lazy summer treat

lately, I've needed to make some dietary changes for health reasons. instead of pouting about it (actually, I've already done plenty of that), I've sort of accepted the challenge and decided to get a little more creative. I have no particularly great talents in the kitchen, but I enjoy working with food. Most everything I make is simple and unoriginal. however, I figured it would be fun to share a few food things around here!  

creamy berry fro-yo (the easiest thing you'll ever do):

greek style coconut yogurt (dairy free)

plain yogurt (I've cut out dairy, but can tolerate a little sheep/goat milk yogurt)

10oz frozen strawberries

6oz frozen blackberries and blueberries

organic, raw honey/pure agave

raw almonds

vanilla

I use a vitamix and begin by adding the yogurt and frozen berries.

On level 6-7, blend until (mostly) smooth. A few large pieces are ok.

Add honey/agave and the vanilla to your liking. Blend for an additional 15 seconds.

Lastly, I like to add almonds or walnuts. Turn the vitamix to level 3, and allow to coarsely chop for a few seconds.

Pour into a freezer container and let it firm up for a few hours. 

I forgot to take pictures of the final product, but here are a few from my iphone of the taste test before the "firm up" in the freezer part (I couldn't wait). when scooped out after firm, the consistency is comparable to sherbet. in fact, I find it to taste like a creamier sherbet (tart), and I love the crunch of the almonds. 

does this taste like ice-cream? no

is it a refreshing treat? yes! 

have fun! you can add/change things around to your liking!

Lately

I love fall weather on the coast:)

...AWESOME sessions this week (I hope to get caught up on blogging soon!)...

....and...

a few night shots from around my hood...

looking forward to great family sessions and a wedding this weekend! I have (two) last minute slots open early next week if you're interested in a photo session. shoot me an email to book!

happy wednesday!

heaven.....if you're into that sort of thing.

yosemite is an incredible place.

i spent a few days there with my jaw on the floor.

holy jeepers....i can't even begin to describe such a sight.

a few trip highlights:

-looking/gazing/staring at half dome from the valley floor.

-mountain biking on trails, over bridges, by the river, to the lake....all of it. incredible. 

-my phenomenal plan to cross the river walking along the rocks. i fell in. fully clothed. (i'd like to note that my mishap turned into loads of fun. we stayed to swim and hangout on the bank with the view of a lifetime).

-observed a fellow visitor face 180 degrees away from half dome and exclaim "yeah, that's definitely half dome!"....towards a peak 1,000 times less great than the real thing (she wasn't looking at full dome either). i would give 1 million dollars to have a picture of aaron's face at that moment. 

-listening to the river at night/in the morning. ahhhh. i love it.

moral of the story, GO THERE. soon.