Cauliflower Soup (Whole 30)

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Hello soup season! This time of year, if it’s served in a bowl, I’m game. Some of my favorite soups include this one, this one and this one. This cauliflower soup is simple, but real good. It resembles potato soup, but a little healthier for you. Not to mention whole 30 compliant and vegan depending what type of broth you use!

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Ingredients:
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 yellow onion, roughly chopped
4 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
2 heads of cauliflower, cut into florets
32 oz cups of chicken, veggie or brone broth (TJ’s is now selling this and I love it)
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
*½ cup coconut cream from coconut milk (the thick stuff from the top of the coconut milk can - do not shake!)
chopped green onions, cayenne and olive oil for garnish

Directions:
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper. Sauté until the onions are cooked down and translucent. 

Add the cauliflower florets to the pot and pour in the broth. Turn the heat to medium and cover the pot. Let simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. It’s done when the cauliflower is fork tender. Using an immersion blender or food processor, puree the soup until very smooth. An immersion blender is ideal, but if you are using a food processor, puree in 2 to 3 batches to avoid an extreme mess. (I know this because I do not have an immersion blender, and while the processor worked, it was messy).

After pureed, pour back into your soup pot unless you used an immersion blender. Whisk in the coconut cream. Add a pinch more of salt and pepper to taste. If the soup is too thick you can add a bit more broth. 

Serve with a garnish of chopped green onions, a pinch of cayenne and a fancy drizzle of olive oil. A little cheddar cheese or crispy bacon bits would be great too to resemble potato soup! Great by itself but would also be great with a piece of crusty bread or a kale salad on the side. 

*Grocery stores sell "coconut cream," DON'T buy that. Buy regular coconut milk in a can. Do not shake the can of coconut milk. Open with a can opener and scoop out the thick cream from the top. Discard the rest. 

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Annie

Lite Bite: Watermelon & Heirloom Tomato Salad

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Summer BBQ, party or potluck? Look no further than this recipe. I have a thing for watermelon feta salads because I actually already have two (here and here) recipes on my site, but this one. THIS ONE!!

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Watermelon & Heirloom Tomato Salad

Ingredients:
1/2 medium seedless watermelon, cut into small cubes
16 oz mini heirloom tomatoes (found at Trader Joe's), sliced in half
8 oz feta cheese block, cut into small cubes
olive oil
balsamic vinegar
flakey salt and fresh crackd pepper
small bunch of fresh basil

Directions:
In a large bowl gently toss cubed watermelon, cubed feta and sliced mini tomatoes. Drizzle over olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Not too much, you can always add more later. Sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper and maldon salt if you have it. Any flakey salt will do. Tear the basil over the top. Tear instead of cut. Tearing will lend to better overall flavor and not brown the basil! Toss gently again and sprinkle a bit more salt, pepper and basil over the top to serve!

P.S. this makes great leftovers and is wonderful paired with grilled chicken (seen below).

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Bites of My Life

May, my favorite month! May means April is over (a commonly busy/stressful month for me), summer is on the horizon, temperatures finally start acting like the time of year it is, and it's my birthday month!

Two very busy back to back weeks and weekends are over. They were fun and rewarding, but I'm glad to have those two stressful, busy, and tiring weeks behind me. Now I'm just looking forward to enjoying the summer-like temperatures, the relaxed vibe this time of year brings and especially looking forward to a bachelorette party in Austin this weekend for my Staysh girl and then some celebrating of my favorite momma for Mother's Day!

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-New "Lite Bite" post! Thai Chicken Lettuce Boats. 
-On an avocado toast KICK! Current version is smashed avocado with Trader Joe's Everything But the Bagel seasoning on a piece of Dave's Killer Bread Cinnamon Raisin. The sweetness of the bread totally works and compliments the avocado. 
-All kinds of new dishes coming to The Jones Assembly menu. Somehow getting to taste, photograph and give my feedback on the dishes is included in my job title. Not sure how I got so lucky. On that note, I also just celebrated my 2 year anniversary with the best company around!
-Current protein shake crush: frozen pineapple, frozen cauliflower, ginger, avocado (for creaminess), vanilla protein powder and coconut water.
-5 o'clock at the oasis (name that show) aka mom and dad's backyard.
-Winning combo for weekend mornings. Arbonne detox tea and NEW gold gel eye masks. 
-Can't do wedding dance floors without these two. 
-#FiestaDeFranklin.
-Love getting to be this chick's aunt!

Annie

Bites of My Life

Dang that week went fast, anyone else? Despite the days seeming longer with more sunlight in the evening, they still went by fast. I felt like i consistently looked at my watch one minute and it was 10AM then 2 minutes later it was 5PM. Energized by coffee, good eats, and a new workout routine with sis and Elle (we have started down the BBG rabbit hole, followed by walks with the almost 8 month old), all of a sudden it was the weekend. A weekend well spent with friends and lots of green. St. Patrick's Day is a pointless holiday that is way too fun to celebrate. I'm now exhausted from the fast and fun week and trying to slow my way into Monday mayhem.

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-Because of The Morning Breath, also seen on Shark Tank, I discovered Super Coffee. Shortly after being intrigued by the product and the three brothers behind it, I got in touch to get my hands on some. Just getting started on the East Coast, hopefully Super Coffee will be in midwest stores soon, but for now you can order online. 
-3 ingredient healthy brownies using Brandless' box brownie mix! Recipe in my "bites" insta highlight. Just make sure to use the fresh ground almond butter you make at the store!*
-Banana split sans ice cream. 
-Morning walks with Elle are becoming a thing and I'm l-o-v-ing it!
-A v successful pizza night, all tips and tricks learned from Gaby!
-Pre-green beer brunch at The Jones!
-Matching outfits and drinks this St. Patrick's Day. 
-If you know, you know. 
-Sweet and savory combo that I keep coming back too. AB, almond and cinnamon on one rice cake, and mashed avo with Everything But the Bagel seasoning on the other. 

Annie

Lite Bite: Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake

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Cherry Vanilla Protein Shake
serves 1

Ingredients:
2 scoops Arbonne Vanilla Protein Powder
1 tsp. Arbonne Fiber Boost
1/2 cup frozen cherries
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
shake of cinnamon
1/2-1 cup almond milk
handful of ice

Directions:
Blend items together. Serve with an extra frozen cherry. #cherryontop!