All posts filed under: healthy eating

Through the Smoke Filled Air

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I woke up this morning scratching my head, thinking while in deep sleep at some point overnight, I was shuttled up to another planet. The skies across the bay area are orange-gray dark and a bit scary. Never been in this situation before. I mean we’ve had fires across California but none this extreme. At least not in my lifetime. But then again it is 2020 and all is expected at this point so, with all lights on in the house, at now almost nine in the morning, I am staying connected in hopes to stay distracted.       featured image source and full credit

Fog, Puff Pastry and a Cup of Tea

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I woke up Tuesday feeling out of sorts – especially when I made quick turns or bend downward. It turned out I was having a Vertigo episode – which I’ve had for several years, where the world around me turns upside down and I am unable to find a solid ground to stand on. These Seabands help for sure to alleviate some of the symptoms, but a few days of rest and calmness is best, along with this exercise, in case you find your way in the same Titanic as me. The worst I think is the inability to focus, or, in my case, sounds and quick movements around me flare up my queasiness. Nevertheless, I have responsibilities, work, caring for my mother and an aging dog – so I am doing my best to stay solid. Ginger tea and lemongrass help apparently. I read also foods to avoid during an episode. So, with that long intro, I am going to effort this puff pasty at some point, maybe tomorrow, but figured I’d share the …

Food: Side Dish 101

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I live for side dishes – and with each meal plan them carefully so to use up the freshest of ingredients I purchased from the grocers. Which is what led me to this list of side dishes to consider adding the perfect to the simply meal. I normally shift between roasted tomatoes, cabbage slaw, roasted peppers, roasted potatoes and sometimes rice. {featured image and source full credit}

Food: Dinner Tonight – Salad with Avocado, Mango and Feta Cheese

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I bought mango over the weekend – not the usual kind but Ataulfo – which I remember having a version of it in the middle east as a child. Weird I know. But I did – in the hills of Lebanon, somehow, someone had sliced and chilled a few and served it to us one very hot summer evening, seated on a terrace, chatting up with friends and family. Anyway, this is the reason I bought the Ataulfo mango and I guess the internet realizing my nostalgia, offered up this recipe for me to consider for tonight’s dinner –  and instead of feta which I don’t have at home, I will be slicing up Cotija cheese. Recipe 2 ripe mangos, cubed 1 avocado, cubed 6 oz of feta, cubed handful of mint, chopped handful of chives, chopped handful of basil, chopped 1/4 cup of pistachios, chopped juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp good olive oil flakey salt to taste fresh ground black pepper to taste {more} {featured image and recipe full credit On another note …

Food: Eggplant Pasta

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Here’s how my Wednesday mornings go – at 5:30 a.m. I start with a larger chain grocery store to purchase all the essentials – which include meat. But for some reason the abundant amount of chicken is no longer the case, nor the free-range and organic versions. Quality beef is scarce and seafood is now more prepackaged.  Which might be an indication that I need to slowly get my family used to eating more plant-based, and less meat or just keep on freaking out until the refrigerator sections are filled again. So an hour ago, I announced to my mother that we are not having meet this coming week and all recipes will be mostly veggie based. She batted her eyes at me, and said – whatever you think is best. Here’s what’s for dinner tonight: Eggplant pasta with not so much spice for the little old lady I refer to as MOM 😉  and lots of Parmesan cheese  – trust me. 2 medium eggplants 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more as needed 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 teaspoon freshly ground black …

Food: Vegetarian Dinner Ideas For That Get Together Or A Party of One

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A friend asked me what I’d be giving up for lent this year and I said – same as every year – meat. Which is what my family’s done for generations. But with that sacrifice, one must be creative in serving up mostly vegetarian dishes in a household addicted to meat. So, I went searching online for ideas and lucky for me and perhaps even for you this suggestion popped up – 117 vegetarian dinner ideas for a party – which could very well mean a party of one or two just as well 😉

Food: How to Substitude Ingredients and This Recipe

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I have to admit, I switch up ingredients all the time while preparing a meal. For example – I am allergic to soy, so I use Worcestershire sauce instead. I hate the taste of fish, so I never add fish sauce to any Asian dish. So I was glad to find a list of alternatives here, for ingredients. What have you substituted, and share your experience or other recommendations Here’s a recipe for dinner tonight for the family – spicy eggplant pasta    {featured image source}

Food: Chicken or Beef Tacos – Another Version Added To My Collection of Taco Recipes

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Tacos it is – again – but I am not complaining and after testing out this recipe, I doubt the family will complain either. Except for one thing – I do not like ground chicken – I preferred pulled chicken instead. So, that’s how this recipe will go down in my household. Feel free to add you favorite protein. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 pound ground chicken, beef, or turkey 1 yellow onion, chopped 2-3 teaspoons chipotle chili powder use to your taste 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper use to your taste 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon kosher salt 12 hard shell tacos 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese CILANTRO LIME RANCH 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt 3/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped + 2 tablespoons brine juice from 2 limes 1 teaspoon kosher salt  {more} On another note – would you take a trip to New York just to see this Broadway musical – about Princess Diana?  

Food: Dinner Tonight – Mushroom Taco and Garlic Lime Sauce

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Haven’t written much about what I am aiming to cook for the fam – but tonight, we are excited that my American football team, the 49ers will be playing in the Superbowl. There was a crazy madness to the city yesterday as everyone was shopping for Superbowl snacks, and beverages, as well as the usual Taco, nachos and other finger foods ingredients to be served at a Superbowl gathering all over the city in anticipation for a Superbowl win. So naturally, tacos will be served with beer in our household and this recipe seems like a pretty good addition to the usual shredded chicken or beef tacos I make every year. INGREDIENTS 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 chipotle peppers in adobo ¼ cup apple cider or white vinegar 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, chopped 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced 3 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 12 …

England Travel Continues

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One of the things I miss the most while on the road, is making a home cooked meal. Even though that’s the case,  I still am intrigued by the many helpful hints or suggestions for cooking and recipes. Do you have cooking secrets you wish to share? Are you more of a traditional cook or one who prefers a slow-cooker {featured image – recipe to the lemoniest roast chicken}