Sweets & Treats

May 13, 2017 By Elycia Leave a Comment

What I’m Loving: Summer Essentials

As those warm-weather days begin to roll in, kick your look into high gear with these dreamy must-haves…

Mossimo Slides ($27.99): These babies scream summer fun. And they’ll jazz up any look. They look fancy boutique pricey too, but they’re under $30. Win-win!
Mer Sea Coconut and Seawater Mist ($32): I’m in love with this entire line of candles, bath and body products and luxurious wraps. A few sprays of this goodness on the face and body is the perfect anytime pick-me-up.
Coolibar Packable Hat ($48): I’ve had this kick-butt hat for five years now and it still looks new. It’s a total triple threat – super comfy, stylish and you can crush the heck out of it (have packed it for dozens of trips), yet it doesn’t lose its shape.
Sunnylife Pineapple Sipper ($14): Summer sips taste even better in this playful pineapple. Kids love it too!
Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby Sunscreen ($11.99): Don’t be hindered by “Baby” on the label; everyone in our family uses it. The main ingredient is Zinc, a mineral sunscreen (rather than chemical ones).
Aerie Fringe Tote Bag ($24.46): How cute is this fringed tote?! Big time score. They’re on sale too, so grab one while you can.

July 22, 2014 By Elycia 1 Comment

The Delectable California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) Is Now Even Tastier!

Butter Cake at California Pizza Kitchen

I’ve always loved CPK. Tough to resist their wildly gourmet pizzas, supreme light bites (those shrimp lettuce cups) and their primo salads (who hasn’t indulged in that heavenly Barbecue Chicken?). As a mom, I’m also a big fan of their very kid-friendly menu and have frequented this forever-a-favorite dining destination on a regular basis with the kids in tow. Now, with the launch of their new seasonal menu items at the original Beverly Hills location on Beverly Drive, I’ve been hitting CPK for many an adults-only outing — and, we grown-ups are loving every bite (and sip) of it. These divine menu additions along with the artisanal cocktails, which are expected to roll out in all CPK’s very soon, have me hooked! A few of my favorites:

Lobster Roll Flatbread

Lobster Roll Flatbread at California Pizza Kitchen

OK, need I say more? The authentic taste will have you thinking you’ve just landed on the shores of Maine. I could easily eat several orders of this.

California Roots

California Roots at California Pizza Kitchen

The new cocktail additions alone are worthy of a visit. This refreshing concoction is made with Fresh Avocado & Mint, Agave Sour, Fennel, Vodka and Salt Rim. Fancy right?

Hearth-Roasted Halibut

Hearth Roasted Halibut at California Pizza Kitchen

Talk about a sophisticated dish. I devoured every morsel of it.

Butter Cake

Butter Cake at California Pizza Kitchen

Give me strength here! This slice of perfection must have come straight from Cloud 9. I’m weak even thinking about it.

Enough of the daydreaming. I know exactly where I’m having dinner tonight…

October 31, 2013 By Elycia Leave a Comment

A Treat Worth Trick-or-Treating For

Matt's Munchies All Natural Apple-Licious Fruit Snack Hot dignity! If these are being handed out to the little ghosts and goblins tonight I’m going trick or treating myself… Matt’s Munchies Apple-Licious Fruit Snacks are little slices of heaven. They come in a handy on-the-go pack (perfect for lunch boxes or stashing in the car) and these mini chewy fruit delights are super easy to eat – just peel off a square and munch away. Made with organic mango puree and organic apple flavor, they’re packed with Vitamins A and C and have eight grams of sugar. Try all of the tempting flavors – from Banana and Apricot to Chili Chocolate and Raspberry Delight. I’ll say it again, they’re darn tasty. Even better, they’re spook-a-licious! Happy Halloweeeeeeen!

September 5, 2013 By Elycia Leave a Comment

Decadently Delicious Dark Chocolate

Almonds and Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate Bar by Chocolove
This past year I’ve been on a non-stop chocolate hunt. From Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s to ultra fancy shmancy gourmet shops, I’m a glutton for sampling hordes of different chocolate bars. From $1.50 to $15.00 a pop, I’ve found my winner, my pick, my ultimate, my favorite (and, now I’m stocking up on it)… Almonds and Sea Salt in Dark Chocolate by Chocolove. It’s the most delectable combination of salty/sweet and crunchy/creamy. All I can say is there are a minimum of four bars in my frig at a time, and there’s absolutely no signs of tiring of this sweet, dreamy confection. Added bonus, it’s $2.59 which is a whole lot less than the many $15.00 varieties I consumed. And, in my opinion, Chocolove’s is the best. Bring a couple of bars to your next gathering and watch the melting happen. And, I’m not just talking about the chocolate here!

July 25, 2013 By Elycia 2 Comments

Non-Dairy Vegan Ice Cream That’s A Total Dream

non-dairy vegan gluten-free ice cream
Get ready to knock your socks off… this vegan ice “cream” by Stella’s Best blows away traditional ice creams (the ones that are loaded with cream, milk, and eggs). Rich, creamy and mind-blowingly decadent, Stella’s Best is pure heaven. Made from a base of coconut milk and cashews, this tasty treat is sweetened with unrefined evaporated cane juice and nary a dairy product in sight. You’re certain to fall in love with all of the flavors; they’re each loaded with chunky mix-ins such as Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, Red Velvet and Peanut Butter and Jelly. Just look at the photo attached to this blog – it doesn’t get anymore dreamy than that! Stella’s Best is a small local business, so all of their products are made to order. Fortunately you can also find it on the menu at Culina Restaurant located inside the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Dining at Culina happens to be a real treat and the food is very memorable, especially the delicacies at the one-of-a-kind raw bar. Then again, you can always just pop in for a giant bowl of Stella’s Best. And, when you want to blow away your friends at the next gathering, stock up on this stuff and enjoy the endless stream of oohs and aahs!

February 26, 2013 By Elycia 1 Comment

Most Delicious Homemade Vegan Gluten-Free Cookies (I Swear!)

Even if you haven’t jumped on the vegan, gluten-free bandwagon these supremely tasty Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are winning rave reviews all around. Kids are loving them too. Packed with protein, they’re a perfect after dinner treat, afternoon snack or morning munchie. Please note: I’ve tested them out with many a guy’s guy and they were gobbled up – now that’s a solid stamp of approval! Here’s the recipe…

Preheat oven to 350

Flax Egg: (Make this first since it needs to stay in the fridge for 15 minutes)

1 Tbsp Ground Flax
3 Tbsp Hot Water
Mix together and place in the fridge for 15 min to recreate an “egg” like consistency

Combine Dry Ingredients In A Bowl:

1 1/2 cups Gluten-Free Oats (I use Bob’s Red Mill Brand for the oats, rice flour and flax – one stop shopping!)
1/4 cup Rice or Coconut Flour
1/4 tsp Baking Powder
1/4 tsp Salt
1 cup Crushed or Chopped Walnuts
1/2 – 3/4 cup Vegan Chocolate Chips

Combine Wet Ingredients In Another Bowl:

1/2 cup Mashed Ripe Bananas (I always use 2-3 bananas)
1/4 cup Applesauce
1/4 – 1/2 cup Honey or Agave (depending on how sweet you want the cookies. I usually use 1/4 cup)
2 tsp Vanilla

Combine the wet (including the flax egg) and dry ingredients and mix together with a spoon, roll 2 Tbsp and drop onto a cookie sheet that’s been sprayed or coated with a little grape seed oil so they don’t stick to the pan, I like to flatten them out a bit, and then bake ’til golden brown – usually 30-45 min depending on the oven, so keep an eye on ’em. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Makes approximately 12-16 cookies.

Now go indulge yourself and others!

*Photo of cookies on plate courtesy of What I’m Loving Subscriber and this cookie recipe lover, Natalia Luff

February 12, 2013 By Elycia 2 Comments

Calling All Chocolate Lovers

Remember Hershey’s Rolo … that delectable morsel of chocolatey goodness with the chewy caramel center? If you haven’t gotten acquainted with them for awhile now’s the time. They’re well worth rediscovering. With a little more than 1 gram of fat each, you can pop 3 or 4 of them without feeling too guilty. And, the classic 13 oz bag is less than $5.00 at the local grocery store or pharmacy. What’s even sweeter about these bite size treats is they’re delicately wrapped in alluring gold foil and look so darn chic when placed on a pretty dish (pictured above) – a guaranteed hit at your next cocktail or dinner gathering. Bingo!

January 29, 2013 By Elycia Leave a Comment

Wild For Walnuts

Confession of the day: I’m addicted to walnuts! I eat them all day long – a handful at breakfast, a bunch here and there for snacks, and several more as an after dinner treat (especially when mixed with dried tart cherries). Given how many walnuts I consume each day it’s not surprising to learn that #1 – I’ve tried many brands from a slew of different stores and #2 – I can’t seem to lose those last 2-3 pounds. I don’t care! Walnuts are made up of the good fats and they’re good for you. They’re said to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids and may reportedly reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Based on my years of experience, the majority of packaged walnuts are not overly appealing. Fortunately, I found a very tasty variety at my local farmer’s market and that’s the only place I would buy them. Walnuts should taste pretty heavenly if I’m going to eat this many of them, right?! I thought my walnut fix would forever be served solely by this local farmer’s market variety, that is until I discovered Nuts About Florida Walnuts by Barnard. (When you click the link scroll to the bottom of the page to find the walnuts). I was very hesitant about buying a bag given I spotted them at a chain of grocery stores, and those are the last places I buy walnuts because of the many unsavory and almost rancid ones I’ve bit into. Blech! But I’m thrilled I took the plunge because the Nuts About Florida Walnuts are so wildly delicious; these babies just blew me away. So if you’re as crazy about walnuts as I am or even if you just plain old like ’em, then please go ahead and indulge yourself. Let me know what you think…

January 22, 2013 By Elycia 1 Comment

Yummy Gummies

Confession of the day – I love me some gummies! I’m talking the candy kind — Swedish Fish, Coke Bottles, Sour Watermelons, and of course one of the all time classics, Haribo Gummi Bears. Now, these treats don’t have anything to offer in the way of nutritional value but that’s never bothered me; this is candy we’re talking about here. In other words… sugary, chewy bliss and not a single vitamin in sight. I wasn’t looking to step up my gummy habit but it was tough to resist the white unassuming bag of Bissinger’s Naturals Blueberry Acai Gummy Pandas. Yes, these gummies (which come in other flavors like Apricot Green Tea and Pomegranate White Tea) are made with dried blueberry and acai powder. Blueberries and Acai are said to be two of the healthier fruits. Plus, upon flipping the bag over and indulging in the nutrition facts (which I love to do by the way), I discovered these gummies actually have a whopping three grams of protein per serving (that’s 17 pieces). What!? Protein and gummies – who knew! And, these incredibly tasty little numbers are made with organic tapioca syrup, organic sugar and nary an ounce of an artificial color or flavor, unlike my old-school faves. So, this isn’t about saying sayonara to those sweet treasured classics. This is about saying hello to some seriously tasty modern gummies that are made with stuff that’s good for you and, oh yeah, they also happen to have three grams of protein per serving. I just had to mention that one more time. Insert smiley face here.

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