whole 30 – Raising Jordans

{Vegan + Paleo} Smoothie Bowls

January 22, 2016

My mom came to visit in December toting a hometown favourite, granola from Pure Vanilla Bakery & Cafe. I have ample warm, fuzzy, soul-filling memories in their cafe; from coffee dates with my mom to sitting on their patio with three of my nearest, dearest education friends, dreaming about our futures. So their granola is a little taste of home every time. I decided to flex some creative muscles in how to make the most of my coveted granola; yogurt and granola just isn’t good enough. Instead I whipped some smoothie bowls, whcih were fast, simple and perfect. They’re also whole 30, paleo and vegan approved. Enjoy! Continue reading “{Vegan + Paleo} Smoothie Bowls”

A Whole 30 Friendly, Paleo Vegetable Frittata

December 9, 2015

Here is another gem from our Christmas Brunch. In January some of you may be doing the Whole 30 challenge. I know a lot of us at Crossfit NYC will be. To learn more about the Whole 30 challenge head over the CF NYC website where they break it all down for you. It is worth exploring. If you decide to jump on board, we have a a few Whole 30 approved recipes to help you with your clean eating mission. This savory frittata is yet another fast, easy meal that is also whole 30 friendly. It doesn’t look like much but it requires minimal hands-on prep time. It has a pretty easy clean up making it is perfect for busy New Yorkers. Enjoy and good luck to all the Whole 30ers out there 🙂 Continue reading “A Whole 30 Friendly, Paleo Vegetable Frittata”

Creamless Cream of Vegetable Soup

November 13, 2015

We have been busy travelling, renovating, working and scheming. New York City is always a rush, but it feels as if life whizzing by with even greater fervor in the last few months. However, it is been all been the best kinds of busy. Our days have been brimming with birthday celebrations, weekend escapes, social events, holidays and long adventures. Tomorrow we set off with a few of our nearest and dearest for nine days in Costa Rica. We are living life and living it to the full. In the face of all the crazy, we are fulfilled and we are happy. That being said we have been mindful to take few moments to slow down and home cook some good, hearty fall meals. Which brings me to today’s newest recipe for a creamless creamed soup. It is fast and it is tasty. Enjoy, and happy fall all! Continue reading “Creamless Cream of Vegetable Soup”

Sweet Potato, Cauliflower And Buffalo Chicken Casserole

November 4, 2015

This is a fast, but flavorful Paleo meal for a busy work night. It takes some time to roast but requires very little hands on time. This dish is flexible and tastes great if you skip the chicken and go vegan. If you are adhering strictly to the traditional Whole 30 by steering clear of yams, you can forgo them and add some extra cauliflower. Continue reading “Sweet Potato, Cauliflower And Buffalo Chicken Casserole”

Paleo Tuna Salad

May 28, 2015

The weather is warming up, and my desire to turn on my oven is going way, way, way down. I love this time of year. Summer in NYC is arguably my favourite seasons in the city. During the summer months, so many organizations (like Lululemon or Athleta) begin hosting free events, to keep you busy, active and outside. I love it! For example, yesterday was the start of the summer season of free yoga in Bryant Park (thanks yoga journal) which got me hot, sweaty and home late. So when I stumbled through my door I wanted something quick, cool and nutritious to fuel my newly limber body. This recipe for Paleo Tuna Salad takes under 10 minutes to prep (and consume if you are anything like Jameson or I) which was exactly what I was looking for. This fast, inexpensive meal is not only a great post-work out pick me up but also an exemplary addition to your summer picnic basket. Enjoy! Continue reading “Paleo Tuna Salad”

Canadian Thanksgiving: Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey

November 18, 2014

Canadian Thanksgiving has come and gone, but luckily we Canadians live in America so we still have American Thanksgiving to look forward to. This recipe for Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey is my go-to for any meal intended to feed the masses. We hosted Canadian Thanksgiving a few weeks back where this dish was the main attraction. Next week, we will be cooking another bird for friends who remain in the city for American Thanksgiving, where again this recipe will take center stage. This non-traditional approach to prepping a turkey leaves you with a moist, succulent and flavorful meat that is always a hit. So be prepared to hide any remnants you want to keep for leftovers during your feast otherwise you may be disappointed to find nothing left once your guests depart. This thanksgiving we hope you enjoy your turkey, but most important savor those you share it with. Continue reading “Canadian Thanksgiving: Pomegranate-Blueberry Glazed Roast Turkey”

Canadian Thanksgiving: (Vegan/ Gluten-Free) Curried Coconut Yam Casserole

November 3, 2014

Another treat from our Canadian Thanksgiving feast. Again, this vegetable accompaniment is a staple for large gatherings in our home. Actually, this dish extends well beyond our dinner table as it is my go-to dish when asked to bring something to my Aunt’s family meals. You may recall that my aunt is one hardcore host, and that the meals she crafts are bar none. In my family, once married along with your nuptials comes the responsibility of bringing an item to the table to share. One best bring their A-game if they want to fit in with the rest of the exceptionally talented family members whose food never ceases to amaze. On my first married Christmas Eve, I was asked to bring yam casserole. It seemed easy enough. Although, I am not a very conventional girl so I didn’t want my dish to merely be the standard marshmallow topped, overly sweet, candy-esque variation of this dish. So I began playing around with flavors and spices. Truth be told my first version of this side dish had orange juice and it was thoroughly underwhelming. It wasn’t awful but it wasn’t great either. However, by the time Easter rolled around I had refined my recipe and this truly awesome vegan, gluten and sugar-free casserole was born. So enjoy the fruits of my labour and have a happy celebration with those you love most. Continue reading “Canadian Thanksgiving: (Vegan/ Gluten-Free) Curried Coconut Yam Casserole”

Canadian Thanksgiving: Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Pear

October 14, 2014

We all know how much I love to host, and that I jump at any opportunity to fill my home with those I cherish most. So needless to say I wrangled 15 of my nearest and dearest to come celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving with us. Since moving to NYC I have only gotten more patriotic so naturally I love showcasing some of our Canadian culture (even if Canadian thanksgiving is merely a carbon copy of the American version save for the pilgrims and Plymouth rock). This year we were so, so fortunate to have two very exceptional Canadians in town visiting, bringing the Canadian representation up to five speculator people. We love guests, and getting a chance to connect with Rachel and Courtney was a real treat (thanks guys for playing with us!)

We had an amazing time eating ourselves into a turkey coma while savoring the exceptional company. Now undertaking an entire turkey feast is always a touch daunting because I have spent every Thanksgivings at an my aunt’s home. So this year not only was I longing to be there to snuggle all the new babies, but I was very rightfully concerned that my meal just wouldn’t be up to snuff. That woman knows how to host something fierce, and so the bar of excellence has been set high.

However, I managed to pull out a meal that was lauded by everyone. Not only was everyone angling for seconds (the highest form of praise) but is was a super healthy supper that met all the varying dietary needs of our beautiful guests. As such, most of the dishes were either vegan, paleo or gluten free. I will be be sharing a bunch of these recipes over the course of the next few days and weeks (some Americans you can steal them for your approaching Thanksgiving feasts). Furthermore, I would also like to give myself some self praise in that this was the first time I tackled homemade bread and cheese cake without my Kitchenaid mixer (which is safely stowed in storage back home) which is no easy feat. This whole meal was prepared from scratch the tech-free, old school way. So needless to say I got my upper body workout in. Overall the meal was a success, but by far the brightest part of the evening was being surround by our New York family. Although it didn’t completely erase my homesickness for those back home, at least my heart and home was filled with so much love nevertheless. Continue reading “Canadian Thanksgiving: Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Ginger and Pear”

Vegetable and Mango Curry with Basil-Ginger Quinoa

September 8, 2014

The new job is keeping me quite busy (and I am loving every second). The work is challenging and stimulating and exciting all at the same time. I am however still getting into a new life rhythm that juggles career, meal prep, exercise and cherished time with those who make my world go round. That being said by the end of my work day I am ravenous, thus resulting in a mad rush to prep, cook and get a healthy, mindful meal on the dinner table pronto. This curry accomplished just that. On top of the efficiency of this dish, is the added bonus there is still enough left over after dinner to pack up for lunch the following day (even for Jay and I who are notoriously large eaters). That being said, the hands down best aspect of this meal is it’s versatility. So regardless of the dietary restriction you adhere to you will be able to whip up a version that will leave you satisfied (and your house smelling simply delicious). So put away your seamless order, this curry is something you can handle yourself.

Continue reading “Vegetable and Mango Curry with Basil-Ginger Quinoa”

Roast Chickpea and Cauliflower Salad with a Dijon Lime Vinaigrette

April 24, 2014

I love the suburbs (not that this is news to any of you). To take our uncool points to the next level, not only do I love suburbs but I adore small, university towns because I really, really, really like school. We Jordan’s make a point to stop at iconic college campuses wherever we go (even if it requires three extra tolls and an hour and a half detour on our Trans American road trip). So on Tuesday when Jay had a site visit to Connecticut I couldn’t stop myself from tagging along for the night to explore the picturesque Yale campus. With it’s cherry blossoms, crooked streets and ancient architecture it was nothing short of adorable. Add to our adventure that we stopped in Darien, CT, which easily could be described as the loveliest small town in America, and I would say it was a trip worth making.

Before we set out I had two meetings and a class to attend, which left little time to cook dinner. So in light of our pending getaway I kept dinner simple with this delicious, warm salad. Besides a little chopping of the cauliflower, radishes and avocado, the hands on time is minimal. So enjoy this fast, light spring dinner because this gem is not your traditional, mild mannered spinach salad.