Cheers to 2021!

I realize that when I do not blog, I miss it here! I was extremely proud of myself in 2020 for blogging so consistently, however, the thought of blogging can be a bit of a burden with an already full schedule. I also like to share my yummy recipes (stay tuned) and typing recipes in itself can be very time consuming - which is something I do not have an abundance of.

Nonetheless, I wanted to pop in, to document that I made it through 2020 and am 12 days in to 2021! I know that our circumstances haven't changed much, but aren't you glad that 2020 is over? I tried to remain optimistic about what was in front of me, but there were days where I felt less than optimistic, ya know? And that is OKAY. With the global pause, I was able to sit more in solitude with myself. I learned to truly live in each and every moment. In my pessimism, I never wanted to stay there, so to pull myself out of any rut, I focused all of my efforts on having an attitude of gratitude. What was I grateful for, in spite of? That list continues to grow, even 10 months later.

If you've been around my blog for some years, I don't care about New Year's resolutions. I set intentions. This year, the goal is to not take on more than I need to. To continue to find ease in the pause. I simply jotted down 6 core areas that I wanted to focus on: emotional health, mental health, spiritual health, familial health, financial health and physical health. For each core area, I have set only one intention for the first quarter. I'll then revisit in March and establish a continuation, if you will, for 2nd quarter. This helps me to stay balanced on things that I wish to accomplish for myself this year, but also taking it one day (or quarter), at a time.

What are your 2021 intentions? Feel free to shoot me an email!

Cheers! 

Peruvian Spiced Berry Tea

I really wanted to share this particular product on my blog. My brother got this Inca Peruvian Spiced Berry Tea for my birthday some time ago, but I am just now getting into it. He discovered it on one of his many solo ventures and knew that I would be a fan of it! I have enjoyed the taste of this tea, but found that I preferred it more, when using it in my french press. 

An excerpt from their website:

"This best-selling Inca Tea blend pays homage to the ancient Incan recipe of antioxidant-rich purple corn, berries and spices. The flavors are herbal and fruity. The feeling is like reaching the mountain summit."

I have noticed a significant increase in energy, while consuming this tea. The jury is still out on long-term effects, but so far so good!

Check out the company and all of the other products that they sell here.

Meatless Monday: Spicy Tofu Coconut Curry w/Brown Rice Recipe

🗣 where are my veggie lovers & ‘meatless monday-ers’ at?! I'm still on my strict plant-based fast and want you to get into this tasty Spicy Tofu Coconut Curry w/ Brown Rice recipe! #FoodMood #plantpowered 🌶🥥🍛

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 Extra Firm Tofu, cubed
• 5 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 4 Green Onions, sliced
• 4 Shiitake Mushrooms, sliced
• 2 Roma Tomatoes, crushed
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, sliced
• 1 Ginger nub, minced
• 1 Lime, juiced
• 1/2 Scotch Bonnet, minced (remove seeds)
• 1c Yellow Onion, diced
• 1c Spinach, chopped
• 1c Cilantro, chopped
• 1 can Coconut Milk
• EVOO aka extra virgin olive oil
• Coconut Oil
• Brown Rice
• Seasonings (if no measurement, season to taste): 1 tbsp Curry Powder, 1/2 tsp Ground Cumin, 1/2 tsp Turmeric Powder, Ground Ginger, Ground Cayenne Pepper, Himalayan Pink Salt + Cracked Black Peppercorn

Cooking Instructions: 

• Apply lots of pressure to drain all water from tofu & 🔪 cube it. 
• Toss tofu w/a pinch of each seasoning & EVOO. Place tofu in freezer for 15-20 minutes. 
• On stovetop, heat EVOO & coconut oil. Sauté onions, mushrooms, bell peppers & jalapeños. Stir in ginger, garlic 🧄 & coat veggies w/seasonings.🥄 
• Stir in coconut milk, tomatoes 🍅 
• Add tofu & bring to rapid boil. Stir in lime juice, spinach, cilantro & simmer on low for about 3 minutes. 
• Taste & add extra seasonings accordingly. 
• Ready to eat?! Plate up w/brown rice & be well! 🍽🍛

Fresh Pressed Juice Recipe w/ Jicama

I really had not experimented with various fruits and vegetables in a long while, but I purchased jicama wraps, in place of rice wraps, with the intent to make veggie rolls. within a short amount of time, the jicama wraps were expiring and to not throw anything away, I decided to toss them in my juicer.

Here's what you'll need for your juicer:

• Jicama, sliced
• 1 Carrot
• 1 Granny Smith Apple
• 1 Ginger nub
• 1 Lemon

If you've ever wondered about about jicama, it is a root vegetable, with a rather earthy flavor. I must say, that it wasn't too bad and actually added depth to my juice recipe.

The health benefits of jicama are the following:

• Helps the formation of good bacteria
• Regulates blood pressure
• Aids in weight loss
• Improves mood
• Strengthens immune system
• Helps in digestion
• Good for brain health
• Helps to improve blood circulation
• Bone Health
• REduces the risk of cardiovascular problems

THE BEST Coconut Oil!

It is not a super big deal, but I really like when my coconut oil has melted a little, while cooking. It helps me gauge the amount, prior to melting down. My brother put me on to this coconut oil that is already liquified and I absolutely love it! 

I blogged a mini post about coconut oils, back in the day, but feel free to read my two pennies on it.

Coconut Oil has many health benefits, which I have listed below:

• Support Weight Loss
• Cancer Prevention & Treatment
• Boost Digestion
• Prevents Heart Disease & High Blood Pressure
• Prevents Candida
• Improves Memory & Supports Brain Function
• Boosts Immune System
• Treats Urinary Tract Infections
• Supports Gallbladder & Pancreatitis Functions
• & the list goes on...

If interested in this particular product, I grabbed mine at Target and I am aware that Walmart also carries it. Thank me later! 

Coffee Alternative's Best Kept Secret!

While on a beach trip this summer, my friend brought their bag of Dandy Blend and after trying it, I knew that I had to have my own, when I arrived back home! 

I have loved roasted dandelion root tea, since before I initially began this blog in 2012. Whenever I am fasting I tend to do away with caffeine altogether, so roasted dandelion root tea had always been my go to in place of coffee. Dandy Blend is the perfect blend of roasted goodness and the best part of it, it's instant! All you need to do, is add hot or cold water (whatever your preference). I add MCT or coconut oil to mine, so that I give my system the extra boost of benefits that it needs.

You can either purchase the product online or locate a store that sells it locally.

Check out this blog post on Dandelion Root, that I did back in 2013, to learn more.

Watermelon + Cucumber Salad

I know this blog will be posting late, though it is still watermelon season, so I had to share!

Yes, it is September and usually watermelons are in season from May to September. So if you're reading this and you enjoy watermelons, go grab one! As well, bookmark the recipe for later use. 

Watermelon is one of my favorite fruits. I truly enjoy how refreshing and hydrating it is, especially when juiced! Over the years, I had to find alternative ways to eat more watermelon and found this recipe addictive. Check out the recipe below, along with health benefits of watermelon.

Here's what you'll need:

• Watermelon, diced
• Cucumber, minced
• Mint Leaves, minced
• 1/2 Lemon, juiced
• Feta Cheese, sprinkled
• Goat Cheese, sprinkled
• Cracked Black Peppercorn
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Instructions:

• Toss all ingredients in a bowl and serve!
• Enjoy!

Health Benefits:

• Boosts Immunity
• Body Detoxifier
• Aids Weight Loss
• Relieves Acid Reflux
• Cancer Fighter
• Eye Health
• Skin Health
• Prevents Kidney Stones
• Relieves Muscle Soreness
• High in Vitamin B6
• & more!

20 Minute Vegan Oatmeal Cookies

Ever so often, I have a sweet tooth craving and I seek to satisfy that craving by indulging in whatever sweets I have on hand. It's usually something lame, like mango sorbet. 😬 But whenever I am fasting, I find that I am most creative in the kitchen. In walks Pinterest and this amazing 3 ingredient vegan oatmeal cookie recipe, that was ready in less than 20 minutes! 

Here's what you need:

• 2c Oatmeal
• 2c Pitted Dates, tightly packed
• 1c Tahini

Instructions:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Combine all ingredients in a food processor, until it forms into a dough.
• Form into balls and place on parchment paper OR, you can do like I did and roll the dough out onto parchment paper and cut into bars, once done cooking.
• Cook for 10 minutes. 
• Allow to completely cool, before cutting or eating.
• Enjoy!! 

GTs Kombucha: New Flavor Alert!

It is no secret that I absolutely LOVE kombucha and the GTs brand! I have ventured off to try various kombucha brands, but I always find my way back to GTs!

I am sharing a new flavor of theirs. While on vacation a few weeks ago, I discovered the flavor and had my fingers crossed that I would be able find it, once I returned home. Sure enough, my trusty local Trader Joe's had an abundance in stock! It's great for mocktails, with added citrus fruits, like oranges and limes. It's also best consumed straight out of the bottle!

If curious of the benefits of drinking kombucha, take a peek at an older blog post of mine:

• KOMBUCHA!!!!
• Also by GTs, Aqua Kefir, which I now really enjoy!

COVID Comfort Food: Oxtail Stew

One of the things I love most about being primarily plant-based, yet having the ability to listen to my body is the DUALITY of it all. I never want to be put into a box of being "vegan" or "vegetarian", I quite honestly enjoy being able to choose what I want to eat, based on how I am feeling. For instance, as I am typing this blog post on oxtails, I am on a strict 21 day plant-based fast, which at this rate, may extend itself to 30 days. I speak (and blog) about fasting often. It is my way of spiritually grounding myself, while resetting my digestive tract, once every quarter. It also allows for me to gain better focus and concentration, without being consumed by the thought of food and moreover, alcoholic beverages. Your girl loves a good cocktail! 

Consuming meat can also be a cultural thing, ya know? My father is West African and he is a meat eater through and through. I grew up eating various African dishes, where meat is considered a delicacy. My mother is Southern African-American and grew up on a farm, where they ate everything from the rooter to the tooter. LOL!!! In both scenarios, meat was a part of survival. So in essence, I try to enjoy the best of both worlds of consuming meat and plants, without being too hard on myself about "being" anything other than who I am. It is a tightrope, but I listen to my body first and foremost!

Anyways, enough on the background storying, let's get into these here oxtails! 😁

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. Grass-fed Oxtails, cleaned
• 1 White Onion, diced
• 1/2 Red Pepper, diced
• 4 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 1 nub Ginger, minced
• 1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper, whole
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Ghee
• 3 c Water
• Seasonings (season to personal taste): Himalayan Pink Salt, Cracked Black Peppercorn, Dried Parsley, Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Browning Sauce (I use this brand: https://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Bouquet-Browning-Seasoning-Sauce/dp/B01GI20R4C)

Instructions:

• I usually clean my oxtails with Apple Cider Vinegar, but you can skip this part. Just ensure you start with very clean meat. Add olive oil to coat the oxtails.
• Add all seasonings, browning sauce and ginger.
• Massage extremely well into oxtails and allow to sit, at room temperature, for an hour.
• After an hour, turn stove on and heat Ghee inside of a Dutch Oven (or pot).
• Add oxtails to sear and then remove them from the pot.
• Add red pepper, onion and garlic to saute. Then oxtails go back into the pot.
• Next, stir in water and Scotch Bonnet Pepper.
• Let cook down into a stew texture for about 3 hours.

Usually I cook butter beans in my oxtail stew, but I did not have any on hand. As you can see by the photo, I served my oxtails with brussel sprouts and brown rice!

Enjoy!

Simple Blueberry Smoothie Recipe

I thought I'd share a quick smoothie recipe that I make, from time to time, using Trader Joe's Blueberry Lavender Almond Milk. It's packed with protein and antioxidants!

Ingredients:

• 1 Banana
• 1 c Blueberries
• 1 tbsp Almond Butter
• 1 c Almond Milk
• Ice

Instructions:

• Place all ingredients into a blender
• Blend + enjoy!

Coffee-Rubbed Steak Gorgonzola Salad w/ Honey Mustard Herb Caper Dressing

Looks tasty, eh? Please read over the instructions of each recipe, so you know how much prepping lead time you need. The dry rub for the steaks need a few hours to settle and the dressing requires 1-24 hours.

Coffee-Rubbed Steak Ingredients:

• 2 Ribeye or NY Strip Steaks
• My Dry Rub Coffee Mix, which is a secret recipe. However, for a simple mix, I would suggest using a 1 tbsp of each: ground coffee, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, salt + pepper.
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
• Olive Oil

Honey Mustard Herb Caper Dressing Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 3 tbsp Raw Honey
• 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 Garlic Clove, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, minced
• 1 tbsp Capers, rinsed
• 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard 
• 1 tbsp Garlic Aioli (optional)
• Seasonings (a pinch of each): Garlic Powder, Oregano, Salt + Pepper

Gorgonzola Salad Ingredients:

• Leafy Greens (I chose to mix arugula and spinach)
• 1 c Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• 1 c Cucumbers, quartered
• 1/2 Avocado, diced
• Gorgonzola Cheese, crumbled

Coffee-Rubbed Steak Instructions:

• In a bowl, add Dry Rub Mix and massage between fingers, to fully blend seasonings. 
• For steak, season with salt, then lather with dijon mustard and then dry rub mix all over. Sit in fridge, to marinate, for a minimum of 2 hours, max 6 hours. 
• After 2 hours, sit steaks on countertop, to bring to room temp for 1 hour.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
• On the stovetop, add olive oil to cast iron skillet and cook steaks for 2 minutes on each side. 
• Transfer skillet to oven and cook until your desired temperature. I prefer medium to medium-well.
• Remove from oven and allow steaks to rest on cutting board for 10 minutes, before slicing.

Honey Mustard Herb Caper Dressing Instructions:

• In a mason jar, combine all ingredients and shake vigorously.
• Let chill for 1 to 24 hours.

Gorgonzola Salad Plating Instructions:

• Either toss all ingredients in a bowl or plate in layers, as I did in the photo.
• Add steak, Gorgonzola and drizzle dressing on top.
• Enjoy!

Meatless Monday: Portobello Mushroom Steak w/ Avocado + Tomato Salad

Every now and then, it's good to have a "Meatless Monday". I always encourage people to experiment with a couple of different recipes whilst finding favorite dishes. This Portobello Mushroom Steak, with Avocado + Tomato Salad recipe happens to be one of mine! Not to mention, I am a huge fan of mushrooms, so whether baby bellas or mama bellas, mushrooms are a grocery store list staple in my home.

Here's what you'll need...

Portobello Mushroom Steak:

• 2 Portobello Mushrooms
• 1 Garlic Clove, minced
• 1/4 c Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1/4 c Balsamic Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Steak Sauce
• 1 tbsp Worchestire Sauce
• Seasonings (to taste): Salt + Pepper, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika

Avocado + Tomato Salad:

• 2 Ripe Avocados, diced
• Cherry Tomatoes, halved
• 1 Garlic Clove, minced
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Shallots, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley, minced
• 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, minced
• Seasonings (to taste): Salt + Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions:

• Turn oven broil on. In a plastic bag, combine all of the Portobello Mushroom ingredients and let sit in fridge, for about 30 minutes. Then broil in a cast iron skillet for another 20 minutes. Remove from oven, set aside.
• In a bowl, combine avocado + tomato salad ingredients and stir.
• Ready to plate? Slice mushrooms and add salad on top.
• Enjoy!

Grilled Mediterranean Red Snapper

Nothing says "summer" to me, more than grilling outdoors. Moreover, grilling large fishies. 🐟

A few places that come to mind, when I think of grilled red snapper are Ghana, Jamaica, Mexico and of course, Greece...hence the "Mediterranean" title. 

Red Snapper is often considered extremely intimidating, but I will be the first to say: it's super easy to cook!! I generally will grill snapper, at least 2x per month in the summertime. The reason being, my local farmer's market does most of the pre-cleaning for me. I have the fish gutted and scaled, prior to purchasing and it is literally a life saver! I always keep the head on, but if that's not your thing, simply request that they remove it.

Here's what you need:

• 2-4 Large Red Snappers, gutted and scaled
• 15 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 3 Bell Peppers, I used a variety of Red, Orange and Yellow
• 1 Red onion, sliced
• 25 Cherry Tomatoes, whole
• 4 Lemons, squeezed and sliced
• 1 Bundle of Fresh Dill
• Seasonings (2 tbsp each): Himalayan Pink Salt, Cracked Black Peppercorn, Ground Cumin, Ground Coriander, Sumac and Ground Turmeric

Instructions:

• I usually clean AND score fish the night prior, season the entire fish with all seasonings and allow to rest in the fridge overnight.
• Day of grilling: stuff snapper cavity and the areas that you have scored with garlic. Fill the cavity with red onions, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes and dill. What will not fit into the cavity, place around the fish. 
• Squeeze lemon juice over the fish and add any remaining lemons into the cavity of the fish.
• Grill and serve.

I served these babies with a side of grilled zucchini, mushrooms and couscous. 

Enjoy!

How I Store Fresh Herbs...

This is the best way I preserve any fresh herbs that I may accumulate in my refrigerator. If you're like me and prefer fresh herbs over packaged herbs, you'll appreciate this little tip: treat them as you would any floral arrangement. 

Start by cutting about 1 inch at the base of your herbs. Grab a mason jar with about 1/2 cup of room temperature water at the bottom. Place your bundle of herbs in the jar and wahlah! Refresh the water at the bottom, as you would a fresh bouquet of roses, as needed.

Note: Do not wash your herbs, until they are ready for use.

Seems pretty easy, right? Well, it is! Enjoy!

COVID Comfort Food: French Toast

Alls I got to say is, don't judge me... 😅😆😅

Historically, bread has never been my thing and really, it adds no nutritional value. I guess this is why I've remained so thin over the years because I always hold the dough, unless it's a sandwich or pizza. Well, one grocery store run, I was having a craving for French toast and I recalled seeing THIS French Brioche bread, while at Trader Joe's. It looked so soft and buttery, that I knew I had to have it! To my surprise, this once opposed to my brother eating Hawaiian bread like it was candy gal, found herself eating slices right out of the bag! I couldn't believe it. I had to rush and make French toast, before I ate the entire loaf!

Here's what you'll need:

• 4 slices of bread
• 1 egg, cracked
• 1/4 c Buttermilk
• 1 tbsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1 tbsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 2 tbsp Butter
• Organic Grade A Maple Syrup

Instructions:

• In a bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract and brown sugar.
• In a skillet, heat up butter.
• Dredge slices of bread (front to back) in egg mixture and place in skillet to brown on each side.
• Remove and drizzle maple syrup, along with your choice of toppings. I chose sliced bananas, but caramelized peaches or blueberries are other great options! 😬
• Enjoy!

Easy Lemon Garlic Herb Broiled Salmon

I love salmon, especially when I want a quick, filling meal. Usually, I don't allow for it to cook this well, but I stepped outside and ended up chatting with a neighbor longer than I anticipated. Nonetheless, splash some olive oil mixed with lemon juice over it, before serving and wah-lah...magic!

If you time beforehand, season your salmon fillets for a minimum of 1 hour. I seasoned mine and let rest in the fridge, overnight.

Ingredients:

• Wild Caught Salmon Fillets
• 1 Lemon, sliced
• 3 tbsp Fresh Parsley, minced
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• Seasonings (to taste): Himalayan Pink Salt, Black Peppercorn, Garlic Salt
• Olive Oil

Instructions:

• Turn oven on to broil. 
• Drizzle olive oil on top of salmon and rub in the seasonings. 
• Mince together parsley and garlic. Spread on salmon, then place lemon slices on top.
• Place in oven and broil until flaky.

I served my salmon over garlic parmesan angel hair, with sautéed spinach.

Enjoy!

Lion's Mane Mushroom Latte

I've blogged about other coffee alternatives before and Dandelion Root is one that is top of my list. However, Mushroom powder has slowly crept up to my most favorite, when I don't want all of the extra caffeine that coffee provides.

So what is Lion's Mane Mushroom Powder?

First, I would like to say that medicinal mushrooms are extremely beneficial for our bodies. They have been around and used for years. Medicinal simply refers to its healing nature, in which consumption aids our bodies in adapting (aka adaptogen) to internal and external stressors. An example of an internal stressor could be a weakened immune system. By adding an adaptogen, such as Lion's Mane Mushrooms, it can help boost immune function, for the purposes of supporting the body. It is also good to note that mushrooms cannot be synthesized by drug companies.

While I have been consuming Lion's Mane Mushroom on a regular basis, I have noticed a profound effect on my cognition, memory recall and concentration. I would also recommend it to those who may have a history of mood instability, anxiety and/or depression.

How to consume? If I need a quick jolt, I will place 1 tsp of powder in a shaker, along with 1 cup of orange juice. Shake vigorously and pour over ice.

You can also mix the powder with matcha or even coffee, for a more earthy flavor.

Various types of medicinal mushrooms, along with Lion's Mane, include Chaga and Reishi. Perhaps at some point, I'll share the benefits of these in a future blog post. In the meantime, I encourage you to begin researching them for self. 

*Please note, that while many people have curiousity or experimented with psychedelic mushrooms, I am not suggesting those here.*

Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites)

If it is one thing that I miss most this year, it would have to be TRAVEL! Traveling to various places always leads me to experience the food of the particular location that I've traveled to. Tulum, MX and Houston, TX were two cities that I absolutely hated cancelling travel plans to this year, due to COVID-19. Though I didn't travel to either cities, it did not stop me from whipping up a quick snack, to teleport me there via my tastebuds!

After a family gathering, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the leftover corn on the cob that my mom left behind at my place... ESQUITES!

Many have heard of Mexican street corn called "elote", which is corn on the cob. However, not many know of "esquites", which is essentially the same, but removed from the cob and eaten with a spoon. Both are rather tasty, but I generally prefer esquites, as it has better handling (pun intended).

🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽🌽

If it looks good, grab some corn and get to shucking, but please, no jiving! 

Ingredients:

• 2 Ears of Sweet Corn, remove kernels
• 1 Lime, juiced
• 1/4 c of Cotija Cheese, grated or crumbled
• 1/4 c of Red Onion, minced
• 1 tbsp of Mayo
• 1 tbsp of Cilantro, chopped
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
• Seasonings (1/2 tsp of each): Himalayan Pink Salt, Cracked Black Peppercorn, Ground Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder

Instructions:

• Heat cast iron skillet with olive oil, add corn kernels and stir until cooked.
• Turn off skillet, add lime juice, onion, mayo, cilantro, seasonings and stir.
• Transfer corn mixture to a bowl and add cotija cheese.
• Serve it warm and enjoy as the perfect BBQ side dish companion!

Disclaimer: Corn typically gets a bad rap and it is not great for my blood type, but I consume it very sparingly...at the most, 7 times per year. 

Iced Lemon Balm Tea

Last summer I posted about my magical Botanical Garden, in which I only have lemon balm growing. It grows like weeds every spring/summer and I hate to watch them dry up, so I am always finding creative ways to consume it.

The health benefits are on the link above, so I won't bore you with too many details. Just as a recap, lemon balm is great for reducing stress and anxiety. I am grateful to the house hunting gods, for seeing that this mighty herb was planted in the back of my home.

Here's a simple 'how to' guide on making iced lemon balm tea:

• Add fresh lemon balm leaves to boiling water. Allow to steep for 10 minutes, before straining out the leaves. Add honey to taste. Serve over ice.
• Conversely, skip the ice, if you want it hot!
• Enjoy!!