October 14th, 2012

Solvang + the santa ynez valley

+plus it's fall (even if it still doesn't quite feel like it) - so yes, your in for a special fall recipe
Sooooo this weekend, we took a break from it all.
Drove up the PCH, all the way to one of my favorite places I've ever experienced in life.
Solvang + the rest of the Santa Ynez Valley. I thank my best friend for ever taking me there to begin with a couple years ago. It's one of those places in my mind, I keep close, and special, cause it has so many beautiful feelings and memories attached when I think of that place. And then just this spring, my aunt and mom came to visit so we went there as well for the day.
I finally got to take my boyfriend this time- he's never been. And I've always wanted to go with him and have a romantic weekend away. He really loved it. His family came the next day to visit for the day and they loved it to. It's so quiet and peaceful and relaxing, it's amazing. You don't even have to drink any of the delicious wines to feel that! Although it sure helps make it that much sweeter ;)
Something so nice to see about this place is everyone enjoying their time. Noone is in a rush, people enjoy, relax, are with family or their loved ones. Living in L.a., it's hard to see that through all of the concrete and business. So taking a break and coming here this weekend, was truly amazing for me. I come from the south, so greenery, and family time, is not something we take lightly. I really appreciate nature and quality time of just being with each other and enjoying. I recommend to anyone- to come to this place, for just that.

So sad to say goodbye to Solvang and the rest of the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. But I know there will be many more trips to come, just this year alone. :) And next year as well. I'm a traveling soul. My heart doesn't stay in just one place, I love to go visit everywhere. It's funny, because yes- I am a home body, I'm not one to go out on weekends to bars, etc. or even like going to the mall to go shopping. My main time spent anywhere is work or home, or the grocery store. My passion for cooking is far greater than any other thing that passes the time. I love making our food- knowing where it came from- and especially just creating new dishes...

This next dish though- is from my favorite site- www.ohsheglows.com
I've been following this vegan website for about 4 years now. And so thankful that I came across it all for a green smoothie recipe :) Now I've made lotsssss of her dishes. especially her desserts. But this sauce has been my favorite for a while. And spaghetti squash, well if you know me, you know I'm obsessed with it ;) and SO HAPPY it's back in season! The thing I love most about it is it's natural first off, cause it's simply a vegetable. but it's magical!
Easiest technique to cooking it.
Cut the whole squash in half, scoop out the seeds in the middle of each side, preheat oven to 450, let cook for about 30 minutes.. Cool it off for about 10, and then take a fork and scrape the sides of the squash, and voo-la, you have spaghetti squash! It's so awesome. I'm in love with this squash cause it's allllll about the sauce. There are no calories or carbs in the 'spaghettinoodles'. So it's a very light dinner, but filling!. Perfect! and warm, for the cool fall nights.

Nothing more exciting than going to farmers markets in the fall time, and looking at all the fall vegetables and flowers. :) Now you can grab a squash next time and you'll know what to make for dinner! Hope you're having a beautiful beginning of October!

and here is the link to the avocado recipe I made! <3