Proud mom of two lovely kids and a lover of piping hot dark espresso roast capped with perfect crema, this gorgeous food blogger Marla Meridith from Southern California is our AFBHLS guest today. From healthy, gluten free, vegan, to almost sugar free recipes on her blog she can also win you over with some of her exotic creations for pure indulgence in great food. Each recipe emanates freshness of the ingredients she uses to create that perfect meal which is further enhanced by her skillful photography and wonderful food styling.

She believes that “Bringing out the flavors in natural foods does not take much effort at all. Great ingredients speak for themselves. I want my foods to have dynamic flavors. I love taking traditional recipes and adding unique ingredient twists to make them more fun. Real homemade food simply tastes better then anything pre-packaged and processed.”

I was excited when Marla asked me to be a part of AFBHLS series, due to lack of time she could not send a recipe for the post. But the medley of some of the wonderful creations that she has sent from her blog will make up for the same and you could check these recipes at her blog.

Over to you, Marla…

Marla Meridith from Family Fresh Cooking

Hi everyone! My name is Marla Meridith, I publish the recipe & healthy lifestyle blog Family Fresh Cooking. I am thrilled to be guesting here on Lite Bite. I always love visiting  Sanjeeta’s blog for her healthy, vegetarian recipes.

My Healthy-living secrets;

1. The recipes on my blog are diverse, but I always keep the focus on healthy, whole food ingredients.
2. Always remember portion control even when your food has good for you ingredients. Calories in need to play well against those you exert throughout the day in order to stay fit and fabulous!
3. One of my major goals beyond great flavor and nutrition when I develop recipes are foods that keep you feeling great and sustain energy for the busy lives we lead. I have no time in the day to feel sluggish as I juggle life with two small children and a increasingly demanding job. I always want to be on the top of my game.
4. Today I am going to share some of our favorite treats that you can enjoy for breakfast, brunch, snacks or dessert and stay in great shape too.

Here are a few of our favorites with some super star ingredients.

Nutty Apple Tarts Pic courtesy Marla

1.Nutty Apple Tarts use some of our favorite ingredients: apples and cinnamon. They are also vegan and gluten free. The crust has a combination of quinoa, oat and almond flour, also some coconut milk and spices. The combo makes for a perfect shortbread texture and lots of flavor.

Strawberry Rhubarb Compote Pic courtesy Marla

2.We are also big into fruit and yogurt parfaits such as these Strawberry Rhubarb Compote ones. Not only are they pretty, but they make for a great quick meal.

Honeydew Sherbet-Ice Milk Pic courtesy Marla

3.If you are looking for something cool and refreshing you can try my simple Honeydew Sherbet-Ice Milk. Add some slivered, toasted coconut flakes and fresh fruit for a little something more.

Pumpkin Pie Tart Pic Courtesy Marla

4.I recently made this Pumpkin Pie Tart with a gluten free almond crust. After baking up one I promptly made two more. It is that good.

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins Pic courtesy Marla

5.Another muffin recipe you might like are these gluten free Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins. Grab a few and slather with your favorite nut butter or some cream cheese for a little something more.

Stop by and say *hello* any time. I would love to meet you over at my place.

Thanks for being on AFBHLS series, Marla!

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