Coco Invites you..

Hello darling friends, I am here to announce my latest project!

As you may have heard, I’ve been in the realm of Chocolate for the past 9months, thinking perhaps of formulating

my own brand but realizing that just like lip balm making, it’s not easy to create your own product.

I was reminded of difficulties of this process while making my first few batches of raw Chocolate. While grinding cocoa nibs to get it’s paste like form, my grinder burned out dead, and then the Pyrex we were using blew up in my husbands face… Shattered pieces of glass everywhere even a piece hitting his eye…, luckily he was okay, but not exactly off to a good start.  I realized most inspiring chocolate makers don’t necessary make their own chocolate, but me— I am about the whole experience of learning and knowing what is in my product.

I’ve been a label reader my whole adult life… simply because I like good products, products that are made well. everything that I use, from the chocolate I eat to the brand of my face products, it has to come from a good source.

I have learned through the process of making things from scratch that fluidity isn’t an easy as I think it would be. I find the same process in my writings… I am very passionate about writing, It’s makes me happy, but I am not perfect. There are times when I’ve laid out a good story, then come to find out after I’ve posted it, that there are several typos… I suddenly I feel embarrassed calling myself a writer, but I have learned spiritually and thoughtfully, that living is about learning, and I will always be a humble student.

I am challenged and determine on every thing I do and make to be prosperous…, not just for me but everyone who is involved in my life, and I’m not necessary talking about money here…  more so about value, experience and overall abundance. I am one of those beings who is not attracted to competition, to me it’s an unnecessary flow of life. I’m believer that everyone you meet has some beautiful to offer and that could make for wonderful collaborations. I have met many in the course of my life, that have met a person or sparked an idea that is of value in light of business that I am in, or the social gatherings I bring, it’s something I know my personality relates to because for one, I am all about the connecting our kindred spirits.

I may not be a chocolate maker now, nor the most amazing writer,  but the wind can shift it’s course at anytime. the idea of Chocolate is still here… In fact it has hovered around me all these months and like all my grand ideas and epiphanies I realize how I can incorporate and streamline my thoughts leading me to the bigger picture.. Follow me??

The Chocolate Invitational is my latest series of intimate parties and gatherings. Along with chocolate tastings there bits of culinary delights, spirits, tea, wine, art, photography and beautiful music to get your in the euphoric spirits. Each event we will be donating proceeds to a special cause, each event will be surrounded by greenery and each event you by delight with the Chocolate…. It will be something unique and special as I am determine to find the right setting for each of these parties. We will be announcing them as we go. All parties will be a limited capacity— and will most certainly will be about attracting the savory, the succulent and the most divine human spirits..  Join us.

Our first event is Thursday June 28th–  We are just getting up to speed this week with social media— more news and info on when tickets sales will be announced.

http://www.thechocolateinvitational.com/

If you haven’t already— please go and “ Like” our page— there you will find more about our parties, sponsorship and contributors!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Chocolate-Invitational/277905665638584

During this process, I will be limiting my blog postings… So stay tuned on the Chocolate!  Much Love and Gratitude!

Did you say Chocolate?? oh yes I did!!

“All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt”. -Charles M. Schulz

Did everyone see that Big Bright Full Moon this weekend? As you know, the hubbie and I were in the woods, and while normally the woods gets dark quickly as the sun goes down, I was amazed how bright the moon illuminated the trees most of the night.

Now— as you know I am a woman who wears many hats?? If you know me,  then you know how I like to do things….  having my hands on a new fun venture is a must, as well as promoting my amazingly creative friends. These days I’ve been throwing down articles for WELO, working on my book of LOVE, promoting my husbands awesome headpieces, and whipping up some yummy lip balms. So, if dare to keep up, then you also know I’ve been tapping into the events circle working to create fashion, art, music parties here and there!

That being said– I wanted to share an idea I’ve been working on since last fall,  and while the “actual’ idea is still in the works, one branch from that idea is now here.

The event called, “The Chocolate Invitational”—  makes it’s debut on June 28th. The first of many….a series of intimate private Chocolate parties ( yes chocolate tastings and more!).  Ashley Walsh co-owner of Intentional Chocolate is bringing fourth some of her delicious chocolate pistols for a series of tastings!  Joplin Maccoll our music stylist and awesome DJ will be enchanting us with her tunes! There is so much more that will be happening— but wanted to share this tid bit.

We are so excited!!  Tickets are limited so be sure to keep checking my blog for the info! The first of many will start June 28th in Venice! Tickets, Website, Press, Sponsors, are all in the works and will officially be announced June 1st, So Stay Tuned!

http://www.intentionalchocolate.com

It’s Brit Week : A Spot of Tea Pop up Shop starts friday!

eastsiders you must go, and westsider go past lincoln for this one!!

me lady  Stacy Ruppel, and the fabulous Brits Gemma and Jenny

are having tea party and want you all to join them for Brit Week.

 A Spot of Tea Pop Up Shop, a Vintage Tea Shop starts Friday the 27th ( through May 6th) @ Spice Station in Silverlake, 11 am-6pm! Cocktail launch party that evening @ 6pm.

Here’s a little more info… And website!

“A Spot of Tea is put on by Music Stylist  Gemma Dempsey, Creative Director Jenny Charlesworth, and Producer Stacy Ruppel. The Anglo American trio plan to create a cozy vintage tea room with an authentic British vibe. Freshly baked goods will be sourced from a cornucopia  of bakers and establishments such as Silver Lake’s Forage, Santa Monica’s Tudor House, Kings Head and Culver City’s Platine. Seating is limited so to ensure a seat text Gemma Dempsey on 310 612 6990 or email ASpotofTea@mail.com providing details of how many in your party and what day/ time you would like to come.

www.popupteaspot.com

‘

Black Truffle Salt

 “Trust no one unless you have eaten much salt with him.”

Every Chef or Cook should have Black Truffle Salt in their cabinet?! Seriously. We tried Black Truffle Salt the other day made by Hepps, and It made everything so buttery delicious!  Definitely great for grilling and simply adding it to your steamed veggies or fries! Have you tried Black Truffle Salt?

I think we are due for a little dinner party… Who’s in!!?? 

Hepp’s sells locally—and you can probably catch them at the Palisades Farmers Market on Sundays…. or check them out on line!

http://www.heppssaltbarrel.com/

Amella is redefining the caramel

Last weekend the locals came out for the Venice Meet held at Westminster Elementary off Abbott Kinney… In support of our local community, we bought a few yummy treats. After a little taste testers, We could not resist buying a couple boxes of Amella’s Caramels.. so yummmy!!!

Amella’s tantalizing buttery Caramels made out of Cocoa Butter and Agave are redefining the Caramel experiece. The texture is soft kind of like a truffle and simply melts in your mouth. We indulged in a box of French Salted Caramels...  The taste sensation is so unique you won’t just have one!!

For other flavors check out their website!! They are LOCAL!!

http://www.amellacaramels.com/

Vegan Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies… nom nom nom.

Darlings,

Want something yummy for your tea or coffee??  

I’ve been loving chef blogger Amy Chaplin’s, Coconut & Quinoa... I’ve been trying some of her wonderful Vegetarian/Vegan recipes, and super happy with everything I’ve made. She just has great a sensibility as most of her recipes have a very “clean” approach.  I wanted to share her Vegan Cherry Chocolate Chip cookies, because they literally are the best. In the past few weeks, I have made them six times simple because they are yummy!!.

For a vegan cookie they are scrumptious!! Most vegan cookies are either very crumbly or hard, but the consistency on these cookies are perfect. Keep in mind the temperature is key.. you don’t want to over cook them, because then it can be on the slightly hard side at first, but they will soften over time… I’ve made that mistake a couple times.

You can also play around with the recipe a touch, I made a minor change by swapping the maple syrup for agave for my brother who is slightly diabetic, but definitely start with the original one first, then go from there.  The fact these cookies hold together without eggs was surprising. sometimes without eggs, means they are much more dense. The good part is these cookies are not white or wheat flour based, so you don’t have to feel guilty for eating these cookies, they are truly on the healthier side. My guess is the coconut oil, that holds all the cards for this delicious cookie recipe.

Try it out… And View recipe here.  and for more recipes check out her link here. http://www.coconutandquinoa.com

Be sure to catch me later… I’ll be posting two more of my favorite tunes!!

Vanilla Chia ‘Seed’ Pudding… YUM!

             Hey Spring Lovers!!  You know what my latest addiction is,                     Chia Pudding!!?  I started having Chia pudding at Moon Juice, Amanda makes it so delightful that I literally craved it everyday. So, I decided to research a few recipes, and found Chia is rich in plant source of Omega-3 (the vital fats that protect against inflammation—such as arthritis—and heart disease). And contain more Omega-3 than salmon. Chia can reduce calorie absorption makes them a great diet helper and also great for athletes because the “chia gel” can hydrate the body.

This is one of many recipes I will be sharing… the first is a recipe from Amy Chaplin’s blog Coconut and Quinoa. Her recipe is also featured in Martha Stewart Living (Jan),  any takers… Click here for her recipe.

Have you tried making something yummy with Chia Seeds ?  If so, Please share your recipe with me. I am totally into it.

Mendocino Farms

…. is all about the sandwich!

Despite my ever growing want… for one, being gluten wheat free, and two, going vegan every other month.  On occasion I love a good sandwich.  A sandwich is THE most comforting food on the planet, and It’s literally one of my top 5 favorite eats.

Don’t get me wrong 90% of the time, I am doing the gluten wheat free thing…, but there is no denying, a good sandwich requires yummy thick wholesome piece of wheat, sourdough, baguette.. I could go on.

I still haven’t decided whether grilled, fresh, or a toasted sammy (is what I like to call it), is my favorite.. ? either way I like it all.

…  And speaking of Sandwiches— I finally tried Mendocino Farms, a gourmet sandwich shop that was inspired by north cali’s Slow Food Movement and Sustainable Farming. Taking their delectable sandwiches and only using seasonal and locally grown fresh produce and meats.

How about you— Have you been??  What’s your favorite sandwich and where??

Westsiders– check it on south end of the Marina… from the looks of it, MF is a great place for a work lunch break.. the place was packed.

http://mendocinofarms.com/

Coco-almond pulp treats

Darlings,  I am not sure if you read this original post, but I have decided to do a revision using my own almond pulp recipe, I had originally pulled a recipe I thought was great, as I posted it, I learned it wasn’t such a great idea and rather than continue to promote a negative inquisition, I thought I’d keep this light and positive and use my own little recipe. onward….

So now that I am making my own Almond Milk, I have started to collect Almond Pulp. What should I do with it?  I mean why waste perfectly good pulp.. right?!

Making cookies out of pulp is a good idea, it’s a yummy gluten free, vegan, and low glycemic treat. plus almonds make your skin amazing. 

Coco Almond Pulpies,
Vegan & Gluten-Free Cookies

2 cups almond pulp, leftover from almond milk
6 dates, chopped and made into a paste
1/2 cup raw oganic cocoa powder
3 tablespoons earth balance natural spread, melted
2 tablespoons Almond Meal
1/4 cup of Maple Syrup
1/4 cup of cocao nibs,
1/2 dried cranberries

Preheat the oven to 350°F.  Line a cookie sheet with tin foil or parchment paper.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. place cookie mixture in round shapes,
Bake for 35-40 minutes. Texture comes out soft but delicious
Note: while making this batch I realized these would make good brownies. almond pulp makes for a soft cookie, not much there to hold it together.  but I tell you what?? when those cookies are done… take a cookie and add a scoop of your favorite vegan ice cream ( mine is Divine Dips) on top for a decadent treat!

If you’ve been making your own almond milk— try these instead of throwing out the pulp. I am continuing my quest to find another good almond pulp recipe. perhaps making it into a yummy frosting could be delightful??

Happy Friday!

An unexpected busy weekend… was kicked off last night with old friends, new loves, and finally trying the well received pop up restaurant on our abbott kinney block, Wolf in Sheeps Clothing…It was ooh so delicious.

Heading into a weekend filled w/ baby love, hikes, dance parties, eastside ramblings, dinners by the fire, lectures, oscar gatherings, and hopefully tons of photographic moments. If I’m not back on Monday,  i’ll be busy whipping up a fresh batches of lip balm… I’ve  sold out of this week, which was exciting to hear.  now working on two great interviews/articles coming up for Welovenice March.

So here’s to the New moon Magic bringing in some abundance. Much love Everyone. Happy Friday!

can’t get enough of…

Artist of the Week Audrey Kawasaki… here’s another one of my favorites!

http://www.audrey-kawasaki.com

Dedicated to my weekend and all that surrounds it.

One of my favorite quotes by Anais Nin

“Ordinary life does not interest me. I seek only the high moments. I am in accord with the surrealists, searching for the marvelous.” – Anais Nin

westside’s pizza perfection!

Ya know when you drive by a place and out of the corner of your eye, catch a glimpse of the place packed, and so, you do a double take trying to see what’s going on over there??

Well, this happened to me a few times in the past month on my way to my credit union off Wilshire in Santa Monica. From the outside looking in, it seem to boast a good crowd, so finally last week, I decided to stop in.  

From the creators of Rustic Canyon, Sweet Rose Creamery and Huckleberry, welcomes their next pleasurable dining experience… Milo and Olive (opened early Dec/2011).  I hadn’t heard of it’s opening so it came as a nice surprise in knowing who had given birth to this little gem.  A paradise of Pizza, Bread, and Pastry Perfection along with produce sourced from local purveyors.  From day one this place has been a hot spot, packed with serious foodies and those who desire the perfect pizza crust!! you won’t be able to resist it, because there is something delicious for everyone! Open for Bfst, Lunch and Dinner! 

Date night? Girls night out…  you betcha! check it out!!  http://www.miloandolive.com

Fresh Squeezed Almond Milk…

For a while now I’ve been wanting to make my own Almond Milk, but even though it’s always on my mind I never get around to actually doing it.  I love Almond Milk especially when it’s freshly made, it delights my yearning for all things sweet and creamy. Grabbing my morning Moon Juice, I had one of their cookies that was made from the Almond pulp, and once again thought… I need to make some fresh Almond milk! Later that day I chimed into Mel’s gorgeous food photos on The Local Rose,and while checking it out, and learning we share similar interest… There, I found her recipe on how to make fresh nut milks highlighting Almond Milk. Love it and can’t wait to finally make it.

Interested in making some with me?? Here’s an easy recipe provided by the Local Rose.

Here’s some tips and facts.

There are Nut Milk Bags that make Almond Milk extra smooth. It can be purchased at the Coop in Santa Monica or visit Elaina Love’s site Pure Joy Planet to get the bags in bulk.  purejoyplanet.com, otherwise a cheese cloth will work fine.

-Fresh Almond Milk will make your skin Luminous and Youthful.
Sesame milk is an excellent curative for depletion or exhaustion and is also highly lubricating for the intestinal wall.

-Almond milk and Hazelnut are low calorie, easily digested and for anyone with a need for something sweet any hour of the day or night, at low risk for that dreadful sugar hangover.

Vanilla Almond Milk (yields 2-3 cups or so)
1 cup almonds, soaked 8-12 hours beforehand if it’s possible
3 cups water
6 dates or 1/4 cup agave (optional)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or the contents of a vanilla bean)

Procedure: Begin by soaking your nuts in some water, if you can, eight hours is ideal.  Peel the skins off which will be easy once they have soaked.
Next, blend all ingredients on high in a regular blender or a VitaMix: place the the nut milk bag or cheesecloth over the mouth of your container, leaving a generous overhang and allowing the strainer to droop about halfway down into the container. I used a large mason jar as my container: 

- Next, pour all the almond milk into the container, so that it drips through the cheesecloth and into the container below. massage it with your hands so the milk is drained through the cloth. For variety you can add a little chocolate or cinnamon. You can also adjust the creamy quality by how much water you add.

Let me know how it goes!? and Enjoy!

yay for Mushrooms!!

Darlings,  How was your weekend??  Ours was pretty darn good… our friends T&A threw and awesome little (anti) valentines day party, and it was our pal Boo Theory DJ debut, she did an amazing job for her first time… my feet still hurt from loads of dancing. Yesterday we picked up a few things at the market and spotted a box on how to grow your own mushrooms? We Sage’s LOVE our mushrooms!! I love sautéing shiatake’s and oyster mushrooms in a little olive oil and garlic…mmm! 

Easy, fun and delicious BACK TO ROOTS sprouted a pretty cool idea…  ”Inspired by the idea of turning waste into wages & fresh, local food, they experimented in their fraternity kitchen, ultimately growing one test bucket of tasty oyster mushrooms on recycled coffee grounds”….

So we are testing and growing a little mushroom garden in our house?? yay for mushrooms! Who wants to come over for a mushroom dinner???

http://www.backtotheroots.com/our-story

Caulfields at the Thompson Hotel

Hi my sweet loves,

Last night I went to Caulfield’s in Beverly Hills at the fabulous Thompson Hotel with my dearest pal Jen for a little dinner party. The newly opened Caulfield is the newest baby to proprietor Laurie Mulstay, owner of Magnolia, the Bar, and bar Chloe. We were delighted with an array of culinary excellence…TIGER SHRIMP COCKTAIL, CHARCUTERIE PLATE , ARTISINAL CHEESES , MAGNOLIA’S MAC + CHEESE , TROUT ALMONDINE, CAPERS & FRIES, BEEF SHORT RIBS – glazed carrots + English peas, BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH BACON …..  soooo good!! Trout and Brussel Sprouts were my favorite! but everything was delish!

To top it off we had a sampling of all their desserts, GOATS  CHEESECAKE – w/ fig jam, bruleed figs, BANANA TERRINE FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE, KEY LIME PIE – fresh whipped cream. ummm.. Can you say Hello & mmmm!!

We polished off our scrumptious desserts with tea, spirits and great conversation. the company couldn’t have been more delightful, thank you Laurie and Jen!

Caulfield’s is cozy yet sheik with a stylish décor. Definitely a great place to dine with friends, or for a hot date night.  A must try!

http://caulfieldsbeverlyhills.com/

The Keys Signature Pie!

While hanging out in the Keys I just had to have Keylime pie.  I’ve been on a “trying pie” kick these days.  My girlfriend and foodie pal Stacy quoted a few months back “PIE is new the CUPCAKE” i’m pretty sure she is right. soon after , I’ve been discovering little pie shops opening up? and I’ve been eyeing more pies than ever.  Coming home I’ve now had a hankering for more Keylime pie, but how can make this pie when the main “keylime” ingredient is located on the opposite coast? Well, thankfully the beauty of the internet is that you can find practically anything including real key lime juice from keywest. order here

 If you are craving some Key Lime pie like me… Here’s a great simple recipe you can make at home. Let me know how it goes?!

• 1 (9 inch) pie crust, baked
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup key lime juice
• 1 teaspoon grated lime zest

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine eggs, condensed milk, lime juice, and lime rind. Beat on medium speed with electric mixer for about 1 minute or until mixture is thoroughly blended. Pour into baked pastry shell.
3. Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, until center is set. Cool on a rack for 15 minutes, then chill at least 2 hours before serving. Garnish with whipped cream if desired. Immediately refrigerate any leftovers. Do not store for longer than 3 days