• San Diego

    Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival Announces 41st Anniversary Extravaganza

    The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is thrilled to announce its upcoming 41st Anniversary celebration, set from May 17th to May 19th, 2024. Following the resounding success of the 40th Anniversary event, the festival is gearing up for an even more extraordinary three-day experience.

    Prepare to be captivated by breathtaking hot air balloon rides offering panoramic views of the picturesque Temecula Valley wine countryside. Whether you choose to camp under the stars with family or opt for a day visit, you’re in for an unforgettable adventure filled with delectable festival cuisine, a bustling commercial court featuring over 100 vendors, and the opportunity to sample premium beer and wine from renowned wineries and breweries across Temecula Valley and Southern California.

    Elevate your festival experience by booking a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the stunning Lake Skinner. Stay late to witness the mesmerizing glow of hot air balloons illuminating the evening sky.

    Initially launched in 1983, the festival has become a staple event, drawing over 38,000 local residents, music enthusiasts, and visitors worldwide. Scott Soares Sr., President of the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival Board, declares, “We’re taking this festival to new heights as we celebrate our 41st Anniversary. The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival is not just your neighborhood festival; it’s a significant event, and our plans for this year will create a buzz for years to come.”

    Exclusive Festival Experience (EFE) tickets are currently on sale and represent the highest-level VIP and camping package available. This exclusive option provides festival-goers with an unparalleled experience that goes above and beyond the standard festival offerings.
    The festival lineup for the 41st Anniversary celebration is eagerly anticipated and will be unveiled at the end of November. Patrons are encouraged to sign up for the email list on the festival’s website at www.tvbwf.com to receive updated information and ensure they have the best ticket-purchasing experience.

    General Camping tickets, which have historically sold out in minutes, will go on sale on October 25th, 2023. Stay tuned for further updates on ticket sales, as VIP and GA tickets will be available for purchase later this fall.

    The festival will again occur at Lake Skinner Regional Park/Recreation Area at 37701 Warren Rd, Winchester, CA.

    For more information, please visit www.tvbwf.com.

     

  • food,  New York,  San Diego

    FoodTrients Says Fall in Love with Fall Breads

    Let’s be honest. Nobody really needs more bread recipes. We all struggle to cut down on carbs and empty calories. But what if we make breads with benefits by including the nutrients of FoodTrients? You can always add ingredients that bring nutritional value such as wheat germ, nuts, whole wheat flour, etc.
    Fall is a great season for healthy vegetables that can be used to create delicious breads.  Vegetables such as zucchini, butternut squash, honeynut squash, persimmons, and pumpkins are featured ingredients on our website this month.  These recipes really celebrate the season while providing more wholesome nutrition than those seductive breads with lots of sugar and saturated fat. They are forgiving, so you can customize them a bit.
    So let’s get baking!  To see the rest of  fall bread recipes, click here: We’re Falling for These Seasonal Breads – FoodTrients
    Try this healthy yet delicious fall bread recipe perfect for the holidays:
    Tipsy Persimmon Bread
    Makes two 9-inch x 5-inch loaves
     
    Persimmons are a stunning deep orange fruit available in the fall when your neighbor’s decorative tree explodes with the fruit. There are two types of persimmons: the Japanese Hachiya, which is large and round with an elongated tip. The Fuyu is smaller and can look like a tomato. The Hachiya is soft to the touch when ripe and the flesh is smooth and creamy with a tangy-sweet flavor. If not completely ripe, the flesh is very astringent and mouth puckering. The Fuyu, on the other hand, is firm even when ripe and the flesh is sweet and not at all astringent. Persimmons contain a good amount of Vitamins A and C. Pecans have a higher number of strong antioxidants, more fiber, and more monounsaturated fat versus polyunsaturated fat. They are also higher in vitamin E. On the other hand, walnuts are the best go-to nut for Omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and Vitamin B. Walnuts also have more protein and polyunsaturated fat.
     
    The addition of bourbon or Cognac contributes to the tipsy state of this bread.
    Ingredients

    3 ½ cups sifted white whole wheat flour
    1 ½ tsp. sea salt
    2 tsp. baking soda
    1 tsp. ground nutmeg
    1 tsp. ground cardamom
    2 to 2 ½ cups sugar
    1 cup (8 oz.) melted unsalted butter, cooled to room temperature
    4 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
    ⅔ cup bourbon or Cognac
    2 cups persimmon puree (from about 4 squishy-soft Hachiya persimmons)
    2 cups walnuts or pecans, toasted and chopped
    2 cups raisins, or diced dried fruits (such as apricots, cranberries, or dates)
    Instructions
    1. Generously butter two 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper or dust with flour and tap out any excess.
    2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
    3. Sift the flour, sea salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cardamom, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
    4. Make a well in the center then stir in the butter, eggs, liquor, persimmon puree, then the nuts and raisins.
    5. Pour the batter into the baking pans.
    6. Bake for 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
    RECIPE MAY BE REPRINTED WITH THE FOLLOWING CREDIT:
    Recipe reprinted with permission of FoodTrients.com.
    About FoodTrients
    FoodTrients® is a philosophy and a resource dedicated to the foods and rejuvenating nutrients that help us fight the diseases of aging and promote longevity. All of the recipes combine modern scientific research and medicinal herbs and ingredients from cultures around the world. They’re loaded with flavor and superfoods, which promote wellness, increase energy and vitality, improve skin, and help people look and feel younger. 
    About Grace O
    Over a span of 30 years, Grace O has built an impressive record of business achievement, community building, philanthropy, and community service in California. Guided by her spirit of entrepreneurship and building on a model of generosity learned from her family, Grace has spent a lifetime helping people heal through food and medicine. Grace launched FoodTrients.com in 2010 where she shares age-defying superfoods from around the world and creates delicious recipes with them. Grace is the author of three award-winning cookbooks—The Age GRACEfully Cookbook: The Power of FOODTRIENTS to Promote Health and Well-being for a Joyful and Sustainable Life, The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, and the multi-award-winning Anti-Aging Dishes from Around the World.
  • Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  pet,  San Diego

    ALZOO provides solutions for every member of your furry family

    So you know your fur baby is definitely on your list this holiday season! Let me introduce Alzoo to you! Alzoo® is more than just a brand – it reflects the love a family can give to their furry and feathered friends. Their dedication to providing natural and quality products is a testament to their deep passion for the health and well-being of their animals.

    For eco-minded pet parents seeking truly reliable solutions to everyday pet care and more, ALZOO provides solutions for every member of your furry family. In addition, ALZOO acts as a force for good in the world. Recently, ALZOO’s parent company, AB7 America, Inc., earned the prestigious B Corp® Certification, demonstrating the company’s combined innovative spirit, technological expertise, and global perspective to create the most sustainable, efficacious, high-quality wellness products that let owners and their pets do more of what matters most in their life.

    ALZOO debuted its newest line of products designed with a focus on sustainability and innovation just in time for the holidays!

    With additions to their popular concentrated shampoo, they will also add a concentrated stain and odor remover, as well as a new plant-based mobility collar and severe accident remover. Perhaps the most noteworthy of ALZOO’s new product offerings is a new category of natural soft chews, designed for your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Please see below for more details on all ALZOO’s new product innovations.

    ALZOO’s newest 2023 products include:

    Concentrated Shampoos: Three new concentrated powders omit single-use bottles and never ship water while working wonders on your pet’s bath routine. In four varieties (Soothing, Puppy Care, Deep Conditioning and the original Hypo-Allergenic) these shampoos will be a new go to for all you dog bathing needs. Plus, save you time and money going to the groomer!

    Mobility Collar: The first dog collar to naturally soothe joint discomfort with essential oils, ALZOO’s clinically studied innovation showed to reduce stiffness and improve mobility within 3 days of usage. Each collar lasts up to 30 days and is waterproof.

    Severe Accident Remover: This highly absorbent lavender powder easily cleans up the worst types of messes pets leave behind without leaving behind any residue.

    Concentrated Stain & Odor Remover: A more sustainable option to remove pet stains and odors while reducing carbon footprint with NO water shipping and no single-use plastic.

    Soft Chews (90-count): Potent, natural blends of ingredients specifically formulated to improve target areas for your beloved dogs:

    • Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil and flax seed oil work wonders in Skin & Coat Soft Chews
    • Probiotics, fennel, and other immune-supporting ingredients keep dogs’ seasonal allergies in check in Allergy Soft Chews
    • Botanicals like chamomile manage stress (from fireworks to car rides to separation anxiety) for Calming Soft Chews
    • Powerful antioxidants support normal inflammation response in Hip & Joint Mobility Soft Chews.

    All ALZOO products are available on Amazon, Walmart.com, TractorSupply.com, VitaCost and other national retailers and specialty stores.

  • Books,  San Diego

    Banana Bread Recipe from The Vegan Athlete’s Nutrition Handbook

    Debunking the myth that a plant-based diet and high-intensity athleticism just don’t mix, The Vegan Athlete’s Nutrition Handbook by registered dietitian nutritionist Nichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, is a comprehensive guidebook for anyone looking to dive deep into the science behind plant-based eating and peak performance.

    Making the choice to switch to a plant-based diet shouldn’t mean giving up your gains — in fact, incorporating more plant-based foods may even give you an athletic advantage — provided you know how to properly fuel your body while eating vegan. With that said, the book includes over 25 flavorful and fueling vegan recipes such as the recipe for Endurance Banana Bread.

    RECIPE: Endurance Banana Bread
    Serves: 6 • Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cooking Time: 45 minutes

    A key component to good nutrition and staying fueled is having whole, unprocessed food ready to-go whenever you need it.

    Plant-Based Buttermilk Ingredients
    ¼ cup plant-based milk, unsweetened (soy seems to work best!)
    2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

    Dry Ingredients
    2 cups oat flour
    1 teaspoon baking soda
    ¾ teaspoon baking powder
    ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
    ½ teaspoon salt

    Wet Ingredients
    1½ cups mashed banana (about 3 medium ripe bananas)
    ¼ cup maple syrup
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    ¾ cup walnuts, chopped

    Directions

    1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or similar size) by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with oil.
    2. Make the buttermilk: In a small bowl, add the milk and the apple cider vinegar. Stir then set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
    3. Add the dry ingredients to a large bowl and stir. Set aside.
    4. Mix the mashed banana, maple syrup, and vanilla together in a medium bowl.
    5. Pour the wet ingredients into the large mixing bowl with the dry ingredients. Add the buttermilk and stir. Don’t overmix! A little lumpiness is okay.
    6. Stir in the walnuts (omit for nut-free).
    7. Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until browned on top and cooked through the center (baking time may vary depending on your oven).
    8. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To store in the freezer, slice the bread into individual pieces and wrap them separately in parchment paper before storing in the freezer for up to 30 days.

    About the AuthorNichole Dandrea-Russert, MS, RDN, is a plant-based dietitian and yoga instructor who has a passion for guiding people toward living vibrantly through a foundation of plant-based foods, movement, mindfulness, and meditation. She shares her thoughts through her website Purely Planted. Nichole is also the author of The Fiber Effect. She lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband and rescue pup, Mariposa.

    Praise for The Vegan Athlete’s Nutrition Handbook“No matter your level of exercise or fitness, if you want to get into the details of plant-based eating and come away feeling full of info, this is your book.” —Matt Ruscigno, MPH, RD, co-author of Plant-Based Sports Nutrition“…a guide that every plant-based athlete should have, whether they are a strength athlete or Crossfitter or an endurance athlete.” —Kayla Slater, MS, RDN, ACE-CPT of Plant Based Performance Nutrition and Run Coaching, LLC“It’s like having a nutrition coach by your side and will be your go-to whenever nutrition questions arise.” —Dotsie Bausch, Olympic silver medalist and 8x US National Cycling Champion“…provides a quality resource for plant-based protein sources which is challenging to find for athletes who are plant-based or interested in transitioning to a plant based diet.” —Sara Love, ND, naturopathic physician and ultramarathoner

  • food,  Gift Guide,  Los Angeles,  San Diego

    Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipes Come to Life in Easy-to-Make Cake and Cookie Mixes That Bring Families Together Over the Holidays

    Make mouthwatering family desserts this Thanksgiving

    Cooking at home with family has been shown to nurture physical health and develop cultural and family bonds, and there’s no better time to come together than over Thanksgiving.[1][2] From mouthwatering cakes and cookies to seasonings, rice and breading, Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipes is making it simple —and delicious— to spend time with family in the kitchen. Featuring 38 boxed recipes based on the home recipes of Family Chef Phyllis Ann Carter like holiday favorite Southern Pound Cake, Phyllis Ann’s is bringing families together this holiday season.

    Phyllis Ann’s is a family brand through and through. The company’s popular boxed mixes are based on the beloved recipes of Phyllis Ann, whose children created a packaged food company to share these with all. Phyllis Ann would cook extensive feasts for her family’s holiday gatherings, with dessert being a favorite course. Each of her four children had their favorite cake — Rich German Chocolate for Tanikia and Antonio, Strawberry for Kathy, and Carrot for Rodrigues.

    In 2020, her children decided it was time to share their mother’s beloved recipes with the world. Since, Katherine, Tanikia, Rodrigues, Antonio, Rodrigues’ wife Nicole, and Antonio’s wife Dawanna have built Phyllis Ann’s Recipes into a booming food brand, selling and sampling Phyllis Ann’s popular boxed mixes at their Polaris Center storefront in Columbus, Ohio and online at thephyllisannbrand.com. Now, anyone can share Phyllis Ann’s famous cakes and cookies with their family and friends. These delectable, boxed desserts delight guests with stunning flavors without the stress of preparing everything from scratch, making them the perfect finale to a holiday meal.

    Phyllis Ann’s offers premade cake and cookie mixes based on beloved homemade recipes. With the addition of just a few wet ingredients, such as butter, eggs, and milk, Phyllis Ann’s allows home cooks to make decadent, crowd-pleasing desserts with little effort.

    Phyllis Ann’s delicious dessert mixes include:

    • Chocolate Cake Mix
    • Gourmet Carrot Cake Mix                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Southern Pound Cake Mix
    • Lemon Cake Mix
    • Strawberry Cake Mix
    • Pumpkin Morning Cake Mix
    • Pineapple Cake Mix
    • Vanilla Cake Mix
    • Vanilla Bean Pound Cake Mix
    • Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
    • Double Chocolate Chip Brookie Mix

    Fun fact: Their cookies are so popular for holiday entertaining, that the siblings call them the “comeback cookies,” because anyone who buys them comes back for more.


    For foodies who want to explore Phyllis Ann’s more extensive line, they also offer breading mixes, Willie Roy’s Southern Chicken Fry Mix, Willie Roy’s Southern Fish Fry, seasoned rice collection, pancake and waffle mix, seasonings, and seasonal products.

    About Phyllis Ann’s Family Recipes

    Phyllis Ann Carter has been creating her famous homemade dishes and desserts for her family for decades. In 2020, her children decided it was time to share their mother’s beloved recipes with the world. Since, Katherine, Tanikia, Rodrigues, and Antonio have built Phyllis Ann’s Recipes into a booming food brand, selling at their Columbus, OH storefront and online at thephyllisannbrand.com. The company offers 38 SKUs of delectable, boxed dishes and seasonings, based on homemade recipes, that are convenient and easy to make. Bring delicious meals from Phyllis Ann’s kitchen to yours. For more info, please visit  www.thephyllisannbrand.com.

  • Books,  food,  San Diego

    Dr. Wendie Trubow Offers Healing Food Recipes to Rejuvenate, Recharge and Detox During the Holidays

    The holiday season is traditionally a time for celebration, family gatherings, and indulging in delicious feasts. However, it’s also a period when many people tend to overindulge in unhealthy foods and drinks, leaving them feeling sluggish and less than their best. Dr. Wendie Trubow, MD, renowned wellness expert and physician and author of Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great, and Feel Freaking Amazing, has tips, advice, and recipes to help us get through the holidays and feel great.
    Dr. Trubow’s detox philosophy and recipes provide a structured and comprehensive approach to detoxifying the body and mind, allowing us to enjoy the holidays without compromising our health. The program and recipes in her book are designed to promote increased energy levels, mental clarity, and a sense of rejuvenation.
    “I understand that the holiday season can be a difficult time to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” says Dr. Trubow. “I wrote my book to empower individuals to make positive choices, enjoy the holidays, and enter the new year feeling revitalized and ready to tackle their health goals.”
    Dr. Wendie Trubow, MD, MBA, IFM Certified Practitioner is passionate about helping women optimize their health and lives as a gynecologist.  Through her struggles with mold and metal toxicity, Celiac disease, and other health issues, Wendie developed a deep sense of compassion and expertise for what her patients are facing.  She is regularly featured on MindBodyGreen and Huffington Post websites, an accomplished speaker and previously had her own television program.  She is on the faculty of 4AM and a speaker for their conferences as well as other national societies.  To learn more about Dr. Trubow visit Home | Five Journeys.
    To get through the holidays, try these detoxing recipes: Recipes and photos may be reprinted with the following credit: Recipe(s) and photo(s) reprinted with permission from  Dirty Girl: Ditch the Toxins, Look Great and Feel  by Dr. Wendie Trubow and Ed Levitan / Lioncrest Publishing
     
    Detox Smoothie
    1 Serving
    Start your day with this fresh and delicious smoothie.
    AIP, Candida Friendly, Dairy Free, Detox Friendly, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Low FODMAP,
    Low Sugar, Nut Free, Paleo, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Sugar Free, Vegan, Whole 30
    Ingredients
    Juice of ½ lemon, or 1 lime
    1 cup arugula, baby kale, or other leafy green of choice
    ⅓ of an avocado
    1 small bunch of cilantro or other herb of choice
    ¼ inch piece of peeled ginger
    1 cup frozen organic berries
    1-2 scoops of protein or Vital Proteins collagen powder
    1 cup coconut water
    1+ cup of dairy free milk or water, as needed to thin the mixture (you can also add ice to thicken the mixture)
    Preparation:
    Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender, and blend on high until everything is smooth and blended. Enjoy!
    Tip
    Make smoothie cubes by skipping the extra water or dairy free milk and pour the finished mixture into a silicone ice cube tray. Freeze for at least 4 hours. Now you have smoothie cubes you can use to blend in the morning with 1 cup
    of dairy free milk or water to make your morning routine a lot easier!
     
    Cucumber Roll Ups
    6 Servings
    This dish makes for a great holiday party appetizer.
    AIP, Candida Friendly, Dairy Free, Detox Friendly, Egg Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Keto, Kid Friendly, Low Sugar, Nut Free, Paleo, Peanut Free, Soy Free, Sugar Free, Vegan, Whole 30
    Ingredients:
    3 medium cucumbers
    ½ cup guacamole or mashed avocado
    ¼ cup parsley or cilantro, or other fresh herb of choice
    ½ cup shredded carrots
    ½ cup shredded red cabbage
    Coconut aminos or tahini for dipping
    Optional protein: Organic sliced tofu or slices of meat of choice
    Toothpicks
    Preparation:
    Start by using a mandolin or vegetable peeler to slice long-wise, a long strip of cucumber about 1/4 inch thick and lay flat on a plate or tray. Do this with all of the cucumbers, leaving the hard/thick skin ends out.
    Once you have all the cucumber strips, pat them on both sides with a paper towel to drain excess moisture.
    On top of each cucumber strip, lay out the mashed avocado or guacamole in a thin layer as the base. Now start laying
    the other toppings in an even layer over the avocado, leaving the protein for last.
    Once the layers are done, start slowly rolling the cucumber up with the filling and place a toothpick in the entire roll
    up to hold it together.
    Place on a plate with your dipping sauce of choice on the side and enjoy!