Brown Rice "Pita Chips"

-1 brown rice wrap, which can be purchased at Whole Foods or Trader Joe's

-1 TB Extra Virgin Olive Oil

-1 tsp. oregano

-1 tsp. crushed garlic or garlic powder

-salt and pepper to taste

1. Place wrap on small toaster oven baking sheet.

2. Pour olive oil onto the wrap, and other seasonings and spices as well, then spread all over evenly using a brush (or the smooth side of a spoon). 

3. Toast or bake the wrap on medium high, or until crispy. 

4. Let cool and break into square pita-sized pieces.

Enjoy as a side with a sandwich soup, or salad, or dip the chips in hummus/salsa...mmm! 

Power Protein Spinach Salad *Vegetarian

This salad is a perfect vegetarian dish for an energizing lunch or dinner. Enjoy by itself or with a glass of red wine and piece of toast! 

-1 cup baby spinach

-1/5 block of extra firm tofu, cooked* (*recipe for my Italian Herbed Style Tofu here)

-1/4 c chopped walnuts 

-1/2 small apple, chopped

-1/2 medium sweet potato

-1/4 c tomato, diced

-1 TB olive oil

-1 tsp. oregano

-1 tsp. basil

-fresh lemon juice, squeezed (for dressing, according to taste)

-salt and pepper

1. Cook tofu according to recipe and in the meantime, bake sweet potato in the oven, or cook in the microwave on high for approximately 5 minutes.

2. Mix together spinach, apple, tomato and walnuts in a salad bowl or dish.

3. Add cooked tofu and sweet potato. Finish the salad with the herbs, olive oil, lemon, salt and pepper drizzled on top according to taste!

Fall Spice Chocolatey Fruit Smoothie

I invented this smoothie this a.m. for breakfast because we were running low on food in n the fridge. I threw together a few ingredients, blended them up and voila: we have a perfect, rich 'n' flavorful smoothie for fall.

-1 cup light chocolate soymilk (or chocolate almond milk)
-1 medium banana

-handul frozen strawberries (about 1/2 cup)

-1 tsp. cinnamon

-1 TB flaxseed oil

-1 tsp. pumpkin spice (optional)

Blend all the ingredients together in a blender, making sure the frozen strawberries are well chopped and blended in. Pour into a glass and serve with a piece of toast, or take it on the go for a lovely headin'-to-work-treat : ) This smoothie is energizing and full of flavor, with an extra fall kick!

"Hi Rachel...I wanted to let you know I tried your fall choc. smoothie and it was amazing. I love flaxseed, so this is a great alternative to putting it in my yogurt. You have really great recipes."-Kelsey, 20

A Cup O' Tea: How to Make the Perfect Chai Tea Latte

You see it advertised all the time at Starbucks and other snazzy cafes: the infamous Chai Tea Latte. But there's no need to travel to a cafe and spend money, time and fuss to enjoy the same flavor you can at home!

Drink this alternative (yet just as delicious) beverage after dinner to end your meal with something sweet 'n' tasty, or cozy up with this delicious cup o' tea any time you need to warm up. Alas, the simple recipe for a perfect fall drink...enjoy!

-1 cup light organic vanilla soy milk (use plain if you don't have vanilla)

-1 tsp. cinnamon

-1 tsp. nutmeg

-1 black tea bag (green works as well!)

1. Microwave the milk in a microwave safe mug for 1 1/2 minutes.

2. Seep the tea bag in the milk for 2 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like your tea.

3. Stir in the nutmeg and cinnamon. . . enjoy : ) (Really it's as easy as 1, 2, 3!)

"Heyyy girl!! i just wanted to tell you that i used your chai tea recipe and it's amaazinnngg! I was slowly going broke from buying them at Starbucks all the time and now i dont have to ...so good! =)"-Meg, 22