Aptos Natural Foods has been thrilled to partner with the Santa Cruz SPCA for our Annual Block Party for the past several years. At that event, many cats and dogs have found homes! This week, we spoke to Executive Director Ali Talley and Shelter Manager Mandi Hart about their new building, how they are handling shelter and adoptions during COVID-19, and making a plan for your pet! First things first! The Santa Cruz SPCA was founded by Santa Cruz’s first small animal veterinar

by Brisia@bridgingpalates Tamarind has been used in many culinary dishes throughout Asia and is also common in Hispanic and Caribbean cuisines. Used in a variety of different ways from curries to desserts, tamarind is almost always paired with sugar or a sweet flavoring due to its high acidity content. This combo gives tamarind sauces its distinctive tangy taste. Tamarind makes a great marinade as the acidity helps tenderize the meat. Be adventurous and swap regular old ketch

by Brisia@bridgingpalates These spring rolls are quick and easy to prepare. A fun and interactive way to spend the afternoon with the people who live with you. Did I mention this peanut sauce is sooo good you’ll be licking your plate clean! There’s no better way to spring forward into the season with these deliciously, fresh, super yummy spring rolls! Make these spring rolls a complete vegan appetizer and leave out the fish sauce in the peanut dipping sauce! For Peanut Sauce

As you all may be aware, the COVID-19 pandemic is wreaking havoc on our local non-profits! The urgency to mitigate risk factors has also altered our priorities, sometimes in ways that are deleterious to our natural ecosystems. We want to encourage everyone to stop panicking and take a minute to refocus and re-prioritize. Being stuck at home could be a great opportunity to think about the bigger picture! At the beginning of the year, when we first connected with Save Our Shore

Coloring eggs has never been more nutritious! This Easter skip the food dye and make a batch of bright, colorful and playful creamy deviled eggs for everyone to enjoy! Because beets naturally have a deep red color, they are not only a natural alternative to artificial food coloring but are packed with nutrition and vitamins. Beets are rich in antioxidants, potassium, folic acid and fiber. They have been used in many pastries from pies, brownies to cupcakes and the juice from

With a name like Pow Pow Peanut Sauce you can’t go wrong. I can really eat spoonfuls of this sauce and drown my noodles in it. I just cant get enough and am enticed by the symphony of flavors, bringing together the freshness and harmony of textures! Your senses will surely be tickled and best of all this dish is healthy, vibrant and loaded with nutrition! Get creative and enjoy this sauce with homemade spring rolls, chicken and tofu skewers or poured over any noodle or zoodle