Many many things going on...therefore no time to even think about writing on my blog...so...here's something to entertain...
Sweet & Spicy Thai lettuce wraps! About 15 minutes max
Ingredients
350 grms Ground pork
2 cups Chopped eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini in cubes
1 Chopped shallot
1 Handful of bean sprouts fresh or not
1 Minced garlic clove
1 Chopped Long pepper...spicy: fresh jalapeño, habanero,...your choice!
1 Lettuce head - any that has flat leaves and you can make a taco with =)
Paprika
Salt/pepper & Herbes de provence (yea, I know not thai..w/e)
1 bush Chopped Fresh cilantro
Sweet Chili sauce - add to taste
Condiments: (homemade or store bought) Guacamole & creme fraiche =)
Add the shallots, garlic, veggies and pepper to a saute pan and cook it for about 5-8 minutes. Add ground pork & spices and when it has browned add the sweet chili sauce & bean sprouts (this is if you want the fresh crunch of the bean sprouts...add with the meat if you want them soft). Serve with cilantro on top and have the leaves of the lettuce washed and separated on the side. Make tacos with the lettuce, add guacamole and creme fraiche. Would you like an extra kick? Add fresh jalapeño to the guacamole or add some Sriracha to your taquito =).
Bon app!
<3,
Lolo
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
For the victims of state and violence
THESE ARE VERY GRAPHIC, VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
Ibrahim Shayban, a 9-year-old child, shot dead by the security forces on 14 Oct 2011
Syria Dictator Assad kills 8 year old Girl in Hama - Gadeer Mousam Hamdale - 10-Sept-11
These are an example of the victims of state violence. Please keep them in mind.
You would think that the state would realize that it is not the central actor in domestic and international politics in the globalized world. The state is resisting change demanded by its people, like many humans do naturally, through what it has known as the means of exercising its existence : violence and force. The exercising of force is antiquated and stigmatized, and many have not transcended to the benefits of negotiation, communication, and following human rights and humanitarian law (at the least). The right of the state to defend, to protect, and cleave violence between legitimate and illegitimate for security of the people is the product of the political subject of violence: state's use of violence to protect from violence. Thus creating the idea that violence is both the poison and the cure (Dillon & Campbell, 1995).
The statecraft, that exists only in the expression of it's actions and motions, is believed to be made out of marble when it is an expression of energy that is constantly changing and vibrating in the flows of channels. The Westphalian territoriality norm and sovereignty is perforated by the stems of globalization, making the entity of the state sensitive to the waves of "effects" from all dimensions: econ/politic/socio/cultural and many more. This destabilizes the power of the state to control what happens to it.
When the state mentality transcends from defense to providing FOR the people through governmentality, I believe we would have a change in international relations and less feeding of the image of the "other" - fueled by the war machine and militarization as the norm of power. Could you imagine all the money invested in weapons, nuclear arms, military, private security companies...in which case are flowed into companies that abuse HR and IHL too?? The problem is that with this system, violence continues to be cycled through, wastefully sacrificing raw ingredients for the existence of state: victims like the children in the videos, soldiers, private military personnel (that are useful for the state to wash their hands and outsource violence), torture victims, other innocent people like the victims of radiation in Baghdad after the start of the Operatipn Iraqi Freedom, and not forgetting to mention the victims of militarized gender roles that feeds societal norms of what is normal and not (The list is just way too long).
When will we have more than cold militarized peace? Peace with fear and tension of attack that fuels the power of the state? The lives of these children and the other victims are not worth the protection of the static idea of the state. I demand change.
Ibrahim Shayban, a 9-year-old child, shot dead by the security forces on 14 Oct 2011
Syria Dictator Assad kills 8 year old Girl in Hama - Gadeer Mousam Hamdale - 10-Sept-11
These are an example of the victims of state violence. Please keep them in mind.
You would think that the state would realize that it is not the central actor in domestic and international politics in the globalized world. The state is resisting change demanded by its people, like many humans do naturally, through what it has known as the means of exercising its existence : violence and force. The exercising of force is antiquated and stigmatized, and many have not transcended to the benefits of negotiation, communication, and following human rights and humanitarian law (at the least). The right of the state to defend, to protect, and cleave violence between legitimate and illegitimate for security of the people is the product of the political subject of violence: state's use of violence to protect from violence. Thus creating the idea that violence is both the poison and the cure (Dillon & Campbell, 1995).
The statecraft, that exists only in the expression of it's actions and motions, is believed to be made out of marble when it is an expression of energy that is constantly changing and vibrating in the flows of channels. The Westphalian territoriality norm and sovereignty is perforated by the stems of globalization, making the entity of the state sensitive to the waves of "effects" from all dimensions: econ/politic/socio/cultural and many more. This destabilizes the power of the state to control what happens to it.
When the state mentality transcends from defense to providing FOR the people through governmentality, I believe we would have a change in international relations and less feeding of the image of the "other" - fueled by the war machine and militarization as the norm of power. Could you imagine all the money invested in weapons, nuclear arms, military, private security companies...in which case are flowed into companies that abuse HR and IHL too?? The problem is that with this system, violence continues to be cycled through, wastefully sacrificing raw ingredients for the existence of state: victims like the children in the videos, soldiers, private military personnel (that are useful for the state to wash their hands and outsource violence), torture victims, other innocent people like the victims of radiation in Baghdad after the start of the Operatipn Iraqi Freedom, and not forgetting to mention the victims of militarized gender roles that feeds societal norms of what is normal and not (The list is just way too long).
When will we have more than cold militarized peace? Peace with fear and tension of attack that fuels the power of the state? The lives of these children and the other victims are not worth the protection of the static idea of the state. I demand change.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Radioactive Material: You Can't See It, and You Can't Smell It Either
I present to you:
Radioactive Material: You Can't See It, and You Can't Smell It Either
Please watch for entertainment and a piece of wisdom and great music too..
Japan reggae artists MC Rankin and Dub Ainu Band deliver a cautionary message about radioactive material through this song and music video..
Notes that came to mind..
Peace through nuclear balance of power is not peace. It's a numb Peace that maintains the tension of war...another relique from the Cold War. If the universal framework was successful through state and non-state actors - arms are irrelevant.
Governmentality, the branches/organized practices of government in which a government can influence the citizens, is embedded with power...power that can be passed with knowledge - for the person to govern their self (Foucault). Idealistically, a complete ban on nuclear arms, depleted uranium too(or whatever is finally concluded on the radiation exposure of citizens in Baghdad after the start of the war), WMDs, etc. is what the globe as a whole should work towards. Producing and shelling out the bucks to buy these arms and weapons technology are an investment towards death. I don't believe that's a logical investment, especially if the statecraft has a direct responsibility to the people.
The money being milked to pay for this can be invested better: the citizen. Through healthcare, education, funding towards lowering poverty, public transportation, programs that cover the basic needs. The statecraft exists only in the effects of the actions it puts forth. The investments make the process of responding to the citizens better - positive actions rather than negative, detrimental tools of power manipulation.
Radioactive Material: You Can't See It, and You Can't Smell It Either
Please watch for entertainment and a piece of wisdom and great music too..
Japan reggae artists MC Rankin and Dub Ainu Band deliver a cautionary message about radioactive material through this song and music video..
Notes that came to mind..
Peace through nuclear balance of power is not peace. It's a numb Peace that maintains the tension of war...another relique from the Cold War. If the universal framework was successful through state and non-state actors - arms are irrelevant.
Governmentality, the branches/organized practices of government in which a government can influence the citizens, is embedded with power...power that can be passed with knowledge - for the person to govern their self (Foucault). Idealistically, a complete ban on nuclear arms, depleted uranium too(or whatever is finally concluded on the radiation exposure of citizens in Baghdad after the start of the war), WMDs, etc. is what the globe as a whole should work towards. Producing and shelling out the bucks to buy these arms and weapons technology are an investment towards death. I don't believe that's a logical investment, especially if the statecraft has a direct responsibility to the people.
The money being milked to pay for this can be invested better: the citizen. Through healthcare, education, funding towards lowering poverty, public transportation, programs that cover the basic needs. The statecraft exists only in the effects of the actions it puts forth. The investments make the process of responding to the citizens better - positive actions rather than negative, detrimental tools of power manipulation.
Friday, August 26, 2011
I dedicate this to you, the scintillating inspirations to my temple of being
You know who you are by the twinkle in the mirrors of your soul upon reading that.
Some quotes I would like to highlight of Mario Vargas Llosa in his Nobel Prize 2010 speech "In praise of reading and fiction." Never stop expressing and revolutionizing yourself in the best possible way in each moment this life offers. I am a dreamer and seek to not be afraid of change ~the constant opportunity that is present down to the exchanges of vibrating energy. I am inspired by the convocation of so many selves I am so lucky to be surrounded by near and far, in reality and fiction. Enjoy =)
"Sartre, that words are acts, that a novel, a play, or an essay, engaged with the present moment and better options, can change the course of history...Camus and Orwell, that a literature stripped of morality is inhuman."
"When we look in fiction for what is missing in life, we are saying, with no need to say it or even to know it, that life as it is does not satisfy our thirst for the absolute – the foundation of the human condition – and should be better. We invent fictions in order to live somehow the many lives we would like to lead when we barely have one at our disposal."
"But thanks to literature, to the consciousness it shapes, the desires and longings it inspires, and our disenchantment with reality when we return from the journey to a beautiful fantasy, civilization is now less cruel than when storytellers began to humanize life with their fables."
"Like writing, reading is a protest against the insufficiencies of life. When we look
in fiction for what is missing in life, we are saying, with no need to say it or even to
know it, that life as it is does not satisfy our thirst for the absolute – the foundation of
the human condition – and should be better. We invent fictions in order to live somehow
the many lives we would like to lead when we barely have one at our disposal."
"Literature creates a fraternity within human diversity and eclipses the frontiers erected among men and women by ignorance, ideologies, religions, languages, and stupidity. Since every period has its horrors, ours is the age of fanatics, of suicide terrorists, an ancient species convinced that by killing they earn heaven, that the blood of innocents washes away collective affronts, corrects injustices, and imposes truth on false beliefs."
The following is exactly why I am against the existence of WMDs, we are better than succumbing to the games of power that play with the existence of our planet. This fear created is used to manipulate international decisions that they too fall into the black hole of a storm it has created. Humanity has been sacrificed enough by being placed at the edge of a the dying star: creating pockets in the protection of it and other parts to the whole. I prefer governmentality that goes straight to the people through programs like education and the funding the dreamers...those who believe that unselfish actions instead of seeking for power and rule should be funded MORE and not LESS...but the black hole of seeking absolute power through games of fencing, searching to touche le nez of the other's ego...will be a faster track towards extinction.
"Literature creates a fraternity within human diversity and eclipses the frontiers erected among men and women by ignorance, ideologies, religions, languages, and stupidity.
Since every period has its horrors, ours is the age of fanatics, of suicide terrorists, an ancient species convinced that by killing they earn heaven, that the blood of innocents washes away collective affronts, corrects injustices, and imposes truth on false beliefs. Every day, all over the world, countless victims are sacrificed by those who feel they possess absolute truths. With the collapse of totalitarian empires, we believed that living together, peace, pluralism, and human rights would gain the ascendancy and the world would leave behind holocausts, genocides, invasions, and wars of extermination. None of that has occurred. New forms of barbarism flourish, incited by fanaticism, and with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, we cannot overlook the fact that any small faction of crazed redeemers may one day provoke a nuclear cataclysm. We have to thwart them, confront them, and defeat them. There aren’t many, although the tumult of their crimes resounds all over the planet and the nightmares they provoke overwhelm us with dread. We should not allow ourselves to be intimidated by those who want to snatch away the freedom we have been acquiring over the long course of civilization.Let us defend the liberal democracy that, with all its limitations, continues to signify political pluralism, coexistence, tolerance, human rights, respect for criticism, legality, free elections, alternation in power, everything that has been taking us out of a savage life and bringing us closer – though we will never attain it – to the beautiful, perfect life literature devises, the one we can deserve only by inventing, writing, and reading it. By confronting homicidal fanatics we defend our right to dream and to make our dreams reality."
Highly recommend the whole piece as reading art =)
Some quotes I would like to highlight of Mario Vargas Llosa in his Nobel Prize 2010 speech "In praise of reading and fiction." Never stop expressing and revolutionizing yourself in the best possible way in each moment this life offers. I am a dreamer and seek to not be afraid of change ~the constant opportunity that is present down to the exchanges of vibrating energy. I am inspired by the convocation of so many selves I am so lucky to be surrounded by near and far, in reality and fiction. Enjoy =)
"Sartre, that words are acts, that a novel, a play, or an essay, engaged with the present moment and better options, can change the course of history...Camus and Orwell, that a literature stripped of morality is inhuman."
"When we look in fiction for what is missing in life, we are saying, with no need to say it or even to know it, that life as it is does not satisfy our thirst for the absolute – the foundation of the human condition – and should be better. We invent fictions in order to live somehow the many lives we would like to lead when we barely have one at our disposal."
"But thanks to literature, to the consciousness it shapes, the desires and longings it inspires, and our disenchantment with reality when we return from the journey to a beautiful fantasy, civilization is now less cruel than when storytellers began to humanize life with their fables."
"Like writing, reading is a protest against the insufficiencies of life. When we look
in fiction for what is missing in life, we are saying, with no need to say it or even to
know it, that life as it is does not satisfy our thirst for the absolute – the foundation of
the human condition – and should be better. We invent fictions in order to live somehow
the many lives we would like to lead when we barely have one at our disposal."
"Literature creates a fraternity within human diversity and eclipses the frontiers erected among men and women by ignorance, ideologies, religions, languages, and stupidity. Since every period has its horrors, ours is the age of fanatics, of suicide terrorists, an ancient species convinced that by killing they earn heaven, that the blood of innocents washes away collective affronts, corrects injustices, and imposes truth on false beliefs."
The following is exactly why I am against the existence of WMDs, we are better than succumbing to the games of power that play with the existence of our planet. This fear created is used to manipulate international decisions that they too fall into the black hole of a storm it has created. Humanity has been sacrificed enough by being placed at the edge of a the dying star: creating pockets in the protection of it and other parts to the whole. I prefer governmentality that goes straight to the people through programs like education and the funding the dreamers...those who believe that unselfish actions instead of seeking for power and rule should be funded MORE and not LESS...but the black hole of seeking absolute power through games of fencing, searching to touche le nez of the other's ego...will be a faster track towards extinction.
"Literature creates a fraternity within human diversity and eclipses the frontiers erected among men and women by ignorance, ideologies, religions, languages, and stupidity.
Since every period has its horrors, ours is the age of fanatics, of suicide terrorists, an ancient species convinced that by killing they earn heaven, that the blood of innocents washes away collective affronts, corrects injustices, and imposes truth on false beliefs. Every day, all over the world, countless victims are sacrificed by those who feel they possess absolute truths. With the collapse of totalitarian empires, we believed that living together, peace, pluralism, and human rights would gain the ascendancy and the world would leave behind holocausts, genocides, invasions, and wars of extermination. None of that has occurred. New forms of barbarism flourish, incited by fanaticism, and with the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, we cannot overlook the fact that any small faction of crazed redeemers may one day provoke a nuclear cataclysm. We have to thwart them, confront them, and defeat them. There aren’t many, although the tumult of their crimes resounds all over the planet and the nightmares they provoke overwhelm us with dread. We should not allow ourselves to be intimidated by those who want to snatch away the freedom we have been acquiring over the long course of civilization.Let us defend the liberal democracy that, with all its limitations, continues to signify political pluralism, coexistence, tolerance, human rights, respect for criticism, legality, free elections, alternation in power, everything that has been taking us out of a savage life and bringing us closer – though we will never attain it – to the beautiful, perfect life literature devises, the one we can deserve only by inventing, writing, and reading it. By confronting homicidal fanatics we defend our right to dream and to make our dreams reality."
Highly recommend the whole piece as reading art =)
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Jus de Pastheque
Very refreshing for the hot summer! Add some sparkling water for an extra smooth and bubbly juice =) A la sante! Did I forget to mention NO SUGAR ADDED?? People forget how delicious juice is without all the crap added that is not good for you and makes you end up looking like a fruit too!
1 whole watermelon\pastheque\sandia
1 large knife
1 hand mixer with a large and tall cup to blend in or blender (hand mixer was very easy!)
1 strainer
1 large bowl
Cut the watermelon into 4 parts, and then on each part cut like a mango: dice it by doing horizontal and vertical cuts to make medium sized cubes and then run the knife through the bottom where the red turns white. Take out the seeds and add to the bowl as you finish cutting the rest of the fruit. Once done, add hand fulls of fruit to the blender or cup for the hand mixer and blend on high - do not worry if there are some seeds left. When all the fruit is nicely blended to a very pulpy juice, strain it and squeeze out the juice with a spoon pressing the pulp against the strainer. Serve fresh or put in the fridge and quench your thirst!
Redacciones:
Add rose water, lime
Blend with strawberries and kiwis
Add sparkling water or lemonade
1 whole watermelon\pastheque\sandia
1 large knife
1 hand mixer with a large and tall cup to blend in or blender (hand mixer was very easy!)
1 strainer
1 large bowl
Cut the watermelon into 4 parts, and then on each part cut like a mango: dice it by doing horizontal and vertical cuts to make medium sized cubes and then run the knife through the bottom where the red turns white. Take out the seeds and add to the bowl as you finish cutting the rest of the fruit. Once done, add hand fulls of fruit to the blender or cup for the hand mixer and blend on high - do not worry if there are some seeds left. When all the fruit is nicely blended to a very pulpy juice, strain it and squeeze out the juice with a spoon pressing the pulp against the strainer. Serve fresh or put in the fridge and quench your thirst!
Redacciones:
Add rose water, lime
Blend with strawberries and kiwis
Add sparkling water or lemonade
Monday, April 25, 2011
Smoked Sausage lentils
850 grams Lentils drained 1/2 way
1 large shallot chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 smoked sausage chopped
thyme
1 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
1 bay leaf
To a medium sauce pan add the olive oil, sausage, bell peppers, and shallots and saute at med-high. Once everything's nicely cooked and add the can of lentils, thyme, bay leaf and salt to taste, stir for 5 minutes. Bring up the temperature to boiling and add the white wine. If the mixture gets too dry, add some water. Serve and enjoy =)
Lolo
1 large shallot chopped
1 red bell pepper chopped
1 smoked sausage chopped
thyme
1 tbs olive oil
1/2 cup white wine
1 bay leaf
To a medium sauce pan add the olive oil, sausage, bell peppers, and shallots and saute at med-high. Once everything's nicely cooked and add the can of lentils, thyme, bay leaf and salt to taste, stir for 5 minutes. Bring up the temperature to boiling and add the white wine. If the mixture gets too dry, add some water. Serve and enjoy =)
Lolo
Kaboom Peanut Butter nom-noms by Lolo
One of my favorite chefs in this world is my fiance, and he graced my palate with this absolutely quintessential style of peanut butter cookie. They have disgraced any peanut butter cookie I have ever savored. He tweeked the original recipe by adding ras el hanout with rose...thanks to a spice king and another of my most favorite chefs in this world, Nate!. I tweaked it by adding one of my new weapons: rose salt. 'Nuff said, here come the kabooms!
following this recipe:
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
One cup creamy peanut butter (260 grams)
One cup white sugar (225 grams)
One teaspoon baking powder (5 grams)
One egg
*Sprinkle ras el hanout with rose
Preheat the oven to 350°/ 177 celsius.
Thank you Gluten Free girl and the Chef!
http://glutenfreegirl.com/yum-yum-peanut-butter/
Cream by hand the peanut butter, ras el hanout and sugar in a bowl then beat in the baking powder and add the egg. Mix well!
Roll the dough into small balls, I did about donut hole-size. Then roll them in sugar! Grease a cookie sheet, or a piece of aluminium on top of the cookie sheet and place in the oven for about 10 minutes. Let cool down for 10 more and then chow them down! Or share...if you're a saint...
Makes about 20-30 cookies depending on how big or small you roll them!
Enjoy!
Lolo
Redacciones:
roll in a mixture of sugar and lavender/rose scented salt
fill with nutella
stuff with macadamia nuts, walnuts
Make a lil indent and spoon in some fig marmelade/confiture
roll in cocoa powder and brown sugar
add cayenne pepper...possibilities galore!
following this recipe:
Flourless Peanut Butter Cookies
One cup creamy peanut butter (260 grams)
One cup white sugar (225 grams)
One teaspoon baking powder (5 grams)
One egg
*Sprinkle ras el hanout with rose
Preheat the oven to 350°/ 177 celsius.
Thank you Gluten Free girl and the Chef!
http://glutenfreegirl.com/yum-yum-peanut-butter/
Cream by hand the peanut butter, ras el hanout and sugar in a bowl then beat in the baking powder and add the egg. Mix well!
Roll the dough into small balls, I did about donut hole-size. Then roll them in sugar! Grease a cookie sheet, or a piece of aluminium on top of the cookie sheet and place in the oven for about 10 minutes. Let cool down for 10 more and then chow them down! Or share...if you're a saint...
Makes about 20-30 cookies depending on how big or small you roll them!
Enjoy!
Lolo
Redacciones:
roll in a mixture of sugar and lavender/rose scented salt
fill with nutella
stuff with macadamia nuts, walnuts
Make a lil indent and spoon in some fig marmelade/confiture
roll in cocoa powder and brown sugar
add cayenne pepper...possibilities galore!
Spin off of Bagalipolo
1 lb ground beef the leaner the better
1 large can of peas (about 500 grams drained)
1/2 red bell pepper chopped
2 shallots chopped
1 tbs olive oil
1 cup white wine
1tbs worcestershire
salt to taste
1-3 tbs of thyme up to you
black pepper to taste
ras el hanout to taste
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Add olive oil, shallots, bell pepper to a sauce pan and saute at med-high temperature until the shallots are clear. Add beef, pepper, salt, ras, worcestershire and nutmeg and cook until most of the meat is already brown. Add peas and cook for about 5-7 minutes and then add the thyme. Pour in white wine and let the alcohol burn off, serve!
Honey balsamic strawberry salad
about 4 strawberries per person in 1/4s
lettuce melange: mesclun
1 tbs honey
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
On a plate serve the greens and the strawberries. Mix the honey and balsamic in a separate cup and spoon the sauce around the salad. Personally, I liked sprinkling it on the strawberries so the flavors completely mixed in. Add salt and black pepper to taste =). Since the above has peas and bell peppers...I liked keeping this one simple.
Bon appetite!
Lolo
1 large can of peas (about 500 grams drained)
1/2 red bell pepper chopped
2 shallots chopped
1 tbs olive oil
1 cup white wine
1tbs worcestershire
salt to taste
1-3 tbs of thyme up to you
black pepper to taste
ras el hanout to taste
1/2 tsp nutmeg
Add olive oil, shallots, bell pepper to a sauce pan and saute at med-high temperature until the shallots are clear. Add beef, pepper, salt, ras, worcestershire and nutmeg and cook until most of the meat is already brown. Add peas and cook for about 5-7 minutes and then add the thyme. Pour in white wine and let the alcohol burn off, serve!
Honey balsamic strawberry salad
about 4 strawberries per person in 1/4s
lettuce melange: mesclun
1 tbs honey
2 tbs balsamic vinegar
On a plate serve the greens and the strawberries. Mix the honey and balsamic in a separate cup and spoon the sauce around the salad. Personally, I liked sprinkling it on the strawberries so the flavors completely mixed in. Add salt and black pepper to taste =). Since the above has peas and bell peppers...I liked keeping this one simple.
Bon appetite!
Lolo
Fresas y Chocolate
I made this delicious dessert for my lovely host Irina and her family for Easter Sunday! Whipped it out from where the sun don't shine and worked wonderfully with many shortcuts because I was short on time =). Happy Easter!
1 box chocolate cake mix and the ingredients it calls for on the box - mine asked for 20cl of creme and 3 eggs and came with powdered sugar.
1 jar nutella 500 g
1 barquette of strawberries roughly 400 g sliced in 1/4s longitudinally
1 package of creme anglaise
So, I put together the cake mix and followed the instructions on the temperature and time (plus do NOT forget to grease the pan! or rub butter and cover with flour). When it was done, I took it out and waited about 5 minutes to cool down to eating temperature (as in not burning your tongue off). Served a slice on a plate, spooned nutella on top so it melted all around, then added the chopped strawberries and poured the creme anglaise on top for dipping and decoration so don't go too heavy on it =). Enjoy!
Bon appetite,
Lolo
1 box chocolate cake mix and the ingredients it calls for on the box - mine asked for 20cl of creme and 3 eggs and came with powdered sugar.
1 jar nutella 500 g
1 barquette of strawberries roughly 400 g sliced in 1/4s longitudinally
1 package of creme anglaise
So, I put together the cake mix and followed the instructions on the temperature and time (plus do NOT forget to grease the pan! or rub butter and cover with flour). When it was done, I took it out and waited about 5 minutes to cool down to eating temperature (as in not burning your tongue off). Served a slice on a plate, spooned nutella on top so it melted all around, then added the chopped strawberries and poured the creme anglaise on top for dipping and decoration so don't go too heavy on it =). Enjoy!
Bon appetite,
Lolo
Friday, April 22, 2011
Strawberry fields spritz
If you haven't found out by now...IT'S STRAWBERRY SEASON!! Strawberries have to be of my favorite fruits in this work and in any shape or form. And this is my new one!
Add to 1 medium glass:
1 med-large strawberry
1/2 lime squeezed
1 cube sugar..or sweetened to taste
Sparkling water to fill up the rest of the glass
Add lemon juice, sugar, and strawberry to the glass and smash with a fork or muddle it down well. Then add sparkling water, enjoy!!!!
Happy Strawberry Season!!!
Lolo
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Brain food
We enter the world alone
and we leave it alone
and everything that happens in between
we owe it to ourselves to find a lil' company...
We need help
We need support
Otherwise we are in it by ourselves
Strangers
cut off from each other
and we forget
just how connected we all are..
So instead, we choose love
We choose life
And for a moment, we feel just a little but less alone..
-Grey's Anatomy
and we leave it alone
and everything that happens in between
we owe it to ourselves to find a lil' company...
We need help
We need support
Otherwise we are in it by ourselves
Strangers
cut off from each other
and we forget
just how connected we all are..
So instead, we choose love
We choose life
And for a moment, we feel just a little but less alone..
-Grey's Anatomy
Cornbread
MIddle rack 400 (204 celsius) fahrenheit
22 minutes
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 2/3 cups milk
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
In a mixing bowl add dry ingredients and add wet ingredients. Combine all!
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees F for 22 and it should be browned on the outsides and wet on the inside...put for another 15-20 at 300 F until insides are moist and baked. Serve with butter!
Yum =)
22 minutes
2/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 cup sugar
3 eggs
1 2/3 cups milk
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
In a mixing bowl add dry ingredients and add wet ingredients. Combine all!
Pour into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Bake at 400 degrees F for 22 and it should be browned on the outsides and wet on the inside...put for another 15-20 at 300 F until insides are moist and baked. Serve with butter!
Yum =)
Monday Red Beans & Rice
Successful recipe by Lolo =)
Serving 7-8
2 cans = 1 kg red beans
2 chopped shallots
1/2 chopped red bell pepper
2 tbs of olive oil/veggie oil
200 grams 1/2 moon smoked sausage
200 grams 1/2 and halved longitudinally smoked sausage
4 shakes of Worcestershire sauce (salsa inglesa) Heinz
1/2 cup white wine - I used Picpoul-de-Pinet
cayenne pepper to taste ( I did an extra 2 shakes for a tinge spicy)
thyme to taste
1 tablespoon herbes de provence
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup water (less/more depending if you like your beans runny or hearty)
Saute sausage, shallots, bell peppers, 1 tbs veggie oil until browned in medium sauce pan. Add beans, water, other tbs of oil, worcestershire, thyme, hdp, paprika, & cayenne. Let sit for 45 minutes, add more water if too thick. The other 200 grms of 1/2 and halved longitudinal smoked sausage brown in a skillet. Serve on white rice with red beans on top.
White rice - 8 people
3 yogurt cups of white basmati rice
3 tbs of veggie oil
5 cups water
3 tbs real butter salt or sweet
salt to taste
Add water, rice, veggie oil, and salt to a medium sauce pan, make sure salt is too tate (w/e you taste the salt in the rice, the salty it will be!). Put to med-high heat (6-8: depending on how hot your stove is) until the water reduces to holes ("eyes") in the rice. Bring heat down to 3-5 heat for about 20-30 minutes until rice is done and not burnt. Serve in bowl over lettuce and top with red beans.
Bon appetit!
Lolo
Serving 7-8
2 cans = 1 kg red beans
2 chopped shallots
1/2 chopped red bell pepper
2 tbs of olive oil/veggie oil
200 grams 1/2 moon smoked sausage
200 grams 1/2 and halved longitudinally smoked sausage
4 shakes of Worcestershire sauce (salsa inglesa) Heinz
1/2 cup white wine - I used Picpoul-de-Pinet
cayenne pepper to taste ( I did an extra 2 shakes for a tinge spicy)
thyme to taste
1 tablespoon herbes de provence
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 cup water (less/more depending if you like your beans runny or hearty)
Saute sausage, shallots, bell peppers, 1 tbs veggie oil until browned in medium sauce pan. Add beans, water, other tbs of oil, worcestershire, thyme, hdp, paprika, & cayenne. Let sit for 45 minutes, add more water if too thick. The other 200 grms of 1/2 and halved longitudinal smoked sausage brown in a skillet. Serve on white rice with red beans on top.
White rice - 8 people
3 yogurt cups of white basmati rice
3 tbs of veggie oil
5 cups water
3 tbs real butter salt or sweet
salt to taste
Add water, rice, veggie oil, and salt to a medium sauce pan, make sure salt is too tate (w/e you taste the salt in the rice, the salty it will be!). Put to med-high heat (6-8: depending on how hot your stove is) until the water reduces to holes ("eyes") in the rice. Bring heat down to 3-5 heat for about 20-30 minutes until rice is done and not burnt. Serve in bowl over lettuce and top with red beans.
Bon appetit!
Lolo
Thursday, April 7, 2011
La Cave des Lys Rose d'Anjou 2009
07042011
Rosé d'Anjou
2009
APPELLATION ROSÉ D'ANJOUR CONTROLÉE
Mise en bouteille par La Cave des Lys à 44330 La Chapelle Heulin - France
Grapes: Grolleau* & Cabernet (Franc, I am assuming since it is in the Loire Valley)
Light peachy pink tone with wonderful clear legs falling on the side of the glass, expressing a nice body in this rosé.
When aerating the wine a bit in my mouth,** a tinge of acidity hit the sides that was a great combination with the velvety sensation over the taste buds. As it is covering the different areas of the tongue, a tinge of sweet develops and goes smoothly down. It was served nicely chilled, recommended at 8 degrees celsius or 46 degrees fahrenheit, and became sweeter and more syrup-y the warmer it became.
I accompanied it (unintentionally) with extra (and I mean EXTRA) spicy garlic pork, white rice, grilled red bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant topped with tzatziki. The sweetness was highlighted with the spicy as a great touch to soften the burn! Would go great with white meats, curry, and would even consider Tajine/Couscous or tomato sauces!
Enjoy!
Lolo
*Also known as Groslot
**Yes, those lil' bubbles you create when you slightly open your mouth and let air come in slowly to mix with the wine and open the flavors - a better introduction to the wine as a first taste. This can also help you see if you need to decanter or leave the bottle opened for some time before serving (like a nice and heavy Margaux!).
Ps. it keeps well in the fridge after opening! This is after 3 days without being touched =).
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Relative Reality
We are a string of memories,
of personal understandings
of our relative reality
among other helixes
sowing proteins into
their field of
relative realities
Lolo
of personal understandings
of our relative reality
among other helixes
sowing proteins into
their field of
relative realities
Lolo
Friday, March 25, 2011
Cocteaucoction featuring yogurt & oatmeal
Yogurt nature about one small cup, like a petit pot, or your regular individual sizes
1 tsp creme de marrons\chestnut spread
oatmeal\flocons d'avoine style
1 scoop peanut butter (natural style not extra creamy) on the spoon to be used when eating =) But of course any style of spread like nutella!
Mix all up or not but try having that one spoonful last until your yogurt is finished..yum!
Second time making it...
I added banana to the oatmeal and mushed it into the oatmeal with my spoon. Added the yogurt, and then scooped a dollop of the creme de marrons onto the mix...delicious!
1 tsp creme de marrons\chestnut spread
oatmeal\flocons d'avoine style
1 scoop peanut butter (natural style not extra creamy) on the spoon to be used when eating =) But of course any style of spread like nutella!
Mix all up or not but try having that one spoonful last until your yogurt is finished..yum!
Second time making it...
I added banana to the oatmeal and mushed it into the oatmeal with my spoon. Added the yogurt, and then scooped a dollop of the creme de marrons onto the mix...delicious!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Chateaux la Croix Montlabert 2006 St.Emilion
Wonderful vin de Bordeaux..nicely dry and dark fruity..It went well with the spicy and garlicky homemade hummus on cheese bread with tomme de noir.
Great for a glass on its own for accompaniment, would even accompany a ribeye well! 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, they recommend decanting it for about an hour and a half...I unfortunately have not invested in a decanter!
Salut!
Lolo
Great for a glass on its own for accompaniment, would even accompany a ribeye well! 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, they recommend decanting it for about an hour and a half...I unfortunately have not invested in a decanter!
Salut!
Lolo
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Vire-Clesse
A beautiful Chardonnay from Bourgogne. Not heavy, thanks to the nature of old world style of wines. I personally am not a fan of California Chards unless it is old world style like Peter-Michael (please try it, it is amazing if you are a fan of the style). This one even went beautifully with lavender chocolate! It has a nice citrus set of notes, a very golden light yellow color that is a medium body with a tinge of acidity that can cut through foods on the slighty greasy side. I accompanied my bagalipolo with this Chardonnay and it complemented wonderfully the dill in the meat.
Enjoy!
Lolo
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Sunday, March 20, 2011
Psst..Taliban! Over here!
Psst. Taliban!
Yes, you.
Ok so, are you familiar with what it is to be a human being? Ah, I see no because you have commodified and dehumanized anyone labeled female. How can there be decisions taken like: cutting a young wife's nose and ears for trying to escape from (what your ears fell deaf to) an abusive husband? An abusive husband that thru a very strict social experience has learned how to treat women: as objects to be bartered and protected in the currency of honor. Please open up a little, women have rights just like you because we are all human beings and these rights are to be protected.
Let's not forget our sisters,
Lolo
Yes, you.
Ok so, are you familiar with what it is to be a human being? Ah, I see no because you have commodified and dehumanized anyone labeled female. How can there be decisions taken like: cutting a young wife's nose and ears for trying to escape from (what your ears fell deaf to) an abusive husband? An abusive husband that thru a very strict social experience has learned how to treat women: as objects to be bartered and protected in the currency of honor. Please open up a little, women have rights just like you because we are all human beings and these rights are to be protected.
Let's not forget our sisters,
Lolo
Friday, March 18, 2011
Tuna salad pasta =) Mangia Mangia!
Ingredients for about 4 servings
medium sauce pan
1 pack spaghetti (I used corn based)
with enough water to cover the pasta completely plus an inch or so above the pasta when inside the sauce pan
1 cube olive oil & basil bouillon
1/2-1 cup water in a small cup
Bring water in the medium sauce pan up to a boil, and add spaghetti, cook for 9-10 minutes or until al-dente. When it reaches it's cooking point, drain and place back in the sauce pan. In the small cup with 1/2-1 cup of water, add the cube and stick it in the microwave for about 1 minute. When done, mix with a spoon and add to the drained pasta in the sauce pan.
Tuna salad
2 cans tuna drained
1 med lima bean can drained
1 small kernels of corn can drained
1/2-3/4 cup yogurt
1 tsp light mayonnaise
ras el hanout to taste
pepper to taste
Add all the above to a mixing bowl and fulfill what it's used for...Mix!
Serve the tuna salad on a bed of spaghetti with some harissa on the side to spice it up =) Enjoy!
Bon app'!
Lolo
medium sauce pan
1 pack spaghetti (I used corn based)
with enough water to cover the pasta completely plus an inch or so above the pasta when inside the sauce pan
1 cube olive oil & basil bouillon
1/2-1 cup water in a small cup
Bring water in the medium sauce pan up to a boil, and add spaghetti, cook for 9-10 minutes or until al-dente. When it reaches it's cooking point, drain and place back in the sauce pan. In the small cup with 1/2-1 cup of water, add the cube and stick it in the microwave for about 1 minute. When done, mix with a spoon and add to the drained pasta in the sauce pan.
Tuna salad
2 cans tuna drained
1 med lima bean can drained
1 small kernels of corn can drained
1/2-3/4 cup yogurt
1 tsp light mayonnaise
ras el hanout to taste
pepper to taste
Add all the above to a mixing bowl and fulfill what it's used for...Mix!
Serve the tuna salad on a bed of spaghetti with some harissa on the side to spice it up =) Enjoy!
Bon app'!
Lolo
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Bookity in Reading UK, United Kingdom by Lolo
I cannot help but wander off in the lands of Etsy...especially if I need to clear my brain and get some inspiration! Finally the suggested stores was explored and I have found a treasure!
Bookity in Reading UK, United Kingdom on Etsy
Bookity melanges clean aesthetics and romance with reading! Here are some of the items I have added to my favorite list:
Large paper heart
Cut out from a vintage book from the 1950s this heart hangs from a deep red satin lace
Have a bookworm party with these!!
Alice in Wonderland confetti
Shakespearean Spring garland of hearts
Now this is what reading's about, inspiring imagination! Not for the youngin's ;)
Restless hands...romance brooch
I am going to keep on Etsy hunting..Enjoy!
<3,
Lolo
Bookity in Reading UK, United Kingdom on Etsy
Bookity melanges clean aesthetics and romance with reading! Here are some of the items I have added to my favorite list:
Large paper heart
Cut out from a vintage book from the 1950s this heart hangs from a deep red satin lace
Have a bookworm party with these!!
Alice in Wonderland confetti
Shakespearean Spring garland of hearts
Now this is what reading's about, inspiring imagination! Not for the youngin's ;)
Restless hands...romance brooch
I am going to keep on Etsy hunting..Enjoy!
<3,
Lolo
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Petit Potiron cocteaucocotion
Spicy Potiron pasta & Pork chops
Makes about 2 servings side dish of pasta and the one pork chop each.
1 handful fresh pumpkin cheese raviolis
1 cup pumpkin soup
2 tbs red sauce
1 tbs chopped red onion
2 garlic cloves
Splash of Balsamic vinegar
1/2 eggplant cut into thin slices and 1/4s
1/2 green Moroccan pepper chopped
2 tbs basil infused olive oil 1 tbs for each pan to cook in.
nutmeg to taste
curry to taste
paprika to taste
pepper to taste
ras el hanout to taste
handful of mesclun lettuce per person
shavings of asiago cheese
Chop up veggies and add to a saute pan at med-high heat with the olive oil. When veggies are cooked halfway through you can add a lil' water to not let the veggies burn, and splash them with balsamic vinegar, sprinkle with nutmeg, curry, & paprika. Once the veggies are cooked all the way, add pumpkin soup and red sauce. In another saute pan or fry pan add the second tablespoon of olive oil and have it at med-high heat. Sprinkle ras el hanout and pepper on the pork chop and begin to fry. The pasta is added to boiling water (enough to cover + 1 in over where the pasta fits in the sauce pan) and done in 3 minutes - this can be done while cooking the veggies or the pork chop...as long as you keep them warm. Serve on plate with a bed of lettuce, pasta, sauce, and shavings of asiago cheese.
Bon ap!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
I stand with Planned Parenthood
110320111232
Dear Congress,
This is disheartening, COMMON! I thought you had more brains together. Great Minds do NOT think alike. I hope one day Congress realizes what they are doing to the people of this country. What I certainly believe is that the Americans are getting deprived of so many services, do not get me started on the whole list, BUT this one I will mention: Socialism. Yes I said it. If Americans could go out and live in France for example, one would see how this system takes more care of their people with such an extent of services - even to students. One beautiful example: the French program CAF: Caisse des Allocations Familiales. You apply and can help with paying for nannies for parents, students with rent, etc. etc. Even for a student the healthcare is affordable. Come and live in France and see what I am talking about. A government is meant to care for their people and have their back. Open your minds a bit: delve into what REALLY Socialism is and see if you get back to the USA and think that your government should be doing more for their people. Planned Parenthood is a wonderful group that really helps the community. Listen to your people my dear Congress. My heart felt sick to see that this decision passed. Your back is turned from those who had the blessing to be in their hands through lifesaving cancer screenings, HIV, and birth control, and those who would have certainly benefited greatly in the future.
Lolo,
Ps. Here's a way to start:
When are we gonna be getting that better healthcare?
Dear Congress,
This is disheartening, COMMON! I thought you had more brains together. Great Minds do NOT think alike. I hope one day Congress realizes what they are doing to the people of this country. What I certainly believe is that the Americans are getting deprived of so many services, do not get me started on the whole list, BUT this one I will mention: Socialism. Yes I said it. If Americans could go out and live in France for example, one would see how this system takes more care of their people with such an extent of services - even to students. One beautiful example: the French program CAF: Caisse des Allocations Familiales. You apply and can help with paying for nannies for parents, students with rent, etc. etc. Even for a student the healthcare is affordable. Come and live in France and see what I am talking about. A government is meant to care for their people and have their back. Open your minds a bit: delve into what REALLY Socialism is and see if you get back to the USA and think that your government should be doing more for their people. Planned Parenthood is a wonderful group that really helps the community. Listen to your people my dear Congress. My heart felt sick to see that this decision passed. Your back is turned from those who had the blessing to be in their hands through lifesaving cancer screenings, HIV, and birth control, and those who would have certainly benefited greatly in the future.
Lolo,
Ps. Here's a way to start:
When are we gonna be getting that better healthcare?
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Quinoa Taboule
When I was younger, I did not like taboule and just like avocados, now I LOVE LOVE LOVE! Especially if it has lots of parsley and garlic. I did not have couscous or bulgur wheat..so I decided to stick with quinoa to keep the consistency and it came out delicious! (Is it pretentious to love so much the food I make??) This is a healthy side dish, snack, or even for sandwiches instead of lettuce...like falafel, roasted chicken sandwiches, or like some say..sangwiches.
2 1/2-4 cups of uncooked quinoa, depending on how much grain you like in ratio to your parsley
5-8 cups of water for cooking the quinoa. Of course, 5 cups of water for 2 1/2 cups, usually 2 cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa
3 bunches of parsley finely chopped
1 cup of finely chopped fresh mint
2 med-large lemons juiced
2 tbs of olive oil
2 medium tomatoes chopped into small cubes
5 cloves of fresh garlic minced
1/2 cup of minced red onion
Salt to taste - can be skipped!
black pepper to taste ( I am still using the Nubian pepper)
First, begin to cook the quinoa. In a medium sauce pan add the water and the quinoa and cook until the core is clear which takes about 10-12 minutes. When it is ready, let it cool down before adding it to the mixture at the end. While it is cooking, chop up all the herbs and vegetables - add to a bowl. When I chopped the tomatoes and added them to the bowl, I sprinkled fleur de sel (salt) so it would release some juice and use less olive oil (you do not need to add a lot of salt!). When the chopping is done, add the lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper to taste. By now the quinoa should be cool and being to add a bit to the bowl and mix, and repeat until it is all mixed in. The mixture should not be very soggy, serve and enjoy!
Redacciones:
Salt: himalayan pink salt, guerande salt, try something new!
Quinoa: barley, bulgur wheat, brown rice, couscous, any other whole grain.
Fresh mint: rosemary, sage
You can also replace the red onion and garlic with shallots!
Try adding some sauteed and cubed zucchini, squash, eggplant.
2 1/2-4 cups of uncooked quinoa, depending on how much grain you like in ratio to your parsley
5-8 cups of water for cooking the quinoa. Of course, 5 cups of water for 2 1/2 cups, usually 2 cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa
3 bunches of parsley finely chopped
1 cup of finely chopped fresh mint
2 med-large lemons juiced
2 tbs of olive oil
2 medium tomatoes chopped into small cubes
5 cloves of fresh garlic minced
1/2 cup of minced red onion
Salt to taste - can be skipped!
black pepper to taste ( I am still using the Nubian pepper)
First, begin to cook the quinoa. In a medium sauce pan add the water and the quinoa and cook until the core is clear which takes about 10-12 minutes. When it is ready, let it cool down before adding it to the mixture at the end. While it is cooking, chop up all the herbs and vegetables - add to a bowl. When I chopped the tomatoes and added them to the bowl, I sprinkled fleur de sel (salt) so it would release some juice and use less olive oil (you do not need to add a lot of salt!). When the chopping is done, add the lemon juice, olive oil, and pepper to taste. By now the quinoa should be cool and being to add a bit to the bowl and mix, and repeat until it is all mixed in. The mixture should not be very soggy, serve and enjoy!
Redacciones:
Salt: himalayan pink salt, guerande salt, try something new!
Quinoa: barley, bulgur wheat, brown rice, couscous, any other whole grain.
Fresh mint: rosemary, sage
You can also replace the red onion and garlic with shallots!
Try adding some sauteed and cubed zucchini, squash, eggplant.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Quinoa Cocteaucoction
Some light and fresh quinoa and veggies!
1 cup of quinoa per person...add more or less depending on appetite and fit the recipe according to your servings =)
3-4 cups quinoa
6-9 cups water
2-4 tbs of water for cooking the veggies
1/4 zucchini per serving chopped in cubes, or 1/4s your preference!
1 small can of corn drained
1 large mushroom or several
1 clove of garlic minced
pepper to taste
ras el hanout to taste
nutmeg to taste
First I started to cook the quinoa with the cups of water since it takes about 10-12 minutes in a medium nonstick saucepan...It's about 2 cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa (I have had to use a couple of tbs more so it doesn't stick, and no need for oil!). While that was cooking I started chopping up the veggies and getting a saute pan ready with a dime of olive oil at medium heat. Add the chopped veggies once the saute pan is at temperature as well as the spices to taste. Once the veggies have absorbed most of the oil, add the tbs of water instead of adding more oil. Once the veggies are cooked through, mix them with the cooked quinoa. I also added about a tsp of the fresh garlic to the warm quinoa so it released the aromas beautifully, this of course is up to you.
Serve as a side dish and enjoy! Or add a lot more veggies to eat as a meal. I served this on a bed of mixed lettuce (mesclun) with a lil balsamic vinegar and truffle oil, then the quinoa cocteaucoction, and as my protein on top of that...lentils! I loved how in Egypt they served the couscous with a red sauce so I added a couple of tbs of red sauce(marinara, arrabiata) on top and served with creme fraiche.
Redacciones:
Couscous or bulgur wheat instead of quinoa
Use eggplant instead of zucchini or even yellow squash
Serve with ground beef instead if you are a meatatarian by choice =)
Cook quinoa with saffron for a more aromatic experience
If you don't appreciate the spices suggested, you can use all types of curry, season's all, badia complete seasoning, sage, cumin, red/green/white peppercorns, possibilities of course endless
Bon appetite!
<3,
Lolo
1 cup of quinoa per person...add more or less depending on appetite and fit the recipe according to your servings =)
3-4 cups quinoa
6-9 cups water
2-4 tbs of water for cooking the veggies
1/4 zucchini per serving chopped in cubes, or 1/4s your preference!
1 small can of corn drained
1 large mushroom or several
1 clove of garlic minced
pepper to taste
ras el hanout to taste
nutmeg to taste
First I started to cook the quinoa with the cups of water since it takes about 10-12 minutes in a medium nonstick saucepan...It's about 2 cups of water for 1 cup of quinoa (I have had to use a couple of tbs more so it doesn't stick, and no need for oil!). While that was cooking I started chopping up the veggies and getting a saute pan ready with a dime of olive oil at medium heat. Add the chopped veggies once the saute pan is at temperature as well as the spices to taste. Once the veggies have absorbed most of the oil, add the tbs of water instead of adding more oil. Once the veggies are cooked through, mix them with the cooked quinoa. I also added about a tsp of the fresh garlic to the warm quinoa so it released the aromas beautifully, this of course is up to you.
Serve as a side dish and enjoy! Or add a lot more veggies to eat as a meal. I served this on a bed of mixed lettuce (mesclun) with a lil balsamic vinegar and truffle oil, then the quinoa cocteaucoction, and as my protein on top of that...lentils! I loved how in Egypt they served the couscous with a red sauce so I added a couple of tbs of red sauce(marinara, arrabiata) on top and served with creme fraiche.
Redacciones:
Couscous or bulgur wheat instead of quinoa
Use eggplant instead of zucchini or even yellow squash
Serve with ground beef instead if you are a meatatarian by choice =)
Cook quinoa with saffron for a more aromatic experience
If you don't appreciate the spices suggested, you can use all types of curry, season's all, badia complete seasoning, sage, cumin, red/green/white peppercorns, possibilities of course endless
Bon appetite!
<3,
Lolo
Monday, February 21, 2011
Cereal à la Cajou
Ingredients:
1 cup Rice & whole grain flakes
1 cup of activia non-flavoured yogurt
1 tbsp of crème de marrons
1/2 cashews not salted
Add to a bowl, mix and enjoy!!! Salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy...did I forget to mention good for your tummy? Hurray!
Redacciones:
Cereal: corn, rice, bran
Yogurt: fromage blanc, cottage cheese, greek yogurt
sweet: maple syrup, solid honey, applesauce (any flavors and unsweetened)
nuts: pistachios, peanuts, almonds. better not salted!
Bon appetite!
<3,
Lolo
1 cup Rice & whole grain flakes
1 cup of activia non-flavoured yogurt
1 tbsp of crème de marrons
1/2 cashews not salted
Add to a bowl, mix and enjoy!!! Salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy...did I forget to mention good for your tummy? Hurray!
Redacciones:
Cereal: corn, rice, bran
Yogurt: fromage blanc, cottage cheese, greek yogurt
sweet: maple syrup, solid honey, applesauce (any flavors and unsweetened)
nuts: pistachios, peanuts, almonds. better not salted!
Bon appetite!
<3,
Lolo
Friday, February 18, 2011
Veggie & Turkey pasta!
Instant Cocteacoction...
1-2 portions
2- tbs of olive oil
Pasta twists- I used like two handfuls
4 rather large mushrooms...regular white ...sliced
1 cup onions - chopped
2 cloves garlic -minced
1/2 small can of kernels of corn (water drained of course)
3/4 zucchini chopped into half moons
1 cube of maggi olive oil & basil mixed with about 1/2 cup of water
1 slice chopped of oven roasted turkey
1/2 cup of pumpkin soup LOW SALT
pepper to taste
Shredded Cheese..to taste! I used Emmental, but mozzarella adding even nicely shredded and fresh parmigiano reggiano would be amazing so it nicely melts!
Instructions:
Follow instructions and boil pasta al dente (up to you of course). While the pasta's cooking, chop up the veggies(garlic, zucc, mush, on) and add to a pan with olive oil. At medium-high heat saute the veggies and when the o.oil is absorbed, add the maggi cube mixed in water. Once part of the water has evaporated, add the chopped turkey slice and corn. When the veggies are practically cooked, add the pumpkin soup and mix. When the pasta is done, add to a bowl and add the veggies...mix in with the cheese and serve! You can also serve it in a nice presentation by not mixing it in.
Redacciones:
Add pine nuts!
a dollop of sour cream/mascarpone/red sauce
Vegetarian...of course, kick out the gobble gobble! And double check your cube of maggi is purely olive oil and basil...no chicken stock in there!
1-2 portions
2- tbs of olive oil
Pasta twists- I used like two handfuls
4 rather large mushrooms...regular white ...sliced
1 cup onions - chopped
2 cloves garlic -minced
1/2 small can of kernels of corn (water drained of course)
3/4 zucchini chopped into half moons
1 cube of maggi olive oil & basil mixed with about 1/2 cup of water
1 slice chopped of oven roasted turkey
1/2 cup of pumpkin soup LOW SALT
pepper to taste
Shredded Cheese..to taste! I used Emmental, but mozzarella adding even nicely shredded and fresh parmigiano reggiano would be amazing so it nicely melts!
Instructions:
Follow instructions and boil pasta al dente (up to you of course). While the pasta's cooking, chop up the veggies(garlic, zucc, mush, on) and add to a pan with olive oil. At medium-high heat saute the veggies and when the o.oil is absorbed, add the maggi cube mixed in water. Once part of the water has evaporated, add the chopped turkey slice and corn. When the veggies are practically cooked, add the pumpkin soup and mix. When the pasta is done, add to a bowl and add the veggies...mix in with the cheese and serve! You can also serve it in a nice presentation by not mixing it in.
Redacciones:
Add pine nuts!
a dollop of sour cream/mascarpone/red sauce
Vegetarian...of course, kick out the gobble gobble! And double check your cube of maggi is purely olive oil and basil...no chicken stock in there!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Homemade yogurt: you'll never turn back!
Fresh absolutely homemade yogurt!
Success! A lil too liquid for me (I am turning it into greek yogurt certainly) but delicious!
I just had my first treat, two teaspoons of marron\chestnut spread vainille\vanilla flavor and 4 teaspoons of my fresh homemade yogurt: HEAVEN!
I followed these couple of instructions along with my friend Carolyn:
1L milk+ 4tbsp store bought yogurt (freshest date has more live cultures)
2L milk+ 4 tbsp etc and so on and so on depending on how much you want to make!
Heat up the milk in a sauce pan or large pot. Once starting to see the bubbles on the sides, turn the stove off and let the milk temperature drop to about lukewarm. Then in a small bowl add the tablespoons of the pre-made yogurt and a couple of tablespoons of the lukewarm milk. Make sure about the temperature: max 110 C. I spoon fed the yogurt mix to the pots of milk. Once well mixed, the mixture was added to the glassware (it can be ceramic, nothing that melts in microwaves or ovens for example!)
The oven was turned on by the time the milk boiled and pre-heated at 110 C with an on-the-spot bain marie in order to maintain the temperature after the oven gets turned off (this is not necessary, I did it so my friend could turn it off when she left and kept the temperature going). By the time the milk stopped boiling, the oven was perfect. The warm mixture was poured into glass jars and added to the bain marie. The yogurt is to be kept in that warm state for about a preferable 7-9 hours, but you can take it out as early as 5 hours. The more time you let them ferment, the more sour the yogurt becomes. I transported mine from my friend's house with the empty bottles of milk full of hot water, and I made a heated pack out of my small suitcase...I am so glad I had lids though! They survived perfectly: at home, I put them in another bain marie with warmer water which boosted the amount of whey coming out of the mixture. Hot water is just such a great heater =).
By the time I had to leave it was clearly yogurt, and when I added them to the fridge, even more so! I am going to strain some tomorrow =) The yogurt had a perfect drinkable consistency =).
Redacciones Lorena:
Add vanilla beans to the milk in the process of boiling the milk
Make a large pot in order to make different things:
fresh yogurt for smoothies
strain it and turn into greek yogurt: great for tzatziki\caciki\sandwiches instead of MAYO!offender!\tuna:chicken:egg salad, nachos, on chili, on red sauce, dollop on baked potatoes, add to mashed potatoes and fresh garlic in chives, cauliflower, dips, desserts like strawberries and cream =)
Eat with muesli, cereal instead of milk!
This is great for your body! Of course in moderation =)
Possibilities, endless talk to me about yours!
<3,
Lolo
Success! A lil too liquid for me (I am turning it into greek yogurt certainly) but delicious!
I just had my first treat, two teaspoons of marron\chestnut spread vainille\vanilla flavor and 4 teaspoons of my fresh homemade yogurt: HEAVEN!
I followed these couple of instructions along with my friend Carolyn:
1L milk+ 4tbsp store bought yogurt (freshest date has more live cultures)
2L milk+ 4 tbsp etc and so on and so on depending on how much you want to make!
Heat up the milk in a sauce pan or large pot. Once starting to see the bubbles on the sides, turn the stove off and let the milk temperature drop to about lukewarm. Then in a small bowl add the tablespoons of the pre-made yogurt and a couple of tablespoons of the lukewarm milk. Make sure about the temperature: max 110 C. I spoon fed the yogurt mix to the pots of milk. Once well mixed, the mixture was added to the glassware (it can be ceramic, nothing that melts in microwaves or ovens for example!)
The oven was turned on by the time the milk boiled and pre-heated at 110 C with an on-the-spot bain marie in order to maintain the temperature after the oven gets turned off (this is not necessary, I did it so my friend could turn it off when she left and kept the temperature going). By the time the milk stopped boiling, the oven was perfect. The warm mixture was poured into glass jars and added to the bain marie. The yogurt is to be kept in that warm state for about a preferable 7-9 hours, but you can take it out as early as 5 hours. The more time you let them ferment, the more sour the yogurt becomes. I transported mine from my friend's house with the empty bottles of milk full of hot water, and I made a heated pack out of my small suitcase...I am so glad I had lids though! They survived perfectly: at home, I put them in another bain marie with warmer water which boosted the amount of whey coming out of the mixture. Hot water is just such a great heater =).
By the time I had to leave it was clearly yogurt, and when I added them to the fridge, even more so! I am going to strain some tomorrow =) The yogurt had a perfect drinkable consistency =).
Redacciones Lorena:
Add vanilla beans to the milk in the process of boiling the milk
Make a large pot in order to make different things:
fresh yogurt for smoothies
strain it and turn into greek yogurt: great for tzatziki\caciki\sandwiches instead of MAYO!offender!\tuna:chicken:egg salad, nachos, on chili, on red sauce, dollop on baked potatoes, add to mashed potatoes and fresh garlic in chives, cauliflower, dips, desserts like strawberries and cream =)
Eat with muesli, cereal instead of milk!
This is great for your body! Of course in moderation =)
Possibilities, endless talk to me about yours!
<3,
Lolo
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Mmmm Bread. That's all I can say.
I bought this large rectangular bread that looked like a mix of ciabatta bread and artisan style baguettes...
I tried a combination with the bread...
diagonally cut slices, a very thin slice of butter demi-doux with Sel de Mer crystals, figue jam Bonne Maman, and a noisette of hummus...
To my surprise...delicious success!
Enjoy =)
I tried a combination with the bread...
diagonally cut slices, a very thin slice of butter demi-doux with Sel de Mer crystals, figue jam Bonne Maman, and a noisette of hummus...
To my surprise...delicious success!
Enjoy =)
Monday, February 7, 2011
Nom Nom Egg Salad
I have not made an egg salad in ages, it always reminds me of Mami =) I needed something to remind me of home and thought, ah! Egg salad sandwiches for lunch! When I finished, it tasted like my favorite Chicken Kitchen sauce: Curry Mustard Sauce!
Grab a sauce pan, whichever size works for the eggs and the water level should be able to cover them.
Makes about 2-3 sandwiches
Ingredients:
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon light light mayo
1- 1/2 tablespoons of non-flavored yogurt (I used Activia Nature) options: sour cream, crème fraîche, greek yogurt
Pepper to taste - I am continuing my obsession with Nubian peppercorns* I added about 5 cracks of the mill
Ras el hanout to taste
1/2 to 1 minced garlic clove: depending on how much you love garlic..I do not need to physically kiss anyone this evening, therefore I added the whole clove!
1/2 teaspoon whole grain mustard
*I have been trying to find the English equivalent but have been running into difficulties...but if you have it...GOOD! It's from Aswan, Egypt (where the Nubian villages are).
Here we go:
Bring the water in the sauce pan to a simmer/boil and when it reaches the appropriate temperature, add the eggs softly. Leave them in for about 6-7 minutes and when time's up, run cold tap water in the sauce pan. About 2-3 minutes later these won't burn =). Tap each egg on a counter in a rotating manner just enough so the shell cracks, and repeat so the shell is cracked all around and peel! You can also roll it on the counter under your hand in a back and forth motion. Place the three naked boiled eggs in a mixing bowl and with a fork begin to crumble them. Add mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, spices, and garlic. You can cover the bowl with cellophane, or transfer to tupperwear and place in the fridge. Once cold, serve on toast, bread, or eat it all by itself!
Bon appetit =)
Lolo
Grab a sauce pan, whichever size works for the eggs and the water level should be able to cover them.
Makes about 2-3 sandwiches
Ingredients:
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon light light mayo
1- 1/2 tablespoons of non-flavored yogurt (I used Activia Nature) options: sour cream, crème fraîche, greek yogurt
Pepper to taste - I am continuing my obsession with Nubian peppercorns* I added about 5 cracks of the mill
Ras el hanout to taste
1/2 to 1 minced garlic clove: depending on how much you love garlic..I do not need to physically kiss anyone this evening, therefore I added the whole clove!
1/2 teaspoon whole grain mustard
*I have been trying to find the English equivalent but have been running into difficulties...but if you have it...GOOD! It's from Aswan, Egypt (where the Nubian villages are).
Here we go:
Bring the water in the sauce pan to a simmer/boil and when it reaches the appropriate temperature, add the eggs softly. Leave them in for about 6-7 minutes and when time's up, run cold tap water in the sauce pan. About 2-3 minutes later these won't burn =). Tap each egg on a counter in a rotating manner just enough so the shell cracks, and repeat so the shell is cracked all around and peel! You can also roll it on the counter under your hand in a back and forth motion. Place the three naked boiled eggs in a mixing bowl and with a fork begin to crumble them. Add mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, spices, and garlic. You can cover the bowl with cellophane, or transfer to tupperwear and place in the fridge. Once cold, serve on toast, bread, or eat it all by itself!
Bon appetit =)
Lolo
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Ooo spices!
Mmm..inspirations from recent expansion of spices!
Curry noodles a la Lolo
Nouilles\Noodles\Rice noodles
Curry powder
Coconut Milk
Nutmeg
Harissa
Couscous veggies - zucchini, carrots, celery, chick peas/garbanzo beans
Onions
Garlic
Boil noodles until demi- cooked, pour out water to the level of just above the noodles. Add coconut milk, spices, veggies (these can be pre-heated by microwave if frozen), garlic, onions too.
Let it boil a couple of minutes, you can splash some white wine and even have some with your soup!
Enjoy!
Lolo
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My new favorite tea!
Sencha Green tea, rose petals, aromas: mango, coconut milk, lime, black pepper, and ginger..
Amazing, especially for my icky throat with fleurs d'ete honey..yum!
I accompanied it with my spicy coconut milk+curry+noodle+nubian green pepper soup :)
I will be posting the soup soon!
Lolo
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Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Steve Martin...King Tut
Yes...King Tut...because...
MYSELF, AND TWO UNIV FRIENDS OF MINE ARE GOING TO EGYPT!!!!!! *GIGGLES*
Actually a lil' too tired to even giggle (hmm...after 48 hours no sleep...no wonder!)
But yes..come next monday, Lolo is on one of the rivers of civilization...Hmm..next...Mesopotamia!
I will be posting photos when I get back...just need to figure out the camera situation =)
Oh, another big plus, I am celebrating my birthday once again, abroad =) YES!
Happy 25th to me....and I am not getting the quarter life crisis!
Happy weeks and weekends while I furrow into my work....
Lolo
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Because the sky is blue...
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Cocteaucoctions by Lolo
Redacciones Lorena @ wix.com
I have put up a recipe for a lil' concoction...more coming!
Happy New Year!!! Meilleure Voeux!!! Feliz Año Nuevo!
I have put up a recipe for a lil' concoction...more coming!
Happy New Year!!! Meilleure Voeux!!! Feliz Año Nuevo!
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