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Like so many others, the LIV team has been working from home for over two months now. While adjusting to an office-free (virtual) work environment takes time, we’re all beginning to settle into this new way of life. Some parts of the country are now slowly starting to reopen. But with everything going on in the world today, it still feels as important as ever to practice at-home rituals that bring us comfort and put us (relatively) at ease. One of the greatest comforts of all? Spending time in the kitchen, experimenting with new recipes and honing those dicing, searing, and sautéing skills. Playing chef has proven to be a great distraction for many of us here at LIV HQ. Keep reading to find out what we’re cooking and how we’re coping at home.
Chelsey Lucas, Social Media Manager
How do you feel about spending so much time at home—are you surviving, coping, or thriving?
Honestly, I am naturally a homebody, so I love working from home. My weekend routine has been an adjustment, though. Saturday mornings used to consist of the gym and then my absolute favorite breakfast pizza from The Social List. *Tears.*
How are you staying busy in the kitchen?
I am OBSESSED with M&M’s and cookies, but also try not to eat a lot of gluten. So I found a gluten-free recipe that involves both of my favorite things, M&M’s and cookies that I can eat 10 of without feeling bad. I got the original recipe from Fit Mitten Kitchen. Her recipes are insane.
Chelsey’s Favorite Gluten-Free Cookies
Adapted from Fit Mitten Kitchen’s Healthy Monster Cookies. (Note: This recipe makes 20 medium-sized cookies.)
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup gluten free quick-cook oats
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
1 egg
1/3 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup M&M’s
Instructions
1. Mix peanut butter, softened butter (super soft), and brown sugar for two minutes or until smooth. You can use a hand mixer or fork (I used the latter). Add vanilla and egg, one at a time until combined.
2. Sprinkle in your previously mixed dry ingredients. Add M&M’s and chocolate chips. Use a spatula to fold until fully combined.
3. Scoop small balls of dough onto an oiled cookie sheet.
4. Press M&M’s into the top of each cookie and sprinkle with sea salt.
5. Bake at 350ºF for 7-9 minutes, depending on desired texture.
6. Let cool for 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Any insider tips?
The sea salt is crucial. And a great playlist will really have you feeling like Salt Bae.
Rachel Davidson, Associate Manager, Influencer Relations
How do you feel about spending so much time at home—are you surviving, coping, or thriving?
I would say a mixture of all three. Some days I am thriving, like when I successfully made a biscuit recipe and went on a long neighborhood walk. Some days I am coping, like when I’m feeling a little sad or lonely. I honestly thought I would love working from home more, but I miss the office culture. I miss the unique, uplifting energy our team brings.
How are you staying busy in the kitchen?
I have really been enjoying cooking and baking. My favorite recipes thus far have been Bon Appetit’s Sour Cream and Onion Biscuits, Alison Roman’s One-Pot Chicken With Dates and Caramelised Lemon, and this Lemony Turmeric Tea Cake (also from Alison Roman).
Any insider tips?
It’s 100 percent worth the money to have beautiful cookware. I am currently obsessed with the Small Fry and Holy Sheet pan from Great Jones. They are also a female-founded brand, which I love. I finally made the plunge and purchased a set for my birthday. Now in quarantine, I am eyeing the rest of the set.
Sean Lavin, VP, LIV Mission
How do you feel about spending so much time at home—are you surviving, coping, or thriving?
Actually, I’m thriving. Surprisingly I have found my rhythm and focus working remotely, which is in complete contrast to what I imagined it would be like. My productivity and focus have not been impacted whatsoever, but I do miss those moments of inspiration which occur from personal engagement, off-the-cuff conversations, and spur-of-the-moment creative meetings. So, now I simply settle for Zoom-spirational moments.
How are you staying busy in the kitchen?
I’m always in the kitchen messing around. I just created a naturally colored Arctic Blue Lemon Limeade using Hydration Multiplier, organic blue spirulina (a plant-based superfood), and edible crystals.
Sean’s Arctic Blue LIV Lemon Limeade
Ingredients
1 stick Lemon Lime Hydration Multiplier
1/2 teaspoon organic blue spirulina powder
16 ounces cold water
Optional: 2 dashes Shimmer Glitter Dust for beverages (food grade)
Instructions
1. Mix Hydration Multiplier and blue spirulina powder into water.
2. Add food grade glitter dust, if using.
3. Pour in a tall glass.
4. Serve chilled!
Any insider tips?
Best shaken, not stirred. For the adventurous hydration mixologist, I recommend using silver glitter. Use a spoon to stir the glitter, creating a magical effect that will enhance the experience. Plus, you get the added benefits of glitter dust: Joy and Happiness.
There you have it, LIV Fam: three unique approaches to finding comfort in the kitchen during these strange and stressful times. Whether it’s classy cookware, gluten-free goodness, or LIV mixology that you’re after, now’s as good a time as any to find your culinary groove. Happy cooking, from our team to yours!