TOTD: Soothing Remedies for Flu/Cold

TOTD = Tip of the Day

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

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

1. Green Tea Cold/Flu Fighter

Brew up some green tea (antioxidants increase immune function) 

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

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

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

 

2. Cayenne Pepper Water

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

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

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

I hope this helps! Stay warm!

Get Your Feast On!

TOTD: Homemade Pasta Dough

TOTD = Tip of the Day

With the colder season approaching, I know I'll be craving the cozy warmth of hearty pasta dishes. Making pasta dough is very simple and chances are you already have the ingredients in your pantry! No special machinery needed. Just an old fashioned rolling pin :)

I have such sloppy handwriting! hehe

Homemade Pasta Dough

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons water

Cooking Directions

1. Add all ingredients into food process and blend for 30 seconds or until dough starts to form into a hoop around blades.
2. Knead until smooth.
3. Shape into a disc, plastic wrap tightly, and let rest for at least 20 minutes
4. When ready to use, roll out until about 1/16th inch or desired thickness.

whirly twirly!

I used a rolling pin, but if you have a pasta attachment, even easier!

Get Your Feast On!

TOTD: "Perfect" Easy-Peel Hard Boiled Eggs in 3 Steps

TOTD = Tip Of the Day

Now, I've always loved hard-boiled eggs. I never realized how good they are for you though. Not only are they low in calories and packed with protein, but they're also filled with lots of vitamins and minerals...13 to be exact! According to the American Egg Board, hard boiled eggs contain choline (melts fat, good for liver), selenium (antioxidants). Some others include iron (energy booster), vitamin A (eye health), vitamin D (calcium absorption), zinc (cardiovascular and reproductive health), vitamin B-6 (brain function), and calcium (healthy bones & teeth). I didn't list all of them, but you get what I'm saying. Hard-boiled eggs are good for ya! They're also high in cholesterol, so moderation is key. But I have found that they make for an amazing snack in between a meal just to keep the hunger at bay. It keeps me full for quite a bit actually, so it's great for those who are prone to random cravings like me hehe

Making the perfect hard-boiled egg is all about timing....and a dash of vinegar! The vinegar of course softens the the shell allowing it to succumb right off--perfect for those who want a quick snack on the go.

Step 1: Submerge eggs in cold water & 2 teaspoons of vinegar.

Step 2: Over a medium-high fire, bring to a rolling boil.

Step 3: Remove from heat and allow eggs to cook in residual heat for 12-18  minutes.

And that's it!! I hope this was helpful :)

Feast On!

TOTD: Homemade Pumpkin Puree

Whether you're carving pumpkins with friends and family, or doing some curb appeal for the holiday season, most people I know will at some point buy a fresh pumpkin this fall. I know my family always does. My mom loves to just lay them on the porch. What a lot of people don't know (or don't care to) is that those fresh pumpkins aren't just sold for decoration or to be turned into a lamp. They're edible!!

Pumpkin soup, pie, side dishes, baby food, bread, cake, cookies, etc. You can do so much with a fresh pumpkin. Why let it go to waste?

Tip: Instead of buying canned pumpkin puree, make it at home! Grocery stores usually start selling pumpkins at the beginning of October or mid September and are sold at a ridiculous price after Halloween is over. Making homemade pumpkin puree isn't as hard as one might think, it's healthier, lasts in your freezer for up to 6 months and quite frankly fresh pumpkin puree beats canned puree in the taste department any day.

 Step #1

Using a pumpkin carving knife or any serrated knife, cut around the stem until you can pull it out.

Step #2 

 Cut along the center (from any side) all the way around until you've created 2 halves.

 Step #3 

Separate the seeds, discarding the stringy fibers.

 Step #4

 Cut into smaller pieces, rub skin with oil. Line baking sheet with foil, fill half way with water.

Step #5 

Bake in oven (400 degrees F) for an hour & 30 minutes (roughly or until pumpkin is extremely soft)

Step #6

 Pumpkin should be really soft. Spoon out the meat of the pumpkin into a blender and puree.

Step #7 

Pour into an airtight container (I save those soup containers from Chinese takeout) and store in your freezer.

and tada!! You've got pumpkin puree that'll last you half the year to do whatever you want with it. 

Pumpkin recipes coming your way soon! :)

peace&love,

Andrea

TOTD: Seasoning is Key to Low-Fat Success!

TOTD = Tip Of the Day

A lot of people are initially turned off by "low-fat/healthy" cooking because they feel that all the flavor (mostly coming from the fat or high calorie ingredients) are being sucked away, which is partly true, BUT low-fat/healthy cooking doesn't HAVE TO be tasteless and unappetizing. 

Tip: Make sure that you stock up on spices. If you see that your grocery store is having a sale on spices or even herbs (fresh or dried), snatch them up if you can! The key is to season and spice your food very well to prevent from getting bored. Always make sure you taste it and adjust the spices to meet the approval of your palate. 

Hopes this helps anyone looking to spice up their food (literally) and get closer to their health goals! :)

peace&love

xo//Andrea

TOTD: Nasty garlicky hands!

 TOTD = Tip Of the Day


I ♥

I use it in just about everything. The smell of garlic bathing in some olive oil is pretty close to heavenly for me haha.

However, the smell of garlic on my hands well after I've finished cooking and dining? not so much.

Am I contradicting myself? Kind of yes, but I mean c'mon...I prefer going to bed feeling fresh and clean and ready to be rejuvenated for the new morning ahead! After cooking with garlic, and we've all had this problem before, it just LINGERS even after I've washed it several times, taken a shower, etc. The smell then transfers to my pillow, covers, and next thing I know I'm dreaming about garlic and vampires (although I have a special affinity for vampires...it started in the 90's lol). Having garlic breath is bad enough, but having it all over your hands just takes it to another level. Instead of having the Midas Touch, you have the "Garlic Touch"...not nearly as cool lol.


 
Tip: The key to eliminating stinky garlicky hands can be found in the palm of your hand!.....that is, if you're holding a metal spoon :p

Yes, rubbing stainless steel (spoons, your kitchen sink, appliances, etc) has been proven to remove garlic as well as onion odors from your skin.

They even sell stainless steel soap just for that purpose! (this is not an ad). Pretty nifty!

Hope this helps!