 1 garlic clove
* salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tea spoon extra virgin olive oil


Remove and discard the tops, seeds, and membranes of the bell peppers. Arrange peppers in a deep cooking pot with the hollowed sides facing upward.
In the heavy saucepan add olive oil and chopped red onion. Brown nicely. Add garlic clove and brown for just a few minutes. Add turkey working slowly with wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Add a little bit of chicken broth and couscous and simmer for 14-16 minutes. Add a little bit of chopped fresh parsley and set aside.
Let's stuff the peppers. I love to use long tea spoon so I don't make any damage to the bell pepper opening.
When stuffed, close each pepper with the grated provolone cheese. Add additional chicken broth to the pot a steam the peppers for 1 hour, low heat.
Serve warm with side of whole grain wheat toasted bread and a slice of feta cheese.
Enjoy!

Kids and Nutrition - Book about Salad

Salad on Your Plate is a good resource book for kids who would love to learn more about new or different produce and salad.
How to make salad and what are the right ingredients to put in the salad.
Why is salad good for you?
What are the best ingredients?
Learn more about: lettuce and different kinds(romaine, aragula, spinach, radicchio, baby lettuce), cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, soy beans, beets, carrots, mushrooms and so much more.
Get to know your lettuce and celery with this bright and lively look at the salad.
Teach your kids about salad and healthy eating!

Who Knew Jello Can Be Soooo Good !

It can't get better then this. Sixteen sweet calories, sugar-free, fresh raspberries, refreshing Raspberry Jello. Quick and easy to make, just need cool dish or glass and this dessert will look even better and still taste delish.
Enjoy!

Deep Aqua Signature Collection by Bath & Body Works

So, if we talk about cosmetics, lotions or moisturizers I have to say that organic, natural and scent-free are number one choice for me. But this specific collection from Bath & Body Works Deep Aqua is really amazing. Cooling body souffle is so light, non-greasy and smells incredible. Shower gel leaves your skin soft and non-itchy and again smells wonderful.

Bath & Body Works® Signature Collection
Shower Gel
Deep Aqua
"Our Signature Shower Gel is supercharged with benefits that make it the world's best daily luxury. It has been formulated to provide the ultimate shower experience, pampering you with luxurious lather, moisturizing Aloe Vera and nourishing Vitamin E that gently clean, soften and fragrance your skin."

- Indulge your senses with our exclusive Deep Aqua, the pure and refreshing fragrance of ocean drenched flowers inspired by a beautiful world underwater
-Key fragrance notes: crisp melon, water blossoms, dewy gardenia and white woods
-Enjoy in the bath or shower

Bath & Body Works® Signature Collection
Cooling Body Soufflé
Deep Aqua
"Our limited edition Cooling Body Soufflé is water-light and breaks on skin for a refreshing and cooling sensation. This unique formula is enriched with nourishing marine nutrients that help condition and soothe skin, leaving it feeling fresh and revitalized."

-Indulge your senses with our exclusive Deep Aqua, the pure and refreshing fragrance of ocean drenched flowers inspired by a beautiful world underwater
-Key fragrance notes: crisp melon, water blossoms, dewy gardenia and white woods

If you decide to try these great products good news is that they are currently on sale 50% off, part of the big summer sale.
For more info please visit,
www.bathandbodyworks.com

Super Foods RX and "Golden Door Blueberry Bread"

Last week I had a chance to read Super Foods RX written by Steven Pratt M.B and Kathy Matthews. The whole idea, approach, recipes and advices are wonderful.
I had to try and make one of the recipes from the book, I picked:

Golden Door Blueberry Bread

Makes 1 Loaf

1 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
11/4 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
2 ripe medium bananas
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 large omega-3 egg
1 large omega -3 egg white
2 tablespoons canola oil
11/2 cups low-fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons grated orange zest
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup blueberries, soaked in warm water and drained
Nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spray 9x5 -inch loaf pan with vegetable oil spray.
In the large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and all spice. Stir in the whole wheat flour, cornmeal and salt.
In the blender combine the bananas, brown sugar, egg, egg white, canola oil, and buttermilk and process until smooth. Add the orange zest and pulse until just combined. Make a well in the flour mixture. Pour the banana mixture into it and mix until almost incorporated. Add the walnuts and drained blueberries and gently mix into the batter. Do not overmix.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 5 minutes.Remove from the oven, invert n a wire rack and cool briefly before slicing.
Serve each slice topped with 1/2 cup scoop of nonfat vanilla frozen yogurt, if desired.

www.goldendoor.com

Golden Door Blueberry Bread is very tasty.Texture is nice because of the walnuts and blueberries. Goes well with cup of warm milk or hot tea.

Raspberry Chocolate Chip English Style Scones

Every time when I enter bakery I am wondering why I still didn't try to make scones.
Well today is the day and I can't wait to take them out from the oven and test this wonderful pastry. This time I made them sweet but not to sweet just with some fresh ripe raspberries and chocolate chips for a tasty kick.

Ingredients:

2 cups of pastry flour
1 cup of brown sugar
1 tea spoon baking powder
1 egg
2 cups of non-fat milk
2 table spoons of cold butter
1 cup of fresh raspberries
1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chip

Preheat oven 400F. Pour dry material into the mixing bowl. Using your fingers cut the cold butter into dry ingredients until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Fold into the crumb mixture raspberries and chocolate chips. Whisk egg and milk in a bowl until well blended.
Stir the egg mixture into the dry mixture just until evenly moistened. Dough will be sticky. Turn dough onto well floured surface and shape into the circle, 1/2 inch thick.Using sharp knife cut the dough evenly into 8 wedges.Lay scones 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake them between 12-16 minutes or until firm and golden brown.
Olala....what a great breakfast or snack for any time of the day:)

Oahu's Pure and Lovely Lifestyle:)

I was very fortunate to spend some time on Hawaii this summer and visit Oahu with my family. From Waikiki to North Shore, from the big city Honolulu urban atmosphere to the Laie mountain sites, fantastic beaches and amazing nature. Pure paradise. Excellent place to stay on the North Shore is the Turtle Bay Resort located in Kahuku. Offers beautiful grounds and scenery.
Food that we love to experience and try was local and delicious. Favorite breakfast spots were Hukilau Cafe and Haleiwa Cafe. Hukilau Cafe prepares excellent coconut pancakes and Haleiwa cafe offers perfect sweet bread toast with fresh blueberries. Lunch time on the North Shore is all about food trucks and Opal's Thai won the first prize. Food that Opal is preparing - amazing. For mid day snack the must stop spot is The Virgil's Farm stand for some fresh local fruit, ice cold coconut and fried bananas. If you would really love to try shave ice Matsumoto Grocery store is the spot. With scoop of vanilla ice cream, beans and condensed milk it is a real summer treat.
If you find yourself in the Honolulu and need kids friendly place to eat Puka dog is a good choice. Variety of toppings and sauces all very tropical and different with the nice result and scrumptious hot dog.
Well here are the photos of beautiful view's that we will all cherish and I would love to share them with you. Can't wait to go back:)

Happy Labor Day!

Well, it is a labor day and let's face it, we work all the time, all around the clock....so after nice light lunch how about nice summer light dessert, Root Beer Float!
Thomas Kemper Root Beer is great tasting root beer with only 20 calories per serving and it is made with real honey. With light caramel ice cream and little whip cream, o my there is a nice drink/dessert. Well, Happy Labor Day everybody!

The Whole Wellness is here!

I'm so happy to announce launch of my new website!
Please take a moment and click at the link below.

http://sites.google.com/site/thewholewellness/

Thank You!

Citrus Classic Balloon Festival in Santa Paula, CA

How cool is that?

http://www.citrusclassicballoons.com/

Westwood Village on the Saturday Afternoon :)

So, this Saturday my kids and I have some serious errands to run in Westwood.
I love this part of Los Angeles. Mix of history, tradition, real city feel and nice places to relax and eat tasty foods.
After quick shopping spree in Aahs store which have amazing eraser collection that my kids love especially food items:), we decided to try something different for lunch, Falafel King.
Falafel plate was ok. Falafels were good and crispy just like pickled beets and hummus. Chips was a little to much for me...greasy.
It was time for sweets so we headed to the Diddy Riese.
That is what I'm talking about! Kids were amazed. Sugar Kingdom. Big selection of freshly baked cookies and different kinds of ice cream. Ice cream sandwich anyone?
It was really delicious. I know it is sugar and more sugar but once in a while it's fine.
Yes, we had a good time in Westwood Village and we will come back.

The Westchester Farmers' Market

Well, this morning when I opened our refrigerator I noticed that something is missing.
Colors, fresh summer fruits and veggies.
Our neighbourhood Farmers Market is on Thursday's so kids and I decided to visit Westchester Farmers Market which is happening every Wednesday morning.
It is fantastic. I was very surprised with the number of sellers and great selection but I have to tell you this - prices are just right!
I got Champagne Grapes, Zucchini and Squash, Chard, Ripe Tomatoes, Plums and Baby Eggplant. All delicious organic produce around two pounds each for less then ten dollars. Amazing.

Westchester Farmers Market, WEDNESDAYS
Westchester Park
8:30am - 1:00pm

7000 W. Manchester Ave
Intersection Of:
Lincoln Blvd & La Tijera
Across from Otis College

FREE PARKING

http://www.westchesterfarmersmarket.com/

LA's Farmers Market Celebrates 76 Years Today !

What a wonderful day at the Grove and the Farmers Market!
L.A.'s famous Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax is marking its 76th birthday today.
As always cool place to be with great food and cool atmosphere.
Today we visited Loteria Grill. Food was fresh and very tasty.
We has Burritos: Carnitas en salsa Morita - In a Spicy Chile Morita Sauce Served with slices of Fresh Avocado and Finely Chopped Onion and Cilantro.
Second was Carne deshebrada - Shredded Beef Served with Fresh Guacamole, Salsa Chipotle, and Finely Chopped Onion and Cilantro.
I love this place because they make there own fresh squeezed drinks from fresh seasonal fruit, like: Watermelon and Cantaloupe. Delicious!
http://www.farmersmarketla.com/

Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa - PERFECT Family Gataway!

As we all know summer is here, but this year here in LA we are totally wrapped in marine layer for weeks, so we decided to take some time off and get a little splash and hot weather in our lives. Just a two hour trip (by car) from Los Angeles to Rancho Mirage was a pleasant ride. If somebody prefers shopping, quick stop to Cabazon and Premium Outlet stores is a fun place to be with close to 200 stores from Gap to Dior, Prada, Gucci and many more.
Rancho Mirage is a resort city located just a few miles from Palm Springs CA.
Rancho Las Palmas is classic Rancho Mirage re-imagined for the 21st century traveler, especially those with families. With Splashtopia incredible two-acre water feature with its own lazy river, slides, pools and beach, Rancho Las Palmas is a fun place. Its bustling, central outdoor plaza connects guests to a world of activity: fine and casual dining, live entertainment and the 20,000-square-foot Spa Las Palmas is ultimate desert location. It features: 27 holes of classic desert golf, a 25-court tennis center, and four pools. The style of this carefree Palm Springs California hotel is easy and sophisticated and its location enviable – at the foot of majestic Mount Jacinto and directly across the street from The River, a dynamic entertainment, dining and retail area. If you are looking for friendly kids dining popular places are: Beach Pool Shack, Ruby'S Diner, Mimis Cafe, P.F. Chang's China Bistro and Cheesecake Factory.
http://www.rancholaspalmas.com/