Elle Republic

Not only does this dish taste splendid, it’s perfect for when you are simply hungry and are craving something satisfying but don’t have the time (or energy) to cook! Other than preparing the pasta, there is no cooking involved in this dish. It’s a simple pesto that can be pulled together in minutes. For those of you that like canned tuna with pasta and the idea of cooking a quick...

I recently discovered that there is actually a term for people who follow a vegetarian diet 90% of the time (give or take) – it’s called “flexitarian”. Technically, flexitarian doesn’t actually even fall into any of the many “levels” of vegetarianism, or types of vegetarian diets, but it get an honorable mention -- a "very commendable, thanks for trying" type of mention. Like other "trying" types, I prefer a vegetarian diet...

Chia is an edible seed, belonging to the same family as mint, oregano and thyme, and comes from the desert plant Salvia Hispanica which is grown in Mexico. The use of chia seeds go back to Mayan and Aztec cultures - “Chia” meaning strength, has a history of being used an energy booster within these cultures. Chia seeds are an unprocessed, whole-grain food that can be absorbed by the body as...

As you know, I love anything green, delicious, and fresh. And because a large part of me also loves good ole comfort food, I am even happier when I can combine something like pasta with something healthy. Like this flavor bomb of a pesto. I mean who could say no to a bowl of arugula and basil pesto finished off with fresh zingy lemon, and then tossed with oh-so-treasured pine...

Berries with Vanilla Mascarpone Cream is definitely not a brand new discovery, but it is oh-my-goodness-how-could-something-so-simple-be-so-delicious good! What’s not to love about fresh summer berries and my secret dessert weapon - mascarpone. Naturally sweet, yet surprisingly light, buttery soft mascarpone cheese makes everything taste glorious (and with 1/2 the calories of butter, it’s not as bad you might think, plus who would ever think of being so self indulgent to...

Insalata caprese (meaning, the salad from Capri) is the perfect summertime dish. I first experienced how delicious mangos in a caprese salad could be while enjoying a Thursday night (a.k.a. "little Friday") get together with friends at a neighboring café that serves up authentic Italian slow food. Mango Insalata Caprese -- a perfect summer salad The great thing about this salad is that you can throw it together in minutes. Though,...