2015 Year in Review - Liv Life Top 10

Summarizing 02015 for a girlfriend, the year didn't seem to be one I wanted to recap.  She asked if I really wasn't going to write our annual Christmas Letter, something I've done with zeal for as long as I can remember, and I shook my head no.  Memories filled with emotion, hospitals and loss flashed through my head as tears pricked at the corners of my eyes.

But further reflection warmed my heart as I recounted successes experienced by my kids, the kindness of friends, warm days on the beach shooting sunsets, puppy kisses, and the love of my family.

And then there's Liv Life and the blog world I'm ever so thankful for.  Friends from around the world who touch my life with frequency and share my passion for food warm my heart even more.  Touching the life of people I've never met with a new recipe or health tip, or perhaps opening someones eyes to a new way of eating continues to ignite my passion to share.

While a holiday card didn't make it into the mail this year, I did take a peek at our 2015 stats out of curiosity and found this year's focus different than in years past.

Admittedly my focus on food and ingredients changed to a more healthy and mostly plant-based style last year, but we still brought tempting treats as well as a cocktail or two.  Amazingly, those cocktails and treats weren't the overwhelming popular posts as in prior years.  This year the posts that "went viral" included Green Tea and Marinated Sweet Peppers.  Gone were the Strawberry Margarita Tequila Shots, though the Margarita Roundup did have quite a run near Cinco de Mayo.
I'd like to think there is a healthy trend in the food world, but perhaps it's simply the change in my focus.  In any case, I can't thank you all enough for supporting Liv Life and continuing to feed my passion.  Each and every comment touches my heart and inspires me with renewed love and ideas.

So Cheers to a new year - hopefully one filled with health and happiness for all. And now we bring you the Liv Life Top 10 in 2015!

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11 ~ Vegan Vanilla Crispy Belgian Waffles

I know I said 10... but these Crispy Belgian Waffles sit at 11 and rank up there as on of our favorite recipes ever.  Oft requested by Liv and her girlfriends, I simply had to share again!

10 ~ Coconut Sweet Potato Soup with a touch of Lime 

A recent post that seemed to pique interest as the 2015 weather turned chilly, this sweet potato soup sings with a touch of lime.  Silky smooth with coconut milk, this warm weather soup transports you to the tropics when you close your eyes.

 9 ~ Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

Ice Cream... always a favorite in the Liv Life household and this coconut version is no exception.  Dairy-Free so everyone can enjoy - but your non dairy-free friends will never miss the heavy cream.  

8 ~ Grilled Corn California Mexican Quinoa

A homework project turned new favorite meal... I've never been so thankful Liv chose to take Spanish as when she needed a dish from a "Spanish speaking country" for her final project.  Putting our heads together we added some of our favorite ingredients including avocado, quinoa and lime, and then topped it all with a our favorite Lime Crema for the win.  And the bonus??  She got an A on the project.

7 ~ Almond Butter Chia Protein Balls

 Trying to heal while in the hospital with "hospital food" falls into the "not gonna happen" category.  So, when dad spent a few days recovering from knee replacement surgery last summer we brought in most of his food.  Tops on the list?  These protein balls he and his roommate dubbed "Awesome Balls"!

6 ~ Blueberry Banana Almond Smoothie

Blueberries, Bananas and Almond Butter... who knew the combo brings a concoction so heavenly no one will know it's healthy?!  A new Liv Life favorite, I feel good fueling Liv with antioxidant-rich fruits and a decent dose of protein.

5 ~ Not-so-classic Margarita Round Up

Ahhh... the classic margiarita!  A favorite of mine since my college days, but does it always have to be "classic"?  Apparently not - and we've brought 10 not-so-classic versions to tempt you.

3 ~ Classic Brownies with Maple Coconut Whipped Cream

Classic Brownies, a treat most people (especially me!) can't resist.  But how does one get that shiny crust on top??  We've got the secret with this classic recipe!

2 ~ Marinated Grilled Mini Sweet Peppers

 Simply marinated and then tossed on the grill, this easy appetizer ranks as a favorite just about everywhere we go.  Dipped into a zesty Balsamic Garlic Vinaigrette these cute little guys are practically irresistible.

1 ~ Green Tea with Ginger and Mint

 Who would have guessed a Green Tea Detox Drink would rank as our number one viewed post this year?  But with restorative health benefits, I can totally see why.  Lovely on a hot day but also perfect after a late night with perhaps a bit too much imbibing - Green Tea, Mint and Ginger are number one in our book.

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And there you have it!  Our 2015 year in review... and not such a bad year when I look back at these recipes that have become regulars in our kitchen.  Our heartfelt thanks for visiting Liv Life, and here's wishing you a wonderful and healthy 2016.

Cheers to you! 

Not Your Average Margarita... A 10 Not-So-Classic Margarita Recipe RoundUp

Picture this... 108ºF in the shade, sunset overlooking the pool, and a Classic Margarita shaken tableside, then poured over ice.  Does it get much better than that?  Made with just a few quality ingredients, it's my favorite Margarita memory and took place at the Border Grill in Las Vegas.

I'm a Classic Margarita Girl through and through, and I've been known to send a drink back after I've been told "Oh... you're going to love it!".  I tend to grill my servers before ordering explaining that I'm extraordinarily picky about my 'ritas -  I don't like sweet and actually tasting the tequila is a must.  It continually amazes me how hard it is to find one that lives up to its hype.

However on occasion, I do like to shake things up and work in a flavored Margarita.  And here I have a fabulous roundup of 10 "Not-So-Classic" Margaritas from some of the most amazing bloggers on the web.  You just may want to whip one up for Cinco de Mayo, a pool party, or maybe just because it's Saturday.

Which one is your favorite?  (Click the Margarita Titles to go to the recipes and let these bloggers know what you think!). 

Spicy Chili Pepper Mango Margarita

Pineapple and Coconut

Frozen Watermelon Margarita

Liv Life

Blackberry Lemonade Margaritas

Valerie's Kitchen

Low-Carb Margaritas

All Day I Dream About Food

Frozen Bahamarita

Cravings of a Lunatic

Blood Orange Margarita

The Housewife in Training Files

Chambord Margarita
Iowa Girl Eats

Mango Coconut Margarita
Snappy Gourmet

Paleo Margarita
A Girl Worth Saving

Margarita Lime Gelatin Shots
Liv Life

Chia Seed Round Up

Gone are the days of the quirky Chia Pet and here to stay is a healthy ingredient that seems to be finding its way into all facets of our diet.  From drinks to breads to super protein bars, chia boosts a recipe's nutritional value with a mere tablespoon or two.

Bursting with protein, calcium, fiber and potassium, chia swells with nutrition just like it swells to 10 times its own weight when added to liquid - it's gel-like qualities earn it a place in diets as an egg replacement and gelling ingredient for puddings, jams, etc.

Chia, the Mayan word for "Strength", was once a staple in the Incan, Mayan and Aztec times, and ranked in importance only behind corn and beans.  Sometimes even used as payment for taxes or offerings to the gods, chia also fed the people and provided nutrition and energy.

A potent little seed, 2-tablespoon of Chia contains 138 calories and 9 grams of fat along with a whopping 10 grams of fibre, 5 grams of protein and 18% of the daily value for calcium.  Also packed with omega-3's, chia provides more per ounce than flaxseed.  (sited from Food and Nutrition)

So... has chia found its way into your diet?  We've asked some friends from around the world for their favorite recipes and the scoured the web for even more recipes to increase your chia repertoire.  Which one is your favorite?

Chia Drinks
Chia Agua Fresca from girlichef

Chia Meyer Lemonade from Shockingly Delicious

Green Tea and Chia Energy Drink from In Sonnet's Kitchen
Banana, Chia and Spinach Smoothie from What's Gabby Cooking
Beet, Berry, Apple Chia Smoothie from The Roasted Root
Chia Fresca from Oh She Glows
Raspberry Lemonade Chia Drink from Busy Mommy
Pre-Workout Hydration Powerhouse from Walk, Jog, Run
Cherry Chia Seed Juice from Vibrant Wellness Journal
Apple Arugula Detox Drink from Liv Life
Chia Fresca from The Local Vegan

Sweet Chia Treats
Chia Cupcakes from grilichef
Chia Rice Krispie Treats from A Healthy Life for Me
Blood Orange Upsidedown Cake from Recipe Renovator

Ultimate Granola Cookies from An Edible Mosaic
Gluten Free Pie Crust from The Tomato Tart
Lemon Chia Protein Cookies from Amy's Healthy Baking
Chia Peanut Butter Cookies from Yummy Mummy Kitchen
Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies with Chia and Flax from Cooking Melangery
Banana Chia Bread from Savvy Naturalista
Mango Chia Pops from Jelly Toast
Whole Wheat Lemon Poppy Seed Bread with Chia from Joyful Healthy Eats

Chia Pudding
Coconut Almond Chia Pudding from Food Babbles
Vanilla Bean Chia Pudding from Frugal Foodie Mama
Dairy Free Chia Seed Pudding (with Coconut Milk) from Apron Strings
Bananas Foster Chia Pudding from Eats Well with Others
Vanilla Chai Chia Pudding from Blissful Basil
Orange Coconut Chia Pudding from Well Plated

Cranberry Pistachio Coconut Chia Pudding from Happy Food Healthy Life
Tropical Coconut Chia Pudding from Gourmet Innovations
Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding from Eats Well with Others
Lemon Raspberry Chia Pudding from The Healthy  Maven
Super Green Chia Pudding from Poppies and Papayas
Chunky Monkey Chia Pudding from Do you Even Paleo
Mint Chocolate Chip Chia Pudding from Fresh, Fit and Healthy
Cake Batter Chia Pudding from Edible Perspective
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Parfait from Vegan Yack Attack
Mango Chia Pudding from Ashley Neese
Coconut Pomegranate Chocolate Chia Pudding from Natural Chow
Sticky Bun Chia Pudding from I Heart Eating
Chocolate Chia Pudding from Liv Life

Protein and Healthy Chia Treats
Protein Packed Energy Bites from Tasting Page
DIY Protein Powder from Fork & Beans
Super Seed Bars from The Muffin Myth
Chocolate Chia Coconut Energy Bites from The Lemon Bowl
Apricot Cashew Granola Bars from Mariah's Pleasing Plates
No Bake Energy Bites from Cooking on the Front Burner
No-Bake Apricot Chia Energy Bars from Cupcakes and Kale Chips
Tropical Snack Bites with Almond and Chia from Two Healthy Kitchens

Chia for Breakfast
DIY Homemade Waffle and Pancake Mix from Liv Life
Blackberry Chia Seed Jam from Fork & Beans
Cranberry Chia Granola from 365 Days of Baking and More
Cranberry Vanilla Chia Jam from Liv Life
Raw Raspberry Vanilla Chia Jam from Shockingly Delicious

Coconut Cranberry Chia Granola from A Cedar Spoon
Strawberry, Blueberry,  Mango Chia Jam from Liv Life
Yogurt Breakfast Bowl from Diethood
Lemon Chia Seed Pancakes with Roasted Strawberries from Two Peas and Their Pod
Blueberry Rosemary Chia Seed Jam from Tasty Yummies
Coconut Strawberry Overnight Oats from Liv Life
Strawberry Banana Steel Cut Oats with Chia from The Lemon Bowl
Blueberry Buckwheat Chia Muffins from An Edible Mosaic
Blueberry Chia Jam from Liv Life
Paleo Granola from The Tomato Tart
Overnight Almond Oatmeal with Chia and Maple Syrup from Liv Life
Power Pumpkin Pancakes with Chia form Liv Life
Ancient Power Oatmeal with Chia, Walnuts and Flax from Liv Life

See also our book review from Mama Chia herself for The Chia Cookbook: Inventive, Delicious Recipes Featuring Nature's Superfood

Have more recipes to share?  Feel free to leave links in the comments below to help spread the chia love!

Liv Life Note:  This post contains an Amazon Affiliate link to the Mama Chia Cookbook... if you purchase through this post Liv Life receives a small commission (at not cost to you).  We thank you for your support!

Basic Roasted Burssels Sprouts and a Brussels Sprout Roundup

Tight, leafy mini cabbage-like buds, they're filled with nutrients like protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, and these little guys can also bring cholesterol lowering benefits.  Brussels Sprouts bring a whole slew of health benefits to your plate.

But, my family won't eat them.  Well, let me rephrase, my husband and kids won't eat them.  My dad has eaten them for as long as I can remember, but up until a few years ago I was in the same boat as my husband and kids. 

I vividly remember cringing at the smells coming from the oven when Dad roasted them.  I never tried a single bite, and vowed to never, ever try.

But I did try... last thanksgiving my girlfriend, Amy, made a basic roasted pan of brussels.  They didn't look so bad.  With just a little olive oil, butter, salt and pepper, they actually looked good.  And since she had been so nice to make them as she knew my dad liked them, it wouldn't have been polite not to try.

So I did... and I liked them.  My mom and dad liked them.  My neighbors liked them.  My husband and kids?  They didn't have an issue not being polite and passed with a "no thanks" as the bowl went around the table.

Since then I've made this basic recipe a number of times and finally convinced my husband to try.  He pierced one with his fork, popped it in his mouth and promptly said, "I know these are good for you, but isn't there a better way to make them?  Something with more... pizazz?"

Hence, our Brussels Sprout Roundup!  Who knew there were so many ways to make these little guys?  And there simply has to be at least one recipe here he will like.  Any thoughts on which one I should try for him first?

14 Brussels Sprout Recipes

plus a basic roasting recipe at the bottom

Maple, Balsamic and Lemon Brussel Sprouts

From The American Bite

Brussel Slaw with Tahini Dressing and Za'atar Crostini

From The Lemon Bowl

Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Dark Cherry Sauce

From An Edible Mosaic

Sauteed Brussel Sprouts and Butternut Squash Skillet

From The Housewife in Training

Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Goat Cheese and Almonds

From Food Faith Fitness

Salt and Vinegar Brussel Sprout Chips

From the Healthy Maven

Brussels Sprout Slaw

From Lexi's Clean Kitchen

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate

From The View From Great Island

 Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cilantro, Mint and Vietnamese Style Dressing

From Jeanette's Healthy Living

Brussels Sprouts and Leeks with Ginger Lime Butter

From American Heritage Cooking

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apple and Onion

From Jessica in the Kitchen

Brussels Sprouts Fontina Mac & Cheese

From Ari's Menu

Pear and Blue Cheese Brussels Sprouts

From The Cookie Rookie

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Basic Roasted Brussels Sprouts

A good way to introduce brussels to your family, this basic recipe is one of my favorite.  Easy to toss together and full of flavor with a touch of saltiness.

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Brussels Sprouts ~ about 1 - 1 1/2 cups or so

1-2 Tbs oil (we like avocado oil)

salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 400º.

Trim bottom of sprout (to trim off brown "stump") if desired.  Pull any loose or yellowed leaves from sprout, then cut the sprout in half.

Place sprouts onto a baking sheet and drizzle with oil.  Toss with your hands to coat, then sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Place sprouts into the oven and roast about 25 minutes.  I like my sprouts to be slightly crisp on the outside, but if you don't, remove them when they feel tender when pierced with a sharp knife.  Alternatively, leave in a bit longer for even crispier sprouts.  

Remove from oven and serve.

Liv Life Note:  I save the leftovers in a covered bowl in the fridge and like them cold right from the bowl the next day!

Liv Life Note 2:  I found that just a small amount of oil works for me... I have friends who prefer more oil and use up to a quarter cup per 1 1/2 cups of sprouts.  My girlfriend, Amy, also placed chunks of butter of the sprouts.

 

National Tequila Day… A little history and a tequila recipe round up

Seems every day these days is some sort of National Food Day, and I'm the first to admit that I don't really pay much attention.  However… National Tequila Day???  Totally caught my attention!

Being a "Margarita Girl" for some 20+ years I've had my fair share of the spirit, but as I've aged I've ditched the calorie-filled cocktails and simply stuck with pure, straight tequila.  Enjoying a bit of a bite and a squeeze of lime, I wouldn't call myself a tequila connoisseur but I've definitely improved my palate and I've come to appreciate tequila in all areas of cocktails and food.

Tequila's history dates to the 16th century, with roots back even further.  A decedent of Pulque - a beverage fermented by the Aztec's from the sap of the maguey plant and later the agave plant - and Mezcal (the first distilled beverage in North America), the concoction first went by the name of "Mezcal Wine" or "Agave Wine", finally taking on the name of a small town in Jalisco, Mexico - Tequila.

Distilled from the sap of the hearts of the blue agave plant, the first licensed manufacturer is a name most people will recognize, Jose Antonio Cuervo. Receiving the rights to cultivate an agave-filled parcel of land by the King of Spain, the rest is history.

By the mid 19th century Curevo's fields held some three million agave plants, and Cuervo was selling 10,000 barrels of tequila in Guadalajara alone. Cuervo is still one of the largest tequila manufacturers along with other familiar names including Srs. Herradura and Sauza.

Today tequila can be found at nearly any price point and has gained a somewhat trendy following leading many to ask the question "Is Tequila the new Vodka?".  With celebrity-owned tequilas ranging from Casamigos (George Clooney) to 901 (Justin Timberlake) to Cabo Wabo (Sammy Hagar), tequila seems to be on the road to even more popularity.

And now we celebrate July 24th, National Tequila Day!  What's your favorite brand, or do you have a favorite tequila recipe??  We'd love to hear your thoughts!!!

But... in case you're in need of a recipe we've got a few favorites in our National Tequila Day Roundup

Cheers!

Roasted Jalapeño and Pineapple Infused Tequila - Liv Life

Tequila Lime Watermelon Granita - Recipe Renovator

Strawberry Mango Tequila Sunrise - The Girls in the Little Red Kitchen

Triple Citrus Pomegranate Margaritas -  Spicy RD

Mango Coconut Margarita - Snappy Gourmet

Strawberry Margarita Punch - The Cookie Rookie

Champagne Margaritas - The Kitchen is my Playground

Mexican Martini - Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine

Strawberry Habañero Margaritas - Spabettie

Coconut Creamsicle Margaritas - DrinkedIN

Strawberry Mango Margarita -  Quarter Life Crisis Cuisine

Frozen Watermelon Margaritas - Liv Life

Super Skinny Margarita -  Family Fresh Meals

Mango Passion Fruit Margarita - Laylita's Recipes

Key Lime Raspberry Margarita - Culinary Concoctions by Peabody

Frozen Peach Margarita - Miss in the Kitchen

Spicy Cucumber Margaritas - A Cozy Kitchen

Colada Margarita - Cooking on the Front Burner

Rhubarb Paloma - The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen

Mango Strawberry Margaritas - Wine and Glue

Blueberry Lime Margaritas - Heather Christo

Layered Margarita Popsicles - The Cookie Rookie

Tropical Tequila Sunrise Popsicles -Real Food by Dad

Margarita Lime Jell-O Cubes - Liv Life

Ocean Margarita Jelly Shots - Delish

Strawberry Margarita Jell-O Shots - Liv Life

Mexican Coffee - Diethood

Margarita Cupcakes - Love From the Oven

Margarita Lime Sherbet - Around my Family Table

Margarita Lime Cheesecake - Liv Life

Watermelon Margarita Cupcakes - Cooking with Curls

Frozen Margarita Lime Pie - Liv Life

Margarita Hint-of-Lime Cupcakes with Margarita Buttercream -  The Kitchen is my Playground

Margarita Cookies with Salty Sweet Tequila Glaze - Love From the Oven

Roasted Tomatillo and Avocado Salsa - Recipe Renovator

Tequila Lime Chicken Fajitas - Persnickety Plates

Girls Night Guacamole - Love From the Oven

Tequila Lime Fruit Salad - Taste of Home

Honey Lime Tequila Shrimp Tacos - Tartine and Apron String

Tequila Lime Fish Tacos - Love and Lemons

Mole Chicken Wings with Tequila Lime Marinade - Eat the Love

Tequila Lime Flank Steak Fajitas - How Sweet it is

Tequila Lime Shrimp and Quinoa Salad - Iowa Girl Eats