Healthy Eating Archives

Foodies Founding Membership Online

April 30, 2026 by Chef Marian

Tony Robbins likes to say: “The high tide floats all boats”. And I like to look at this as a Member SHIP! We go further together than we go alone. And all of our online Zoom Group Calls give us a chance to know each other with breakout rooms, plus there’s always Q & A.

If there’s anything you want to learn, I create a video for you and put it in the free Video Portal, for everyone to learn from your questions.

Salads with Mayo

March 29, 2026 by Chef Marian

Just like a Mira Poix is always celery onion and carrot, coleslaw is always cabbage, carrots, finally grated onions (less is more) and mayo. Have you ever seen Coleslaw made with turmeric and black pepper? Well why not? It’s an antioxidant and it adds a different level of flavor and health to the dish.

Chef Marian Kitchen Confident Freezing Soup Cheat Sheet

March 16, 2026March 16, 2026 by Chef Marian

So you’re putting the onions in with a little bit of fat, preferably clarified butter, avocado, oil, or coconut oil. Those are the ones your body can process. Lightly season with a little bit of salt and pepper on medium heat. It’s also fun to add spices.

Valentine Pancakes with A.R. Valentien, La Jolla

February 11, 2026 by Chef Marian

As you can clearly see, the order in which you create these pancakes are much different than “take a half cup of pancake powder, a half cup of water and mix”.

And after all the steps, count ’em, 5 steps, then you just go ahead and ‘cook like regular pancakes’. lol

Well, as you see, these are not regular pancakes! And when you make these, you will not be just a regular home cook!

The Plot, Oceanside Sourdough Making Class

February 2, 2026January 31, 2026 by Chef Marian

I didn’t know what to expect, going to a sourdough bread making class at one of my personal favorites ….

The Plot, Oceanside.

I settle in and I am offered a Cocktail or Mocktail. Without hesitation I say: “Cocktail”. Same drink only mine has Sake. And I must say, that was the most delicious fruit forward drink I have ever had, with or without alcohol.

Always Mindful.

Always Special.

But of course! It’s the Plot. The napkin is garnished with a bitter but edible leaf called nasturtium. They use it in cocktails, salads and as a chimichurri. The leaf is spicy and delicious, and the flower is beautiful as a garnish.

Owner Jessica comes over to comment that it matches my dress! And I didn’t even know I can eat the leaf! She also says they have just formed a non-profit for the garden project to help fund its evolution and impact, and just received their 501c(3) status. So The Plot continues on their upward path!

Food Glorious Food!

My MALK Morning (and What I Learned)

January 12, 2026 by Chef Marian

If you’ve ever poured plant milk like MALK into coffee and watched it turn into a snow globe of tiny flecks… welcome to the club.

I drink MALK refrigerated almond milk instead of dairy milk because I like the simple ingredient list and the taste. But in coffee? It can separate (aka “curdle/split”) so fast you barely have time to stir.

Chef Marian’s Thanksgiving: Tips & Tricks

November 25, 2025 by Chef Marian

Tip #2: Mis en Place = Stress vanishes

People in France have a saying that we have adopted for being set up: “Mis en place” — Everything in its place. And in America, we have a saying: “Where did I put that?!”

Chop your veggies first.
Measure your spices.
Line up little bowls like a culinary runway.
Then when it’s time to cook, you’re not scrambling — you’re composing. Stress happens when chaos hits the kitchen. Organization turns you into a chef.

Fish: Healthy or not?

November 13, 2025 by Chef Marian

Different oceans have different mercury loads —
but the same species always rank at the top, because the biology is the same. This consistency across time, geography, and different labs makes the data extremely reliable.

Table of Four, The Plot, Oceanside

November 10, 2025 by Chef Marian

Their Chronic Roll Sushi is ah-mazing. We are all enjoying it. “It’s a lions mane mushroom sushi. “It’s seasoned absolutely perfectl” says Laurie. “The texture is perfect, like real sushi” says Kristen. Patsy says: “It’s so satisfying. I can’t get over it!”

Operation: Read the Label (and Drop the Canola, Sunflower, Safflower & Palm Oils)

November 7, 2025 by Chef Marian

We fight with our wallets. We win with awareness. Every ingredient list you decode is a tiny act of rebellion. Every bottle of extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil is a badge of honor.