Brie with Truffles

I love cheese. The only thing better than cheese? Cheese plates.

I love picking out cheeses, fruits, nuts, honey, jams, chocolates. And it doesn't hurt that wine and cheese go together like... well, wine and cheese.

Going to the market and picking out cheeses is also fun. The farmer's market at the Grove has a great cheese counter, and they're more than happy to give out samples and suggest pairings. But my most recent discovery came from Whole Foods. Brie is delicious. It's arguable that everything is better with truffles. So brie with truffles seemed like a no brainer.

Rouzaire is the company that makes this little wonder. They also have brie with Grand Marnier, cumin, and mustard. Talk about wonderful combos- I can barely wait to try them all!

Check out their site to see all of their cheeses, try some recipes, and learn about this family's tradition. http://www.fromagerierouzaire.com/

I'm obsessed...

With the Bar Method.
What is it?
A workout that uses dance inspired moves and isometrics to give you long, lean muscles. I got into it because some of my girlfriends got so toned and really slimmed down very shortly after starting the program.
During the workout, you're shaking and it takes concentration and body awareness, but you're not jumping around and sweating (which I like to avoid!)
You can go into the studio to work out, but they also have DVDs for everyone that isn't near one. Now there's no excuse!
Check out the Bar Method Here!

This is why I’m “The Model Who Eats”

The other day, I made this delicious breakfast, complete with homemade biscuits. Realizing I was late for my class at the gym, I ate fast, and ran out the door. Well, I usually walk to the gym, but was so late, running seemed to be the only option… with no time to stretch.

The next morning, I woke up and my hamstring hurt. Yep, I pulled something because I ran without stretching… because I was too busy eating to leave on time for the gym.

Malibu Waterfalls

Checked out this beautiful hike with my girlfriend Shea the other day. It’s called Escondido falls, and is up Winding Way in Malibu.

I suggest wearing good hiking shoes, and maybe some pants… especially after I totally fell down a hill! All was okay, though, save a couple scrapes and scratches. But right after I got up, someone fell right behind me, so, yeah, be careful!

A Southern Lunch

Fried green tomato salad at Food Glorious Food in Tallahassee.

My brother graduated from medical school, so I got to go on a culinary trek through the south. This was the crowning moment… and, yes, they even put fried stuff on salads there!

Coffee Chipotle Crusted Filets

The trick to this cast iron skillet cooked steak is to get the pan smoky hot, sear the steak, then finish it off in the oven. I served this with sautéed spinach, twice baked potatoes, and a mixed berry reduction (to cut the bitterness of the coffee.) Yum!

Shrimp Boil

An easy, delicious, and surprisingly cheap meal. Boil the potatoes, corn, shrimp, and seafood boil in one pot, and you’re good to go. At about five bucks a plate, it only feels like a treat.

Crispy chicken and lemony summer pasta

 

Lemon Olive Oil Cake

 

I was invited to a potluck at the last minute, and wanted to whip something up that was relatively easy. This lemon olive oil cake with a lemon-y glaze was a perfect solution. It’s almost like a pound cake- yum!

The best part? The glaze fell to say “Ali.”

My Cameo in J Chris Newberg's New Video

All his stuff is hilarious, so check him out! :-D

You can call me Red

Latest Photoshoot with Red Hair

I AM ATHLETICS!

My buddy Andrew had this fantastic idea- workout gear with motivating words... printed backwards. This way, when you're working out, you look in the mirror for an extra boost. It's like having your own coach or personal trainer right there with you.

Celebs are already loving I AM Athletics. Jaime King and Katy Perry have been spotted wearing it.

The line was quickly scooped up by Equinox gyms, but you can also visit their website to pick up your own gear.

They've got shirts for those than need major motivation-"Pain is Weakness Leaving Your Body" and gear for those with a more zen approach- "I am Love," "I am Peace."

My favorite message? "I am Powerful." 

http://www.iamathletic.com/

 

Uncle Darrow’s: Marina del Rey

Anytime someone mentions great fried catfish, I’m there.  When I visited Darrow’s, it was love at first bite! First timers get samples, and I love the red beans and rice.

Even better- they have breakfast on the weekends. Try the pecan waffle, with a spicy sweet sauce. Or indulge in some catfish and cheese grits (the best grits I’ve had at a restaurant!)

Best of all? They don’t cook with pork or beef, so everything is healthier than most home cookin’. 

And, yes, I’ll be partying and stuffing my face at the Mardi Gras celebration!

New Headshots!

 

The other day, I took a few headshots with Jeff Enden. He was great. He took his time, and I never felt rushed to get a great shot. AND I booked the first casting I went in on with them! Looks like I’ll have to go see him again, though, because they’re changing my hair color!

Lightened up Spinach Lasagna

Who doesn’t love lasagna? It sure is delicious, but may not be the healthiest item on the menu. Solution? Make it at home!

The great thing about making lasagna at home (other than how positively easy it is) is that you can freeze individual portions for a quick meal, and it’s great for inexpensive entertaining. Throw together a quick salad, open a bottle of wine, and you’re good to go.

I lightened up a recipe for spinach lasagna by using part skim mozzarella and low fat ricotta. All you have to do is sauté a bag of spinach with olive oil, mix it up with a tub of ricotta and an egg, and layer the spinach mixture with marinara, mozzarella, and no-boil lasagna noodles. Bake at 375 covered with aluminum for half an hour, then uncover and bake for 15 extra minutes.  Buon appetito!

Oaks Gourmet: Take II

Perfect for half now/ half later.

After catching a UCB show, I had to try the lobster roll. Um, it's the stuff that dreams are made of.

New Hair Color!

I visited the wonderful Jaason Simmons to brighten up my do.
Ch-ch-ch-check it out!

First, we treated it with Keratin and lightened everything up:

 Then, he hooked me up with some fine highlights.

Ooh la la!

Back in Action!

After a brief hiatus due to my lack of Internet, I'm back!
This year's been really busy- acting classes, auditions, working. But, yes, there is always time to eat, so there's a lot of back tracking to be done!

Southern Treats

                  

Homemade red velvet cake, divinity, and pralines. After visiting my mom, I can’t do sugar for at least a week.