England

Taste of England: Honey Roasted Parsnips

/ Krystal Hauserman / Leave a comment
Honey Roasted Parsnips 2014© Credit: Krystal M. Hauserman @MsTravelicious

Honey Roasted Parsnips 2014© Credit: Krystal M. Hauserman @MsTravelicious

Fall is peak season for these sweet cream-colored beauties. An essential part of a traditional English Christmas dinner, these earthy, honeyed gems become everyday fare with this simple recipe. When roasted, parsnips develop a deep, rich nutty flavor. Look for medium parsnips with beige skin at your local farmers market. Serve with roasted pork loin and a glass of pinot noir.

  • 5-6 medium parsnips, peeled, quartered lengthwise and cut into 2 inch strips
  • 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon of honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
  • 6 grinds of fresh black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Heat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a roasting pan with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat. In a large bowl toss the parsnips and the rest of the ingredients until well combined. Transfer the parsnips to the roasting pan and spread into a single layer. Roast for 35 minutes. Remove from oven and toss to ensure even browning. Return to oven and continue roasting until golden brown (about 10-15 minutes), being careful not to overcook. Season with sea salt to taste before serving.

– Taste of Adventure

Four Fitness Vacations That Will Change Your Life

/ Krystal Hauserman / 2 Comments

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1. WILDFITNESS Kenya, Spain, Greece, Tanzania and England

Imagine arriving at a private villa ensconced in palm trees steps away from the warm Indian ocean in Kenya, or savoring freshly prepared lamb and farm fresh vegetables at sunset while you overlook the mountains on the Greek island of Crete. The Wildfitness locations and accommodations alone would be enough for most travelers, but add in a carefully-crafted program of physical activities, nourishing meals, and the camaraderie of like-minded “tribe members” from around the globe, and you have something truly life-changing. A team of highly-skilled coaches will motivate you through outdoor sessions focused on “wild” movements like running, swimming, boxing, agility, and a few other surprises. There is also plenty of time for rest and relaxing massages. Meals showcase the best local ingredients with a focus on meat (Pan Roasted Chicken in Whole African Spices), fish and an abundance of vegetables in multiple preparations; there are even a few “wild” treats like Avocado Chocolate Mousse.  Best for: Those of any fitness level looking to completely disconnect from the outside world and get back to their “primal” nature.

2. BIKINI BOOTCAMP Tulum, Mexico

Located at the Amansala eco resort on one of the most beautiful stretches of white sand and turquoise water in the world, Bikini Bootcamp is a “tune up for the mind, body and spirit.” The six-day all-inclusive camp offers a mix of fitness classes (zumba, boxing, circuit training, yoga, dance) with top instructors, superb massages and local excursions. Extras include sessions with Mayan healers, a temazcal (sweat lodge), tarot card readings, and more.  Meals focus on healthy fare like tropical fruit and housemade granola, grilled seafood and colorful salads (those who tire of the menu can find solace at nearby hotspots like Hartwood, Posada Margherita, Casa Banana, El Tabano and Restaurare).  Famous Bikini Bootcampers include Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, Reese Witherspoon and Demi Moore. Best for: Ladies looking for a girlfriend getaway or a safe solo excursion who don’t mind casual beach accommodations and a bit of disorder.

3. BACKROADS Worldwide

Backroads is your one-stop shop for a turnkey active getaway, with a seemingly endless selection of adventures. Whatever your dream (a gourmet walking tour through the Tuscan hill towns; a walking and hiking tour of Bhutan; a trekking tour in Peru), Backroads likely has the perfect trip to make it a reality. A focus on high-quality trip leaders, impeccably-designed itineraries, authentic local experiences, and above-and-beyond service makes Backroads an industry leader in group travel. Best for: Those with little time or patience to plan and orchestrate an unforgettable trip and willing to pay a premium to have someone else do the work.

4. NINJA CAMP Canggu, Bali

Located on the magical island of Bali, Ninja Camp is an exclusive health and fitness retreat located in Canggu that embraces the mantra “eat well and play hard.” Ninja Camp is an immersive fitness experience, offering a variety of training activities, tailored nutrition and local adventure activities to small groups of fitness lovers. Freediving, mobility training, yoga, surfing and CrossFit are all on the menu, as are scheduled blocks of free time to rejuvenate. A private chef sources local ingredients and prepares Paleo meals and snacks focused on lean meats, fish and vegetables. “Ninjas” stay in a spectacular, modern villa on beautifully maintained grounds with rice paddy views. Program expansion plans include Guatemala, Iceland, the Philippines and Japan. Best for: Thrill-seekers with a fairly strong baseline level of fitness.

– Taste of Adventure