Happy Chive Potatoes

If I had to chose dessert or a second helping of potatoes, I would pick the latter. I love simple recipes that just combine a fresh herb to make the recipe pop! Plus no mess… equals easy clean up. Always a plus in my book!!

Ingredients: 

• 1 Bag baby new potatoes
• 4 Tablespoons of Happy Hemp
• 1/4 Cup finely chopped chives
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

1. Boil potatoes until tender drain and put back into saucepan.
2. Over medium heat add olive oil to the potatoes. Heat for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Take off heat and add chives and Happy Hemp
4. Salt and pepper to taste.
5. Enjoy!

Happy Essential Fatty Acids… aka good fat!

On my Happy Hemp journey, I am learning all kinds of new things about my body and the food we eat. One misnomer that seems to be lurking out there is fat. There is good fat (Happy Hemp, olive oil, avocados) and there is bad fat (chips, fries, burger). We need good fats for our bodies to be healthy, especially women. Now a days we starve our bodies of all fats in the pursuit of looking like a stick.

What we don’t realize is…

a. Stick look.. not hot

b. We are depriving our body of nutrients to function thus opening the door for disease to enter.

I am so fat!

I see the fear in my  potential customers eyes when I say Happy Hemp has essential fatty acids…. OH the look of horror!! Let me tell you what those good EFA’s have done for me. First no joke, my PMS is a fraction of what it used to be. Holy Cow I was a bitch!! One minute I was ripping off someones head the next, I was sobbing in tears on the floor. Even though I knew it was that time of the month, I was helpless to the emotional roller coaster. I still get a little weepy when I see puppies, but cute tears not ugly cry.

Pull yourself together!

I also noticed a difference in my skin as I have extremely dry skin. I have constant dry patches on my hands and fingers. I hate it!! I tend to try to hide my hands in clothing with pockets and or apologize for them, as if they are another person. Now remember I started to take hemp for digestion problems… so this was a total bonus when my dry skin started to improve.  I do get flare ups from time to time with extreme stress, but all in all my hands are out for everyone to admire these days. I am thinking about becoming a hand model!!

This is how I normally pose with my hands.

So here is some great 411 on Essential fatty acids aka EFA’s are fatty acids that humans MUST ingest through food. Hint Hint Happy Hemp. The body requires EFA’s for good health and are required for the biological process. There are only 2 EFA’s we know….  Alpha-linolenic acid (an Omega 3) and linoleic acid (an Omega 6). Both found in Happy Hemp!!

EFA’s play a crucial role in keeping the body healthy. Studies show low levels of fatty acids can be a factor in several illnesses….Like osteoporosis.  Yikes!

Call 911 I did not eat enough EFA's

I love this… Research suggests that high intakes of foods high in essential fatty acids (fish, leafy veggies and nut products (Happy Hemp)) can decrease major depression. Happy Hemp truly does make you Happy!!

Happy Hemp + Body = Happy Me!!

Here is to eating for a better you!

Happy Hemp does the body good….:)

Happy Veggie Salad

I hate throwing away food, it drives my absolutely nuts!! Every single one of us at one point in time has thrown out a science project or two. I do my best to always comb the fridge finding edibles who need some TLC (tender loving cooking). Yesterday I found some veggies ready to be enjoyed!

Yellow Squash, Mushrooms and Spinach Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 yellow squash sliced
• 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• Lemon slice
• Salt to taste
• 2 TBSP Happy Hemp
• 1 cup spinach washed

Directions:

1. On medium heat add olive oil to a skillet. Saute the squash and mushrooms. Approximately  5 minutes and remove from heat.
2. Place Spinach in a bowl and place veggies on top.
3. Sprinkle happy hemp and salt to taste.
4. Squeeze lemon on salad.
5. enjoy!

Happy Austin Farmers’ Market

This Saturday was Happy Hemp’s debut at the Downtown Austin Farmers Market. I had no idea what to expect? This market is about 10 times the size of what I am used to in CA. So I had no idea how much to bring or how many samples I would need. So with a lot of guessing I loaded up the car and got ready for day 1.

Before we even had the booth set-up, I had already made my first sale. I hoped it was a sign of the day to come!!

After getting the booth up and ready for our customers, I made sure to properly introduce myself to my neighbors. I was positioned perfectly in the gourmet section. Fresh goat cheese, home made baked goods, amazing jams and more.

Suede Farm. The most amazing goat cheese!!

Serious Sourdough Bakery! All gluten-free

As the market kicked off, I moved into what mama does best… Sales Girl Mode!! By 10:30 we had blown through a majority of our product. I was beyond delighted and knew that Happy Hemp was going to be right at home.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Austin for the warm welcoming!

Happy Farmer. Happy Market. Happy Hemp.

Happy Veggie Pizza

My brain is not working this AM… trying to think of something clever and witty about pizza. I got nothing! So instead a recap of this weeks events…

1. Beverly Hills Housewives intervened and helped Taylor get through her nervous break down. Also Kim may or may not be drinking again? Uh-oh…                PS I have a crush on Kyle’s hubby.

2. Emmy’s were just ok. I expected maybe a little more seeing that Sue Sylvester was the host, but loved the best female comedy improv thing with Amy Poehler. Props to Michael Bolton spoofing Captain Jack Sparrow. Pretty Funny!

3. Glee started this week. Blaine changed schools to be with Kurt and Quinn is now a bad girl. Love the pink hair!

4. Modern Family also premiered this week. Mitchell and Cam want to adopt another baby. So freakin hilarious. The writing on this show is awesome.

5. SOA otherwise known as Son’s of Anarchy… Jacks (hottest man on TV) again missed being shot barely.  Gemma is putting the hard press on Tara to not show Jacks the letters.

Note: All of the above are SO much better with pizza.

Happy Pizza. Happy TV. Happy Hemp.

Ingredients: 

•  Pizza crust (I chose an organic pre cooked crust)
• 1/2 cup mushrooms sliced
• 1 green pepper sliced
• 1 small white onion sliced
• 1/2 cup Happy Hemp
• 1 cup mozzarella grated
• 1 4 ounce can tomato paste

Directions:

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees.
2. Place pizza crust on round cookie sheet.
3. Spread tomato sauce evenly on crust and sprinkle on Happy Hemp.
4. Spread a light layer of cheese on crust.
5. Place veggies on top.
6. Layer the top with remaining cheese.
7. Cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until cheese is a golden brown.
8. Enjoy!

Happy Sweet Potato

When I am tired, hungover or rushed there are certain items I crave. They have to cover certian criteria to make the list. Let us review…

1. Easy: The food must take very little brain power to make.
2. Comfort: Dish must give me an inside hug.
3. Flavor: Taste-buds must be happy.
4.  Clean: There has to be little to no clean up.

Sweet Potato... How I love you!

Ingredients:

• Sweet Potato. One per person.
•  Tablespoons of butter
• Butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat over to 350 degrees
• Lightly wash potatoes
• Poke with a fork a couple times
• Cook for 45 to 55 minutes. Test doneness by squeezing sides. Should be soft to touch.
• Add butter, hemp and Salt and pepper to taste.
• For additional flavor try honey or cinnamon .
• Enjoy!

Happy Tuna Puttanesca

I was curious what does Puttanesca mean? I have to say did not expect this translation. Basically spaghetti alla puttanesca literally means “whore’s style spaghetti” in Italian…. Well then!  The name comes from the combinations of ingredients from the sauce. Spicy from the peppers, Fragrant thanks to the garlic, salty from the anchovies and yes tuna ( I think you got that one). This dish was not invented until the mid 20th century and did not become popular until the 60′s. Regardless if this pasta is wearing fish nets and high heels, I am a fan!

Happy Italy. Happy Puttanesca. Happy Hemp.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/2 cup Happy Hemp
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped kalamata olives
• 1 28-ounce can plum tomatoes
• 4 basil leaves, torn, plus more for garnish
• 1 5-ounce can tuna, packed in olive oil
• Freshly ground pepper

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
2.  heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, until slightly toasted, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add the capers and olives and fry 2 more minutes.
4. Crush the tomatoes into the skillet with your hands and reserve the juices. Cook until the tomatoes are slightly dry, about 2 minutes.
5. Add the reserved tomato juices, the basil, and salt to taste and cook until the sauce thickens, 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Add the tuna with its oil, breaking it up with a fork, and season with salt.
7. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water, and return it to the pot. Add the sauce and the reserved cooking water and toss.
8. Season with pepper and garnish with more basil and Happy Hemp.
9. Enjoy!

Happy ACL Meatloaf

This weekend was Austin City Limits otherwise known as ACL. I am first timer and a lover of all music, I could not have been more pumped to go and fall in even more love with my new city. So here is the break down… 3 days of non-stop music, a sea of people and some blazing hot sun. I learned quickly from the first day… do’s and some don’t.

Katie and I first day.. both first time ACLers.

1. Do wear tennis shoes. My legs were on fire from the first night. Not sure if it was all the dancing, but flip flops are a no go.
2. Do wear sunblock. Yes I am the dumb ass who forgot to wear sunblock the first day. I have some sexy farmer’s market tan lines. I will so fit in this weekend Ha! Ha!
3. Don’t wait until the last to go see a band and expect a good seat. You must stake out your location. Especially when you are a shrimp like me.
4. Don’t expect to communicate on your cell phone. About a million other people are trying to do the same thing in a 1 block radius. Can you hear me now?
5. Do stop at Chuy’s for Nachos and Margaritas. No explanation needed!!
6. Don’t only watch music. The people watching was almost as outstanding as the music.

Waited until last minute to go see Coldplay. Sea of people. Love the balloons.

Manu Chao out of all bands was on the top of my list. I fell in love with his carefree beats while living in Mexico. The music and the crowd delivered a healthy dose of happiness. Not sure if it was the music, the people dancing or that it was sprinkling rain, but is was fantastic!

Favorite picture of ACL. Love the Mexican flag!!! Manu Chao

ACL also meant a house full of coming and going and not much time to think about cooking. So having the fridge stocked was a must. Meatloaf was the perfect meal to have on hand. Hearty meal for those on the go or the dance.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup happy hemp
• 2 eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 cup bread crumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Lightly grease a 5×9 inch loaf pan.
3. In a mixing bowl, mix thoroughly all remaining ingredients and shape into a loaf.
4. Place on top ketchup and brown sugar
5. Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour or until juices are clear.
6. Enjoy

Happy ACL. Happy People. Happy Hemp.

Happy Hemp Meet Me

Happy Friday Lemonade.

One year ago today, I parted ways with a job I had for 10yrs. Life delivered a bushel of lemons to my doorstep. I was devastated, angry (that is an understatement), hurt and every other emotion you can imagine. I felt defeated and lost. I had become my job and now without it, I did not know who I was. Even harder, I was forced to let go of my staff. These amazing women had worked with me and stood by my side for years. I had failed them.

Urgh!

The only thing I had was time on my hands. Can I tell you how much time can suck. I did not get dressed. I did not go out. I watched TV all day. I basically become a slug. Looking back it was probably the first time in my life, I was still. As a child I think I went from crawling to running. I have never been a beat around the bush girl. Rest was probably the best thing for me.

Me one year ago.

Eventually feeling sorry for myself got old and the pull yourself up from the boot straps kicked in. I wanted revenge!!!! There is no other revenge sweeter than living your life to the fullest. But what the hell was a going to do?

Get your ass up girl and do something with yourself!

Let’s fast forward….. One year later Happy Hemp is up and running!! I am truly happy in all aspects of my life. My lemons are now sweet  lemonade. Thank you to all my friends and family for love, encouraging words and believing in me when I said I wanted to be a hemp dealer!!