Caramelized Leek + Avocado Cornbread

Over the past year or so I've been having digestive issues, this phenomena has led me to a wide range of research on what's best for digestion, stomach bacteria, good combinations, and so on and so on.... Needless to say at this point I feel as if I'm an expert on that terrainium that is our tummies. It is obvious that fruits and veggies are good for our tummies as well as ginger, but some lesser known fabulous foods for keeping your gut happy are olive oil, garlic, onion, fennel, fermented veggies, baking soda, mint, and leafy greens.

As this topic has been consuming my being I have decided to up my intake of onion, garlic, and olive oil; which (of course) had me brainstorming recipes to test out and share with you all. My first attempt was the Lemon Fennel Quinoarotto recipe from a few weeks back. Filled with lots of onions and fennel healthy and delicious.  My next challenge was what could I concoct for breakfast or snacks that would follow these same principles? And so the Carmelized Leek, Garlic, + Avocado Cornbread was born!

As an extra treat I cut them in 1/2 an topped with additional leeks and sea salt. They turned out so flavorful and delicious, and the best part is everythin is natural (and not that I'm into it, but...) and also gluten free!

Directions:
1. Caramelize 1/4 leek (mostly the white) + garlic.
2. Pre-heat oven to 350'
3. Mash the avocado.
4. In one bowl combine all the ingredients, I started with the dry ingredients, added leeks, oil, avocado, then water. However, I don't think the order matters much
5. Spray muffin tins (or use paper jackets) and fill with the mixture.
6. Bake for 20 minutes at 350'
7. In the mean time caramelize the other 1/4 leek (mostly the green part) and use as topping for a fancy little snack.
8. Remove from oven + enjoy


Yield: 6 muffins or 1 small pan

Tips: They came out perfectly crumbly, I would add more water, egg, or applesauce to improve the consistency and make it more cakey if thats you're preference.
For a sweet version try my Banana Corn Muffins

Enjoy!

-Nelli

Leaf Inspired Pus

I've said it before but I'll say it again inspiration can really be found anywhere at any time, if you only keep your eyes + mind open. A few weeks ago as I was sitting in my backyard + I happened to notice this big leaf was kind of shaped like something. Call me crazy but when I saw this leaf it instantly looked like an octopus wearing an old scuba diving mask. Random I know. I knew right then I needed to feed this inspiration + decided to grab my sketchbook + markers + started working on this piece right then. A lot of the time I feel like some of my pieces don't come out as I imagined them in my head, + this piece was no different but I'm still happy with the way it turned out :) 

Titled: "I Have No Idea"Medium: Prisma Markers 

Until next time friends....Cheers!! 

<3 Noonie 

Kaffee in Berlin

Berlin Coffee, like food, is up to par with NYC quality and prices. Coffee is a "hip" commodity and all the coffee shops have gourmet pastries. This meant I had to try something at each! Also, if you're vegan or dairy free Berlin has soy offerings for you. I'm not, but I like to switch back and forth between milk and soy. Coffee was good, and pastries were better!

The Barn | Flat White + Scone + Flapjack | Mitte

As I conducted my coffee research The Barn continuously popped up, and luckily it was located only a few blocks from my hostel. Keeping with my love of Flat Whites I snagged one here. I also grabbed a flapjack for breakfast which is equivalent to a hommade granola bar beware these are filling! My friend grabbed a raisin scone which was the perfect consistency! 

Espresso Ambulanz | Soy Macchiato | Mitte

This little place has a nice ambiance and the barista was very sweet. With your drink every patron gets a little treat. Mine was a little brownie.

Zeit Fur Brot | Soy Cortado + Laugencroissant | Mitte

I'd been reading about laugencroissants for weeks and couldn't wait to try one! Zeit Fur Brot was "the bakery" to have them at, so when I Rome.... This treat was delicious!!!!!! 1/2 croissant 1/2 pretzel I was in complete heaven with 2 of my favorite baked goods in one! My friend got a chocolate pastry which was equally as delicious. The coffee here was not my preferred, but then again they are a bakery and known for their baked goods which (again) are fantastic!

Koffain | Soy Gaelo | Kreuzberg

This drink is similar to a Cortado only in a taller glass. I had to try it as I'd never heard of it before. 

Five Elephants | Soy Cortado + Cheesecake | Kreuzberg

OMG one of the best cheesecakes I have ever had! Coffee was very good as well, but it's hard to focus on coffee with cheesecake this good!

In and outdoor seating and a cute little place. The owner was sweet and even made a special drink for my pal.

Cafe a | Soy Cappuccino + Blueberry Scone | Mitte

The cappuccino and pastry here were both good quality, however, nothing that  stands out in my mind. They do have other offerings including fresh fruits.

Einstein Coffee | Cortado | Everywhere - German Starbucks

This coffee did not warrant a photo, coffee was good for an "on the run" cup of joe, similar to a Starbucks. Avoid it if you can, but if you need your "fix" they will do the job.

A Moment to Ponder

A friend of mine that lives down in SoCal snapped this awesome photo + I wanted to share it with all of you! (With her permission of course) BIG thanks to the home girl Viki!! <3

Intriguing eh?? 

Until next time friends...Cheers!!

<3 Noonie