Welcome!
I’m Eva Marie, a cook, traveler, and an integrative nutrition and brain health coach. This is my little nook where I share my recipes, travel experiences, and stories. I’m so glad you stopped by to have a look around.

Latest Blog Posts
Zucchini and Edamame Salad
Some dishes are so fresh and bright that they taste like summer, and this Zucchini and Edamame Salad is one of those. And just like summer, the beauty is in the ease and simplicity – it can be thrown together in minutes!
This time of year, gardens and markets are overflowing with zucchini, and everyone is trying to figure out what to do with them. You can stuff them, slice them, sautΓ© them, and grill them, but why not keep things cool, healthy, and delicious? Most of us don’t think of eating zucchini raw, but fresh, uncooked zucchini shaved into thin ribbons has a delicate and crisp taste.
Tomato Shallot Confit with Whipped Ricotta
Our Saturday ritual consists of a walk to our local farmersβ market, and coffee and breakfast at a favorite restaurant. I often find that the farmers’ market dictates our menu for the week, with the lush fruits and veggies in season inspiring me. This Tomato Shallot Confit with Whipped Ricotta is no exception.
Small Batch Garlic and Dill Refrigerator Pickle Recipe
A quick and easy recipe for small batch garlic and dill refrigerator pickles. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes!
Healthy and Delicious Southwest Taco Salad
Discover the health benefits of our Southwest Taco Salad! Packed with nutritious ingredients, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for maintaining peak brain and body performance.
Lemon Ginger Scone Recipe: A British Tea-Time Treat
Discover the perfect Lemon Ginger Scone recipe inspired by my London days. Enjoy the burst of lemon and ginger flavors wrapped in a buttery, cloud-like scone.
Nectarine and Orange Salad: A Refreshing Summer Recipe
The vibrant colors and flavors of the season are everything I want on my plate on these hot summer days, and this Nectarine and Orange Salad delivers those healthy and tasty vibes in spades. It’s a beautiful salad with sliced nectarines, oranges, red onion, goat cheese, and pumpkin seeds.
Healthy Choices

Spring Recipes
Summer Salads

Roasted Pepper, Artichoke and Cannellini Bean Salad
Life at my day job as a Realtor has been roller-coaster of changes by the hour since our town has gone into lock-down mode. I had a conversation with a friend that personified all that is and will be so challenging during this period. We are all concerned about...
Arugula, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad
This is a nutrient dense salad made with spicy arugula, sweet potato, quinoa (a complete vegan protein), and dried cranberries. I like to serve it on individual plates but you can also toss all of the ingredients into a large bowl and serve it family style.
Roasted Squash, Red Onion and Pomegranate Salad
The quiet was as soft as could be, with only the occasional sound of the kitty's paws padding along the wood floors, so it was a perfect morning to spend a little extra time curled up in bed with the fireplace and a steaming latte warming me up. Outside, the snow was...
Nicoise Salad
The Nicoise Salad is one of the great French culinary concoctions. It is simple, fresh tasting, and a nutritiously power-packed dish.Β It is a wonderful salad to make for a buffet table or pot-luck, as it allows people to take the ingredients that suite their particular diets and preferences.
Potato Asparagus Salad
A delicious and healthy potato and asparagus salad with a great mix of veggies, fresh herbs and a savory vinaigrette spiked with some lemon zest to give it a little pop of unexpected citrus.
Heirloom Tomato, Peach and Burrata Salad
Often times nature gets it so right that doing less is more. This is definitely the case with summer vine ripened tomatoes, fresh peaches, just picked basil leaves and local or garden grown greens. There is no need for dressing other than a sprinkle of fine quality...
Sweet Cherry Arugula Salad
Sweet juicy cherries are finally back in season and I couldnβt be happier. I keep a bowl of these ripe organic gems out where I can graze on a few here and there throughout my day. Cherries pack a healthy punch, too. Here are some of the health benefits of eating...
Farmer’s Salad with Polenta Croutons
On a recent trip to Denver's Union Station, my mother-in law ordered a wonderful salad at Mercantile Dining and Provision. The ingredient that really stood out was the polenta croutons. I decided to create my own version of the croutons which would make a great change...
Romaine and Kale Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette
I needed to find a little slice of beach, some warm sand to dig my toes into and crashing waves at sunset. I wanted to trade in my ski gear for a cute bikini, one-piece and a soft towel to lay my head on. I love my Rocky Mountains and their majestic beauty, but I was...
While watching White Lotus last night, I had one of those βHey, Iβve been there!β moments as the yacht cruised through Ao Phang-Nga National Park in Thailand.
That trip all started with an unexpected wedding invitation. My husband and I looked at each other and asked, βIs there any reason we couldnβt go?β When neither of us could think of a single legitimate excuse, we just said, Letβs go!
That was the beginning of our βsay-yesβ phase. We embarked on a spectacular journey through Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Phuketβeach destination leaving its mark on us. We were captivated by the warmth of the people we met and their vibrant cultures, and the food at every stop was nothing short of extraordinary.
But it was that White Lotus momentβfeet dangling off the bow of the boat, Ric sitting behind me, and a lively, joyous crowd gathered on deck from all corners of the world to celebrateβwhen I leaned in and whispered, I canβt believe Iβm here.
Surrounded by such ethereal beauty, so far from home, it felt like a dream.
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#WhiteLotusVibes #TravelMemories #Wanderlust #TravelDiaries #ThailandTravel #PhuketAdventures #AoPhangNga #TravelInStyle #TravelGram #TravelAddict #seetheworldπβοΈβ€οΈοΈ

While watching White Lotus last night, I had one of those βHey, Iβve been there!β moments as the yacht cruised through Ao Phang-Nga National Park in Thailand.
That trip all started with an unexpected wedding invitation. My husband and I looked at each other and asked, βIs there any reason we couldnβt go?β When neither of us could think of a single legitimate excuse, we just said, Letβs go!
That was the beginning of our βsay-yesβ phase. We embarked on a spectacular journey through Tokyo, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Phuketβeach destination leaving its mark on us. We were captivated by the warmth of the people we met and their vibrant cultures, and the food at every stop was nothing short of extraordinary.
But it was that White Lotus momentβfeet dangling off the bow of the boat, Ric sitting behind me, and a lively, joyous crowd gathered on deck from all corners of the world to celebrateβwhen I leaned in and whispered, I canβt believe Iβm here.
Surrounded by such ethereal beauty, so far from home, it felt like a dream.
π΄π
#WhiteLotusVibes #TravelMemories #Wanderlust #TravelDiaries #ThailandTravel #PhuketAdventures #AoPhangNga #TravelInStyle #TravelGram #TravelAddict #seetheworldπβοΈβ€οΈοΈ
Here is a recipe my family has enjoyed for years. Weβve had a couple of bake-offs between nieces, with my grand-nieces adding their special touch, and they are a treat I love to bake around the holidays. The bonus is as they bake, they will fill your house with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and sugar!
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Recipe in profile
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#cinnamonbuns #cinnamonrolls #homebaked #homebaker #breakfastbuns #breakfastrecipes

Here is a recipe my family has enjoyed for years. Weβve had a couple of bake-offs between nieces, with my grand-nieces adding their special touch, and they are a treat I love to bake around the holidays. The bonus is as they bake, they will fill your house with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and sugar!
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Recipe in profile
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#cinnamonbuns #cinnamonrolls #homebaked #homebaker #breakfastbuns #breakfastrecipes
JalapeΓ±o cornbread has been a favorite in my kitchen for as long as I can remember. My love for it began as a child during visits to my Mexican grandmother in San Antonio. Itβs a versatile side dish or yummy eaten as is. Try it with anything BBQ, a bowl of hot soup, beans or spicy chili.
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Recipe in profile
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#easyrecipes #cornbread #jalapenocornbread #honeycornbread #breadmaking #mexicanfood

JalapeΓ±o cornbread has been a favorite in my kitchen for as long as I can remember. My love for it began as a child during visits to my Mexican grandmother in San Antonio. Itβs a versatile side dish or yummy eaten as is. Try it with anything BBQ, a bowl of hot soup, beans or spicy chili.
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Recipe in profile
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#easyrecipes #cornbread #jalapenocornbread #honeycornbread #breadmaking #mexicanfood
My take on the Macho Salad made famous by the Cherry Creek Grill in Denver.
Itβs the perfect dish to add leftover turkey or chicken to for a healthy and delicious meal, and itβs a great way to use up leftover cornbread, too. The cornbread croutons are everything.
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Recipe in profile
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#easyrecipes #healthyrecipes #plantbased #leftovers #leftoverrecipes #sexysalads #saladrecipes #cornbreadcroutons

My take on the Macho Salad made famous by the Cherry Creek Grill in Denver.
Itβs the perfect dish to add leftover turkey or chicken to for a healthy and delicious meal, and itβs a great way to use up leftover cornbread, too. The cornbread croutons are everything.
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Recipe in profile
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#easyrecipes #healthyrecipes #plantbased #leftovers #leftoverrecipes #sexysalads #saladrecipes #cornbreadcroutons
Birth, life, and death are everyday occurrences, yet they are mysterious and miraculous. I was born in the first week of November. Twenty-three years later, my son was born on my birthday. And this year, on that same day, my first grandchildβa baby girlβwas born.
The day of her birth, I was on pins and needlesβan emotional wreck, really. I worried about my daughter-in-law and the baby, hoping for their safety. I thought about the soon-to-be parents who would begin their next adventure in life with all the joy and challenges that come with it.
This holiday season has indeed been ushered in with the gift of life.
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Many years ago, my mother-in-law, Anna, taught me how to make apple pie, and it quickly became my sonβs favorite dessert.
We will spend Thanksgiving with the new family of three, and I plan to make this for our celebration. Over the years, Iβve made little changes to the recipe, creating a lighter and brighter version that suits my taste, but Annaβs inspiration is still at the heart of the recipe.
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Recipe in bio
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#family #birth #givingthanks #thanksgiving #thankgivingrecipes #applepie #applepierecipe #holidaydesserts #thanksgivingdinner #thanksgivingdesserts

Birth, life, and death are everyday occurrences, yet they are mysterious and miraculous. I was born in the first week of November. Twenty-three years later, my son was born on my birthday. And this year, on that same day, my first grandchildβa baby girlβwas born.
The day of her birth, I was on pins and needlesβan emotional wreck, really. I worried about my daughter-in-law and the baby, hoping for their safety. I thought about the soon-to-be parents who would begin their next adventure in life with all the joy and challenges that come with it.
This holiday season has indeed been ushered in with the gift of life.
πππ πππππππ
Many years ago, my mother-in-law, Anna, taught me how to make apple pie, and it quickly became my sonβs favorite dessert.
We will spend Thanksgiving with the new family of three, and I plan to make this for our celebration. Over the years, Iβve made little changes to the recipe, creating a lighter and brighter version that suits my taste, but Annaβs inspiration is still at the heart of the recipe.
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Recipe in bio
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#family #birth #givingthanks #thanksgiving #thankgivingrecipes #applepie #applepierecipe #holidaydesserts #thanksgivingdinner #thanksgivingdesserts
This is one of my favorite appetizers to serve around the holidays. Itβs easy to make, pretty and so delicious.
Need to make it in a hurry? Use a store bought puff pastry or ready made pie crust.
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Recipe link in profile.
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#applefenneltart #appletart #appetizerrecipes #applerecipes #fallrecipes #holidayrecipes #fennel #vegetarian #vegetarianrecipes

This is one of my favorite appetizers to serve around the holidays. Itβs easy to make, pretty and so delicious.
Need to make it in a hurry? Use a store bought puff pastry or ready made pie crust.
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Recipe link in profile.
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#applefenneltart #appletart #appetizerrecipes #applerecipes #fallrecipes #holidayrecipes #fennel #vegetarian #vegetarianrecipes
Another road trip, another recipe. This one is from years ago, but the sentiments are the same, and the Peach and Berry Crisp recipe is a yummy one.
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Recipe in profile.
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#PeachBerryCrisp #SummerDesserts #FruitCrisp #HomemadeDessert #SeasonalBaking #EasyRecipes #BakingFromScratch #FarmToTable #DessertLovers #FreshFruitDessert #cascais #estoril #lisboa #lisbon #expatineurope

Another road trip, another recipe. This one is from years ago, but the sentiments are the same, and the Peach and Berry Crisp recipe is a yummy one.
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Recipe in profile.
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#PeachBerryCrisp #SummerDesserts #FruitCrisp #HomemadeDessert #SeasonalBaking #EasyRecipes #BakingFromScratch #FarmToTable #DessertLovers #FreshFruitDessert #cascais #estoril #lisboa #lisbon #expatineurope
This August, we embraced the European tradition of going on a road trip. Our journey took us up the Portuguese coast to Porto, then to Bilbao, Bordeaux, and finally Madrid before returning to Lisbon.
This weekend weβre enjoying this Cowboy Coleslaw. It is loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like cabbage, carrots, edamame, black beans, corn, and onions, all tossed in a spicy chipotle dressing. Itβs fantastic layered on a sandwich for added flavor and crunch or served as a crisp side dish at barbecues and picnics. I also like it as a light vegetarian lunch.
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Recipe in profile.
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#chipotlecoleslaw #coleslawrecipe #bbq #sidedish #plantbased #healthylifestyle #healthymeals #vegetarian #bordeaux #madrid #bilbao

This August, we embraced the European tradition of going on a road trip. Our journey took us up the Portuguese coast to Porto, then to Bilbao, Bordeaux, and finally Madrid before returning to Lisbon.
This weekend weβre enjoying this Cowboy Coleslaw. It is loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like cabbage, carrots, edamame, black beans, corn, and onions, all tossed in a spicy chipotle dressing. Itβs fantastic layered on a sandwich for added flavor and crunch or served as a crisp side dish at barbecues and picnics. I also like it as a light vegetarian lunch.
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Recipe in profile.
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#chipotlecoleslaw #coleslawrecipe #bbq #sidedish #plantbased #healthylifestyle #healthymeals #vegetarian #bordeaux #madrid #bilbao