Category: Food

Who doesn’t like food?

I certainly do and I spent too much time talking about it, traveling to it, and reviewing it in text or in video.

While I still love food tourism, I am learning how to incorporate it into a healthier lifestyle.

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Easy Low-Carb Keto Flax and Chia Seed Bread

Why I Love This Keto Seed Bread

If you’re looking for a simple, reliable low-carb, keto-friendly bread that doesn’t involve complicated flour substitutions, this chia and flax seed bread is a great place to start.

The recipe is easy to follow, it came out genuinely delicious, and it’s an awesome way to get more fiber and omega-3 fats into your diet. The texture is hearty and filling—more “dense seed bread” than “white sandwich loaf”—which is exactly what I want when I’m trying to stay low-carb.

Bonus: if you omit the sunflower seeds, this bread becomes extremely low carb—roughly ~4 net carbs for the entire loaf (depending on the ingredients you use and how you slice it).

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp chia seeds + 4 tbsp water
  • 150 g flax seeds
  • 50 g sunflower seeds (toasted)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • 200 ml water
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • Everything Bagel Seasoning (for topping)

Optional low-carb tweak: Skip the sunflower seeds to reduce carbs even further.

Directions

  1. Make the chia gel: Mix 2 tbsp chia seeds with 4 tbsp water and let it sit until it thickens.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: Combine flax seeds, toasted sunflower seeds, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Add liquids: Stir in 200 ml water
  4. Combine: Add the chia gel and mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
  5. Flavorize: Form loaf into a ball shape, rub 1 tsp apple cider vinegar all over. Top with bagel seasoning
  6. Shape and top: Transfer to your baking pan or shape into a loaf, then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
  7. Bake: Bake until set and firm throughout (oven times vary by pan size and thickness).
  8. Cool before slicing: Let it cool completely so it firms up and slices cleanly.

Tips for Best Results

  • Toast the sunflower seeds for better flavor and crunch.
  • Let it cool fully before slicing—this makes a huge difference in texture.
  • Slice thin and toast it if you want a more “bread-like” bite.
  • Store it properly: Keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness, or freeze sliced pieces for quick use.

Why This Bread is Great for Keto

  • Very low net carbs (especially if you omit sunflower seeds)
  • High fiber which helps with fullness and digestion
  • Healthy fats from flax and chia, including omega-3s
  • No flour, no sugar, and a simple ingredient list

A Great “Base Recipe” You Can Build On

One of the best things about this chia + flax bread is that it’s a solid foundation for experimentation. You can easily build on it with different keto-friendly add-ins like:

  • Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning
  • Rosemary and sea salt
  • Parmesan or shredded cheddar (if your diet allows)
  • Chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes for heat

If you try a variation, I’d love to hear what you added and how it turned out.

Final Thoughts

This is one of the easiest low-carb “bread” recipes I’ve made, and it’s a great option if you want something filling without blowing your carbs for the day. It’s hearty, nutrient-dense, and surprisingly tasty—especially toasted.

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High Protein Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie!

Why I Made This Giant Keto Cookie

This post pairs with my latest cooking video where I attempt to make a flour-less, egg-less, giant chocolate chip cookie that’s been making the rounds in the keto community. I’ve made this recipe a few times already and I honestly think it’s really good — soft, satisfying, and surprisingly “cookie-like” for something with no flour and no eggs.

But the real reason I filmed my own version? I wanted to challenge myself to make a cooking video that doesn’t look terrible. I’ve done a few in the past and… yeah… they weren’t great. This time I took the filming side seriously and I’m actually pleased with how it turned out.

Credit: Where This Recipe Came From

This recipe went viral thanks to The Keto Twins, and I originally found it through Highfalutin’ Low Carb. Full credit to both channels for inspiring this one:

The Keto Twins:
https://www.youtube.com/@ketotwins

Highfalutin’ Low Carb:
https://www.youtube.com/@HighfalutinLowCarb

The Filming Setup (Because This Was Also a Video Experiment)

I used this recipe as an excuse to level up my cooking video production. Here’s what I filmed with:

  • DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (the movement tracking was honestly awesome)
  • DJI Wireless Mic 2 (audio sounded great)
  • DJI Osmo Action 4 as a tabletop camera to capture hand movements

If you’ve ever tried filming cooking content, you know how hard it is to make it look clean and understandable. Compared to my older attempts, this is a huge improvement — and I’d love feedback on what worked and what I can do better next time.

Flourless & Eggless Giant Keto Chocolate Chip Cookie

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp sweetener (Brown Swerve or golden allulose/monk fruit blend)
  • 4 tbsp unflavored whey protein
  • 2 tbsp natural unsweetened peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup whole-fat cottage cheese (blend it smooth)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp sugar-free chocolate chips (Lily’s, ChocZero, or Whole Foods sugar-free)

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Microwave the peanut butter for 20 seconds to soften it.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients together (sweetener, whey protein, baking powder, salt).
  4. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
  5. Mix the peanut butter and cottage cheese together, then slowly mix in the dry ingredients and chocolate chips.
  6. Place dough on a baking sheet lined with a silicone baking mat and form one giant cookie.
  7. Bake for 9–11 minutes. Keep an eye on it — you want it slightly undercooked, not overbaked.

Tips for the Best Texture

  • Don’t overbake it. This is the #1 rule. Pull it early and let it set as it cools.
  • Blend the cottage cheese well. You want it smooth for the best texture.
  • Let it cool. It firms up and becomes more “cookie-like” after a few minutes out of the oven.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this keto cookie recipe multiple times now, and it continues to be a win — especially if you want something sweet without flour or eggs. But for me, this one is also a small personal victory on the content side: the filming, audio, and angles came out way better than my earlier cooking videos.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out — and if you watched the video, tell me what you think about the filming setup.

Question for you: Do you prefer a cookie with crispy edges or a soft center?

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Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box Review: Ben’s Snack Comeback

If you’ve watched this channel before, you might remember that Ben used to do Bokksu snack box reviews pretty regularly. After a long break, his enthusiasm for Japanese snacks has officially returned — and the timing couldn’t be better.

With the news that our family (including my cousin Ryan) is heading to Japan in 2026, Ben’s interest in Japanese food, culture, and snacks has been completely re-energized. The Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box turned out to be the perfect way to kick things off again.

This post pairs with our video review, where Ben and Ryan taste, react, and share their honest thoughts on this seasonal box.

What’s Inside the Fall 2025 Bokksu Snack Box?

Each Bokksu box highlights regional Japanese snacks with a seasonal theme, and Fall 2025 leaned into flavors that might surprise Western snack fans.

Instead of heavy pumpkin spice or cinnamon notes, this box focused on:

  • 🍠 Sweet potato flavors (the clear star of the box)

  • 🍎 Apple accents

  • 🍊 Citrus elements

  • 🍬 A mix of sweet and lightly savory textures

If you’re expecting fall flavors to mirror American autumn snacks, this box is a great reminder that Japanese seasonal flavors follow a different (and often more subtle) approach.

Taste Test Reactions: Hits, Misses, and Surprises

Ben and Ryan worked their way through the box, discussing:

  • Which sweet potato snacks stood out

  • Which flavor combinations were unexpected

  • How Japanese fall snacks differ from what we’re used to in the U.S.

Some snacks were immediate favorites, while others sparked debate — which is half the fun of a Bokksu box. Trying unfamiliar flavors is what makes these reviews interesting, especially when reactions are honest and unscripted.

Bonus Round: Extra Japanese Snacks from Ryan

At the end of the video, Ryan surprised us by bringing along additional Japanese snacks that weren’t part of the Bokksu box. This turned into an impromptu bonus tasting session and added some variety to the review.

These extra snacks also gave us a small preview of the kinds of treats we’ll eventually be hunting down in Japan during our 2026 trip.

Why This Bokksu Review Feels Special

This wasn’t just another snack review.

It marked:

  • Ben’s return to Bokksu videos

  • Renewed excitement around Japanese culture

  • The beginning of food-focused prep for Japan 2026

  • A fun, low-pressure family moment captured on video

Sometimes a simple box of snacks can reconnect old interests and spark new ones — and this one definitely did.

Watch the Video & Join the Conversation

If you haven’t watched the video yet, be sure to check it out to see Ben and Ryan’s full reactions.

👀 We’d love your input:

  • Which snacks looked good to you?

  • Which ones would you want to try?

  • Are there Japanese snacks we should track down next?

Drop your thoughts in the comments on the video — we genuinely enjoy hearing from viewers and often turn suggestions into future reviews.

Looking Ahead to Japan 2026 🇯🇵

This Bokksu review is just the beginning. As we get closer to our Japan 2026 trip, expect more snack reviews, food experiments, and Japan-inspired content along the way.

If you enjoy Japanese snacks, family reviews, and real reactions, stay tuned — there’s a lot more coming.

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California Travel Reflections

After exploring California’s Central Coast and San Francisco, I’m wrapping up the trip with some personal reflections, travel takeaways, and honest observations. From charming small towns to big city highlights, this video summarizes what stood out — and what didn’t — during our week on the road.

🌄 Central Coast Takeaways:
From Monterey and Morro Bay to San Luis Obispo, California’s Central Coast truly delivered. The natural beauty, laid-back energy, and welcoming communities made this stretch of the trip feel unforgettable — especially scenic drives down Highway 1, relaxing moments in Montaña de Oro, and delicious meals at spots like Louisa’s Place and Frankie & Lola’s.

🌉 San Francisco Highlights:
While the city itself didn’t hold quite the same appeal for me this time, there were still some standout experiences — including a peaceful walk through the Japanese Tea Garden and a great afternoon exploring Hayes Valley, one of SF’s most livable and stylish neighborhoods.

🥩 Best Meals of the Trip?
I share my thoughts comparing iconic spots like the House of Prime Rib and the Madonna Inn — both memorable for different reasons. Plus a recap of where we ate, what we loved, and what we’d skip next time.

And a special shout out to Papas and Eggs in Gilroy, CA – great breakfast!

📍 Topics in this video:

  • My honest opinion on the Central Coast vs. San Francisco
  • Restaurant comparisons: House of Prime Rib vs. Madonna Inn
  • Reflections on small towns, hidden gems, and the changing way I travel

If you’re thinking about visiting California’s coastal regions, this wrap-up is for you — packed with recommendations, lessons learned, and candid travel insights.

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House of Prime Rib (HoPR) – San Francisco

We finally made it back to House of Prime Rib (HoPR) in San Francisco, and once again — it absolutely delivered. While we’ve dined here before, this was Ben and Ryan’s first time, and from the prime rib to the cocktails to the unmatched service, the entire experience was nothing short of spectacular.

🥩 What makes House of Prime Rib legendary?

  • Perfectly cooked prime rib, carved tableside
  • Rich, buttery mashed potatoes and classic creamed spinach
  • House-made salad spun tableside with signature dressing
  • Top-tier cocktails and a timeless, old-school atmosphere
  • Service that’s attentive, friendly, and flawlessly executed

Whether you have a reservation months in advance or you’re lining up early to score a walk-in, it’s absolutely worth the effort. The House of Prime Rib isn’t just a meal — it’s a San Francisco institution, and it never disappoints.

📍Located on Van Ness Ave, this classic steakhouse is a must for anyone visiting the Bay Area or celebrating a special night out.

✅ In this video:

  1. Full tour of the House of Prime Rib experience
  2. Ben and Ryan’s first reactions
  3. Our favorite menu items and drink picks
  4. Tips on how to book (and what to expect if you walk in)
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Morro Bay: A Hidden Gem on the Central Coast

Discover one of California’s most underrated coastal destinations as we explore the natural beauty and local charm of Morro Bay on the Central Coast.

Our morning started with a visit to the iconic Morro Rock — a towering volcanic plug rising from the ocean, offering sweeping views and a peaceful walk along the shore. Then we headed to a local favorite for breakfast: Frankie and Lola’s, a cozy café near the waterfront known for friendly service and hearty, flavorful dishes.

The highlight of the day? A relaxing wildlife boat tour through Morro Bay’s calm estuary. We spotted sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, and other native wildlife, along with dramatic coastal rock formations and hidden coves you can only see from the water.

📍 In this video:

  • Scenic views of Morro Rock
  • Breakfast at Frankie and Lola’s Front Street Café
  • Boat ride through Morro Bay Estuary
  • Wildlife sightings: sea lions, seabirds & more
  • Why Morro Bay is a must-see hidden gem on any California road trip

Whether you’re planning your next trip or just need a virtual escape, Morro Bay delivers quiet beauty, wildlife, and local flavor — all without the crowds of bigger tourist spots.