It’s update time! Let's start with two weekends ago... that was a weekend full of festivities! One of my friends from college came out to visit. It was really awesome to see her again. After graduation, we lost touch and it was fantastic to be reunited again. When I move back to the states, I’m going to make a conscious effort to visit/see her. I’m starting to realize as I’m getting older, I miss a lot of my friends that have drifted away. I look back and am saddened that I didn’t make more of effort to keep in touch, but I’m happy that I have reunited with one recently. After she left, I was running around to make sure everything was perfect for Will’s birthday on Friday. Since I was throwing Will a birthday party on a Friday, we decided to have a romantic birthday dinner with just the two of us the night before. I decorated the apartment all over with happy birthday banners and balloons before he got home from work. Then I took him to a very nice steak house called Gaucho. It’s his favorite steak restaurant in London. It was absolutely delicious and it reminded me of my favorite argentenian steak restaurant in New York. After dinner, he got to open the various birthday presents that I have gotten him. It was a very nice and romantic evening.... and the food was DELICIOUS!
On Friday, Aug 27th, was his actual birthday and he had a party. It was really nice to gather all of his friends that he has made since moving to London. There were quite a few of us out on Friday. Since we both had a lot going on lately, it was nice to relax and enjoy an evening with our friends. The next morning, we decided to do a spontaneous day/night trip to Nottingham. One of my friends from school is living in London and her fiancée lives in Nottingham. She is planning to move there as well at the end of September, so we decided to go to Nottingham to get away from London to visit them. We made a nice dinner and she cooked her broccoli dish w/ bread crumbs and roasted carrots. We made our own tomato sauce for spinach and ricotta tortellni. For starters, we made brushetta on toasted bread. It was absolutely delicious. I loved her broccoli dish and I’m going to ask her for the recipe and post it for the blog.
The next morning we all woke up to go into the city. We walked around the lace market and the old market square. Then visited Nottingham Castle which was more of a museum rather then a monument but it was still cool to visit . We winded down the day with a nice cold pint at the oldest pub in London. It was basically in a cave and it is absolutely amazing that this pub is still open since 1189.
Monday, 30th of August was a bank holiday. I’m not sure what this bank holiday was about but it was good to have the day off and spend it with my husband. We realized with friends in town and his birthday weekend, we’ve been eating too much meat and drinking too much booze. So we decided to detox and become vegetarians for 5 days mon-Friday. Sounds easy, but since we are huge meat lovers it seems really hard. So the first vegetarian dinner, I made was eggplant parmanesan.
Recipe of the day: Eggplant Parmansean
Grocery List: £8.04
2 medium eggplants – £2.38
1 small container of ricotta cheese – £1.19
1 block of mozerella cheese- £1.59
½ cup of parmeasan cheese – had it already
1 cup of bread crumbs – had it already
1-2 jars of tomatoe sauce – £2.00
Fresh chopped basil. – £0.89
Fresh ground pepper
Fresh sea salt or salt
First wash and cut the eggplant into ¼ inch disc. Preheat the oven to 420 F . Spray or brush olive oil on each side of the eggplant and dash pepper and salt. Cook for 12-15 minutes. Turn the eggplant when cooked half way. Now in a baking dish, add a thin layer of tomato sauce at the bottom. Start adding a layer of eggplant. Then add a thin layer of sauce, sprinkle the chopped basil, then add ricotta, parmensean and shreddede mozerrella. Then repeat again starting with the layer of eggplant. When you are on your last layer of eggplant (the third or fourth layer) , add just a layer of sauce, now the breadcrumbs covering the whole dish and sprinkle parmensan cheese all over. (get a nice golden breadcrumb, spray olive oil all over the bread crumb). Lower the oven temperature to 350 F and place dish to cook for 20 minutes. Add slice/shredded mozzerealla all over the top 10 minutes before it’s done. Dinner is served!
Thursday 2 September 2010
Sunday 22 August 2010
Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms w/ Cous Cous
Well helllloooo....
Sorry to keep you all waiting! I started a new job about 3 weeks ago and moved to a bigger flat (finally) just last week! Things have been nothing but hectic for me the past month. Time to settle down, right? When I first began this blog, I had no idea of all the challenges that I would have to face these past few months. Let me tell you, it was a lot to handle and I struggled to cope as each life changing event came appeared one by one. I thought to myself, "is this just part of life? Have I now experienced what adulthood is?" For the last four months, I've been afraid of all the major life changes in my life. Now that I've settled in, I look back and smile. Everyone was right..."everything will be okay". So my advice for anyone that is experiencing a lifestyle switch, remember: "everything will be okay". I think to myself now and know that I've grown up and I am ready to start a down a new path in life.
Enough about all that; let's now talk about "The Challenge". Since, I started my new job, I'm not going to lie, I've been eating out much more and packing on the pounds. I have cooked but it's been repeat recipes from previous posts. I've really only cooked one meal in my new kitchen and I love it. It's literally more then double the size of the kitchen in the old flat. It really makes life so much easier. Now I can ask my husband to help me prep and he can't give me any excuses anymore! ha! (I'll talk more about the new flat in my next blog) Anyways... today's recipe will be a healthy and tasty dish. I normally make them as appetisers, but these can be perfect for a light dinner too.
Recipe of the day : Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms and a side of Cous Cous
Grocery List/ Ingredients: Total Spent - £12.14
4 large Portabella Mushroom – £ 2.00
5-6 small closed cap white mushroom - £0.89
1 small onion - £0.18
1 package of spinach - £2
½ cups of Parmesan cheese - £1.90
Slices of mature cheese - £2.00
bread crumbs - £1.09
2 lemon - £0.60
1 tablespoon of butter - had it already
1 package of fresh thyme - £0.89
1 package of cous cous £0.59
First chop the closed cap mushrooms and add about tablespoon of fresh thyme and juices from one lemon in one bowl. While that marinates, heat a skillet on medium high. Place a knob of butter and melt into the skillet. Place in the large portabella mushrooms and cook on each side for 2 minutes. While cooking, squeeze juices from the lemon all over the mushrooms. Lightly butter an oven dish and place cooked portabella mushrooms within. (top facing down) On a skillet,place a dollop of olive oil and cook the chopped onion and minced garlic on medium high. Cook until the onion is slightly brown. Now add the chopped mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes. Next add spinach and cook until wilted. Lastly, add parmensan cheese and mix it all together. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. Now spoon the filling into the large portabella mushroom. Place bread crumbs all over the mushrooms. Spray olive oil (or drizzle if you don't have spray) all over the bread crumbs. Place dish in the oven for 15 minutes on 350 degrees F. After cooking for 10 minutes in the oven, place strips of mature cheddar on top of the mushroom in the oven until cheese melt. Serve with Cous Cous. Dinner is served!
I went over the 10 gbp challenge amount…but it was well worth it. It was delicious and my husband was very happy with the meal. Hope you all enjoy the recipe!
Sorry to keep you all waiting! I started a new job about 3 weeks ago and moved to a bigger flat (finally) just last week! Things have been nothing but hectic for me the past month. Time to settle down, right? When I first began this blog, I had no idea of all the challenges that I would have to face these past few months. Let me tell you, it was a lot to handle and I struggled to cope as each life changing event came appeared one by one. I thought to myself, "is this just part of life? Have I now experienced what adulthood is?" For the last four months, I've been afraid of all the major life changes in my life. Now that I've settled in, I look back and smile. Everyone was right..."everything will be okay". So my advice for anyone that is experiencing a lifestyle switch, remember: "everything will be okay". I think to myself now and know that I've grown up and I am ready to start a down a new path in life.
Enough about all that; let's now talk about "The Challenge". Since, I started my new job, I'm not going to lie, I've been eating out much more and packing on the pounds. I have cooked but it's been repeat recipes from previous posts. I've really only cooked one meal in my new kitchen and I love it. It's literally more then double the size of the kitchen in the old flat. It really makes life so much easier. Now I can ask my husband to help me prep and he can't give me any excuses anymore! ha! (I'll talk more about the new flat in my next blog) Anyways... today's recipe will be a healthy and tasty dish. I normally make them as appetisers, but these can be perfect for a light dinner too.
Recipe of the day : Stuffed Portabella Mushrooms and a side of Cous Cous
Grocery List/ Ingredients: Total Spent - £12.14
4 large Portabella Mushroom – £ 2.00
5-6 small closed cap white mushroom - £0.89
1 small onion - £0.18
1 package of spinach - £2
½ cups of Parmesan cheese - £1.90
Slices of mature cheese - £2.00
bread crumbs - £1.09
2 lemon - £0.60
1 tablespoon of butter - had it already
1 package of fresh thyme - £0.89
1 package of cous cous £0.59
First chop the closed cap mushrooms and add about tablespoon of fresh thyme and juices from one lemon in one bowl. While that marinates, heat a skillet on medium high. Place a knob of butter and melt into the skillet. Place in the large portabella mushrooms and cook on each side for 2 minutes. While cooking, squeeze juices from the lemon all over the mushrooms. Lightly butter an oven dish and place cooked portabella mushrooms within. (top facing down) On a skillet,place a dollop of olive oil and cook the chopped onion and minced garlic on medium high. Cook until the onion is slightly brown. Now add the chopped mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes. Next add spinach and cook until wilted. Lastly, add parmensan cheese and mix it all together. Cook for about 1-2 minutes. Now spoon the filling into the large portabella mushroom. Place bread crumbs all over the mushrooms. Spray olive oil (or drizzle if you don't have spray) all over the bread crumbs. Place dish in the oven for 15 minutes on 350 degrees F. After cooking for 10 minutes in the oven, place strips of mature cheddar on top of the mushroom in the oven until cheese melt. Serve with Cous Cous. Dinner is served!
I went over the 10 gbp challenge amount…but it was well worth it. It was delicious and my husband was very happy with the meal. Hope you all enjoy the recipe!
Monday 26 July 2010
Ben and Jerry's Festival
I notice that I haven’t really updated my blog lately, not because of lack of interest but lack of time. My job search has really picked up. Tomorrow I have another job interview…so everyone cross your fingers and send good vibes. Lately I haven’t really cooked anything new. I still cook, but it’s basically the same recipes that I have already posted here on this blog. I’ll change some one or two ingredients, but nothing brand new. These next couple of weeks are going to be really busy for me. I apologize in an advance for the limited blogging. My husband and I are moving in two weeks to a bigger place! (Yes, I’ll have a bigger kitchen!) So we are pretty excited and getting ready to pack soon.
Anyways, this weekend I went to the Ben and Jerry’s Festival. It was a lot of fun and a great way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. There were activities, food, music and of course FREE Ice Cream! We basically listened to live music and ate way too much food and ice cream. There were many activities for all ages, but, to be completely honest, I was a bit hung over from Friday night (Drinking/Meeting Will’s coworkers) to fully participate. What I love about London in the summer is that there is always a festival going on. Pretty much every couple of weekends there is either a food or music festival in one of the various parks across London. They are lots of fun!
Well I have to prep for my interview tomorrow, wish me luck….
Anyways, this weekend I went to the Ben and Jerry’s Festival. It was a lot of fun and a great way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon. There were activities, food, music and of course FREE Ice Cream! We basically listened to live music and ate way too much food and ice cream. There were many activities for all ages, but, to be completely honest, I was a bit hung over from Friday night (Drinking/Meeting Will’s coworkers) to fully participate. What I love about London in the summer is that there is always a festival going on. Pretty much every couple of weekends there is either a food or music festival in one of the various parks across London. They are lots of fun!
Well I have to prep for my interview tomorrow, wish me luck….
Friday 16 July 2010
Back in Action
So you all probably notice I haven't been doing my challenges lately. I sincerely apologize for my lack of blogging. The last two weeks have been keeping me really busy. Since my last recipe, I've been cooking meals that I've already posted. Well, today is a new one! Yesterday, I had no idea what to make since I wanted something light and healthy. I asked my husband what he wanted for dinner and he told me, "Shrimp Tacos". In my head, I was saying "Shrimp Tacos... I can't imagine that being good!"When people tell me they had fish tacos, I've always wondered if they were any good. I'll admit it: I've never tried tacos that didn't have the standard beef, chicken, pork or veggies. So Shrimp Tacos it is....
Recipe of the day : Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients/Grocery List: Total Spent: £13.83 (went over but it fed more than two servings :) )
2 packages of peeled and cook shrimp (about 1 pound) - £5.98
2 medium riped avocados - £1.00 (on sale for £0.50p each
2 medium tomatoes - £1.38
3 garlic cloves minced – (had it already)
1/4 cup of cilantro/corriander(how the UK says it) - £0.79
3 limes - £0.90
Shredded Lettuce - £1.00
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning - £1.06
Corn Tortilla - £1.72
Fresh Ground Pepper
Sea Salt
Preheat the oven for 200 C. Wrap corn tortilla in foil and place in oven for ten minutes.
First, cut and dice the tomatoes, and avocado. Place it in the bowl but don't mix it yet. Add the minced garlic cloves, chopped cilantro/coriander, a few dashes of fresh ground pepper and sea salt to the bowl. DO NOT mix the bowl. Now grate rind of two of the limes. Add this to the bowl. Now you can mix the ingredients very gently with a big spoon. Cover with film or foil and place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving. While the filling is being chilled, start chopping the lettuce and set aside. On medium heat, place the shrimps in the skillet and add few dashes of Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Assemble the taco and Serve! Dinner is Done!
I must admit, I didn't think shrimp tacos could be good, but boy was I wrong. I absolutely loved this meal. It was light, healthy and, of course, delicious. Oh, and it is extremely easy and quick to make. My husband enjoyed it as well and asked me to repeat this meal again sometime in the future. This meal will definitely be repeated. Now, I can't wait to try fish tacos. Hope you all enjoy this meal!
Recipe of the day : Shrimp Tacos
Ingredients/Grocery List: Total Spent: £13.83 (went over but it fed more than two servings :) )
2 packages of peeled and cook shrimp (about 1 pound) - £5.98
2 medium riped avocados - £1.00 (on sale for £0.50p each
2 medium tomatoes - £1.38
3 garlic cloves minced – (had it already)
1/4 cup of cilantro/corriander(how the UK says it) - £0.79
3 limes - £0.90
Shredded Lettuce - £1.00
Jamaican Jerk Seasoning - £1.06
Corn Tortilla - £1.72
Fresh Ground Pepper
Sea Salt
Preheat the oven for 200 C. Wrap corn tortilla in foil and place in oven for ten minutes.
First, cut and dice the tomatoes, and avocado. Place it in the bowl but don't mix it yet. Add the minced garlic cloves, chopped cilantro/coriander, a few dashes of fresh ground pepper and sea salt to the bowl. DO NOT mix the bowl. Now grate rind of two of the limes. Add this to the bowl. Now you can mix the ingredients very gently with a big spoon. Cover with film or foil and place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes before serving. While the filling is being chilled, start chopping the lettuce and set aside. On medium heat, place the shrimps in the skillet and add few dashes of Jamaican jerk seasoning. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Assemble the taco and Serve! Dinner is Done!
I must admit, I didn't think shrimp tacos could be good, but boy was I wrong. I absolutely loved this meal. It was light, healthy and, of course, delicious. Oh, and it is extremely easy and quick to make. My husband enjoyed it as well and asked me to repeat this meal again sometime in the future. This meal will definitely be repeated. Now, I can't wait to try fish tacos. Hope you all enjoy this meal!
Wednesday 14 July 2010
Tomorrow is a new day!
Sorry I haven’t updated the blog lately. My husband and I went to Germany for 5 days and nights. We went to Berlin for three days and Munich for two days. We had a lot of fun. My sister and her family were vacationing in Berlin as well. It was nice to see them for three days because I was feeling a little homesick. I highly recommend going to Germany. The people there are so friendly and Berlin and Munich are absolutely amazing. The trip was really relaxing and it allowed me to escape reality. I had to return yesterday and was dreading coming back to London. We arrived to a typically cold and rainy London. After eating unhealthily for so many days and back to feeling down about things, I reminded myself yesterday that “Tomorrow is a new day”.
Today is a new day…. I woke up at 8:00am and ready to tackle the everyday little challenges. I’m ready for applying for more jobs, organize the house and of course my cooking challenge. Applying for multiple jobs each and every day and hearing no or negative responses, you start to get a sense of hopelessness. But, like the saying goes, “Tomorrow is a new day”. If you are feeling down today, or your are frustrated at work, or things aren’t going your way today….there’s always tomorrow.
Today is a new day…. I woke up at 8:00am and ready to tackle the everyday little challenges. I’m ready for applying for more jobs, organize the house and of course my cooking challenge. Applying for multiple jobs each and every day and hearing no or negative responses, you start to get a sense of hopelessness. But, like the saying goes, “Tomorrow is a new day”. If you are feeling down today, or your are frustrated at work, or things aren’t going your way today….there’s always tomorrow.
Tuesday 6 July 2010
Red, White and Blue
July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. There is nothing more better then BBQ with friends and family. Since I’ve been feeling homesick, I was determined to find a place in London that was celebrating the Independence Day of America. After a couple days of intense internet search, I was truly shocked that I actually found a few places that celebrated July fourth. I mean we did declare our independence from the Brits. so I can imagine this country wouldn’t want to have Americans priding their freedom all around town. We decided to go to Strongroom’s American Beer Festival. It had various beers from all over the States along with a Texas grill, American music and it even had a mechanical bull. I was overjoyed to hear so many American accents in one place. For a second it had me feeling like I was back in the states. I didn’t get to see any fireworks that night, but it was a very good alternative to celebrate the red, white and blue. Here are some pictures from July fourth.
Wednesday 30 June 2010
The Grass is always Greener on the otherside......
There is no cooking challenge. Today is a different challenge. Yesterday, I was going through a bit of a funk but I guess we all get funks I suppose. Sometimes, I just want to go back being a kid and having no stress or worries. It’s been really stressful here and I’m trying desperately to find a job. I mean it almost seems impossible. I haven’t given up, thanks to my husband, family and friends. So whoever has a job, be thankful because the job market is not looking good right now. Being jobless and alone for the majority of the day is really quite depressing. It really annoys me how people think that my life is so wonderful. They have this perception that I have this fabulous life of not working and living in a non stressful life. I laugh and think to myself…the grass is always greener on the otherside. Sure, there is many positive having a lot of free time but there are a lot of negatives as well. Being unemployed, your life is really unstructured. There is so much stress and worries that you wouldn’t imagine that came along with it. I am a type of person that will stay positive in any situation but in reality I’m real; I get sad, I get depressed and I get funks. I ask myself everyday, How am I going to keep it together? Everyday I have to force myself to exercise, be active, eat right, and most importantly feel happy to keep my life together. Cooking the recipes are a challenge, but the job hunt right now is the biggest challenge…. I hope soon that I will overcome it.
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