Go feast yourself!

Lighthouse Adventures and Magnificent Maine

2015-05-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

#TossBackTuesday

I've never seen such beauty quite like the one possessed by Maine. I've visited some gorgeous places, but I don't know what it is about this state that has captured my heart...

Hope you are enjoying your day!

Get Your Feast On!!

Hot or Cold Creamy Tomato and Gorgonzola Soup

2015-05-18T21:20:00.000-05:00

A sharp and spicy twist to a classic dish.

Now that the beginning of the end of Summer is upon us and Autumn is just around the corner (yay!), my internal food-loving clock is starting to crave those comfort foods that embrace you from the inside out. Soups are my favorite all year round, but tomato soup in particular is one that I enjoy most when it's nippy outside and for some reason never fails to put me at ease.

As I mentioned in the title, this soup is not only delectable hot for the colder months, but can be enjoyed cold as well for a savory refreshment during these past HOT HOT HOT couple of days.

I added some Sriracha for the spicy/sweet yummy flavor and gorganzola for a sharp cheesy and creamy texture. Gorgonzola cheese is not for everyone, so you can certainly substitute with blue cheese or even a sharp cheddar would be delightful.

Creamy Tomato and Gorgonzola Soup

Ingredients

1 cup chopped tomatoes (any kind)
2 medium sized onions chopped
1 large carrot chopped
1 stalk celery chopped
1 medium potato chopped
2 garlic cloves crushed
3 tablespoons ketchup
1 cup tomato juice/sauce
pinch salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar (or to taste)
handful gorganzola cheese crumbles (or taste)

Cooking Directions

Roughly chop all the vegetables and place in a pot of water.
Bring to a boil, then lower heat.
Simmer vegetables for 30-45 minutes or until vegetables are very tender.
Using an immersion blender or a separate blender, blend until completely pureed (no lumps).
Add salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
Add gorgonzola cheese also taste.
Allow to continue simmering until cheese is melted in.
Garnish with fresh chopped basil and pork rinds.

To serve COLD: Chill in the refrigerator and add extra basil/cilantro for freshness and a dollop of plain Greek yoghurt

Storage: Freeze in chinese containers or any airtight container for up to 4 months!

I know I've been crap at updating my blog lately, but with a recent surge of inspiration (from what, I still don't know), I hope to be more consistent and rediscover my love of blogging...especially about yum yum's!

Get Your Feast On!

Healthy Couscous Salad & Study Sunday

2015-05-18T10:34:00.000-05:00

(I seem to have misplaced my camera, so I apologize as my phone camera's quality isn't that great.)

As I'm starting to get back into the swing of things in regards to my health (mental & physical), as well as returning to the world of academics, I've rediscovered inspiration to start blogging again! I find that it eases any anxiety that manages to sneak up on me, which is always a plus haha.

This recipe is nothing new and/or innovative, but I still felt it needed to be included in my "recipe filing cabinet" that is my blog for future reference because it's so simple yet so good and has helped me stay on the right track.

I've been munching on this as part of my pre and post workout meals. It's also been my go-to snack for when I'm studying--no surprise since couscous contains loads of fiber (digestion), B vitamins (energy), lean vegetarian protein (muscle replenishment and fuel), and good fats (cholesterol) among many other benefits.

Healthy Couscous Salad

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat cous cous
1 1/2 cups water
1 cup (2 whole cobs) sweet corn
1/2 cup green pepper
3 medium sized roma tomatoes cubed
3-4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2-3 whole limes juiced

Cooking Directions

Cook cous cous according to package instructions (I usually do 1 C to 1 1/2 C cous cous to h2o ratio) in a medium saucepan or microwave. Fluff cous cous with a fork, then set aside to slightly cool off. Steam corn, then remove kernels from cob. Chop up tomatoes and pepper. Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Mix. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Mix. Add lime juice. Mix. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes until ready serve. Enjoy!!

Another beautiful thing about couscous, like many complex carbs is its versatility. You can eat it as is, heat it up for a nice side dish, or even stuff it into bell peppers and bake for a comforting vegetarian meal after a long hard day. I've read as well it can be made into a dessert, so I'll be looking into that. Exciting!

Until then, I probably should get back to studying now.

Get Your Feast On!

1st Attempt at Samosas!

2014-08-04T07:00:00.000-05:00

As you can see, shaping the wrapper can be difficult at first but with practice only will you find success!

These deep fried flavor filled savory morsels of pastry goodness are simple, delicious, and satisfying-- A great snack to make for entertaining or as your contribution to a cook-out/bbq/picnic all of which tend to pop up in copious amounts during the summer months. But hey, who says you can't enjoy them all year round. No One! I love making these as well during the colder season as I liken eating these to getting a nice warm hug.

Not to mention, they're deep fried and vegetarian. Everyone wins! haha :o)

Simple and Easy Samosas

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons butter/canola oil
1 medium onion chopped
4 medium sized potatoes chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
2 teaspoons ginger minced
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 teaspoons garam masala
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
1 small jalapeno pepper minced (optional)

Cooking Directions

For the wrapper: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt and butter until the mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Pour in water little at a time until dough-like consistency. Form a ball. Place on a lightly floured surface and knead for 10 minutes, or until dough is smooth and elastic. Shape into a disc then wrap with plastic wrap. Set aside to rest for at least 10 minutes.
For Filling: Saute potatoes, onions, garlic, pepper, spices, over medium heat until potatoes are fork tender and onions are very soft and translucent. In a separate bowl, mash everything together until well combined. Set aside.
Assembly: Preheat oil in a deep skillet or sauce pan to 375 degrees F.
Roll out dough, then divide into roughly 12-15 equal portions. Shape out circles using a cookie cutter or rim of mug/cup. Cut each circle in half, then roll each half into cones. Place dollop of filling (approx. 1 tablespoon more or less) into the cones. Press together the edges until thoroughly sealed (you may have to dampen the edges with water first)
Cook: Slowly submerge samosas, a few at a time, into preheated oil to fry until golden brown.

Overall first attempt verdict: A SUCCESS!!

Get Your Feast On!

Move Over Mae Ploy! - (Easy) Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

2013-10-24T19:02:00.000-05:00

How foolish of me to have posted a Lumpia recipe without even mentioning the perfect dip to go with it!!--Sweet Chili Sauce along with Sriacha are probably my 2 favorite condiments of all time (next to mayo and ketchup). Particularly with protein whether it's chicken, fish, steak, even in a BBQ sauce, and of course egg rolls, I enjoy a side of this sauce.

The bottled kind is more mild, sweet, but still extremely delicious. My version is more tailored to my more spicy and less tart preference, which is why I was so excited to have learned how to make this. I thank the youtube channel called RunnyRunny9 for the basic tips! I also added some salt for a little depth.

Now that I know just how easy it is to make this, I look forward to saving a few bucks since all the ingredients are a staple in our pantry! Feel free to try this out yourself and create YOUR perfect sauce! :o)

Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce

Ingredients

1/4 Cup Water
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes (more if you want more heat)
3 tablespoons sugar
pinch salt
1 teaspoon cold water
1 teaspoon corn starch

Cooking Directions

Over medium heat, combine water, vinegar, and sugar in a medium sauce pot. Heat until sugar is fully dissolved.
Add chili flakes and salt. Wait until slightly bubbling (not full boil)
In a separate container (small bowl) dissolve corn starch (1 teaspoon) in cold water (1 teaspoon). Add into pot.
Lower heat and continue stirring until sauce thickens.

Get Your Feast On!

It's Fall/Halloween Time!!

2013-10-19T14:48:00.000-05:00

Get Your Feast On!

Lumpia - Filipino Shanghai Style Eggroll

2013-10-02T17:32:00.002-05:00

This is probably in the Top 5 most popular Filipino appetizers. You can't really go wrong with this dish. Almost everyone enjoys lumpia. Make it for movie night/tailgating or a potluck, it will be a sure hit! :o)

For this recipe, I stayed with a VERY basic version explained to me by my parents as this was more experimental/impulsive than anything. My brother doesn't eat seafood, so I omitted the ground shrimp. This can be a little time consuming, yes, but can be prepared ahead of time for convenience. This is also a great dish to have your kids involved in the kitchen (and some extra sets of hands! hehe)

Shanghai Style Filipino - Lumpia

Ingredients

1 lb ground pork
1 medium jicama chopped
4 carrot stalks chopped
1 teaspoon salt or soy sauce
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon granulated onion
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 package spring roll wrappers (or wonton wrappers)
1 quart oil for frying
optional: 1 lb shrimp ground
optional:1 cup green onions chopped

Cooking Directions

Using a knife or food processor, mince carrots and jicama.
Combine with ground pork in a mixing bowl. Add seasonings. Combine thoroughly.
Assembling eggroll (refer to pictures below)
Deep fry 3 or 4 at a time in 350 degree F oil until golden brown on all sides (5 minutes)
Meat will still be slightly pink when ready. If too pink, double fry in lower heat.
Serve with sweet chilli sauce.

The amount of filling is up to you and how big you like your egg roll. (If unsure - the width of your thumb)

I ended up cutting each wrapper in half, but the process is still the same. Use water to seal the egg roll.

I dusted the surface with a little bit of flour to prevent sticking while they wait to be fried.

Get Your Feast On!

Easy 5 Ingredient Potato and Spinach Casserole

2013-09-09T22:42:00.002-05:00

BTW, for the 5 ingredients, I did not include the spices!

This easy casserole recipe was a result of a failed plan to make gratin. Unfortunately I didn't have enough spinach or potato to build a good "gratin" foundation, so instead I improvised and created a simpler casserole instead. Luckily, it came out delicious. My younger brother who is quite the fussy eater enjoyed it so much that he kept looking for it again the rest of the night haha.

I will definitely be making this comfort meal all throughout Autumn maybe even Thanksgiving! Not pictured above, is the ground beef I decided to add last minute for its flavor, but also for more substance.

Potato and Spinach Casserole

Ingredients

3 medium potatoes thinly sliced
1 package (12 oz) spinach chopped
1/4 lb ground beef
1 can Progresso 3 Cheese Recipe Starter
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (or nutmeg)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
pinch salt and paper (or taste)
3/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
drizzle extra virgin olive

Cooking Directions

Prepare a pot of boiling water. Add sliced potatoes and allow to slightly cook (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Preheat oven to broil setting 400 degrees F. Use 2nd rack from the top.
In a deep skillet, saute ground beef until brown. Add cumin and season with some salt and pepper.
Add spinach and 3 cheese sauce. Stir occasionally until spinach is fully wilted and cooked. Add cinnamon and thyme.
Turn off heat. Continue to stir and be sure to evenly distribute ingredients through out pan.
Layer slices of potato on top.
Drizzle some extra virgin olive oil.
Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over potatoes. Follow up with sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
Drizzle a little bit more olive on top top.
Place skillet in oven and broil until top is golden brown.

Get Your Feast On!

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir & OOTD

2013-09-01T20:11:00.000-05:00

A few days ago, my family and I visited a nearby BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir. Although the Hindu temple was still under construction, the Haveli as well as the gardens around were open to the public. We even enjoyed an authentic Indian meal! I'm not the most knowledgeable when it comes to Indian culture, but I was extremely delighted to have this experience.

Welcome. As you drive passed the gates, you're greeted by a magnificent spectacle complete with a horse drawn carriage underneath majestic hand carved pillars, a gorgeous fountain, perfectly groomed topiaries at every turn, and a white picturesque temple of the same hand carvings straight out of a movie set.

Haveli. Open to the public at the time of our visit, we were asked to take off our shoes and a guide was able to tell us a bit more about the place. It was when he mentioned there was Indian food being served when I found myself getting antsy from excitement. Still shoeless, we entered an area where wraps were provided to cover the shoulders and legs. Fortunately for me, I anticipated this and dressed accordingly beforehand.

OOTD. I went with a long colorful skirt that covered my legs (Costco of all places haha), a black tank top, and my favorite hat (Forever 21). I also brought a long scarf (Wal-Mart) I'd use as a wrap for when I was inside the temple as I wasn't aware that the temple provided wraps for the visitors! Better prepared than sorry! :o)

Mandir. We descended a few flights of marble stairs into a long hallway filled with large posters about the contributions of Indian culture as well Hinduism to the world. At the end of the hallway was an area where we could make a wish and pour water over a golden statue, which I regret taking a pass on! Just before that, however, is another set of stairs that would take you up to the Mandir. Lights illuminated and ricocheted off more hand carved ivory pillars creating a scene from a fairy. It was just beautiful. If only I had photos to share as I know my description doesn't do it justice at all, but unfortunately it was prohibited.

Bhel Mix

Shayona. Finally we made our way to the Shayona, an Indian vegetarian cafeteria/restaurant. I ordered the Bhel Mix which was quite delicious, but a little on the sweet side for me. My brother ordered the Samosas, which were too spicy for him so I devoured them. My parents ordered Thali, which was also very yummy and for dessert we all enjoyed a nice cold Lassi.

After a delicious meal we exited the back where we were pleasantly surprised by a pair of peacocks just casually roaming the property :o)

Overall, my experience at BAPS in Bartlett was amazing. I felt like I was in another country. I was even thrilled to get quick glimpses at what looked like a traditional Hindu wedding where all the men and women, whether they were part of the wedding or just guests, wore the most beautiful colorful traditional Indian dresses/suits. The people there including the volunteers were all so nice. A definite must-visit in Chicago.

Get Your Feast On!

What I've Been Eating: Key West Edition

2013-08-18T14:02:00.001-05:00

Key Lime Pie

My new favorite, Cuban Bread!!

Conch Fritters

SUPER Fresh Oysters

Cuban Sandwich

Get Your Feast On!

DIY: Easy Armpit Stain Remover

2013-07-22T13:45:00.003-05:00

I've tried many DIY concoctions to remove those pesky armpit stains and a lot of them do work, BUT a lot of them are also so potent to the point where they fade even the color of the shirt. For whites, obviously it's perfectly okay but for colored, the faded area, in my opinion, looks just as bad as the stain itself.

I recently came across this version of the mixture that I'd never heard of before and decided to give it a go.

Check out the results!

DIY: Armpit Stain Remover

What You'll Need:

2 tablespoons Hydrogen Peroxide

1 tablespoon liquid dish soap (OR laundry detergent specially for colored clothing)

Optional: baking soda

old toothbrush (obviously not the same one you use for your teeth hehe)

Directions:

-Mix all the ingredients together until it becomes bubbly.
-Soak armpit area with solution.
-Scrub are using toothbrush.
-Let sit for about an hour.
-Wash in the laundry as you normally would.

Before (white)

Before (color)

After (white)

After (color)

Verdict. I used laundry detergent instead of the dish soap, which the original recipe calls for, and as you can see the results are pretty awesome. I was so sick of having to throw away old shirts because of those nasty looking stains.

Hope this works for you too!

Get Your Feast On!

Bean and Corn Summer Salad

2013-07-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

This salad is pretty amazing as a side to any meal this summer, but is substantial enough to eat on its own! I like the blend of sweet flavors from the corn and bell pepper, heartiness from the beans, freshness from the greens, as well as the acidity from the lime juice that packs a punch right through the warm, rich spices of cumin and chilli.

Bean and Corn Summer Salad

Ingredients

1 Cup sweet corn
1 Can (1 cup) red beans
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 green onion finely chopped
2 handfuls mixed greens
3 key limes juiced
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoons chilli powder
1/4-1/2 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

Steam and cook corn.
Remove kernels by holding ear of corn upright with larger base on your surface and running a knife down the sides. Continue on all sides.
Chop all the vegetables into a bowl.
Mix together olive oil and spices to create dressing.
Toss into salad until everything is evenly coated.
Season with salt and pepper.

For a Mexican inspired twist substitute black beans, cilantro, and some jalapeno peppers for a nice kick!

A heat wave is in the horizon for a lot of people out East and it will be traveling into the Midwest. Stay cool and hydrated! :)

Get Your Feast On!

Bubba Gump!

2013-07-15T07:17:00.000-05:00

Fun is probably the only word I can use to describe my first impressions of Bubba Gump. The atmosphere, the servers, the food, the location--it was all just fun. In a last minute meet-up with my lovely Tita (Aunt) Ging from the Philippines who was here in Chicago for the night on a business trip, we decided to take her to Navy Pier where we came across this seafood place.

I ordered the Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwich, which came with a reasonable portion of fries (if you prefer more mountainous portion, you may be disappointed). The great thing was that the shrimp didn't taste like it was frozen. Everything was fresh. Considering many of the great seafood joints in the city are super expensive, the relatively lower prices had me a little worried about the quality. As far as service, it's difficult to judge because the place was SUPER busy that night. The wait for our food ended up being a little longer than we'd like and the fries came not as hot as I would've preferred. I'm not making excuses, so for that I did lower my mental score for the place.

Overall, I enjoyed my food as well as the servers were all very friendly. We did end up having to change up the sign often, but they were quick to make sure they fixed what was wrong and give us whatever we needed.

Bubba Gump has 29 locations in the US and over 10 in Mexico and all across Asia. The first restaurant was opened by Viacom, which owns Paramount Pictures, which distributed the Forrest Gump movie.

Get Your Feast On!

Happy 4th! - Berry Shortcake Tower of Deliciousness

2013-07-01T19:15:00.000-05:00

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3 and you can't go wrong with the red, white, and blue!

Berry Shortcake Tower

Ingredients

1 store-bought angel food cake (in bundt form if possible)
2 Cups blueberry jam
2 Cups (or desired amount) whipped cream

Cooking Directions

1st layer - cake
2nd layer- blueberry jam
3rd layer - whipped cream
Repeat and tada!

If you enjoyed this (easy-peasy) recipe, also check out,

4th of July Inspired Marbled Sugar Cookies!

Hope all you Americans have a happy, fun, and SAFE, 4th of July!!!

Get Your Feast On!

What I've Been Eating Mashup #1

2013-06-28T21:53:00.003-05:00

Dad's BBQ - a slightly secret recipe, but I can tell you that 7-Up was used in the marinade! :o) Now that I realize it. I don't have a BBQ recipe on this blog! Must get on that!

Here are some other great recipes to bring to a BBQ/Cookout!:

-Mexican Inspired Pork Empanadas

-Mango Salasa!

-Mom's Chicken Salad

-Grilled Corn Salsa

My sister recently turned me on to raw oats (rolled, whole wheat, bran) As much as I love cooked oatmeal, I have to say I'm ADDICTED to raw oats. I eat it like a cereal with some milk and fruits. I sometimes add honey and sugar if I want some sweetness.

Obviously if you're watching what you eat, then replace the milk with a non-dairy one and omit the sugar/honey. I'm not too focused on my sugar intake and I can never let go of my 2% milk *hangs head* :p

Check out more oaty goodness:

-Pumpkin Fever Oatmeal

-Protein Oatmeal Snackies

-Banana Protein Pancakes

Costco Sushi. Nom!

Check out some of these other Asian inspired recipes!:

-Homemade Potstickers

-Simple Crab Rolls w/ a Dijon, Ginger, and Soy Sauce

-Chicken Makhani / "Butter Chicken"

Pesto Chicken Pasta. Need I say more? :o) I used regular peanuts this time and it was delightful! I love making pesto and experimenting with different nuts. I've since tried this with hazelnuts and spanish nuts (which I still have yet to post up!).

Check out the recipe as well as my other pasta/pesto posts:

-Simple Pesto Pasta

-Avocado Pesto Pasta

-Caramelized Onion Meatballs and Spaghetti

More like Edy's Rich & Creamy Grand Ice Cream in Sex In Your Mouth. This stuff is sooo good!!! I was good though and only had this 2830989204 times this week :p Don't worry, I ran most of it off (and almost killed myself bahaha!)

Most of these photos are from my instagram: @GoFeatYourself

If you have instagram, leave your username in the comments and I'll be sure to check them out! :o)

Get Your Feast On!

Avocado 2-Ways: Sweet & Savory

2013-06-24T17:53:00.000-05:00

Savory.

Zingy Guacamole

Ingredients

3 or 4 medium sized avocados (the more the merrier!)
1 or 2 medium sized tomatoes diced
1 small small onion diced & caramalized (or cooked through)
2 teaspoons - 1 tablespoon Siracha (or to taste
pinch of salt (or to taste)
pinch of ground black pepper (or taste)
optional: pinch of ginger

Cooking Directions

Simple gather ingredients in a mixing bowl.
Smash together until desired consistency.
Season and serve!

Sweet.

Chilled Avocado Pudding

Ingredients

1 or 2 medium sized avocado
1 banana
2 heaping teaspoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
optional: milk (as much needed to reach desired consistency)

Cooking Directions

Gather ingredients in a blender and pulse until smooth like pudding.
If it becomes too thick add a little milk to reach desired consistency.
Refrigerate until chilled and serve!

Hope you enjoy!

Get Your Feast On!

Project Red Head Commenced!

2013-05-13T17:36:00.003-05:00

Stage 1: Auburn Base

Preface. I've been wanting to have red hair since I was little, but never grew big enough balls to actually go through with it. That and the whole notion of bleaching my hair and doing the whole process wasn't worth it to me. HOWEVER, as late as I am to the party Garnier has come out with their Ultra Color line made specifically for dark/black hair. I think this first came out like several years ago *facepalms*.

I was a bit of a skeptic since my hair is sooo dark....like....the night..dark lol. But low and behold! IT WORKED!!! Well, kinda.

Results. My hair did not turn out as vibrantly, "fire engine" red like it is in the box, which i'm actually quite glad because I was aiming for a more red/violet mahogany color. I never knew this 'til now, but I guess my hair has more of a cooler undertone.... Woohoo!!

For Stage 2, I plan on layering another more true red color on top to add more dimension. Hopefully it'll turn out more vibrant, but not obnoxiously red. *fingers crossed*

Verdict. I really LOVE this product by Garnier and HIGHLY recommend it to those who want to experiment with color on their dark hair. Results may vary depending on the individual's hair.

Get Your Feast On!

7-Day Green Smoothie Challenge #3 - Day 4

2013-04-25T19:15:00.001-05:00

Strawberry, Banana, and Napa Cabbage

Today I decided to try a new green in my smoothie. I've always loved napa cabbage, of course, in salads as well as stir fry, so I figured why not enjoy it in a drink? :o)Because I wasn't sure how it would taste, I went with the traditional Strawberry & Banana.

Healthwise, napa cabbage is filled with benefits.

For one, it only has 15 calories.
Folate filled, which means a healthy heart and metabolism
It's filled with B-Complex Vitamins as well as A, C, K.
It's also a natural source of electrolytes and calcium.
Abundant in dietary fiber

I must confess though, I did add a little bit of kale (I think I may be addicted) for the added health benefits, but also I was hoping it would add a little more green to an otherwise very pink smoothie. But I guess as long as the greens are IN the smoothie, it doesn't matter what color it actually turns out hehe :oP

Get Your Feast On!

7-Day Green Smoothie Challenge #3 - Day 3

2013-04-24T16:14:00.004-05:00

Apples. Coconut. Kale.

A strange combo you might think. I wasn't even sure what the result would be. Surprisingly it's quite yummy! My smoothie ended up being a little thicker because of the apples. If you want to make this yourself, just add water until it reaches your desired consistency. I didn't mind the thickness! It doubled as a great snack! :o) My sister, who is extremely healthy encourages the family to use coconut oil more often because of course it's awesome for ya and so I have. Gracias sister!

:oP

Get Your Feast On!

7-Day Green Smoothie Challenge #3 - Day 2

2013-04-23T14:39:00.002-05:00

Today I went with a very simple smoothie. I blitzed together some kale, basil, strawberries, and peach flavored greek yogurt. The result is a very sweet and tangy delicious smoothie. Again, you can't go wrong with a green smoothie. If you're someone that doesn't always get around to cooking as much vegetables as you'd like, having a daily smoothie is the way to go. You're getting all your vital nutrients, but in basically a sweet almost dessert form.

This smoothie in particular would also be delicious frozen or chilled--a great alternative to ice cream because of the creaminess of the greek yogurt :o)

Day 1 was unfortunately a fail!! I totally lost track of the date. I always get excited when I receive another email inviting me to do these challenges :o) Be sure to check out Katherine's blog for more details and for more delicious healthy ideas

Get Your Feast On!

Mongo Guisado Style Stew

2013-04-20T12:47:00.000-05:00

Boston Strong. Just quickly, I'd like to give a shout out to the cities of Boston & Watertown who have been so resilient throughout the past week. Also if I could I'd hug every single law enforcement official who worked tirelessly since the explosions putting their lives on the line for the safety of the people. Condolences to those lost and injured from the attack.

I rejoice with you all as I was glued to the TV as well as twitter for hours following the coverage of the manhunt up until the very end as they captured the perpetrator.

Cheers to Boston!

Visit the American Red Cross website for details on you can help the victims of Boston, Texas, as well as those in my home state of Illinois who recently experienced historic mass flooding.

^_^

No excuse. So it's been quite some time since I last blogged. To be honest, inspiration has eluded me. I know that's no excuse. Inspiration is everywhere if you just look.

With a new educational adventure to be had in just less than a month, I decided to post not only one of my favorite Filipino dishes (I seem to say that about every one I've posted so far bahaha), BUT an amazingly healthy dish that I also find quite comforting for those long nights of studying as well as traveling. . It not only does the soul good, but the body as well.

Some health benefits of mongo (mung) beans include, but are not limited to the following:

Low in cholesterol, high in dietary fiber
Low glycemic index for those with diabetes or are moderating sugar intake
Contains protease inhibitors, which work to prevent tumors from forming
Great source of protein
Contains high amounts of potassium and very low sodium which is ideal for controlling blood pressure.

Preference. I've seen this mongo dish cooked many different ways. I've seen it in more of a soupy consistency. I've seen it cooked with shrimp. I've seen it used with different greens (more commonly spinach). My dad cooks this with collard greens as well, but my favorite so far has been kale. I also prefer this dish to be slightly thicker--almost like a stew, so if you're Filipino and you come across this post, you're probably thinking "Whaat??" lol If that's the case, go ahead and add more broth or water to thin it out a bit.

Mongo Guisado Style Stew

Ingredients

2 Cups (or 1 package) green mongo beans (mung)
1 medium sized onion chopped
3 cloves garlic chopped
1-2 Cups pork diced
1 tomato chopped
3-4 Cups kale chopped
4 Cups water or broth
1 tablespoon patis (fish sauce)
pinch of pepper to taste

Cooking Directions

Cook mongo beans in boiling water until tender. Separate 1/2 Cup of cooked beans in a bowl and mash (to thicken stew).
In a sauce pot, saute onions and garlic in some canola oil over medium-high heat. Add pork and continue sauteeing. Once pork is no longer pink. Add water, patis, kale, and beans.
Bring to a boil, then lower heat and continue to simmer until desired thickness is reached.

Serve over white (or brown) rice or alone. Enjoy!

Get Your Feast On!

TOTD: Soothing Remedies for Flu/Cold

2013-03-17T13:29:00.000-05:00

TOTD = Tip of the Day

Last year around this time, the Chicagoland area was experiencing 80 degree temperatures and plenty of humidity. That's unbelievable! This time around, it's been cold cold cold! We've avoided the snow for most of the winter season, but February was bookmarked with PLENTY of flurries/blizzards and along with it a lot of just bitter cold. Flu season may be over, but the cold is relentless both in the air and unfortunately of the viral sort.

Here are two hot drinks I recommend for those experiencing flu and cold symptoms particularly, a sore throat, headaches, nasal congestion, etc. and just overall want to relax and feel better.

1. Green Tea Cold/Flu Fighter

Brew up some green tea (antioxidants increase immune function)

- ginger (great for the stomach as well as headaches)

- basil (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, great taste!)

- honey (natural antibiotic, soothes the throat, sweet!).

2. Cayenne Pepper Water

This drink can be prepared hot or cold. I prepare the hot version because it's more soothing. I do sometimes drink the cold version during the day as a quick cleanse, but that's neither here nor there.

Native Americans used cayenne pepper for medicinal purposes such as the sore throat! Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which acts as a pain reliever. I find this to be pretty accurate because just from personal experience, my throat almost feels numb after drinking this. The spiciness of it also helps to clear up the sinuses albeit temporarily. It still does the job at least!

That being said, this will NOT cure your sore throat of any viral and/or bacterial infection. It can however ease the pain a whole lot, which can make healing a more bearable process.

I hope this helps! Stay warm!

Get Your Feast On!

Some Treats for Valentine

2013-02-12T18:44:00.000-06:00

One can argue that it's cliche and even cheesy to give a loved one a box of chocolates for Valentine's Day and to some degree, I'll agree, HOMEMADE.....anything really...let alone, assorted chocolates is a game changer. Unless they're not into chocol...........let's be serious lol. All I know is if I got some of this any day of the week, I'd be one happy gal.

In this assortment of goodies, I've included MY version of the Hershey's White Chocolate Symphony Bar, but instead of using toffee, I made caramel brittle instead. And you can't go wrong with chocolate covered nuts & dried fruit. It all really is kinda simple to make, but the final result is fabulous.

Assorted Chocolate Treats

Ingredients

1 bark semi-sweet chocolate
1 bark almond bark or white chocolate
1 cup peanut brittle
1 cup peanuts
1 cup dried cranberries

Cooking Directions

Melt the chocolate (white or semi-sweet).
Coat nuts, brittle, and dried fruit.
Place on a sheet tray lined with wax or parchment paper.
Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or until chocolate coating has set properly.

And here's a little something I created in the spirit of love. I drew the tree, sunset, and shadows with markers. For overall color as well as the title text, I used photoshop :)

Hope you have a lovely Valentine's Day! To me it's not only a day for lovers alone, but for love in general. So may you enjoy this day with the people or person you love the most whether it's your husband, wife, family, best friends, pets, etc!

Get Your Feast On!

Homemade Chicken Pot-Pie & Nostalgia

2013-02-07T10:00:00.000-06:00

Preface. Comfort and warmth: the 2 things I desperately seek for on a dark, dreary, winter day and 2 words perfect to describe one of my favorite meals to have during times like this and that's the one and only, Chicken Pot Pie! I personally have grown up eating Marie Collander's Frozen Chicken Pot Pies, which are DELICIOUS! I've tasted homemade ones in the past and they're always good, but Marie Collander has set the bar pretty high! And yeah it could very well be a sentimental thing because we all know NOTHING beats a home cooked meal from scratch...right?? The only way I can describe it is....metaphorically lol. Each spoonful of Marie's frozen version is an anecdote; a feast not only to satiate the hunger, but a journey through memory lane and into complete nostalgic bliss. Don't judge me :D

We all do this--attach our memories, like post-it notes to certain things...everyday things: a story, a situation, a song, a day of the week, an hour in a day, a season, even a dish. And every time we touch, feel, hear, see, or in my case, taste that one thing, we remember. It's as simple as that.

I will never be able or even attempt to duplicate my favorite FROZEN chicken pot-pie, BUT I can certainly try and make my own version of it! :)

Chicken Pot Pie EZ

Ingredients

1 lb chicken chopped
1 large or 2 medium onion chopped
3 cups carrots chopped
1 cup cilantro chopped
3 cups eggplant chopped
3 cups mushrooms
3 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons butter
pinch of salt to taste
pinch of pepper to taste
2 cans crescent rolls chilled
6 cups (more or less) chicken stock

Cooking Directions

Make the Filling: In a large pot, very lightly coat pan with oil over high heat.
Add and saute chicken until no longer pink. Take out and set aside on a separate plate/container.
In the same pot, saute together onions and carrots until tender. Add mushrooms and eggplant. Continue cooking (add more oil if it gets too dry). Add cilantro last.
Make a Rue: Add flour and continue stirring until flour is no longer powdery. Add chicken stock slowly and continuously stir. Mixture will start to thicken.
Lower heat to a medium-high and cover pot. Allow chicken to fully cook and until desired thickness.
Create Pot-Pie: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Take crescent rolls out of can. Take dough and line bottoms of 6 inch ramekins forming a thin crust. Bake for instructional time given (about 12 minutes) or until browned.
Layer filling on top of crust. Then take remaining dough and blanket on top. Bake again for 12 minutes (or a little longer for crispier crust) until browned.

Get Your Feast On!

More photos after the jump!

Pot Pie Assemble!

Get Your Feast On!

Tea Time w/ Mogi! - Stop Motion Animation

2013-02-06T22:00:00.000-06:00

For my first video, I really wanted to experiment with this neat technique of stop motion where you use photos frame by frame to manipulate an object creating the illusion that it's moving on its own. For my first stab at it, I knew I needed a star and Mogi was just perfect haha. He was given to me by my cousin a few years ago and I'm so happy to be able to share him with the world.

Hope you enjoy the video!!

Get Your Feast On!