Marissa Vicario

Recent Blog Posts

Inspired by Pesto

The one thing that inspires me beyond all measure to cook, is when I find a great recipe that, with a few tweaks, can become a healthier, vegan version of the same thing. Another dirty, little secret is that I can often be found tearing pages out of magazines -- a cute pair of shoes, inspiring quotes, web sites to check out, and yes, recipes are all fair game. It should come as no surprise then … [Read more...]

Adventures in Cooking Class

Last night I attended a cooking class at The Natural Gourmet Institute. The class, entitled Soup, Stew and Salad Dinners, was a Christmas gift from my boyfriend. I took it as a hint but was pleased nonetheless as soups are an area where I can use improvement. The fresh, organic ingredients This being my first class at The Natural Gourmet, I wasn't sure what to expect. After some time … [Read more...]

Crazy Sexy Me

Last week I attended the first stop on Kris Carr's book tour at Jivamukti Cafe for her new book, Crazy Sexy Diet. It's easy to develop a girl crush on Kris the second she starts speaking. She's relatable, authentic, inspiring and super smart! I couldn't wait to dig in to her beautiful new book and hear about her experiences with a raw, vegan diet. When I left I went straight home to tear into the … [Read more...]

Slow Cookin’

My slow cooker is one of the best gifts I ever received and among my most recommended kitchen gadgets. It's so easy to throw a bunch of ingredients in a pot, turn it on while you're at work, running errands or doing chores around the house and come home to a healthy dinner! I can't remember where I found this recipe, but when I did, I tore it out immediately. The ingredients are warming, … [Read more...]

Back in the Kitchen in 2011

I took a long hiatus from the blogosphere over the holidays. Sometimes you just need to recharge your battery. It was hard not to feel guilty about not blogging everyday or even every other day but allowing myself the break was the best thing for my body and mind. After a two week vacation, I got back into the kitchen this week and it felt great! Since my boyfriend is traveling this week, I had … [Read more...]

My Honest Advice for 2011

Yes, this is a LONG blog post but if you do nothing else to prepare for 2011, it is my hope that you will read EVERY WORD of this article.   And here's my promise to you:  If you read every word, and take the advice I'm going to give you and actually DO IT, ...this ONE piece of advice has the potential to change your entire life... FOREVER.  Period.  No lie.  (I know that sounds like a TALL … [Read more...]

Who Needs Turkey When There Are So Many Sides

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and every year I travel to my hometown of Louisville, Ky to share in the festivities with my family. As a vegetarian, I haven't had turkey for almost 20 years, but I live for the sides many of which have become staples at our Thanksgiving table. A few months ago, I was dismayed to learn that my mom and dad would be taking my niece and sister on a Disney cruise … [Read more...]

Granolicious

  I'll admit it, I'm a huge granola snob constantly on the search for the perfect concoction. When done well, granola is a hearty blend of whole grains and protein. Use it to top yogurt, a smoothie, fruit or eat it cold with your choice of nut milk and you've got yourself a nourishing breakfast or snack. Bottle it in mason jars and adorn with pretty ribbon and it makes a festive gift. While I … [Read more...]

Sunday Blogger Brunch with Eggland’s Best

New Yorkers love their brunch! No joke, here in the Big Apple the brunch scene often rivals the dinner scene!   Yesterday Ashley of A Healthy, Happier Bear hosted a Pink Blogger Brunch with Eggland's Best. Her event was really well done right down to the pink gift bags and I appreciated the opportunity to connect with thirteen other local bloggers to learn about what inspires them to … [Read more...]